Try, try, try again.

For some reason, the gym felt like my first time.  I went to use the free weights and felt intimidated.  Not sure if it was just me or I was really getting death stares.  It may have been the guilt of not working out all week.  Did half my workout and left.

I think I will stick to afternoons.  

November had been a tough workout month.  Hope to get back on track in December. 

My December goal is to be down another   Waist size.  

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!

It is a sad day.  Alex my trainer told me that he is leaving the Y to work for the Stillwater school system.  It is amazing how a person you didn't know can change your life in just 6 months. What started out as just a session to learn how to use equipment, turned into a 6 month life changing adventure.  To some that are reading this may think that sounds dramatic. But to me it's not.   Not only has he showed me how to get fitter and stronger, he has also helped me build my confidence.  Not only in the Gym, but in life.  I have been able to carry the things I have learned in the gym into my everyday life.  Never giving up. Trying harder.  Just when you think you can do it, you push through it and get it done. Working with him has made me a better person.

Alex has given me a strong foundation to continue my adventure.  It just won't be as fun.  Thank you for all you have done.

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!

It's never too late to become what you might have been

Today was measurement day.  A couple of days later the usual.  Chloe was home sick all week and I did not get the change to go to the gym as much as I wanted.  I made due with what I had.  I am not a big fan of working out at home.  So last night while trick or treating , I made a final push.  I did step ups using the curb and retention walls.  I did some standing push ups against some trees.   I final ended the night doing Kettle swings.  I used the 25 pounds of candy I was carrying as the weight. The bonus in all of this is I embarrassed my daughters.  I am very pleased with my progress.  For the month of November, I am going to try to not focus on my weight, but on my measurements.  

I was featured in the YMCA November newsletter.  Check it out. It's 60 percent my words and 40 percent the writer's word.   

MEMBER TRIUMPH

Get inspired. See how Eagan Y member Dave Fredericks overcame his fears and how a trainer helped him take charge of his life. Inspired by his kids, he is making healthy a habit, with major changes in his body and life. Read his story for true inspiration.

YMCA NEWSLETTER LINK

 November Stats

Body Part	Jun-13	Sep-13	Oct-13		Totals+/-
Chest	65	53	51.25		-13.75
Stomach	61.5	54.5	53		-8.5
Waist	55	50.25	48		-7
Bicep	17.5	16	16.75		-0.75
Quad	20	19	20.5		0.5
Calf	25	21	18.5		-6.5
Weight	397	354.8	343.4		-53.6

Officer Klein has left the building

Sorry it has been awhile since I last posted.  While I was away I was in a production of Arsenic and Old Lace. The production was put on by the Black Dirt Theater.  The experience is a lot like when I started to workout.  You think I can't do that.  Are you nuts? You want me to do what? Then little by little you start to think,  I can do that. Yup,their nuts.  Now I see why they thought I could do this.  With every rehearsal you get stronger and more confident.   Just like the gym I was nervous at first. Instead of being  intimidated by a bunch of muscle head gym rats in spandex and Under Armor, thinking what is that guy doing here. I was worried about what bunch of talented "theater types" were going to think of the new guy.  At the gym I learned they could careless, just stay out of the way.  At Black Dirt is was the complete opposite.  They were all supportive people who not only wanted the show to be the best it could.  They also wanted me to do and be the best I could be.  This allowed me to not be worried about being the guy who never did this before.  Don't get me wrong it was not all sunshine and lollipops.  There were some conflicts and yes sometimes egos.  But all of my experiences have helped me grow and have given me skills I will be able to use for a lifetime

I hope to have some additional photos soon.

For those who have been following my blog.  Yes, my first time performing was like my first workout.  I wanted to Throw up.  But didn't.


CLICK HERE TO CHECKOUT THE BLACK DIRT THEATER

I finally saw what everyone is talking about.

This morning I was washing my hands in the restroom at church.   I looked in the mirror and I finally saw it.  I had to look twice to be sure.  I have been hearing people tell me for a couple of weeks.  " you look Great" ,  "You are getting so skinny" " Have you lost weight?".  I couldn't see the change.  But today I did.  I wore a sweater to church that I have not been able to wear since last Christmas.   Even when I first bought it, it was a little tight.  But today as I looked in the mirror, it was big.  Not just a little big, but BIG.  I didn't have to worry if my stomach was covered.  It hung loose around my waist.  I finally saw what everyone was talking about.  I saw the change.  Not just a little change, but a big change.

The inside is starting to catch up with the outside.   It's all about changes.  Mind, Body and Spirit.

                                            TODAY'S WORKOUT

Sometimes I like to give you a glimpse  into some of my workouts.   This one looks a lot easier on paper than doing it.  I was not prepared for how hard it was.  I had trouble walking afterward.  Click the link below to check it out.

Dave's Workout

     

Missing the Gym.

It has been 4 days since I have made it to the gym.  I got hit with a cold this week.  It stopped me from making it to boxing class on Thursday.  I drained most of my energy.  I will need to hit it had after Church on Sunday.  

It is amazing that I miss being there.  It was not that long ago, I was not that excited to go.   This will not slow me down.  I will keep plugging away.

I thought it would be fun to share some pics of my Smoothie creations.  They do taste better than they look

The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!

          Month 1- top   Month 4- bottom

Today was my month end weight in. I am down another 11 pounds.  I have 2 months left with Alex.  It is time to kick it back into high gear.  

I discovered I can do push ups today.  My workout today was 

A good 30 minute workout on the treadmill at a variety of inclines

100 kettle bell swings with push ups in between

10 kettle bell swings
1 push up
15 kettle bell swings
2 push ups
25 Kettle bell swings
3 push ups
50 kettle bell swings
4 push up



Body Part     Beginning        Sept                            total +/-          
chest            65 inches          53 inches                     -12 inches         
Stomach       61.5 inches       54.5 inches                   -7.0 inches        
Waist           55 inches          50.25 inches                 - 4.75 inches
Bicep           17.5 inches       16 inches                     - 1.50 inches
Calfs            20 inches          19 inches                     - 1.0  inches
Quads          25 inches          21 inches                     -4.0 inches
Weight        397 pounds       354.8 pounds                -42,2 pounds 

          Month 1 - top     Month 4-bottom

  Samuel Johnson: The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.

Vincent Lombardi: The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It's your mind you have to convince.

Marvin Phillips: The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!