I wanted to share a little about the experience I’ve had with the Insanity Workout. I’m about to wrap the 60 day program. Like Shaun T says in the video, the Insanity Workout is not for everyone. I can say with absolute certainty, it’s the hardest workout I’ve ever done. Insanity focuses more on cardio and endurance training. There is some resistance training using your own body weight but not much at all.

I think P90X is a better and more well-rounded workout. I actually saw better results with P90X because of all the weight training.

Insanity is harder mentally and physically. As Shaun T says repeatedly in the workouts, “Dig deeper!” You truly have to find that place where you can play through the pain. You have to turn off the pain in your mind and keep going. That is where you get the results.

As far as trainers go, I think Tony Horton from P90X is a better motivator. Shaun T is great but Horton has a way of helping me get that last impossible rep.

I have 3 more workouts to go and then I’m done with Insanity. Now after 5 months off from the gym, I’m going back. I’m looking forward to getting back with a new intensity. I’m going to incorporate bits from both P90X and Insanity into a new “JamSmooth” routine. Then I think I’m going to see some seriously great results. I’ll keep you posted.

This Tuesday I wrap up week 8 of P90X. Week 8 is a recovery week so you don’t lift or do plyometrics. I took an extra day off but I’ve been disciplined overall so I feel fine about that.

A co-worker and I started P90X back in February. Now there are at least 5 other people at work starting the program. We make jokes about Tony Horton. The workouts are no joke. They are challenging. I have yet to get bored with them. There are so many varying levels of intensity that you can’t get bored. It’s fascinating to see the enthusiasm of P90X spread around work. I told a co-worker, “It gets easier to follow but the workouts never get easier.”

I will take my 60 day photos this week and we shall see the results. 2/3 of the way done!

Of all the exercises I’ve done running is by far the one I hate the most. I don’t know why I’ve suffered through so many miles of running. From the first step I take all I can think about is the end.

A few years ago I went to a chiropractor who told me that my body is not built for running. He said certain people can run and be ok but not me. Over time, he said, that my knees and back would develop issues. So why did I run all those years? The challenge? Honestly I was too lazy to find something I enjoyed doing so I just ran.

One of my best friends is so passionate about running. He runs a few marathons a year. In 2007 I ran the inaugural ING half marathon. I trained for 3 months, got up before sunrise and ran in sub-freezing temperatures. I finished in under 2 hours. It was an extraordinary experience and I’m glad I did it, but I won’t be doing it again. Running works for him.

I will add that the times I ran with said friend were great moments of fellowship and I enjoyed that part immensely. However the running part of the deal was hard. Would I run with him again? Yes, but only to spend time with him, not because I enjoy running.

You must find something you enjoy for exercise or else you won’t do it. There are so many different activities you can do: yoga, plyometrics, weight training, boot camp, jump rope, biking, hiking, tennis, soccer, rugby, martial arts and the list goes on and on.

Finding activities you enjoy is your responsibility. Find it, do it. You’ll get better over time. I’ve found a lot of enjoyment in plyometrics and biking. That’s how I’ll get my cardio. I will always lift weights, I love doing that! Nothing beats the pump! I encourage you to get into the best shape of your life. Just do something!

Yes P90X has been talked about a lot lately here. I’m loving it. The program is challenging and fun. You’d think I’d be getting paid as much as I’m talking about it. Come to think of it, P90X should advertise here!

I slacked off on exercising for a while because my routine was boring. P90X is far from boring. It’s fast-paced and intense. The program has given me a new excitement and drive to get fit.

Today I got a pull-up bar and a yoga mat. I was doing yoga on the carpet and my feet were sliding everywhere. I couldn’t even do downward dog without sliding. Even after the 90 days over I will do the yoga. The stretches hit parts of your body you normally can’t get to and you feel great for hours afterward.

The bottom line is you have to want to workout. I heard a great statement from John Ortberg a few weeks ago at a leadership event. He said, “Should will always be defeated by wants to.” Want is the defining factor.

I do P90X because I want to have lots of energy, look good and stay in good shape.

Do you exercise? Why or why not? Why don’t you want to? Why do you want to?

Today wraps the 2nd week of P90X. I noticed a slight improvement in the execution the second time around. I also notice a huge increase in my energy level. My low energy level was the biggest wake up call that I needed to get back to exercise.

Tony Horton and the gang are like your buddies at the gym. They are there to help you and push you. Some folks say Tony is annoying. As a former trainer I say he is outstanding. Tony is all about good form and not injuring yourself. He’s corny at times but the bottom line is Tony motivates you to keep going.

Tomorrow starts week 3. Here’s to looking good and feeling good.

I wanted the Colts to win. I like Peyton Manning. I remember a game a few years back right after Katrina. The Falcons played the Saints on Monday Night Football. The Falcons got crushed. The momentum was stacked in the Saint’s favor. This game was much different in that the Colts had the momentum in the beginning, but were outplayed in the end. Peyton threw that last interception and sealed it for the Saints.

Help me understand this though. How does a professional sports team winning a televised sporting event help a city? I can see that it may gave one a temporary sense of pride and joy. What if I awake to the same daily reality of a city that is suffering from inept government and senseless crime? Does it matter if the Saints won?

I like to think I have good sportsmanship. I’m happy for the Saints. It’s a monumental achievement. However I’m not a Saints fan. I’m a Falcons fan, have been since I was a kid. The Saints are the Falcons’ biggest rival in the NFL. We love to hate the Saints. For true Falcons fans this is not good. It’s akin to being a Georgia Bulldog fan and seeing Florida win the National Championship. You think it’s easy to put aside a deep, intense rival like that? I do not.

I get it. This is just sports we’re talking about. This is not some life-changing experience. What I love is how the Superbowl brings us together once a year. Last night 18 of some of my closest friends gathered to watch the game. We had an unforgettable night of the three F’s: food, fellowship and football. Get rid of all the hoopla, the lackluster halftime show, the botched National anthem by Carrie Underwood and the commercials and what you have is a celebration of relationships. That’s what I love about the Superbowl.

Just finished day 2 of P90X. Today was plyometrics and it was a beast. I mean this when I say I don’t think I’ve ever done a more challenging cardio workout. Ever. It keeps going and going. There are water breaks here and there but it’s over quick and you’re back to jumping. I admit, I hit the pause button a few times.

The folks on this video are in outstanding shape. They even have a guy with 1 leg just to give you no excuses. He’s hopping and jumping like a normal guy.

So far so good. Tomorrow is shoulders and arms.

Today I started a 90 day journey called P90X. I remember hearing the guys in my last small group talk about it, how it was tough and challenging. I got a copy of the program this week and completed day 1 which was chest and back plus the ab ribber.

The workout is lots of push ups and pull ups. I was able to hang with the pros for most of the workout. I don’t have a proper pull up bar right now so I used the used the back of the stairs in my basement. P90X is like having a personal trainer working out with you. This guy is good. The energy is up and he definitely pushes you.

The ab ripper slayed me. I couldn’t keep up with them at all. That’s good. I have a lot of progress to make. I also liked that he didn’t press you if you couldn’t keep up with them. The folks in the video are completely ripped. I don’t feel disappointed at all.

I took my before photos yesterday and was disappointed in myself. I’m not happy with the current state of affairs. The photos do not lie. In 2008 I was fit. Over the last 2 years my workouts have waned and the diet has slipped as well, allowing too much ice cream and Fox Bros. BBQ.

My energy level has decreased too and that’s not good. I need lots of energy to complete all the projects I have. I encourage you to join me. Why are you putting it off? Who’s with me? I’ve put this out to the whole world now so I’m accountable.

Just watch the video.

Tomorrow my co-worker Ken and I head to San Francisco for the 125th Annual AES Convention. This year we plan to spend very little time at the convention.

I emailed John Vanderslice, the talented and prolific musician who lives there, and hopefully we’ll be able to hang out.

I will also be going to the open auditions at Revision3.com on Saturday morning. Wish me luck!

Hoping to get lots of photos and video while I’m there. Follow my Twitter feed for updates.

Last night at my mentor group meeting we spent a lot of time in 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Our mentor encouraged us to cast ALL of our anxiety on God, to not hold anything back. We also spent some time in Psalm 15. The verse that spoke to me was Psalm 15:3, “and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman.” Who is this talking about? This is the man who may dwell in His Sanctuary.

I’m watching the debate aka “The Massacre” tonight. Should be a good one.

Dawgs are off this weekend. We need it after last weekend’s thrashing.

One more thing. You guys are not commenting enough here. Later.