September 29th, 2007 Workout – Cardio
Yesterday was my off day as I usually take it on either Friday or Sunday depending on my plans. Now that I’m doing free weights, I may try to get two weight workouts in on the weekend as it’s a little less busy in the morning.
Anyway – I did 25 minutes of cardio on the elliptical today – felt pretty good and I burned about 400 calories. Everything else has been going well and I’m definitely starting to see the changes in my body. Now I just have to keep on track.
September 26th, 2007 Workout – Cardio
Was out today and didn’t get home in time to do my normal cardio workout at the gym, so I did 20 minutes of HIIT on my recumbrant bike. Having the bike around has saved me on more than a few occasions when I couldn’t get out to the gym. It’s always good to have a backup plan.
After that, I did my Tai Chi breathing exercises and practices the first four forms. I’m definitely getting the hang of it now – I just need a bigger area to practice in so I can go ahead without having to worry about bumping into the walls.
September 25th, 2007 Workout – Tai Chi / Weights
I had my second Tai Chi class today. I think I’m finally starting to get it and I’ve got the first four forms pretty much memorized.
After that was done I went straight to the gym and had a weight workout. This was my first workout of my new routine and I did chest, shoulders and biceps – all with free weights. I’m starting off pretty light to get used to the movements and I can already tell that I’m going to be sore tomorrow. It was definitely much more of a workout than I’d been getting with my circuit routine as well. I’m going to stick to this routine for at least 2 months and then reevaluate it again at that point.
September 20th, 2007 Workout – Weights
Today was my last circuit workout. It’s been just over two months since I started circuit training and I think I’m finally ready to get into a more traditional split routine with free weights. I’m going to put my new workout plan together this weekend and try it out on Tuesday after Tai Chi class.
As I write this, I’m enjoying an awesome shake. 1 scoop of casein protein, 1/3 cup of low fat frozen yogurt and 5 frozen strawberries all blended up together with a little water. It tastes amazing and I feel like I’m cheating, but the whole thing is less than 250 calories and has 25 grams of slow digesting protein – perfect for just before bed.
September 19th, 2007 Workout – Cardio
I meant to post this last night, but I passed out before I had a chance. I did 20 minutes of HIIT on my recumbrant bike and for some reason I really wasn’t feeling it. I barely had the energy to finish. I felt like quitting a few times during my workout but I didn’t let myself. After I finished I took a shower and watched the last few minutes of the hockey game and passed out.
I’ve been staying up a little later than usual to get some work done – looks like it caught up to me. I’m going up to the cottage this weekend, so I’m going to sleep in for sure ;)
September 18th, 2007 Workout – Weights
I did my second last circuit training workout today. I’ll be going to the cottage this weekend and won’t have access to weights but when I get back I’m going to switch to a more traditional split using mostly free weights. I’m definitely going to have to lower the weights until my stabilizers get back up to speed. I’ll probably end up sore as hell again too. The pain makes me feel alive though and lets me know that I’m pushing myself enough.
Over the weekend I’ll put together my new workout plan and update my page here with it.
Tai Chi
I took a Tai Chi class today through the city recreation program. I’ve always thought it looked relaxing so I decided to give it a try. It was actually pretty fun and was definitely much harder than I thought it would be. Getting the movements right while moving slowly and staying relaxed is very tough. I’m sure it will get better as I get used to each movement as well.
Looking forward to next week’s class. Pretty soon I’ll be able to kick ass in slow motion.
Cheat days
I ended up having a second cheat meal on Sunday. It was my little brother’s birthday and we went out for dinner. I stayed away from the fried foods but still ended up with a pretty big meal. I’m not going to beat myself up about it though. All that’s going to do is make me feel crappy and discouraged. This is going to be a real long term change and I need to remember that.
September 17th, 2007 Workout – Cardio
I did 20 minutes of HIIT on my recumbrant bike today. I really pushed it and had an awesome workout.
Tomorrow I start a Tai Chi class. I’m really looking forward to it and I think it should be fun. Going to go to that and then to the gym straight after for my normal weight workout.
September 16th, 2007 Workout – Cardio
I did a 25 minute HIIT workout on the eliptical machine today. It was the easiest it’s ever been, despite increasing the difficulty level from last time. I guess it’s time to go back to the stair climber. I figure I’ll stick with only doing stair climber workouts until I get used to that and then switch back to the elliptical.
I’ve been doing some short runs with the dog while walking him as well. My running endurance is definitely way up and my legs didn’t feel too bad while I was running. I’m going to try to get a run in at least once a week and see how it goes from there. At the least the dog will appreciate it since he always seems to have energy to burn.