It appears there is less muffin-top love these days. I managed to squeeze into my size 6 ON jeans yesterday…it was still tight and it looks like the battle of the bulge–but I’m winning.

That .5 inch gain on my upper arms have me thinking that the frequent cardio and strength training is finally making a difference. Now if I could focus some of that exercise on my glutes and thighs. I’m still noticeably weak in those areas, but today’s strength training had me on the next color bands: GREEN!

While I am disappointed that it took me three months to get here, I must say that it’s good validation to finally see some progress. This will be my first week attempt to run/jog a mile every morning. Hope to be able to keep it up! 

One thing I need to remember to do is take my BP meds in the evenings. It has given me better energy for the morning workout. 

Title says it all.

I stopped by Kroger after my morning workout to pickup some 1/2% lowfat milk. (I didn’t even realize such a thing existed–1% I can understand, but half a percent?) I tried my hand at another smoothie, this time using the frozen Tropical Blend fruit from Kroger’s Private Selection brand and 6 fresh blackberries. Threw in some fresh shredded coconut along with my bulk whey protein concentrate, mixed it all with my trusty hand blender.

I discovered that the Orange honey I’ve been using in the smoothie gives it a very off-putting taste. I think that I’ll also have to add orange juice to future smoothie recipes if I’m going to get a sweeter taste that I prefer. 

I’m giving the protein shake/smoothie one more try before I scrap the whole idea. I just can’t justify the expense and effort for such a bland smoothie. 

I’ve been scouring the net looking for a particular exercise’s name that has been eluding me. I first experienced it in Transformation Boot Camp, then later at Peak Body. It seems to be a hanging sit-up or crunch in which I’m twisting left and right, tapping the ground with my elbows. The closest I’ve come to finding it is Russian Twist, though I did find one resource that referred to it as a Backwards Crunch (not to be confused with the leg-raising Reverse Crunch).

I did find a whole lot more core builders and strength exercises I want to add to my regimen; with particular emphasis to abs, obliques and glutes.

I also plan on hitting those push-ups, squats, and lunges more regularly, since I’m particularly weak in those areas. The push-up pyramids in PBT are hellish.

General exercise resources: 

• http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/core-strength-training.html
• http://www.shapefit.com/training.html
• http://www.exrx.net/Exercise.html 

Specifics: 

• http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bbinfo.php?page=Abdominals 
• http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bbinfo.php?page=Glutes 
• http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bbinfo.php?page=Shoulders 

I will mention here that my first protein shake attempt ended in failure; the whey protein concentrate tends to overpower the drink, and the lack of sweetness really just doesn’t inspire drinkability. I hope to try again with some better ingredients (and minus the vitamin D milk).