TotalTransformationTest

How Much Has Changed

totaltransformation — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 16:26:25 +0000

I spent the last half hour or so looking back over my old posts, links, and comments on this blog. In a way it is like unearthing a digital time capsule. Instead of looking at obsolete technology, ridiculously out of date magazine covers, or historic headlines, I get to see the old me of 2007-2013. And quite a bit has changed. As a brief summary:

My politics moved left (of center)
My stomach moved south (of my belt line)
My hairline moved north (a little)

Some of my old posts on politics are almost unrecognizable (due to their strong libertarian bent), while others are more than a bit embarrassing or even horrifying (I have disavowed many of my former views regarding gay marriage). The links section on the sidebar is almost a whose who of websites I haven’t visited in years and likely won’t visit again in a long time. The other blogs listed there are mostly closed down or abandoned (as this one was).

Since my last post back in 2013 our family has grown with the addition of our daughter from Ukraine- Alex. Just this month we celebrated the two-year anniversary of her landing at RDU Airport.

As of my last post I was mired in unemployment, depression, and a good bit of extra weight. I’ve since found a full-time job, the kind of job where (don’t tell my employers) I enjoy my work so much I would do it for free but for the pesky basic needs of shelter, food, clothes, etc. Entering my second year at work I have finally found the time and motivation to sit down and confront my unhealthy habits. Hoping to get to a new, healthy status quo weight wise– wherever that may be for 36-year-old me.

Stay tuned for more updates.

For Those Still Reading This Blog…

totaltransformation — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:17:44 +0000

I haven’t posted in a long time, I know. But for those who happen to stumble upon this ruined relic of a blog I wanted to post a link to the giving page we have started to help in our attempts to adopt an Eastern European orphan. Any amount you can give helps- even $5 or $10 dollars.

Visit here for more info

12/21/2011: Some Good News

totaltransformation — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:26:07 +0000

In addition to a good workout I also had the personal trainers run my body-fat and blood pressure numbers. The BP numbers turned out so good I am sure the machine was broken. I was so sure they couldn’t be true that I insisted on three measurements (2 from the right arm and 1 from the left). The end result averaged out to 95/65 with a resting pulse of 67 beats per minute. The body fat measurements were a bit on the high-end. I had my BF measure with body electronic calipers and the handheld machine. The electronic calipers gave a reading of 28.95% (60.5 lbs of fat on my frame) and the handheld gave a reading of 22.1% (46 pounds of fat on my frame). Either way I have plenty of fat to shed during my fitness journey.

I had a good early morning walk (which I started doing last week) and a decent reintroduction to Tabata Training. I say decent because I ended up not being able to do the full 10/10 program, but I did make it halfway through. I will have to focus on rebuilding some of my basic strength before I venture back into Tabata training. Maybe next month I will try again?

Pictures Don’t Lie: Embarrassment Often Leads to Action

totaltransformation — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:09:52 +0000

A picture says a 1,000 words (or in this case 40+ extra pounds). Other than my obvious state of half-sleep (the picture was taken at 7 a.m.) my well-rounded cheeks and less-than-subtle second chin aren’t camera-shy. It appears much of what used to be known as “my chin” is now lost in a round, full face. A face that sits upon a neck that sits upon a slow, lethargic, weak body. Wow, this sounds even worse typed out than it sounded as part of my internal monologue. So as far as changing this less than flattering look it is important to begin with an adequate assessment of my current (not-so-)well-being. Let’s just say that most categories leave plenty of room for improvement. Some will be updated on Wednesday with more accurate numbers, but this is what I’ve got thus far.

Chest: 40.25 (exhale)/44.25 inches (inhale)
Arms: (r) 16/(l)16.25 inches
Forearms: 13 inches
Waist: 41 inches
Weight: 212.6 (Ouch! Pizza and wings yesterday)
Body Fat Percentage: 32.1% (but using the unreliable bathroom scale)
Blood Pressure: 118/63
Push-ups in 60 seconds: 25
Mile Run: 14 minutes (Ouch! Shin splints acted up and my walking was even slower than usual)

Now to try and improve all of these! I started that change today with a 35 minute walk (in about 35 degree weather) and then went to the gym for a 25 minute full body workout. I feel good. I definitely feel better than I did when I woke up this morning.

Day 9 [12/16/2011]: The Numbers

totaltransformation — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:39:38 +0000

Here are the numbers:

BP: 118/63
Pulse: 97 (a hour after workout- which s a bit worrisome)
One Mile Run: 14 minutes (shameful)
Push-ups (1 minute): 25 reps

Day 8 [12/15/2011]: The (Partial) Results

totaltransformation — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 02:03:08 +0000

Ended up spending most of the day grading papers. In the end the only test I performed was one minute worth of push-ups. That resulted in a measly 25 reps. I have free time tomorrow, so I will get the rest in tomorrow.

Day 7 [12/14/2011]: Planning a Fitness Evaluation

totaltransformation — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:21:29 +0000

I am putting together a list of factors to get a baseline of my fitness level. I will run through the list tomorrow and see what my personal bests are for each item on the list. So far it includes:

Push-ups (# in two minutes)
1.5 Mile Run
Sit & Reach (3 attempts)
300 yard sprint
…and the usual waist & weight measurements

I will post the numbers tomorrow. I don’t expect them to be pretty or flattering.

Day 6 [12/13/2011]: Try This At Home

totaltransformation — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 02:43:01 +0000

The Skyrim workout: Every time you encounter a screen load (so about every 30-60 seconds) drop and do about 10 push-ups or, if you are in better shape, do push-ups until the load screen disappears. Bet you didn’t think you could combine gaming and working out. Well I just did.

Day 5 (12/12/2011): Keeping Up…

totaltransformation — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:51:48 +0000

I couldn’t be more apathetic if I tried, but then that would kind of be self-defeating (more self-defeating than my present apathy?! Maybe.)

Day 4 (12/11/2011): Slow Start…

totaltransformation — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 02:24:23 +0000

Nothing much happened today. I mean that. Almost nothing. I ate, graded papers, went to church, graded papers, ate, graded papers, went to a party, and then sat down here to type this. Man this is a real slow, and boring, start, to my fitness journey.