Well, it’s been about two weeks since I’ve started this journey with the Biolean weight loss system, and I’ve lost about 3 pounds.  Not great, but not horrible either.  What’s encouraging is that I’ve been able to work up to three days a week with the TRX suspension training system.  It’s a good, but tough workout.  After the workout, it’s been a treat to enjoy a ProXtreme shake.  What I usually do, which probably isn’t the greatest, is chocolate milk with the vanilla mix.  Skim milk with the chocolate mix would have less sugar, but since the chocolate mix is more popular in the family, I am using the vanilla.  Besides, I heard somewhere recently that chocolate milk is good for you after a workout, so there you go.

I feel that I’ve lost a little size, although I didn’t measure myself until this weekend so I don’t have a good reference point.  Those numbers were discouraging for sure.  Neck:  17 inches; Chest:  52 inches;   Waist:  51 inches;  Hips:  52 inches.  Size 48 pants.  Sad, but honest.  I’ll be updating those numbers as the journey continues.  I did take a before picture, but that’s going to remain private until there is something more positive to show.   I agreed to bare my soul to chronicle this experience, but my capacity for embarrassment only goes so far.  It’s not The Biggest Loser.

7:10 am.  Workout done.  ProXtreme and BioLean in.  Let’s roll.

So on Friday morning, I went through the real-time introductory workout for our newly set up TRX.  I should say that setup was relatively simple, assuming that the lag screws into a 2×4 can hold the bracket we used downstairs.  If not, well, it will hurt when I fall.  The unit itself is easy to use and adjust, and so far lives up to its reputation in that respect.

So as I said, the workout began on Friday.  There are twelve exercises and you are shown a series of what they call “progressions,” basically, harder versions of each exercise.  For me, I started at the very beginning, even modifying the “easiest” progression so that I could finish.  The workout is upper, lower, core and stretching, and I left for the workday feeling energized, having a great workout under my belt.

As the day wore on, I was feeling ok, but noticed a little twinge of soreness here and there, especially when going up and down stairs, as a had to do several times when we were at church for a First Friday mass and my kids wanted to see mom up in the choir loft.  By the time Friday was over, I was definitely sore in the legs, specifically, the quads in the front of the legs.  Saturday was rough.  The legs hurt, stairs were a torture device, and moving from sitting to standing was a reminder of the workout the day before.  Even now, on Sunday, it’s still slow going.

The feeling is familiar, that feeling of soreness after a workout called “Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness,” or DOMS.  What surprised me is the “delayed” aspect.  I felt great on Friday morning and crappy by Saturday morning.  As it’s understood, the fibers of the muscles break down and as they are rebuilt, your body lets you know it protests this situation.  It’s a necessary part of training, and you can train through it, but it is also a reminder that maybe you pushed yourself a bit too far.

I look forward to the next workout, hopefully with less pain, and I’ll be sure to drink my Biolean ProXtreme afterward for recovery.