As if Shakeology isn't already filling all on its own, add a little walnuts and oats and you got yourself a winner. Enjoy as a breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Total Time: 5 min.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop Strawberry Shakeology
2 Tbsp. old-fashioned rolled oats
1 Tbsp. chopped raw walnuts
1 cup ice
Preparation:
1. Place almond milk, Shakeology, oats, walnuts, and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.
Working Hard Today for an Easier Tomorrow. Following short-term goals to reach long-term success.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Apple, Fennel and Arugula Salad in a Mason Jar
Another mason jar option for salad, packed with apples, fennel, arugula and more for plenty of crunch and flavor in each bite. Take it on the go and skip the fattier options at lunch while at the office.
Total Time: 20 min.
Prep Time: 20 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
4 cups warm water
¾ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt), divided use
1 medium Granny Smith apple, cored, thinly sliced
½ cup apple cider vinegar
4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp. raw honey
2 cups thinly sliced fennel
¼ cup toasted pecan pieces
4 cups baby salad greens
4 cups fresh arugula
Preparation:
1. Combine water and ½ tsp. salt in a medium bowl; mix to dissolve salt.
2. Submerge apple slices in water. Let sit for 5 minutes; drain water. Set aside.
3. While apple is sitting, combine vinegar, oil, remaining ¼ tsp. salt, and honey in a small bowl; whisk to blend. Evenly divide dressing between 4 one-quart Mason jars. Set aside.
4. Evenly layer apples, fennel, pecans, salad greens, and arugula on top of dressing in jars.
5. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Shake before serving.
Total Time: 20 min.
Prep Time: 20 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
4 cups warm water
¾ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt), divided use
1 medium Granny Smith apple, cored, thinly sliced
½ cup apple cider vinegar
4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp. raw honey
2 cups thinly sliced fennel
¼ cup toasted pecan pieces
4 cups baby salad greens
4 cups fresh arugula
Preparation:
1. Combine water and ½ tsp. salt in a medium bowl; mix to dissolve salt.
2. Submerge apple slices in water. Let sit for 5 minutes; drain water. Set aside.
3. While apple is sitting, combine vinegar, oil, remaining ¼ tsp. salt, and honey in a small bowl; whisk to blend. Evenly divide dressing between 4 one-quart Mason jars. Set aside.
4. Evenly layer apples, fennel, pecans, salad greens, and arugula on top of dressing in jars.
5. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Shake before serving.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Chicken and Black Bean Burrito Salad in a Mason Jar
A perfect on-the-go salad with a healthy dose of fiber from jicama and beans, and it's a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. Topped with a lime juice, jalapeno, cilantro and garlic dressing, it's the freshest tasting salad you may ever have!
Total Time: 20 min.
Prep Time: 20 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
½ cup fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp. + ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, divided use
1 clove garlic, coarsely chopped
1 medium jalapeno, seeds and veins removed, coarsely chopped
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups canned black beans
4 oz. shredded cooked chicken breast
1 cup chopped jicama
½ cup thinly sliced radishes
1 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
Preparation:
1. Place lime juice, 2 Tbsp. cilantro, garlic, and jalapeno in a blender; cover. Blend until smooth.
2. Slowly add oil, blending continuously, until well mixed. Evenly divide dressing between 4 one-quart Mason jars. Set aside.
3. Evenly layer beans, chicken, jicama, radishes, onion, tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, and remaining ½ cup cilantro on top of dressing in jars.
4. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Shake before serving.
Total Time: 20 min.
Prep Time: 20 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
½ cup fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp. + ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, divided use
1 clove garlic, coarsely chopped
1 medium jalapeno, seeds and veins removed, coarsely chopped
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups canned black beans
4 oz. shredded cooked chicken breast
1 cup chopped jicama
½ cup thinly sliced radishes
1 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
Preparation:
1. Place lime juice, 2 Tbsp. cilantro, garlic, and jalapeno in a blender; cover. Blend until smooth.
2. Slowly add oil, blending continuously, until well mixed. Evenly divide dressing between 4 one-quart Mason jars. Set aside.
3. Evenly layer beans, chicken, jicama, radishes, onion, tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, and remaining ½ cup cilantro on top of dressing in jars.
4. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Shake before serving.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Mushroom Barley Burgers with Sage
Why eat frozen patties when it doesn't take much time at all to make your own delicious patties that are healthy for you, too? After sinking your teeth into these burgers, you'll wonder why you ever had those frozen patties in the first place!
Total Time: 55 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 20 min.
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
3 tsp. olive oil, divided use
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 oz. finely chopped mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh sage (or 1 tsp. dried sage)
½ tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. ground black pepper
1½ cups cooked pearl barley (see below)
2 Tbsp. finely chopped walnuts
1 large egg, beaten
¼ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 Tbsp. sherry wine
4 whole wheat hamburger buns, split
Preparation:
1. Heat 1½ tsp. oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent.
3. Add mushrooms, garlic, sage, salt, and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until liquid that mushrooms give off evaporates. Remove from heat.
4. Combine onion mixture, barley, walnuts, egg, mozzarella, and sherry; mix well.
5. Shape mixture into 4 patties. Refrigerate 20 minutes.
6. Heat remaining 1½ tsp. oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Add patties; cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until evenly browned and cooked through.
8. Serve each patty on a bun.
Tip: To make 1½ cups cooked pearl barley, place ½ cup dry pearl barley in a small saucepan. Cover with water. Heat to boiling on medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, for 40 to 45 minutes, or until tender. Drain.
Total Time: 55 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 20 min.
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
3 tsp. olive oil, divided use
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 oz. finely chopped mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh sage (or 1 tsp. dried sage)
½ tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. ground black pepper
1½ cups cooked pearl barley (see below)
2 Tbsp. finely chopped walnuts
1 large egg, beaten
¼ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 Tbsp. sherry wine
4 whole wheat hamburger buns, split
Preparation:
1. Heat 1½ tsp. oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent.
3. Add mushrooms, garlic, sage, salt, and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until liquid that mushrooms give off evaporates. Remove from heat.
4. Combine onion mixture, barley, walnuts, egg, mozzarella, and sherry; mix well.
5. Shape mixture into 4 patties. Refrigerate 20 minutes.
6. Heat remaining 1½ tsp. oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Add patties; cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until evenly browned and cooked through.
8. Serve each patty on a bun.
Tip: To make 1½ cups cooked pearl barley, place ½ cup dry pearl barley in a small saucepan. Cover with water. Heat to boiling on medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, for 40 to 45 minutes, or until tender. Drain.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Cashew and Oat Hotcakes
Tell me you don't want to sink your teeth into this breakfast treat, served up to us by Beachbody trainer Autumn Calabrese? Cashews, oats and berries? Yes, please!
Total Time: 20 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 10 min.
Yield: 7 servings, 2 hotcakes each
Ingredients:
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup raw cashews
1 dash Himalayan salt (or sea salt)
1 large egg
1 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
1⅓ cups distilled water
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1¾ cup mixed berries
Preparation:
1. Place oats, cashews, and salt in food processor or blender; pulse until coarsely ground.
2. Add egg, oil, water, and extract; pulse until well blended. Batter will be thick, but if it is as thick as paste add 2 to 3 additional Tbsp. of water.
3. Heat medium nonstick skillet over medium heat.
4. Spoon about ¼ cup batter into skillet for each pancake; cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until bubbles form on top.
5. Flip with spatula and cook for 30 seconds.
6. Repeat with remaining batter.
7. Serve pancakes topped evenly with berries.
Total Time: 20 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 10 min.
Yield: 7 servings, 2 hotcakes each
Ingredients:
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup raw cashews
1 dash Himalayan salt (or sea salt)
1 large egg
1 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
1⅓ cups distilled water
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1¾ cup mixed berries
Preparation:
1. Place oats, cashews, and salt in food processor or blender; pulse until coarsely ground.
2. Add egg, oil, water, and extract; pulse until well blended. Batter will be thick, but if it is as thick as paste add 2 to 3 additional Tbsp. of water.
3. Heat medium nonstick skillet over medium heat.
4. Spoon about ¼ cup batter into skillet for each pancake; cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until bubbles form on top.
5. Flip with spatula and cook for 30 seconds.
6. Repeat with remaining batter.
7. Serve pancakes topped evenly with berries.
Friday, May 8, 2015
Insanity: Max 30 Journey Day 54 - Friday Fight: Round 2 (The Final Workout)
During the course of two months, I'd like to take you into my journey as
I strive to retain a healthy lifestyle through a healthy balanced
nutrition program and Beachbody trainer extraordinaire -- and Men's
Health cover man -- Shaun T's brand new workout regimen Insanity Max 30.
If you've been keeping track, my first three weeks of this workout haven't been anything to write home about. I maxed out in the first week of Round 2 at 6 minutes, 17 seconds; aiming for a big improvement, I got anything but, maxing out at 6:23 a week later; and last week, I got out of that seventh-minute move, but managed only to make it to 8:23 before maxing out.
My short-term goal here was to make it to -- and beyond -- the 10-minute mark. It wasn't asking for much, just a minute and 37 seconds. The only thing: I woke up first thing this morning to bang out this final workout, a mere eight and a half hours since I wrapped up Max Out Strength, which my arms were still tight from.
No problem! I went strong through the warmup and first move, and the ski hops, which got me the first couple of times, I paced myself and concentrated on my form and got through those. After the first two moves, the third move -- a four-lunge runner with two X-hops -- seemed like a breeze.
The next several moves -- plank jacks, hook lunges and hit the floor-tuck jumps -- were more challenging, but I managed to get through them and into the 12th minute of the routine. The free runner move is what got me! It's such a simple concept, but to keep everything in tight as you jump, kick your legs front and back, and return to the floor the way you started just wore me down.
I hit my Max Out Time at 11:29, which was a whopping three minutes and six seconds better than my previous week; a whole five minutes, 12 seconds better than the initial go with this workout.
At this point, I'm thinking pretty flowers in a meadow and running through a garden with my wife in one hand; daughter in the other; and dog alongside. I'm there. I just need to finish the last 18-plus minutes and Max 30 is done!
I wrapped up this week meeting my short-term goal of besting my previous Max Out Time on every workout; and if not for a late night on Wednesday, I would have hit my second short-term goal of working out in the morning (to avoid the immense heat we are enduring this week). I'll take the Max Out Time success.
After maxing out, I still went full boar until the clock hit 30. I had to take many one- to two-second breaks, but kept jumping right back in. I wasn't about to cheat myself, not now. That last minute, where we are doing high knee punches, I was beat, but I wasn't going to stop a second. I was running to the finish line -- as hard as possible.
The countdown -- "Five! Four! Three! Two! One!" -- was the best sound I heard in the past two months. What an accomplishment. I'm floored and ready to embark on the next part of my journey. Next up: Recovery and onto the next phase of the journey.
Day 54: Friday Fight: Round 2 (The Final Workout)
My two months has come and gone (that was fast). All that was standing in the way from me and wrapping up my (initial) journey was Insanity: Max 30 Friday Fight: Round 2 -- only the toughest workout in the whole program (Yes, I'm now changing my stance from Max Out Sweat to this, only because my Max Out Time has improved drastically in one, and not in the other).If you've been keeping track, my first three weeks of this workout haven't been anything to write home about. I maxed out in the first week of Round 2 at 6 minutes, 17 seconds; aiming for a big improvement, I got anything but, maxing out at 6:23 a week later; and last week, I got out of that seventh-minute move, but managed only to make it to 8:23 before maxing out.
My short-term goal here was to make it to -- and beyond -- the 10-minute mark. It wasn't asking for much, just a minute and 37 seconds. The only thing: I woke up first thing this morning to bang out this final workout, a mere eight and a half hours since I wrapped up Max Out Strength, which my arms were still tight from.
No problem! I went strong through the warmup and first move, and the ski hops, which got me the first couple of times, I paced myself and concentrated on my form and got through those. After the first two moves, the third move -- a four-lunge runner with two X-hops -- seemed like a breeze.
The next several moves -- plank jacks, hook lunges and hit the floor-tuck jumps -- were more challenging, but I managed to get through them and into the 12th minute of the routine. The free runner move is what got me! It's such a simple concept, but to keep everything in tight as you jump, kick your legs front and back, and return to the floor the way you started just wore me down.
I hit my Max Out Time at 11:29, which was a whopping three minutes and six seconds better than my previous week; a whole five minutes, 12 seconds better than the initial go with this workout.
At this point, I'm thinking pretty flowers in a meadow and running through a garden with my wife in one hand; daughter in the other; and dog alongside. I'm there. I just need to finish the last 18-plus minutes and Max 30 is done!
I wrapped up this week meeting my short-term goal of besting my previous Max Out Time on every workout; and if not for a late night on Wednesday, I would have hit my second short-term goal of working out in the morning (to avoid the immense heat we are enduring this week). I'll take the Max Out Time success.
After maxing out, I still went full boar until the clock hit 30. I had to take many one- to two-second breaks, but kept jumping right back in. I wasn't about to cheat myself, not now. That last minute, where we are doing high knee punches, I was beat, but I wasn't going to stop a second. I was running to the finish line -- as hard as possible.
The countdown -- "Five! Four! Three! Two! One!" -- was the best sound I heard in the past two months. What an accomplishment. I'm floored and ready to embark on the next part of my journey. Next up: Recovery and onto the next phase of the journey.
Recap
Workout: Friday Fight: Round 2 (The Final Workout)
Max Out Time: 11:29
Weep Time: 30:00 (Can't get any better than that)
Weep Time: 30:00 (Can't get any better than that)
Weekly Weigh-in: Stay tuned for the Max 30 Journey recap
Monthly Photo: Stay tuned for the Max 30 Journey recap
Insanity: Max 30 Journey Day 53 - Max Out Strength
During the course of two months, I'd like to take you into my journey as
I strive to retain a healthy lifestyle through a healthy balanced
nutrition program and Beachbody trainer extraordinaire -- and Men's
Health cover man -- Shaun T's brand new workout regimen Insanity Max 30.
That didn't happen today.
No fret, I just shifted my day a little bit; got everything done I was scheduled to do; and scheduled the workout for around 8:30 p.m. when all my to-do list items were wrapped up. Nearing the end of the day can get a little dicey, so I took some Energy and Endurance formula about 30 to 45 minutes beforehand to get me going.
If you don't remember, my secondary short-term goal this final week of Insanity: Max 30 was to get a Max Out Time that exceeded my best time from the prior weeks. For Max Out Strength, that time was 14:25, completed in Day 46.
As always, the warmup and first sequence for the Power and Strength routines have become no sweat. (I don't want you to think they are easy to me; they are not. But my ticker isn't shooting all the way into the red zone; it's more in the yellow-orange area.)
Things got extra challenging in the second sequence, which was all upper body. Much like my challenges that I had to overcome to best my previous Max Out Time in Max Out Power, the same could be said for this workout. I was having the toughest time getting through the pushup round.
Today, with heat still emanating from the sun into the house, I was dripping with sweat pretty bad. All I had in my head was, "Get past that 14:25!"
And, what has come to work for me for many years that I recommend if you don't do it already, is pacing, breathing and form. I concentrate on all three, tightening up my core; breathe in when my muscles are not in use; exhale when they are being used; and slow down. It works. It's not easier, it's just my mind-over-body technique.
I got past the pushups and into the third sequence, which is where I hit a wall. My Max Out Time surpassed last week's by more than seven minutes though. I dropped to a knee at 21 minutes, 50 seconds. And, as I continue to get stronger, my Weep Time has gone away.
The final eight minutes or so were a relative breeze after the fact. I pushed it to the limit and took mini breaks to maximize the efficiency of each move. It was another successful, goal-achieving day. Next up: Friday Fight: Round 2 (The Final Workout)
Day 53: Max Out Strength
It's been hot all week, so the short-term goal I had remained to workout in the early morning hours because it's too unbearable with the heat to workout in the late afternoon.That didn't happen today.
No fret, I just shifted my day a little bit; got everything done I was scheduled to do; and scheduled the workout for around 8:30 p.m. when all my to-do list items were wrapped up. Nearing the end of the day can get a little dicey, so I took some Energy and Endurance formula about 30 to 45 minutes beforehand to get me going.
If you don't remember, my secondary short-term goal this final week of Insanity: Max 30 was to get a Max Out Time that exceeded my best time from the prior weeks. For Max Out Strength, that time was 14:25, completed in Day 46.
As always, the warmup and first sequence for the Power and Strength routines have become no sweat. (I don't want you to think they are easy to me; they are not. But my ticker isn't shooting all the way into the red zone; it's more in the yellow-orange area.)
Things got extra challenging in the second sequence, which was all upper body. Much like my challenges that I had to overcome to best my previous Max Out Time in Max Out Power, the same could be said for this workout. I was having the toughest time getting through the pushup round.
Today, with heat still emanating from the sun into the house, I was dripping with sweat pretty bad. All I had in my head was, "Get past that 14:25!"
And, what has come to work for me for many years that I recommend if you don't do it already, is pacing, breathing and form. I concentrate on all three, tightening up my core; breathe in when my muscles are not in use; exhale when they are being used; and slow down. It works. It's not easier, it's just my mind-over-body technique.
I got past the pushups and into the third sequence, which is where I hit a wall. My Max Out Time surpassed last week's by more than seven minutes though. I dropped to a knee at 21 minutes, 50 seconds. And, as I continue to get stronger, my Weep Time has gone away.
The final eight minutes or so were a relative breeze after the fact. I pushed it to the limit and took mini breaks to maximize the efficiency of each move. It was another successful, goal-achieving day. Next up: Friday Fight: Round 2 (The Final Workout)
Recap
Workout: Max Out Strength
Max Out Time: 21:50
Weep Time: 30:00 (Can't get any better than that)
Weep Time: 30:00 (Can't get any better than that)
Weekly Weigh-in: Stay tuned for Day 60 of the journey
Monthly Photo: Stay tuned for Day 60 of the journey
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Insanity: Max 30 Journey Day 52 - Max Out Sweat
During the course of two months, I'd like to take you into my journey as
I strive to retain a healthy lifestyle through a healthy balanced
nutrition program and Beachbody trainer extraordinaire -- and Men's
Health cover man -- Shaun T's brand new workout regimen Insanity Max 30.
If you take a look at the upward trend in Month 2, there's a drastic improvement from when I embarked on the Max Out Sweat routine on Day 31, with a Max Out Time of 7:52; a week later, I added nearly seven minutes before maxing out; and last week, I was up to 18 minutes, 27 seconds before crashing.
Heading into the final go with Max Out Sweat, I was struggling to get up at 5:30 a.m. and do the workout. I wasn't there physically, but my mind was telling me all the things I need to do after work, and ultimately I got up. So, the warmup was the ultimate struggle. And the first power move (plank ups immediately following the four and a half minute warmup), I truly thought I was going to max out.
I was still not quite there yet as I went through the first sequence of cardio moves. It wasn't until the second power move at the 10:30 mark where I felt ready to go. The previous 10-plus minutes were me sleep-working out at top speed. I wasn't doing the modifier moves; just everything in my body was sore and burning and I didn't want to keep moving -- but I did.
Once I got past the hurtle, I was refocused on beating the 18:27 from a week ago to keep my short-term, last-week goals in tact. I was fortunate to get my energy for the second sequence of moves which, after the power move, brought me to 17:30, plus the 30 second water break. I only needed to get through the first move to best my time.
I was able to get though the three cardio moves once and then on the second round of the moves, I crashed at 19:47. I stayed strong for the final 10-plus minutes before maxing out at the 30-minute mark.
The last 10 minutes were brutal after taking myself to the limit and not having anything left in the tank. That 10 minutes was a bonus for me. But after the morning workout, I'm lined up to have a great, productive day! Only two more days left in my Insanity: Max 30 program. Next up: Max Out Strength
Day 52: Max Out Sweat
My last go with Max Out Sweat was a bit shaky at the get-go, but I was able to right the ship and improve from my previous best.If you take a look at the upward trend in Month 2, there's a drastic improvement from when I embarked on the Max Out Sweat routine on Day 31, with a Max Out Time of 7:52; a week later, I added nearly seven minutes before maxing out; and last week, I was up to 18 minutes, 27 seconds before crashing.
Heading into the final go with Max Out Sweat, I was struggling to get up at 5:30 a.m. and do the workout. I wasn't there physically, but my mind was telling me all the things I need to do after work, and ultimately I got up. So, the warmup was the ultimate struggle. And the first power move (plank ups immediately following the four and a half minute warmup), I truly thought I was going to max out.
I was still not quite there yet as I went through the first sequence of cardio moves. It wasn't until the second power move at the 10:30 mark where I felt ready to go. The previous 10-plus minutes were me sleep-working out at top speed. I wasn't doing the modifier moves; just everything in my body was sore and burning and I didn't want to keep moving -- but I did.
Once I got past the hurtle, I was refocused on beating the 18:27 from a week ago to keep my short-term, last-week goals in tact. I was fortunate to get my energy for the second sequence of moves which, after the power move, brought me to 17:30, plus the 30 second water break. I only needed to get through the first move to best my time.
I was able to get though the three cardio moves once and then on the second round of the moves, I crashed at 19:47. I stayed strong for the final 10-plus minutes before maxing out at the 30-minute mark.
The last 10 minutes were brutal after taking myself to the limit and not having anything left in the tank. That 10 minutes was a bonus for me. But after the morning workout, I'm lined up to have a great, productive day! Only two more days left in my Insanity: Max 30 program. Next up: Max Out Strength
Recap
Workout: Max Out Sweat
Max Out Time: 19:47
Weep Time: 30:00 (Can't get any better than that)
Weep Time: 30:00 (Can't get any better than that)
Weekly Weigh-in: Stay tuned for Day 60 of the journey
Monthly Photo: Stay tuned for Day 60 of the journey
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Insanity: Max 30 Journey Day 51 - Max Out Power
During the course of two months, I'd like to take you into my journey as
I strive to retain a healthy lifestyle through a healthy balanced
nutrition program and Beachbody trainer extraordinaire -- and Men's
Health cover man -- Shaun T's brand new workout regimen Insanity Max 30.
Ain't it funny how a little cooler temperature gives you boundless energy? That was the case for me this morning when I battled Shaun T in Max Out Power.
At this point, I can complete that whole first sequence of squat jumps with relative ease. I am not bragging, it's just something apparently my body has figured out and it almost serves as an extension of the warmup. That takes me to 10 minutes and the first break, and then we get into the pushups, which is where I have continually hit my downfall.
Not today!
I looked at my previous two go-rounds with Max Out Power. On Day 37, I managed to max out at 13:25; a week later, on Day 44, I lost ground (the only time I have done so), and maxed out at 13:10. Today, my short-term goal was to get through the pushup sequence and see where that left me.
Practicing my pace, I was able to plow through that 14th minute move. After that pushup move, the final three were all with knees on the ground, which helped as the only thing burning was my shoulders and I fought through that.
I made it through the entire pushup sequence and got to the break and almost felt like I cheated, even though I got through each move fair and square. The next sequence were core moves with some pushups, which were a lot easier than the pushup moves a few minutes ago. I got through those quite simply.
It wasn't until the final sequence when I had to do a number of burpee moves that I was in danger. I couldn't make it the full 30 minutes. In my head, I had thoughts I would complete the whole workout without maxing out. Maybe that's what stopped me; it was weighing on my mind.
I hit my Max Out Time at 25:15, more than 12 minutes better than my previous time. I didn't have a Weep Time as I was in full-on focus mode. Another workout success as I aim to sprint to the finish line of the Max 30 program in my beginning phase of the journey. Next up: Max Out Sweat
Day 51: Max Out Power
It was too hot out yesterday to even think about working out in the late afternoon again. With the temperature likely to hit the high 70s or low 80s again today, I made sure to get my workout in first thing in the morning.Ain't it funny how a little cooler temperature gives you boundless energy? That was the case for me this morning when I battled Shaun T in Max Out Power.
At this point, I can complete that whole first sequence of squat jumps with relative ease. I am not bragging, it's just something apparently my body has figured out and it almost serves as an extension of the warmup. That takes me to 10 minutes and the first break, and then we get into the pushups, which is where I have continually hit my downfall.
Not today!
I looked at my previous two go-rounds with Max Out Power. On Day 37, I managed to max out at 13:25; a week later, on Day 44, I lost ground (the only time I have done so), and maxed out at 13:10. Today, my short-term goal was to get through the pushup sequence and see where that left me.
Practicing my pace, I was able to plow through that 14th minute move. After that pushup move, the final three were all with knees on the ground, which helped as the only thing burning was my shoulders and I fought through that.
I made it through the entire pushup sequence and got to the break and almost felt like I cheated, even though I got through each move fair and square. The next sequence were core moves with some pushups, which were a lot easier than the pushup moves a few minutes ago. I got through those quite simply.
It wasn't until the final sequence when I had to do a number of burpee moves that I was in danger. I couldn't make it the full 30 minutes. In my head, I had thoughts I would complete the whole workout without maxing out. Maybe that's what stopped me; it was weighing on my mind.
I hit my Max Out Time at 25:15, more than 12 minutes better than my previous time. I didn't have a Weep Time as I was in full-on focus mode. Another workout success as I aim to sprint to the finish line of the Max 30 program in my beginning phase of the journey. Next up: Max Out Sweat
Recap
Workout: Max Out Power
Max Out Time: 25:15
Weep Time: 30:00 (Can't get any better than that)
Weep Time: 30:00 (Can't get any better than that)
Weekly Weigh-in: Stay tuned for Day 60 of the journey
Monthly Photo: Stay tuned for Day 60 of the journey
Insanity: Max 30 Journey Day 50 - Max Out Cardio
During the course of two months, I'd like to take you into my journey as
I strive to retain a healthy lifestyle through a healthy balanced
nutrition program and Beachbody trainer extraordinaire -- and Men's
Health cover man -- Shaun T's brand new workout regimen Insanity Max 30.
I want to proclaim now that my short-term goal this week is to surpass all my times from a week ago and end this phase of my journey on the highest of all notes. Going off that, I'd have to best a pretty solid time of 18:30.
One thing that was challenging me today that I hadn't dealt with in the previous 49 days was the immense heat. For so long it has been cold, or temperate, but never hot. Today, out of nowhere, the temperature spiked to nearly 80 degrees -- and I decided to workout after I got off work.
With the horrible humidity weighing me down, it felt like I wasn't even going to get past the warmup without crashing. I managed to get past that, however, and squeak by the first sequence before the break, and into the 10-minute zone.
The power moves proved extra challenging for me today as the jumping wasn't coming easy. But I paced myself and pushed through to get over the minute-long move.
As the workout evolved, I was able to get to, and surpass my previous Max Out Time. Ultimately, between the burning sensation throughout my body and coping with the heat, I hit a Max Out Time of 19 minutes, 11 seconds. (I wish I got to 20 minutes.) It wasn't knocking down the door, but I eked through and made decent improvements. Goal achieved!
Last week, I also opted to not weigh myself as I had taken several meals off throughout the previous week while we had a house guest. Two weeks ago, I weighed in at 215.4 and I didn't want to discourage myself so I refocused on the clean eating and felt better about my weigh-in today.
When I stepped on the scale, I was a little reluctant to look down. Even though my clothes are fitting much better and my appearance is clearly different, my scale takes some time to catch up to the rest of me.
With one eye closed, I peaked down to see the scale out of the corner of my open eye. I did a double take and needed to use my other eye to see right. It read: 210.8. In two weeks I dropped another 4.6 pounds. That's a huge surprise to me. As long as I stay focused for this week, I intend to drop below 210 (crossing my fingers) and then hope to get less than 200 by the first week of June.
For me, if I continue to set small, short-term goals, I'm setting myself up to succeed. When I set lofty goals, it's easier to get discouraged and fail. I'm not failing. Next up: Max Out Power
Day 50: Max Out Cardio
After resting and recovering over the weekend, it was finally time to get back to the intensity as the final week of my (initial) Max 30 Journey commenced with Max Out Cardio.I want to proclaim now that my short-term goal this week is to surpass all my times from a week ago and end this phase of my journey on the highest of all notes. Going off that, I'd have to best a pretty solid time of 18:30.
One thing that was challenging me today that I hadn't dealt with in the previous 49 days was the immense heat. For so long it has been cold, or temperate, but never hot. Today, out of nowhere, the temperature spiked to nearly 80 degrees -- and I decided to workout after I got off work.
With the horrible humidity weighing me down, it felt like I wasn't even going to get past the warmup without crashing. I managed to get past that, however, and squeak by the first sequence before the break, and into the 10-minute zone.
The power moves proved extra challenging for me today as the jumping wasn't coming easy. But I paced myself and pushed through to get over the minute-long move.
As the workout evolved, I was able to get to, and surpass my previous Max Out Time. Ultimately, between the burning sensation throughout my body and coping with the heat, I hit a Max Out Time of 19 minutes, 11 seconds. (I wish I got to 20 minutes.) It wasn't knocking down the door, but I eked through and made decent improvements. Goal achieved!
Last week, I also opted to not weigh myself as I had taken several meals off throughout the previous week while we had a house guest. Two weeks ago, I weighed in at 215.4 and I didn't want to discourage myself so I refocused on the clean eating and felt better about my weigh-in today.
When I stepped on the scale, I was a little reluctant to look down. Even though my clothes are fitting much better and my appearance is clearly different, my scale takes some time to catch up to the rest of me.
With one eye closed, I peaked down to see the scale out of the corner of my open eye. I did a double take and needed to use my other eye to see right. It read: 210.8. In two weeks I dropped another 4.6 pounds. That's a huge surprise to me. As long as I stay focused for this week, I intend to drop below 210 (crossing my fingers) and then hope to get less than 200 by the first week of June.
For me, if I continue to set small, short-term goals, I'm setting myself up to succeed. When I set lofty goals, it's easier to get discouraged and fail. I'm not failing. Next up: Max Out Power
Recap
Workout: Max Out Cardio
Max Out Time: 19:11
Weep Time: 20:08 (Can't get any better than that)
Weep Time: 20:08 (Can't get any better than that)
Weekly Weigh-in: 210.8 (4.6 less than weigh-in on Day 36)
Monthly Photo: Stay tuned for Day 60 of the journey
Insanity: Max 30 Journey Day 49 - Rest
During the course of two months, I'd like to take you into my journey as
I strive to retain a healthy lifestyle through a healthy balanced
nutrition program and Beachbody trainer extraordinaire -- and Men's
Health cover man -- Shaun T's brand new workout regimen Insanity Max 30.
I did a number of things in and around the house, but opted to stay away from any workouts to allow my body to heal. I got some good sleep in, which I tend to miss out on with the hectic work weeks I am presented with.
No complaints of the day that was. Got some quality family time, errands run, relaxed and had a good meal for dinner. All-in-all a great rest day. Next up: Max Out Cardio
Day 49: Rest
Today was the eye of the storm. I had a 100 percent rest day as I aimed toward crushing my final week of Max 30.I did a number of things in and around the house, but opted to stay away from any workouts to allow my body to heal. I got some good sleep in, which I tend to miss out on with the hectic work weeks I am presented with.
No complaints of the day that was. Got some quality family time, errands run, relaxed and had a good meal for dinner. All-in-all a great rest day. Next up: Max Out Cardio
Recap
Workout: Rest
Max Out Time: N/A
Weep Time: N/A
Weep Time: N/A
Weekly Weigh-in: Stay tuned for Day 50 of the journey
Monthly Photo: Stay tuned for Day 60 of the journey
Insanity: Max 30 Journey Day 48 - Pulse
During the course of two months, I'd like to take you into my journey as
I strive to retain a healthy lifestyle through a healthy balanced
nutrition program and Beachbody trainer extraordinaire -- and Men's
Health cover man -- Shaun T's brand new workout regimen Insanity Max 30.
It was ho hum of a workout. In addition to the Pulse routine, I also went for a walk around the block a couple times since it was a beautiful day and had an overall relaxing day. The focus now switches to the final week as I look to sprint through the finish line. Next up: Rest
Day 48: Pulse
After buckling down and putting my body to the test this week, recovery was very much in order. I took this opportunity to get my 20 minute Pulse workout in and give my legs a good stretch (and slight burn) to get me through the final week of my initial Max 30 Journey.It was ho hum of a workout. In addition to the Pulse routine, I also went for a walk around the block a couple times since it was a beautiful day and had an overall relaxing day. The focus now switches to the final week as I look to sprint through the finish line. Next up: Rest
Recap
Workout: Pulse
Max Out Time: 20:00
Weep Time: N/A
Weep Time: N/A
Weekly Weigh-in: Stay tuned for Day 50 of the journey
Monthly Photo: Stay tuned for Day 60 of the journey
Insanity: Max 30 Journey Day 47 - Friday Fight: Round 2
During the course of two months, I'd like to take you into my journey as
I strive to retain a healthy lifestyle through a healthy balanced
nutrition program and Beachbody trainer extraordinaire -- and Men's
Health cover man -- Shaun T's brand new workout regimen Insanity Max 30.
With that in mind, I'll give you a scope of how I feel before and after this workout.
Now, fast forward 30 minutes and I'm covered in sweat.
That's what 30 minutes of one-minute moves with no break in between does to a body. You go four and a half minute warmup to 10-straight gut-wrenching minutes with a 30-second break, then another 10 minutes with a minor break and go strong for another five and a half or so minutes.
It's brutal! But I know it's just 30 minutes and I'm going to get results so I dig deep and do it.
My goal for today was to get past that seventh minute (I had previously only managed to do 6:17 and 6:23 Max Out Times respectively). Today, with the power of pacing and mental wherewithal, I bested my previous Max Out Time by two minutes on the nose, to 8 minutes, 23 seconds. Goal achieved!
My Weep Time remained low, though, which is fine. It took a lot of energy and focus to get through that previous Max Out Time. Still, I upped the time by nearly 50 seconds.
So, truth be told, it's a success all around. Now with one week remaining in this part of the journey, my final goal for Friday Fight: Round 2 is to get past the 10-minute mark for a Max Out Time, and end on a high note. Next up: Pulse
Day 47: Friday Fight: Round 2
I've made myself pretty clear when I say I dislike this workout. Don't get me wrong, it is an incredible workout that most certainly get the job done. However, the pain and suffering that goes into this workout is beyond words.With that in mind, I'll give you a scope of how I feel before and after this workout.
| What a happy mood I am to kick off the workout! |
| What just happened?!?! |
That's what 30 minutes of one-minute moves with no break in between does to a body. You go four and a half minute warmup to 10-straight gut-wrenching minutes with a 30-second break, then another 10 minutes with a minor break and go strong for another five and a half or so minutes.
It's brutal! But I know it's just 30 minutes and I'm going to get results so I dig deep and do it.
My goal for today was to get past that seventh minute (I had previously only managed to do 6:17 and 6:23 Max Out Times respectively). Today, with the power of pacing and mental wherewithal, I bested my previous Max Out Time by two minutes on the nose, to 8 minutes, 23 seconds. Goal achieved!
My Weep Time remained low, though, which is fine. It took a lot of energy and focus to get through that previous Max Out Time. Still, I upped the time by nearly 50 seconds.
So, truth be told, it's a success all around. Now with one week remaining in this part of the journey, my final goal for Friday Fight: Round 2 is to get past the 10-minute mark for a Max Out Time, and end on a high note. Next up: Pulse
Recap
Workout: Friday Fight: Round 2
Max Out Time: 8:23
Weep Time: 11:52 (Have I mentioned I can't stand this workout?)
Weep Time: 11:52 (Have I mentioned I can't stand this workout?)
Weekly Weigh-in: Stay tuned for Day 50 of the journey
Monthly Photo: Stay tuned for Day 60 of the journey
Friday, May 1, 2015
Insanity: Max 30 Journey Day 46 - Max Out Strength
During the course of two months, I'd like to take you into my journey as
I strive to retain a healthy lifestyle through a healthy balanced
nutrition program and Beachbody trainer extraordinaire -- and Men's
Health cover man -- Shaun T's brand new workout regimen Insanity Max 30.
I love to challenge myself in whichever way possible, and, even though it wasn't a sound decision, I went with it. Frankly, every time the alarm goes off is its own experience in itself. Will I get up? Will I hit snooze? All I know is when my body says, "Do it!" I jump up and do it. Today, my body was all for it.
If Max 30 is all about just making the slightest of improvements, this was the one time where I literally made the most minimal of improvements. Well, I did spare myself a second, but it was the worst improvement in my second month. My Max Out Time today was at 13:25, two seconds better than a week ago.
If Shaun T says he is just looking for at least a one-second improvement from workout to workout, I'll take it. Being so early in the morning, I'm stiff, it takes a little longer to warm up, so I don't know how it would have been had I waited to workout later in the day. All I know is I got through the workout and I don't look back.
My biggest issue with this workout has always been the pushups. It's literally five pushup moves in a row. I'm going to max out no matter how you look at it -- whether I crash to the floor or I just take a nano-second break. Forty-five seconds of pushups is not easy to do just on its on accord. Compound that with 45 seconds on, 15 seconds off and times that by five. How do you do?
I'm not making excuses. I'm frustrated with my inability to get through that second sequence and I want -- nay, need -- to get past it to make me feel like I achieved something with this routine. I have one more shot at it. If I don't succeed, hopefully I improve. Then I'll keep doing the workout until I do get through. At that point, I'll check in with you all and let you know how I did it and how many times it took me to succeed. (That should be a fun challenge.)
Meanwhile, I got through the workout without hitting a Weep Time, unless you consider my Max Out Time and Weep Time simultaneous, which today, it felt like. I'll give myself the benefit of the doubt on this one. I got one more HUGE challenge left in the week before transitioning to the fourth and final week of Month 2 -- and the last week of the Max 30 journey. Next up: Friday Fight: Round 2
Day 46: Max Out Strength
After a day of late-night fury and anger in the form of Max Out Sweat, I decided, "Why not do my strength workout first thing in the morning?"I love to challenge myself in whichever way possible, and, even though it wasn't a sound decision, I went with it. Frankly, every time the alarm goes off is its own experience in itself. Will I get up? Will I hit snooze? All I know is when my body says, "Do it!" I jump up and do it. Today, my body was all for it.
If Max 30 is all about just making the slightest of improvements, this was the one time where I literally made the most minimal of improvements. Well, I did spare myself a second, but it was the worst improvement in my second month. My Max Out Time today was at 13:25, two seconds better than a week ago.
If Shaun T says he is just looking for at least a one-second improvement from workout to workout, I'll take it. Being so early in the morning, I'm stiff, it takes a little longer to warm up, so I don't know how it would have been had I waited to workout later in the day. All I know is I got through the workout and I don't look back.
My biggest issue with this workout has always been the pushups. It's literally five pushup moves in a row. I'm going to max out no matter how you look at it -- whether I crash to the floor or I just take a nano-second break. Forty-five seconds of pushups is not easy to do just on its on accord. Compound that with 45 seconds on, 15 seconds off and times that by five. How do you do?
I'm not making excuses. I'm frustrated with my inability to get through that second sequence and I want -- nay, need -- to get past it to make me feel like I achieved something with this routine. I have one more shot at it. If I don't succeed, hopefully I improve. Then I'll keep doing the workout until I do get through. At that point, I'll check in with you all and let you know how I did it and how many times it took me to succeed. (That should be a fun challenge.)
Meanwhile, I got through the workout without hitting a Weep Time, unless you consider my Max Out Time and Weep Time simultaneous, which today, it felt like. I'll give myself the benefit of the doubt on this one. I got one more HUGE challenge left in the week before transitioning to the fourth and final week of Month 2 -- and the last week of the Max 30 journey. Next up: Friday Fight: Round 2
Recap
Workout: Max Out Strength
Max Out Time: 13:26
Weep Time: 30:00 (Can't get any better than that)
Weep Time: 30:00 (Can't get any better than that)
Weekly Weigh-in: Stay tuned for Day 50 of the journey
Monthly Photo: Stay tuned for Day 60 of the journey
Insanity: Max 30 Journey Day 45 - Max Out Sweat
During the course of two months, I'd like to take you into my journey as
I strive to retain a healthy lifestyle through a healthy balanced
nutrition program and Beachbody trainer extraordinaire -- and Men's
Health cover man -- Shaun T's brand new workout regimen Insanity Max 30.
Yes, I'm getting better and deeper into the workout, but there is just something about it that I absolutely despise and can not wait for it to go away. (In a week, I won't have to worry about it for a while, thankfully.)
My journey on Wednesday took me back to the dreaded Max Out Sweat routine where the Shaun T-proclaimed "hardest workout I ever taught" routine. Despite knowing exactly what's coming, it still seems to catch you off guard.
For me, it's all about the sequence of moves (I'm sure you have realized this by now) and when you jumble together three hard moves -- most going plyo/squat/lunge type move to a plank jump move and another leg burner move -- and cycle through those moves three times, it's a challenge to say the least.
Then when you think you have the workout beat, because you survived the first four-and-a-half-minute sequence, he throws a ton of plank moves so your shoulders are on fire. Where does it end?!?!
All I know, for me, and maybe you are different, but this is the longest 30 minutes of my life (Friday Fight: Round 2 is pretty close). My Max Out Time, however, is improving quite a bit on this one. I am up to 18 minutes and 27 seconds before falling to bits. My Weep Time, however, only hit 21:20. Not that great.
I think I blacked out for the last 10 or so minutes and don't remember much of what happened. I do know I finished and felt like I had an outer-body experience during the cool down. I'm so glad it is over with and I just have one more of those. Before then, I have to focus on the task at hand. Next up: Max Out Strength.
Day 45: Max Out Sweat
I still really hate this workout.Yes, I'm getting better and deeper into the workout, but there is just something about it that I absolutely despise and can not wait for it to go away. (In a week, I won't have to worry about it for a while, thankfully.)
My journey on Wednesday took me back to the dreaded Max Out Sweat routine where the Shaun T-proclaimed "hardest workout I ever taught" routine. Despite knowing exactly what's coming, it still seems to catch you off guard.
For me, it's all about the sequence of moves (I'm sure you have realized this by now) and when you jumble together three hard moves -- most going plyo/squat/lunge type move to a plank jump move and another leg burner move -- and cycle through those moves three times, it's a challenge to say the least.
Then when you think you have the workout beat, because you survived the first four-and-a-half-minute sequence, he throws a ton of plank moves so your shoulders are on fire. Where does it end?!?!
All I know, for me, and maybe you are different, but this is the longest 30 minutes of my life (Friday Fight: Round 2 is pretty close). My Max Out Time, however, is improving quite a bit on this one. I am up to 18 minutes and 27 seconds before falling to bits. My Weep Time, however, only hit 21:20. Not that great.
I think I blacked out for the last 10 or so minutes and don't remember much of what happened. I do know I finished and felt like I had an outer-body experience during the cool down. I'm so glad it is over with and I just have one more of those. Before then, I have to focus on the task at hand. Next up: Max Out Strength.
Recap
Workout: Max Out Sweat.
Max Out Time: 18:27
Weep Time: 21:20
Weep Time: 21:20
Weekly Weigh-in: Stay tuned for Day 50 of the journey
Monthly Photo: Stay tuned for Day 60 of the journey
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