Insanity Week 3

Ok, here is the recap of week 3:

Day one of week three is the Fit Test. 
Here are my Fit Test scores:
1. Switch Kicks (Right + Left = 1): 59
2. Power Jacks: 56
3. Power Knees (Lifting Left Knee): 103
4. Power Jumps: 36
5. Globe Jumps (Around the Globe = 1): 11
6. Suicide Jumps: 15
7. Push-Up Jacks: 16
8. Low Plank Oblique (Right+Left = 1): 32

My son was asking questions and needed help a couple of times, so some of my numbers didn't go up, but some did. Every little improvement means change is happening.

This week, the workouts actually seemed easier!  During hurdle jumps, I felt like I was jumping quite high and doing them well.  I didn't feel too worn out to do anymore by the third set of the circuit.  I hope next week feels this good.

Foot Pain During Insanity? Have you tried going barefoot?

 

I love Insanity, but when I started it, I would have terrible foot pain before the warm up was even complete.  I had to stop, take my shoes off, massage my feet, and then get my shoes back on to try to continue the workout.  Usually the pain came back right away, and sometimes was unbearable.

I was looking around for solutions to the problem, asking people, searching the web, I even tried five different pairs of shoes!  I found a forum where others were having the same problem.  The solution many came up with was to GO BAREFOOT!  Voila! No foot pain!  Now, I do all of my insanity workouts barefoot.   I also do Les Mills Combat barefoot, and the cardio-style videos of P90X barefoot.

This may not be the solution for everyone, but for me, it worked.  I have not had foot pain since.   The place I work out in is very thin carpet, but, surprisingly, I have had no issues with other joint pain (some people warned that you wouldn’t have the cushion provided by the shoes).    I practice martial arts and was a gymnast when I was younger, so it is possible that my body was just more used to doing those kinds of movements barefoot.  I can run, do TurboFire, and all kinds of other things with shoes on and have no troubles.  For some reason, though, I have to do Insanity barefoot.  It just shows again how we are all a little different….my sister and all of my friends who do Insanity have no foot issues while doing Insanity with her shoes on.   They think I am crazy for doing it barefoot, but I am not the only one.  I’m just glad there was a solution that worked for me!

Tai Cheng Savings!

Save on Tai Cheng This Month!

 

This month, you can save money on Tai Cheng.  I ordered this program for my dad, primarily, because he has many joint issues, and I am hoping this improves his mobility and alleviates his pain.  When I brought it to my parents’ house, my mom said she, too, would also like to try it!  I also plan on incorporating it into my fitness routine, because I believe this program can help improve body function in people of all ages and fitness levels.

We watched the Master Scroll DVD together, to get an idea of how the program works and what it involves.  My dad seemed worried that he wouldn’t be able to keep up after looking through the Tai Chi moves on the Master Scroll DVD.  There were quite a few moves, but I assured him that he will work his way up to those.  To reassure him, we put the first DVD in and watched the Day 1 workout.  It started with the Neural Reboot, which was a 20 minute routine.  Then, it went into a 15 minute routine.  My dad was no longer intimidated after watching the video.  Dr. Cheng moved slowly and explained well.  There are also modifications in this video for those who cannot do the full moves yet.

If you want to know more about Tai Cheng, feel free to email me.

To buy Tai Cheng, or to look at the package options, click here or go to my Beachbody Coach page and click on the Tai Cheng button.

Insanity: Week 2

Since Week 2 of Insanity is a repeat of the workouts from Week 1, I won't talk about each day.  I will just do a review at the end of the week.

Week 2 went well.  I am not sure if it was the cold I have been battling or what, but I felt like I was really dragging during the workouts.  My legs felt more sore and tired than last week.

Insanity Day 5: Pure Cardio

Pure Cardio was tough, but not as bad as I thought it would be.  After the warmup and stretch, you only do each move once, so I know next time I can go all out on each move without burning myself out by the third round like I might in the other videos.  There are a lot of different moves in this workout.  I felt the hardest was the Level 2 Drills, just because I can't go that fast with push ups yet.  Someday, I hope I will be able to!
It's also reassuring to see some of the people in the video taking breaks/needing breaks.  They are real people, and while I still push myself, I see that it is ok to take a break instead of doing something wrong or hurting myself by pushing too hard.
The video is less than 40 minutes, and I was in my heart rate zone for 17 minutes 35 seconds.  I will probably try to push myself a little harder next time.

Insanity Day 4: Cardio Recovery

Today was Cardio Recovery.  This workout is only a little over 30 minutes, but my legs were burning at times.  It was a lot slower paced than the other workouts, but it was still work. 
It was more just strength/stability work - planks, squats, lunges, etc.  It was a nice break from the other workouts, but still a bit of a workout.

Insanity Day 3: Cardio Power and Resistance

Today was Day 3 of Insanity.  The video was Cardio Power and Resistance.  It is 40 minutes, and, of course, it was intense!
My legs were still sore from yesterday's workout.  It is kind of a good feeling, though, knowing that I've worked hard.
I got into my target heart rate zone during the warm up again.  I look forward to the stretching that comes after that intense warm up! 
The first move in the first circuit is power jumps.  The power jumps weren't too tough to do, but I could not keep up with some of the people in the video...there were a couple of people who were jumping like frogs in the second and third sets! 
It was nice that Shaun T shows how to get into the correct position for some of the moves.  Otherwise, I would be doing them wrong, I'm sure.
The second circuit has "Moving Push Ups," which were pretty tough.  I had to take several breaks, and couldn't go as fast as the people in the video.  I was able to get some in, though!
I felt like there were a lot more "jumping-type" moves in this workout.  That must be the "Power" part of it.
This workout went a lot faster than the Plyometric Cardio Circuit, it seemed, but I felt like it was more difficult at the same time.  It was a great feeling knowing I got through the workout.  The feeling after these workouts is exhilarating.

Insanity Day 2: Plyometric Cardio Circuit

Today was Plyometric Cardio Circuit.  It was tough! I was already in my heart rate zone during the warmup. 
I did pretty well keeping up, except during the Level 1 Drills.  I couldn't get my pushups in that fast, but I did them as full push ups, not just on my knees (I have to be proud of the little gains I make!  I used to not be able to do a real pushup...I had to do them on my knees).  I had to take breaks during those, the ski abs, and in and out abs, too.  Hopefully, I will be able to keep up, eventually.
It felt great after the work out.

Insanity Day 1

Sunday was Day 1 on my Insanity Challenge!
Did Fit Test:
1. Switch Kicks (Right + Left = 1): 52
2. Power Jacks: 51
3. Power Knees (Lifting Left Knee): 77
4. Power Jumps: 35
5. Globe Jumps (Around the Globe = 1): 11
6. Suicide Jumps: 13
7. Push-Up Jacks: 14
8. Low Plank Oblique (Right+Left = 1): 24
A year ago, I would probably not have been able to do even one Push Up Jack!  I have done some Insanity workouts off and on to see how they were...yes...they were Insane, but I know I can do it. 
I can't wait to see how my next Fit Test goes!

Why I Like Almond Milk

I like almond milk.  I grew up on cow's milk, and I still like it, but recently I have been buying almond milk instead.
Why do I buy almond milk?  There are two big reasons:

1. It takes a lot longer to expire.  Whenever I would buy regular milk, I wouldn't even get through half of the jug before it went bad.  Almond milk's expiration date is much later, usually a couple of months, after I purchase it.
2. It is lower in calories.  The type I purchase (Blue Diamond Unsweetened Original Almond Milk) has only 40 calories per cup, compared to 90 calories per cup of skim milk.

I tried soy milk, but there was a funky taste to it that I just could not get over.  I have no problem with the taste of almond milk.  I can barely tell the difference between almond milk and cow's milk when drinking it plain, and when I put it on cereal or mix it in a beverage, I can't tell the difference at all.

Update: I accidentally bought the Original Almond Milk (the kind that is sweetened), and I didn't like that one as much.  It didn't taste as much like "regular" milk, and it has 60 calories per cup.  I didn't notice much of a difference when I mixed it in a smoothie or a protein shake, but there was a noticeable difference when I tried to drink it plain.

A Little Bit About My Past and Present

I am a single mother of a wonderful boy who is now four years old.  I work full time during the day, and enjoy spending my off time with my son.  I am very happy with my life right now.  I have a supportive family and a supportive group of friends.
I was quite athletic in high school, highly involved in martial arts and swimming, as well as other sports.
I wasn't always so happy or healthy.  I had a long-time boyfriend during college who frequently put me down and tried to drag me down into his lifestyle.  When I tried to get out of the relationship, he told me I wouldn't e able to make it without him, and for a long time I believed him.  He was wrong! 
Luckily, my family and friends were supportive and helped me gain the confidence and strength to get out and become the person I am today...a much more happy and successful person.
I graduated college and have a job that allows me to support my family.
I have learned to work out a good schedule for exercising to maintain physical health, and work toward my evolving fitness goals.  I recently completed a full round of Insanity, and lost 15 lbs. during that time. It took a while to get where I am, and there were a lot of ups and downs, but I am happy where I'm at right now.  I would have never thought I could be capable of completing such a program.  Although I am happy with the goal I have achieved, I have set new goals, and am excited to achieve them.
I love to cook and try new recipes and foods, especially ones that can be healthy and tasty!  Hopefully I can find some good ones to share.  I have learned that nutrition has been a huge part of how I achieved my goal, and I know it plays a huge part in being well.  If a person doesn't fuel their body right, not only can it affect their physical health, but mental health as well.
I am not extreme in any way with regard to opinions on what should or should not be done/ate, etc.  I just do what I can and try to find what works for me.  I hope that some of what I share on this blog can work for others, too.

Introduction

Welcome to my blog! 
When I learn something that I am excited to share, I now have a place to share it...right here on this blog!
I have come to the realization that becoming well (in all ways...mentally, physically, financially, etc.) is a lifelong journey.  My view of wellness and health has changed throughout my life.  My goals evolve as I do.  Once I achieve a goal, a new one is made.  Also, as I learn more, my goals change and my idea of wellness changes.
I am working toward improving myself, and hope to become a better person because of the goals I make and achieve.  I will share new and interesting things I learn and try, what works for me, what doesn't, things I enjoy, things I don't. It may be about food, fitness, health, web pages, other news, or anything else.
I own a ton of Beachbody programs, as well as other programs, and will work on posting my reviews and other information about them on this site.  I want to try to inform people as much as possible.
I also want to let people know about other great things I have found (food, activities, etc.), and want to work on getting that information posted, too.