Sunday, May 30, 2010

Day 39, 40, 41 update

Well, with it being a holiday weekend I've fallen of the wagon of health! I can already tell a difference with how my body feels in my clothes and how I feel about my body. Although I haven't eaten as healthy as I was trying to, I'm remaining sensible and haven't indulged in any Blizzards; however, that is only because dear hubby didn't bring my one when he indulged! I will undoubtedly be repeating week 5, just as I did week 2. I take pride in the fact that I may slack here and there but I will not just idle through the 90 days. I will repeat weeks as needed and my 90 day program may end at 100+ days...and that's ok!

Tomorrow is Monday and it is a holiday. Craig is working but I have the day off. We'll see, I may get up early like I was doing other weekdays and get my workout in early. It would be a nice start to a hopefully productive day. Or, I may sleep in and enjoy the holiday. Who knows? Either way, its time to get back in the grind of staying focused and working hard...that's when you see the results that you work so hard for.

For those of you who follow me...do as I say not as I do...I wish you the determination to stick to it and not take as many breaks as I already have.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Day 38 Plyometrics

I guess its been a while since the last time I did Plyo. I had totally forgotten how much I really dislike it. By no means does it compare to YogaX; however, it is a rough workout on the legs. I am, however, starting to feel better about the way my legs are looking, so I guess its worth the pain.

I don't think I've ever been a good jumper, and age has not helped this matter. I am so awkward with some of the simplest jumps...it really is sad. There is a "rock star jump" where you strum your guitar like a champ and jump, making your heels tough your butt (just like rock stars do). I'm telling you, one of these days I'm not going to get my feet back under me before I hit the ground. It is hard! I'm not good at jumps where your legs have to curl up either. A simple knee tuck jump is nearly impossible. Hopefully by Day 90 I'm a little lighter on my feet. I feel as though I have lead in my shoes...and it sounds as though I do too.

My upper body is sore today from all the push-ups I did yesterday. It always nice to feel the soreness, to help remind you what you did and why you did it. I have yet to see what tomorrow brings, but you can bet if its KenpoX I'll be stoked and if its YogaX I'll be stoked (because I'll be subbing KenpoX in its place).

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Day 37 Chest, Back & Triceps and Ab Ripper X

I just brought it X-style! And, it felt great. This was a tough workout. I feel that my chest and back are extremely weak, and this workout proved it. Plus, not having stuck to the plan the last several days hasn't helped. There were so many "tricky" push-ups in this workout I thought I'd die! One-handed push ups, side push ups, others that I can't remember the names of. Long story short, there were a bunch! But, I struggled through and hopefully the next time I face this workout I'll do even better.

I finished with Ab Ripper X and am still suprised at how much easier some of these moves are. I was sure when I started that I'd never be able to do an oblique V-up or a sit up v-up...but now I can. They may not be real pretty yet, but I can do them and that's all that matters.

I stuck to my salad for lunch and have even felt that my appetite, or what I thought was my appetite (was very likely bordem eating) has really dropped off. That is great considering I was eating so much McDonalds! Its great to feel as though I really have my fitness and nutrition under control. To those of you who know my, you may have thought I was living a pretty healthy lifestyle...I really haven't been. I've always been a "junk" food eater! Not any more!! Pending any more traumatic events, I should be able to keep with it.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Day 36





You all know how tragic my week started. It has gotten me off track on the whole fitness and nutrition lifestyle change that I've been working on, and doing well with. Today Craig and I both took off to finish the burial process of our dog, Bosco...and, Scotland was one of the guests of honor for the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

I must say that we had a wonderful day today. Bosco has a wonderful place to rest in peace and it has made me feel so much better. It was a beautiful day and we were able to enjoy it outside with the kids. We topped off the night with Scotland's first t-ball game and then supper (again) with Gma and Gpa Fisher at Pizza Hut. I'm really dreading going to work tomorrow. IT WAS SO NICE TO ENJOY THE COMPANY OF MY FAMILY TODAY...ON A TUESDAY!

Well, I digress. Tomorrow I have to get back into the swing of things and hit the workout and diet HARD!! I still haven't decided if I'll be able to get up at 4:15am to get Chest, Shoulders & Triceps and Ab Ripper X in or if I'll continue to be off schedule. My goal would be to get it in in the morning and then get Plyo in tomorrow afternoon. Wow, wouldn't that get me back on track!

The Cards game just started at 9:00pm, I hate when they play on the West coast. Its so hard to stay awake to watch the game. This is exactly why 4:15am isn't sounding very promising...but we'll see. I noticed that YogaX is on the schedule for this week, so we know I'll be able to make up a missed day there.

This week starts Phase 2 of my 90 day transformation. I'm very happy with the results that I've gotten thus far. I can't wait to see what the next 30 days bring...however, I guess I'll have to get started on those 30 days in order to actually see anything.

Here's to closure on the death of our beloved pet, Bosco, a fantastic day at home with the family, summer finally arriving, and getting back on the X track!!!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Day 34 & 35 Update


Well folks, I hit it hard on Saturday with a long run and ab ripper X. Then Sunday I took it rather easy for a day off, but still played softball yesterday afternoon...so it wasn't a whole day off. I had planned to hit it hard starting today; however, today has not gone as planned.

My morning started well with a morning home with the kids. We took Scotland to school and then even went and bought a couple ferns and some flowers for the back patio. We got home, got them planted and then the kids started watching tv. I had planned to workout later this afternoon or this evening. It all went down hill from there.

I found out this morning that our dog, Bosco, had died. It was a tragic ordeal that has left Craig and I deeply saddened. We plan to spend the evening giving him a proper and permanent resting place out at Scott and Sonya's, where he has lived happily the last 5 years. He was our first dog together and quickly became our first baby. We loved him dearly, whether anyone else did or not. He was a bit ornery but very lovable too. He, of course, chewed up anything and everything he could find...his most prized possession was any old pop bottle he could find lying around. I guess this is the roughest part of falling in love with a pet. They will undoubtedly have to leave you at some point. I guess the hardest part is almost over now.

Above is the last pic I got of "B"...was taken Easter Sunday

Saturday, May 22, 2010

The Moment We've All Waited For...Day 30(ish) Pics





Here you go...Day 1 pics followed by Day 33 pics

Day 33...What an AWESOME day!!

Since its Saturday,the sun is out and the hubby ended up not having to work until tonight, I decided to get in a good amount of cardio and then finish up with Ab Ripper X. It was awesome!

For my cardio I completed 4 sets of 10 mins running and 2-2.5 mins walking, for a total of about 46 minutes total. Granted, this seemed to be a little much on the ol' achilles tendon, as I am now icing it as I type. Oh well, I'll hold off on running for a couple of days. It was totally worth it.

After my run I headed inside and completed Ab Ripper X. I can't express how wonderful it feels to finally be feeling the results of the last 30+ days. Its all coming together and my body is learning how to do some of these awkward moves.

Anyone who is following my progress and considering P90X for themselves should know that it is very normal to feel a little overwhelmed, confused and awkward by some of the moves in these workouts. I am proof and telling you first hand that the first 30 days are the roughest, as far as your body learning how to do them. After that your body knows what to do, you just have to push it to the max and bring it every time! Think of the first 30 days as the jump start you need to really hit it hard and get your body in the best shape you've been in. I am so excited to see what the next 30 days brings my way.

I will take and post my Day 30(ish) pictures later today and hope you all are inspired to take the plunge and join the club...the club that is, P90X!!

Friday, May 21, 2010

Day 32 CardioX

I really enjoyed CardioX this afternoon. CardioX was just the right length...not too long, but just long enough to really get my heart and lungs working. Just when I thought it wasn't hard at all it started to kick my butt. It combined many aspects of the other workouts: YogaX (yuck), KenpoX and Plyo. I still have to say that KenpoX is my absolute favorite, because it works the whole body!

My pics are either tonight or tomorrow, so I'm trying to be good with the diet. I've come to realize that I CAN eat a salad everyday for lunch as long as its a plain old salad and nothing fancy like spinach. Here all this time I thought I liked spinach instead of iceberg. Boy was I wrong!

I'm contemplating what results I'll actually see in my pictures. I feel they aren't going to be as great as I would hope; however, looking back, I feel there were days when I could have pushed it a little further. I will try to keep that in mind during the next 4 weeks. My hope is that I will not only get a P90X workout in, but a nice run too! We'll see if I can stick to the game plan.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Day 31 Core Synergistics revisited

This whole P90X thing is quite the love/hate relationship. There are times that I just don't feel motivated to do it, yet I can't wait to have the feeling of accomplishment from finishing. I've been able to maintain a relatively stable level of motivation over the last 30+ days...but the other day when I attempted Core Synergistics it just wasn't happening. So...

Today I sucked it up and attempted it again with the mindset that I wasn't going to let it beat me...and it didn't! It was a rough workout: hard, tiring, awkward. But, most workouts are the first time you try them. I pushed play and pushed through and even attempted the bonus round. I'm not going to say I mastered, but I finished it and will be able to do it more easily next time.

Over the last couple of weeks I've really considered becoming a BeachBody coach. I've already got a little bit of a following (and I appreciate you all very much). Some of you are using me as motivation and I am definitely using all of your kind remarks as motivation. It is reading and hearing the success stories of other coaches that really makes me push through, as I did today with Core Synergistics. If I want to eventually be a coach, Lord knows I'm going to have to be able to do all the dvds!! I'm still not sure on that darn YogaX though, maybe one of these days.

Right now I'm basking in the joy of conquering a new workout that had me beat...for a day or two, and staying on track in order to take and post those Day 30 (actually 33) pictures for all to see.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Day 30...I'm Back

Who would have thought that DQ was actually what the doctor orderd! My blizzard was outrageously chocolatey and rich and after eating it I fell asleep on the couch. Apparently that was the right combination. The alarm went off at 4:15am and I got up at 4:30am. Since this is week 4 I wasn't sure which workout was on the agenda and I didn't want to mess around and lose intrest again so...KENPOX it was!

Now, I'm mixing and switching dvds quite a bit...I don't necessarily suggest it; however, I feel it is extremely important to do whatever is needed to keep up your intensity and motivation. My personal goal is to suck it up from day 60 thru day 90 and follow the plan accordingly.

So, my P90X is done and this will allow me to get my cardio in this afternoon. My achilles tendon is feeling really well and I hope to up the mileage (resonably) soon. Right now I'm more concerned with burning fat and working the lungs and heart!

Please be thinking of my family as Craig is leaving town tonight for the Ozarks until Friday evening. I'll need the positive thoughts to stay on track with the workouts (juggling work, workout, and all 3 kids by myself) and Craig will need positive thoughts while he's traveling and away from his wonderful family...he'll miss us so much ;)

Also, as previously stated, I've decided to hold off and post the Day 30 pics Saturday...so they'll be more like Day 33 pics instead.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Day 29 Core Synergistics

Well Folks, my very motivated attitude turned to mush as I started core synergistics and:
#1 Realized I hate it
#2 Got interrupted

That was the end of my 20 minute workout. I will undoubtedly have to find another workout to substitute in place of core synergistics...at least until day 60, at which point I will add it back in with YogaX.

My attitude quickly went South as I realized I would not get a workout in today. As I was leaving work I was starving and cranky...all the while knowing I would not get around to working out after arriving home. So instead, I enjoyed my supper and the 4 biscuits that went along with it. Yes, that's right, I had a carb loading fest tonight. There will absolutely be no Day 30 pictures posted until Saturday. Hopefully the carb bloat will be gone by then.

To top things off, I really may hit up Dairy Queen for one of my favorite blizzards. I might as well enjoy a feast tonight and then work extra hard the rest of the week. I feel as though I deserve it. I've been trying really hard with the nutrition part of this regime...and all of this hard work might just be what is leading to the crankiness and sudden lack of motivation.

So here's to relaxing and indulging! Pray for a better tomorrow!

Monday, May 17, 2010

Day 28, the start of week 4 (I did week 2 twice)

So, weeks 1-3 are pretty intense with weight training. Week 4 is made to give the muscles a little bit of a break while uping the cardio, yoga and stretch. We all know how I still feel about YogaX and that's what was on the agenda today. Instead I did KenpoX and it was awesome. I enjoy it more and more everytime I do it. Its a mix of cardio, punches and kicks and really works your core more than you expect. Tomorrow is Core Synergistics...and I'm exited to see what it's all about. This will be a new workout for me.

I really hope this is the week when I really start to see results. They say it can happen all at once...so let's hope so. Day 30 pics are tomorrow night. I'm doing them a day early because Craig is leaving Wednesday and won't be back until late Friday. And, I'm a very impatient person and want to see the "results" soon!

I want to thank everyone who is following this and encouraging me. I'm glad I can inspire some of you to start or restart your own workouts. I really think we can work together and all achieve the results we want. Please feel free to leave whatever comments, good or bad, on here. I've made this blog very "matter of factly" and intend to lay it all on the line...hence that horrible rear view pic below!!!

PS: Sully's been asking for ice cream since we finished supper...ooh the temptation is calling. A Dairy Queen Double Fudge Cookie Dough Blizzard would be stupendous right about now!!! And, its supposed to warm up the rest of the week, for crying out loud...what's a dieting girl to do!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Day 27 Cardio (instead of YogaX) and Abs

Can I tell you...I just KILLED IT! And, it felt great. I did 30 minutes of moderate cardio. I've been healing from Achilles tendinitis since January and have just recently been released to start running. My cardio consisted of 7 mins jogging, 3 minutes walking, 7 mins jogging, 3 minutes walking...and then I finished with 10 minutes jogging (don't tell my doc that I switched the last 3 mins walk into jog). Then I came right downstairs and "pushed play" on Ab Ripper X.

I'm not sure if it was the coffee or the cardio or if everything is finally connecting but the grueling 15 min ab workout was AWESOME! I was able to keep up and do all the exercises. It feels so good when that happens...like results are happening.

I found a little black bikini last night and plan to wear it in my 30 day pics. I've always gone for the summer prints when selecting swimwear; however, I'm taking the classic route this year. Let me also add that after 3 babies, the tops just don't fit like they used to. I feel like I've slipped back in time when I couldn't wait to fit into a triangle top! I have yet to decide if this new top actually fits or looks as though it is too big. I just don't remember the top point of the triangle being so high on my chest...guess that's life!

PS..I survived date night while staying pretty close to the diet. Chicken breast, rice and broccoli for supper, plus a fabulous bloody mary. We indulged in coffee drinks before the movie and I only had a few sips of Craiger's Mt. Dew during the movie. I am very proud of myself.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Day 26 Shoulders & Arms!

It's 8:35am on a Saturday, no less, and my workout is done for the day. I love working my arms and Lord knows my shoulders need some work. I have this genetic dimple on the back of each shoulder. I assume it is genetic as Sully has it too. I hate them. I'm not sure if there's a way to get rid of them with weight training or if I'll always have them...man I hope not.

So I decided to skip abs today since I did them yesterday. Its a pretty tough workout and I guess I'm really just making excuses. I plan to get in quite a bit of cardio tomorrow and I'll add abs to the mix then. Tomorrow should be YogaX and I really just can't get in the Yoga mode. I don't necessarily think its a good idea to skip something as important as Yoga; however, it for some reason brings me down and allows me to lose focus...so I'm adjusting in order to keep my spirits up!

On the way home from the inlaws last night I suddenly got the Blizzard itch...and I worked through it. Craig and I have a date night tonight and I'm sure the diet won't stay on track as much as it should.

4 more days until I get to take my 30 day pics...I'm stoked and feeling pretty good. I wouldn't say I am showing tremendous results yet, but I hope to see a little shrinkage around the middle and a little growth/definition in the arms and shoulders. I can't wait to get into the tiny little black shorts again...that back view is scary!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Day 25 Plyometrics...I've been X'ed!

Well I may not have done it first thing this morning, and I may have slept in a bit...but Plyometics is DONE...and I BROUGHT IT! I must say that something as high impact as Plyo is much better suited for the fitness room at the Adair County Family YMCA anyway. I just can't seem to get the full effect when I'm dodging toys, books and ceiling fans! I was able to give it my all (or nearly my all). I now also realize that there is no possible way I could do 58 minutes of Plyo and then go for a 30 minute jog...these legs are noodly. Also, my 15 minutes of Ab Ripper X weren't my best either. But, I put in the time and gave it some effort...and I'm glad I did. Tomorrow is Saturday and I have Shoulders & Arms and Ab Ripper X (again) on the agenda.

Day 25 Plyometics...

Well faithful followers, today I am a slacker and I slept in. I hit the alarm and went back to sleep. Then I worried all morning that my day would be horrible...so far so good.

I brought my workout clothes and my dvds with me and I plan to get my workout in later this afternoon. Might I add that I also have to do my Ab Ripper X from yesterday because I "left it for the evening" and didn't get it done!!! I'll admit it...I'm a slacker from time to time.

Thank goodness for a lovely facebook chat I had this morning with a friend who has been following my blog. Her and her hubby are using me as their inspiration to restart their P90X workouts! Knowing that has really inspired me to stay on task...especially since it's Friday and we all know how I lose track on the weekends and spend the 3 days indulging on Dairy Queen Blizzards. My goal for this weekend is to keep my nose to the grind stone and workout everyday! My Day 30 pics are close approaching and who in the world would want to take those pics after a weekend of eating and no exercise!!! NOT ME!

So, I'm off for now and will post again after my Plyometics, 30 minutes of cardio and Ab Ripper X!!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Votes are in...

After a couple hours of deliberation and 2 facebook comments the title has been changed...and I must say, it better fits my personality and goal!

Day 24 Chest & Back is completed

So the alarm went off at 4:15am and it was one of those mornings...I didn't feel like getting up at all. Luckly, instead of shutting if off completely I had hit the sleep button and it went off again at 4:24am. I got up and headed down stairs.

I had to get my day started as Craiger is taking a field trip to STL today and was going to be leaving the house earlier than usual...which meant I was on kid duty by myself. I pushed play and started...and to my surprise it went well! I was motivated and rejuvenated by the time I finished; however, I left Ab Ripper X for tonight...so I have that to look forward to...I guess!

I have to say that looking over all the result photos on Facebook and Team Beach Body has really helped keep me going. There are some amazing results out there. Of course being female, I'm not all that impressed with the mens' results, as it seem relatively easy for men to have terrific outcomes...but some of these women are awesome. As you can see below I got my before pics up. Again, I know I'm not fat or over weight...I'm doing this to tighten and tone and build the muscle I want. I am really considering changing the name of my blog to "By God, I Want To Look Better Naked!"...because really, don't we all?! Think about it!

Before Pics...



As previously stated (and much dreaded) here are my before pics. Hope they inspire you! HA! Hope having them posted for all to see will keep me motivated to "keep pushing play", as they say on P90X!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Day 23...XStretch

Good morning world, I'm proud to report that it is shortly after 5:30am and part of my workout is done. Now keep in mind that today is Wednesday and I should be doing Shoulders & Arms (I believe); however, I'm a little off track since I did nothing the previous weekend. I'm not sure how and when I'll get back on track but oh well.

So XStretch...
I should have already done this workout a few times now, but it is the alternative to the Sunday rest day...and we know how I've been slacking on the weekends. Either way, today was the first day of XStretch. It was nice. Although I feel like I really have to step up my cardio later this afternoon, it was nice to take an hour to stretch and work on flexibility. It seems to mundane to spend an hour on stretching instead of cardio or weight training; however, I know the pay offs are huge. Craiger (my hubby) was supposed to get up and join me this morning as he is extremely inflexible after years of weight training and only weight training. At 4:15am, when the alarm sounded, he explained that he'd been up late and wanted to stay in bed.

I've never been one of those people who swear by starting their day off right by beginning with exercise...but I think I'm turning into one. After a good week and a half of P90X I had skipped a morning...it ended up being a horrible day. I was tired and an emotional mess. That feeling is what motivates me to go ahead and get up when the alarm sounds at 4:15am!

Now I'm ready to face the day ahead of me. Half my workout is completed, grapefruit eaten and I'm on my first cup of coffee of the day while watching the Weather Channel. Looks like we're in for more rain and storms today...guess I'll be hiting the dreaded treadmil for my cardio...YUCK!

Here's to a wonderfully productive day of Spring weather and hopefully a healthy diet! No Blizzards til the weekend...that's what I keep telling myself ;)

Oh, also, I'll get my before pics up as soon as my computer stops acting dumb and blocking the program!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

So, it's been a while...

Apparently I haven't used this thing in over a year and a half...and it now has a new purpose. The new purpose of my blog is to keep myself motivated, as well as hopefully motivating others in to making healthy lifestyle changes.

Now, keep in mind that I'm currently a 28 year old wife and mom of 3. I work full time and lead a hectic schedule of working, chauffeuring, cleaning/cooking, maintaining my own hygiene as well as my kids', and trying to enjoy the free time that I have. Please note that I am not taking any credit away from my hubby. He's such a great help at home and does just as much cooking/cleaning, etc as I do...if not more. However, he seems to somehow keep the motivation to hit the gym on a regular basis...that is where we are very different.

Now, back to me:
I am by no means fat or over weight...so, Mom, Dad, Grandma and whoever else has 2 cents to add, that's not why I work out. I simply want to be more fit and have more muscle definition than I currently have. My goal is to improve my appearance and athleticism. I want to have a 6-pack...I want big, muscular thighs and calves...I want nicely rounded shoulders that look hot in whatever shirt I have on.

You see, I've always been athletic; however, age and 3 babies have slowed me down. I'm one of the girls on the slow-pitch team that the guy hates to be behind because they are only as fast as the girl in front of them. I don't want to be that girl, I want to be the girl that surprises the other team with hits and speed.

So, here's the plan. I am currently on day 22 of P90X (probably closer to day 18 but oh well). I've had good days and bad days. The weekends seem to be what kills me as I like to eat DQ Double Fudge Cookie Dough Blizzards and not work out at all!!! I am able to maintain a relatively healthy diet during the week, which helps a lot.

I'll stop rambling on now and simply state that each day I will post about my workout and diet. You can follow if you like and if you don't like that is fine too...Its more for myself than anyone else anyway. As of today, I've eaten well and my workout was completed at 5:45am! It was a great start to the day and I look forward to a healthy, hearty supper tonight with my family. The Cardinals play at 7:15pm and it should be a great evening to enjoy before the alarm goes of at 4:15am tomorrow morning for Day 23's workout.