If It's Tingling It's Working

Day 19 - Legs and Back, Ab Ripper X

As the mother of 4 children, I have been tired a couple of times in the last 12 years. My definition of the feelings that goes with the statement "I'm so tired!" has changed over time. This week, I have added a new feeling to go with that statement. The drained to the bone marrow, to weak to stand on legs made of jell-o, feeling. My muscle fibers seem to be "tingling" somehow...feels nearly restless. I pray there is much building going on. Boy am I ever looking forward to week 4...a "recovery" week. I know better than to think it will be easy, but my large muscle groups sure could use a break!

I was so happy to be able to complete all of the Mason Twists at the end of the Ab Ripper DVD! I modify by only raising one leg and alternating every 10 reps - but 3 weeks ago I could do nothing close to that! Three more weeks and I may not be modifying anymore. Progress...it's gorgeous.

Calories burned: 553

Average HR: 130

Max HR: 182

No Witty Title

Day 18 - Yoga X

I have played around with Yoga DVD's for quite a while. When I was really out of shape, I bought them thinking that it would "still count" as exercise and be easy. Psh. Yoga ain't easy!!

I'm getting pretty good at Chaturanga into Upward Dog - and I found myself rejoicing twice with "I did it, I can DO this now!" What a wonderful feeling of progress! My actual weigh number doesn't seem to be cooperating right now, so these other things are very important. I know they tell you not to worry about losing weight - but I have 27lbs left to loose - I need to be concerned, or slip into apathy.

Calories burned: 345

Average HR: 97

Max HR: 153

A Rare Day

Day 17 - No Workout

Today was supposed to be Shoulders and Arms with Ab Ripper X. I usually do everything I can to get workout in - but we stayed in a small hotel room last night with a family of 6, got up and went to church, then a luncheon, a reception, and then the 2.5hr drive home. No time, no space. The only exercise I got was chasing our 1.5yr and 3yr olds around trying to keep them out of stuff!

I was happy with my nutrition choices today! We had breakfast in the room (protein bar, apple, coffee) and for lunch there was a buffet style serving with Salisbury Steaks swimming in gravy (pass), Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Lettuce Salad, Fruit, and Rolls (love 'em, but pass). I had a protein bar in the car on the way to the reception to ward off the Cake Monster. At the reception I had coffee and right before we left, a plate of cut fruit. NO CAKE FOR ME! We arrived home in time to have a little Boca Burger on Spring Mix for supper.

I'm grateful for a supportive husband that noshed protein bars and skipped cake along with me. That makes it much easier!!

Merrily We Cough Along

Day 16 - Plyometrics

Everyone in my house (in the city) has been graciously sharing this sinus thing. I joke around and say that "I don't get sick" but I just might be. I really slogged through my workout today. I did what I was told, and I was really glad when it was over. Chugged my Recovery Drink, showered and got on with my day. I'm actually hoping I can rest in the car since we have a 2.5hr drive ahead of us this afternoon.

I can't believe I'm in the 3rd week of this thing already!!

Calories burned: 548

Average HR: 149

Max HR: 178

The Big Squeeze

Day 15 - Chest and Back, Ab Ripper X

Wow. If there ever was a day that I did NOT want to work out, plus a day where the odds were stacked against me time-wise, it was today. Sleep deprived, stuffy nosed, and sore back merged with short of time to make it difficult. I managed to get it done, shower, speed to Shopko for last minute dresses for the girls (hafta have 'em for an event on Sunday), through Arby's for some roast beef (1 Jr. Roast Beef = 200kcal) and on to church for a special AWANA club from 6:30 - 8:30.

I'm toast. I took some NyQuil for my sinus/cough thingy, had bowl of Quaker Oatmeal Squares so it didn't upset my stomach - and I'm ready for bed. I don't even know what workout comes next tomorrow...I just push play and do what I'm told.

Calories burned: 548

Average HR: 129

Max HR: 180

Who knew you could burn SO many calories doing push ups and pull ups?? I looked back to last week, and I am safely doing twice the amount of pull ups this week. I'm also completing more push ups on the second set this week. Great progress so far!

Week 2 Report

Day 14 - Rest or X Stretch

Once again, taking the total rest option this week. It seems that the cortisone injection (3rd one this year) in my spine did not do the trick last month and I am having quite a little discomfort. While, normally, I would go ahead and work out as scheduled - today I will stick with some light stretching, some Ibuprofen and the heating pad. Why push it on a day you don't have to?

Last week seemed to go by like a whirl wind. I was excited about each and every workout (okay, except the Plyo!) and burned more calories than the week before. I can now actually do a few pull ups and I think I'm ready to straighten my legs and try some "real" push ups next week! The Ab Ripper X routine isn't as daunting as it was in the beginning - and, I can do much more than I could 2 weeks ago.

Calories burned week 1: 2640

Calories burned week 2: 2980

Why the increase? I think my husband was right when he said that I am more capable of working hard. I will add to that by stating I am more flexible and more willing to work hard!

Start Weight: 168

End of Week 2: 166.2

Still not overly concerned about the slowish weight loss aspect. I am trying to loose fat and build muscle. Muscle burns fat 24/7, so the more of that I have, the better! Doing well with sticking to the calorie budget - I find it hard to consume 1800kcal most days - though some days I am so hungry that it hardly seems like enough! I did purchase some P90X Recovery Drink and started taking my Melaleuca Multi-Vitamin more consistently.

Looking forward to week 3 - another repeat of the routines from weeks 1 and 2.

Fun Feeling Burn

Day 13 - Kenpo X

This DVD is really the most fun I've had burning mega-calories. I knew I would enjoy anything with kicks, punches and blocks. We even get to do a little yelling! Woot! Today it took some creativity to get it worked in. I had a very special visitor at the hour I would have done my workout. I had a fantastic visit, then left my supportive husband upstairs with 7 children while I squeezed in my workout. We have church on Wednesday nights, so I knew it was then or never. People, it CAN be done.

Calories Burned: 489

Average HR: 136

Max HR: 180