Updates to Prior Posts

I thought I would do a quick update on two prior posts...

Android App Creation
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Regarding my App-a-palooza post I was wanting to try to create an application that would allow me to control the two flash LED lights on my Droid X camera flash independently, so that I could just turn one light or the other on instead of both. The bottom LED is faulty and started to blink about 10 seconds after using one of the LED flashlight apps. Well, after over a month, the Motorola development team finally got back to me and said that while the two LEDs are in fact independent, there is no way to control them separately at the application level. On the plus side, when I use the flashlight app now, after around 10 seconds the bottom LED just goes off. It no longer blinks, so problem solved on it's own! I might return it for a 'new' refurb just before my year is up, but really no need to at this point. All is good now.

P90X workout
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Regarding my previous post on P90X from last week. I was onboard, for a day anyway. I got the supplements that I had mentioned and started in on the workout for day 1 and at the 1/2 way mark of the first workout I started to feel funky. My muscles were extremely fatigued to the point where I didn't have the energy to continue and I felt as if I needed to lay down. I had taken the Size On supplment prior/during the workout and this was the first time I had tried it.

In addition, I did the workout at 5pm, prior to eating anything major. Even though I had some turkey and some hard boiled egg whites just before working out, it might not have been enough food and that could have contributed to my fatigue. I've taken the Size On supplement separately afterwords with no major issues, I do feel a bit different when taking it, but haven't felt that same funky/fatigued feeling. I've also taken it when doing regular weight lifting workouts and no major issues.

I think the P90X is a bit too much at my current level of fitness. I have no problems at all doing a few miles on the treadmill-walking fast with some slight jogging and can do weights fine, but my typical workouts are only 2-3 days a week and 35 mins in length. I may incorporate some of the individual exercises of the P90X into my regular workouts, but I do not plan to continue with the program as a whole at this point in time.

I returned the Size On and Protein supplements to GNC. As far as GNC goes, it was great to be able to return the supplements used with no issues for a full refund. I didn't realize they would do that when I purchased them, so that was a bonus. They aren't bad taste-wise compared to things I've tried before, but I can taste the artificial sweeteners. My stomach/body is easily bothered by certain things and while these supplements aren't directly causing immediate issues, would rather not take these specific ones due to all of the additional ingredients that I don't necessarily want/need.

The main reason I wanted the Size On was for the muscle gain, which is a result of the creatine mostly. So I'm going to instead get a creatine only supplement. Creatine is tasteless and naturally occuring in the body. I've taken it before and I know it works, so I'd rather just stick with pure creatine for that one. I'm planning to get this one.

As far as the protein supplement goes, it wasn't bad, but again, has a whole lot of other ingredients and the aftertaste like a diet drink might, due to the artificial sweeteners I would guess. I'm going to go with this Now Whey Protein Isolate instead, which is all natural and doesn't contain any artificial sweeteners and is unflavored.

I think that wraps up the two things I've been wanting to provide an update on. If there's anything else you would like an update on or anything you'd like to have me post about, please leave a comment, as I'm always looking for new ideas for blog posts!

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P90X - I'm On Board!

Well sorta...I'm going to start in on the P90X today. My goal isn't to get through the entire program from start to finish, I just want to use the different workouts to gain muscle mass and hopefully a little weight in the process. I don't belong to a gym and don't have a home gym or anything, so I figure this is a good way to get a great workout with minimal equipment.

I've done some of the individual workouts from the program before and I know they are TOUGH. I was sore for 5 days just from doing 2/3rd of ONE of the workouts. So this time I'm a bit more prepared, hopefully. My sister Jen and her husband David have been doing the program for several weeks and have been doing good. They have a few supplements that are supposed to help gain muscle, provide energy during your workout and help cut down on recovery time. I picked them up today as you can see in the picture above.

I did a bunch of research and took some tips from what Jen and David are using and here's what I came up with for myself...I'm taking the Size On for the during workout energy, for the muscle gain and also to aid in the recovery process. I read a bunch of reviews on the product and it is very highly rated. I was most interested in the muscle gain/bulking up part which is due mostly to a combination of different creatines. I was planning to get creatine separately, as that has worked for me in the past, but since it's already in here in good quality/quantity and form, no need.

Most of the flavors got great reviews for taste also, which was a key factor for me as well, I went with grape. It does not get chunky in water, so all you need is a good BPA free water bottle to go along with it. Jen said it will stain your container though, so be aware of that.

I was wanting to also do a weight gainer supplement, but most everything I found is loaded with sugars and most concerning was the large quantity of cholesterol. Since I'm already on cholesterol lowering drugs, that category of supplement was out for me. I'll have to instead attempt to consume additional food to increase my caloric intake.

In addition to the Size On, I also picked up a Whey Protein Isolate supplement. I was most interested in one that had very low cholesterol and hopefully good taste. The worker at GNC talked me in the GNC branded Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60. Serving size is 3 scoops, but she said just take one scoop, as that will have enough protein and it is supposedly the latest technology for proper protein uptake in the body through advanced space age blah blah blah...Whatever, it's a protein supplement and she said it's their top selling product and it tastes good, got the Vanilla flavor there. I went with the smaller bag version, to be sure it tastes good before buying a bunch.

Depending on how it goes with that protein supplement, I may go with Now 100% Pure Whey Protein that is 'all natural' and 100% pure Whey Protein. I was going to go with this one initially, but it seems to be sold only online and I wanted it today, but it's very highly rated for quality, purity, it's unflavored and inexpensive.

Since the protein supplements tend to be a bit thicker, I got one of the Blender Bottles also. It's a water bottle with a whisk type ball inside that mixes up your protein shake while you shake it. Also BPA free.

That's pretty much it, just the two supplements and I will drink additional water throughout the day. As far as equipment needed for the P90X, you can do it a few ways. You can use hand weights/dumbbells or go with resistance bands for the exercises which call for it. I have a few dumbbells and picked up some resistance bands, to have the option to use either. Other than that, I just have a chin up bar similar to this one. That's pretty much all you need.

Like I said I'm looking to add noticeable muscle mass and possibly put on a few pounds in the process. In addition I hope to have more energy, have better strength and endurance and feel better in the process.

Have you tried out the P90X or another workout program that is easy to do from home with minimal equipment? Would love to hear about your successes and tips/tricks for sticking with it. BEEFCAKE! :P

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