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!

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!

One Month Checking In

Welp, it hasn't been my best month.  I went back to work after a long vacation and the new routine has been challenging my new healthy lifestyle thing, to say the least.  

Then skirmish went down like this:

Large ladies represent my fitness/schedule struggle.  Now you understand?

Now, it hasn't been as bad as it has been in previous falls, but I certainly haven't lost any weight.  I also haven't been counting calories because I am not put together enough to be making deliberate meals.  Every lunch is a kitchen sink lunch: lettuce + anything edible in the fridge.

No cats were harmed in the making of my salads.

But some nights I can't decide which is worse, my hunger or fatigue.  I think that I may be turning that corner, however.  There's a bit of an adjustment going on here and I know that this part is temporary.

Anyway. As for working out, I didn't miss a single weight lifting routine the entire month! Yay!  Triumph!  Remember, I am using Chris Powell's plan because he's sexy and I want to be sexy.  Here is how I progressed:

Day 1
Goblet Squat: 16 kg
Hammer Curl/Press: 15 lbs
Dumbbell Deadlift: 40 lbs
Dumbbell Pullover: 8 lbs
Planks: 50 seconds/46 seconds (2 rounds)

Day 30
Goblet Squat: 24 kg
Hammer Curl/Press: 15 lbs
Dumbbell Deadlift: 60 lbs
Dumbbell Pullover: 15 lbs
Renegade Rows: 12 lbs

I didn't switch over to the renegade rows until about 2 weeks in.  But before that, I improved my plank time to 80 seconds/68 seconds/60 seconds (3 rounds). And I know it doesn't look like I improved with the curl and press but I did On the first day, I couldn't complete more than 8 reps a set.  By the end, I was able to do 12 on the first set and 10 or so for the next two.

I'm getting stronger.  I can feel it but I sure can't see it because I need to get the food in check. I hate counting calories but I just don't trust myself not to. So for month 2, here are my goals:

1. Continue the CP plan without missing any workouts.
2. Add 2 cardio days, one being interval training. Bf says that cardio will give me more energy.  It's worth a shot!
3 Count dem calories.