Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Day "90" results... and full disclosure

Okay, so yesterday would have been Day 90 with the original schedule. Those of you following the blog know I've had some recent difficulty with motivation and random aches (hip, wrist, etc). Well, here's the real deal... I'm about 7 weeks pregnant! I learned this a couple of days after the 60 day pictures. The nausea has fully set in these past 4-5 days, making working out much more difficult. So, I'm reluctantly calling it quits on this round of P90X.

Last time I was pregnant I had to take a month or so totally off working out, due to the nausea and extreme exhaustion. I'm really hoping that this time I'll be able to do something each day. Last time I came out of my month-of-nothing to run/walk a 1/2 marathon at about month 3. Then I was able to do various preggo workouts until about 8 months. Unfortunately I also gained over 60 lbs last time... that's something I don't want to repeat. So, I plan on transforming this blog into a blog about staying fit (fingers crossed) while pregnant.

So, while I haven't been able to get the results I wanted... what have I got from P90X? I lost a total of 4.5 inches. About 10 lbs, though some of those are already back on. I can do 1/2 pull-up... not my goal of 1, but better than I ever have. Push-ups have more than doubled. In & Outs (a form of sit-up) have doubled. Wall sit has more than doubled. I would say that I'm happy with the results. I truly got out of it what I was able to put in.


Day 1
Day 90


Day 1
Day 90

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Day 75

Well, today would've been my original Day 90. But then I was sick for like two weeks. It would be so nice to be done...

Instead today was Legs & Back. One more time on the schedule after today.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Day 74

Today was to be Yoga X. For a variety of reasons I switched to X Stretch. I know it seems like all I'm doing anymore is switching to easier workouts. I'm feeling a little wussy, but I'm trying to take care of myself and listen to my body right now.

Stretching always feels great. And I could actually feel my triceps today, so I must have gotten a decent workout on them yesterday.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Day 73

Tonight was the last time for Shoulders & Arms. This made me go all out. At the begining he tells you to set your goals and then go for them. I set my goals. Within the first 5 minutes the goals were gone... and not in the happy 'i accomplished them' way. It was pretty disappointing and my energy was rapidly sapped. This was the first time that I opped out of the 'bonus round.' I usually find it silly that he calls a section the bonus round and I've never understood why you would skip it. Today I totally got it.

I'm starting to wonder if I need to find a different time of day to work out. Afternoon might be better energy wise, but it's the main time I can see my son. I guess depending on the workout I can see if I can incorporate interactions with him.

Only 17 days left!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Day 72

Today was Plyometrics. If you've read this blog before you'll know my mixed feelings on this workout. Not the best workout after a day of Christmas eatting. But, I didn't want to skip. The hubby decided to give it a try with me. We were almost done with the warm up when my lower back/hip started questioning. Todd was worried about his hernia.

So, we changed the disk to X Stretch. When it starts Tony says that it's a workout to 'take care of yourself today' and that's exactly what we were doing. Sometimes you just have to do what you can. It might not be the hardest workout. But it's not sitting on the couch. And now my body is happy. It feels stretched out and relaxed. Ahhhh.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Day 71

Didn't quite get to blogging last night. It was a late Christmas Eve eve. But, I did get the workout in, despite having first taken a nap. The workout was Chest & Back. I was surprised when I pulled out the worksheets that it was my last time to do this particular workout! 19 days left and this one is never repeated! Once I saw that I really wanted to go all out with it. Though I was still disswaded (how in the world do you spell that?) by the late hour. Some things, like back flys, saw minimal improvement. But other things made me really happy. The first time I did this workout, in week 1, I did 20 push ups; all on my knees. This time I did 12 regular pushups followed by 22 on my knees! The first time I did 20 wide fly push ups on my knees. This time I did 8 regular followed by 25 on my knees! I think those two are the ones that have made me the happiest. When I finish my next round of P90X I'd love to be doing all my push ups from my feet.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Day 70

Wow, only 20 days left! Since I rested on Sunday today became yoga day. I went with the One on One Yoga because I just really like that one. The hubby joined me for about 1/2 of it, until his hernia started acting up. And I think that he actually enjoyed the yoga... which is saying something!

Anyway, it was enjoyable. And now I'm cuddling with a blanket and watching the Grinch.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Day 69

Kenpo night. Still love the kicking/punching parts. Still dislike the warm up... partly because my legs are generally still sore from the leg workout the day before and the whole warm up is leg stretching. So, really it's probably good to get everything all stretched out before attempting to kick a lot. Probably keeps injuries away. But, still not my favorite part.

Today work food caught up with me. I was really good with not overindulging yesterday but today I didn't do as well. I haven't even been a fan of chocolate lately (not sure where that's come from) but I still managed to eat more than one oreo. But, it was one day and I know that my body got the nutrition it needed from breakfast and the Shakeology I just finished.

Tomorrow I plan on doing Yoga instead of a rest day.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Day 68

Legs & Back night. Nothing new to say on this one. It's done pretty much every week, except recovery weeks. So, I've done it a lot. Only 2 more times to go.

I still dislike doing the Ab Ripper afterward, as it turns out several of those moves hurt the legs when they're already sore. One legged wall squats still seem mean, but I can do them for the full minute without too much difficulty. So, I'm seeing progress.

And I'm tired. Good night.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Day 67

Decided today would be my rest day. The hubby said that I let my 'inner Todd' make that decision. It was a challanging week for me with a lot going on. So I decided the hot tub, a cigar, and time with the hubby sounded like the best plan.

Plus Yoga was on the schedule for today and my wrist was bothering me some from the weights yesterday. I was going to subsitute Kenpo, but then my hip started hurting... silly getting older. So, Wednesday will be Yoga night. Probably that awesome 60 min Yoga routine from the One on One. Love that one!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Day 66

Tonight was Back & Biceps. Apparently I've decided to be consistant. I was able to push out an extra rep on a couple of the moves. But most of the time I worked till I couldn't and found that I was writing the same number as last week. But that's okay, I'm working as hard as I can.

Two things I've learned about using bands to mimic pull-ups. 1) Take off rings. It keeps blisters from forming. 2) Putting a yoga mat on the floor (we have wood floors) keeps me from slipping. Previously I found myself sliding, which made the bands less taunt. I've used the mat the past 3 times and the lack of sliding has made it harder. But nice, because I'm actually working as I intend.

24 more days. I believe I'm scheduled to finish the day after my birthday. That'll be a nice present. Course, I need to start thinking about what my next adventure will be. I had planned on Insanity, but am starting to think that I'm expecting a lot of my body (due to nursing, among other things). So, I'm thinking of Power 90. Or Turbo Jam. Likely I'll just mix it up for a while. I just need to make a schedule so that I keep going strong!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Day 65

Tonight I did Cardio X instead of Plyo. There were a multitude of reasons. Some good and others pretty shabby. Some days I think being a nursing mom and doing P90X places a lot of expectations on my body. That is probably one of the better reasons for the substitution. One of the poorer reasons is that it's shorter and I was just tired.

During Cardio X Tony says that if you're using the 'slimming schedule' this is your second workout of the day. That line always makes me feel pretty lazy. But alas, I did a workout and that's more than sitting on the couch.

Time for a Shakeology, a cigar, and a hot tub.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Days 63 & 64

Rest Day. Followed by Chest, Shoulders, Triceps. I laugh at myself because I can never remember the official names of the workouts... I'm just like 'another arm one with lots of pushups' or 'push up and pull up day.' This is one where most of the time is spent doing push ups... or trying to. I'm getting much better at them. The clap and one handed ones are still hardest. But then who really does those? I guess I will someday! I've said it before, but arms are where I'm seeing the most changes and days like today are why.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Day 62

Kenpo day. I don't know what to say about this workout that I haven't already. Good stuff.

So now I'm sitting here, drinking my Shakeology, and watching Biggest Loser. Some good stories on that show. Some good stories among those at Beachbody too. I love hearing what inspires people to finally do something.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Day 61

Legs & Back. But my triceps are still sore from Saturday! Glad they didn't get used much today. It was one of those hard to push play kind of days. And once I got into the workout some things felt harder than I would have liked. But some were better than expected. One legged wall squat wasn't too horrible today; I did it the whole time and didn't collapse afterward.

Less than 30 days to go now... that thought kept me moving and pushing myself when I didn't want to. I think the minimal amount of time left will drive me to push it harder. I want some good 90 day pictures! It also helps me to push it when I'm turned some awkward way and see flubber that I want gone... this generally happens with the belly and I kind of blame my beautiful baby boy.... I don't know that that excuse will last much longer though. How long does skin take to firm anyway?? On the flip side there were a couple of times today when I noticed that my legs are really looking firm and that's motivating too!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Day 60

So, today is day 60! I'm officially 2/3 of the way done. I am not a 'finished product' though I don't expect to feel like one on day 90 either. Today I did Plyo instead of Yoga; it may still be my least favorite. There are moves I now love. And I think that it will grow on me. I am motivated during it to think about how it will help my running. I so look forward to running this spring! (Yes, I could get on my treadmill or bundle up and go outside, but those things don't drive me.)

So, some 60 day pictures:

Day one
Day sixty
So, I still have fluff that needs to go. I've almost met my weight goal, so that will be changing. Weight is a funny thing, because it really isn't a clear indication of the fluff factor. Or strength. One thing I am happy about is that my thighs fit in pants much better than they used to.

I'm excited to see muscles in my arms. I'm definitely liking the strength I'm seeing in this area.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Day 59

Shoulders & Arms. I've only done this one twice before, the last time being in week three. So, it's been awhile. I really like how it alternates shoulders, biceps, and triceps. By the end my whole arms were killing me. It was exciting to move up from 5lbs to 10lbs on some things.

Tomorrow is 60 day pictures. Ack! Time moves quickly. I generally like and am happy with what I'm seeing in the mirror, so hopefully the pictures will reflect that.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Day 58

Wow, two days until the next set of pictures. I know it's not going to be as good as I'd like, but that's what I get for doing this over Halloween, Thanksgiving, and soon Christmas. Course, had I not been doing this I know I really wouldn't like what the pictures would say. Yay for sticking with a plan through the holidays!

My hip was mostly feeling fine today, though I did have random moments of intense pain. I wasn't sure that Plyo would be the best choice, so I decided to do the One on One MC2 Yoga. I love love love this workout. The chair poses still seem excessive to me, but I handled them better tonight. This is one yoga workout that has me breathing hard and sweating. Awesome! And I still come away feeling refreshed, stretched, and calm. Plus my hip loved the stretching. I can't say enough about how much this workout rules. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

I try not to make this an ad (though I would encourage anyone wanting to make a change to let Beachbody - and me, as your coach, help you). Right now you can start One on One vol 3 for just 1 cent! After that it's like $20 per month and they automatically ship you a new workout each month. December's is Plyocide... the name and the preview both scare me. Plyometrics still intimidates me, and I've been doing it regularly... course, I did pass it tonight...

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Day 57

Today was Chest & Back. An interesting workout because today starts week 9 and the last time this workout was done was week 3. So, the numbers were better. And my arms still killed me. The exciting thing is I was able to start more of the push-up sequences on my feet before dropping to my knees. By the time I finished all the muscles in my upper arms felt tight... this is usually how it goes. Happily the recovery drink makes it so that tomorrow I should feel fine.

Ab Ripper was a little frustrating. My right hip has been hurting me on and off. It behaved until I got to a couple of the ab exercises. Turns out you need hip movement for some of those. Mainly some of the oblique stuff, so I substituted for things I thought I could do.

A random thought I had today. There is a more fit, healtier version of me out there... and I'm just gonna keep working out and working on nutrition until I find her. I think such a version exists for everyone. Will you join me in finding yours??

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Day 56

Well, instead of resting today I was planning on Yoga MC2 (the One on One). Then my hip started hurting. A LOT. During the day it hurt occasionally, but I was still really excited about the prospect of an awesome yoga workout. By the time I was ready to do the workout I wasn't sure what to do. I though about still doing yoga but was a little worried about some of the warrior poses. So, I went with X Stretch. I did this the last time my hip hurt and if felt amazing; plus I woke up feeling pain free. I'm hoping tomorrow morning has the same result. The workout felt great. And my hubby actually was able to join me, dispite his hernia. Yay for stretching!!!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Day 55

Forced to 'mix it up' again. Today was to be yoga... but alas... I was just saying this morning that it was SO nice to feel healthy and like myself again. Then on my drive to work my stomach started to feel funny. After lots of time spent in bathrooms I think today will be my day off and yoga will occur tomorrow.

Random thoughts:

Yesterday is totally what I needed regarding motivation. I really needed to have a day where I didn't want to be working out and it would have been easier not to. I don't know if I can explain it, but it just felt good today to know that dispite my frustration yesterday I got through the workout and that was me. And I can do it again if need be... well, not today, but you know.

I've noticed that weight loss changes the shape of one's bellybutton. It makes the top part a lot flatter. I guess that makes sense, as one loses belly fat. Just odd. Maybe I'm noticing more since nine months ago mine was totally going the wrong direction. But, I've noticed the flat thing on the hubby too.

I found pants I had stored away that actually fit me. Yay!! I now have 3 pairs that fit right and my thighs actually looked thin in one of the pairs today. It was nice to find these and I'm really enjoying wearing them.

I wish I were doing yoga right now. But my stomach is gurgly and bed is calling my name. Hopefully in the morning I'll again be able to say/think that I feel like myself. At least no one else in the family got this...

Monday, December 6, 2010

Day 54

Core Synergistics again. This is what I get for swapping a couple of workouts this week. I've done this one two days in a row before. Hard to do that. While doing the X squat things I realized that that's the move that made my legs hurt today. We'll see how I feel tomorrow. In general this workout really makes me realize how far I still have to go. There are so many types of push ups that I can't do on my feet. There are side hip raises that I can hardly do.

I also realize that there is still an area in my abs where I feel pulling when flipping from superman or bow to banana. Stupid c-section.

But, the hardest part of tonight was working out by myself. For those of you not following my hubby's blog, he is currently unable to workout with me until he has surgery to repair his hernia in January. Since he's unable to workout, he's been spending the time on other self-improvement activities. But, it's still hard to keep working out when sitting on the couch appears to be an option. And I ate too many Trader Joe's dark chocolate stars and sipping chocolate. A blanket and cuddling really sounded nice. But, I'd started the workout online. I'd pushed play. So I kept moving. I'm glad I did, but it really is harder as a solo activity. Perhaps I'll have to find a different time or relocate to the basement. If I didn't have the other option (relaxing, sitting, etc) infront of me I think it would have been out of my mind...

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Day 53

Today was Core Synergistics. My favorite thing about this workout is the word "synergistics." But it is a good workout. The exciting thing is that I'm getting better at the Dreya roll. Today I was able to jump up from it each time; did get me panting pretty hard though.

One of the odd things about this workout is that it's only done on recovery weeks, so I haven't quite got a hold of the order of things. I also find it odd that there's this whole chataranga run, which I find impossible and then in the 'bonus' part there is a holding chataranga section... seems to me that in order to do the chataranga run you have to be able to do the chararanga hold thing. Someday I hope to be able to do both of these for real. In the meantime I'm doing what I can and I'm getting stronger.

Something I notieced today is that my leg muscles are really getting stronger. I was sitting with my legs crossed today and happened to notice that my muscles were really hard on the sides. Yay progress! I've never thought that I had soft thighs, but I did feel that they were huge... buying pants has always been a challange because in order to get them over my thighs the waist was always too big. I'm hoping this problem will go away. On a similar note, I wore some pants today that have never fit comfortably... they are now my one pair that actually fit without the threat of falling down.

Day 52

Kenpo day. Thank goodness. Didn't get to working out until after 11pm. It was hard to push play, but I knew that I would enjoy it once I did. And enjoy it I did.

It was a long and wonderful day. It started out super awesome because Beachbody had an event in Lincoln with Craig Holiday and Traci Morrow. Traci specifically talked to the ladies about managing health, fitness, a business, and family (being a wife and mom). It was so inspiring. I loved her thoughts on balance and priorities. It was also awesome how much they both talked about how God has worked in their lives and their reliance on him. I'm continually impressed with the people involved with Beachbody. Giving God the glory is such a great way to receive blessings. And the heart that comes from that is a great servant to helping others...

Friday, December 3, 2010

Day 51

So, I'm old. Today my right hip was killing me. A sharp pain in the joint area whenever I walk. Sometimes this happens. It never lasts more than a day or so. It just sucks when today is the day.

I was supposed to do Core Synergistics, but that didn't seem really possible. So I switched to X Stretch. Felt pretty good, though oddly long. I think I just had too much on my mind that I wanted to get done. Still have a lot to do, but I think sleep is calling to me.

Hopefully the hip will feel better in the morning. And maybe next time I have a recovery week I won't move all the workouts around...

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Days 49 & 50

Day 49 was a rest day.

Day 50 begins a recovery week. So today was Yoga X. I did the 90 min workout, thinking that for the second yoga of the week I'll do the One on One (I really liked that one). After the One on One Yoga (read day 46) the sun salutation part actually went quickly. And the last 45 mins of balance and stretch are always enjoyable.

New yoga goal: by the time I finish my 90 days I want to be able to do chaturanga every time. I can do it some to most of the time, but certainly not all.

And crane would be nice.