Well, if i was overtraining and needed a break, i think my 3 weeks off took care of that.
In fact, I did squats on Monday (dropped 40 lbs of my sets), and could feel the muscles hurting. Now 2 days later, my entire P-chain is sore and it hurts to walk. Getting out of a chair is a true achievement.
I was supposed to do deadlift tomorrow, but I may delay it to Friday, since i'm so sore from being out of the game.
Thanks to the readers who have offered support. I think I will train more on lower rims....
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Week 35.1
Well, I'm taking this week off because we're going to Italy for 10 days. No training. No overtraining. We'll see how I am after I return, loaded with focaccia bread and gelato.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Week 34.1
Good news! On Monday, I squatted 2 sets at 215. So I've moved up another 10 pounds there, and I'm feeling good.
My wife bought me an outdoor hoop, which was really generous. I don't know when I'll set it up, but it will be better to practice jumping with, than the hoop attached to the garage (which I always run into garage wall when jumping).
I haven't contacted VJB's Bagget yet. Dunno why yet. Maybe I'm scared he'll lay into me harder than people on youtube.
My wife bought me an outdoor hoop, which was really generous. I don't know when I'll set it up, but it will be better to practice jumping with, than the hoop attached to the garage (which I always run into garage wall when jumping).
I haven't contacted VJB's Bagget yet. Dunno why yet. Maybe I'm scared he'll lay into me harder than people on youtube.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Week 33.1
So one of my jumping buddy cohorts online, ScoobyChau, told me not to bend my knees over my toes so much when I do squats. I became so self conscious, now my knees have hurt all week. Thanks Scoob ;-).
However, my deadlift felt strong, and I'll try moving up another 10 pounds to 275, and up to 225 in squat, finally. I started at 225 but wasn't squatting deep enough. 3 months later, I hope to be back at that weight with the proper form.
I actually feel a little exhausted, but don't want to take a break quite yet because I'm going to Italy in a few weeks and I want that to be my break.
I'm also thinking of paying to consult with the VJB master, Kelly Baggett, because I'm sick of this plateau I've been at for 5 months.
Finally, yes, I could lose more weight, but it's not due to diet, but age. The body simply takes on more fat, and it sucks. Technically, I can always workout more, but there's the time issue. Then again, I'm not supposed to "overtrain". So I'm damned either way.
However, my deadlift felt strong, and I'll try moving up another 10 pounds to 275, and up to 225 in squat, finally. I started at 225 but wasn't squatting deep enough. 3 months later, I hope to be back at that weight with the proper form.
I actually feel a little exhausted, but don't want to take a break quite yet because I'm going to Italy in a few weeks and I want that to be my break.
I'm also thinking of paying to consult with the VJB master, Kelly Baggett, because I'm sick of this plateau I've been at for 5 months.
Finally, yes, I could lose more weight, but it's not due to diet, but age. The body simply takes on more fat, and it sucks. Technically, I can always workout more, but there's the time issue. Then again, I'm not supposed to "overtrain". So I'm damned either way.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Week 32.1
Finally, a new video is up. I think I'm starting to creep out of my many month's plateau...
Music by Arctic Monkeys
Here's the other videos, or at the link at upper right of home page.
Music by Arctic Monkeys
Here's the other videos, or at the link at upper right of home page.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Week 31.1
Wow. Didn't even post last week. Luckily, i haven't skimped on my workouts.
The good news is I think I've added 2" to my vert! In my unofficial backyard rim, I grabbed just below my knuckle! Looks like I've broken out of my 4 month plateau of misery --- by the way, I measure my vert by 1) measure my standing vertical reach, then 2) measure how far down my hand the rim gets on my jump 3) add that amount over 10' of the hoop, and 4) the difference of my standing reach to my leaping reach is my vert....
MAJOR NOTE: I have unofficially changed from a 1 foot leap to a 2 foot leap. After going crazy on the 9' hoop, my leaping left leg was shot and it took weeks to fully recover. In the meantime, i kept 2 foot jumping, and had to admit to myself i'm not a "light" jumper, which 1 footers need to be. So I'll still try some 1 foot leaps, but will now focus on 2 feet.
Last week was awesome in the weight room as well, as I did 2 sets of squat at 205. And I boosted deadlift up to 265. I'm now starting Phase3 of the novice workout, and it calls for a little lighter weight with more sets, so i won't be pushing my limits of max strength for 3 weeks.
I have no choice but to shoot video this weekend. Of course, by then, I'll be tired and have an off day and who knows what.
The good news is I think I've added 2" to my vert! In my unofficial backyard rim, I grabbed just below my knuckle! Looks like I've broken out of my 4 month plateau of misery --- by the way, I measure my vert by 1) measure my standing vertical reach, then 2) measure how far down my hand the rim gets on my jump 3) add that amount over 10' of the hoop, and 4) the difference of my standing reach to my leaping reach is my vert....
MAJOR NOTE: I have unofficially changed from a 1 foot leap to a 2 foot leap. After going crazy on the 9' hoop, my leaping left leg was shot and it took weeks to fully recover. In the meantime, i kept 2 foot jumping, and had to admit to myself i'm not a "light" jumper, which 1 footers need to be. So I'll still try some 1 foot leaps, but will now focus on 2 feet.
Last week was awesome in the weight room as well, as I did 2 sets of squat at 205. And I boosted deadlift up to 265. I'm now starting Phase3 of the novice workout, and it calls for a little lighter weight with more sets, so i won't be pushing my limits of max strength for 3 weeks.
I have no choice but to shoot video this weekend. Of course, by then, I'll be tired and have an off day and who knows what.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Week 29.1
Did deadlift of 8 reps at 255 today! That's a new record. Felt good. Well, the last few reps in the moment didn't feel great, and then i collapsed to the floor right after, but emotionally, it felt really good.
Earlier this week, my squats didn't go so well. I had done 2 tough dog hikes over the weekend, so my legs were shot on Monday - I only squatted 185 - a 20 pound drop off.
Nonetheless, I'm feeling pretty good, and might shoot some video this weekend.
I feel good, but as far as jumping, i'm far away still. Thinking it might be time to pay some extra $$$ for a private consultation with VJB author.
Earlier this week, my squats didn't go so well. I had done 2 tough dog hikes over the weekend, so my legs were shot on Monday - I only squatted 185 - a 20 pound drop off.
Nonetheless, I'm feeling pretty good, and might shoot some video this weekend.
I feel good, but as far as jumping, i'm far away still. Thinking it might be time to pay some extra $$$ for a private consultation with VJB author.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Week 28.2
Squatted WAY low on Monday, and increased 10 pounds to 205 (my new high with proper technique!). 2 days later, my quads and inner thighs were sorrrrrrre. But a great sore.
Today, with deadlifts, some dude was working out way to close to me in an empty gym, and it pissed me off. Which helped my strength as i did 3x8 at 225 with ease. I should have done more weight, but the intensity was good.
Not sure when the next jump test will be. Not this weekend. Maybe next?
Today, with deadlifts, some dude was working out way to close to me in an empty gym, and it pissed me off. Which helped my strength as i did 3x8 at 225 with ease. I should have done more weight, but the intensity was good.
Not sure when the next jump test will be. Not this weekend. Maybe next?
Monday, October 1, 2007
Week 28.1
I start Phase 2 (of 4) of Novice plyos/weights tomorrow on Monday. I'm repeating the whole Novice program.
My knees are starting to be sore in a squatting-causes-arthritis sort of way. Just a hint of that, but oh well. Not bad enough to stop yet. I just wish things worked in my favor more often on this quest.
My knees are starting to be sore in a squatting-causes-arthritis sort of way. Just a hint of that, but oh well. Not bad enough to stop yet. I just wish things worked in my favor more often on this quest.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Week 27.1
Nothing to report, other than my knee was hurting during squats.
Still just lifting and plyo-ing. I've decided to start jump rope again. I gotta have some minimal spring action.
Still just lifting and plyo-ing. I've decided to start jump rope again. I gotta have some minimal spring action.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Week 25.2
Week of Weights
Monday, my main workout was squats. I did 3x8, at 155/165/175lbs. I didn't want to overdo it after my 2 week hiatus - and i was still sore the next day.
Thursday, my main workout was deadlift. I did 3x8, at 185/205/225lbs. Again I went "light", but I'm amazed at how my deadlift seems stronger. Though I think I read somewhere that deadlift is supposed to be stronger than squat. Still, it's cool.
My ankles and achilles are a little sore, so even jogging was hard. I'm aware that jogging isn't "ideal" for jump training. But neither is being out of shape with less flexibility. But I will try to do some light plyometrics with the jogging too, if i can.
No videos for a while.
Monday, my main workout was squats. I did 3x8, at 155/165/175lbs. I didn't want to overdo it after my 2 week hiatus - and i was still sore the next day.
Thursday, my main workout was deadlift. I did 3x8, at 185/205/225lbs. Again I went "light", but I'm amazed at how my deadlift seems stronger. Though I think I read somewhere that deadlift is supposed to be stronger than squat. Still, it's cool.
My ankles and achilles are a little sore, so even jogging was hard. I'm aware that jogging isn't "ideal" for jump training. But neither is being out of shape with less flexibility. But I will try to do some light plyometrics with the jogging too, if i can.
No videos for a while.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Week 25.1
Started another round of weightlifting on Monday, after a 2 week hiatus. Now my inner thighs feel like they've ripped apart. Yeah, it's a good feeling.
So, my jumping has gone nowhere. My one legged jump has decreased back to square one, and my leaping leg feels fatigued.
Meanwhile, my 2-footed leaping has increased 4 inches.
What's this all mean? Well, 1), i'm going to keep pursuing my quest.
2) I'm gonna jog more. I was getting input not to jog too much, or "overtrain". But the fact is, I had cut down on jogging, and was getting out of shape, and was feeling less flexible. So now I will jog more, and possibly even play some ball, but that's just a big invitation to injury.
So, my jumping has gone nowhere. My one legged jump has decreased back to square one, and my leaping leg feels fatigued.
Meanwhile, my 2-footed leaping has increased 4 inches.
What's this all mean? Well, 1), i'm going to keep pursuing my quest.
2) I'm gonna jog more. I was getting input not to jog too much, or "overtrain". But the fact is, I had cut down on jogging, and was getting out of shape, and was feeling less flexible. So now I will jog more, and possibly even play some ball, but that's just a big invitation to injury.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Week 24.1
Hmmmm.
Well, this last week i took a break from plyo/weights and just jogged. Sunday was supposed to be my big day of jumping gains. It probably would have helped if the day before, I didn't spend 10 hours sanding/staining my deck -- which consisted of squatting over all day, with tons of kneeling and manual labor.
When i tried jumping off one leg, I stayed kaput at the same 25" I've been at for 3 months. And my legs definitely felt exhausted - no doubt from the previous day. Quite frustrating and equally embarrassing, both in planning and lack of production. I'm at a loss, but I'll still keep working out, because that's still healthy.
VERY INTERESTING NOTE: I also jumped from 2 feet, and also got 25". That's a 3-4" gain from whenever I last checked! Clearly, my gains in squats are a big factor. Whereas, my non-gains in explosiveness aren't helping my one legged jumps. Many people have written in to say trying 2 legged jumping. I did this in high school, when I couldn't quite dunk, which is why I've tried the 1 legged approach. At this point,
it behooves me to train a little in both.
Tomorrow, I restart the novice plyo/weights from Vertical Jump Bible. Stupid bible.
Well, this last week i took a break from plyo/weights and just jogged. Sunday was supposed to be my big day of jumping gains. It probably would have helped if the day before, I didn't spend 10 hours sanding/staining my deck -- which consisted of squatting over all day, with tons of kneeling and manual labor.
When i tried jumping off one leg, I stayed kaput at the same 25" I've been at for 3 months. And my legs definitely felt exhausted - no doubt from the previous day. Quite frustrating and equally embarrassing, both in planning and lack of production. I'm at a loss, but I'll still keep working out, because that's still healthy.
VERY INTERESTING NOTE: I also jumped from 2 feet, and also got 25". That's a 3-4" gain from whenever I last checked! Clearly, my gains in squats are a big factor. Whereas, my non-gains in explosiveness aren't helping my one legged jumps. Many people have written in to say trying 2 legged jumping. I did this in high school, when I couldn't quite dunk, which is why I've tried the 1 legged approach. At this point,
it behooves me to train a little in both.
Tomorrow, I restart the novice plyo/weights from Vertical Jump Bible. Stupid bible.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Week 23.1
Mickey and I took it to an elementary school, and practiced mechanics on a 9 foot rim. I had been skeptical of this approach, but it went really well. It definitely helped me work on mechanics, and it also was FUN. It was good just to be out there dunking, and it was a good inspiration -- seeing how I've had disappointing outings of late.
Music by The Pointer Sisters (finally, I know...this had to happen sooner or later).
Older videos:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 10
Week 12
Week 13
Week 17
Week 22
Music by The Pointer Sisters (finally, I know...this had to happen sooner or later).
Older videos:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 10
Week 12
Week 13
Week 17
Week 22
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Week 21.2
Sunday will be my first jumptest day in well over a month. I didn't run Friday or Saturday as planned, because my right knee has been hurting, under the kneecap. Two culprits, besides the obvious strain from squats and deadlifts, are 1)my desk at work was incredibly awkward, and 2) Muscle Milk.
Yes, I drank muscle milk for the first time, and my knees hurt hours later. Another guy at work reported the same issue. This is still purely anecdotal, but I'm just saying, I won't be drinking Muscle Milk anytime soon.
So i feel a little out of shape, hopefully not too much heavier. But my knee is feeling better, so better safe than sorry, I hope.
Hope my test goes well!
Yes, I drank muscle milk for the first time, and my knees hurt hours later. Another guy at work reported the same issue. This is still purely anecdotal, but I'm just saying, I won't be drinking Muscle Milk anytime soon.
So i feel a little out of shape, hopefully not too much heavier. But my knee is feeling better, so better safe than sorry, I hope.
Hope my test goes well!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Week 21.1
Great news! I have tried to touch the rim in my driveway before, from a standing position. I was always an inch or two too short. I don't think it's regulation, but that's immaterial to this story.
Yesterday (sunday), as i was preparing for my jog, i stood under the rim. And jumped. And I got 2 inches above the rim! This is huge. Especially b/c I haven't tried touching a rim in over a month. I've just been doing my plyos and weightlifting.
Weights are going well too. I squatted 195lbs the RIGHT way today! But for the first time, my knees hurt, so I don't know whatsup.
Anyways, I'll shoot a video test this Sunday, and post online next week.
Yesterday (sunday), as i was preparing for my jog, i stood under the rim. And jumped. And I got 2 inches above the rim! This is huge. Especially b/c I haven't tried touching a rim in over a month. I've just been doing my plyos and weightlifting.
Weights are going well too. I squatted 195lbs the RIGHT way today! But for the first time, my knees hurt, so I don't know whatsup.
Anyways, I'll shoot a video test this Sunday, and post online next week.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Week 19.1
Fear not, my friends! I am still doing the training.
Great news today! I did 4 sets of deadlift, but the final set I went up to 245 pounds! Not too shabby. And for squats, while i've reduced the load so I can go all the way down, I've moved from 165 to 175 pounds....
I've also had some gruelling and odd work hours, but I've been able to get in weights 2x a week. I'm starting my final phase of the Vertical Jump Bible novice weights/plyos, but I think I am just going to repeat the regiment until I get close to 1.5x my bodyweights in the squats.
I haven't tried to touch the rim in weeks.
Obviously, my posts have slowed down, again because there's not much to say. So I've made an executive decision to mark my posts by week, instead of day. Huzzah!
Great news today! I did 4 sets of deadlift, but the final set I went up to 245 pounds! Not too shabby. And for squats, while i've reduced the load so I can go all the way down, I've moved from 165 to 175 pounds....
I've also had some gruelling and odd work hours, but I've been able to get in weights 2x a week. I'm starting my final phase of the Vertical Jump Bible novice weights/plyos, but I think I am just going to repeat the regiment until I get close to 1.5x my bodyweights in the squats.
I haven't tried to touch the rim in weeks.
Obviously, my posts have slowed down, again because there's not much to say. So I've made an executive decision to mark my posts by week, instead of day. Huzzah!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Day 119-127
Saturday, Back around, Sunday
OK. So obviously, I'm not blogging as much.
1) The excitement of blogging ain't what it used to be
2) Dunking seems to be much farther off than I had first entertained
I've stopped most of my entries, because it feels weird to write "lifted and jumped today", or "didn't do anything today, but I had a protein shake".
Maybe I'll just comment on video post days. But that might only be 2x a month if that?
Hmmm....But rest assured, I am still training. I did less weight on my squats this week, but went all the way down. SORE!!! But a good sore, that meant i was really "accessing my P-chain".
OK. So obviously, I'm not blogging as much.
1) The excitement of blogging ain't what it used to be
2) Dunking seems to be much farther off than I had first entertained
I've stopped most of my entries, because it feels weird to write "lifted and jumped today", or "didn't do anything today, but I had a protein shake".
Maybe I'll just comment on video post days. But that might only be 2x a month if that?
Hmmm....But rest assured, I am still training. I did less weight on my squats this week, but went all the way down. SORE!!! But a good sore, that meant i was really "accessing my P-chain".
Friday, July 13, 2007
Day 116-118
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 10
Week 12
Week 13
The latest video is below.
I was having a good weight session on Thursday until I strained my achilles on my left jumping foot. Uh oh! So I didn't do the plyo. I'll try that tomorrow if I feel OK.
Here's a video of some of my workouts, though I've moved on to Phase 3 of the Vertical Jump Bible workout.
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 10
Week 12
Week 13
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Day
Day 103-115
Fear not! I have been working out all this time. it's just nothing to see or talk about...or at least, that's how it feels.
My strength is increasing with free weights, but any time I try to jump, i can barely touch the rim. Nonetheless, I forge on with the Vertical Jump Bible training regimen.
I really need to do the video edit of my workouts....
My strength is increasing with free weights, but any time I try to jump, i can barely touch the rim. Nonetheless, I forge on with the Vertical Jump Bible training regimen.
I really need to do the video edit of my workouts....
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Day 102
Wednesday
Had a zillion errands today, plus work. Which is OK because this was an off day But I wanted to try touching the rim, to work on timing. I felt light today too. Oh well.
Blogging will be lighter for the next 2 weeks or so. But I'm still hoping to get a video up tomorrow night. 35% chance.
Had a zillion errands today, plus work. Which is OK because this was an off day But I wanted to try touching the rim, to work on timing. I felt light today too. Oh well.
Blogging will be lighter for the next 2 weeks or so. But I'm still hoping to get a video up tomorrow night. 35% chance.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Day 97-101
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
Workouts seem to be going well. However, after Saturdays plyometrics, I barely got rim. I attribute this to having tired legs, mostly from weightlifting.
Picked back up with weights and plyo this Monday and Tuesday.
Hopefully there will be a video up later in the week, showing my plyo and weightlifting. There won't be another video for a few weeks after that.
Workouts seem to be going well. However, after Saturdays plyometrics, I barely got rim. I attribute this to having tired legs, mostly from weightlifting.
Picked back up with weights and plyo this Monday and Tuesday.
Hopefully there will be a video up later in the week, showing my plyo and weightlifting. There won't be another video for a few weeks after that.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Day 96
Thursday
Weights today. Did 3 sets of deadlift @ 205lbs. I thought that was pretty good. I feel good overall, though my lower back got a little sore.
I've decided to not take 3 days off a week. I need to do cardio - it doesn't feel healthy not to. Then again, do i want to get up early tomorrow?
Weights today. Did 3 sets of deadlift @ 205lbs. I thought that was pretty good. I feel good overall, though my lower back got a little sore.
I've decided to not take 3 days off a week. I need to do cardio - it doesn't feel healthy not to. Then again, do i want to get up early tomorrow?
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Day 94-95
Tuesday, Wednesday
Tuesday I did the VJB plyo workout, which included a drop jump and broad jump. It didn't feel like a lot, but then I tried jogging with the doggies, and could barely move. Keep in mind, I also had lifted the day before. But I'm hoping some great strength is building!
Today was a day off, tomorrow is Workout B of weightlifting. It includes Split Squats and Deadlift.
Tuesday I did the VJB plyo workout, which included a drop jump and broad jump. It didn't feel like a lot, but then I tried jogging with the doggies, and could barely move. Keep in mind, I also had lifted the day before. But I'm hoping some great strength is building!
Today was a day off, tomorrow is Workout B of weightlifting. It includes Split Squats and Deadlift.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Day 93
Monday
Had a great weight session today. Even though I went to bed at 3am, and was tired, I lifted 225 with relative ease. I couldn't have done more, but I just felt stronger. I did 4 sets of 6 reps at 225! Caveat: I don't quite go as low as I should, but that flexibility is also increasing with time.
Other news
-My lower back isn't as sore. I was optimistic about this, because the soreness always appeard mostly muscular, and not spinal
-Today was my first day of the VJB training program. I also did squat jumps with 135lbs, where you do a full squat and then burst up and jump if you can (I could). That one felt good simply because anything with jumping feels like the right direction.
-I am now doing deadlifts and squats on separate days
Tomorrow is my first "new" plyo day, now according to the VJB novice setup. It recommends only working out 3 days a week, with one plyo day the same as the weights day. I don't know that I have time for that (today I did). So I'm going with an alternate program of 2 days weights, 2 days plyo, 3 rest per week.
I'll list my workout regimen in a future post.
Had a great weight session today. Even though I went to bed at 3am, and was tired, I lifted 225 with relative ease. I couldn't have done more, but I just felt stronger. I did 4 sets of 6 reps at 225! Caveat: I don't quite go as low as I should, but that flexibility is also increasing with time.
Other news
-My lower back isn't as sore. I was optimistic about this, because the soreness always appeard mostly muscular, and not spinal
-Today was my first day of the VJB training program. I also did squat jumps with 135lbs, where you do a full squat and then burst up and jump if you can (I could). That one felt good simply because anything with jumping feels like the right direction.
-I am now doing deadlifts and squats on separate days
Tomorrow is my first "new" plyo day, now according to the VJB novice setup. It recommends only working out 3 days a week, with one plyo day the same as the weights day. I don't know that I have time for that (today I did). So I'm going with an alternate program of 2 days weights, 2 days plyo, 3 rest per week.
I'll list my workout regimen in a future post.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Day 90-92
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Whoa...90 days...that's very official.
I got throttled at the poker tables in Vegas. It feels like mojo getting sucked out of your ears. I did manage to workout Saturday morning at Caesar's $20 a day facility....so I could jump rope.
Sunday I was dead tired from a late night poker throttling. Amazingly, at the end of the weekend, I weighed 193...Well, I didn't drink or pig out, but it 's still impressive!
I'm gonna be up late tonight writing a music video pitch. Yet I need to read VJB about my new weightlifting program for tomorrow... Oh time, so fleeting.
Whoa...90 days...that's very official.
I got throttled at the poker tables in Vegas. It feels like mojo getting sucked out of your ears. I did manage to workout Saturday morning at Caesar's $20 a day facility....so I could jump rope.
Sunday I was dead tired from a late night poker throttling. Amazingly, at the end of the weekend, I weighed 193...Well, I didn't drink or pig out, but it 's still impressive!
I'm gonna be up late tonight writing a music video pitch. Yet I need to read VJB about my new weightlifting program for tomorrow... Oh time, so fleeting.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Day 89
Thursday
Free weights today. Squatted 225 again. I'm not getting quite as low as i should, but still getting low pretty good. Then I did deadlift at 205, which is an improvement from Monday.
My left hip is sore. I'm hoping that means I worked something right.
Vegas this weekend, no workout or video.
Free weights today. Squatted 225 again. I'm not getting quite as low as i should, but still getting low pretty good. Then I did deadlift at 205, which is an improvement from Monday.
My left hip is sore. I'm hoping that means I worked something right.
Vegas this weekend, no workout or video.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Day 87-88
Tuesday, Wednesday
I've been on the quest for about 3 months now, and overall, not as far as I wanted to be. I feel like every passing week of working out is a bonus, since my industry could tear me away from exercise (or a life) at any moment.
I just read the well regarded Vertical Jump Bible and it is filled with good information. One major thing it addresses is fewer workouts, with more days off, which seems counter intuitive. It seems that if I work out almost everyday, I'll get farther. But VJB says the opposite. It makes a lot of sense, and after 3 months of stagnation, I need to do something different.
I'm almost, but not quite, ready to succumb to the VJB philosophy. Figuring out which program is right for me is still a little confusing, and requires multiple reads. I'm due for a weight session tomorrow, so I don't think I'll officially start until next week. In fact, this weekend I'm going to Vegas with my wife, so that will be a perfect time to train with "days off"!!!
Oh, today I did a normal workout, but added depth jumps and drop jumps. No idea if I did them right. As an aside, this morning I weighed 197. For a variety of reasons, all i had to eat before my afternoon workout was a bowl of cereal and a cliff bar. After the workout I weighed 189! Then I drank water and a protein shake, and went back up to 192. Kinda funny.
I've been on the quest for about 3 months now, and overall, not as far as I wanted to be. I feel like every passing week of working out is a bonus, since my industry could tear me away from exercise (or a life) at any moment.
I just read the well regarded Vertical Jump Bible and it is filled with good information. One major thing it addresses is fewer workouts, with more days off, which seems counter intuitive. It seems that if I work out almost everyday, I'll get farther. But VJB says the opposite. It makes a lot of sense, and after 3 months of stagnation, I need to do something different.
I'm almost, but not quite, ready to succumb to the VJB philosophy. Figuring out which program is right for me is still a little confusing, and requires multiple reads. I'm due for a weight session tomorrow, so I don't think I'll officially start until next week. In fact, this weekend I'm going to Vegas with my wife, so that will be a perfect time to train with "days off"!!!
Oh, today I did a normal workout, but added depth jumps and drop jumps. No idea if I did them right. As an aside, this morning I weighed 197. For a variety of reasons, all i had to eat before my afternoon workout was a bowl of cereal and a cliff bar. After the workout I weighed 189! Then I drank water and a protein shake, and went back up to 192. Kinda funny.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Day 86
Monday
Great in the weight room today. Did 2 squat sets at 225lbs. My back wasn't hurting as much so I also did deadlifts up to 185lbs. Of course, I added one more pullup (7 total). Obviously I need to keep lifting as much possible weight at fewer explosive reps.
Getting a lot of comments about my lack of explosiveness. Of this, I am quite aware. Hopefully the Vertical Jump Bible will put me over the top.
Here's this week's video. It's really nothing, but I figured I'd post something.
Here's video recaps from the past:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 10
Week 12
Great in the weight room today. Did 2 squat sets at 225lbs. My back wasn't hurting as much so I also did deadlifts up to 185lbs. Of course, I added one more pullup (7 total). Obviously I need to keep lifting as much possible weight at fewer explosive reps.
Getting a lot of comments about my lack of explosiveness. Of this, I am quite aware. Hopefully the Vertical Jump Bible will put me over the top.
Here's this week's video. It's really nothing, but I figured I'd post something.
Here's video recaps from the past:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 10
Week 12
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Day 85
Sunday
Workout day, a little lighter than yesterday -- so less running, less jumping.
I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. But I finally bought Vertical Jump Bible which many people suggested. Maybe it'll maximize my workouts better.
Weight room tomorrow. Gonna try to do squat reps at 225.
Workout day, a little lighter than yesterday -- so less running, less jumping.
I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. But I finally bought Vertical Jump Bible which many people suggested. Maybe it'll maximize my workouts better.
Weight room tomorrow. Gonna try to do squat reps at 225.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Day 84
Saturday
Benchmark day (usually Sunday)....Jump training. Mickey put me through some good stuff, I felt good. I was jumping benches like never before.
We tried the rim at the end, but I was already tired and didn't get very far. That's ok. I'll have video up soon.
Benchmark day (usually Sunday)....Jump training. Mickey put me through some good stuff, I felt good. I was jumping benches like never before.
We tried the rim at the end, but I was already tired and didn't get very far. That's ok. I'll have video up soon.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Day 83
Friday
Off Day.
A fascinating thing about this blog and my videos is that I've been hearing from people all over the world, and receiving tons of different suggestions: Strength shoes, single leg squats, sprints, no jogging, lose weight first, ankle weights, and to follow the Vertical Jump Bible. It's overwhelming, and hard to parse.
A common suggestion is that one needs to take days off so the body can recover. So today I felt good and had energy, but I didn't workout. Is this right? Is it wrong? Who knows. But I'm taking 2 days off a week (i take it easy after weight days).
Also, I get a lot of response that makes it sound like everyone in the world can dunk, which unfortunately is discouraging. It actually pisses me off. I'm pissed right now. I'm just saying. Feel free to tell me you can dunk. Tell me your little brother could dunk in the 9th grade. Fine. I'll just channel my rage into positive leaping energy. I will now visualize myself dunking over everyone who can currently dunk, with my foot in their face.
I have a right to be pissed. I'm approaching 90 days of my quest, I'm only to the base of my fingers, and I make a youtube fool of myself almost every week. All fuel for the fire.
Off Day.
A fascinating thing about this blog and my videos is that I've been hearing from people all over the world, and receiving tons of different suggestions: Strength shoes, single leg squats, sprints, no jogging, lose weight first, ankle weights, and to follow the Vertical Jump Bible. It's overwhelming, and hard to parse.
A common suggestion is that one needs to take days off so the body can recover. So today I felt good and had energy, but I didn't workout. Is this right? Is it wrong? Who knows. But I'm taking 2 days off a week (i take it easy after weight days).
Also, I get a lot of response that makes it sound like everyone in the world can dunk, which unfortunately is discouraging. It actually pisses me off. I'm pissed right now. I'm just saying. Feel free to tell me you can dunk. Tell me your little brother could dunk in the 9th grade. Fine. I'll just channel my rage into positive leaping energy. I will now visualize myself dunking over everyone who can currently dunk, with my foot in their face.
I have a right to be pissed. I'm approaching 90 days of my quest, I'm only to the base of my fingers, and I make a youtube fool of myself almost every week. All fuel for the fire.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Day 82
Thursday
A pretty good weight session, considering how sore I was yesterday. My lower back is still sore, so I cut my deadlifts short. On the squats, I discovered that if I do the first 2 reps halfway, there's less pain and then I can do full reps after that.
I feel confident about upping my squats to 225 next week, from 205. Also, I gained another rep on my pullups, to 6. I wish my legs showed as rapid improvement as my upper body.
Thanks to everyone who gives me suggestions. I'm a little behind on researching/incorporating everything. Hopefully next week I'll have a little more time. This was supposed to be the week, but work got more intense than expected.
A pretty good weight session, considering how sore I was yesterday. My lower back is still sore, so I cut my deadlifts short. On the squats, I discovered that if I do the first 2 reps halfway, there's less pain and then I can do full reps after that.
I feel confident about upping my squats to 225 next week, from 205. Also, I gained another rep on my pullups, to 6. I wish my legs showed as rapid improvement as my upper body.
Thanks to everyone who gives me suggestions. I'm a little behind on researching/incorporating everything. Hopefully next week I'll have a little more time. This was supposed to be the week, but work got more intense than expected.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Day 81
Wednesday
SORE! Yesterday was my day off, but today i felt it in my quads, glutes, and calves. I guess my 30 jump Sunday mixed with weights on Monday really got me. Hopeully, this soreness means i'm hitting the right spots.
SORE! Yesterday was my day off, but today i felt it in my quads, glutes, and calves. I guess my 30 jump Sunday mixed with weights on Monday really got me. Hopeully, this soreness means i'm hitting the right spots.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Day 79
Monday
Weight Training today. Pretty much a repeat of last week, though my back hurt a little less. I did reps of squat at 205lbs, and deadlift at 165lbs.
The woman next to me at the squats was the wife of Will Smith In Enemy of the State. She was squatting 135lbs with incredible ease.
I did one more pull up than last week, to raise me to a total of 5. Or, as I like to put it, a 66% gain over 2 weeks ago.
Video up on Tuesday.
Weight Training today. Pretty much a repeat of last week, though my back hurt a little less. I did reps of squat at 205lbs, and deadlift at 165lbs.
The woman next to me at the squats was the wife of Will Smith In Enemy of the State. She was squatting 135lbs with incredible ease.
I did one more pull up than last week, to raise me to a total of 5. Or, as I like to put it, a 66% gain over 2 weeks ago.
Video up on Tuesday.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Day 78
Sunday
Had a very unfocussed workout today. Not sure how i feel about the result yet. Video up in next couple days.
I am gonna be working late into the AM tonight. This could screw up my workout, not just tomorrow, but for the whole week. Luckily, I'm working from home, so I'll try to squeeze in an early afternoon weigh session.
Had a very unfocussed workout today. Not sure how i feel about the result yet. Video up in next couple days.
I am gonna be working late into the AM tonight. This could screw up my workout, not just tomorrow, but for the whole week. Luckily, I'm working from home, so I'll try to squeeze in an early afternoon weigh session.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Day 76-77
Friday, Saturday
Friday was day off.
Saturday, did some good plyo jump exercises. Everything felt a little springier. Just a little. Teeeny tiny bit. But it was nice nonetheless.
Friday was day off.
Saturday, did some good plyo jump exercises. Everything felt a little springier. Just a little. Teeeny tiny bit. But it was nice nonetheless.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Day 74-75
Wednesday, Thursday
Wed - good plyo workout, feeling a little weaker overall from weights I think. The Irony never ceases to escape me.
Thurs - Squats, Deadlift, etc. Did some more sets at 205lbs in squat, but only up to 165 with deadlift. My lower back was hurting pretty good. Not hurting too much, but definitely saying hello. I feel like I'm doing the exercises correctly, so maybe I strained it last week when I was doing the GoodMornings as well?
Friday will be an off day (trying to take days off after the weigthtlifting day), then on into the weekend.
Should shoot a video this weekend.
Wed - good plyo workout, feeling a little weaker overall from weights I think. The Irony never ceases to escape me.
Thurs - Squats, Deadlift, etc. Did some more sets at 205lbs in squat, but only up to 165 with deadlift. My lower back was hurting pretty good. Not hurting too much, but definitely saying hello. I feel like I'm doing the exercises correctly, so maybe I strained it last week when I was doing the GoodMornings as well?
Friday will be an off day (trying to take days off after the weigthtlifting day), then on into the weekend.
Should shoot a video this weekend.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Day 73
Tuesday
I'm starting to think my days off should be the days after lifting. Sounds logical, eh? I jogged today, and thought about doing all the plyo, but my knees were saying no. Nothing of a crisis, but just causing me to think, "why push it". I'm sure I'll be fine Wednesday.
Thanks to good feedback, I will continue to hone my workout exercises and schedule. For now, I'm staying with the current regiment where I do squats, good mornings, and deadlifts on the same day. That will probably change starting next week.
I weighed 200lbs this morning. I ate a lot on Memorial Day, so I hope it's an aberration. But my body likes to make muscle, and my body likes to eat.
I'm starting to think my days off should be the days after lifting. Sounds logical, eh? I jogged today, and thought about doing all the plyo, but my knees were saying no. Nothing of a crisis, but just causing me to think, "why push it". I'm sure I'll be fine Wednesday.
Thanks to good feedback, I will continue to hone my workout exercises and schedule. For now, I'm staying with the current regiment where I do squats, good mornings, and deadlifts on the same day. That will probably change starting next week.
I weighed 200lbs this morning. I ate a lot on Memorial Day, so I hope it's an aberration. But my body likes to make muscle, and my body likes to eat.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Day 70-72
Saturday, Sunday, Monday
Saturday - dog hike, then a light jog and plyo and situps
Sunday - dog hike (rest day)
Monday - lifted weights. Felt weaker, but still lifted the same if not more. I got up to 5 reps @ 205 with squat, and got up to 5 reps @ 165 with deadlift, i think...i need to write this stuff down as I do it so I can chart my progress...I didn't do good mornings (bend over more than squat) because my lower back was pretty sore and I don't want to push it.
As for diet, cityofsteel wanted to know what i'm eating. I must confess, my diet could be better, in that, i'm not doing one set official thing. In fact, I've only lost 10 pounds in 2 months. I'm at 194, and I weighed around 180 in high school. I CAN say that I haven't had fast food since my quest began, and i'm eating more salads. I hate salads. But when I eat them, I feel better. But today (Memorial Day), I had 2 burgers and a hotdog. In sum: NO FAST FOOD, MORE SALADS.
Oh - since I've been lifting, my appetite increased. I'm thinking of doing the protein shakes for the first time. Stay tuned.
No video this week. Next week looks good for that. :-)
Saturday - dog hike, then a light jog and plyo and situps
Sunday - dog hike (rest day)
Monday - lifted weights. Felt weaker, but still lifted the same if not more. I got up to 5 reps @ 205 with squat, and got up to 5 reps @ 165 with deadlift, i think...i need to write this stuff down as I do it so I can chart my progress...I didn't do good mornings (bend over more than squat) because my lower back was pretty sore and I don't want to push it.
As for diet, cityofsteel wanted to know what i'm eating. I must confess, my diet could be better, in that, i'm not doing one set official thing. In fact, I've only lost 10 pounds in 2 months. I'm at 194, and I weighed around 180 in high school. I CAN say that I haven't had fast food since my quest began, and i'm eating more salads. I hate salads. But when I eat them, I feel better. But today (Memorial Day), I had 2 burgers and a hotdog. In sum: NO FAST FOOD, MORE SALADS.
Oh - since I've been lifting, my appetite increased. I'm thinking of doing the protein shakes for the first time. Stay tuned.
No video this week. Next week looks good for that. :-)
Friday, May 25, 2007
Day 69
Friday
Back in the weight room today. My body needed less weight, which I expected. I stopped at 185 on the squats, but did 135 again on the deadlift. I was definitely feeling it in my glutes.
On the good mornings, i felt it in the right parts again. I feel that my form is good, which I expect since I lifted weights for 6 years back in my virile days.
Thanks to folks for their input. John commented in the last post that I shouldn't do deadlift and squats on the same day...which makes sense overall, but if I only plan to lift 2x a week, how would that work? Seems I'd have to do 4x a week if I want to split things up.....John also commented on my jump style, which is cool. If only John left his email... :-)
Tomorrow is plyo day. I think I'll have more energy.
Back in the weight room today. My body needed less weight, which I expected. I stopped at 185 on the squats, but did 135 again on the deadlift. I was definitely feeling it in my glutes.
On the good mornings, i felt it in the right parts again. I feel that my form is good, which I expect since I lifted weights for 6 years back in my virile days.
Thanks to folks for their input. John commented in the last post that I shouldn't do deadlift and squats on the same day...which makes sense overall, but if I only plan to lift 2x a week, how would that work? Seems I'd have to do 4x a week if I want to split things up.....John also commented on my jump style, which is cool. If only John left his email... :-)
Tomorrow is plyo day. I think I'll have more energy.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Day 67-68
Wednesday, Thursday
Wednesday I simply missed my workout. I overslept a little, had to take the dogs to the groomers - boom - no workout. However, I did yoga with my wife for 30 minutes at night. It was the third time I've done yoga, and it felt like a good thing to do, since I was feeling sore from Tuesday's weightlifting. I was mostly sore in my shoulders and trapezius, from the cable pull workouts. My legs/butt were surprisingly unsore, but I'm in good shape down there.
Thursday, i did the jog, plyo, and abs. But I had no energy. I had to cut short some of the plyo because I just didn't have the gas in the tank. I want to think this is good in that Tuesday's weightlifting really got me.
Tomorrow, Friday, I'm back in the weightroom. As measly the amount I already lifted, it will probably be less tomorrow.
Wednesday I simply missed my workout. I overslept a little, had to take the dogs to the groomers - boom - no workout. However, I did yoga with my wife for 30 minutes at night. It was the third time I've done yoga, and it felt like a good thing to do, since I was feeling sore from Tuesday's weightlifting. I was mostly sore in my shoulders and trapezius, from the cable pull workouts. My legs/butt were surprisingly unsore, but I'm in good shape down there.
Thursday, i did the jog, plyo, and abs. But I had no energy. I had to cut short some of the plyo because I just didn't have the gas in the tank. I want to think this is good in that Tuesday's weightlifting really got me.
Tomorrow, Friday, I'm back in the weightroom. As measly the amount I already lifted, it will probably be less tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Day 66
Tuesday
First, what you really care about, the latest video:
Music by JUSTICE
Also, you can see the previous weekly recaps here:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
So, today I went to the weight room for the first time in 6 years. I did squats for the first time in 14 years.
I decided to do the 10-15 minute jog to LA Fitness, up on Hollywood Boulevard. It is something that a healthy human just shouldn't do. Hollywood Blvd in the morning is like crawling on your dorm room floor after an all-night party with incoming freshman. Only it's stale, old, and dirty. For a moment, I felt like dropping my quest and instead writing an ethnography on the culture of bums and strung out partyers who inhabit this area. Including the students of Hollywood High, 2 blocks away. Their mascot is the Sheik. Sheik! There's a fun post-9/11 mascot for ya.
I didn't want to kill myself on any of the free weights, and rip my body up. I started with squats. I began with just the bar (45lbs), and then worked up. I got to 1 set of 5 @ 195, which is my bodyweight. My ego wanted to do 2 full plates on each side (225lbs), but I held back sans injury. --- To be in proper leaping conditioning, I'm supposed to be able to squat 2x my bodyweight, or 400lbs!!! That's crazy, but I'm sticking with my quest nonetheless.
Next, I did deadlift, working up to only sets at 5 reps of 135lbs. I really didn't want to mess up my back, so that was that.
Then I did "goodmornings", which are like squats, but you almost bend your back parallel to the floor. It works your lower back more than your legs. Here, I got up to about 135lbs.
Then it was on to various exercises I got from API, with the contraption where you pull a cable from the side. I finished with chinups, of which i could do only 3.
Eventually I'll get visual reference to explain all these exercises. The whole workout took a bout 1.5 hours. I think I can do this, about 2x a week. The other days with be plyometrics and conditioning. API would have me 4 days in the gym, but I don't think I can do that. We'll see. I'm in the gym, finally, so it's a victory!
First, what you really care about, the latest video:
Music by JUSTICE
Also, you can see the previous weekly recaps here:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
So, today I went to the weight room for the first time in 6 years. I did squats for the first time in 14 years.
I decided to do the 10-15 minute jog to LA Fitness, up on Hollywood Boulevard. It is something that a healthy human just shouldn't do. Hollywood Blvd in the morning is like crawling on your dorm room floor after an all-night party with incoming freshman. Only it's stale, old, and dirty. For a moment, I felt like dropping my quest and instead writing an ethnography on the culture of bums and strung out partyers who inhabit this area. Including the students of Hollywood High, 2 blocks away. Their mascot is the Sheik. Sheik! There's a fun post-9/11 mascot for ya.
I didn't want to kill myself on any of the free weights, and rip my body up. I started with squats. I began with just the bar (45lbs), and then worked up. I got to 1 set of 5 @ 195, which is my bodyweight. My ego wanted to do 2 full plates on each side (225lbs), but I held back sans injury. --- To be in proper leaping conditioning, I'm supposed to be able to squat 2x my bodyweight, or 400lbs!!! That's crazy, but I'm sticking with my quest nonetheless.
Next, I did deadlift, working up to only sets at 5 reps of 135lbs. I really didn't want to mess up my back, so that was that.
Then I did "goodmornings", which are like squats, but you almost bend your back parallel to the floor. It works your lower back more than your legs. Here, I got up to about 135lbs.
Then it was on to various exercises I got from API, with the contraption where you pull a cable from the side. I finished with chinups, of which i could do only 3.
Eventually I'll get visual reference to explain all these exercises. The whole workout took a bout 1.5 hours. I think I can do this, about 2x a week. The other days with be plyometrics and conditioning. API would have me 4 days in the gym, but I don't think I can do that. We'll see. I'm in the gym, finally, so it's a victory!
Day 64, 65
Sunday, Monday
Good workout Sunday, the video will do the talking. But overall, I felt that I could have worked out harder, although we weren't sure what more to have done...
Monday I took the day off.
Tuesday I'm actually going into the gym!
Good workout Sunday, the video will do the talking. But overall, I felt that I could have worked out harder, although we weren't sure what more to have done...
Monday I took the day off.
Tuesday I'm actually going into the gym!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Day 59-63
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Sorry for the lack of posts (don't worry, I've still been working out). It's a combo of being discouraged and embarrassed. Discouraged is understandable, but I'm embarrassed because of some of the response I'm getting. Lemme explain.
A few weeks ago, I started to get an occasional email telling me I'm doing the wrong workouts, and jumping poorly . I kinda had an idea on both points, but the emails confirmed it. It didn't help that the emails were from kids in high school, or half my age. Not to mention that I jumped highest in highschool, and now I weigh 20 more pounds, and have less flexibilty.
Then the unthinkable happened. Last week my music video for Kennedy "Your Mama" (best version at my website greentowel) was posted on the mainpage of youtube. You see, it was mothers day and Kennedy just signed with Cordless Records, a division of Warner Music. In less than a week, I got a million hits, and also a second chance to make it in videos. Anyway, because of the exposure, I started to get a few more emails about my dunk quest.
Many emailers were part of the user group at terminal vertical. In summary, it's been made clear that I need to hit the weights, and change my workouts more for strength, as I've been doing endurance training. I think it's a blessing that I've done endurance training though, because I got back into shape without injury.
Also, a lot of people recommend the Vertical Jump Bible. So I may as well get that too.
I gotta run, but I hope to show a lot better exercises from tomorrow's video, and I hope to get more great suggestions!
Sorry for the lack of posts (don't worry, I've still been working out). It's a combo of being discouraged and embarrassed. Discouraged is understandable, but I'm embarrassed because of some of the response I'm getting. Lemme explain.
A few weeks ago, I started to get an occasional email telling me I'm doing the wrong workouts, and jumping poorly . I kinda had an idea on both points, but the emails confirmed it. It didn't help that the emails were from kids in high school, or half my age. Not to mention that I jumped highest in highschool, and now I weigh 20 more pounds, and have less flexibilty.
Then the unthinkable happened. Last week my music video for Kennedy "Your Mama" (best version at my website greentowel) was posted on the mainpage of youtube. You see, it was mothers day and Kennedy just signed with Cordless Records, a division of Warner Music. In less than a week, I got a million hits, and also a second chance to make it in videos. Anyway, because of the exposure, I started to get a few more emails about my dunk quest.
Many emailers were part of the user group at terminal vertical. In summary, it's been made clear that I need to hit the weights, and change my workouts more for strength, as I've been doing endurance training. I think it's a blessing that I've done endurance training though, because I got back into shape without injury.
Also, a lot of people recommend the Vertical Jump Bible. So I may as well get that too.
I gotta run, but I hope to show a lot better exercises from tomorrow's video, and I hope to get more great suggestions!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Day 58
Monday
Started more jump training, just a little.
Walked out to see I had a huge flat tire, so there goes Tuesday's workout, as I'll be at Sears Automotive.
Got some good comments from people via youtube. All these kids out there who are well on the way to dunking. They're gonna give some advice about dunk training. Will communicate this to the masses once they do to me.
It's time to turn up the explosive training. Are you ready, knees?
Started more jump training, just a little.
Walked out to see I had a huge flat tire, so there goes Tuesday's workout, as I'll be at Sears Automotive.
Got some good comments from people via youtube. All these kids out there who are well on the way to dunking. They're gonna give some advice about dunk training. Will communicate this to the masses once they do to me.
It's time to turn up the explosive training. Are you ready, knees?
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Day 53-57
Wed-Sun
Sorry for lack of posts....Be assured, I have been working out hard.
However, this weekend I didn't work out, as we took the dogs up to a cabin in Big Bear. I did hike 25 miles on Saturday, and 8 miles today.
Tomorrow, I am adding 1 and 2 step (as in stair step) jump drills.
There will be no video again this week, but definitely we'll have one next week, for the 2 month benchmark!
Sorry for lack of posts....Be assured, I have been working out hard.
However, this weekend I didn't work out, as we took the dogs up to a cabin in Big Bear. I did hike 25 miles on Saturday, and 8 miles today.
Tomorrow, I am adding 1 and 2 step (as in stair step) jump drills.
There will be no video again this week, but definitely we'll have one next week, for the 2 month benchmark!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Day 52
Tuesday
Worked until 5am, slept a few hours, went back to work. So nothing today. Start afresh tomorrow.
Worked until 5am, slept a few hours, went back to work. So nothing today. Start afresh tomorrow.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Day 51
Monday
Only an hour workout today because I overslept. I overslept because I was up late working.
Tonight I'll be up even later, on a music video pitch. So I already know there won't be a workout tomorrow. This whole week might be tough, but this was bound to happen. I'll workout as much as I can, and the quest remains strong.
Only an hour workout today because I overslept. I overslept because I was up late working.
Tonight I'll be up even later, on a music video pitch. So I already know there won't be a workout tomorrow. This whole week might be tough, but this was bound to happen. I'll workout as much as I can, and the quest remains strong.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Day 48-50
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
I looked in mirror, and can see visible change in my physique. Yet I continue not to lose weight or gain in vertical.
Nonetheless, I continue to workout hard. Today, on my "day off", I did a really steep hike in Runyon Canyon. Mickey was working today, so no benchmark day. Maybe Tuesday morning, or we may just wait till next week.
The fight goes on.
I looked in mirror, and can see visible change in my physique. Yet I continue not to lose weight or gain in vertical.
Nonetheless, I continue to workout hard. Today, on my "day off", I did a really steep hike in Runyon Canyon. Mickey was working today, so no benchmark day. Maybe Tuesday morning, or we may just wait till next week.
The fight goes on.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Day 46-47
Wednesday, Thursday
Same ol. Get up. Exercise....
Though today, the security alarm people didn't show, so I was too pissed to concentrate. Then my dog Zoe attacked a cat under a car, literraly pulling it out with it in her mouth - the cat taking swipes all the way. And Zeke was at it too. In the end, Zoe was bleeding above her eye and had blood in her mouth, but the cat got away (luckily). So I couldn't concentrate further.
Feel like I need to work out harder, and at a gym. Not to mention, my working life feels like it's about to get more crazy, for a long time. I had these 2 months to fulfill my quest, and the window is closing. I hope to keep working out as much as possible for the months to come....
Even the 6-pack abs program is 4 months, not 2.
Same ol. Get up. Exercise....
Though today, the security alarm people didn't show, so I was too pissed to concentrate. Then my dog Zoe attacked a cat under a car, literraly pulling it out with it in her mouth - the cat taking swipes all the way. And Zeke was at it too. In the end, Zoe was bleeding above her eye and had blood in her mouth, but the cat got away (luckily). So I couldn't concentrate further.
Feel like I need to work out harder, and at a gym. Not to mention, my working life feels like it's about to get more crazy, for a long time. I had these 2 months to fulfill my quest, and the window is closing. I hope to keep working out as much as possible for the months to come....
Even the 6-pack abs program is 4 months, not 2.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Day 43
Sunday
Today was disappointing. I'm moving backwards in my vertical. This, despite the fact i had a good week of working out and had felt lighter on my feet. Mickey and I agree my mechanics are crap. Maybe the core exercises are messing with me?
I'm not motivated to do a video, but I guess I should, to be consistent...
it's gonna be hard getting out of bed to workout this week. It's one thing to hit a plateau, but to drop backwards is a deflater.
Today was disappointing. I'm moving backwards in my vertical. This, despite the fact i had a good week of working out and had felt lighter on my feet. Mickey and I agree my mechanics are crap. Maybe the core exercises are messing with me?
I'm not motivated to do a video, but I guess I should, to be consistent...
it's gonna be hard getting out of bed to workout this week. It's one thing to hit a plateau, but to drop backwards is a deflater.
Day 40-42
Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Nothing new to add...My workouts are slightly longer as I add core workouts, but I haven't added as many as I should.
I've felt good this whole week. Hopefully it will translate to more vert.
Nothing new to add...My workouts are slightly longer as I add core workouts, but I haven't added as many as I should.
I've felt good this whole week. Hopefully it will translate to more vert.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Day 39
Wednesday
Had what felt like my best workout in a couple weeks, as far as energy. Strange, because I got up an hour earlier than normal. Let's hope it continues.
Looking forward to integrating my new core exercises. Hope to get it all down for the Sunday benchmark, so I can show people what they are.
Had what felt like my best workout in a couple weeks, as far as energy. Strange, because I got up an hour earlier than normal. Let's hope it continues.
Looking forward to integrating my new core exercises. Hope to get it all down for the Sunday benchmark, so I can show people what they are.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Day 38
Tuesday
Had a decent workout today, was still a little sore. I can always push myself harder, too.
A little bummed, because in order to do the recommended API workouts, I'd have to workout 3 hours a day, something I just can't do. Not sure how to reconcile this.
Here's this week's video. Music is from The Fratellis and Mika. The next week's video should be good, as I'll finally show many of core exercises I learned (minus the ones that require nautilus equipment).
Also, you can see the previous weekly recaps here:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week5
Had a decent workout today, was still a little sore. I can always push myself harder, too.
A little bummed, because in order to do the recommended API workouts, I'd have to workout 3 hours a day, something I just can't do. Not sure how to reconcile this.
Here's this week's video. Music is from The Fratellis and Mika. The next week's video should be good, as I'll finally show many of core exercises I learned (minus the ones that require nautilus equipment).
Also, you can see the previous weekly recaps here:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week5
Day 37
Monday
Because of yesterday's strong workout, I was very sore in my hip tendons, and the right knee tendon (that connects the hamstring to the calf).
I'm behind on the video, hopefully it'll be up late Tuesday night.
The API packet came in, so I'll be able to start the core exercises later in the week.
Because of yesterday's strong workout, I was very sore in my hip tendons, and the right knee tendon (that connects the hamstring to the calf).
I'm behind on the video, hopefully it'll be up late Tuesday night.
The API packet came in, so I'll be able to start the core exercises later in the week.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Day 35-36
Saturday, Sunday
I coulda sworn i blogged yesterday. Well, Saturday was a doghike and nothing else...
Sunday, benchmark day. Went well overall, though the main highlight is this is the first week my knees didn't hurt, and I jumped about 15 times with no side effects!
Hopefully a video up tomorrow.
I coulda sworn i blogged yesterday. Well, Saturday was a doghike and nothing else...
Sunday, benchmark day. Went well overall, though the main highlight is this is the first week my knees didn't hurt, and I jumped about 15 times with no side effects!
Hopefully a video up tomorrow.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Day 33-34
Thursday, Friday
Just 2 regular days of working out. It even rained on Friday, but I slogged right along, all the way through my windsprints — I was like Rocky. Only for dunking, not slugging. I dredged for dunking, not slogged for slugging.
Just 2 regular days of working out. It even rained on Friday, but I slogged right along, all the way through my windsprints — I was like Rocky. Only for dunking, not slugging. I dredged for dunking, not slogged for slugging.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Day 32
Wednesday
Well I finally went to API , at 8am this morning. It's at the Home Depot Center, where the LA Galaxy soccer team plays. Not exactly a primo location, but it's good enough for fantasy football sensation TJ Houshmandzadeh, who's name I saw on the marker board.
The workout facility is underneath, where the stadium tunnels are. There I met my contact Adam, and it was off to get flexibility tests. This just consisted of stretcing my boy, mostly on a trainers table. Turns out my left leg, the leg I jump from, is more flexible. I already knew it was a little.
Next up, I learned all the strengthening exercises to do, which primarily strengthen my core. And by core, we're talking about the region between your belly button and your groin. It includes the abdominals, but the deep ones, not the rectus abdominals, or your "six pack". Another major player of the core muscles is the glutes (butt), and hips. I learned about 30 exercises and have no idea if i'll remember half of them. Most of them have some form of squatting and flexing of the glutes. As long as I focussed on keeping my weight directly over my flat feet, it meant that my body was in the right position. But I often forgot and wound up on my toes or heels...
There were also several exercises with a medicine ball, where I took different squatting stances and would hurl the ball against a wall.
I finished up with an endurance test, where I ran on a treadmill with an oxygen mask and a remote heart monitor in a band around my chest. I couldn't tell if the trainer was just being supportive, but I think I surprised him with how long and hard I could run. I'll bet a lot of the pro athletes don't even run 3 miles a day like me. Oh well, a boy can dream...
Oh, and at the end, I thought I saw TJ Houshmandzadeh. I asked a trainer after we left the training room, and he told me it was Isaiah Stanback, one of my cousin's players! I even put Isaiah's DVD highlight reel together. Though I've never met him, I didn't want to bug him while he was getting treated. The dude is HUGE, unlike the usual QB. I hope he gets drafted in the mid-rounds.
So the overall experience was good, but still feels incomplete, though I get a follow up consultation at some date in the future. Throughout the experience, all of the staff were totally cool, professional, and positive. They had told us we could film everything as long as they got to see the edit, but the main trainer who showed me the exercises said it's against company policy, and I didn't want to argue or make him uncomfortable. So all the high-priced exercises I learned might be forgotten. Also, we never specifically discussed dunking. They didn't even watch my jump to discuss my mechanics. I should point out, they haven't even sent me my review/results packet. So I'll look at that, and then give em some questions relating to my quest.
But I'm not too concerned, because I think the core exercises are what i need. Before, when I squatted, my knees totally hurt. But when done properly, by accessing the core, I was using my hips and ass, and my knees didn't hurt at all! So this is very promising. If I build a strong and stable core, everything flows from that. I will better mechanics, and less pain, and more strength!
The only real challenge from this new experience is 2 parts: 1. There were players there who do this workout as prescribed, 4 days a week. They work hard for hours, and need the 3 days off. But I have a job and that's just not possible... and 2. I don't belong to a gym, and not many of the exercises require a squatting bar or nautilus ( cool side note - their nautilus equipment is driven by compressed air, not weights...totally cool). So Mickey and I are gonna go over the list and figure out what I can do with my time and resources. I don't think I need to join a gym, but I may need to buy some basic free weights.
Either way, I wouldn't start these exercises until probably this Sunday.
Another thing about today, I didn't feel too dweeby, despite all the top physical specimens using the same facility, so I thank the staff for making me feel welcome. I'm sure I'll have a few more thoughts to add about API, but this should do for now.
Well I finally went to API , at 8am this morning. It's at the Home Depot Center, where the LA Galaxy soccer team plays. Not exactly a primo location, but it's good enough for fantasy football sensation TJ Houshmandzadeh, who's name I saw on the marker board.
The workout facility is underneath, where the stadium tunnels are. There I met my contact Adam, and it was off to get flexibility tests. This just consisted of stretcing my boy, mostly on a trainers table. Turns out my left leg, the leg I jump from, is more flexible. I already knew it was a little.
Next up, I learned all the strengthening exercises to do, which primarily strengthen my core. And by core, we're talking about the region between your belly button and your groin. It includes the abdominals, but the deep ones, not the rectus abdominals, or your "six pack". Another major player of the core muscles is the glutes (butt), and hips. I learned about 30 exercises and have no idea if i'll remember half of them. Most of them have some form of squatting and flexing of the glutes. As long as I focussed on keeping my weight directly over my flat feet, it meant that my body was in the right position. But I often forgot and wound up on my toes or heels...
There were also several exercises with a medicine ball, where I took different squatting stances and would hurl the ball against a wall.
I finished up with an endurance test, where I ran on a treadmill with an oxygen mask and a remote heart monitor in a band around my chest. I couldn't tell if the trainer was just being supportive, but I think I surprised him with how long and hard I could run. I'll bet a lot of the pro athletes don't even run 3 miles a day like me. Oh well, a boy can dream...
Oh, and at the end, I thought I saw TJ Houshmandzadeh. I asked a trainer after we left the training room, and he told me it was Isaiah Stanback, one of my cousin's players! I even put Isaiah's DVD highlight reel together. Though I've never met him, I didn't want to bug him while he was getting treated. The dude is HUGE, unlike the usual QB. I hope he gets drafted in the mid-rounds.
So the overall experience was good, but still feels incomplete, though I get a follow up consultation at some date in the future. Throughout the experience, all of the staff were totally cool, professional, and positive. They had told us we could film everything as long as they got to see the edit, but the main trainer who showed me the exercises said it's against company policy, and I didn't want to argue or make him uncomfortable. So all the high-priced exercises I learned might be forgotten. Also, we never specifically discussed dunking. They didn't even watch my jump to discuss my mechanics. I should point out, they haven't even sent me my review/results packet. So I'll look at that, and then give em some questions relating to my quest.
But I'm not too concerned, because I think the core exercises are what i need. Before, when I squatted, my knees totally hurt. But when done properly, by accessing the core, I was using my hips and ass, and my knees didn't hurt at all! So this is very promising. If I build a strong and stable core, everything flows from that. I will better mechanics, and less pain, and more strength!
The only real challenge from this new experience is 2 parts: 1. There were players there who do this workout as prescribed, 4 days a week. They work hard for hours, and need the 3 days off. But I have a job and that's just not possible... and 2. I don't belong to a gym, and not many of the exercises require a squatting bar or nautilus ( cool side note - their nautilus equipment is driven by compressed air, not weights...totally cool). So Mickey and I are gonna go over the list and figure out what I can do with my time and resources. I don't think I need to join a gym, but I may need to buy some basic free weights.
Either way, I wouldn't start these exercises until probably this Sunday.
Another thing about today, I didn't feel too dweeby, despite all the top physical specimens using the same facility, so I thank the staff for making me feel welcome. I'm sure I'll have a few more thoughts to add about API, but this should do for now.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Day 31
Tuesday
Huge News!!!
First, out of nowhere, I got an appointment at the elite API , Wednesday morning. (This is the place where NBA and NFL draftees and current players train). It's gonna take 2 hours to evaluate me and devise a workout for the quest, and Mickey will be there to listen and film it. This, while a very expensive thing to do, could be a huge boost to my vertical....literally. Don't expect video of this till the weekend though.
Today's workout was fair. I did my jog/run sprints with no side effects. Watching myself in the video where I "sprint" is kinda embarrassing, so i have a side quest now, which is to look like I'm sprinting when I feel like I'm sprinting! Gotta raise those knees!
PS- Thanks to those who comment about the importance of stretching. I agree, and that support will get me through the extra few seconds of holding a stretch till it hurts.
Huge News!!!
First, out of nowhere, I got an appointment at the elite API , Wednesday morning. (This is the place where NBA and NFL draftees and current players train). It's gonna take 2 hours to evaluate me and devise a workout for the quest, and Mickey will be there to listen and film it. This, while a very expensive thing to do, could be a huge boost to my vertical....literally. Don't expect video of this till the weekend though.
Today's workout was fair. I did my jog/run sprints with no side effects. Watching myself in the video where I "sprint" is kinda embarrassing, so i have a side quest now, which is to look like I'm sprinting when I feel like I'm sprinting! Gotta raise those knees!
PS- Thanks to those who comment about the importance of stretching. I agree, and that support will get me through the extra few seconds of holding a stretch till it hurts.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Day 30
Monday
Wasn't really sore today, but my body was broken down and exhausted from the good Sunday workout. I remembered at the last second I need to alternate days on my jog/run, so as not to pull my quads again. So I will do them again on Tuesday.
Here's my video for beginning of week 5 (end of week 4). I decided to change things up and go with all hot new Swedish music, that of Peter, Bjorn, & John, and The Tough Alliance. Enjoy.
(by the way, my video is out of sync, AGAIN. What's up, youtube???)
update:
got the sync to work, with .mp4...but the picture quality stinks now...oh well...i'll figure it out
Also, you can see the previous weekly recaps here:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Wasn't really sore today, but my body was broken down and exhausted from the good Sunday workout. I remembered at the last second I need to alternate days on my jog/run, so as not to pull my quads again. So I will do them again on Tuesday.
Here's my video for beginning of week 5 (end of week 4). I decided to change things up and go with all hot new Swedish music, that of Peter, Bjorn, & John, and The Tough Alliance. Enjoy.
(by the way, my video is out of sync, AGAIN. What's up, youtube???)
update:
got the sync to work, with .mp4...but the picture quality stinks now...oh well...i'll figure it out
Also, you can see the previous weekly recaps here:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Day 29
Sunday
Benchmark Day
Today went well. I'll hopefully have a video up by Tuesday morning.
I'm going to add a little more stretching and jumping jacks to my routine, and re-introduce the jog/sprint drill.
I weighed 195 today, the lowest yet! I think I finally got all the peanut butter and matzah from Passover out of my system.
Benchmark Day
Today went well. I'll hopefully have a video up by Tuesday morning.
I'm going to add a little more stretching and jumping jacks to my routine, and re-introduce the jog/sprint drill.
I weighed 195 today, the lowest yet! I think I finally got all the peanut butter and matzah from Passover out of my system.
Day 28
Saturday
Didn't jog today, but I hiked. I still did jumprope, and because I had more energy without the jog, it was my best jumprope yet. It's only been 2 weeks of it, so any change is good!
Tomorrow is a benchmark day. We're not even sure what I should be doing, since my joints are bugging me. All our efforts to talk to different trainers have strangely hit road blocks, although I expect those blocks to clear up this week. We'll do something on Sunday, and capture it on video.
Didn't jog today, but I hiked. I still did jumprope, and because I had more energy without the jog, it was my best jumprope yet. It's only been 2 weeks of it, so any change is good!
Tomorrow is a benchmark day. We're not even sure what I should be doing, since my joints are bugging me. All our efforts to talk to different trainers have strangely hit road blocks, although I expect those blocks to clear up this week. We'll do something on Sunday, and capture it on video.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Day 27
Friday
Woke up and my weight is still 199. I felt dejected and didn't feel like running. I still feel heavy, there's no pep, and my joints hurt. But i said screw it and ran even harder still. Tomorrow, I repeat.
Woke up and my weight is still 199. I felt dejected and didn't feel like running. I still feel heavy, there's no pep, and my joints hurt. But i said screw it and ran even harder still. Tomorrow, I repeat.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Day 24
Tuesday
Another fine workout today. That's it. Trying to figure out how much to push it, and how much to be careful with my knees.
Another fine workout today. That's it. Trying to figure out how much to push it, and how much to be careful with my knees.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Day 22-23
Sunday, Monday
Yesterday and today were good basic workouts. I'm feeling good. With the caveat that my knees are definitely not happy, but trooping along.
Yesterday i put in 15 hours at work and didn't get home till 3am. Nonetheless, I woke up and worked out after six hours of sleep! I don't know that I've ever done that! Being dedicated is fun. Except for the days when it's a grind. Sometimes when I'm jogging, I wish I had undertaken this quest in college...or better yet...done more exploring on jump mechanics in highschool when i was 3 inches away.
ESPN's Sportsguy put up a great jumping link of a Kansas City Royals OF jumping over cars.
Yesterday and today were good basic workouts. I'm feeling good. With the caveat that my knees are definitely not happy, but trooping along.
Yesterday i put in 15 hours at work and didn't get home till 3am. Nonetheless, I woke up and worked out after six hours of sleep! I don't know that I've ever done that! Being dedicated is fun. Except for the days when it's a grind. Sometimes when I'm jogging, I wish I had undertaken this quest in college...or better yet...done more exploring on jump mechanics in highschool when i was 3 inches away.
ESPN's Sportsguy put up a great jumping link of a Kansas City Royals OF jumping over cars.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Day 21
Saturday
Just did a good hike with dogs today, and then ran out of time and had to go into work. Knees are definitely an issue, and i need to find some flexibility exercises to do. Overall though, I'm feeling healthier and peppier. It'll be only 3 weeks on Sunday, afterall.
I'm putting in at least a 10 hour workday tomorrow, so I'm gonna try to workout, hike dogs, then go into work.
Probably no video this week....though there's a chance I'll have a video surprise midweek...
Just did a good hike with dogs today, and then ran out of time and had to go into work. Knees are definitely an issue, and i need to find some flexibility exercises to do. Overall though, I'm feeling healthier and peppier. It'll be only 3 weeks on Sunday, afterall.
I'm putting in at least a 10 hour workday tomorrow, so I'm gonna try to workout, hike dogs, then go into work.
Probably no video this week....though there's a chance I'll have a video surprise midweek...
Friday, April 6, 2007
Day 20
Friday
Good workout today - I'm getting better at jumprope, albeit in small increments. I can also do the squeeze grip thingy better than 3 weeks ago.
After watching the videos of myself, and after working out for a few weeks now, one thing is clear: I only have a fraction of my old flexibility. Heck, I tried to squat today for the first time, and it hurt when I went down about the quarter of the way. This would explain why my knees are so sore. Why didn't I try a squatting test in the beginning of this quest? I have no idea. Although, I often enter ignorantly into large undertakings, or else I would never do them.
Looks like there won't be a video this week. Not only am I not jump testing, I don't think I'll do an official workout, because I'll be sitting in front of a computer at work all weekend. I will do my basic workouts though....I might film a flexibility test for a trainer to analyze, in which case I'd post it for comedy purposes.
Good workout today - I'm getting better at jumprope, albeit in small increments. I can also do the squeeze grip thingy better than 3 weeks ago.
After watching the videos of myself, and after working out for a few weeks now, one thing is clear: I only have a fraction of my old flexibility. Heck, I tried to squat today for the first time, and it hurt when I went down about the quarter of the way. This would explain why my knees are so sore. Why didn't I try a squatting test in the beginning of this quest? I have no idea. Although, I often enter ignorantly into large undertakings, or else I would never do them.
Looks like there won't be a video this week. Not only am I not jump testing, I don't think I'll do an official workout, because I'll be sitting in front of a computer at work all weekend. I will do my basic workouts though....I might film a flexibility test for a trainer to analyze, in which case I'd post it for comedy purposes.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Day 18-19
Wednesday, Thursday
Today I made some good scratch on the stock market during my jog. If that's not incentive, what is? Oh yeah, the glory of the dunk!
The last 2 days have been good basic workouts:
1. Jog
2. Sideways Run
3. Stability Squats
4. Jumprope
The jumprope is gonna take time to get good and in shape, but it's much less impactful than any kind of plyometric training. I feel good about continuing this program for another week. I'm also considering cancelling my jumptest this Sunday, to give more rest to my knee.
I also have family in town, and have to work this weekend. I will still exercise though! This whole busy-with-work threat should die down after Monday....should...OK, it's 9pm, so back to work for a couple of more hours...poo..
Today I made some good scratch on the stock market during my jog. If that's not incentive, what is? Oh yeah, the glory of the dunk!
The last 2 days have been good basic workouts:
1. Jog
2. Sideways Run
3. Stability Squats
4. Jumprope
The jumprope is gonna take time to get good and in shape, but it's much less impactful than any kind of plyometric training. I feel good about continuing this program for another week. I'm also considering cancelling my jumptest this Sunday, to give more rest to my knee.
I also have family in town, and have to work this weekend. I will still exercise though! This whole busy-with-work threat should die down after Monday....should...OK, it's 9pm, so back to work for a couple of more hours...poo..
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Day17
Tuesday
OK, so, I had a shoot today, it went great. All they ordered for lunch was In-n-Out, so I got an "animal style" protein, which means really sloppy burger with lettuce instead of a bun (Passover). Then for dinner i pigged out on sushe and beef. This can't be good for the quest.
Oh, and i haven't worked out for 2 days. This morning I weighed more, at 201
So I start again tomorrow... But this is all part of the divine plan, to help my knee.
OK, so, I had a shoot today, it went great. All they ordered for lunch was In-n-Out, so I got an "animal style" protein, which means really sloppy burger with lettuce instead of a bun (Passover). Then for dinner i pigged out on sushe and beef. This can't be good for the quest.
Oh, and i haven't worked out for 2 days. This morning I weighed more, at 201
So I start again tomorrow... But this is all part of the divine plan, to help my knee.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Day 16
Monday
Just like last week, today was my true day off, and i didn't work out. My knee is definitely not as sore, though it's popping like a knuckle a lot, something it's never done....And I do not like that.
Unfortunately, tomorrow might be my first missed workout day related to work, because I'm directing some spots for Discovery Channel. Maybe the shoot will finish early? But I'll be on my feet all day, and should probably not push it....again. I feel like I'm falling a week behind. Though, it's only been 2 weeks as it is. Gotta keep some perspective.
Here's the TK link of the designer here in LA who was a pro-baller in Asia.
Just like last week, today was my true day off, and i didn't work out. My knee is definitely not as sore, though it's popping like a knuckle a lot, something it's never done....And I do not like that.
Unfortunately, tomorrow might be my first missed workout day related to work, because I'm directing some spots for Discovery Channel. Maybe the shoot will finish early? But I'll be on my feet all day, and should probably not push it....again. I feel like I'm falling a week behind. Though, it's only been 2 weeks as it is. Gotta keep some perspective.
Here's the TK link of the designer here in LA who was a pro-baller in Asia.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Day 14
Saturday
Saturday is supposed to be my "day off", according to educated guesses and not a professional, as I haven't met with one yet. But I still did the dog hike (we hiked to the top of Griffith Park and saw choppers cycling through constantly to load up with water to put out the Universal City brushfire), and I jogged. Maybe the gods didn't want me jogging, because at the end a bird shit on my wristwatch and shirt.
I also did sideways running, some call it "grapevine", to make sure i don't underdevelop my side stability muscles.
I'm still being vexed by dunk videos. I found out an illustrator/designer in my motion graphics industry was a pro basketball star in Asia. Ohhhh, they make it look so easy. (lost the link momentarily)...here it is .
Saturday is supposed to be my "day off", according to educated guesses and not a professional, as I haven't met with one yet. But I still did the dog hike (we hiked to the top of Griffith Park and saw choppers cycling through constantly to load up with water to put out the Universal City brushfire), and I jogged. Maybe the gods didn't want me jogging, because at the end a bird shit on my wristwatch and shirt.
I also did sideways running, some call it "grapevine", to make sure i don't underdevelop my side stability muscles.
I'm still being vexed by dunk videos. I found out an illustrator/designer in my motion graphics industry was a pro basketball star in Asia. Ohhhh, they make it look so easy. (lost the link momentarily)...here it is .
Friday, March 30, 2007
Day13
Friday
Ran without the dogs this morning because:
1. Zeke's bad leg (from the car accident) seemed to be sore
2. Yesterday Zoe got bit by another dog when we ran by, and I didn't want to deal
3. I thought I'd go alone so I could do my own pace
So it was a good jog, and I pushed myself well.
And when I got home at 11pm last night from work, I found a jump rope from my wife! Isn't that sweet? It's a Reebok rope, and all plastic, no threaded rope. I tried it out this morning, and it works great! However, I could barely jump. At least I don't need to do the net-touch jumps, b/c those were annoying. Now I'll just jump rope. Mickey said 5 minutes of jumprope equals 15 minutes of a jog...I believe it.
I've been watching too many dunk videos on youtube lately, like James White and Ladyman. Ladyman looks like he's hung on support cables, it's unreal. Seeing all these videos gets a little disheartening, because it makes me feel like everyone can dunk, and it's super easy.... but it's not! So I need to just stay in the moment and focus on training as much as possible.
Ran without the dogs this morning because:
1. Zeke's bad leg (from the car accident) seemed to be sore
2. Yesterday Zoe got bit by another dog when we ran by, and I didn't want to deal
3. I thought I'd go alone so I could do my own pace
So it was a good jog, and I pushed myself well.
And when I got home at 11pm last night from work, I found a jump rope from my wife! Isn't that sweet? It's a Reebok rope, and all plastic, no threaded rope. I tried it out this morning, and it works great! However, I could barely jump. At least I don't need to do the net-touch jumps, b/c those were annoying. Now I'll just jump rope. Mickey said 5 minutes of jumprope equals 15 minutes of a jog...I believe it.
I've been watching too many dunk videos on youtube lately, like James White and Ladyman. Ladyman looks like he's hung on support cables, it's unreal. Seeing all these videos gets a little disheartening, because it makes me feel like everyone can dunk, and it's super easy.... but it's not! So I need to just stay in the moment and focus on training as much as possible.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Day 12
Thursday
I'm gonna pontificate today, but first, my workout summary:
Felt good, until I did my sprint drills, where i successfuly strained both of my upper quads (the sprint drill is where I fast-jog 100 yards, then sprint 50 yards, and repeat 4 times). Oops! Looks like, if I heal, I won't be doing those EVERY day. Again, at 34, one of my biggest obstacles is injury. At least my left knee is getting better! I was distracted by the quad injuries, so i forgot to do my stability squats, which are really cool. I think they will be very helpful.
WHAT IS A DUNK?
Even if I were to get an injury, I can still visualize the act of dunking. Research has shown this to be helpful (even non - "The Secret: Laws of Attraction" research). Just thinking about my eventual dunk puts me in a positive, hopeful mood. But what is this dunk that I think of?
First, even in my head, the dunk is realistic. I'm not flailing and flying like Kenny "Sky" Walker. I rise up, my right dunking arm extends and arches slightly behind my head, and my legs are together, arching behind me as well -- so that my whole body forms a subtle "C". My dunk is a vastly toned down blend between the styles of Shawn Kemp and Dominique Wilkins. By the way, 'Nique totally got robbed of that dunk title against Jordan. I thought so back then, and it's even more obvious now -- the windmill, the tomohawk? Not even close.
Anyways, that's my inspiration, and I'd love it if I wasn't completely stiff. But first, I just need to get the ball in the hole, something I could never do in HIGH SCHOOL. So that brings us to:
What is a dunk?
What do I have to do, in order to pass the agreed upon, true baller, acceptable minimum dunk? And this may be more easily defined by what is NOT a dunk. Like this. In other words, it can't look like a woman dunking. Every "dunk" by a woman I've seen on Sportscenter required multiple TIVO rewinds in order to convince myself it wasn't a layup.
Maybe I just need to hang on the rim.
I'm gonna pontificate today, but first, my workout summary:
Felt good, until I did my sprint drills, where i successfuly strained both of my upper quads (the sprint drill is where I fast-jog 100 yards, then sprint 50 yards, and repeat 4 times). Oops! Looks like, if I heal, I won't be doing those EVERY day. Again, at 34, one of my biggest obstacles is injury. At least my left knee is getting better! I was distracted by the quad injuries, so i forgot to do my stability squats, which are really cool. I think they will be very helpful.
WHAT IS A DUNK?
Even if I were to get an injury, I can still visualize the act of dunking. Research has shown this to be helpful (even non - "The Secret: Laws of Attraction" research). Just thinking about my eventual dunk puts me in a positive, hopeful mood. But what is this dunk that I think of?
First, even in my head, the dunk is realistic. I'm not flailing and flying like Kenny "Sky" Walker. I rise up, my right dunking arm extends and arches slightly behind my head, and my legs are together, arching behind me as well -- so that my whole body forms a subtle "C". My dunk is a vastly toned down blend between the styles of Shawn Kemp and Dominique Wilkins. By the way, 'Nique totally got robbed of that dunk title against Jordan. I thought so back then, and it's even more obvious now -- the windmill, the tomohawk? Not even close.
Anyways, that's my inspiration, and I'd love it if I wasn't completely stiff. But first, I just need to get the ball in the hole, something I could never do in HIGH SCHOOL. So that brings us to:
What is a dunk?
What do I have to do, in order to pass the agreed upon, true baller, acceptable minimum dunk? And this may be more easily defined by what is NOT a dunk. Like this. In other words, it can't look like a woman dunking. Every "dunk" by a woman I've seen on Sportscenter required multiple TIVO rewinds in order to convince myself it wasn't a layup.
Maybe I just need to hang on the rim.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Day 11
Wednesday
Less energy today. Essentially, I'm breaking my body down so I can build it back up...I hope!
Looks like work is gonna start getting crazy. Been there till at least 9 the last couple of nights. I can't let this derail my more important quest.
People are very supportive of my quest, which is awesome. I can't tell if it's a novel thing or not. Like I thought when I went to Costa Rica, it was somewhat adventurous. Turns out everyone's been to Costa Rica. But there is something special about the dunk, like a home run.
Push on....
Less energy today. Essentially, I'm breaking my body down so I can build it back up...I hope!
Looks like work is gonna start getting crazy. Been there till at least 9 the last couple of nights. I can't let this derail my more important quest.
People are very supportive of my quest, which is awesome. I can't tell if it's a novel thing or not. Like I thought when I went to Costa Rica, it was somewhat adventurous. Turns out everyone's been to Costa Rica. But there is something special about the dunk, like a home run.
Push on....
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Day 9-10
Monday
The consensus was I should take a break after a tough Sunday, so I just did situps and pushups.
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Tuesday
My legs are so sore it's difficult to walk. Today I continued the more jumping based workout, but I still ran three miles. My knee is still a little sore, however today's workout didn't make it worse.
Made contact with the API guys, and they were open to giving me a few workouts, and letting me film it! This could be invaluable.
I'm weighing myself a lot now, and noticing my weight fluctuates up to 7 pounds. A lady at work said she read in a girl mag that one should weigh themselves in the morning after going to the bathroom. Works for me.
The consensus was I should take a break after a tough Sunday, so I just did situps and pushups.
-------------------------------------
Tuesday
My legs are so sore it's difficult to walk. Today I continued the more jumping based workout, but I still ran three miles. My knee is still a little sore, however today's workout didn't make it worse.
Made contact with the API guys, and they were open to giving me a few workouts, and letting me film it! This could be invaluable.
I'm weighing myself a lot now, and noticing my weight fluctuates up to 7 pounds. A lady at work said she read in a girl mag that one should weigh themselves in the morning after going to the bathroom. Works for me.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Day 8
Sunday
Benchmark day.
Mickey met up with me, and we did new drills, a lot more work. Then I went on a 1 hour hike with the wife and dogs. My knee is sore, not painful, but I'm concerned.
The day is summarized in the video below...I'll repost the first one right below it...
Week 2
Week 1
Benchmark day.
Mickey met up with me, and we did new drills, a lot more work. Then I went on a 1 hour hike with the wife and dogs. My knee is sore, not painful, but I'm concerned.
The day is summarized in the video below...I'll repost the first one right below it...
Week 2
Week 1
Day 7
Saturday
Took a "day off", but still hiked an hour in Griffith Park with dogs and my wife, Sarah.
Tomorrow is benchmark day, and we're supposed to get this party started with real training. Only, we haven't found out what we should do. Calls to profesisonal trainers aren't being returned. I think this is a stage where many people falter at the beginning of a quest. We fight on, and will do the basic drills we remember from highschool : jump different heights in different sets.
I hope I gain at least an inch, just from being in a little better shape. However, I think I've gained weight somehow. Stay tuned...
Took a "day off", but still hiked an hour in Griffith Park with dogs and my wife, Sarah.
Tomorrow is benchmark day, and we're supposed to get this party started with real training. Only, we haven't found out what we should do. Calls to profesisonal trainers aren't being returned. I think this is a stage where many people falter at the beginning of a quest. We fight on, and will do the basic drills we remember from highschool : jump different heights in different sets.
I hope I gain at least an inch, just from being in a little better shape. However, I think I've gained weight somehow. Stay tuned...
Friday, March 23, 2007
Day 6
Friday
Best jog yet today. Strangely, my pushups are lagging.
Good developments in training regimen. I may actually train at API (where the NFL and NBA guys go)! It would only be a few times because it's expensive and I have a job. But this could be amazing. I would spread the sessions out over a month to maximize their knowledge.
Meanwhile, we haven't settled on a regimen. We'll wing it for now. As long as I'm doing different sets of jumping, I should be fine for now....
Best jog yet today. Strangely, my pushups are lagging.
Good developments in training regimen. I may actually train at API (where the NFL and NBA guys go)! It would only be a few times because it's expensive and I have a job. But this could be amazing. I would spread the sessions out over a month to maximize their knowledge.
Meanwhile, we haven't settled on a regimen. We'll wing it for now. As long as I'm doing different sets of jumping, I should be fine for now....
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Day 5
Thursday
My jog started off sluggish, but for the last half mile (of 3.5), my legs finally found that 2nd gear. It felt great, and the dogs were impressed. Also, I felt more coordinated in my basic jump drills (jumping onto a step).
I can tell I'm already losing weight. But I expected all this. I'm banking on the fact that my muscle memory will return me close to my old vertical, and my workouts should drop my weight quickly back to 10 pounds over highschool. Naive? We'll see. I have good genetics in the weight department, though not in leaping department. How often do you hear "Wow, that Jew can really sky!"
I still can't get through to the dunknow website. It seems scheisty. Meanwhile, I remembered that my cousin here in LA is an NFL agent. Certainly he must know some good trainers who can advise me on jump drills! They're all probably really busy getting the players ready for the draft, but I'm hoping for an interview.
Mickey, my trainer, gave me one of those handgrip squeezy things, to use when I drive. One hand per song. Right now I can barely squeeze it, and it hurts. In two months, I'll crush that ball like an egg.
My jog started off sluggish, but for the last half mile (of 3.5), my legs finally found that 2nd gear. It felt great, and the dogs were impressed. Also, I felt more coordinated in my basic jump drills (jumping onto a step).
I can tell I'm already losing weight. But I expected all this. I'm banking on the fact that my muscle memory will return me close to my old vertical, and my workouts should drop my weight quickly back to 10 pounds over highschool. Naive? We'll see. I have good genetics in the weight department, though not in leaping department. How often do you hear "Wow, that Jew can really sky!"
I still can't get through to the dunknow website. It seems scheisty. Meanwhile, I remembered that my cousin here in LA is an NFL agent. Certainly he must know some good trainers who can advise me on jump drills! They're all probably really busy getting the players ready for the draft, but I'm hoping for an interview.
Mickey, my trainer, gave me one of those handgrip squeezy things, to use when I drive. One hand per song. Right now I can barely squeeze it, and it hurts. In two months, I'll crush that ball like an egg.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Day 4
Wednesday
This morning workout was hard, as my muscles are broken down. I have actually run 4 days in a row before(post college), and the 4th day is always exhilirating. So I'm hoping for that tomorrow morning.
I was about to eat Del Taco for lunch, but Mickey stopped me. I sulked, and went to Ralphs and got a salad. I hate salads. But it occurs to me that I should really explore this nutrition thing. I know the basics like salad good, sugar bad, grease bad. I just need to know what's best for weight loss and power.
I also need to settle on a workout for leaping. Surprised I didn't have one to start? Well, if i waited for that research to start and finish, i'd never have done this quest.......I have explored some plyometric sites like this: leg strengthening exercises , or the Gerard Butler's "Spartan 300" workout . Of course Mickey has ideas, as does one of my producers who's dad is a trainer. His dad says i need to do stability training before even starting the leaping training. Increasing my stability will lay a foundation for higher leaping.
I'm also interested in this site's product dunknow , which says I would increase my vertical by 14". But everything about them, including when i called, makes me feel like I'm in a Gondry/Charlie Kauffman movie. It's just weird, like I'll end up in Malkovich's head while caught in my memories of childhood when I was eaten by a crocodile owned by Chris Cunningham. It's also $30, but i might buy it for the cause.
This morning workout was hard, as my muscles are broken down. I have actually run 4 days in a row before(post college), and the 4th day is always exhilirating. So I'm hoping for that tomorrow morning.
I was about to eat Del Taco for lunch, but Mickey stopped me. I sulked, and went to Ralphs and got a salad. I hate salads. But it occurs to me that I should really explore this nutrition thing. I know the basics like salad good, sugar bad, grease bad. I just need to know what's best for weight loss and power.
I also need to settle on a workout for leaping. Surprised I didn't have one to start? Well, if i waited for that research to start and finish, i'd never have done this quest.......I have explored some plyometric sites like this: leg strengthening exercises , or the Gerard Butler's "Spartan 300" workout . Of course Mickey has ideas, as does one of my producers who's dad is a trainer. His dad says i need to do stability training before even starting the leaping training. Increasing my stability will lay a foundation for higher leaping.
I'm also interested in this site's product dunknow , which says I would increase my vertical by 14". But everything about them, including when i called, makes me feel like I'm in a Gondry/Charlie Kauffman movie. It's just weird, like I'll end up in Malkovich's head while caught in my memories of childhood when I was eaten by a crocodile owned by Chris Cunningham. It's also $30, but i might buy it for the cause.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Day 3
Tuesday
Didn't workout this morning because I had a 7am dentist appointment. I always schedule them early so that I don't miss work. Here's the good news though. Since I left my hellish-hours job last month, I'm now at a better freelance gig where they work normal days (8-10 hours). This will be perfect for my quest, as I won't be pulling all-nighters or anything.
I'm not sure which direction to go in my career right now, so I'm carpe-ing the diem with my quest. Murphy's Law is strong with me, so I'll probably get a U2 video or something when i'm one inch away from dunking...
Anyways, I left work at 6:30 (unheard of!) and did my workout this evening.
I am sore all over -arms, abs...not as much in legs...that won't be till next week once i'm in shape...
Didn't workout this morning because I had a 7am dentist appointment. I always schedule them early so that I don't miss work. Here's the good news though. Since I left my hellish-hours job last month, I'm now at a better freelance gig where they work normal days (8-10 hours). This will be perfect for my quest, as I won't be pulling all-nighters or anything.
I'm not sure which direction to go in my career right now, so I'm carpe-ing the diem with my quest. Murphy's Law is strong with me, so I'll probably get a U2 video or something when i'm one inch away from dunking...
Anyways, I left work at 6:30 (unheard of!) and did my workout this evening.
I am sore all over -arms, abs...not as much in legs...that won't be till next week once i'm in shape...
Day 2
Monday
Filled with motivation, I successfully got up at 7:30 am and did my workout. I always jog with my dogs, which is nice. I'll try to get some footage of that soon.
Filled with motivation, I successfully got up at 7:30 am and did my workout. I always jog with my dogs, which is nice. I'll try to get some footage of that soon.
Day 1
Hi, my name is Joel Lava, and I want to dunk.
Standing 6ft, 2in, I started at forward for my highschool varsity team, but that was mostly for my hustle play, good D(efense) and rebounding. I had horrible jump mechanics, as I could only leap from both feet. That said, I still got the rim with the base of my hand -- but not high enough to dunk. So not only will I be working on my strength and explosiveness, I will also work on taking off from one leg at full speed. I can just palm the ball, so I'll strengthen my grip too.
Today is only to see where I am with my vertical, and do some basic jump drills. I have decided just to do normal workouts and get in shape for the first week. No sense in breaking or tearing anything right out of the gate.
The most I have worked out in the last 15 years is 3 times a week. I will now attempt to workout at least 6 times a week. I need to lose about 15 pounds (from 200 to 185) -- i'm not even gonna try to get to my highschool 175 pounds. But 15 pounds should lighten the payload for orbit.
Workout = jog 3.5 miles, jump drills, pushups, situps. I want to dunk Herschel Walker style, ie; without weights or a gym membership. I may even do pushups with my wife on my back.
Now let's get acquainted with my weekly video blog:
Standing 6ft, 2in, I started at forward for my highschool varsity team, but that was mostly for my hustle play, good D(efense) and rebounding. I had horrible jump mechanics, as I could only leap from both feet. That said, I still got the rim with the base of my hand -- but not high enough to dunk. So not only will I be working on my strength and explosiveness, I will also work on taking off from one leg at full speed. I can just palm the ball, so I'll strengthen my grip too.
Today is only to see where I am with my vertical, and do some basic jump drills. I have decided just to do normal workouts and get in shape for the first week. No sense in breaking or tearing anything right out of the gate.
The most I have worked out in the last 15 years is 3 times a week. I will now attempt to workout at least 6 times a week. I need to lose about 15 pounds (from 200 to 185) -- i'm not even gonna try to get to my highschool 175 pounds. But 15 pounds should lighten the payload for orbit.
Workout = jog 3.5 miles, jump drills, pushups, situps. I want to dunk Herschel Walker style, ie; without weights or a gym membership. I may even do pushups with my wife on my back.
Now let's get acquainted with my weekly video blog:
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