AuroraAl’s BodyBlog

Hi everyone,

I had an awesome Thanksgiving.  I was able to keep my calories on track (2660 cal) while consuming 6 small meals over the course of the day. 

I was wondering what others do for their evening snack after their workout.  Typically I get home from work at 5:30 pm and am done eating supper by 6:00 pm.  I wait until 7:00 pm to work out; otherwise my stomach tends to bother me.  I get done my workout at ~8:30 pm, have a 250 cal snack and have to be in bed by ~9:30 pm.  I guess my question is:  how far before bedtime should a person stop eating to be successful in optimizing muscle gain / fat loss?

My workout went quite well.  I was energized and focussed on the task at hand.

Anyhoo, I should get going …

Happy Thanksgiving everyone,

Today couldn’t have gone better.  My wife made Thanksgiving turkey (including all the fixings).  I was able to plan out my day so that I could enjoy a bit of everything without overeating.

This afternoon I went for a 1 h & 15 minute bike ride.  There was a skiff of snow on the trails, but once I warmed up it was a good ride.  Unfortunately I doubt that I’ll be riding again until spring just because it’ll be too cold and the snow too deep in the not too distant future.  This evening I went on the elliptical machine for a half hour while watching the Colts play the Titans.  The workout went by fast as the game was entertaining.

I’m looking forward to by Legs & Back workout tomorrow.  Right now I feel motivated unlike I’ve felt in a long, long time 

Anyhoo, I should get going …

Hi everyone,

I just completed an excellent workout which really kicked it up a notch.  My arms will be sore for the next couple days.  I can hardly lift them.  After my workout I had a "Boost" recovery drink which I hope is a step in the right direction (any comments??)

My nutrition has been on track today (1920 cal).  I know that if I maintain the discipline to follow this program that I’ll achieve the results I’m hoping for.

Anyhoo, I should get going …

Hi everyone,

Today went quite well.  I completed the plyometrics workout this evening.  I was able to complete all but the very high impact exercises.  I’ve been feeling very motivated to succeed lately.

My nutrition was pretty much on target today (2460 cal).  Being able to eat an additional serving of carbs feels alot better.  My next big challenge will be on Sunday … turkey day  .  I’ll have to watch that I don’t eat too much!!

Anyhoo, until next time …

Hi everyone,

The past couple days have gone quite well.  Yesterday morning I stepped on the scale and discovered I had broken the 200 lb barrier.    I didn’t work out last night as I had other committments.  However since this had been planned in advance I was able to work out on one of my scheduled rest days instead.  My nutrition was on track (2730 cal).  I had bumped up my calories a bit as I hadn’t had a higher calorie day in the past 10 days.  The nice thing about it was that I was able to eat healthy foods instead of the usual pizza, nachos & beer!!

Tonight I went on the elliptical machine for a half hour and watched some early season hockey on TV.  My nutrition intake was on track (2480 cal).  I’m really looking forward to Thursday and starting Phase 2.

Thus far I’m really enjoying this program.  I really like the structure plus having Tony Horton give that extra push is making a big difference in my workouts.  I’ve also noticed that very slowly but surely my definition is improving. 

Anyhoo, I should get going …

Hi everyone,

Today was excellent!!  It was one of those active rest days for the most part (mowing the lawn & getting ready for winter).  I also feel like I’ve caught up on my rest after my trip last week.

On the workout front, I managed to push myself while on the elliptical machine for 30 min while watching the Steelers stomp all over the Chargers.  It wasn’t a great game but I find that it helps pass the time while doing cardio.

I was able to consume 2090 cal over the course of 6 small meals.  I was a bit lower than target on my overall calorie consumption.

I’m really looking forward to Thursday when I resume the 2nd phase of Power 90X.  This recovery week has been necessary but I really want to get back at it.

Anyhoo, I should get going… 

Hi everyone,

Yesterday went well from a nutrition and exercise perspective.

On the nutrition front, I was able to consume 2160 cal over the course of 6 equally spaced meals.  I was happy that I was able to consume enough calories which has been a bit of a "problem" on the weekends.

My exercise plan went quite well.  I was on the elliptical machine for over a half hour while watching the hockey game.  During the day I was active with yard work.

Anyhoo, I should get going. 

Hi everyone,

The past couple days I was out of town so I had to deviate a bit from the Power 90X program.  I worked out at the gym at the hotel I was staying at plus did alot of walking throughout the couple days I was away.

Overall my nutrition was quite reasonable considering I was travelling.  The waitresses at the restaurants were quite supportive when I asked for substitutions in my meal (i.e. vegetables for fries, no gravy, etc.).  Its’ encouraging that people are much more receptive to making healthy choices these days. 

Anyhoo, I should get going …

Hi everyone,

Today was my recovery day.  I kept my nutrition on track (2180 cal) and had an active rest day (yard work, etc.)

I hope that once I reach the end of this program that I don’t fall back into my old ways.  Last February I had progressed further than I have thus far and relapsed … I’ll have to come up with a plan …

Anyhoo, until next time …

Hi everyone,

My nutrition was on track today (2330 cal).  I was struggling with staying on track as I was hungry much of the afternoon (although I pretty much ate a similar amount of food as usual).  Fortunately I’m only bringing a set amount of food to work so it helps me stay on track.

I decided to complete my workout on the elliptical machine (40 min) while watching "Biggest Loser".  I find that my workout goes by quite quickly when I can watch something I’m interested in.  When I see the struggles that some of the people on the show are going through, it makes me shudder.  It quite easily could have been me if I didn’t chose to take a different path nearly 20 years ago … by the way, that last sentence makes me feel really old!!

Anyhoo, I’d better get going. 

Take care.