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
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
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
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
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
Sunday, June 27, 2010
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
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
Saturday, June 26, 2010
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!
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
Friday, June 25, 2010
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
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
Thursday, June 24, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
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
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
Monday, June 21, 2010
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
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
Sunday, June 20, 2010
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
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
Friday, June 18, 2010
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
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
Thursday, June 17, 2010
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
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
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
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
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.
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
Monday, June 14, 2010
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
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
Sunday, June 13, 2010
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
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
Saturday, June 12, 2010
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.
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
Friday, June 11, 2010
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
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
Thursday, June 10, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
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
More tomorrow,
Sean
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, June 7, 2010
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
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
Sunday, June 6, 2010
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
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
Saturday, June 5, 2010
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?
Friday, June 4, 2010
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
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
Thursday, June 3, 2010
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
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
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
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
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
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
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