Aaaaand again...

So, after a bout of illness, followed by Gout for a few weeks, im finally back in the saddle. Week 1 restarted, so I am months behind my training buddy Amit now! Grrr.
None the less, the recent increase in activity, now walking the dogs 9 miles a day, has really helped, and I have so far sailed through the first few routines on P90X3 Week 1. Last time around was a very different story.

Next week I am hoping to get started on Les Mills too, in the mornings that is. Not long til we go to Florida now, so I want to be back in the best shape I physically can be. Also want to get back using the home gym in the evenings, to really maximise the attack on the body.

I have recently started using a Jawbone UP which I adore already. Love being able to monitor my activity, sleep and see what my lazy times of day are. As well as keep an eye on my intake, and see just how much distance I cover each week. The past 7 days, with one day of slack activity, I covered 51 miles.

So thats all from me for now, don't want to get ahead of myself here, so slowly does it on the excitement on the blogs for now.

Another week, another number

‎This week's mid week number is 254.6. Slow progress over the past week being at home, lots of DIY, but very little walking the dogs due to rain and poorly Tuvaaq. Poor excuse I know, but the above number still brings the total loss to over 11lbs now. Not huge and fast, but still way ahead of what some of the diet plans offer.

The weekends have seen sin foods, and the weekdays always comprise of a proper hot meal in the evenings, chicken, stew, noodles, and a bowl of cereal later if hunger strikes. I need to try and cut that out.

Either way, reduced activity, but still a loss, so I'm happy all round :)

Regards

Michael

Sent from my BlackBerry Q10

Week 2 update

Mad rush to the start of the week with Tuvaaq's vet visit, so time for a quick catch up.

Last weigh in was 256lbs, which is down 9lbs on the start, so fair progress there. I am still eating well, with stew, chicken, and a cheeky little stir fry I made tonight (see pic).

Weight is dropping most days, but even on days where little change is seen, I'm still feeling much better already.

Breathing easier when walking the dogs up hills (Tuvaaq now out walking again) and not winding myself putting my shoes on.

The 30 day challenges are coming along too. With pushups up to 65 now, planking onto a minute and squats now up to an arse breaking 105. These totals are set by the challenge, and not just what I'm achieving. However that said, for a 250lbs man in his 40's and out of shape, I'm chuffed I'm doing 105 squats non stop! And am also really smashing out the push ups too!

So that's me for now. Will update again with an end of week total.

Phase 3 starting soon.

Just need to get my P90X-3 now... Grrr!

Week 2 begins on a low...

Thankfully the low is my weight, finishing the first week, and starting the second on 258.2 So a nice steady loss without suffering too much.

The three 30 day challenges are still on track, and really starting to pick up pace, with squats up to 80-100, push-up around 60 and plank on a minute. I'm sure the whole added exercise and minimised intake is having a real effect rather than a false indication. But this week will be the tell tale sign if it is a constant or a first week flurry.

The decision to keep eating food, but sensible food and sensible portions was one that wasn't easy to make. During the day I am remaining on replacements, but a good hot meal makes such a difference. The beef and veg stew I have made really hits the spot (no spuds!)

Sub 250 isn't a realistic goal for this week, but I want to be at the low end of 250 for sure, let's call the goal for this week sub 253. If I get close I will be happy :)

Towards the end of last week activity dropped a bit with the dogs being groomed and the weather turning, walks were reduced. Reason being is that Tuvaaq has surgery today, so I wanted to keep him as clean as possible. From today, again walks will be reduced as I won't be taking the sore little boy out for a few days, so it's just Aana getting walked. 

I'm also off work til Wed, so maybe I can make up for it with a bit more activity.

So there you have it, Week 2 starts on 258.2 :)

5 days in...

And the numbers are looking nice. First mental barrier overcome. Sub 260 now, to onwards and downwards to sub 250 in the next 2 weeks I hope.

Intake is far higher than total abstinence, so no ketosis here, but liking the numbers for now. As things slow down, I can drop the intake a little and keep things moving.

So Day 6 begins on a high. 

Today's numbers, looking good.

Ok so today's numbers, only after 2 days mind you, so they always look good at this point, it's the coming weeks the real effort starts.

All the same it's still nice to see a positive drop, and would love to see a number that is 25* and not 26* by the end of the week. Sounds easy with 4 gone, and plenty of days left in the week, but only time will tell.

Meanwhile DOMS have arrived, so dog walking was fun just now. And to add some spice, it feels like gout is trying to break through. No worse than I have had in recent months, no more than a twinge. But with the change of diet there is always room for it to go for it and flare up.

Yesterday's intake quite controlled again, cereal in the AM, plenty of fluids, Belvita biscuits for lunch, shake late afternoon (mmmm) and some home made minimalistic stew for dinner. And of course a nougat and honey PTK bar to sweeten things up.

So here goes day 3, sore, positive and a little lighter by what, ooooh 1.5% or something lol

Today's numbers

Just thought I would obsess for a few days, so here are the numbers for today. Same dry post walk weigh in as I have always done.

Last night I decided to start Phase 2 a little sooner than planned, aka with Phase 1, and rolled out 3 30 day challenges.

Challenge 1 Squat Challenge. 

Starting the 30 days with a mere 50 squats, working up to the climax at 250 on the last day.

Challenge 2 Push-up Challenge.

Same 30 day format, starting with 45 push-ups on day 1, and ending on 100.

Challenge 3, Plank Challenge.

Quite a new phenomena in the mainstream fitness world, but amazing for core muscles as P90X taught me. So day 1 starts with 20 seconds, and we finish up on day 30 with 5 minutes.

So that's me up to date. Phases 1 and 2 underway with both better intake and increased activity.

Roll on Phase 3 which I will probably start in the next few weeks.

Breaking scales....

Oh sorry I meant breaking news. 

The latest fats and figures are in, and straight on the internet.

After an activity free year, my fitness, my health, me weight and general well being has taken a HUGE nose dive (except for the numbers which rocketted)

So here we go. A phased return to a healthier lifestyle starting today with phase 1. Abstinence based Protikee diet, supplemented with an evening intake of protein. No major activities at this point, just the regular dog walks etc.

I have / had P90X-3 on its way, along with Les Mills Combat, but due to me getting an address wrong, that might be money down the drain. Quick way to lose 125 pounds of the wrong sort.

Phase 2 will see activity increase in one form or another, most likely start is the 30 day planking and squat challenges. Just to spice things up gently. Along with getting back into the man cave and getting some use out of the equipment in there. 

One of my goals in this journey, other than not winding myself putting socks on, is to be able to do 2, yes just 2 clean and controlled chin-ups, and a whole bunch of dips.

So the starting numbers in the pics are as follows.

Start weight 265.8 lbs

BMI 39.4

Body fat 54.6%

Body water 33.7%

Scary numbers, but let's see them change shall we.... and fast!

PS weight and stats are taken from some Salter smart scales.

So here goes, Day 1.....