Can Do Attitude

Day 12 - Legs and Back, Ab Ripper X

I was so surprised during the first set of pull ups. In the P90X material, there is coaching to leave behind "I can't" and replace it with "I currently struggle with." Well, I can't do...I mean...I currently struggle with Pull Ups. You can imagine my surprise when I pumped out 5 in the first set!

*WOW*

I am so very impressed with my progress so far. I did more of the Ab Ripper exercises than I had even done on Sunday! It is truly amazing, the increase in ability even after 12 short days. On a nutrition note, I added one serving of complex carbohydrates to my day, at breakfast. I find that I am extremely fatigued during the day and can't catch up. The carbs seemed to help.

Calories burned: 577

Average HR: 131

Max HR: 179

Practice is Right

Day 11 - Yoga X

I was feeling really glad that today was my yoga routine. A rest day. A break. Why do I always trick myself into thinking that yoga is easy!? I like this routine very much. Variety of moves is not a problem. There are some that I cannot even do yet! I can get IN to the pose - but I can't hold it for even a second. Room for improvement.

Every salutation I made today was with prayer to my Heavenly Father. I smiled brightly and thanked the God of the Universe for his provision and for my good health. The only salutation I give is to the God of the Bible. Not the sun, not the earth, the moon or the sky. Praying through the poses, hands up in worship, head down in reverence. It's awesome, and it burns calories!

In the interest of comparing stats from last time, I should note, I only did the first 60 minutes and skipped the meditation at the end.

Calories burned: 252

Average HR: 102

Max HR: 147

So darn worn out at this point. Going to bed early tonight. Thankful to my sweet husband for cleaning up after dinner. Gonna be ripped...my mantra...gonna be ripped!

Alternating the Beatings

Day 10 - Shoulders and Arms, Ab Ripper X

At this point, I just feel like I'm just taking turns with the upper and lower body abuse. I did as much as I could today. I used 10lbs on all the curls, 8 on the presses, and 5 on the triceps work. I downloaded an application for my Droid to keep track of reps and weights. Great little app. I was able to perform all "In and Outs" on the Ab Ripper DVD and made it half way through the other exercises. I am pretty happy with my progress!

The only complaint I have, at this point, is the nutrition plan. Oh...how I would LOVE to have some more carbohydrates!! It's not the actual bread/pasta/rice that I miss, but the fruit and vegetables. My normal plan is 2 fruits and 3 veggies per day. Cutting down to 1 fruit and 2 veggies is harder than I thought. I'm getting pretty tired of egg whites for breakfast and salads with meat on them for lunch! Oh well, short term pain for long term gain.

Calories burned: 486

Average HR: 121

Max HR: 173

Compare to last time. I'm burning more calories with each workout this week. Not sure why that is...am I trying harder now that I know the routines?

Beats a Nap

Day 9 - Plyometrics

Thankfully, not as bad as the first time, though I'm not sure it beats a nap. I made it through the first 40 of the 60 minutes in fairly good shape. It wasn't until the last round of exercises and the deadly "Hot Foot" that I had to take a walking break and skip the next exercise. My heart rate was way to high and I just couldn't do any more. You have to know when to take a break so that you don't get hurt.

I was tired going in to this workout today. Though, after the beating that my shoulders took yesterday, I was happy to allow my legs to feel the burn. I'm hoping after a good nights sleep, that I won't tear up when I think about doing Shoulders & Arms tomorrow... This week is going to be tough.

Calories Burned: 594

Average HR: 155

Max HR: 183 (!!)

Sitting Up More

Day 8 - Chest and Back, Ab Ripper X

Today starts the second round of the first 4 week rotation. I will be repeating all of the routines from last week, and will do the same next week. Consequently, I won't be running down each workout. I will say that I did a few more push ups on the second set during Chest and Back, and am now able to complete half of the repetitions on most of the exercises in Ab Ripper X.

I am still following the extremely low carb diet of the first phase. For these first 4 weeks, I am limited to 1 carbohydrate serving and 1 fruit. I was a little difficult at first, but now I save my carb serving until dinner and have pasta or rice with the family. Breakfasts of egg whites and lunches of field greens topped with lean cuts of meat are getting a little old...but I'm sure I'll survive. Knowing it's only temporary helps.

Today's Statistics

Calories burned: 581

Average HR: 136

Max HR: 174

I seem to have burned much more than last time. Oh, and I don't recall wishing for death even once.

Week 1 Report

Day 7: Rest or X Stretch

Now, see, I'm not completely crazy. I will be taking the "rest" option today. I'll be the first to admit that this program is royally kicking my behind. I sleep better than a baby lately...and I'd really appreciate it if my baby would get the picture and sleep like a worn out Momma!

Yesterday I realized that my Kenpo X DVD was damaged. I e-mailed Beach Body and in less than an hour (!!) I received a response that a replacement would be shipped to me right away. They also have insurance that you can purchase for $13.90 that ensures lifetime replacement. Hmm...great way to protect an investment.

Today is Thursday, and not my usual weigh in day - but I decided to record my weekly weigh here for posterity. And just for giggles, I measured my waist and hips.

Start Weight: 168

End of Wk 1: 167.8

Not worried about the small loss. I had anticipated even even a slight gain the first week or two, maybe three. Unconcerned. Here's the shocker...

Starting Waist Inches: 35.5

End of Wk 1: 34.5

What? Are you kidding me!?! I measured several times - thinking surely I had made a mistake. An entire inch off my waist. I measured my hips as well, nothing there yet - but OH WELL! I thought I was just being silly when I felt tighter in the cage. The 'ol Ab Ripper X is doing it's job!

Squeezing It In Anyway

Day 6: Kenpo X

Normally I take Wednesday's off from workouts. We have church in the evening, I have an extra baby to care for, and I'm just to busy to squeeze it in. Today I decided to do it anyway. Unfortunately, I only was able to complete 45 out of the 60 minutes of this DVD. The last few minutes were joggy and pixelated. I checked the DVD, looked okay, and the player is brand new as of yesterday. I emailed Beach Body, and in less than an hour had a response saying they had shipped a replacement! Wow, now that's service.

Kenpo X (60min) - This routine is kick boxing for beginners. It starts out with a fair amount of stretching and Tony takes your through the jabs, hooks and kicks slowly first, then faster with "speed and sound." I really enjoyed this strong cardio workout. It is easily my favorite, yet. I sweat so much it was literally dripping from my hair. Niiiice.

Calories burned: 350

Average HR: 140

Max HR: 176

Wow, am I glad tomorrow is the "Day Off or X Stretch" option of the program. It is actually difficult to rise from a seated position or carry a kid today after Kenpo. Change is difficult, but worth it!