Fitness tip: When you start getting chest pains, it's a good idea to stop.

So I'm still working out with Maya and enjoying having noticeably more energy and strength since beginning my workout regimen. So, I figured that I should probably up my workout intensity and go from 15-minute workouts to 30-minute ones.

Mistake.

At about 20 minutes into what was allegedly going to be a lower body workout, I started to feel chest pains. Not discomfort. PAIN. As in, "Holy shit, I think I'm having a heart attack" pain.

At first I was in denial. Not wanting to wuss out, I stopped using my arms to lessen the cardio. But after a minute or two when the pain didn't go away, I decided it was best to bail and promptly reset my weekly workout commitment back down to 15-minute intervals.

It was really disappointing. I mean, I know I'm not in the best shape, but to be confronted with my own mortality at 4:45 a.m. was quite alarming.

Maybe I'll give it another month and try the longer workout again. But for now...

I CHOOSE LIFE!