Total Exhaustion

My body is tired. I have over done it again. I can feel it in my knees and ankles. Right now my life is getting a little crazy. Luckily I'm on summer break. I can only imagine how much harder its going to get once school starts again. I will just have to take it one day at a time. Lets see how it tomorrow goes.

For my aches, I take two Tylenol and lay down with my feet up. I also do some meditation breathing. I learned it from my sports psychology class. Lay flat on your back, in complete silence. Take a deep breathe in so your stomach gets fat, then as I release it count(from 1-20). If once I get to 20 I don't feel relaxed, I try it again. You have to let everything go, that's going on in your life. Don't think about anything, complete blankness. This works for me. Give it a try.

The end of recovery week

Well, excuse my absence. This is the end of my recovery week. This week consisted of the same work out everyday. Boring..... So I didn't want to bore you all. On Monday I will begin the second month of the Insanity program. This upcoming month is to be more intense then the first!?! Yikes, what am I to expect? The first month was hard enough. The only thing is to keep my goals in tact. Remember why I want to do this.

FYI.. Calorie counting is working! I always make sure to check it. It has become second nature. Everywhere I go eat, whether a restaurant or fast food, I limit the calories. I've been able to keep the pounds off! Hooray!

Listening to your Body!

Lately, my husband and I have become tennis fanatics. We would workout hard in the morning and then play tennis at night. He has been complaining about his back. It has been hurting. Also, it had been hurting during the morning workouts. Yesterday I had to play care giver because he was in pain. All yesterday we rested and did absolutely nothing. I made sure he took a lot of advil pills and those heat patches on his back. Today is our off day so he really gets two days off. It is important that we listen to our bodies. Make sure you know your limits and that you don't over do your exercise. Be patient with yourself and let your body adjust to one workout before you add another. Plus, if you do add another work out, do it slowly. Add a little bit at a time.

The most important thing is to take care of your body. You only get ONE!!

The first month is almost done.

The first month of the Insanity program is almost done. Next week we will begin the recovery week. That week will be a slower workout but still as hard. Its a good way to prepare for the second month, which will be hard. Today I felt pretty good. I re-weighed myself yesterday and I am now down to 157. I calculated a total of 3 pounds, so far. That's a pound a week. Not bad for starters. I am still going strong because my goal is getting closer and closer. We have to stay focused and mentally strong to continue to push forth with the program. It is good to have someone workout with you, that way you can push each other. I know there are days that I don't feel like working out but my husband pushes us. And then there are days where I push him to continue. The only problem, is that you must make sure you find a partner who has the same drive as you do. If not they may bring you down instead of pushing you up.

Overwhelming Days

I have been overworking myself all summer long. And it all finally caught up to me. I did the ultimate sin. I didn't do my work out today. But it doesn't have to sound all that bad. One day is not a big deal. However, the mentally to continue is what I need to work on. I haven't had any time to myself. So I think I will treat me to some down time. Of course this down time will not include greasy foods. Remember that we all need to relax at times. We need to re-charge our battery. If we become mentally weak, our work out program will slowly diminish. Of course I feel guilty at the moment, but I will make up for it tomorrow. Today's advice: It's okay to mess up every now and then, just make sure it doesn't become a habit.

Rest, Rest, Rest......Take a deep breathe.....Then start all over again!

Still going- still aching

Today was tough. I just realized that no matter how far into the program I get, I will continue being sore. No one ever said it would be easy. The only good thing is that once I get to where I want to be, I will just need to maintain. Currently, I am working exceptionally hard to lose weight. So eventually, it will get easy.

Today's advice:
Having kids is distracting when you are trying to work out. If at any time during your work out you need to stop and attend to anything, do it will jogging in place. Don't stop moving. The goal is to keep your heart rate up.
Also if at any time you feel that you can NOT do an exercise, substitute the exercise by jogging in place.

Another Off-day!

Today is my "off-day." Again, I headed to play tennis. I found this website that tells you how many calories I burned while playing tennis. You put in your weight and it tells you more or less how many calories you burned. The website is:

www.weightloss-hq.biz/weight-loss-tools/calories-burned-playing-tennis.html

The only reason I found this website, is because I wanted to make sure that I wasn't eating more calories than I was burning. The internet is a great tool to find out some information on everything. The calories of foods that you eat can be found on the internet. Everything has to have a label, FDA requires it.

Tomorrow starts another week of work outs. I will keep you posted.

Dealing with the cravings

During the past three weeks, I have been doing the Insanity program and eating the right amount of calories. I based my calories on the 2,000 calorie diet. I try not to eat over 2,000 calories a day. However, if I burned 600 calories doing a work out, then I allow myself 2,600 calories for that day. I eat three meals a day each meal containing 600 calories. 600 X 3=1,800. Then I snack in between meals or whenever I feel I'm getting hungry. I make sure that I don't snack on things that have too many calories. Usually something like cheese sticks or peanuts. I know sometimes it can be a pain watching what you eat, but if you just study the foods you like then it becomes less of a hassle. For example, I hate fish so there is no need for me to find out how many calories it has. I could care less.
Looking at your everyday eating habits can help you stick to an eating routine. This routine can be done everyday (which I know can be boring) and then if you stick to it, treat yourself to a great meal (preferably lunch) at a restaurant. Of course look at the calories and just splurge a little. Instead of a 600 calorie meal, eat an 800 calorie lunch. If you overdo a calorie meal, make sure it is at lunch so that way you still have the rest of the day to burn off the extra calories.
Sweets! What a major problem in life. I am a major chocoholic. I can crave chocolate every minute of everyday. But when I am calorie counting, I limit myself. I do not, and repeat do not ever eat that healthy chocolate. It has a nasty taste. The best candy to eat when on a diet is M&M peanuts. Now, I'm not talking about an abundance of peanut M&Ms, but a small bag. I use this once a week. I know its hard to just eat one bag, but you will get use to it. This helps get rid of the craving for sweets. I love cake, and haven't eaten it for weeks. Not even at birthday parties.
Its more than just stopping the cravings, its will power. Everyone has a strong person in them, they just have to believe in themselves.

Today's advice:
1. Count calories.
2. Do NOT exceed 2,000 calories a day
3. Check out your favorite food's calories
4. Make sure you burn more/equal calories than you consume
5. If you want to eat or splurge on, let's say cake. Adjust your calories to make room for your craving.

Work Out Recovery

I'm back. Please excuse my absence yesterday. My area was effected by hurricane Alex.

Always, today's workout felt good. I was tired during the work out but have noticed that my recovery time is shorter. When I first started, I felt tired after my work out and for almost half the day. I never felt relaxed. This being my 3 week, I have noticed that it only takes 20 minutes before I feel "normal." My body recovers much faster which makes me feel like I have lots of energy. I also link it to taking a shake after-wards. I'm not talking about those "muscle" shakes that body builders use to bulk up, I'm talking about meal replacement shakes. I bought some at our local grocery store. They are chocolate flavored, but the taste still needs some getting use to. It has plenty of vitamins. Sure you can drink water, but the water does not replace everything you work off. Water just keeps you hydrated. Of course there are many different ways to replenish your nutrients, just shop around and find the one that best suits you. For example, if you can't drink these shakes, buy them in pill form. If you can't swallow pills believe it or not, they make vitamin gummy bears for adults. Look through your vitamin aisle to see the many varieties they have. Which ever one you choose, make sure they have vitamins you need. Make sure to always check the labels.

Day 15: Losing the inches

Today's Insanity work out was better. I was in the zone. I regained my focus and did good. So good that my legs are a little shaky. After my work out I had to figure out what to wear. My favorite jeans were dirty so I had to find some new one. I went into my closet and started searching. I looked deep in the back of the closet and found some jeans that I didn't even know I had.(That's how long it had been since I went into my closet for jeans) I tried them on and they fit good. They weren't even tight. Just perfect. I looked at the tag and found them to be size 10. My "normal" size is 12. I know its not much of a difference, one size, but this was a change within two weeks! A normal healthy weight loss is a pound a day or three to four pounds a week. All of these other diets that say "Lose 10-20 pounds in a week" are crazy. Your body can not adjust to such a dramatic loss. Yeah, that sounds great, but you also need to think of the repercussion it will have on your body. The best weight loss is gradual.
The only bad thing I found with this work out routine, is that it is working in areas I wish it wouldn't. I have always been proud of my junk in the trunk. It was my best asset. It wasn't huge, it was perky. Being an athlete all my life gave me a nice rump. When trying on these new pants, that how I knew it was shrinking. The jeans passed over my hips smoothly, when normally I have a little struggle. Hahaha you'd think I'd be happy about this. I am, in a way. However, I have decided that after this program I am going to continue with the work out P90X. I have heard good things about it and also heard that its more of a muscle builder than Insanity. So later, my goal is to build up my butt muscles:)
I will keep you posted.

Day 14: Mental Toughness

Today was a tough workout. Not that it was difficult, but my brain wasn't working with me. I knew I had to work out, but I really didn't want to. But I did. Its like those lazy days when you wake up because you need to use the restroom really bad, but you don't want to get up. But at the same time if you don't get up soon you'll pee everywhere. (sorry for the gross analogy)
During my work out I realized something. It felt like I was more tired then when I started. However, I came to the conclusion that I am also doing more then I did that first time around. So even though I still get tired, I am improving. I actually completed a whole warm-up cycle, with only two rests. I normally take six to eight rests :)
During the work out Shaun T kept saying concentrate on your core. Today, I did that more than ever. I also found it helpful. I was too busy focusing on my abs that I didn't realize my body working hard. It also helped to breathe. I guess distracting my mind on the "toughness" helped it pass quickly. Before I knew it, I was on the last exercise.

Here is today's advice:
1. Talk yourself into it. Don't skip out on a work out, you'll feel guilty after-wards
2. Treat yourself to something after you have accomplished it. (The whole program, not just one
day's workout)
3. Distract yourself: talk out loud, scream or sing (of course during your work out)
4. Repeat your goals out loud before every work out, this will help motivate you.
5. Know that you can do it and that it has been accomplished by someone else so you can do
it too.

Work outs can been seen as a test of will. Just like a life threatening situation. It's like survival mode. You won't realize your "toughness" until its all over. Take pride in yourself. I know you can do, just remember that after-wards you will be more proud of what you CAN accomplished. You will be on cloud nine.

Not to mention, you'd like to make all those other people drool over your new "BOD!!!!" :)

See your tomorrow.

Insanity- Fit test #2

Well, last nights tennis fiasco was great. I think I spent more time chasing down the ball then I actually did playing. Hahaha, but it was fun.
Today marks the beginning of my third week in the Insanity program, which means re-testing to see where I stand. Here are my results:

Exercise names Test 1 Test 2
switch kicks 77 94
power jacks 33 50
power knees 67 88
power jumps 19 40
globe jumps 6 9
suicide jumps 12 16
push jacks 10 16
planks 14 20

As you can see I have made some great improvements. If you haven't done this program don't freak out about the names, the exercises aren't that bad. I am also glad to say that I have lost 2 pounds. I began this program at 160 and I am now at 158. My husband started at 299 lbs and is down to 283 lbs. After comparing our results I have decided to explain a few points on our (my husband and I) extreme differences.
I have always been at a steady weight. Ever since high school I have always been in the 150's. This is nothing new to me. My husband, believe it or not, was at a slim 210 lbs. After we got married he slowly expanded. His immobility or lack of exercise built a lot of fat cells, while I maintained. As he began working out, he burned off a lot of those fat cells quickly. Your body has a mechanism, when working properly, will burn fat. This is what is referred to as your metabolism. Since he is bigger in fat cells then I am, he will lose a lot more weight faster than I will. As where I, have reached my plateau, where now I will tone up before I lose weight. This is difficult for people to understand. Your body needs a specific amount of fat percentage to function properly. Its like your own insulation. So instead of losing that last fat percent, your body shapes your muscle. This is where your energy than is used, in your muscles. I only lost 2 lbs, but I can see my legs and biceps are more defined. Plus, my calfs are a little bigger. So even if my weight isn't dropping, I am getting some nice results.
Tomorrow I continue with the work outs and I will see how much easier they will get. I have commited myself to this program and I intend to finish. I have 7 weeks left and I hope to get down to 152 lbs. I will keep your posted.

Off-days: Ten ways to stay active with a light workout

Every workout program has what is called an "off-day." This is the day when you don't have to do a hard activity. This is my second week of the Insanity program. Last Sunday, I took my "off day" and did nothing at all. I found that on Monday, it was like I was starting all over again. I was exhausted and tired. The improvements I had made over the week, diminished. So this time, my "off-day," I am going to go play tennis. It is a fun activity and yet I am still working out. This way, Monday won't be like the first day all over again.
These "off-days" can not be seen as cheat days. You still have to watch what you eat (you can eat foods that you crave on these days, but make sure to reduce the size, Ex: a junior burger or thin crust pizza...etc...just don't over do it) and do some sort of exercise. Even a walk around the neighborhood will do. It just needs to be an activity to remind your body that you are still in work out mode.

Some activities are:
1. a brisk walk
2. a short bike ride
3. a light jog
4. walking your dog
5. playing with your kids
6. playing a sport you like
7. push-up/sit-up during the commercials of your favorite show
8. swimming/splashing around in the pool
9. playing catch with friends
10. doing yard work

These "off days" do not have to be intense or for a long period of time. A good 20-30mins of movement will keep your body's metabolism high and your body's muscles ready for the upcoming workout.
Of course, doing any of these activities for an extended amount of time, like an hour or two, will give you better results.


By the way this was going to be a weekly blog, but I have decided to do a day to day blog so I can share my workout pros and cons. This way I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I have made. Will see you tomorrow with the Fit Test results.

My purpose & ME

I have always been active. I played sports in high school and college. I also coach all different sports. However, after having my son I was unhappy with my weight. Before having him I was 148 lbs. Currently I am 168. This doesn't seem like a big difference, but I can feel the difference.
I decided to start working out again. It has been difficult since I coach and am currently back in school to obtain my master's. I took a sports psychology class and learned a lot.
Beginning my new routine was going to be difficult unless I was mentally prepared. I have done Tae Bo with Billy Banks and other Pilates workouts. I was even going to start the P90X, which I have heard great reviews. Instead I decided to go "INSANE" and do the Insanity workouts by Shaun T. Believe me, it is crazy.
I went into the program like I do with other workouts, a casual attitude. After the first 15mins I wanted to quit. It was difficult and it was much easier to stop then to finish. Luckily, I started this workout with my husband and he pushed me to finish. After the workout I talked with my husband and we re-grouped. We discussed what are goals were and how much we are willing to do to get those results.

Here's what I learned and here's my advice for any workout:
1. No matter how fast the workout is going, go at your pace. The DVD can't see if you are
in-sync with the program. Make sure you pace yourself.
2. Do what you can and rest as much as you need. Your safety is number priority when
beginning a new workout.
3. Remind yourself that you will not see results over night. It is a process that will take time.
4. Drink plenty of water
5. Continue the workout no matter what. You will be sore the next day, but after the first
couple of days you will feel better. (This is where you need to be mentally strong.) As long as
you are trying your best, you will be able to feel the difference in your endurance after awhile.
6. Do NOT and I repeat do NOT weigh yourself everyday, or every other day. Wait a week or
two. Like I said before, its not going to happen overnight.

I am going to continue my workout regime and will keep you posted on how I am doing and give you some ideas on how I keep pushing myself through this workout.