Ahhh.....I've made it folks. I completed the last week of hard work-outs. Tomorrow is the start of my (final) rest week, so a week from today, I'll have completed P90X. Whoa. Hard to believe it's been so.....amazing! I would say that I am so excited to never do this ever again, but alas, I have decided to take a double beating and will be starting my second round of it after a slight break, sometime in late January perhaps.
And here's why......give it up for this lady, she's incredible. Insane. Amazing. Astonishing. http://www.pressplayfitness.com/09/ab-makeover-in-30-days/ I mean, I'm around the corner from completing it, and in my opinion, I don't even look THIS good. ;) I mean, the woman is 51!! After some deliberation about what my goals have now turned into, I figure, why change something that works so well? And fast? Lets face it, I started at a point where I had much to lose, much skin resilience to gain back, and lots of toning that needed to be done. I have just now gotten back to the point that most people start out at. So as much as I'd like to say I've reached the point of ultimate physical achievement, this has only wet my appetite for more. It just feels so great to be in good shape! It may take a month or two of a break to get back into another 90 day stretch, so in the meantime, Dane and I are going to join a gym for awhile, as he is an excellent and knowledgeable trainer. Gotta switch up the monotony a little and get a new routine going. Does no good to get burned out, and that's the point I'm finding myself at currently, so definitely time to try something new for a little bit. But who can deny these fast results?
At the risk of sounding cheesy.....ah what the heck. This has changed my life! Taught me new things about myself, taught me to reach deeper. I'll admit, I have been surprised by what I've found. Strength, endurance, determination. I've never been one to work out.......;) So I now know it's all there. The fact that it's now been ingrained for 3 months is a starting point.
I'll post a farewell, and some pictures next week!
A source of information for those who haven't been through it, and a source of laughter for those who have
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Week 9, Week 10, Week 11--Day 2
Well I'm not going to make excuses for why I haven't posted. :) Nothing new in the neighborhood, still plugging along like a crazy person. (I admit, I have now officially skipped a work-out. It was Thanksgiving! Yesterday, I cooked all morning and due to the fact we had to leave shortly after to make Thanksgiving dinner at a friend's house, it was necessary. Hey people, Thanksgiving feast before working out. It'll win every time.) I have one inch to go to get to my waist goal (which was really my only concern coming into this), and with the holidays starting to round the corner, I'm getting a little iffy about the fact that I'll probably gain thirty pounds with the trip home. There is so much food I've been missing!!! (Chipotle, Ameristar Crab legs, Zio's, I could go on?) Having said that, I do intend to be very strict (oh who are we kidding? Anyone that knows me knows my love for food. Moderately strict. That's better.) about my diet even after this whole thing is over with. Dane and I have solemnly vowed to each other that we are going to continue working out during our trip home. Sigh. There's no such thing as real vacation now.
This crazy ride is almost over!!! Week 11 is a significant point, because this is the last time I'll be doing some of these work-outs. No tears being shed over that, trust me. A little under 3 weeks to go to complete this, can we say, ecstatic??? I've never worked so hard in my life, and seen such amazing results after hanging in there and trusting for awhile. It has taken a lot of dedication, and I have truly discovered things about myself, as Tony himself promised that I would. :) I'm a mom of twins and I can fit into my skinniest pair of jeans now. That sentence should say it all.
Top 3 work-outs I still intend to do afterwards:
3) Plyometrics: Can't say enough good things about this one. You all know I started out hating this one more than anything in the world. I love it now. Love it. Love-hate it. Hate it. Mostly love it. It's a killer! Great cardio, fun moves.
2) Kenpo: Also started out hating this one, it's still not my favorite, but I get a good sweat. This will be for a less strenuous work-out day every now and then. I still look like a dork. No, I'm not posting a video.
1) Yoga: A good stretch is always needed. I dread it because it IS hard, but I feel amazing afterward.
I'm sure I'll still use a bunch of them. But one I NEVER intend to do again is Legs and Back. Worst, unbelievably painful work-out. I'd rather have cankles for the rest of my life. No joke. I'm going to burn that dvd when this is over.
Anyway, been a good couple of weeks, hopefully the next are even better! Until next time readers!
This crazy ride is almost over!!! Week 11 is a significant point, because this is the last time I'll be doing some of these work-outs. No tears being shed over that, trust me. A little under 3 weeks to go to complete this, can we say, ecstatic??? I've never worked so hard in my life, and seen such amazing results after hanging in there and trusting for awhile. It has taken a lot of dedication, and I have truly discovered things about myself, as Tony himself promised that I would. :) I'm a mom of twins and I can fit into my skinniest pair of jeans now. That sentence should say it all.
Top 3 work-outs I still intend to do afterwards:
3) Plyometrics: Can't say enough good things about this one. You all know I started out hating this one more than anything in the world. I love it now. Love it. Love-hate it. Hate it. Mostly love it. It's a killer! Great cardio, fun moves.
2) Kenpo: Also started out hating this one, it's still not my favorite, but I get a good sweat. This will be for a less strenuous work-out day every now and then. I still look like a dork. No, I'm not posting a video.
1) Yoga: A good stretch is always needed. I dread it because it IS hard, but I feel amazing afterward.
I'm sure I'll still use a bunch of them. But one I NEVER intend to do again is Legs and Back. Worst, unbelievably painful work-out. I'd rather have cankles for the rest of my life. No joke. I'm going to burn that dvd when this is over.
Anyway, been a good couple of weeks, hopefully the next are even better! Until next time readers!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Day 30 Photos- Day 60 Photos
Time for pictures again! Pretty excited about the results, because I didn't think I'd notice much of a difference this month. The most noticable difference to me has been in the Abs. The first pictures are obviously the 30 day pictures, to compare to the new 60 day ones.
Day 30
Day 60
Day 30
Day 60
Day 30
Day 60
Day 30
Day 60
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Week 8-- Day 54-56 Week 9-- Day 57 and 58
I have to say, this week was just what the doctor ordered. Of course right after I posted my last thoughts, the weight started shredding a bit this week. Which made me wrap my brain around exactly what I think is going on. That in fact, most of the fat is being switched out for muscle from the inside out and now that my muscle is toned, my body is starting to take care of the excess fat, which is where the weight loss comes in. I'm feeling great, in shape, energetic, and completely awesome! I love this program! AND, because I was feeling so good this week, I sucked in my breath and decided to take a leap. I tried on and am able to fit into my skinniest pair of jeans buttoned and zipped! lol. Before, I could barely get them up past my hips! (Ah, hips, how you hated childbirth). That for me, was the greatest accomplishment yet! Such a great feeling, all you women can agree with me!
In addition to that, I circled back around today to the work-out that I started the first day (Chest, Back, and Abs. You take a break from that for 4 weeks during month 2.) and the amount of stuff I couldn't do before seems almost easy now in comparison. Almost. Still pushing myself obviously. I noticed a difference in my back strength especially, which is awesome to me because my back was so weak before and I had a lot of problems with it during and after the pregnancy. I can now do decline push-ups with little struggle, where as before I couldn't do a single one. Dive bomber push-ups where the bane of my existence because I had no strength, and now I can do several of those as well. This was empowering to me because I felt at a low last week. It's very encouraging and if I don't notice much of a difference in the 60 day pictures I'm about to take, that won't deter me because I know my overall strength has insanely improved. Like I've said before, the goal of this was to gain strength, and to get in shape, not to look completely ripped. (After all, over-the- top expectations just lead to disappointment. That's just realism.) I have a long way to go before that's possible, but I'm much closer than before!
Self-improvement is one of the greatest natural highs! Love it!
In addition to that, I circled back around today to the work-out that I started the first day (Chest, Back, and Abs. You take a break from that for 4 weeks during month 2.) and the amount of stuff I couldn't do before seems almost easy now in comparison. Almost. Still pushing myself obviously. I noticed a difference in my back strength especially, which is awesome to me because my back was so weak before and I had a lot of problems with it during and after the pregnancy. I can now do decline push-ups with little struggle, where as before I couldn't do a single one. Dive bomber push-ups where the bane of my existence because I had no strength, and now I can do several of those as well. This was empowering to me because I felt at a low last week. It's very encouraging and if I don't notice much of a difference in the 60 day pictures I'm about to take, that won't deter me because I know my overall strength has insanely improved. Like I've said before, the goal of this was to gain strength, and to get in shape, not to look completely ripped. (After all, over-the- top expectations just lead to disappointment. That's just realism.) I have a long way to go before that's possible, but I'm much closer than before!
Self-improvement is one of the greatest natural highs! Love it!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Week 7-- Day 43-49 Week 8-- Day 50-53
Wow, good thing I'm not as bad about working out as I am about blogging! :) Having said that....Ok, so obviously the last few weeks have been crazy, as I was preparing for my daughters' and husband's birthdays within a week of eachother. I will admit, with preparations for the huge "1" birthday party, I had to skip a day of working out because there was literally too much to do. It was only Yoga, and I just pushed the workout schedule up a day. So technically, I skipped a work-out for the first time, but made it up the next day. So I'll be finishing P90X a day later than planned. So I felt a little guilty, but it was all too necessary with how stressful that day had been.
It's really getting hard to stay motivated with the diet with the holidays rolling around. I love food so much...........I'm at a point where my tastebuds are grimacing when salad comes near. It's hard to find a variety of dressings that are good for you and not full of sugar. I've gotten lazy with finding new things to eat because it is so time consuming to prepare and hard to veer away from the simple meals for that reason alone. Alas, I'm still plugging along, just not enjoying what I eat completely. Having kids and figuring out what they should eat is hard enough! Things would be so much easier if I had a cook and a maid..........
I had a pity party for myself yesterday. This month has been hard with all the festivities in my life that somehow ended up all in October. For whatever reason, I feel like I've hit a wall and am not seeing all the results I want. It seems I'm maintaining my size and weight instead of continuing to lose. (And like I knew I would, it's hard to not measure the progress in your weight due to the fact that muscle weighs more.) This makes it difficult when I am working as hard as I am every day, (ahem, I'd prefer to call it, busting my ass) because all it really does, is make me want to stop. I keep going though, because I know this happens, it's just frustrating. I cannot comprehend how at this point the results are not smack-you-in-the-face obvious every day I look in the mirror. Hopefully I'll push through the wall soon. A little under halfway to go until I'm done, so why quit now? If nothing else, I'll walk away being in much better shape than when I started. This was my gateway program, so it'll be a lot more fun to spice up my work-outs by picking ones that I like, and switching it up when I feel like it. Hard to get out of the box much with P90X.
On a brighter note, I really enjoy a few of the work-outs that began as the bane of my existence! Plyometrics is an insanely fabulous work-out. I highly suggest this for anyone who thinks their work-outs are not challenging them. There is still always something I need to take a break from for a split second, or cannot finish all the reps. Such a work in progress but I love that work-out!
Hopefully it won't be weeks before I get back to this! Hope everyone is doing well!
It's really getting hard to stay motivated with the diet with the holidays rolling around. I love food so much...........I'm at a point where my tastebuds are grimacing when salad comes near. It's hard to find a variety of dressings that are good for you and not full of sugar. I've gotten lazy with finding new things to eat because it is so time consuming to prepare and hard to veer away from the simple meals for that reason alone. Alas, I'm still plugging along, just not enjoying what I eat completely. Having kids and figuring out what they should eat is hard enough! Things would be so much easier if I had a cook and a maid..........
I had a pity party for myself yesterday. This month has been hard with all the festivities in my life that somehow ended up all in October. For whatever reason, I feel like I've hit a wall and am not seeing all the results I want. It seems I'm maintaining my size and weight instead of continuing to lose. (And like I knew I would, it's hard to not measure the progress in your weight due to the fact that muscle weighs more.) This makes it difficult when I am working as hard as I am every day, (ahem, I'd prefer to call it, busting my ass) because all it really does, is make me want to stop. I keep going though, because I know this happens, it's just frustrating. I cannot comprehend how at this point the results are not smack-you-in-the-face obvious every day I look in the mirror. Hopefully I'll push through the wall soon. A little under halfway to go until I'm done, so why quit now? If nothing else, I'll walk away being in much better shape than when I started. This was my gateway program, so it'll be a lot more fun to spice up my work-outs by picking ones that I like, and switching it up when I feel like it. Hard to get out of the box much with P90X.
On a brighter note, I really enjoy a few of the work-outs that began as the bane of my existence! Plyometrics is an insanely fabulous work-out. I highly suggest this for anyone who thinks their work-outs are not challenging them. There is still always something I need to take a break from for a split second, or cannot finish all the reps. Such a work in progress but I love that work-out!
Hopefully it won't be weeks before I get back to this! Hope everyone is doing well!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Week 6--Day 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
I don't know why it's gotten hard to post, but it has. The newness has worn off I suppose. ;) But nonetheless, I still feel accountable to myself to keep posting, so I can look back on these when I'm done and breathe a big sigh of relief that it's over.
I'd say the biggest part about this experience is how time consuming it is. The food aspect alone can be exhausting. The shopping for specific foods, preparing and eating the same meals, counting servings, etc can get a little annoying. An hour and a half work-out a day alone has you wondering where time is flying to. I feel like I have literally lost about 4 hours (if not more) out of my usual schedule. This can cause some insanity with the personal life and relationships. (So beware...) You definitely need a supportive spouse to be there mentally and to pick up the slack, emotionally, physically, psychologically....(I could go on?). Definitely has invaded all aspects of my life. I have to say though, it has been worth it. Yes, it's trying, but I feel fabulous!
I have really started to notice the fatty parts of my body slimming down, in some spots there is no longer any (at least visibly) ;). Muscle is amplifying a ton, especially in the legs, arms, and back. I can only imagine where I'd be now if I hadn't had to lose that extra nagging baby weight. Due to that, I don't think I'll be carrying around a six pack when I finish necessarily, but that was never exactly my goal either.
It's encouraging to be able to do some of the moves that I started out thinking, "*Scoff* Yeeeah, riiiight". I do dread a few of the work-outs still, but there are a lot that I look forward to. I would definitely get weights instead of bands for this, because the bands are not giving me enough resistance at this point. (Ah, to be able to have a full gym and weight-set in the house.....)
And yet again, I've been pondering what my work-outs are going to be like when this is done, because as wonderful as it's been, I have a hard time imagining doing this program again. Although, I'll definitely use some of the videos in my daily routines. Anyone have suggestions for a well-rounded work-out schedule that they like to do?
I'd say the biggest part about this experience is how time consuming it is. The food aspect alone can be exhausting. The shopping for specific foods, preparing and eating the same meals, counting servings, etc can get a little annoying. An hour and a half work-out a day alone has you wondering where time is flying to. I feel like I have literally lost about 4 hours (if not more) out of my usual schedule. This can cause some insanity with the personal life and relationships. (So beware...) You definitely need a supportive spouse to be there mentally and to pick up the slack, emotionally, physically, psychologically....(I could go on?). Definitely has invaded all aspects of my life. I have to say though, it has been worth it. Yes, it's trying, but I feel fabulous!
I have really started to notice the fatty parts of my body slimming down, in some spots there is no longer any (at least visibly) ;). Muscle is amplifying a ton, especially in the legs, arms, and back. I can only imagine where I'd be now if I hadn't had to lose that extra nagging baby weight. Due to that, I don't think I'll be carrying around a six pack when I finish necessarily, but that was never exactly my goal either.
It's encouraging to be able to do some of the moves that I started out thinking, "*Scoff* Yeeeah, riiiight". I do dread a few of the work-outs still, but there are a lot that I look forward to. I would definitely get weights instead of bands for this, because the bands are not giving me enough resistance at this point. (Ah, to be able to have a full gym and weight-set in the house.....)
And yet again, I've been pondering what my work-outs are going to be like when this is done, because as wonderful as it's been, I have a hard time imagining doing this program again. Although, I'll definitely use some of the videos in my daily routines. Anyone have suggestions for a well-rounded work-out schedule that they like to do?
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Week 5--Day 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and Week 6-- Day 36, 37
You may wonder why when I post, I don't just do 31-37....Well I work hard for every one of those days so they deserve their own number. ;) Since it has been so long, and the work-outs are nothing new, I will go ahead and just post about the overall performance this week. It was a little harder to work on my diet, as we had some family in town, but I still worked out every day, I have yet to miss one. It is my personal challenge, and so far have yet to disappoint myself. I guess that's not hard when you lead a life of monotony. ;) I can now do regular push-ups, and finish pretty much every work out, doing all the moves. I figure if I still sweat a ton through all the work-outs, they must be working! It's getting easier to push myself a little more each time.
As you can see, I posted some progression pictures, and I am pretty happy with the results so far. Not where I want to end up obviously, but I wasn't expecting to see so many improvements yet. They're obvious to my jeans and I at least, must be working at least a little.
It's hard to believe I'm almost halfway there. It seems like it's taking forever, but it is definitely becoming my way of life now. I don't really have anything specific to add currently, but that's pretty much because my mind is currently blank from exhaustion. This is why I usually post in the morning! All I see are Z's. Hope everyone is doing well!
As you can see, I posted some progression pictures, and I am pretty happy with the results so far. Not where I want to end up obviously, but I wasn't expecting to see so many improvements yet. They're obvious to my jeans and I at least, must be working at least a little.
It's hard to believe I'm almost halfway there. It seems like it's taking forever, but it is definitely becoming my way of life now. I don't really have anything specific to add currently, but that's pretty much because my mind is currently blank from exhaustion. This is why I usually post in the morning! All I see are Z's. Hope everyone is doing well!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Day 1 photo- Day 30 photo
Now normally, it would be embarrassing to post these pics, as I am scantily dressed and do not look like my usual model self. ;) But I cannot resist, as you can clearly see the insane results thus far!
Day 1
Day 30
Day 1
Day 30
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Week 4-- Day 26, 27, 28 and Week 5-- Day 29, 30
Whoa, I am seriously slacking on posting.
Ah, Core Synergistics. It was much better this time around and I was able to do much more. It is still a crazy work-out though. The Yoga is coming along nicely, I am able to do almost all the moves. Still unable to do the "Crane" though. (If you don't know what this is, I encourage you to look it up, and then try to picture me doing this move, and then laugh really hard.) That is my goal by the end of this, to achieve the Crane!
My day of rest is always welcome, and I ran into it with open arms. Yesterday was my first day of Training block 2. (which is the 2nd of 3 sections, starting month 2). The work-out was Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps. I actually really really liked it, but it was very hard work. I am now able to do several regular (non-sissy) push-ups. And I must say, my muscles are starting to look very sexy ;)
As I approach the 30th day today, I've started to analyze my diet, and although I am starving to death all the time, I have lessened my calories a little because I'm not seeing quite as much fat loss as I'd like. It is a slow process though. I should be moving onto Phase 2 of the eating schedule, but I have decided to stay behind as I don't think I'm ready for more carbs currently. I'll probably do phase 1 for one more month until I shed all the fat I need to. (Dang pregnancy...)
Plyometrics was today and I am really starting to love this one! It is so hard, but so so good. Everything has gotten a lot more bearable now that I am starting to get into a routine and know all the moves. Overall, I am feeling fantastic and am finding I don't need as much sleep now either. All sorts of changes going on, can't say I am not thrilled!!
I have to say, as much as I dread these work-outs sometimes, I do love this program completely!! It's a huge work in progress, but I am totally excited by the results thus far. I will try to post pictures later today. Granted, I don't expect to walk away from this with insanely cut abs, but am definitely hoping for a flatter, tighter stomach, and am confident I'll be able to achieve it. I can't believe more people don't do this. Although it does take extreme dedication which is about to be tested. My grandma is coming into town next week to stay with us so I'm moving the TV and work-out equipment into my bedroom! lol. I don't like anyone watching...... Imagine me being shy. ;)
This is a pretty typical week ahead of me, nothing new, nothing crazy, just back to the old grind.
Ah, Core Synergistics. It was much better this time around and I was able to do much more. It is still a crazy work-out though. The Yoga is coming along nicely, I am able to do almost all the moves. Still unable to do the "Crane" though. (If you don't know what this is, I encourage you to look it up, and then try to picture me doing this move, and then laugh really hard.) That is my goal by the end of this, to achieve the Crane!
My day of rest is always welcome, and I ran into it with open arms. Yesterday was my first day of Training block 2. (which is the 2nd of 3 sections, starting month 2). The work-out was Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps. I actually really really liked it, but it was very hard work. I am now able to do several regular (non-sissy) push-ups. And I must say, my muscles are starting to look very sexy ;)
As I approach the 30th day today, I've started to analyze my diet, and although I am starving to death all the time, I have lessened my calories a little because I'm not seeing quite as much fat loss as I'd like. It is a slow process though. I should be moving onto Phase 2 of the eating schedule, but I have decided to stay behind as I don't think I'm ready for more carbs currently. I'll probably do phase 1 for one more month until I shed all the fat I need to. (Dang pregnancy...)
Plyometrics was today and I am really starting to love this one! It is so hard, but so so good. Everything has gotten a lot more bearable now that I am starting to get into a routine and know all the moves. Overall, I am feeling fantastic and am finding I don't need as much sleep now either. All sorts of changes going on, can't say I am not thrilled!!
I have to say, as much as I dread these work-outs sometimes, I do love this program completely!! It's a huge work in progress, but I am totally excited by the results thus far. I will try to post pictures later today. Granted, I don't expect to walk away from this with insanely cut abs, but am definitely hoping for a flatter, tighter stomach, and am confident I'll be able to achieve it. I can't believe more people don't do this. Although it does take extreme dedication which is about to be tested. My grandma is coming into town next week to stay with us so I'm moving the TV and work-out equipment into my bedroom! lol. I don't like anyone watching...... Imagine me being shy. ;)
This is a pretty typical week ahead of me, nothing new, nothing crazy, just back to the old grind.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Week 4--Day 22, 23, 24, 25
Wednesday was the beginning of my "rest" week, and I have now unfortunately found out that I was correct, and this is anything but rest! Yoga was on Wednesday, which I am starting to enjoy, although still very teetery on the balance poses. (Me? Uncoordinated?? No....) One of my favorite parts about the work-outs are improving my forms and getting better at everything I try after multiple times. What can I say? It takes me awhile to get used to stuff. :)
Onto the devil of all work-outs.....my first time doing Core Synergistics was Thursday and for the first time in twenty something days, I can say I didn't feel like I got a good work-out because I wasn't able to do half the moves. Mainly I blame the fact that the day before I think I did something to my back during yoga and it was killing me. I feel like my body has been falling apart this week, not getting enough rest. Tangeant: Dane sprained his ankle very badly on Wednesday so I've been taking care of three babies this week. ;) Things have been a little difficult to juggle, so the work-out has been on the backburner of my priorities (although still managing to do them every day....it's just coming at a cost.) Anyway, needless to say, this work-out is a killer. My absolute least favorite thus far (but isn't every new one??).
Kenpo was yesterday and I'm finding that I somewhat enjoy it more and more every time (one of the previously hated ones also). Once again, now that I'm learning the moves, it's much more enjoyable and I feel much less of a fool. It's always a good cardio work-out.
Today was my first time doing the stretch video (as I've opted out of it (hey, it's optional!) every rest day that rolls around, I don't think anyone can blame me!) and it was phenominal. I love stretching! Easiest and most relaxing workout yet!
It's hard to believe I'm almost (ahem, only???) 1/3 of the way to the finish! I cannot WAIT for December! I'm going to baby my poor, tired, aching body for at least a week! I keep thinking about where I'll go from there. I can't imagine doing this thing all over again (unless I feel like a glutton for punishment), but I do see myself using some of the videos again in my daily routines. I would much rather switch it up between all different kinds of work-outs, to try other videos, or perhaps to start going to a gym with Dane. This has opened the doors at least to the fact that I do love the burn, love the high, and can't get enough of feeling fab. Down to a total loss of 2 inches off the waist now, can't complain about that!
Onto the devil of all work-outs.....my first time doing Core Synergistics was Thursday and for the first time in twenty something days, I can say I didn't feel like I got a good work-out because I wasn't able to do half the moves. Mainly I blame the fact that the day before I think I did something to my back during yoga and it was killing me. I feel like my body has been falling apart this week, not getting enough rest. Tangeant: Dane sprained his ankle very badly on Wednesday so I've been taking care of three babies this week. ;) Things have been a little difficult to juggle, so the work-out has been on the backburner of my priorities (although still managing to do them every day....it's just coming at a cost.) Anyway, needless to say, this work-out is a killer. My absolute least favorite thus far (but isn't every new one??).
Kenpo was yesterday and I'm finding that I somewhat enjoy it more and more every time (one of the previously hated ones also). Once again, now that I'm learning the moves, it's much more enjoyable and I feel much less of a fool. It's always a good cardio work-out.
Today was my first time doing the stretch video (as I've opted out of it (hey, it's optional!) every rest day that rolls around, I don't think anyone can blame me!) and it was phenominal. I love stretching! Easiest and most relaxing workout yet!
It's hard to believe I'm almost (ahem, only???) 1/3 of the way to the finish! I cannot WAIT for December! I'm going to baby my poor, tired, aching body for at least a week! I keep thinking about where I'll go from there. I can't imagine doing this thing all over again (unless I feel like a glutton for punishment), but I do see myself using some of the videos again in my daily routines. I would much rather switch it up between all different kinds of work-outs, to try other videos, or perhaps to start going to a gym with Dane. This has opened the doors at least to the fact that I do love the burn, love the high, and can't get enough of feeling fab. Down to a total loss of 2 inches off the waist now, can't complain about that!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Week 3--Day 18, 19, 20, 21
Well I guess you could say I took a break from posting :) It was a busy weekend and Dane was off work for 4 days, so I decided to relax my fingers.
Same routine, Yoga was Saturday, Legs and Back on Sunday, Kenpo on Monday. Yoga was uneventful, I'm starting to enjoy it because when I'm done I feel so limber and relaxed, it's nice not to feel tight all over after every work-out. Sunday was a great work-out like always, I wanted to die afterward and I've been sore ever since. I always find that with that one, I usually end up in tears at some point or another. Still not sure if it's just because I'm tired at the end of the week, or if that work-out really is the most difficult. Whatever the case, I always get extremely overwhelmed during it. I usually have to stop and get pumped up several times by Dane throughout it. I go through the, "I can't do this anymore" speech, then I cry and lay on the floor and sob, and he tells me I'm amazing, so I get back up again and keep going. This is becoming routine. Which brings me to my next break-down. Kenpo. I do seriously believe that they made this video as their one "BS" video, for lack of anything better that they could come up with. Because it is absolutely retarded and the people working out with Tony are flabby, gross, and annoying. Or maybe I just have an attitude when I'm doing it. In any case, I once again threw a fit like a child because I'm for some reason not getting the whole "swing of the hips" motion at the beginning. Which led me into, "I'm not doing this, this is stupid, it's a waste of time" rant. I contemplated just skipping it, but my conscience will not allow it. Stupid conscience. I ended up continuing and finishing thanks to Dane, my hero, once again. I wouldn't really call it a work-out though because he was making me laugh the whole time by bouncing around in ridiculous positions and we made fun of the people on the video the whole time. (And imagined people we know trying to do it. I know.......it's terrible. You gotta do what you gotta do to get through it sometimes though!)
This week should be good because I get my "break" of resting up my body a little. And boy were they right, you REALLY do need it after three weeks of beating up your body.
I wasn't as good this week with food, I usually have more discipline. I gave into the peer pressure of my husband on Saturday night and we got Chinese. It's also kind of difficult when you hang out with friends often, and everyone goes out to eat on the weekend, etc. Sometimes I'm bad, and most times I'm good. ;) I'm not sweating it too bad though, I'm burning off calories enough that it shouldn't be a huge stress. I'll do better this week.
I wasn't expecting how much this whole thing was really going to cut into my life. Everything is scheduled around working-out and eating. I also feel like I'm always running short on time and neglecting certain things that I need to do and pretty soon it's all piled up on top of me. I really must manage time better now. You really don't realize how much an 1 1/2 workout, eating, and menu planning cuts into your day. My husband is a wonderfully patient man. He deserves a reward at the end of all of this. (Oh wait, that's gonna be me! ;))
Today is my break, and I'm taking it....now. Week 4 starts tomorrow!
Same routine, Yoga was Saturday, Legs and Back on Sunday, Kenpo on Monday. Yoga was uneventful, I'm starting to enjoy it because when I'm done I feel so limber and relaxed, it's nice not to feel tight all over after every work-out. Sunday was a great work-out like always, I wanted to die afterward and I've been sore ever since. I always find that with that one, I usually end up in tears at some point or another. Still not sure if it's just because I'm tired at the end of the week, or if that work-out really is the most difficult. Whatever the case, I always get extremely overwhelmed during it. I usually have to stop and get pumped up several times by Dane throughout it. I go through the, "I can't do this anymore" speech, then I cry and lay on the floor and sob, and he tells me I'm amazing, so I get back up again and keep going. This is becoming routine. Which brings me to my next break-down. Kenpo. I do seriously believe that they made this video as their one "BS" video, for lack of anything better that they could come up with. Because it is absolutely retarded and the people working out with Tony are flabby, gross, and annoying. Or maybe I just have an attitude when I'm doing it. In any case, I once again threw a fit like a child because I'm for some reason not getting the whole "swing of the hips" motion at the beginning. Which led me into, "I'm not doing this, this is stupid, it's a waste of time" rant. I contemplated just skipping it, but my conscience will not allow it. Stupid conscience. I ended up continuing and finishing thanks to Dane, my hero, once again. I wouldn't really call it a work-out though because he was making me laugh the whole time by bouncing around in ridiculous positions and we made fun of the people on the video the whole time. (And imagined people we know trying to do it. I know.......it's terrible. You gotta do what you gotta do to get through it sometimes though!)
This week should be good because I get my "break" of resting up my body a little. And boy were they right, you REALLY do need it after three weeks of beating up your body.
I wasn't as good this week with food, I usually have more discipline. I gave into the peer pressure of my husband on Saturday night and we got Chinese. It's also kind of difficult when you hang out with friends often, and everyone goes out to eat on the weekend, etc. Sometimes I'm bad, and most times I'm good. ;) I'm not sweating it too bad though, I'm burning off calories enough that it shouldn't be a huge stress. I'll do better this week.
I wasn't expecting how much this whole thing was really going to cut into my life. Everything is scheduled around working-out and eating. I also feel like I'm always running short on time and neglecting certain things that I need to do and pretty soon it's all piled up on top of me. I really must manage time better now. You really don't realize how much an 1 1/2 workout, eating, and menu planning cuts into your day. My husband is a wonderfully patient man. He deserves a reward at the end of all of this. (Oh wait, that's gonna be me! ;))
Today is my break, and I'm taking it....now. Week 4 starts tomorrow!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Week 3--Day 16 and 17
Is it Tuesday yet? Oh how I love my break day. Plyometrics was insane yesterday, all I wanted to do was sit on the floor and watch. Jumping around wasn't ideal for the state I was in, but nonetheless I hopped around like a kangaroo (much more suave than it sounds ;)) until sweat was once again pouring down my body. It's amazing to me how much I can dread working out but so love the feeling I get afterward. I feel like I've been a little more negative about all of this lately, but I really mean it only to be extreme exhaustion. I do love these work-outs, but I wish I could just fast-forward through them like in the movie "Click". Nothing worth having comes easy I suppose.
I severely wanted to take a mental health day today, it's kind of been a rough week, but persuaded myself out of it. (I'll save one of those for when I truly need it). It's one of my favorites anyway. Today my hubby was home and was watching off and on while I was doing the arms and shoulders work-out. He was amazed how muscular my triceps are starting to look, honestly I hadn't really noticed. So it is a nice surprise when he is starting to notice little things like legs looking smaller (which he assures me didn't mean they were fat before..................I love husbands.), arms looking muscular, overall strength and endurance etc. I'm only on day 17, so I'm ecstatic! For all those people who want fast results out there, this is the work-out for you. (Notice I said fast, not EASY.)
I'm wondering from all this writing if anyone is considering starting, or have I scared you all off? ;) It is not for the faint of heart, that is for sure. You always have a cheerleader in me though! I definitely will sing P90X praises to all when this is all said and done! Can't wait to see the end results! Are you on the edge of YOUR seat as much as I am??
I severely wanted to take a mental health day today, it's kind of been a rough week, but persuaded myself out of it. (I'll save one of those for when I truly need it). It's one of my favorites anyway. Today my hubby was home and was watching off and on while I was doing the arms and shoulders work-out. He was amazed how muscular my triceps are starting to look, honestly I hadn't really noticed. So it is a nice surprise when he is starting to notice little things like legs looking smaller (which he assures me didn't mean they were fat before..................I love husbands.), arms looking muscular, overall strength and endurance etc. I'm only on day 17, so I'm ecstatic! For all those people who want fast results out there, this is the work-out for you. (Notice I said fast, not EASY.)
I'm wondering from all this writing if anyone is considering starting, or have I scared you all off? ;) It is not for the faint of heart, that is for sure. You always have a cheerleader in me though! I definitely will sing P90X praises to all when this is all said and done! Can't wait to see the end results! Are you on the edge of YOUR seat as much as I am??
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Week 2--Day 14 and Week 3-- Day 15
Ahhh my day of rest was fabulous. I laid around like a lazy lump all day and felt....lazy. I can't help but feel disgusting now after not working out though! Uh oh! Looks like habits are settling in....good thing they are AWESOME ones. In case anyone is curious, here is what my daily food consists of. Breakfast: although I change it up sometimes, it's usually a piece of fruit, 4 pieces of turkey bacon (I could eat 100), and yogurt. It's pretty much the quickest meal that's delicious. Lunch: A salad with feta or mozzarella cheese, chicken breast, and light dressing. Dinner: chicken, beef, pork, or salmon, and salad with the above toppings. I cannot imagine doing this work-out being a vegetarian. First off, the food would be twice as boring because there is so little variety that you can eat (at least I think). Plus, I love meat far too much to ever imagine such a scenario! Soooo, although I am loving the protein aspect of it, I'm getting kind of bored and sick of salad. So needless to say, when I feed the girls animal crackers during the day I drool over them until I watch the girls with their grubby little hands, slobbering all over the crackers, gumming them into mush, and my taste for carbs is quickly diminished. So that's a plus. And I'll admit it, over the weekend I was DYING for an ice cream sandwich. (I don't know why because I haven't had one in like a year!) and Dane brought back a pack of 4. I had one. I admit it. And it was DELICIOUS. (And it was during my cheat meal, so back off!) So one has been sitting in the freezer all week, and I eye it every time I get ice. I successfully resisted last night and had some fruit instead............I'M DYING FOR CARBS AND SUGAR. Bread! Bread and water! I could do THAT. 10 more weeks....10 more weeks....anyway, the reason I brought this up is I've been thinking about what our diet will be like after I'm done with this adventure. I'll modify it some, but overall, it really is a well-balanced diet. Not as terrible as some I've tortured myself with! (At the end of a diet my mom forced us kids to participate in years ago, that inhibited us from eating any carbs at all, I remember downing an entire bag of potatoe chips when we ended the diet. True story. But I was like 13 so fat slid right off my bum then. Ah to be young again.)
Anyway, enough about food. Today was the last day of chest and back for awhile. I threw myself completely into everything and you know you did good when you're drenched in sweat and you can't lift your arms after the work-out. Ah pull-ups and push-ups, we're going to have words sometime soon....but not today, I can hardly speak from the exhaustion. I am improving in form and reps, it makes me happy. I'm starting to notice little places like thighs and arms slimming down a bit, it's encouraging to see results so soon! I am fully confident that I am "bringing it". By the time I end this week, I know my body will be screaming for a break. And my little P90X book is right, just when you need a break badly, you get one. (Break= yoga 3 times, kenpo, stretching, etc) Fear not, I won't be doing just nothing all next week. Actually I think I need more of a break from the monotony than the actual work-out. Anyway, more tomorrow peeps.
Anyway, enough about food. Today was the last day of chest and back for awhile. I threw myself completely into everything and you know you did good when you're drenched in sweat and you can't lift your arms after the work-out. Ah pull-ups and push-ups, we're going to have words sometime soon....but not today, I can hardly speak from the exhaustion. I am improving in form and reps, it makes me happy. I'm starting to notice little places like thighs and arms slimming down a bit, it's encouraging to see results so soon! I am fully confident that I am "bringing it". By the time I end this week, I know my body will be screaming for a break. And my little P90X book is right, just when you need a break badly, you get one. (Break= yoga 3 times, kenpo, stretching, etc) Fear not, I won't be doing just nothing all next week. Actually I think I need more of a break from the monotony than the actual work-out. Anyway, more tomorrow peeps.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Week 2--Day 12 and 13
Once again, I took a break from blogging, but was faithful to my work-outs. Sigh. I have to admit, I am getting burned out on this whole deal, but I'm still plugging away, praying for strength! 2 weeks down, 10 to go. The weeks have been flying, I must admit. By the end of the week, I am so so ready to be done! Tomorrow is my rest day. I have one more week of the same routine, then I switch it up with a week of "rest" that includes yoga, stretching, and cardio. Not too bad.
Since I prefer to do my work-outs in the morning when I have the most energy and time, my amazing husband didn't start P90X with me. This hasn't stopped him from participating with me in work-outs every chance he gets. (And that's in edition to morning PT for him!) Just a side note, one after which you can quickly say, "ew", is it has done wonders for the levels of attraction for us! (Just when I didn't think we could have anymore than we already do of course!) Nothing like seeing your man sweat and watch his muscles flex! Ok, I'm done! (Proceed to say "ew"). Just an idea for you couples out there, a little extra zazazoom in your relationship. Fun times. ;)
That's what we were doing yesterday, flexing our muscles at eachother. ;) The work-out was Legs and Back. It amazes me every work-out how drenched in sweat I am, makes me think I'm at least getting my heart pumping, which is never a bad thing. Due to a full day, we didn't get a chance to work out until close to 5. That, my friends, is a big mistake. I encourage everyone when they start, to do themselves a favor and do it in the morning!
This caused me to be extremely exhausted for the Kenpo work-out today. Before I even got started I felt like a rag doll, and literally wanted to fall on the floor like I had no bones either. But instead, I pumped myself up and went ahead with the work-out. I always feel like an idiot doing this work-out (and am quite positive I look like one too) because I am a very uncoordinated person and lack complete rhythm (which is incredibly ironic having been a music major and a pianist). Not to mention punching the air is just silly. I figure it is probably the most unimportant work-out, as it's not too hard, and they put it right before the rest day when they know people are falling over from exhaustion. Needless to say, it is completed and my week is done! Until Wednesday. So hope everyone is having a great Monday!
Since I prefer to do my work-outs in the morning when I have the most energy and time, my amazing husband didn't start P90X with me. This hasn't stopped him from participating with me in work-outs every chance he gets. (And that's in edition to morning PT for him!) Just a side note, one after which you can quickly say, "ew", is it has done wonders for the levels of attraction for us! (Just when I didn't think we could have anymore than we already do of course!) Nothing like seeing your man sweat and watch his muscles flex! Ok, I'm done! (Proceed to say "ew"). Just an idea for you couples out there, a little extra zazazoom in your relationship. Fun times. ;)
That's what we were doing yesterday, flexing our muscles at eachother. ;) The work-out was Legs and Back. It amazes me every work-out how drenched in sweat I am, makes me think I'm at least getting my heart pumping, which is never a bad thing. Due to a full day, we didn't get a chance to work out until close to 5. That, my friends, is a big mistake. I encourage everyone when they start, to do themselves a favor and do it in the morning!
This caused me to be extremely exhausted for the Kenpo work-out today. Before I even got started I felt like a rag doll, and literally wanted to fall on the floor like I had no bones either. But instead, I pumped myself up and went ahead with the work-out. I always feel like an idiot doing this work-out (and am quite positive I look like one too) because I am a very uncoordinated person and lack complete rhythm (which is incredibly ironic having been a music major and a pianist). Not to mention punching the air is just silly. I figure it is probably the most unimportant work-out, as it's not too hard, and they put it right before the rest day when they know people are falling over from exhaustion. Needless to say, it is completed and my week is done! Until Wednesday. So hope everyone is having a great Monday!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Week 2--Day 10 and 11
I can hardly believe it's been a week and a half already! Time has really been flying throughout my days as I'm running back and forth between feeding babies, feeding myself, changing diapers, doing pull-ups, wiping faces and hands, and curling iron (or bands, whatever). I can't say I'll complain about that. The faster my day goes the better. We are like a well-oiled machine now and running full speed ahead!
Yesterday consisted of the Arm and Shoulder work-out. I actually really enjoy "lifting weights", it's always been my favorite form of working out. Unfortunately, I am the cheapest person alive and buying weights is the last thing I feel like spending money on, at a dollar per pound, I gladly say, "pass". So I'm dealing with the bands still and checking craigslist every now and then hoping to find a bitter ex-wife trying to sell her husbands $800 weight-set for like 10 bucks. (I've heard something equally crazy involving a car though). If only. So I am forging on ahead, hoping it's enough resistance, but have a sinking feeling it's too easy for me. I enjoy having Dane around to critique my form and performance because I fear I'm not doing stuff right. Especially when I walk away from a work-out not being as sore as last week. Which I seem to be encountering for some reason. So I need to figure this out quickly, because if I'm taking the time to do this, well by God I'd better be doing it right!
I haven't really mentioned the ab ripper X workout before. Frankly, it sucks. It's only 16 minutes and I'm supposed to do it every other day. It's so depressing that at the end of an hour long work-out, I still have to do the ab ripper. I find myself wanting to whine about how long it is, but this is why I prefer to do it in the morning, otherwise I'd dread it all day! But if you're not willing to put in the time, I guess you shouldn't expect a lot, right?
Round 2 of Yoga today. Me vs. the mat. Dane has decided to join in. Should be a good time ;)
Yesterday consisted of the Arm and Shoulder work-out. I actually really enjoy "lifting weights", it's always been my favorite form of working out. Unfortunately, I am the cheapest person alive and buying weights is the last thing I feel like spending money on, at a dollar per pound, I gladly say, "pass". So I'm dealing with the bands still and checking craigslist every now and then hoping to find a bitter ex-wife trying to sell her husbands $800 weight-set for like 10 bucks. (I've heard something equally crazy involving a car though). If only. So I am forging on ahead, hoping it's enough resistance, but have a sinking feeling it's too easy for me. I enjoy having Dane around to critique my form and performance because I fear I'm not doing stuff right. Especially when I walk away from a work-out not being as sore as last week. Which I seem to be encountering for some reason. So I need to figure this out quickly, because if I'm taking the time to do this, well by God I'd better be doing it right!
I haven't really mentioned the ab ripper X workout before. Frankly, it sucks. It's only 16 minutes and I'm supposed to do it every other day. It's so depressing that at the end of an hour long work-out, I still have to do the ab ripper. I find myself wanting to whine about how long it is, but this is why I prefer to do it in the morning, otherwise I'd dread it all day! But if you're not willing to put in the time, I guess you shouldn't expect a lot, right?
Round 2 of Yoga today. Me vs. the mat. Dane has decided to join in. Should be a good time ;)
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Week 2--Day 8 and 9
This will be short and sweet folks, for I could not make my usual blogging time this morning, and had to wait until tonight, thusly, I'm lacking a little creativity and brain power (I used it all up working out). Yesterday's work-out was surprisingly much better! It was the very first work-out of P90X that I did, and I pretty much doubled my reps this time around. This is one of the work-outs where you write down how many reps you did and of what, so it's pretty encouraging to see your progress. I was able to do a few of the push-ups that I couldn't do last time. (Damn those dive-bomber push-ups). Sometimes I wonder if it was just a matter of intimidation, or if I'm actually becoming a muscle already. ;) Pull-ups were much better this time around as well. I've only had one mishap thus far where I was switching hand positions mid pull-up and knocked the bar up off the door frame. Could've been really painful if not for my cat-like reflexes!
As for today's work-out, this was the second round of Plyometrics, and I have to say, it went much much better than last time! I didn't find myself tiring as easily and I didn't have to stop during the work-out to breathe this time as opposed to my five (or so...) breaks last time. I did however have my faithful hubby along side me today, since he was off work. Lucky him. It is definitely a lot more encouraging to have a buddy working with you. At this early on point it is pretty nice to have some accountability to avoid slacking, as I can be prone to do when I get tired. A very successful week so far. I have now passed the first week hump and am enjoying the progress. I have now lost a full inch off my waist! Although I'm sure the working out has a lot to do with it, I am chalking up most of it to eating right, eating frequently, and drinking water.
And now I leave you with an intimidating rival....
As for today's work-out, this was the second round of Plyometrics, and I have to say, it went much much better than last time! I didn't find myself tiring as easily and I didn't have to stop during the work-out to breathe this time as opposed to my five (or so...) breaks last time. I did however have my faithful hubby along side me today, since he was off work. Lucky him. It is definitely a lot more encouraging to have a buddy working with you. At this early on point it is pretty nice to have some accountability to avoid slacking, as I can be prone to do when I get tired. A very successful week so far. I have now passed the first week hump and am enjoying the progress. I have now lost a full inch off my waist! Although I'm sure the working out has a lot to do with it, I am chalking up most of it to eating right, eating frequently, and drinking water.
And now I leave you with an intimidating rival....
Don't let that smile fool you, she's a beast!
Time to get serious....
Look, one hand!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Week 1--Day 7
Ahhhh. I have finally made it to my day of rest. Yesterday was as I suspected. Kenpo was pretty much like kickboxing and karate. It was actually pretty fun, although I find myself wondering work-out after work-out, if I'm doing all the moves correctly. My sore body is proof I suppose. Not to mention I'll have plenty of time to critique these moves. Today it feels like I may have pulled a muscle in my neck and back, wonderful way to celebrate. Just thanking my lucky stars it wasn't on the day of a work-out or I might be in a world of hurt.
Tomorrow my week starts over. Looking at it as a whole, I'm finding myself extremely overwhelmed. I'm trying to find ways to keep myself motivated because I am determined to go all the way. I guess it's like everything else, take one step at a time, one day at a time. I have yet to hear from anyone I know that's tried P90X, that the full 90 days was completed. (If you are one who has, please speak up now so I can congratulate you!) I can see why, but I don't want anything to deter me, I intend to go all the way. It's only 90 days right?? You can do anything for ninety days! I need a countdown! I need to have peaks and things to look forward to at the end of a week. Maybe hanging up some pictures of ripped bodies and flat stomachs on my fridge? That's about as far as my creative juices flow. Anyone have any ideas?
I was a little late doing all my measurements. I just did them last night, so who knows if I've made any improvements in one week. I do know that I've lost a half an inch off my waist so far, so that's encouraging! Stick to the diet people, it works! I plan on printing off a portion chart I made, in case anyone wants to see how I've been scheduling and planning my food.
I won't have anything to write about tomorrow, except basking in my glorious off-time, but I may post if the spirit moves me. ;)
Tomorrow my week starts over. Looking at it as a whole, I'm finding myself extremely overwhelmed. I'm trying to find ways to keep myself motivated because I am determined to go all the way. I guess it's like everything else, take one step at a time, one day at a time. I have yet to hear from anyone I know that's tried P90X, that the full 90 days was completed. (If you are one who has, please speak up now so I can congratulate you!) I can see why, but I don't want anything to deter me, I intend to go all the way. It's only 90 days right?? You can do anything for ninety days! I need a countdown! I need to have peaks and things to look forward to at the end of a week. Maybe hanging up some pictures of ripped bodies and flat stomachs on my fridge? That's about as far as my creative juices flow. Anyone have any ideas?
I was a little late doing all my measurements. I just did them last night, so who knows if I've made any improvements in one week. I do know that I've lost a half an inch off my waist so far, so that's encouraging! Stick to the diet people, it works! I plan on printing off a portion chart I made, in case anyone wants to see how I've been scheduling and planning my food.
I won't have anything to write about tomorrow, except basking in my glorious off-time, but I may post if the spirit moves me. ;)
Monday, September 20, 2010
Week 1--Day 4, 5, and 6
I'm sure you were wondering if I was faithful over the weekend, I was, just not to blogging. ;) I have a bit to cover in this post, but that's ok, because I'm up to the task! I figure there was so much time "wasted" over my weekend by working out, I would just wait to blog, as I'm sure there aren't any screaming fans awaiting my posts. ;)
Well I'm not sure if it was just that my work-out times were thrown off, but they seemed way more difficult this weekend. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the pain that was making me hobble around. Anyway, so day 3 consisted of Shoulders and Arms. Not really too bad, I enjoy working those guns out, and my husband paid me a compliment that my shoulder muscles already look somewhat cut. No, P90X doesn't have THAT fast of results, I just informed him that was from hours and hours a day of lifting my hefty little chunker babies. I guess I'm not in as bad of shape as I thought, as I do have SOME muscle definition. You wouldn't know it by the amount of suffering I have gone through thus far though. (I find myself continually wondering if the people in the videos are suffering as they are, I wonder what I look like?)
The actual ridiculous work out didn't come until Saturday, when I experienced Yoga for the first time. I mean really, who would've thought from watching all the movies that it could be so difficult, they always make it look so easy!! There is no such thing as easy in these videos though. I found myself throwing a childish fit as I refused to do a few of the moves, irritated that I was taking an hour and a half out of my Saturday afternoon to twist myself into a complete pretzel. My yoga mat kept rolling up on me and I felt like punching it. I was about to square off against the TV, close to tears, once again thinking, why am I doing this??? I had been looking forward to the yoga portion, as I'm pretty flexible, but it is hard core yoga, the full shebang. Just as I'm about to reach breaking point, it finally starts to get semi-easy as we move to sitting position and start doing the more realistic stretching, that doesn't have to do so much with balance. When they started doing the move where you balance your whole body (which is pretty much crunched up into a little ball) on just your hands, I only scoffed. No WAY. Maybe that will be for another week. If I'd have tried, I'd have ended up doing a somersault and probably knocking my back out of place.
Onto Sunday for Legs and Back. Can I just say that I hate lunges?? Hardest work-out yet, due to me being sore and tired I'm sure. Once again I found myself folding my arms and tapping my toe like a spoiled child ready to throw something. This time I actually did produce tears though. All I could think about was this entire work-out as a whole, and that I'd have to do all these work-outs 11 more times at the very least. What am I trying to prove? Am I trying to prove something to myself or everyone else? Both I'm sure. Trying to be an example that you CAN come back to your normal state and size after having twins. That after you have kids, it's not over! You still have hope! You can still be attractive and slim, not flubbery and gross! My husband is my hero however and jumped in to do it with me, encouraging my every move. It was a draining weekend in the way of working out, but I have to admit, I do feel so much better when it's done. I feel like I'm changing every day.
I just also have to express how much I love the diet. No, really. Protein is amazing! I'm such a meat-eater, I just can't get enough. Who wouldn't want steak, salmon, and shrimp multiple times a week while still losing weight and getting in shape? Well I sure do. It's nice to cut out all the crap we sometimes allow into our bodies. I have not been having sugar, which I thought would be harder. I am allowing myself one cheat meal on Saturdays, and this weekend we went to Buffalo Wild Wings with friends and I splurged on 7 Asian Zing chicken wings. Oh delicious. Yet even after eating that, I felt gross and unhealthy. So sticking to this diet is the easiest thing so far about this whole shenanigan.
Today is my last work-out of the first week, it's Kenpo, whatever that is. I have a sinking feeling it has something to do with kicking, so probably something like Karate or kickboxing. Tomorrow will be my first rest day, and I am welcoming it with open arms! (There is an optional stretch video which I haven't decided if I'll do yet.) Two weeks to go until I can be in rest phase, which I hear isn't really rest because it's all cardio. Gr. In any case, it'll be nice to give my muscles a slight break.
Well that about covers it! Until tomorrow....
Well I'm not sure if it was just that my work-out times were thrown off, but they seemed way more difficult this weekend. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the pain that was making me hobble around. Anyway, so day 3 consisted of Shoulders and Arms. Not really too bad, I enjoy working those guns out, and my husband paid me a compliment that my shoulder muscles already look somewhat cut. No, P90X doesn't have THAT fast of results, I just informed him that was from hours and hours a day of lifting my hefty little chunker babies. I guess I'm not in as bad of shape as I thought, as I do have SOME muscle definition. You wouldn't know it by the amount of suffering I have gone through thus far though. (I find myself continually wondering if the people in the videos are suffering as they are, I wonder what I look like?)
The actual ridiculous work out didn't come until Saturday, when I experienced Yoga for the first time. I mean really, who would've thought from watching all the movies that it could be so difficult, they always make it look so easy!! There is no such thing as easy in these videos though. I found myself throwing a childish fit as I refused to do a few of the moves, irritated that I was taking an hour and a half out of my Saturday afternoon to twist myself into a complete pretzel. My yoga mat kept rolling up on me and I felt like punching it. I was about to square off against the TV, close to tears, once again thinking, why am I doing this??? I had been looking forward to the yoga portion, as I'm pretty flexible, but it is hard core yoga, the full shebang. Just as I'm about to reach breaking point, it finally starts to get semi-easy as we move to sitting position and start doing the more realistic stretching, that doesn't have to do so much with balance. When they started doing the move where you balance your whole body (which is pretty much crunched up into a little ball) on just your hands, I only scoffed. No WAY. Maybe that will be for another week. If I'd have tried, I'd have ended up doing a somersault and probably knocking my back out of place.
Onto Sunday for Legs and Back. Can I just say that I hate lunges?? Hardest work-out yet, due to me being sore and tired I'm sure. Once again I found myself folding my arms and tapping my toe like a spoiled child ready to throw something. This time I actually did produce tears though. All I could think about was this entire work-out as a whole, and that I'd have to do all these work-outs 11 more times at the very least. What am I trying to prove? Am I trying to prove something to myself or everyone else? Both I'm sure. Trying to be an example that you CAN come back to your normal state and size after having twins. That after you have kids, it's not over! You still have hope! You can still be attractive and slim, not flubbery and gross! My husband is my hero however and jumped in to do it with me, encouraging my every move. It was a draining weekend in the way of working out, but I have to admit, I do feel so much better when it's done. I feel like I'm changing every day.
I just also have to express how much I love the diet. No, really. Protein is amazing! I'm such a meat-eater, I just can't get enough. Who wouldn't want steak, salmon, and shrimp multiple times a week while still losing weight and getting in shape? Well I sure do. It's nice to cut out all the crap we sometimes allow into our bodies. I have not been having sugar, which I thought would be harder. I am allowing myself one cheat meal on Saturdays, and this weekend we went to Buffalo Wild Wings with friends and I splurged on 7 Asian Zing chicken wings. Oh delicious. Yet even after eating that, I felt gross and unhealthy. So sticking to this diet is the easiest thing so far about this whole shenanigan.
Today is my last work-out of the first week, it's Kenpo, whatever that is. I have a sinking feeling it has something to do with kicking, so probably something like Karate or kickboxing. Tomorrow will be my first rest day, and I am welcoming it with open arms! (There is an optional stretch video which I haven't decided if I'll do yet.) Two weeks to go until I can be in rest phase, which I hear isn't really rest because it's all cardio. Gr. In any case, it'll be nice to give my muscles a slight break.
Well that about covers it! Until tomorrow....
Friday, September 17, 2010
Week 1-- Day 3
Definition of relief: Being done with the Plyometrics work-out.
In case you're wondering what it is, like I was before the work-out, here is a little excerpt from Wikipedia.
"Plyometrics is exercise training designed to produce fast, powerful movements, and improve the functions of the nervous system, generally for the purpose of improving performance in sports. Plyometric movements, in which a muscle is loaded and then contracted in rapid sequence, use the strength, elasticity and innervation of muscle and surrounding tissues to jump higher, run faster, throw farther, or hit harder, depending on the desired training goal. Plyometrics is used toincrease the speed or force of muscular contractions, providing explosiveness for a variety of sport-specific activities. Plyometrics are useful for several sports - notably soccer, rugby, basketball, track and field athletics, racket sports and martial arts." Aka, you pretty much jump during every movement.
Now tell me why would I ever need to torture myself and do this work-out again? I don't play any of the above. (Anyone???) Nonetheless, it will definitely help on my road to getting abs. People did not exaggerate about this; out of Tony's mouth, it is the "Mother" of all the P90X work-outs. I figured I did pretty good to make it through though, considering how out of shape I am. (I doubt I have ever seen my own face so red.) Tony himself had to take a "personal pause" a couple of times (and I admit, I took plenty of those myself, and went against the recommended rest time of no more than a minute. I figured it wouldn't have done me much good to pass out on the floor, I'd rather have just finished). There was a man on the video with a prosthetic leg, I figure if HE can do it, well I sure as hell should. (Not to make fun, in all seriousness, the guy was seriously in great shape, but I do have a slight advantage in the limbs department, at least enough so to actually finish!)
11 More weeks of Plyometrics makes me want to curl into a tiny little ball and cry. It was basically the most intense cardio work-out I may have ever had. LOTS of jumping squats for over an hour had me begging for a break (and a drink). I respect sports players and their training so much more now. I sat in the shower whimpering and licking my wounds (figuratively) like a small puppy. Dane wanted to see what the big deal was. He himself is a man who is in shape and does regular cardio. Well at the end of it, he was a sweaty little mess too, so I know it wasn't just me. ;)
So needless to say, I have fire thighs today as I walk around. My poor daughters are feeling the effects every time I pick them up and yelp. They, along with myself are not used to all of this. Eh, give it a week or two.
Here's a shout out and props to my brother-in-law Gabriel Jordan, who is 2 days ahead of me! We plan to be the muscular ones lifting weights in the corner at the family Christmas party. It's hard to believe when this is all over it'll be Christmas time. Kind of depressing since it's still 90 degrees every day here in Georgia!
I'm hoping for a little less intense work-out, as today is shoulders, arms, and abs. I won't get my hopes up though! ;) It might be a little bit nicer to know what to expect for a work-out. Pretty soon I'll have been through all of them and I'll know what to expect every morning (there's 12 discs). I tend to not freak myself out more by watching videos ahead of time to see what they're about. I prefer the "SURPRISE!" factor I guess. More tomorrow!
In case you're wondering what it is, like I was before the work-out, here is a little excerpt from Wikipedia.
"Plyometrics is exercise training designed to produce fast, powerful movements, and improve the functions of the nervous system, generally for the purpose of improving performance in sports. Plyometric movements, in which a muscle is loaded and then contracted in rapid sequence, use the strength, elasticity and innervation of muscle and surrounding tissues to jump higher, run faster, throw farther, or hit harder, depending on the desired training goal. Plyometrics is used to
Now tell me why would I ever need to torture myself and do this work-out again? I don't play any of the above. (Anyone???) Nonetheless, it will definitely help on my road to getting abs. People did not exaggerate about this; out of Tony's mouth, it is the "Mother" of all the P90X work-outs. I figured I did pretty good to make it through though, considering how out of shape I am. (I doubt I have ever seen my own face so red.) Tony himself had to take a "personal pause" a couple of times (and I admit, I took plenty of those myself, and went against the recommended rest time of no more than a minute. I figured it wouldn't have done me much good to pass out on the floor, I'd rather have just finished). There was a man on the video with a prosthetic leg, I figure if HE can do it, well I sure as hell should. (Not to make fun, in all seriousness, the guy was seriously in great shape, but I do have a slight advantage in the limbs department, at least enough so to actually finish!)
11 More weeks of Plyometrics makes me want to curl into a tiny little ball and cry. It was basically the most intense cardio work-out I may have ever had. LOTS of jumping squats for over an hour had me begging for a break (and a drink). I respect sports players and their training so much more now. I sat in the shower whimpering and licking my wounds (figuratively) like a small puppy. Dane wanted to see what the big deal was. He himself is a man who is in shape and does regular cardio. Well at the end of it, he was a sweaty little mess too, so I know it wasn't just me. ;)
So needless to say, I have fire thighs today as I walk around. My poor daughters are feeling the effects every time I pick them up and yelp. They, along with myself are not used to all of this. Eh, give it a week or two.
Here's a shout out and props to my brother-in-law Gabriel Jordan, who is 2 days ahead of me! We plan to be the muscular ones lifting weights in the corner at the family Christmas party. It's hard to believe when this is all over it'll be Christmas time. Kind of depressing since it's still 90 degrees every day here in Georgia!
I'm hoping for a little less intense work-out, as today is shoulders, arms, and abs. I won't get my hopes up though! ;) It might be a little bit nicer to know what to expect for a work-out. Pretty soon I'll have been through all of them and I'll know what to expect every morning (there's 12 discs). I tend to not freak myself out more by watching videos ahead of time to see what they're about. I prefer the "SURPRISE!" factor I guess. More tomorrow!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Week 1--Day 2
I quit. Just kidding. Well after I posted yesterday, I put on my super cool work-out outfit, and just as I sauntered in to start, my amazing mom nose smelled a poopy diaper. You'll never see me jump that quickly to change one again, unless of course it's right before a work-out. Any delaying was making me nervous though, so I decided to hop in and do it.
The opening video has a warning that one who was experiencing neck or back pain shouldn't be doing this work-out, which made me quickly wish I had one of the two. Well, I actually have both of the two, just not as extreme enough to avoid this endeavor. My fears were legitimate. The first video is for chest, back, and abs. (But every other muscle seems to be sore as well!) Just, ya know, every pull-up and push-up ever invented. Two of my very weakest points. But I threw myself into it, and managed to do very well, in my opinion. I'm not a huge work-out guru, so a lot of it to me is learning the moves, learning the right way to move your arms when lifting weights, etc. (btw, I love the "lawnmower"). So there were a few points where I had to pause, and rewind, and study my form to make sure it was right.
However, close to the end of all the extremeness, they went back to the plain Jane push-up and I got a surprising (and welcome!) burst of energy and I cranked out 15 push-ups like nobody's business. (Imagine the thought of a push-up being "easy"!) I gave myself major props! Let me just warn you.......the Dive Bomber Push-up.....is death. At one point after several failed attempts, I found myself laying on my stomach, looking up at the TV with a glare. What am I thinking, I can't do this?? Then Tony Horton, looked right at me (yes, right at me) and said, you can do this. I did manage to do one. And the decline push-up, no way Jose. My back was slowly concaving in. For fear of snapping in half like plyboard, I decided to wait until I have a little more strength, as I am, like I said, still recovering from a screwed up back from the pregnancy. My pull-ups drastically improved. Although I will admit, I am a baby and have to have at least one toe propped up on a coffee table in order to do them. But so does the girl in the video, so I didn't feel so bad.
Overall, my first day was a good experience, I felt empowered, muscular, and strong. It was just as intense as everyone says though. If you're not bringing at least a shred of confidence and strength with you, don't even bother. X is for extreme, afterall.
The amount of food was a little ridiculous to me at first, how can someone who eats as little as I do (usually. Hey, I love food.) consume 2400 calories a day? Well, I found out quickly I could. By lunchtime I was like a ravenous beast. (See picture to the left, that was me!) And the past two mornings I've woken up energized, awake, and ready to go. So forget the eating a couple of almonds a day diet. (Psh, models....)
Onto Plyometrics today, which I've heard from my sources, is INSANE. Bring it.
The opening video has a warning that one who was experiencing neck or back pain shouldn't be doing this work-out, which made me quickly wish I had one of the two. Well, I actually have both of the two, just not as extreme enough to avoid this endeavor. My fears were legitimate. The first video is for chest, back, and abs. (But every other muscle seems to be sore as well!) Just, ya know, every pull-up and push-up ever invented. Two of my very weakest points. But I threw myself into it, and managed to do very well, in my opinion. I'm not a huge work-out guru, so a lot of it to me is learning the moves, learning the right way to move your arms when lifting weights, etc. (btw, I love the "lawnmower"). So there were a few points where I had to pause, and rewind, and study my form to make sure it was right.
However, close to the end of all the extremeness, they went back to the plain Jane push-up and I got a surprising (and welcome!) burst of energy and I cranked out 15 push-ups like nobody's business. (Imagine the thought of a push-up being "easy"!) I gave myself major props! Let me just warn you.......the Dive Bomber Push-up.....is death. At one point after several failed attempts, I found myself laying on my stomach, looking up at the TV with a glare. What am I thinking, I can't do this?? Then Tony Horton, looked right at me (yes, right at me) and said, you can do this. I did manage to do one. And the decline push-up, no way Jose. My back was slowly concaving in. For fear of snapping in half like plyboard, I decided to wait until I have a little more strength, as I am, like I said, still recovering from a screwed up back from the pregnancy. My pull-ups drastically improved. Although I will admit, I am a baby and have to have at least one toe propped up on a coffee table in order to do them. But so does the girl in the video, so I didn't feel so bad.
Overall, my first day was a good experience, I felt empowered, muscular, and strong. It was just as intense as everyone says though. If you're not bringing at least a shred of confidence and strength with you, don't even bother. X is for extreme, afterall.
The amount of food was a little ridiculous to me at first, how can someone who eats as little as I do (usually. Hey, I love food.) consume 2400 calories a day? Well, I found out quickly I could. By lunchtime I was like a ravenous beast. (See picture to the left, that was me!) And the past two mornings I've woken up energized, awake, and ready to go. So forget the eating a couple of almonds a day diet. (Psh, models....) Onto Plyometrics today, which I've heard from my sources, is INSANE. Bring it.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
How to Bring it: Week 1-- Day 1
Day One. Let me just start by saying, if I can do this, LITERALLY anyone can! I have a history of starting work-out fads that don't usually last longer than a month. So needless to say, this is going to be more for accountability than for anything. Feel free to laugh along with me.
As I pulled P90X out of it's box, it was almost as if a light from heaven came shining down around it.....well, not quite. It was more like, I groaned and hesitantly unwrapped it from it's packaging. Carefully flipping through the nutrition guide, the little handbook, and the calendar. I decided to sit and start plotting my demise by figuring out which plan from the nutrition book I was going to pursue. There is a portioning option, and a menu planning option. I settled with the menu planning and as I started to see what it entailed I quickly switched. Swordfish and Asparagus soup seemed kind of overwhelming to make at the time. I switched back and forth a few more times and finally settled on the portioning option, which has a lot more freedom of choice.
Then onto the Fit Test. Activities to see if you have what it takes to "bring it", such as pull-ups, vertical leaps, push-ups, etc. As my husband timed and counted for me, I went through most of them ok. I even managed to do one pull-up on the new bar I bought (I won't mention my toe balanced on the table to give me a little help). During each phase of torture, between gasping breaths, I was asking Dane what the minimum requirement to pass was. (At one point he fibbed about the time as I was squatted up against a wall, with my thighs on fire. He insisted it was to motivate me to hold it longer than the minimum. He learned quickly not to do that again.) My poor baby daughters are watching with wide horrified eyes throughout the whole process, crying off and on. Which shows you how little I have worked out, sadly enough. (They were fascinated with my jumping jacks. Hey, at least I'm impressing someone). So the outcome is, I did reach the requirements, and I am now qualified to do P90X. Woo.
This morning as I woke up, my arms were sore, my abs were sore (which means there really ARE some in there!), and I groaned as I lay there taking my pulse. Am I ready for this? You betcha. I quickly got up and started making my breakfast. I don't think my taste buds wake up that early. I'm used to a quick slimfast shake, or maybe a granola bar. Not 2 cups of strawberries, a bagel with a small amount of cream cheese, 4 pieces of turkey bacon, and tons of water. Midway through, I felt about to burst. I then proceeded to make my babies protein shakes, er, bottles, and after feeding them, placed the girls in their play yard. And now, it is time to see what I'm made of.
If I don't survive, I love you all! On a serious note, I would encourage you to encourage me during this time, as this should be a hilarious experience! Updates tomorrow! (Granted I can type....)
As I pulled P90X out of it's box, it was almost as if a light from heaven came shining down around it.....well, not quite. It was more like, I groaned and hesitantly unwrapped it from it's packaging. Carefully flipping through the nutrition guide, the little handbook, and the calendar. I decided to sit and start plotting my demise by figuring out which plan from the nutrition book I was going to pursue. There is a portioning option, and a menu planning option. I settled with the menu planning and as I started to see what it entailed I quickly switched. Swordfish and Asparagus soup seemed kind of overwhelming to make at the time. I switched back and forth a few more times and finally settled on the portioning option, which has a lot more freedom of choice.
Then onto the Fit Test. Activities to see if you have what it takes to "bring it", such as pull-ups, vertical leaps, push-ups, etc. As my husband timed and counted for me, I went through most of them ok. I even managed to do one pull-up on the new bar I bought (I won't mention my toe balanced on the table to give me a little help). During each phase of torture, between gasping breaths, I was asking Dane what the minimum requirement to pass was. (At one point he fibbed about the time as I was squatted up against a wall, with my thighs on fire. He insisted it was to motivate me to hold it longer than the minimum. He learned quickly not to do that again.) My poor baby daughters are watching with wide horrified eyes throughout the whole process, crying off and on. Which shows you how little I have worked out, sadly enough. (They were fascinated with my jumping jacks. Hey, at least I'm impressing someone). So the outcome is, I did reach the requirements, and I am now qualified to do P90X. Woo.
This morning as I woke up, my arms were sore, my abs were sore (which means there really ARE some in there!), and I groaned as I lay there taking my pulse. Am I ready for this? You betcha. I quickly got up and started making my breakfast. I don't think my taste buds wake up that early. I'm used to a quick slimfast shake, or maybe a granola bar. Not 2 cups of strawberries, a bagel with a small amount of cream cheese, 4 pieces of turkey bacon, and tons of water. Midway through, I felt about to burst. I then proceeded to make my babies protein shakes, er, bottles, and after feeding them, placed the girls in their play yard. And now, it is time to see what I'm made of.
If I don't survive, I love you all! On a serious note, I would encourage you to encourage me during this time, as this should be a hilarious experience! Updates tomorrow! (Granted I can type....)
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