Day 63: The Last Insanity Fit Test

I have to admit, this last week has been kind of confusing. Confusing for the fact that I got the schedule all kinds of messed up (somehow) and couldn’t figure out what the heck went wrong.

The week started out with Max Interval Plyo…well, and this is my fault completely, I only read the first two words and assumed it was Max Interval Circuit. So, even though I strongly dislike MIC, I did it. After that workout, I looked ahead and the schedule to brace myself for what Tuesday had in store. I didn’t catch this mistake until I saw that Wednesday was MIC. (Crap!) To myself, I though, “Surely they wouldn’t have the same workouts just a day apart from each other.” So, I looked back at Monday and found my error!

I found that Friday was Max Interval Plyo. In my head, I decide that I would do MIP in Wednesday’s place and that should fix it.

Tuesday was Max Conditioning and Cardio Abs. I did that with no problem. Looked at the schedule and SAW that the next workout was Core Cardio and Balance. So, on Wednesday I did CCB. (If you read properly, I was supposed to do MIC and was going to sub that with MIP, but did CCB instead.) On Thursday, I caught my error and decided to do MIP. Friday came and I was actually supposed to do MIP that day. (Man!!) So, I did MC&CA…which, if you guessed right, was actually supposed to be for Saturday. Saturday morning, I was at a loss and I pondered for a while how in the heck I got so messed up and confused. I did CCB that day and once that was over, I thoroughly checked the schedule that I had completely screwed up and found my major error!!

The major error is the way the schedule is created. At a glance, the middle of the chart makes me “That must be Wednesday.” So, I did that workout in that middle box that I saw. On the schedule, the days of the week are so far up the page and so tiny that it’s hard to tell which day is actually which (unless you squint real hard…lol). So, that is how I got all messed up.

On a completely different subject, I blew my first Fit Test scores out of the water!! I’m very happy with those results, not so happy with the Weigh Day results. I’m so ready for P90X to knock some pounds off of this body!! Anyway, the results. (Mind you, these exercises last a minute each and you have to do as many reps as possible.)

1.)    Switch Kicks [2 kicks = 1 rep]

Started With: 21 (and dropped out early because I couldn’t catch my breath!!)

Ended With: 50 (did it the entire way through!!)

2.)    Power Jacks

Started With: 28

Ended With: 54

3.)    Power Knees

Started With: 42

Ended With: 98

4.)    Power Jumps

Started With: 18

Ended With: 30

5.)    Globe Jumps [4 jumps = 1 rep]

Started With: 4

Ended With: 9

6.)    Suicide Jumps

Started With: 8

Ended With: 12

7.)    Push-Up Jacks

Started With: 1 (can’t do a full Push-Up though)

Ended With: 12 (still can’t do a full Push-Up though) <<probably going to be a goal of mine by the end of P90X

8.)    Low Plank Oblique

Started With: 24

Ended With: 44

If you recall, that first day, I was drenched in sweat and “I was huffing and puffing like no one’s business!” << actual quote from Day 1. Even on Day 63 though, the same thing applies. I was very sweaty and huffing and puffing even MORE than the first day (maybe, can’t remember too well.) But, I was able to keep going!! That’s the point. I’d definitely say that insanity was a success as far as building my cardio…but not so much of the weight part.

Speaking of which, I weighed in today and Simon said : 174 <<blach!! I started out at 176. So, a WHOPPING 2 pound weigh loss, (woohoo!! <sarcasm, much?) As far as I am concerned, I’d only go to Insanity to increase my cardio. I’ll save P90X for weight loss…which exactly what I’m going to do…tomorrow. Wish me luck!!

Signing Out,

It’s Possible!!

Click on the Links below...

This is the Insanity Schedule...Look at it and see if you don't get confused just by looking at it...lol

This is the Insanity Fit Test...there are pictures of the moves if you'd like to see how to do them...

Day 62: The Last Day of Insanity!!

Wow! It feels like only a short while since I started my Insane Journey and now, I’m officially done with it. I’ve got mixed feelings about the results, but I am very proud of myself for starting something and then finishing it.

So, about these mixed feelings. I won’t know my official ending weight until tomorrow, but overall, I’m kind of disappointed about only losing 6-10 pounds. But, at least they are lost. I’ve still got roughly 4.5 months left and 43 more pounds to lose. So, I am okay with that since the year is far from over. I am, however, very excited about the fact that I have a higher level of endurance. The Fit Test scores will be posted tomorrow and I just know that I’ve completely demolished the first Fit Test scores.

As I was working out this morning, the word “muscle confusion” came to mind. If you don’t know what this is, it’s basically doing different workouts from day to day that utilize different muscle groups. This way, you’re body doesn’t get used to doing the same thing every day and therefore, doesn’t plateau as quickly because it constantly has to “get used” to something else. P90X is built on the idea of “muscle confusion.” Results are better when you confuse your muscles. I think that might be why I really only lost weight in the first few weeks of Insanity. My body got used to doing the same kinds of things and working the same areas that it didn’t respond to them like it did with P90X. That is my theory.

Anyway, the Fit Test is tomorrow and then I jump right into P90X on Monday. This may sound odd, but I am very excited that I’m gonna be in so much pain that I will hardly be able to walk next week. It’s gonna be great! My only reservations about going through another round of P90X are that the workouts are so much longer than in Insanity and hearing Tony Horton’s wise cracks about different exercises gets OLD! Lord knows that an hour and one-half of Yoga X is horrible enough, but with the added jokes of Tony Horton, OMGSH!! (Wise cracks wouldn’t be AS bad if Tony injected his workout with some enthusiasm and motivational yelling like Shaun T does.) I guess I will just try to ignore all the flaws as best as possible and focus on my main goal for P90X, which is to tone, tone tone, and lose, lose, lose!!

Speaking of toning, again I thought to myself, “Maybe I should make some short-term goals to strive for that are a part of my long-term goal.” My arms, for one. I really really really want to be able to wear a shirt with no sleeves without having to wear a jacket over it by the end of P90X! (Of course, I probably won’t be doing that much because it will be November…but I want to be ABLE to do that!!) No joke, but I want my arms to be RIPPED! That’s my only short-term goal that I’ve thought of for the moment but I am going to set aside some time to making up more short-term goals. (These will be posted later as well.)

Anyway, I figured I’d let you know what was going on. I’m excited to see the results from tomorrows Fit Test!!

Signing Out,

It’s Possible!!

Day 60: Here's a Thought...

So, I'm not sure if this is correct or not...but as I was doing some push ups today, I had a thought...

Perhaps the reason I'm not losing much weight from Insanity is because it's ALL cardio. I know that by doing cardio, you can lose weight...especially after seeing the results that some people have had...BUT!! Maybe my body needs more strength training with some cardio. I mean, obviously, I've been eating about the same amount of calories with both P90X and Insanity and I lost about 32 pounds with Tony Horton. Sean T is great, but I haven't lost much weight with him. I'm thinking I just need another dose of Tony.

With Tony comes strength training!! That means weights!! I'm excited about weighs because they help shape stuff. What I'm most excited to see shaped is my arms, thighs and stomach!! And, I believe that in the next 90 days (well, 93 to be exact) I will see those kinds of results. 

Not to mention, Insanity has been a little rough on me. I had to stop my workout early today because of some sharp pain I was experiencing in my back. I don't want another episode like I had two weeks ago and I really want to finish Insanity strong, so I skipped to the Cool Down and here I am now!! I don't recall having any kind of difficulty with P90X other than extremely sore muscles. (I'm excited for those in the NEAR future though.)

Funny thing, I didn't used to like muscle pain!! haha! I used to moan and groan after a day of physical exertion because my muscles would always hurt. Now, I relish the fact that my muscles will be hurting!! It means they are growing stronger!! And, I'm all for that!!

Anyway, I've also realized that with this post alone, I've used a lot of exclamation points. :D Can't help if I'm excited!!

So, that's it for today. I think I'm going to take it easy, catch up on my Big Brother 14, clean the house and try to put the finishing touches on my craft area. (See, I have a life outside of exercising :D)

Signing Out, 
It's Possible!!

For your viewing pleasure....

 5th Grade....don't make any wise cracks about the hair. When my hair is cut short, it decides to Fro!

 6th Grade...in a new state...KY!!...call me chubsybunny

 7th Grade...I don't remember ever looking like that...my face takes up 75% of the page...lol

 8th Grade...a little better...not a lot though :D

 9th Grade...High School!! 

 10th Grade...the first 2 high school pictures aren't so bad...ya know...I was in Band, I was exercising and stuff..

 11th Grade...still not that bad...

 Senior Year!! Not liking this photo!! I wish she (photographer) could have told me to push my arm against the tree branch so that it wouldn't look like my arm was so big!! lol

Me...last week...in my messy craft area...I promise it doesn't look like this now...

Day 57: Simon Still Ain't Movin'

As suggested by the title, Simon didn't move today. I'm still in the 170's, 173 to be exact. Well, around there. When I weighed before I came to work, Simon said 172.4. So, I'll let you decided what I weigh. Lol. I'm going with 172.4 tough.

Anyway, if all goes according to plan, I'll be starting P90X next Monday. Hopefully that will jump start another weight loss "season" so I can finally get to see Sweet "16."

I know this is a short one, but I figured you'd like to be updated.

Signing Out,
It's Possible!!

Day 55: Another One of “Those” Days and An Inspirational Lady!!

As you may have already assumed, some days are good, some days are bad, and some are just plain blah! The blah days are the ones where you know you could get out of bed but you just don’t want to. Well, folks, these blah days count in your overall fitness and you just have to get over it. That’s what I have to do every time my flesh wants to keep me from doing my work outs. Blah days are a test of the flesh. Are you “man” enough to deny your flesh, get out of bed (or off the couch), and do what you know you need to?

Yes, I know. You had a rough night. You didn’t get enough sleep (because you chose to stay on Facebook all night long or surf eBay.) You don’t feel like working out today. You are sore from yesterday’s workout. Blah, Blah, blah. Whatever the excuse, it’s not good enough to deny your body the right to be healthy. Unless you are seriously injured and can’t workout, just get up and do it! I promise; it will be to your benefit. Sitting around and doing nothing will be to your detriment. (You’ve seen pictures of me from January and before, right? See what being lazy does!!)

Anyway, I hope you don’t think I’m being too harsh. I just know that once you get your mind right, YOU CAN DO ANYTHING!! You’d be surprised at what you can do once you just decide to do it. I have an awesome little story to share with you!!

When we first started going to GraceChurch International (now known as World Harvest Church of Paducah) back in 2001, there was a children’s minister who I came to ADORE! She was so nice, willing to do just about anything for anybody, and is an amazing woman of God! I absolutely love her! At this time in my life, I was VERY BIG! There is a very mortifying picture of me down below if you’d like to take a gander (and then throw up…lol..JK!!) Anyway, she was also a heavy set lady like me, even though I was only 11 years old. That didn’t matter though. She had a smile that could light up the entire room (or sanctuary), her voice is so soothing, and she had a voice like an angel. (To this day, I remember her singing one of my all-time favorite songs that I sing to myself when I “can’t find the words to say.” You may know it: “Say the Name.”)

I can’t remember what year it was, but to pursue their calling from God, they moved away from Paducah.  It was a lot different once they left!

Just recently, we became friends on Facebook and come to find out, she’s been on the same kind of journey as me!! I’m not sure when she started hers, but I know she’s been doing a great job. So far, she’s lost 50 pounds! The thing that inspires me so much from her is that she hasn’t given up on herself!! Sometimes, when people get overweight, or obese, or even morbidly obese, they give up on themselves. They think they are too far gone to correct the situation, when in fact, they are NOT!! For little while there, I was almost at that point. I didn’t feel like I could do anything to “save” myself.

Well, this lady is a trooper, still sweet as ever and an inspiration to a LOT of people and me as well (even if it’s only through the internet!) She’s taught me so much and continues to uplift me in my journey with her posts and comments. Ms. Regina, I applaud you for being committed to your decision and for not giving up on yourself. We know that God is walking with us to our destination even though it’s very hard at times! Thanks for being such a wonderful example and a motivation to me and many others!

Signing Out,

It’s Possible!!

I'm sure you can guess which one is me...haha!

Day 54: Muscle in the Making!!

When I first started this entire weight-loss journey, my primary focus was to lose weight!! I just wanted to rid myself of all the fat that had been plaguing me for such a long time. (Yes, a very long time!! I revisited my 5^th-12^th grade pictures yesterday and boy, was I fat!!) << I’ll post those at a later date!! Anyway, yes, I wanted to lose fat. And, not just 10 or 15 pounds like some of my blessed family members. >>>kristie barriger<<<  But, a serious amount of FAT!!!!

What I didn’t wasn’t expecting was to gain muscle! I never even thought about the possibility that I would gain some muscle. I was just hoping to be like some of the thin people I went to school with that never had to work out. (So not fair!)

Today was a realization point for me though. (I apparently have many of these.) I was doing a move called Squat Hooks and as I was “hooking” <<horrible term if you ask me…the light shone down on my arms and I could see the beautiful curves of MUSCLE!!! You read it folks, MUSCLE!! My arms are not the muscley beauties that you’d see at the Olympics, but I am on my way!! Once I get rid of the jiggle down below, my arms will be awesome!! (I am so PUMPED to see what they are gonna look like!!)

As I was adoring what once used to be a huge blob, I thought to myself “P90X is really gonna tone those puppies up!” <<ok, well, I didn’t think it in exactly those words, but you understand, right? So, even though the Yoga, Kenpo X and Plyometrics portions are going to be very NOT fun, I am excited to see how my body will be shaped in the long 90 days after I complete Insanity. I am much more motivated to see this official second round of P90X come to completion because it will bring me right up November 25^th!! (3 days after Thanksgiving and One month before Christimas!!) Hmm, I wonder what else I can fit into that last month of the year??

Hopefully, by that time, I will be a studly woman…lol. And, I’ll be able to eat food (in moderation) and won’t gain weight because my massive muscles (haha) will burn off those calories. Lol, no. For real though. I am very excited to see this year come to an end because I know I’ve worked hard for the progress I have made thus far and will continue to make. I am determined to change that gruesome picture from last Christmas! (I’ve talked about this before. But, to refresh your memory: my sister got a new camera last year and just HAD to take a picture with me :D Needless to say, the picture of me looked like someone had stuffed me and NOT the turkey!! Lol.)

Well, anyway. If you are still wanting to lose weight, start now!! There’s no time like the present!! Commit yourself to be a better you!! You can do it!! Soon, you will see the muscles!! (You’ll feel them the first day though :D)

Signing Out,

It’s Possible!!

Day 51: A BIG Difference…

For some reason, the scale refuses to move. Even though this is the case though, I KNOW that my body has gotten stronger. Maybe not smaller or lighter, but definitely stronger!! I know this because of the Fit Test that we do every two weeks with Insanity. So, as mentioned before, I’m not too focused anymore of the number that presents itself on the scale but more with how my body has changed DRAMATICALLY since starting this entire thing.

As I was working out today, I decided to take a moment and look at my tummy. I did what, I guess, the normal girl would do and pulled here and there, tried to flatten and shape my stomach to what I was hoping to see with the next few rounds of butt-kicking workout videos. There was also a second where I just stopped and stared at myself (without the pulling and pushing) and just noticed the DIFFERENCE compared to what I used to look and feel like.

To get a better idea of the difference, once my workout was over, I pulled up the before pictures of me. I didn’t have any workout clothing at the time and ended up taking pictures in my under clothes; therefore, a lot was revealed to me in that sense. Literally, my stomach hung over about three inches (if I had to guess.) It was absolutely astonishing to see that I actually looked like that! (It still boggles me now because I never thought I was that bad off.)

I also noticed a drastic difference in the way my face looks. It’s hard to think that people can actually recognize me now because of how much I was packing on my face alone!! I can’t even believe that my face used to look like that!!

Before I close this post, I’d like to share a little bit of what I was thinking about on the very short drive home from work this morning. We have a road that we turn down that probably takes a maximum of two minutes (if you drive slow) and it’s nicely shaded and very peaceful. For some reason, I usually go down memory lane while driving down this road. Anyway, today I was looking back at when I started with P90X. I remember how I just committed to it. I kind of let loose and hoped for the best. And, while I was doing the program, I remember feeling and thinking that I wasn’t getting anywhere. I didn’t feel like I was losing anything or transforming myself in any way. Even though I noticed that clothes were looser, I just didn’t feel like I was getting smaller. Still, I continued to devote myself to the FREEZING cold workouts in the garage during the winter (I literally had to wear gloves and find a space heater because it was just so cold!!) and the STIFLING hot workouts when it got warmer (luckily there was a fan in the garage and I tried my best to stay underneath that for the duration). I kept a really good track of my food intake; I just went for it! (What did I have to lose, right, expect a ton of weight!!)

As I went down this memory lane, I realized that once you become fully devoted to something, going through it doesn’t seem that bad. A lot of people have agonized over the thought of going through P90X and some have even said that it was TOUGH TOUGH TOUGH, but for me it wasn’t like that at all. I was so committed to that program that it was just something that I was determined to do; and it really wasn’t all that hard. Yes, my muscles hurt a lot throughout the program and yes, a lot of the moves challenge you, but I never thought it was so horrible that I just wanted to quit. Being determined to do something or see something through makes the thing that you are going through not as bad. Looking back at it all, it wasn’t hard for me to change my eating habits, it was something that I needed to do and once I did it, it became second nature.

I think some people think that it is going to be SO HARD to change their lifestyle, to input exercise where it never existed, to change food decisions from unhealthy to healthy. I can imagine that some people are so afraid that they won’t be able to do it that they just don’t. Sometimes, you have to dive in, not knowing what the outcome will be, but only knowing that it change your life! And, when time passes by and you’ve lost 43 pounds like I have, it will seem like the easiest thing you ever did!!

So, for all of you who want to work out and get in shape, let this little memory lane trip be of some encouragement for you. All it takes is commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Once you fully commit, the rest gets so much easier!!

Signing Out, ‘

It’s Poissible!!