Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Fitness Quest - Fitness Challenge

I like the word quest, it conjurs up visions of epic adventures and the conquering of foes.  I suppose that's because I grew up reading heroic fantasy novels and comic books. Yet in this case my quest is to step outside of my comfort zone and see how far I can push myself.  I am in some ways entering the realm of the unknown by pushing harder than ever before as I work out and try to achieve epic results!  It all started many years ago when I saw this picture...


I was barely 50 when I saw this and it was startling to me.  At first I thought it was photoshopped but as I researched I found it was the real thing.  At that point it was simple, if HE can do it, I can do it.. So back in 2014 I started my first year long quest.  I was doing well for a few months and was in great shape until I hurt my back.  It was not long before I fell back into the same old habits of not exercising enough and eating all the wrong things.

It took me until late 2016 to get my mind right (and my back) again and I began working out every morning and pushing myself a little further than before.  I created a good foundation to start my new quest for 2017.  It hit me in Feb., that I was doing so well it was time to step it up and I began my 100 push up a day challenge. Honestly I had no idea if I could pull this off but I have managed to stay true to the course and the challenge is now almost complete.  

Once I get into April I will come up with a brand new challenge for May.  Hopefully I can continue this all year and by December I will be closer than ever to crashing through any so called limitations and moving beyond what we consider normal for our age group.  I will be 56 in June and I want to prove to myself that I have no limitations once I set my mind to a quest.

One final thought.  Since I began this challenge I have posted my results on FB each day as I try and crack the 100 pushups in two minutes barrier.  I know some folks may think I am trying to brag about this or that but my true goal is to inspire.  It's not often people my age take on a challenge like this, at least most of the people I know.  I want to inspire at least one person to get in better shape, eat healthier and live longer.  If I do that my journey is all the more sweeter.  

At 56 I know over half my life is over and I am going to live it to the FULLEST!!!!




Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Challenge update!

If you were here last time I posted you know that I began a 100 pushup a day challenge! I started on Feb. 27th so today marks day 17 of the challenge.  I am happy to report that I have stayed true to the course only taking one rest day (last Sunday). So, I have done 1600 pushups in the last 17 days. I added 100 crunches to the mix about 5 days ago and I also stretch and warm up with jumping jacks each morning before and after the routine. I've got to tell you I am feeling pretty good about this.  I feel stronger and although I have had some pain I have fought through it.  I am looking forward to completing this challenge and moving on to the next one which I think will be squats.  Cannot neglect the legs!!! I have managed to clock in under 4 mins twice the past few days and I am hoping to get down to 3 minutes soon.

Now onto other news.  I have been asked by a Shotokan Karate Sensei I know to help with a Self Defense class for women in Stallings NC at the Carolina Martial Arts gym I used to belong to. I am going tonight and meeting my friend April there.  She is one of our Aikido students who made it to brown belt. Hopefully having her there to demonstrate some of the techniques on me will make the women feel more comfortable.  Not sure what to expect but I think it is worth a try.



 Well that's it for now, must get ready to go to work!

Have a blessed day!


Peace




JD

Thursday, March 02, 2017

March 100 pushup Challenge

As an aging martial artist and fitness buff I am always looking at ways to stay in shape and increase my strength and stamina.  As I wrestle with father time and try to beat him at every move, I find that to continue moving forward I have to challenge myself in a myriad of ways.



A few years ago I took a 90 day challenge and lost over 30 lbs.  This year I am taking a year long fitness challenge and as part of that I am currently doing a 30 day 100 push ups a day challenge.  Now I'm in decent shape for an old guy but let me tell you this is no piece of cake.  The rules are as follows: Five minutes, 100 push ups.  It's that simple.  Break it up however you want 2x50, 4x25, 5x20, 3x33+1, whatever works for you. I have been at it for 4 days, I started a couple of days early and I can feel the difference!  I hope you will consider joining me.  As always with any challenge like this.  Set your own pace but push yourself further than you normally go.  That's how you achieve greatness in anything you do..  Just my humble opinion. As always don't hurt yourself.  If you have serious pain, STOP!  Check with your doctor or chiropractor before you continue...





Oh, by the way.  I am looking into a martial art that a friend led me to via youtube called Aiki Jitsu.  I think this might be the next big challenge for me in regards to my third black belt. If I can find a school in Charlotte that teaches it. I have a lead on a school in Mint Hill.  I am hoping to observe their class soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHGnQbcvfMI

Here's some additional  info I found about it.

Aikijujutsu is any jujutsu discipline that focuses on the Japanese principle of “aiki,” in which a practitioner blends with and defeats an opponent by using one’s internal energy (ki or chi). Various schools of jujutsu and aikijujutsu can trace their lineage back to daito-ryu. Conflicting stories state that either Shinra Saburo Minamoto (1045-1127) or a doctor Yoshimitsu in 1180 lay down the foundation for daito-ryu aikijujutsu (considered the oldest aikijujutsu in Japan) by discovering the mechanics of the joints and muscle attachments while dissecting cadavers. From these discoveries, joint-locking skills, techniques to cause muscle twisting, and strikes to vital points were formalized and perfected during battle.
Takeda Sokaku—whose most notable student was aikido’s founder Morihei Uyeshiba—modified daito-ryu by combining his knowledge of daito-ryu experience with sumo kenjutsu (swordsmanship) and several empty-hand martial arts. In the late 1800s, he named his style daito-ryu aikijujutsu. Takeda Sokaku then honed the art by teaching military officers, police officials and aristocrats.
Similar to bujinkan, aikijujutsu was founded as a “dark,” secretive and highly combative samurai art. Unarmed fighters used aikijujutsu to kill samurai in full armor.

Until next time,



Peace