I've been continuing my research on different ways that people have leveraged the new media in support of their aspirations. In an earlier post I mentioned how some enterprising authors are growing an audience for their fiction by podcasting, and creating video trailers for, their unpublished novels. As I mentioned, author Scott Sigler has used this method. Another podcasting author named J.C. Hutchins has made even more innovations for promoting his FIRST print book:
"J.C. Hutchins will make his print debut in June 2009 with Personal Effects: Dark Art. Hailed as "the future of storytelling" by CSI creator Anthony E. Zuiker, "compelling" by director Gore Verbinski and "impossible to put down" by Final Destination writer Jeffrey Reddick, this new supernatural thriller series combines the experience of a traditional novel with an Alternate Reality Game." http://jchutchins.net/
"Clues in the novel — and items that come with the novel, such as ID cards and photos — propel readers into an online experience where they become protagonists themselves.
. . . Call the phone numbers: You’ll get a character’s voicemail. Google the characters and institutions in the text: You’ll find real websites. Examine the art and other printed artifacts included inside the cover: If you pay attention, you’ll find more information than the characters themselves discover.
Personal Effects: Dark Art is the ultimate in voyeuristic storytelling, representing a revolutionary step forward in changing the way people interact with novels." http://jchutchins.net/site/personal-effects/
It seems that several of these authors were only able to get agents and their work published AFTER they had built an audience through podcasting their unpublished novels. It's a shrewd strategy.
I've noticed that those who peddle toxic waste among us (such as "ghetto/street literature") are very creative in spreading their poison. Meanwhile, those of us who have better things to offer tend to passively wait for somebody else to make our novel, non-fiction book, film, etc. happen. Those of us who have worthwhile things to offer have to do better than that. We have to be at least as enterprising as the garbage peddlers.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams (of any type, not just fitness/health related) coming along?
Showing posts with label wildest dreams check-in. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wildest dreams check-in. Show all posts
Friday, April 10, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Wildest Dreams Check-In, Week 13-Final Power 90/P90X Wrap-Up
Today is Day 88 of the Power 90/P90X program. And this is my final check-in that I devote to talking about workouts.
Gold Star Wrap-Up
I'm looking forward to the short break that I'm going to take from working out after I finish the 90th day. After the break, I plan to do another 90-day training period completely made of up P90X workouts. The plan is to keep going until I get myself totally "tight and right." I'm much closer to where I want to be than when I started, but there's still work to do. Like I've said before, I'm in this for the long haul. I press on!
Looking back, I think the most important thing for me about the past 88 days is that I've broken the back of my previous eating habits. The "thrill is gone" when it comes eating poorly. I'm settling into a regimen of eating raw food before dinner. It's strange. I didn't realize how addicted I am to cooked food before I started doing this. I'm considering doing an all-raw detox at some point.
I've also made progress on some other "wildest dreams" fronts that I haven't been talking about as much. I decided to make a point of sprinkling more vacation days throughout the year to give myself more frequent 3-day weekends. Today is one such vacation day, and it feels good! I'm transitioning to making more of a conscious effort to spend more time on what I want, and much less time on what I don't want. The same with my mental energy.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams (of any type, not just fitness/health related) coming along?
Gold Star Wrap-Up
I'm looking forward to the short break that I'm going to take from working out after I finish the 90th day. After the break, I plan to do another 90-day training period completely made of up P90X workouts. The plan is to keep going until I get myself totally "tight and right." I'm much closer to where I want to be than when I started, but there's still work to do. Like I've said before, I'm in this for the long haul. I press on!
Looking back, I think the most important thing for me about the past 88 days is that I've broken the back of my previous eating habits. The "thrill is gone" when it comes eating poorly. I'm settling into a regimen of eating raw food before dinner. It's strange. I didn't realize how addicted I am to cooked food before I started doing this. I'm considering doing an all-raw detox at some point.
I've also made progress on some other "wildest dreams" fronts that I haven't been talking about as much. I decided to make a point of sprinkling more vacation days throughout the year to give myself more frequent 3-day weekends. Today is one such vacation day, and it feels good! I'm transitioning to making more of a conscious effort to spend more time on what I want, and much less time on what I don't want. The same with my mental energy.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams (of any type, not just fitness/health related) coming along?
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wildest Dreams Check-in, Week 12
Today is Day 81 of the Power 90/P90X program.
Gold Star
I can't believe that I've made it this far (with AWOL days, and other difficulties, of course). I will be greatly relieved to take a short break (probably 2 weeks) from all of this when I finish the 90th day. I plan to do another 90 day training period completely made of up P90X workouts. The plan is to keep going until I get myself totally "tight and right." I'm much closer to where I want to be than when I started, but there's still work to do. Like I said last week, I'm in this for the long haul.
I press on!
The Awful Truth
I blew off two days of training this week. One day out of sheer laziness. And last night, after having dinner with a friend. I very rarely drink, and I really enjoyed knocking back some Margaritas during dinner. So I ended up feeling full, drowsy, and tipsy when I got back home. I called it a night and went to bed.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams (of any type, not just fitness/health related) coming along?
Gold Star
I can't believe that I've made it this far (with AWOL days, and other difficulties, of course). I will be greatly relieved to take a short break (probably 2 weeks) from all of this when I finish the 90th day. I plan to do another 90 day training period completely made of up P90X workouts. The plan is to keep going until I get myself totally "tight and right." I'm much closer to where I want to be than when I started, but there's still work to do. Like I said last week, I'm in this for the long haul.
I press on!
The Awful Truth
I blew off two days of training this week. One day out of sheer laziness. And last night, after having dinner with a friend. I very rarely drink, and I really enjoyed knocking back some Margaritas during dinner. So I ended up feeling full, drowsy, and tipsy when I got back home. I called it a night and went to bed.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams (of any type, not just fitness/health related) coming along?
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Wildest Dreams Check-In, Week 11
Today is Day 75 of the Power 90/P90X program.
Gold Star
With frequent use of the pause button, I was able to make it through the Plyometrics workout!
Including the jump knee tuck: "Keep upper body relatively calm while jumping up and pulling your knees in towards your chest repeatedly. Use your hands as targets for your knees. Modify by lowering your hands, which decreases jump height. To intensify, raise hands to increase jump height and pick up speed."
I'm happy that there's really no "Awful Truth" to report this week.
I've sort of settled into a hopefully long-term, sustainable pattern of eating mostly raw food before dinner. Since I'm no longer following the regimented diet plan, it's somewhat slowing down my short-term weight-loss progress. However, I feel that what I'm doing represents great progress for the long term. I feel content (not agitated, angry, or resigned---*Smile*) about continuing to train and eat much better (than I was before) after I've finished the first 90-days. [After taking a small break, I'm going to continue the P90x training after Day 90.]
I no longer perceive this as a "quick fix" situation. I'm in this for the long haul.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams (of any type, not just fitness/health related) coming along?
Gold Star
With frequent use of the pause button, I was able to make it through the Plyometrics workout!
Including the jump knee tuck: "Keep upper body relatively calm while jumping up and pulling your knees in towards your chest repeatedly. Use your hands as targets for your knees. Modify by lowering your hands, which decreases jump height. To intensify, raise hands to increase jump height and pick up speed."
I'm happy that there's really no "Awful Truth" to report this week.
I've sort of settled into a hopefully long-term, sustainable pattern of eating mostly raw food before dinner. Since I'm no longer following the regimented diet plan, it's somewhat slowing down my short-term weight-loss progress. However, I feel that what I'm doing represents great progress for the long term. I feel content (not agitated, angry, or resigned---*Smile*) about continuing to train and eat much better (than I was before) after I've finished the first 90-days. [After taking a small break, I'm going to continue the P90x training after Day 90.]
I no longer perceive this as a "quick fix" situation. I'm in this for the long haul.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams (of any type, not just fitness/health related) coming along?
Friday, March 13, 2009
Wildest Dreams Check-In, Week 10
Today is Day 67 of the Power 90/P90X program.
Gold Star
Last week I figured that it would be a good idea to not wait until the last minute to order the P90X program. So I placed my order, and it arrived earlier this week. The original plan was to finish the introductory Power 90 program, and then start the more advanced P90X program.
What I forgot was that I often turn into a "blind ambition" sort of of person. I forgot that there was no way that I would have the P90X dvds, and not at least experiment with doing the workouts.
After the last two days of experimentation, I've decided to switch over and start doing the more advanced P90X workouts. P90X is serious. Both in terms of the exercises themselves, and the time commitment. Most of these workouts are about an HOUR long.
Today, I made it through the Legs and Back workout, which is 58 minutes of alternating squats, lunges, and pull-ups. [In my case, pull-up variations using resistance bands; maybe I'll invest in a chin-up bar. Time will tell.] It was hard and I struggled, but I made it through.
The Awful Truth
I hated the relatively brief yoga portion of the Power 90 program. The Yoga X workout in the P90X program lasts for 92 minutes. NO. There's no way that I'm going to do 1.5 hours of yoga. I abruptly walked away from the Yoga X workout yesterday after about 20 minutes. I've decided that I'll do the Cardio X program instead on the Yoga X days.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams (of any type, not just fitness/health related) coming along?
Gold Star
Last week I figured that it would be a good idea to not wait until the last minute to order the P90X program. So I placed my order, and it arrived earlier this week. The original plan was to finish the introductory Power 90 program, and then start the more advanced P90X program.
What I forgot was that I often turn into a "blind ambition" sort of of person. I forgot that there was no way that I would have the P90X dvds, and not at least experiment with doing the workouts.
After the last two days of experimentation, I've decided to switch over and start doing the more advanced P90X workouts. P90X is serious. Both in terms of the exercises themselves, and the time commitment. Most of these workouts are about an HOUR long.
Today, I made it through the Legs and Back workout, which is 58 minutes of alternating squats, lunges, and pull-ups. [In my case, pull-up variations using resistance bands; maybe I'll invest in a chin-up bar. Time will tell.] It was hard and I struggled, but I made it through.
The Awful Truth
I hated the relatively brief yoga portion of the Power 90 program. The Yoga X workout in the P90X program lasts for 92 minutes. NO. There's no way that I'm going to do 1.5 hours of yoga. I abruptly walked away from the Yoga X workout yesterday after about 20 minutes. I've decided that I'll do the Cardio X program instead on the Yoga X days.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams (of any type, not just fitness/health related) coming along?
Friday, March 6, 2009
Wildest Dreams Check-In, Week 9
Today is Day 60 of the Power 90 program.
It's a Wash: This Week's Awful Truth and Gold Star Cancel Each Other Out
One the one hand, I'm in much better spirits than I was last week about this whole transition. This is thanks to a comment from a reader named Ana (who pointed out that last week's bit of semi-craziness was simply part of "the necessary birth pangs unto becoming a new, healthier person."). ¡Muchas Gracias, Ana!
On the other hand, I've missed a couple of days of working out this week due to illness. [The cold that I've been ducking and dodging since last week finally caught up with me. Although, I avoided getting a sore throat due to timely intervention with zinc lozenges.]
I soldier on.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams (of any type, not just fitness/health related) coming along?
It's a Wash: This Week's Awful Truth and Gold Star Cancel Each Other Out
One the one hand, I'm in much better spirits than I was last week about this whole transition. This is thanks to a comment from a reader named Ana (who pointed out that last week's bit of semi-craziness was simply part of "the necessary birth pangs unto becoming a new, healthier person."). ¡Muchas Gracias, Ana!
On the other hand, I've missed a couple of days of working out this week due to illness. [The cold that I've been ducking and dodging since last week finally caught up with me. Although, I avoided getting a sore throat due to timely intervention with zinc lozenges.]
I soldier on.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams (of any type, not just fitness/health related) coming along?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wildest Dreams Check-In, Week 8
Today is Day 53 of the Power 90 program.
Gold Stars
No gold stars. It's been a lousy week all around. I've been stressed at work; and mentally exhausted when away from work. I took zinc lozenges and narrowly avoided catching a sore throat earlier this week.
The Awful Truth
Number of Days AWOL From the Nutrition Plan: 4. There was no pleasure in the rebellion against the nutrition plan. Just the nagging anxiety that my previous way of careless, carefree eating has been permanently "ruined." Ruined without a joyful replacement. This sensation is not the same thing as having developed positive "new habits." Which is how my friends have interpreted this situation.
I can tell that there's really no going back to my previous dietary habits. I've been surprised at how ambivalent (and sometimes resentful) I feel about that. I don't feel guilty when I go AWOL from the nutrition plan; just irritated that there's no joy in it.
I've been shocked at the emotions that are being dredged up by this transition. Offhand, I don't recall hearing or reading any accounts that mentioned this particular sensation. Hmmph.
Number of Days AWOL from the Workouts: 0.5. On Day 51, I abruptly stopped halfway through a workout and walked away.
I've been back on track for the last two days; but still feeling strange about all of this.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams (of any type, not just fitness/health related) coming along?
Gold Stars
No gold stars. It's been a lousy week all around. I've been stressed at work; and mentally exhausted when away from work. I took zinc lozenges and narrowly avoided catching a sore throat earlier this week.
The Awful Truth
Number of Days AWOL From the Nutrition Plan: 4. There was no pleasure in the rebellion against the nutrition plan. Just the nagging anxiety that my previous way of careless, carefree eating has been permanently "ruined." Ruined without a joyful replacement. This sensation is not the same thing as having developed positive "new habits." Which is how my friends have interpreted this situation.
I can tell that there's really no going back to my previous dietary habits. I've been surprised at how ambivalent (and sometimes resentful) I feel about that. I don't feel guilty when I go AWOL from the nutrition plan; just irritated that there's no joy in it.
I've been shocked at the emotions that are being dredged up by this transition. Offhand, I don't recall hearing or reading any accounts that mentioned this particular sensation. Hmmph.
Number of Days AWOL from the Workouts: 0.5. On Day 51, I abruptly stopped halfway through a workout and walked away.
I've been back on track for the last two days; but still feeling strange about all of this.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams (of any type, not just fitness/health related) coming along?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Wildest Dreams Check-In, Week 7
Today is Day 47 of the Power 90 program. My goodness, I'm halfway through this first phase of getting my college body back! [I'm going to start the P90x program after I finish this one. P90x is all about extreme---and I do mean EXTREME---levels of fitness. I'm not ready for that. Yet.]
Gold Stars
I'm slightly less tired, slightly less sore, and somewhat less irritable than I was feeling last week. LOL!
I've also (unhappily) moved on to doing the more advanced Phase 3-4 workouts. They have more difficult versions of several exercises. For example, the Phase 1-2 weight training workout has you doing standard push ups. Phase 3-4 calls for decline push ups.This is a more difficult push up, performed with the feet raised up on a box or bench.
The Awful Truth
I cheated a couple of days this week, and did the Phase 1-2 workouts. I can't justify this at all because they now feel noticeably easier.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams (of any type, not just fitness/health related) coming along?
Gold Stars
I'm slightly less tired, slightly less sore, and somewhat less irritable than I was feeling last week. LOL!
I've also (unhappily) moved on to doing the more advanced Phase 3-4 workouts. They have more difficult versions of several exercises. For example, the Phase 1-2 weight training workout has you doing standard push ups. Phase 3-4 calls for decline push ups.This is a more difficult push up, performed with the feet raised up on a box or bench.
The Awful Truth
I cheated a couple of days this week, and did the Phase 1-2 workouts. I can't justify this at all because they now feel noticeably easier.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams (of any type, not just fitness/health related) coming along?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wildest Dreams Check-In, Week 6
Today is Day 38 of the Power 90 Program.
The Awful Truth
I'm tired. Especially when I end up working out after some very long days at work. I'm sore. From doing the maximum number of suggested reps, and the advanced cardio workouts. I'm irritable. About feeling deprived because of the nutrition plan.
I've had a couple of (not very satisfying) days of rebellion against the nutrition plan. I've been not-so-secretly pleased about the recent lack of fresh Brussels sprouts in the nearby grocery stores. This has provided a semi-legitimate excuse to not have my daily anti-cancer juice. The fresh Brussels sprouts were back when I went shopping today. So, I'm back on the juice. {sigh}
Gold Stars
I soldier on with the workouts. I have a huge stock of anti-cancer sencha green tea that I faithfully drink everyday. [There's no plausible excuse for not drinking it.]
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams (of any type, not just fitness/health related) coming along?
The Awful Truth
I'm tired. Especially when I end up working out after some very long days at work. I'm sore. From doing the maximum number of suggested reps, and the advanced cardio workouts. I'm irritable. About feeling deprived because of the nutrition plan.
I've had a couple of (not very satisfying) days of rebellion against the nutrition plan. I've been not-so-secretly pleased about the recent lack of fresh Brussels sprouts in the nearby grocery stores. This has provided a semi-legitimate excuse to not have my daily anti-cancer juice. The fresh Brussels sprouts were back when I went shopping today. So, I'm back on the juice. {sigh}
Gold Stars
I soldier on with the workouts. I have a huge stock of anti-cancer sencha green tea that I faithfully drink everyday. [There's no plausible excuse for not drinking it.]
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams (of any type, not just fitness/health related) coming along?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Wildest Dreams Check-In, Week 5
Today is Day 31 of the Power 90 program. I'm into the 2nd month of the program now. I'm on my way!
Mike French's Essay about What to Expect with P90x
I've seen an essay by a P90x-er named Mike French posted and re-posted on several blogs about P90x. The essay is titled "What to Expect with P90x." What Mr. French says pretty much tracks with what my personal trainer told me years ago; as well as my previous fitness results with the personal trainer. Here's a link: http://malibubu.com/fit/blog1.php/2008/10/07/what-to-expect-with-p90x
Here are a few pertinent quotes from his essay [my comments are in blue]:
"DAY 1-30 (PHASE 1 -APPROXIMATELY) . . . Your body will take body fat off in 'sheets.' What I mean is that it will reduce your overall body fat evenly. Where we hold the largest amount of body fat largely depends on genetics and gender. Women tend to hold their body fat in their butt, leg, hip region. Men generally hold their body fat in their waistlines. This is what to watch for in this Phase: loosening of your clothes, stay off the scale and above all, remain patient and continue to work hard."
[Yep. This is why it's a good idea to track your progress with tape measurements (especially in the beginning. Also keep in mind that there is NO "spot reduction" of fat! Ever! Let go of that notion.]
. . . "DAYS 31-60 (PHASE 2 -APPROXIMATELY) . . . Expect dramatic results during this Phase as long as you remain disciplined and suffer daily. . . . Where you hold the most fat will improve but not to your impatient satisfaction. Why? Because as your body removes the fat in "sheets" naturally the leaner sections of your body will show definition the quickest."
[Yep. During my experience with the trainer, this was the point at which people started asking me what I was doing that had caused the noticeable weight loss and toning.]
. . . "DAYS 61-90 (PHASE 3 -APPROXIMATELY) This is the Phase to let it all hang out. It's an all out assault on body fat. . . . This is the time to do some extra workout sessions. Walk after dinner, take an extra bike ride. Skip rope, box, and do something extra to burn more calories and more fat."
[I would worry about overtraining with all of that. It makes more sense to me to do no more than 3 extra sessions per week.]
Gold Stars
Since this is the beginning of Phase 2, I decided that I need to tighten up my nutrition situation. Praise God, I've met my goals with Phase 1: My clothes are baggier and my measurements are smaller. But since I'm serious about wanting to see drastic changes during this phase, I need to make some dietary adjustments. So, I've eliminated processed foods (including my beloved bread), except for my once a week "cheat" meal. {very long sigh, but it's worth it}
The Awful Truth
Since I've started doing the maximum number of suggested reps with the weight training program, and mixing in the advanced cardio workout, I'm sore again. (Like I was at the very beginning.) {sigh}
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams coming along?
Mike French's Essay about What to Expect with P90x
I've seen an essay by a P90x-er named Mike French posted and re-posted on several blogs about P90x. The essay is titled "What to Expect with P90x." What Mr. French says pretty much tracks with what my personal trainer told me years ago; as well as my previous fitness results with the personal trainer. Here's a link: http://malibubu.com/fit/blog1.php/2008/10/07/what-to-expect-with-p90x
Here are a few pertinent quotes from his essay [my comments are in blue]:
"DAY 1-30 (PHASE 1 -APPROXIMATELY) . . . Your body will take body fat off in 'sheets.' What I mean is that it will reduce your overall body fat evenly. Where we hold the largest amount of body fat largely depends on genetics and gender. Women tend to hold their body fat in their butt, leg, hip region. Men generally hold their body fat in their waistlines. This is what to watch for in this Phase: loosening of your clothes, stay off the scale and above all, remain patient and continue to work hard."
[Yep. This is why it's a good idea to track your progress with tape measurements (especially in the beginning. Also keep in mind that there is NO "spot reduction" of fat! Ever! Let go of that notion.]
. . . "DAYS 31-60 (PHASE 2 -APPROXIMATELY) . . . Expect dramatic results during this Phase as long as you remain disciplined and suffer daily. . . . Where you hold the most fat will improve but not to your impatient satisfaction. Why? Because as your body removes the fat in "sheets" naturally the leaner sections of your body will show definition the quickest."
[Yep. During my experience with the trainer, this was the point at which people started asking me what I was doing that had caused the noticeable weight loss and toning.]
. . . "DAYS 61-90 (PHASE 3 -APPROXIMATELY) This is the Phase to let it all hang out. It's an all out assault on body fat. . . . This is the time to do some extra workout sessions. Walk after dinner, take an extra bike ride. Skip rope, box, and do something extra to burn more calories and more fat."
[I would worry about overtraining with all of that. It makes more sense to me to do no more than 3 extra sessions per week.]
Gold Stars
Since this is the beginning of Phase 2, I decided that I need to tighten up my nutrition situation. Praise God, I've met my goals with Phase 1: My clothes are baggier and my measurements are smaller. But since I'm serious about wanting to see drastic changes during this phase, I need to make some dietary adjustments. So, I've eliminated processed foods (including my beloved bread), except for my once a week "cheat" meal. {very long sigh, but it's worth it}
The Awful Truth
Since I've started doing the maximum number of suggested reps with the weight training program, and mixing in the advanced cardio workout, I'm sore again. (Like I was at the very beginning.) {sigh}
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams coming along?
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wildest Dreams Check-In, Week 4
Today is Day 25 of the Power 90 program.
It's a Wash: This Week's Awful Truth and Gold Star Cancel Each Other Out
One the one hand, I've started mixing in the advanced cardio workout (Phase 3-4). On the other hand, I blew off the Ab Ripper portion of the cardio workout yesterday (Day 24). I've been about 90-95% compliant with the diet plan.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams coming along?
It's a Wash: This Week's Awful Truth and Gold Star Cancel Each Other Out
One the one hand, I've started mixing in the advanced cardio workout (Phase 3-4). On the other hand, I blew off the Ab Ripper portion of the cardio workout yesterday (Day 24). I've been about 90-95% compliant with the diet plan.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams coming along?
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Wildest Dreams Check-In, Week 3
Today is Day 19 of the Power 90 program.
The Awful Truth
Day 13: I had a 1-day Rage Against the Diet Plan Rebellion. Including NO anti-cancer juicing with Brussels sprouts. And NO anti-cancer cup of sencha green tea. What was truly upsetting is that the junk food I ate didn't even taste right anymore!!! Including my beloved, deep-fried seafood from Long John Silver's. {throwing my arms up in the air in disgust}
This "not tasting right" is what happens when you indulge in grease, sugar, and processed "foods" after you've stepped away from it for any amount of time. Feh!
Oh well, I got back in the dietary saddle the next day.
Gold Stars
I've been faithfully doing the workouts. I don't mind the repetition of the weight training workout, but it does bother me with the cardio portion. So, every once in a while I'll substitute Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred workout for the cardio portion. Her workout is also hard, and there are NO breaks! [Thanks for the video recommendation, Kia!]
Things The Personal Trainer Told Me Years Ago
Don't live or die by the scale. Especially during the first 45 days of any program. Body composition is as important as pounds. Muscle mass weighs more than fat. You can lose fat and gain muscle mass, which can cause the numbers on the scale to stop moving. This is why it's so important to take tape measurements of yourself at the beginning. Measure your progress during the first 45 days by [fractional] inches lost, and how your clothes are fitting you. NOT by pounds.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams coming along?
The Awful Truth
Day 13: I had a 1-day Rage Against the Diet Plan Rebellion. Including NO anti-cancer juicing with Brussels sprouts. And NO anti-cancer cup of sencha green tea. What was truly upsetting is that the junk food I ate didn't even taste right anymore!!! Including my beloved, deep-fried seafood from Long John Silver's. {throwing my arms up in the air in disgust}
This "not tasting right" is what happens when you indulge in grease, sugar, and processed "foods" after you've stepped away from it for any amount of time. Feh!
Oh well, I got back in the dietary saddle the next day.
Gold Stars
I've been faithfully doing the workouts. I don't mind the repetition of the weight training workout, but it does bother me with the cardio portion. So, every once in a while I'll substitute Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred workout for the cardio portion. Her workout is also hard, and there are NO breaks! [Thanks for the video recommendation, Kia!]
Things The Personal Trainer Told Me Years Ago
Don't live or die by the scale. Especially during the first 45 days of any program. Body composition is as important as pounds. Muscle mass weighs more than fat. You can lose fat and gain muscle mass, which can cause the numbers on the scale to stop moving. This is why it's so important to take tape measurements of yourself at the beginning. Measure your progress during the first 45 days by [fractional] inches lost, and how your clothes are fitting you. NOT by pounds.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams coming along?
Friday, January 16, 2009
Wildest Dreams Check-In, Week 2
Today is Day 11 of the Power 90 program.
The Awful Truth
Day 5: I bought and ate chocolate-covered raisins from one of the vendors that comes through the hair salon I attend. Thank goodness The Cake Lady didn't come by while I was there. She bakes and sell slices from the most mouth-watering cakes I've ever tasted. {sigh} I always ignore The Bootleg DVD Man.
Day 10: I overslept and missed doing the workout in the morning. Although, I did do it when I got back home from work. [For me, this is not a good thing because I'm less likely to work out in the afternoon or evening. I can always find so many compelling other things to do!]
General Awful Truth About Week 2: I'm struggling with the transitions between poses during the Power Yoga portion of the cardio workout. And I'm trembling while doing the Crescent Pose. I never liked yoga anyway. Hmmph.
Gold Stars
Day 8: I rode my exercise bike after work for "extra credit" cardio. [I won't be doing that very often. Overtraining is a no-no.]
General Gold Stars for Week 2: I'm faithfully doing the workouts, with about 90-95% compliance with the diet plan. I'm not sore anymore.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams coming along?
The Awful Truth
Day 5: I bought and ate chocolate-covered raisins from one of the vendors that comes through the hair salon I attend. Thank goodness The Cake Lady didn't come by while I was there. She bakes and sell slices from the most mouth-watering cakes I've ever tasted. {sigh} I always ignore The Bootleg DVD Man.
Day 10: I overslept and missed doing the workout in the morning. Although, I did do it when I got back home from work. [For me, this is not a good thing because I'm less likely to work out in the afternoon or evening. I can always find so many compelling other things to do!]
General Awful Truth About Week 2: I'm struggling with the transitions between poses during the Power Yoga portion of the cardio workout. And I'm trembling while doing the Crescent Pose. I never liked yoga anyway. Hmmph.
Gold Stars
Day 8: I rode my exercise bike after work for "extra credit" cardio. [I won't be doing that very often. Overtraining is a no-no.]
General Gold Stars for Week 2: I'm faithfully doing the workouts, with about 90-95% compliance with the diet plan. I'm not sore anymore.
What's going on with you? How are your Wildest Dreams coming along?
Friday, January 9, 2009
Wildest Dreams Check-In, Week 1
The Get My College Body Back campaign is not a New Year's resolution. This has been brewing for a while. After college I did what a lot of people do: Gain 1-2 pounds a year for over 10 years. That's how people look up to find themselves overweight.
About five years ago I hired a personal trainer. I lost weight. Then I started slowly backsliding. I've gradually gained almost half of it back. So, I'm pretty annoyed with myself. I decided to do a lot of introspection about why the backsliding happened before I would engage in another regimen to get the remaining excess weight off. As I'll explain, there are still some aspects to all of this that I need to ponder. But I'll cross those bridges after I get my college body back!*Smile*
I. Power 90
After doing some research I decided to start the Power 90 program. Power 90 is a 90-day long diet and fitness plan that's designed to strengthen and tone your entire physique. AND get the excess weight off. It's a 2-disc DVD set that has three separate workout routines. It comes with a resistance band so there's no need to buy any other equipment (like dumbbells, if you don't already own some).
The three separate routines (cardio, resistance/weight training, ab exercises) come in two versions. The easier one (Phase 1-2), and the more difficult one (Phase 3-4). Actually, it's all hard. Being nosy as well as ambitious, I decided to try the Phase 3-4 cardio workout on Day 1. I had to take breaks. Keep in mind that I haven't been a complete couch potato. I regularly ride my exercise bike, and do rounds of kettlebell swings. However, I normally do these things about 3 times a week. NOT the 6 days per week workouts that are required for the program. So, I sensibly dropped down to the Phase 1 cardio routine. The literature indicates that most people transition to the Phase 3-4 workouts somewhere around Days 45-60.
II. P90x
Getting my college body back is just the first step. I was slender in college, but I wasn't toned. What I really want is to have a body that is what one of my friends calls "tight and right." Not crazy-ripped like Linda Hamilton was in Terminator 2, but definitely toned. After I finish the Power 90 program, the plan is to do a second 90-day program called P90x. The "x" stands for extreme. And it IS about extreme fitness. It has a reputation of whipping people into the best shape of their lives. If you're curious, check out the "P90x" YouTube videos that plenty of folks have sent in about their experiences with the program.
There's even a minimum fitness test that the makers suggest that you pass before attempting this program. Here are some P90x minimum requirements:
Pull-Ups. "Should be able to do at least 3 if male, 1 if female." [In my dreams.]
Vertical Leap. "Should have a vertical leap of at least 5 inches if male, 3 inches if female." [I've never done plyometric exercises in my life.]
Push-Ups. "Should be able to do at least 15 if male, 3 if female (or 15 push-ups off your knees). " [Umm . . . no. I haven't done push-ups since the martial arts classes. And I don't accept the notion of counting "off the knees" as real push-ups.]
Wall Squat. "Should be able to hold wall squat for at least 1 minute." [Finally! Something I can do! Hooray for me!]
Bicep Curls. "Should be able to do at least 10 curls with 20 lbs. if male, at least 10 curls with 8 lbs. if female." [Yep, I can do the 20 lbs. curls. That's the benefit of playing with kettlebells.]
The Ab Test (In & Out Crunches). "Should be able to do at least 25." [Umm . . . no.]
There are some other aspects to the test, but you get the idea.
III. Check-In for Accountability
I'm going to check in with you each week, and let you know how I've been doing with the program.
Today is a Day 4 for me of the Power 90 program. I do the workouts in the morning. That works best for me, because if I wait until later in the day there's a good chance that I won't do it at all. Somehow, I find so many other compelling things to do once the day gets started. The downside is that this means getting up an hour earlier.
Gold Star: I did the workouts, AND resisted yesterday's almost overwhelming urge to continue sleeping instead of getting up to exercise (Day 3).
The Awful Truth: On Day 2 I gave in to a craving for potato chips, and bought some while grocery shopping. Of course, this is contrary to the point of eliminating empty calories from my diet while I'm on this program. Which brings me to another point. For me, these programs are not-so-quick fixes. I'll have to figure out things that I'm willing to do for the rest of my life to maintain my future physique. That's part of why I did the previous backsliding. I was not (and am not) willing to follow the personal trainer's diet program for the rest of my life. It's just too restrictive.
This is why I'm so excited about the suggestion that an audience member named Blackout made in a comment to the Wildest Dreams, Part 1 post: becoming a "vegetarian before 6:00 p.m." This is something that I'm willing to do for the rest of my life to maintain a "tight and right" body.
Another bit of awful truth: I'm (moderately) sore. In all the little muscles (like triceps) that I rarely exercise. That's what I've noticed about the program. It has quickly pointed out the muscle groups that I have totally neglected.
I'll check in each week. I'm inviting you to do so as well, with your own efforts. I'd like to hear about your daily triumphs, and your not-so-great moments on the road to better nutrition and fitness.
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