Tuesday, September 2, 2014

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

Today is a long posting. It was the first day of school. so my schedule opened up for working out. 

I hit the gym today.  I mean, I seriously hit the gym.  It was GREAT.  I was prepared for it to be like starting over.  Twenty minutes on the treadmill flew by.  I averaged a speed of five for most of the run.  My incline went from 5-12 with 2 minute intervals at each incline. It felt good.  It was not a tired, I can't do it feeling .  
It was a wow I am doing it and it feels good feeling.  Don't get me wrong.  It was still hard, but a good hard. 



I than hit the Kettlebells.  Time was limited. I needed to pick up the girls from school. So I did 2 sets of 15 of each 


                                               One leg Kettlebell deadlifts

                                                              Squats

                                               CrushCurls

                                               Kettlebell presses

                                          30 second Planks

Wait I decided I wasn't done yet.  I got home and decided to try my new workout toy.  My dry ice body slide mat.  I forgot how hard it was to do.  I only got thru about 10 minutes. 5 for lower body and 5 for upper body.  


Well you would think I had enough.  I found this new App called FitStar.  It will give me 2 training sessions per week for free.  I had to do a six minute all out assessment.  I think I should have waited a day.  WoW that was a hard six minutes.  

I than wrapped up the night by helping my father-in-law do some demo work on his deck.  I hope I can get out of bed in the morning.  


Wednesday, August 20, 2014

8 ways to stop hating the gym, (7 is a joke)

8 ways to stop hating the gym


Gym weakling

Feel the burn

If you’re standing in the shower feeling like you didn’t work hard enough, you probably didn’t. When you drive past your comfort threshold your body releases endorphins to assuage the pain in a way not unlike heroin. Only you end up ripped, rather than homeless. The tougher your workout, the bigger the high. Try this brutal quick-wins circuit for a pupil-dilating buzz.

Get into the groove

Build positive habits by breaking bad ones. When post-work drinks are calling, replace their rewards. If you’re after booze-induced relaxation then opt for Tabata’s endorphin rush to produce the same stress relief. If it’s the the social aspect of moaning about your boss with colleagues, swerve the negativity and sign up for a group class. After 30 days you’ll find you crave sinking into a squat more than a pint.

Don’t sweat it

When you don’t quite stick to your schedule, don’t beat yourself up. Creating negative emotions around exercise only makes it tougher to pick up your gym bag next time, according to procrastination expert Dr Fuschia Sirois. Instead, analyse why you skipped your session. If you just can’t face legs day, pair lunges with something you enjoy to make them less arduous. If the gym’s too far then try some of these bodyweight moves at home instead.

It’s a hobby, not a chore

Seeing your workouts as something to be endured means you’re more likely to undermine your exertions at the supper table, according to research published in the journal Marketing Letters. After two groups walked for 30 minutes, those told it was exercise rather than just a pleasant stroll gorged on snacks as sugary compensation. Sack off squats for a game of five-a-side to steer clear of cravings.

Start small

Vowing to overhaul your sedentary lifestyle is admirable, but accelerating from nothing to Toby Rowland’s V-shape body plan will soon send you back to the sofa. Doing a structured routine’s important, but if supersets are scaring you off, just do what you enjoy. Unless that's curls in the squat rack. Once the gym’s become habitual you can build up to something more balanced.

Mix it up

Once you’ve been tackling the same routine for months boredom naturally sets in. According to a study from the University of Florida, varying your exercise boosts enjoyment by up to 45% and makes you less likely to skip sessions. It also challenges muscles in new ways and could help youbreak past plateaus. More gains, less pain.

Rethink your goals

beach body in two months is a noble aim, but it’s a long time before you’ll see any motivation-boosting results. Instead, challenge yourself to break a PB every time you hit the gym, whether that’s an improved pace on the treadmill or an extra rep on the bench. Those little wins provide an endorphin spike that encourages you to go again the next day.

Relive past glories

Sorry to break it to you, but no one outside the gym cares about that time you benched your bodyweight. But dwelling on successes could help encourage you back to the barbell, according to research from the University of New Hampshire. The boffins found recalling positive memories about exercise made people more likely to increase their activity levels over the following week. Next time you’re struggling through that last dropset, picture your first ever pull-up to power you through.

Stare at women

Do the pilates session and just stare at all the yummy mummies*.

*Do not do this


Friday, August 15, 2014

GETTING STARTED AGAIN








It's time to start hitting the gym again after a break.  For those who do not know, I have been having some knee issues.  I found out my right knee is bone on bone which causes it to shift the wrong way causing quite a bit of pain.  I have had some treatments and nowI have a knee brace to use for workouts.  I will keep you up to date on the progress.

In the mean time I found this article about how to get started back at the gym.  I found it on a blog called Fitness LIfe Adventure.

Steps to take for a successful come-back:

1. Start small. 

Like really, ridiculously small. It takes less than you think to challenge your body and start inspiring changes. But you should mainly start small because your biggest friend right now is: momentum. Starting small makes sticking with it more likely and will provide small wins that build confidence and add momentum.Committing to running 30 mins every day vs. running 5 mins a day will lead to more risk in not meeting your goal = giving up. Start small. Kick ass. Increase. Repeat.

2. Just do it.

I realize this is easier said than done but there is no way around it. You just have to do it. The more you think about it, justify it, analyze it, doubt it, want it…see, I got lost just thinking about you thinking about doing it. Refer to the other steps, but just do it. Start today…the time will pass anyway. 

3. Set a schedule and stick to it. 

The calendar app on your phone is your friend (do people even have real calendars anymore? IDK). Have you heard that unless it’s written down, it isn’t real? Well, it’s true. Schedule your workouts, meals or hike dates like they are your important meetings at work that you would NEVER MISS. Write it down, pick a time, and don’t cancel on yourself. You are someone who follows through. Don’t let yourself down. Besides, it’s easy to talk yourself out of something you just thought of doing, but it’s not so easy if it’s written down.

4. Start your day with a win. 

Remember that momentum thing we talked about? A new morning is the perfect time for a fresh start and what better way to start it than like a WINNER. Have a badass morning routine and you will set the tone for a productive, positive day. Look at you, waking up on the right side of the bed and being a nutritional badass the rest of the day. 

5. Set yourself up for success.

Throw away everything in the kitchen that tempts you or causes you to go off track (donate it if you don’t want to waste food). Please don’t rely on will power alone, you need to preserve all you can. If you know you go crazy on peanut butter, don’t buy it and get it out of the house. Plan date nights for the next few weeks so you can avoid unhealthy dinners out and pick activities that support your focus for now. Maybe it’s time for a workout partner; when you don’t feel like it they can force you and vice versa. Tell your friends, family or social media what your goals are so you will have accountability support and then get to work. 

6. Give it 72 hours. Non negotiable. (for off-the-wagons of 7 days or less)

If your workout hiatus was less than a week, especially for those that just had a really baaaad weekend, I have a rule. When you get back on track, you have a non negotiable 72 hour period of effort regardless of progress. Here’s why: Let’s say you are in really good shape, and you have a crazy weekend. Your crazy weekend is not like most people. You eat. A LOT. Everything you craved fit into a 48 hour period can have ugly consequences. But have you ever noticed that sometimes after a cheat day you look better the next day? And maybe even the next? And then it hits you…hard. Well, the same applies to eating clean. Just because you were ‘perfect’ on Monday after a bad weekend doesn’t mean it will show Tuesday morning. 
GIVE IT 72 HOURS. Don’t sabotage yourself by getting discouraged after a day and slipping up again and having it turn into an ‘off’ week. You are still dealing with cravings from the sugar in your system and that will go away after 72 hours for most people, as will the bloating. So next time you have one of those weekends and you are ready to get back on track, you are in it for 72 hours before judging yourself, the scale or your abs. Mk? 

7. Change your have-to’s to want-to’s.­

This is a mindset thing. It’s important to address because while the other tips are great for short term success in getting you back on track, this one will lead to long term success and happiness in your chosen lifestyle. It’s time to change the have-to’s to want-to’s for realsies. 
Old: “I have to workout to get back in shape”
New: “I want to feel great about my body again so I’m doing this”
Old: “I have to avoid all sweets and sugar”
New: “I want to see my abs again”
Because that’s why we do this isn’t it? No one wants to limit treats, but we do it because we want the feeling or results that come when we do. Focus on what you want, not what you have to do to get there. 
Eating healthy and working out is simple. Don’t overcomplicate it to the point it consumes you. The people who figure out how to enjoy it and make it an abundant and replenishing part of their lives are the real winners. 


Friday, August 1, 2014

.Go, go, go,go,go Dave

Things have been nuts.  Lots going on.  First I have been trying my hand at musical theater.  I play a guard.  It is amazing how much of what I have done during workouts helped me in theater.  First there is no way I could do the warm ups if I had not built up endurance.  We did some planks and push-ups.  I surprised some people.  Second, I do lots of lifting and prop moving. No way could I have done this a year ago. Third, breathing.  I am not a very good singer. But I learned breathing is as important while singing as it is workout.  Plus I look good in a tunic.


In other news. I have been having some major knee pain and movement issues. It has really hampered my workout . I am amazed I have been able to perform. Fare having a cortisone shot and getting a MRI.  The Dr. Says I have no cartilage in my right knee.  I will be getting a series of  injection of a gel in my knee. I am also getting a custom brace made for workouts. The good news is I'm still two young for a knee replacement. Hoping to get back on track next week. Looking forward to a squat.  Yes, I still hate squats.


Sunday, June 1, 2014

I forgot to post this 2 weeks ago

Week 2 of the Warrior Weight loss Workout



I have made it through week 2.  It was pretty much the same as week 1, Just with an extra set of reps.  
My pull ups have improved.  My goal is 8 per set.  My high has been 5.  Getting stronger.  I have also notice with this workout , if I wait to do the treadmill after the workout.  I can run further faster

I am in a production of Joesph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream coat this summer.  My main reason for trying out was because 3 of my daughters tried out.  I figured since I was going to be driving them anyways, I would give it a shot.  Well guess what?  I was the only on who got a part!   I bring this up, because I had my first dance rehearsal, Talk about a workout! I skipped my Saturday workout because of it.  I easily burned 500 calories.


I have discovered , I am falling back into some bad food habits.  I need to start making some wiser choices.

 The first one is I need to start to track all of my food,  I have not been very good at this lately,  This has helped me in the past with making better choices.  

Just because it 's there does not mean I need to eat it.  If I am at a restaurant with my family and I see half eaten things.  I feel that I need to finish them.   This is wasted money on the table and I can leave money on the table.  So from now on I am going to eat what on my plate.  



Wednesday, May 21, 2014

I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday

I am not sure what has reignited the flame, but it is burning hot.  I am really enjoying get back into a workout routine.   I am not sure if it was the three pull-ups I did. But I am excited to workout again.  

It was day two of my new workout.  I had pull-ups again. No, not the diaper.  Today I was on my own.  The workout plan asked for 2 set of 8.  Well I am not there yet.  I managed 4 with the first set.  3 with the second set.  I am still shocked that I managed 7 pull-up. I was so excited, I did even care that I looked like a fool trying to get that third on done.  Those pull-ups has done more to motivate me in the last three days then anything else I have done in the last three months.  



Not This Kind 




Monday, May 19, 2014

ARRRRHH,,,ONE......ARRRRHHH...TWO....ARRRRHHHH...THREEEE

I have not done a pull up since Jr.  High.  Well today I did 3.   That is 3 more than I thought I could do.  I know some of you are think it's only 3 pull ups.  Well let me tell you this is a big deal for me.  A year ago I would not have even dreamed of doing one pull up.

These three not so simple pull ups have got me excited to exercise again.  Why did these three pull ups get me excited about exercise?  Progress.  I was able to see progress.  In the past year, I have been measuring my progress either by my weight or waist.  When I was not able to see that progress anymore,  I got tired of trying.  These three pull ups have shown me there are other ways to measure success in the gym.  It may be Pull ups today. Tomorrow it may be bench pressing ten pounds more than I did last time.  




I Hope It's Not Me

I am beginnings to thing it is me.  Lost another trainer.  This can give a guy a complex.  My trainer Mitchell is a Kettle bell pro.  I can't think of a fancy title.  I am grateful I haven't had to do the below exercise. Not him below.   Thanks for you help the last few months.






Sunday, May 4, 2014

Sometimes it only takes few inches from your waist to give you 6 inches of extra leg room





We always hear about how spring is about new beginnings.  Green grass,  flowers starting to poke out of the ground, new life and rain washing the winter dirty and grime away.  So I have decided to make a Spring fitness fresh start.  I am going to be at the gym at least 3 times a week.  I am going to start to track and make better food choices.

I am typing this on a fight to St Louis for work.  I just got to do something that I have not been able  to for a long time on a plane.  I sat in the exit row.  I was able to secure the seat belt around my waist.  When I made this same trip last August.  I was not able to do this.

This only makes me want to commit even more to my Spring Fitness Fresh Start.  So watch out I back.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

STUCK

I am stuck.  I can't budge from where I am at.  I need to make some serious changes. I think I have been making things to complicated.  I am going back to the basics.  I am going to pull out my old workouts  and hit it hard.  Time to climb the stairs, hit the free weights and use some of those circuit boxing exercises.  I am not going back .  I need to keep moving foward.




Tuesday, April 22, 2014

office workout

I have been slacking off the last couple of weeks.  It's time to get back in action.  I am behind on my goal of where I wanted to be by now.  My 1 year mark is creeping up quickly.

I found this office workout that I am adding to my workout.   I really think I just need to get back to the basics.  workout, eat right and have fun doing it.


Wednesday, April 9, 2014

New Workout

Sorry it has been a while.  I was on vacation in Las Vegas. Our yearly, no kids allow trip.  I managed to lose weight while on vacation.  I tried something new.  I ran outside.  on real concrete.  I was able to see something other than a a screen on a treadmill.

Google told me it was a mile one way.  But I think it lied and it was really a mile round trip.  My shins were seriously sore  afterwards.  I should have wore my new shoes.  A mile on a treadmill feels like it takes longer than when out and about.  My last posting showed some sight I saw while running.  



TRX WORKOUT

Earlier this week, I got my workout for the next 2 weeks.  This new workout includes using TRX Straps.  I think the picture says it all.  I am surprised I have the strength to type this.  






Monday, March 31, 2014

My first run, Las Vegas style

Today was my first run that did not involve a tread mill.  I ran down Fremount street.  Google map said it was a 1.9 run one way.  I think it was really 1 mile round trip.  It was tough put I did it. It was nice to see something while running that was not a screen on a treadmill.  

Some of the thing I saw while running




Saturday, March 29, 2014

Vacation workout.

For those who follow me on Facebook knows I hate morning workouts.  I have set a goal of working out every morning while on vacation. I may even try a morning run.  


Wednesday, March 26, 2014

When trying is just not good enough


I returned back to the steps and rowing today.  I think it is time to mix some of my earlier workouts with my new ones .

This was prompted by a statement I keep  Getting told.  "We'll at least you are here and trying,". I don't want to be known at the guy who is just here.  I want to be the guy who pushed past trying.  I want to be the guy who did it.  

So if I plan on 3 sets, I am going to do 4 sets.  If I think I can do another push up. I am going to do two more.  

It's time to stop just showing up.  

















Monday, March 24, 2014

I'm Not a Runner

This Nike Commercial made me laugh, yet I related to it.  I hope you enjoy.


Saturday, March 22, 2014

The best 3 pounds I ever lost

After struggling to jump start the weight lost, it started.  I lost 3 pounds.  The best 3 pounds I have ever lost.  I have been working hard at the gym. I noticed the change came when I buckled down on breakfast again and increased my water.

 I am one pants size away from being out of big and tall. Today was the first time in I don't know how long.  I was able to buy shorts with a 44 waist.  


Monday, March 17, 2014

Burn Baby Burn

I need to burn extra 1100 calories a day just to lose 2 pounds a week.  My 45 workouts averages about between 500- 600 calories.  I need to find another 600 to burn.  Any ideas?




Saturday, March 15, 2014

A sometimes reward.

Good thing we don't live a few blocks away from Mojo Monkeys anymore.  It would than be a all the time treat.


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Feeling Geared up and ready to go.

Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts


I have been making an effort to make it to the Gym 5 days a week.  It has been hard, but I am starting to see the results again.  Even with my weight loss being slower, I am starting to see the changes in my body.  I am starting to have less of my stomach hanging over my belt. My arms are getting stronger. I did 40 push ups yesterday.  Still working on endurance. I am having a tough time getting through a mile on the treadmill at a fast pace.  I think it is the treadmill.  I think once it has thawed, I am going to have to try doing it outside.  

I have not been doing a lot with the free weights lately. I have been using kettle bells with my new trainer.  I am hoping to get started again. I need to master a dead lift and get over my fear of getting injured on the leg press again.  I need to come up with a plan that will add variety to my workout.  I can't believe I am typing this.  I miss Alex's boxing class.  


BEFORE AND AFTERS








Friday, March 7, 2014

Life is a process--just one thing after another. When you lose it, just start again



I was able to measure my Metabolic rate using the Body Gem shown above.  This is my 2nd time doing this. I think it is a great way to figure out where you are at .  It has really helped me jump start my workout. It has given me some hard numbers on how many calories I need to burn  each day. These are calories over and above what I burn just doing life. It also gives me the number of calories I should be eating.  It has helped keep me on track.  







It has been a long time since I have been able to say this.  My body was sore from a good workout. It's good to say it is sore from doing something.  Instead of just being sore for no reason. Lots of working out using my body weight. (I have a lot of body weight to use.) I have decided push-ups are my new hated exercise,  I will take a squat any day over a push up.  

I am rotating between a kettle bell, Body weight and a machine workout.  The Kettle bells and Body weight workouts are kicking my butt.  For both of these I have 20 minutes to get through as many sets of my exercises.  There are at least 5 different exercises with 10 to 25 reps each.  This is after doing some Cardio. Making working out on the machines feel like a break.  





Saturday, March 1, 2014

27 Rules of Conquering the Gym





I found some of these very funny and very true.  

1) A gym is not designed to make you feel instantly better about yourself. If a gym wanted to make you feel instantly better about yourself, it would be a bar.
2) Give yourself a goal. Maybe you want to lose 10 pounds. Maybe you want to quarterback the New York Jets into the playoffs. But be warned: Losing 10 pounds is hard.
3) Develop a gym routine. Try to go at least three times a week. Do a mix of strength training and cardiovascular conditioning. After the third week, stop carrying around that satchel of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies.
4) No one in the history of gyms has ever lost a pound while reading “The New Yorker” and slowly pedaling a recumbent bicycle. No one.5) Bring your iPod. Don’t borrow the disgusting gym headphones, or use the sad plastic radio attachment on the treadmill, which always sounds like it’s playing Kenny Loggins from a sewer.
6) Don’t fall for gimmicks. The only tried-and-true method to lose 10 pounds in 48 hours is food poisoning.
7) Yes, every gym has an overenthusiastic spinning instructor who hasn’t bought a record since “Walking on Sunshine.”
8) There’s also the Strange Guy Who is Always at the Gym. Just when you think he isn’t here today…there he is, lurking by the barbells.
9) “Great job!” is trainer-speak for “It’s not polite for me to laugh at you.”
10) Beware a hip gym with a Wilco step class.
11) Gyms have two types of members: Members who wipe down the machines after using them, and the worst people in the universe.
12) Nope, that’s not a “recovery energy bar with antioxidant dark chocolate.” That’s a chocolate bar.
13) Avoid Unsolicited Advice Guy, who, for the small fee of boring you to death, will explain the proper method for any exercise in 45 minutes or longer.
14) You can take 10 Minute Abs, 20 Minute Abs, and 30 Minute Abs. There is also Stop Eating Pizza and Eating Sheet Cake Abs—but that’s super tough!
15) If you’re motivated to buy an expensive home exercise machine, consider a “wooden coat rack.” It costs $40, uses no electricity and does the exact same thing.
16) There’s the yoga instructor everyone loves, and the yoga instructor everyone hates. Memorize who they are.
17) If you see an indoor rock climbing wall, you’re either in a really cool gym or a romantic comedy starring Kate Hudson.
18) Be cautious about any class with the words “sunrise,” “hell,” or “Moby.”
19) If a gym class is going to be effective, it’s hard. If you’re relaxed and enjoying yourself, you’re at brunch.
20) If you need to bring your children, just let them loose in the silent meditation class. Nobody minds, and kids love candles.
21) Don’t buy $150 sneakers, $100 yoga pants, and $4 water. Muscle shirts are for people with muscles, and rhythm guitarists.
22) Fancy gyms can be seductive, but once you get past the modern couches and fresh flowers and the water with lemon slices, you’re basically paying for a boutique hotel with B.O.
23) Everyone sees you secretly racing the old people in the pool.
24) If you’re at the point where you’ve bought biking shoes for the spinning class, you may as well go ahead and buy an actual bike. It’s way more fun and it doesn’t make you listen to C+C Music Factory.
25) Fact: Thinking about going to the gym burns between 0 and 0 calories.
26) A successful gym membership is like a marriage: If it’s good, you show up committed and ready for hard work. If it’s not good, you show up in sweatpants and watch a lot of bad TV
27) There is no secret. Exercise and lay off the fries. The end.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Too Sick to Workout

So here I go again.  Another cold.  I swear it has been  a winter of having a cold every 3 weeks.  
It will now be 3 weeks since I have been able to meet with my trainer.  I hope I can make it to the gym soon. 

I found the below article helpful.  Its from All Canadian Fitness


In the middle of cold and flu season, I get tons of people asking me if they should bother working out when they’re sick, or if they should put their exercise on hold until they are completely symptom free.
Number one… listen to your body.  If you feel like you’re ready to die, stay in bed, rest, drink fluids etc…   You’ve got to really tune into how you feel and, ultimately, you make the call.
On the other hand, sometimes a bit of activity will help to make you feel better.  If you do choose to exercise, the intensity level and the duration of your workout should be taken down a notch.


Unless you are Michael Jordan trying to win the NBA Championship while sick with the flu… slow down a bit.
Another way to decide whether to train or not is the location of your symptoms.  If you’re sick “above the neck” (sore throat, mild headache, stuffy nose), as long as you aren’t “dying”, a bit of mild exercise might make you feel better.  You probably won’t make things worse.  Just keep in mind that your recovery ability is compromised, so don’t push too hard.
If your symptoms are “below the neck” (chest congestion, stomach ache, diarrhea etc…), do NOT work out.  These are signals from your body to take a break.  Chances are that doing a workout will slow recovery and make you more sick.  The “tincture of time” is what is needed here.  Treat your symptoms, rest and let your body heal itself.
If you have a fever, do NOT workout.  An elevated temperature is already putting you at risk for dehydration.  It simply doesn’t make any sense to push yourself in this state.


So, I guess the best advice is to err on the side of good judgement.  Don’t wimp out every time you have a tickle in your throat, but, don’t try to be a hero when you can barely stand without the room spinning.



Unless you are Michael Jordan and it’s game 7.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Small Achievements can mean big Victories

                What do you do with the fat hanging out? 

                      Check out at http://www.theflatteringman.com/                
I thought the above ad was funny. 
 We all wish it was that easy.


                                 I Hate Push Ups


I know to some of you are not going to be impressive.  For me this was a big deal.  Push ups are new to my workout routine.  Today I was able to do 2 sets of 10 push-ups.  I can hear some of you right now saying "big deal, it only 20 push ups!".  Well let me tell you.  Last week, I could only do 10 push-ups.  I have doubled the number of push up I can do.

This was after doing kettle bell swings, kettlebell presses and kettlebell squats.  Not bad for a guy who's idea of a push up was the kind you eat.  

Just when you think you can't you do

                          It doesn't matter what you've heard                                                         Impossible is not a word                                                                           It just a reason                                                                             For someone not to try

   







Monday, February 17, 2014

Now for something completely different

I did promise that there would be some humor.  It has been awhile.  So here you go.