"Congratulations, You're Gotten Better!" Shaun T. spoke these words to me this morning after I completed my Day 15 Insanity Fit Test. And he was right! I did get better:
1. Switch Kicks: 59 (3 more than Day 1)
2. Power Jacks: 60 (6 more)
3. Power Knees: 114 (34 more)
4. Power Jumps: 38 (10 more)
5. Globe Jumps: 9 (3 more)
6. Suicide Jumps: 17 (3 more)
7. Push-up Jacks: 23 (7 more)
8. Low Plank Oblique: 55 (10 more)
Not too shabby Shay Shay--especially after having to complete Pure Cardio AND Cardio Abs on my Rest day because I skipped a day during the week! I'm encouraged to Keep the Momentum Going!
I know (and I have to keep believing) that as I getter better in the workouts, my physique will get better. I am already seeing positive changes in my physique just after two weeks. Now if I can just get disciplined enough to only check the scale once a week or even--gasp-only on Fit Test Days. Let's see!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Today I finished Week 2 of Insanity. After my workout, I met my Godsis, her husband and their darling son (just under 2months old) for brunch at Paschal's restaurant. I had never been to Paschal's for brunch, but I know from experience that the mac n' cheese and yams are awesome and also two of my FAVORITE dishes for the soul!
All the way to Paschal's I reminded myself that no matter what is on the buffet, I MUST make good choices. To my surprise, Paschal gave me a little help. The buffet was set up at one end of the bar area. One each side of the bar there is a very large mirror. Just before I picked up my plate (which are a very great, small sized--but folks did pile them high to make up for it), I turned and looked right in the mirror.
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has gone from wearing XL to small? I couldn't resist. Forgive me.
Anyhoo, I did look in the mirror got a reminder glimpse that I have worked really hard to get to this stage of my journey. I worked really hard just a couple hours before during my Insanity session. I refused to blow it by "getting my money's worth" at the buffet.
With this reminder, I made excellent choices without feeling deprived--focusing on loading up half my plate with the yummy collard greens and having NO DESSERT! I drank lots of water, and left feeling delighted and satisfied--not stuffed.
Perhaps all buffets should have such mirrors!
While on the subject of buffets, Sweetie told me about an article he read that discussed how ridiculous the eating can get at buffets. The writer asked readers to imagine they were ordering straight from the menu all the things/quantity of food they get off the buffet. Pretty profound. Something definitely to be remembered!
All the way to Paschal's I reminded myself that no matter what is on the buffet, I MUST make good choices. To my surprise, Paschal gave me a little help. The buffet was set up at one end of the bar area. One each side of the bar there is a very large mirror. Just before I picked up my plate (which are a very great, small sized--but folks did pile them high to make up for it), I turned and looked right in the mirror.
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has gone from wearing XL to small? I couldn't resist. Forgive me.
Anyhoo, I did look in the mirror got a reminder glimpse that I have worked really hard to get to this stage of my journey. I worked really hard just a couple hours before during my Insanity session. I refused to blow it by "getting my money's worth" at the buffet.
With this reminder, I made excellent choices without feeling deprived--focusing on loading up half my plate with the yummy collard greens and having NO DESSERT! I drank lots of water, and left feeling delighted and satisfied--not stuffed.
Perhaps all buffets should have such mirrors!
While on the subject of buffets, Sweetie told me about an article he read that discussed how ridiculous the eating can get at buffets. The writer asked readers to imagine they were ordering straight from the menu all the things/quantity of food they get off the buffet. Pretty profound. Something definitely to be remembered!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Simple Plan for Fat Loss
I have been on this journey for almost five years now. I have accomplished quite a bit, but as anyone who knows me knows--I'm not finished yet!
This journey will never stop--even when I get to my ideal healthy body fat percentage and desired sculpting of my muscles, the journey to maintain will have to continue.
But, I'm not in maintenance mode yet. I must keep learning about nutrition for fat loss and reinforce what I already know.
Today, Sweetie sent me an article on 10 Tips for Sports Nutrition which lead me to do further research on resources listed. I came across Precision Nutrition. My friend "A" had mentioned her interest in this plan, but I never really looked into it.
Well, today was the day. As typical these days, much of the information from the article and Precision Nutrition website contained familiar concepts and tips for fat loss. But what caught my attention today was the simplicity of the formula for fat loss outlined by the Precision Nutrition founder.
To Lose Fat (and in my case WIN), here is the formula (my own emphasis added):
Calories-DOWN
Protein-UP
REPLACE some carbs with VEGGIES
REPLACE bad fats with GOOD ones
There it is--what I already knew--plain and simple. Actually, I have been following this formula, but perhaps not with (ahem) precision. I have veggies with at least 4 out 5-6 meals a day. I haven't really been eating any bad fats in the last 5 years, but I have increased my level of healthy fats.
However, I think I need to tweak the Calories Down piece. I'm looking leaner, but my weight is not what I think it should be at this stage of the journey. I'm maintaining my weight, but I still want to lose. I think my effort to increase my protein and healthy fat intake undermined the calories down piece of the formula. I need to find the right balance between these three concepts, and I actually think this will not be difficult.
All I need to do is focus on the formula and be even more strategic about planning my meals.
THIS I CAN DO! THIS I WILL DO!
This renewed focus along with my Insanity challenge should yield the results I desire.
Stay tuned!
This journey will never stop--even when I get to my ideal healthy body fat percentage and desired sculpting of my muscles, the journey to maintain will have to continue.
But, I'm not in maintenance mode yet. I must keep learning about nutrition for fat loss and reinforce what I already know.
Today, Sweetie sent me an article on 10 Tips for Sports Nutrition which lead me to do further research on resources listed. I came across Precision Nutrition. My friend "A" had mentioned her interest in this plan, but I never really looked into it.
Well, today was the day. As typical these days, much of the information from the article and Precision Nutrition website contained familiar concepts and tips for fat loss. But what caught my attention today was the simplicity of the formula for fat loss outlined by the Precision Nutrition founder.
To Lose Fat (and in my case WIN), here is the formula (my own emphasis added):
Calories-DOWN
Protein-UP
REPLACE some carbs with VEGGIES
REPLACE bad fats with GOOD ones
There it is--what I already knew--plain and simple. Actually, I have been following this formula, but perhaps not with (ahem) precision. I have veggies with at least 4 out 5-6 meals a day. I haven't really been eating any bad fats in the last 5 years, but I have increased my level of healthy fats.
However, I think I need to tweak the Calories Down piece. I'm looking leaner, but my weight is not what I think it should be at this stage of the journey. I'm maintaining my weight, but I still want to lose. I think my effort to increase my protein and healthy fat intake undermined the calories down piece of the formula. I need to find the right balance between these three concepts, and I actually think this will not be difficult.
All I need to do is focus on the formula and be even more strategic about planning my meals.
THIS I CAN DO! THIS I WILL DO!
This renewed focus along with my Insanity challenge should yield the results I desire.
Stay tuned!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Digging this Insanity!
I am now in Week 2 of Insanity, and I am really DIGGING this workout series!
So what is Shay Shay digging?
1. It's tough! I really needed something to push me. I have always underestimated workout DVDs and their ability to push me. Well Shaun T is THE MAN!
2. The insanity is temporary! While I am in the middle of the workout, I sometimes think, "I am crazy for doing this?!?!?!" NO, THIS WORKOUT IS CRAZY! There are points when I really do want to stop, turn off the DVD and stretch out on the floor. Then I remind myself of my goals, keep pushing, and BAM---I'm done! (NOTE: The counter on the screen helps because you can see there is an end to the insanity.) Once it's over, I feel great and all the insanity disappears. What is left is a great sense of accomplishment, and this awesome feelings lasts throughout the day!
3. It's portable! I travel quite a bit for work, and most hotel gyms are just mediocre (on top of my love/hate relationship with cardio machines). Being able to keep up the insanity while on the road is priceless!
4. The stretches! I really love that Shaun T makes me (as if he is in my living room) stretch after the "warm up". The Insanity warm-up is more like a HOT-up! It's a cardio workout all by itself. Half-way through the HOT-up, I am waiting for the stretch! I am bad about stretching, so it's good that Shaun T. incorporates good stretching during and after the workout.
5. Shaun T-isms: "Get Fit or Get Out"; "I'm not trying to hurt you; I'm trying to make you better"; when jogging to stay loose "pretend like you have a potato chip in your hand, pump your arms, keep your jaws loose." Really, a Shaun T, a potato chip--now that's funny! How about a raw almond or apple slice instead Shaun T?
I could go on, but let me get through another week first before I get ahead of myself (smiles).
Shay Shay would love to get asked by bodybuilding.com/Shaun T/Insanity to promote this product, but right now I'm just sharing my journey and how this particular program is helping me. No endorsement checks in the mail for Shay Shay (at least not yet. hint hint).
So what is Shay Shay digging?
1. It's tough! I really needed something to push me. I have always underestimated workout DVDs and their ability to push me. Well Shaun T is THE MAN!
2. The insanity is temporary! While I am in the middle of the workout, I sometimes think, "I am crazy for doing this?!?!?!" NO, THIS WORKOUT IS CRAZY! There are points when I really do want to stop, turn off the DVD and stretch out on the floor. Then I remind myself of my goals, keep pushing, and BAM---I'm done! (NOTE: The counter on the screen helps because you can see there is an end to the insanity.) Once it's over, I feel great and all the insanity disappears. What is left is a great sense of accomplishment, and this awesome feelings lasts throughout the day!
3. It's portable! I travel quite a bit for work, and most hotel gyms are just mediocre (on top of my love/hate relationship with cardio machines). Being able to keep up the insanity while on the road is priceless!
4. The stretches! I really love that Shaun T makes me (as if he is in my living room) stretch after the "warm up". The Insanity warm-up is more like a HOT-up! It's a cardio workout all by itself. Half-way through the HOT-up, I am waiting for the stretch! I am bad about stretching, so it's good that Shaun T. incorporates good stretching during and after the workout.
5. Shaun T-isms: "Get Fit or Get Out"; "I'm not trying to hurt you; I'm trying to make you better"; when jogging to stay loose "pretend like you have a potato chip in your hand, pump your arms, keep your jaws loose." Really, a Shaun T, a potato chip--now that's funny! How about a raw almond or apple slice instead Shaun T?
I could go on, but let me get through another week first before I get ahead of myself (smiles).
Shay Shay would love to get asked by bodybuilding.com/Shaun T/Insanity to promote this product, but right now I'm just sharing my journey and how this particular program is helping me. No endorsement checks in the mail for Shay Shay (at least not yet. hint hint).
Monday, February 6, 2012
Digging Deeper: My Insanity Challenge!
I have been TALKING about HARDCORE results for quite some time now! I have made significant progress and man folks THINK I should be done--but they just don't understand the goals I have set for myself.
June will mark 5 Years since I started eating clean and seriously studying what it takes to build a more fit physique. I am DETERMINED (again, I know) to reach my goal of 18-21% Body Fat and wearing that bikini by the time I celebrate 5 Years on this journey.
To do this I must do as Shaun T says: DIG DEEPER! I need to push myself even harder than I ever have before!
This morning I did the first full Insanity workout. OFF THE CHAIN! To finish and keep my form, I will have to DIG DEEPER! I am officially starting my own Insanity Challenge. I am going to make the most of the next 60 days and then keep Pressing Toward the a Full Celebration of 5 Years of Losing Fat an Winning!
Let's Go Shay Shay! Let's Go!
June will mark 5 Years since I started eating clean and seriously studying what it takes to build a more fit physique. I am DETERMINED (again, I know) to reach my goal of 18-21% Body Fat and wearing that bikini by the time I celebrate 5 Years on this journey.
To do this I must do as Shaun T says: DIG DEEPER! I need to push myself even harder than I ever have before!
This morning I did the first full Insanity workout. OFF THE CHAIN! To finish and keep my form, I will have to DIG DEEPER! I am officially starting my own Insanity Challenge. I am going to make the most of the next 60 days and then keep Pressing Toward the a Full Celebration of 5 Years of Losing Fat an Winning!
Let's Go Shay Shay! Let's Go!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Going Insane!
In a January 5, 2010 post, I vowed that I was STOPPING the INSANITY! I committed to breaking the cycle of getting close to my goals and then getting off track only to find myself gaining fat again!
While the journey has not always been straight since then, I am proud to say that I am now the fittest and leanest that I have ever been--probably in my life! Yet, I am still short of my goals. As I have confessed over the last month or so, I have not been putting in the work that I need to reach my goals--especially in the gym! With the clean eating, I am great during the week, but not so much on the weekends (another issue I have addressed on this blog--you really can blow a week of progress just on the weekend!).
Anyhoo, I have been hearing about Shaun T's Insanity program for a long time now.
http://www.beachbody.com/text/products/programs/insanity/popup_wht_control/shaun.html
Those that have committed to it have gotten great results. Now that I am on hiatus with training with a personal trainer, I need something to get me in gear! Just going to the gym, lifting, and getting on cardio machines just wasn't doing it for me (more like I wasn't doing what I needed to do on my own!). I needed to shake up things!
After speaking with a colleague who used Insanity to prepare for fantasy baseball training camp and shedded about 5% body fat in the process, I put out a request on Facebook to see if anyone had the Insanity Program that they wanted unload. A tennis pal of mine answered! She has recently totally changed her physique and looks great! Real live results-love it!
After a couple days of hesitation, I finally did the Fit Test this morning. Apparently lots of people have not survived the Fit Test. So, although I am in good shape, I still wasn't sure if I was ready to be humbled by Shaun T!
The Fit Test was indeed a CHALLENGE! But Shay Shay survived! I am thankful for the foundation I have built through my previous work with trainers (THANK YOU ALL). I am convinced the foundation is a must! Jumping into Insanity without some sort of fitness training foundation could be dicey!
Here is where I am:
1. Switch Kicks (2 Kicks=1 Rep): 56
2. Power Jacks: 54
3. Power Knees: 80
4. Power Jumps: 28
5. Globe Jumps: 6
6. Suicide Jumps: 14
7. Push-up Jacks: 15
8. Low Plank Oblique: 45
I am really glad that I got off my rump and plunged into Insanity this morning. I am looking forward to seeing the results!
P.S. I am no longer going to make the Arnold Sports Festival this year. My schedule just will not allow it, but I will make it there one year! When I do, I will look like I belong!
While the journey has not always been straight since then, I am proud to say that I am now the fittest and leanest that I have ever been--probably in my life! Yet, I am still short of my goals. As I have confessed over the last month or so, I have not been putting in the work that I need to reach my goals--especially in the gym! With the clean eating, I am great during the week, but not so much on the weekends (another issue I have addressed on this blog--you really can blow a week of progress just on the weekend!).
Anyhoo, I have been hearing about Shaun T's Insanity program for a long time now.
http://www.beachbody.com/text/products/programs/insanity/popup_wht_control/shaun.html
Those that have committed to it have gotten great results. Now that I am on hiatus with training with a personal trainer, I need something to get me in gear! Just going to the gym, lifting, and getting on cardio machines just wasn't doing it for me (more like I wasn't doing what I needed to do on my own!). I needed to shake up things!
After speaking with a colleague who used Insanity to prepare for fantasy baseball training camp and shedded about 5% body fat in the process, I put out a request on Facebook to see if anyone had the Insanity Program that they wanted unload. A tennis pal of mine answered! She has recently totally changed her physique and looks great! Real live results-love it!
After a couple days of hesitation, I finally did the Fit Test this morning. Apparently lots of people have not survived the Fit Test. So, although I am in good shape, I still wasn't sure if I was ready to be humbled by Shaun T!
The Fit Test was indeed a CHALLENGE! But Shay Shay survived! I am thankful for the foundation I have built through my previous work with trainers (THANK YOU ALL). I am convinced the foundation is a must! Jumping into Insanity without some sort of fitness training foundation could be dicey!
Here is where I am:
1. Switch Kicks (2 Kicks=1 Rep): 56
2. Power Jacks: 54
3. Power Knees: 80
4. Power Jumps: 28
5. Globe Jumps: 6
6. Suicide Jumps: 14
7. Push-up Jacks: 15
8. Low Plank Oblique: 45
I am really glad that I got off my rump and plunged into Insanity this morning. I am looking forward to seeing the results!
P.S. I am no longer going to make the Arnold Sports Festival this year. My schedule just will not allow it, but I will make it there one year! When I do, I will look like I belong!
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