“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!! :)