“If you’re doing plyometrics, you’re gonna kick the panties off anyone who gets out there without it” – Tony Horton (Plyometrics Intro)

It seems to be Monday every time I turn around! My spirits are high today though... I am feeling good, energized, and ready to conquer another week of madness! Plyometrics is calling my name as I sit here impatiently at my desk watching the time pass by... I wonder if my boss would think I've lost my mind if I start doing some Airborne Heismans at my desk.... I need to move... Too much energy trapped inside this morning! Thank you caffeine!! LOL! Plyo is an amazing workout, but I must admit I'm not the biggest fan of the high impact exercises. However, I realize that they are essential to the program so I decided to dig up some information on the benefits of Plyo... Happy Monday everyone!!

Benefits of Plyometric Exercises

Plyometric exercises make a muscle reach full force in the shortest time possible. This kind of exercise uses the force of gravity to store potential energy in the muscles, which is then quickly transformed into kinetic energy. One of the most common forms of this exercise is the box jump, also known as the in-depth jump, wherein an athlete steps off the box and lands with his/her legs coiled then quickly leaps to the next box.
Here are the top benefits of plyometric exercises that will help you decide if this type of fitness program is something that you need.

1. Strengthens the muscle

Muscles particularly in the legs are engaged and developed during this type of workout. Lean muscle mass in the legs are developed which make them stronger and more effective in carrying out physical activities.

2. Improves response time of muscles

Especially in competitive sports, it is important for an athlete to be able to move quickly at a moment�s notice. With regular plyometric workout, you will notice the development of your explosive power, which can help you deliver superior athletic performance. Such sports include basketball, soccer, hockey, and so many more.

3. Increase endurance

Another thing that athletes should have is endurance. They cannot get tired easily if they want to win in a sports competition. Partaking in plyometric training will increase one�s endurance significantly as well as allow the muscles to handle long athletic activities during peak performance.

4. Improves posture and balance

After engaging in this exercise for even a short period, you will notice great improvement on your posture and balance.

5. Burns calories

When you engage in any physical activity, you will obviously burn calories but what is great about plyometrics is that it also boosts your metabolic rate, which means that your body will become more effective in burning calories.

6. Reduces risk of injuries

Plyometrics reduces risk of injuries by improving flexibility and range of motion. This is also achieved by strengthening the body and making it more resistant to injuries.

http://www.wholefitness.com/plyometric-exercises.html

Do Your Best and Forget the Rest!!

Here is my meal plan and exercise routine for the week. Thursday will be day 60 of P90X! Phase 3 here I come!! :) 

Monday-
Breakfast: Banana Walnut Oatmeal

Snack: String Cheese
Lunch: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter
Dinner: P90X Grilled Chicken Burrito

Tuesday-
Breakfast: Special K Cereal w/ Silk
Snack: Apple
Lunch: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter

Dinner: P90X Miso Soup

Wednesday-
Breakfast: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter
Snack: String Cheese
Lunch: Leftover Miso Soup
Dinner: P90X Pasta Salad

Thursday-
Breakfast: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter
Snack: Almonds
Lunch: English Muffin Pizza

Dinner: P90X Chicken Pita

Friday-
Breakfast: Banana Walnut Oatmeal
Snack: Apple
Lunch: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter
Dinner: TBD (It’s my birthday so I will likely have my cake and eat it too… Hope Tony forgives me!)

Saturday-
Breakfast: P90X Breakfast Potatoes  
Snack: String Cheese
Lunch: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter
Dinner: Chicken Stir Fry

Sunday-
Breakfast: Special K Cereal w/ Silk
Snack: Almonds
Lunch: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter
Dinner: Chicken Tacos

Recipes:

P90X Grilled Chicken Burrito
6 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast
½ cup tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
2 tablespoons red onion, chopped
½ cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
1/8 avocado
1 tablespoon low-fat sour cream

1 whole wheat tortilla

Directions:
Grill or bake chicken breast in a Pyrex dish at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes. Cool and slice thinly.

Place tortilla in a microwave between 2 paper towels and cook on high for 10 seconds.

Remove and put chicken, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, lettuce, avocado, and sour cream into tortilla and roll up.

P90X Tuna Sandwhich
6 oz. tuna, canned
3/4 oz. light mayo
squeeze of lemon
1 tbsp. shredded carrots
1 tbsp. chopped celery
1 tbsp. chopped green onion
dill relish
Drain canned tuna ad place in a small bowl. Add mayo and mix thoroughly. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend together.

P90X Chicken Pita
6 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 whole wheat pita
1-1/2 ounces low-fat feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup tomato, chopped
2 tablespoons red onion, chopped
¼ cup cucumber, peeled and chopped
Squeeze of lemon

Directions:
Grill or bake chicken breast in Pyrex dish at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes.
Cool chicken and cube into 1-inch pieces.
Place in pita and add all other ingredients. Squeeze lemon over top.


P90X Miso Soup
½ teaspoon dark sesame oil
1/3 cup shallots, finely chopped
3 tablespoons miso
1 quart vegetable stock
¼ cup firm silken tofu, diced
3 tablespoons scallions, sliced for garnish

                                               

Directions:
Heat the sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until translucent.
Add the miso and mix well. Add the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer 15 minutes.
To serve, ladle into bowls and garnish each serving with tofu and scallions.

English Muffin Pizzas
100 Calorie Thomas English Muffin split
2 Tbsp Pizza Sauce
Sprinkle of Low Fat Mozzarella Cheese
Directions:

Bake until cheese is melted

P90X  Pasta Salad

2 ounces pasta

1 cup broccoli florets, steamed

2 whole green onions, sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ teaspoon fresh basil

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

1 ounce fat-free Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain.

While pasta cooks, steam the broccoli and chop the green onions.

Combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, green onions, olive oil, tomatoes, basil, and garlic powder. Mix well.

Sprinkle with cheese and toss again. Chill before serving.

Breakfast Potatoes
1 teaspoon olive oil

1 medium potato, peeled and cut into ½ inch pieces

2 mushrooms, chopped

1 tablespoon onion, chopped

¼ teaspoon garlic salt

Directions:

Heat oil in medium-size nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add potato and cover. Cook 8-10 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.

Add remaining ingredients; mix lightly. Cook and stir 5 minutes or until potato is lightly browned and mixture is heated through.Exercise Routine For The Week:

Monday – Plyometrics

Tuesday –Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X

Wednesday – Core Synergistics

Thursday – Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

Friday – Cardio X

Saturday – Rest Day

Sunday – Chest, Shoulders & Triceps



"I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come."-Michael Jordan

Tony Tony Tony.... What are you trying to do to me?!?! Corncob and Towel Pull Ups?!?! I know... You're trying to ensure that I have an amazing back and biceps... But for real? That workout was intense! :)

“Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get.”

And sweat is what I plan to do! Today's agenda includes some good ole Core Synergistics. I definitely have a love/hate relationship with this workout. I always feel AMAZING after it's all said and done, but rolling around in the Superman Banana Rolls isn't my favorite... LOL! Today I am 53 days into the program. That is incredibly hard to believe! I'm ready to keep pushing play for the next 37 days and continue to push play even after those 90 days are up! :)

Guns In The Making?!? I think so!!

"Fitness - if it came in a bottle, everybody would have a great body!" -Cher

I love that quote by Cher. It should be a reminder to the world that you can't achieve everything you could be if you rely on a bottle for fitness. It requires hard work and getting off your booty to move!! I wish that society didn't think a pill could fix everything... I like to believe if they truly gave exercise a shot they would be pleasantly surprised. Granted, everyone can give it a shot, but sticking with it is a different story... Just some food for thought.. :)

Today's workout is Legs & Back. I am too pumped! I feel that I possess the most strength in my legs so with this workout I truthfully bring it! Tony would be proud! Happy Hump Day Everyone!!

“The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!” – Marvin Phillips

Whew!! Just kicked some Cardio X bootay! I absolutely love the cardio part of P90X... It feels soooo good when you've completed your workout and you're pouring sweat! :) Now onto a fabulous dinner prepared by yours truly.... Feeling amazing on this beautiful day!

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” – Beverly Sills

Ahhhhhh!! I am anxiously awaiting the moment I can leave work and get home to my P90! Yesterday's off day made me really miss it... On the agenda for this afternoon: Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps! Let's face it, every girl wants nice looking arms and I plan on having amazing ones! ;) I am going to get back into the Ab Ripper X video starting today as well.... I usually end up skipping it, but this is crunch time and I can't keep coming up with excuses! I'm ready Tony... BRING IT!


For the record.... Chest, Shoulders and Triceps was ROUGH!!! This was my first time incorporating it into my routine and I must say it was one of the more difficult workouts... I feel pretty confident that I won't be able to move my arms tomorrow, but it was worth it!! :)

“Unless You Puke, Faint or Die, Keep Going!” – Jillian Michaels

I’ve found myself in the midst of a coca-cola crisis here lately. It’s a constant battle between me and my caffeine... However, one solution I’ve discovered is 10 calorie Crystal Light Wild Strawberry Energy packets… These have been a lifesaver when I needed something with flavor. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE me some water, but every now and then I need something with taste! ;) Here is the my meal plan for the upcoming week, along with some recipes. Bring It! 

Monday-
Breakfast: Banana Walnut Oatmeal

Snack: String Cheese
Lunch: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter
Dinner: P90X Lemon Garlic Chicken, brown rice, steamed asparagus

Tuesday-
Breakfast: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter
Snack: Apple
Lunch: P90X Tuna Salad served on Arnold Select Sandwich Thins

(100 calories in the sandwich thin)
Dinner: Tasty Turkey Meatloaf

Wednesday-
Breakfast: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter
Snack: String Cheese
Lunch: Leftover Tasty Turkey Meatloaf
Dinner: Arnold Artisan Oven Savory Herb Flatbread Pizza

Thursday-
Breakfast: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter
Snack: Almonds
Lunch: English Muffin Pizza

Dinner: Turkey Taco Soup

Friday-
Breakfast: Banana Walnut Oatmeal
Snack: Apple
Lunch: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter
Dinner: Leftover Turkey Taco Soup

Saturday-
Breakfast: Cheese and Egg White Scramble
Snack: String Cheese
Lunch: Shakeology Shake w/ Banana and Peanut Butter
Dinner: Turkey Veggie Spaghetti

Sunday-
Breakfast: Bacon, Egg and Cheese Muffin
Snack: Almonds
Lunch: Baked Fish, Brown Rice, and Green Beans
Dinner: Chipotle Grilled Chicken with Avocado Sandwich and possibly kale chips?! (Depends On If I’m Brave Enough To Try Them!)

Recipes:

P90X Lemon Garlic Chicken
1/4 c. fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp. molasses
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 lbs. skinless boneless chicken
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
Directions:
Combine first 4 ingredients in a bowl and add chicken. Cover and marinate in fridge for 1 hour, turning occasionally. Preheat oven to 425*. Remove chicken from dish, reserving marinade and arrange in a shallow roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Pour reserved marinade over the chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes, basting occasionally with marinade. Bake without basting for 20 minutes more or until chicken is done.

P90X Tuna Sandwhich
6 oz. tuna, canned
3/4 oz. light mayo
squeeze of lemon
1 tbsp. shredded carrots
1 tbsp. chopped celery
1 tbsp. chopped green onion
dill relish
Drain canned tuna ad place in a small bowl. Add mayo and mix thoroughly. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend together.

Tasty Turkey Meatloaf1 lb. extra-lean ground turkey
2 small eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
1/2 c. old-fashioned oats
1/2 can diced tomatoes
1/2 large jar marinara sauce
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350*. Mix all ingredients together except for 1/2 of the marinara sauce. Place in loaf pan and cook for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and spread the remaining marinara sauce on top and cook for an additional 15 minutes. (taken from Beachbody's Thin Kitchen)
Cal: 206 Protein: 23 g Carb: 17 g Fiber: 3 g Total Fat: 7 g

Arnold Artisan Oven Savory Herb Flatbread Pizza

Flatbread
Ragu Sugar Free Spaghetti Sauce
Sprinkle of Low Fat Mozzarella Cheese

Directions:

Cover flatbread with sauce and cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bread is crispy… Mmmmm

English Muffin Pizzas
100 Calorie Thomas English Muffin split
2 Tbsp Pizza Sauce
Sprinkle of Low Fat Mozzarella Cheese
Directions:

Bake until cheese is melted
ENJOY! :)

Turkey Taco Soup1 lb. extra-lean ground turkey
1/2 onion, chopped
corn
black beans
pinto beans
chicken broth
black olives, sliced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can chopped green chilies
packet of taco seasoning
1 oz. Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning (dry powder)
Directions:
Brown turkey with onions and then remove excess grease. Add in all other ingredients and simmer. Serve with tortilla chips if you're feeling bad or if you're being good....serve over salad greens with light sour cream, sliced avocado and a few sprigs of cilantro. Soooo Good!!

Turkey Veggie Spaghetti
1 small onion, chopped
1 lb. extra lean ground turkey
1 jar Ragu Sugar Free Spaghetti Sauce
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini (diced)
1 squash (diced)
1/2 pkg. whole wheat thin spaghetti noodles
Directions: Brown onion, pepper and meat and remove excess grease. Add in veggies and sauce and simmer. Make noodles according to package.

Bacon, Egg and Cheese Muffin

1 Over Well Cooked Egg
2 Slices of Turkey Bacon
Sprinkle of Low Fat Mozzarella Cheese
100 Calorie Thomas English Muffin

Directions:

Cook the egg and bacon on the stovetop while the English muffin is toasting in the oven. Compile all ingredients onto the English muffin while it’s still hot so that the cheese will melt. YUM!!

Chipotle Grilled Chicken with Avocado Sandwich
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. lime juice
1/2 tsp. chipotle chili powder
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 breast halves)
4 small slices of Monterey jack cheese
4 sets hamburger buns (or eat open faced and use half a bun!)
1 avocado, peeled, seeded and sliced
lettuce
light mayo

Directions:
1. In a shallow bowl, stir together olive oil, lime juice and chipotle chili powder.
2. Place the chicken breasts between 2 sheets of wax paper. Use a meat pounder to pound the breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Cut off excess fat. If you are starting two half-pound chicken breast halves, cut each one in half so that you have 4 pieces (to better fit the buns). Place the chicken in the marinade, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate for at least 15 minute, preferably an hour.
3. Heat your grill to high. Grill the chicken pieces a couple of minutes on each side, until cooked through. Once you have cooked them on one side, flip and ad a slice of cheese to the chicken. Cover the grill for half a minute to melt the cheese. Toast the buns on the grill as well.
4. Assemble the sandwiches-bun bottom, chicken with melted cheese, avocado, lettuce, mayo, bun on top (optional).
Serves 4.

Kale Chips Ingredients:
-a big bunch of kale, torn into hand-size pieces
-olive oil spray
-salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375*. Lay kale on cookie sheet and spray with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Bake kale for 15 minutes and flip. Spray other side with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for another 15 minutes, keeping a close eye for singed leaf edges.
3. Cool and enjoy!             

Exercise Routine For The Week:

Monday – Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X

Tuesday –Cardio X

Wednesday – Legs and Back, Ab Ripper X

Thursday – Core Synergistics

Friday – Back & Biceps

Saturday – Kenpo X

Sunday - Rest or X Stretch

P90X "The Reason "-- World Premiere Part 1 of 3

There's Always Time If You're Willing To Put In The Effort!

T.G.I.F.

Oh Friday how I've missed you!! I'm enjoying my yummy chocolate shake for breakfast and counting down the hours until I am free of this place... :) This weekend I am going to sit down and make a meal plan for the next week and then hit up the good ole grocery store for some goodies... I sure do feel like I spend a lot of time in the grocery store lately, but I know my body is appreciative of my home cooking! Last night's stir fry was awesome and I think I might have to make some turkey taco soup tonight before the weather gets too warm... Granted, this is Alabama so you never know what the weather will be like from day to day! Ha! I'm looking forward to my workout this afternoon and also to the relaxing weekend I have planned... BRING IT!

Never, never, never, never give up

I skipped P90X yesterday (gasp!) in order to rearrange my bedroom furniture... I must say that I did work a LOT of muscles and broke a sweat moving all that heavy furniture around. I'm back on it today though! I'm going to cook some yummy stir-fry for dinner and hopefully my shakes will be at the door when I get off work!! I am so thankful for this beautiful day!! :)

Shake Shake Shake Again!!

My Shakeology should arrive on Thursday! I've gone a little over a week without it, and I must say that I truly can feel a difference without it in my diet. It really is an energy booster and helps provide me with the nutrients needed for my active day! This product comes highly recommended by me, the consumer, for anyone looking to jump start their weight loss and improve their health. :) I know several people who hate the thought of not having this shake in their meal plan, and I am definitely one of them now! Ready for some Cardio X tonight!! Bring on the sweat!!

Find Out What The Doctors Are Saying

Core Synergistics

Hellooooooooo Monday! Ready to get back into the groove of things after a very lazy "rest" day yesterday. On today's agenda... Core Synergistics! Ready for some Superman Banana Rolls! :) BRING IT!

100 days of P90X - transformation results

Inspirational Video of The Day!InI

Day 40

Today is day 40 of P90x.... I feel so much better! My clothes fit better, my energy is higher, and I feel confident that I am on my way to getting in the best shape of my life!

I'm very excited about legs and back this afternoon! I feel like I've been a cardio maniac this week.... That is surely where the most calories are shed though, so I appreciate the sweat! :) I am also SOOOO excited to have ordered some more Shakeology today! I've been without it for a week, and it's weird how much better I feel when using it in place of a meal... I'm ready for some extra energy boosting! TGIF!!!

Plyo!

I did the Plyometrics workout today for the first time in a couple of weeks. YIKES! I forgot how intense it was... The X in P90X for sure! Jump training is supposed to make you better on any field or court, and although I'm not actively participating in a sport, I believe it! This workout is one of the hardest to get through, but once it's over you're feeling great about yourself! I just gotta keep pressing play!!!! :)

52 Days To Go!!

Since I was a dirty slacker and skipped my Sunday workout for the Super Bowl, this is my workout schedule for this week. I've enjoyed having Saturday as my rest day, but I'm kinda digging the idea of a lazy and relaxing Sunday! :)

Monday– Core Synergistics

Tuesday – Cardio X

Wednesday – Shoulders and Arms, Ab Ripper X

Thursday – Yoga X

Friday– Legs and Back, Ab Ripper X

Saturday– Kenpo X

Sunday – Rest or X Stretch

I kicked some serious Cardio X booty today! I love it because it's only 45 minutes and you're just blasting fat that entire time... Good stuff!

3 Rounds of P90X.wmv

Both incredible and inspirational!!!!

Keep Pushing Play!

Today I spent a lot of time researching different ways I could improve my weight loss/results... Gonna have to make a trip to the grocery store to load up on Phase 2 goodies... The next 30 so days will allow me to take in more calories, and in return burn more during the workouts... It feels good to eat better and to feel that my stomach size has shrunk. Doesn't take much to fill me up these days! Kicked some Superman Banana Roll booty this afternoon! Got a great sweat on!!! Also, there are so many inspirational videos out there about the transformation people have through during their P90X journey. They make me Oooo and Ahhh and remind me why I'm pushing myself!

Woot Woot

Yesterday was an amazing workout to Core Synergistics! It is one intense hour, but the feeling afterwards makes it absolutely worth it. I cannot wait to see what the next 60 days have in store for me. I can feel myself getting stronger every day and I'm really starting to see some serious arm and leg muscle definition! Now if we can only get the midsection to cooperate! I think I'm storing it all there as my body's harsh attempt at keeping itself warm... Come on Spring! I need sunshine in my life.... :)

I Definitely Sweat and Don't Glisten!

Woo! I feel soooo good after my Cardio X this afternoon! I was pouring sweat... LOVE IT!! Yesterday was day 30... That means only 60 more to go!! Woot Woot!! I am so proud of myself for pushing through the pain and the walls that have presented themselves throughout this process... I am so lucky to have such a great support system! Family and friends who keep me honest and a chosen program that has unlimited support from fellow P90Xers and Coaches!