11.20.2007

FL I / Workout B / Day 4

Superset #1
Deadlift: 3 sets / 12 reps - 135#
Incline Dumbbell Bench Press: 3 sets / 12 reps - 50# dbs

60 sec. rest between sets

Superset #2
Bulgarian Split Squat: 3 sets / 10 reps - 20# dbs
Mixed-grip Lat Pulldown: 3 sets / 12 reps (each grip) - 140#

60 sec. rest between sets

Superset #3
Romanian Deadlift: 3 sets / 10 reps - 95#
Bicycle Crunch: 3 sets / 12 reps - 10# medicine ball

Today's workout was more difficult because I aggravated something in my lower back on Sunday. It hurt Monday, but less today. So, after warming up, I felt okay. By the time I made it through my first superset and went to the split squats (which are always hard), I had to do less reps. The romanian deadlifts were even tougher. It'll be touch-and-go tomorrow.

Take that, Xbox 360.


sid with braces
Originally uploaded by R. Parks
Today, we got braces.

Well, at least on the top teeth. Because of Sid's slight overbite, the orthodontist thought it would be best to wait a few months before putting on the bottom set. It only took about an hour as they had pre-set the brackets up on a model and simply set them to his teeth in one step. (I remember being in the chair for about 2 hours.)

Fortunately, we don't have get both of the kids' teeth done at the same time. We may be able to wait until Sid's are off before Cait needs them. Let's just say, it's a good thing the whole "debtor's prison " thing was abolished decades ago.


When Sidney asked what he was getting for Christmas, we said, "Braces."


Then, Cait asked what she was getting for Christmas.

"Your brother's braces."

great.


dented highlander
Originally uploaded by R. Parks
Amy was picking Sid up at my sister's last night and backed into a car parked on the street. We filed an insurance claim last night and will bring the car in on Monday to get the bumper replaced. But, between this, paying for Sid's braces and my trip overseas, Christmas is going to be a juggling act.

Quite frankly, this sucks donkey balls.

11.19.2007

I hate weeks like this . . .


candle holder and vase
Originally uploaded by R. Parks
Really, there are only threes days of actual work to be done. But everything seems to happen in those three days.

I usually feel like taking it easy the week of Thanksgiving and things in my business typically slow down around this time, but this year has been difficult, business-wise. So, we're kind of in a crunch to make our numbers.

Therefore, instead of disliking the holidays for the regular reasons - too much extra family, too much money being spent and the general stress of making everybody happy - I now have work to worry about.

Happy holidays.

11.18.2007

FL I / Workout A / Day 4

[I'm using a book called The New Rules of Lifting, but I'm not trying to do the exercises in the order dictated in the text. The author designates a number of different body types/schedule restrictions and then recommends the schedule of exercises. Since I don't think I fit into any of the categories, I'm kind of adjusting it to fit my goals.]

Superset #1
Squat: 3 sets / 12 reps - 135#
Cable Seated Row: 3 sets / 12 reps - 160#

60 sec. rest between sets

Superset #2
Supine Hip Extension: 3 sets / 12 reps - body weight
Dumbbell Push Press: 3 sets / 12 reps - 40# dbs

60 sec. rest between sets

Superset #3
Rotational Lunge: 3 sets / 12 reps - 25# dbs
Swiss Ball Crunch: 3 sets / 12 reps - 45# db


Though I don't follow the book exactly, it is full of tips on proper form and good information on warm-ups and stretches. Typically, to warm up, I will jog for 5 minutes and then do some light weight versions of the major-muscle exercises. If time permits, I will try to do 15 minutes of cardio after the workout; usually stationary bike or elliptical.