Since I am still going for the more-bulky, less-skinny, look. I think today I will pass on YogaX and perform one of the many other weight-lifting workouts today. I know I know, I'm bad. I keep saying I'm going to go back to the basics - legit P90X, but I just can't abandon my desire to get a bit larger muscles. I think that is still my "weakest link" so to speak.
I do want to incorporate some non-weightlifting activities again though, I don't think I will cut out plyo and kenpo like I did last round, since I do really want to solidify the six-pack that is kinda there, in the right light, from the right angle, if you know what I'm saying. So cutting the % body fat for this first month is still super important. I figure if I can drop below 10% I'll be golden. But it's definitely hard!
I don't know if I have talked about cold-water yet on this blog. I know I toot my horn all the time about REALLY COLD WATER and how good it is for you. Not only is water better than juice/soda/milk, but cold water is better than warm water. At least for the sake of dieting/fitness it is. Perhaps I shall explain.
It's quite simple in theory, the cold water being good for you stems for the whole definition of a calorie. Or as chemist and physicist think of it "The amount of energy it takes to raise 1cm^3 of water 1degC" And a Calorie (notice the subtle capital C) is the same but for 1000cm^3 of water = 1liter. So drinking 1 liter of body temperature water (37degC) burns 0 calories. But drinking a liter of water that's 1 degree cooler than the human body (36degC) burns 1 calorie. This is because your body cools down when you drink the water, and your body expends energy to heat everything back up to "normal" temperatures. Okay captain science, that seems pretty measly for 1 liter of water. I'd have to drink 50 liters of water to burn 50 calories...or, let's add a ton of icecubes to that water, shall we? That makes the water approximately 0degC. Which means for each liter of water you consume, you're effectively burning 37 Calories! Drink 2 liters of water a day? I know I do... that's 72 Calories burned! Drink 3... you get the idea. The point is, you never pee cold urine, so that water needed to be heated by something. And that something is energy, in the form of calories. Go and impress your friends, and tell them how many calories you're burning without lifting a single dumbell!
Showing posts with label YogaX. Show all posts
Showing posts with label YogaX. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Day 23+ YogaX now with Shoulder Pain
Pretty sore from yesterday's C/S/T workout (plus I mowed the lawn, and didn't stretch). So I'm not 100% sure of the origin of the pain, but I know it's my upper back and shoulders. Perhaps yoga is exactly what I need right now - but who knows if I can even make it through the suffering.
I thought about a topic for today's science related post... I figured I'd start off simple with something everyone doing P90X can relate to. Proteins (polypeptides). I just want to talk a bit about them - what they are, why our body needs them, which ones are essential/nonessential, types of proteins, etc. Let's see how this goes. Please leave your comments below if you enjoy reading about this kind of stuff.
Most of you probably didn't know this, but proteins make up about 50% of our non-water body mass. They are a macromolecule that regulates our bodys, as well as repair, protect, and reproduce (via DNA).
Proteins:
1. are required for building and repair of body tissues (including muscle)
2. are enzymes, hormones, and many immune molecules
3. are involved in essential body processes such as water balancing, nutrient transport, and muscle contractions require protein to function.
4. can be a source of energy .
5. helps keep skin, hair, and nails (keratin) healthy.
6. are absolutely crucial for overall good health.
Most of you probably remember from highschool biology that there are 4 distinct protein structures: Primary, secondary, tertiary, quarternary. The simplest of these structures is a linear sequence of amino acids -Arg-Thy-Cys-Ala-etc... The most complex being the 3-dimensional structures of many proteins mixed together that have active-sites and can perform complex actions/synthesis. These molecules (in most senses) aide in having the body-chemistry work faster. Life without proteins would be very slow.
Amino acids are what we commonly refer to as "proteins" when we think workout drinks/protein shakes and food. Amino acids are just molecules that contain an amino group (R-NH2) and a carboxyl group (R-COOH) *where R is the rest of the molecule. The simplest amino acid is Alanine (H2N-COOH, simply combining the amino and carboxyl group). The remaining amino acids are more complicated and contain ring structures and or long chains of carbon atoms. Amino acids come in two types for the human body; essential/non-esscential. Essential amino acids are only called "essential" because our body is unable to produce them on its own. They are not more important for life functions (persay) than the non-essential type, just we need to consume them to have them. But I'll list the 22 amino acids below by group.
Essential: Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine
Nonessential: Alanine, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Cysteine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Proline, Selenocysteine, Serine, Tyrosine, Arginine, Histidine, Ornithine, Taurine
Protein powders are made from four basic sources: whey (from milk), egg, soy, and rice. Let's take a look at whey protein (because it's probably the most common). The protein fraction in whey (approximately 10% dry solids within whey) comprises 4 major Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and six minor BCAAs (we'll ignore). The major protein fractions in whey are beta-lactoglobulin (162amino acids), alpha-lactalbumin (14178amino acids), bovine serum albumin (66382amino acids) and immunoglobulins (varies in size). Together these supply high amounts of cystine and leucine, but should provide most of the other amino acids.
Most people don't require protein shakes. The only ones who really should be concerned with not getting enough protein are vegan/vegitarians, senior citizens, and annorexics. That being said, working out hard and wanting to rebuild muscles faster, protein shakes are probably a good idea. Many health studies are showing that protein shakes also raise the immune system (immunoglobulins!) and provide cancer fighting anti-oxidants. So having a few glasses a week could be benefitial, regardless of workout schedules.
Let's call that a day on Proteins and we can pick up class sometime next week, whe we can discuss something a bit more interesting like complex carbohydrates!
Today's weigh in: 147.0lbs.
I thought about a topic for today's science related post... I figured I'd start off simple with something everyone doing P90X can relate to. Proteins (polypeptides). I just want to talk a bit about them - what they are, why our body needs them, which ones are essential/nonessential, types of proteins, etc. Let's see how this goes. Please leave your comments below if you enjoy reading about this kind of stuff.
Most of you probably didn't know this, but proteins make up about 50% of our non-water body mass. They are a macromolecule that regulates our bodys, as well as repair, protect, and reproduce (via DNA).
Proteins:
1. are required for building and repair of body tissues (including muscle)
2. are enzymes, hormones, and many immune molecules
3. are involved in essential body processes such as water balancing, nutrient transport, and muscle contractions require protein to function.
4. can be a source of energy .
5. helps keep skin, hair, and nails (keratin) healthy.
6. are absolutely crucial for overall good health.
Most of you probably remember from highschool biology that there are 4 distinct protein structures: Primary, secondary, tertiary, quarternary. The simplest of these structures is a linear sequence of amino acids -Arg-Thy-Cys-Ala-etc... The most complex being the 3-dimensional structures of many proteins mixed together that have active-sites and can perform complex actions/synthesis. These molecules (in most senses) aide in having the body-chemistry work faster. Life without proteins would be very slow.
Amino acids are what we commonly refer to as "proteins" when we think workout drinks/protein shakes and food. Amino acids are just molecules that contain an amino group (R-NH2) and a carboxyl group (R-COOH) *where R is the rest of the molecule. The simplest amino acid is Alanine (H2N-COOH, simply combining the amino and carboxyl group). The remaining amino acids are more complicated and contain ring structures and or long chains of carbon atoms. Amino acids come in two types for the human body; essential/non-esscential. Essential amino acids are only called "essential" because our body is unable to produce them on its own. They are not more important for life functions (persay) than the non-essential type, just we need to consume them to have them. But I'll list the 22 amino acids below by group.
Essential: Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine
Nonessential: Alanine, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Cysteine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Proline, Selenocysteine, Serine, Tyrosine, Arginine, Histidine, Ornithine, Taurine
Protein powders are made from four basic sources: whey (from milk), egg, soy, and rice. Let's take a look at whey protein (because it's probably the most common). The protein fraction in whey (approximately 10% dry solids within whey) comprises 4 major Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and six minor BCAAs (we'll ignore). The major protein fractions in whey are beta-lactoglobulin (162amino acids), alpha-lactalbumin (14178amino acids), bovine serum albumin (66382amino acids) and immunoglobulins (varies in size). Together these supply high amounts of cystine and leucine, but should provide most of the other amino acids.
Most people don't require protein shakes. The only ones who really should be concerned with not getting enough protein are vegan/vegitarians, senior citizens, and annorexics. That being said, working out hard and wanting to rebuild muscles faster, protein shakes are probably a good idea. Many health studies are showing that protein shakes also raise the immune system (immunoglobulins!) and provide cancer fighting anti-oxidants. So having a few glasses a week could be benefitial, regardless of workout schedules.
Let's call that a day on Proteins and we can pick up class sometime next week, whe we can discuss something a bit more interesting like complex carbohydrates!
Today's weigh in: 147.0lbs.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Day 102: Platelet Donation (Reverse ARX + 100/100)
"If you get tired during the lunge sequence, you're gonna run outa gas in this workout" -Tony Horton- PlyoX
Yesterday I did two things, and I will give both creators due-credit:
1. Reverse Ab RipperX (suggested by Hatori)
2. 100 pullups/100 pushups (suggested by Brett)
I have to admit, both work. My strategy for reverse ab-ripper-X was to not cheat. Do all 25, do them slow and methodical, since I don't have Tony's timing. Holding each leg climber and doing nice slow mason twists and holding your arms up on bicycles really burns the core.
Also, for my 100/100 routine, I did sets of 10. 10 pullups (wide front), 10 pushups (standard), back to 10 pullups, back to 10 pushups, etc. etc until I reached 100 of each. It took me about 14minutes and it was mostly me standing around saying to myself "WHAT AM I DOING?" then jumping up to the bar, rockin' out 5 or 6 only to come back down and give myself another minute before I could get the 4 to finish off the set. The pushups were definitely easier than the pullups. And most certainly the first 3 sets I pumped out one-two-three. But once I hit 50, I was running low on gas.
Yesterday I did two things, and I will give both creators due-credit:
1. Reverse Ab RipperX (suggested by Hatori)
2. 100 pullups/100 pushups (suggested by Brett)
I have to admit, both work. My strategy for reverse ab-ripper-X was to not cheat. Do all 25, do them slow and methodical, since I don't have Tony's timing. Holding each leg climber and doing nice slow mason twists and holding your arms up on bicycles really burns the core.
Also, for my 100/100 routine, I did sets of 10. 10 pullups (wide front), 10 pushups (standard), back to 10 pullups, back to 10 pushups, etc. etc until I reached 100 of each. It took me about 14minutes and it was mostly me standing around saying to myself "WHAT AM I DOING?" then jumping up to the bar, rockin' out 5 or 6 only to come back down and give myself another minute before I could get the 4 to finish off the set. The pushups were definitely easier than the pullups. And most certainly the first 3 sets I pumped out one-two-three. But once I hit 50, I was running low on gas.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Day 96: Legs and Back
"Lift the left tail...err...heel" -Tony Horton- YogaX
Funny, how yesterday I said I would probably axe YogaX in my upcoming round 2... when after completing Yoga, I realized I kinda like it. Well it's definitely not my favorite, but I can tell it "works" and I do feel pretty good when performing the moves. All the pushups/vinyasas/warrior poses do work your muscles fairly well. So who knows, maybe I won't axe it, but it's all up in the air right now anyway, with less than two weeks left to go in my first 90-days.
Another thing I want to post before it gets too late in my round 1 is my diet. I've broken it down into two things: Calories and protein. Just to give everyone an idea of how I eat and what I am eating. Keep in mind, there are some days (Fridays) where I eat lunch out (sometimes) and weekends, when I have a non-standard meals. But Monday-Thursday I eat the exact same thing:
BREAKFAST
1 powerbar = 250 calories / 10g protein
LUNCH
3/4 Cup of Peanuts = 600 calories / 26g protein
1 cup of carrots = 50 calories / 1g protein
1/2 cup of raisins = 250 calories / 2.5g protein
1 yogurt = 150 calories / 14g protein
1 bag of tuna = 100 calories / 20g protein
lunch total = 1150 calories / 63.5g protein
SNACK
1 apple = 150 calories / 0g protein
DINNER
1 bag of salad = 50 calories / 0g protein
salad dressing = 100 calories / 2g protein
Parmesan cheese = 100 calories / 15g protein
dinner total = 250 calories / 17g protein
GRAND TOTAL = 1650 calories / 90.5g protein
(EXTRAS)
** I usually eat ONE extra (maybe 2) on days I work out really hard - they represent about 25-50% of the time. Otherwise I don't add anything ontop of my regular diet. The tea, really doesn't count**
5oz chicken for salad = 275 calories / 20g protein
1 skim milk protein shake = 270 calories / 34g protein
-2 cups skim milk = 160 calories / 16g protein
-1 scoop of protein = 110 calories / 18g protein
1 extra powerbar = 250 calories / 10g protein
1 cup of tea = 0 calories / 0g protein
2 packets of splenda = 5 calories / 0g protein (estimate)
SUPER GRAND TOTAL (if consumed all) = 2455 calories / 154.5g protein
Funny, how yesterday I said I would probably axe YogaX in my upcoming round 2... when after completing Yoga, I realized I kinda like it. Well it's definitely not my favorite, but I can tell it "works" and I do feel pretty good when performing the moves. All the pushups/vinyasas/warrior poses do work your muscles fairly well. So who knows, maybe I won't axe it, but it's all up in the air right now anyway, with less than two weeks left to go in my first 90-days.
Another thing I want to post before it gets too late in my round 1 is my diet. I've broken it down into two things: Calories and protein. Just to give everyone an idea of how I eat and what I am eating. Keep in mind, there are some days (Fridays) where I eat lunch out (sometimes) and weekends, when I have a non-standard meals. But Monday-Thursday I eat the exact same thing:
BREAKFAST
1 powerbar = 250 calories / 10g protein
LUNCH
3/4 Cup of Peanuts = 600 calories / 26g protein
1 cup of carrots = 50 calories / 1g protein
1/2 cup of raisins = 250 calories / 2.5g protein
1 yogurt = 150 calories / 14g protein
1 bag of tuna = 100 calories / 20g protein
lunch total = 1150 calories / 63.5g protein
SNACK
1 apple = 150 calories / 0g protein
DINNER
1 bag of salad = 50 calories / 0g protein
salad dressing = 100 calories / 2g protein
Parmesan cheese = 100 calories / 15g protein
dinner total = 250 calories / 17g protein
GRAND TOTAL = 1650 calories / 90.5g protein
(EXTRAS)
** I usually eat ONE extra (maybe 2) on days I work out really hard - they represent about 25-50% of the time. Otherwise I don't add anything ontop of my regular diet. The tea, really doesn't count**
5oz chicken for salad = 275 calories / 20g protein
1 skim milk protein shake = 270 calories / 34g protein
-2 cups skim milk = 160 calories / 16g protein
-1 scoop of protein = 110 calories / 18g protein
1 extra powerbar = 250 calories / 10g protein
1 cup of tea = 0 calories / 0g protein
2 packets of splenda = 5 calories / 0g protein (estimate)
SUPER GRAND TOTAL (if consumed all) = 2455 calories / 154.5g protein
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Day 95: YogaX
"Get your little bucket near by, this is the 'X' in P90X." -Tony Horton- Plyo Intro
So yesterday I completed reverse abripperX. It was strange, but I'll do it again. Instead of the mason twists being a pain in the butt, the late fifer-scissors and crunchy frog were seriously intense. Because I wasn't marching along backwards with the video... I know for a fact my "counts" for the fifer-scissors were fast. It's impossible to wait til you hear the number if no body's counting to you. So to make up for my quick counting I went up to 35. And if reverse abripperX is good, perhaps I'll do two rounds of ARX in a row, one forward and one backward with a 5min pause in-between. We'll see. It sounds like a good idea now, while I am comfortably hanging out in my office... but immediately following a P90X workout, perhaps the idea is a little over zealous.
As for what's going to happen after 106 days? I don't know. I definitely want to keep my fat down and I enjoy the workouts, so why not continue? Perhaps I wont do weekly photos (maybe I will). Maybe I'll axe YogaX. Perhaps I'll throw in some more running? It's all very up in the air, but I know I don't want all my hard work to be for nothing. So continuing seems like one of the only viable options.
So yesterday I completed reverse abripperX. It was strange, but I'll do it again. Instead of the mason twists being a pain in the butt, the late fifer-scissors and crunchy frog were seriously intense. Because I wasn't marching along backwards with the video... I know for a fact my "counts" for the fifer-scissors were fast. It's impossible to wait til you hear the number if no body's counting to you. So to make up for my quick counting I went up to 35. And if reverse abripperX is good, perhaps I'll do two rounds of ARX in a row, one forward and one backward with a 5min pause in-between. We'll see. It sounds like a good idea now, while I am comfortably hanging out in my office... but immediately following a P90X workout, perhaps the idea is a little over zealous.
As for what's going to happen after 106 days? I don't know. I definitely want to keep my fat down and I enjoy the workouts, so why not continue? Perhaps I wont do weekly photos (maybe I will). Maybe I'll axe YogaX. Perhaps I'll throw in some more running? It's all very up in the air, but I know I don't want all my hard work to be for nothing. So continuing seems like one of the only viable options.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Day 87: YogaX
"haha...I love okra!" -Tony Horton- Chest&Back
2nd week in a row, where waking up at 5:15am is just NOT happening. I think this is the first time in P90X history, when I'll be doing YogaX in the afternoon. Previously, even bad weeks, I could wake up and get yoga done before work. I will NOT be wearing a backpack for yogaX.
I weighed myself this morning. 148lbs. That puts me at a total weight loss of 20lbs. Pretty good so far. I'm amazed that I can still lose a pound or two here and there. I thought after the initial first push, I'd be at my minimum. Well turns out that minimum is a moving target.
I do want to send out a warning to any video-game players (in particular RTS people)... Starcraft 2 is coming out in about 1 month. July 27th 2010. For many of you, this release won't matter. You're lives will continue on at a normal pace. But for many others, it will be a life-changing event that will be similar to a hostile takeover! I already know how the BETA has affected some P90Xers and I am pretty sure it will affect me when the game comes out, but hopefully P90X will be complete and I'll just be in either Round2 or doing the workouts semi-regularly. We'll see what happens, I'm super excited about the game. I've been watching some play-by-plays on youtube, very fun!
2nd week in a row, where waking up at 5:15am is just NOT happening. I think this is the first time in P90X history, when I'll be doing YogaX in the afternoon. Previously, even bad weeks, I could wake up and get yoga done before work. I will NOT be wearing a backpack for yogaX.
I weighed myself this morning. 148lbs. That puts me at a total weight loss of 20lbs. Pretty good so far. I'm amazed that I can still lose a pound or two here and there. I thought after the initial first push, I'd be at my minimum. Well turns out that minimum is a moving target.
I do want to send out a warning to any video-game players (in particular RTS people)... Starcraft 2 is coming out in about 1 month. July 27th 2010. For many of you, this release won't matter. You're lives will continue on at a normal pace. But for many others, it will be a life-changing event that will be similar to a hostile takeover! I already know how the BETA has affected some P90Xers and I am pretty sure it will affect me when the game comes out, but hopefully P90X will be complete and I'll just be in either Round2 or doing the workouts semi-regularly. We'll see what happens, I'm super excited about the game. I've been watching some play-by-plays on youtube, very fun!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Day 81: YogaX
"'Semper Fi'... I'm not going to say it, I was never a Marine." -Tony Horton- Back&Biceps
I forgot abripper yesterday. Don't ask how it happened, but it did. So today after work I am going to finish what I started. Yoga, today. Not a big surprise, should be pretty simple. I really need to get back ontrack with morning workouts. Working out in the afternoon just isn't as effective and I feel like I have no free-time. The worst part about the whole bit is I'm still going to bed at a reasonable hour in hopes I will be able to wake up early the next day - only to discover the snooze button. Curse the person who invented the snooze button!
I forgot abripper yesterday. Don't ask how it happened, but it did. So today after work I am going to finish what I started. Yoga, today. Not a big surprise, should be pretty simple. I really need to get back ontrack with morning workouts. Working out in the afternoon just isn't as effective and I feel like I have no free-time. The worst part about the whole bit is I'm still going to bed at a reasonable hour in hopes I will be able to wake up early the next day - only to discover the snooze button. Curse the person who invented the snooze button!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Day 74: YogaX
"You should feel this in your shoulders and biceps... I know I do" -Tony Horton- YogaX
Wow, yoga felt good today. I actually completed the ohms and silly corpse pose at the end. I had a lot of energy and excitement getting up ontime and putting in a solid hour and a half of yogaX. Who would have thought?
So I'll save you all the trouble of having to figure out how many pushups we do in YogaX... it's 27 (if you do the few extra that Tony decides not to do). I really thought it was going to be more than that, because by the 25th or so, you're thinking "My poor arms from all these vinyasas!"
Good day, or at least the start is very good. Tomorrow I'm going to move my chinup bar back into position and get ready for Legs and Back... the one exercise that has so many Tony quotes in it, it makes my head spin.
On mornings that I don't have time to cook eggwhites, I eat a power bar on the way to work... Originally I bashed powerbars for having too many carbs, but now that I am in phase 3, I don't think that should be a problem. I believe 1 bar has 11% carbs for the day. I still keep the carb-count low, but I'm not as strict as I was in phase 1 or 2 (being basically 0% carbs with the exception of my yogurt and apple).
Okay so here's some insight I obtained from The Biggest Loser (of all places). I don't watch the show...I heard the winner weighed in at 257lbs - after losing more than 50% of his body weight (do the math - that was one hefty fellah). But I heard on the radio that some of the contestants, once the cameras are off, return back to their normal size/shape. So I think, in the back of my mind, it's absolutely necessary to continue with my eating habits and exercise habits to ensure I don't just grow back to my plain-self. Which potentially means round 2, 3, 4? Who knows. It might be a bit early to declare my devotion to a 2nd round, since I still have almost 5 weeks left... but you know what - it's good for me. The key to good fitness is not entirely the program you're on so much as being disciplined and STICKING TO THE PROGRAM! So that's what I'm going to do, even after it is over.
Wow, yoga felt good today. I actually completed the ohms and silly corpse pose at the end. I had a lot of energy and excitement getting up ontime and putting in a solid hour and a half of yogaX. Who would have thought?
So I'll save you all the trouble of having to figure out how many pushups we do in YogaX... it's 27 (if you do the few extra that Tony decides not to do). I really thought it was going to be more than that, because by the 25th or so, you're thinking "My poor arms from all these vinyasas!"
Good day, or at least the start is very good. Tomorrow I'm going to move my chinup bar back into position and get ready for Legs and Back... the one exercise that has so many Tony quotes in it, it makes my head spin.
On mornings that I don't have time to cook eggwhites, I eat a power bar on the way to work... Originally I bashed powerbars for having too many carbs, but now that I am in phase 3, I don't think that should be a problem. I believe 1 bar has 11% carbs for the day. I still keep the carb-count low, but I'm not as strict as I was in phase 1 or 2 (being basically 0% carbs with the exception of my yogurt and apple).
Okay so here's some insight I obtained from The Biggest Loser (of all places). I don't watch the show...I heard the winner weighed in at 257lbs - after losing more than 50% of his body weight (do the math - that was one hefty fellah). But I heard on the radio that some of the contestants, once the cameras are off, return back to their normal size/shape. So I think, in the back of my mind, it's absolutely necessary to continue with my eating habits and exercise habits to ensure I don't just grow back to my plain-self. Which potentially means round 2, 3, 4? Who knows. It might be a bit early to declare my devotion to a 2nd round, since I still have almost 5 weeks left... but you know what - it's good for me. The key to good fitness is not entirely the program you're on so much as being disciplined and STICKING TO THE PROGRAM! So that's what I'm going to do, even after it is over.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Day 54: YogaX (to be missed)
"Yoga-belly-seven-time" -Tony Horton- P90X
So, I'm actually starting to feel pretty good! I woke up this morning without a sore throat for the first time in about 5 days. That's a huge improvement! However, I was up late last night playing video games... some of my readers of this blog may be partially responsible for that (the guilty know who they are). But that's okay, I had fun.
But, tonight I will very likely FAIL to complete YogaX. As I have company arriving from the Granite State (NH). So, I don't want to enlist them when there are plenty of things for us to do and things they'll want to see. So chances are I will do YogaX as a "tack-on" exercise at the end of my Phase 3, like I planned on doing with some of the other rest-week exercises from earlier in the week.
Just so I remember what I've missed:
Sunday: Yogax
Monday: Core Synergistics
Tuesday:KenpoX
Friday: YogaX
I'll still hopefully post a picture on Saturday... that shouldn't consume too much time (especially if I do it in the morning).
So, I'm actually starting to feel pretty good! I woke up this morning without a sore throat for the first time in about 5 days. That's a huge improvement! However, I was up late last night playing video games... some of my readers of this blog may be partially responsible for that (the guilty know who they are). But that's okay, I had fun.
But, tonight I will very likely FAIL to complete YogaX. As I have company arriving from the Granite State (NH). So, I don't want to enlist them when there are plenty of things for us to do and things they'll want to see. So chances are I will do YogaX as a "tack-on" exercise at the end of my Phase 3, like I planned on doing with some of the other rest-week exercises from earlier in the week.
Just so I remember what I've missed:
Sunday: Yogax
Monday: Core Synergistics
Tuesday:KenpoX
Friday: YogaX
I'll still hopefully post a picture on Saturday... that shouldn't consume too much time (especially if I do it in the morning).
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Day 46: YogaX
"If you don't have a yoga block you can use a cat or dog." -Tony Horton- YogaX
YogaX still is my least favorite workout of the P90X routine... again, it's the length. I doubt it would be such a problem if I performed the workouts in the afternoon, or if yoga fell on a weekend... but because it's always before work, I always cut the end off and struggle to wake up.
Last night I had Pad-Thai. Definitely not a part of beach's ladder (or the P90X diet)... but it was fantastic.
I'm giving another round of apheresis today, so hopefully I wont have any problems performing Legs&Back tomorrow. My biggest fear would be that I have bruised arms or sore arms, where they stick the needles. That would force me to not want to do the pull-up exercises. But the last couple times I have been fortunate enough to experience no post-donation discomfort.
Also, in the past month or so, I have been having (what I will call) morning allergies. When I wake up my eyes burn, as if they have soap in them, and then my nose runs. Relating this back to my P90X blog, this burning happens during the videos and I'm wondering what could be the cause & solution to the problem. It could be my new bedsheets (which I did not wash prior to putting them on my bed), it could be Spring-time allergies I've never notice or had before, it could be my contacts, it could be something in my house (dust/etc.)
I'll see what I can find on google and attempt to fix the problem. I hate closing my eyes for the first 20mins of the workouts - but it's necessary.
YogaX still is my least favorite workout of the P90X routine... again, it's the length. I doubt it would be such a problem if I performed the workouts in the afternoon, or if yoga fell on a weekend... but because it's always before work, I always cut the end off and struggle to wake up.
Last night I had Pad-Thai. Definitely not a part of beach's ladder (or the P90X diet)... but it was fantastic.
I'm giving another round of apheresis today, so hopefully I wont have any problems performing Legs&Back tomorrow. My biggest fear would be that I have bruised arms or sore arms, where they stick the needles. That would force me to not want to do the pull-up exercises. But the last couple times I have been fortunate enough to experience no post-donation discomfort.
Also, in the past month or so, I have been having (what I will call) morning allergies. When I wake up my eyes burn, as if they have soap in them, and then my nose runs. Relating this back to my P90X blog, this burning happens during the videos and I'm wondering what could be the cause & solution to the problem. It could be my new bedsheets (which I did not wash prior to putting them on my bed), it could be Spring-time allergies I've never notice or had before, it could be my contacts, it could be something in my house (dust/etc.)
I'll see what I can find on google and attempt to fix the problem. I hate closing my eyes for the first 20mins of the workouts - but it's necessary.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Day 39: YogaX
"This isnt a crazy cult or religion...its just Ohms." -Tony Horton- YogaX
This is an Ohm:
And this is an Ohm meter:
This is an Ohm:
And this is an Ohm meter:
Any Questions?
So my connection to Blogspot got lost somehow and I lost my post (silly me for not saving). I don't really feel like re-writing everything I had before, because it never quite comes out the same the 2nd time around (for whatever reason, forgot stuff, implied stuff gets lot, who knows). So I'll just say the hardest part about YogaX is waking up ontime to not be late for work.
A random comment I'd like to extrapolate on: Tony mentions... "Clear out all the garbage before and after, clear your mind..." and Wednesday is garbage day! So I always get a chuckle from that. Because it reminds me to take out the trash before I go to work!
But one more thing, if you want my opinion on recovery drinks (in general) I gave a fairly long answer to a simple question regarding them in my previous post's comment section. If you're too lazy to read it... I basically think the P90X recovery drink is a gimmick more than anything (even if it does work, it's way too expensive).
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Day 31: YogaX. Do your vin-ya-sa!!
So I woke up this morning and pumped out a solid hour and 32mins of YogaX. I feel pretty good, I haven't had much trouble with yoga... but I do find it is the longest/slowest workout of the P90X bunch. I have notice my stretch/reach has increase, although only slightly.
This morning I was tempted to see if there really was a magazine called "Downward Dog" but it turns out, there isn't. At least there isn't one advertised on the internet. I was hoping to put up a nice picture of the cover of downward dog magazine for my readers (possibly with a cropped image of my face...) but alas, I can not. So to fill the void, I found the above Irish-Yoga picture, which looks a lot more appealing to me... just maybe not first thing on a Wednesday morning.
I had my first real serving of carbs yesterday at the Apheresis banquet. It was rice-pilaf and it was delicious.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Day 22: EasterX
Today is Easter. It's a lovely day, and the beginning of my "Rest Week." I had to put it in quotes, because I doubt it will be very restful. I've already been informed that CardioX and CoreSynergistics are both challenging routines that will get my blood pumping. So although, yes, it will probably be easier than a regular week, I doubt it will be a piece of cake.
As for sticking to my diet, I think I did pretty good over the holiday. I didn't eat a whole lot extra, but I did eat a bunch of foods I wouldn't have normally ate. Still no carbs though, so I shouldn't feel too guilty. I am finding that coffee is my nemesis. It would be fine... but the beastie boy's put it best; I like my sugar with coffee and cream. I think I had a total of 4 coffees this weekend. Perhaps I should be more conscious.
I did complete YogaX.
As for sticking to my diet, I think I did pretty good over the holiday. I didn't eat a whole lot extra, but I did eat a bunch of foods I wouldn't have normally ate. Still no carbs though, so I shouldn't feel too guilty. I am finding that coffee is my nemesis. It would be fine... but the beastie boy's put it best; I like my sugar with coffee and cream. I think I had a total of 4 coffees this weekend. Perhaps I should be more conscious.
I did complete YogaX.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Day 18: Red-CrossX
Well, yesterday I was a bit fried. I don't know why. Towards the end of work, I was hungry, tired, shaky, sleepy, and zoned out. I scarfed down an apple went outside for a brief moment, and I got a bit better. I decided to stay away from the gym after work, no jogging for me.
Today, I will also skip the gym, but for an entirely different reason. I'm scheduled to donate platelets. (For anyone unaware of the process, it's like giving blood except it takes like 2 hours and they stick both arms. They centrifuge the blood and return the red blood cells back via a process called Apheresis. See image below)
*******This isn't me - it was just a generic picture I found online of a guy giving platelets********
They suggest 24hours rest before any heavy lifting - and I have legs & back the morning after. It'll be just over 10hours... We'll see how it goes. I'd hate to think that I'd have to stop giving blood because I'm on a diet/exercise program. That's not cool.
Today, I will also skip the gym, but for an entirely different reason. I'm scheduled to donate platelets. (For anyone unaware of the process, it's like giving blood except it takes like 2 hours and they stick both arms. They centrifuge the blood and return the red blood cells back via a process called Apheresis. See image below)
*******This isn't me - it was just a generic picture I found online of a guy giving platelets********
They suggest 24hours rest before any heavy lifting - and I have legs & back the morning after. It'll be just over 10hours... We'll see how it goes. I'd hate to think that I'd have to stop giving blood because I'm on a diet/exercise program. That's not cool.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Day 11: Better'n Eggs
YogaX this morning. Not much to report about. I was inching ever so close to being late for work, so I skipped Tony's 3 minutes of "Ohms" at the end of the workout. I still did Corpse Pose and all that relaxing stuff at the end (heck, I needed it).
So I want to tell everyone about my breakfast. I had to modify my normal 1/2 bagel with peanut butter to something different to get my carbs down below 1 serving per day. The nutrition guide suggests eggs (more specifically egg whites). I don't have the time or patience in the morning to sift yokes, so I bought some cartons of Better'n Eggs.
I bought both the yellow and white kinds. Neither contain yoke, but the yellow kind is fortified with coloring agents and possibly some chemicals for nutrients. Personally, I like the all-white kind best. It cooks better and tastes better. You'll have to draw your own conclusion.
A small carton (like the one pictured above) is about $2.00-$2.50 at the grocery store. It takes a bit longer to cook than a bagel and you have to clean the pan every night, but it seems to be doing the trick. 1 carton is good enough for 2 breakfasts. And it's really easy to mix in packaged sliced mushrooms, diced green peppers, and on the weekends; some cut up bacon.
For anyone intersted in buying this product: I reccommend it. The full nutrition label is to the right:
So I want to tell everyone about my breakfast. I had to modify my normal 1/2 bagel with peanut butter to something different to get my carbs down below 1 serving per day. The nutrition guide suggests eggs (more specifically egg whites). I don't have the time or patience in the morning to sift yokes, so I bought some cartons of Better'n Eggs.
I bought both the yellow and white kinds. Neither contain yoke, but the yellow kind is fortified with coloring agents and possibly some chemicals for nutrients. Personally, I like the all-white kind best. It cooks better and tastes better. You'll have to draw your own conclusion.
A small carton (like the one pictured above) is about $2.00-$2.50 at the grocery store. It takes a bit longer to cook than a bagel and you have to clean the pan every night, but it seems to be doing the trick. 1 carton is good enough for 2 breakfasts. And it's really easy to mix in packaged sliced mushrooms, diced green peppers, and on the weekends; some cut up bacon.
For anyone intersted in buying this product: I reccommend it. The full nutrition label is to the right:
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Day 4: YogaX - harder than it looks
... not to mention longer than it looks.
So, morning #4, I woke up extra early so I could squeeze in the 1.5hr long YogaX exercise. I thought "Child's pose, cobra, downward dog... this is going to be a piece of cake." Wrong. The first 45 minutes of YogaX are dynamic moves + holds. Often enough, Tony will throw in a random pushup into the mix making you even more strained. By minute 15 you wonder "Do I really have 1.25hrs left to go?" And unfortunately the answer is YES! Aside from not being able to point my leg straight, the only pose I absolutely could not do was the Crane Pose. I think I originally was doing it, but I kept falling back (in fear of crashing down on my face).
After the first 45minutes, YogaX takes a turn for the better. It moves to balance poses. It's a lot of ankle work and sometimes a little awkward, but for the most part, it's easier than the dynamic moves from earlier. My favorite part, and the part that I thought worked the most was what they referred to as "Yoga Belly 7." I'm assuming that's short for the 7 or so yoga exercises that strengthen/stretch your stomach muscles. I certainly felt that, and it consumed the end portion of the workout (the last 15mins or so).
At the very end, T-minus 4 minutes, the whole yoga exercise becomes a sleep fest. Corpse pose, is basically laying down on your back and trying not to fall asleep at 6:45am.
*I attempted the wheel pose and pinched my back pretty bad. Highly suggest sticking with the barrel pose (as he suggests for beginners).
So, morning #4, I woke up extra early so I could squeeze in the 1.5hr long YogaX exercise. I thought "Child's pose, cobra, downward dog... this is going to be a piece of cake." Wrong. The first 45 minutes of YogaX are dynamic moves + holds. Often enough, Tony will throw in a random pushup into the mix making you even more strained. By minute 15 you wonder "Do I really have 1.25hrs left to go?" And unfortunately the answer is YES! Aside from not being able to point my leg straight, the only pose I absolutely could not do was the Crane Pose. I think I originally was doing it, but I kept falling back (in fear of crashing down on my face).
After the first 45minutes, YogaX takes a turn for the better. It moves to balance poses. It's a lot of ankle work and sometimes a little awkward, but for the most part, it's easier than the dynamic moves from earlier. My favorite part, and the part that I thought worked the most was what they referred to as "Yoga Belly 7." I'm assuming that's short for the 7 or so yoga exercises that strengthen/stretch your stomach muscles. I certainly felt that, and it consumed the end portion of the workout (the last 15mins or so).
At the very end, T-minus 4 minutes, the whole yoga exercise becomes a sleep fest. Corpse pose, is basically laying down on your back and trying not to fall asleep at 6:45am.
*I attempted the wheel pose and pinched my back pretty bad. Highly suggest sticking with the barrel pose (as he suggests for beginners).
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