Crazy Core

Day 54 - Core Synergistics

Oh yes...the lovely, hour long, core workout. It's getting better, but dang. It was hard to get my mind right for this workout, after having a stressful day. The Monday after a holiday always makes children crazy. Once I settled in and cleared my mind, things went by more quickly.

I burned 450kcal, then had supper which was 477kcal. Do I win?? So much for this being a rest week - I will be happy to go back to heavy lifting, heaving up on the chin up bar, and maxing out to face plant on push ups.

Senor Scale was a grande pendejo for the weigh in today. He seems to think I have gained 3.6lbs in the last week. Hmmm....let's see - 3500 calories to a pound X 3.6 = 12,600 EXTRA calories I consumed last week?!? I don't think so. No, friends, I only had pie for supper once. It was good pie - but not 12,600 worth. I'm certain things will even out. But if I see a number like that again, I may not survive the shock.

My Stronger Heart

Day 51 - Core Synergistics

Stepping on the scale this morning wasn't the horror show I had expected after Thanksgiving. I hadn't eaten much for supper and was quite hungry this morning! I had a terrible *wonderful* brunch of ham, sweet potatoes and creamed onions...but atoned for that, fully, by doing this workout.

I was much more capable during this routine. I first did this DVD a month ago on my last one week rest cycle. I HATED it. An hour of core work is tough! I'm happy to report less hatred and even a bit more ability to do the exercises. Interesting comparison to the first time I completed this routine:

11/26

Calories Burned: 450

Max HR: 181

Average HR: 137

10/23

Calories Burned: 580

Max HR: 188

Average HR: 150

While I, obviously, burned less calories - it's apparently because my heart is stronger and didn't work as hard during this workout - reflected in my lower average heart rate. I've been down in the dumps because my weight is not coming down with all of this work, so being able to focus on increased cardio-vascular strength is going to keep me pushing play for another day.

(/|\) - Peace - by my Mini-Me

Bad Attitude

Day 26 - Core Synergistics

I guess I could sugar coat it and tell you that I "struggled." The truth is I really hated working out today. I was tired, coughing, and all around hating life. I'm really *pissed* that I've been working so hard for no change in the numbers. Doesn't really make you want to stick with the program.

This workout is similar in effort to a circuit training workout. Many of the exercises use the core muscles and the muscles of the lower back. Having chronic pain in my back, I have to be careful about how far I push on this one. While making the switch from "superman" pose to "boat" I felt a nice twinge. I breathed through it and kept going. All is well.

By the end of the workout I was standing in front of the TV making what looked like an effort to stretch. I really hope I can see a difference on the scale or the tape this week. Right now this feels like a quantum waste of my time.

Calories burned: 416

Average HR: 128

Max HR: 176

Core Synergistics

Day 23 - Core Synergistics

Unfortunately, I started out doing the wrong workout today! I did the warm-up portion of Shoulders, Arms and Triceps. Doink! This workout is KILLER. I think Plyo might be a little tougher, but for what's supposed to be a Recovery Week, I'm scared of what's ahead. I was very happy for a little Recovery Drink and a shower afterward.

Calories burned: 580

Average HR: 150

Max HR: 188

With variations of Mountain Climbers, and crazy Lunges with Weights, this was a max burn workout!