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!
Monday, April 11, 2011
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
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Day 67 - March 8, 2011
The Thrill Is Gone...
That's exactly how I feel about this new 1,200 calorie a day diet. ;-( I know it's for my good, but Lawd, it's rough! It's something about feeling deprived or going without carbs that just sucks! LOL! But today is the second day and I'm holding on to the promise of what's to come if I just stay determined and dedicated to this new meal plan. I'm also a little tired today. For the past few weeks, I've been taking Fridays as a rest day, which means the rest of the weekend is dedicated to working out, and then I return to the regular workout routine for the next week on Monday. I don't think I've been getting enough of a REST period and it's taking its toll. So I decided, starting this week that I would give myself two days of REST instead of just one. I know this is a different schedule than how the "P90X" program is set up, but I can't keep pushing myself into complete exhaustion. So I'm going to try and push through the rest of the week until Friday, and take both Friday and Sunday as REST days. ;-) Wish me luck!
My Word for Today: Frustration
That's exactly how I feel about this new 1,200 calorie a day diet. ;-( I know it's for my good, but Lawd, it's rough! It's something about feeling deprived or going without carbs that just sucks! LOL! But today is the second day and I'm holding on to the promise of what's to come if I just stay determined and dedicated to this new meal plan. I'm also a little tired today. For the past few weeks, I've been taking Fridays as a rest day, which means the rest of the weekend is dedicated to working out, and then I return to the regular workout routine for the next week on Monday. I don't think I've been getting enough of a REST period and it's taking its toll. So I decided, starting this week that I would give myself two days of REST instead of just one. I know this is a different schedule than how the "P90X" program is set up, but I can't keep pushing myself into complete exhaustion. So I'm going to try and push through the rest of the week until Friday, and take both Friday and Sunday as REST days. ;-) Wish me luck!
My Word for Today: Frustration
Day 66 - March 7, 2011
Rehab...Day 1...
Today isn't really the first day that I've gone without an energy drink, but it is the first day without an energy drink and on a 1,200 calorie diet plan. ;-0 So far it hasn't been extremely bad. Thanks to my lovely supplements, I still have much energy and thanks to my great workouts, I get a lot of sleep and wake refreshed each morning. ;-) Even today at work wasn't completely boring and I only felt sleepy close to the end of the day. When I left work, I skipped to my car, so again, the energy was still there and I was excited to go home to press Play and get my first workout of the week on.
Today was Core Synergistics without the push of my energy drink. ;-0 It went well. It's funny now when I do my workouts without the rush of the sugar and caffeine in an energy drink. It almost feels like perhaps what a person would feel like that has kicked a drug or alcohol habit and is now performing daily tasks without the influence of the high from a narcotic. I can still perform the workouts and I still enjoy them, but that BIG high that I got during the workout and after the workout wasn't there. But, I still felt good and happy that I completed Day 1.
So far there have been no hunger pains or temptations today after starting this new 1,200 calorie diet, but it's only Day 1 and the day after a bit of a binge on Sunday. So I guess my body is probably still full from yesterday. ;-0
My Word for Today: Happy
Today isn't really the first day that I've gone without an energy drink, but it is the first day without an energy drink and on a 1,200 calorie diet plan. ;-0 So far it hasn't been extremely bad. Thanks to my lovely supplements, I still have much energy and thanks to my great workouts, I get a lot of sleep and wake refreshed each morning. ;-) Even today at work wasn't completely boring and I only felt sleepy close to the end of the day. When I left work, I skipped to my car, so again, the energy was still there and I was excited to go home to press Play and get my first workout of the week on.
Today was Core Synergistics without the push of my energy drink. ;-0 It went well. It's funny now when I do my workouts without the rush of the sugar and caffeine in an energy drink. It almost feels like perhaps what a person would feel like that has kicked a drug or alcohol habit and is now performing daily tasks without the influence of the high from a narcotic. I can still perform the workouts and I still enjoy them, but that BIG high that I got during the workout and after the workout wasn't there. But, I still felt good and happy that I completed Day 1.
So far there have been no hunger pains or temptations today after starting this new 1,200 calorie diet, but it's only Day 1 and the day after a bit of a binge on Sunday. So I guess my body is probably still full from yesterday. ;-0
My Word for Today: Happy
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