Day 90: So it Ends Tigers.

From this...

To this?

Well, hardly.

The Kung Fu Body has come and gone, and what an adventure it was. It is not one for the faint of heart or mind. The truth? It wasn't the PCP. It wasn't an event of massive transformation, but that, I'm told, is normal.

Now, at the end, I realize the KFB is different from the PCP in a very important way. The PCP's focal point is your body with some mind. The KFB focuses on your mind with a little body. Oh sure, there may be more exercises in the KFB than the PCP, but the nature of those additional exercises challenges the mind far more than the body--at least they did for me.

If your looking for body transformation, the PCP is the road to take. If your looking for spirit and mental transformation the KFB is for you.

The greatest weakness I discovered I have while on the KFB is patience. I have not as much as I like to think I have. Patrick talks about us living in a world where everything comes easy now--food especially. But, the truth is alot of things I want in my life for pleasure I can aquire very quickly, perhaps to quickly. As a result, my patience has waned.

The longer KFB regime and the flexibility exercises asked me to make time and wait. The former I'm good at. The latter I'm not. I would go through each flexibility exercise with my mind on the clock. I would try to ignore it, but I almost always felt I had better things to do. The punches and kicks might have gone the same way if I hadn't found them to be a fun activity to do together with my son. We will continue to punch and kick together for some time to come.

I wish I had something more profound to give future readers of this blog, but if you do join this program, know this: The KFB is an advanced program. It will help you get back in shape if you've been there before. But most importantly, if you let it, it will get your mind in shape as well.

THE END

Day 87: Pushing through the weakness.

Hey all,

The last few days have been busy with some extra classes at work and chores around the house with my mother-in-law gone, but today I managed to get up early and have a really good workout. It was only a half hour, but I blasted through exercise after exercise with none of the hesitation I usually go through. Also, for the last few days I've been feeling weak in my midsection and legs, but today I pushed through it and managed to really get myself back in line.

With my reduction in time, I've been picking and choosing from my exercise list. It works pretty well on my schedule and keeps me participating evenly if not completely in all areas of the KFB.

Almost there, Tigers.

More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 84: As usual--after a bad day, a good day.

Hey all,

As often happened on the PCP, after I have a really bad day, I end up having a really good day. I got through my workout today without any trouble save the fact it still takes me an hour and a half. However, I didn't mind because I was up early, finished most of my chores, and their was cloud cover so I could enjoy my whole workout outside.

However, right now my hamstrings, the muscles responsible for my poor posture are tired as hell. I'm practically dropping into chairs when I sit down and I'm not in a big hurry to get up again. Still, I'm glad everything's done for the day workout wise.

I know the KFB encourages us to be flexible with our workout times and places, but lets face it, most people like to workout and get it over with so we can shower and get on with our day. This is especially true in the very hot summer where we like to keep sweat down to a minimum at the office, while spending time with family, etc.
As much as I would like to do my workout whenever and wherever I please, the fact I can't take multiple showers every day--especially at work--keeps the amount of exercise I do outside my alotted time at a minimum.

More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 83: Life vs. PCP vs. KFB

Hey all,

With my mother in law gone on peace boat and my son on summer break, I've acquired a whole bunch of garden chores and house chores which have horned in on my training time. I haven't had a complete workout all week. And, of course, the dizziness hasn't helped. The latter is fading though. Today was much better. I think I just hit a spot where I had a concussion last year and its giving me a little grief.

The heat has been a real enemy too. My park is a hot zone which takes away from my workout enjoyment. Last year was nowhere near this hot.

My strength is better than ever.


My agility is so-so. I still have a good share of misses with the ping pong ball. And, frankly, there are days I love it and hate it. Days when I find it fun and other days where I find myself wondering what's the point? Frankly, I'd rather be playing Street Fighter.

My flexibility has improved. My kicks are higher, but I'm still am quite vertical when I stretch. My butt and legs still fall asleep.

I think my conflictwith the KFB has been largely because of a lack of a desired goals. During the PCP, I was fighting for my life. On the KFB, I tried to ignite the same passion, but it just hasn't been there. Is this the fault of the program. No, just me. Without goals I truly want, I can keep up a daily thirty minute work out routine to maintain my great weight, but it's hard to devote over an hour every day under the schorching sun or in the house where a four year old demands your attention.

And to be honest, on the PCP, because I was fighting for my life, I forced the PCP into my life like the proverbial square peg into a round hole. There were days I got into arguemnts with my wife and my family and my son because I put the PCP above almost everything else--a choice I stand by because my health is so much better now. However, on the KFB, without life-threatening fat to lose, I could not justify being as aggressive.

Well, only a week left.
Com'on Tigers. let's finish this.

More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 82: Hot Hot Hot!

Hey all,

Today and yesterday are supposedly the hottest days on record this year in Japan. It sure felt like it. I've moved my KFB into the house with the exception of J-rope these days. And, I've been cutting back a bit on sets. The main reason is I've been overheating and becoming dizzy lately. I use the AC, but it isn't always enough. Oh well, just taking everything in stride. It's funny. It's like I bumped my head--this dizziness I feel. But, I don't remember hitting my head. Maybe I came down to hard one time during a V-sit? Hmmm. Anyway, the spirit of any workout isn't how hard we go at it all the time, but how often we go at it. And, I have the good looking body to prove it--at least I think so.

More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 80: Why do we fight?

Hey all,

I remember a scene from the comedy Married with Children where Al Bundy, the shows main character gets punched by Suger Ray Leonard as part of a shoe commercial. When it's over and Al is lying on the ground unconscious, Sugar Ray Leonard smiles and, in the comedic vein of the show, says, "You know, it's every professionals dream to know how seriously they can hurt an non-competitor."

Something that just popped into my head while I was meditating today.

More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 78: A moment of grace.

Hey all,

Today I went through my workout from start to finish with no time pressure at all. My family was out today and I had the whole hose to myself. Do you know how much fun it is to do your freestyle moves in a real tatami room to Kung-Fu music?

I'm still not so stretchy and I still miss the ball wore than I would like, but it's fun and that's where I try to keep my head. My balance is definitely improved. But it still has it's good or bad days. But I'll keep working on it. Only a little more than a week left.

One thing, however, that has made this KFB really hard the last few weeks has been the heat. After my workout, I'm always drenched with sweat. I can get so uncomfortable sometimes even with a towel around.

More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 77: Train Drain

Hey all,

Only stretches and J-rope today because I just spent seven hours on the train going to and from Ibaraki to attend my wife's sister's housewarming party. A very Japanese lunch was had. Healthy as heck and reasonably tasty. Would you believe dessert was watermelon?

More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 76: Back at it.

Hey all,

I got outside and got to my workout. I've been hanging my ping pong balls from my gazeebo which makes for alot of fun. The people who see we punching ping pong balls think I'm alittle strange, but the kids think it's a riot and often ask me if they can have a go.

More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 75: The Camp Endeth

Hey all,

Well, another English camp has come and gone. I had a good time, but very much at the expense of my KFB for a couple of days. I got my strength exercises in, with the exception of J-rope and I completely abandoned my diet--all in the name of a couple of days of fun and food I won't do again for another year.

My body was mad at me for sudenly switching gears, and it was pretty happy when I got right back on my diet this evening. The strange thing is, my mentality toward food, while much improved, is still not a place of health perfection. My mind still sees food as pleasure more than medicine. My cravings had pretty much died down over the last month until we got to the hotel buffet yesterday. My mind screamed, "You are not going to be able to eat this awesome looking food for another year. Get out there and enjoy yourself!"

So, I did. And, now I'm happy and feeling a little guilty at the same time, but the later is countered by how infrequently I do enjoy myself food wise these days. I just eat and get it over with so I can go do something else. I just make sure that something else is fun. Man, it's hard to not equate food with pleasure and comfort. It really is.

Anyway, stream of consciousness complete.

More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 72: English Camp Cometh

Hey all,

I'm off to three days two nights at the Yokohama Pan Pacific hotel to teach at my school's English camp. It was great last year and should be great this year. Patrick will be joining me for part of it to teach my kids some Englsih and some Yoga. It's goona be cool. As for my workouts, I'll fit what I can in where I can. Hotel rooms at the YPPH aren't very good for J-ropin', but they're fine for everything else.

More in a few days,
Sean

Day 71: Stay with Strength

Hey all,

Busy as heck. Mindful of my health. Not going to get all my workout in today, but will do my best. Family visiting. English camp to plan for. Busy, Busy, Busy.

More (or less?) Tomorrow,

Sean

Day 70: Quick workout--then out.

Hey all,

Halved my workout today because I had to meet friends early in Shinjuku. Got some great books including some new stories for my son. Dr. Suess anyone?

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 69: A Smaller Stomach = Better Posture?

Hey all,

I slouch. I've tried to overcome it, but it's an unconscious habit now which makes it all the more difficult to deal with. However, something interesting has happened with the weight loss I've been experiencing on the KFB.

Now, for some reason, when I eat and slouch at the same time I'm really uncomfortable. I feel like my stomach is trying to burst out of me. To feel better I have to sit up to enjoy my meal. Before, when I was overweight, this was not an issue. However, now for some reason--perhaps it has to do with having a much smaller gut--I have to sit up straight when I eat or I feel funky. Just another wacky observation on the KFB.

More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 68: This Heat

Hey all,

According to the news yesterday,five people died in the heat here in Japan yesterday. Here's the story:

Tokyo, Japan (AHN) – Intense heat and heat exhaustion claimed the lives of five people in Japan on Wednesday.

Residents across the island nation’s eastern and central regions are struggling to deal with intense summer temperatures topping the a blistering heat wave with temperatures topping 100 degrees.

According to reports three people working on a farm, including two elderly women, died in eastern Japan while the two others died at home.

An 89-year-old woman in central Tokyo is listed as being in critical condition after suffering with heat stroke early Thursday.

In total 168 people have been hospitalized in connection with the heat, bringing the total for July to 476, the highest in five years.

Record-high figures were observed in four locations in Gunma, Tochigi and Shimane prefectures.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency said that in Tajimi City, central Japan, the temperature reached 102 degrees fahrenheit, the country’s highest this summer.

Experts say the severe heat could last until Saturday however the weekend forecast says rain is expected followed by a cold air system from the north.

So, stay hydrated out there--(and perhaps young?)

More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 67: Workout? yeah right...

Hey all,

My son's summer break has begun and it, combined with the fact my wife is working now, and I have earlier work start times, leaves even less time to workout. Yesterday was full of incomplete, interrupted sets and some exercises weren't done at all. If we were at the start of the KFB it would not have been a problem, but with the longer sets, avoiding interruption, especially from a four year old boy who wants to spend time with his daddy, is impossible. Unfortunately, the KFB, with the exception of a few minutes with the ping-pong ball exercises, hasn't attracted my son like the PCP exercises did. So, I can't get him to join in with me like he used to. And, relaxing for the stretches--yeah right.

Ah, whatever, it's just a few days. And, besides, like Bruce Lee often said, we must be like water. Sometimes that water slows to a trickle, but it flows nonetheless. Soon, my son with start daycare and I have a little more time, and I'll get a bike ride out of the deal as I take him there.

I'm mindful about working out. I know I need to workout. This mentality has been a part of me since the PCP. But, like everything else in my life I have to fit it in the best I can. As long as I can look in the mirror and be happy--which I can--things are good.

And when all is said and done, time with my son is more important. I just need to keep it physical (soccer anyone?) when we hang out.

More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 66: Sudden Pain Anyone?

Hey all,

So, last night I'm doing my Wide Angle Forward Bend because of mmy Usual busy Tuesday workout switch, I get up to fifteen minutes and suddenly I feel this sharp pain in my left leg. I stop the stretch and relax, but I don't dare start again. What the heck was that, I wonder. Anyway, I woke up this morning and everything is fine. No aches. No pain. Just a little surprsie last night, I guess. Anyone have anything similar?

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 65: Spaghetti Sauce

Hey all,

When I was living at home and younger, I remember my mom would make spaghetti sauce and freeze it for future meals. Sometimes, when we would heat it up we would forget to stir it, and, even if it was in the microwave for thirty minutes, there would be some of the sauce that would not defrost. Can you imagine how unpleasant it is to find a block of ice-solid spaghetti sauce in your spaghettis sauce?

Well, this is where my flexibility is right now. It's like there is this block of ice inside of me that won't defrost. I've been doing alot of stretching, but I'm not much closer to doing any kid of stretch that would impress anyone (e.g. nose to the floor while sitting on my butt, etc.)

Am I upset abot this? No, not really. I realize after years of ignoring my flexibility training, I'm not going to turn into some super-stretchy Yogi in three months.


The key thing to remember is I'm getting alot of cool stretching techniques that, when done at the beginning of my workout, warm me up and make my workout go alot smoother. And, in the end, I will still be a bit more stretchier than I was when I started.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 64: Do you have the stomach for it?

Hey all,

I can't believe how small my stomach has gotten. I just can't put it away like I used to. I think I'm even eating less than I did around this time on the PCP. I'm full pretty much after eating one tomato. Also, even with this heat, I'm finding I need less water. Just some observations.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 63: Taking it slow.

I didn't get to sleep until after 4:00 A.M. last night. There was stuff on my mind even meditation could not wipe out. Nothing super serious, but troublesome. So, I took it easy today and cut my workout sets in half. I'm going to sleep well tonight.

One of the things I want to avoid on the KFB which I managed to avoid on the PCP was getting sick. It's tricky in the summer because the danger of an air conditioner induced cold is always a possibility if one is not careful. The best way to avoid a cold is not get over tired. I'll get back to full workout tomorrow.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 62: Hot

Hey all,

I went outside to do my workout today and there was only one word to describe the weather--hot. Fortunately, there is a mini gazeebo in my park that provides me with some shade as I do my J-ropes. There is also a tree under which I can do my stretches. Hmmm, I guess, even on a hot day, it's nice to have a park to workout in. Even if it i--hot!

I just hope some dog owner didn't let their dog take a whiz under the tree before I got there.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 61: Meditation

Hey all,

I'm finding my meditation to be an excellent way to clear my mind. Last night, I had a headache because I was worried about somethings I had to do today. So, after I took some headache medicine I wasn't ready to sleep, so I just sat down and meditated. My mind tends to wander during meditation unless I just focus on my breathing, so I just tried to focus on how wonderful it is to breathe. How wonderful it is to be alive. Meditation refreshes me yes, but i think one oif the better parts is it always reminds me of one thing. I need to slow down more and just be happy to be alive--okay that's two things. heh

More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 60: Star Power Returns!

Hey all,

It's been long overdue but I finally had a doese of what I call "Star Power" on the KFB. Anyone who read my PCP blog knows star power if when you go into your workout with a ton of energy and happiness and, as a result, everything goes right. Today was one of those days. I started the workout with some aches in my legs but the second I started jumping rope, something came over me. I just felt great. Everything was clear. I went through all my exercises without any trouble. There was muscel failure of course. I didn't make it through the last set of push-ups but everything else was great. Even my paper punches went fine.

A quick note on the paper punches. Sick of constantly resetting the paper, I have suspended it with a string like the ping pong ball, but at a lower height. I usually do this exercise in my home's windless tatami room for that extra kung-fu feeling. Yeah!

Also, I find what pushes Star Power to it's ultimate heights is the right music, so today I was rocking to this oldie by Bobby Brown. Check it out!



More tomorrow
Sean

Day 59: Anytime, Anyplace.

Hey all.

Just noticing lately how organically messed up my KFB has been, I stick my exercises in where ever I can. A strength exercise here, a stretch there. I find I'm even doing punches for fun at work and I'm trying to figure out how to use the ping-pong ball punching as a game in my English classes. Would you believe I did my push-ups at work one day? Thank God for air conditioning.

In the PCP, I was so tight with my workout time, but now I'm alot more flexible--pun intended. I do my leg swings when my son and I are waiting for his school bus. I do Kung-Fu sit ups wherever there be a swing set. I also find I don't care who sees me doing the exercises which has done a good turn for my confidence.

My mind is alot looser than it was when this whole thing started.

More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 58: Quick and painless.

Again, another early Tuesday with a workout swap. Did my ropes, but I gotta do my stretch tonight after my shower. What happens to the time?

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 57: 6-year old Ninjas, I'm ready for you!

Hey all,

Finally, I'm seeing some improvement in the height of my crescent kicks. Instead of being able to kick a three year old ninja in the head, I think now I might be able to kick a six year old ninja in the head. What? Ninjas are becoming younger everyday!


More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 56: Got out, Got it done.

Hey all,

Nothing major to report. I just got out and got things done so I could head out to my RPG club for the day. They always comment on how thin I look.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 55: It's the Cool Moments that Make it all Worthwhile.

Hey all,

When I was on the PCP and now the KFB, there are times I lose my focus--times when I ask myself, why am I doing this? It's nice at these times to have what I call a cool moment. One happened yesterday.

It was raining and my son and I headed out to the bus stop to wait for his bus to kindergarten. While we were there talking with some friends of ours who were also waiting for the bus, I saw that on this rainy day my son had put on his shoes instead of his rainboots. So, I asked my friends to watch my son while I raced back to our house to get his boots. When I got back, my friends were amazed at how fast I was. I also realized that before all my training the run between the bus stop and home would have had me breathing pretty heavily, but I wasn't breathing the least bit hard. Needless to say, I was feeling pretty cool.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 54: Tired Legs

Hey all,

I don't know about the rest of you, but I almost always start my workout with my J-ropes. My success in my J-rope sets goes along way to affecting my mood for the rest of the workout.

Yesterday, my legs were tired and achy, so my J-ropes were full of trips and failure. Consequently, the rest of my workout was just a drag. The feeling continues today, so I'm dreading going out in the rain today to do my exercises. But, I'll get out there as I always do.

My legs went through tired achy periods on the PCP too. When the PCP ended, in order to prevent aches in my legs, I worked out every second day which gave my legs more time to recover. This made for a better mood from workout to workout.

Hey tigers, is there any part of your body that gets particularly tired sometimes as you move through the workouts?

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 53: All this punching and kicking we do.

Hey all,

When I did my punches and kicks in the KFB, I enjoy it, and sometimes I really enjoy it. However, I also realise something about myself as i do them. I'd never want to use them on anyone. Oh sure, I know we all think about decking someone in our lives, some of us everyday, but it's not as much fun when they're on the ground bleeding,broken, or worse. We go from feeling powerful, to feeling terrible. The truth is fights are nothing like movies and video games. People get hurt. I wonder if that dude that girl punched out in the video we got from Patrick had to go to the hospital afterwards.

Now, hold on, I'm not trying to rain on the KFB, quite the opposite. I think it has really brought something to the forefront of my mind I haven't thought about in a while--the truth about fighting.

I think one of the reasons I like to play fighting games so much is it's all the fun of fighting with almost none of the consequences.



You get to do cool moves like my favorite one above and pit your skills against someone else. Sure, my opponent or I may feel bad from time to time when we lose, but we both walk away. We both had fun. We both learned something to make us better next time, and, most importantly, we both are okay. No one's bleeding. No one's hurt. No one is permenantly damaged.

Every time I sit down to play Super Street Fighter IV, I get to feel what it's like to kick ass and to have my ass kicked. And, thanks to mirror neurons, my brain can't tell the difference between a real and a video game fight, so that makes the experience even more real. I thrill in it. I soak it in and love it. But at the same time I am so happy that when it's all over, I don't have to wonder if I hit a person too hard and ended up killing them, and they don't have to think the same thing about me when I lose. My opponent is my friend for giving me a challenge, never ever my enemy.

Just food for thought. Maybe fighting games should be added to the list of exercises on the KFB? Hadoken!

More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 52:One of the most Disturbing Things I've ever Seen.

Hey all,

The above picture is for the current ad campaign for Winston cigrattes in Japan. It made me sick the first time I saw it. I don't know who I was angrier at--The guy for posing for this picture or the message the ad sends. Coould he really have a body like that and smoke? Probably not, but the insinuation is infuriating.

Anyway, just had to post this. With all the work I've done on the PCP and now the KFB, it disturbs me to think someone who looks like this would smoke or even think about it.

Grrrr.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 51: Another Busy Tuesday

At least there was no rain today. I did my stretch the previous night, and my ropes in the morning. I'm saving the mindful consumption this week for the weekend. Gotta go. Students await.

More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 50: Ropin'

Hey all,

Today's J-rope session was the best ever. I did all sets without a single trip. I couldn't believe it. Of course, I didn't realize it until the sets were done. Man, am I on a high today. I've never done that before.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 49: Weak Points

Hey all,

Today, Patrick sent us an e-mail about the weak points on the body in a fight. Without spoiling anything, I'd like you to see what it looks like when someone hits them all at once.



More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 48: I met a guy today...

Hey all,

Something interesting today after my workout. I met a guy today who speaks three languages and travels the world as a salesman. He was pretty cool and, as always, when I meet guys like this I felt a little envious as it makes me question the choices I've made in my own life. I mean this guys sees the world. He's wealthy enough to move himself and his family from place to place as he needs to do. However, as our discussion carried on, I realized he spends almost no time with his kids--something I'm free to do in my far less globetrotting life. I get to spend a ton of time with my son. More than my own father was able to spend with me because of his work. When this guy and I parted company, I realized maybe there's no need for me to be envious after all.

Oh, and I finished all the essays I had to write. I sent them off today.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Dy 47: Patrick's Studio

Hey all,

I went to Patrick's studio yesterday for a workout. As always, it was amazing. There's just something about working out with other people that is energizing. I envy those people who join programs like the PCP with a spouse or buddy. They must have a really good time some days.

And, as always, Patrick and I took the opportunity to play some Street Fighter. The last time we played, I won the most matches, but this time it was Patrick who was shining. He beat me pretty solid. It's nice to have a friend who gives you a good challenge. It was during this game session, Patrick explained something very interesting to me: mirror neurons. You see, when you are in an actual fight or just playing hard in a game of Street Fighter, your brain can't tell the difference. Your body may be sitting down with a game control, but your brain thinks your in a real fight. So, your heart, your sweat glands, everything your brain would normally activate in a fight is turned on. My family sometimes wonders why I'm so sweaty and charged after I play thirty minutes of Street Fighter. Now, I can tell them.

One more thing, Patrick and I did our KFB workout after playing Street Fighter. I was so pumped after we played it was great to have a workout to put all that energy. Kung Fu Body--Yeah!

If you want some idea of what it's like when Partrick and I go a few rounds, check out the comics below. Heh.




More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 46: Between the heat and the smoke....

Hey all,

I had a crappy night last night. Between the heat of the summer night and someone with delusions of farmer burning plants in their yard, I did not sleep very well and had one hell of a runny nose. I'll be going out for my workout later today after the rest of my family is out for the day. Fortunately, today's workout is not to strenuous. Then, who knows, maybe I'll get some Street Fighter in. It's not often I get the entire house to myself for a morning/afternoon.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 45: Halfway

Hey all,

Congratulations to the Tigers. We are halfway through the Kung Fu body. For forty-five days now I've been doing Strength, Agility, and Flexibility exercises and Meditation. What do I think of it all. Honestly, I don't know.

I thought about comparing this program thus far to the PCP, but that's not fair. The PCP is a refined program. The PCP has had time to mature. The KFB is in Beta stage.

I thought about going over the pros and cons in the KFB, but I don't think that is fair either since any cons are likely because of my own character flaws than any flaws in the actual program.

The workouts are time consuming, but Patrick is working to remedy that. And, let's face it, I don't have the free time I used to have on the PCP.

So. in the end, what do I think of the KFB so far? I'm just glad to be on the journey. For me it means exercise, health, and an expansion of health knowledge.

I guess I have a lot of faith in Patrick to guide us down the road of health.

Bring on the next 45 days.

And now, as a treat, here's the song I've been jumping rope to as of late. Sanctuary by Utada Hikaru. It's from the Kingdom Hearts 2 Soundtrack and Is rather fitting because these days I do find jumping rope gives me a feeling of sanctuary from the outside world, even more than meditation does. Cools song. Cool video. Enjoy



Enjoy.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 44: Busy Tuesday

Hey all,

I couldn't sleep well because of the heat last night and ended up getting up late. Couldn't get to my J-ropes today, but will stretch this evening. Man, my Tuesday is so tight now with early and late classes, and taking care of my son. But hey, sometimes life encroaches. And, really, all it means is my job is healthy and I get time with my son, so no biggie. Last day workout in place of Tuesday workout as usual.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 43: Very little love

Hey all,

I had almost no love from the exercise gods today. My balance was off, and my muscles quit on me alot sooner than they have in the past. My ping pong ball kicked my ass with a sharp blow to the forehead, and my J-rope gave me lashes. heh.

The only place I had any success today were my push-ups and--can't believe I'm going to write this--my side crunches. Stretching was fine. I like the happy baby.

Gotte get to work.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 42: Iron Man 2

Hey all,



After a little rope in the rain and some stretchin', I'm off to Roppongi Hills to see Iron Man 2. Nothing like mindfully consumin' some quality superhero story!

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 41: A New Kind of Craving

Hey all,

Thanks to the Kung Fu Body, I've been doing meditation at the end of my workouts. At first, I thought it was a waste of time, but I did it anyway being the completist that I am. As time has gone on, I've gotten used to it. I used the meditation time to think about different things in a non-aggressive manner. Chewing problems or just thoughts over in my mind like I might enjoy a piece of gum. However. today was the first time I craved my meditation time. I couldn't wait to get to it. I'm still mulling over what exactly this new craving means. Am I finally slowing down and liking it? We'll see.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 40: Allergies

Hey all,

I may have mentioned before that post PCP, my allergies have left me. When I say this, I mean food allergies--allergic reactions induced by eating too much food with processed milk and other crap in it. Unfortunately, my pollen/plant allergies are still with me. Last night these allergies decided to kick the crap out of me.

I was up until three last night battling a seriously runny nose that threatened to dehydrate me. It got to the point where I left my bedroom so my wife could sleep instead of listening to me sneeze and blow my nose. I went downstairs, took some medicine, cracked open my Nintendo DS, and played until the medicine finally started to work. My nose finally calmed down in the wee hours.

So, now, I'm tired as all heck as I head into my workout. So, I think I'm going to go out there today, but do half the number of sets. My fear is getting to tired and getting sick (i.e. a cold). So, I've got to play it smart.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 39: Sitting on my Heels!

Hey all,

Today was another small victory for me. After doing the child's pose stretch, I sat up and found I could finally sit on my heels! Now this may not seem like much to some. However, for someone like me who lives in Japan and actually has to sit like this for extended periods of time during certain social functions, this is a big deal. I still ache a bit when I sit on my heels mind you, but this is a big step towards impressing the Japanese people around me. Way cool!

Now, a little something for Patrick for brining me this far-heh. When we play Street Fighter together, he usually chooses Ibuki--the too cool school girl ninja--to go up against my ferocious Mexican masher T-hawk, and we have really good matches. Well, Patrick, I thought you might finally like the answer to the Ibuki question that has plagued fan boys since the dawn of Street Fighter III. Take it away, Ibuki:

Click to enlarge.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 38: Standing Crane

Hey all,

Had a small victory today with the standing crane today. I managed to stand all the way through it without toppling. I actually felt balanced. It was such an exciting feeling I almosttoppled in my final seconds of my last set. Hmmm. Balance and I in the same sentence. Who'd a thunk it? Now, I've got essays to write, but not before I go and do my cresecent kicks and J-ropes in the rain.



More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 37: I Slept Better

Hey all,

After doing my stretches and meditation in the evening last night, I found I slept better--a good thing when trying to sleep in the Japanese summer heat and humidity. Busy Tuesday, gotta jet.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 36: Short and Sweet.

Hey all,

The other day I attended a teacher training seminar at Toho Gakuen University. It was part two of the seminar I attended at the same time last year while I was on the PCP. So, now I have to write four essays to complete the course. To allow for this, I'm going to be stretching at night now and doing everything else in the morning. Stretching and meditation before bed. I wonder how I'll feel?

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 35: Well, would you look at this...

Hey all,


Check this out:

Breakfast:Carbs-80g Veg-130g Protein-1egg 250ml milk

Morning snack:160g fruit

Lunch:Carbs-100g Veg-AMAYW Protein-100g

Afternoon tea:120ml yogurtDinner:1apple 1banana 2eggs white 250ml milk

Evening snack:170g veg

Before workout:0

After workout:0

Yeah, I know. This is just one of our many diets. But, with only one month into the KFB, I'm already on a diet very similar to the one I was on on the last month of my PCP. I consider it a mark as to how far I've come from the person I used to be. Also, I do not find this diet intimidating at all.

Weight keeps dropping--Yeah! I'm finally below 79 kg which is a milestone for me. I know, it's just a number, but still...


I spent some extra time on my back kicks today at the expense of my other agility exercises as they are the most difficult for me to do coordination-wise. By the end, I was far from perfect, but they were fun. Also, I faced the "confusion feeling" I mentioned before several times and overcoming that is a high priority for me.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 34: An Enemy becomes a Friend?

Hey all,

Side crunches. I've hated them for so long because I would get dizzy and alot of neck pain every time I did them. However, today, for the first time, I had no neck pain and did not get dizzy. Finally, I think, I have run the gauntlet. I think my body has finally accepted the fact that I'm going to do side crunches no matter how much it complains, so today it stopped complaining. Here's hoping it lasts. Knock on wood.

Thank heaven for small victories.

More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 33: At the Studio

Hey all,

Today I went to Patrick's studio and had a great workout with him and one other KFBer. I always feel recharged when I go to Patrick's studio. The guy just knows how to motivate you.

My ping-pong-ball targeting hasn't improved much, but my weight loss and overall apperance is improving. Gotta love it!

Well, it's late. I've got to get to bed and get to my KFB workout in the morning.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 32: Another Day on the KFB

Hey all,



I got out there and got it done. I don't know how much I'm improving, but I think I may finally be through the stress I've been feeling for the past few weeks. Is it the meditation? Maybe.

To paraphrase my favorite Super Street Fighter character Thunder Hawk: Racing to get there is pointless, because there exists only in your mind.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 31: Another Swap

Hey all,

Again, my end of week workout becomes my Tuesday workout. I did my wide angle forward bend while listening to some TV last night. It's true what Patrick was saying abut different flexibility levels over the course of the day. I thought I would be more flexible at night after a day of work. Turns out, I was rather stiff, but I kept at it.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 30: Feeling Better...and the Joker

Hey all,

Sorry for my little vent yesterday, but it did help alot. Patrick also gave me a call, and I'll be going into the studio for a workout on Thursday to get myself straightened out.

Rainy season has begun in Japan. So, I had to do my J-ropes in the rain. Fortunately, the rest of todays KFB exercises today were indoor friendly, so I got through them with little trouble. While my crescent kicks aren't very high at all, the knee strikes proved to be fun.

And now, for a little video I found that was rather interesting. Ever wonder how the animated Joker really died? Not for the faint-hearted. Enjoy, if you dare:



More tomorrow,
Sean

Day 29: Deep Ox Stretch, Yeah Right.

Hey all,



Well the workout was so-so today. I started my targeted moves in the agility section with reasonable punches and disapointing kicks. Also, targeting and repositioning a ball for my kicks eats up alot of my hour. The biggest disappointment was the Deep Ox Stretch. After battling with it for two minutes and losing my balance I said to hell with it as I didn't get much past getting down on one knee.

Man, I wish I had more positive things to write about on the KFB journey, but all I'm finding out is how horrible my balance, flexibility, and patience are. And, whose fault is that? Mine of course. Thirty plus years of bad posture and not giving a damn about stretching will do that to you. I wish I could sing the songs of joy that came out of me with the PCP, but like I said in my week one blog this KFB is taking me into some dark immature places inside myself. I fear I'm going to be kicking and screaming all the way to the end. I know I'm doing something good for myself being on this program but there is a very immature part of me inside that wishes it could be doing something else. Facing this part of myself every day is no picnic either.

I'm one grumpy tiger. Grrrrr.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 28: A New Record and Time Management

Hey all,

Today my weight dipped down to 78.6. This is a new record for me. I know weight is just a number, but pre-PCP, I never thought I would see this kind of number on a scale with me on it--ever. So, yay! Needless to say, the diet is going great.

I love Saturdays. No pressure, no schedule. I can just get up and do my workout in peace. Of course, today was one of my weekly workouts because I used my day 28 workout a few days ago to save time. But, that was okay. Today went very well. I did meet failure early in the incline pull-ups, but that's the way it is sometimes. As for my mindful consumption, next time, if at all.

I'm so pleased with that video Patrick sent us about focusing on our hips in stretches. It sure made things easier for me. All this time, I've been trying to copy the pictures and not keeping my back as straight as it could be. Now, I just focus on my hips and how they can assist me. It makes the stretches far more enjoyable. I wish I had seen the video in week 2. It would have saved me a lot of stress.

My workouts still take over an hour, which I don't like nor does my family. So, I've taken steps. I've prioritized my workout. Flexibility first, Strength second, Agility third. If I get to the exercise within an hour, I do it. If not, I try to stick it in the day somewhere else or not at all. With my wife working, I've had to sacrifice sleep for my workout and all that's giving me is fatigue which makes my workday a yawn-fest and that's not a good thing. Somethings gotta give.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 27: Groggy

Hey all,

When I was in high school, I was a morning person. I got up in the morning with a smile on my face--most of the time anyaway. However, now, not as much. Some mornings, thanks to the smoke farmers around here decide to put in the air when they burn things or the pollen in the air from plants, I wake up with a groggy brain. Oh well, a good workout will clear the gooey cobwebs.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 26: Workout all over the place

Today proves to be another busy day with appointments. I workout when I can, where I can. Man, with my exercies all at different times of day and in different places, the KFB is so different from my PCP experience. Even my blog meager compared to my PCP one.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 25: The Kung-Fu Sit up

Hey all,

I got outside today and, using the swingset in my park, got to my kung-fu sit ups. This was an exercise I neglected a bit during the PCP because I just wasn't strong enough. However, this time I around I got right into it using the peak of the swing set in my park as my bar. It's not a straight bar, but it gets the job done. I think I'm going to need to get some workout gloves though. All these pull ups are hard on the hands.

Day 24: Tight Tuesday

Hey all,

Between work and other obligations today, I have next to no time for exercise. I couldn't even wake up at five this morning because I got home from work so late last night. I was exhausted at 5:00 A.M. So, I swapped my end of the week workout in for today's workout. I know the end of the week workout for this week does not exist yet, so I just used the day 21 workout again. Had to be done.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 23: Embracing the Left

Hey all,

Today I went just a bit off program and did every single rep of my jump kicks with my left leg. I wanted to really work on my left side coordination. My right has no problems, but I need to build the muscle memory with my left side. It was an odd feeling, almost like a tickle, facing the "confusion feeling" I mentioned yesterday again and again. Even by the end of my reps, I still had to concentrate to keep all things moving fluidly. My jump kicks are nothing impressiveon wither side, but I found this experiment fun. I never realized how complex a move a jump kick was until I tried to do it again and again with my off-leg. I know the KFB is about balance, so I'll go back to normal tomorrow, but training is also about facing weakness, so I think I made a good choice today.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 22: Right vs. Left or is it Left vs. Right?

Hey all,

Jump kicks have opened a new door for me. Is it one of kicking butt? No. Rather it has exposed my inner confusion. I have no problem executing a jump kick with my right leg. However, sometimes, when I do one with my left, my brain gets confused and I end up trying to kick with the wrong leg, which results in a funky jump instead of a kick. I actually have to concentrate quite a bit to make sure a set of left leg jump kicks go smoothly. It's a strange feeling when this "confusion" happens. I know a good portion of this has to do with the fact the right side of my body is my dominant side (Ironically. it's controlled by the left side of the brain). Anyone experiencing something similar?

Day 21: Let Poor Circulation be your Guide

Hey all,

I got up this morning and got right to my Wide Angle Forward Bend. I still can't get my legs very far apart and get down very far, but I'm working on it. I played a little Nintendo DS while I did my stretch. I forgot to take my timer with me, so I just waited until my whole left leg fell asleep. That's uasually about 10 minutes or more. Heh. Now that i think about it, I could have turned on my Nintendo DS clock.

My jumpropes were great today. My arms had all kinds of speed in them for some reason, so my rope was going around me like a tornado. The upper-backs of my legs are still feeling weak and tired these days. It makes getting up out of a deep chair a bit of an effort.

I guess I should mention I don't count my J-rope jumps. I just get out there and jump for 10 minutes. It's hard to get into J-rope zen when you're trying to keep count, so I don't. My J-rope and I are pals now. I don't have to keep an eye on everything it's doing.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 20: A Weary Body can be dealt with. But, a Weary Spirit? That's Something Else.

I had a rough morning this morning. Nothing I can discuss here. But, like Patrick said during the PCP, there will be highs and lows. And, today, is a low one for me. I'm sure now the KFB will be no different. On the upside, my workout is finished. I almost didn't do it today because of my mood, but I did some house cleaning first and it cleared my head enough to get my butt out there and do my workout. It was a close one though.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 19: Sluggish Ooze Monster

Hey all,

The above picture pretty much describes how I felt through my workout today. I woke up so sluggish today, but the reason is clear. I woke up and went back to sleep again. You see, I usually wake up around 6:00 A.M. If I get up, I'm okay. However, if I go back to sleep, I wake up all sluggish and it takes me a while to shake it off. I got through my workout though, all of it. My form on my kicks was pretty sloppy though, and my uppercuts felt like they we're happening in slow motion. On the upside my push-ups were strong.

My diet chugs along. I've lost a little weight, but not much. However, that's not what this program is really about is it. Loving my yogurt and milk. No carbs in the evening, of course.

I was going to go to Patrick's for a workout today, but something came up. My son needs to go to the doctor's for an appointment. It's nothing serious, just a medication pick up, but it needs to be done. I also have to do it one more time next Thursday, which will keep me from the studio as well. not a big deal though, and I get a bike ride out of the deal. I will say I feel more competent on this program than I did on the PCP so more time alone than I had on that program won't hurt me. However, it will rob me of the opportunity to pound Patrick in Super Street Fighter IV in person after our workouts. Mexican Typhoon!

Oh well, there's always tomorrow.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 18: Balance Issues

Hey all,

One of the challenges of the KFB has been balance. I'm improving, but slowly. I find it best to be near a wall or piece of furniture when I'm doing any of the exercises that require me to stand on one foot and only go to it when I start to fall over.

Another method I've found effective is to distract myself, that is, take my mind off my balance and just do the exercise. I do this by counting the time myself. Messing with the numbers as I count--counting forwards, backwards, in French, in Spanish, in Japanese, anything. It helps me tip over less.



Keep up the good fight, everyone.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 17: Feeling Strong after so Long

Hey all,

After the PCP finished in August, I kept right along with my exercise and diet until February 1st. On that day,I did a workout at Patrick's studio to support some new PCPers and then when I got home my body just cried out "Tired!". After that day, while I maintained a balanced diet and my weight, I just couldn't get myself outside to workout again. My body had had enough.

That's why it's nice to be on the KFB. I'm back in the rhythm again. I needed a kick start back into the world of exercise. Now, after a first week of grumbling, I'm back in the swing of things. I look forward to my jumprope, my push-ups, even my side crunches.

Let's hope the positive energy keeps flowing.

I should also mention I've been pretty tired lately. I get my 6-8 hours, but they don't seem to quite put me back to 100%. Also, I've got muscle pain in the upper-back of my legs from the leg swings. Boy, was I stiff this morning when I did those.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 16: The Diet

Hey all,

Patrick has given us our custom diets for the PCP, and I find myself rather pleased as it is not so different from how I eat now.

While I have had some processed food here and there (no Doritoes though!) and carbs at night since the PCP, the majority of my meals follow the concept of eating like a prince in the morning, a king in the afternoon, and a pauper at night. With the exception of weekeneds and holidays, my work week dinners have been little more than yogurt and salads. I get home pretty late from work so a big dinner just won't do. I save my "dinner" for my morning meal.

One of the lessons of the PCP really stuck with me--the idea that food is energy. In the usual three meals a day attitude, we take in so much energy at our evening meal and them we don't use it--(e.g.we sit and watch TV). So, what does all that food become? Fat of course. I'm oversimplifying perhaps, but you get the idea. I've been able to successfully maintain my post PCP weight thanks to adhering to this truth.

I'm also quite pleased milk is so prominent on my diet this time around. I never gave it up after the PCP and it has become one of my not-so-guilty little pleasures.



More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 15: The Sands of Time

Hey all,

I live in Japan, remember.

Last night, my wife and I went to see Prince or Persia: The Sands of Time. In the movie, a prince discovers a dagger which can rewind time. The movie is based on a video game which I played for ten minutes on the Playstation 2 and alot longer on the PC years ago. As it was a video game movie, I went in with low expectations, and I'm pleased to say I really enjoyed it. Having also seen the newest version of Clash of the Titans, I felt Prince of Persia was better from a character standpoint.

But, I digress. The main reason I bring this up is because after the movie my wife asked me the question that inevitably comes up after any time travel movie. "If you could go back in time and change something, what would it be?" Now, being a sci-fi fan and having seen Time travel movies before, I used to always have an answer to this question. But, for the first time, I didn't.

As sci-fi has shown us, if you change even one little thing in the past, you endanger the present as it exixts. And, for me that means endangering meeting my wife and having my son--the two most important moments in my life. And, of course, these moments woud not have happened if all the moments before them hadn't happened the way they did. So, for the first time in my life, I realize I would not change a thing. I suppose if I had to be picky, I'd go back over my son's life and double check that I didn't do anything to mess him up, but that's all. My life, I would leave be.

This conclusion has larger implications on my outlook on life than one might imagine because it means that everything I regret from my past or any grudges I'm still holding against people who hurt me in the past have been placed in a new perspective. Without them happening as they did, I would not be where I am now or who I am now.

Are there things I wish I could change? Yes, but not in the altering time sense of things. I've made my choices.

So, to all who have hurt me in the past, I forgive you. And, for all the stupid things I've done in my life, I forgive myself. For, without these things, terrible as they might be, I would not be what I am or have what I have now. This realization has taken alot of weight of my shoulders and made me feel wiser in the process.

Pretty deep effect for a video game movie to trigger, but there it is.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 14: Reading and Stretching

Hey all,

Today, I took Patrick's advice and read a book while doing my Wide Angle Forward Bend. It made the exercise alot more fun and the time fly by. I put the book at the length of my reach so as not to interfere with the stretch and instead help maintain it. The book was a big one by the way--an A4 size hard cover graphic novel. This way, I could see the words from far away.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 13: Anytime, Anywhere and the D.D.T.

Hey all,

Once again I have to say, I really enjoy the fact I can spread my workout all over my day. I finshed everything in the morning today, but, again, it was not in order nor were the exercises all one after another. The sets were uninterupted, however. This approach to fitness has broadened my mind in terms of where exercise can take place and when. Also, it has relieved alot of the strees I was feeling in the first week of the program because i don't have to fit my whole workout into one time slot.

Yesterday, I went to Patrick's studio for a workout, and I found out how to do the down dog twist. People, if your having trouble, don't just leave your questions on the blog. Send your questions directly to Patrick. You get answers more quickly. I thought about posting a video I found that kind of illustrates how to do the down dog twist, but better to leave it to the man in charge as I don't wish to mislead anyone. Communicate with Patrick, people, communicate! I kniw because we've been through the PCP, we sometimes think we know everything, but there is always something more we can learn from the master.

Down Dog Twist. D.D.T. Heh. Remember this?



More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 12: Ultra Combos

Hey all,

Today I'll be heading over to Patrick's studio for a workout with another member of the KFB will be there as well. However, that combined with work will leave me with no time for the blog, so I thought I'd get this blog entry out of the way.

In his latest e-mail, Patrick talked about how doing something over and over again thousands of times will make you better at it. This made me think about my jump rope and how I use to be terrible when using it. Now, after jumpng rope every day for months back on the PCP, I've gone from poor to score. I can't do a bunch of tricks, but I can run while jumping which gives me a better cardio workout while jumping. I can also jump on one foot for a while and then switch to the other. These are things I'd thought I'd never do on jump rope day 1. It really is amazing how the body and mind will improve at something given the chance.

Patrick also offered us a video to illustrate his point. We'll I'd like to offer a video in reply. I'm sure if we all practice these moves often enough, we'll get great at them. Pick one, maybe get a friend to help, and get started today. And remember to make that cool wooshing sound before executing each move. Double click for Youtube and a better view. Enjoy!



More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 11: Organized Chaos

Hey all,

Today's workout is complete, but it was all over the place. Part was in the early morning while my son slept. Part was in the mid morning after breakfast, and the rest was done just after I took my son to meet his school bus. I went through the sets of each given exercise without interuption, but the time between exercises varied. Also, most of the workout was inside, while only two exercises were outside. Thus was definitely not one A to B workout like I always did on the PCP.

I tried to do the the Down Dog Twist, but no dice. Patrick will have to show me how to do that one when I go to his studio tomorrow.

On the upside, I've been standing close to a wall when I do my side leg swings. I only touch the wall when I lose my balance and need a quick reset. It was a real time saver and made me enjoy the exercise more.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 10: Chugging along

Hey all,



My diet is proceeding well. No carbs at night, and no processed foods save the white rice we have around my house. I'd get brown, but I'd be seriously rocking the boat with my Japanese family, so I let this one pass. To paraphrase Bruce Lee: Sometimes you have to go with the flow.

I split my workout today. I did my Flexibility and Strength outisde from 5:00 - 6:00 A.M. this morning, and did my Agility in my bedroom thirty minutes later while my son slept and my wife was working downstairs.

I will be breaking things up again in the future, but truth be told I prefer getting my workout done and not have it hang over my head for the rest of the day, even parts of it.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 9: I was wrong.

Hey all,



It's not impatience that working me over. It's simply time. I thought it was me (and it is still probably a little bit me), but the reality is my window for fitness is alot smaller. When I was on the PCP, my wife wasn't working so I could do the PCP while she looked after my son. However, with my wife back to work my old 6:00 - 7:30 A.M. workout window is shut tight. Now, I have to workout either in the morning before everyone gets up 4:30 - 6:00 A.M. or between 9:30 and 10:30 before I race off to work. This is not the complete picture, but you get the idea. Right now, with my balance being so poor, I loose alot of this time trying to get through the side leg swing sets. I had to give up my meditation today so I could have a shower and make my train to work.

However, I now believe all this will be a thing of the past because Patrick said today we can break up our workouts into different periods of the day. At least, that's how I interpreted the e-mail. So, now, I'm going to do my stretches and strength before I go to work, and saw my agility for my breaks at work or, if push comes to shove, the evening.

Monday and Tuesday are my tightest days. So they will require the most division of my workout. However, I should be able to keep it in a solid block on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. We'll see how it goes.

And now, a little hello to Jeremiah, E, Shelby, Pey, Heather, and Jessica. They are all members with me in the newly formed Group Tiger!

Let's support each other and the other groups the best we can. Good luck to us all.

Tiger Uppercut!

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 8: I'm Probably going to get in Trouble for This, but...

Hey all,

I did my flexibility exercises first and follwed them with my agility exercises. There, I said it. I know we are supposed to do the agility exercises second, and the flexibility third, but I found because my impatience builds to quite a peak at the end of my workout, I was not giving the stretches or the agility the attention they deserve.

Knowing my stretches were done well and out of the way first (even before jump rope), calmed me. I went into my agility exercise still with enough patience to give them focus. Finally, when I rolled into Strength, where I finally did my jump rope, I put all my impatience into it and busted through each set with intesity, but breaks only long enough to catch my breath.

And, just so you all know, I did my Meditation as the absolutely last exercise.

I thought about going into a huge justification speech for my choices today, but I'll just wait and see what Patrick says. He can set me straight if I need to be, but let me tell you, things went much smoother mentally today. I'm going to go into detail about the nature of my impatience in a future blog entry this week.

Also, today was my first taste of muscle failure. I could only get through two sets of Side Leg Swings, and I only managed one push up on the final set of ten.

Well Patrick, let me have it. Did I do good or bad?

Day 7: Thoughts on my First Week.

Hey all,

I've completed my first week on the KFB and right now it's coming across the same way a brussel sprout does to a five year old kid. I'm not very fond of it, but I eat it anyway because (my inner parent says) its good for me.

Is this the fault of the program? No way. Rather, I see it as a benifit of the program. During the PCP, I faced alot of bad habits and character flaws I formed over the years and helped me conquer them--well most of them--heh. But now, the Kung Fu body has exposed a whole new set of bad habits and flaws in my character and forced me to face them.

Currently, The Kung-fu body:

Tries my patience (revelas my impatience).

Makes me question its application to everyday life (I need more health wisdom).

Makes my feel snarky (exposes my immaturity).

Brings pain to muscles the PCP did not. (Shows physical weakness I didn't know I had and make me stare my posture problem right in the face).

I guarantee I'm going to whine an complain like that five year old I mentioned above for a while more, but I'm going to see this through because I know the person I will be at the end of the journey will be a far better one than I am now. Don't ever mistake my whining for resignation!

And now, for a complete non-sequitur. Today is Pac-Man's 30th birthday!




More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 6: Got It Done, so...um...Street Fighter Legacy!

Hey all,

I woke up just after five this morning, so I decided to get outside and get to it. Again, I gave up my breaks and hustled towards each set. Now, before you judge me to harshly, this is something Patrick has had me do in the past when I'm working out at his studio, "Com'on. No breaks. Let's go." Intensity is your friend.

The side leg sweeps continue to be a challenge in terms of balance. The flexibility stretches vary in difficulty not only with type, but with which side I do them on. My left side is way more stretchy compared to my right. Anyone care to comment on that?

Now, since I got my workout out of the way early today, I have time for some fun. So, here, the best Street Fighter film incarnation. Too bad it's only three minutes but the interview below suggests a possibly bright cinematic future. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you STREET FIGHTER: LEGACY and an interesting after interview.

Note: my blog is a little thin to house the videos in question, so double click on them to watch them on YouTube!





More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 5: A Better Day Then and a Better Day Now.

Hey all,

Day five was a better day. Still some impatience, but alot more positive energy flowing through me today. Day four was a pretty down day. It was a down day too when I started the PCP last year. I was in so much muscle pain on day four of the PCP, I thought I would never walk right again.

Maybe it is the fact I did all but my J-ropes indside today. Maybe it is because the workout went smooth without anything too techincal to be done. Maybe it is because I spent the last three days of this blog being snarky and finally got the bulk of it out of my system. And, maybe it is because, while I was cleaning today, I found a plush toy my son loves and has been missing for two weeks. I don't know. What I do know is I feel much better today. Okay, it's probably because I found the plush toy. Nothing quite like being a hero to your child to get the positive juices flowing.

One change today. I've decided to stop listening to music during the flexibility portion of the workout and just focus on breathing. I never listen to music during the Meditation (which was better today too), but I found I'm more patient if I just look inward and calm myself while trying to get the positions right on these stretching techniques.

Well, that's all I got.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 4: Questionable Stances, Dizzying Volcanoes, and Doing the Pigeon.

Hey all,

Today's workout was reasonable. I'm still getting used to the positions for each exercise, and it's time consuming. Fortunately, I didn't have to rush off to work today.

The Side Leg Swings still suffer from balance problems, and I tip over after three or four, but I get them done.

The Kung Fu stance left me with question marks over my head bacause I wasn't sure what the benefit was supposed to be. I copied the picture and felt some stretching in my legs. Hmmm, I probably didn't do it right.

The Volcano Stretch, a distant cousin to my arch nemisis the side crunch, made me dizzy. It was a battle to breathe and keep my breakfast down. I know this has to do with inner-ear elements and the fact my body isn't used to the stretching, but that knowledge doesn't change how I felt.

I think I got the Leveraged Twist right, but the Pigeon was a nightmare. I couldn't flatten out and match the picture. So, I ended up doing some twisted version of it.

It also reminded me of this which can't be a good thing:



I find the Meditation semi-relaxing because I have to fight to keep my back straight. I have poor posture you see. I'm supposed to focus on my mind, and I can for maybe the first two minutes, but the remaing three are spent focusing on my back.

Sorry for the negativity, but this program is going into dark places with me. However, they are places that need light,so this is a good thing. What is this blog for if not to vent? All these emotions are part of what I'm going through on this program, right? Most likely this is all just a case of the Week 1 Grumpies as I fit this new program into my life.

Patience, Sean, patience.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 3: Up with the Sun

Hey All,

I had a sandwhich that didn't agree with me yesterday for lunch, and I ended up with an unhappy stomach, so I went to bed without dinner last night for fear I might not keep anything down. However, the next morning I was up at four A.M. and ready to work out. My stomach wasn't 100%, but the rest of me was, so I got outside and got at it. It was relaxing exercising to the morning sun, if not so comfortable sitting on a jungle gym covered with the morning dew.

To speed things up, I gave up my breaks between sets. After I finished each set, I just waited until I caught my breath (about five seconds) and then started the next set. Now, don't mistake my haste for lack of intesity. I make sure every punch, kick, and stretch counts. I just forgo the breaks in between as much as possible. I'm hastin' not wastin'. I completed my workout in about fifty minutes today.

This 4:00 A. M. (or possibly 5:00 A.M.) rise will likely become the norm for Tuesdays from now on as I have gained an extra class at my school that robs me of my workout time between the time I take my son to meet his school bus and when I go to work. I could workout at night after work I suppose, but I hate that! I like my workout done and overwith before I start the bulk of my day.

Anyway, enough for one day.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 2: Patience

Hey all,

I'm feeling good. Who doesn't feel good after a workout? But, I'm also feeling a little snarky.

When I joined the Kung Fu body, I knew it was going to improve my strength, my agility, and my flexibility, although I was not exactly sure in what ways. Of course, this ignorance is part of the fun. However, there are two other things I hope this project improves. My balance and my patience.

Today's first exercise, the side leg swing proved to be a challenge.

Is it something like this?

I lost my balance and had to set my foot down evey two or three swings. And, to be clear, I did the swings as snap kicks while trying to avoid letting my "kicking foot" touch the ground. I don't know if that's right, but that's how it looked to me in the picture. Here's hoping all this swinging straightens me out so I can stand on one foot without almost toppling over someday.

Finally, as I worked out, my time ticked away. I cut all breaks by half and it still took me over an hour to complete the workout. My impatience comes largely because, after the PCP, I cut all my workouts to about thirty minutes. And,of course, there are some other things I would like to do before I head off to work.

Look at him, he's taking bloody forever!

Sigh. I guess I'll just have to try to get up earlier or just be more patient and reprioritize. This program is only three months after all. But all the while, while I worked out today, I kept remembering a scene from the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie where Elizabeth Swan is walking the plank and looking down at the cold water below. Finally, after about two minutes, the first mate, Bo'sun (far left in pic), steps up, shouts "TOO LONG!", and hits the plank so Elizabeth drops into the ocean.

Don't worry. I'll get over it.

More tomorrow,

Sean

Day 1: Let's Begin!

Care to join us in a little kung fu?

Hey all,

Welcome to my second blog and, thanks to Patrick Reynolds founder of the Peak Condition Project, my second journey down the path towards wellness: The Kung Fu Body.

If you would like to read my first blog where I battled tooth and nail in my ultimately successful journey from fat to fit, please go to the link below.

http://thepeakconditionproject-seananderson.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html

For those of you who wish to miss out on something really cool and entertaining by not bothering with the above link, here's the short version. Last year, I was overweight and suffering from breathing problems. Patrick's Encouragement combined with my own fear and desperation led me to join his Peak Condition Project. At the start of the program I was 98.5 kgs, hated exercise, and about as "in shape" as a fifty-two year old bean-bag chair. At the end of the program I reached 82.6 kg (I actually managed to get down to 79.0 kgs a week after the program was complete) with visible muscles and enough new energy to take on the world. My allergies and all my medications became things of the past as well.

Now, almost a year later, while the frequency of how often I exercise has reduced, my junk food intake has resumed a bit, and my muscles aren't as visible as they were at the end of the program, my biggest concern--my weight--sits at 81.6kg. Yes, still less than when I finished the PCP. And, I'm still faster and stronger than I ever was.

How about that?

So what does this mean for this, my next journey? Well, this will be the first time I've joined a health program where I'm already in pretty good shape. Great shape? No. But pretty good. It also means my motivations are both the same and different. Just as before my primary motivation is my wife and son and friends. Every day I work on this program will hopfully mean more time on this Earth with them. But now, and perhaps most interestingly, I'm doing this because, unlike my old self, I enjoy exercise, and I'm curious as to what changes the Kung FU Body with its Strength, Agility, and Flexibility components will bring to my body. Please understand, this is big for me. Last year, I hated exercising--the sweat, the pain, all of it--did I mention the pain?. If you looked up "lazy" or "Lame excuses not to exercse" in the dictionary, you would have found my picture. Now, I embrace the exercise for the most part (I still hate side crunches) like an old friend. This is especially my once greatest nemisis and now my greatest ally: my jumprope.

So, again, welcome to this blog, and let's get into the fun that was Day 1 of the Kung Fu Body.

I headed out to my park for the first KFB workout which consisted of swings, stances, stretches, punches, and kicks.

The Good...

The exercises were fun and inculded two exercises present in the first week of the PCP. While the list was long, the exercises were not hard. My biggest challenge was overcoming my poor balance while kicking and leg swinging, but that's part of what this program will improve.

Things that made me go hmmm....

I doubt I would have had the courage to do the punches and kicks outside in public if I hadn't already built my "exercise outside" confidence during the PCP.

The exercise list looked like a lot to do and it took an hour compared to the sparse list at the start of the PCP. My trust in Patrick and previous experience made this a small matter for me. However, if I was a newbie, I think I might have felt a bit overwhelmed. The newbie mind always makes things seem bigger and more problematic than they really are.

Well, that's it for Day 1.

See you tomorrow.

Sean