I'm Slacking... Big Time

Eleven days ago, I submitted my cancellation notice to Beachbody to end my stint as an independent Beachbody coach. In a year and one month, I never made a sale. While I enjoy fitness, sales isn't one of my strong suits. I figured the time had come to chalk my time as a Beachbody coach as a loss and move on to something else.

Since that day of submission, I haven't done one session of Les Mills COMBAT. I haven't given up on it. I do enjoy the workouts very much. They sessions are both challenging and fun and I felt the change that came from sticking with the routine for over 45 days.

But, I'm tired. For the last six months, I've kept a very active schedule personally and professionally. And I've always listened to my body. My body needed a break so I'm giving it a break. Don't worry (like you're actually worried about my fitness), the spark in me to workout is rising again. It won't be long before I'm attacking the weights and kicking invisible enemies again. Summer is coming and my quest for "muscular ripply-ness" has not ended.

I'm going to build a routine, like I always do, consisting of the Les Mills COMBAT sessions and intense weight training. I want to do more HIIT exercises and add some Crossfit-inspired exercises to my routine. I've been looking at various Crossfit testimonials, routines, and other videos and it has piqued my interest.

Keep a watchful eye on the horizon for there is more to come.

Follow me on twitter at @pmelton357.

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 23

While I may have slacked off on my blog, I've kept up with my Les Mills COMBAT routine.

Here I am at day 23 and I've never felt better. The order of the sessions has changed a bit since my first two weeks. This week started with COMBAT 60: Extreme Cardio Fighter on Sunday and Shock Plyo HIIT 2 today. Those just happen to be the last two sessions I did last week.

Since I began Les Mills COMBAT, I've noticed that my legs have gotten stronger. That's been especially evident when I do the Plyo HIIT 2 session. The lunges are getting easier and my legs don't get fatigued as quickly as they did in the beginning. I would go for a run if I didn't hate the cold so much.

In just a few more days, I'll be at the halfway mark of Les Mills COMBAT. I'm excited to see what changes there are in my measurements. Whatever changes have occurred, I know all the credit doesn't solely go to this DVD workout set. I had to get off of my butt and put forth an effort to make my body change. Some days I didn't feel like doing anything. Other days, I wanted to do more than expected. 

Overall, these workouts have kept me motivated with the simply notion of wanting to complete a goal. That goal: to finish all 60 days and to give my all at the same time. At day 23, I feel that I've been doing just that and I plan to keep on going to day 60 and beyond.

If you're ready to grow and want to change your body, check out Les Mills COMBAT or any of the other programs Beachbody has to offer at beachbodycoach.com/philipm78.

Also, follow me at Twitter at @pmelton357.

Les Mills COMBAT: Day 16 - Power HIIT 1

Did I ever tell you how much I hate lunges? 

I hate them. They are a despicable exercise dreamed up by some sadistic personal trainer with legs the size of tree trunks. And he never really did any more than two and that was just to demonstrate how they are done. When no one is watching, he secretly only does squats.

Well, while doing the Les Mills COMBAT; Power HIIT 1 for the third time in three weeks, I would like to add my utter disdain for burpees, squats, deadlifts... pretty much any exercise that works the legs in general. If you have seen me in person, then you know this to be true.

For this reason, after I completed today's 30 minute session, I did:

• Leg extensions, 3 sets of 35 reps at 40 lbs.
• Leg curls, 3 sets of 25 reps at 40 lbs.

No longer will I neglect my foundation. If I am to see a significant change in my body, then it will be in my legs. I dream of the day my calves rip through my socks like Hulk Hogan tears through a too small tank top. I have a long way to go.

The extra leg exercises weren't all I did in addition to Power HIIT 1. I also added:

• Exercise ball sit-ups, 3 sets of 25 reps.
• Ab wheel oblique rollouts, 3 sets of 5 reps for each side.

And after a dinner of asparagus, baked chicken breast, and brown rice, I'm feeling really good.

Time to rest this weary body and getting my mind right for tomorrow's session.

If you're ready to grow and want to change your body, check out Les Mills COMBAT or any of the 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.