The Thanksgiving Thursday Post: My Thanksgiving 2014 & 1st Day of Year 3

The Thanksgiving Thursday Post: My Thanksgiving 2014 & 1st Day of Year 3

Let me give you some context on how I got to here.

November 26, 2012

This is the day that I started on my journey in DDP Yoga.  I was at hovering between 265-270 pounds.  For the few months up to that point, I was feeling my health & my life spiral away from me.   I was completely inactive for 3 years, having moved to a new city due to my job with the local Cable & Internet Service Provder.

I was trying to get it back by joining a dojo and actively training with my 11 year-old son.  I had purchased the DDP Yoga DVDs, but was a little apprehensive on launching into them.  After two months of trying to do stuff in the dojo that I did in my 20s (and failing miserably), I decided that it was time for a change.  I committed myself to start walking this DDP Yoga path, during what would normally be the hardest time of year to make any changes to how you eat and how you move…. The Holidays.

Bear in mind, I did not just jump into this full bore.  I started slowly, doing the Diamond Dozen & Energy 3 to 4 times a week and easing my way into Phase 1 & Phase 2.  My goal at the time was to get down to 185lbs and get rid of this spare tire around my waist once & for all in 1 year.

To try to stay accountable, I started putting up Vlogs on my YouTube Channel (ZenTwister) named Project KTA6P (Keg To A 6 Pack). I didn’t know if anyone was watching and at that point, it didn’t matter!  I was keeping myself accountable and could start to see things happen.  I was also calling in to DDP Radio, helmed by Eric “Sparky” Callier, Robert McClerran & Stacey Morris.  I was nervous &r rambled a bit, but it was all for the cause of keeping me engaged and moving forward.

Wouldn’t you know it, as time moved forward, I started to see more & more improvement!.   Clothes were fitting looser.  The scale wasn’t groaning when I stepped on it.   I could start doing more of the things in the dojo that had been difficult for me even before I had moved to Sioux Falls.  I was achieving this by completely being in Phase 2, expanding my workouts to 7 days a week, often times twice a day.

August 18^th, 2012

Almost 9 months after 8 had started DDP Yoga, I had officially gotten down to 185lbs!  Now, the spare tire was still there, but it was definitely smaller than what it had been.  I had dropped from a size 42 waist for pants down to a size 36.  I still had 3 months of my year left to go.  So, I wanted to see how far I could take this.  I also put up new goals; to be able to do Psycho Push-Up & to become a Certified DDP Yoga Instructor.

November 23rd, 2013

The whole Month of November had been very difficult!  We ran into some financial problems, compounded by having 1 car  that a deer ran into while my wife was trying to avoid it & the other car’s engine lock up due to a bad oil pump.  To top it all off, my 92 ½ year old Grandma died after hitting her head on a nightstand.  Ironically, she passed away on the same day my other Grandma died 6 years earlier.  It was to the point where I questioned being able to feed my family.  

Through all of this, I still kept getting the workouts in, although not the Two-Fers that I had been a few months earlier.  I also kept up with my Nutrition Plan, but not eating as much.   In the interest of being upfront & showing the Down Times as well as the Up ones, I put up a couple of videos up on it.  Two members of Team DDP Yoga reached out to me; Matt Own & Liz Collins.  Both of them took the time to listen and gave of themselves generously to someone that they barely knew.

I already knew that I wanted to become a Certified DDP Yoga Instructor, but Matt & Liz just what kind of DDP Yoga Instructor I wanted to be!  One that inspired and didn’t give a second thought to putting a hand out to help people to where they needed to be!

April 3^rd, 2014

I had received a message earlier in the week from a DDP Yoga Instructor-In-Training in Sioux City named Mike Stroeh.  He was in the process of doing his Certification Videos and need someone that could do some of the tougher modifications.  Naturally, I said I’d be happy to.  I was able to arrange it so that we could record this at the Dakota Budokan Dojo (the dojo were my son & I train).  Mike & his wife, Kim, drove up that Sunday & we knocked out a great Level 1 workout!   As it turned out, it became the first of many trips Mike & Kim would make up here to help me in return with my Certification Videos. 

May 2^nd, 2014

I officially take the plunge and submit the form & money I saved up to do the DDP Yoga Instructor Certification.   By this point, I have gotten down to a Size 32 pants and at least get to a Forearm Stand.  I plunge right into starting to learn the Level  1 workout over the next few months.  I started by alternating a Level 1 workout with a Diamond Cutter or Double Black Diamond workout, then using Mixed Tape, Strength Builder or Red Hot Core on my “rest” days.

May 25^th, 2014

By this point, I had a few students that I would work on Level 1 with at the Dojo.  In an effort to get as much Teaching Time as I could, I started doing Online Workouts.  It was here that I met Cat & Ava Arnett, who joined me on several Online Workouts after that.  They eventually became known as “The Midwest Strong Sliver Bullet Express” , due to Cat saying that my workouts roared through like a freight train.  It was at time same time that my wife left her job to start working on her Wire-Wrap Jewelry Business (Wynter Creations) full time.  While I supported her decision to do this, this made finances pretty tight for months to come. 

Word of the Midwest Strong SBX spread.  I got to meet more great people that wanted to get in on this workout, such as Joshua McAdoo, Ross Raymond, Kristin Pasquill, Christine Bussman, Pam Bilton, Roger Sararas and Angee Vinzant, along with many others.   Every workout provided a new learning opportunity & a great way to reach out to other people!

There was an Inspiration Meets Perspiration DDP Yoga Event scheduled for August 9^th in LaSalle, IL (home to DDP Yoga Instructor Pioneer & Over-Achiever Matt Hancock).  Since the DDP Yoga Retreat Extravaganza was out of reach for me, this was the closest I would come to get to work out with Diamond Dallas Page and meet some of the other Rock Stars of DDP Yoga at the same time.  However, finances didn’t make that look possible, until Cat stepped in.  She liked my workouts so much, she offered to pay for my ticket to the even and threw in some extra for gas money.  Again, another example of the heart & generosity of Team DDP Yoga!

August 9^th, 2014

I went to LaSalle, IL, where I got to meet Liz Collins, Matt Hancock, David Orth, Don Schmelhaus, and most importantly The Man Himself, Diamond Dallas Page.   The Event was everything I could have imagined & more!   The stories & interactions were inspirational, the workout kicked ass & then some, and Dallas was extremely personable and generous with his time!  I was even able to shoot a video with him for my Channel.

Over the next few months, I would finish my Teaching Requirement and submit my Level 1 & Diamond Dozen Intro Video Workouts.  Unfortunately, the finances weren’t getting any easier,  Wynter Creations was bringing in some money, but not a lot.  So, when the dreaded November came along, we fell back into Struggling Mode.   However, no matter how difficult the journey, the only way out is forward & through, which is what we have been doing.

November 26^th,. 2014

This day marked my 2 Year Anniversary of doing DDP Yoga.  My wife & son left for Des Moines, IA for Thanksgiving to be with her parents.  I was not able to go because I had to work on Thursday & Friday.  I also have recently picked up a 2^nd job, cleaning the showroom at a car dealership.  But, it was slow enough at my day job where I was able to complete & submit my DDP Yoga Written Exam.

November 27^th, 2014 (ThanksGiving)

I’ve had all of 1 ½ hours of sleep because I didn’t get done cleaning the car dealership until 4am, then had to be at my office at7am.  Fortunately, it was very slow for me, being most businesses are closed today.  What lifted me up today was the message from the Yoga-Doc (Dr. Craig Aaron) and the call from Diamond Dallas Page, congratulating me for becoming the newest DDP Yoga Certified Instructor!.  I wasn’t able to talk to Dallas for long (being at work & all).  However, the fact that Dallas took the time out of his Thanksgiving to call me in person with this… once again, speaks volumes to what kind of generous, down-to-earth person that he is.  The same can be said for Yoga-Doc, again taking time out of his Thanksgiving to do this.

What will Year 3 of DDP Yoga bring for me? 

Well, for starters, Midwest Strong Fitness (Powered by DDP Yoga) is now going to be my big thing in Year 3.  I want to reach out to people and help & inspire them in the same way Team DDP Yoga has helped me!  I also want to work on my Super Hero Push-ups, emulating Matt "The Hammer" Hancock. 

We at least have the same haircut.  That's a start, right?

My Pie In The Sky Goal is to make the DDP Yoga Retreat in Mexico.  With finances the way they are now, its going to take a lot of working, scrimping & saving. But, it WILL happen, someday!

Good Things are on deck!  Stay Tuned, and as always....

#OwnThisDay 

Travis "Certified Midwest Strong" Roberts

The Tuesday Post: Showing Stregnth

The Tuesday Post: Showing Strength

     I know that it has been awhile since my last Blog Post.  Be assured; I'm still plugging away at my DDP Yoga and getting closer to getting Certified!  However, when struggles happen, my default is not to voice them.... to just drive through and Show Strength.

     Cat Arnett, a true friend with a kind heart and continuing Success Story as a part of Team DDP Yoga, posted something on Facebook that really spoke to me  It was one of  those Copy & Paste to your Wall sort of things that I don't normally participate in.  However, it was one that was rattling around in my brain for awhile now. 

     This is the way I read it.  

"Everyone will go through some hard times at some point. Life isn't easy. 

Just something to think about...did you know the people that are the strongest are usually the most sensitive? 

Did you know the people who exhibit the most kindness are the first to get mistreated? 

Did you know the ones who take care of others all the time are ...usually the ones who need it the most?

Did you know the three hardest things to say are... 

'I love you'...

'I'm sorry'....

...and 'Help me' 

?

Sometimes just because a person looks happy, you have to look past their smile and see how much pain they may be in"

    The biggest reason that I don't voice the times when I struggle is that I don't want to perpetuate Drama and Negativity.  I know that there are a lot of people out there right now that have their own share of struggles.  The last thing that I want to do is burden others with mine.  

     Logically, I know I have friends out there that I can go to and that I can turn to.  But, its that fear of causing problems  for others and not showing that I'm strong enough to handle it on my own that inclines me to shut down & compartmentalize things.  Some people with similar struggles will go as far as shutting down their Social Media Accounts and avoid a lot of interaction with people, if they can help it. 

     While I will interact with people, I often catch myself "Stiff Arming", which is a Judo Term meaning not letting people into your space.  While this keeps people at bay, it also restricts the ability to make things happen.  Stiff-Arming is not a Logical Reaction, but one based in fear.. and one that I have to work on daily to overcome.

     The other thing that will happen, which you see a lot but not really associate it with someone that is having problems, is Over-Acting.  We saw this happen with Robin Williams.  Again, these sort of things are a Control, something to deflect concentrating on where the problem is.  And, like Stiff Arming, its not a Logical Reaction. 

     So, what's the solution?

     Honestly, I don't know.

     The only thing I can come up with, as this point is the analogy of the Two-Way Street. 

     For those that are traveling towards the sun: Be watchful of people stuck on the side of the road & don't be afraid to lend a hand.

     For those that are traveling into darkness or feel lost; Don't be afraid to stop & ask for directions.

     Whichever way you are traveling, my Friends, don't be afraid to....

#OwnThisDay

Travis "Midwest Strong" Roberts 

The Wednesday Post: Challenges

THE WEDNESDAY POST:  CHALLENGES

     Project MoKA is moving along!  On Tuesday evening, I completed teaching TWO Level 1 Classes (one In Person, one Online through Google Hangout).  I’ve gotten a lot of great responses from people that have worked out with me so far!  So much so, that I’m starting to get people recommending to seek me out (always a good thing, right?)!  It is that sort of response that tells me that I am going in the right direction. 

     The GoFundMe Campaign is slowly moving along.  Any contribution would be welcome, whether monetarily or if you share it with your friends.  I really want to be available for as many people as I can.  If you would like to donate to the cause, just go to the Virtual Tip Jar on the Home Page or click on the GoFundMe link.  With your help, we can make that happen!  

     Recently, I saw a post from someone that was having some issues doing some of the Challenges going around on Team DDPYoga through the Site and on Facebook due to some physical issues.

     My Response to this goes like this…

     There are a lot of great Challenges out there right now: Slow Burn Push-Up Challenge, the Wall Chair Challenge, the Bun Guns & Abs Challenge are three of them that I happen to be working on.  However, just because  a lot of people are taking part in one Challenge or another, doesn’t mean that you have go along with it.

     One of the most important things that DDP stresses in his workouts (especially the longer ones) is “Check Your Ego At The Door & Modify Wherever You Need To”.  That means that if you can’t hit a certain position or exercise (whether you are doing a Challenge, doing a Live Workout, or following along with the DVDs), do not feel that you have to do things the exact same way everyone else is doing.   If you need to modify your position to make the exercise work, do it and challenge yourself to improve until you can actually nail the position!  

     The Biggest Thing to keep in mind when it comes to these Challenges is this: The only person that you are competing with is yourself!  The prize that you get at the end of it…  no matter how you approach the Challenge… is a better You! 

The Thursday Post: Preparing for MoKA

The Thursday Post: Preparing for MoKA

      So, today was not just ending on a High Note, it is preparing for what I am going to call Project MoKA (Month of Kicking Ass!)

     My Big Goal this Month is to be Certified by September! I am a few hours away from my required 20 Teaching Hours for my DDP Yoga Instructor Certification.  So, next week, I will be running Online & Live Classes throughout the week   Anyone that is interested in a Live Class (in person or online), please shoot me an email or message me through Facebook or Google +!

     I will also be attending the Inspiration Meets Perspiration Event at Hammer's Energy & Fitness in LaSalle, IL, where I'll be joining over a 100 of DDP Yoga's Rock Stars along with The Man Himself: Diamond Dallas Page!

     I can't think of a better way to Be Inspired to earn the MoKA moniker!

    The following weekend, I'll be filming my Level 1 Certification Video with Mike Stroeh (Iowa's sole Certified DDP Yoga Instructor) and his wife Kim.  Mike has been my inspiration to do DDP Yoga workouts Online, along with a force optimizing those Online Workouts.

    Once that's "in the can" (virtually), I will formalize my DDP Yoga Introductory Workout and offering that for anyone who is interested in seeing the Positive Power of DDP Yoga!  There will also be a written test over the material & have been going over the past few months

    Once I get the final blessing of DDP & Yoga-Doc, Midwest Strong Fitness will be LIVE & in LIVING COLOR!  

     During this process, I have also put up a Virtual Tip Jar with a GoFundMe Campaign, to get funds together for Advertising and better equipment (spare mats, WebCams, Video Cameras).  This is also going to help us in getting through a tight financial period right now, with getting the DDP Yoga Certification and my wife's Wynter Creations Wire Wrap Jewelry & Sculpture businesses off the ground.  I've already received a few donations from some of the great people that are a part of Team DDP Yoga. 

     As I said on DDPRadio on Wednesday night, the people you can find on Team DDP Yoga are the most Genuine, Caring and Real people that you will find ANYWHERE!  I challenge you to find any other Fitness Program out there that has the type of Support System that you can find on Team DDP Yoga!

    As I said in the beginning, this is going to the Month of Kicking Ass, because its going to be showing  up every day primed & ready to....

#OwnThisDay

Travis "Midwest Strong" Roberts

     

The Saturday Post: Sweat, Support & Encouragement

The Saturday Post: Sweat, Support & Encouragement

     I've had 2 days in a row where I have ran an Online DDP Yoga Level 1 Class.  Last night was one that included veteran Certified DDP Yoga Instructors Mike Stroeh & Steve Doyle, along with one half of the AOC Matt Owen and a group of others.  Today was another Sweat Fest on the Midwest Strong Silver Bullet Train with Cat & Ava Arnett.  

     Both of the workouts were, despite Technical Glitches, still were overall Great Workouts for all involved!  Everyone had some great words of encouragement & said that they would  take a class from me again!  The general consensus was that I'm ready to record my DDP Yoga Level 1 Certification Video.  

    The plan right now is to record it on August 17th, the weekend after going to the DDP Yoga Inspiration Meets Perspiration Event in LaSalle, IL, where I get to workout with The Man Himself, Di\amond Dallas Page!  I am also looking forward to meeting some of the DDP Yoga Certified SuperStars like Matt Hancock & Liz Collins.  

     I also did an interview with Ross Raymond on his Podcast.  In there, I talk about how the people on Team DDPYoga are the most Supportive & Genuine people I have ever met!  If you are looking for true Support & Encouragement in meeting your Fitness Goals, TeamDDPYoga is the place to be!  It is the kind of support that I want to provide to my students that learn DDP Yoga from me.

     I have added a Virtual Tip Jar, which includes a link to a new GoFundMe Campaign I started.  This is to up defray some of the costs in Certification & getting my Teaching Hours in.  A portion of Donations received will also go to the DDP Yoga Hardship Fund, which in of itself is a great example of how Truly Caring and Genuine the people that are involved with TeamDDPYoga are. 

      I also want to put a plug in for my wife's Jewelry Artisan Business, Wynter Creations.  Anna makes some of the most stunning, precise & original Wire-Wrap Jewelry and Sculpture Pieces around.  Every Wrap piece she makes is something Original!  No two pieces are exactly alike.  And, unlike a lot of other similar Jewelry Businesses, almost everything that is included is handcrafted by her. 

    Once again, I want to thank everyone that has been involved supporting My DDPYoga Journey so far!  Know that your Encouragement & Help in all forms are very Appreciated!  

    In return, my Big Goal is to help as many people as I can achieve their goals!  Every time I get to do an Online Workout  with someone, answer a question on Nutrition, a Workout or Rehab & Recovery, helps me in return make what I do and give out to others better.  

     In short, in getting to help you, it helps me to....

#OwnThisDay

Travis "Midwest Strong" Roberts

    

The Sunday Post #2: Kime - Where is your Focus?

The Sunday Post #2: Kime - Where is your Focus?

     As promised, here is the 2nd Sunday Post!

     Just to catch you up to where I've been over the past month.....

     I have been continuing to work towards my DDP Yoga Certification.  I am getting close to getting all of my hours in at this point.  I've also been  reading through my DDP Yoga Trainers Manual and Yoga for Regular Guys every open chance I get.  I also recently completed my SCTE Certification.

     Anna's Wynter Creations Jewelry Artisan business is still moving forward.  She had her first House Party a couple of weeks ago.  It didn't go over as well as she would have liked, but it was a good learning experience and has given her some direction on where to take things.

    Money is still tight, but between Overtime working on testing phone lines after our Switch Upgrades,giving Plasma a couple times a week, and some generous donations to the cause allowing me to go to Matt Hammer's Inspiration Meets Perspiration event in August, things are moving forward.

    I'm still looking at things I can do to generate more income to push things forward with both Anna's Wynter Creations business & my DDP Yoga Classes.  This may include setting up a Donations Button on The Blog Page or starting something like an IndeGoGo or Kickstarter campaign.  Or, it may mean picking up a Part-Time job somewhere.

    You will notice in all of this, there is nothing about Giving Up or wallowing in Negatives here.  Instead, what you see is Focusing on ways we can get to where we need to be.   The Kime is Up, not Down.

    The Japanese Definition of Kime is literally "to dedicate".  The way we use it commonly in Shotokan Karate is referring to Focus.  When we strike, we have to place our focus to snap that punch or kick where its the most effective.

     DDP Yoga has given me Kime of a different sort.  It has taught me to Focusing on what I want to achieve and Engage my efforts in how to do it.  If your Focus is on looking down and how bad things are, you will be easier to knock down.  DDP talks about Changing Your State by standing tall, pulling your shoulders back, and laughing. If you look down, your back slouches, your posture is broken & you are easier to knock down.

   If your eyes are up and your Focus is Forward, you see where you are going and are able to keep on your feet or recover quicker.

    I'm not going to tell you that you will never stumble.  I will tell you, however, that if you keep your eyes up and your Focus Forward, you will....

#OwnThisDay

Travis "Midwest Strong" Roberts

Sunday Post # 1: The Magic Fix

Sunday Post # 1: The Magic Fix

     I've got a few things on my mind today, which I'll roll out bits at a time.

     As I have said in past Posts (and I'll continue to shout from the rooftops), DDP Yoga is the Absolute Best Fitness Program out there.... period!  It continues to do so many things for me on a daily basis that I wouldn't have thought possible 20 months ago! 

     That's not to say, however, that I don't have struggles.  I have struggles every single day, just like everyone else!  

     People get into a new sort of program (DDP Yoga is no exception here) thinking that if they purchase a "miracle" program or product that their life is going to somehow become magically better.  That this was the one that that was missing in their life... and now that they've got said product, everything was going to turn around and there would be no more worries in their life!

     The other thing that happens is that they start a program, something bad happens or they had a moment of weakness, then they stop because that feeling of Hopelessness comes crashing back and they are right back to Square 1.  

      This is where doing DDP Yoga and being part of Team DDP Yoga has made the difference.  Its not just about doing the Best Fitness Program on the Planet.  Its not just being Positive & Smiling at the world.  

     What DDP Yoga has given me is the ability to look up and move forward in Bad Times as well as the Good... to Persevere and keep moving towards my goals when times are tough!

    This is the entire reason I post #OwnThisDay to almost everything I do.  Its not just to remind people to make this day the best possible!  Its to remind myself that no matter what is happening in my life right now, I have the ability to get through it and get to where I want to go. 

    As I said in my previous post.... Tough Times don't last.  Tough People Do!  Today is the day you can  move closer to where you want to go, no matter what happens (good, bad or otherwise).

Today is the day to....

#OwnThisDay 

Travis "Midwest Strong" Roberts

The Saturday Post: My Continuing Story

The Saturday Post: My Continuing Story

      Well, after a short break from Blogging to focus more on getting my Level 1 Certification going (along with working on my job's Certification Process), I thought it necessary to look back on where I've been to push me forward to where I'm going!

    The picture to the left was me, a little over 18 months ago, when I was at 260lbs and struggling to train with my son.  I wore a size 42 pants and had a plethora of XXL shirts to hide the pudge.

     The picture to the right, was taken while practicing my Level 1 workout this past Thursday.

    You see, we all get to certain points in our live where we have to say "Enough is Enough" (E-i-E) and decide to move in a new direction.  

    November 26, 2012 was one of those points.  

    At that point, after a 3 year break from doing any sort of physical activity, save for short bursts of walking or biking, I had been 2 months into getting back into Martial Arts Training by getting my son (Morgan) started in Judo, Jujustu & Karate at the Dakota Budokan Dojo.  I was only in the dojo at the times Morgan was. While I remembered a lot of what was being taught, I wasn't physically able to keep up.  My knees, hips & back were killing me & I struggled through every training session.  

    In October of 2013, I decided I was going to purchase the Basic & the Advance Pack of DDP Yoga and "try it out".  I had tried other workout programs in the past.  While I did lose weight with those other programs, they were harder to keep up & stay engaged with.  While the premise of Cardio, Strength Training & Flexibility Training all with minimal joint impact sounded great, I had my doubts about how it would deliver.

  It took me two months of dabbling, feeling a little better doing the Diamond Dozen, Energy & Fat Burner workouts before I had my E-i-E Moment.  My crazy thought was that I was going to start cutting back on the Wheat & Dairy intake and start stepping up the workouts a little bit more over a long period of  time.   Crazier than that was that I started doing this right when the Holiday Season started (a time filled with extra sweets and ample opportunities for gorging and slacking off).

    However, I thought of this as my Slow Burn Christmas gift to myself: Gaining My Life Back!  My goal at that point was to get to 185lbs in a year, so that by the next Christmas, getting clothes for gifts would be a whole new level of exciting (since they would all have to be smaller sized).

    Over the next 9 months, all filled with Peaks & Valleys, I saw slow & steady improvements.  I started to get more comments from people on what I was doing at that point.  I would talk up DDP Yoga & training at the dojo. I also did a Video Blog on my YouTube Channel (ZenTwister).  I called the whole Series "Project Keg-To-A-6 Pack" or KTA6P for short.

    As of August 26th, 2013, I hit my goal of 185lbs! I still had a slight tire around my waist, but it was definitely a lot less noticeable than it was!

    At that point, I put some new goals into place.  Namely, to get stronger than I was and be able to do things like Pull-Ups & Black Crow to Handstands.  I also set a goal that I would get Certified as a DDP Yoga Instructor in 2014.

    When November 26th, 2013 rolled around, I was faced with a big Valley.  We had one car crap out on us, the other car get hit by a deer, our funds get to a point where I wasn't sure on how our Christmas was going to be (to the point of going to the Food Pantry Giveaways to make sure my family had enough to eat) and worse of all, my Grandmother died.

    In the interest of full disclosure on my progress, I did a couple of Video Blogs about it.  I wanted to use what was happening to my family & I at the time as a lesson that even though Dark Times in life happen, it was not going to deter me from staying positive, Living Life at 90%, and keeping up with my progress I had fought for over the past year.

    Out of that Valley came a lot of positive things!

     First & Foremost, it showed me how truly Awesome out TeamDDPYoga is!  A few people that I hold truly near to my heart (Matt & Liz), stepped up to lend a hand up.  It was an act that I hope to repay to them them in whatever way I can!

    Secondly, it proved the Live Life at 90% adage!  It also proved another saying" "Tough Times don't last.  Tough People do!"   As it turned out, we were able to get one car repaired, the other car replaced (with the gracious help of our extended families), and right our finances with a bit of Hard Work & Overtime.

    Bottom line is: Instead of wallowing in the dark, I took action to Light It up and Move Forward!

    Throughout that whole ordeal, I did not waiver on a workout, nor did I fall back into old eating habits.  My weight has stayed around the 185-195lb range.  I'm not going to stay I wasn't stressed out and feeling low, because those dark places were definitely there.  However, I refused to allow them to control my life!

     Fast Forward to today:  My weight has evened out and waivers around 190-199lbs.  I now wear a size 33 pants... something I had not been able to do for the past 16 years!  I am in the dojo 3-4 times a week, with one of those days working on teaching a DDP Yoga Level 1 Class.  I am not Certified yet, but it is only a matter of Time & Hard Work!

   We are going through another financial Valley at this point.  My wife quit working at my office to focus  on her Jewelry Business, so we have only one steady paycheck at this point.

    However, the Own This Day Adage still holds true!  It may mean that I don't get to do things I want to do this summer when I want to, but it is not going to hold me back from my goals.  It is also good time to use this as a E-i-E moment and take steps to make this doesn't happen again!  Pushing forward to get Certified so that I can officially Teach DDP Yoga is going to be part of that.  It also means that I'm going to spend some more time on this blog, promote my wife's business (Wynter Creations) and make sure that we can both be successful!

    The Bottom Line this time is:  There are Great Things ahead for us!  They are going to take Hard Work, Flexibility and Owning This Day each & every day, but we will get there!

  Thank you to everyone that has followed along with me so far!  I hope I inspire you in whatever is happening in your life, you always have the chance to.....

#OwnThisDay

Travis "#MidwestStrong" Roberts

   

The Monday Post: Lows & Highs - Prelude to Focus

The Monday Post: Lows & Highs - Prelude to Focus

     I know I haven't posted for a few days.  Its not that I haven't done anything, mind you!  It is that mental point for me of where to focus.

    I've been going over the DDP Yoga Certification documents so far (which, by the way, is a Fantastic Program, whether you are wanting to teach DDP Yoga and share what its done for you in person like I do... or, if you really want to just up your game!).  I did a Mixed Tape on Saturday before 3 Hours of Judo (2 Hours of Adult Class, 1 Hour of Kids Class).  I also did a Level 1 & a Strength Builder workout yesterday.

    Then came this morning, where I did a Fat Burner workout.  My hip feels a little off.  There's no sharp pain, but there is a little strain there.  There was no Dojo for me tonight because of Morgan's last Choir Concert of the year.  I had thought about doing another Level 1 workout this evening, but decided against it, wanting to give my hip a little break to see if stepping it back for a bit made a difference.

    However, the other thing I did (last night & tonight) was start working on the 10-Second Push-Up Challenge DDP put out.  Last night I did 4 1/2.  Tonight, I did 6 1/2!   I wore my Heart Rate Monitor for tonight.  My AHR for the 2:46 (min/sec) that I did it was 126bpm, while my MHR was 173bpm.

   So, thing to try for next time... breathing more between reps to keep my HR in check.

     Back to not posting a Blog over the past few days.  The big thing I struggle with is keeping focus.  That is part of the reason I do DDP Yoga (other than all of the great health benefits).  This is an exercise for me not just physically, but mentally.  Just like doing Martial Arts, it helps me gain my balance & posture.  However, it also directly helps me directly focus on goals to improve myself directly.

     Ultimately, that is what this Blog is all about.  It putting this out there to inspire other people to Own This Day, it also helps me Focus on showing it to people, not just telling them about it!

    There are times I fall and forget that.  Then, I get messages from great friends like Liz Collins, who said that she she likes my blogs & videos and that they are inspiring;

Inspiring people doesn't take a long diatribe (like this one).

A simple kind word will suffice!



#OwnThisDay.... OWN YOUR LIFE!

Travis "ZenTwister" Roberts

The Thursday Post: May I Start By....

The Thursday Post:  May I Start By....

     ... saying as  far a workouts go today, my body hit a wall and said to ease back a bit.  So, I did a Fat Burner Workout with partial-engagement.  Here are the numbers:

Workout: Fat Burner

Total Workout Time:  26:16 (min/sec)

Average Heart Rate: 110bpm

Maximum Heart Rate: 143bpm

Total Time in Zone: 10 Minutes

   I also did a Kids Judo Workout with Morgan today, working with him on Ne-waza and Nage Combos.

   The bigger news is........ It is official!  

  I am officially signed up for the DDP Yoga Certification Program!  

   Now, its a matter of going through everything and really putting the work in!  Over the next few months, my goal is to take my DDP Yoga to the next level and really make an Impact!  

   Tonight... its dreams of DDP Yoga Certification, of kicking up the DDP Yoga Revolution in the Midwest...

.... and, of course, to.....

#OwnThisDay...... & OWN MY LIFE!

Travis "ZenTwister" Roberts

The Wednesday Post: Accountability In Action

The Wednesday Post: Accountability In Action

     April is officially ended STRONG STYLE!  

     I just completed another day of Bookending Workouts with Mixed Tape this  morning & Level 1+RHC this evening.  That is on top of having a Judo/Jujutsu night that saw a 10 Minute Run, 50 Push-Ups, 25 Sit-Ups, a lap of Mat Pulls, then the usual picking up bodies & hitting the entire earth with them!  

   On top of that, I even got a little better night sleep last night (always a plus!)

    So, here are the AM & PM Workout Numbers

AM

Workout\: Mixed Tape (30)

Total Workout Time: 35:10 (min/sec)

Average Heart Rate: 133bpm

Maximum Heart Rate: 146bpm

Total Time in Zone: Around 31 Minutes

     
PM

Workout:  Level 1+Red Hot Core

Total Workout Time: 1:05 (hr/min)

Average Heart Rate: 123bpm

Maximum Heart Rate: 154bpm

Total Time in Zone: Around 1 Hour

    I also called in on DDPRadio to chime in (with my witty banter & smooth, melodic voice) on the Accountability Topic with the Doctor of Plankanomics herself, Liz Collins.  

    We also talked about being accountable to yourself and different ways that can be done.. One of the best ways to do it is what you are seeing right now.  Putting your story out there for people to see.  Not only does it make you feel more  accountable for what you do, it also inspires untold numbers of people.  You don't have  to be spectacular to inspire people.  All you have to be is yourself (faults, stumbles & all).When people see you going through the same things they may be and willing to find a way through it, it makes a huge impact!

    Being Accountable also brings people together from thousands of miles away.  Case in Point: Mark Furniss & September Radecki.  The link I included with Mark goes into a lot more detail on their Journey into Accountability!

   Well, time to get that nights rest to be ready to start May even stronger!    

#OwnThisDay..... OWN YOUR LIFE!

   Travis "ZenTwister" Roberts

The Tuesday Blog: Book-Ending Workouts

The Tuesday Blog:  Book-Ending Workouts

    My Tuesday Challenge I set out for myself is competed inn Beast Mode Style!

    This morning, I rolled out of bed and hit the mat for an AM of Mixed Tape Goodness.  Here are the AM numbers:

Workout\: Mixed Tape (29)

Total Workout Time: 35:20 (min/sec)

Average Heart Rate: 132bpm

Maximum Heart Rate: 144bpm

Total Time in Zone: Around 29 Minutes

    The workout was a good start for the day!  The challenge was that I didn't sleep particularly well the night before.... which is not a good thing when you are Business Tech Support and your Help Desk decides today is good day to throw a new IP3 Phone System into the  mix!  

    After getting home, getting supper taken care of for my wife & son, then taking about a hour of Medication, it was time to hit the PM side  of this Bookend Challenge with Level 1 + Red Hot Core!  Here are the PM numbers:

Workout:  Level 1+Red Hot Core

Total Workout Time: 1:06 (hr/min

Average Heart Rate: 122bpm

Maximum Heart Rate: 155bpm

Total Time in Zone: Around 1 Hour

     Tomorrow is a Judo/Jujutsu Day, which brings a new angle into Ending April Strong.  Plus, don't forget there's  DDP Radio, which I see Robert has labelled "Being Accountable".

    So, to learn from how I felt today, now I'm going to bed to rest up for tomorrow.   You may even here my silky smooth voice on encouraging everyone to....

#OwnThisDay ..... OWN YOUR LIFE!

Travis "ZenTwister" Roberts 

   

The Monday Post: Ending April Strong/Starting May Stronger

The Monday Post: Ending April Strong/Starting May Stronger

    The Last Monday of April is in the Books in Strong Form! OSSA!

      So today, in an effort to both end the day Strong & make up for not going to the Dojo due to my son's Orchestra Concert, I did Day 28 of Mixed Tape and the Level 1 Workout back to back.   The numbers today reflect the two combined workouts

.

Workout: Level 1 + Mixed Tape (28)
Total Workout Time: 1:30;24(hr/min/sec)
Average Heart Rate: 125bpm  
Maximum Heart Rate: 149bpm 
Time in the Zone: Around 1:26 (hr/min).

     Tomorrow's challenge is to spread this out a bit & add a bit more.  Therefore, the plan is to get up tomorrow morning, do Mixed Tape before anything else, then shower & go to work.  This will give me more time in the evening to put in a Level 1 workout & add in something like Red Hot Core!  

      Technically, April ends on Wednesday.  However, for the purpose of this week's challenge, this has become not just ending April Strong, but starting May Stronger.... which is appropriate, since Thursday (May 1st) is still the plan to officially submit for the DDP Yoga Certification Program.

    I hope all of you out there are looking for ways to step it up and push just a little bit further!  I know its something you can look back on with a smile when you see the results!

Until tomorrow....

#Own This Day ... On Your Life!

Travis "ZenTwister" Roberts

The Sunday Post: Ending the Month Strong

The Sunday Post: Ending the Month Strong

     We are on the cusps of the end of April! With everything that happened this month, the only thing left to do is to make sure that EXPLODE out of April strong!  That means cranking up the workouts & hitting Mixed Tape and Level 1 every day  this week!

    To catch you up on this weekend, here are the Workout Numbers:

Workout: Mixed Tape (25)                     Workout: Level 1
Total Workout Time: 35:18(min/sec)    Total Workout Time: 55:05(min/sec)
Average Heart Rate: 126bpm               Average Heart Rate: 124bpm      
Maximum Heart Rate: 152bpm             Maximum Heart Rate: 145bpm
Time in the Zone: Around 33 Minutes   Time in the Zone: Around 53 Minutes

Workout: Mixed Tape (26)
Total Workout Time: 35:15(min/sec)
Average Heart Rate: 125bpm  
Maximum Heart Rate: 149bpm 
Time in the Zone: Around 32 Minutes

Workout: Mixed Tape (27)                     Workout: Level 1
Total Workout Time: 35:17(min/sec)    Total Workout Time: 52:05(min/sec)
Average Heart Rate: 127bpm               Average Heart Rate: 124bpm      
Maximum Heart Rate: 146bpm             Maximum Heart Rate: 145bpm
Time in the Zone: Around 33 Minutes   Time in the Zone: Around 450 Minutes

   This was my weekend to work, so Saturday was spent sitting/standing at my desk, fielding weekend Business Calls and working on my other Certification material for SCTE.

   I'm also getting more & more people coming up to me asking about what sort of diet/exercise program I'm on.  The most recent was at church this morning.  This is what makes me all the more excited to ramp up on the DDP Yoga Certification!

    Now, in interest of Full Disclosure... I have not put my $$$ to the program yet.  The only thing that is holding me back at this point is having that little extra money buffer.  

    My wife, who works at the same place I do (only in Residential Support Part-Time), decided that she needs to quit and put her energy more towards her Jewelry Making business (Wynter Creations).  She does excellent work, but it has not been a big revenue drawing venture at this point.  She has recently picked up some commissioned work, which has really started to draw a lot of attention.  However, since that still is not quite the same as having the regular paycheck, it does put some fear of the future in there.  

  This would be where taking my own advise comes into play.  As I keep saying: I can't change yesterday & I can't foresee the future.  I can only control Today.  However, I also believe in controlling where I throw myself.  That is why I'm going to wait until this Thursday to submit for my Certification Materials.  

   On a similar note:  Congratulations go out to Mike "The Maestro" Stroeh, who was just announced by the Yoga Doc as the newest Certified DDP Yoga Instructor!  I am thrilled to say that I got to help with his Level 1 Certification, bringing some of that Midwestern Energy to the mix!  

   The Challenge this week I put to all of you is this:  Find your way to end April on a Strong Note!  Let me know what you can do to take it to the next level every day this week.   It doesn't have to be big or spectacular, but it should push yourself just enough out of your Comfort Zone to give you that thrill that you are stepping up & getting stronger!

   By pushing just a little bit further & going that extra step this week, you will.....


#OwnThisDay

Travis "ZenTwister" Roberts