Sunday, December 12, 2010

One Last Piece of Advice

WHATEVER YOU DO - - DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU!!!!



If you do invite someone to take part in the p90x workout with you - don't let one rip!

Just Kidding...

Okay, So that last post wasn't my last post.  I just thought that it would be a good idea to give those of you who are thinking about starting p90x a few last words of advice. 

I would first recommend trying to eat healthy first, before actually starting exercising. By eating healthy I mean starting the p90x diet plan. After you have accomplished the eating right part (something I was never able to master) watch the videos a few times and get a feel for what your going to be dealing with. The p90x workout systems is nothing to jump right into (that's what I did - and look how it turned out for me).

Then I think it would be safe to start the workout. I recommend doing the workout at the same time each day (early morning worked best for me). It is also a good idea to find a spot to do the workout where you aren't going to be bothered by others (or made fun of). It is best if you find an area that offers a lot of room because with most of the exercises your going to need it.

Last but not least, I recommend most of all getting someone else in on the workout too. It is so much better when you have someone who is going through the same thing you are. Having someone else involved really makes the process so much more enjoyable.

Welp, that's the best advice I can give. I hope that if you are considering starting p90x you take all these things into consideration. Best of luck!

Dum Dum Dum....

This will be my final blog post - my apologies to all my dedicated readers. The reason my blog is coming to an end is due to the fact that it was a project for a writing for the web course I was taking this semester - I don't think that I have ever mentioned that before. Our project was to pick a topic that you could blog about for 12 weeks at 1,000 words a week. I chose to do mine on p90x - I would not recommend this for any busy college student in their senior year. It was just too hard to commit to with everything else going on in my life. It is convenient however that now that the project is over I have tons of free time, which I guess makes total sense because it is the end of the semester.

With the idea of the semester coming to an end and having a lot of free time I think I am going to continue on with the p90x workout. Even though I will be continuing the workout - I will not be continuing this blog. Last week I finished phase one (I started over midway through) and I am about to go onto phase 2 this week. I am looking forward to phase 2 because I am really bored with phase 1 because I did it for over 6 weeks. I think it will go a lot better because when I was doing it for this project it seemed like I was putting too much pressure on myself and choking at the task - over thinking it I guess.

I do not think that I am going to be a p90x lifer or anything but I would just like to try finish it and say I gave it a shot - just because everyone is waiting on me to give up at any second. The truth is I don't really think that p90x was the right choice of workout for me. It was just way to intense and serious, which are not two qualities I look for in anything really. I'm more laid back and I think I need to find a workout like that after I finish p90x. I also just found Tony Horton to be extremely annoying.

Anyway, I can't really say that I have enjoyed blogging about p90x really at all and I am glad that it is finally over!

Happy holidays to all! And best of luck in your pursuit to getting fit!

Last Week

Ok - Lets talk about last week! Last week I worked out everyday (believe it or not). I really pushed myself during the workouts because it was my last week in phase 1. I got up earlier than usual everyday had a protein shake and then did the workout. I was able to get them out of the way and go about my day and not have to worry around about when I would make time to squeeze them in.

I think that a big part of p90x is getting into a schedule or routine - I know I have been talking about that throughout this blog, but it really does make a huge difference. It seems that the more organized I am in other aspects of my life, the easier it is to incorporate p90x and get a good routine going. And I think that is most of the challenge to p90x - getting the rest of your shit together.

Even though I have become more organized in the rest of my life and getting on a schedule with the p90x workouts I am failing greatly when it comes to eating. At this very moment I am eating an ice cream sandwich. And I can't just eat one so this is one of the three that I will eat over the course of the night.

In addition to my ice cream sandwich binging - I have been being a fast food junkie all week and I love it. This is my biggest conflict with the p90x system. Oh if only I could do p90x, eat Burger King and Taco Bell everyday and still get an amazing body.  I really can't complain too much about my body though - I mean I'm still fitting comfortably in a 3/4.  I'm sure I'll be doing a lot of complaining in about 5-10 years when all these poor eating habits really start to catch up with me. But until then here is to fast food and hoping McDonalds or BK can come up with something soon that will top the McRib.

Here's a Funny One

Here is a funny one to boost your mood from that last post:


This could possibly be me in the next 30 or so years...

Aren't Cartoons Suposed to Be Funny?


I was looking for something to add to my blog - something cartoony and this cartoon really caught my eye.  I mean it's simple and when I first read it I laughed.  After thinking about it I don't think that this cartoon is really all that funny.  I think that it is sad because it is so true.  There are a lot of people out there getting upset over the numbers on the scale especially young women who have no reason to be bent out of shape over their body image but they are due to society and the pressure being put on young women today to look like celebrities. 

I just wanted to post this and tell everyone not to be concern with what the scales says - BE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT BEING HEALTHY!  Being in good health is what matters most.  Learn to love the skin your in and accept it (is that a dove commerical or what)!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Guilty Pleasures

Last week I did really well with the workout but I am struggling when it comes to eating again. I have been drinking more soda than ever in my entire life and eating junk food like no ones business (and really it isn't anyone's business). My guilty pleasure of last week was homemade oatmeal raisin cookies (my mom is super supportive of my diet), icecream, and 7UP - there are so many more, but these are the most memorable.

I'm hoping that once this semester is over I can start eating normal and healthy once again. This semester has been extremely stressful and that really increases my junk food intake.

Sticking to the P90X workout and diet has been just as stressful as school. And it seems like the more I focus on it the worse I do. It is almost like I am thinking about it too much and psyching myself out or something - does this happen to anyone else?

I look forward to your comments.  I hope everyone has a great week and resists the temptation of their own guilty pleasures! Here's to getting/being/staying fit!

Rockin the Beer Gut



I think this song is suiting for my blog because I always talk about how I hate my midsection.  I don't have a beer gut because I don't even drink beer - maybe I have a gin gut haha.  I just think this is a funny song and it has to do with being thick in the middle due to a poor habit.  I think the video is funny too and it's kind of inspiring because some of the people on there have legit guts and they aren't afraid to flaunt it - just like the lady they are singing about in this song. Give it a listen and enjoy! And don't hate me for getting this tune stuck in your head. Just Laugh!

Chest and Back

Went back to using my pull-up bar rather using the bands. I thought that the bands were too easy.


Goal        Actual

Standard Pushups
8               10

Wide Front Pull-Ups
3                 1

Military Push-Ups
5                 3

Reverse Grip Pull-Ups
4                   2


Wide Fly Push-Ups
5                   5

Close Grip overhand Pull ups
3                     2

Decline Push-ups
15                  12

Heavy Pants
15                  15

Diamond Push-Ups
3                   2

Lawnmowers
10                 8


Dive Bomber Push-Ups
3                   1


Back Flys
15               15


I passed on the Ab Ripper X this week.

Kenpo X

Kenpo X
The slow pace of the warm up in Kenpo X is extremely misleading in comparison to the rest of the workout because it is so slow and calm and that's exactly what I like about it. However I did not like the yoga positions that were thrown into the warm up. I liked how we didn't have to repeat any of the exercise - once they were done they were done and that was great but there were just so m any different exercises that were basically the same - if that makes sense.

Twist and Pivot - I think this exercise could get a little out of control. I defiantly wasn't doing it correctly. I just felt like I was flailing around. I found it hard to twist my feet and move my upper body. I'm a little uncoordinated I would say. - 25 each side.

Twist and Pivot with Hook Upper-cuts - A little better when adding the punch but still not so into it. 25 each side.

Jabs - By this point my arms were already tired. It wasn't hard - I'm just lazy and have week upper arms. -25 each side.

Jab/Cross - I liked this one. I just slowed it down a bit compared to the video and I imagined punching Tony Horton each time because he is so annoying in this video.

Jab/Cross/Hook- I really got a sense of a rhythm with this one and it was easier to follow along with everyone in the video. - 25 each side.

Jab/Cross/Hook/Upper-cut- The rhythm really increased adding the upper-cut. My arms were really killing me at this point. I decided to take a little break. - 25 each side.
I didn't participate in the running - I took a seat. I wasn't in the mood to bring it.

Jumping Jacks - I did them slowly. And wasn't sure what those jumping jacks then turned into ?

Step Drag Punch high & Low - I'm not coordinated enough for this exercise. Between the complications I'm having with the workout and Tony Horton's mouth - I wasn't enjoying the workout.
The chanting was a little too much for my liking.

Jab/Cross Switch - Not a bad exercise, but I didn't feel like I was getting anything out of it.

Hook/Uppercut Switch - felt more of a rhythm with this one but still not feeling much of a workout burn except for tired arms.

Knee Kicks - I loved this one - minus the sound. It was a nice change of pace in the workout and I started to get into it.

Ball Kicks - I wasn't very good at turning my front foot and I was feeling a little off balance - but I like the kicks for sure.

Side Kicks - Dragging the heel was a little rough seeing how I'm doing my workout on carpet. I did a few but not 30. I got really distracted with Tony's shoes.
I most certainly was not running in place during my break.

Back Kicks- I couldn't get my like to go back very far but I tried to participate. I think my kick was more of a side kick rather than a back kick.

Three Direction Kicks - I am worst at the back kicks in this one - they killed me!

High Sword/Low Hammer- I am too slow for this one. I don't think I would have liked it even if I was getting it right. I don't get much out of exercises like this one.

Step Drag/Claw/Low Punch - I really had to slow it down for this one and mute it. I am really not a fan of this exercise or any of these exercises that aren't kicks for that matter.
Again - I decided to sit during the break instead to continuing to move. At this point I wanted to quit.

High Blocks - This killed my arms. I like it though I was really feeling the burn from the workout.

Inward Blocks - I didn't like this one as well as the high blocks and at this point I was just suffering through.

Outward Blocks - My arms were just a burning - I had to pause and take a break. I wish I could have just kept going because there wasn't much time left but I took a break.

Downward Blocks - This one wasn't as tiring. I didn't mind it but I didn't think I needed to do 30 so I didn't.

Star Blocks - All I can say about this one is just unnecessary. I'm not going to lie I only did like 5 of these and started my break early.

High Block/ Low Punch - Same as all those other stupid block ones - I think it was just too many of the same exercise.

Knee/Back Kick - Wasn't too bad of an exercise but I'm going to have to work on back kicks.

Back Knuckle/Ball Kick/Back Kick - Too fast, especially towards the end of the video.

Hook/Uppercut/Low Side Kick - same as the above - I was way to tired at this point

Elbow Series- I liked this one. It was a nice ease towards the end of the video.

Vertical Punches- over a hundred, get real. I stopped at 30. It wasn't too bad but my arms were extremely tired.

By the end of this video I had an extreme head ache - I hated it!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Reebok Easy Tone Apparel

I don't know about anyone else - but I am extremely anxious to try the new easy tone apparel by Reebok that just came out.  I asked for the entire outfit for christmas (easytone pants and long bra top).  I have seen the easytone pants and long bra top and they don't look like anything special and they are not even that cute (pretty plain).  But I still want to try the top and the pants just to see if they work.  Here is a link about them and it explains how each of the items work. 

http://shopping.aol.com/articles/2010/11/20/reebok-easytone-apparel/

Has anyone tried either the pants or the top?  I want to hear some feedback and experiences with these items. Is anyone else thinking about trying them??

Once I get mine I will be sure to post pictures and my thoughts and feelings on the apparel. 

P90X Worksheets

Did anyone out there doing the P90X workout system know that there were legit workout sheets for keeping track of your goals, actuals, heart rate, etc.?  I had no idea!  Here was doing the workout and hand writing everything - which took FOREVER and made my workout so much longer when I could have just been printing off these worksheets.  I even came across food tracking sheets as well.  Those of you doing the P90X workout systems know how inconvenient it is keeping track of everything and I think these sheets could really increase the convenience.  I read somewhere that you can get these sheets on the beach body website ( I don't know this for sure - I didn't go and look.)  I also think it would be pretty easy to make one on excel. I will list the link for anyone who is interested. 

http://teambeachbody.com/get-fit/fitness-tools/workout-sheets

Legs and Back

Legs And Back Highlights:

The last workout that I did was legs and back, and that was on Monday before I went on vacation - almost a week ago. Here are a few notes on Legs and Back - I hope it helps any of you who are beginners and wondering what to expect form legs and back.

balance lunge - This exercise is tough. I found it really hard to keep my balance hence the name. It also took me longer to do 25 reps for each leg than the time allotted on the video so I had to pause it until I could complete it.

calve raise squat - I think the calve raise squats are really easy. I thought that I got a better workout the lower that I got. The longer I went the harder it was to go as low but I did 25 reps.

reverse grip pull-up - The reverse grip chin-ups are very tough. I used my pull-up bar because the bans weren't giving me the workout that I was looking for. I only did one reverse grip pull-up and my goal was only 2.

skater squat - I didn't mind this exercise, I just thought it was complicated to get the footing right and achieve the right motion. I had to pause the video and practice it a few times before I got into the 25 reps.

wall squat - I honestly could do the wall squats all day. The wall squats would have to be my favorite exercise of this video. Every sport I've ever played in high school, we had to do this exercise during practice.

step back lunge - I don't mind the lunges at all. Again with this lung I had trouble keeping my balance but I was feeling the exercise in my quads for sure.

side lunge - Balance again was an issue, but the lunges aren't bad at all. I prefer them over the other ridiculous exercise and that's probably just because of the low level of difficulty.

overhand pull-ups - I'm back to struggling with the pull-ups. I really struggled to just do 3. I really need to rebuild my upper arm strength and this video will do that.

dead lift squat - I think I was doing this one wrong because I was basically only feeling it in my shoulders and not really in my back. I didn't think it was working the right area - need to practice it a little more.

3 way lunge - balance off again, had to take it slow.

toe roll lunge - I thought this one was fun. It was hard for me to keep my knee from going over my toes though. I really felt this exercise in my butt and thighs. I really enjoyed this exercise.

speed squat - This one was tough. I tried to practice it while having the video paused, but I still couldn't get the hang of it at such a fast pace so I just paused it and did it at my own pace.

sneaky lunge - too hard to not let your heel touch. It was tough to get through all the reps.

I really enjoyed this video and I really like the lunges. If you have any questions or need any tips - just ask. But my advice is just to go at your own pace and just pause the video and do whatever you need to do to get through it. Best of luck!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Sunday

Today should have been the Yoga X workout but instead I did Yoga on the Wii Fit (my brother has a Wii fit and he suggested I try it).  I found it much more enjoyable than the Yoga X.  After I was finished I took my Wii fit age (which was extremely old) and played some fitness games. 

I also ran/walked/jogged a little over 2 miles today - doesn't seem like much but it's a start for me.  I really enjoy running especially when it's cold out. 

Since I'm leaving for vacation tomorrow I'm sure I will be doing a lot more running (probably on a treadmil) since I will be living in a hotel for the next week and won't have a lot of space to work with. 

I am worried about my trip.  I feel like I'm finally getting on the right track and I just know this trip is going to mess everything up because I have no will power. 

Wish me luck! And I'll keep you in formed with what's going on!

Saturday

On Saturday I got up extremely early and did the shoulders and arms video.  This is still by far my favorite video.  I wasn't as good about taking notes for this one because I was in a hurry to get my workout in and start my saturday ( with all the pausing to take notes it really lengthens the duration of the workout). 

After my workout I have to admit that my workout really wasn't over.  I had my 2 year old niece for most of the day - I now know the meaning of terrible two's.  It was a none stop chase the entire day.  And when I wasn't chasing her I was lugging her around with my already sore arms.  I'm sure your thinking - how heavy could a 2 year old be - she weighs about 40 some odd lbs (not fat or anything, just really tall). 

As for my meals on Saturday:

Breakfast: Steak, egg, and cheese, on an english muffin

Snacks: far too many to list - come on I was with my 2 year old niece all day, what would you expect

Lunch-  breaded cauliflower and cheese sauce and stuffed pepper soup

Snacks - again far too many to list

Dinner - Pancakes with fat free butter, homemade jelly, and syrup

Late night snacks - ice cream (fail!)

I am working on eating more sensible and portion control.