REST DAY... to the EXTREME!!!

Today's rest day was just that in every way.

My Les Mills COMBAT session yesterday happened between my two jobs. I didn't get to sleep until 8:00 am this morning. And sleep I did. For nine hours.

My body needed all the rest I could allow it to have. I probably could have slept more if I didn't have to be at work tonight. Still, it felt good to get that much sleep in, especially after the challenging day I had yesterday.

Once again, rest day is also about what I put into my body. Unfortunately, I was too tired after work to do anything more than eat a microwavable meal. Right now, I'm enjoying a 1/2 cup of brown rice as I type this. I still have to figure out what I'll eat for dinner.

BLOG RELAUNCH

I'm glad I decided to relaunch my blog with an introduction to the Les Mills COMBAT program. I hope you've enjoyed the beginning of my journey with this DVD set as much as I've enjoyed doing the workouts. Please continue to follow along as I provide updates on my progress over the next 60 days.

Until then...

Let's get in shape, let's have fun, and #letsgetstrong.

UPDATE!!!

Ok, so I decided to go against the healthy diet thing tonight as I indulged myself in fried pickles, boneless chicken wings, and french fries at Hooters. Don't judge me.

Les Mills COMBAT: Day 6 - COMBAT 30 Kick Start

Day 6 of Les Mills COMBAT and we're back at the beginning. Back to the COMBAT Kick Start DVD and I decided to, like yesterday, add some light weight training after the session. 

I feel great!!! 

Had a good sweat and a good workout. I kept my own pace throughout the workout to make sure I used good form. Overall, today's session was low on struggle, but high on intensity and accuracy. 

I also added some resistance by wearing my weighted gloves. I don't plan to wear them often, but I was curious to see how challenging they would make it.

So, after kicking and punching my invisible opponent to death, I did the following:

• Bench press - 2 sets of 20 at 70lbs
• Leg extensions - 2 sets of 35 at 25lbs
• Leg curls - 2 sets of 25 at 25 lbs
• Upright row - 2 sets of 15 at 70 lbs
• Ab roll out with Ab Wheel - 2 sets of 15

Did I mention that I feel great? And with tomorrow being a rest day, I've officially completed my first week of Les Mills COMBAT. Nothing like a sense of accomplishment to keep you motivated, especially when it comes to physical fitness.

I'm going to have to fight the urge tomorrow to workout. My body needs the rest and I want to be ready for week number 2. I'm excited about my progress in just this week alone. And I'll continue to challenge myself even further than what the Les Mills COMBAT series has in store for me. Results are what I'm looking for and RESULTS are what I will get.

If you are looking to change your body and want results as much as I do, check out the Les Mills COMBAT series or the many other programs BeachBody has to offer at beachbodycoach.com/philipm78.

Also, follow me at Twitter at @pmelton357.

Let's get in shape, let's have fun, and #letsgetstrong.

Les Mills COMBAT: Day 5 - Shock Plyo HIIT 2

Here I go again. Back on the 30 minute track to reshaping my body with Les Mills COMBAT. Today's session is the Shock Plyo HIIT 2.

My plan today was to go above and beyond my Les Mills COMBAT workout and as tough as it was, I did just that.

Shock Plyo HIIT 2 is all about constant movement. I did squats, lunges, double lunges, ski hops, jump squats, suicides... heck, I can't even remember everything. And when I wasn't doing one of the aforementioned actions, I either ran in place with high knees or bounced from side to side. 

At the end of the workout, I did planks, side planks, cobra push-ups, and mountain climbers. I pushed through it and was drenched with sweat by cool down time. It was a great feeling.

However, I wasn't done. I wanted to push myself further with a little light weight training and core work. So after shutting off the DVD, I did:

• Bench press - 3 sets of 20 at 70lbs
• Leg extensions - 3 sets of 20 at 25lbs
• Leg curls - 3 sets of 20 at 25 lbs
• Upright row - 3 sets of 8 at 70 lbs
• Ab roll out with Ab Wheel - 3 sets of 15

After all of that, I know I'm going to sleep well tonight. I feel great about pushing myself to the limit. I have nothing left to give and my body is worn out. I wanted to see if I could go further than my scheduled workout and I can. 

Don't let me have all the fun. Check out the Les Mills COMBAT workout for yourself. Go to beachbodycoach.com/philipm78 and order your copy today.

Also, follow me on Twitter at @pmelton357.

 

Let's get in shape, let's have fun, and #letsgetstrong.

REST DAY... is boring.

Day 4 of Les Mills COMBAT is rest day and so far, I don't like it. I need it, but I don't like it.

It's hard to not do anything when I constantly think of popping in the next DVD or pushing some iron. My sore body wants to relax, but my brain is motivated to workout. 

So let's change the subject. 

In yesterday's post, I mentioned my love for food. Recently, given my new found girth, I've been working to change my diet... or at the very least, improve it. 

I'll admit, my weight gain was done purposely. I ate anything and everything I could get my hands on to add a few pounds. Now I'm in the mood to trim the fat. 

I started by preparing my meals a few days in advance. For breakfast, I eat steel cut oatmeal with a bit of cinnamon and sugar and hard boiled egg whites. For lunch, just a couple of peanut butter sandwiches will do. Dinner, so far, has been brown rice, chicken burgers, and spinach. 

I've been trying to watch my portions. When I was eating to gain weight, my meals would probably feed two or three people. Now, I'm sticking to one serving for a meal and have snacks throughout the day. 

Watching my snacking has been a challenge. I like sugar and would frequently put away multiple sweets in one sitting. I did get in the habit of getting fruit, veggies, or nuts to snack on, but even those I would over indulge in on occasion. 

Getting a hold of my diet is definitely a work in progress. I have goals I'm trying to meet and to reach them, I must make better food choices. Until then, I'm going to eat this pasta with meatballs and tomato sauce. 

Let's get in shape, let's have fun, and #letsgetstrong.

Les Mills COMBAT: Day 3 - Power Kata

Ok. Somewhere between 34 and 36, this happened.

I like food. Love it even. The more, the merrier. If the looks good and it tastes good, 9 times out of 10, I'm eating it. That fact is showing on my physique a little more than I like. Enter Les Mills COMBAT.

Today's workout went well. The struggle I had with endurance during the previous workouts wasn't as bad today, even with the workout being 45 minutes long. I kept moving throughout the entire session and I felt great afterward.

The Power Kata workout took me back to kicking and punching. I have to admit that it feels good to exercise like you're training for a fight. I did have issues with completing the combinations because my form needs work. Seems like I always finished in an awkward position compared to the guys on the DVD. I hope my balance improves as I continue with these workouts so I'm better able to transition between the different kicks and punches.

Tomorrow is a rest day and I'm going to take full advantage of it. I'm sore all over, but in a great way. So far, the Les Mills COMBAT program is fun and I'm looking forward to getting back at it on Thursday.

Don't let me have all the fun. Check out the Les Mills COMBAT workout for yourself. Go to beachbodycoach.com/philipm78 and order your copy today.
Also, follow me on Twitter at @pmelton357.

 

Let's get in shape, let's have fun, and #letsgetstrong.

Les Mills COMBAT: Day 2 - Power HIIT 1

When did 30 minutes become such a long time?

Thirty minutes was long yesterday with the COMBAT 30: Kick Start and it seemed longer today with the Power HIIT 1.

Once again, I struggled. Still... I finished.

First off, I had to do a bit of improvising since this workout requires weights and I didn't realize that until I started the DVD. So, I quickly grabbed my 7.5-lb plates and jumped right in.

Power HIIT 1 is weight training and cardio at the same time. I worked every bit of my body and finished with a nice coating of sweat. My body isn't too happy right now since we still feel the effects of yesterday's workout.

An intense battle grew between my mind and body throughout the workout. I had to pause the DVD several times to take a few extra breaths and grab a sip of water. All the while, I wanted to call it quits. I kept pushing. When the workout got to the cool down phase, both my mind and body were grateful to reach the end.

Now as I sit here, eating leaves of spinach like I'm at a dinner party thrown by the Golden Child, I'm happy with what I accomplished in 30 minutes. Tomorrow is a new day and brings with it POWER 45: Power Kata. There is more fun to be had and I'm ready for it.

Join me in using the Les Mills COMBAT workout. Go to beachbodycoach.com/philipm78 and order your copy today.

Also, follow me on Twitter at @pmelton357.

 

Let's get in shape, let's have fun, and #letsgetstrong.

Les Mills COMBAT: Day 1

I just completed my first day of Les Mills COMBAT and all I can say is... WOW!

I went through both the "Basics" and "Combat 30: Kick Start" DVDs and I'm worn out. 

I struggled, but I finished.

Before I started, I took my body measurements using the Measurement Tracker and tape measure I received with the DVDs. My measurements were:

• Chest - 40 inches
• Right & Left Arms - 13.5 inches
• Waist - 36 inches
• Hips - 41.5 inches
• Right & Left Thighs - 23 inches

FACT: it is difficult measure your arms by yourself.

THE WORKOUT

Let me just say that I don't have very good balance or coordination. The workouts made this revelation apparent. 

The punches combinations weren't a problem. However, when it came to the kick and knee combos, I had a tough time keeping pace. I felt as if I would fall with each front and back kick. Hopefully, as continue with the program, I will get better at maintaining my balance.

We all have to start somewhere. And although it was challenging, it was also fun. Thirty minutes and I feel great. I can't wait to do the next workout. 

You can join me in using the Les Mills COMBAT workout. Go to beachbodycoach.com/philipm78 and order your copy today. 

Also, follow me on Twitter at @pmelton357.

Let's get in shape, let's have fun, and #letsgetstrong. 

The Awesome Ab Wheel

The ab wheel creates rock hard abs. It may be the best investment you can make for getting yourabdominal muscles in shape. Adding the ab wheel to a routine filled with sit-ups and crunches will do wonders for your midsection. This timeless and simple piece of home fitness equipment will turn your core muscles into a powerhouse of strength and stability.

Using the Ab Wheel I've had my ab wheel for years and believe me when I say mastering the ab wheel is no easy feat. It requires upper body strength to maintain balance while using. Beginners should start slow. Perform as many repetitions as you can. The more repetitions you do, the more comfortable you'll be with using the ab wheel.

The ab wheel rollout is the basic exercise to perform using the ab wheel. Start from a kneeling position, holding your upper body up by placing your hands on the ab wheel's handles. Roll forward until your arms are parallel to the floor, keeping your back in its natural, straight form. Finally, return to the starting position to complete the repetition.

Advanced Ab Wheel Exercises Once you've built up your strength with the ab rollout, you can alter the way you use the ab wheel to target your oblique muscles. From the same kneeling position as with the ab rollout, roll forward, veering your upper body either to the left or to the right. Another variation, for more experienced ab wheel users, involves doing the ab rollout from a standing position.

Muscles Used Aside from your core muscles, the ab wheel calls upon other muscles group needed to maintain stability throughout the exercise. Muscles in your upper back and arms hold you up while your roll the ab wheel forward. If they are not strong enough, you may not make it back to the starting position. Over time, those muscles will strengthen along with your core muscles as you use the ab wheel more. This makes the ab wheel a compound workout that engages your entire upper body.

Compact and Affordable Beyond its ability to give your abs a great workout, the ab wheel also possesses the attributes of being portable and economical. Lightweight and compact, it travels well. In fact, you can use it just about anywhere, from the office at work to a hotel room. The ab wheel also has a reasonable price. You can find them for as little as $7.00. I found mine at a Goodwill store for only $3.00.

If a six-pack is your goal, then invest in an ab wheel. Incorporate it into your workout and watch the transformation happen. Although it may be difficult to use in the beginning, don't give up. Keep pushing until you can blast out three sets of ten. The benefits of strengthening your core muscles go far beyond their aesthetic value. Having strong abs will help with the general movements people tend to do in everyday life. Go invest in an ab wheel today and be a witness to the changes it can do for you.

New Year, New Approach

Welcome to 2015 and welcome to the new Physical and Fit blog.

I'm revamping this blog to bring you the latest in the fitness world through my eyes... with a little help from BeachBody. That's right, I'm an independent BeachBody coach. That doesn't mean I'm going to overwhelm you with post after post of buy this and buy that. While I will be referencing the many great products BeachBody has to offer, Physical and Fit is all about sharing my knowledge and experience about physical fitness as well as the knowledge and experience of others.

Stay tuned to see featured articles regarding some of your favorite fitness topics such as HIIT and Crossfit. Also, follow me as I attempt to transform myself into a ripped, athletic pre-40 year old. I plan to keep things interesting, so you'll see both my successes and my shortcomings.

Physical and Fit is about changing your body for the better, regardless of age, sex, or current weight. Remember, pain is only temporary. After the pain comes progress... and growth. Life-changing growth.

I hope you enjoy your time reading my words as much as I'll enjoy writing them. And feel free to follow me on Twitter at @pmelton357.

Also, check me out at beachbodycoach.com/philipm78.

Let's get in shape, let's have fun, and #letsgetstrong.