Back on Track...
Last week was a REST week after contracting a really bad chest cold. I was told by my doctor that it was allergies rather than a cold, but by mid week, my partner had also contracted the same symptoms. ;-0 We spent most of the week, coughing, sneezing, whining, and resting. Today was my first day back using the Zumba Fitness DVDs. I felt much better after days of not eating much and bed rest, but the cough is still here a little, and it's sort of challenging trying to breathe and cough while doing aerobics. LOL! But it really felt like being resurrected from the dead after a week of no activity. I'm back alive and ready to Zumba! LOL!
However, I am happy that I was able to get up this morning at 5a.m. to do the workout and got through it. I'm not sure if the sweating that I was doing was a fever breaking or actually the effort of working out, but I sweat a lot. Today was what they call, Zumba Exhilarate, which was a combination of various dance moves and music for an hour. Tomorrow is the toning routine, called Zumba Ripped for an hour. Wednesday is the 40 minute cardio routine called Zumba Activate. Then I repeat each workout for a total of 6 days. ;-)
I also started using the Pull Up Revolution that I talked about in my previous blog. This little devil is really helpful to get your body up to the bar for a pull up/chin up. In the past, I couldn't even get close to the bar but with the Pull Up Revolution, I've been able to lift my body very close, but no cigar yet, I'm afraid. So each day, I will practice trying to get one pull up until I'm able to finally do it. Then I'll do more reps until hopefully, I'll be able to do at least 10 consecutive pull ups. ;-)
My Word for Today: Resurrection
Monday, April 25, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Day 106 - April 16, 2011
IT'S TIME TO PARTY...
The Zumba Fitness DVDs have arrived! We started using them immediately on Thursday and have truly enjoyed the new addition to our routine. The funny thing is, we tried to use the DVD series last year, but found the first version of this series to be boring and not comparable to a live group fitness session of Zumba. But this new version of the series is more exciting and gives you more of a live concert or dance party feeling than the original version. It also has more exercise routines and a concert DVD that covers various global dance routines with guest performers. I look forward to using the series throughout the rest of my workout program this year. ;-)
We made it through a week of doubles! Four days this week, we worked out twice a day, and then ended the week with one ab workout. The doubles routine was challenging and kept me and my working partner begging for mercy! LOL! But I really think it was worth the double effort and look forward to repeating this type of routine next week.
I have been somewhat frustrated with the lack of weight loss, but I've also been honest with myself. I know that the lack of pounds dropping is due to my eating habits, and have committed myself to working harder at reducing the consumption of food choices that hinder my weight loss. Thus far, I've been able to cut out splurges that include a lot of juices, desserts, and fried foods. No fried foods this week, and only one day where I broke down and ate something sweet. I also tried on some goal khakis, jeans, and shirt and was pleasantly surprised that at least I had loss some inches. I was now able to button the size 10 khakis and size 10 jeans, and ladies' large t-shirt!!!
Unfortunately, my food allergies did flare up this week and made me ill the latter part of the week, and now I'm struggling with a chest cold. But even with some health concerns, I'm still pledging to continue to work as hard as my body will allow me to, towards my goals. ;-)
So today, is rest day, filled with healthy food, couch potatoism, and lots of sleep. ;-)
My Word for Today: Rest
The Zumba Fitness DVDs have arrived! We started using them immediately on Thursday and have truly enjoyed the new addition to our routine. The funny thing is, we tried to use the DVD series last year, but found the first version of this series to be boring and not comparable to a live group fitness session of Zumba. But this new version of the series is more exciting and gives you more of a live concert or dance party feeling than the original version. It also has more exercise routines and a concert DVD that covers various global dance routines with guest performers. I look forward to using the series throughout the rest of my workout program this year. ;-)
We made it through a week of doubles! Four days this week, we worked out twice a day, and then ended the week with one ab workout. The doubles routine was challenging and kept me and my working partner begging for mercy! LOL! But I really think it was worth the double effort and look forward to repeating this type of routine next week.
I have been somewhat frustrated with the lack of weight loss, but I've also been honest with myself. I know that the lack of pounds dropping is due to my eating habits, and have committed myself to working harder at reducing the consumption of food choices that hinder my weight loss. Thus far, I've been able to cut out splurges that include a lot of juices, desserts, and fried foods. No fried foods this week, and only one day where I broke down and ate something sweet. I also tried on some goal khakis, jeans, and shirt and was pleasantly surprised that at least I had loss some inches. I was now able to button the size 10 khakis and size 10 jeans, and ladies' large t-shirt!!!
Unfortunately, my food allergies did flare up this week and made me ill the latter part of the week, and now I'm struggling with a chest cold. But even with some health concerns, I'm still pledging to continue to work as hard as my body will allow me to, towards my goals. ;-)
So today, is rest day, filled with healthy food, couch potatoism, and lots of sleep. ;-)
My Word for Today: Rest
Monday, April 11, 2011
Day 101 - April 11, 2011
It's the Cardio REVolution...
I've decided that I definitely need to include more cardio in my workout routine if I want to see more weight loss. All of the information that I've read including Beachbody message boards, emphasizes the importance of cardio. As much as I love the P90X routine, I find that my body is sculpting more than actually seeing the pounds fly off. I know that this isn't a bad thing, but for someone who works out as hard as I do, I need more encouragement. Plus, if there's anyway to get rid of this fake pregnancy belly, I'm going to try it. LOL! I spoke with a co-worker that has had great success in losing over 85 pounds and she encouraged me not to be discouraged about the belly. Like other people have said, she agreed that the belly is the LAST thing to go. She said, she didn't start losing her stomach until the 10th month of her 15 month weight loss program. Sooooo, I guess, the tummy isn't my worse enemy, just time. LOL!
Oh well, I will learn to appreciate the extra padding until it's all gone instead of "hating" on it. ;-0 Today started my doubles workout program. Starting this week, I will include cardio for all morning workouts for 5 days a week. I will also do four evening workouts that will include strength training, ab work, or sculpting. I figure if P90X is designed mainly to reshape the body, I would leave those workout routines for the evening and utilize my morning workouts for cardio. There are a few cardio routines within P90X, so those will be reserved for the morning workouts. I also purchased the new Brett Hoebel, RevAbs Revolution, so those workouts will be reserved for the evening. I still have my older DVD workouts of Chalean's Turbo Jam, again, cardio routines for the morning. And Zumba Fitness Exhilirate is on its WAY!!! ;-) I'm looking forward to adding that to my workout routine as well. And of course, I'm praying that my pull ups will improve with the new Pull Up Revolution tool that's on its way too. I'll give you my reviews of both exercise programs once I try them.
My eating habits HAVE TO HAVE TO improve. So again, I'm trying to start off the week with a "clean diet." So far, so good. I did have to rely on my energy drink this morning and this afternoon, and before I workout this evening, I will have another swig or two. Whatever it takes, I'm dedicated, determined, and dependable, just like our local Channel 5 is! LOL! Stay tuned for more updates.
Oh BTW, Turbo Jam was awsome this morning! Chalean's routine is a bit faster paced than Tony Horton's P90X, but I can appreciate the variety in both of them. As Tony Horton says, "Variety is the spice of life!" Keep it Spicy, my friends! LOL!
My Word for Today: You guess it...Variety! LOL!
I've decided that I definitely need to include more cardio in my workout routine if I want to see more weight loss. All of the information that I've read including Beachbody message boards, emphasizes the importance of cardio. As much as I love the P90X routine, I find that my body is sculpting more than actually seeing the pounds fly off. I know that this isn't a bad thing, but for someone who works out as hard as I do, I need more encouragement. Plus, if there's anyway to get rid of this fake pregnancy belly, I'm going to try it. LOL! I spoke with a co-worker that has had great success in losing over 85 pounds and she encouraged me not to be discouraged about the belly. Like other people have said, she agreed that the belly is the LAST thing to go. She said, she didn't start losing her stomach until the 10th month of her 15 month weight loss program. Sooooo, I guess, the tummy isn't my worse enemy, just time. LOL!
Oh well, I will learn to appreciate the extra padding until it's all gone instead of "hating" on it. ;-0 Today started my doubles workout program. Starting this week, I will include cardio for all morning workouts for 5 days a week. I will also do four evening workouts that will include strength training, ab work, or sculpting. I figure if P90X is designed mainly to reshape the body, I would leave those workout routines for the evening and utilize my morning workouts for cardio. There are a few cardio routines within P90X, so those will be reserved for the morning workouts. I also purchased the new Brett Hoebel, RevAbs Revolution, so those workouts will be reserved for the evening. I still have my older DVD workouts of Chalean's Turbo Jam, again, cardio routines for the morning. And Zumba Fitness Exhilirate is on its WAY!!! ;-) I'm looking forward to adding that to my workout routine as well. And of course, I'm praying that my pull ups will improve with the new Pull Up Revolution tool that's on its way too. I'll give you my reviews of both exercise programs once I try them.
My eating habits HAVE TO HAVE TO improve. So again, I'm trying to start off the week with a "clean diet." So far, so good. I did have to rely on my energy drink this morning and this afternoon, and before I workout this evening, I will have another swig or two. Whatever it takes, I'm dedicated, determined, and dependable, just like our local Channel 5 is! LOL! Stay tuned for more updates.
Oh BTW, Turbo Jam was awsome this morning! Chalean's routine is a bit faster paced than Tony Horton's P90X, but I can appreciate the variety in both of them. As Tony Horton says, "Variety is the spice of life!" Keep it Spicy, my friends! LOL!
My Word for Today: You guess it...Variety! LOL!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Day 95 - April 5, 2011
Plyometrics, Youza Bad Mutha...Shut Yo Mouth...
This morning's workout was one of the most hellacious workouts I've performed since my first attempt at Shaun T's Insanity! Plyometrics with Tony Horton ain't no joke. This crazy, lovable guy, my idol, my hero, is also my torturer! LOL! He put the hurt on me this morning at five in the morning and I love him for it, even so. ;-) When the routine was over, it was on to the day job. Good Lawd, my feet were hurting, my back felt broken, and I was sleeeeepppy! After a bad thunderstorm last night, the clocks in the house had gone out but my internal clock was 30 minutes early, and instead of starting my day at 5a.m., I was up at 4:35a.m. ;-0 The good thing: I didn't miss my workout. The bad thing: I wish I could have stayed in bed. At least that's how I felt during the beginning of the workout. But 20 minutes in, the endorphins kicked in and I was happy that I stayed committed and in the words of Tony Horton, "I brought it!"
My Word for Today: Strength
This morning's workout was one of the most hellacious workouts I've performed since my first attempt at Shaun T's Insanity! Plyometrics with Tony Horton ain't no joke. This crazy, lovable guy, my idol, my hero, is also my torturer! LOL! He put the hurt on me this morning at five in the morning and I love him for it, even so. ;-) When the routine was over, it was on to the day job. Good Lawd, my feet were hurting, my back felt broken, and I was sleeeeepppy! After a bad thunderstorm last night, the clocks in the house had gone out but my internal clock was 30 minutes early, and instead of starting my day at 5a.m., I was up at 4:35a.m. ;-0 The good thing: I didn't miss my workout. The bad thing: I wish I could have stayed in bed. At least that's how I felt during the beginning of the workout. But 20 minutes in, the endorphins kicked in and I was happy that I stayed committed and in the words of Tony Horton, "I brought it!"
My Word for Today: Strength
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Day 92 - April 2, 2011
Tada...
I made it through the week with just one more routine to go on Sunday, a 10-Minute Trainer workout with Tony Horton. ;-) My workout partner joined me for my morning routine switcheroo and that's been a great experience for both of us. Even though it's challenging getting up at 5 in the morning to do a workout, the benefit of rejuvenation and completion before the end of a day, is worth it.
Special Delivery...
I received my new workout program from Beachbody on Thursday, RevAbs with Brett Hoebel. For those of you who aren't Beachbody followers, you still may recognize Brett from his role as one of the new trainers on The Biggest Loser. Well before his new TBL role, he was also known as a popular fitness trainer to the stars in both New York and California. He also had his own special workout program to concentrate on your abs. This program is definitely needed for my stomach issue (WAY TOO BIG)! ;-) So I'm looking forward to the challenge later on this year. Shaun T's Insanity is next on my list of workout programs after this round of P90X, and then RevAbs. Wish me luck, strength, life, sanity, LOL!
Word for Today: Determination
I made it through the week with just one more routine to go on Sunday, a 10-Minute Trainer workout with Tony Horton. ;-) My workout partner joined me for my morning routine switcheroo and that's been a great experience for both of us. Even though it's challenging getting up at 5 in the morning to do a workout, the benefit of rejuvenation and completion before the end of a day, is worth it.
Special Delivery...
I received my new workout program from Beachbody on Thursday, RevAbs with Brett Hoebel. For those of you who aren't Beachbody followers, you still may recognize Brett from his role as one of the new trainers on The Biggest Loser. Well before his new TBL role, he was also known as a popular fitness trainer to the stars in both New York and California. He also had his own special workout program to concentrate on your abs. This program is definitely needed for my stomach issue (WAY TOO BIG)! ;-) So I'm looking forward to the challenge later on this year. Shaun T's Insanity is next on my list of workout programs after this round of P90X, and then RevAbs. Wish me luck, strength, life, sanity, LOL!
Word for Today: Determination
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Day 90 - March 31, 2011
Back in the Saddle Again...
I've been gone from this blog for almost three weeks. Did ya miss me? LOL! Well I haven't been slacking too much since my last entry. After the week of the 10th, I was wiped out and spent the next week recuperating. The next week, I got back on track and completed my third week of Phase 2. This week is the recovery week and last week of Phase 2 and then on to Phase 3. Even though it's been a recovery week, it still feels like the normal routine. The main parts of the routine are still a part of the recovery week (Core Synergistics, Cardio X, and Kenpo X) so it's still takes a lot out of you. I started off with a 10-minute routine by Tony Horton and then felt too whipped to continue until this morning. I decided to switch up my routine and workout in the morning instead of after work. That actually turned out to be a good idea because I got it over with and I felt energized for the start of the day. Hopefully that energy will carry me throughout the work day, and at least when I get home, I won't have to do a routine. Tomorrow's goal is to do Kenpo X in the morning and finish off the cardio with Cardio X on Saturday.
Frustration...
I've been feeling pretty frustrated with my progress thus far. Although I see my body reshaping, I still struggle with proper nutrition and faster weight loss. I was feeling really down over the weekend and for most of this week because of that and the normal blues triggers. I kept wondering why others were more successful with starvation diets than I was with consistent, challenging workouts. The only time I see drastic weight loss is when I reduced my calorie count to 1,200 or less and that's just not enough nutrients to get me through these hard routines. So I end up splurging over the weekend and gain the pounds I loss throughout the week, just to starve again to get back down by the end of the next week. It's a yo yo effect that's leaving me frustrated.
Then just as I was about to throw in the towel, I received my April issue of Experience Life, and read the article on Reality TV weight loss programs and how they set the viewers up for failure and how unhealthy they can be for the actual participants. Most of the article emphasized that these quick weight loss techniques are dangerous and that starvation restrictions only cause the participants to regain their weight or more, or cause other health issues. The article discouraged 1,200 calorie diets and extensive workouts. That made me feel much better. Because as the article said, I was comparing myself to the people on these shows and wondering why I wasn't dropping 8 to 10 pounds a week or more like they were. Sometimes I could get an 8 pound drop in a week, but that's at a very restrictive calorie count. It was brutal and I was always agitated and angry, but I could trick the scale. But as soon as I increased my calorie count the weight would quickly resurface.
The article also talked about the other tricks that the participants used to get big weight loss results. It described the water restrictions and the extra clothing to cause perspiration, and the lack of ventilation in the gyms, and the obsession created by these routines. To me that doesn't seem very healthy or positive, and perhaps is the reason, several of the contestants gain some, all, or even more of their weight back. I realized that's not the routine for me, and if it meant, it would take me a longer length of time to lose the weight, perhaps 10 pounds a month or maybe 10 pounds every two months, to ensure that I would keep it off and not risk my health, then that would be the better result for me. Even my idol, Tony Horton's Before and After folks can make you feel discouraged because some of the guys' results are amazing in just 90 days. But realistically, it takes more than just one round of P90X for someone with the need for a larger weight loss unless you're taking tons of supplements and again, having lower calorie restrictions.
Patience is a Virtue...
So that's my motto for hopefully the rest of my life. It is through patience and perseverance that I can succeed. Sure, we always want things right now, quick and in a hurry. But nothing worth having, is truly required within a blink of an eye.
My Word for Today: Patience
I've been gone from this blog for almost three weeks. Did ya miss me? LOL! Well I haven't been slacking too much since my last entry. After the week of the 10th, I was wiped out and spent the next week recuperating. The next week, I got back on track and completed my third week of Phase 2. This week is the recovery week and last week of Phase 2 and then on to Phase 3. Even though it's been a recovery week, it still feels like the normal routine. The main parts of the routine are still a part of the recovery week (Core Synergistics, Cardio X, and Kenpo X) so it's still takes a lot out of you. I started off with a 10-minute routine by Tony Horton and then felt too whipped to continue until this morning. I decided to switch up my routine and workout in the morning instead of after work. That actually turned out to be a good idea because I got it over with and I felt energized for the start of the day. Hopefully that energy will carry me throughout the work day, and at least when I get home, I won't have to do a routine. Tomorrow's goal is to do Kenpo X in the morning and finish off the cardio with Cardio X on Saturday.
Frustration...
I've been feeling pretty frustrated with my progress thus far. Although I see my body reshaping, I still struggle with proper nutrition and faster weight loss. I was feeling really down over the weekend and for most of this week because of that and the normal blues triggers. I kept wondering why others were more successful with starvation diets than I was with consistent, challenging workouts. The only time I see drastic weight loss is when I reduced my calorie count to 1,200 or less and that's just not enough nutrients to get me through these hard routines. So I end up splurging over the weekend and gain the pounds I loss throughout the week, just to starve again to get back down by the end of the next week. It's a yo yo effect that's leaving me frustrated.
Then just as I was about to throw in the towel, I received my April issue of Experience Life, and read the article on Reality TV weight loss programs and how they set the viewers up for failure and how unhealthy they can be for the actual participants. Most of the article emphasized that these quick weight loss techniques are dangerous and that starvation restrictions only cause the participants to regain their weight or more, or cause other health issues. The article discouraged 1,200 calorie diets and extensive workouts. That made me feel much better. Because as the article said, I was comparing myself to the people on these shows and wondering why I wasn't dropping 8 to 10 pounds a week or more like they were. Sometimes I could get an 8 pound drop in a week, but that's at a very restrictive calorie count. It was brutal and I was always agitated and angry, but I could trick the scale. But as soon as I increased my calorie count the weight would quickly resurface.
The article also talked about the other tricks that the participants used to get big weight loss results. It described the water restrictions and the extra clothing to cause perspiration, and the lack of ventilation in the gyms, and the obsession created by these routines. To me that doesn't seem very healthy or positive, and perhaps is the reason, several of the contestants gain some, all, or even more of their weight back. I realized that's not the routine for me, and if it meant, it would take me a longer length of time to lose the weight, perhaps 10 pounds a month or maybe 10 pounds every two months, to ensure that I would keep it off and not risk my health, then that would be the better result for me. Even my idol, Tony Horton's Before and After folks can make you feel discouraged because some of the guys' results are amazing in just 90 days. But realistically, it takes more than just one round of P90X for someone with the need for a larger weight loss unless you're taking tons of supplements and again, having lower calorie restrictions.
Patience is a Virtue...
So that's my motto for hopefully the rest of my life. It is through patience and perseverance that I can succeed. Sure, we always want things right now, quick and in a hurry. But nothing worth having, is truly required within a blink of an eye.
My Word for Today: Patience
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Day 69 - March 10, 2011
Kicking Some Bootey Today!
Today was my fourth day of the "P90X" workout. I lunged, punched, kicked, and jabbed my way into one of the best workouts. But confession time: I had a full can of nos energy drink today. I fell off the wagon again! ;-( I know, I know, shame on me. But in my defense, today was an extreme day at work and I was running near on empty. Although I had a great night's sleep, I was still pooped from my workouts this week and the fact that I've been relying solely on natural energy supplements instead of that extra kick from the caffeine and sugar in energy drinks. So I plunged deep into that beautiful blue and orange can of life that is otherwise known as nos! ;-) I was hyped from that point on and it helped me get through today's workout.
I've decided tomorrow must be a REST day and a splurge day! ;-) I've been good all week except for the energy drink of course. I had fantasies of a nice BIG JUICY Shiner BBQ Burger from Chilli's with a side of fries and cole slaw and then to wash that all down with a large cup of Red Velvet Frozen Yogurt from my new yogurt place, Menchie's. But then I read the nutritional facts on the burger and fries and realized that combined, they were a total of 1,550 calories. ;-0 WTF! Oh no, I'm not about to spoil all of the hard work from this week with my workout and diet plan just for that big, juicy, hunk of love meat! LOL! Nope, instead I've decided to make my own version at home that will be fewer calories and not as bad of a splurge as the Chilli's version...but I'm still getting that yogurt. ;-)
If you love, Red Velvet cake, you should definitely try it, it tastes just like the cake except it's cold and creamy. ;-0
My Word for Today: Exhausted
Today was my fourth day of the "P90X" workout. I lunged, punched, kicked, and jabbed my way into one of the best workouts. But confession time: I had a full can of nos energy drink today. I fell off the wagon again! ;-( I know, I know, shame on me. But in my defense, today was an extreme day at work and I was running near on empty. Although I had a great night's sleep, I was still pooped from my workouts this week and the fact that I've been relying solely on natural energy supplements instead of that extra kick from the caffeine and sugar in energy drinks. So I plunged deep into that beautiful blue and orange can of life that is otherwise known as nos! ;-) I was hyped from that point on and it helped me get through today's workout.
I've decided tomorrow must be a REST day and a splurge day! ;-) I've been good all week except for the energy drink of course. I had fantasies of a nice BIG JUICY Shiner BBQ Burger from Chilli's with a side of fries and cole slaw and then to wash that all down with a large cup of Red Velvet Frozen Yogurt from my new yogurt place, Menchie's. But then I read the nutritional facts on the burger and fries and realized that combined, they were a total of 1,550 calories. ;-0 WTF! Oh no, I'm not about to spoil all of the hard work from this week with my workout and diet plan just for that big, juicy, hunk of love meat! LOL! Nope, instead I've decided to make my own version at home that will be fewer calories and not as bad of a splurge as the Chilli's version...but I'm still getting that yogurt. ;-)
If you love, Red Velvet cake, you should definitely try it, it tastes just like the cake except it's cold and creamy. ;-0
My Word for Today: Exhausted
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