Holy Cow It's Been Too Long!!!

Hello Blog World!!! I am back on a mission.... A 13 week Insanity/P90X Hybrid Mission that is! Having a major event take place always seems to light some fire under your ass! In 13 weeks my baby brother will be getting married... In 13 weeks, I will be completing my hybrid! :) I've only slightly fallen off the band wagon in the last few weeks... Somewhere along the many months of this process I just simply got burned out... My workouts have been replaced for the most part by running and my routine has become all but scattered... Time to do some reevaluating!!! I found that in keeping this blog I am more honest with myself. It keeps me on track and it keeps me accountable. So in hopes of dropping these last few stubborn pounds I will be checking in, complaining, celebrating, and blogging my way to the body I know I can have! Bring It!!

Week 1-4 *Phase 1*

Phase 1 Weeks 1-3	Week 4
1. P90X Chest & Back / Cardio Abs	Insanity Core Cardio
2. Insanity Plyo Cardio Circuit	P90X Core Synergostics
3. P90X Shoulder & Arms / Cardio Abs	Insanity Core Cardio & Balance
4. Insanity Cardio Recovery	P90X X Stretch
5. P90X Legs and Back / Cardio Abs	Insanity Core Cardio
6. Insanity Pure Cardio	P90X Core Synergistics
7. Rest or X Stretch	Rest or X Stretch

“If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough.” -Jillian Michaels

I have been a huge slacker in the blogging over the last week, but to be honest I just haven't had much to say. The workouts are extremely difficult with the Asylum and other than successfully completely the Strength part of it, I've been struggling.... I guess I'm in a rut again and I have got to start switching things up to prevent the boredom. A kick-boxing class is sounding more and more like something I might be interested in... Think I'll check that out! :) Anywho- I'm leaving you with this amazing recipe from Women's Health Magazine. It is one of their Six Bikini Friendly Burgers and who doesn't want to enjoy their food and watch their waistline in bikini season.... Dig deep and enjoy!!!!

Turkey Gorgonzola Burgers

1 lb lean ground turkey
3 oz Gorgonzola cheese, chopped
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp cumin powder
2 tsp vegetable oil
6 100% whole-grain buns
6 Tbsp barbecue sauce
Shredded cabbage (optional)

1. Preheat grill to medium. Combine first five ingredients and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl. Lightly mix together and form into 6 patties. Brush them with oil.

2. Grill burgers for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until internal temp is 165°F. Toast buns for 2 minutes. Serve burgers on buns; garnish with barbecue sauce and cabbage, if desired.

Makes 6 servings . Per serving: 293 cal, 11 g fat (4 g sat), 27 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 545 mg sodium, 26 g protein

"It’s kind of like the 'Hell Week' we’d go through prior to the football season, except this time it’s Hell Month," -Steve Edwards on Insanity Asylum

Just when I was ready to throw in the towel and say to hell with the Asylum along comes the strength workout!!!!! Finally, a workout with this program that I completed without stopping or wanting to die! Unbelievable... :) There is something to be said for cardio weight lifting. With P90X I don't typically get the crazy sweat I'm looking for, but the Strength workout gave me an amazing sweat and the burn from weight lifting! Thanks Shaun T... This makes me really hope that Tony H has some moves like this when P90X:2 is released this year! Woo Hoo!!!!!!! Don't forget to keep pressing play this week!

Monday.... We Meet Again!

I had a really great weekend of working out. Well except for Friday when I took off to an Atlanta Braves baseball game.... And for whatever reason I decided that gave me permission to go buck wild on my diet! Three beers, a jumbo hotdog, and cotton candy later, I was beyond disgusted with myself.... I usually have pretty good self control when it comes to these things, but I guess my willpower to resist so many things at once was non-existent... I felt like absolute FLAB the next day... Calorie OVERLOAD and my body was not happy with me... Not to worry though, Shaun T and Tony H helped me burn off some of the guilt for remainder of the weekend and I am back on the healthy bandwagon today! Going into week 3 of the Hybrid my schedule will be as follows:

Monday - Strength/Ab Ripper X
Tuesday - Vertical Plyo/Relief
Wednesday - Shoulders and Arms/Ab Ripper X
Thursday - Speed & Agility
Friday - Strength
Saturday - Game Day/Overtime
Sunday - A much needed day of rest assuming I make it through!!!

It's time to get serious about losing the rest of my weight... I haven't touched a scale in a few weeks, but I don't feel like I've really lost anything! I do, however, feel like I have improved on a lot of areas in my fitness.... Strength, agility, speed, determination.... All very important things to improve on even if they scale isn't moving! Maybe I'll do a weigh in soon just to check my progress... Hope everyone is digging deep and bringing it this week!!!

I think it's time to start cooking out of The Asylum recipe book soon! There is some yummy looking stuff that I can't wait to try!!

Speed and Agility.... Hmmmm

First round of Asylum Speed and Agility was CRAZYYYYYYY! Never has a program made me feel so inferior or weak... LOL! Not even in the beginning of this journey when I was incredibly out of shape was anything this hard! That being said, I sweated like a maniac and I'm pretty sure i burned a bazillion calories (okay maybe not, but a girl can dream!)... I've also discovered these amazing things called PopChips! Ohhhh my goshhh! If you haven't tried them you should.... They are all natural popped potato chips and have 100 calories in a bag... Not to mention several different flavor options! As a girl who is always counting calories and carefully looking for way to get around bad foods with healthier replacements, this product is coming at you highly recommended! :) TGIF!!!!

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes....

Guess my heart is wishing to be a health freak because I certainly have been dreaming about P90X and Insanity a lot lately! LOL! Working out in my dreams and in real life is sure making me tired!!!!! No worries though, I'm in it to win it... On the agenda for today you ask? Chest, Shoulders, & Triceps... Woot Woot! This is one of my absolute favorite workouts from P90X! Then tomorrow is Speed and Agility from the Asylum... I must say I'm a bit nervous about that one! I missed it last week on Saturday so this will be the first time I've pressed play.... I'm looking forward to seeing what it's all about and break a sweat for sure though! :)

I had almost forgotten about the dreaded one handed push up.... Eeeeek!

Up and At 'Em!

I feel like whenever I get a good start on things something always happens to pause the progress. I haven't worked out since Wednesday and I feel like a major bum! Thursday I had to go in for a cervical biopsy and I decided to leave that afternoon for a weekend get-a-way. Last week was beyond stressful with a broken down car and medical procedures.... This week I am back on it though! And I don't for see any reason I will have to press a personal pause button... Eye on the prize ladies and gentleman.... BRING'N IT!!

Commit Me To The Asylum!!!

Holy Guacamole! The Insanity Asylum is BY FAR the hardest thing I have EVER done in my life!!! I knew it was going to be crazy, but I don't think I prepared myself for just how crazy it would actually be... I'm hurtin' ya'll.... My legs, abs, arms, okay my entire body, HURTS!! In a good, I know I worked my ass off kind of way... But still.... I'm super scared to see how the next Asylum workout goes, but atleast today I get a small breather with some P90X! BRING IT!!

Boo Yeah!

I didn't realize how much I really missed P90X until my workout yesterday! I was pumping iron, push up'ing and pull-up'ing right there along with the gang! If you had told me back in January that P90X was easy I would have laughed in your face, and not that it's easy now, but after Insanity it was definitely much easier! :) It feels good to be sore from a workout in areas that haven't been sore since the first round of P90X!!! Anywho- today is the first workout attempt from Insanity: The Asylum... I am feeling pretty anxious about the Vertical Plyo because it looks extremely difficult in the videos I've seen... Nevertheless, I am going to bring it with everything in me! Doing my best and forgetting the rest! We good y’all? Haha!




Hooray For New Beginnings!!

Tomorrow starts the P90X/Asylum hybrid! I am toooooo excited! The schedule for the week will go as follows:

Monday – Chest & Back

                Ab Ripper X

Tuesday – Vertical Plyo

                Relief

Wednesday – Shoulders & Arms

                Ab Ripper X

Thursday – Yoga X

Friday – Legs & Back

                Relief

Saturday – Speed & Agility

                Ab Ripper X

Sunday – Rest Day

Enjoying my rest day today and then BRING'N IT on a new level tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!  

Confidence Is A Stain They Can't Wipe Off

Okay- I mentioned in my last post that Monday I was starting fresh with P90X round two! Well, I thought about it overnight and I've decided to do a hybrid mix of P90X and The Asylum.... I'm terrified of The Asylum from videos I've seen people post online, but if I can conquer it, then surely I'll have incredible results.... The main point here is that I don't want to stop.... I want to keep going! Not to reach some sort of personal perfection, but to be the best me I can be.... Healthy, in shape, and confident! I've always had a pretty good confidence level, but when the scale topped a new highs for me last year, I knew things had to change.... I don't want to go back there.... To that place where I hate how anything looks on me or fits me.... I want to say heck yes take my picture because I look damn good! Not, oh pleaseeee don't take my picture I look awful.... :) I know that I am still a work in progress, but man oh man have I come a long way! Have a great weekend everyone and BRING IT!!!

 

"Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it."-Oprah Winfrey

Running is a LOT more fun when it isn't 100 degrees outside! Ummm, hello it's June and we're already at 99 degree temperature highs?!? Yikes it's gonna be a hot summer! I am still very much looking forward to the sweat and Oprah's right that you get what you put into your workouts, running included... :) I have been in a serious debate with myself about new workout shoes since before I started Insanity 60 days ago. Do I need them, no.... Do I deserve them for dropping 18 pounds and working my butt off, heckkkk yes! I found myself doing most of the Insanity workouts barefoot because it was easier that way, so I've decided officially that the Vibrams are what I want to try... I need a good test run in them to make 100% sure, but I think they are something I would like despite their, eh, unique look.... LOL...

"Where There Is No Struggle, There Is No Strength."

Well tomorrow is supposed to be day 60 of Insanity! However, I've missed about a week and a half worth of workouts.... Between a wedding, work, classes, and two bum knees from a fall it just hasn't been in the cards for me to finish... On that note, I will take what I've learned from the program over the last 60 days and move on! I've decided that P90X is WAYYYYY more my style so I am very excited to start round 2 of it! I know I won't get burnt out, bored, or frustrated with it.... And that alone is promising enough for me! With that being said, I will likely do a hybrid mix of P90X weight workouts and Insanity cardio.... That's the plan anyway! :) This week I am going to stick to running.... I need the major stress relief it brings and then on Monday I will start fresh with the new routine.... MAN! It feels so good to be excited about working out again! I've been in such a rut these past few weeks! Look out Tony I'm coming back!!!! BRING IT!!!

Workout Mistakes.... We All Make Them!

3 Workout Mistakes That Slow Metabolism

Exercise is the single best way to torch more calories all day long. Don’t let these mistakes rob you of your postworkout burn

By The Editors of Prevention

Mistake #1: You’re in an exercise rut
When you do the same activity day after day, week after week, your mind isn’t the only thing that gets bored—your muscles do, too. Whether you take the same daily 30-minute walk around the neighborhood loop, or do a few sets of the same old strength moves, after a while your body stops being challenged and your results plateau.

Correct it: Change things up. Go for a hike on the weekend instead of doing your usual power walk. Find new strength moves that work the same muscles. Try a new type of exercise by slipping in a workout DVD. Any little way to mix things up and challenge yourself with something new is a step in the right direction.

Give your routine an instant boost with these 13 new outdoor workouts.

Mistake #2: You’re a slave to cardio
While aerobic exercise is good for your body and soul, if you don’t balance those workouts with some strength exercises, you’re not only compromising your results but missing a key component of health and fitness. Resistance training—weight lifting, or strength training—is the only way to increase lean muscle mass and lose stubborn bulges. That’s important on many levels, especially as we start to get older. (Video: Strength-train at home without heavy weights.)

Starting in their 30s, women lose about 1/2 pound of muscle a year. (Men usually hold on to muscle longer, but the rate of muscle loss speeds up dramatically after age 60.) Because muscle burns calories even when at rest, losing it will noticeably slow metabolism. This is one big reason many of us see that “middle-age spread” beginning in our 40s.

A study from Skidmore College found that exercisers who combined cardio with a high-intensity, total-body resistance routine lost more than twice as much body fat—including twice as much belly fat—over 12 weeks as those who followed a moderate-intensity cardio plan. (Search: New fitness plans.)

Correct it: Substitute a couple of strength sessions for cardio days. Lift weights at least twice a week, hitting all your body’s major muscle groups.

Slim down and sculpt toned muscles all over with this 6-week workout plan.

Mistake #3: You’re stuck in a “fat-burning” zone
If you hop aboard a treadmill, elliptical trainer, stair climber, or other cardio machine at the gym, you may see a programming option that allows you to stay in a “fat-burning” zone. It’s based on the fact that at lower intensities, the body uses a greater percentage of its fat stores for fuel. Sounds great! You don’t have to work as hard and you’re sucking some of that fat out of your belly, butt, and thighs.

But do the math and you’ll see the problem. At a lower intensity level, your body will indeed burn a higher percentage of fat than carbs but still burn fewer calories overall. Here’s an example. A 150-pound woman who walks on the treadmill at 3 mph (a 20-minute mile) burns about 112 calories in 30 minutes. At this moderate intensity, she burns about half of those calories from fat, or about 56 fat calories. If she were to take that workout into a brisk walk for 30 minutes at 4 mph (a 15-minute mile), only about 40 percent of her calorie burn might be from fat. But she’d be burning more calories overall—about 170 in those 30 minutes, or about 68 calories from fat. (More: Get the complete Turn Up Your Fat Burn Plan today!)

Correct it: Burn more calories and make more of those calories come from fat by increasing your overall effort. A great way to achieve that is by doing intervals—periods of higher intensity followed by a slower recovery pace.

Cut calories without noticing by following these simple eating strategies.

Exercise is like mouthwash. If you can feel the burn, it’s working!

Haha! I love this quote.... Not sure who said it, but they were right on the money! :) The stress of this wedding week is almost over.... I can't believe one of my very best friends will be a married woman on Saturday!!! If I'm this stressed about all the things I need to do, I can only imagine how she feels! Today, I plan on hitting the pavement... I need some running and some jams to clear my mind! Sometimes, you just have to do what feels right, and running seems like a better idea than Insanity! I'm not going to feel like a slacker because running is exercise, and as long as I'm getting my sweat on I'll be a happy camper! Hurry up LONG weekend!!!!!

“We should not wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration.”

I'm trying, I promise! Action does absolutely spark inspiration, but what happens when you're just plain burnt out? This week has been really tough for me because I want to be giving it my all, but I am lacking in motivation.... This is mostly due to boredom! Doing the same workouts over and over is just not doing it for me... I definitely do not want to give up, but I have got to dig REALLY deep to find some spark or desire to finish this program! It almost feels like I'm failing admitting that I don't want to continue... But I'm hoping that getting all the blah's out will ignite some flame and get me moving again!

The finish line is just the beginning of a whole new race. -Unknown

Okay- I know we all get in a funk with our workouts and diets... First, let me say that I have enjoyed the Insanity workouts, honestly! But it has not been something that I look forward to every single day.... With P90X I couldn't wait to get home from work because I knew all of the frustrations would be gone once I started pumping that iron! Insanity just hasn't done that for me... I feel accomplished to have made it into week seven, but I cannot wait to be done and start the P90X/Insanity Hybrid... :) Whewwww.... I needed to get that off my chest! LOL....
On another note: Yesterday I hit the pavement for a good old fashion run! Sometimes it is absolutely necessary for clearing the mind of all the garbage... Today I have The Max Interval Circuit workout, guaranteed to bring a sweat! I'm hoping I can also get in a run after it's over, but we'll see how jello the ole legs are! Biggest Loser season finale is tonight as well... I sure am going to miss that show! It makes me want to push harder and it makes me want to be Jillian Michaels when I grow up (because 25 is not grown up! haha).... :) Goooooo Hannah!
I am approaching this Tuesday with the quote "rule your mind or it will rule you" in mind.... I will rule my mind, conquer Insanity, and start new races! BRING IT!

Make Ahead Snack Packs Are A Great Idea For Staying On Track With Your Diet and For Saving Time!!

I Wanna Get Chocolate Wasted!!!

Ya'll.... I have had the biggest chocolate cravings EVER this week and I have found the perfect solution... Thank goodness for Skinny Cow products... They have really saved me from being bad with their Dreamy Clusters! They come in milk chocolate or dark chocolate if that's more your thing... AMAZING!! They have 120 calories, 3 grams of fiber, and 6 grams of fat ... :) I suggest them in the midst of a chocolate crisis for sure! Dig deep today ya'll and Happy Friday!!!

I could never be a hand model that's for sure! LOL

A man's health can be judged by which he takes two at a time - pills or stairs. - Joan Welsh

Another Phase 2 workout complete! Take that Max Cardio Conditioning! :) Seriously though, that workout yesterday was bananas... It was a phase 1 workout on crack! Non-stop moving for the entire 48 minutes.... I just layed on the floor for a few seconds at a time unable to move! Ah, but the feeling of success once it was completed was worth every ounce of pain and sweat! Today is the Max Recovery workout and my knees could not be more excited. These workouts are often times high impact, and mastering the art of landing like a cat is hard. But, thanks to Tony Horton I already had a pretty good idea of how to do that before I started Insanity... Thanks again Tony!! On that note, I will now remind ya'll to "drink your water people!!"... LOVE IT! I weighed today out of curiosity and I am only .3 (yes there's a dot there) from losing 19 pounds!!! My goal of 25 pounds lost seems more and more doable with each day and each completed workout... Best of luck to everyone for a great workout and steps closer to reaching a goal on this lovely Thursday!

I Like To Move It, Move It!!

Yesterday's workout turned out to be almost an hour... This was my first attempt at a 55 minute Insanity workout, and I must say it was ROUGH! Taking time off because I was sick hurt me tremendously...  My body was able to complete most of the tasks, but I wasn't able to go full speed ahead like I was after 4 solid weeks... That's okay though because I am back in it and I fully intend on showing these longer workouts who's the boss! On a side note: I was watching the Today Show as I got ready for work this morning and there was a lady (a fellow blogger apparently) on there discussing an incident with flying... She was told in a very unprofessional manner that she was too fat to fly and would need to buy two tickets. Here I was feeling sorry for her because of the embarrassment she must have felt until she uttered these words: "33% of Americans are obese so it's time that we change things to work around them".... She was referring to widening the seats on airplanes so that larger people would fly more frequently... Ummmm excuse me!? Do you realize how ignorant that makes you sound? 33% of Americans are obese, and we should encourage them to stay that way by rearranging the way we do things?! I don't know why this got my blood boiling so, but it has... I want to encourage people to get moving! With shows like the Biggest Loser, it's even easier to see how much better a healthy life can be! No excuses necessary and no need to change the layout of airplanes or other small quarters... Soooo frustrating! Happy Hump Day everyone; Let's get up, get out, and get moving!!!!!

Terrible Tuesday....

Tuesday's are by far my least favorite days of the week.... I don't ever seem to have a good one! Which I suppose works in my favor because I can use all the frustrations to workout harder! I'm ready to clear my mind of all the noise and dig deep with some Max Interval Plyo today.... Intense cardio, resistance exercise and plyometrics.... What more could a stressed girl need?!?! Well, besides maybe a beer.... Thank goodness for willpower! LOL :)

I’m talking spit! - Shaun T

Monday, we meet again! I am back to 100% after battling that vicious cold and it is time to do some serious digging! I've decided to start fresh this week with Phase 2 so that I can give it my all and make myself proud.... Today I will do the lovely fit test and then go straight into Max Interval Circuit workout... Two Insanity workouts today!! And yes, since the fit test makes me sweat more than any P90X dvd ever did I absolutely count it as a workout!! Haha! Below is my workout schedule for the week.... And I’m smilin cause I love it! :)

Monday - Fit Test and Max Interval Circuit

Tuesday - Max Interval Plyo

Wednesday - Max Cardio Conditioning

Thursday - Max Recovery

Friday - Max Interval Circuit

Saturday - Max Interval Plyo

Sunday - OFF

I Am My Own Worst Enemy...

I believe that we are toughest on ourselves... Are we ever truly satisfied with the success we've achieved thus far? I'm guessing no, because even though we've come so far we are always wanting more... Of course I am relating this to fitness and weight loss, but it probably can be used for other aspects of life! I feel that when looking in the mirror at myself I still see the flaws that remain... Nevermind the fact that I've lost 17 pounds and feel incredible when I can still see some love handles or a little jiggle in the belly area... We all have this image engraved in our minds of what perfection should be, and let's be honest, the majority of us "real" folks will never reach that so called perfection... Hello, I'm 5'3... There's no way I will ever be super model thin or have legs a mile high.... But I am ME... And I am designed to be able to reach my own personal perfection... This perfection includes a healthy lifestyle, the ability to exercise and feel good about myself, and of course to do these things without beating myself up about what the measly scale says! I've just gotta keep on keepin' on!! :)

"Selfish isn't a dirty word. It means we take care of ourselves and are able to give back." - Jillian Michaels

While watching the Biggest Loser last night, I realized that I want to be just like Jillian Michaels... I have a LONG way to go of course before that can actually become a reality, but she is just incredible! Lately I have been feeling extremely selfish because I have only been making time for myself and my health... I struggle with this tremendously because my friends are not into fitness and they don't understand why I've become so obsessive with it... I've allowed myself one night of fun a week since this journey began back in January, but some days I feel it isn't enough. Where is the balance? I want to be the best me I can be, but I also want to be social... For now, I will channel all the frustrations this dilemma is causing into my workouts!! Gotta clear the mind of all the daily crud and burn some goo!

Use it or lose it. – Jimmy Connors

Oh, I feel like I am losing it.... My mind included! If this crud does not leave me alone soon I am going to scream.... I have self-diagnosed myself with the flu... Today is day 7 I have felt like complete crap, but day by day it gets a little better! I do think it is in my best interest to keep it low key until I am back to normal, though.... Exercising hard core really weakens the immune system, and mine has definitely taken a hard hit! I suppose I should count my blessings that it didn't happen sooner since I've been full speed ahead since January! Anyway... I haven't lost focus and I am going to give it 110% once I feel that my health won't be compromised! On another note... Did anyone see the cover of this month's Shape magazine?!?! Jillian Michaels is sporting a bikini on the cover! Talk about some motivation! She said she was nervous about posing in a bikini... Ummmm, Jillian.... Most of us ladies would kill for a body like yours, so be proud!!! Happy Tuesday Everyone!



Everything Is Better With Music!

I find myself constantly updating my "Running Playlist" on my iPod... This music is used for obviously running but also for working out or maybe even just getting in the mood to do so! I promise that the right songs can make you push harder than you ever dreamed you could... There is something so fulfilling about hitting the pavement to each beat during a good run! I thought today I would share some of my personal favorites of the moment to hopefully inspire you to get moving... Some of them are cheesy, some of them contain profane language, but all are guaranteed to get you going! I don't have much workout wise since I was sick all weekend and didn't get out of bed, but today starts phase 2 of Insanity! Hopefully I will be up for the challenge!

Ashleigh's Top Current 8 Get Your Booty Moving Jams (in no particular order)

1. S&M - Rihanna

2. On the Floor - Jennifer Lopez

3. Blow - Ke$ha

4. Did It On 'Em - Niki Minaj

5. Run the Word (Girls) - Beyonce

6. Born This Way - Lady GaGa

7. Stereo Love - Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina

8. What the Hell - Avril Lavigne

I think I might make it a habit to post my top jams when they change! It's good to keep things fresh when working out so boredom doesn't sneak up! Anyway- Enjoy the jams and Bring It!! :)



Ughhhh

I am beyond tired of being sick! I've had this crud since Tuesday and it is really interfering with my workouts! Last night I couldn't even move out of the bed to do anything.... I was running a fever of almost 102 and aching all over... I sure hope it isn't the flu! Shaun T please forgive me for skipping the rest of the recovery week, but I have got to get myself well so that I can tackle the more challenging phase 2!

Blahhh

It seems that I have the beginnings of a cold coming... Not ideal timing, but if I'm going to get sick, I'd rather it happen while I'm in the recovery week! Yesterday I popped cold meds and laid in bed all afternoon/night... I felt so guilty but I couldn't muster up the strength to do anything else! I am feeling slightly better today, so I'm going to try to get in a good workout assuming my energy is deflated when I leave work! Monday was a great day workout wise before this crud hit... I walked a mile, did my Insanity workout, and then ran 2 1/2 miles! It feels good to know that my body can be pushed beyond the limits I imagined it had... with the exception of being under the weather of course! :)

Recovery Week!!

Well peeps... I did it! I have officially made it 5 weeks into the program! Woot Woot! I am absolutely going to take a moment to toot my own horn about it because it has NOT been an easy journey... :) I haven't posted anything in a while because I've been working through my frustrations with not losing any pounds... I have dealt with it, and come to the realization that the number on the scale is not the important thing! The important thing is that I can feel my body getting stronger and I can see the hard work paying off in soooo many other ways! With that in mind, I am approaching this recovery week with a positive attitude... Phase 2 will be harder than phase 1, but I am very much looking forward to some new routines... The same ole same ole gets rather boring sometimes... Shaun T knows his stuff, however, and I am putting complete faith into him and the Insanity program! Ready to dig deeper after this week!



Don’t go grab a pastrami sandwich. - Tony Horton

Today I really miss P90X... I can tell I'm getting leaner from Insanity, but I miss the burn of lifting those weights with Tony! I am going to try really hard to dedicate the full 60 days to Insanity, but I think it's going to be a struggle... Probably because I'm bored with the same ole workouts I've been doing for 4 weeks... Atleast P90X had some variety... Insanity is awesome, don't get me wrong, but doing the same video twice a week isn't really my cup of tea... I want to conquer and then move past it! LOL... Oh well, I'm not going to give up!

There's nothing like biting off more than you can chew, and then chewing anyway. ~Mark Burnett

Whew! I feel like this week I have bitten off more than I can chew with Insanity for sure! I am sooo very tired, but I doing my best and forgetting the rest... This program will slap wear you out! I feel drained both physically and emotionally going into week 4... The scale still isn't budging and although the workouts are getting a little easier, they are still kicking my butt! I am just going to push through and hope that I make it to the recovery week with a new and improved attitude! Perhaps with some ibuprofen and rest I will do just that!



Friday, Friday, Friday!!!

I don't have much to say on this beautiful day other than this has been a great week exercise wise! Even though I haven't seen much of a budge with the scale, I have been able to do the workouts without such a struggle! Even the Cardio Recovery yesterday made me feel relaxed instead of in pain! :) I LOVE this feeling of accomplishment!!! With that in mind, here is an inspirational video to wrap up the weekday routine! TGIF!

It's Here!!

Oh I know this will taunt me for the remaining 43 days of regular Insanity, but I am so pleased to know what my next adventure will be! I somehow managed to lose half a pound at the biggest loser work edition weigh-in this morning! Perhaps this upping the caloric intake might be key! Half a pound seems pretty silly to get excited about, but when you've reached a plateau any little thing counts! :) Today is Cardio Recovery and boy am I ever glad to see that on the calendar! My legs are so very sore!! On a side note - I did Cardio Abs yesterday and I was expecting the worse... but oddly enough it wasn't what I expected at all... Since starting Insanity 3 weeks ago, there hasn't been a workout I've met that I thought P90X even compared too... Until yesterday... Cardio Abs has NOTHING on Ab Ripper X... I guess this might be because I am getting stronger and more in shape day after day...but in the case of the better ab routine, I'm giving it to P90X!

Time For Something New

So since starting Insanity 3 weeks ago, I have only lost 2 pounds... This just doesn't seem right.... I mean I'm burning WAY more calories and sweating WAY more than with P90X so it's difficult for me to comprehend... Plus, I've been pretty much on track with my nutrition with a few exceptions... So why aren't the pounds falling off like before???? I'm trying not to beat myself up because I have already lost 15 pounds, but I know my body and I have more to lose! So... With that in mind, I set out to do some serious research on this issue... Thank the good Lord for Beachbody's message boards because it seems that I am not the only person struggling with this issue.... The solution?!? I need to take in more calories! Hmmm.... So they are suggesting that I eat more to lose weight? Yep... I typically only take in about 1000-1200 calories a day.... The human body burns around 500 calories just on it's own (I read this somewhere so I hope it's accurate), and then I burn at least 500 more during my Insanity workouts... Therefore, my body is holding onto everything it can... I don't want it to get to the point where I'm burning muscle either! Eeeeek! I've worked hard for these things... So I am upping my caloric intake to what the program suggests starting today.... I will cross my fingers and hope that this helps me achieve the results pound wise that I really  want... Everything says not to look to the scale to judge your results, and I totally agree... But for my own personal happiness I know there is a goal weight wise I must get back to... Here goes nothing!! :)



“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas Edison

Well I must say that I was pleasantly surprised with the fit test results yesterday! I love that the program asks you to complete it every two weeks so you can track your progress. This is a HUGE motivator. Sometimes we don't realize how far we have come until we are pushed to our limits in a test. Today's agenda includes some Plyometric Cardio Circuit... Something I'm familiar with! Hooray! Tomorrow, on the other hand, includes Cardio Abs along side the Pure Cardio Workout... Since I was a dirty slacker on Saturday I have no idea what to expect, but I'm excited for something unknown... Day 16!!! Diggin Deeper!!!

Sometimes You Just Can't Dig Any Deeper! LOL

Fit Test Again?!?!

Well this weekend was a rough one for me as far as sticking to my diet and exercising goes... I hosted a Stock the Bar Shower for my best friend and I must say there was plenty of drinking and eating to last me a WHILE! I think I'm still paying for it, and it's Monday- I might have fallen off the band wagon for a couple of days, but I am back this week to start fresh! I can't think of a better way to do that then to do my second Insanity fit test.... Atleast this time I know what to expect, and I know it's gonna hurt! LOL... Bring on week 3!!!!



INSANITY: THE ASYLUM

It has finally been released! I haven't even finished week two of Insanity, and I already know my game plan for when it's over... I'm gonig to be one heck of an athlete with no sport to play! LOL.... Bring on  INSANITY: THE ASYLUM!!!!

Want To Try INSANITY: THE ASYLUM??

Day 10 of Insanity

Dear Shaun T,

When you finish the warm-up for a rouitne and then proceed to tell me that you are nervous about the workout we're about to do, it scares me! HA!

Pure Cardio is some serious business. I busted my ass like never before I believe... There are still some moves that I have no mastered, but I feel that with more practice it can be done! Today I have the Plyometric Cardio Circuit followed by some good ole Cardio Recovery on Thursday.... Woot Woot bring on the recovery!! I am starting to like this program more and more, but I still do miss P90X... I'm sure that when I start my p90x/insanity hybrid in 50 days that I will find p90x to be a breeze after insanity! BRING IT!!

Insanity is not sexist! - Shaun T

I guess I'll go along with that Shaun T since you don't make me do any pullups! Haha! Sorry Tony. On today's agenda is some good ole Pure Cardio... WHEW... I'm beginning to sweat just thinking about it... These workouts are no joke, but as I go into week 2 I can already feel myself getting stronger.. I also cannot wait to get home each day to dig deeper! It's a wonderful life when you get to the place where exercise is something you look forward to... I'm ready Shaun T!!!

How does she jump so high?!?!?!?1

Let's Goooooooo!!

Today was a very stressful one at work, and all I could think about was getting home to do Insanity... Why you ask? Because I knew that I was going to sweat all that stress away with the help of Shaun T... Boy oh boy did it work! I am so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful program that gives me the push I need to dig deeper! Terrific Workout!!

Meal Plan and Workouts for the Week

Here's the plan for week two of the program...

Monday-
Breakfast: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter

Snack: 12 Raw Almonds
Lunch: Insanity Deli Sandwich
Dinner: Baked Fish with Brown Rice

Tuesday-
Breakfast: Oatmeal and fruit
Snack: Apple
Lunch: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter

Dinner: Insanity Whole Wheat Pasta w/ Veggies

Wednesday-
Breakfast: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter
Snack: 12 Raw Almonds
Lunch: English Muffin Pizza
Dinner: Insanity Chicken Meatballs

Thursday-
Breakfast: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter
Snack: Apple
Lunch: Insanity Chicken Meatball Leftovers

Dinner: Lean Cuisine Pepperoni Pizza

Friday-
Breakfast: Banana Walnut Oatmeal w/ Fruit
Snack: 12 Raw Almonds
Lunch: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter
Dinner: Insanity Citrus Baked Chicken

Saturday-
Breakfast: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter
Snack: String Cheese
Lunch: Chicken Tacos
Dinner: P90X Lemon Garlic Chicken

Sunday-
Breakfast: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter
Snack: Melon Balls  
Lunch: Chicken Tacos
Dinner: Insanity Brown Rice Bowl

Monday- Cardio Power and Resistance

Tuesday- Pure Cardio

Wednesday- Plyometric Cardio Circuit

Thursday- Cardio Recovery

Friday- Cardio Power and Resistance

Saturday- Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs

Sunday- Off

Pure Cardio.... Eeeeeeek!

Yesterday was like a little slice of heaven! Thank you Shaun T for giving us a cardio reconvery day! It was very much needed/deserved! Though I still feel pain, in my legs especially, I am ready for another day of hell... I am going to keep pushing myself because it has to get better! I'm not gonig to sugar coat this program... I am struggling! It is VERY hard, and I am in pretty resasonable shape... Don't worry Shaun T; I'm digging as deep as I can! :)

And I’m smilin cause I love it! - Shaun T

Cardio Recovery Day! I don't want to get my hopes up too much about a workout called Cardio Recovery because I'm sure it will still be a workout... However, I am very much looking forward to a break from intense cardio... I'm tired and it's only day 4! Whew-

Those Who Support Me Motivate Me; Those Who Don't Motivate Me Even More!!

I don't do anything half ass... I have come way to far to sell myself short of what I can accomplish... I believe this will be my greatest enemy in the Insanity program... I am going to push, push, push and then crash! I know because I felt this happening yesterday... My legs feel like Jello today because of it... My knees are extra sore and I definitely had a serving of ibuprofen with my dinner last night! I have to try to remember that pacing myself is important because I do not want an injury! I want to get in the best shape of my life and based on the sweat I've been feeling with Insanity it's gonna happen! Diggin Deeper!!

Insanity Brown Rice Bowl

2 c cooked brown rice 2 oz. grilled chicken breast, diced 1/3 c corn kernels 1/3 cooked peas

Combine the rice, chicken, corn and peas.

The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It’s your mind you have to convince. – Vincent Lombardi

This quote pretty much sums it up for me today. It is going to be mind of matter to complete Insanity... I know it's going to be one of the hardest things I've ever done but I am pumped to get started! Today will be my first full workout of the program.... On the agenda? Plyometric Cardio Circuit... I loved Plyo from P90X So I am intrigued to see what it's like intensified times ten... Should be a great sweat!! After the workout thoughts to come... Assuming I survive! :)

HOLY COW!!! I had no idea Insanity was going to be that insane!! The Plyometric Cardio Circuit honestly made me want to cry! LOL! I would NOT recommend this program to anyone who is not already in decent shape!! And I would also like to state for the record that this was the HARDEST workout I have ever done! Sorry Tony... You know I love ya, but Shaun T is on a totally different level... I was literally POURING sweat in the warm-up... Yes, I said the warm-up!!!

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."

Time to begin my second goal for 2011.... Wow! Time sure is flying... :) I've been reading a lot of information on what to expect from the Insanity workouts today and I must admit it's got me a bit freaked out.... Eeeeek! I am now asking myself why am I doing this before it's even started... lol... I'm excited for a new adventure though honestly and that which does not kill us will only make us stronger... right?!?! Day 1 of this program is the "fit test" which is pretty much self-explanatory... I do hope I won't struggle too much this since I just did 90 days of P90X... Fingers crossed anyway... The breakdown of the fit test goes like so:

Switch Kicks-Power Jacks-Power Knees-Power Jumps-Globe Jumps-Suicide Jumps-Push Up Jacks-Lower Plank Oblique

Oh Lord pleaseeeee let me survive all those power moves! LOL... I'm so very anxious to see how in shape I actually am... And terrified at the same time because I know this workout program is going to make P90X look like child's play... BRING IT! (Am I still allowed to say that even though I'm not currently doing P90X? I think so since I'm a grad and all... lol)

And the results are in.... Can't wait to see the difference in day 1 and day 60!!!!

-Switch Kicks - 100

-Power Jacks - 50

-Power Knees - 90

-Power Jumps - 30

-Globe Jumps - 9

-Suicide Jumps - 12

-Push Up Jacks  - 25

-Lower Plank Oblique - 50

And That's A Wrap!!!

I was so caught up in the excitement of actually completing my last workout that I forgot to do a post on here yesterday... I'm DONE!! Still so hard to believe... I had my final workout yesterday and then went to a celebration dinner at a Japanese Steakhouse.... YUM!!!!!! I was very nice to celebrate such a huge accomplishment! Now I am going to take the weekend to relax and start fresh on Monday with Insanity... Gotta dig deeper for that program! I'm ready! I also have to take my after pictures today! I'm excited to see the difference in the before and after pics! Hope everyone has a great weekend and I'll be back on Monday to start my Insanity blogging!!!

Boredom....

Only two days left!!! I am so ready to move onto Insanity and switch things up a bit... I have loved every second of P90X, but after 90 days I need something fresh!

I didn't lose any weight at the weigh in today... This is a bit frustrating considering I know how much work I've put into my workouts this week... I am hopeful that I will see movement in the scale once I start Insanity next week... Reaching my goal weight isn't out of sight! Only 11 more pounds to go!!

Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation leans on the doorbell.

I found some interesting tips in my Women's Health Magazine about stress management... We are all faced with numerous amounts of stress in our daily lives, and sometimes exercising alone isn't enough to get out all the frustrations that come along with that... Here are some helpful tips they provided... :)

Tempted to dig into a bag of chips?
Grab a handful of almonds instead. The omega-3s in nuts may help keep stress hormones such as cortisol in check. Other key: oatmeal (it boosts the calming brain chemical serotonin) and oranges (the vitamin C counters stress hormones).

Tempted to swig an energy drink?
Take a nap. You can't beat stress without shut-eye. A 20 minute siesta is enough to trigger the hormones needed to balance excess cortisol (hmmmm, sounds like a great reason work should allow a 20 minute nap time in the afternoon! HA!)

Tempted to bitch out a coworker?
Pop a multi. That irritation and impatience may be the result of depleted stores of calcium, copper, and zinc that come with stress. Down a multivitamin to raise those levels and mellow out.

Tempted to curl up on the sofa?
Go out with a friend. A study found that simply being around other people may quash stress.

Tempted to reach for the remote?
Spend 15 minutes in silence. This helps because the brain doesn't have to filter out stressful sounds.

Happy Wednesday!!

"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."

Whew! I feel like I'm at a stand still towards the end of this journey... I know that just because the number on the scale is not dropping, that doesn't mean I'm done for... But I really need to find some motivation to finish these last 4 days with a bang! On a positive note, I am finally able to fit back into my skinny jeans comfortably (skinny as in I have to be skinny to fit in them, not the tight legged ones, ha!)! Even though I may not see much more result wise from P90X in the next four days, I have accomplished so much more than I ever bargained for! I feel amazing, I fit into my skinny jeans, and I can bring it!!
You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers!

Skinny Jeans!!! 

Shake It Up!

I realized that I haven't posted anything in a while about this amazing product! I am beyond thankful that it was introduced to me, and I give part of my weight loss credit to this amazing meal replacement shake... April will be four months that I have been using Shakeology and I don't think there are enough good things I can say about it... First, my energy levels have improved drastically. Secondly, I stay fuller longer from the fuel these shakes provide... Also, my hair and nails are noticeable healthier... That was the craziest part!! Yes, it seems a bit pricey, but I can assure you that it is worth every penny! Especially if you compare it with eating out! I mix mine with peanut butter and a banana, and I look forward to it everyday!!
Shakeology contains more than 70 ingredients that will help you to lose weight, reduce cravings, increase energy and stamina, promote healthy digestion and regularity, lower cholesterol, help decrease inflammation, boost your immune system, keep blood sugar steady, and promote healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Shakeology also has:
Protein and essential amino acids to help build muscles and reduce food cravings. Prebiotics and digestive enzymes aid in improving digestion, regularity, and nutrient absorption. Antioxidants and phytonutrients help counteract free radical damage that can lead to degenerative diseases. A daily dose of 23 vitamins and minerals provides your body what it needs to function for optimal health.
How Does It Work?

Ingredients derived from whole-food sources deliver the daily vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients your body needs to curb cravings, allowing it to shed stored fat. More than 20 different antioxidants and phytonutrients help reduce free radical damage that can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and stroke. Fiber, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes help your body gently eliminate the toxins that build up in our body from all those highly processed junk we eat more efficiently and promote better absorption of nutrients.

Where Can You Learn More/Try It?

Shakeology - The Healthiest Meal Of The Day!

5 Days Remain!!!

Wow! I am definitely in the home stretch now! I cannot believe that only 5 days stand in between me and the completetion of P90X! Today was a great day... I went for a mile run and then came home to do Kenpo X... Talk about sweat! Haha! My sweet mom agreed to do the workout with me... She's a trooper! Congrats to her for completing her first P90X workout! :) I'm pooped so it's an early night to bed for this gal... Ready for these next five days... I'm gonna seriously BRING IT!!

“You only ever grow as a human being if you’re outside your comfort zone.” – Percy Cerutty

I went for my first ever run in the rain today... I must say it was a rather enjoyable experience! Especially considering it was on the hot side of Spring... Then I came home to conquer the good ole Shoulders, Arms, and Tricep workout... Ah, the weekends are amazing! :)

Lettuce Wraps for Dinner... YUM!!! 

GRIT.... Do you have it?!

After my Cardio X workout last night, I decided to sit down and read some articles in my Women's Health magazine... Often times I can find some inspiration to dig a little deeper from these articles... One in particular from the latest edition caught my eye... "Determination... How to get what you want" it said... I was intrigued. The article went on to talk about the difference in someone meeting there goals or not is often times grit... What the heck is grit?!? "Grit is the sustained perseverance and passion for long-term goals, and why some people gut out that last series of sit ups in boot camp while others flop on the floor when the burn really kicks in. Grit entails working strenuously toward challenges and maintaining effort and interest despite failure, adversity, and plateaus.While some people cut their losses when faced with boredom or disappointment, those with grit stay the course". Perfection! Just what I needed to read... I've met plenty of failures, adversities, and plateaus in my life, but when I set my mind on a goal I really want to achieve the grit kicks in... I will push myself to make sure I break through that plateau or overcome the feelings of failure... I will BRING IT!