Well, last week was a good week with good progress. I continued doing the Pilates Abs video all week long, minus Saturday and Sunday (as I was feeling like crap from my sinuses). I went to bed super-early last night and got a lot of sleep. I feel MUCH better and decided today to check back in on the scale.
Now, full disclosure, I weigh myself every day (and sometimes more often if I'm feeling particularly self-conscious). When I started this two weeks ago I was right on the edge of 160. Yeah, I know, that's about 15 pounds above my fighting weight of 145 (where I settled last summer and where I liked it), but the winter was particularly poor for me.
But, hey, my clothes still fit. They were just tight which meant that it was time to cut back. I'm down to 152 as of this morning and I'm in shouting distance of 145. I don't plan to stop at 145, because I'm setting my sights on the ultimate goal: The elimination of that sad sack of loose skin. I'm going to hit it as hard as I can but not in terms of exercise. That plays a part, yes, but I'll be employing other methods.
First and foremost, let's get to today's workout: The 100 Waist Whittlers. This is A LOT harder than it looks as each repetition just wears you out more. I made it halfway through the video using the advanced movements before I was sprawled out on the floor, done. It'll kick you, it'll get your pulse up and it will make it so everything hurts. My shoulders, my abs, my chest, my back, my legs ... all were feeling it.
I didn't like that I couldn't finish the video, so I went back and did my Abs video (still my favorite video of hers) and did half of that before I was spent. I think I'll be doing the Whittlers every other day and continue to focus on the Abs video, which I still haven't mastered (the Cheerleader Ls continue to be my wall).
I ate well today (I managed a small breakfast and some lunch), and I'm done on that front.
But the continued efforts to eliminate the loose skin are about to get a major boost. I used my rather meager tax return to order some stuff from Amazon that, over the last two years, I've been researching. I don't like that I had to order it (because that's an admittance of failure on my part), as I was hoping that I wouldn't have to use these methods to fix this.
But, I'm doing it. First, I'm investing in Dry Brushing. If you're unaware of what it is, basically it's a way to brush off the loose skin and cleanse your lymphatic system. It's been shown to help make your skin look better and to also help heal damaged skin. That latter part is the reason why I'm investing in a dry brush, as according to the research I've done, the people who employ this method have seen benefits.
Now, is this going to be a quick fix? According to the research, it's going to take about 30 days to see the first results. I'm hoping it doesn't take that long but we'll see. That said, this will likely take months to make any noticeable difference but it's a painless procedure, so I'll give it a shot.
Next, I'm investing in salt baths. This sounds pretty much exactly what it is: A bath with salt. People across multiple sites have claimed that that Salt Baths help detoxify the skin and make their skin look better. Whether this is true or not is unknown as there are multiple claims for and against this across the Internet, BUT any good scientist worth their salt (PUN!) would have to try this out for themselves. So, I am. I didn't buy a large quantity of it but I bought enough to give it a decent test run. We'll see it it helps any as it's only recommended to be done twice weekly.
Finally, I'm investing in Alfalfa. These also have body cleansing properties and boast an impressive list of vitamins. I'm giving these a shot, too, to see if (combined with everything else) I can make a dent in this loose skin. If I've calculated correctly, the supplies I've ordered should last me a few months into the summer and should allow me to test whether or not the loose skin is a permanent part of me (likely) or if it can be reduced/possibly eliminated.
We'll see. But as far as this week goes, I look forward to getting back into the 140s and I'm setting my sights on the 130s (and the mythological 14 percent body fat). Overly ambitious? Perhaps ... but to be honest I have my sights set further than that if I can keep a decent pace. May is a good month and a half away, that gives me plenty of time.
Time to do work.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
The Summer Commeth ... Week Two
It's been a week and results are decent. Last week I jumped back into Pilates in full swing but wore myself out that first day; I didn't watch another Pilates video all week. Instead, I focused on doing the beginner exercises during the week while also taking care to watch what I eat. It's Lent season and so I've sworn off the comfort foods for Lent, which will not only help in my goals concerning that, but also my goals concerning this.
I'm down a little over three pounds since last week, a good start and a nice pace. In the past, I would have been upset at such a small mark but seeing as I have till May before I put on a swimsuit (you won't be seeing me in one before that: if you do, God help us all) I can take my time. Plus, if I do this well enough, I might be able to get into the 130s. The last time I did that was nearly two years ago and I had little muscle mass, so it looked freaky.
I definitely have muscle mass this time around and I'd like to give the 130s another go, but we'll see. The first goal is to drop that ten pounds.
Today, a new Blogilates video popped up on my newsfeed and it was focusing on my focus: Abs. The video was about the five best ab exercises and I only actually knew the first one, the Double Leg Lift. Cassey makes a very good point that our body reflects mostly what we eat and that exercise/genetics play a role in the rest. That's a good thing to remember for me and others, especially during this time of year when the summer (*dramatic music*) approaches.
So, I started with the Double Leg Lifts and found them a bit of a challenge, though I accomplished them easily enough. The workouts from last week have helped bring me closer into Pilates shape so the first exercise didn't take too much out of me.
Next, though, was the Reverse Crunch. This thing is a BEAST. It kills me every time because it blends the movement with balance (not a strong suit of mine). Lifting the legs in the air is fine for me, but bringing them back down slowly is difficult and trying not to fall backwards or over on the initial movement is also difficult. I like this move, though, don't get me wrong but it's a like that's resentful. I'd never say it to this move's face.
After that, my pulse was racing and I could feel my abs starting to hurt. Next move after that was the Heel Clicks. The hardest part of this move was keeping my legs up. Other than that, the strain was minimal and the break was nice.
The Cheerleader Ls followed. Brutality. This is the one that killed my abs. Up to this point I had managed to reserve some stamina, I knew a tough one was coming, but this one was tough. Holding the leg up and my shoulders up like that, while maintaining balance without my hands on the floor ... it was a very tall order. My heartrate spiked here and I was straining. Towards the end of this exercise I just had to lay down (which was allowed but really for beginners, which I'm so not).
She followed that up with the Rocket, which I was barely able to do. I didn't do them well.
At the end, abs were hurting. I was feeling it. Mission accomplished.
Now, all that said, the next week will prove to be an interesting one. I can make some big progress this week if I really push it, though whether I do or not is another question. I really don't want to push too hard because I feel like if I hit a wall I'll go for the ice cream in the freezer (which I realize I shouldn't have bought but it's my least favorite flavor, so the temptation isn't great). Slow and steady is what I'm aiming for ... but if I can be down that first ten or so pounds to my fighting weight (145) and then go into the 130s by the end of the month, I'd be really pleased.
We'll see. I have a tendency to be overly ambitious and hate myself when I don't meet said goals.
Anyways, this week will be about taking advantage of the nice-ish weather (sunny and in the 50s) while also maintaining good eating habits (key) as well as being productive in other areas of my life (writing). I think I've managed that, to some degree, today as I did go for a nice morning walk (two miles roundtrip), ate a pretty decent lunch (ham and cheese) and did write some.
Overall, the first week has gone well. We'll see what week two holds and whether or not I can minimize the sad sack of loose skin before swimsuit time hits. Thanks for reading, folks.
I'm down a little over three pounds since last week, a good start and a nice pace. In the past, I would have been upset at such a small mark but seeing as I have till May before I put on a swimsuit (you won't be seeing me in one before that: if you do, God help us all) I can take my time. Plus, if I do this well enough, I might be able to get into the 130s. The last time I did that was nearly two years ago and I had little muscle mass, so it looked freaky.
I definitely have muscle mass this time around and I'd like to give the 130s another go, but we'll see. The first goal is to drop that ten pounds.
Today, a new Blogilates video popped up on my newsfeed and it was focusing on my focus: Abs. The video was about the five best ab exercises and I only actually knew the first one, the Double Leg Lift. Cassey makes a very good point that our body reflects mostly what we eat and that exercise/genetics play a role in the rest. That's a good thing to remember for me and others, especially during this time of year when the summer (*dramatic music*) approaches.
So, I started with the Double Leg Lifts and found them a bit of a challenge, though I accomplished them easily enough. The workouts from last week have helped bring me closer into Pilates shape so the first exercise didn't take too much out of me.
Next, though, was the Reverse Crunch. This thing is a BEAST. It kills me every time because it blends the movement with balance (not a strong suit of mine). Lifting the legs in the air is fine for me, but bringing them back down slowly is difficult and trying not to fall backwards or over on the initial movement is also difficult. I like this move, though, don't get me wrong but it's a like that's resentful. I'd never say it to this move's face.
After that, my pulse was racing and I could feel my abs starting to hurt. Next move after that was the Heel Clicks. The hardest part of this move was keeping my legs up. Other than that, the strain was minimal and the break was nice.
The Cheerleader Ls followed. Brutality. This is the one that killed my abs. Up to this point I had managed to reserve some stamina, I knew a tough one was coming, but this one was tough. Holding the leg up and my shoulders up like that, while maintaining balance without my hands on the floor ... it was a very tall order. My heartrate spiked here and I was straining. Towards the end of this exercise I just had to lay down (which was allowed but really for beginners, which I'm so not).
She followed that up with the Rocket, which I was barely able to do. I didn't do them well.
At the end, abs were hurting. I was feeling it. Mission accomplished.
Now, all that said, the next week will prove to be an interesting one. I can make some big progress this week if I really push it, though whether I do or not is another question. I really don't want to push too hard because I feel like if I hit a wall I'll go for the ice cream in the freezer (which I realize I shouldn't have bought but it's my least favorite flavor, so the temptation isn't great). Slow and steady is what I'm aiming for ... but if I can be down that first ten or so pounds to my fighting weight (145) and then go into the 130s by the end of the month, I'd be really pleased.
We'll see. I have a tendency to be overly ambitious and hate myself when I don't meet said goals.
Anyways, this week will be about taking advantage of the nice-ish weather (sunny and in the 50s) while also maintaining good eating habits (key) as well as being productive in other areas of my life (writing). I think I've managed that, to some degree, today as I did go for a nice morning walk (two miles roundtrip), ate a pretty decent lunch (ham and cheese) and did write some.
Overall, the first week has gone well. We'll see what week two holds and whether or not I can minimize the sad sack of loose skin before swimsuit time hits. Thanks for reading, folks.
Monday, March 3, 2014
The Summer Cometh ... Week One
Well, it's been awhile since I posted here and that's because I've been slacking. The scale proves that in large numbers. I'm about ten pounds over where I want to be (at least) before the summer starts. You know the summer is nearly here, right? It doesn't seem that way with snow still falling in March but the summer will be here before you know it.
You know what else is coming when the summer arrives? Beach bodies. Girls in bikinis, dudes showing off their mighty six-packs. I know for a fact that girls worry about how other (often times younger) girls look in their bikini's, but (and I can only speak for myself here) as a fella I worry about how I look without my shirt. I was not kind to my body for many years and the damage shows. I do not compare favorable to the dudes with abs. Not at all.
The sad sack of loose skin still remains, still as ever stubborn as ever to get rid of. The stretch marks are still there. The blemishes are still there. I will be judged accordingly when it comes time to don a swimsuit. At least in the past I could get away with wearing a shirt (often times I didn't because I was 'proud' of who I was, laughable as that seems now) because no one wants to see the fat guy. It's an unspoken beach rule but one some choose to acknowledge.
I have no such excuse now. I can hide under a shirt but I have no reason to other than how I'm uncomfortable with showing off something so sad/horrible looking. But that's my penance for being the glutton in a past life.
That doesn't mean I'm giving up on it. I have, roughly, two months to trim down those ten pounds (which I can do in two weeks to a month, easily) and try to minimize the loose skin that still remains. Pilates is my method of choice.
Why? Simply put, results. Because of Pilates I fit into clothes I couldn't before and I have core strength. I have abs, but they're not visible sadly. But they're there and I use them every day and I hope to continue to develop them as I go along in life.
So, today, Blogilates (the Pilates I do via YouTube) posted a new workout calender for March. Focusing on Bikini Bodies, of course. I hit up the workout page for today and picked one I thought looked applicable to me. I picked video number three and was promptly taken back into the heat of things.
Sure, I could have stuck with the beginner calender but I've been doing that plenty. I remember most of the exercises I did there and have, from time to time, done them when I felt like it. I figured this would make this video less challenging, but I was wrong. Three minutes in and I was already feeling my pulse race. Then this shows up.
What kind of torture is that? That was the one that took the most out of me. Butt Pikes. The name isn't flattering but the burn? The burn is real. The rest of the video was a struggle, a mighty one at that, as I was thrown further and further into more ab-centric workouts. Which is exactly what I asked for, though I totally overestimated my ability to deal with it.
By the end, I was glad it was over and I'm totally willing to lay in bed and veg for the rest of the day. I will not but I'm willing to. Personally, I have will today to do workout things and I'm probably going to do some more. Maybe even outside (in the negative degree weather because ... well, because I can?).
But this video kicked my butt. Holy hell, did it ever hurt. You want some intense workout, do this video.
As for me, I'm gonna worry about the beach and nurse my wounded pride. Thanks for reading folks.
You know what else is coming when the summer arrives? Beach bodies. Girls in bikinis, dudes showing off their mighty six-packs. I know for a fact that girls worry about how other (often times younger) girls look in their bikini's, but (and I can only speak for myself here) as a fella I worry about how I look without my shirt. I was not kind to my body for many years and the damage shows. I do not compare favorable to the dudes with abs. Not at all.
The sad sack of loose skin still remains, still as ever stubborn as ever to get rid of. The stretch marks are still there. The blemishes are still there. I will be judged accordingly when it comes time to don a swimsuit. At least in the past I could get away with wearing a shirt (often times I didn't because I was 'proud' of who I was, laughable as that seems now) because no one wants to see the fat guy. It's an unspoken beach rule but one some choose to acknowledge.
I have no such excuse now. I can hide under a shirt but I have no reason to other than how I'm uncomfortable with showing off something so sad/horrible looking. But that's my penance for being the glutton in a past life.
That doesn't mean I'm giving up on it. I have, roughly, two months to trim down those ten pounds (which I can do in two weeks to a month, easily) and try to minimize the loose skin that still remains. Pilates is my method of choice.
Why? Simply put, results. Because of Pilates I fit into clothes I couldn't before and I have core strength. I have abs, but they're not visible sadly. But they're there and I use them every day and I hope to continue to develop them as I go along in life.
So, today, Blogilates (the Pilates I do via YouTube) posted a new workout calender for March. Focusing on Bikini Bodies, of course. I hit up the workout page for today and picked one I thought looked applicable to me. I picked video number three and was promptly taken back into the heat of things.
Sure, I could have stuck with the beginner calender but I've been doing that plenty. I remember most of the exercises I did there and have, from time to time, done them when I felt like it. I figured this would make this video less challenging, but I was wrong. Three minutes in and I was already feeling my pulse race. Then this shows up.
What kind of torture is that? That was the one that took the most out of me. Butt Pikes. The name isn't flattering but the burn? The burn is real. The rest of the video was a struggle, a mighty one at that, as I was thrown further and further into more ab-centric workouts. Which is exactly what I asked for, though I totally overestimated my ability to deal with it.
By the end, I was glad it was over and I'm totally willing to lay in bed and veg for the rest of the day. I will not but I'm willing to. Personally, I have will today to do workout things and I'm probably going to do some more. Maybe even outside (in the negative degree weather because ... well, because I can?).
But this video kicked my butt. Holy hell, did it ever hurt. You want some intense workout, do this video.
As for me, I'm gonna worry about the beach and nurse my wounded pride. Thanks for reading folks.
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