Shakeology - Week in Review

So - I've been hearing all about Shakeology for months and months!  Now that I have tried it, I hate myself for not getting on the band wagon sooner!  When you place an order for Shakeology - you get 2 free workout DVDs, a shaker bottle, free shpping and a full month's worth of recipes on a calendar!
I have tried a different recipe everyday so far - and I'm going to share with you my thoughts/opnions and changes I've noticed so far after only 5 days!  Each of these shakes were taken in the morning - 1/2 before my workout, and the other 1/2 after.

Day 1
Recipe:  Chocolate Banana Nutter  - Chcolate Shakeology+PB+Banana
The Shake was delicious!  The deep chocolate flavor suprised me at first... more of a dark chocolate flavor instead of the imitation flavors that normally added to shakes.
Things I noticed:  My energy was thru the roof!  I did not get that run down feeling at the end of the afternoon where you feel like you need a coffee or a shot of tequila to make it to 5!

Day 2
Recipe:  PB and J - Chocolate Shakeology + PB + 1/2 c. strawberries
I did not love this flavor combonation to be honest.  I like PBJ sandwiches, but with chocolate in the mix as well, I didn't care for it.  It was okay and I was able to drink the whole shake, but probably not something I would make again.
Things I noticed:  ENERGY galore!  My mood seems happy/chipper 24/7 and my hair/skin/nails seem to be more vibrant.  Also, I feel less bloated and more slender in my tummy!

Day 3
Recipe:  Mocha Chiller - Chocolate Shakeology + coffee
 This was one of my favorites!  I used Starbucks VIA for the coffee portion and I typically love the chocolate/coffee mix anyways!  LOVE this one :)
 Things I noticed:  Stilll feeling more energized; also noticeably less cravings.

Day 4
Recipe:  Chcolate Covered Strawberries - Chocolate Shakeology + 1/2 c. strawberries
 This recipe was pretty tasty.  I think the density of the choclate in the shake overpowers the strawberries a little bit, but you do taste them as a sweet background flavor.  I will make this one again for sure.
Things I noticed:  Energy, tummy feeling flatter, clear skin!, overall awesomeness!

Day 5
Recipe: Chcolate Twilight - Chocolate Shakeology + Vanilla Extract
This one was very tasty.  I think it would be even better with vanilla almond milk!
 Things I noticed:  ZERO drowsiness at work, clarity of mind, focused, feeling 'clean' inside and out.

For More Information on Shakeology.. check out this video.

Decide. Commit. Succeed

I have now officially been a Beachbody Coach for almost a month.  I am a part of Team Bombshell DYNASTY.   I am excited to be a part of this energetic, dynamic, and successful team!  I have received a warm welcome to the business and look forward to helping other people change their lives by just pushing play everyday.

 

I am part of a facebook group called "Staying Fit Family".  We are energetic and keep each other motivated, inspired and accountable.   The group started out being called "Staying Fit", but because it feels more like family we changed it!  The Group has grown to 200+ members now!   Add me on facebook and request to join our family-Click here to add me as a friend on facebook.

 

When I set my mind to something I never give up.  Allow me to help you be successful both in achieving your own fitness goals and helping others to reach theirs.   I have a passion for fitness and helping others lead a healthy life.  You just have to Decide. Commit. and Succeed!

Tonight's Workout

I had the BEST workout tonight....it was full body - moderate weight/moderate reps - Supersets (which is when 2 exercises are performed together w/ no break between).  There is a 45 second rest between each set...

It went a little something like this (and took me close to an hour):

Push up to dumbbell row

Set 1:  12 lb dumbbells - 12 push ups - 6 rows each side
Set 2:  8 lb dumbbells - 12 push ups - 6 rows each side
Set 3:  8 lb dumbbells - 12 push ups - 6 rows each side





Dumbbell Dead lift to Sumo Squat
Set 1:  12 lb dumbbells - 10 dead lifts - 10 sumo squats
Set 2:  15 lb dumbbells - 10 dead lifts - 10 sumo squats
Set 3:  15 lb dumbbells - 10 dead lifts - 10 sumo squats

Dumbbell Walking Lunge to Leg Extension
Set 1:  12 lb dumbbells - 10 lunges
           60 lb leg extension - 10x

Set 2:  12 lb dumbbells - 10 lunges

           60 lb leg extension - 10x

Set 3:  12 lb dumbbells - 8 lunges

           67.5 lb leg extension - 8x

Lying Leg Curl to Calf Raise

Set 1:  Leg Curl 40 lbs x 10 / Standing Calf Raise 55 lbs. x 12

Set 2:  Leg Curl 40 lbs x 10 / Standing Calf Raise 65 lbs. x 12

Set 3:  Leg Curl 50 lbs x 6 / Standing Calf Raise 65 lbs x 12

Triple Set - THIS was exhausting!

Upright barbell row to barbell military press to lateral raise

Set 1:  Upright Row - 30 lb bar x 8 / military press 30 lb. bar x 8 / lateral raise 5lb x 10

Set 2:  Upright Row - 40 lb bar x 6 / military press 40 lb. bar x 8 / lateral raise 8lb x 8

Set 3:  Upright Row - 30 lb bar x 8 / military press 30 lb. bar x 8 / lateral raise 5lb x 10

Bench Dip to Barbell Curl

Set 1:  10 triceps bench dips / 40 lb bar x 6

Set 2:  12 dips / 30 lb bar x 10

Set 3:  20 dips / 30 lb. bar x 10

Soo... I'm expecting to feel pretty sore tomorrow.  I went really easy on the weights.. didn't go too heavy at all.  I feel great though - and really like the super sets!  Its supposed to be great for building endurance. I was supposed to follow this up with 20 minutes of cardio - but I was just too exhausted!

I followed this workout up with an amazing protein shake when I got home:  Mixture of almond milk and skim milk/ some Greek yogurt/ scoop and 1/2 of Myofusion chocolate protein powder and a hand full of ice cubes...YUM :)

Big Mistake!

Do you ever meet those people who love to run?  And it comes so easy and natural to them?  They're like.."oh, I did a short run this morning, just 6 miles...can't wait to do my long run on Saturday - 15 miles or so".. HAH!  What is wrong with those people?  Do they really find it peaceful?  And they claim they can clear their mind of all the day to day garbage and just have some 'me' time. 

Well... let me tell you... when I run - I can't think about anything other than - OMG, I just need to make it to the next corner and then I'll take a short break... or if I'm treadmillin' it - I just keep talking myself into holding on for just one more minute before slowing down.  Between the huffing and puffing, and the feeling of tight hamstrings and shins... I have no calm/peace or serenity!  I'm a sweaty panting mess!  Its NOT enjoyable for me!  BUT, I love the results!  I love the firmed up after effects that you get in places you didn't even know needed firming up! LOL

I started running last year - and built myself up to place where I could run 3ish miles comfortably.  Then winter came and I stopped running... BIG MISTAKE.  Now Spring is here and the sun is out and I'm ready to start running again, and I feel like I'm starting from square 1 again!  Its race season though - so I've GOT to keep up with my training and get out there and just push thru it... eventually I'll get there :)  I have 2 5ks next month... The Law Enforcement Memorial 5k (which I must run well - wouldn't want to be an embarrassment since I'm running on the police department's team!!) and the Run for the Deaf which benefits one of my good friend's schools (she is a special ed teacher for deaf students).

I"m still doing P90x here and there - but adding in running, pilates, and some of my own gym workouts.  Its probably time to post some new pics and measurements too! 

Anyways - Happy Training!! :-)

Craziest Fricking Day of Your Life - The Warrior Dash

Is anyone familiar with the Warrior Dash??
Its this disgusting muddy, dirty obstacle run with fires and all kinds of craziness.....and it looks like something I would NEVER be a part of.  But for some odd reason - I want to do it!  Maybe its because its SO uncharacteristic of me??  I don't know...  I think it would be cool to say that I've done it though.

Check it out:

The closest Warrior Dash to me is in Georgia... and is on May 14-15th.  I think that's a little too soon...SO, well see what else I can work out in my schedule.

Who else is with me?  Who is ready for the Craziest Frickin Day of Your Life?!?

Doctor's Orders...

I seriously love P90x!  I love being able to do so many styles of push ups and pull ups.  I look back at my level of fitness 1 year ago and its amazing how far I have come along.  I mean, I've always been thin - but I never had much strength or tone.

I remember doing push ups on my knees..'girl style'...and even then only being able to do maybe 10 at a time.  Now I can do so many during one workout - its hard to even count that high! haha

Anyways - since my surgery, I have been a little restricted on what I can and cannot do.  There are still certain exercises that my doctor advises against....push ups/pull ups/bench press.  SO, that's a real detriment to P90x....it takes out a big chunk!  Hopefully I'll be able to add them back in eventually - but for now, I need to follow my doctor's orders and just give my body time to heal.  Until then, I'm adding in some gym time to do back workouts using lat pull down - cable row - and some of the other machines that are geared for back muscles.  AND, just to keep what pectorals I do have - I have been doing sets of 20 or 'girl style' push ups.  That way my body remembers the muscle movement - but I'm not putting as much strain on them.

So....Off to the gym!  Hope everyone has a great day!

What are YOUR reasons for working out??

There are so many different reasons why people choose to get off their butts and start taking their health/fitness seriously...Could be because:

• You've put on some pounds
• You're training for a marathon or other sports event
• You have a vacation coming up and want to look good in your Brazilian cut bikini!
• You have a wedding or other special event coming up
• You want to impress the opposite sex
• or sometimes you just do it for yourself.

I have a few reasons....  First and foremost is that I want to be healthy.  I want to avoid medical problems like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.  But also super important is that I don't want to be limited in life.  I don't want to say I CAN"T do something because of physical restriction... u know?  I may not be able to run a marathon (or even a 1/2) right this second, but I have the ability to train for one.  In other words, I want every opportunity out there to be available to me if I wish to pursue it.. if that makes sense..   AND, lastly, but still super high in the rankings is that I like to be a Wife that my husband is proud of. 

Of course I'd be lying if I didn't include that my beach trip coming up in 30 or so days is not weighing heavily on my mind and making me pump out that many more reps and effort!





Have a great workout tonight/tomorrow AM!

Back at it!

I have done a couple workouts here and there since my surgery - but now I'm back at it 100%!  I did KenpoX + ARX  yesterday, and this morning I did Shoulders & Arms.  I couldn't believe how hard ARX was!  A month ago I was able to do all 330+ reps and was even getting to the point of adding difficulty with weight during in and out and mason twist.... but yesterday was another story!  I struggled!  I think it was more difficult yesterday than the very first time I did the workout last year in November!

Anyways - it feels good to be back!  Hope everyone had a great weekend :-)

ABS! Where did you go??

You know whats frustrating??  I have spent months and months (maybe years) working on my abs.  I have always had a flat stomach, but I've been trying to get a really defined, strong core.  ARX did amazing things for me and I was well on my way...

...Then, I had surgery and had to take a few weeks off from working out.  And now - all my progress is gone!  Where did they go? 

I don't get official clearance from my doctor to resume normal activity until 3/31.. however, I have a beach trip to prepare for!  SO - I'm hitting it hard again - w/  my doctor's blessings or not! lol  At least I still have a good foundation to start building from.  Hopefully my previously attained progress will make its way back SOON!

Fitness Wish List

In no particular order... here are some things I have my eye on :)

1.  New Training Shoes - Nike Free XT Quick Fit+
I have heard good things about the Nike Free product line.  I have had my Under Armour shoes for a while now - which I use both for training and running - and I think I'm 'serious' enough now where I have earned the privilege of owning separate pairs for each sport :)

2.  New Running Shoes - Women's UA Assert Running Shoe
Some people are loyal to one brand.. You're either a Nike girl, or a U/A, etc.  I'm not that fancy.. lol.  I like both!  Plus - my pink under armours hold a special place in my heart because that's what I used to train for and run my first 5k.  So, therefore, I'll stick with U/A for my running shoes. 

3.  18 lb. dumbbells
All I can say is sometimes 15s are too light, but 20s are too much  =)

4.  Weighted Gloves
I heard these are fabulous to use during KenpoX and other cardio.  They could also be a good solution to my 15 lb vs 20 lb problem.  Maybe 15s + weighted gloves will do the trick?






5.  Insanity
I think I'm more of a P90x girl at heart... but there is something in me that says I'd like to be able to say I've done both!  There are also some really awesome hybrid programs out there that incorporate both P90x and Insanity...

6.  Gym Bag
Well.. not just for the gym, but also when i got out running.  I just want something to keep my stuff in one place... Doesn't have to be this one - but thought it was cute.

OK... That's all that is coming to mind right now.  Am I forgetting anything?
TGIF :-)

Check out some of my FAVE P90x'ers!

Head over to S&S Express and check out their video podcasts and blog!  They post about their fitness adventures with P90x as well as other workouts.... They're sassy and fun to follow... AND they have a GIVE AWAY going on today! 

Enjoy!

Post-Surgery Woes...

I am one week post-op as of yesterday.  Everything went fine and I feel great!  Still sore.. but healthy!  I am SO anxious to get back to working out though!  Being so 'careful' about what I do and what I lift is really getting old quickly!

Oh well, its all part of the process.

Another thing I"m doing differently during my recovery time is adjusting how I eat.  I don't know about you, but when I'm not working out and being healthy, I tend to crave bad stuff more!  But when I'm in full on training mode, I do better about not craving M&Ms every. single. day!  SO, its been a struggle, because while I can "afford" to eat bad stuff here and there.. I don't want my body to get used to it.  I am trying to eat lower cal right now too due to my lower activity level.

Anyways - I'll hopefully be back to normal soon.  I think I can now start doing some lower intensity stuff - so I hope this good weather keeps up so I can take the dogs for long walks :)

I made it 11 weeks...

P90x is a total of 13 weeks... I have gotten thru 11 of them.  I think that is pretty good.... I'd love to finish out the last 2 weeks - - but I'm having surgery tomorrow.  I'll be out of commission for a little while.  I can start doing some lower body stuff in a week-ish.  Then I can be back to full workouts in 2-3 weeks or so.

I definitely want to start over again with P90x.  But I also want to start running again - now that Winter is FINALLY coming to an end.  Just being realistic, I don't have enough time for both!  I know alot of people switch out some of the cardio days for running...But on the other hand, I have a gym I pay for each month, and I'd like to get back to that too!  Ahhh - I just need to quit my job and devote ALL my time to working out apparently! lol

Anyways - I'm sure I will be able to figure out a happy medium...
I hope everyone had a fun Valentines Day yesterday!  It was fun seeing all my friends FB post yesterday with pics of their flowers and chocolates :)  The only chocolate I had yesterday came in the form of a protein shake! lol

AM Workouts

I got up early this morning and did P90x Chest/Shoulder/Tri.  My alarm went off at 5:15.. I hit snooze a bunch of time... and was finally out of bed at 5:45 a.m.  I stumbled downstairs - got a protein + energy shake mixed and started my workout by 6 AM.

Even after the warm up - I didn't feel totally warmed up.  My shoulder was making clicking noises... it was awful!  I couldn't even get thru a full set of scarecrows..  But that particular exercise is always a little hard on me for some reason.

Anyways, I like the idea of AM workouts.  It gets it out of the way so that no matter what else comes up later on, you know your workout is done.  But, I wish I could be up earlier and have a little more time to wake up before jumping into a routine like this!

Happy Valentines Day!

Why can't I get to that 20 lb dumbell?

When I started working out - a few years back - I was always so hesitant to increase my weights.  I always went for the toning method of low weight + high reps.  And you know what?  I never really saw any results.  THEN, my Husband made me come to a revelation about my own body and my progress.  The problem was I had no muscles to tone up!  In order to tone, first I needed to build muscle!  At that time, I was just a skinny bean pole girl, no muscles, no definition, just skin and bones.

Now that I have a better concept of what I want, and the 'look' that I am after, I understand what I need to do to get there.  It's neat to look back and see where I was using a 3 lb. or 5 lb. dumbbell for certain things and now use a 15lb. and even 20s on certain things.

The thing that is making me frustrated is my weight for bicep stuff.  I've been using the 15 lb. dumbbells for a while now.  Every time I try to up it to 20lb, I just can't get done.  Maybe the problem is that 5 lbs is a big jump?  The weights I used before the 15s were 12, 10, 8... so on.  I wonder if they sell 17 or 18 lb dumbbells?

Anyways - did CardioX this morning!  That is such a great mix of different workouts... I love it!  And I love that its only 45 minutes!  I don't know why - but I just felt like I needed a extra dose of cardio lately.

SO... Come on 20s!  Hopefully I'll get more use with them on my next back/bicep day! :)

Hello Green Tea :)

I have posted before how sugar seems to be the culprit in my nutrition plan.  Normally I have come close to or exceed my daily sugar limit by 10 a.m.!  I have known for weeks that there is one way I could help cure this problem and come semi-closer to meeting my nutrition goals.  This is by cutting out my daily cup(s) o' joe.  I just can't be one of those people that enjoys a black cup.  I need lots of sugar and lots of sweet flavored creamer to totally mask the coffee flavor!

SO - today, I skipped the coffee and went straight for the green tea.  It definitely leaves me craving something a little more sweetly satisfying.  But on the other hand, there is something to be said for meeting your daily goals.  Also, green tea has some really good health benefits - so they say...

I will try to make it all week minus the coffee.  Lets see how it goes :)  If all goes well, I'm totally rewarding myself with a Venti Starbucks Latte (skinny, of course!)

I got Airborne!!

Last night was P90x Legs & Back.  I don't mind Legs/Back day.. but its not one of my favorites either.  Anyways - I had a good workout.  I cheated a little bit because I was short on time.  I went through the first set of pull ups - but during the 2nd half of the workout - I just skipped passed the second set of each pull up.  It was a good time saver - however, those pull ups give your legs a brief break.  So I missed that during the 2nd half... oh well.  You gotta do what you have to do in order to make it work!

Anyways - another new milestone.  You know the very last exercise - the Siebers Speed Squats.  There are 30 each leg I believe.  Usually around the 15 mark, Tony will say to get airborne.  Normally I'll do it a couple times, but I'm just too tired normally to finish it out.  But this week I did it!!  Both legs - I was airborne!  Yay! 

Here is a video of what I"m talking about (from youtube - this is NOT me!)

I would say this little nugget of improvement is thanks to working diligently on my Plyo!  SO - I can't believe I'm saying this - but I can't wait to see how well I do on my next Plyo date :)

Protein packed breakfast

I saw a breakfast idea posted on the hardbody.com facebook page:

• 1/2 cup oats (I used organic steel cut)
• 1 tsp peanut butter
• 1 scoop banana protein powder
• 1 packet splenda

Cook your oats how you normally would (stove top/microwave/whatever), but make it a little 'soupier' than usual.  While its still hot, add in the peanut butter, sweetener and the protein powder.  Mix it up - and enjoy!

I eat oatmeal for breakfast regularly.  I LOVE the steel cut oats, if I have time to make them at home (takes 25 minutes to cook).  Otherwise, I am okay with the instant that I can make at work.  The idea of adding protein powder sounded kind of gross to me.  But, I figured I'd give it a try.  The result was really good!  It was easy, tasty and got one more serving of protein for the day out of the way!

Try it!

Pushups galore!

Yesterday was Chest/Shoulder/Triceps.  Out of all the weight training days - C/S/T & Back/Bicep are the hardest by far!  I LOVE them!  I don't know about you, but I'd rather do 20+ different exercises rather than 2 sets of a lesser number of exercises (like in Chest/Back). 

This workout is full of push ups - lots and lots - all different styles, varieties and speeds.  I am pretty good at most of them.  There is something just so 'satisfying' about being able to do them. 

I am up to about 15 +/- of the one arm push ups (on knees still)...

And I can do 15-20 of the clap push ups (on knees).  I am not getting as much height during the clap as showing in the picture below... but I'm still doing them - and that's all that counts!!

Anyways - another great workout in the books!!  Tonight is XStretch.. and to be honest, I have not spent much time at all on this one.  I'm looking forward to it!  After this workout, and going skiing on Sunday, I really need a good stretch - and a massage would be nice too!

Home Gym vs. Gym Memberships

I am about 9 weeks into P90x now... so that means I have paid for 2 months of my gym membership and have not walked thru those doors in MONTHS.  We are under contract, so cancelling is not an option.  And of course, they will not allow you to 'freeze' your account temporarily.  Boo!

It got me wondering though... even if they did allow me to cancel my membership, would I want to?  P90x is just a 90 day program.  Will I be returning to the gym after my P90x sentence experience is over?  I'm not sure.  I really enjoy working out from home.  Its so much more convenient.  I don't have to pack a gym bag with me to take to work... I don't have to rush there at 5 PM with all the other 9-5ers who are anxious to get their bodies moving after having sat behind a desk ALL day.  However, I miss seeing my gym friends.  I miss the access to certain machines and equipment that I don't have.  I miss the pool/jacuzzi/sauna/steam rooms (even though I RARELY uses them!).

Oh well, cancelling my membership is not an option anyways.  But, just curious how everyone else feels about it. 

Love/Hate

I did Plyometrics yesterday.  I was hoping that this far into the program, I would be able to complete this workout full out, not skipping any sets.  Well, that's not happening!  Its SO hard!  Makes me sweat my butt off and makes my hear rate jump in the 180s!  Anyways, before the warm up starts, Tony made a comment about Plyo being love/hate.  And that made me think about all the things I love and hate about P90x.  Here's my list:





I hate watching my sugar intake.

I love that I am learning to really think

about what I eat.

I hate that I feel guilty drinking my 2nd cup of coffee.

I love that I am finally drinking more

green tea now to replace the coffee!

I hate YogaX!

I love Core Synergistics!

I hate how there are people who

don't believe they can BRING IT!

I love my improved self image and confidence!

I hate AbRipperX

I LOVE AbRipperX

I love how much I've pushed passed

the limits my 'mind' created.

I love my abs!

I love my new found drive/determination

and endurance!

I love the P90x Recovery Shake!

I love Cat stretch!

Wow.... looks like the 'love' column wins.  As usual :)

I am documenting this in my blog so that its the equivalent of setting it in stone.  But mark my words - I WILL COMPLETE PLYOMETRICS by the end of my 90 days - doing every exercise to the max!

Goodbye Starbucks :(

was a time in my life where I ordered a Venti Cinnamon Dolce Latte EVERYday!  I had a Starbucks card setup that would automatically add $50 to my card when my balance got low.

Now that I am a little more money-conscious AND nutrition-conscious - I have been limiting my visits.  Well, yesterday I decided to treat myself to a post-church snack.  I ordered a Grande White Chocolate Mocha w/ nonfat milk and no whip - and a reduced fat banana chip coffee cake.  Well - I added in my little 'treats' to myfitnesspal (the app I talked about here) and it turns out I paid ALOT for those!  I cannot believe the calories and even worse, the SUGAR!

Reduced-Fat Banana Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

Calories 390
Total Fat 7g
Saturated Fat 4.5g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 500mg
Total Carbohydrate 79g
Dietary Fiber 3g
Sugars 51g
Protein 5g 51 GRAMS OF SUGAR!!!  And they call this reduced fat! omg! ...now lets add in the Latte: Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha  (w/ nonfat milk and  no whip) Calories 430 Total Fat 7g Saturated Fat 5g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol <5mg Sodium 230mg Total Carbohydrate 79g Dietary Fiber 0g Sugars 75g Protein 14g

OK.. so, tack on another 430 calories and another SEVENTY-FIVE grams of sugar!  YIKES.

 

I think its safe to say that me and Starbucks are going to have to go on a break  :-(

Week 7 - Take 2

Excuses, excuses....that's what this post is all about!

I've been horrible this week.  I worked out ONCE.  I did Legs/Back.  That's all..
I know I know - awful, right.

Here I am - trying to eat all day long to meet my calorie/nutrition requirements - and I'm not even doing the exercise to use those babies up! 

My mother in law has been in town (hi Mom!) and that's part of my excuse... the other part is that my husband (who is doing the program with me) had elbow surgery last week and has been out of commission since.  SO - it would have been totally rude of me to just move on wtihout him, obviously!  See - my only option was to hold off for this week!

Week 7 will officially begin (again) on Monday, Jan. 24.  I WILL be working tonight and over the weekend...maybe YogaX for practice.. not sure yet.
Anyways.. TGIF.
Whats on your weekend workout schedules??

Nutrition Plan... I hate you!

I have always been a healthy eater for the most part.  I like my veggies, I eat whole grains, I don't drink soda...Of course, I AM human, and do of course like my sweet fix too.

When I started P90x, I wasn't too concerned with following the Nutrition Plan.  I am not doing it for weight loss, so I didn't really think it applied to me.  Well, around Week 6/7, my Husband (who is also doing P90x) suggested that we start following the plan strictly.

Soo.. enter, myfitnesspal.com

A GREAT app to record all the foods you eat, your exercise and daily notes.  Its a great resource to track what you're eating.  I am on Phase II of the Nutrition Plan.  This involves 40% protein/40% carbs/20% fat - 2,040 calories.  No problem! Easy Peasy, right?  Protein..Carbs...Fat... oh, wait.  SUGAR.  Where is the category for sugar?  By 2 PM today, before I had even eaten lunch - I had already gone OVER my daily allotment of sugar!

This has definitely been eye opening.  Seeing what you're actually eating is pretty scary.

(btw... this is just a random pic I found online..)


For example - there is a Chick-fil-a downstairs in the building I work in.  Sometimes when I forget my breakfast, I will grab a yogurt parfait from there.  Quick, cheap healthy .. right? 

Um, apparently WRONG.  There is THIRTY-freggin-NINE grams of sugar in that itty bitty cup!  wow.  Anytime we go out to eat now, I have to look up the menu online and choose my meal based on the nutrition guide.  There are so many things that you'd think are semi-ok on the health scale - and they're really BAD.

Anyways - I have yet to have a 100% successful day yet!  Its hard to get in all the calories, but even harder to get the right kind of calories!

Pre-Workout Supplements??

Does anyone else use a pre-workout supplement??  I normally do... on strenth training days.  I prefer Gaspari Nutrition SuperPump 250 but I also use MuscleTech Nano Vapor.


Sometimes I wonder if they really do anything?  Or if its just in my mind that I can lift more/do more reps after taknig one of these... BUT, I just experimented doing Legs/Back with Nano Vapor and without.  Normally Legs/Back is Day 5... but I did it this week as Day 1.  I could totally tell a difference in yesterday's workout compared to my Week 6 Legs/Back workout.  I was really dragging, did not have as much energy/intensity and felt drained about 1/2 way thru.  On the other hand, when I have taken the pre-workout supplement, I stay energized, I max out my reps and weight and always finish strong.


So - has anyone else had luck with any other supplements?

Confessions...

So...I've been kind of a yoga drop out.  I did it for Week 1 & 2 - and have not done it since!

I need to get back on the ball with doing it.  I don't know why, I just have such a hard time getting myself motivated to do it!  I think part of it is that fact that its a 90 minute workout.  Yuck!  When I look thru other yoga pictures, and different poses, etc., I think its awesome that people have that kind of flexibility and posture.  I really want that for myself and I think it will benefit other areas too.

Week 7, Day 1 starts tomorrow.  I plan to be more strict with myself...workout wise and nutrition wise.  I don't care what it takes, but by the time I reach day 90  - I WILL be able to do Crane!

Goals

Goals are one of those things that people set - and forget.  Or some people use them to keep themselves super motivated.  I think the fitness aspect of life is definitely one of those things that helps when you create goals.  Otherwise, how do you know when you've reached a new level?

Well, here is the look I am going for:

I think this look is perfect.  Not so muscular that she has lost her femininity at all.  But enough to where you know she takes this seriously and looks Ah-Mazing!
While I am definitely enjoying P90x - I am not sure if it will get me here or not....  Maybe if I did a 2nd round, my arms and abs would be close....but not legs.  I think that is one thing that P90x skimps on a little bit.  I mean, between Plyo, Kenpo and Legs/Back, you are certainly working your legs....but you're not building/strength training them as much as I would like and need.

Speaking of Legs/Back.... Week 6, Day 5 was yesterday.  I had an awesome workout.  My pull up numbers are going up and up... but I still am not able to do them w/out a chair.  Those wall squats are KILLER!  I think this is the first time I did them w/out coming out of the squat early.  So, yay!  Another milestone :)

Anyways - I guess I'm about half-way thru!  Time to take new progress pics and measurements.  Can't wait to see if there is any change.

Thanks for following along :)

Superman Banana!

SUPERMAN!

BANANA!

SUPERMAN!

BANANA!

SUPERMAN!!!

BANANA

SUPERMAN (hardly!)

AND....ONE MORE BANANA!

SO...Not the most graceful pictures..lol...but I'm trying!  Here is what its supposed to look like:

So....thats my goal.  to get the form and posture of the multi-talented..flys through the air with greatest of ease... Dreya. :)  I'll have to do a side by side comparison of this pic and a pic of me at the end of the 90 days and see how close I get!

I'm halfway thru Week 6!! HECK yeah!

Wow!  I can't say I'm surprised that I've made it this far....but I feel quite happy with myself.  I am definitely surpassing what I thought I was capable of!  MORE push ups, pull ups, curls, rows, etc then I ever imagined doing!  I'm increasing my weights each week, and trying to increase reps on the push ups/pull ups too.

Weeks 5, 6 and 7 have a different schedule than the beginning:
Day 1:  Chest Shoulder Tri
Day 2:  Plyo
Day 3:  Back/Bi
Day 4:  YogaX
Day 5:  Legs/Back
Day 6:  KenpoX
Day 7:  Rest or XStretch

I have done semi-okay keeping up with this schedule...I would like to eventually get that Day 7 XStretch in.  Its just hard time wise.  These workouts take up SO much time! But SO worth it.

Also - I have been very loosey/goosey following the Nutrition Plan.  I am trying hard to stick to the plan now.  Phase II - Energy Boost....I"m in Level I - 2040 calories.  We'll see how it goes!

Pics to follow!

P90x Recovery Shake

I am a believer!

I was skeptical at first.  I thought, oh, its just a way for the mother company to make more money.  The product probably does nothing but charge your credit card.

Well - I stand corrected.  The recovery shake is Ah-Mazing!  The flavor is okay.  Its nice to have a change from chocolate - which is the usual flavor of my protein shakes.  Generally speaking, I have been drinking a Myofusion shake made w/ skim milk in the morning.  SuperPump as my pre-workout supplement on strength training days - and 2 scoops of P90x Recovery post workout.

I must admit - I have not been sore again since I've been taking it.  Well... I take that back.  I was very SORE after chest/shoulder/tri.  But other than that, its been great!  I am glad that my husband talked me into ordering it.  

Maybe I'll go ahead and try the protein bars too... We'll see :)

Back & Biceps

Seriously Tony? 26 different exercises? Ahhh! This was hard. I can say without doubt that my muscles reached failure. I had no idea there could be SO many curl variations! Good workout though...I can totally forsee some great results :)

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