Insanity Day 20, Plyometric Cardio Circuit

I can't believe I'm a third of the way through this!!

Today I did the Plyometric Cardio Circuit and I have to tell you this whole Insanity workout just isn't getting any easier. Which it shouldn't, because you should be jumping, running, etc. as hard as you can for as long as you can. I've found that I'm doing the exercises faster and the plyometrics are higher off the ground. I'm also doing more pushups, but I'm still pushing just as hard as I can and still can't get through a workout without taking breaks. I'm taking that to mean I'm doing the workout correctly.

I'm a little dismayed about not losing any weight yet and not getting any of my chub off my stomach, but I have to keep in mind that I have not been dieting at all, and if anything, I'm eating more junk than ever. I will clean up my diet during the second month and if the makers of Insanity are right about how many calories you will burn during the second month, the weight should fall off. All I want to lose is 8-10 pounds.

Tomorrow is a my day off and hopefully my aching back will have time to recoup.

Insanity Day 19, Power Cardio and Resistance

Yesterday I went to my doctor about my lack of energy and this infection on my forhead and he recommended I use Endurolytes by Hammer Nutrition for my lack of energy. I also asked him about recovery nutrition and he recommended something else by Hammer Nutrition, but when I brought up chocolate milk for recovery, he said that would be great as long as I'm not worried about the sugar. I toughed it out last night and got through Pure Cardio, but I didn't have any energy so I definitely didn't have my heart in it and didn't get a great workout.

Today I bought Endurolytes and took 2 about 30 minutes before I started Power Cardio and Resistance. I still didn't have a lot of energy but I actually feel better after this workout than I have been feeling after working out, so maybe there's hope I'll get through the rest of this 2 month program.

Speaking of this 2 month program, I can't believe I'm almost done with week 3 already. Yeahhh!!! I am starting to see a little definition in my shoulders and arms. My pants are feeling a little loose also so maybe I'm getting some results from all this hard work! The weight is about the same, but if I don't gain weight and I lose inches, this program will be a success.

Insanity Day 17, Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs

Yesterday was supposed to be Plyometric Cardio day, but because of a family reunion in a different state in 100 degree weather, it just didn't happen.

Today I'm still feeling run down. What I thought was being tired from doing all this cardio I believe may be my body being run down because of the staph infection. Tomorrow I have a doctor's appt. and will hopefully get some answers. All this information leads to the excuse of why I did not do Pure Cardio today. I got through Cardio Abs (first time) and I can tell you it definitely worked my abs hard. It's short, about 15 minutes, with only jumping exercises during the warm up, but it's a hard workout for your abs and I'm sure I'll be feeling it tomorrow.

I'm feeling guilty for shorting myself out on the Pure Cardio workout, but I just don't have the energy and knowing that I have to get up tomorrow morning and go to work, I just couldn't talk myself into it.

Insanity Day 15, Fit Test

Today I retook the fit test and overall, my numbers have improved. According to the scale, I'm only down .2 pounds, however I'm trying to keep in mind that eating mexican food Thursday night and pizza last night are probably the reason. And of course, because I'm a woman, I can always plead water retention. My fat percentage is down about 2 percent, but in all honesty I haven't been tracking that until today. I do know it was 33.something when I took the first test.

Here's my stats:

I do enjoy doing the Insanity workouts, but my back is starting to feel it. I don't know if I'm going to be able to complete the entire 60 days of this, as I still have another 45 to go and that seems like a long time if my lower back and hips are going to gradually ache more and more.

On another note, a staph infection I got from a spider bite a few months ago is back. I'm guessing the antibiotics didn't knock it all the way out and it's flared up again. So that may be why I've been feeling run down and achy. I'll be calling the doctor Monday and hopefully he's got something else we can try to get rid of it once and for all.

Insanity Day 13, Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs

Pure Cardio still scares me. I believe this is my 3rd time at it. I still have to stop several times during the workout, but I have to admit it does fly by.

Cardio Abs afterwards, are you insane?? Why yes you are, that's why you're called 'Insanity'. I still have yet to do this workout. I did not have the energy to seach for the menu button on m dvd remote, so that was a great excuse to put it off until today, which is my day off. And because it's my day off, I'm not doing Cardio Abs.

I haven't really lost much weight with all this working out, but I have noticed the fat percentage on my scale has dropped down 2%. So I am losing the chub somewhere and all is right with the world.

Now if I just had some energy after doing these workouts!

Insanity Day 12, Cardio Power and Resistance

This Insanity workout just isn't getting much easier. Sure, I am stronger and can do more of the pushup routines. I have more wind. BUT my legs feel like lead each and every time I start the gawd awful warmup. I'm talking about all the workouts in the 1st month of the series. I so dread the second month.

My lower back is starting to ache from this. I'm hoping the Aleve I'm popping after workouts helps keeps that at bay, because if it keeps getting worse, I'm going to have a terrible time getting through another 6 weeks.

Tomorrow, Pure Cardio AND Cardio Abs. 2 workouts. Ugghhhh. Am I going to be able to crawl to karate class afterwards? Stay tuned . . .

Insanity Day 11, Cardio Recovery

Don't let the name fool you, Cardio Recovery has its moments of difficulty. Those deep squats and lunges that you hold and pulse through will leave your legs shaking. Other than that, this is a very calm and relaxing video, with a lot of stretching and yoga-like poses. It's just what you need after 3 days of insane cardio and plyometrics.

I'm finding I'm able to do more of the pushups and more of the squats, lunges and jumps now. I take a fit test Saturday and I think I'm going to be happy with the results.

Insanity Day 10, Plyometric Cardio

Yesterday after work I did Plyometric Cardio, and I have to tell you I really struggled through it. I was exhausted. I'm going to have to eat better or something because I can feel my electrolytes dropping. I got through it, but didn't make it to a karate class afterwards. I did drink a small OJ and a large glass of chocolate milk after the workout and I think that helped and I feel better today.

On a good note, I did do more of the pushups, including the pushup drills, but still not anywhere near what the people on the dvd are doing. I can definitely feel it in my shoulders and my legs are feeling the burn today.

Tonight is Cardio Recovery and I'm looking forward to a workout that doesn't leave me on my hands and knees crawling to the couch to pull myself up.

Insanity Day 9, Pure Cardio

This was my first time doing Pure Cardio and it was pure h - e - double l! I was sweating, winded and my legs felt like lead after the warm up was through. Thankfully Shaun T stretches after the warm up, giving me time to catch my breath and rest my tired legs.

Shaun T said 3 times that he was nervous about this work out. I can definitely see why. There weren't the usual water breaks like in the last videos, just 13 minutes of nonstop cardio and plyometrics. Of course he threw in his favorite too, suicide pushups, of which I doubt I will ever be able to complete a whole circuit.

After the 13 minutes was over, Shaun T laid on the floor, flat on his back, for a minute. I was in that position a couple times during the work out myself.

This work out will test your endurance and strength. I'm already dreading the next time it comes up.

On the upside, I have gotten through (or should I say struggled through) 9 days of this already! I think I can see a slight difference, and I know I've gotten stronger. I've lost a total of 1.8 pounds, and that's without dieting. Saturday I will be taking another picture and doing my second fit test. I'm actually looking forward to seeing the results.

Insanity Day 8, Cardio Power and Resistance

Yesterday, day 7, was my day off and it flew by! It was great not to have to rush home and workout.

Today is the start of my second week (of 8). This workout isn't any easier the second time around. I still can't get through the second set of circuits (all those pushups) without having to take breaks. My arms are trembling and I'm definitely going to feel it tomorrow.

The cardio itself is getting easier. I still get winded and wear out fast, but I'm surviving much more of it than I did last week. Also, I'm familiar with the moves now so it's a little easier to concentrate on my form.

As far as diet goes, I'm not following one. I know I should be. I know the fat will fall off if I do, but for some reason I can't wrap my brain around dieting AND exercising. It's always one or the other for me. When I get to my second month though, I am going to try to go back to a higher protein, no white carb or sweets diet. Following that does get the weight off me. If I'm going to bust my butt and work out enough to burn up to 1,000 calories a day, I need to clean up my diet so I can see all the hard work paying off. I am probably burning between 400 and 500 calories a work out now. That's an educated guess based on how many calories a tough karate work out for an hour burns (approx. 700).

Insanity Day 6, Plyometric Cardio

It's getting easier. I can actually get through the warm ups now, and I even struggled through the 1st circuit, with the power jacks, mountain climbing and ski drill. Jeez I hate that ski drill.

But the second set I'm still struggling with. It's all plank position, push ups, jump up, push ups, jump up, plank position and jump your feet to the left, to the right. It goes on forever and I'm too weak to move and out of energy to do most of it.

I'm getting better though and feeling a little stronger. Not as sore, although my right butt cheek is cramping.

Tomorrow is my off day. Hallelujah!

Insanity Day 5, Pure Cardio

I would love to tell you that I did this workout and it was great. But the truth is my dvd didn't work. Hopefully I'll get a replacement soon. I put the dvd in from Day 3 and started it instead. I actually got all the way through the warm up without stopping. But I kept thinking about the tiredness in my arms from doing this the other night and actually whined myself into stopping the dvd. So I have nothing to report about this right now. I know, I should have persevered and completed a workout of some sort, but I just couldn't get my mojo going.

Tomorrow night is Plyometric Cardio again and I am not looking forward to it, but I will be sure to do it.

Insanity Day 4, Cardio Recovery

You don't know how much I needed this recovery! It took all the energy I had left yesterday to put 1 foot in front of the other. Those cardio days wore me out!
Cardio Recovery was a great break from that. I didn't think I'd like it because it's a lot of slow movements and stretching, which I usually don't have the patience for. But after 3 days of intense cardio and plyometrics, there is no way I could have gone home and done another insane cardio workout.
There are some moments in Cardio Recovery that are difficult. The squats and lunges were hard and I feel the burn even today. But the stretching was nice and I believe it worked some of my soreness out.
Tonight I have Pure Cardio to look forward to. From what I've heard and read, this is a super tough workout. I will let you know.

Insanity Day 3 - Power Cardio and Resistance

This is a continuation of the blog I posted yesterday.
I did the workout yesterday afternoon after work, and I have to say I enjoyed this one much more than the other 2. The pace was the same, hectic as all get out. But Shaun T changed it up some, adding a lot of unique pushups, which I really need to get those shoulder and back muscles back into shape. I was a wet rag by the time it was through. This really makes you sweat (or glisten if you're a lady in the South). Sweat was dripping off me.

You know you're getting a great workout when he gives you a 30 second water break and you have to crawl to the couch to pull yourself up.

Tonight will be Cardio Recovery. You would think I'd be looking forward to this, but the fact is, I know he's going to fill up 40 minutes of my time with something, and if it isn't cardio, it's going to be intense muscle building. More on that tomorrow.

On a side note, my hamstrings and lats aren't killing me anymore, the pain has moved down to my calves.

Insanity Day 3, Power Cardio

I woke up this morning to the alarm and OMG I'm in pain. My hamstrings, lats, shoulders, even calves are cringing with every move. It's getting better since I've been up and moving around for a while, but those first few steps were oh so painful.



I won't be able to do the Insanity dvd until after work today, then it will be off to a karate class, so there won't be a review until tomorrow. But I'm definity feeling the work I've put my body through so far.



On a great note, I'm down 2 pounds! I know, I know, it can't possibly be fat loss, coming off that quickly, but I take what I can get. Anytime the number on the scale goes down, I'm happy and encouraged to keep on keeping on.

Insanity Day 2, Plyometric Cardio Circuit

When I finished the fitness test yesterday, I really thought I wouldn't be sore today. I was wrong! My hamstrings and glutes are killing me! But I did what Shaun T says to do, dig deeper and push through it. I dragged myself out of bed and put in the DVD for Plyometric Cardio Circuit.

What can I say about this workout? You know it's going to be bad when you have to take a breather during the warm up. I had to stop several times during the circuits, and I felt like a complete klutz trying to learn the moves, but I got through it. Granted, it was at my own pace.

I don't jump very high during the plyometrics. I come off the ground but just barely. For one, I need to protect my arthritic knees, hips and back. But also, I know that my aerobic conditioning isn't what it used to be and if I don't have the strength to carry out the moves, I could easily strain my joints. My goal is to get through all 63 days and I won't be able to do that if my joints are hurting. Don't get me wrong through, I was definitely sweating and gasping for air through a major part of it. My heart rate was up too so I know I got plenty of cardio.

This is a great workout for building stamina and endurance, which is exactly what I need. I want my old energy level back. I want to be able to go to my karate classes and sparr hard again. I haven't been able to do that the last couple years because I have been lazy and not pushing myself. Hopefully the Insanity program will get me back to where I want to be.

Insanity Day 1, Fitness Test

I woke up knowing that the first job on my list was to complete the fitness test and find out how out of shape I really am. First on the list, take the before pictures. That was discouraging to say the least, and no, I will not be posting them. Sorry.

Frustration set in trying to get the dvd player to work (first problem - the remote is the same color as the lettering on it, impossible to read). I could not figure out how to get it to work, gave up and went to the surround sound. Got it to work but couldn't get the farkin remote to choose the menus, it just stared at me . . . . grrrrrr. Gave up and tried the laptop, but my laptop's screen isn't big enough for me to watch well without my glasses, so back to the surround sound. Debated ripping all cables out of the back of the cabinet and rewiring it. Scratched that idea and did the next best thing, just started hitting remote buttons while quietly cursing husband. Realized I was beating on the wrong remote (there are 5 in our living room). Searched for the correct remote and then game on.

This test is HARD. My thighs burned. I found that I have lost way too much muscle. The positive in this is that I can only improve, right? I do think that no matter what kind of shape you're in, it will be hard if you push yourself. Your goal is to get as many reps in as possible in 1 minute. I didn't do that great, mostly because my endurance has completely left me. Yes there is a price to pay when you smoke a pack a day.



Here's the results:



Switch kicks: 52

Power jacks: 40

Power knees: 70

Power jumps: 26

Globe jumps: 9

Suicide jumps: 10

push-up jacks: 8

Low plank oblique: 23 - really thought that one would be better, but my shoulders got tired

Weight: 140.8 ugghhhhhhhhh



I didn't jump as high as I could have on these, knowing my knees, hips and back will suffer later if I do. If I was 20 instead of 45, I wouldn't give it another thought. Tomorrow is plyometric cardio and I am really dreading it but just hoping to get through it without too many breaks . . .

Day Before Insanity Strikes

When I was considering the Insanity DVD's and wanting to learn about them, I searched for blogs and reviews on the workout program online. Mostly what I found was people 'reviewing' Insanity and selling it on the same page. Sorry, but if you're selling it, I don't think you're going to give an objective review. Yes, they mention how hard it was, how sore they got, how nausaus they would get doing the first few workouts. But then they'd throw in the phrases about getting hooked on it and looking forward to it every day. I don't think I've ever gotten hooked on exercise. I feel great after I've accomplished goals and I sleep much better when I get a hard workout in, but I don't leave my office looking forward to working out. It's just never happened to me. My objective is to give my honest, humble opinion, good or bad, with no advertisements and no encouragement to buy the dvd's.

I was looking forward to starting Insanity, but as the deadline approaches, I'm having second thoughts. I was in incredible shape 4 years ago when I got my black belt, but the last few years my exercising has consisted of light workouts in karate classes and surfing the web. I have a strong right index finger, by the way. All that mouse-clicking really paid off!

Tomorrow morning, ready or not, is day 1 of 63 for me. Day 1 is the fit test, which you take every 3 weeks (I believe) to see how you're progressing. Wish me luck and wish my oxygen!