Pain Free!

I’ve overcome this little health obstacle, and I’m now pain free.  No more sciatica pain.  Thanks to the good folks at: South Baylo University

They worked their acupuncture magic to get me back to normal. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

This Monday I started a new round of P90X, and recruited 8 others to do it with me.  My objective now is to get strong again, lose the weight I put on while disabled help and motivate my friends to get in better shape.

Sciatica Injury

About a month and a half ago I hurt myself; I believe while dancing.  A Salsa song ended, and the lady dipped herself.  Unfortunately I wasn't ready for that, and caught me by surprise.  I didn't let her fall, of course, and caught her.  Pop! I recongnized that sound, as I've experienced it before, and immediately knew I had hurt my back, but the pain wasn't immediate.  I kept working out, and being active, but my situation worsened by the day.  I had "sciatica", again!

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica describes persistent pain felt along the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower back, down through the buttock and into the lower leg. It is the longest nerve in the body. Pain results when this nerve is compressed or injured. It most commonly results from inflammation, bony enlargement due to arthritis or a displaced (herniated) disk in the lower spine.

Sciatica causes pain that begins in the lower back and spreads through the buttock, leg, calf and, occasionally, the foot. The pain generally will feel dull, aching or burning. Sometimes, it starts gradually, worsens during the night, and is aggravated by motion. Sciatica also can cause tingling, numbness or muscle weakness in the affected leg.

The treatment for it is pretty much allowing rest, and bringing down the imflammation of the muscles along with taking pain-killers to deal with the excrutiating pain.  Other treatments that help with dealing with the pain are massages, chiropractor handling, and accupunture.  However, the pain does eventually go away in about 6 to 8 weeks.

This condition has totally handicapped me, and debilitated me to barely walking.  I had to take a few days off from work, and all training has stopped.

Today I can finally walk semi-normal, and can feel that I'm coming back to life.  It's amazing how a small injury can create so much havoc.

If all goes well, I will resume my training in 2 weeks.

Men's Physique Competition Training

What started as the only option to improve my health has now turned into a hobby to achieve maximum physical condition.

Yesterday I met with my trainer, and got educated on nutrition, physique, and exercise.  The initial road has been paved, and now it's time to prepare myself for the ultimate goal.  In three months I will be ready to take the stage.

20 Day Full Body Cleanse - Day 20 - Completed

Finally, I've successfully reached my day 20 of this cleanse. It's been a real challenge, both physical and mental, but I've accomplished it.

I'm feeling great: energized, light, lean, clean, and positive.

Day 1 vs. Day 20

Monday I will start either P90X, or a weightlifting routine, and apply all the nutritional education that I've learned during this journey.

weight
starting: 168
current: 157
lost:        11

20 Day Full Body Cleanse - Days 5, 6, & 7

Finishing up day 7 here, and feeling great.

Day 5:
No more headaches, nor dizziness, yet still felt sleepy.  I actually worked out again for a little bit.

Day 6:
Headaches and dizziness are gone!
Today I felt great, clear-headed and energized.  I went to the gym and threw weights around for a little while.

Day 7:
Feeling great!  I will go jogging after work, and perhaps even Salsa dancing at night.

The hardest part is almost done, and I get to eat fruits tomorrow in addition to the juices.
Weight

Starting: 168 lbs
Current:  160 lbs
Lost:          8 lbs

20 Day Full Body Cleanse - Days 3 & 4

Continuing on with this detox, totally focused.  This is a huge mental challenge more than anything else.  I'm fine with not eating any food, but miss drinking coffee in the mornings.


Day 3:
Woke up with a slight headached, but quickly disappeared after taking in some juice.  Totally miss my morning cup of coffee.  The dizziness dissipated down to 20%, so I can now focus on my daily chores.
After work I was energized enough that I worked out for a little bit.  Sleepiness still lingered, and crashed on my couch by 9:00 p.m.


Day 4:
No more headache in the morning, but a bit of dizziness.  Although I felt that I could exercise I decided to take it easy and just chill around the house, and just clean up.  Still feeling sleepy.  My body is truly getting all the rest that it's been lacking. Great time to recuperate from all the hard work on the last two years.


Ready for Day 5, 6 & 7, and more importantly, ready to eat fruits on Saturday, and start eating salads on Sunday.

starting weight = 168 lbs

current weight  = 162 lbs

weight lost       =     6 lbs

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead

I just watched this awesome documentary over the weekend that's moved me, and inspired me.

Focusing on two men whose bodies have been trashed by steroids, obesity and illness, this documentary chronicles the rigorous healing path -- including a two-month diet of fruits and vegetables -- that both attempt in a bid to rescue their health.

I will do a 21 day juicing fast, and once I'm done I will do all I can to have my mom do it, as well.

Whoever is reading this, I recommend for you to watch this, and consider it for your good health.

Now, back to my regularly scheduled P90X.

P90X - Round 3 - Repeating Week 4

I'm well on schedule now, and making good progress.  I've decided to repeat Week 4 and benefit from the cardio to shed some extra fat to start seeing the definitions.  Exactly one month till Summer.

P90X - Round 3 - Week 4 completed

I've completed week 4, fine tuned my diet, and followed it to the tee.  Finally!

Here's a progress picture, and also a comparison of my Day 1, back almost two years ago.  I'm still stuggling, but making progress.

Week 4

Day 1 vs. Current Day



P90X - Round 3 - Completing Week 3

Been busting chops and hustling this week.

And yes, struggling with keeping a clean diet.

It's a challenge, and I'm trying. 

I'm beginning to see some real abs.

P90X - Round 3 - Week 2

I've completed week 1, and began week 2, and although I didn't keep up with clean nutrition over the weekend, I'm motivated with what I'm seeing in the mirror.

Of course I'm pumping my abs in this picture to see them.  I really need to mind my food intake on weekends, and follow my plan.

Bring It!



P90X2 - Completed

I've completed P90X2.

Still not where I want to be, but inching to it little by little.  It's been a good journey, and I still have a long way to go; however, I'm enjoying every second of it.  Bring It!

Diet Plan

Here's my diet plan to drop down to 155 lbs, and show all of my hard work.

Broken down by nutrients

Airborne Pushups

Part of my routine to build strength, and burn fat is doing various other exercises I've learned along the way.  Here I am practicing airborne pushups.  Harder than it looks.

INSANITY Round 2 - Complete 6/5/2011

Round 2 of INSANITY is done, and I'm satisfied from the results.  However, I'm getting too skinny for my own taste.  Therefore, I've developed, and began my own workout routine from what I've learned from P90X, INSANITY, and research.  I will post it a little later.  It's now time to put on some muscles.