Simon Sez

Finding motivation today is a challenge.  I arrived in Hong Kong yesterday and didn’t do a thing except wade through customs, on and off planes, on and off water taxi’s and water ferry’s.  Had some fantastic food and gorgeous wine.  So, that sounds more like a travel blog instead of a workout blog.  Well, that’s all I did yesterday.  Today, I just hit the wall at the gym.  In there early and managed :30 cardio and that’s it.  No energy for some reason.  Hopefully I will get more motivation later today.  Headed on yet another airplane back to the States and back to my time-zone.  I’ll just put this one down for a yucky day.

Yes, I was correct.  Light cardio (:30 on eliptical) at a higher pace followed by a single body part was a good thing.  Except I didn’t stop there.  HA HA.  I worked biceps, triceps and lats.  A super set followed by "21" on for a good bicep burn!  Amazing that I can find the energy.  My mood is drastically better although still bummed about not being able to reach my friend.  All-in-all I’m pumped and ready to work the balance of the day… bring it on!

It’s almost noon here in Asia and I’ve had one hell of a morning.  Nothing seemed to go right no matter what.  I’ve lost touch with an old friend and that’s weighing on my mind.  I think it’s also the challenge of the place, possibly too much cardio (50-60min daily) and just not enough rest.  I haven’t exercised this morning but ate quite a bit of fruit and a couple of eggs.  Did a bit of work and ready for a meeting here in an hour or so.  Today may be my "light" day or I may just take the day off to recoup.  It’s raining and overcast too which doesn’t help the mental state.  Regardless, as my signature says… just work through it and do it!  I will probably make it a light day with only :30 cardio and focus on one body part.  Funny how that will probably revive me.

I’m at a very nice hotel in Asia.  Great gym and like many hotels, rarely used.  I walked in early and met with the trainer who was from Brazil.  Great guy and he seemed to be pleased that someone was actually there to use his skills.  I hit the eliptical with a goal of 30 minutes cardio.  I did 50 minutes at 182 bpm average.  Felt great!!  Followed by a killer arm and lay workout with help from the trainer.  He corrected my form and had me get the most out of the time.  Wound up putting in almost two hours.  Grabbed a massage and breakfast and off to start the day!  Gotta love it.

The one good thing about international travel is the 24 hour gyms that are usually well equipped.  The bad thing is putting up with security going through and asking what this pill is and that zip lock bag of powder is.  No problems though, I made it through second/third world security just fine.  I’m amazed at how quick my body has responded to both the supplements and training.  I travel better, sleep better and overall have a much better outlook on life.  I feel stronger and more capable of obtaining my goals - physical, financial, personal and business goals.  This site has been a fantastic tool!  Thanks BB.com

I found this new exercise that kicks my butt and I enjoy it.  Sitting on a ball with my feet tucked under the corner of the wall, I leaned back using my core to hold myself in a 45 degree angle.  Ease back slowly to just below flat then back up.  A crunch we’re all familiar with.  Now add free weights in each hand and do a series of presses while making the sit up motion.  On my third set I became brave and decided to roll my arms out as I returned to neutral working my back, arms and chest.  Back to center and repeat.  Not the best description I know but it was one heck of an exercise.  I’ll have to take pics and show…. correct technique is critical.

I found this great hiking trail that if full of all sorts of distractions.  Yesterday I managed to hike it for about three and a half hours, came back and took my mountain bike out.  Gone approximately 6 hours in total with my heart rate around 175 average.  The feeling was fantastic when I came back.  A few weights and I felt like I could conquer the world.  Thanks for all the feedback and encouragement.

I broke down this weekend and made it all about training.  My wife has been a huge source of encouragement and she even went along with me on my cardio outing.  Both Sunday and yesterday was filled with mountain biking, hiking and swimming.  I didn’t realize it but before long I was several miles in to the exercise and didn’t even realize it.  I guess the benefits of a supportive partner and an inspired outlook on life helps make for a great weekend.  The weight training was equally as good thanks to a busy local gym and friends I hadn’t seen in months.  It’s good to have long weekends to connect.

I hope off days are allowed.  I started yesterday behind.  Woke later than normal and rushed through the day.  Tons of meetings and driving.  I saw the golden arches and cringed.. it looked soooooo good.  I broke down and did the drive through on my way to the next meeting.  At the meeting there were cookies in the middle of the table.  UGGGG… so many temptations staring at me daily.  This type of day teaches me quite a lot.  First, wake early and get the juices flowing.  Do something early to get my metabolism on track.  Also, the power of breakfast is amazing.  Something to start the body off on a good course.  Both I didn’t do yesterday but learned my lesson.  So, here we go today.  Woke early knowing I had a day of travel and a good night of fun ahead.  I started with a :30 minute hike and some free weights.  All-in-all an hour of work to start the day.  Grabbed an apple and banana as I checked out and headed to the airport.  Now I’m in San Diego - which if you haven’t been is a fantastic and healthy environment.  Great inspiration.  I just checked in and found a great hotel work-out room - WHEW!  But my body is telling me I started the day off well and the rest is going to be equally as energizing.  Jazz Fest is tonight and I’m sure much fun will be had.  I’ll chalk yesterday up to an Off Day!  We should have a category to check those off too!

One of the advantages of traveling is all the hotels.  One of the disadvantages of traveling is all the hotels.  The one I’m in at the moment has a quasi work-out facility.  You know the one, it’s what they have just before they either redo the whole thing or offer you free day passes to the local gym.  One universal machine, one tread mill and a beat up stationary bike.  So, being the resourceful guy I am, I managed to head back to the room and get a pretty damn good workout using my own body mass!  Push-ups and variations on the push-up, sit-ups, crunches, etc. and of course lunges.  If I had two chairs I could use those like crazy for dips, leg lifts etc. but no such luck.  Combine that with a good run and viola, the workout ensues.  Not the best but it will do for a day.  What’s funny, after the run I walked past the front desk where I was told "we have a workout room here too sir… "  Hotel life is wonderful at times.  It teaches you creativity!