Eric,

FYI, there are some posts on the Nutrition board under Thrive diet that go with your question. The book has lots of recipes: Pizza, drinks, cereals.

Brian

Carl, This reply is probably too late for Sunday's workout when you asked but,... On Sunday's workout we went Skaters as each side being one and for Umpas as both sides being one. Umpas probably should've been one to each side too because nobody was able to finish the workout by the end of class.

For future workouts, if it doesn't say "each side" or "both sides" you'll have to decide for yourself based on the number of reps.

Brian

Great job Todd, Have a great Challenge! Brian

Walter, You might want to try the pistols video again, it took awhile to load for me. Jon has made that video more in depth to explain pistols better.

You can find some examples on you tube under "pistol exercise"
You can use the jungle gym to hold onto for support.

Brian

Carl,

When I did the 60 day challenge at the MBG, we were expected to do 5 or 6 days a week of workouts and 1 or 2 days of rest. With the online challenge, I think there will be a workout up online each day. If you miss a day, I think it would be okay to either skip that day or do it your next workout. Rest days are important, your body will usually tell you when it is time for a rest day. I like your attitude about not caring what other gym members think, that kind of attitude will get you far! Keep it up.

Brian

Carl,

Welcome! I can offer my advice on the cardio part of your question. I come to MBG from an endurance background as well. When I first started working out at MBG I didn't do many of the FIT (cardio) workouts because I got most of that work from my running workouts. Now I substitute some running days for the FIT workouts because the FIT workouts also develop great strength and are great interval workouts that a lot of endurance athletes skip.

I would do the the FIT workouts as a substitute or after your bike/swim/run workout. Same goes for the strength training workouts. You don't want to fatigue your core before running because when your core breaks down, your form will break down and that leads to injury.

Sorry for the long answer, hope it helps. Matt Z or other posters can help you with the equipment questions you have.

Brian

2/22/08: 32 minute run
2/24/08: 70 minute run later 15 minutes yoga
2/25/08: MBG BP workout: 5 sets of 5 chin-ups needed partner assist last 3 sets for 1-2-2 reps, Push press 5 sets of 5 with 16k kb, 1 leg dead lift 5 sets of 5 with 2 12k kb, 5 sets of 5 single leg squats with 2 12k kb.
Also 3 sets of 3 pistols with 10# weight for counter balance to medium box.

2/20/08: MBG Body Power workout: 100 Box jumps on medium box (4 sets of 25)
Cable extensions 3 sets of 25 of 2 purple cables and 1 set of 25 of 1 cable (wimped out), 50 yards of pole climbs on diagonal pole and travelling rings (1 set of 5 rings and 1 set of 7 rings), Pike position lateral handstand walking 25' x 3 sets.

2/21/08 30 minute run. slow on icy pavement

Tim,

I haven't used the Tanita scales personally, but they had a really good write up in a personal training journal. However, there was a Tanita advertisement on the next page. I'm always skeptical when magazines do this (We will write a good article on your product if you advertise with us,..)

Tanita's website has lots of info on their scales. I don't think it matters if they are exactly accurate or not. If initally the scale says you are 25% body fat and 2 months later you are 20%, you know you are leaner.

I personally think the best way to judge is by your physical tests: If you could do 10 push ups before and now do 25, or you did 5 chin-ups before and now do 12, you know you are building muscle.

Brian

John, You can change your life and your destiny! Eat SMART and EXERCISE. You don't have to do it all today, but start developing good habits so that they become part of who you are and who you will be.

Brian