Let the games begin

Well, I didn't get a chance to do DB365 yesterday, because I gave blood at work and was told no exercise for the rest of the day.  So I wisely took the American Red Cross advice and took a day off from DB.  I have been exercising regularly for several months now.  So I was antsy to get back to working out and today's program didn't disappoint.

Today's DB365 kicks off with the opening of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.  J.D. has been super excited all week, because he's a huge Olympic fan. He's been holding Olympic trivia all week long and today he welcomed 1996 Olympic gymnast Dominque Dawes to talk in the studio and exercise with the group.

Dominque is a mom to two little girls and she spoke about passing along her wisdom of health and exercise to her children.  She said that she learned a lot in her childhood while training for the Olympics.  "It's not about standing on the podium in 1996," she told J.D.  "It was the 13 years it took to get to the Olympic games and 18 years in the sport of gymnastics -- that was where my character was developed."

She stated that she made thousands of mistakes and failed many times.  "I learned from persevering. I learned from sacrifice and making commitments.  That's what makes me a good role model for my girls.  I love being a mom...and my plan every day is to make sure my girls are happy and healthy."

As for the workout, trainer Nora Minno opened the DB365 games with an Olympic-themed routine of two full-body circuits finishing with exercises resembling the modern pentathlon.  Some of the moves resembled rowing, basketball, tennis and hurdling.  It was actually a fun workout (and no planks for once)!

At the end of the program, J.D. said that there was a new challenge for the DB community.  It's the "DB Decathlon challenge" where one lucky winner in the DB community will win $1,000.

So yeah, I'm signing up for it.

Takeways:
Instructor:  Nora Minno
Guest:  Olympian Dominique Dawes
Sweat Factor:  7 out of 10
Difficulty:  6 out of 10
Phrases of the day:  "Time is one thing you can't get back." -- J.D.
"Life without a cheeseburger and fries would be a miserable life.  It's all about moderation, all about balance and wise choices."  -- Dominique Dawes.

Barefoot workout with Phoenix

Today's workout was a barefoot class consisting of three total body circuits combined with boxing. Great arm conditioning with the boxing.  For cardio, Phoenix took us through multiple rounds of jumping jacks and simulated jump-roping.  She did two rounds of tricep push-ups, but no planks today.

That's what I like about this program.  One day, we're bombarded with planks, planks and more planks and my shoulders feel like they're on fire.  The next day, there's push-ups, but no planks or down-dogs, so my body gets a break from the routine.

Doing my Daily Burn 365 workout after work is the one thing I look forward to every day.  I may come home from work tired, but I want to workout before I relax or eat dinner.  I always do my workouts barefoot in my living room or bedroom.  It's much more comfortable for me.

Takeways:
Instructor:  Phoenix Carnevale
Sweat Factor:  6 out of 10
Difficulty:  5 out of 10
Phrases of the day:  "If you feel uncomfortable -- good." -- Phoenix
"Fatigue is a sign of effort."  "Ego is the enemy of progress."  -- J.D.

Also, J.D. wants to see "Dishwash Loading" as an Olympic sport (don't ask, just do the workout to see what he means).

Continuous Flow ... Linear Workout

This whole week is the "Countdown to the Olympics."  There's been Olympic trivia every day before and after the workout.

The workout was four circuits of a "continuous flow" meaning, the DB instructor doesn't stop to demonstrate a move -- she just goes from one move to another without interrupting the heart rate, intensity or flow.

The workout was four circuits of a linear fashion ending with a cardio blast.  It was a really enjoyable workout, not too hard, but definitely challenging.

J.D. ended saying that Friday, Aug. 5, Olympian Dominque Dawes will be the guest in studio.  He thanked everyone for making the commitment to show up for the workout.

Takeways:
Instructor:  Erika Shannon
Sweat Factor:  7 out of 10
Difficulty:  5 out of 10
Phrase of the day:  "Defend yourself against haters.  Defend yourself against negativity."