Wake up call

This past Saturday what quite humbling. I took BJJ and Muay Thai classes @
Elite Training Center in St. Pete. Keep in mind I just started with these technique classes. I have been going to Elite for about 6-7 months, but just doing fitness classes. I have always been intrigued with BJJ (Brazilian Ju-Jitsu) and Muay Thai. So, I figured why not give it a whirl.
BJJ, has always been foreign to me, as you are on the ground the entire time, submitting your opponent with chokes or bending limbs the way they aren't suppose to be bent. I will need to stick with this class, as it is slow and like learning a new language.
The first couple of Muay Thai classes were fun. We would learn a few techniques and then spar for about 10 min at the end of class. Now, without sounding like a wimp, getting hit is not fun. Granted we have protective gear on, but it still is not fun. This past Saturday, I knew going into it, we would be sparring for the entire class. 2 min rounds and then you switch partners. I obviously need to work on my stamina, because I was gassed after about 3 rounds. I am not use to wearing a mouthpiece, so the whole breathing with rubber in your mouth is new to me. Not an excuse, just sayin. We were sparring and I looked over and this kid who had gotten punched in the nose and was bleeding. Gross! But, maybe he should have been wearing head gear. I was up next against this guy whom bloodied up the previous dude. A rule in sparring is, you match each others intensity. So, I guess I came out a little too strong and this guy (whom is a muay thai fighter, fyi) lit me up! I made it through unscathed, but I think my brain shifted a few times. I had to sit the next few rounds out, to do that whole breathing thing. Anyways, the instructor was sparring as well and did not take any mercy on the fighters in class. Knocked out the guy whom I just sparred against out and just annihilated the others who followed. Check that ego at the door bros.
For someone like myself, who wants to excel in all areas, getting beat up, doesn't help. I want to continue doing this, but need to keep in mind, no one starts out an expert, you have to continue to learn and practice. Don't' get discouraged out there. Keep on keepin on!
All in all, fun classes! I'll be back for more for sure.

I'm Baaaaaaack!

Hey kiddos! How you all livin? Just wanted to share with you all, that I was asked to teach some classes in the near future @ Elite Training Center in St. Pete. I'll let you all know if/ when this occurs. Wish me luck!

Don't forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates. Visit the website for links

Day 24: Week 12- Final Day

What up people?!! So tonight was my last training session with the world renowned Marc Palmer of Focus Magazine. It's been a great three months of continued progress being made weekly. I am truly proud of Marc and Sylvie for hangin' in there. Here's to hoping they continue down the path to ultimate wellness success.

What did Marc do on his last day of training you may be asking? One word people....

TA, TA, TA, TRX, TRX!

I will continue with the blog, so don't fret. I will be filling you all in on my own endeavours, as well as keeping you abreast on my weekly bootcamps and bootcampers and what they're up to.

Until then... "Keep on, keepin' on."

Day 23: Week 12

I'm back people, from a slight hiatus. But now I am ready to grace you with my intense, edge of your seat, gripping personal training accounts. Let's dive right in....

This was the next to last class for our 12 week transformation for Marc. He started out on the rowing machine for 10 min, and then moved onto 3 various squat movements. He was in a normal squat position, then up on his toes (working the calves), then feet pointed out to the sides (working the inner thigh). Then it was on to upper body, where he performed regular push ups, dips, and mountain climbers. Marc was then down on the ground for some core work. He performed sit ups and held in plank.

Break time.....

Ok, he's back for more cardio on a 10 incline and speed of 3.5 on the treadmill, for 5 min. We then went back to lower body, where Marc performed stationary lunges. Marc then used the resistance tubing and performed rows and bicep curls. Marc moved onto core, where he held again in plank and side plank.

Not too shabby of a workout. He really has come a long way, compared to 12 weeks ago. I hope we don't cry on Wednesday with it being the last class and all. Hopefully the TRX will wash away those feelings.

Check me out

Check out my article and Ad in the NEW issue of Focus Magazine- South Tampa, pages 17-18

Day 18: Week 9- Now I remember...

I still cannot remember Monday, but I can remember Wednesday. Sylvie was there, Marc was not, due to more magazine stuff. I started Sylvie off on the rowing machine for 10 min, then onto the treadmill, starting at an incline of 7, moving up to an incline of 10, over a 10 min span. She stayed at a constant 3.5 speed. We then moved onto some face paced sets, that consisted of upper/ lower body and core. I had Sylvie complete 1 min of mountain climbers, followed directly by 1 min of push ups, followed by 4 times up and down the large set of stairs at the gym. Sylvie had a one min break, then it was onto using the stepper. Sylvie placed her left on the stepper, facing sideways, and the other foot was on the ground. She performed squats for 1 min with this foot placement. Having one foot higher than the other, makes her quads work that much more, therefore shedding those lbs and building more muscle. She then switched legs and did another straight min. Then Sylvie worked her upper body (triceps), by performing dips, with her hands on the bench. Remember to keep your back close to the bench, elbows in tight to your body, and breathe! Sylvie was then back to the stairs for another round of 4. Sylvie performed 2 rounds of each of these sets (mountain climbers + push ups + stairs AND squats + push ups + stairs). We ended with Sylvie holding in plank position, to work that entire core and tighten that tummy. She started in regular plank position, then raised her right arm and continued to hold, then her left arm, right leg, and finally her left leg.

Great job today Sylvie, get it!

Day 17: Week 9

I was going to make something up, but honestly, I can't remember for the life of me, what we did on Monday. Sylvie was there, Marc was not, due to personally delivering the NEW issue of Focus Magazine- South Tampa, to bins across the area. All I remember is, Sylvie was definitely there, and I'm sure, without a doubt, she brought the pain! I guess this is a lesson for me, to update the day after our session. My memory is beginning to go, in old age ;)