Feeling Good

I kind of like this new plan.

I am actually finding myself having a bit more variety than I have in the past.

Don't get me wrong I am finding myself reaching for similar foods, but now the combinations I am putting together are coming out quite great.

Workouts again are leaving me drenched. Running is something I haven't done in a while so my calves are a bit sore (Thank god for the foam roller).

I'm seeing differences too. I know it is only day 3 but with this accelerated program, I am noticing some changes on my body. The best one is my abs are poking out more.

I'm going to be measuring weekly so I will have updated measurements after the weekend.

Oh, right the weekend. Not looking forward to that. No cheat meal, not looking forward to that either. I'm going to have to be strong here because going without a cheat meal for 28 days is not something I have done or like to do (gotta have my ice cream). This may be my biggest challenge yet. The good news is I know I can control it because it really is all in my head.

The evil demon in my head that is.

Nutritional Overhaul

I'm trying some new things with nutrition.

I have been finding myself eating the same things for a while and I thought I would change it up a bit.

I've decreased my carbs more and increase my fat intake.

Today is Day 1 so it is difficult to know how things are going.

But I will say this, I'm loving the new variety.

I'm trying a new workout too. Pretty intense.

Today's workout went like this:

Squat to parallel 4 sets of 8 reps

Prone Jacknife to push up x 6
Cable Row Reverse Lunge x 6 each side
Complete as many rounds as possible in 10 minutes

Squat Press x 6 reps
Pull ups x 6 reps
Complete as many rounds as possible in 10 minutes

And I finished with intervals (6 at 30seconds high intensity followed by 90 seconds recovery).

My shirt was soaked when I was done.

Not like it normally is, because it is usually pretty wet, no today it was soaked.

I'm sure you wanted to know that.

I'll keep you updated on my progress.

Today was a High Carb Day

But when I woke up this morning, there was no cereal to be found.

I wanted cereal but there wasn't any in the cupboard.

So, due to my lack of planning ahead, I decided to make whole wheat pancakes instead (with peanut butter and milk).

I paid for that.

I think I may have an allergy to too much wheat at once because throughout my entire workout I felt a pit in my stomach, and I usually don't.

Not fun.

I guess it is a lessoned learned in planning ahead for next time:)

On another note, workouts are going great. I am performing bootcamp workouts two to three times per week, and performing weight training three times per week. I want to add another day of weight training, but haven't found the spot to do so yet. I'll be looking at my schedule this weekend.

Results of Phase 3

So the results are in.

And the results are kind of mixed.

Current Body weight: 199

Body weight at end of Phase 2: 205

Total Weight Lost: 18 pounds

Circumference Measurements:

Current:

Hip: 39

Waist: 31

Thigh: 23.5

Arm: 13.75

At end of Phase 2:

Hips: 39

Waist: 31.75

Thigh: 23.75

Arm: 14

Total inches lost in Phase 3: 1.25 inches

Total inches lost since start of program: 7 inches

Body Fat Now: 15%

Body Fat at end of Phase 2: 17%

Total Body fat lost since start of program: 6%

Now for the pictures:

Current Pictures:

Pictures at end of Phase 2:

I say the results are mixed because I expected bigger numbers. It is my fault I guess. Too much snacking on foods, plus getting away from fit day might have played a role in that. I'm still happy with the fat loss as the 15% is the higher end of the range at which I could be (lower number is 11%). Even though I am at the goal date for my achievement, I haven't yet achieved what I want to. Sure 5% may be a bit extreme, but there are still tools in my tool box that I can utilize to take this further.

And I'm still motivated to do so.

Measurements are coming up

I am actually pretty excited about measurement day.

I have noticed some significant changes in my body in four weeks.

And while I haven't been 'perfect' with my food, I have done really well.

My abs aren't just there now, they are prominent! That is very exciting.

I know I am sub 200 pounds now.

I feel more and more fit every day (I know I'm a fitness professional, I should anyway but it is different now).

I can't wait to go to the beach! That is something that is completely new.

Measurements coming soon.

Week four

I'm finishing up this very challenging portion of my quest.

I have gotten the carbs under control, or at least better than they were at the start. I've noticed some definate changes in my body and am excited about the measurements this weekend.

Am I at 5% yet, I doubt it. But I'm a heck of a lot closer than when I started. There is still plenty of room for improvement and am looking forward to the next phase of this program.

Oh, and Saturday I did my first sprint intervals and boy am I sore!

I'm going to start running more (sprints) as I hadn't done it at all thus far in this program. I had done a lot of kettlebell training. I am going to combine the two on my cardio training days.

I'll keep you posted on how that goes.

Oh, and for those of yo in bootcamp, I got three laps around the arena in less than one minute on Saturday; curious what I would get for a 1/2 mile time if my interval hadn't ended:)

GI Joe Lines

Not fun.

I can see how Atkins would work for short term as I have noticed tremendous results in less than two weeks.

But I can also see how being on low carbs for an extended amount of time can make one go mad and then binge.

It is tough to control.

But I'm going to do it.

You are probably wondering about the title of this entry.

Well when I was in college a friend of mine would rave about guys and their GI Joe lines.

You know those lines at your hips that form your oblique muscles (side of your abs).

Brad Pitt is well known for them.

Anyway, I can see mine and they are quite prominent:)

Not to show off or anything but this program is unleashing the potential I always knew I had in me. I read a quote this morning that puts it perfectly into perspective:

Interest vs. committment

"There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstances permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results." -Unknown

I am committed. Bring on bathing suit season. There is no stopping me now.