Saturday, January 29, 2011

DAY 18

DAY 18 (Saturday morning)

1-Count, 2-Count, 3-Count, 4-COUNT! Ah-ah-ahhh... (The Count from Sesame Street!)

GOOD GRIEF!  This morning's workout was really, really tough.  And I don't mean because Nick forgot to bring donuts and bagels to the Club for "After Workout Snacks" either!  Nick was on a mission.  And that mission?  To make Jeff hurt and feel the pain.  As Nick told me: "Don't just hit the wall! I want you to run THRU the wall, Jeff! KNOCK IT DOWN for crying out loud! 

With our exercises, Nick is a real stickler for perfection.  He doesn't want his members to just go through the motions and move for the sake of moving.  He wants you to do it right.  And do it right everytime. Nick would rather see us do an exercise 10 times correctly, instead of 20 or 30 times incorrectly.  And for good reason. The correct way is WAY more difficult and painful than the incorrect way.  This was the case with my 4-Counts today.  Nick did not like my form.  SO, ... he stood over me and made sure my form was correct.  And the correct form was difficult.  Nick doesn't care that my knees don't bend that way, or that I thought I WAS keeping my back straight!  Nick wants perfection. So he stood there and yelled at me to keep my knees straight, and my back straight.  For 10 times. What a guy, right?  As I've said before:  He's my Mickey (from the "Rocky" movies).  "Keep those knees straight for cripes sake, Rock!" 

I definately got a good workout in this morning.  And Nick made sure that I did it right.  I sincerely do appreciate him for that, because he MAKES you work harder!  He MAKES you push yourself harder than you ever would on your own!  And Nick MADE me knock that wall of exhaustion down on several occassions today.  And I feel it even now, 5 hours later, as I sit comatose on my couch with a bottle of Motrin IB in one hand, and a tall glass of water in the other. I'm not going to lie to you: I really wish it was beer, though!  Ok, let's be honest with each other.  I'd be MUCH more happy if it was a beer in one hand, and a slice of thin crust pepperoni and jalapeno pizza in the other!  Now THAT would be perfection in my book.  And then I could be like The Count on Sesame Street and count all of the slices of pizzas I was going to eat:  "1. I have 1 slice of pizza! 2. I have 2 slices of pizza! Ah-ah-ahhhh...."  I love that muppet.

Thank you for reading.
Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine

DAY 17

DAY 17 (Friday)

NICK'S BACK

Nick is back in town after making a 2-day visit to his mentor's club in Phoenix, AZ.  Mack Newton (http://www.macknewton.com/) is Nick's Mentor and inspiration, as well as being one of only a small handful of 9th Degree Black Belts in TaeKwon-Do in the country.  Mack trains a lot of professional athletes at his club in Phoenix!  In addition, Nick likes to point out that Mack Newton is 68 years old (age is just a number!), in better shape than anyone else he has ever met, and has only 2.7% bodyfat.  It just goes to show that being in shape is so much more than just a physical state of being.  Mack preaches mental toughness in collaboration with physical fitness.  Your mind is a muscle and it needs just as much exercise as your body.  Mack Newton's philosophy is one of positive thought and uplifting messages.  And that nothing is impossible if you put your mind too it.

Tonight, Nick discussed the many things he was inspired by during his visit to Mack Newton's club.  One point that really stood out was the importance of sustainability.  This relates to how you approach your own physical fitness and making the "life decision" to get in shape, and then having the commitment and strength to SUSTAIN that new course in your life of eating right and getting more exercise.  Nick tells the story of one of Mack Newton's members who has, on several occassions, gone to Mack's Conditioning Class and lost 20-30 pounds while getting into great shape.  And then they disappear for several months because they are in great shape and have a new, slim figure.  The only problem is, that person eventually shows up again several months later - out of shape and back to their original weight!  Does this sound familiar to you?  It does for me.  I've been guilty of the very same experiences in the past.  I make the commitment to get in shape and lose the weight. Once I've completed that goal, it is so easy to start cutting back "just a little bit. Here and there".  I'd start missing the workouts. I would begin to indulge my appetitie for appetizers before dinner; for desserts after dinner.  And before you know it, the weight is back and I get winded going up and down stairs again!

SUSTAINABILITY!  We are all guilty of it to some degree or another.  Me included.  As I take on this "6 Week Fitness Challenge", I have to come up with a plan for Week 7!  Then what?  Right now, my plan is to continue on this new path in my life.  Continue to eat right, all of the time. Not just when it's convenient.  Continue to exercise everyday.  Whether at Nick's Pro Fitness in Evergreen, or hiking, or biking, or skiing any one of the thousands of breathtaking trails that exist in this beautiful State. We are so lucky to live in a State where everyone else in the US comes to visit.  I need to sustain my commitment to get in shape, then stay in shape and live a more healthy life. 

Thank you for reading.
Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine

DAY 16

DAY 16 

TAEKWON-DO ... And TAEKWON-DON'T!

Due to a meeting this morning, I had to miss the typical Thursday morning Conditioning Class at Nick's Pro Fitness in Evergreen!  But that is ok, because in the evening, members of the Conditioning Class do have the option of working out with the Thursday evening TaeKwon-Do Class!  To be honest, I was looking forward to seeing how their workout differs from the Conditioning Class workout. 

When I walked into the gym for the workout, I suddenly felt a bit out of place.  In the gym, doing all sorts of cool-looking TaeKwon-Do moves were kids ranging in age from 9 years to 18 years old!  And they were all dressed in their cool, white TaeKwon-Do outfits and colorful belts!  And there I was, ... a middleaged guy in basketball shorts and a t-shirt.  I was so underdressed for this group of serious, high-kicking, swift-punching group of kids. Then it went from awkward to downright laughable when about 11 girls from the Evergreen High School Girls Soccer Team showed up for the workout.  Now I really felt old and out of place.  Fortunately for me, a few other "elder" members of Nick's Pro Fitness showed up and I didn't feel so out of place.

The TaeKwon-Do workout is significantly different from Nick's Conditioning Class.  First off, they all bow and speak a few Korean phrases to each other.  And there is no shortage of "YES SIR!" and "NO SIR" responses coming from the group like a military unit to their commanding officer. Next, we started running.  Yup.  In the gym.  In wide circles.  No stretching first.  No Evergreen Gossiping amongst the members during Social Stretching.  Just started running.  And after we ran for a while, we changed it up a bit and did sprints!  And then some frog leaps.  Followed by some bear crawls.  And a few other leg-burning exercises, but I don't really remember because my heart was racing so fast, and I was trying too hard to catch my breath to really comprehend what my body was doing.  Needless to say, I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the athleticism and energy level of all of the TaeKwon-Do students and the soccer girls.  They were like a bunch of gazelles, sprinting their way across the Serengeti. And I was like the big wildebeest drinking from the muddy river and lumbering along.  (Sorry, I'm watching "Planet Earth" on cable tv as I write this posting!  I LOVE THIS SHOW!!)

I've decided that no matter what fitness class you show up for at Nick's Pro Fitness, they will ALL give you the best workout you can possibly hope for.  Nick's is not a place to go and "be seen", or to just do a few sit-ups and maybe run on the treadmill for 20-30 minutes. This is a place to get in shape, and work your butt off.  No question about it.  Now give Nick's a call, or just make the 20 minute drive up I-70 to the Evergreen Parkway exit.  It is worth it if you are even considering getting in shape, or losing some extra weight.  You will not be disappointed!

Thank you for reading.
Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

DAY 15

DAY 15 

BEN HUR

This morning's workout, Wednesday, marked Day 2 that Nick is away on business.  Mike McMahon ran the workout session on Tuesday night, but this morning was Ben's turn.  Now you need to know (2) things about Ben before I get in to my post: 1) Ben's wife is a yoga instructor, so Ben is more flexible than most men (he, like Nick, can do the splits!); and 2) Ben is in great shape and must be doing Nick's workouts because he's either bored or because he likes to catch up on the Evergreen town gossip that gets discussed during the warm-up stretches!

This morning, like Mike McMahon the night before, Ben was a bit more low-key and relaxed than Nick Kapande who has such an intense energy vibe surrounding him at all times. Ben took his time leading us through our stretches, which is good AND bad for an out-of-shape, unflexible guy like me.  To give you an insight into my stretching abilities, I get really excited when I can bend over and touch my fingers to the floor without bending my knees!  Yup ... it's Miller Time when Jeff can touch his toes.  That was about the extent of my pre-exercise stretching before I joined Nick's Pro Fitness.

For our morning workout, Ben decided that the entire class should have upper arms and shoulders as strong as his are.  We did all types of arm circles, arm extensions, and push-ups.  My shoulders were burning so bad, it was truly hard to keep the pace.  Ben never broke a sweat, the show-off!  Another different to note between Ben and Nick Kapande -- Ben smiles through much of the work-out as if he thinks this is fun and mildly relaxing.  Nick is serious, and takes the workout seriously.  Again, not for better or worse, just a difference in teaching styles.

And again, I was sadly mistaken to think that maybe Ben would take it easy on us this morning while Nick was away.  Nope.  I left the class exhausted and thoroughly spent.  You were a fearsome and admirable foe, Ben, and I salute you.  Figuratively, of course, as because of you ... I can not lift my arms once again.  SO, use your imagination and just pretend that I am saluting you, Ben.  It's ok.  I'll nod in agreement. 

Thank you for reading.
Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine

DAY 14

DAY 14 

Nick's Away!

Tonight, Tuesday, was our first class sans Nick Kapande - spirited owner and Fitness Guru!  Nick left for a business trip so fellow Conditioning Class veteran, Mike McMahon, took on the leadership role and took over the reins of leading this fit group of people through an invigorating workout.  And when I say "fit" to describe the group, of course you understand that I am so not including myself in that group.  It is more of a metaphor, really.  But I'm working on it!  It was a different vibe with Mike at the head of the class.  Not better, or worse, just a completely different leadership style!

A few differences to note between Nick and Mike:
1) Nick well tell us towards the end of the workout that he "can't hurt us in just 10 minutes", as he then proceeds to hurt us in remaining 10 minutes of class.  Mike does not make any such claims, but does a great job keeping Nick's fast-paced energy during the class.
2) During an exercise like knuckle push-ups, or leg lifts, Nick yells: "only 10 more! You can do it" ... and then makes us do 20 more for good measure!  Mike counts down and when he gets to 1, he actually stops.
3) Both Nick and Mike do a great job of not only doing the exercises with the class, but also stopping to help those who might not be doing the exercise correctly.  However, Nick then moves you to the front row so he can keep a keen eye on you for the remainder of class!  I find myself in the front row A LOT.  And I don't think it's because Nick likes my witty banter or wants to make idle chat during the workout.  He's all business.
4) Mike can't kick as high as Nick.  Nick's got a pretty impressive side kick!

Yes, despite my frivolous hopes that Nick's absence might mean a bit of a reprieve for us in our workout, those hopes were quickly dashed as Mike settled in to the quick-paced, high intensity workout just as Nick does every day.  A major bummer.  As I told you in my "Day 3" posting, I am a man who looks for the short-cuts without someone standing there to hold me accountable, because short-cuts don't hurt as much!  Mad Mike had his shifty eyes scanning the class the entire time, making sure no one (me) was cheating themselves during the workout.  Curse you and your razor-like eye sight, Mike McMahon!  No rest for the weary this night.  Nick would be proud. 

Thank you for reading.
Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

DAY 13

DAY 13 

PUSH-UPS, SIT-UPS AND ... FROG LEAPS?

Over the weekend, fitness legend Jack LaLanne passed away at age 96. Some have called Jack the "founder of fitness", as he was one of the pioneers of physical fitness as we know it today.  Why is this important to you, you ask? Well, because it is important to Nick Kapande, owner of Nick's Pro Fitness, and to celebrate Jack's life, Nick decided to honor his passing with an extensive set of sit-ups and push-ups for the Conditioning Class!

The endless series of varying types of push-ups and sit-ups seemed to last forever!  And with each push of my arms, and contraction of my stomach, my muscles were getting weaker and weaker to the point of exhaustion.  After the fun of push-ups and sit-ups concluded, and arms having melted, it was time for another fun and grueling exercise: frog leaps! This is an exercise where you squat down - butt low and even with your bent knees and arms stretched out in front of you.  With all of the power in your legs, you BURST up and out with your legs while throwing your arms behind you to gain some momentum!  Looks just like a frog jumping, only it hurts a lot more.  You can REALLY feel the burn in your thighs.  Nick decided we should do those for a while.  A rather LONG while!

Needless to say, my morning experience trying to get ready for work was one of an awkward dance that would probably look like I had my arms tied to my sides - just above the elbows - with an invisible rope.  There was nothing left in my shoulders and upper arms.  And my head is located WAY above my shoulders, and a bit out of comfortable reach for my sore arms this morning.  In the shower, as I tried valiantly to shampoo my hair, I found that simple maneuver rather difficult.  At one point, I thought of squeezing the shampoo onto the wall of the shower and just rubbing my head against it.  Same thought crossed my mind for soaping up my back. 

As for combing my hair and using gel in it?  Let's just say that today is a "hat day" for me at the office! It's a good look.  A suit and a hat.  Perhaps I will start a new fashion trend.  Or, maybe not. As I near the middle of Week 3, the soreness I feel never seems to go away.  It just moves around my body, from one muscle group to the next, each day offering up new challenges to completing mundane, everyday tasks.  Like getting ready for work!  However, the results are beginning to show.  I have lost over 6lbs and my clothes are feeling more loose fitting.  And I have moved down a notch in my belts, which is a great feeling.  So far, I am pleased with the results.  No washboard stomach yet, but I'm getting closer!  Pretty soon, I'll walk into the sweatbox (gym) and Nick will call me "The Situation!"  Scratch that.  I don't think Nick has ever seen "The Jersey Shore", let alone owns a tv.  He will simply say: "keep going!"

Thank you for reading.
Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine

To reach me by email:  jeff.bowers@denverlifemagazine.com

Sunday, January 23, 2011

DAY 12

DAY 12 (Saturday) - Nick's Pro Fitness (http://www.nicksprofitness.com/)  Ph: (303) 674-6902

EATING & EXERCISE!

Today's 8:00AM class came quickly after Friday night's tough workout.  It is definately a tight-turn for exercising.  This morning, Nick decided it was time to weigh me again.  Nick's rule is to get weighed ever 3 days to judge your individual progress.  The scale was not good to me.  I went UP .5 lbs.  That's right: a half pound.  I can try and give execuses, like eating a very late dinner after last night's workout, and then a quick fruit shake for breakfast.  But the bottom line is this:  an increase in weight is an increase in weight for Nick.  And that has its own consequences.  In my case, my punishment was (still is) 1,200 mountain climbers.  Good grief!  At this rate, between gaining a half pound and being late for class, I'll be the best damn mountain climber around.

Nick has his own reason for my slight weight gain: not eating enough!  It never occured to me.  Nick and I talked at length about what I am eating and how often I am eating during this Challenge, and he is not happy.  I am only eating breakfast, lunch and dinner.  No in-between meals.  And that is another "no-no" at Nick's.  A huge part of the "6 Week Fitness Challenge" is not only making the commitment, dedication and sacrifice to be at ever single class to get in shape, but also to eat right, and more frequently every day.  Nick wants me to start eating a minimum of five (5) small meals a day of lean protein and vegetables.  By eating the right things (which I was already doing!), but eating MORE FREQUENTLY throughout the day, the weight will drop at an even quicker pace as I train my body's metabolism to get in shape.

I know that everyone else at Nick's already knows this fact.  You can see it by the great shape everyone at Nick's is currently in.  But with my busy, daily schedule of meetings around Denver and not a lot of down time, eating at various times throughout my day is difficult at best! I just don't really feel hungry all the time.  But this is where the sacrifice and dedication comes in to play.  I have to make the time.  I have to find the opportunities to eat the in-between meals in order to be 100% successful in making this positive change in my lifestyle.  Not just for the next six weeks, but for the long-haul.   I owe it to my wife, and to my two young children to be in the best shape of my life and be the best that I can be for them.  By eating!! I never thought a fitness expert and TaeKwon-Do champion would be telling me to "EAT MORE!"  I think I can make that happen.  Why not, right?

This weekend, while I watch the awesome football games on the tv -- GO BEARS! GO STEELERS! -- I will be preparing all of my meals for the week.  Mid-morning snacks, lunches, mid-afternoon snacks, and dinners. That way, they will be ready and convenient for consumption.  I'm looking forward to putting this theory to test with my busy schedule and the Conditioning Classes at Nick's, and my individual goal of losing 20-25lbs in the 6 weeks.

I will keep you posted!

Thank you for reading.
Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine

DAY 11

DAY 11 (Friday) - Nick's Pro Fitness (http://www.nicksprofitness.com/) Ph:  (303) 674-6902
Total Weight Loss to date: 6 lbs

TARDINESS!

Today was another first for me during my "6 Week Fitness Challenge" at Nick's Pro Fitness in Evergreen, CO.  Car trouble!  Yup.  I had what the mechanic told me was a "minor" issue and should only take a few hours to repair and get back on the road.  Unfortunately, the mechanic ran into some unexpected challenges while repairing my vehicle and it wasn't until the very last minute that he informed me I would not have my car back until Saturday!!  "Oh crap!" was my first reaction.  Not because of the additional repairs needed on my car, but at the thought of being LATE for Nick's class -- a HUGE "No-no" at Nick's Pro Fitness. 

I quickly talked Shawn Miller, Publisher of Denver Life Magazine, into letting me take his car so I could race up to Evergreen and try and make it to the scheduled work-out on time.  Unfortunately, traffic delayed my arrival by 45 minutes.  As I approached Nick's Pro Fitness, the thought did occur to me to just skip the workout and make it to Saturday morning's class.  Well, that thought lasted about 2 minutes until I remembered just how Nick handles those who are either late, or miss altogether, one of his classes.  Lots, and lots, and lots of kick-backs, mountain climbers, bear crawls, or whatever he is in the mood for at the time.  And they are NO FUN at all! 

I walked in a good 50 minutes late, with still 40 minutes left to go in the workout, and sure enough ... Nick gave me 300 mountain climbers right away for being late, and then told me to join the intense cardio going on.  Let me tell you that just in the 40 minutes alone, the exhaustion and burning in my legs was enough to know I had made the right choice.

This is one of the things Nick preaches to all of his members almost on a daily basis: Commitment and Dedication. It takes 100% commitment and dedication to want to change your life. To want to improve your health and get the most out of your life.  It takes commitment and dedication to know that, even when running 45 minutes late, it is far better to still show up and do as much as you can with the remainder of the time, than to just "skip it" and try and make up that time tomorrow.  As Nick says: "There are no short cuts to good health.  There are no do-overs in life.  There is only today." 

Thank you for reading.
Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine

Thursday, January 20, 2011

DAY 10

DAY 10 - Nick's Pro Fitness (http://www.nicksprofitness.com/) Ph: (303) 769-6267

WAX ON!  WAX OFF!

This morning's workout saw a particularly small class, as compared to the usual large group of members who show up for a great early morning workout.  There were only 12 of us on this cold, snowy morning.  As a result, Nick decided to change things up a bit ... (Editor's Note: EVERY day is completely different at Nick's) ... and we did circuit training again.  This time, however, our workout had a psuedo"Karate Kid" type of feel too it that involved push-ups, pull-ups, and round-out kicks that were much more difficult to do in person than they look on tv.  I felt like "Danielson" training for the big karate match, and Nick Kapande was our "Mr. Miyagi, only not as old and without the Asian accent.  Same height, maybe.  I've never met the actor, Pat Morita, so I can not accurately portray the comparison.  Just use your imagination!

Unfortunately, Nick did not make any cool, creative comparisons between the moves were doing and everyday house-hold chores to really send the message home, like the iconic: "Wax on; Wax off!" comparison to a karate block.  Nope.  Nick is all business.  It was a simple: "You will kick like this!  Do it right the first time, and MAKE IT COUNT!"  Oh well, it was still a fun and challenging workout this morning that got the blood pumping and my shoulders burning.  It would have been great if Nick handed us all headbands with a Korean flag on it, just to complete the mood.  But that would not be Nick's style.  And we, as a group, would have probably gotten a bit out of control with laughter and goofing around.  On second thought, Nick may be brighter and more cunning than I previously gave him credit for!  It's as if he has been doing this sort of high-intensity training thing for the past 29 years, or so!  Hmm?  Food for thought.

Today, I feel great.  My body is starting to respond and I can definately feel a change occuring in my energy level and my overall well-being.  I hope you are enjoying reading my postings as much as I enjoy writing them.  Please do not hesitate to write me with any questions or comments.  I would love to hear from you.

Thank you for reading.
Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine

DAY 9

DAY 9 - Nick's Pro Fitness (www.nicksprofitness.com) Ph: 303.679.6267


WAKEY, WAKEY!


Wednesdays and Thursdays are early morning workouts at Nick's Pro Fitness. The Fitness Conditioning Class runs from 6 a.m.- 7:30 a.m. It takes a new level of dedication and commitment to wake up in the early morning hours, in the dark and cold, and gather the will to head on down to Nick's to get your butt whipped into shape. And it never ceases to amaze me just how many of Nick's members do it! There were a lot of people in this morning's class, all ready for the intense workout to follow.



This morning was a first for me! NOPE ... no washboard tummy yet (because I know that is what first popped into your mind). No, it was a cramp. A CRAMP, for crying out loud. In my lower left calf, as we were jumping rope. I have not had a muscle cramp in years, and it still hurts more than anything else going on. Luckily for me, Nick showed compassion and let me quit the jumprope exercise. "Great!" I thought. Until Nick then informed me that I would be doing a series of mountain climbers, kick-backs and knee presses instead! "Thanks, Nick. Thank you for that. I feel great. Totally winded, exhausted and shakey ... but, great."


And, as one of my fellow members looked back and must have seen the anguished look on my face, simply demanded of me:  "SMILE JEFF!"


They are a happy and upbeat morning crowd at Nick's. Even without a Coffee or Scone in hand. My fellow Conditioning Class members are always positive and ready to help out. As I have said before, Nick's truly is an enjoyable place to get in shape.


Thank you for reading.
Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

DAY 8

DAY 8 - Nick's Pro Fitness (http://www.nicksprofitness.com/)  Ph; (303) 679-6267

Keep Smiling!

I must apologize for my delay in getting this Posting out, regarding DAY 8 of my "6 Week Challenge"!  You see, only now can I actually keep my arms in place without them getting fatigued and falling back to down to my sides.  Nick was in a "playful" mood last night, and gave us one heckuva workout.  I realize that I am using the descriptive words: "intense", "grueling", "exhausting", and "painful" all too frequently in my daily posts.  The only excuse I can provide to you, my readers, is: YOU DO IT!!  These are the exact feelings I experience on a daily basis at Nick's Conditioning Class. 

It is encouraging, and freakishly scary at the same time, that every one of Nick's members who are partaking in the Conditioning Class are absolutely spent by the end of the workout.  Even those who have been working out with Nick for several years are exhausted by the end of the 90-minute session!  And they're seasoned veterans.  So, I am glad to know that is not just me who is doing everything I can to keep up, and not throw up in class (last night, I did have the dreaded gag-reflex a few times, but was able to keep my composure).

The Good News:  This has been an incredible eight days, so far.  I am beginning to see a noticable change in my body, and the workouts - though tough and not for the faint of heart - are beginning to feel more comfortable.  I can see that this is going to be a truely life-changing moment for me going forward.

The Bad News:  Nick is beginning to notice as well, and that acts as a catalyst for him to start picking on my technique and notice whenever my body gives out and I have to take a quick breather!  "KEEP GOING, JEFF! BREATHE, AND KEEP MOVING!  NO SHORT CUTS ALLOWED IN MY CLASS, JEFF!"  I hear him yell from the front of the gym. 

That voice is going to start ringing in my head and bring about nightmares as my weeks continue, I just know it.  For now, though, my philosophy and attitude are upbeat and whenever I hear Nick call me out -- I just SMILE!  And that annoying song that Dory sings from the Disney movie "Finding Nemo" pops into my head for the duration of my workout: 
"Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LAH! Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming"!!! 

And now it's stuck in your head, isn't it?  I love it.

Thank you for reading.
Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine

Monday, January 17, 2011

DAY 7

DAY 7 - Nick's Pro Fitness (http://www.nicksprofitness.com/)  Ph: (303) 674-6902
(DAY 6 was folded in to DAY 5 – in case you were wondering!  It was a Saturday morning class.)

Going in to tonight's workout, after having ALL of Sunday off from exercising, it almost felt like I had been on vacation!  It was such a refreshing feeling not to be so sore.  However, and this still surprises even me, it also felt good to get back into the hot gym.  After spending a relaxing and sedintary Sunday on the couch watching those AWESOME football games on tv (GO BEARS! GO STEELERS!), my body was actually ready to get back to the exercise routine.  It is difficult for me to explain, but I felt a slight tinge of sluggishness today without having had any rigorous movement for 1 1/2 days. Crazy, I know. 

Perhaps, and don't tell Nick Kapande this, but just perhaps ... he may be on to something.  That once you have given your body a taste of intense physical activity, and endured several days of grueling workouts that involve every muscle in your body, you almost start to miss it! The adrenaline and the rush of the workout becomes sort of intoxicating. SORT OF!!! I am not going to get too far ahead of myself here.  I am hungry and dillusional.

It is ONLY Day 7, of course, and I have not had anything more than a meager salad for lunch at 11:30AM today so my mind may be playing tricks on me.  I am so not ready to call myself "addicted" to this grinding 90-minute Conditioning Class, six days a week, just yet. Tonight's workout was a punishing stomach and chest workout that has left my shoulders achey, and my stomach tight. (No washboard tummy yet, though! I check everyday in the mirror for it.)  I can't wait to try and sit-up in bed tomorrow morning!! That should prove for some laughs. Although, I must say, I have become quite skilled at the art of rolling out of bed and landing on my feet.  It's a bit trickier than it sounds, my friends. Give it a try!

CONGRATULATIONS to the Evergreen High School Girls Soccer Team!  They have also joined Nick's "6 Week Fitness Conditioning Class" to gain a HUGE competitive advantage over the other schools in their conference.  They were right there in the class tonight, doing their best to keep up and complete all of Nick's exercises without complaint or despair.  They did awesome tonight. 

Thank you for reading.
Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine

Friday, January 14, 2011

Day 5

Total Weight Loss in 5 days: 4lbs

"ATOMIC FRIDAY!"

Unfortunately, “Atomic Friday” does NOT signify a platter of Hot Buffalo Wings and iced-cold refreshments waiting for us after the Conditioning Class, as I had truly and sincerely hoped for when I heard the term. I know what you’re thinking now: Total Let Down!

 This post is going to be a first for us: You (the reader) and Me (the writer), so just go with it! In order for you to completely understand what I am currently enduring today, as I write this post, I am going to involve a concept called: “Audience Participation."  Right now, Stand Up wherever you are while reading this post. Go ahead and do it. Just stand up.  (I’ll wait…)

Now that you are standing, I want you to FLEX your quadricep muscles (your thighs) as hard and as much as you can possibly muster. I mean it. I want you to stiffen those legs right up! Lock your knees in place. Make it so that you feel like your thighs could literally BURST right off of your bones. Ok ... HOLD THE FLEX! HOLD IT! HOLD IT! By now, your legs should start to shake or tremble a little. It’s a weird and uncomfortable feeling, I know.

WHILE STILL FLEXING YOUR THIGHS, I want to you try and take a few steps. That’s right! Without letting go of the flex, try walking around in a small circle. A bi-product of this little maneuver is that your butt will automatically, without your control or desire, tighten up and clinch up on its own! You look, and feel, like a complete DORK while doing this exercise, don’t you? Totally. I know this because … WELCOME TO MY WORLD, this morning! Except that, for me anyway, the extreme tightness is completely involuntary and out of my control. That’s right. I have no control whatsoever of my thighs this morning, and they are burning! My legs are so sore and trembly.

And here’s the worst (best) part:  I am stuck on the couch. No, really. It all started when I went to get out of bed this morning. My mind said “yes”, but my thighs said “You’re kidding, right?” And thus began the most painful, goofy-looking, combination walk-shuffle sort of contrite movement that lasted entirely too long; took WAY too much energy and concentration; and has lasted even through this morning’s workout. Finally, I am back home and sitting on my couch where I have given up completely and collapsed – with beads of sweat on my forehead. Not pretty. Any sort of leg movement whatsoever brings obnoxious pain and the beginnings of a leg cramp. I’ll be ok, in case you suddenly got worried. I have my laptop here, obviously, and I have the TV remote sitting next to me so I will be able to watch the great football games this weekend from this position right here. On the couch. I’ll be fine. Besides, not only does Pizza Hut deliver (SALAD, in case Nick Kapande is reading this), but you can order online (SALAD. Again, just in case Nick sees this) and you can pay online. Right from the comfort of your couch and laptop. Bonus!

My next concern and steadily growing dilemma: the bathroom is WAAAAAAYYYYY far away. In another room. And there are no Assist Handles to help me get up in my bathroom. Just smooth, plastered walls. CURSE YOU SMOOTH PLASTERED WALLS!!

Thank you for reading.
Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Day 4

Rocky Balboa  (I currently resemble Paulie more than I do Rocky, but I'm working on it!)

This morning, Nick Kapande, decided to change things up a bit. Today, we did a workout reminiscent of one of the best feel-good movies ever made: "Rocky." A true American classic that we all know and love. Who didn't want to be like Rocky at one point in their lives? Our "Rocky" workout involved a 45-minute rotating circuit of: jump rope, speed & power punches on the punching bag, sit-ups, lunges with a medicine ball, pull-ups and dips! Unfortunately, there were no iconic horns blaring the "Rocky" theme song to really set the tone and pace of our workout, or Survivor belting out "Eye of the Tiger" on the loud speakers to really get your heart pumping and feel like you too could be getting ready to fight Apollo Creed or Clubber Lang! Nope. This is 2011. We had to listen to the Black Eyed Peas and Kesha (really?) to get us moving. What is THAT all about?!

The best word to describe my overall workout experience this morning is this: TEAMWORK! We have all had to push ourselves to limits we never thought possible, and then motivate ourselves to continue pushing even further. Even Rocky had Mickey there to push him and show him how to train correctly! I will be the first to tell you that without Mickey around to hold me accountable in the gym, I look for the shortcuts because they won't hurt as much. In our "Rocky" workout this morning, Nick found muscles to abuse I haven't felt in years. And it was only with the help and constant encouragement from some of Nick's "veteran" members that I was able to make it through today.

I need to take this opportunity to thank my own versions of "Mickey" today. Ed Bischoff (Ed has lost 20lbs in his few short months at Nick's to date); Mike McMahon (Mike drives up to Evergreen everyday from Denver just to work out with Nick); and Eric Shaw (Eric joined Nick after his wife lost 20lbs and called Eric out on a dare!). It is people like these 3 guys who make Nick's Pro Fitness such a great place to workout. They didn't have to help me out. They didn't have to take the time away from their own exercise time with Nick to make sure I was doing everything Nick asked -- and doing it RIGHT! But they did it because everyone in Nick's Conditioning Class has been there before. And they genuinely want to see each other succeed. Nick's Pro Fitness is a very cool, very personable place to work out and the pain you experience is only a small bi-product of the ultimate goal:  To Lose Weight and Get in Shape. Thank you Ed, Mike and Eric. I really could not have done it without your help today.

Thank you for reading.

Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Day 3

I know what you're thinking: "Already?"  Believe it. I know I just posted "Day 2" last night, but that's how Nick Kapande rolls. No rest for the ... um ... No rest for this guy!! (I think that's how the saying goes.)

Today's posting revolves around the single most powerful part of your body:  The Mind. Your mind is truly an amazing tool when put to use. Your success, and your failure, rests solely on the power of your mind. It can control you; it can make your body do things you never thought possible. And it is an effective weapon when put to the test. Today's work-out brought the power of the mind to the forefront of my challenge, like never before. I'd like to introduce you to four key elements that came into play during this morning's grueling, muscle-straining work-out. (The hardest one to date ... in 3 days).

CONCENTRATION: The dictionary defines "concentration" as: intense mental application; complete attention; the act or process of concentrating with undivided attention.

WILL-POWER: The dictionary defines "will power" as: the strength of will (or mind) to carry out one's decisions, wishes or actions.

ADVERSITY: The dictionary defines "adversity" as: distress, affliction, hardship; an unfortunate event or incident to overcome.

GAG REFLEX: The dictionary defines "gag reflex" as: normal reflex consisting of retching; an automatic instinctive uncontrollable reaction to a stimulus.

It took all of the Concentration and Will-Power I had to overcome the Adversity and the Gag Reflex I experienced at several times during my work-out with Nick this morning. It was all I could do to keep from losing my stomach on Nick's dark green carpeted floor in the sweatbox he calls a "gym". The good news is this:  My mind is a powerful and wonderful tool when faced with such adversity and I came away from this morning's class with my integrity ... and my breakfast ... still intact. You're a noble and persistent foe, Nick Kapande, and I applaud your efforts to whip me into shape. Until tomorrow morning, you all may find me firmly planted in my desk chair at the office as any sort of physical movement whatsoever may set off a chain of events you won't necessarily want to bear witness too.

Thank you for reading this, and for your words of support.  I sincerely appreciate it.

Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Day 2

1st Thoughts: Only Day 2? Good grief. And I don't have a washboard stomach yet. This process is taking entirely too long for me.

I don't mean for these first 2 postings to be about my car, but I do have to send my sincerest regards to the master engineers at GM who developed such wonderful amenities for middle-aged, out-of-shape men like me.  You see, this morning was a little tough on my legs after last night's work-out, and they would not stop trembling when put to use.  This was most noticeable while driving. I tried my best to break and accelerate in a smooth, easy manner. That was not happening. Had the police been anywhere near my neighborhood this morning, they would have pulled me over for reckless driving or suspicion of drunk driving. I was slamming on the breaks at every stop sign, and then literally flooring it at acceleration. Try as I might, I just could not make a smooth breaking motion, or acceleration. And with the snow, I was all over the place - even in 4-Wheel Drive.

Bring on the wonderful Cruise Control - conveniently located right there on the steering wheel for sore arms - with the ability to accelerate ... AND decelerate ... at the click of a button! Bless you GM engineers. Bless you. That is how I managed to drive all the way to the office this morning. With my thumbs!

Tonight's work-out was tough. And Hot. Nick Kapande, our motivational leader, was so proud of getting the heat in the gym fixed. Apparently, last night's work-out was not hot enough! Nick likes a warm gym to keep us moving. So far, I am doing okay even at 9 PM. Here's the kicker though ... tomorrow's class (DAY 3) begins at 6 AM.

Who signed me up for this? Perhaps Nick will offer us snacks and refreshments for the morning class. Like bagels and coffee. That may be just wishful thinking on my part. I will be sure to let you know.

Thank you for reading this.

Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine

Monday, January 10, 2011

Day 1

The Person:  Jeffrey Bowers, Director of Advertising Sales for Denver Life Magazine
My Vitals - Age: 36 years old;  Height: 5' 9";  Weight: 209lbs;  Body Fat index: 34% ... not good.

The Place:  Nick's Pro Fitness in Evergreen, CO  (www.nicksprofitness.com)

First Impression:  Upon entering the gym where Nick's "Conditioning Class" takes place at the club, I immediately notice that there are no flashy, neon lights. There is no bass-thumping music blaring over the speakers. There are no brightly-colored stepping platforms or giant blow-up balls sitting around the perimeter. There are NO shoes or socks allowed on the floor (I quickly adapt and leave my brand new, bright white Adidas socks and new Brooks Cross-Trainer shoes outside the door like a rookie!). And there is definitely no high-energy, happy-go-lucky, pony-tailed instructor with a headset microphone standing on a pedestal and leading the class! Nope. This is a serious room with white walls and dark green carpet. And it is HOT! Nick keeps the room around 92 degrees for optimal muscle performance, I guess. Or it's just to make us sweat more. Either way, it is very easy to sweat in there. There are large, mosaic tile tablets with inspirational sayings hanging high on the walls (albeit in a foreign language, but I'm sure they're inspirational!!). And there is Nick Kapande. Dressed in black shorts and a black tank top, Nick is the leader of the group. Nick is 48 years old, in incredible shape and is all business.

Results of Day 1:  As I write this post, my arms and legs are shaky and my stomach muscles are completely non-existent. It is already 2 1/2 hours AFTER the completion of the workout! Instead of just hopping out of my car with gusto when I got home, I had to kind of roll out of the car slowly and uneasily and use hand-grips I never knew existed on the door frame. Thank you, GM...you are my hero tonight. As for the diverse group of people who have also voluntarily signed up for this grueling class, the one word that best describes them is: LOYAL. These people are some of the most dedicated and disciplined individuals I have ever seen at a health club. A large majority of these people have been coming to Nick's for several years! On purpose, no less. And it shows. They are inspirational to work out with, and to watch...which I was able to do frequently when my muscles were burning too much to continue the long sets of each exercise. Every one in that class has a positive attitude and they want each other to succeed. They will become my best support group, and I will need them over the next six weeks as I take on this challenge to lose body fat and get in shape.

Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine

Denver Life Magazine's Director of Sales to take on "6 Week Fitness Challenge!"

Jeffrey Bowers, Director of Sales for Denver Life Magazine, begins a new chapter in his life today as he embarks on a      "6-Week Fitness Challenge" at Nick's Pro Fitness in Evergreen, CO.

Inspired by the "Fitness for Life" editorial feature in the current issue of Denver Life, I stopped in to Nick's Pro Fitness this past weekend and took part in one of the scheduled "Conditioning Boot Camp" classes taught by club owner, Nick Kapande, a Fifth Degree Black Belt and Tae KwonDo champion.  The 90-minute class was a true eye-opener to say the least!  I was completely awestruck at the strength and endurance of the diverse group of people in the class.  However, that feeling was overshadowed by my embarrassment of my own lack of strength and ability to complete even half of the high-intensity exercises involved.

Upon completion of the class, Nick came over and asked about my thoughts and opinion of the session.  I discussed with him about my high regard for the other attendees - ranging from 15 to 63 years of age - and their inspiring ability to complete his entire class.  I also mentioned my surprise at my own inability to deliver results.  Without hesitation, Nick responded with:  "Give me 6 weeks of your time, for 90 minutes a day, five days a week, and I guarantee that I can put you in the best shape of your entire life! My program is a total approach to vivacious and energetic good health and I can make you the strongest, most vibrant, leanest and most wonderful person that you can be, without question!"

I was sold.  I am an active 36-year-old husband; father of two energetic children: a 6-year old son and 5-year old daughter; and I have a full-time job that takes up the majority of my time.  I am the embodiment of our average Denver Life reader.  As a competitive person by nature, I was up for Nick's challenge.

Today, Monday, January 10, 2011, will mark Day 1 of my "6 Week Fitness Challenge" to discover first-hand if Nick's claim is realistic for the average Joe.  As a service to you, our valued Denver Life readers, I will post a daily message on our Facebook page so that you can follow along in my quest to get in shape, lose my belly fat, and become "the strongest, most vibrant, leanest and most wonderful person" that I can be.  Please be sure to send us any messages or thoughts as I embark on this quest to get in shape and adopt a more active and healthy lifestyle. I'm doing this not only for me, but for my family as well.  I would love to hear from you.

And if you are ever in Evergreen, or if you are interested in also taking on this challenge, come on up and join me at Nick's Pro Fitness (www.nicksprofitness.com), or simply call for more information: 303.674.6267

Thank you,
Jeffrey Bowers
Director of Sales
Denver Life Magazine