The beginning of the end.

So...I have finally finished week 3 of month 2.  Roughly two weeks behind schedule but I finished.  After having to take a week off for my back, it was harder to get into the routine of working out on a daily basis.  I don't know what it is, but you just get into a mindset of "this workout can wait til tomorrow and it'll be ok."  And it was ok.  I didn't feel guilty for skipping one day and then getting back to it the following day because I knew I would do it. 

I'm really excited to finish this final week and see the end results.  With completing the Insanity program, you're asked to take before and after pictures.  I decided at the beginning I would take the before pictures and then wait to look at them again when comparing them to my after pictures.  I am so close to being able to take those after pictures and I look forward to comparing to see the results.  Already, I can see and feel the results so I have a good idea of what I'll see!  With this final week, I'm also looking ahead to decide what I want to do next.  I'm considering taking a week or two off and then completing another round of Insanity.  My main goal is to focus more on my nutrition; by taking advantage of the Team Beachbody program online and have my meals planned out for me.




 I don't expect different results...I expect BETTER results with a second round!  Does that still go under the definition of Insanity??

And the Week 2 Re-do

I never thought I would say this...

But it was nice being able to workout again today.  I seriously missed it, even the muscle fatigue and massive amount of sweat.  It honestly felt like an accomplishment to me.  I could have easily said that I needed another week off because of my back and that there was still some soreness but I knew I was ready.  Instead of making it an excuse, I made it the reason to keep pushing through...to prove to myself that I could do it. 

I decided to pick up where I left off and do the Max Interval Circuit tonight. There were a couple of workouts that I modified or completed at a slower rate...side suicide jumps, most definitely slower at those than before.  To get back on track with my workouts (since I'm a day behind), I plan to double up on Wednesday and Thursday.  Luckily, I have Wednesday off (HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!)  I also need to get back on track with my nutrition.  Having a week of no workouts was great but I definitely attribute no need to follow nutrition all the time to no workouts.  Hopefully this week goes more smoothly.

Wish me luck!  And to everyone that's doing Insanity or just working out, keep pushing yourself and digging deep.  You can do it! 

3 Weeks Left and A Setback

Last Thursday, I was really excited because I finished week 1 of the second month and I was in the downhill stretch with Insanity. WOOT WOOT!  So I decided to workout while I went home to Illinois for the weekend and did the Max Cardio Circuit on Saturday on a concrete floor, when I've been doing it on carpet this entire time. 

Bad idea. That downhill stretch turned in to me tripping over my feet and falling face first into the ground.

I now not only have one pulled muscle but two pulled muscles.  And both are on my back, perpendicular to one another (not fun to have this issue when you're driving or looking down.)  Needless to say, I'm having to take a temporary break from Insanity.  I went to the doctor today and he said that I needed to take it easy for the next few days.  Then, I could do some light stretching.  My guess is that I won't be able to get back into it for another week or two.  I was looking forward to being able to complete this the week after my birthday so this has been somewhat of a downer for me.  But hopefully I will be back and in it soon.  Positive side is that I have an extra hour in the evenings now.  Here's to a quick recovery!!!



Sorry, crazy lady, but sometimes it's okay to quit...so don't try to be macho and push yourself through potential long-term pain.  That's just crazy.

Some "Fit"spiration

First off, kudos to Amber and Sarah for starting their own fitness journeys and starting workout blogs!!!  It's really inspirational for myself knowing that I've motivated others to either blog or begin Insanity. :)  Keep it up, girlies...you can do it!

So with that said, I wanted to take some blog space to talk about those days that I'm unmotivated.  When I first began working out (think my pre-Insanity, at-the-gym days), it was sooooo easy to make excuses: "I don't have time," "I'm too tired," or "I'll do it tomorrow."  But thinking about it, I can't make excuses for my health so I decided to do something about it.    For the past month and a half, I've been working out 6 days a week (this coming from maybe once or twice a week.)  So of course, I've had my bad days.  Starting work at 8 AM and not getting home until 7:30 PM and then going straight into working out, it's been tough.  But the important thing is to just get up and do it.  In the case of Insanity: keep pushing play!  And after working out, I feel better than I did before.

Today was the first day that I just wanted to get home and work out...it's starting to become more of a stress reliever for me and that feels great!  However, doing the max cardio conditioning did not feel so great at times.  Backwards suicide jumps?  CRAZY!  But I will try again next time. Looking forward to cardio recovery tomorrow!

To provide a little more "fit"spiration, here's one my pinterest finds that I've found motivating for myself:

Fit Test and an Ass Beating.

So...the fit test first and overall results.

1. Switch Kicks= +8
2. Power Jacks=  +3
3. Power Knees= +12 
4. Power Jumps= +6
5. Globe Jumps= +1 (stupid globe jumps...)
6. Suicide Jumps= +1 (ditto on the stupid.)
7. Push-up Jacks=  +4
8. Low Plank Oblique= +8

Woot woot for improvement!  I have yet to take my measurements to compare to when I first started BUT I've definitely noticed more of a change...some clothes are loose in certain areas (mainly my workout shorts and jeans.)  I'm still feeling fit and toned, of course, with more energy.  And if my workout today is any indication of what results to expect, it'll definitely be worth it.

To the first day of Month 2:
It was brutal.  Absolutely brutal.  I really didn't think it was possible for someone to sweat so much (my hair was almost completely soaked by the end of the workout.)  Shaun T. said he smiles because he loves it....I did not love it right then.  Especially some of the drill circuits.  I can't even remember all of what I did.  It was that crazy.  There were a lot of impromptu breaks and I did have to pause the video a few times just to take a breather.  Going at your own pace and keeping your form is key...although I knew that I wasn't going at the same pace as the video, I still felt the workout.  This upcoming week may be harder or easier than my first week with Insanity.  But I'm over halfway through so there's no stopping now! 4 more weeks!!

Halfway-ish Point!!!

Just a few words for ya...I have officially completed Month 1 of Insanity!  Woot woot!  Now, a week of Core Cardio & Balance and then on to Month 2.  Apparently, it's rough.

I'm not going to take much time blogging tonight (due to paperwork and such) but I did want to reflect a little bit on this past month and what I plan to do differently in the upcoming month.

First off, nutrition is very VERY important.  If you don't fuel your body, then you'll end up a big blob (not literally but moreso, have no energy.)  I've been very off course this past week and not doing my 5 Meal plan.  At this point, I'm feeling the difference compared to the last few weeks. However, I will say that I've been making healthier food choice decisions and been focusing on putting protein, fiber and healthy fats in my meals.  And my blender is seriously my new best friend.  This next month, I really plan to put more focus on my nutrition.  I have the workouts down...now it's down to my food.

Second: splurge a little and get some good cross trainers...not running shoes or your $15 tennis shoes from Walmart.  A couple weekends back, I bought a pair of Nike cross trainers (the exact type, not sure) but I definitely feel a difference in my feet and ankles.  When I was using my running shoes, I felt more strain in my ankles and calves throughout most of the workout but now, it's mainly when I first start.

Thirdly, don't trust the scale...the numbers can lie.  I've been all over the place with the scale since I've first started (usually within a 5 lb. range) but I can feel a difference.  According to some of my friends/co-workers, they can see a difference as well.  I have yet to measure myself and compare to when I first started by I'm pretty sure there will be a difference. 

And lastly, keeping pushing play and digging deep! 

End of Week 3!

This blog is a little late (by a couple of days at least) but I've made it through week 3! 

Almost.

Why almost, you ask?  This girl didn't do her workout on Thursday and failed to make it up yesterday.  And with doing both Cardio Abs and Pure Cardio today (as well as going swimming and hanging out with friends), it just wasn't going to happen.  I thought a little bit about this and I realized that if I would've skipped going to the gym or doing a workout a few months back, I wouldn't have cared.  I would know that the gym would still be there when I felt like going again.  But with missing the last day of Week 3, I'm feeling a little disappointed in myself or bummed out that I missed a workout.  Granted, I worked late Thursday night and I made last minute plans with Friday.  Part of me feels there just wasn't a good excuse.  However, I know next week will be better...it's week 4 and the halfway point.  WOOT!

In comparing this past week to my week 3 (especially doing Pure Cardio today), it was a lot easier!  Today I kept pushing myself to not give up...to take a 5-10 second break and then get right back into it.  I'm not getting out of breath as quickly AND my body isn't sore after workouts!  I haven't seen a major change yet with clothes and weight (probably because I haven't been as exact with the nutrition portion) but I feel the difference.  I feel leaner and toned, especially in the arms and legs...stomach area is slowly making it. And I have more energy.  So if I can have these type of results in just month 1, I'm really excited to see what's going to happen in month 2.  Wish me luck and everybody out there who's doing this, keep pushing play and digging deep!!!

PS-Favorite new quote from Shawn T.  "Why do I keep doing this? Because I look good!"  TOTALLY agree!

15 Day Fit Test

When I first started Insanity, I had to complete a fit test on Day 1.  I thought I did HORRIBLE on that first day but given my lack of intense exercise prior to starting, I could understand why.  Every two weeks, I'll complete a fit test as another way to measure my progress (other than just by weight or measurements.)  So...with that said....my Day 1 and Day 15 fit test results are as follows:

*Drum roll please*

1. Switch Kicks: Day 1- 40 reps.  Day 15- 45 reps.
2. Power Jacks:   Day 1- 35.         Day 15- 52.
3. Power Knees:  Day 1- 60.         Day 15- 77.
4. Power Jumps (these are a beast!!!): Day 1- 15.  Day 15- 25.
5. Globe Jumps:   Day 1- 6 reps.  Day 15- 8 reps.
6. Suicide Jumps: Day 1- 11.       Day 15- 12.
7. Push-up Jacks: Day 1- 8.          Day 15- 16.
8. Low Plank Oblique: Day 1- 40.  Day 15- 55.

  As one can see, I made progress in most areas... not significant progress like they pointed out in the video but I will definitely take what I can.  And after doing 25 power jumps, there was no way I was going to increase my globe or suicide jumps!!!  I'm sure by Day 36, I'll increase my numbers again. :)  Hope everyone who's doing it has seen an increase in numbers as well and best of luck to my brother-in-law Brad and nephew Elijah who will be starting Insanity in the next week! 

KEEP PUSHING PLAY!!!

The End of Week 2

So I'm sitting here, drinking my after-workout chocolate protein smoothie (which is delicious, btw), and thinking about this past week.  Overall, these past few days seemed brutal...I was tired.  There was no energy to push play and overall, I felt defeated.  Last night, there was no motivation to work out but in remembering my goal in doing all of this (to become healthy), I was able to push through. Then I woke up this morning and did it again.  Support and motivation is definitely key in all of this.

Today, I completed my week 2 with a cardio abs this morning and then pure cardio this evening.  Sooo excited that I've made it half-way through the first month!  Next week may be harder....it may be easier.  But I just need to remember that I can do it at my own pace.  With the nutrition side of things, I've been using whey protein powder to make shakes and smoothies.  Surprisingly, it's pretty good (depending on what you put in :P)  Scoop of chocolate protein powder, cup of almond milk and some ice cubes?  TASTY!  Nutrition has been somewhat difficult too this week with having to fit the meals around my work schedule.  Some days, I haven't been able to eat the 5 meals or there's been a longer period than wanted between the meals.  After some meal planning this weekend, hopefully next week will be better. :)

Here's to Week 3 and Digging Deep!

Plyometrics....Schmylometrics.

Today was definitely a hard day for me, in that I REALLY had to motivate myself to push play and to keep pushing through the workout til the end.  Plyometrics again today and another round of the basketball drills. Oh, the basketball drills. But I'm glad I pushed play in that I made it through the warm-up with still a high amount of energy AND I managed to focus more on my core (by the end of the workout, my core definitely hurt!)  The icing on the cake is that I decided to weigh myself afterwards.  Three pounds lost!!!  Talk about some motivators when I needed them. :)  Tomorrow is the cardio recovery and then back to it!

PS-Cup of frozen fruit, 1/2 cup almond milk, 1/2 scoop of french vanilla protein powder, splash of orange juice and some Sweet-n-Low?  DELICIOUS! 

Week 2: Still going strong!

Day 1 and 2 of Week 2 complete!  The pure cardio was killer today...yet again but I kept pushing through.  My major accomplishment is that I didn't take breaks as many times I did before.  I was definitely a big blob of sweat afterwards though!  I've also noticed that I'm not as sore (yay!)  Later on this week, I'm suppose to do pure cardio along with the abs workout.  Plan of action: do one workout in morning and the other in the evening. Hopefully it works!

With having my off day on Friday, I went a little off the grid with my nutrition but still was able to make some healthy choices.  I went out to Chinese for lunch and focused on getting more veggies and less deep fried options; rather than my typical sweet and sour chicken.  Crab rangoon was a must though!  :P  Also went out that evening for supper and got a Subway sandwich....with chocolate cheesecake for dessert (shared with a friend.)  That's were nutrition went out the window!  So I had some slip-ups but overall, did better than expected last week.  I've realized too that I can still go out to eat and still meet the nutrional needs needed.  It just takes some prior planning on my part!  This upcoming week, I'm trying something different.  Finally broke down and bought a blender yesterday so I'm going to try to implement some fruit smoothies and shakes in my diet...with the help of protein powder.  I tried making blueberry pancakes this morning with some French Vanilla powder.  It wasn't too bad but will have to get use to.  Hopefully the smoothies and shakes are better!

Wish me luck as I continue pushing through Week 2!

Plyometrics...we meet again...

Let's just say, I totally rocked this round of Plyometrics...compared to the first time anyways. :P  The first time I was kind of like a drunken fish in the water but after going through the rest of the circuits, I've focused more on form and strengthening my core (which I'm still working on!)  This next week, I hope to focus more on the nutrition aspect of things: especially finding breakfast meals that I can actually eat on a regular basis (I am just not a huge egg or cottage cheese person in the morning.)

And more importantly...COMPLETED WEEK 1!  Soo excited to be saying that!  At the beginning of this week, it would be so easy to quit and just send it all back.  Because seriously, being sore all the time was no bueno.  But after having support from my workout buddies & coach and doing the cardio recovery on Tuesday, I felt a lot better about things.  Currently, I'm not sore (thank you, Gatorade and peanut butter and doing better with stretching) and I feel somewhat healthier.  However, I don't have much energy throughout the day and I'm wondering if it's my current nutrition plan.  Any suggestions?

Looking for Week 2 to being on Saturday but for tomorrow, I will be resting!  Be back Saturday...wish me luck!!!

And the Insanity begins again...

When Shaun T says he's nervous about a workout, I know that means there's some serious business about to go on.  Two words: Pure Cardio.  If I had to do that module at first, there would be no way I could get through it!  Heck, I had to continue pushing myself tonight...especially having to do suicides. I will definitely be feeling this workout tomorrow but it's worth it for the long-term result: aka-a healthier me!  The positive side of tonight is that I was able to make it through the entire warm-up routine without a break: mainly because I was going at my own pace.  I also concentrated more on my form tonight.  My goal for tomorrow night's workout is to keep my core tight.  Shaun T's recommendation (according to teambeachbody.com) is to laugh or smile.  I may not be laughing during the workout but I'll be tightening those abs!!!

Favorite quote of the night: This sh*# is bananas!  From Mr. Shaun T himself.  I may not like him during the workout but he's got some lines.

Half-way point for Week 1!

So after yesterday's lessons learned, I definitely needed today's cardio recovery...it was still technically a workout but more focused on breathing and taking it slow.  Did I still feel like a blob afterwards?  Definitely.  I enjoyed having the less intensity and being able to concentrate on what I was doing.  Accomplishment for today: during two of the stretches, balancing on one leg for the entire time.  WOOT!  I definitely found my inner "chi."  :)  Since today wasn't as intense and not much too blog about, I figured I would like to take some time to talk about the nutrition portion.

This is challenging for someone who loves food: cooking, baking, eating, buying....you name it.  I love it about food.  The major difficulity is cutting out a majority of sweets and starches.  So far, I feel like I've done fairly well in both areas: not eating crackers with chili, choosing unsweetened versus sweetened tea, and staying away from cupcakes (so tempting!!!)  The fun part about this is taking foods that I love (chili and sloppy joes) and making them in a way that's healthier and fits the nutrition guide (protein, fiber, etc.)  Who knew putting carrots in both those items would actually be good?!  But of course, adding carrots hasn't been the only modifications. :P

With Day 4 complete and three more days until I complete my first week, I'm motivated to keep digging deep!

Day 3: A Learning Experience

Since today was my third day of working out and first full day of the nutrition guide, I figured I would test the waters a little bit.  Which of course, lead me to some lessons learned:

Lesson 1: If you work out at 6-ish in the morning, make sure you eat beforehand.  Why I did it this way?  I have no idea but it was not the best decision.  Afterwards, I felt miserable and I ended up having to lay back down for another hour after taking a shower.  With that said, I will be doing my workouts in the evening from now on (if it's during the week.)  I will also make sure that I get in a meal before as well!

Lesson 2: Eat the five meals a day....and don't splurge on one meal because you've missed the one before.  After working out this morning about 7, I had a fruit smoothie and some peanut butter (because having eggs was just not going to work.)  Surprisingly, by about 10, I was hungry again so I had my second meal of yogurt, apples, honey and walnuts.  About 12:30-1, I was hungry yet again.  Yay modified chili recipe!  Next part is where I lapsed a little: became hungry around 4 (which I was in a session, of course) and then afterwards, I was invited to go out to eat.  I made some good decisions (fish tacos and unsweetened tea...which is killer for someone who loves sweetened tea.)  But I also made a not so good one: chips and queso.  Enough said.  Tomorrow, I plan to do better by eating first about 7 again and then eating meals about 3 hours apart.

Those were my lessons for today.  With that said, the workout was yet again intense but I noticed today I was more motivated to push through the workouts (including the warm-up!)  The next time I do the circuit, I want to focus more on my form...especially when I'm attempting to do the various types of push-ups.  The push-ups were easier to do today. Somewhat tough because I'm still sore from yesterday but easier.  I will conquer them!!!!   I was talking to one of my friends today about the workout and she asked if I noticed a difference.  My response was that I can't see a difference but I can definitely feel it: considering there are multiple muscle areas that are sore!  So that has to count for something.

Although I'm sore today, I will go for it again tomorrow and dig deep!  Wish me luck!

Days 1 & 2...the challenge begins!

As a quick disclaimer, this blog is not going to be about me baking cupcakes (for those who've read my Cupcake Therapy blog.)  It's really going to be about the exact opposite of cupcakes, which is working out.  Mainly completing the Beach Body Insanity workout...and let me tell you now, cupcakes just are not in that nutrition guide!  So with that said, last year I decided that I needed to lead a healthier lifestyle.  I got the gym membership. I started to go regularly by going to Zumba classes and using the treadmill and weight machines...which I started seeing a vaste improvement on my cardiovascular endurance.  Due to my work schedule changing, it became more of a hassle and stress to go to the classes (I was also getting bored with the treadmill.)  So I started to look for something different. 

Quite a few of my friends have or are currently completing P90X, but I knew I wanted a bigger challenge.  After much consideration and looking at the website I don't know how many times, I finally broke down and bought Insanity last week.  And after two days of completing it, I'm glad I did because I can definitely feel some results.  Let's just say if you're sore and drenched in sweat after doing a fit test, something has to be working...and it is not your typical workout!!

Today's workout consisted of the Plyometrics Cardio Circuit...which meant a lot of intense and consistent movement. For example: start standing, go to squat, go to plank position, do 4 push-ups, do the "running plank" as I like to call it, back to squat, back to standing, and repeat.  Am I sore right now?  Most definitely.  Did I take a nap afterwards?  Of course.  Will I being working out tomorrow?  OH YES.  There were multiple times I just had to take a quick breather during the workout and every time there was a break, I paused it for longer!  But I think the important thing is knowing limits.  The people in the workout video have probably been doing it longer than me and it definitely helped seeing people on the video taking a quick breather too.  I was proud that I continued pushing myself and when the workout was done, I was surprised it went so quickly!  If this is how I feel today, I'm looking forward to how I'm going to feel after 60-days!!!