Friday, January 28, 2011

P90X Round 1 Complete!

I finished 90 Days of P90X!  It's the most intense routine I've Ever Done!  It was 13 weeks of Cardio, Plyometrics, Core, Yoga, and of course, Strength Focus.  We worked out 6 days a week and sometimes 7.  There were difficult times, when we missed days, but overall we only got about a week behind schedule and did all the exercises.  I started out doing the 'Lean' Program and my Husband did 'Classic'. About half way through I intensified my 'Lean' schedule by doing Plyometrics instead of the Cardio X Video.
RESULTS:
Most of my results have come by gains in strength, and knowledge of strength.
I have learned a good system for muscles building, and I have learned how far I am able to push myself to get results.  I began strength training using no weights, 2, 5, and 8 pound weights.  I still use my low weights for 'Pilates' type moves but I am now regularly using 8, 10, and 15 lb weights, and sometimes I try to go higher but can only get a couple reps in with the 20 pounders.
I have also gained quite a bit of flexibility.  Yoga poses have become more and more familiar and comfortable for my body, but I have a long way to basic mastery.  The clearest change has been in my seated toe touch (or hamstring stretch)... Before Day 1 my fingertips were 3 inches from my toes, Now I can easily reach past my toes about 5 inches!  I attribute this to the good warm up and cool down stretches in every dvd, and also to the two days a week of stretch and yoga that are included in the P90X program.
I have not lost any weight, but I am certain that all the pounds of fat I've lost have been replaced by muscle.  I was not able to calculate my body fat percentage until we were already 2 months into the program, and I regret it.
I feel that I have also made gains in cardiovascular health, but my equipment is not very accurate.  According to my $12 heart monitor, my resting heart rate has gone down from 62 to 58 bpm, and I definitely feel more comfortable during cardio workouts.
I'm excited to do my 'after photos', but I haven't had the time just yet.  I think the big changes that you will see will be tone in my legs, arms and shoulders.  Since I carried my daughter in my stomach for 9 months, I'm not surprised to find that my tummy fat has been very stubborn.  My tummy has slimmed down considerably but I was really hoping for a six-pack.
It is very important to note that I didn't just get physical results.  I feel more confident and comfortable in my own body.  I know what I need to do to make gains in my fitness level, and I know that I am capable of so much more than I ever thought!  I would recommend this program to anyone willing to strive for their own greater potential.
WHAT NOW?
Before I started I thought it would be 90 days and then done,  but now I Know that getting fit is ongoing and I  intend to begin the Insanity program (also available from Team Beachbody), or another round of P90X, or perhaps I'll do a little of both........To be Continued........
SPECIAL THANKS TO :  My Wonderful Husband and Daughter, My Supportive Friends, and of Course Team Beachbody and Tony Horton.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Trying Shakeology, Revamping Nutrition Plan

Just got a 30 day supply of this in the mail yesterday.
 I've gone over and over the Nutrition/Supplement Facts, I've watched the Videos, I've Heard Amazing things. Yet with such a big Price Tag, I am Skeptical. We're Working out 5-6 times a week and It is Imperative that we get proper nutrition to support positive change. Considering the High Prices of Local Organic Produce (that Provides the Best Nutrition), and the fact that prep time is becoming an issue, the Price of Shakeology doesn't seem so bad. This Supplement makes it easier to get essential nutrients quickly. That's why I decided to try it, at least one bag.
I'm going to be revamping our nutrition plan for the next few months. I'm hoping to cut costs and fats, while adding a bigger rainbow of nutrients. It won't be easy. Step One will be Reading the Nutrition Book that came with My Insanity DVDs. (We'll be starting Insanity Workouts, on the Tail End of our P90X routine.)
I'm thinking Brown Rice, Whey Protien, and Of course Replanting my Vegetable Garden will be Essential Parts of My New Nutrition Plan. The Shakeology should fill in the holes.
I've also got to cut my body fat % . I'm around 30%, It's a high average, but not acceptable for someone trying to build a Fitness Business.  Besides All That, How Can I Expect You To Try It If I Don't.
Wish Me Luck!
p.s.  yeah it does taste awesome!