Couple days off

I've had this weird pain in my chest when I breath in so I'm taking a couple days off and going to see the doctor today. I could work out but don't want to cause any further damage. Almost feels like a pulled internal muscle...if that's even possible.

Even After all this time

I was doing Yoga X last night and it's been a long time since I've attempted Warrior 3 and that twisting hold at the end of 45 minutes. All though it wasn't nearly as steady as it used to be, after laying off of Yoga because of Insanity, looking for a job and now traveling non stop...to be doing it in a hotel room after all that time, I couldn't believe I was actually not back to square one. I knew I had done it before and even though it hurt like hell, I was able to hold it on both sides. So even if life throws you off, if you have experienced the X then you know you can get back to where you once were and beyond.

On the Road

It's been quite some time since I posted but the good news is that I have been working out. It is tough to stay right on course of any routine, let alone something like the X or Insanity, on the road. But I'm starting to get some things down when I'm on the road. I did get a mini DVD player so I'm not reliant whether a hotel has a descent workout room or not. Now it's a bonus if I get to use dumbbells instead of bands but I don't have to go without now if the workout room sucks. Plus it's just seems to be easier and less of a hassle to do the work out in the room.

Well, this was a quick one because I need to leave here shortly.

The Soreness

Wow! All though I'm not nearly as sore as I was when I first did the X, it's great to feel like I've been lifting again. Had Shoulders and Arms today down in the hotel workout center. This one at Marriott Courtyard has a little dumbbell set up to 30 pounds so I was able to get a great resistance workout in. As I mentioned in my last entry, it's definitely a challenge to match the intensity of the workout when you're not working out with Tony.

New Round Starts

As I type this I'm feeling that familiar sore feeling the day after starting P90X. I can honestly say though that after weeks almost finishing Insanity, I'm not nearly as sore as I was when I first attempted the X.

It was a challenge working out here at the hotel I'm staying at because the workout room did not have a chin up bar and there was not a convenient place to put my door adapter to simulate pullups with a band. Also, I currently don't have a portable DVD player (I plan to get one before my next business trip) and so I had do the Chest and Back routine strictly from the worksheet. Still a great workout but not quite the same as working out along with the DVD.

Tonight I was not able really get a good Plyo workout in. There really is no way to duplicate that workout without the DVD. I worked up a good sweat but it will be much more effective with Tony.

It's great to be back working out with resistance. After months of Insanity I must say I have lost some size in my upper body but I do feel much stronger cardio wise.

New Venture

I've been away from the blog for quite awhile but I've continued to workout using the Insanity program. I recently took a sales position where I will be on the road quite often so most of next year will be me documenting the trials and tribulations of diligent training using P90X on the road with occasional times at home. Stay tuned to see if I can pull it off. I leave tomorrow for Sacramento and I will be starting a new round of the X tomorrow or Saturday.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!

Coach Shloo

Don't Forget Swimming

The one thing I miss about not doing Triathlons for a couple of years now are the swim workouts. After reading this excerpt from a blog that I've pasted below, I'm getting the itch to swim again. Also, my core wasn't anywhere near as strong as it is now and a strong core is key with a nice efficient stroke. If you've ever used water to workout, you know how effective it can be, if you haven't, you should add it to your array of things you can do to work out your new body.

Consumer Reports Health.org
Kevin McCarthy, associate editor

Swimming is my exercise of choice, which apparently puts me in good company—it’s the second most popular workout in the country. And you know it’s a great workout. Lap swimming is about as effective as jogging at burning calories, building strength, and provides a similar aerobic workout. And it’s easier on the hips and knees, helping those with joint problems work out longer and with less stress.

But lap swimming isn’t the only way to get a good water workout. Walking, running, or lifting weights in a pool is a different kind of workout than on land—and it can be safer too, especially for those who may be frail, overweight, pregnant, or with back or joint problems. One of my colleagues and fellow blogger was required to take a water aerobics class in college. She wasn’t excited about it at first, but says she thoroughly enjoyed it, and lost nearly ten pounds in one semester.

Like some exercise machines, water provides a natural form of resistance—roughly ten times greater than air—forcing you to work harder to move through it, which burns calories faster while building strength and aerobic fitness. And because water surrounds you, it provides resistance in any direction you move. Straight leg lifts on land, for example, tone the muscles in your front thigh, but the same exercise in water has the added benefit of strengthening the hamstring when you push your leg back down.