Great workout!!! Probably the toughest yet!

Superbowl weekend was relaxing but fun. Spent most of the weekend with my 3 ladies. Bella and Sofie can't get enough Sushi...especially Bella. She's not one of those people who you meet and they say "oh, I love sushi..", but when you ask what type of sushi they like...they say "yea, I like the non-fishy type...eww the raw stuff is not my thing". Duh!! This is usually about the point when I want to immediately stop talking to that person. People!!! You don't like sushi!!! You like california rolls! =)
Anyway, my older one loves the real stuff. I mean she'll ask specifically for the fish roe, sashimi, and anything stinky and slippery. When we grill or stew fish, she will always ask for the eyes and slurp them up like how other kids suck and chew on skittles. Gotta love Bella! Don't worry, we're not irresponsible parents who would give massive quantities of mercury-tainted tuna and bottom feeders to our child...stop judging us. =) She only gets a sushi or two.
The superbowl party I attended was chill/fun. Christine and Sofie (Sofie wasn't feeling well) stayed home while Bella and I went over to my close friend's house. Christine is not a huge football fan and would be more interested in the choice of wines offered at the residence. I stayed until half time and returned home with Bella. I'm really getting comfortable resisting unhealthful foods. I ate a burger and a huge plate of salad...and I didn't even touch the beer. Felt good and enjoyed the game/company very much.

Now for today's workout details. One month ago, I promised Joel (BD's boxing trainer) that I'd spar with him at the 1 month mark of my program. It was exhausting but I felt much better than a month ago. I could tell Joel was pushing much harder and at one point even looked like he was out to do some real damage. Actually, the guy is a cardio machine...he simply doesn't seem to fatigue. I even got sloppy a few times and punched in face. I think he knew that was going to happen because he put in a mouthguard before we began to spar. We went 2 rounds and he basically turned me into a punching bag by round 2. For every 1 shot I got in...he probably hit me 2 or 3 times. It felt good though! Thanks Joel.
After my boxing warm up, we started the training program. At this point, I was pretty much spent and felt like I had sprinted a mile. We had the biggest group so far...to join me for my workout (we had 9). It was also one of our most efficient workouts. It was non-stop ass whoopin and we were all business. There is no doubt today's workout was very motivational and people seem to be getting a sense of what my workouts are about. Basically, non-stop...intense...circuit/cross training. It will test you physically and mentally. The weak of mind will struggle quite a bit, but with practice and a bit of motivation from the others...people catch up and start to get it.

I always find it interesting when people make an issue of others trying to get fit. I don't know if it's just envy/jealousy, but all they have to do is ask instead of gossiping and complaining about the group getting too big and hogging their gym. It's like they would rather hate on the group simply trying to get fit than simply ask to join in. I don't get it and it's getting kind of annoying. People! Either leave me alone or ask for help. No matter how you look at it, the workout group brings so much energy to the gym and helps create an environment which all gyms should possess....an environment where you can feel the actual pursuit of fitness/health instead of a bunch of people going through the motions. Get with the program and please take your complaining else where...this comment/suggestion box is full!!

Today's workout:
-Warm-up: Boxing 2 rounds (sparring with Joel)
-3 cycles of the following 2 stations (switch every 30 seconds):
1. Plyo push ups on medicince ball
2. Bilat KTC (Abs)
-3 cycles of the following 2 stations (switch every 30 seconds):
1. 25 lbs plate chest push and pulls
2. 25 lbs plate squats
-3 cycles of the following 9 stations (switch every 30 seconds):
1. Crunches
2. Push ups
3. 25 lbs kettle bells lunges
4. KB 20 lbs bent over punching rows
5. Box jumps
6. Bar hops Bilat
7. Dummy man alt kicks
8. Heavy bag alt. pushing
9. Rest/timer
-Stairs: Run up 2 steps at a time and down 1 step at a time. (7 or 8 times)

Today's Meals:
-Breakfast: Super shake and fish oil
-Lunch: Huge grilled chicken cobb salad with cranberry/italian dressing on the side
-Snack: Whole avocado and banana
-Snack: 35g of protein (whey isolate)
-Dinner: 5 egg whites scrambled with turkish eggplant side (leftover from Sunday) and some of Christine's lasagna with skim ricotta cheese (a taste)
-Tons of water!!!

Dirty looks from other members!! Now I know we're training!

Got some dirty looks from other members today! I guess 8 people training together in one area of the gym can earn some "looks". They weren't looks of disgust or even dislike...instead, they were looks of annoyance or maybe envy. Instead of hating on us, all they have to do is ask to join in! Unfortunately...for them...we have every right to do what we do. It was fun and intense today. 4 die hard ladies and 4 brave men got together and truly put on a show for each other and the "spectators". Man, the first cycle was tough on everyone. I could almost hear "what the hell am I doing" from each pant exhaled by the 8. I originally had 3 cycles planned...but realized today was not a good night to die! I have some important meetings scheduled this week. =)

Here goes another soap box!!
People who spend hours on the cardio machines and do absolutely no resistance training. Yes, most of these people are women and they are typically afraid of resistance training due to their understanding that they will bulk up and begin to look manly. Women!! Unless you are taking physician prescribed hormones or naturally have abnormally high levels of testosterone in your body, you will not begin to look like the incredible hulk. It takes a very intense meathead workout regime/diet and some extra hormones to give you enough hypertrophy of muscles to actually "bulk" up.
Chances are...you or I were not born with a surplus of already efficient metabolically active tissue called muscles! Most or all of us have to train our muscles so they become more efficient fat burning centers of our body. That is why you need to resistance train as well. Resistance training helps muslces reach their potential as the "firepit" which fat is broken down into energy components and released via heat (calories). If you aren't seeing much reductions in dress size after 5 days a week of running 10 miles on the treadmill....try adding a regular resistance training regimen to your routine. Oh and you may want to eat more than 2 meals a day. Less meals a day = lowering your basal metabolic rate (basically the calories you burn when you are simply sitting still). Your body will respond to what you expose it to. If you eat small portions frequently and healthfully, your body will adjust your metabolic rate to accommodate and increase the rate at which calories are burned. If you eat no breakfast and a rabbit dinner, it will slow the basal metabolic rate to make sure it conserves energy combustion thus slowing your metabolic rate. Ok...enough on this topic.

I'm going to take it a bit easy tomorrow at Cliffside Park. Why you ask? I'm feeling slightly tired. Maybe I'll get a massage and hang out with the old Korean folks in the steam room and sauna! On second thought...massage sounds good on its own.

Wednesday is my 1 month mark!! Prior to working out on Wed, I'll have Scott once again measure my fat % and take pictures. I'll post the pictures next to the shots I took a month ago before beginning this crazy program. Hopefully, you'll also see the difference I see and feel. I'm pretty sure my body composition has improved. Wednesday's workout at Paramus should be another crazy one.

I completely forgot to take some pictures of tonight's crew and a video clip or two for posting. Tonight would've been a great night for some video footage. Oh well...

Today's workout:
-Warm-up: TM 5 min/Bike 5 min (the gym was packed!)
-Two cycles of the 8 stations below (30 seconds each station) NO REST!
1. Full plyo push-ups/Plyo push ups on knees
2. Line Ski hops side to side
3. Reg push ups
4. 25 lbs plate squats
5. DB push-ups
6. Soccer dribble kick ups
7. Lunges
8. REST station
-3 cycles of the 4 stations below (30 seconds each station) NO REST!
1. Knee/kick heavy bag
2. Hold for the kicker (keep time)
3. Push ups on knees
4. Crunches
-6 cycles of these 2 stair activities. NO REST!
1. Two legged hop (3 stairs at a time going up). Fast walk down 1 step at a time.
2. Run up 2 stairs at a time. Fast walk down 1 step at a time.
-3 cycles of the following 5 stations. NO REST!
1. Dip bar ab KTC rolls (12-10-8)
2. Dip tricep progressives legs straight/knees bent (25-20-15)
3. Suspension KTC Abs or Hip Pike TRX straps (20-15-10)
4. Narrow grip push ups on elevated surface (20-15-15)
5. Crunches (25-20-20)
-RPE: 17 -TIME: 75-80 min


MEALS
-Breakfast: Super Shake and fish oil
-Lunch: Thai (spicy chicken, rice, and tom yum soup)
-Dinner: 5 egg whites scrambled, small block of ahi tuna, seaweed soup with rice.
-Tons of water.

Training group is growing...

It's been fun training with people who are so motivated and driven. Everyone gets into a zone as soon as a new cycle begins during the workouts. It's been taking a bit longer due to the learning curve when a new program/exercises are taught. The group is really starting to click and feed off each other...it's been fun. David joined us for the first time today and did well. He's been on a new program and has been wanting to see what all this buzz is about. Hopefully, I didn't disappoint! =) Dave, stay consistent and stick to the diet program. We need to get your metabolic rate back up to par with your body. A few of the guys who have been sticking to the workouts told me recently that they do feel the improvement in muscular endurance and recovery. Great feedback! I'm almost done with week 3 and still feel awesome.

Yesterday was packed with meetings and business stuff...thus no postings and no workout. Today definitely made up for it.

The TRX suspension straps are really drawing some good attention. I'm catching the members and trainers at the gym eyeing my new toy. You could see the curiosty in the glances and stares. It'll be kind of fun to start seeing people bring in their own TRX straps to supplement their workouts! Love starting things!

As I was leaving the gym, a few of maven staff (smurphy and mihee) were using the TRX straps and drawing a crowd...gotta love it! Hopefully, all maven staff begin training consistently. Go Maven!!!

Today's workout:

Warm up: Treadmill 5 min/Bike 5 min/Stairmaster 5 min

1. Suspended rows TRX Straps (attempted as many fully suspended rows then feet on ground rows): (15-15-10)

2. Lunges (two 25 lbs plates): (15-15-15)

3. Standing striaght bar row/twists 42.5 lbs: (15-15-15)

4. Modified deadlifts 30 lbs DB: (15-15-15)

5. Pull-up assisted on dip bars: (15-15-15)

6. S/L 10 lbs reach overs (hams): (15-15-15)

1. Suspension horiz abduction TRX straps (VIDEO CLIP-Ginette) (arm straight): (15-12-10)

2. Shoulder presses 25 lbs DB: (15-15-15)

3. Lateral raises 10 lbs plates: (15-15-15)

4. Thera band flashers (yellow): (15-15-15)

5. Rope bicep curls 25 lbs: (15-15-15)

6. Arm circles with 5 lbs DB: (15-15-15)

1. Advanced reverse crunches "screws" (VIDEO CLIP-Scott): (15-12-12)

2. Suspension maintain ab crunch on elbows with oscillations/twists TRX Straps: (15-15-15)

3. Knee to outside elbow "pissers": (15-15-15)

1. Relay stairs (6x)

2. Cycle through knee heavy bag/hold bag for partner/push ups (switch every 30 sec): 5x

RPE: 16 TIME: 90 min

Meals:

-Breakfast: Super shake and fish oil

-Lunch: Japanese (sushi bento box)

-Dinner: Seaweed soup/rice, meat/veggie dish, some side dishes

-Tons of water!!

-Got home a bit too late for another snack.

Happy for my parents!

As of last night, my parents are in Seoul, South Korea. As some of you know, they moved there after 26 years of living in the States. I dropped them off at JFK on Saturday night and got a call from them last night...as they settled in their new apartment. Although we'll miss them very much, I'm really happy for them. They get to finally take a "vacation" after about 2 decades without taking one. My father has worked so hard to support us for the last 35 years and consistently led by example as all men should. My mother has given us nothing short of her very best every day and is the epitome of strength. They are without a doubt the best parents anyone can have and I owe them more than I can ever give. Thank you mom and dad...love you!
I know what you're thinking..."didn't know Taylor had feelings...". For my family, close friends, and a few select causes, I'm like jello. Yeah, I got feelings but no tear ducts...they closed up 2 decades ago due to lack of use! =)

This weekend was a bit odd as you can tell by the lack of posts. I trained on Saturday morning without a set program. I basically improvised and took it relatively "easy". Wrapped my hands and put on some 16 oz boxing gloves and gave the heavy bag a good ol fashioned beating. The poor bag got some real nasty kicks to the liver and spleen too! Did a bunch of different push ups and crunches.
To my ego's surprise, my wife finally let one of her friends know that I'm looking better already! She never tells me this stuff to my face...I guess to protect me from my huge ego! Thanks hon!?!? Muscle memory is beautiful thing.

Overall, I still maintained an excellent diet over the weekend. Had some beef on Saturday and Sunday night. I'm definitely getting leaner by the week. Lastly, just wanted to add that my buttocks are making a come back as well! Pants are starting to feel a bit looser at the waste but tighter around the hips.

Looking forward to another kick ass week. Plannning on training at Paramus on Monday (bet 5-6pm), Wed (bet 5-6pm), Friday (bet 5-6pm), and Sat (bet 8-9am). Cliffside Park on Tues (bet 3-4pm).

If anyone is interested in joining in any of the days this week, text me the day of and I'll let you know a more exact time. Thanks!

Workouts picking up some steam!

The workouts are definitely picking up in intensity. The group training is helping to motivate the guys. We need some gals representing! Anyone?? It might be just me but I doubt it...I really feel and see a difference after only 2 weeks of consistently sticking with my program. Next week will begin the incorporation of the TRX training straps. It's going to get fun!



Today's workout team: Andre, Victor, Scott, and Alain


WORKOUT:
Warm-up: Treadmill 5 min/Jump rope 5 mnin/Versaclimber 5 min/Bike 5 min (level 8 maintaining over 90 rpm)
Training:
1. Burpees (VIDEO CLIP-Alain): 5x5
2. MMA kicks to heavy bag: alternating 6x20
1. Bent over barbell rows (VIDEO CLIP-Scott): 95 lbs (15-15-15)
2. Jumping pull-ups: (15-15-15)
3. Lying pull-ups: (15-15-15)
4. Bent over alternating rows: 10 lbs plates (15-15-15)
1. Incline hip extensions: (12-12-10)
2. DB modified deadlifts: (15-15-15)
3. Leaning bilat heel raises (VIDEO CLIP-Andre): (20-15-15)
4. S/L line toe jumps (VIDEO CLIP-Andre): (15-15-15)
1. Plate rotations around head (VIDEO CLIP-Me): 25 lbs plate (15-15-15)
2. Ant delt raises with DB (VIDEO CLIP-Me): 25 lbs DB (15-15-15)
3. DB lateral raises: 10 lbs DB (15-15-15)
4. Thera tubing lateral raises: Yellow (15-15-15)
5. Thera tubing bicep curl progressives (Bilat/Bilat twists/Alt twists): Red (25-25-25)
1. Stairs: 2 up and 1 down (x8)
Abs:
1. Supine leg twists: (10-10-10)
2. Reverse curls: (12-12-10)
3. Knee to same side elbow with crunch: (15-15-15)
4. Crnches: (15-15-15)
RPE: 17 TIME: 90 min

MEALS
-Breakfast: Super shake and fish oil
-Snack: Protein shake with frozen fruit, banana, and water
-Lunch: Korean rolls (kim bap)
-Snack: Raw meal bar from whole foods
-Dinner: kim bap covered and cooked with 3 egg whites, kim chee, and spinach soup
-Snack: Trader Joe's granola and veggie chips (just a little)
Tons of water!!

Busy day...

Yesterday was quite busy for me. It's funny how things end up pulling you back in when you try to focus on other ventures/jobs/projects. I guess it's a good problem to have, but it can get a bit confusing. If January is any indication of how 2010 will go for me, it's going to be a fun sporadic year. I've had the privilege of meeting some wonderful people in the last few weeks. It's true what people say...when you least expect things or take a step back from the situation, things begin to natural unfold. Without boring you with my rambkings, it's becoming clearer to me that life is very short and it's essential for all of us to make the best of our relationships and to maintain a broader perspective on life as we know it. Sometimes the "meaningless" and "trivial" things in our lives are what ends up tranforming us and bettering us. Like some of you, I'm always in search of the "big" moments in life to define who I am. There is no doubt in my mind my perspective is changing...


Yesterday's workout: Scott, Kent, and Chris joined me.
Warm-up: TM 5 min/Versaclimber 5 min/Rowing 5 min/Jump rope 5 min
Training:
1. Dips: (20-15-10)
2. Push-ups: Legs up on bench and flat (20-15-10)
3. Bench Push-ups: (20-15-20)
4. Railing Push-ups: (20-15-10)
1. Box Jumps: (20-12-10)
2. Plate Squats: (25-20-20)
3. Lunges: (15-15-15)
1. Dip progressives (25-20-15)
2. Tricep narrow push-ups (20-15-10)
3. TB tricep extensions (15-10-10)
1. Stairs: Up 2 and down 1 (x8)
Abs:
1. Leg lift progressives: (15-10-10)
2. Obliques-side plank raises: (10-10-10)
3. Crunches: (20-15-10)
RPE: 16 TIME: 75 min

MEALS:
Breakfast: Super shake and fish oil
Lunch: Japanes (Sushi lunch box)
Dinner: Korean food (some beef and pork) and korean side dishes
Snack: korean rolls (kim bap)

Good job guys!

Today's workout was one of the more intense sessions I've had since the launch. Alain, Scott, and Sean decided to join me in a kick ass workout. Today's program focused on the "pulling" muscles of the body (mainly the back muscles, hams, and biceps). The guys stuck it out and drew some attention from the other members as we rotated from exercise to exercise with minimal rest in between sets! It was intense and motivating as everyone was looking to give it their best. Let's just say the guys made me proud! Hopefully, they had a great workout and will join me again soon...

TODAY'S WORKOUT:
-WARM-UP: Treadmill 5 min (start at 6 degrees at 3.8 mph then increase by a degree every 30 seconds)/Speed jump rope 5 min/Versaclimber 5 min/Rowing 5 min
-TRAINING:
1. Mid-grip pull-ups then jumping pull-ups for set 2 and 3 (15-15-10)
2. Standing cable bilat rows 20 lbs then seated alt. lat pulldowns 27.5 lbs (20-15-15)
3. Straight bar vertical standing alt. rows with trunk twists 35 lbs (VIDEO CLIP-Taylor) (20-15-15)
4. Dip bar pull-ups (VIDEO CLIP-Alain)(assisted going up and eccentric non-assisted going down) (15-10-10)
1. Lunges 25 lbs plates (15-15-10)
2. Deadlifts 30 lbs DB (VIDEO CLIP-Sean)(15-15-15)
3. Kettle bell S/L alt ham/hip extensions 25 lbs (15-10-10)
4. S/L heel raises then S/L line jumps (15-15-15)
1. Bent over DB rows B then alt. 20 lbs (VIDEO CLIP-Scott)(15-15-15)
2. Standing DB upright row 25 lbs plate (15-15-10)
3. DB shoulder press 25 lbs (20-15-15)
4. Lateral raises 10 lbs (20-15-15)
5. Bicep DB curl progressives 20 lbs (Bilat curls-Sup curls-Alt. curls) (15-10-10)
1. Stairs (UP 2 steps at a time..DOWN 1 step at a time) approx. 10 times 2 flights of stairs
ABS:
1. Dip bar KTC with posterior tilts (very hard exercise but we tried) (10-8-6)
2. Alt KTC on mat (15-10-10)
3. Plank crunches (15-10-10)
RPE: 17 TIME: 1 hr 30 min (tougher with a bigger group but we managed)




TODAY'S MEALS:
-BREAKFAST: Super shake with fish oil
-LUNCH: Greek (salmon steak, rice, and greek salad)
-SNACK: protein bar and natural energy drink
-DINNER: Fish, some rice, arugula salald, and lentil soup
-SNACK: Egg white protein shake 25 g of protein
TONS of WATER!!

Productive day!

Plowed through a stack of bills for Maven, a few phone calls, emailing, and had a few meetings. It's definitely easy to fall behind when there is so much on the plate...or not. Actually, I fall behind because I choose to not be as productive. It's so easy for us to blame our seemingly stressful lives as the reason for not doing this or that. When it comes down to it...we just choose to not make time for what we supposedly have no time for. It really is about prioritizing what needs to be done and being efficient actually getting it done. For most of my professional career, I loved being busy for the sake of being busy regardless of how little I was getting done. I guess this is something most of us struggle with...efficiency and productivity while maintaining a balanced life both professionally and personally. Is it impossible? Absolutely! Is it easy? Absolutely not! It takes tons of conscious effort, discipline, and practice to create new habits. Unfortunately, most of us quit or get distracted way before habits can be formed and engrained. Even before good habits can be formed, there has to be a perspective change. For example, if we continue to see our lives as out of hand and out of our control, it will be. However, if we train our minds to think of our lives as our lives, we regain control of it and are able to reorgainze and manage it. I'm getting there. It's been a rough inconsistent road, but it's finally beginning to click and 2010 looks to be a pivotal year for me. Hopefully, some of you will choose to regain control of your lives and develop new habits, which will likely enrich and enliven you daily as you begin to live out your dreams...instead of simply hoping for them.

Had a pretty intense workout today. Scott, the birthday boy from my last post decided to join me. He took a few weeks off due to various reasons (mostly fighting off a cold which he had to get on antibiotics for). I hope he enjoyed our workout and got a glimpse of what true cross-training is all about. I took a few pictures of him performing squats.

TODAY'S WORKOUT:

-WARM-UP: Treadmill 5 min (3.8 mph/begin at 6 degrees incline/increase incline a degree every 30 seconds), Versaclimber 5 min, Speed jump rope 5 min

-CROSS TRAINING:

1. Dips (20-15-10)

2. Push-up progressives (ONE SET: Floor plyo/Flat/Bench) (15-10-8)
1. 35 lbs plate squats (25-20-15)

2. 16" box jumps (15-10-10)

1. Gravitron dips 40 lbs of assistance (20-15-10)

2. Cable chest fly/press 30 lbs (20-15-10)

1. Side lunges (15-15-10)

2. 16" box S/L step ups (15-10-10)

1. Dips progressives (VIDEO CLIP) (ONE SET: legs up/legs on floor/knee at 90) (25-20-15)

2. DB tricep extensions (VIDEO CLIP) (20-15-10)

3. Railing focus push-ups (VIDEO CLIP) (emphsize horiz abduction) (20-15-15)

ABS:

1. Leg lift progressives (ONE SET: leg lifts-twists/KTC alt/KTC bilat) (15-15)

2. Pelvic tuck-KTC-Pelvic rotation (TAYLOR ORIGINAL) (15-15)
3. P-Ball crunches (20-15)

RPE: 16 TIME: 60 min

TODAY'S MEALS:

-BREAKFAST: Super shake and fish oil.

-LUNCH: Japanese (chicken teriyaki lunch box)

-DINNER: Fish, some rice, arugula salad, and a little kimchi jigae (a korean favorite)

-SNACK: 1/2 a Korean pear

I'm back!

Friday and Saturday was pretty much taken up by the continuing education course I took in White Plains, NY. Lets just say my crackberry came in handy and I was very happy at 5:35 pm Saturday as I left Burke Rehab Hospital to head back home. It was worth 12 cont ed credit hours!
I didn't get to train on Friday and Saturday but the rest was good for the body. My diet was very good for both days even though I didn't end up working out. Went out last night for Scott's (maven manager) B-day and had 1.5 Amstel lights. It was good fun celebrating with a nice bunch of people. I also had a chance to hang out with Bill...a good friend and old business partner. Got home around one but I knew I had/wanted to workout this morning. It felt great getting in the gym after a few days off! I don't know if it's just me wanting to see it, but I could already tell a difference in only a week. I'm looking forward to the month point when I'll take my measurements again and strip down for photos!!
As I posted about a week ago, my parents are moving back to Seoul, South Korea next Saturday. I'll miss them very much but I know they'll be happier there and that's what matters. Skype is awesome. It was basically the defining factor in making my parents feel relatively comfortable with the decision to "leave" us. They have both given me everything a parent could give a son without ever asking for anything back. For this, I can't thank them enough and I owe them so much. I've been blessed with the most amazing parents.
Today I had my cheat meal for the week. What was this you ask? Japanese ramen! It was my first time trying "home made" japanese noodles. Saw an episode of Man v Food where Adam hits up an authentic ramen joint in LA. According to my informal survey, there are no good places in the mtero area. So we went to the only place we knew...Mitsuwa. One word to describe the experience...SALTY!!! Probably will never try Japanese ramen again...unless it was in a ramen house in JAPAN. I've also never had such a strong adverse response to unhealthy food. Immediately after we finished eating, the salt and MSG (I assume they loaded it up since I'm pretty sensitive to MSG) gave me an intense headache and almost made me feel like I was coming down with a cold. Sudden fatigue and drowsiness hit both of us like a brick wall. We went straight to the fruit aisle to buy a bottle of veggie juice and a few tangerines. Downed a bottle of water as well. It's like the healthy diet during the last week already caused my body to have adverse reaction to crap. It's a good thing! Everyday this past week provided evidence of why it's important to have a healthful daily diet. Basically, stay consistent....whether you eat crap everyday so you have an adverse reaction to healthful foods or eat right and so your body hates the wrong. My energy level and my mood was directly connected to what I ate/drank. I'm actually looking forward to Monday when I know it begins another week of non-compromising healthful living. It's getting easier and easier to eat right.

TODAYS WORKOUT:
-WARM-UP: Treadmill 5 min/VersaClimber 5 min/Speed jump rope 5 min
-RESISTANCE TUBING:
1. Lat straight arm pull (20-20-15)
2. Straight arm horizontal abduction/Wide grip row (20-20-15)
3. Bilat bicep curls/Alternating (25-20-20)
4. Flashers (20-20-15)
1. Shoulder presses (20-20-15)
2. Lateral raises (20-20-15)
1. Bicep progressives (20-20-15)
2. Bench push-ups with crunch (4 sets of 15)
3. KTC and alt (20-15-15)

The workout was a bit shorter than usual, but felt as good.
I'll make sure to put up more pics and videos of the exercises from my workouts.

TODAY'S MEALS:
-BREAKFAST: Super Shake and fish oil
-LUNCH: Nasty Japanese ramen (felt like crap for about 2 hours)
-SNACK: Bottle of veggie juice and a tangerine
-DINNER: Fish, rice, and korean side dishes
-SNACKS: Trader Joe's granola (as you can tell, I like Trader Joe's snacks)

Weird/crazy week so far...in a good way.

First of all, thank you to the 3 of you who are actually reading my posts and supporting Jato Fitness.
It's been a good week so far. Unexpectedly met some really interesting people in meetings and have been thinking more than usual. It must be the healthy meals and crazy workouts. Overall, I feel real good and things are really starting to come together. What you ask? I'm not even sure yet...but I know I'm looking and trying to figure myself out.
I'm due to attend a continuing education course to renew my physical therapy license tomorrow and saturday. Two days of vestibular rehab education. Fun!!! Oh well, I'll try to make the best of it. This also means I won't be able to work out until Sunday. Christine (my wife) is going to a work party tomorrow night and I'll be staying home with my monkeys. On Saturday, there is a possibility I'll be going out for Scott's B-day for a little bit. We'll see.

Today's workout:
-Warm-up: Treadmill 5 min/ Rowing machine 5 min (level 8)
-Cross-training:
1. BB bent over row Bilat/Alt 40 lbs (15-15-10)
2. Pull-ups (shouolder width grip) (15-8-5)
1. BB modified deadlifts with shrug 70 lbs (15-10-10)
2. Lunges holding 25 lbs plates (15-10-10)
1. Standing cable unilat row/twist (20-15-15)
2. Lat pull-downs (20-15-10)
1. Squats (20-20-20)
2. Leaning Bilat. heal raises S/L (20-15-15)
1. Lateral raises DB 15/10 lbs (20-15-15)
2. Plate ant delt raises 25 lbs (15-10-10)
3. DB lateral raise circles 5 lbs (15-10-10)
4. Bicep progressives 40 lbs BB/20 & 15 lbs DB/Alt (15-10-10)
5. Forearm twists with slight lat raise 20 lbs DB (15-15-15)
Abs: Basic crunches (4 sets of 35)

Meals:
-BREAKFAST: Super shake and fish oil
-BREAKFAST 2: 1/2 of 3 egg white omelette and slice of white bread
-LUNCH: Turkish food (yogurt dip, 3 small slices of turkish bread, turkish beef patties, roasted vegetables, garden salad)
-DINNER: Yellowtail roll, spicy salmon roll, a bunch of korean side dishes, popular korean soft tofu soup (asked for less spice and salt)
-Tons of water!!!!

So far so good! 1st week almost done!

It's been a special week so far. I'm about to complete my first week of training as I make a return to high-level fitness and document every step. Although the training has been exciting, what has made this week so special is that I've had the opportunity to meet with some incredible people through networking and friends. Every meeting started out with discussions of business and/or real estate...but quickly moved on to more meaningful topics such as life philosophy, money/success, and the pursuit of happiness (which sounds cheesy but happens to be one of my favorite movies). I can't help it, I like happy endings (get your minds out of the gutter!). I feel 2010 will be a pivotal year for me in regards to discovering my true potential and figuring out myself. Thinking too much has gotten me into trouble before but I feel I'm actually on the right track and in a good frame of mind. Due to my tendency to be self-reliant and independent, receiving help/quidance from others has always been a struggle of mine. That's why I'm attached to my Kindle and reading books written by authors who I can't help but respect and learn from. Many of them have devoted their lives to researching and "figuring out" things for us. However, New York Times best selling authors can only do so much for my personal/professional growth and learning due to the absence of a friendship/relationship between the reader and author. I feel 2010 will be a year when I'll find a person who I can seek a life-transforming mentorship from. Many highly successful and content people I know speak of having a mentor who challenged them and guided them during confusing times. You can say I'm "hungry" for some guidance. As you can tell, I'm pretty much using this blog as my diary...but I'm trying not to ramble on and on too often.

Todays' workout:

-WARM UP: the usual (TM walk 5 min/Versaclimber 5 min/jump rope 5 min)

-CROSS TRAINING:

1. Push-ups (ONE SET: flat & bench) (20-15-10)

2. Dips (20-15-10)

1. Speed step-ups: (3 sets of 30 seconds)

2. Heavy bag MMA kicks (alternating): 3 sets of 30 seconds)

1. Railing plyo push-ups (ONE SET: plyo & non plyo) (25-20-15)

2. Cable chest press 20 lbs (focusing on full contraction of pecs every rep) (20-15-15)

1. Mini squat jumps (20-20-20)

2. S/L DB heel raises 25 lbs plate (20-15-15)

1. Tricep extensions with rope attachment 20 lbs (25-20-15)

2. Bilat standing tricep extensions 10 & 8 lbs (20-15-15)

-Abs (VIDEO clip of one cycle)

1. Leg lift progressives (15-10-10)

2. Side plank obliques (10-10-10)

3. Basic crunches (25-20-15)

MEALS:

-BREAKFAST: Super shake and fish oil

-LUNCH: Thai food (chicken/rice noodles in a light peanut sauce) & tum yum soup

-DINNER: Arugula/avocado salad with cilantro dressing, a small block of salmon steak, a little rice, alittle potato/egg salad, a bowl korean vegetable stew. Now that's a meal!

-SNACK: Trader Joe's granola and a oatmeal cookie

Holy shoulder pain!!

Felt great last night, but woke up this morning with intense left shoulder pain. Woke up on my left side with my left arm folded under my body. As I tried to role over to get up...the shoulder pain was sharp and painful. Self-evaluated and I believe it's my supraspinatus and the long head of the biceps. Prognosis: a few nights of sleeping on my back should return it 100%..hopefully. I've had issues with my right shoulder in the past but the left one has held up to this point. It's amazing how the wrong static positioning of a joint for a length of time can actually cause injury. This is the case for probably the majority of low back pain diagnoses out there. My body hasn't felt this good in a very long time...except for this shoulder "injury". Will keep you posted on the progress. I'll make a last minute decision whether to train today or not. Even if I didn't train today, I'd still be on track for 5 days this week. We'll see.

Last few minutes of the Seminar workshop

Here it goes.....

I'm going to figure this out!!
Hopefully, all my posts will make some sense to some of you... =)
Finally getting to put this HD video cam to use! Pretty excited about this opportunity to document my progress and soon the progress of first 2 chosen "subjects". Daily posts will be made as our pursuit of fitness is documented via daily diets, training regimen, and random pictures/videos from the day. This will be kept up indefinitely and hopefully new "subjects" will be added to this blog for all to witness and observe. Please feel to ask/comment on anything posted.
My name is Taylor and hopefully this begins the most exciting chapter in my life - returning to basics! I'm an entrepreneur, doctor of physical therapy, commercial real estate broker, and a fitness professional. Hmmm...why? I get that same look and question a few times a day. The challenge is what I live for but have come to realize there are certain realities in my life which I can no longer deny. These realities will hopefully be better explained through all the posts. Somehow I feel this process will enhance the clarity of my thoughts and naturally lead me on a fun revealing journey. Yes, I am one of those who is in pursuit of reaching my true professional/life potential. Returning to basics implies my renewed sense of appreciation for what I am and the last 15 years of life.
Healthcare has taught me tremendous lessons on professionalism, human need/care, and ethical practice/thinking. It created an opportunity for me to design a business model which is of sound structure and progressive/dynamic in nature. Commercial real estate brokerage exposed me to a group/breed of very confident people and taught me the power of tact and focus. Personal training showed me how fitness and its many practiced activities can serve as an outlet for so many on the brink. Although often hidden behind a pretty face or a hot body, insecurities still drive most of us to do what we do...day in and day out.
You still ask why? On paper, I have the ideal resume for an exceptionally successful career/business in the fitness industry. However, I don't feel that's enough. Just like the other top people in any industry, there has to be more or something...a factor almost impossible to define in words or speech. It has to be felt - people just know it when they meet you. I'm hoping to discover what I need to discover.
I strongly feel this blog will be the last piece of discovery I need to begin sprinting and accomplishing in the fitness or any industry. Of course...this is how I'm imagining is how it'll pan out. As many of us have learned or are learning, life has a way of doing what it feels like doing. I guess I'll just have to start taking these first steps and let life do its thing. If it happens to be in line with my expectations...great. If it happens to lead me somewhere else...great. As long as this journey is progressive and true to me, I'm 100% satisfied.

Today started off waking up to the reality of this lingering cold sticking around for a few more days. I'm on day 3 of antibiotics and have never looked so forward to getting started again on a fitness regimen. Had a bunch of meetings at Panera Bread in Paramus, NJ and did tons more in research for Jato Fitness. Did I say how much I'm looking forward to begin kicking my own ass?? Well, I am! Began learning how to use this HD vcam and spoke to Ed Lopez on Skype about blogging a few other items of discussion. Ed is a friend & an owner of Dew Drop Digital (awesome web design company). As a "retired" google manager, he recommended blogger. Although I've known Ed for only a few months, I've gained utmost respect for his expertise and advice related to web design and online services. There is no doubt, I'll be bugging Ed with more questions!