I am trying to get into better shape and loose some weight so I started a new workout routine tonight.  It is based on circuit training workout that I found on the internet by Stew Smith at Military.com.

I felt like I was dragged behind a truck after I finished the workout and it was only about 20 minutes long.  I have done different circuit workouts in the past but this one very taxing and tiring on both the mind and body.  It is fairly simple.  You do an exercise for a specified amount of time instead of a number of repetitions.  For example: You would do wide grip pulldowns with a moderate to light weight for as many repetitions as possible for one minute.

Jogging – 5 minutes
Wide grip front pulldown -  50 x 35 (1 minute)
Bench press – 95 x 35 (1 minute)
Lunge – bodyweight x 22 each leg (2 minutes)
Low row – 50 x 34 (1 minute)
DB press – 15 x 32 each (1 minute)
DB curl – 15 x 22 each (1 minute)
DB Tricep Extension – 25 x 37 (1 minute)
Stiff leg DB deadlift – 20 x 19 each (1 minute)
DB shrug – 20 x 42 each (1 minute)
Leg press toe raise – 180 x 33 (1 minute)
DB side bend – 15 x 25 each – (1 minute)
Crunch – 45 (1 minute)
Jogging – 3 minutes

If I ever find this workout easy, I can do one or two more circuits but I think it will be a little time before I do that.

Side leg raises – 2×15
Slow side thrust kicks – 15

Easy workout.  I did a lot of work outside and my body just wasn’t up to a full workout.

Good class.

We spent most of the time sparring.  We did a lot of drills where we do a movement in front of one person and then switch to the right and move to a new person.  We did drills where we do a jab to the face, a reverse punch to the stomach, a reverse pucnch to the head and a backfist to the head.  We also did similar kicking drills where we would do a front leg snap kick to the stomach, a back leg front snap kick, a back leg roundhouse and a front leg roundhouse.  It was torture but a good torture.

After class my Sensei spent some time with me to help me prepare for my next exam.  He noticed that my stances started out very low but got higher as the exam progressed.  He suggested that I do Heian Shodan and hold each stance, in a extended low position for a three count.  I am hoping this will help prepare me for my third Kyu test which is going to be my toughest yet.  Luckily I still have five or six months to prepare now.