Sunday, November 17, 2013

Total Body Transformation, Month 3

This has been my workout for the last three months: Chris Powell Total Body Transformation

Here's how I did in month 3!

Beginning of the month:
  • Alternating lunge jump:  12 reps, holding 8kg kettlebell        
  • Bent-over row:  12 reps, 8lb dumbbells
  • Stability ball hip raise and leg curl: 12, resting 3/4 through
  • Incline bench press: 12 reps, 12 pound dumbbells
  • Stability ball plank: one minute. 4-5 rests to complete
End of the month
  • Alternating lunge jump: 18, 12, and 11 reps,12kg kettlebell  
  • Bent-over row: 12 reps, 15lb dumbbells
  • Stability ball hip raise and leg curl: 12, no rests
  • Incline bench press: 12 reps, 20 pound dumbbells
  • Regular plank: one minute, 2 rests to complete

Ridiculously good looking. You're welcome for providing this eye candy.

Other improvements:
  • When I run, it's easier to run further and faster than when I used to just run without weight training
  • My clothes fit better (looser) though I'm still too skeptical to try the skinny jeans yet
  • I have established a routine that I don't waver from, even when I don't feel like doing it.  Habits are powerful!
  • I lost 3 pounds
Conclusion:
I am not going to continue with months 4 and 5 of the Total Body Transformation - not because it's not a good workout, but because I think, for me, I need something different. Chris, if you're reading this, I hope this doesn't stand in the way of what might be between us i love you!

I started running outside again the past three weeks and I discovered that I had really been missing it.  I actually like running, even if I'm slow.  And after a run, I like it even more, because I get serious endorphins.

I know this quote is played out but it still makes me lol


I have been lifting continually for the last three months and, you know what? I don't like lifting! I don't get endorphin-high from lifting and as soon as I start I can't wait to be done.  Now, I will continue to lift because: 
  • it makes me a better runner
  • keeps your bones healthy and dense
  • muscle raises your RMR
  • I want to be fast AND strong
  • muscles are sexy. 
But I think I need to readjust because a happy exerciser is a more productive exerciser, at least in theory! Details forthcoming!


Saturday, November 9, 2013

Chris Powell Total Body Transformation, Month 2

Hello, readers! Long time, no see, I know.
I just want to share with you how it's going with the Chris Powell total body transformation.  Here are my stats:

Beginning of month 2
1. Crossover dumbbell step-up: 8kg each hand, could not make it through one set completely
2. Mountain climber: This was very easy from the start
3. Squat press: 8lbs each hand, could not make it through one set completely
4. Medicine ball slam: 14kg

End of month 2
1. Crossover dumbbell step-up: 12kg each hand, could only make it through first set
2. Mountain climber: This was very easy from the start
3. Squat press: 10lbs each hand, could barely make it through all sets
4. Medicine ball slam: 20kg

Fastest set: 4:20
Fastest workout: 15 minutes

I haven't seen any weight loss but at least I am getting stronger. And even though I haven't been running regularly, when I do run, it's still strong because the exercise that I am doing is making me all muscley and strong :D

Currently, I'm almost through month three, so another post soon to follow!

Oh, and one more thing:
BAM! Chris Powell.  Meeeeow!

Awwww!