Week 2

Ok, now I am back on track. I missed last Friday and Saturday (Legs/Back & Kenpo) which was disappointing to say the least. After all that talk about determination and I fail in the first week. Well, Monday night I completed the Chest & Back workout. It actually is one of my favorite because push-ups and pull-ups are probably the best and most basic exercise. I felt really good afterwards with some good pumps in my chest and arms. Pull-ups are still somewhat difficult as I feel like if I didn’t use a chair, my arm is going to snap because of my plates. It is probably more so a confidence thing than anything else. Then, to top off such a good workout, I did the Ab Ripper X. That shit is such a tough 15 minutes and they don’t lie about the ab ripping part! Once I get to the leg climbs and I can just feel my abs ripping but it’s definitely a good feeling. Regular crunches and ab machines are very ineffective compared to this workout. People don’t realize that you don’t necessarily need weights or machines to workout but rather your bodyweight can provide good enough resistance.

Tuesday night, it was Plyo X. Even though it is high-impact (strenuous on the knees and ankles), I feel a better burn cardio wise than any other cardio workout. Also, it helps with any athletic performance. If all I did was workout, Plyometrics will help achieve my goals because it is that effective for any leg workout. Regardless, I definitely feel grateful to be doing these workouts. I can tell my health has been changing for the better and will be in the best shape of my life soon enough. Although, I have enough nutritional supplements to open up my own vitamin store, I attribute my success more to the workouts themselves than my supplements. Yes, supplements help to a degree but first comes the diet. I have been tweaking my diet more and more to adjust to the new physical demands. For overall health, I would say that diet accounts for 60%, exercise accounts for 30-35% and the nutritional supplements make up the remaining 5-10%. Even if someone just walked daily but ate very well, they would have a healthy weight (after a consistent diet timeframe) and less risk for diseases and illness. Granted, genetics play a part for diseases but you cannot change that. You can only change your health and physical activity. With that said, a daily multi-vitamin and even a protein drink will help catapult results much faster.

Wednesday was Shoulders & Arms but unfortunately I had to cut it short due to a prior obligation. I did do the Ab Ripper X workout as well which is getting much easier and my abs are finally showing. It’s in between a 4 pack and a six pack I guess. Thursday morning was Yoga X. That is probably the best one for the morning since it’s a calm atmosphere and mentally cleansing.

I wish I had more to say but it’s starting to come along nicely and my progress is now more visible. It feels gratifying to make this commitment and stick to it (almost 100%, anyway). It’s so easy to get caught up in a routine that not only do you lose track of time but of who you are and what you are capable of. All throughout my childhood and adolescence, I was an active person who played in many sports and was physically fit. As years went by, college came and went, jobs came and went, stress attaches to your out-of-shape body and hang on for dear life. Not only does your body transform when you change everything completely but so does your mind. Positive thinking, happiness and confidence replacing fat, stress and fatigue as residents with healthy nutrition and exercise as the happy landlord couple. If they leave and new landlords come into the picture, most likely fat, stress and fatigue will return. Stress will still exist with any kind of lifestyle but when taking care of yourself, it’s effects are less noticeable and easier to deal with.

As I close out this week, I can only look forward to the future. My progress will only become more apparent, my energy levels will increase, positive mood changes and enhanced confidence. Basically, an improved sense of well being. I should also note that I meditate as much as I can. It is a great way to clear the mind and focus your thoughts on problems on hand. For now though, take it a day at a time and love every minute of it!