MONDAY - MARCH 21, 2016 - The Master's Cardio
Hammer and Chisel is set up to be an eight week program which I pretty much did according to the schedule. However I had bought the Bonus workouts, so I'll be doing them this week. I wasn't sure what to expect on this one. I knew it was only 17 minutes, so I figured it was going to be intense for those 17 minutes. I checked out a review of the workout on YouTube and saw a sweaty couple saying they'd just finished it and the last move was 30 burpees. Uh-oh. In reality it wasn't that bad. I didn't go all out, because it was new, but I did get in 20 burpees at the end, which is more than I thought I would.
Time: 16 minutes; Calories Burned: 153; Avg Heart Rate: 116; Max Heart Rate: 141
TUESDAY - MARCH 22, 2016 - Chisel Power
I'd actually done this one once before, substituting it for Chisel Balance one day. It's not bad, but for some reason I couldn't do a lot of the moves effectively. Some of it was due to lack of mobility range while bending my ankles and knees, and some of it was a simple lack of coordination. I understood the concept (tire the muscle with light weights, then go with heavy ones). I was OK on the heavy ones (used 25 lbs for them), but could have used a bit heavier weights on some moves, like the bench presses. I might get better with this one the more I do it, but today I was a bit timid because I wasn't used to things.
Time: 29 minutes; Calories Burned: 267; Avg Heart Rate: 116; Max Heart Rate: 141.
WEDNESDAY - MARCH 23, 2016 - 15 Minute Leg Hammer
Once again I was stymied by my lack of mobility and balance, so I didn't really work up a sweat. I really couldn't do any of the lunge moves with any grace and speed. The workout reminded me a bit of P90X+ Interval X with the three speeds, but at least I could do those moves.
Time: 18 minutes; Calories Burned: 147; Avg Heart Rate: 110; Max Heart Rate: 122.
THURSDAY - MARCH 24, 2016 - 15 Minute Glute Chisel
I was still hampered on a few of the balance moves, but not quite as much as yesterday. I can see why this one can burn the glutes and quads. My legs were a bit sore today. I'm not sure if it was from yesterday's workout, but it might have been.
Time: 17 minutes; Calories Burned: 150; Avg Heart Rate: 113; Max Heart Rate: 126.
FRIDAY - MARCH 25, 2016 - Hammer Build Up
I like the design of this workout. Seven different body parts. 4 exercises for 30 seconds each on each body part. One could argue that the time for each move could be longer, but if you're using max weight the longer time probably isn't needed. Because it was the first time doing this routine I didn't go max weight. There were also relatively no breaks in between moves, so I just went with the weight that was closest to me at the time. The lack of breaks wore me down quickly so I did hit pause a number of times. I could see myself using this routine outside an official Hammer and Chisel round.
Time: 31 minutes; Calories Burned: 312; Avg Heart Rate: 121; Max Heart Rate: 191,
SATURDAY - MARCH 26, 2016 - The Master's Cardio
Last workout of the round. I got a good night's sleep and woke up feeling pretty good, so I hit the workout right away. There were no pauses. I kept up on most of the reps, even keeping my left foot off the floor on most of the one-legged squats with my right leg. At the end I was really sucking wind and had to stop after 18 of the Sumo Jacks, then got in 22 of the 30 burpees to finish things off. A good way to finish the round.
Time: 16 minutes; Calories Burned: 164; Avg Heart Rate: 120; Max Heart Rate: 146.
SUNDAY - MARCH 27, 2016 - Rest
SUNDAY WEIGH IN
Weight: 213.0 (+0.4 lbs)
Body Fat: 25.7% (no change)
Heaviest I've been in years. On Wednesday I ate totally clean and felt really good, but then didn't build on it. I ate a lot yesterday.
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
The workouts were a bit short. I'm not happy about the weight.
RESULTS ON THE PROGRAM
Overall Weight Gain +5.2 lbs
Overall Body Fat Gain +0.8%
Both of those were my fault and had nothing to do with the program.
I do feel I gained some muscle and feel I'm stronger. I can definitely feel it in my quad muscles, and arms.
THOUGHTS ON THE PROGRAM
Overall I liked it.
Let's start with the negatives:
Some of Autumn's workouts are redundant and boring. There are only so many step-ups I want to do. Her "cheerleading" is annoying, not motivating. There were times I actually stopped in the middle of an exercise because I couldn't take her anymore. There are a few moves that are dangerous, particularly some of her step up and balancing moves on the workout bench. There was one move where you were doing a one-legged pistol squat while balancing on the bench. Somebody is going to fall and break an ankle, or worse. I eventually pulled out my Step platform and bought a few more risers and it worked out fine. I felt more secure on it.
The positives:
I liked the length of the workouts. I liked the idea of alternating trainers each day. It kept things fresh. Sagi's dry sense of humor was entertaining and his workouts were effective. I like working with weights and was able to really push myself with max weights in a few of the routines.
Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY! This is definitely one of my favorite Beachbody programs, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone. Others may like Autumn's style more than I do, and beginners can certainly avoid the advanced ("dangerous") moves by following the modifier. Those that are advanced will find it challenging and can make it as hard for themselves as they'd like.
Overall Grade: B+
WHAT'S NEXT?
I'm going to take off a week or two. I'm going to concentrate on my nutrition and get that down. A few times a week I'm going to do a few sets of some moves with max weights. Some squats, military presses, bicep curls, back moves, etc.
Then I'm going to start Tony Horton's new program, 22 Minute Hard Corps.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
THE MASTERS HAMMER AND CHISEL - ROUND 1 - WEEK 8 - WEEK OF 03/14/16
MONDAY - MARCH 14, 2016 - Chisel Endurance
I did OK, but not great. Even though I did work up a sweat, Autumn just doesn't motivate me with her cardio workouts, and it's hard for me to motivate myself when I'm so bored. Not much more I can say about that than what I've already said.
Time: 36 minutes; Calories Burned: 359; Avg Heart Rate: 122; Max Heart Rate: 229.
TUESDAY - MARCH 15, 2016 - Max Hammer Strength
I went into this determined to push myself, just as I did the last time. There is only a very small percentage of this workout where you're using real heavy weights, but that small percentage really wears you out. I hit pause several times. The lightest weight I used was 30's, which I used for the Military Presses and the Step Up Squats. I can normally use heavier weight for both moves, but they were near the end of the workout and I was fried. It wouldn't have been smart at that point. The max my Powerblocks go is 55 lbs which I used on the One Arm Rows and the Calf Raises. I might try using them on the Bench Presses next time. I used 45's today without too many problems and it's near the beginning on the workout, so we'll see what happens. I'm very happy with the workout.
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 374; Avg Heart Rate: 125; Max Heart Rate: 218.
WEDNESDAY - MARCH 16, 2016 - Chisel Cardio
See Monday's comments.
Time: 38 minutes: Calories Burned: 394; Avg Heart Rate: 124; Max Heart Rate: 208..
THURSDAY - MARCH 17, 2016 - Hammer Plyometrics
This isn't the toughest workout in the program, and it's one of the shortest, but it still tests you a bit. Not much to say. I'm still not comfortable jumping entirely over the bench on the Crazy Horse move, so I get closer to the end of the bench, so I won't trip myself up, and try and get my legs as high as I can.
Time: 25 minutes; Calories Burned: 239; Avg Heart Rate: 119; Max Heart Rate: 222,
FRIDAY - MARCH 18, 2016 - Total Body Chisel
An Autumn workout that I really like. I pushed myself and worked up a good sweat. I usually go a little faster than those on the video and am usually a move or two ahead of them. It keeps my heart rate up and gives me a little more break at the end of each set.
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 395; Avg Heart Rate: 131; Max Heart Rate: 228.
SATURDAY - MARCH 19, 2016 - Hammer Power
I really enjoy this workout and think it might be my favorite in the entire program. I like working with weights, I like the moves, and I like the cast. For some reason it seems I can relate to them more than those in other workouts. I don't know why. They don't seem to be "Autumnized" clones. Weights were 10 lbs (light), 20 lbs (medium), and 30 lbs (heavy). I'm not sure how long I'd last if I bumped those up 5 lbs each, but I might try it sometime.
Time: 38 minutes; Calories Burned: 377; Avg Heart Rate: 121; Max Heart Rate: 155.
SUNDAY - MARCH 20, 2016 - 10 Minute Ab Chisel
Time: 10 minutes; Calories Burned: 85; Avg Heart Rate: 107; Max Heart Rate: 137
SUNDAY WEIGH IN
Weight: 212.6 (+0.8 lbs)
Body Fat: 25.7% (+0.2%)
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
Not at all happy about my continued lack of ability to control my nutrition. Totally lost and feel like I'm wasting my time.
I did OK, but not great. Even though I did work up a sweat, Autumn just doesn't motivate me with her cardio workouts, and it's hard for me to motivate myself when I'm so bored. Not much more I can say about that than what I've already said.
Time: 36 minutes; Calories Burned: 359; Avg Heart Rate: 122; Max Heart Rate: 229.
TUESDAY - MARCH 15, 2016 - Max Hammer Strength
I went into this determined to push myself, just as I did the last time. There is only a very small percentage of this workout where you're using real heavy weights, but that small percentage really wears you out. I hit pause several times. The lightest weight I used was 30's, which I used for the Military Presses and the Step Up Squats. I can normally use heavier weight for both moves, but they were near the end of the workout and I was fried. It wouldn't have been smart at that point. The max my Powerblocks go is 55 lbs which I used on the One Arm Rows and the Calf Raises. I might try using them on the Bench Presses next time. I used 45's today without too many problems and it's near the beginning on the workout, so we'll see what happens. I'm very happy with the workout.
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 374; Avg Heart Rate: 125; Max Heart Rate: 218.
WEDNESDAY - MARCH 16, 2016 - Chisel Cardio
See Monday's comments.
Time: 38 minutes: Calories Burned: 394; Avg Heart Rate: 124; Max Heart Rate: 208..
THURSDAY - MARCH 17, 2016 - Hammer Plyometrics
This isn't the toughest workout in the program, and it's one of the shortest, but it still tests you a bit. Not much to say. I'm still not comfortable jumping entirely over the bench on the Crazy Horse move, so I get closer to the end of the bench, so I won't trip myself up, and try and get my legs as high as I can.
Time: 25 minutes; Calories Burned: 239; Avg Heart Rate: 119; Max Heart Rate: 222,
FRIDAY - MARCH 18, 2016 - Total Body Chisel
An Autumn workout that I really like. I pushed myself and worked up a good sweat. I usually go a little faster than those on the video and am usually a move or two ahead of them. It keeps my heart rate up and gives me a little more break at the end of each set.
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 395; Avg Heart Rate: 131; Max Heart Rate: 228.
SATURDAY - MARCH 19, 2016 - Hammer Power
I really enjoy this workout and think it might be my favorite in the entire program. I like working with weights, I like the moves, and I like the cast. For some reason it seems I can relate to them more than those in other workouts. I don't know why. They don't seem to be "Autumnized" clones. Weights were 10 lbs (light), 20 lbs (medium), and 30 lbs (heavy). I'm not sure how long I'd last if I bumped those up 5 lbs each, but I might try it sometime.
Time: 38 minutes; Calories Burned: 377; Avg Heart Rate: 121; Max Heart Rate: 155.
SUNDAY - MARCH 20, 2016 - 10 Minute Ab Chisel
Time: 10 minutes; Calories Burned: 85; Avg Heart Rate: 107; Max Heart Rate: 137
SUNDAY WEIGH IN
Weight: 212.6 (+0.8 lbs)
Body Fat: 25.7% (+0.2%)
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
Not at all happy about my continued lack of ability to control my nutrition. Totally lost and feel like I'm wasting my time.
Monday, March 7, 2016
THE MASTERS HAMMER AND CHISEL - ROUND 1 - WEEK 7 - WEEK OF 03/07/16
MONDAY - MARCH 7, 2016 - Total Body Chisel
Mostly weights today, am I upped them on a number of the moves without any problems. I used 40's on the Bench Presses and Lat Pull Overs. Might even be able to do more, but it's hard to grab the Powerblocks for the Lat Pull Overs once I get past 40's. Used 25's on most of the other moves, 15's on the Step Downs, which tire me out for some reason.
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 381; Avg Heart Rate: 128; Max Heart Rate: 225.
TUESDAY - MARCH 8, 2016 - Iso Speed Hammer
Went OK. This is a bit of a strange workout for a few reasons. 1) It's very short. 23 minutes including warm-up and cool-down, so I'd say maybe 17 minutes of actual workout time, 2) you're doing 10 reps very slow, then 10 reps fast. I'm using relatively light weights because I'm not sure heavier ones will work. So it's a bit hard to push yourself. But I'm sure it's effective in some way.
Time: 23 minutes; Calories Burned: 192; Avg Heart Rate: 112; Max Heart Rate:136.
WEDNESDAY - MARCH 9, 2016 - Iso Strength Chisel
Not my favorite workout. It's one of those Autumn ones that seems to contain the same moves that's in most of her other workouts. I'm getting tired and bored with the Bulgarian Split Squats and Step Ups. I didn't hold most of the Iso moves for the full 10 secomds and am not sure if it was because I couldn't or because I was bored and just didn't want to. I think it's because I didn't want to. My bad.
The numbers on my heart rate monitor (below) appear to be way off. I don't think I burned 524 calories or had an average heart rate anywhere near 170.
Time: 34 minutes; Calories Burned: 524?; Avg Heart Rate: 170?; Max Heart Rate: 220?.
THURSDAY - MARCH 10, 2016 - Hammer Conditioning
All the moves in this one are synergistic in nature, which can sometimes tire me out quickly, but I did what I could. I could only get in 8 of the burpee moves on each set, didn't get in all the "Clock Pushups" on the second set and struggled on a few others. Something to challenge myself with next time.
Time: 29 minutes; Calories Burned: 305; Avg Heart Rate: 124; Max Heart Rate:207.
FRIDAY - MARCH 11, 2016 - Chisel Cardio
I'm sweating like crazy afterwards. I gave it my best on most of the moves, but dogged it a bit on the second set of Burpees and Plank Kicks. On the first set of the Step Up Kicks, which I hate, I was looking at my belly and wondering why I'm killing myself doing this and then undoing it by eating like crap. So I guess I got something out of it. I do have to admit there are days when I'm sore, so I know it's working.
Time: 38 minutes; Calories Burned: 412: Avg Heart Rate: 127; Max Heart Rate: 212.
SATURDAY - MARCH 12, 2016 - Total Body Hammer
I know from the last few times that this one can wear you out in a hurry. Except for one pull-up move, it's all weights, and you are doing a lot of reps on each move. I could have used heavier weights in places, but realized I'd have burned myself out, so I kept them within reason. Except for the Bench Presses (I used 35's), I think I was using the same weights as the guy on the video. I'm exhausted when done and my body is trembling a bit, so I know I got in a good workout. I think this is the most calories I've burned in any of the workouts so far.
Time: 43 minutes; Calories Burned: 474: Avg Heart Rate: 128; Max Heart Rate: 209.
SUNDAY - MARCH 13, 2016 - 10 Minute Ab Hammer
Not much to say. Got through it with no problems. I just don't bump my hip on the side planks. Can't hold them and I lose my balance.
Time:12 minutes; Calories Burned: 65; Avg Heart Rate: 95; Max Heart Rate: 115.
SUNDAY WEIGH IN
Weight: 211.8 (-1.0 lbs)
Body Fat: 25.5% (no change)
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
I got in some good workouts and lost a pound. Still not eating great, but it's a bit encouraging.
Mostly weights today, am I upped them on a number of the moves without any problems. I used 40's on the Bench Presses and Lat Pull Overs. Might even be able to do more, but it's hard to grab the Powerblocks for the Lat Pull Overs once I get past 40's. Used 25's on most of the other moves, 15's on the Step Downs, which tire me out for some reason.
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 381; Avg Heart Rate: 128; Max Heart Rate: 225.
TUESDAY - MARCH 8, 2016 - Iso Speed Hammer
Went OK. This is a bit of a strange workout for a few reasons. 1) It's very short. 23 minutes including warm-up and cool-down, so I'd say maybe 17 minutes of actual workout time, 2) you're doing 10 reps very slow, then 10 reps fast. I'm using relatively light weights because I'm not sure heavier ones will work. So it's a bit hard to push yourself. But I'm sure it's effective in some way.
Time: 23 minutes; Calories Burned: 192; Avg Heart Rate: 112; Max Heart Rate:136.
WEDNESDAY - MARCH 9, 2016 - Iso Strength Chisel
Not my favorite workout. It's one of those Autumn ones that seems to contain the same moves that's in most of her other workouts. I'm getting tired and bored with the Bulgarian Split Squats and Step Ups. I didn't hold most of the Iso moves for the full 10 secomds and am not sure if it was because I couldn't or because I was bored and just didn't want to. I think it's because I didn't want to. My bad.
The numbers on my heart rate monitor (below) appear to be way off. I don't think I burned 524 calories or had an average heart rate anywhere near 170.
Time: 34 minutes; Calories Burned: 524?; Avg Heart Rate: 170?; Max Heart Rate: 220?.
THURSDAY - MARCH 10, 2016 - Hammer Conditioning
All the moves in this one are synergistic in nature, which can sometimes tire me out quickly, but I did what I could. I could only get in 8 of the burpee moves on each set, didn't get in all the "Clock Pushups" on the second set and struggled on a few others. Something to challenge myself with next time.
Time: 29 minutes; Calories Burned: 305; Avg Heart Rate: 124; Max Heart Rate:207.
FRIDAY - MARCH 11, 2016 - Chisel Cardio
I'm sweating like crazy afterwards. I gave it my best on most of the moves, but dogged it a bit on the second set of Burpees and Plank Kicks. On the first set of the Step Up Kicks, which I hate, I was looking at my belly and wondering why I'm killing myself doing this and then undoing it by eating like crap. So I guess I got something out of it. I do have to admit there are days when I'm sore, so I know it's working.
Time: 38 minutes; Calories Burned: 412: Avg Heart Rate: 127; Max Heart Rate: 212.
SATURDAY - MARCH 12, 2016 - Total Body Hammer
I know from the last few times that this one can wear you out in a hurry. Except for one pull-up move, it's all weights, and you are doing a lot of reps on each move. I could have used heavier weights in places, but realized I'd have burned myself out, so I kept them within reason. Except for the Bench Presses (I used 35's), I think I was using the same weights as the guy on the video. I'm exhausted when done and my body is trembling a bit, so I know I got in a good workout. I think this is the most calories I've burned in any of the workouts so far.
Time: 43 minutes; Calories Burned: 474: Avg Heart Rate: 128; Max Heart Rate: 209.
SUNDAY - MARCH 13, 2016 - 10 Minute Ab Hammer
Not much to say. Got through it with no problems. I just don't bump my hip on the side planks. Can't hold them and I lose my balance.
Time:12 minutes; Calories Burned: 65; Avg Heart Rate: 95; Max Heart Rate: 115.
SUNDAY WEIGH IN
Weight: 211.8 (-1.0 lbs)
Body Fat: 25.5% (no change)
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
I got in some good workouts and lost a pound. Still not eating great, but it's a bit encouraging.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
THE MASTERS HAMMER AND CHISEL - ROUND 1 - WEEK 6 - WEEK OF 02/29/16
MONDAY - FEBRUARY 29, 2016 - Chisel Agility
This went OK. The only problem I had was that I was feeling a little instability behind my right knee, so I took it easy on those crossover jumpy things.
Time: 37 minutes; Calories Burned: 348; Avg Heart Rate: 117; Max Heart Rate: 150.
TUESDAY - MARCH 1, 2016 - Hammer Conditioning
This one is tougher than it looks. I didn't get all the clock pushups only getting 10 the first set and 9 the second set. I also only got 10 reps in on each set on each of the last two moves (Plank Crunchies and Reverse Lunge Kickbacks), and only 8 reps in on the Deadlifts (no balance) and the Burpee / Renegade / Upright Rows, which I think might be the toughest move in the entire program. However, I did my best, so I'm OK with it. Room for improvement.
Time: 29 minutes; Calories Burned: 319; Avg Heart Rate: 126; Max Heart Rate: 154.
WEDNESDAY - MARCH 2, 2016 - Chisel Cardio
This is not my favorite workout, but I went at it hard and felt great afterwards.
Time:38 minutes; Calories Burned: 422; Avg Heart Rate: 129; Max Heart Rate: 192.
THURSDAY - MARCH 3, 2016 - Hammer Power
This is one of my favorite workouts in the program. I used 10's (light), 20's (medium), and 30's (heavy). The "jerk" move still seems a bit strange to me, but I got through it OK.
Time: 38 minutes; Calories Burned: 383; Avg Heart Rate: 122; Max Heart Rate: 158.
FRIDAY - MARCH 4, 2016 - Chisel Balance
A few days ago I saw my up line Coach on Facebook say this was the workout that was his nemesis. Others chimed in with the same opinion. It's been my nemesis too, so maybe feeling not so alone gave me the motivation today to get it done. I tuned out Autumn's chatter. I tuned out my own mind chatter. I took it one exercise at a time. I didn't tell myself I couldn't balance. I did pretty good. I got at least 12 reps in on most of the exercises (except the Split Squat Jumps, where I did 10 each set). My balance wasn't perfect. I stumbled a lot, but I didn't let it frustrate me too much. I got it done and I feel good, more about my mindset than anything.
Time: 40 minutes; Calories Burned: 410; Avg Heart Rate: 123; Max Heart Rate: 219.
SATURDAY - MARCH 5, 2016 - Max Hammer Strength
The last few times I did this workout I said I could have used more weight, but was just too lazy to change them on the Powerblocks. Today I used heavier weights. I had to hit pause a few times to adjust the weights and catch my breath, but overall I felt good. The max I can go with the Powerblocks is 55 lbs, and I used that on the rows. I ran into trouble on the Military Presses where I tried to go with 40's but quickly realized that was going to be a mistake, so I went down to 30's. If it wasn't so late in the workout I might have been able to handle the 40's. I still don't like the Split (Bulgarian) Squats and didn't do them for the full minute. I tried doing the Step Up on to the bench with 40's, but lost my balance on the second rep, so I just did lunges from the floor. I'll pull out the Step platform I have next time. All told, I was pleased with my effort.
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 356; Avg Heart Rate: 123; Max Heart Rate: 225.
SUNDAY - MARCH 6, 2016 - 10 Minute Ab Chisel
Nothing difficult here, but I do feel it a bit.
Time: 10 minutes; Calories Burned: 78; Avg Heart Rate: 108; Max Heart Rate: 130.
SUNDAY WEIGH IN
Weight: 212.8 (+1.6 lbs)
Body Fat: 25.5% (+0.2%)
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
I'm happy that I really went after the workouts later in the week, but am disgusted with myself that I can't control my eating. I guess I don't see the light at the end of the tunnel, so I don't care. Stupid thinking, but that's what is happening.
This went OK. The only problem I had was that I was feeling a little instability behind my right knee, so I took it easy on those crossover jumpy things.
Time: 37 minutes; Calories Burned: 348; Avg Heart Rate: 117; Max Heart Rate: 150.
TUESDAY - MARCH 1, 2016 - Hammer Conditioning
This one is tougher than it looks. I didn't get all the clock pushups only getting 10 the first set and 9 the second set. I also only got 10 reps in on each set on each of the last two moves (Plank Crunchies and Reverse Lunge Kickbacks), and only 8 reps in on the Deadlifts (no balance) and the Burpee / Renegade / Upright Rows, which I think might be the toughest move in the entire program. However, I did my best, so I'm OK with it. Room for improvement.
Time: 29 minutes; Calories Burned: 319; Avg Heart Rate: 126; Max Heart Rate: 154.
WEDNESDAY - MARCH 2, 2016 - Chisel Cardio
This is not my favorite workout, but I went at it hard and felt great afterwards.
Time:38 minutes; Calories Burned: 422; Avg Heart Rate: 129; Max Heart Rate: 192.
THURSDAY - MARCH 3, 2016 - Hammer Power
This is one of my favorite workouts in the program. I used 10's (light), 20's (medium), and 30's (heavy). The "jerk" move still seems a bit strange to me, but I got through it OK.
Time: 38 minutes; Calories Burned: 383; Avg Heart Rate: 122; Max Heart Rate: 158.
FRIDAY - MARCH 4, 2016 - Chisel Balance
A few days ago I saw my up line Coach on Facebook say this was the workout that was his nemesis. Others chimed in with the same opinion. It's been my nemesis too, so maybe feeling not so alone gave me the motivation today to get it done. I tuned out Autumn's chatter. I tuned out my own mind chatter. I took it one exercise at a time. I didn't tell myself I couldn't balance. I did pretty good. I got at least 12 reps in on most of the exercises (except the Split Squat Jumps, where I did 10 each set). My balance wasn't perfect. I stumbled a lot, but I didn't let it frustrate me too much. I got it done and I feel good, more about my mindset than anything.
Time: 40 minutes; Calories Burned: 410; Avg Heart Rate: 123; Max Heart Rate: 219.
SATURDAY - MARCH 5, 2016 - Max Hammer Strength
The last few times I did this workout I said I could have used more weight, but was just too lazy to change them on the Powerblocks. Today I used heavier weights. I had to hit pause a few times to adjust the weights and catch my breath, but overall I felt good. The max I can go with the Powerblocks is 55 lbs, and I used that on the rows. I ran into trouble on the Military Presses where I tried to go with 40's but quickly realized that was going to be a mistake, so I went down to 30's. If it wasn't so late in the workout I might have been able to handle the 40's. I still don't like the Split (Bulgarian) Squats and didn't do them for the full minute. I tried doing the Step Up on to the bench with 40's, but lost my balance on the second rep, so I just did lunges from the floor. I'll pull out the Step platform I have next time. All told, I was pleased with my effort.
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 356; Avg Heart Rate: 123; Max Heart Rate: 225.
SUNDAY - MARCH 6, 2016 - 10 Minute Ab Chisel
Nothing difficult here, but I do feel it a bit.
Time: 10 minutes; Calories Burned: 78; Avg Heart Rate: 108; Max Heart Rate: 130.
SUNDAY WEIGH IN
Weight: 212.8 (+1.6 lbs)
Body Fat: 25.5% (+0.2%)
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
I'm happy that I really went after the workouts later in the week, but am disgusted with myself that I can't control my eating. I guess I don't see the light at the end of the tunnel, so I don't care. Stupid thinking, but that's what is happening.
Monday, February 22, 2016
THE MASTERS HAMMER AND CHISEL - ROUND 1 - WEEK 5 - WEEK OF 02/22/16
MONDAY - FEBRUARY 22, 2016 - Total Body Chisel
This is one of my favorite Autumn workouts because it's mostly weights. I worked up a good sweat and never took a break.
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 381; Avg Heart Rate: 128; Max Heart Rate: 207.
TUESDAY - FEBRUARY 23, 2016 - Hammer Power
This workout was on the Hammer and Chisel schedule for 2 days ago (Sunday, although I did it Saturday because I moved my "off" day from Thursday to Sunday). Yesterday was Total Body Chisel, which was similar with upper body weights, then today is Hammer Power again. I'm a bit confused by the scheduling, as I thought it wasn't good to go back to back days on the same body parts. But maybe I'm wrong. Anyways, I switched up my weights a bit from when I did it Saturday when I was determining "light", "medium", "heavy" based on each particular move. However, I noticed on the video each of the cast members had only 3 sets of weights they used consistently for all the moves, so today I chose 10 lbs light, 20 lbs medium, and 30 lbs heavy, which I believe was what Mike was using, and close to what Nick was using. On Saturday I was more inconsistent, using 15's on some "light" moves and 10's on others. The heaviest I used were 25's. I was hitting pause a lot. Today things went a lot smoother, but I burned a lot less calories than Saturday, and my average heart rate was also a lot lower. It could have been because I was tiring myself out more with the 15 lb "light" weights on Saturday. I remember I was really gassed that day. Today, I only hit pause once, and that was as we were nearing the end of the workout. My 30's are powerblocks, not dumbbells, so they shook a bit when I was thrusting the weights upward. I ended up going down to 25's for the last set of one armed moves because I wasn't sure I could handle the 30's safely, especially with my left arm, which seemed more fatigued for some reason. Despite the appearance of weird scheduling, I made it through the workout fine.
Time: 38 minutes; Calories Burned: 381; Avg Heart rate: 121; Max Heart Rate: 155.
WEDNESDAY - FEBRUARY 24, 2016 - Chisel Balance
As I mentioned the last time I did this workout, it's very. very frustrating for me because I can't balance because of my bad feet, ankles, and knees. My feet just collapse in when trying to balance on one leg. Fact of life. I've been trying to get better for years, but it doesn't happen. However, I was still determined to give it another go today and do the best I could. The frustration came back quickly, but I pushed forward. By the time I reached the fifth or six exercise all I could hear was Autumn's shrill voice telling me "you can do it", "push harder", "give it all you got", don't quit". Over and over and over again. At two separate times I literally stopped in the middle of the exercise and dropped the weights because I couldn't listen to her anymore. I was already doing the best I could. I wasn't quitting. I didn't need to be told otherwise. There wasn't three consecutive seconds of silence throughout the entire workout. By the end of the workout I was just pissed off. There comes a point when the motivational "speak" goes overboard and becomes counterproductive, and that happened today.
Time:40 minutes; Calories Burned: 363; Avg Heart Rate: 116; Max Heart Rate: 200.
THURSDAY - FEBRUARY 25, 2016 - Iso Speed Hammer
I caved at work today and had a Whopper Value Meal w4hich happens only a few times a year. I felt really, really sluggish before the workout. It was only 23 minutes, but I had to stop twice. Not good. But I finished it.
Time: 23 minutes; Calories Burned: 183; Avg Heart Rate: 109; Max Heart Rate: 132.
FRIDAY - FEBRUARY 26, 2016 - Chisel Endurance
If I remember right, I hated this one the first time I did it a month ago. Today, it was OK. I got through it without any breaks, although I wasn't able to go a full 60 seconds on some of the moves. I was really drained by the time I got to the last one. I didn't go the full 60 on any of the pullup or pushup sets. It's still not my favorite workout, but I liked it better than last time.
Time: 36 minutes; Calories Burned: 342; Avg Heart Rate: 118; Max Heart Rate: 152.
SATURDAY - FEBRUARY 27, 2016 - Total Body Hammer
This is a tough one that can wear you down. I got through it again with no breaks. I didn't get all the pullups in (doing about half of them), but all the other moves went OK. I'm thinking I might have been able to use heavier weights on a few of the moves, but am not sure if that would have worn me down to where I would have been unsafe. As it was, I was totally exhausted at the end. It's a thin line...
Time: 43 minutes; Calories Burned: 458; Avg Heart Rate: 126; Max Heart Rate: 207.
SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 28, 2016 - 10 Minute Ab Hammer
Not much to say. I did OK. I still don't do the hip bumps on the oblique move. Tough for me to balance that long raising my hips up on one side.
Time: 12 minutes; Calories Burned: 75; Avg Heart Rate: 100; Max Heart Rate: 126.
SUNDAY WEIGH IN
Weight: 211.2 (+1.2 lbs)
Body Fat: 25.3% (+0.3%)
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
I'm going backwards with my nutrition and just don't have the motivation to turn it around. It seems like a downward spiral, and I have nothing to grab onto to pull me out. Getting back to the weight I was at a few years ago seems like an impossible task. I need to find something to motivate me.
This is one of my favorite Autumn workouts because it's mostly weights. I worked up a good sweat and never took a break.
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 381; Avg Heart Rate: 128; Max Heart Rate: 207.
TUESDAY - FEBRUARY 23, 2016 - Hammer Power
This workout was on the Hammer and Chisel schedule for 2 days ago (Sunday, although I did it Saturday because I moved my "off" day from Thursday to Sunday). Yesterday was Total Body Chisel, which was similar with upper body weights, then today is Hammer Power again. I'm a bit confused by the scheduling, as I thought it wasn't good to go back to back days on the same body parts. But maybe I'm wrong. Anyways, I switched up my weights a bit from when I did it Saturday when I was determining "light", "medium", "heavy" based on each particular move. However, I noticed on the video each of the cast members had only 3 sets of weights they used consistently for all the moves, so today I chose 10 lbs light, 20 lbs medium, and 30 lbs heavy, which I believe was what Mike was using, and close to what Nick was using. On Saturday I was more inconsistent, using 15's on some "light" moves and 10's on others. The heaviest I used were 25's. I was hitting pause a lot. Today things went a lot smoother, but I burned a lot less calories than Saturday, and my average heart rate was also a lot lower. It could have been because I was tiring myself out more with the 15 lb "light" weights on Saturday. I remember I was really gassed that day. Today, I only hit pause once, and that was as we were nearing the end of the workout. My 30's are powerblocks, not dumbbells, so they shook a bit when I was thrusting the weights upward. I ended up going down to 25's for the last set of one armed moves because I wasn't sure I could handle the 30's safely, especially with my left arm, which seemed more fatigued for some reason. Despite the appearance of weird scheduling, I made it through the workout fine.
Time: 38 minutes; Calories Burned: 381; Avg Heart rate: 121; Max Heart Rate: 155.
WEDNESDAY - FEBRUARY 24, 2016 - Chisel Balance
As I mentioned the last time I did this workout, it's very. very frustrating for me because I can't balance because of my bad feet, ankles, and knees. My feet just collapse in when trying to balance on one leg. Fact of life. I've been trying to get better for years, but it doesn't happen. However, I was still determined to give it another go today and do the best I could. The frustration came back quickly, but I pushed forward. By the time I reached the fifth or six exercise all I could hear was Autumn's shrill voice telling me "you can do it", "push harder", "give it all you got", don't quit". Over and over and over again. At two separate times I literally stopped in the middle of the exercise and dropped the weights because I couldn't listen to her anymore. I was already doing the best I could. I wasn't quitting. I didn't need to be told otherwise. There wasn't three consecutive seconds of silence throughout the entire workout. By the end of the workout I was just pissed off. There comes a point when the motivational "speak" goes overboard and becomes counterproductive, and that happened today.
Time:40 minutes; Calories Burned: 363; Avg Heart Rate: 116; Max Heart Rate: 200.
THURSDAY - FEBRUARY 25, 2016 - Iso Speed Hammer
I caved at work today and had a Whopper Value Meal w4hich happens only a few times a year. I felt really, really sluggish before the workout. It was only 23 minutes, but I had to stop twice. Not good. But I finished it.
Time: 23 minutes; Calories Burned: 183; Avg Heart Rate: 109; Max Heart Rate: 132.
FRIDAY - FEBRUARY 26, 2016 - Chisel Endurance
If I remember right, I hated this one the first time I did it a month ago. Today, it was OK. I got through it without any breaks, although I wasn't able to go a full 60 seconds on some of the moves. I was really drained by the time I got to the last one. I didn't go the full 60 on any of the pullup or pushup sets. It's still not my favorite workout, but I liked it better than last time.
Time: 36 minutes; Calories Burned: 342; Avg Heart Rate: 118; Max Heart Rate: 152.
SATURDAY - FEBRUARY 27, 2016 - Total Body Hammer
This is a tough one that can wear you down. I got through it again with no breaks. I didn't get all the pullups in (doing about half of them), but all the other moves went OK. I'm thinking I might have been able to use heavier weights on a few of the moves, but am not sure if that would have worn me down to where I would have been unsafe. As it was, I was totally exhausted at the end. It's a thin line...
Time: 43 minutes; Calories Burned: 458; Avg Heart Rate: 126; Max Heart Rate: 207.
SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 28, 2016 - 10 Minute Ab Hammer
Not much to say. I did OK. I still don't do the hip bumps on the oblique move. Tough for me to balance that long raising my hips up on one side.
Time: 12 minutes; Calories Burned: 75; Avg Heart Rate: 100; Max Heart Rate: 126.
SUNDAY WEIGH IN
Weight: 211.2 (+1.2 lbs)
Body Fat: 25.3% (+0.3%)
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
I'm going backwards with my nutrition and just don't have the motivation to turn it around. It seems like a downward spiral, and I have nothing to grab onto to pull me out. Getting back to the weight I was at a few years ago seems like an impossible task. I need to find something to motivate me.
Monday, February 15, 2016
THE MASTERS HAMMER AND CHISEL - ROUND 1 - WEEK 4 - WEEK OF 02/15/16
MONDAY - FEBRUARY 15, 2016 - Power Chisel
Chisel Balance was on the schedule today, but it noted you could use Power Chisel (one of the bonus workouts), as an alternative. Because I've done Balance twice so far, and it's been pretty much a waste of time, I decided to give Power a try. It was OK. I did like the fact that it was just Autumn and Sagi on the video, with Sagi getting winded here and there. Overall, it wasn't that tough, especially the first sets with the medicine ball. I could have used heavier weights on the "heavy" sets, but I used 25's on those because I didn't know what to expect.
Time: 29 minutes; Calories Burned: 273; Avg Heart Rate: 117; Max Heart Rate: 208.
TUESDAY - FEBRUARY 16, 2016 - Max Strength Hammer
I think this was my best effort on this one. The only move where I "dogged" it a bit was on the Bulgarian Split Squats, which seem to be in almost all the Hammer and Chisel workouts, and I hate them. Except for the Pullups and Chinups, where I did 15 each (assisted), I lasted the entire 60 seconds on all the other moves, including the pushups. Again, I used 35's on most of the 8 rep moves, simply because that's the weight I had set on my powerblocks. I guess next time I can try using the max 55's on some of the moves.
Time: 36 minutes; Calories Burned: 355; Avg Heart Rate: 122; Max Heart Rate: 208.
WEDNESDAY - FEBRUARY 17, 2016 - Chisel Cardio
Didn't eat good at lunch today, then compounded it by grabbing a slice of cold pizza (from Sunday) to eat when I got home, even though I didn't really want it. I went into the workout in a bad frame of mind, then let it get the best of me. As I think I mentioned the first time I did this one, it bores the hell out of me. I'm not going to say it isn't tough, because it certainly is, but nothing is interesting about it to me. Let's just say I got through it. Need to improve my attitude a bit (a lot). It starts with the eating. It really does. I don't know why I can't commit to it.
Time: 38 minutes; Calories Burned: 379; Avg Heart Rate: 121; Max Heart Rate: 154.
THURSDAY - FEBRUARY 18, 2016 - Iso Speed Hammer
After yesterday's debacle and blog entry, I realized it was up to me to make things better. I went to bed last night with a renewed spirit. I realize I don't have to be perfect in my eating and my workouts, just eat sensibly, and do the best I can at the workouts. As I said, eating better makes me feel better, so if I concentrate on that, a lot of other things will take care of themselves. Today's workout was very short so I was able to go at it pretty hard. Not much to say about it though. Pretty simple moves.10 reps slow, then 10 reps fast. The weights I used seemed about right. One thing I have noticed is that I've been toning up in my arms and shoulders, and I can really feel the muscles in my quads, so something is definitely working.
Time: 23 minutes; Calories Burned: 201; Avg Heart Rate: 114; Max Heart Rate: 203.
FRIDAY - FEBRUARY 19, 2016 - Chisel Agility
I was a bit sluggish going in. The first half wasn't great, as I wasn't too motivated, but I tried to pick it up a bit in the second half. There are only two moves that are semi-tough, because you're jumping "up" and twisting your body, the 180 degree Rotational Spins and the Directional Cross Lunges. They can take a lot out of you, but I made sure I went all out for the 60 seconds on those.
Time: 37 minutes; Calories Burned: 358; Avg Heart Rate: 118; Max Heart Rate: 153.
SATURDAY - FEBRUARY 20, 2016 - Hammer Power
I had to take some short breaks later in the workout because I was getting a bit winded, but I feel I got a lot out of it. My weights varied between 10 and 25 lb dumbbells. Sometimes I was using a bit heavier weights than they were, especially on the "light", where I used 15's a lot. Sometimes I was using lighter than they were on the "heavy". They were using 30's. I was using 25's. My dumbbells only go to 25, after that I use my powerblocks. I think I'll try them next time, but I know they're going to be tough on the 1 arm jerks.
Time: 38 minutes; Calories Burned: 439; Avg Heart Rate: 130; Max Heart Rate: 161.
SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 21, 2016 - 10 Minute Ab Chisel
Did OK. It's a really short workout, so there are no excuses not to go all out.
Time: 10 minutes; Calories Burned: 72; Avg Heart Rate: 103; Max Heart Rate: 124.
SUNDAY WEIGH IN
Weight: 210.0 (+0.2 lbs)
Body Fat: 25.0% (+0.1%)
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
Frustrated. I don't like some of the workouts and I'm not committing to the eating.
Chisel Balance was on the schedule today, but it noted you could use Power Chisel (one of the bonus workouts), as an alternative. Because I've done Balance twice so far, and it's been pretty much a waste of time, I decided to give Power a try. It was OK. I did like the fact that it was just Autumn and Sagi on the video, with Sagi getting winded here and there. Overall, it wasn't that tough, especially the first sets with the medicine ball. I could have used heavier weights on the "heavy" sets, but I used 25's on those because I didn't know what to expect.
Time: 29 minutes; Calories Burned: 273; Avg Heart Rate: 117; Max Heart Rate: 208.
TUESDAY - FEBRUARY 16, 2016 - Max Strength Hammer
I think this was my best effort on this one. The only move where I "dogged" it a bit was on the Bulgarian Split Squats, which seem to be in almost all the Hammer and Chisel workouts, and I hate them. Except for the Pullups and Chinups, where I did 15 each (assisted), I lasted the entire 60 seconds on all the other moves, including the pushups. Again, I used 35's on most of the 8 rep moves, simply because that's the weight I had set on my powerblocks. I guess next time I can try using the max 55's on some of the moves.
Time: 36 minutes; Calories Burned: 355; Avg Heart Rate: 122; Max Heart Rate: 208.
WEDNESDAY - FEBRUARY 17, 2016 - Chisel Cardio
Didn't eat good at lunch today, then compounded it by grabbing a slice of cold pizza (from Sunday) to eat when I got home, even though I didn't really want it. I went into the workout in a bad frame of mind, then let it get the best of me. As I think I mentioned the first time I did this one, it bores the hell out of me. I'm not going to say it isn't tough, because it certainly is, but nothing is interesting about it to me. Let's just say I got through it. Need to improve my attitude a bit (a lot). It starts with the eating. It really does. I don't know why I can't commit to it.
Time: 38 minutes; Calories Burned: 379; Avg Heart Rate: 121; Max Heart Rate: 154.
THURSDAY - FEBRUARY 18, 2016 - Iso Speed Hammer
After yesterday's debacle and blog entry, I realized it was up to me to make things better. I went to bed last night with a renewed spirit. I realize I don't have to be perfect in my eating and my workouts, just eat sensibly, and do the best I can at the workouts. As I said, eating better makes me feel better, so if I concentrate on that, a lot of other things will take care of themselves. Today's workout was very short so I was able to go at it pretty hard. Not much to say about it though. Pretty simple moves.10 reps slow, then 10 reps fast. The weights I used seemed about right. One thing I have noticed is that I've been toning up in my arms and shoulders, and I can really feel the muscles in my quads, so something is definitely working.
Time: 23 minutes; Calories Burned: 201; Avg Heart Rate: 114; Max Heart Rate: 203.
FRIDAY - FEBRUARY 19, 2016 - Chisel Agility
I was a bit sluggish going in. The first half wasn't great, as I wasn't too motivated, but I tried to pick it up a bit in the second half. There are only two moves that are semi-tough, because you're jumping "up" and twisting your body, the 180 degree Rotational Spins and the Directional Cross Lunges. They can take a lot out of you, but I made sure I went all out for the 60 seconds on those.
Time: 37 minutes; Calories Burned: 358; Avg Heart Rate: 118; Max Heart Rate: 153.
SATURDAY - FEBRUARY 20, 2016 - Hammer Power
I had to take some short breaks later in the workout because I was getting a bit winded, but I feel I got a lot out of it. My weights varied between 10 and 25 lb dumbbells. Sometimes I was using a bit heavier weights than they were, especially on the "light", where I used 15's a lot. Sometimes I was using lighter than they were on the "heavy". They were using 30's. I was using 25's. My dumbbells only go to 25, after that I use my powerblocks. I think I'll try them next time, but I know they're going to be tough on the 1 arm jerks.
Time: 38 minutes; Calories Burned: 439; Avg Heart Rate: 130; Max Heart Rate: 161.
SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 21, 2016 - 10 Minute Ab Chisel
Did OK. It's a really short workout, so there are no excuses not to go all out.
Time: 10 minutes; Calories Burned: 72; Avg Heart Rate: 103; Max Heart Rate: 124.
SUNDAY WEIGH IN
Weight: 210.0 (+0.2 lbs)
Body Fat: 25.0% (+0.1%)
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
Frustrated. I don't like some of the workouts and I'm not committing to the eating.
Monday, February 8, 2016
THE MASTERS HAMMER AND CHISEL - ROUND 1 - WEEK 3 - WEEK OF 02/08/16
MONDAY - FEBRUARY 8, 2016 - Total Body Hammer
I did this one a little over a week ago for the first time and it killed me. I was taking all kinds of breaks. Today I went all the way through without hitting the pause button. I did drop the weights by 5 lbs on a few of the moves, but overall I did OK.
Time: 43 minutes; Calories Burned: 466; Avg Heart Rate: 127; Max Heart Rate: 226.
TUESDAY - FEBRUARY 9, 2016 - Chisel Agility
Not too difficult, but again, I burned a lot more calories than I thought I would have. There are are few jumping moves which probably are bumping up the heart rate a bit.
Time: 37 minutes: Calories Burned: 364; Avg Heart Rate: 119; Max Heart Rate: 153.
WEDNESDAY - FEBRUARY 10, 2016 - Hammer Strength
A fairly good workout. I upped my weights on the "heavy" to 35's on most of the moves. I could have done a bit more on a few of them, but didn't change them (Powerblocks) because of the time, and because I was lazy (honesty). I was tembling a bit when I finished, but I felt good.
Time: 36 minutes; Calories Burned: 338; Avg Heart Rate: 118; Max Heart Rate: 207.
THURSDAY - FEBRUARY 11, 2016 - Total Body Chisel
First time doing this one. It almost felt like a Sagi workout. I liked it. I'm realizing I don't like lunges to much because I can't get my back knee real low without falling over, but I'll work at it. For the Step Down move, I used a step platform with 2 risers instead of the workout bench. My balance is too shaky for me to be safe with that. I think the weights I chose were pretty close to being spot on. I might look to increase the weights by 5 lbs or so on some of the "bench" moves.
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 337; Avg Heart Rate: 120; Max Heart Rate: 226.
FRIDAY - FEBRUARY 12, 2016 - Hammer Plyometrics
This is a short one. My energy was a bit low, but I tried. Still not coordinated enough to trust myself on the Crazy Horses, so I did them at the end of the bench so my feet wouldn't hit it as I went over it. I still tried to get maximum height though. The first set of plyo pushups I did from my kness. Don't know why.
Time: 25 minutes; Calories Burned: 257; Avg Heart Rate: 122; Max Heart Rate: 147.
SATURDAY - FEBRUARY 13, 2016 - ISO Strength Chisel
For some reason I expect Autumn's workouts to be easier, but she pushes you. I was humbled on a few of the moves today. I couldn't hold any of the ISO pushups. I was only able to get in 6 pullups (using the pullup assist) in each set, and didn't hold any of the ISO on the second set. I got in all the reps on the Bulgarian Squats, but they killed me. A well organized workout.
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 349; Avg Heart Rate: 122; Max Heart Rate: 198.
SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 14, 2016 - 10 Minute Ab Hammer
Not too bad, but I had to come to my knees for a few seconds midway through the plank runs because I ran out of gas. Pathetic, because it was only the second exercise. I also didn't lift up on the side planks because I didn't feel like it. Another pathetic. No excuses.
Time: 12 minutes: Calories Burned: 80; Avg Heart Rate: 101; Max Heart Rate: 123.
SUNDAY WEIGH IN
Weight: 209.8 (+0,2 lbs)
Body Fat: 24.9% (-0.1%)
Not good enough!!!
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
I'm stuck with the thought that I dogged it on a few of the Ab Hammer moves and that I'm weighing almost as much as I did eight years ago, when I started all this, even though I was down over 40 lbs at one point.
I did this one a little over a week ago for the first time and it killed me. I was taking all kinds of breaks. Today I went all the way through without hitting the pause button. I did drop the weights by 5 lbs on a few of the moves, but overall I did OK.
Time: 43 minutes; Calories Burned: 466; Avg Heart Rate: 127; Max Heart Rate: 226.
TUESDAY - FEBRUARY 9, 2016 - Chisel Agility
Not too difficult, but again, I burned a lot more calories than I thought I would have. There are are few jumping moves which probably are bumping up the heart rate a bit.
Time: 37 minutes: Calories Burned: 364; Avg Heart Rate: 119; Max Heart Rate: 153.
WEDNESDAY - FEBRUARY 10, 2016 - Hammer Strength
A fairly good workout. I upped my weights on the "heavy" to 35's on most of the moves. I could have done a bit more on a few of them, but didn't change them (Powerblocks) because of the time, and because I was lazy (honesty). I was tembling a bit when I finished, but I felt good.
Time: 36 minutes; Calories Burned: 338; Avg Heart Rate: 118; Max Heart Rate: 207.
THURSDAY - FEBRUARY 11, 2016 - Total Body Chisel
First time doing this one. It almost felt like a Sagi workout. I liked it. I'm realizing I don't like lunges to much because I can't get my back knee real low without falling over, but I'll work at it. For the Step Down move, I used a step platform with 2 risers instead of the workout bench. My balance is too shaky for me to be safe with that. I think the weights I chose were pretty close to being spot on. I might look to increase the weights by 5 lbs or so on some of the "bench" moves.
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 337; Avg Heart Rate: 120; Max Heart Rate: 226.
FRIDAY - FEBRUARY 12, 2016 - Hammer Plyometrics
This is a short one. My energy was a bit low, but I tried. Still not coordinated enough to trust myself on the Crazy Horses, so I did them at the end of the bench so my feet wouldn't hit it as I went over it. I still tried to get maximum height though. The first set of plyo pushups I did from my kness. Don't know why.
Time: 25 minutes; Calories Burned: 257; Avg Heart Rate: 122; Max Heart Rate: 147.
SATURDAY - FEBRUARY 13, 2016 - ISO Strength Chisel
For some reason I expect Autumn's workouts to be easier, but she pushes you. I was humbled on a few of the moves today. I couldn't hold any of the ISO pushups. I was only able to get in 6 pullups (using the pullup assist) in each set, and didn't hold any of the ISO on the second set. I got in all the reps on the Bulgarian Squats, but they killed me. A well organized workout.
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 349; Avg Heart Rate: 122; Max Heart Rate: 198.
SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 14, 2016 - 10 Minute Ab Hammer
Not too bad, but I had to come to my knees for a few seconds midway through the plank runs because I ran out of gas. Pathetic, because it was only the second exercise. I also didn't lift up on the side planks because I didn't feel like it. Another pathetic. No excuses.
Time: 12 minutes: Calories Burned: 80; Avg Heart Rate: 101; Max Heart Rate: 123.
SUNDAY WEIGH IN
Weight: 209.8 (+0,2 lbs)
Body Fat: 24.9% (-0.1%)
Not good enough!!!
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
I'm stuck with the thought that I dogged it on a few of the Ab Hammer moves and that I'm weighing almost as much as I did eight years ago, when I started all this, even though I was down over 40 lbs at one point.
Monday, February 1, 2016
THE MASTERS HAMMER AND CHISEL - ROUND 1 - WEEK 2 - WEEK OF 02/01/16
MONDAY - FEBRUARY 1, 2016 - Chisel Cardio
When I saw it was Chisel Cardio today, I was looking forward to it a bit. Even though I'm not a cardio lover, I thought it would be something different than Autumn's workouts from week 1. I was wrong. Same thing. Different title. A bunch of Step Up moves (extremely dangerous, somebody is going to lose their balance and break an ankle), some plank moves, throw in a couple burpees. I'm bored. I broke a good sweat, but my spirit is broken a bit.
Time: 38 minutes; Calories Burned: 423; Avg Heart Rate: 128; Max Heart Rate: 194.
TUESDAY - FEBRUARY 2, 2016 - Max Hammer Strength
First time doing this one, so I went lighter on the weights than I probably should have. I used 25 lb weights for all the "heavy" moves. Now that I know what to expect I can increase those to what I normally use for those particular exercises. A good routine.
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 329; Avg Heart Rate: 117; Max Heart Rate: 189.
WEDNESDAY - FEBRUARY 3, 2016 - Chisel Agility
This seemed to be the easiest workout I've done in this program so far. However, I still got a bit winded a few times, worked up quite a sweat, and burned a lot more calories than I thought I had. So maybe it was tougher than it appeared to be.
Time: 37 minutes; Calories Burned: 333; Avg Heart Rate: 115; Max Heart Rate: 148.
THURSDAY - FEBRUARY 4, 2016 - Hammer Power
I enjoyed this one. I didn't baby myself with the weights and tried to pick ones that would challenge me but not injure me. Mostly used 10's or 15's as the "light" weight, and 25's on the "heavy" ones.
Time: 38 minutes; Calories Burned: 383; Avg Heart Rate: 122; Max Heart Rate: 158.
FRIDAY - FEBRUARY 5, 2016 - Chisel Balance
Second time I did this one. Because of my bad feet, ankles and knees, it's almost impossible for me to balance. Therefore, I get very frustrated when doing these types of workouts. I feel the same way with some of the P90X3 workouts, specifically Triometrics. I feel like I can't get better and I'm just wasting my time. I got to the point today where on one of the moves I did 6 of the 15 reps, then just walked away and didn't finish that move. I'll just have to try and keep positive about it by realizing my limits and doing the best I can.
Time: 40 minutes; Calories Burned: 397; Avg Heart Rate: 121; Max Heart Rate: 233.
SATURDAY - FEBRUARY 6, 2016 - Hammer Conditioning
This was a relatively short workout with only 8 moves done twice each. However it really winded me. I went out Friday night and didn't eat real well, so maybe that had something to do with it.
Time: 30 minutes; Calories Burned: 294; Avg Heart Rate: 120; Max Heart Rate: 150.
SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 7, 2016 - 10 Minute Ab Chisel
Not too tough, but I could feel it a bit in my abs. The best thing I got out of it was realizing my workout bench was more wobbly than it needed to be, so I found the problem and tightened it up. That should help on future workouts.
Time: 10 minutes; Calories Burned: 70; Avg Heart Rate: 101; Max Heart Rate: 120.
SUNDAY WEIGH IN
Weight: 209.6 (+1.8 lbs)
Body Fat: 25.0% (+0.2%)
Didn't concentrate on eating well. I seem to let myself go after having a loss the week before. I need to stop that.
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
The workouts are OK. I'm getting bored and frustrated a bit with Autumn's, buy maybe I need to give them more time. They're different to what I'm used to. Not happy with the weight gain, but it was my fault (obviously).
When I saw it was Chisel Cardio today, I was looking forward to it a bit. Even though I'm not a cardio lover, I thought it would be something different than Autumn's workouts from week 1. I was wrong. Same thing. Different title. A bunch of Step Up moves (extremely dangerous, somebody is going to lose their balance and break an ankle), some plank moves, throw in a couple burpees. I'm bored. I broke a good sweat, but my spirit is broken a bit.
Time: 38 minutes; Calories Burned: 423; Avg Heart Rate: 128; Max Heart Rate: 194.
TUESDAY - FEBRUARY 2, 2016 - Max Hammer Strength
First time doing this one, so I went lighter on the weights than I probably should have. I used 25 lb weights for all the "heavy" moves. Now that I know what to expect I can increase those to what I normally use for those particular exercises. A good routine.
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 329; Avg Heart Rate: 117; Max Heart Rate: 189.
WEDNESDAY - FEBRUARY 3, 2016 - Chisel Agility
This seemed to be the easiest workout I've done in this program so far. However, I still got a bit winded a few times, worked up quite a sweat, and burned a lot more calories than I thought I had. So maybe it was tougher than it appeared to be.
Time: 37 minutes; Calories Burned: 333; Avg Heart Rate: 115; Max Heart Rate: 148.
THURSDAY - FEBRUARY 4, 2016 - Hammer Power
I enjoyed this one. I didn't baby myself with the weights and tried to pick ones that would challenge me but not injure me. Mostly used 10's or 15's as the "light" weight, and 25's on the "heavy" ones.
Time: 38 minutes; Calories Burned: 383; Avg Heart Rate: 122; Max Heart Rate: 158.
FRIDAY - FEBRUARY 5, 2016 - Chisel Balance
Second time I did this one. Because of my bad feet, ankles and knees, it's almost impossible for me to balance. Therefore, I get very frustrated when doing these types of workouts. I feel the same way with some of the P90X3 workouts, specifically Triometrics. I feel like I can't get better and I'm just wasting my time. I got to the point today where on one of the moves I did 6 of the 15 reps, then just walked away and didn't finish that move. I'll just have to try and keep positive about it by realizing my limits and doing the best I can.
Time: 40 minutes; Calories Burned: 397; Avg Heart Rate: 121; Max Heart Rate: 233.
SATURDAY - FEBRUARY 6, 2016 - Hammer Conditioning
This was a relatively short workout with only 8 moves done twice each. However it really winded me. I went out Friday night and didn't eat real well, so maybe that had something to do with it.
Time: 30 minutes; Calories Burned: 294; Avg Heart Rate: 120; Max Heart Rate: 150.
SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 7, 2016 - 10 Minute Ab Chisel
Not too tough, but I could feel it a bit in my abs. The best thing I got out of it was realizing my workout bench was more wobbly than it needed to be, so I found the problem and tightened it up. That should help on future workouts.
Time: 10 minutes; Calories Burned: 70; Avg Heart Rate: 101; Max Heart Rate: 120.
SUNDAY WEIGH IN
Weight: 209.6 (+1.8 lbs)
Body Fat: 25.0% (+0.2%)
Didn't concentrate on eating well. I seem to let myself go after having a loss the week before. I need to stop that.
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
The workouts are OK. I'm getting bored and frustrated a bit with Autumn's, buy maybe I need to give them more time. They're different to what I'm used to. Not happy with the weight gain, but it was my fault (obviously).
Monday, January 25, 2016
THE MASTERS HAMMER AND CHISEL - ROUND 1 - WEEK 1 - WEEK OF 01/25/16
MONDAY - JANUARY 25, 2016 - Chisel Balance
I've never done one of Autumn's workouts before, but she is relentless. None of the moves are hard on paper, but with my poor balance they become so. I was sweating like crazy and even had to hit the pause button a few times during the second half of the workout. Overall, I think I did OK. I used 20 lb weights on all but the final move, where I used 10's. My balance stinks, but I did the best I could, which is all I can ask at this point.
Time: 40 minutes; Calories Burned: 441; Avg Heart Rate: 128; Max Heart Rate: 198.
TUESDAY - JANUARY 26, 2016 - Hammer Plyometrics
Short workout, but I was breathing hard by the end. I was a little uncoordinated on a few of the moves, but that will come in time. On the "Crazy Horse" move I had my legs away from the end of the bench so I wasn't jumping directly over it. I was getting them up, but didn't want to trip myself up.
Time: 25 minutes; Calories Burned: 269; Avg Heart Rate: 125; Max Heart Rate: 156.
WEDNESDAY - JANUARY 27, 2016 - Iso Strength Chisel
I think I'll get better with this one with time. Today there were a lot of moves where I couldn't complete all the reps. I started with 25 lb weights which seemed fine, but I tired quickly, especially on the Split Squats. On the Step Ups I started stepping up onto the bench but it was wobbling a bit, and I almost rolled my ankle on the second rep, so I went to a more sturdy (and lower) step stool. That seemed to work fine. I got all the reps in on the Sit Ups and Lateral Raises (with 10 lb weights).
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 335; Avg Heart Rate: 128l Max Heart Rate: 156.
THURSDAY - JANUARY 28, 2016 - Iso Speed Hammer
According the the schedule, Thursday's are "Rest Days", but I've always used Sundays as my rest days, so I'll just move things up a day until then. Very short workout. I broke a sweat but didn't have too many problems except on the pull-ups. I guess I can up the weight a bit in the future to make it a bit tougher.
Time: 23 minutes; Calories Burned: 203; Avg Heart Rate: 114; Max Heart Rate: 137.
FRIDAY - JANUARY 29, 2016 - Chisel Endurance
Not too bad. I got tired at times, but that's normal with a new workout. I couldn't get in all the Negative pull-ups and I was a bit careful on the Step-Up Crossover's because of my lack of balance. On the decline pushups, I did them from the bench, but had my shins on the bench instead of my feet, otherwise they weren't happening.
Time: 36 minutes; Calories Burned: 240; Avg Heart Rate: 119; Max Heart Rate: 149.
SATURDAY - JANUARY 30, 2016 - Total Body Hammer
I got through it, but hit the pause button a lot during the second half. I was just exhausted. My body was shaking when I was done. I was trying to be smart with the weights I chose because I knew I was going to exhaust myself with all the reps, but I didn't want to go too light either. I might be able to increase them as I get used to the routine, but I think I did OK today. Again, I didn't get all the pull-ups in, as my arms were fried.
Time: 43 Minutes; Calories Burned: 465; Avg Heart Rate: 129; Max Heart Rate: 218.
SUNDAY - JANUARY 31, 2016 - 10 Minute Ab Hammer
10 moves at a minute each, but with instruction in between moves it ran for 12 minutes. Good workout. Nothing super tough, so I went pretty hard at it.
Time: 12 minutes; Calories Burned: 82; Avg Heart Rate: 103; Max Heart Rate: 124.
SUNDAY WEIGH IN
Weight: 207.8 (-3.4 lbs)
Body Fat: 24.8 (-0.6%)
Both are good numbers. Tried to really eat smarter this week.
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
Overall, I'm liking it. Except for Sagi's Total Body Hammer on Saturday, Autumn's workouts seemed tougher for me, perhaps because they were longer, and she gives you relatively no rest in between moves.
I've never done one of Autumn's workouts before, but she is relentless. None of the moves are hard on paper, but with my poor balance they become so. I was sweating like crazy and even had to hit the pause button a few times during the second half of the workout. Overall, I think I did OK. I used 20 lb weights on all but the final move, where I used 10's. My balance stinks, but I did the best I could, which is all I can ask at this point.
Time: 40 minutes; Calories Burned: 441; Avg Heart Rate: 128; Max Heart Rate: 198.
TUESDAY - JANUARY 26, 2016 - Hammer Plyometrics
Short workout, but I was breathing hard by the end. I was a little uncoordinated on a few of the moves, but that will come in time. On the "Crazy Horse" move I had my legs away from the end of the bench so I wasn't jumping directly over it. I was getting them up, but didn't want to trip myself up.
Time: 25 minutes; Calories Burned: 269; Avg Heart Rate: 125; Max Heart Rate: 156.
WEDNESDAY - JANUARY 27, 2016 - Iso Strength Chisel
I think I'll get better with this one with time. Today there were a lot of moves where I couldn't complete all the reps. I started with 25 lb weights which seemed fine, but I tired quickly, especially on the Split Squats. On the Step Ups I started stepping up onto the bench but it was wobbling a bit, and I almost rolled my ankle on the second rep, so I went to a more sturdy (and lower) step stool. That seemed to work fine. I got all the reps in on the Sit Ups and Lateral Raises (with 10 lb weights).
Time: 35 minutes; Calories Burned: 335; Avg Heart Rate: 128l Max Heart Rate: 156.
THURSDAY - JANUARY 28, 2016 - Iso Speed Hammer
According the the schedule, Thursday's are "Rest Days", but I've always used Sundays as my rest days, so I'll just move things up a day until then. Very short workout. I broke a sweat but didn't have too many problems except on the pull-ups. I guess I can up the weight a bit in the future to make it a bit tougher.
Time: 23 minutes; Calories Burned: 203; Avg Heart Rate: 114; Max Heart Rate: 137.
FRIDAY - JANUARY 29, 2016 - Chisel Endurance
Not too bad. I got tired at times, but that's normal with a new workout. I couldn't get in all the Negative pull-ups and I was a bit careful on the Step-Up Crossover's because of my lack of balance. On the decline pushups, I did them from the bench, but had my shins on the bench instead of my feet, otherwise they weren't happening.
Time: 36 minutes; Calories Burned: 240; Avg Heart Rate: 119; Max Heart Rate: 149.
SATURDAY - JANUARY 30, 2016 - Total Body Hammer
I got through it, but hit the pause button a lot during the second half. I was just exhausted. My body was shaking when I was done. I was trying to be smart with the weights I chose because I knew I was going to exhaust myself with all the reps, but I didn't want to go too light either. I might be able to increase them as I get used to the routine, but I think I did OK today. Again, I didn't get all the pull-ups in, as my arms were fried.
Time: 43 Minutes; Calories Burned: 465; Avg Heart Rate: 129; Max Heart Rate: 218.
SUNDAY - JANUARY 31, 2016 - 10 Minute Ab Hammer
10 moves at a minute each, but with instruction in between moves it ran for 12 minutes. Good workout. Nothing super tough, so I went pretty hard at it.
Time: 12 minutes; Calories Burned: 82; Avg Heart Rate: 103; Max Heart Rate: 124.
SUNDAY WEIGH IN
Weight: 207.8 (-3.4 lbs)
Body Fat: 24.8 (-0.6%)
Both are good numbers. Tried to really eat smarter this week.
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
Overall, I'm liking it. Except for Sagi's Total Body Hammer on Saturday, Autumn's workouts seemed tougher for me, perhaps because they were longer, and she gives you relatively no rest in between moves.
P90X3 - ROUND 2 - WEEK 13 AND FINAL THOUGHTS - WEEK OF 01/04/2016
FINAL ROUND-UP
After Week 5 I noticed I was just burned out and going through the motions. I needed to take a break, mostly mental. The plan was to take one week off to re-charge, but it turned into 5 weeks. I then re-started, and finished out the 8 remaining weeks. Nothing exceptional to note. P90X3 is a good program, but I find there is way too much emphasis on balancing and agility. Those things are important in fitness, but almost impossible for me to get better at, as much as I want to. In the end, the program frustrates me a bit, and I don't think I'm getting out of it what I should. My eating was poor again, as usual, so that didn't help with the motivation. I wouldn't consider the round a total failure, but it wasn't a total success either, and that's on me. I'll try it again in the future.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)