Just checking in

OK so its midway through Week 2 of the new training regime. Eating clean except for planned cheat day (Saturday) and keeping the carbs down and fibre and protein up the best I can. I have never been the best clean eater, that much is for certain. Oh actually the LighterLife experience kept it VERY clean, but that was an exception.

So chicken, fish, and fruit are the main substance right now, along with some cereal to get the fibre up too. That hasn't been too hard at all. But as the supplies run low, I have to run the gauntlet of the supermarket once more, and avoid the bread, chocolate, cakes, sweets, ready meals and so on, just to get to the 'fun' stuff.

I can't moan too much about the basics, after all, protein rich chicken and fish are my favourites anyway, so its all good. Next week I will make the intake a little cleaner still and focus on getting my fluids up more.

Training wise, at the moment I am doing a 6 day a week, twice a day program I made for myself. A little egotistical, and probably a little amateurish, but the main thing is its targeting my key areas of concern including core / trunk, and fits my day to day routine. Floor and frame exercises in the morning, and weights in the evening. So far I'm loving it and feel fantabulous for it.

Looks wise, and numbers wise, well both a bit ugly at the moment. Weight around 250, aiming to get back to my happy zone around 220. Got weigh in on Friday so lets see. No major changes clothing fit wise, but then its very early days, but at the same time, I feel like I am sitting tall and walking proud, so that's nice. All the while my core is super tight, which also feels nice.

I look back of days gone by and think of the amount of energy I have expelled training, and compared it to now. Current day is far less, but far more controlled too, and it doesn't feel too bad either. I'm not aiming to be the next big bodybuilder or anything, just return to good health and look a little better at the same time. Now, its about pacing myself, making gradual changes in all areas of life, with the end goal being good health, and a revived ego.

So that's me, mid way through week 2.... Watch this space.

Here we go again

Yes I know you have heard it all before, repeatedly, but THIS TIME.........
OK with my achillies tendons playing up the way they have over the past year, I am far from about to jump back in feet first, let alone head first.

However, health has started to become a concern again, starting to be out off puff too quickly isn't a nice feeling as im sure some know.
Then there is hobbies etc. Recently I have fallen in love with scuba diving, and I REALLY want to get a lot better and do lots more adventurous things. Now im not saying im physically incapable right now, but I would like to be more mobile, so thats a big incentive for me.

So right now im at the end of the first week of a new made up routine. Healthier eating,regular exercise, and no quitting.
1 meal a day (balanced) fruit and cereal throughout the day. Plenty of fluids of course.
Morning workout is a basic 3 move, 3 sets, increasing reps of simple movements like pushups, dips, situps etc Evening is weights, again keeping it to 3+3 right now, with the plan to increase steadily.

There you go, yet another chapter of trying to get and STAY healthy begins.  My starting weight as of today (first week never counts) is 250lbs. Not horrific, but room for improvement.
My training buddies are my Maximuscle home multi gym, my Gymano home dip, and chin up station, and my tech is a Jawbone UP for recording movements, and Google Fit as its back up.  Now to find an online gym diary....

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

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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.....

End of Week 1.... Almost !

Just got Kenpo left to do this afternoon, then that's the first week over with. And I cant wait to get going on Week 2. The calf problem aside, I have remembered how much I love the ache of training again, and want more.
I am also remembering how much I enjoyed being fitter,  and thrive to feel that way again.

I did better in all rounds than expected, and no nausea yet, but that could be down to the sensible pace I have approached this round with.

Bands only, but stronger ones ARE needed soon. No jerky weights for me and my ageing joints this time. Diet is as before,  nothing strict but keeping it clean too.

So a nice soak in the bath now, then a relaxing afternoon,  and hitting Kenpo this evening.  For week 2 I might actually stay with evening workouts.

Broken legs

Ok, not broken but non functional at least.
I woke this morning with excruciating pain in my right calf muscle and spent most of the day trying to loosen things up.
Day 5 of course is legs and back,  but common sense says give the legs a break. 
So, day 5, back!
Hoping to be fighting fit, pun intended,  for Kenpo tomorrow

A long time coming

Well its been a while,  lots of ups and downs of recent months all finishing up with the passing of my aunt.  The last of a generation,  the final link when it comes to caring for a relative.

Will stress and anxiety behind me a new beginning is called for,  and what better way to do it than caring for myself once again.

P90X is my starting block once again, and will signal the return to fitness for me once more. Fit by the time we travel to Florida I hope.

So it all started yesterday and my mind feels like it is in the right place to do something spectacular,  so I am hoping I can commit the same way I did last year. Maybe with some added spice of Les Mills Combat to really set things on fire.

Watch this space,  and please offer at motivation you can, im forty now, I need it haha.

New Year

New mission. Still set for #Fit4Forty but this is the final leg now, under 2 months to go.
Last month or 3 I have slipped quite a bit but ready to get back on track now.

So this is just a quick entry to say I'm gearing up for a new assault. Same team, same program, for the last time before 40.
It all starts bright and early on Monday 7th Jan, with my P90 buddies.

Let's do this!
Regards

Michael
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Its that time again.

After a few more weeks out the game, its time to get my shit together and get my arse in gear.
The whole P90X monica was #Fit4Forty, and with that milestone only 90 odd days away, there is no better time to get back in the groove.

At this point I would love to say I'm pumped, motivated and ready for the challenge, but I'm really not lol.
I'm sure this time next week I will be all fired up, but for now, there is no real enthusiasm. Other than the bit of self pride left in me that reminds me that I set myself a challenge.

So, here we go again. 3 months of interesting changes to my daily activities, and let's see what becomes of it all. As ever the dynamic has changed somewhat, but let's see what I can do with it.
Regards

Michael
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Groin strains and shoulder pulls.

What a great combination to go into another week of training with. A slight tweek training last night in the middle of a twist game me a nice little sensation in my groin, maybe stomach (hard to tell)
Meanwhile, working shoulder and triceps hard, by the time I woke this morning my right shoulder is pretty tight, stiffening up my neck too.

Other than that, training is still going really well, and I am VERY happy with myself for my commitment to the program, and for my progress.

Just thought I would throw this entry into the mix, its been a while so just wanted to touch base and show I'm still working hard at it.

Arms, shoulders, back, legs, all exploding when I'm training. I love the feeling. Just not the strains.
Regards

Michael
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Week off!

Week 4 aka rest week has been a total blowout, with gout having me out of action for the main part of it.
For the last 2 days I will probably just sit it out, and start Phase 2 clean next week, skipping Rest Week totally.
I may give Kenpo a shot tomorrow depending how things work out, but either way, the gout has passed, the fire still burns hot, and I'm ready to dive straight in on Monday.

I feel I have cheated a little, not pushed hard enough, but the reality is, the muscle strain caused by gout needs time to sort itself out too, its not just about the foot. So I will bnot be too hard on myself about it.

The weekend is ahead, let's see what that brings, whatever happens, clean eating starts again Monday, as I kinda cheated a bit this week lol

Right, that's me updated.
Regards

Michael
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Quick update

And I mean quick.
Round3 Week3 Day3... Loving it and loving being back in the routine. The burn, the buzz the ache. Its great to have my drive back, and to once again be able to see the results starting take shape so soon.

A few other people still plugging away at P90X with me, a few others have fallen off the wagon. So well done to those who are hanging in there. Only 10 weeks to go lol

Right, arms pumped, shoulders tight, and off to work.

Work hard people and Dig Deeper Dammit
Regards

Michael
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Day 3

Hardly into the program again, and already my mindset and physical drive is changing for the better. I love training, always have, always will. But overcoming the initial hurdle to get going has always been my biggest battle.
Just getting the steam in the boiler up to temperature is my biggest struggle. What I love about the structure of P90 is knowing what I HAVE to do, and not being able to just take it easy for the day.

Suddenly getting up to walk the dogs was a piece of cake, and knowing I have a routine to get up for makes waking and rising early easy.

That's not to say that the first 2 days have not taken their toll. Legs were aching like crazy, as are my chest and tri's. Legs are so tight at the mo that to lay down for tricep extentions and side tri rise, I had to kneel then lay lol. Pathetic I know.

But all in all it feels great to be active again, and I am happy to report shoulders and arms was not too bad today. Trained to exhaustion of course, but at reasonable weight and resistance, and good clean reps.

Yoga tomorrow is going to be a nightmare, but I already have a plan to adapt where needed, so not going to over do it, not just yet anyway.

Have a good day, and train hard if you are training.
Regards

Michael
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First time back on Plyo

So, now I remember what it feels like to be new to Plyo. Well almost anyway. Knowing the movements helps a lot. But after a few weeks away from training, it was a hard slog to get all the way through the routine.
I'm not shy and won't deny taking a couple of timeouts during this session, but this is a positive.
When I first tried Plyo it took me 2 or 3 goes to manage to complete it. This time around, although the exhaustion was similar, I am more confident in knowing what I can really achieve, and also know that short breaks will recharge me enough to continue and complete. So that's what I did.

Thankfully I didn't notice any issue with my hip/groin, so unless its going to freeze up later as my body recovers, it looks like a good sign.

Feels good to have got up and got stuck into Plyo again. I had almost forgotten what shakes from exhaustion felt like lol.

During the calf stretch in the cool down though I did notice how tight my upper half was from yesterdays workout, so Yoga is going to be fun on Thursday, can't wait for that, much!

Also on the walk to the station I worked out I have 5 months now til I'm 40, so will complete this round, and will be able to carry on at a steady pace there after. Plan is still to be in shape to be snowboarding on my birthday, so there is a real goal!

Right I'm gonna go curl up under my desk and eat sensible foods now. Have a good day whatever you are doing.
Regards

Michael
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