Its been a while since my last post, but I have a few exciting things to report on in the last few weeks. After 3 weeks of Les Mills Pump, I have lost 8 lbs and am now below 270 lbs for the first time in the last 5 years. The workouts are getting more intense, which is fantastic for me. In the beginning, I was getting a little discouraged becasue I felt like I should have been doing more than the 20 minutes of workout each day, but now I know you can get a fantastic workout in just a short amount of time. Now the workouts are up to 30 minutes, and in the next week they jump to 45 minutes. Since the program includes so many reps for each muscle group, I have needed the time to build up my endurance before I progress to the next level. I also feel my core getting stronger from the "Hardcore Abs" DVD and the extra ab work at the end of "Pump and Burn".
Along with feeling great, my body is changing for the better. I am obviously losing weight, but in a little different way than P90X was helping me lose weight. While doing P90X, I gained a lot of muscle in my arms and chest. That is great for most guys, but I'm still trying to lose the size I have built up over years of heavy lifting. I don't really need the extra muscle, not yet anyways. So PUMP has helped me slim down without adding the big amounts of muscle. I feel strong, really strong in fact, and my shirts are fitting a little more loose. I anticipate that by the end of February I should be wearing XL t-shirts, after being stuck in 2X and 3X for many years.
Last night while getting ready for a date with my hot wife Brittani, I pulled out some old jeans just to see how far I was from fitting into them. Put in one leg no problem, then the other..no problem. Pulled them on and much to my surprise, they buttoned without me even having to suck in my belly! That is a size 38 people...down from a 44 back in May. Big moment for me, I mean really big! I used to be so limited in where I could shop for clothes because nobody really carries size 44 jeans or shorts, except for the Big and Tall section at JC Penney. Now, I can comfortably shop anywhere, and plan on taking full advantage of this fact when spring rolls around and I'm ready to get a whole new wardrobe. Eyes are set on a 34 inch waist, Large t-shirts, and under 250 lbs my May!
2012 is bringing a lot of really good things for me so far! It promises to be a great year after the start I have gotten off to. If you are ready to get started in re-shaping your body and changing your life, take a look at this short video from Beachbody and consider joining my Beachbody Challenge Group.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Day 4: Go with the FLOW
Now the ball is really getting rolling on this new program. I was excited to try a new workout today, after completing the same "Challenge" workout on days 1 and 3. Challenge is the first workout, and its really geared towards teaching the moves that you are going to using throughout Les Mills PUMP. Its a nice mix of tempo squats (can anyone say "ouch"), some chest, shoulder, and arm work, and all finished off with some lunges. The workout is short, but still gets my heart pumping and my muscles burning. A great intro to what is to come.
After doing some treadmill interval training this morning, I was happy to see FLOW on the schedule for tonight. It was a 20 minute recovery workout, that combined yoga and stretching to relax your muscles. It felt really good to stretch out, as my legs were still barking at be from earlier in the week.
Nutrition left some room for improvement today. Still a little too much snacking going on, but not all that bad. Still came in under calorie goal for the day and still miles away from my old eating habits. If there's one thing I have learned about food in the last 6 months, it is that I don't need all that bad stuff I was eating before. I don't know when the last time I stopped somewhere and snuck a cheeseburger (or 3). I drive past those very same places that helped make me 304 lbs without even a second thought. These days, I have much more control when it comes to my diet. Feels good to be in control!
After doing some treadmill interval training this morning, I was happy to see FLOW on the schedule for tonight. It was a 20 minute recovery workout, that combined yoga and stretching to relax your muscles. It felt really good to stretch out, as my legs were still barking at be from earlier in the week.
Nutrition left some room for improvement today. Still a little too much snacking going on, but not all that bad. Still came in under calorie goal for the day and still miles away from my old eating habits. If there's one thing I have learned about food in the last 6 months, it is that I don't need all that bad stuff I was eating before. I don't know when the last time I stopped somewhere and snuck a cheeseburger (or 3). I drive past those very same places that helped make me 304 lbs without even a second thought. These days, I have much more control when it comes to my diet. Feels good to be in control!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Getting PUMPED in 2012
Happy New Year everyone! I'm really excited about what 2012 has in store. I'm looking forward to continuing my weight loss, with the hopes of surpassing my 2011 numbers by June. Here's a quick re-cap on how I ended 2011 and what I have planned for 2012.
In late November, I took the first step in really trying to help other people get healthy and became a Team Beachbody coach. What this means is that I now have the tools to share my story with a larger number of people all across the world. The number one thing that Beachbody asks of its coaches is "be a product of the product", which I have been striving to be since May 2011. Through the end of the year, I was able to try out some of the other beachbody programs and supplements, which I hope to be able to educate people about in the future. If you want to learn more about Beachbody and any of their products, shoot me an email or check out my coach page at
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/coachg57
As far as weight loss goes, I made some really great progress before the holidays came around. I was able to lose the weight that I had gained back since Owen was born in July, and surpassed that number by the time Thanksgiving rolled around. Despite the setbacks and challenges that came along the way, I was able to lose 32 lbs in 2011 (really started in May 2011). I just hit that 32 lbs mark this monday when I got on the scale after the holidays. It was a great way to being 2012 for me, and I hope it helps create a snowball effect for the rest of the year.
On January 2nd, I started a brand new workout program. After using P90X for the last half of the year, I was ready for something new. I loved the P90X workouts, but 6 months of any training program will lead to a little bit of boredom...no matter how good the training or how much you like the trainer. Beachbody recently added a new program to their arsenal of life-changing programs "Les Mills PUMP". PUMP is based on the group exercise class "body pump", that is taught in gyms all around the world. Its a barbell based training program that really puts emphasis on high reps, with multiple tempos to get a great total body burn. Day 1 was monday, and despite working with relatively light weight, my legs and shoulders really got a great workout. The slow tempo squats and lunges were really tough for me. I'm used to working in just one speed, but PUMP forces you to do several slow reps (4 seconds down, 4 seconds up). These reps had my legs screaming at me after just 2 of them. Since PUMP is only 3 days a week, I will be adding in some extra cardio sessions for 3 other days, keeping me on a 6 day workout schedule.
I'm excited to say that I have started out 2012 with great momentum and I look to really improve not just my weight, but my overall fitness. Maybe a 5 or 10k in my future? Maybe some type of mud run or dare i say...a triathalon? Who knows...all I can say is watch out 2012...I'm coming to getcha!!
In late November, I took the first step in really trying to help other people get healthy and became a Team Beachbody coach. What this means is that I now have the tools to share my story with a larger number of people all across the world. The number one thing that Beachbody asks of its coaches is "be a product of the product", which I have been striving to be since May 2011. Through the end of the year, I was able to try out some of the other beachbody programs and supplements, which I hope to be able to educate people about in the future. If you want to learn more about Beachbody and any of their products, shoot me an email or check out my coach page at
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/coachg57
As far as weight loss goes, I made some really great progress before the holidays came around. I was able to lose the weight that I had gained back since Owen was born in July, and surpassed that number by the time Thanksgiving rolled around. Despite the setbacks and challenges that came along the way, I was able to lose 32 lbs in 2011 (really started in May 2011). I just hit that 32 lbs mark this monday when I got on the scale after the holidays. It was a great way to being 2012 for me, and I hope it helps create a snowball effect for the rest of the year.
On January 2nd, I started a brand new workout program. After using P90X for the last half of the year, I was ready for something new. I loved the P90X workouts, but 6 months of any training program will lead to a little bit of boredom...no matter how good the training or how much you like the trainer. Beachbody recently added a new program to their arsenal of life-changing programs "Les Mills PUMP". PUMP is based on the group exercise class "body pump", that is taught in gyms all around the world. Its a barbell based training program that really puts emphasis on high reps, with multiple tempos to get a great total body burn. Day 1 was monday, and despite working with relatively light weight, my legs and shoulders really got a great workout. The slow tempo squats and lunges were really tough for me. I'm used to working in just one speed, but PUMP forces you to do several slow reps (4 seconds down, 4 seconds up). These reps had my legs screaming at me after just 2 of them. Since PUMP is only 3 days a week, I will be adding in some extra cardio sessions for 3 other days, keeping me on a 6 day workout schedule.
I'm excited to say that I have started out 2012 with great momentum and I look to really improve not just my weight, but my overall fitness. Maybe a 5 or 10k in my future? Maybe some type of mud run or dare i say...a triathalon? Who knows...all I can say is watch out 2012...I'm coming to getcha!!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
60 Days and Counting
Benchmark#2 down. P90X day 60 was today! That means I am just 30 days shy of finishing the program, but still a long way away from where I hope to be someday. My 60 day measurements saw a big milestone for me...but also a little disapointment. Of course I'm referring to the fact that I hit the major 20 POUNDS lost milestone, but I also know that if I had not slacked off for 2 weeks it could have been closer to 30. I also lost 7 total inches, including 2 more from around my belly. I'm getting smaller, but seeing my body starting to return to some type of respectable form is not without its drawbacks. Let me explain to you what I mean.
In our house, we have a spot on our wall with some of our favorite pictures from our wedding day. Brittani looked so beautiful, and it was such a great day. One major problem...I WAS A BIG FAT ASS! Here's the problem I have...in those pictures, I'll always be 304 lbs. My face is so fat that I couldn't even keep my eyes open when I smiled. It made me sad to think that someday my kids will want to see the pictures of our wedding day, and will see how fat and unhealthy their daddy was. I wish I could go back in time and take all those pictures over again after I lose all the weight I want.
Enough reflection, time to look forward. I'm approaching the next 30 days with one major goal in mind. I want to hit 30 lbs lost by day 90. My one concern is that with a new baby coming any day, Its going to be a real challenge to make time for my workouts each day. Its going to be tough, but I know that Brittani is behind me, and she knows how important this is to me. She has assured me that I will still have time...if I can stand to put my baby boy down for long enough!
Check out my day 60 results below. Still a long way to go but I like the progress I am seeing!!!
Day 1
Day 60
In our house, we have a spot on our wall with some of our favorite pictures from our wedding day. Brittani looked so beautiful, and it was such a great day. One major problem...I WAS A BIG FAT ASS! Here's the problem I have...in those pictures, I'll always be 304 lbs. My face is so fat that I couldn't even keep my eyes open when I smiled. It made me sad to think that someday my kids will want to see the pictures of our wedding day, and will see how fat and unhealthy their daddy was. I wish I could go back in time and take all those pictures over again after I lose all the weight I want.
Enough reflection, time to look forward. I'm approaching the next 30 days with one major goal in mind. I want to hit 30 lbs lost by day 90. My one concern is that with a new baby coming any day, Its going to be a real challenge to make time for my workouts each day. Its going to be tough, but I know that Brittani is behind me, and she knows how important this is to me. She has assured me that I will still have time...if I can stand to put my baby boy down for long enough!
Check out my day 60 results below. Still a long way to go but I like the progress I am seeing!!!
Day 1
Day 60
Monday, July 11, 2011
Splash Zone!!!
You know the splash zone at Sea World? The first several rows where they give you the disclaimer "you will get wet". Well the splash zone at our house is about a 6 ft radius where the sweat flies during my workouts. I was going to work out tonight with no shirt on, but thought better of it when I considered my poor wife sitting on the couch, and the fact that she was well within the splash zone. Shirt or no shirt, I had a great workout tonight.
I had a great weekend of relaxing and pool time! Starting friday, we hit the pool for 3 days in a row. Olivia loves it, and since I'm losing weight, I fit in my boardshorts from a few years ago. I love that I saved a whole bunch of my clothes from years ago, with the plan that someday I would fit back into them. Well that day is today! I also have a whole bunch of golf shirts, t shirts, and dress shirts that I am hoping to fit into in a few more weeks. I can't wait until I can wear all these new clothes to work, and really show off the hard work that I've been doing.
I've been doing much better these last few days with my nutrition and with my motivation. I decided that I don't really need to make every single decision about losing weight. I was putting so much pressure on myself before, but now my attitude is a little different. I know I'm not going to lose the 80 lbs I want to lose in 90 days. I probably won't even lose that in 180 days. But 10-12 months down the road, I know I can be at my goal weight and living a happy and healthy life.
I had a great weekend of relaxing and pool time! Starting friday, we hit the pool for 3 days in a row. Olivia loves it, and since I'm losing weight, I fit in my boardshorts from a few years ago. I love that I saved a whole bunch of my clothes from years ago, with the plan that someday I would fit back into them. Well that day is today! I also have a whole bunch of golf shirts, t shirts, and dress shirts that I am hoping to fit into in a few more weeks. I can't wait until I can wear all these new clothes to work, and really show off the hard work that I've been doing.
I've been doing much better these last few days with my nutrition and with my motivation. I decided that I don't really need to make every single decision about losing weight. I was putting so much pressure on myself before, but now my attitude is a little different. I know I'm not going to lose the 80 lbs I want to lose in 90 days. I probably won't even lose that in 180 days. But 10-12 months down the road, I know I can be at my goal weight and living a happy and healthy life.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Push Ups or Earth Downs?
Today began my final phase of the P90X workout challenge. I started on May 14th, day 1 began with Chest/Back and I barely made it through the first workout. I wasn't even able to complete most of the pushups without dropping to my knees. I totaled 102 pushups, but well over 50% of those were from my knees, and I still struggled so much. My next week, i was determined not to spend any time on my knees, and when I couldn't push anymore, I simply stopped. In that second week, I was able to complete 74 REAL pushups.
I once heard that Chuck Norris doesn't do pushups, he does EARTH DOWNS! Chuck Norris has nothing on me after my workout today! Today, 7 weeks after that second workout, I started week 9 of my journey. That very same Chest/Back workout yielded 121 REAL pushups. The feeling that I have right now is unbelievable. Coming off the rough stretch that I have had these few weeks, and being able to perform (yes I consider it performing) at a high level, and see that much improvement in my workouts only makes me want to push harder through these next few weeks. For some people, the results of their hard work show up in the mirror, but since I have always considered myself an athlete, and a very competitive person, I am more motivated by seeing the increase in the numbers of reps or weight I am able to move.
Now my arms and shoulders are shot...barely able to move. Plans to grill a pork loin on the BBQ tonight, and enjoy my night at home with my girls. Hopefully we will soon be joined by our son Owen, who is set to make is arrival any day now. We sure do wish he would come already!
I once heard that Chuck Norris doesn't do pushups, he does EARTH DOWNS! Chuck Norris has nothing on me after my workout today! Today, 7 weeks after that second workout, I started week 9 of my journey. That very same Chest/Back workout yielded 121 REAL pushups. The feeling that I have right now is unbelievable. Coming off the rough stretch that I have had these few weeks, and being able to perform (yes I consider it performing) at a high level, and see that much improvement in my workouts only makes me want to push harder through these next few weeks. For some people, the results of their hard work show up in the mirror, but since I have always considered myself an athlete, and a very competitive person, I am more motivated by seeing the increase in the numbers of reps or weight I am able to move.
Now my arms and shoulders are shot...barely able to move. Plans to grill a pork loin on the BBQ tonight, and enjoy my night at home with my girls. Hopefully we will soon be joined by our son Owen, who is set to make is arrival any day now. We sure do wish he would come already!
Friday, July 8, 2011
A Good Pizza Slap To The Face
Man that last blog was really a downer! I'm done being that guy who sits and feels sorry for himself. I know I can do this, and I have 33 days left to prove to myself and everyone else that I have what it takes to finish what I have started.
As I think about what to write in this blog, I have decided that its important to go back and reflect on what has happened that last few weeks. Its been tough, and it really sucks having to own up to my lack of focus. I got distracted, but I'm not finished. A few days back, when I was having a particularly bad day, Brittani gave me a great piece of advice, that took a while to sink in. "Stop being sad about it and just fix it" she said (actually texted). Pretty simple piece of advice, but its really what I need to do. Whats done is done, can't fix it, can't change it, but I can make sure it never happens again! That's why tomorrow, the beginning of my final phase of round 1 of P90X, is going to mark my complete re-dedication to all aspects of the program. The diet is going to be cleaned up, I'm back on track with workouts, and I'm ready to finish this thing out strong.
What can you do to help? First off...if you see me with a cookie or a cheeseburger in my hand, I want you take it, slap me across the face with it, and then throw it away. I don't need that garbage in my body anymore. On second though, I don't want pizza grease and cookie crumbs on my face or in my hair, so you can skip the face slapping. The point is, I do need help with this. While I understand that each decision is my own to make, I can always use input and guidance from my friends and family. Thanks everyone for your words these last few days. Its great to know that I have inspired a few people, and that everyone is behind me and cheering for me! Love you guys!
As I think about what to write in this blog, I have decided that its important to go back and reflect on what has happened that last few weeks. Its been tough, and it really sucks having to own up to my lack of focus. I got distracted, but I'm not finished. A few days back, when I was having a particularly bad day, Brittani gave me a great piece of advice, that took a while to sink in. "Stop being sad about it and just fix it" she said (actually texted). Pretty simple piece of advice, but its really what I need to do. Whats done is done, can't fix it, can't change it, but I can make sure it never happens again! That's why tomorrow, the beginning of my final phase of round 1 of P90X, is going to mark my complete re-dedication to all aspects of the program. The diet is going to be cleaned up, I'm back on track with workouts, and I'm ready to finish this thing out strong.
What can you do to help? First off...if you see me with a cookie or a cheeseburger in my hand, I want you take it, slap me across the face with it, and then throw it away. I don't need that garbage in my body anymore. On second though, I don't want pizza grease and cookie crumbs on my face or in my hair, so you can skip the face slapping. The point is, I do need help with this. While I understand that each decision is my own to make, I can always use input and guidance from my friends and family. Thanks everyone for your words these last few days. Its great to know that I have inspired a few people, and that everyone is behind me and cheering for me! Love you guys!
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