Tag Archives: Insanity

October 31, 2010 · 11:42 AM

It’s Fit Test Time!


Happy Halloween boys and girls! I started my day off with a trick that turned out to be a treat. See, today should have been my rest day with INSANITY, (this is the trick part), but I did decided along with a few others in the #insanecrew to do the fit test today, since we have our first Max workout tomorrow. I psyched myself up to expect some lower numbers since my back has been a little “iffy” on power jumps and I was just not really in the mood to workout this morning. It was a rough workout and it left me gasping for air during most of it but I was pleasantly surprised with my numbers (this is the treat part, in case you were wondering).

Enough of my rambling, you just want the numbers….I get it!

Here is a link to the second Fit Test Results if you missed them.

Overall here are my improvements since the first fit test:

Switch Kicks:     +6
Power Jacks:     +8
Power Knees:    +31
Power Jumps:    +6
Globe Jumps:       +1
Suicide Jumps:  +3
Push-Up Jacks: +10
Low Plank Obliques: +8

I am truly shocked as to how far I’ve come in such a short amount of time. I might conduct a test on a rest day to see if I can do more Globe Jumps, Suicide Jumps and Push-Up Jacks if do them right after the warm-up. I’m pretty sure I can and it’s just that I’m so tired from the Switch Kicks and Power Jacks to give it my complete all.

Hope everyone has a Spooktacular Halloween! If you need me, I’ll be in the pumpkin patch with my blankie waiting for The Great Pumpkin!

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October 26, 2010 · 12:39 PM

Recovery Week = Halfway Done

I did it! I survived the first month of INSANITY, and I feel amazing!

This has by far been the toughest Beachbody product for me to date. I am NOT a cardio lover, so I knew going in that this was going to be a challenge. With this program I truly have to give it my all during each workout or I would easily fail. Each workout is a mind over matter battle. My mind constantly wants me to stop, but I pull it together, regain my focus and push on.

My results for month one are not mind blowing. I have gained and lost the same 5lbs all month, so no major weight loss for me. I did lose an inch from each thigh, an inch from my hips and a half inch from my waist. The biggest improvement has been in the cardiovascular department.

The #INSANECREW and I are now in Recovery Week, but please don’t be fooled by the name. Shaun T has no interest in letting you “rest” he just simply tortures you in a new way. Honestly, I really like the Core Cardio & Balance workout and that’s a good thing since I have to do it all week.

Here is what it consists of:

Warm Up (6 exercises)

Switch Heel Kicks, Mummy Kicks, Football Shuffle, Over the Log, 8 High Knees/8 Power Jacks, 8 Fast Feet/8 Hooks

Stretch

Main Workout (10 exercises)

Moving Ski Hops, Hit the Floor, Level 1 Drills, Heismans, 8 Switch Kicks/8Hop Squats, High Jumps, Moving Plank Walk, 8 Elbows/8 Suicide Drills, 4 & 4 Hops, 8 Jabs/Jumps

Hip Flexor Burners (Pure Evil)

Obliques

Shoulder Burners & Plies (My arms were ready to fall off my the end)

Stretch

This sounds like a lot but the workout is only about 37 mins if I recall correctly. The Hip Flexor and Shoulder sections are the hardest (at least for me) because your muscles truly start to burn during them.

I’m a little nervous to begin month two of INSANITY, but I’m sure it will all be worth it in the end!

Bring it! Dig Deep!

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October 11, 2010 · 10:41 AM

and the results are…..


Believe it or not 2 weeks of INSANITY are in the books, which means that this morning was Fit Test #2. I pushed myself really hard because I had to beat my own numbers from the first test. I was quite successful in doing that with all of the moves except for those dreaded Globe Jumps. They are hands down my least favorite along with Power Jumps….pure evil!

So, here is what you really came here to see…..The Results of Fit Test #2:

Here is a link to my First Fit Test Results if you missed them.

Overall here are my improvements:

Switch Kicks:     +5
Power Jacks:     +6
Power Knees:    +18
Power Jumps:    +4
Globe Jumps:       0
Suicide Jumps:  +2
Push-Up Jacks: +7
Low Plank Obliques: +6

I’m very pleased with my improvement in only 2 short weeks. I was a little upset during Low Plank Obliques because my arms became tired before my legs or obliques did and I could have went longer. Also Power Jumps followed by Globe Jumps are just sheer torture. I know I could do more Suicide Jumps if I wasn’t coming right off the previous two.

Here to another 2 weeks of digging deep, cause this sh*ts bananas yo!

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October 5, 2010 · 4:32 PM

Experimenting with Sport Beans…


During the past week of Insanity, trying to find balance between meals and workout times has been a challenge. I’ve found that I have to wait at least 2 hours after a meal to begin my workout or I will puke. The problem with this, is that I’ve been eating every 2-2.5 hours since beginning this program, so I end up running out of energy halfway through my workout and struggle to finish.

While talking with my #insanecrew the other day my beloved coach brought up Sport Beans. I had never heard of  them before so I instantly started asking questions. I found out that there is this whole group of energy aids out there that runners like ranging from Sport Beans to some stuff called GU. Apparently you take them before a hard workout and they give you the energy that you need to make it through without a big meal…SCORE!

Of course I hunted down these beans and bought a few bags in various flavors, along with some GU to test them out and see if they actually worked.

Last night was the big night…I decided to test out the Sport Beans! I flipped over the bag, read the directions and started chomping away on them 30 mins before my workout as directed. Some of the flavors were quite icky (yes, I used the word icky) while the fruit punch and berry were actually quite good. I grabbed some water since you are supposed to hydrate while using them and started my workout.

Fast forward to the halfway point were I felt the beans sitting in my chest and I was as jittery as a junkie who took too much speed! I had TONS of energy but couldn’t hold a plank pose to save my life cause my arms were shaky and I felt sick from the sweetness of the beans.

Of course when my workout was over I told my #insanecrew about my experience and found out that I shouldn’t have followed the package directions. It seems that eating 3-4 beans as I’m waiting for the disc to load is all I should have done…..can you say oops?! (Or should I say “Thanks for the heads up tweeps!”)

Lesson of the Day: Don’t eat a whole package of Sports Beans to do an INSANITY workout unless you want to be a jitter-iffic mess for the rest of the night/day.

Today I tried them again for Pure Cardio and I only popped 2 beans as I pressed play. I had plenty of energy for the workout, didn’t feel hungry at the halfway mark and didn’t get jittery at all. (Insert the “SCORE!” I was searching for.)

By following this modified way of using them I give them a huge thumbs up and thank my coach for telling me about them. (Even if I wanted to kill him last night for not telling me this sooner to ignore the package directions.)

For those you interested in Sport Beans here is some info or you can go to their website. I also found out that they make Extreme Sport Beans with caffeine. I guess I should be grateful I didn’t chomp down a whole pack of those last night!

Sport Beans™, from the makers of Jelly Belly® beans, are specially formulated to fuel your body before, during and after exercise.

  • Simply explained, Sport Beans are Jelly Beans formulated with carbohydrates, electrolytes and vitamins B and C
  • Eat one packet with one to two cups of water about 30 minutes before exercising
  • During a long workout, eat one packet every 45 minutes
  • Eat after a workout to replenish muscles of depleted carbohydrates

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October 2, 2010 · 11:06 PM

End of INSANITY Week 1

Well….I did it! I survived week 1 of INSANITY. That’s right, I’m still breathing, still walking and still able to move! Ha! Take that Shaun T!

*To celebrate my achievement I purchased the items in the photo as a gift for myself at the Beachbody Game Plan Tour today in Brooklyn.

Day 4 – Cardio Recovery: I would like to rename this workout “Recovery My Ass” or maybe “Quad Killer”. I don’t know who Shaun T thinks he’s kidding, but this is no recovery workout. I felt more discomfort in this than the others because of how long you had to hold the poses and then pulse on top of it. Don’t be fouled people…this is no typical recovery! Lesson of the Day: Don’t go up and down stairs right after Cardio Recovery. Stairs + jello legs = falling on your butt.

Day 5 – Pure Cardio: This workout and I have met before in the past. It’s the typical INSANITY warm-up that’s you’ve come to know and dislike followed by 15 minutes of puke-tastic cardio that will leave you dripping with sweat and begging for your mommy! Lesson of the Day: “That sh*t was BA-nana’s, yo!”

Day 6 – Plyometric Cardio Circuit: I already wrote about this one since I did it on Tuesday. I did this workout late tonight after coming home from the Beachbody Game Plan Event and I was surprised that I’m getting better at it. I’m not as winded after the warm-up, I’m getting lower in my stretches and as I learn the routine I’m flowing easier. I also noticed that I’m fine as long as I don’t stop. Stopping seems to be the kiss of death! Lesson of the Day: Don’t wear a t-shirt to do INSANITY workouts unless you are truly insane and want to sweat your last braincell out. Stick to tank tops, sports bras or no shirt if your a guy.

Day 7 – A day of rest: Thank you lord.

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September 30, 2010 · 12:03 AM

Let the INSANITY begin…


That’s right! You heard me! INSANITY!  Yes, I know I tried it before and failed miserably, but this time I’m here to complete it…all 63 Days of it! Nothing is going to stop me this time…well…nothing as long as I have access to my masseuse that is.

Monday was Day 1 – The Fit Test. I woke up at the ungodly hour of 5:30 am and jumped right into it with my husband by my side. We huffed and puffed through the first few moves and then I heard the dry heaving coming from his side of the room and he was out. I kept chugging along wishing this was all a nightmare and that I would wake up in my nice warm bed, but that never happened.  Instead I was left in a puddle of sweat dragging my nutrient deprived body into the shower so I could  face the day. I was shaky, felt like puking and light headed as could be. It all faded away before the first kid headed off to school on the bus and I was left with these numbers which I am proud of and the Lesson of the day: Don’t Workout at 5:30am EVER Again!

Day 2 – Plyometric Cardio Circuit: I am quite familiar with this routine since I started it two weeks ago as my introduction to Insanity. I knew what to expect, how hard I would have to push and how sore I would be the next day. What I did expect was that I would puke during the 3rd round of Level 1 drills. Lesson of the day: Wait about 2hours after eating before attempting an INSANITY workout!

Day 3 – Cardio Power and Resistance: Once again Shaun T kicked my ass like it has never been kicked before. I actually tried this workout last week and it is just brutal, especially when you are also finishing up ChaLEAN Extreme while doing INSANITY (I don’t recommend it – I am clearly insane). By the end of this workout I looked like I took a shower with my clothes on, my quads and glutes were on FIRE and I desperately needed my Results and Recovery drink! Lesson of the day: Beware of ceiling fans when doing jump training!

I ended Day 3 with a wonderful 2 hour massage and my body is very grateful. Tomorrow is a recovery workout but this is an INSANITY recovery day so I am sure I will be sweating and cursing up a storm.

Now, I don’t mean to scare anyone who has never tried Insanity, but I’m not one for sugar coating either. I believe that any results worth achieving come with hard work and dedication. Without those two things, success will not be the end result with this particular program. It takes a lot of determination to puke and then go right back into the workout!

Quickly, I’d like to give a big thank you to my #insanecrew! You guys keep me motivated and I’ll need you all for the next 60 days! We will push each other to the next level and wear those t-shirts with pride at the end of this crazy ride.

Here’s to 60 more days of puke, sweat and tears! Dig Deep!

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September 7, 2010 · 12:25 AM

A Time For Revenge

Once upon a time, I attempted INSANITY…and I failed miserably.

I knew going in I was  biting off more than I could chew, however, as many of you know I can be very strong willed and thickheaded. I barely finished my last day of P90X and I was already jumping into the INSANITY fit test because everyone else was doing it. (Insert jumping off a bridge joke here)

Surprisingly, I did well on the fit test. The rude awakening came during the first workout….I blocked most of the experience out of my mind but I believe it was Plyo Cardio Circuit. The warm up itself felt like a full workout and Shaun T was absolutely relentless. I tried my best to keep up and by the end of the workout I collapsed in a pool of my own sweat wishing for a bucket to puke in. Thankfully I had my cellphone near me so I was able to Tweet from said pool of sweat about the experience.

The next day was Cardio Power and Resistance. My husband walked by the room and saw me covered in sweat, struggling to keep up and just shook his head at me. By the end of the workout I dragged my sorry self up the stairs and laid in the fetal position in the shower for what felt like eternity. This program was kicking my ass and giving me a reality check. My. Cardio. Sucked.

I made it through the first week of this program wondering why I was doing this….then…..my back decided it couldn’t handle any more and I quickly pulled the brakes on INSANITY.

For a week I did nothing but yoga and stretching everyday in hopes of finding relief for my herniated discs. (This is an old injury and not caused by the program) I also took the time to think about things and I while I hated to admit defeat, I knew it was in the best interest of my body to not continue. This bugged me to no end!

Round 2 of P90X started the following week and I did the Classic version so I would have Plyometrics in the routine. Upon completing that round I started ChaLEAN Extreme and walking/running on a semi regular basis.

I know my cardio is still lacking but I have decided to try my hand at INSANITY again starting on September 27th. I feel I am better prepared for it this time (or at least I hope I am) and I will be doing it with @tmgrant7 since we are good at motivating each other and pushing each other to the next level.

Time for me to seek my revenge, Dig Deep and take my fitness goals to the next level!

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