Workout 8-5-09

Today (er, yesterday) was day 7 of EA Sports Active's 30-Day Challenge. I did the first 6 days as instructed, but then I took about a week off where I was doing my own workouts (dvds, running outside, etc.) so my "personal trainer" told me that I wasn't going to be able to finish the 30-Day Challenge in 30 days. Oh well. I like the idea of having a set routine for a limited amount of time, but the truth is the workouts in the challenge are just too similar to do every single day. I need more variety to keep me interested, and I think it's better for the body as well. Today (as in actually today) will likely be a rest day, but we'll see how I feel when I get home.

Workout 8-4-09

Tonight's workout was Shape's 20-Minute Makeover. This workout has its ups and downs, but is overall a solid dvd that will get your heart rate up and will have you covered in sweat if you really get into it. Plus, the instructor (Elise Gulan) is totally adorable and really makes you want to perform, if only to please her. The dvd is split into five segments: a 20-minute total body interval workout; a 10-minute cardio conditioning segment; and a 10-minute section for abs, legs, and arms.

Tonight I did the interval workout and the abs segment, which took about 35 minutes (each segment goes over by a couple of minutes). The interval segment starts out slow in terms of moves, with lots of knee ups and some kicks. The strength moves are largely yoga-inspired, which I loved. Some of the cardio intervals were more innovative, with ballet jumps and some balance moves. Overall, it was a good workout, and I was definitely sweating by the end. The abs segment was pretty good - not too hard and not too easy. It was mostly pilates inspired, which is good if you're like me and want to flatten your abs, as opposed to building a six-pack.

I got this dvd from netflix and while I did like it enough to keep it a few extra days to do it more than once, I don't think I'll be buying it. I will definitely looking for more workouts with Elise Gulan though.

No, really though, are you sure?

I recently went out to dinner with my mother, my brother, and my brother's girlfriend. The evening was proceeding pleasantly enough, when, suddenly, we began discussing the subject of age. I cannot specifically recall the context of the conversation, but I do recall thinking to myself, "well, at least I have another year until I turn 30." At that moment, I was firm in my conviction that I had yet to attain the age of 29. I then asked aloud, "wait, how old am I again?" The response was swift and painful - "29," my mother replied. I was dumbstruck. I honestly believed that I was only 28; that I had over a year before the dreaded 3-0 came knocking on my door. "Are you sure?", I insisted. The answer was the same. It was true. I was already 29; 30 was no longer a far off dream; it was an imminent reality, for which, I suddenly realized, I was wholly unprepared.

They say that age is just a number. While that may be true, for me, 30 is a big, scary number. I suppose I thought that I would have accomplished more in my life by this point. Perhaps I should be happy with where I am, but I can't help but want more. To that end, I have decided to make some changes in the next few months. I am going to eat better, live better, and hopefully be better. This blog is meant to document these changes, including accomplishments, struggles, and failures. We'll see how it goes. Here's to the future.