So I know that`I haven't posted in awhile, but I've been busy setting up base camp in the Philippines. I'll be here for a few months going back and forth to different asian countries on select video projects and motivating people about living the healthy and active lifestyle. So exciting, yes i know!! =)
A few days ago I was able to document a little bit of my Hammer and Chisel Total Body Workout with a friend of mine who is in one of my online accountability groups. It was pretty dang cool to finally meet him-in person, and more awesome to be able to share a workout with him.
By the way, I know that`I don't post as often here on my blog, I should be better at it as I get settled in Manila, but I am most active in my online fitness accountability groups, so if you are needing some MOTIVATION, especially since 2018 is just around the corner, then feel free to send me a message, and I can send you and invite, it's FREE!
Anyways, take a gander of my video clip, and keep on living life, hope to see you soon!!
Day 1, Week 7
Today was Total Body Chisel and 10 Minute Abs followed by a 2 mile cool down run. During week 6 I was taking it a bit easy and just listening to my body. Today I felt strong and lifted heavier than usual. I think that it is very important to listen to your body and not be afraid to modify. It is so easy to over-train during this workout, especially with your legs, so be extra careful with that.
Day 2, Week 7
Not sure if you've been noticing a lot of my posts, but I enjoy working out with nature. I typically just use the workout sheets and rarely use the videos. Now, I do not recommend this unless you are pretty familiar with the movements, and feel comfortable. Today was ISO Speed Hammer, and of course I did the workout at one of my favorite outdoor parks. It started to get a little warmer so the mosquitos were out today, but I solved that problem with spraying some Deep Woods =) Oh, and I need to get rid of some back fat, that's something that I struggle with.
Day 3, Week 7
I took a REST DAY today =)
Day 4, Week 7
Since I took a rest day yesterday, I did ISO Strength Chisel today. Not sure if I mentioned this to you, but I am hosting an online accountability group and we post daily assignments to keep each other accountable, which also keeps everyone in the private group motivated to keep moving forward. Today we were asked to share which exercise that we feel we have improved on, and I would say that it has been the "step up holds". It basically is 10 step ups on a bench followed by a 10 second ISO hold (like a pistol squat hold), and you do that 3X =). Legs are definitely being worked during this program, but if you pace yourself, and not go too hard every day, you will see results on the days where you are well rested. If you feel good, then go a little harder, but if your legs are tired, play it safe and modify, then go harder the next day. It sucks to get injured, so play it safe and you will get better results and eliminate set backs.
Day 5, Week 7
Today I made things a little more interesting. Not only is working out outside with nature super fun, but during my Hammer Conditioning Workout today, I also incorporated a quarter mile run in between sets/rounds. One thing that you may want to know is that there isn't too much cardio with the Hammer and Chisel Program, but it definitely has a lot more than the Body Beast program. I mention this because if you are like me who enjoys endurance sports such as running and obstacle course racing, you may need to continue to run daily to ensure that your level of cardio stays on point. Just like most guys, I tend to start lifting heavier and building more mass (it doesn't take me long to build mass), and whenever that happens, I gain more weight which leads me to run a bit slower. So in order to keep myself lean, I run after or during my workouts to keep that athletic balance and endurance level.
Click to Watch Video!
Day 6, Week 7
Speaking of CARDIO. Today was Chisel Cardio which is not like your typical cardio workout. When most people think of a Beachbody Cardio Workout, you think of something like INSANITY =) Well, this workout is more like a P90X3 CVX workout, a little bit of cardio, but with the added benefit of using weights, which I love! I think this workout is key because when you combine weight training with cardio, it's more functional. It's also perfect for obstacle course race training where some obstacles require running or some sort of cardio activity with lifting heavy objects. You will also see in the video below that instead of a pull up bar, I used my TRX Force Suspension. Use what you have, and if you are outside like me, and you see a sturdy branch, go for it, just be super careful!
Click to Watch Video!
Day 7, Week 7
Total Body Hammer and 10 Minute Hammer Abs today. I was pretty excited that I only had one more week left of Hammer and Chisel. It's been a great program, and my legs have gotten super strong, which is always exciting for me! The cool thing about these Beachbody Workouts is that it's catered to different fitness levels and goals. As for my goal for Hammer and Chisel, it is just to maintain my health and fitness so that I can continue to keep up with the best obstacle racing athletes when I travel on the weekends to film races. When you are running side by side with an athlete that runs 4-5 minute miles, then I have to definitely stay on point with my fitness (strength and endurance), so I thank Beachbody for allowing me to have the flexibility to do my workouts anytime and anywhere, on the go! Hammer and Chisel is definitely one of those programs where you can easily take to the gym, home, or even like I do...outdoors. It's also perfect to incorporate into any other type of training program like OCR (obstacle course race training). Whatever you do, just make it happen =) If you need Free Coaching, motivation and advice from me, feel free to message me, and I can give you some details on my next Hammer and Chisel Online Challenge. I'd love to help you! =)
WHOA, I'm getting behind with this blogging thing =) The Hammer and Chisel Challenge has been amazing. I've never done this many LEG WORKOUTS in my lifetime =). Week 6, was a tough one for me not only because of all the traveling that I was doing, but also because of my infamous GOUT that seems to creep up on me after working out excessively. This is one challenge that I have been battling with the past year. My gout has been flaring a lot more lately, and I think it has to do with my age. Yes, I'm getting up there, which I am forced to watch out and not go at full intensity for a long period of time. It seems to happen moreso when I do intense workouts followed by a long run. Oh well, I'm dealing with it, watching my nutrition, and not letting it stop me from staying active and achieving my goals.
Here's my Week 6 Recap!
Day 1, Week 6
Today I did Master's Cardio workout on Playa Santo Domingo overlooking the Volcan Concepcion. It was amazing to go barefoot in the sand and just soak up the beauty of Ometepe Island in Nicaragua. Oh btw, I was in Nicaragua filming a race called the Fuego y Agua Survival Run.
Day 2, Week 6
So this is where I had to repeat week 6 =) I got so busy traveling and my gout started flaring and I didn't want to provoke it any worse than it was before filming the Survival Run race, so I ended up completing this week back in the USA. Today's workout was ISO Speed Hammer, I did this in place of Hammer Conditioning because somehow I read the schedule wrong. At any rate, I did work!
Day 3, Week 6
Chisel Cardio today. This workout is one of my all time favorites because it's not your typical cardio workout. There are weights involved. You are lifting weights and also using your body weight. I took it a little easy today just because I've been sore. Listening to your body is key. You never want to kill every workout, every day, because doing so can cause you to over-train, and that's where injury occurs.
It was REST DAY today, but I ended up killing a 5K trail run. Took it easy, and just soaked up some nice forest scenery. Trail running is a great outlet for me to think, I highly recommend it =)
Day 5, Week 6
Today's workout was Hammer Power. This workout is great build up workout to a lot of power lifts. I already knew the power lifts and ended up skipping the build up and went straight to the power lifting, but in order to make up for the lost reps during the build up, I just simply added more reps during the full cleans.
Day 6, Week 6
Chisel Balance was on the menu today. I actually did the best ever with this workout. If you've seen some of my recent Hammer and Chisel posts, I struggle with balance exercises, but this time I noticed some major improvement, so I was happy about that.
Day 7, Week 6
Today was Max Hammer Strength. This workouts consisted of doing a particular exercise movement for about 60 seconds, followed by a similar, but different movement with heavier weight at 8 reps. Lots of variety in this workout, but again, lots of LEGS =) I highly recommend using the worksheets to write down the weights that you use so that the next time you do the workout, the goal would be to either do more reps within the 60 seconds time frame, or use heavier weights for the 8 reps. At any rate, this is a great workout!
My apologies for not having a lot of photos or videos for this recap, but this week I was not feeling it, so I barely finished the workouts. I plan to repeat this week, along with combining some other workouts from week 5 to make up for my lost focus due to travel and my gout attack. As always, thanks for visiting my blog, and feel free to message me about my upcoming Hammer and Chisel Online Challenges, you will receive FREE Coaching from me =)
WHOA! Week 5 of my Hammer and Chisel Challenge is finally over ha ha! Here is how my week went.
Day 1, Week 5
So I had to repeat my 5th week because I literally killed my workouts a lot more than I should've and my gout unfortunately started to flare up. For those of you who know about GOUT, you definitely smell what I'm stepping in right? It hurts! I took advantage of some rest and recovery, and I also did a lot more stretching. Yes, I know, I need more yoga in my life =)
Today I did Total Body Chisel with 10 Minute Ab Chisel. I felt so good that I also did a 4+ mile run. It was a great start of the week!
Day 2, Week 4
Did Hammer Power plus 10 Minute Hammer Abs. So this is all pretty new to me as far as doing abs a few days in a row. I am so used to other programs such as P90X where you work certain muscle groups and allow ample rest in order for your muscles to recover and build. Well, that was classic P90X, I know X3 is a little similar to Hammer and Chisel where some of the workouts are full body workouts back to back, multiple days in a row. All I know is that with Hammer and Chisel, you are constantly killing the leg workouts! So if you are interested in this challenge, keep in mind that your legs are going to be really sore almost every day. But always remember to listen to your body, and take it easy on some days. I feel that the Beachbody Performance Recover drink helps with soreness and gets me ready for the next day.
Chisel Balance was on the menu for tonight! If you've read some of my previous workout posts, balance is something that I am not really good at. It's why I fail a bunch of balance obstacles at some of the obstacle races that I participate in. I constantly am working on this skill, and have gotten much better. It has a lot to do with having a strong core, which is another something that I am working on building back up.
I worked out in hiking pants tonight, so although it looks like it would be hot to workout in, it wasn't that bad, plus it was a little chilly outside, so it kinda made the house cooler than usual. Oh btw, I leave for Central America tomorrow, so I'll be extending my workout once I set foot in Nicaragua.
Day 4, Week 5
Oh it's REST DAY today, and I'll be leaving for Nicaragua this evening, so what else is there to do but drink my Shakeology! Oh, and you better believe that I am taking some of my superfoods nutrition with me when I leave the country for almost 2 weeks. I never leave home with it. If you're wondering what I'll be doing in Nicaragua, I'll be filming the Fuego y Agua Survival run, I'll post the video below.
Day 5, Week 5
I'm in CENTRAL AMERICA!! So when I travel, I don't always have access to a gym or ideal workout surroundings. But the best way to get over these challenges is to just work with what you have. You may not get the same intensity because of the lack of equipment, but it's a lot better than doing nothing.
Today's workout was ISO Speed Hammer, and I used everything from a couple adjoining bunk beds to my own Patagonia duffel bag. I even used my laptop case for the exercises that required less weight. Again, I may not achieved the same burn factor that I am normally used to, but it's all about "showing up" and not making excuses. But hey, I do have my bad days too, but that's why I have a personal success partner and an online accountability group to kick my ass when I start feeling lazy. If you don't have a support group like this, message me and you can be a part of mine! =)
Day 6, Week 5
It was a long day today. I was at San Jorge waiting on a ferry to take me to Ometepe Island (where the Fuego y Agua Survival Run will be). A neighboring boat capsized and the ferry service was delayed for about 6 hours, it royally sucked lol. But I had fun with some of the locals and had the opportunity to just appreciate the scenery. Nicaragua is an amazing place!
Taking my local friend out to lunch and enjoying the
scenery at San Jorge, Nicaragua
Day 7, Week 5
Today I woke up to an amazing traditional Nicaragua Breakfast. Soon after I rented a scooter to explore Ometepe Island. I did Total Body Hammer for today's workout. I didn't go hard at all and again had limited equipment. I used my Patagonia pack for most exercises that required dumbbells, and I did lat push ups to replace the pull ups, and again my laptop bag for the del flys. =) #WhateverItTakes
Btw, did I mention how beautiful Ometepe Island is? I have to really thank my Beachbody Business for allowing me the freedom to travel and live my passion. Working out in another part of the world and seeing so many amazing places is something that I never thought I would be able to do.
Here's the video that I filmed and edited. It was probably the TOUGHEST race I ever had to film. Hiking up Volcan Concepcion was a workout in itself, but the views made it all worth while. Enjoy the video, and I'll see you somewhere around the world!
Watch Video - Fuego y Agua Survival Run Nicaragua 2016
Volcano Hike up Concepcion - Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
I had the opportunity to film one of the TOUGHEST races on the planet, this race is called the Fuego Y Agua Survival Run which was remotely located in Ometepe Island in Nicaragua. It was probably the most challenging race that I've ever filmed with my OCRTUBE media project, but also one of the most beautiful places that I've ever been to. I have been working out with my Hammer and Chisel Challenge and felt that it really helped me with the long and technical volcano hikes carrying roughly about 30 lbs of equipment in my Patagonia backpack. It was definitely a great experience, and I'm sure that I will be back next year.
Killing my Hammer and Chisel Workout at my Guesthouse - Managua, Nicaragua
Hammer and Chisel - ISO Speed Hammer Workout
Feel free to check out the video that I created below, and I hope that some of you may get inspired to give it a shot next year. It will be a tough one, but you will learn more about yourself than ever before, and gain life-long memories with many friendships to be made.
Fuego Y Agua Survival Run - Nicaragua 2016
Online Beachbody Coaching helps fund my travel all over the world.
Become a Beachbody Coach and LIVE your passions, I'll show you how - Learn more here!
WAHOO, Week 4 of my Hammer and Chisel Challenge was a blast! I guess knowing that I am half way done with this challenge gets me even more EXCITED =) I can honestly say that this is definitely one of my top programs for sure. And one more thing before I recap my week, if you're thinking about doing this challenge (ask me about my upcoming online test groups) then be prepared to murder your legs, because LEG DAY is pretty much every day! =)
Day 1, Week 4
Today's workout was Chisel Balance and let me tell you this, I totally suck at balance! I know that I'm getting better, but this is something that I have to continue to do, or I will lose the skill almost immediately. Just like a lot of the H&C workouts, this one was a leg burner!
Chisel Balance - Up and Downs + Split Squat Jump
Day 2, Week 4
One thing to always remember, and something that I continue to remind my challengers is that you are not in competition with anyone but yourself. Just show up every day, and results will happen. Today's workout was Max Hammer Strength, and as you can see, I am working my dinky little calves!
Max Hammer Strength
Hammer and Chisel Review
Day 3, Week 4
Today's workout came late today because I spent all day with my family. I did Chisel Cardio and struggled with the Forearm Kicks. My flexibility has gotten better, but my hip flexors were burning! I may have to throw in some yoga workouts to help with more of these types of movements. Sleep is something that I lack and desperately need. I typically get about 5-6 hours per day, I would do better if I killed 8 hours a day =). Chisel Cardio - Dumbbell Swings
Day 4, Week 4
Today was supposed to be my REST DAY, but I'll be running the Disney Marathon this Sunday, so I decided to take my workouts all the way through, but also taking it easy so that I won't be over-trained for the marathon. I ended up doing ISO Speed Hammer and it was only 25 minutes! Pistol squats need improvement, but I know I'm getting better because my legs feel much stronger.
ISO Speed Hammer
Day 5, Week 4
I arrived in Orlando today in preparation for the Disney Marathon, checked into my Airbnb reservation and went to town on my workout which was Hammer Power and 10 Minute Hammer Abs.
Hammer Power
Day 6, Week 4
So today I simply took a rest day and attended an amazing Beachbody Super Saturday event at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. I will be adding my missed Master's Cardio Workout to the end of my challenge date to ensure that I complete all the workouts for the challenge. Just a general rule of thumb that I use when I am doing a challenge: If you miss one workout, you add a day. If you miss two workouts, you can re-do the week, or simply add the missed workouts to the end of your challenge. Whatever works best for you =).
Day 7, Week 4 Disney Marathon Day =) Today I ran my very first marathon, you can check out my video below =) Hammer and Chisel resumes after my full recovery ha ha! All I can say is that I got my but kicked running 26.2 miles, but I embraced the challenge and plan to do more in the near future.
Yes!!! Week 3 of my Hammer and Chisel Challenge is done! =) Here is my quick wrap up of how my week went. Btw, I am visiting my parents and family in Pensacola for a few weeks, so most of my workouts were done at my parents house while they happily watched =)
Day 1, Week 3
Workout of the day was Total Body Hammer. I have to admit, I had to up my game on my Military Press because the girls on the videos were killing it while I was struggling. I did feel my shoulder tweak a bit, so I had to tone it down a bit during the shoulder exercises. As always, the bulgarian split squats get me all the time, but I feel my legs getting much stronger.
Total Body Hammer (quick clips)
Day 2, Week 3
We had a choice between Chisel Agility and Master's Cardio, so I chose Chisel Agility since it was a longer workout, also because I wanted to see if I progressed since the last time I did it, and I was quite impressed that I did much better. This workout required no equipment, and of course it was a leg burner. This workout can be pretty easy, but in order to get the full benefits of the workout, I would recommend making sure that you are doing the movements correctly, and go as low as you can with the squats. Go for more reps once you master the moves.
Chisel Agility (quick clips)
Post Workout Salad from Everman's Pensacola
Day 3, Week 3 Max Hammer Strength and 10 Minute Hammer Abs was on the menu today. I definitely went up in weights this time, and legs getting stronger by the day. The ab workouts are where I struggle, I have to work on my core.
Max Hammer Strength + 10 Minute Hammer Abs (quick clips)
Day 4, Week 3
REST DAY!!!! I took a break from doing any type of strength workout but got a nice 5+ mile run in. I've been running a lot during this challenge in preparation for my first road marathon which I will be running the Disney Marathon on January 10th, pretty excited!
Sporting my Over-sized Bubba Gump Shrimp Hat
Day 5, Week 3
Today was Total Body Chisel and 10 Minute Ab Chisel. I struggled with the "step up cross overs", but I'm determined to get better at them. Pretty cool, this was my first workout of 2016 =) Abs, well you know, it was tough, but I finished strong. I did a 2+ mile run earlier in the day before my workout. Shakeology has definitely been a LIFE-SAVER during this challenge!
Get Shakeology Samples here:
Total Body Chisel (quick clips)
Day 6, Week 3
I finally did the Master's Cardio Workout today. I was actually happy to know that it was only 17 minutes because I've been so sore, so I felt that my body needed a break, so 17 minutes didn't sound so bad. The workout did not require any weights, and although it was only 17 minutes, the exercise movements required a lot of reps, 30 to be exact. I also did a trail run early in the morning, you can check out the video below =)
Today's workout was ISO Strength Chisel. When you watch this workout, you're like "oh, it doesn't look that bad" but watching and doing are two completely different things! This workout has about 11 exercises, each exercise entails 10 reps plus an extra rep which you hold for 10 seconds. The 10 seconds really doesn't sound like much, but you definitely feel it, especially toward the end of the reps and the workout. I killed a couple servings of my Beachbody Performance Recovery Drink after this bad boy.
ISO Strength Chisel - Push Up ISO
And that's it guys, that's a wrap. Stay posted for WEEK 4!
Are you ready to take on the Hammer and Chisel Challenge?Message me here to find out when my next Hammer and Chisel Online Test Group begins, you'll receive FREE coaching and motivation from me. Chat soon!
So last week's post was super long, and I'm trying to keep my weekly recaps short and sweet, but at the same time informative. Feel free to comment on some of the things that you may want to know about the Hammer and Chisel Challenge, and as always, feel free to message me about my upcoming Online Test Groups!
Day 1, Week 2
I was pretty excited to start the week off strong. I didn't get to my workout until late in the evening which seems to be the norm for this challenge =). But today's workout was Chisel Cardio, and what killed me the most other than the HEAT at the gym was the pull ups, and believe it or not the "Side Step Up Kicks" only because it was the last exercise of each round, and it seems like every dang day is LEG DAY! Also, today I felt like I was lacking calories, so this may be something that you will have to play with. If you feel you need calories, you probably do. Don't try to cookie cutter your nutrition. If you need to add more calories, do it. You will begin to find what works for you as you go with the challenge.
Did a 1 mile warm up and 1 mile cool down run.
Chisel Cardio - Most of the moves minus the Forearm Plank Kick
Day 2, Week 2
Today's workout was Hammer Strength which was brutal after doing a 5K Urban Assault Run with my downtown 813 Fit Club. The Urban Assault run consisted of a 12 Days of Christmas Pyramid Workout while running a 5K through downtown Tampa. I could've easily replaced my Hammer and Chisel workout with the UAR, but I made a commitment, so I'm sticking to it.
The online test group assignment asks "what helps me stay on track with my workouts?" That's easy, I stay on track because of the people helping me stay motivated and accountable in the online challenge group, and also with the help of my own personal accountability partner.
Hammer Strength:
Day 3, Week 2
I did Chisel Agility today, and to be quite honest, I was so sore and didn't know how I was going to be able to finish this workout. I previewed the workout and it looked pretty simple, but of course watching, and actually "doing" are two very different things. I got it done LATE at my South Tampa office. I was looking forward to rest day on Day 4 =)
I did not run on Day 3.
Chisel Agility
Day 4, Week 2
REST DAY - I did an easy 5K trail run today at the Wilderness Trail System. I definitely felt sore in the beginning, but started feeling very strong as my run progressed. I can really feel the strength gains from Hammer and Chisel.
Day 5, Week 2
Today was Christmas, and my Hammer and Chisel WOD was Hammer Power which was focused on "power lifting" movements. Again, I previewed the workouts beforehand and used the worksheets at the gym. The movements always look easy until you actually do them. I learned that the next time I need to add more weight, but I really loved this workout, and as always, it kicked my butt good. I think the most important part about this workout is to really make sure to use proper form. You can easily get injured or throw your back out if you are not careful, so start off slow, put your ego aside, and play it safe. Once you get the moves, you can then up your weights and go harder!
I did a 1 mile warm up run, and a 2 mile cool down run.
Hammer Power
Day 6, Week 2
Traveled to Pensacola from Tampa for the holidays and did today's workout with my brother. We did Power Chisel and 10 Minute Chisel Abs. This program is very versatile, you can workout indoors or outdoors. Although I prefer working out at the gym and outdoors, you can get a kick ass workout at home too. Do what you can, but just know it doesn't matter where you workout, just get it done!
I have noticed that this challenge consists of a lot of squats, lunges, and pull ups, which is right up my alley. You can always add the ab workouts (Hammer or Chisel Abs) if you feel that you need more core/abs during the week, which is probably what I will start doing more of in week three.
No run today.
Power Chisel Workout:
Day 7, Week 2
I did Hammer Conditioning with my brother today. This was the last workout of week 2 and boy was it a "shoulder burner". The workout minus the warm up and stretch was only 25 minutes, but trust me, that was all I needed. I really enjoyed the movements of this workout, especially the renegade row burpees. This workout is a great combination of shoulders burners, cardio, strength, and core.
I finished Day 7, Week 2 with a nice 6.5 mile trail run at the Univ of West Florida off-road trails.
Hammer Conditioning:
Are you ready to take on the Hammer and Chisel Challenge, ask me about my upcoming online test groups, you will receive FREE online coaching from me, and motivation from others who have similar goals as you! Message me here!
I am documenting my Hammer and Chisel Challenge here on my blog. You can view day by day posts by following my IG or Facebook. This challenge has been everything that I had hoped for. I was looking for something that was similar to the P90X variety, and this falls right into it. The whole idea behind Hammer and Chisel is to get CHISELED. It's about strength and getting shredded. Now don't get me wrong, the program can be perfect for other goals such as: gaining more strength/endurance, becoming a better athlete, getting lean, losing weight, and maintaining fitness. I do not see this as a bulking type of challenge, although there is a lot of lifting weights. I can see how you can bulk easy by lifting more weight, but to be quite honest, so far it seems that there are a lot of reps, so using a lot of heavy weight wouldn't be possible for most people.
Beginners?
As I am going through this program, I am getting my butt kicked! There are modifications provided, but in my honest opinion, I do not recommend this challenge for people who are at beginner fitness levels. I would say that this program is for the hardcore intermediate to advanced. But again, this is just from my experience.
Runners?
As for any program for runners, it's best to do this during your off-season. Coming from Florida, there really isn't much of an off-season, it's more like you have to create your own off-season, which I feel is very important. Over-training is the worst feeling in the world, and I've done this many times. Sometimes you just have to put your ego aside, and just suck it up and take a break. Whether you are doing Hammer and Chisel during on or off season, I would recommend that you run 3-5X per week. I've been running almost everyday, but nothing too hard core. I normally do a one mile (sometimes 1 1/2 mile) warm up before my workout, then another mile or mile and a half afterwards. Depending on how my body feels, I may just do a run in the beginning, and not the end. I will do my longer runs on my Hammer and Chisel rest day which is on Thursdays.
So let's go with how my first week went. Here is a quick run down on how my week went, and if you have any questions, feel free to connect with me here.
Day 1, Week 1
The workout was Chisel Balance, and it started out with pistol squats right off the bat which I'm terrible at! I struggled most with the Balance Row Pistol Squat and the Single Leg Dead Lift. It was a great first impression of what was in store for the week, and the next 60 days =).
I did a 1 mile warm up run, and a 2 mile run afterwards.
Chisel Balance - Split Squat Jumps
Day 2, Week 1
In my Online Hammer and Chisel Challenge Group, one of the things that was asked was "What was my goal for the challenge?" and I responded with to maintain my health and active lifestyle, but also work on my abs =) I am also training to gain strength and endurance for my upcoming trip to Nicaragua to film one of the toughest adventure races in the world called the Fuego Y Agua Adventure Run. Workout today was Hammer Plyometrics, another day of butt kicking!
I did a 1.5 mile warm up run, and 1.5 mile cool down run.
Hammer Plyometrics - Just a few exercises from this brutal but awesome workout!
Day 3, Week 1
ISO Strength Chisel was on the menu for today! I did this workout at the park with a fellow Coach and accountability partner Steven. I love the fact that you can do these workouts pretty much anywhere if you have the equipment. I'm traveling right now, so I've been working out at gyms and the outdoors. At home, most people use the workout DVD's and Beachbody on Demand Online Streaming, but I've been previewing the workouts the day before, and using the worksheets at the gym. Do what works best for you, and most importantly, make sure that you are doing the exercises correctly.
After the workout, we did a 1.5 mile run.
ISO Strength Chisel at the park!
Post Workout Meal
Day 4, Week 1
Today was REST DAY, so this is when I do more of my longer runs, but I was so sore from the previous workouts, so I opted to do a short 5K. As always, I believe in listening to your body. I have over-trained a few times during my journey, and trust me, it is not worth it. Put your ego aside, and play it safe, you'll get better results that way.
3+ mile trail run today:
Day 5, Week 1
Today's workout was ISO Speed Hammer. It was a very short workout, but man did it really pack a punch! For the ISO exercises, you basically do 10 reps of a particular exercise with on rep being 1 count followed by a 3 count ISO. After the 10 ISO reps, you finish it with 10 regular reps, which is pretty tough after basically doing the previous in SLO-MO.
ISO Speed Hammer - 10 Chin Ups after 10 ISO's
Day 6, Week 1
Today was a challenge because earlier I filmed and ran 5+ miles at an obstacle course race called the Muddy Brute Challenge. I'll be honest, I was thinking about skipping out on my workout since I was a bit tired after running all day, but I was good, I took a little rest, then went to the gym later in that evening. If you want to check out the video that I created at the Muddy Brute Challenge, click here.
Chisel Endurance - Incline Press Video
Day 7, Week 1
Total Body Hammer + 10 Minute Hammer Abs
This was a killer workout because I started getting used to the short workouts, and this one was double the amount of time as the other workouts, plus it was tough! On top of that, I had to do abs lol. I was glad to finish the week off strong. It was definitely a challenge, but that's why it's called a challenge right. Looking forward to week 2, feeling strong.
Total Body Hammer + 10 Minute Hammer Abs
(Video on Side Delt Raises)
So that was a quick run down of my first week. I'm not sure if I can be as organized with the videos every week, but I will definitely do my best. As always, you can see my posts on IG and Facebook as well. If you would like to join me, or get in on my next Hammer and Chisel Online Test Group, feel free to message me here, and I'll get you started.
Hammer and Chisel reminds me of P90X, but with all new exercises and a whole different structure in how they schedule the workouts. If you like P90X or even CrossFit style workouts, then you'll love Hammer and Chisel, especially if you opt to doing the workouts at the gym using the worksheets. I basically have the worksheets in my iBooks app, and I keep it handy with me along with a timer app. If you are more into bulking and lifting heavy, then I would go with the Body Beast Challenge.
Looking forward to sharing more of my journey with you, stay awesome!
I was able to test out a couple of the Hammer & Chisel workouts on Beachbody on Demand, here is a quick video on the Total Body Chisel Workout. We did the workout at the gym and modified a bit by using the equipment from the gym. If you don't have access to a gym, you will need some dumbbells or resistance bands and a pull up bar (for best results).
