June 26, 2008
Throwing down the challenge
Congratulations to everyone for the progress that they have made.
Last week was particularly challenging. We were vacationing/working at the beach from Saturday until Tuesday. Coming home Tuesday I hit a deer near Evergreen. After getting the car towed we spent the night in Evergreen(not reccomended, really.) So for 6 days no Fitness Together or Healthy Connections. However, I have had to go it along with the diet due to entertaining clients and traveling. So I am getting used to it. Usually the beach meant camping out at the pool and beach and eating Fried Seafood Platters. This time we walked a lot, kayaked and sailed. I still lost 4 lbs.
So here is the tale of the tape after 8 weeks. I share this to encourage and hopefully challenge everyone to the end.
37 lbs lost
27 inches lost, 8 in the waist.
54 resting heart rate, 92 heart rate after the three minute step up test as of 6 wks. Did not have time to do it today. (I am extremely proud of this.)
65 lb increase in bench press
25 more push ups than first evaluation
157 Cholesterol
Flexibility continues to be a problem but improving. However, I can touch my toes for the first time in many, many years. Sit and reach continues to challenge due to a calf injury.
I am in the top 10% in all categories in the nation excpet flexibility. If you do the work the results will come. It has not been easy but very rewarding. I was in horrible shape when this started.
Cardio. I am averaging over 20 calories a minute. Today I did 500 calories in 22:22 after being off for 6 days. A new personal best. It gets harder as I get lighter because of the calorie Calculation. That does not seem right or fair.
These next four weeks my goal is to get 23 more pounds off and at least five more inches in the waist while maintaining mass and strength. I also plan to get in the top 10% in flexibility.
I hope everyone will share where they are. I am going to continue to push hard until the end. I am still highly motivated and committed to winning the contest for myself and my awesome trainer Christion Crocker at FT Mtn Brook. Regrdless of where we all end up I am so much healthier and better off. I have to admit I was a skeptic of prersonal training at first. Typical macho male pride. However, I would never do burpees and lunges before. Accountability is so important. Everyone out there following along just get off the couch and do it. You are not too busy.
Good luck to everyone. The challenge has been thrown. Bring it!!!!! 