Tag Archives: P90X

January 1, 2011 · 11:38 PM

Round 3…Day 1…Fight!

Happy New Year, everyone! I can’t believe it is 2011 already.

It feels like just yesterday that I made the choice to give P90X a try…..no really….I’m so sore right now that it feels like I just started this program for the first time.

Since I started 2010 with P90X, I thought there would be no better way to celebrate my Beachbody anniversary than with another round. Being reunited with Tony Horton just seemed like the right thing to do, so I bagged the hybrid, joined a group of fellow coaches and rebooted the “90 Days to a Better You” challenge.

Today, I kicked off Round 3 of X with some Chest and Back, which is the first workout in the Classic version on the program. Let’s just say I forgot how hardcore this program is. I still don’t have a pull-up bar set up (I know. This makes me sad too.) so I used my bands to do pull-downs instead. I have definitely improved in the push-up department, although declines, diamonds, military style and the dreaded dive-bomber push-ups are still my nemesis.

I managed to truly push myself to physical failure on every move today, instead of the mental failure were I would tap out in the past. That fact alone proved to me how much I have grown, both mentally and physically in the past year. My mind would always get the best of me and I would tell myself “I can’t” or I would watch Tony do a move and say “No way, I’m not doing THAT”. Now, my mental conversation is more along the lines of “You’ve got this!” and “Ok, this might take some practice”.

The result of my new mindset? Wobbly, shaky, jello arms that make washing your hair post workout very interesting…and painful.

Today’s workout also included Ab Ripper X (ARX), which I have always struggled with due to my herniated discs. I have a hard time doing any core movements that require me to kick my arms and legs out, while balancing on my butt. I tried my best to make it through most of the DVD but I could feel the strain in my back (most likely due to lousy form) so I reverted back to the ab workout from ChaLEAN Extreme, which is effective and doesn’t aggravate my back.

I’m looking forward to this round of P90X and after 63 days of Insanity….I’m really looking forward to Plyometrics tomorrow.

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December 30, 2010 · 7:21 PM

The New Year Is Approaching…

It’s almost time to say good-bye to 2010 and hello to 2011…are you ready?

For most people, the new year means making resolutions. Topping that resolution list is usually “lose weight” or “start working out” which creates a surge in people going to the gym. After a month of waiting on line for the treadmill and elliptical or dealing with overflowing classes, many people throw in the towel and begin to find reasons not to go anymore. Sound familiar? You know it does…fess up!

It is this very cycle I battled for years. “January 1st is coming, I’ll join the gym” or “This year I’ll try Weight Watchers“. Year after year, I would make these resolutions and NEVER stick with them…..until January 2010!

What happened in January 2010, you ask? Well, that is when I made a promise to myself…a promise to start P90X and FINISH it! I was hell bent on completing this program, even though I knew I might not be ready for it. I HAD to do this for ME….for my children, and for my health. I grabbed my brand new calendar and started marking my 30, 60 and 90 day goals. I printed out check lists for my daily food and water goals….I meant business this time.

The plus to P90X for me? Well, you don’t have to climb into the car and head to the gym. You don’t have a class time schedule to follow (not that I have ever taken a class….more on this at a later date). There is no line for a machine that you end up having to wipe someones sweat off of. It’s just you and the DVD’s in your living room. (or any other space you declare your “home gym”)

People thought I was crazy and many told me I could not do this. They didn’t have faith in me…how could they? I never completed any of my resolutions in the past. The more negative they felt about my new journey, the hotter I felt the fire within me burn…it fueled me and pushed me to great heights.

The key to my completing this resolution and still being committed to it today was my support group. I managed to find an amazing group of people on-line who were all doing the program. Some were already really fit, some were working out the first time, some had a lot of weight to lose and some just wanted a challenge. None of that mattered though, as we were all there to cheer each other on and reassure one another when we had doubts or bad days. Ok…the fact that I was seeing phenomenal results after 30days and felt amazing helped a bit too.

I sit here now as a 2 time P90X graduate. I’ve completed ChaLEAN Extreme and I’ve earned my INSANITY t-shirt. I am somewhere I never though I would be. I am 40 pounds lighter since starting the P90X leg of my journey. I gained a lot of lean muscle and I’ve lost over 10 inches from my waist alone!!

Was it easy? No! It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. It was not only a physical journey, but a mental journey, as well. It is the thing I am most proud of that I have accomplished in my life so far. (Well, besides my two kids)

So, my question to you is….As the New Year approaches and you make your resolutions, are you truly ready to carry them out? If losing weight and getting healthy is at the top of your list, I would love to help you get started. You will be amazed at what you are capable of, if you simply allow yourself to push forward.

Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!

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November 28, 2010 · 8:36 PM

Final Fit Test: Revenge Is Sweet!

I did it! I completed Insanity! *cue noise makers, balloons and confetti! I barely made it through the Max month and I just completed my final Fit Test of the 63 day program. I’m a little tired and would like to drink my recovery drink so I’ll just get to it…

Here are the results:


Overall here are my improvements since the first fit test:

Switch Kicks:     +11
Power Jacks:     +14
Power Knees:    +33
Power Jumps:    +10
Globe Jumps:       +1
Suicide Jumps:  +6
Push-Up Jacks: +13
Low Plank Obliques: +7
I am so happy that I was able to complete all 63 days of this program. As some of you know, I attempted it back in April of this year and had to drop out after week one. My herniated discs just could handle it so with my tail between my legs and pride broken, I went back to do a second round of P90X and then I went on to ChaLEAN Extreme.

While I was doing ChaLEAN, my coach mentioned he was starting a second round of Insanity…with those words, my itch for revenge began to surface. I started thinking about it non stop and finally found a partner to start with a few weeks later since I couldn’t start with him.

Before I knew it we grew into the most amazing group of dedicated people. Without even trying, the #insanecrew was born. Without them, I don’t know if I would have kept going when I hit the Max month. (Don’t believe Shaun T at the end of  Pure Cardio when he says “That shits bananas yo” cause that’s a cake walk compared to Max month).

Next up is the “90 Days to a Better You” challenge which I have blogged about. If you haven’t checked it out please take a moment to now. We are starting tomorrow and would love for you to join us!

Special thanks to the #insanecrew: @tmgrant7, @perkinsmichael, @Socee808, @MrThomas619, my husband Mike who was my workout partner at home, @Melysa_S who had to go back to month 1, but is still rockin’ it and will soon taste the sweetness of revenge, @graveidea who gave me the nutrition advice I needed, when I needed it and last but not least, my coach, @Adamsfit who “lied” to us about just how hard Max month would be, but was the one responsible for lighting the fire under my ass and making me want to seek revenge, without even knowing it.

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November 16, 2010 · 3:59 PM

90 Days To A Better You!

The new year is rapidly approaching and one of the first resolutions people usually make is to start exercising and eating better. Why wait until you flip the calendar to make this commitment? Why not get a jump start on your dream of losing a few pounds and inches, fitting into a smaller size or just becoming a healthier you? Why not do something to combat the “holiday 10” that so many people gain over the next few weeks?

As some of you already know, the #insanecrew is coming to the end of their Insanity journey. What’s next you ask? Well, that would be the “90 Days To A Better You” challenge! Some of us will be doing a P90X/Insanity Hybrid program (the schedule for this is at the bottom of this blog), some will be doing Power 90, and others will just commit to eating better and becoming active in some way for 90 days. I honestly don’t care if you do a Beachbody program, just commit to “90 Days To A Better You” – that’s all it takes!

Join my “like” page on Facebook and post on the daily accountability page! http://on.fb.me/i1rfoO

We will be starting on Monday, November 29th, so mark your calendars and get ready to Dig Deep and Bring It!

Here are my suggestions of what you should do before starting:

 

  1. Look over your nutrition guides. Figure out your calorie needs and also check out Michi’s Ladder on my facebook fan page. Make a list of what you need to get before we start. If you need help with this feel free to contact me. Knowing your caloric needs is important since your metabolism is like a furnace….you need fuel properly to keep the fire going
  2. Take your before photos. I know everyone HATES doing this, but you really should. You don’t have to share them with the group but you’ll want them so you can see how far you’ve come at the end of 90 days.
  3. Take your measurements. This is so important! The scale is NOT your friend, toss it out of the window. You will trade fat for muscle and only your measurements will tell the full story. Trust me!
  4. Make a list of what you want to achieve during these 90 days. Break it down to 30, 60 and 90 day goals. Put this list somewhere you can see it so you will stay focused. You may even want to make a goal board for yourself. Take a piece of poster board, cut out pictures of clothing you would like to fit into, the beach, ANYTHING that will motivate you and keep you going. It sounds corny, but it works!
  5. Pace yourself. Rome was not built in a day. If you are new to working out, listen to your body. You do not have to keep up with the people on the DVD’s or anyone in this group. You have to go at your own pace, however I want you to challenge yourself. You have to dig deep and leave your comfort zone. It won’t always be easy and there may be times when you want to quit but I need you to push through and just do your best.
  6. Stay honest. We all have off days, we all miss days and we all have busy schedules…especially with the holidays coming. It’s ok to miss a workout or have a cheat meal, just stay accountable for it! We are all here for each other and I am fulling committing to help you – I just need you to be honest and be committed to yourself!
  7. Log into WOWY. You don’t have to do a Beachbody workout to track your measurements and workouts here. If you already have a Beachbody account be sure to log your workouts in daily. You can also track your measurements and results there. If you do not already have an account, you can create one for FREE. (I can coach you if you’d like – contact me before creating an account)

If you’re ready to join us in this challenge comment below or contact me directly.

 

Don’t become a victim of the holidays and the typical 10 pound weight gain! Decide to change yourself. Commit to this 90 day challenge. Together we can Succeed.

If you are interested in trying a program, contact me.

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Here is a copy of the P90X/Insanity Hybrid schedule:

 

Weeks 1-3
Day 1 – Chest and Back + Ab RipperX (P90X)
Day 2 – Plyometric Cardio Circuit (Insanity)
Day 3 – Shoulders and Arms + Ab RipperX (P90X)
Day 4 – Cardio Recovery (Insanity)
Day 5 – Legs and Back + Ab RipperX (P90X)
Day 6 – Pure Cardio (Insanity)
Day 7 – Rest or XStretch (P90X)


Week 4 – Recovery Week
Day 1 – Core Cardio and Balance (Insanity)
Day 2 – Core Synergistics (P90X)
Day 3 – Pure Cardio (Insanity)
Day 4 – XStretch (P90X)
Day 5 – Core Synergistics (P90X)
Day 6 – YogaX (P90X)
Day 7 – Rest or Xstretch (P90X)


Weeks 5-7
Day 1 – Chest, Shoulders and Triceps + Ab RipperX (P90X)
Day 2 – Max interval Plyo (Insanity)
Day 3 – Back and Biceps + Ab RipperX (P90X)
Day 4 – Cardio Recovery (Insanity)
Day 5 – Legs and Back + Ab RipperX (P90X)
Day 6 – Max Cardio Conditioning (Insanity)
Day 7 – Rest or Xstretch (P90X)


Week 8 – Recovery Week (Same as week 4)


Week 9 & 11
Day 1 – Chest and Back + Ab RipperX (P90X)
Day 2 – Plyometric Cardio Circuit (Insanity)
Day 3 – Shoulders and Arms + Ab RipperX (P90X)
Day 4 – Cardio Recovery (Insanity)
Day 5 – Legs and Back + Ab RipperX (P90X)
Day 6 – Pure Cardio (Insanity)
Day 7 – Rest or XStretch (P90X)


Week 10 & 12
Day 1 – Chest, Shoulders and Triceps + Ab RipperX (P90X)
Day 2 – Max interval Plyo (Insanity)
Day 3 – Back and Biceps + Ab RipperX (P90X)
Day 4 – Cardio Recovery (Insanity)
Day 5 – Legs and Back + Ab RipperX (P90X)
Day 6 – Max Cardio Conditioning (Insanity)
Day 7 – Rest or Xstretch (P90X)


Week 13 – Recovery Week ( Same as week 4 & 8 )

 

 

 

 


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July 17, 2010 · 11:08 AM

Round 2 – Day 90 – The End

It’s official…today is Day 90, I just finished Yoga X and that means I am a 2 time P90X graduate! Woot!

This has honestly been the fastest 90 days of my life! Round 2 seems like a blur to me and I can’t believe how far I have come on this journey. (it’s almost like child birth…you forget the pain so you will be crazy enough to do it again.)

Those of you who have been following my blog know that I was not super strict this round. I’ve been playing around with substituting the fitness trail for some of the cardio or using it as an additional workout. I’ve also been using 10 Minute Trainer on days when I am pressed for time and I’ve been trying to tweak my calorie intake to figure out this lightheaded/lack of energy issue I’ve been having. (Blood tests all seem to be normal.)

I’ve also been trying to make sure that I can maintain the results I’ve seen and so far I have proven to myself that I can. I can have a cheat treat here and there and not feel guilty about it. As a matter of fact I usually end up sick and regretting it after so I guess that is a step in the right direction. I also find that if I skip a day or two of workouts I feel awful, stiff and sluggish. My body now craves this lifestyle and that makes me a very happy girl!

As always, the end of a phase means weigh-in and measurements so let’s just get to them:

Height – 5′ 9″
Weight – 156lbs (5lb loss over 90 days)
Waist – 27.5″ 2.5″ loss 90 Days (.5 loss from Day 60)
Hips – 35.5″ down 1.5″ overall (.5 loss from Day 60)
Chest – 34″  down 2″ overall (same as Day 60)
Right Arm – 11.5″ (same but leaner)
Left Arm – 12″ (same but leaner)
Right Thigh – 19″down 1.5″overall (1″ loss – Day 60)
Left Thigh – 19″ down 1.5″ overall (1″ loss – Day 60)
Body Fat -15.9% down 5.7% overall (.8%  – Day 60)

Next up for me will be a 90 Day round of ChaLEAN Extreme. I am looking forward to trying something new and I think I will like what Chalene Johnson has to offer since there is a cardio kickboxing involved. I will also continue on my quest to clean up my eating habits. This is by far one of the hardest things for me. I tend to do really well and then mess up along the way on days when I am pressed for time so I need to work on my planning. (especially if I plan on seeing my abs – Maybe a Chalene to-do list is in order here? )

As always, a HUGE thank you to everyone who has kept me motivated and moving toward my goals. Here’s to another 90 days of Beachbody workouts! Woot!

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July 12, 2010 · 12:34 AM

Bittersweet Endings…

I am entering my final week in Round 2 of P90X. These 90 days have truly gone super fast and to be honest I am happy it is almost done.

Now please, don’t get me wrong. I LOVE P90X. I LOVE Tony Horton and the results I have gotten from doing the program. I highly recommend it and Power 90 to just about everyone I talk to….I just need something new. I need to feel excitement for my workouts again and I believe that starting a new program will bring that to the table.

What will my next program be you ask? Well…I’ve decided to give ChaLEAN Extreme a shot. It is another 90 day program which also uses resistance and cardio workouts in 3 phases. (I’ll do a post about it before I start and will most likely do a weekly post once I start the program.)

P90X will always be my first fitness love. It has changed my life in so many ways. It has brought a bunch of amazing new people into my life (you all know who you are). It has given me the strength to achieve my goals and realize that I CAN do anything I set my mind to. It has allowed me to spread and share my new found knowledge and motivate others to better themselves.

Most importantly it has helped me to find ME again. I am sure I will return to it for another round…most likely after ChaLEAN Extreme. The bottom line is P90X works and those workouts will ALWAYS be a part of my fitness routine.

Thank you Tony Horton, Beachbody and my amazing P90X crazed twitter family…you guys keep me motivated and going!

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July 2, 2010 · 11:45 PM

Mish Mosh of Thoughts…

I have been neglecting this blog lately and I am disappointed in myself for doing that. There has been a lot going on here and my head has been swirling so I haven’t been able to pin point WHAT I wanted to write about. As a result, I decided to just sit back and write about whatever comes to mind which is why I have titled this “Mish Mosh of thoughts”.

I apologize in advance if I am all over the place…

First off I am in Round 2 – Phase 3 of P90X. I have slacked off a little bit and missed a few workouts over the past 2 weeks but I will make them up before the 90 days are over. The same thing happened to me in Round 1 and I just doubled up and plugged along like a trooper.

One of the reasons I have been slacking off is that I haven’t been feeling up to par lately. I have been sluggish, light headed and prone to headaches. I have tried playing around with my calorie intake and things improve for a day or two but then go back to this off feeling. I decided it was time to go to the doctor to see what was going on. EKG was fine and I am waiting for  blood results to see if maybe it is a thyroid issue.

I am still hopelessly in love with the fitness trail. My longest distance so far was an 8 mile walk/run last month. It was such a great feeling to know that I pushed that hard and stayed within the time constraints I put on myself.

Most of my walks/runs after that have been in the 3-4 mile range and I am now hoping to do them daily since my daughter goes to camp where the fitness trail is so I am there anyway…might as well get a workout in right?!

Since falling in love with walking I have started to run a bit more. Mind you I only run when I do the trail by myself because I feel like a complete and total moron when I run. I have pacing issues that I am working on and can only go about a 1/2 mile before burning out and needing to walk for a bit and then resuming a run again.

I would love to be able to do the whole 3 mile lap in a run by fall without needing those breaks.  For now my goal is the keep all walks at a pace of 16 min per mile or lower because I would love to do one of the half marathon walks in Disney next year and that is part of the rules.

Hmmmm…

I had my first Power 90 graduate last month and my husband is  finishing in 3 days! I am so excited, proud and happy for both of them! My friend is going on to do the Power 90 Masters Series and my husband is going to move up to P90X!

This past week I have also been approached by numerous people at my daughters camp who haven’t seen me in almost an year. They all want to know how I have kept myself going, what my secret is and I have been told by a few that I am their inspiration. It is a truly amazing and touching to have someone look you in the eye and tell you that. It is something I NEVER thought I would be.

Pull-ups….I have become obsessed with wanting to do them on the bar. I don’t have one in my house and have screwy doorways so the bars that just hook over the door don’t work here. I keep looking at the one on the fitness trail and I want to try it but I can’t get up the nerve. I am thinking about going to my friends house and trying her husbands out. At least if I can’t do it I will fail in private and not on an open to the public fitness trail. I know…way to be positive.

Other than that I just have lots of random thoughts swirling around in my mind which makes me feel like I have ADD. I am thankful for the fitness trail which allows me to have some time to talk about things with my friends or clear my head alone as I zone out to The Prodigy.

Lastly I would like to give a  HUGE thank you to my buddy for listening to me and helping to guide me the past few weeks. You mean more to me than you may ever know. XOXO

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June 18, 2010 · 10:58 PM

Round 2 – Day 60 P90X

Well…another 30 days have come and gone.  It’s amazing how quickly the weeks are flying by now that I am in Round 2.  My results this month have been more psychological than anything else. I can feel myself becoming more comfortable and confident with my new body. I am starting to realize that there is nothing I can do to change the way some people view me or to stop the jealousy that they feel. All I can do is take the steps I need to take to become a fit, healthy, well balance and happy person for myself and my family.

Now for the numbers:

Round 2 – Day 60:

Height – 5′ 9″
Weight – 159lbs down 2lbs
Waist – 28″ down 1″
Hips – 36″ down .5″
Chest – 34″ same
Right Arm – 11.5″ up .5“
Left Arm – 12″ up .5″
Right Thigh – 20″ same
Left Thigh – 20″ same
Body Fat -16.7% down almost 3%

Once again I am very happy with my results. I am able to do more push ups (although I still hate them and always will), and I can feel my cardio improving.

I recently wrote about how I discovered the fitness trail and how I enjoyed walking it. Well…yesterday I did 8.1 miles on it and even jogged most of that with the help of  The Prodigy and Blink 182 (Go me!). I don’t think I have ever been so proud of myself. I could have given up so many times and just went home but I kept pushing, I had a goal in my head and I was gonna reach it no matter what. Knowing that I have the strength to complete the goals I set in my mind is so empowering.

With that, I would like to once again thank those of you who keep me going. My inspirations, my fellow coaches, the haters, the drama majors and everyone who has told me that I inspire them. Thank you!

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P.S. – I hate photos but, here they are….sigh.
(Sorry for crappy, low light self pics. I decided to add them just now)


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May 18, 2010 · 8:40 AM

Round 2 – Day 30 – The End of Phase 1

Well, another 30 days have come and gone …shockingly fast I might add!

Phase 2 officially started yesterday as far workouts go, but calendar wise today marks day 30 – that still throws me off a bit.

As always, the start/end of a phase means it’s time to take measurements and weigh-in. Of course that is the first thing I did this morning so I could get it out of the way.

I honestly thought that my numbers would be a little better since I have been trying really hard to eat clean but I’ll take what I can get. It could be that I have been adding additional workouts, my body adjusting to my new eating habits or just the fact that I am getting closer to my goals. Either way a loss is a loss and I’m moving forward.

So here are the numbers for Day 30 (numbers in red are what I have lost over the 30 days):

Height – 5′ 9″
Weight – 161lbs (Gained 5lbs in 1st 2wks then dropped back to starting weight)
Waist – 29″ down 1″
Hips – 36.5″ down .5″
Chest – 34″ down 1″
Right Arm – 11″ same
Left Arm – 11.5″ down .5″
Right Thigh – 20″ down .5″
Left Thigh – 20″ down .5″
Body Fat -19% down 2.4%

Overall I happy that I am continuing to lose inches. I sometimes start to psych myself out but I gotta look at the big picture and stay focused. My clothes are fitting better, I feel great and I am ready to kick things up a bit and see what I can do in Phase 2!

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Before –  211+ pounds                                        Day 30 – Round 2-  161 pounds

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May 13, 2010 · 8:50 AM

Phase 1 Almost Done!

This week I entered my Phase 1 recovery week of P90X. I can’t believe how fast it went by this time around. I don’t know if it’s because I know what to expect this time around or if it’s that my body is just stronger and handling it better, regardless I’m HAPPY!

As some people know I have been doubling up on workouts as well for this round and I feel great. I have been adding an extra cardio workout each day in an attempt to burn off the stubborn goo around my mid-section. So far I am noticing a difference and at the very least I am building up my cardio endurance. (Soon I will get my revenge on Shaun T and his Insanity program! Mwwwaahhhh!)

During this round I have also been working very hard on my nutrition. I have been trying my best to eat clean and stay within the top two tiers of Michi’s Ladder. I have also been trying out some Paleo recipes and found some yummy new additions for my dinner menus. I have not been able to cut carbs out of my diet to do a full Paleo diet but I have managed to cut back on some of the higher carb veggies I normally eat and I think I am making smarter choices overall.

That’s all I have for today. I plan on posting my 30 Day stats as soon as my recovery week is up. I don’t think they will be a great as my first 90 days were on the program but I feel awesome and to me that’s all that counts!

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