Les Mills COMBAT: Day 31 - Wasn't this a Rest Day?

Here it is, Day 31 of Les Mills COMBAT and I'm still going strong. 

Today was scheduled to be a rest day, but I've had to do a bit of adjusting this week due to some additional activities going on in my life. Because of this, I made Sunday and Tuesday both unexpected rest days and doubled up my workout on Monday. I did COMBAT 30 and COMBAT 60 and I felt invigorated.

COMBAT 45: Power Kata was the session for today. As a matter of fact, I peeped ahead to see what the rest of the week's session were and I finish off with COMBAT 60 and COMBAT 30. That's cool. I really like the mixed fighting sessions. I don't feel like I can get in someone's ring or back alley fight club and throw down yet, but I do feel more confident in my kicks and punches.

Day 31 also marks the halfway point of Les Mills COMBAT.

That's right. It's a celebration. To be quite honest, I thought I would give in before now. However, with everything that's been going on this week, I was determined not to fall short. Doubling up on Monday showed me my determination to finish. It also helped me see how far I've come cardio-wise. After finishing both sessions, I was pumped and even considered doing multiple sessions from now until day 60. I said, "considered."

Since this is the halfway point, I also took my measurements. They are as follows:

• Chest: 40"
• Right Arm: 13.5"
• Left Arm: 13.5"
• Waist: 35.5"
• Hips: 41.5"
• Right Thigh: 23"
• Left Thigh: 23.5"

When comparing these with my first measurements, not much has changed. I've lost an inch in my waist and, somehow, inexplicably gained an half an inch in my left thigh. Who gains an inch in one thigh? Especially on the weaker side of their body? There's definitely a margin of error in there somewhere.

My assessment of my first 30 days of Les Mills COMBAT: I need to step it up during the sessions, with my additional exercises, and with my diet. I like to eat and most of what I like to eat is cohesive to changing my body. I've improved on eating healthier, but some days I'm just like... I'm going to eat whatever I want to eat. Need to be more disciplined than that. 

I can say that I do feel a change on the inside. Doing regular physical activity that's fun is all part of the motivation to change your body for the better. Check it out for yourself at www.beachbodycoach.com/philipm78.

Also, follow me on Twitter at @pmelton357.

Until next time... let's get in shape, let's have fun, and #letsgetstrong.

Les Mills COMBAT: Day 8 - COMBAT 30 Kick Start

Superbowl XXLIX.

It got me. Like almost everyone else, I watched the biggest football game of the year. I wanted to see the end result of all the trash talk, Skittles, and deflated footballs. And I saw the New England Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks for another Superbowl title.

After that, I hit the play button on the DVD player. Back to Les Mills COMBAT and COMBAT 30 Kick Start.

With this being the third time I've done this session in 8 days, it was far easiest than it was on day 1. Still, I got a good workout in and a great sweat.

Also, I'm getting better with keeping my balance throughout the kick repetitions as well as keeping up with the guys on the DVD. It feels good when you see the change happening due to your effort and dedication. What can be more motivating than that?

Start your path to change and check out 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 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.