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: Days 9 & 10

So, I took a day off from posting yesterday, but I didn't take a day off from Les Mills COMBAT. I still got my work in with Power HIIT 1 yesterday and followed it up with an intense session of COMBAT 45: Power Kata today. 

Power HIIT 1

For the second time around, I prepared for Power HIIT 1. I used my straight barbell bar with 7.5lbs on each side along with my weighted gloves. Although the weight may be light, using it with Power HIIT 1 became challenging very quickly.

It really began to hit me once we started doing the squat to overhead press. My arms felt like they would give out at any moment. I made it through the first two sets, but for the last two, I just went with the gloves and a 2.5 lb plate in each hand. 

This was indeed a difficult session. I hope to see some improvement in my muscle endurance by the next Power HIIT 1 session. I finished, but I can't say that I was truly pleased with my performance. Still, I gave it my all.

COMBAT 45: POWER KATA

The martial arts based sessions, however, are getting easier. Although I stumbled here and there, I was able to keep up with my DVD trainers. The punch combinations come easily. There's still plenty of room for improvement with my kicks. 

Since I felt more comfortable with the Power Kata, I was motivated to push myself hard and maintained my intensity throughout the session. It really showed once the workout ended as you can see in this picture.

During the Power Kata, sweat dripped everywhere. At one point, I just closed my eyes and listened to the trainer's instructions. I'm getting closer to the point where I don't really have to watch the DVD to see how they position themselves. However, if you saw my kicks, you'd know that I do have room to grow.

If you're ready to grow and make a change, 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.

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.