Core Cardio & Balance
Today I was at 185.4 lbs! That's a nice milestone I'm happy to hit. I had dropped from 200 to 190 really fast, but the last 5 lbs were much slower. Myself and others can tell a difference in those 15 lbs. That's like dropping a bowling ball! I googled '15 lb fish' to get a visual on what kind of size 15 lbs is, it's amazing. I have pants that don't fit anymore and belts that are becoming too large (can use 4th hole from end on them). Although I'm more lean, I haven't noticed any particular increase in arm muscles though, but no loss either. My quads though seem bigger and defined when I flexed them last night.
Today's is the first day of the 'recovery week' and the routine was new to me:
Core Cardio & Balance.
Although it's recovery, the cardio was still pretty good - you just get some more rest in between. No pauses on this tape were needed. And after reading others experiences on the 'shoulder burner' exercises, I am proud to say I made it through those successfully without dropping my arms. I could feel the burn though, just kept going. On another part though where you balance on one leg and extend, I lost my balance more than once and had to restart - might be my goal for this week to tackle that.
Overall, I really liked this DVD. I could see people using it as a daily maintenance kind of routine later on post-Insanity.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Insanity Workout - Day 22 (Week 4 day 1)
Pure Cardio + Cardio Abs
I haven't logged about Insanity since the last Pure Cardio by coincidence. The discs by this point have repeated enough that there isn't much to report differently. I did run into someone today though that I hadn't seen in a few months and he said he could visibly tell I had lost weight just by my face. I thought that was interesting because although I can tell I have a flatter stomach, I didn't realize my face had tightened up.
I felt really strong through the warm-up this time. Often times in the first round of the warm-up the jumping jacks would hurt my legs slightly but then that would ease up. This time I felt really comfortable which was nice. Later in Cardio Abs though with the "jump and bring elbows to knees" move though, I started feeling some pain so slowed that down real quick.
I got further into Pure Cardio than I had before and only paused 3 times. One obviously needed, the other two I did to make sure I could execute the moves strongly. For example, I felt OK at the last exercise (push up jacks) but took a quick pause/break so I could do that intensely.
I was 187.0 lbs this morning. Looking forward to breaking into 186 territory any day and eventually the 185 milestone. I'm feeling like the rest of this month won't be a problem to execute on and glad I'll start seeing some different videos soon (even though I hear they're rough!).
Another very welcome change, my blood pressure has improved dramatically. When I started I read 128/78 (pre-hypertension range). I've steadily gone down and now am at 105 / 67 which is near athlete territory, sweet!
I haven't logged about Insanity since the last Pure Cardio by coincidence. The discs by this point have repeated enough that there isn't much to report differently. I did run into someone today though that I hadn't seen in a few months and he said he could visibly tell I had lost weight just by my face. I thought that was interesting because although I can tell I have a flatter stomach, I didn't realize my face had tightened up.
I felt really strong through the warm-up this time. Often times in the first round of the warm-up the jumping jacks would hurt my legs slightly but then that would ease up. This time I felt really comfortable which was nice. Later in Cardio Abs though with the "jump and bring elbows to knees" move though, I started feeling some pain so slowed that down real quick.
I got further into Pure Cardio than I had before and only paused 3 times. One obviously needed, the other two I did to make sure I could execute the moves strongly. For example, I felt OK at the last exercise (push up jacks) but took a quick pause/break so I could do that intensely.
I was 187.0 lbs this morning. Looking forward to breaking into 186 territory any day and eventually the 185 milestone. I'm feeling like the rest of this month won't be a problem to execute on and glad I'll start seeing some different videos soon (even though I hear they're rough!).
Another very welcome change, my blood pressure has improved dramatically. When I started I read 128/78 (pre-hypertension range). I've steadily gone down and now am at 105 / 67 which is near athlete territory, sweet!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Insanity Workout - Day 17 (Week 3 day 3)
Pure Cardio + Cardio Abs
These things just don't seem to get any easier! I'll be really impressed with myself if I ever get to a fitness level to complete this guy even with only 1-2 breaks. But got it knocked out for today.
I did this earlier in the day so decided to do Cardio Abs in the evening instead of right after Pure Cardio. I remember from last time it had it's own warm-up, cool-down, so figured it would go well that way. Well, I think they should be done back-to-back now. I was mostly sitting at work today and when I got home to Cardio Abs, all the jumping moves in the beginning really pained my knees. I had to phone that part in as best I could. But like before, the Ab-exercises were welcome since they're a change of pace.
Those C-sit moves can really bring pain to your mid-section!
These things just don't seem to get any easier! I'll be really impressed with myself if I ever get to a fitness level to complete this guy even with only 1-2 breaks. But got it knocked out for today.
I did this earlier in the day so decided to do Cardio Abs in the evening instead of right after Pure Cardio. I remember from last time it had it's own warm-up, cool-down, so figured it would go well that way. Well, I think they should be done back-to-back now. I was mostly sitting at work today and when I got home to Cardio Abs, all the jumping moves in the beginning really pained my knees. I had to phone that part in as best I could. But like before, the Ab-exercises were welcome since they're a change of pace.
Those C-sit moves can really bring pain to your mid-section!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Insanity Workout - Day 16 (Week 3 day 2)
Plyometric Cardio Circuit
Knocked this out during lunch hour. My energy level was down quite a bit so not sure I started this one with full energy/passion. The warm up got me going though and worked up a good sweat into the stretching. Threw in about 3-4 pauses on the rest of the session, mostly at the existing breaks just to give me an extra 30-seconds or so to recover better. The last sprint is nice where the music changes and Shaun T is inspiring people. My legs were giving out on those in-out abs section and cheated a bit moving legs one at a time when I couldn't jump them in. But finally the punching-sequence kicked in where you know it's all downhill!
After working out and getting a meal, energy levels were way up, alert, and feeling good.
Knocked this out during lunch hour. My energy level was down quite a bit so not sure I started this one with full energy/passion. The warm up got me going though and worked up a good sweat into the stretching. Threw in about 3-4 pauses on the rest of the session, mostly at the existing breaks just to give me an extra 30-seconds or so to recover better. The last sprint is nice where the music changes and Shaun T is inspiring people. My legs were giving out on those in-out abs section and cheated a bit moving legs one at a time when I couldn't jump them in. But finally the punching-sequence kicked in where you know it's all downhill!
After working out and getting a meal, energy levels were way up, alert, and feeling good.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Insanity Workout - Day 15 (Week 3 day 1)
Fit Test #2, and beginning of week 3!!
Excited to make it to week 3, but I was dreading this next fit test a little because of my experience on the first one. Also because I know it starts with switch kicks which tire me out. :)
My numbers went as follows:
Move Day 1 Day 15
------------ --- ---
Switch Kicks ? 51 (i.e. 102 kicks)
Power Jacks 33 37
Power Knees 60 75
Power Jumps 12 26
Globe Jumps 3 6
Suicide Jumps 7 10
Push-up Jacks 6 17
Low Oblique 30 51 (i.e. counting each knee)
Lots of sweat! Some definite improvements and most importantly no throwing up. :) Recovered pretty quickly.
Excited to make it to week 3, but I was dreading this next fit test a little because of my experience on the first one. Also because I know it starts with switch kicks which tire me out. :)
My numbers went as follows:
Move Day 1 Day 15
------------ --- ---
Switch Kicks ? 51 (i.e. 102 kicks)
Power Jacks 33 37
Power Knees 60 75
Power Jumps 12 26
Globe Jumps 3 6
Suicide Jumps 7 10
Push-up Jacks 6 17
Low Oblique 30 51 (i.e. counting each knee)
Lots of sweat! Some definite improvements and most importantly no throwing up. :) Recovered pretty quickly.
Insanity Workout - Day 14 (Week 2 day 7)
Off day. This day came perfectly timed as I needed a break.
One big update though, I am now at 188.8 lbs! In a way I'm starting to get worried about losing too much weight so am looking into ways to add extra healthy calories. I'll probably focus on that more intently once hitting ~180.
I took some more pictures and absolutely see a difference in only 14 days which is amazing.
One big update though, I am now at 188.8 lbs! In a way I'm starting to get worried about losing too much weight so am looking into ways to add extra healthy calories. I'll probably focus on that more intently once hitting ~180.
I took some more pictures and absolutely see a difference in only 14 days which is amazing.
Insanity Workout - Day 13 (Week 2 day 6)
Pure Cardio + Cardio Abs
The first part, Pure Cardio, went about the same as before. At the end I was pretty tired but sucked it up and hit play on Cardio Abs. Although tired, it was refreshing to have a different disc and moves to go through. Those C-sit moves made my body tremble quite a bit trying to eek out extra reps. I could feel my mid-section being worked hard so it's definitely targeting the abs.
Outside of the workout, I noticed my appetite went up. I was hungry just a short time after eating breakfast.
The first part, Pure Cardio, went about the same as before. At the end I was pretty tired but sucked it up and hit play on Cardio Abs. Although tired, it was refreshing to have a different disc and moves to go through. Those C-sit moves made my body tremble quite a bit trying to eek out extra reps. I could feel my mid-section being worked hard so it's definitely targeting the abs.
Outside of the workout, I noticed my appetite went up. I was hungry just a short time after eating breakfast.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Insanity Workout - Day 12 (Week 2 day 5)
'Cardio Power and Resistance'
Finished today, although if I wasn't doing a "60-day challenge", I would have skipped today since I wasn't in a workout mood. But hit play and jumped in.
This workout seems a lot easier than the others. The only part that seemed to give me trouble was the power squats and jumps which started to hurt my knees a bit. I modified those half way in so not to risk injury. One other interesting difference tonight was my heart rate wasn't as high as at other times, I found it was at most 170 when checking which either meant I wasn't pushing as hard or getting more in shape.
I was 190.8 on the scale today. I'm expecting to go below 190 in the next few days which will be the first time in quite a while.
Finished today, although if I wasn't doing a "60-day challenge", I would have skipped today since I wasn't in a workout mood. But hit play and jumped in.
This workout seems a lot easier than the others. The only part that seemed to give me trouble was the power squats and jumps which started to hurt my knees a bit. I modified those half way in so not to risk injury. One other interesting difference tonight was my heart rate wasn't as high as at other times, I found it was at most 170 when checking which either meant I wasn't pushing as hard or getting more in shape.
I was 190.8 on the scale today. I'm expecting to go below 190 in the next few days which will be the first time in quite a while.
Insanity Workout - Day 11 (Week 2 day 4)
A very welcome 'Cardio Recovery' today.
As usual, things go smooth until that 'hold it' squat.
I found though I've been having my knees too far forward which
made it harder than normal. After adjusting I could hold a bit
longer but not long enough
As usual, things go smooth until that 'hold it' squat.
I found though I've been having my knees too far forward which
made it harder than normal. After adjusting I could hold a bit
longer but not long enough
Friday, May 13, 2011
Insanity Workout - Day 10 (Week 2 day 3)
Another checkbox earned.
Finished warm-up strong and felt good with it. Heart rate ended at 190 but I didn't feel gassed. I was feeling good and started thinking I might get through things. After the stretch, I felt strong into the circuit but soon had to take a break. At this point, I started struggling a lot with this routine and it started to seem harder than pure cardio yesterday. Hit a few more pauses one especially after tiring myself on the push-ups. In the end, it felt really good to get to the punching finale.
A tough day done. I'm not sure what played into this days results in how I started really strong then seemed to fade as it went on. I'd like to think it was from doing more intensity which is what I like about Insanity - even if you get more fit, you'll just push harder and still get wiped.
Finished warm-up strong and felt good with it. Heart rate ended at 190 but I didn't feel gassed. I was feeling good and started thinking I might get through things. After the stretch, I felt strong into the circuit but soon had to take a break. At this point, I started struggling a lot with this routine and it started to seem harder than pure cardio yesterday. Hit a few more pauses one especially after tiring myself on the push-ups. In the end, it felt really good to get to the punching finale.
A tough day done. I'm not sure what played into this days results in how I started really strong then seemed to fade as it went on. I'd like to think it was from doing more intensity which is what I like about Insanity - even if you get more fit, you'll just push harder and still get wiped.
Insanity Workout - Day 9 (Week 2 day 2)
This post recreated because Blogger.com had server issues the last 2 days and deleted my prior day log :(
-------
Pure Cardio! This is a challenge as before, but I got passed the warm-up and held strong through a lot of the routines.
I thought after finishing this one that I'd be coasting the rest of the week but then saw the end of this week is Pure Cardio again (!) but also Cardio Abs on the same day (!!). We'll see how that turns out.
-------
Pure Cardio! This is a challenge as before, but I got passed the warm-up and held strong through a lot of the routines.
I thought after finishing this one that I'd be coasting the rest of the week but then saw the end of this week is Pure Cardio again (!) but also Cardio Abs on the same day (!!). We'll see how that turns out.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Insanity Workout - Day 8
Another day, another insane workout! Routine: Cardio Power & Resistance.
This is my second time on this workout and I definitely felt stronger this time, especially in my legs. Of course, it still wasn't much easier! I was proud of my push-up performance though, executing ~90% of them.
One thing that possibly helped leg/knee-wise was that I picked up some better shoes as recommended by others (cross-trainers). These seemed to give better support.
Another note, I weighed 192.4 this morning! I've lost a decent bit of fat already.
This is my second time on this workout and I definitely felt stronger this time, especially in my legs. Of course, it still wasn't much easier! I was proud of my push-up performance though, executing ~90% of them.
One thing that possibly helped leg/knee-wise was that I picked up some better shoes as recommended by others (cross-trainers). These seemed to give better support.
Another note, I weighed 192.4 this morning! I've lost a decent bit of fat already.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Insanity Workout - Day 7
Off day! It's nice they have these in the schedule. :)
The soreness from day 1-2 have gradually slipped away and today there's no soreness to speak of. I'm feeling great, like doing another Insanity workout! But I'm sticking to the plan and letting my body rest today.
The soreness from day 1-2 have gradually slipped away and today there's no soreness to speak of. I'm feeling great, like doing another Insanity workout! But I'm sticking to the plan and letting my body rest today.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Insanity Workout - Day 6
Another sweaty Insanity workout down! And that means Week 1 complete!!
This is a repeat of Day 2's workout "Plyometric Cardio Circuit."
I got through the warm-ups a little easier and ended with 185 heart rate. Paused until back to 170 then continued. After the stretches and into the circuit, I only got perhaps 5 minutes in before pausing again (180+ HR), and continued that way a few times to the end.
The hardest parts for me were:
- Ski jumps: for some reason these bothered my knees, may have to check my form.
- The "Level 1 drill" sequence that repeats with 4-push ups, I had to just perform it as fast I could.
In the end though, another great HIIT work-out with lots of sweat. Looking forward to the off day tomorrow.
PS: Today I was at 194.4 lbs, falling steadily.
This is a repeat of Day 2's workout "Plyometric Cardio Circuit."
I got through the warm-ups a little easier and ended with 185 heart rate. Paused until back to 170 then continued. After the stretches and into the circuit, I only got perhaps 5 minutes in before pausing again (180+ HR), and continued that way a few times to the end.
The hardest parts for me were:
- Ski jumps: for some reason these bothered my knees, may have to check my form.
- The "Level 1 drill" sequence that repeats with 4-push ups, I had to just perform it as fast I could.
In the end though, another great HIIT work-out with lots of sweat. Looking forward to the off day tomorrow.
PS: Today I was at 194.4 lbs, falling steadily.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Insanity Workout - Day 5
Another day down! I normally workout in the afternoons but did this one in the morning.
This routine was called 'Pure Cardio' and was rough. I took some breaks but got the job done and unloaded a lot of sweat. I read a bit of others' experiences before trying it so wasn't caught off guard by Shaun's warning that he was nervous about the exercise and his famous comment at the end "This @#@$@ is bananas" LOL.
The gotcha is there is a 15-minute sequence of non-stop cardio with no breaks.
The warm ups went smoothly, seemed a little easier on this one. I paused at the end of the warm-ups to make sure I was ready to go. It's intense if you're pushing through. I had to pause for a minute every 5 minutes to keep heart rate down and water up. I wasn't too disappointed doing this because some of the cast members were taking breaks too.
One interesting note I observed -- somewhere in the middle of the cardio, Shaun suggests pushing through because the next exercise is a little bit of break. The exercise he was referring to is 'Scissor Runs' and for some reason this was no break to me, I got me tired fast on those!
This routine was called 'Pure Cardio' and was rough. I took some breaks but got the job done and unloaded a lot of sweat. I read a bit of others' experiences before trying it so wasn't caught off guard by Shaun's warning that he was nervous about the exercise and his famous comment at the end "This @#@$@ is bananas" LOL.
The gotcha is there is a 15-minute sequence of non-stop cardio with no breaks.
The warm ups went smoothly, seemed a little easier on this one. I paused at the end of the warm-ups to make sure I was ready to go. It's intense if you're pushing through. I had to pause for a minute every 5 minutes to keep heart rate down and water up. I wasn't too disappointed doing this because some of the cast members were taking breaks too.
One interesting note I observed -- somewhere in the middle of the cardio, Shaun suggests pushing through because the next exercise is a little bit of break. The exercise he was referring to is 'Scissor Runs' and for some reason this was no break to me, I got me tired fast on those!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Insanity Workout - Day 4
Finished Day 4. Today's insanity routine was 'Cardio Recovery'. If you're on this day, this will be a welcome treat.
My kids were bored so decided to join in with me. Based on other routines, I think they expected a bunch of fast cardio. However, everything starts out really smooth and you're thinking "OK, I'll waltz through this and get in some nice stretching." Everything seemed easy until he had us hold a squat - my legs couldn't hold that very long so had to get up shake it off and get back into position. Other than those 'hold it' moves, everything else is not that demanding which is welcome! :)
I'm hearing tomorrow's routine though ("Pure Cardio") is totally insane! So hopefully these stretches and break will prepare us for it.
My kids were bored so decided to join in with me. Based on other routines, I think they expected a bunch of fast cardio. However, everything starts out really smooth and you're thinking "OK, I'll waltz through this and get in some nice stretching." Everything seemed easy until he had us hold a squat - my legs couldn't hold that very long so had to get up shake it off and get back into position. Other than those 'hold it' moves, everything else is not that demanding which is welcome! :)
I'm hearing tomorrow's routine though ("Pure Cardio") is totally insane! So hopefully these stretches and break will prepare us for it.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Insanity Workout - Day 3
Day 3 complete! Lots of sweat but I feel some improvement in endurance.
One definite help by this point is realizing how to pace yourself better (as well as making sure you have plenty of water and a sweat towel handy). My pace usually ends with me at ~185-190 heart rate for each break. I'm definitely slower than the trainers but able to complete the sets.
The hardest move for me seemed to be the 'floor sprints' (aka mountain climbers). These are the ones where you're in a push up position but you run with your legs bringing your knee in. Something I need to practice, either in form or building up the muscles involved (my quads most likely).
Btw: I started the diet for the program a day early to rehearse how I was going to eat 5 times a day. I weighed 199.0 pounds. This morning (4th day on diet, 3rd day of insanity but before 3rd workout) I was at 195.8, so definitely some weight loss improvement, either from just the diet or both.
One definite help by this point is realizing how to pace yourself better (as well as making sure you have plenty of water and a sweat towel handy). My pace usually ends with me at ~185-190 heart rate for each break. I'm definitely slower than the trainers but able to complete the sets.
The hardest move for me seemed to be the 'floor sprints' (aka mountain climbers). These are the ones where you're in a push up position but you run with your legs bringing your knee in. Something I need to practice, either in form or building up the muscles involved (my quads most likely).
Btw: I started the diet for the program a day early to rehearse how I was going to eat 5 times a day. I weighed 199.0 pounds. This morning (4th day on diet, 3rd day of insanity but before 3rd workout) I was at 195.8, so definitely some weight loss improvement, either from just the diet or both.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Insanity Workout - Day 2
Just finished Day 2 of Insanity! Yay!
After my experience on Day 1 (puking at end), I read up on others similar experiences and concluded it was because my heart rate got too high. I picked up a heart rate monitor as others suggested and this time paused the DVD whenever my heart rate was in the 190s. I only paused for a minute though to make sure my heart rate got back to 170 and breath caught up. I think this was key because even doing that I had a burp or two similar to day 1 where on that day I eventually threw up. But this time, none of that. The workout was still a struggle though even with the extra pauses.
I believe this workout identified my biggest challenge - leg strength. I found through the first 20 minutes or so, my upper body felt great but my legs were turning mushy. I think I'll start doing much better all around once they get some improvement.
Lots of sweat and struggle so I got a great work-out. But there's a LOT of room for improvement and I'm looking forward to being able to keep up in the future and power through the entire session.
PS: Even though it feels like cheating with the pauses, it seems like the right thing to do if your heart rate is really high so I'd recommend that to others. If I kept going instead of pausing today I wouldn't have continued the moves as strongly. And even with pausing, it's still high intensity interval training, just with a longer interval (they only give 30 seconds which feels like just enough to water up and wipe sweat off).
Hang in there!
After my experience on Day 1 (puking at end), I read up on others similar experiences and concluded it was because my heart rate got too high. I picked up a heart rate monitor as others suggested and this time paused the DVD whenever my heart rate was in the 190s. I only paused for a minute though to make sure my heart rate got back to 170 and breath caught up. I think this was key because even doing that I had a burp or two similar to day 1 where on that day I eventually threw up. But this time, none of that. The workout was still a struggle though even with the extra pauses.
I believe this workout identified my biggest challenge - leg strength. I found through the first 20 minutes or so, my upper body felt great but my legs were turning mushy. I think I'll start doing much better all around once they get some improvement.
Lots of sweat and struggle so I got a great work-out. But there's a LOT of room for improvement and I'm looking forward to being able to keep up in the future and power through the entire session.
PS: Even though it feels like cheating with the pauses, it seems like the right thing to do if your heart rate is really high so I'd recommend that to others. If I kept going instead of pausing today I wouldn't have continued the moves as strongly. And even with pausing, it's still high intensity interval training, just with a longer interval (they only give 30 seconds which feels like just enough to water up and wipe sweat off).
Hang in there!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Insanity Workout - Day 1
Ok like others who have done this and posted online about it, I now too have officially gotten my butt kicked by Shaun T and his Insanity Workout program!
I was a little intimidated how all the comments I read warned about "lying on the floor gasping for air" and even "puking on the floor." But I figured I'd just end up like what others described as a "pool of sweat."
Well, I ended up in the category of all three! At the end I was very sweaty and literally on the floor just trying to get in air. And after getting up a little too soon to wander over for a drink, ended up vomiting!
However, a few moments later after my heart finally stopped racing and I got enough air, I felt great, LOL. I filled up on some water and a post workout drink (Myoplex Lite).
I may have to pace myself better on Day 2 as this is an intense workout.
I was a little intimidated how all the comments I read warned about "lying on the floor gasping for air" and even "puking on the floor." But I figured I'd just end up like what others described as a "pool of sweat."
Well, I ended up in the category of all three! At the end I was very sweaty and literally on the floor just trying to get in air. And after getting up a little too soon to wander over for a drink, ended up vomiting!
However, a few moments later after my heart finally stopped racing and I got enough air, I felt great, LOL. I filled up on some water and a post workout drink (Myoplex Lite).
I may have to pace myself better on Day 2 as this is an intense workout.
Jackson
It's been a long time again in between blogs - again mostly due to Facebook being the primary information sharing among friends these days.
Our 3rd child Jackson is 7 weeks now and everything is great. He's been giving us smiles and coos a lot lately and taking a liking to his sister a lot, staring at her intently (we think it's her long hair). He hasn't been fussy much and if he gets that way, he's easy to satisfy (one of diaper, food, or just wants to be held). And like all kids goes asleep immediately if you put him in a car seat, LOL.
Sara is doing great herself, and has a good routine going with him. We couldn't be happier with how everything has been.
Our 3rd child Jackson is 7 weeks now and everything is great. He's been giving us smiles and coos a lot lately and taking a liking to his sister a lot, staring at her intently (we think it's her long hair). He hasn't been fussy much and if he gets that way, he's easy to satisfy (one of diaper, food, or just wants to be held). And like all kids goes asleep immediately if you put him in a car seat, LOL.
Sara is doing great herself, and has a good routine going with him. We couldn't be happier with how everything has been.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
