This week I decide to go back into a maintenance budget because my stomach feels so hollow from the 1200-1400 calorie limit. Averaging about 1800 calories this week. Sometimes this jump starts weight loss when I plateau. No idea why, but it works for me. I've been really muscle sore and tired but I've been nailing down my workouts anyway. Even on my worst days, I hate the guilt of missing a workout. I know I'll feel physically worse if I chicken out too. Haven't missed a workout in three weeks and I'm not about to start.
So not my best week, but when I feel the muscles, the tone and remember I still have better days ahead, I know I have to go strong. I'll need my gut loading weeks, thinking about doing it every 3-4 weeks. I still make healthy food choices, I just get to feel full instead of good enough. I still plan on having that bikini body. Don't tell me all bodies are bikini bodies. Be as body positive as you want but I have always dressed to best flaunt my features. A bikini does not flatter my big body, I have no illusions and confidence doesn't cut it. I want my fit and curvy body back so I can feel like a warrior, not just a woman. I want to do handstands and roundhouse kicks. It's not enough just to wear that bikini-- I want to rock it.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Thursday, October 20, 2016
A little milestone
I had been telling my mandatory friend Joe that the small milestones can be the thing that motivates me to get through the tougher days, where the morale is flagging-- I'm hungry, I'm tired, I don't feel like things are moving, blah, blah, blah. Today, I went back and did PiYo lower and upper body workouts, yes, one after the other, and the things that I struggled through were actually EASY. I was blown away by how much strength and flexibility I brought after six weeks of P90X3. One thing is certain; they complement the other. I never would have had the strength to start P90X3 if not for PiYo, nor beat the rut I was in with PiYo if not for P90X3. Look, sometimes you have to tell the scale to go fuck itself and really look at your body. The fit of clothes, taking the stairs and not being winded, that excellent balance or strength you didn't have before. It's far more impressive than just that number.
Yeah, my numbers have gone down little by little, but the new grace and confidence in my posture? That shit is awesome.
Yeah, my numbers have gone down little by little, but the new grace and confidence in my posture? That shit is awesome.
Monday, October 17, 2016
Dem milestones...
One of the best ways to gauge my progress is to challenge my nephews to try out some of the things I've gotten better at. This week, I've been able to nail some exercises I couldn't do before: sprawls, roll-ups (with no sticking point!), to name a couple. I need to pull up a list to really get into how I've improved, but when my body decides to work, I'm always in for a shock.
I have my nephew helping with arm and back mobility by pushing my arms up on the shoulder stretch. I really need to work on that since it seems to be the least improved. I showed them starfish pushups, which they enjoyed doing. I swear though, nothing feels better than being able to best them at some physical challenge. It gives me back years of youth like nothing else can.
I'll have three new P90X3 workout reviews to add to that post this week: Decelerator, Eccentric Lower and Eccentric Upper. This is the last phase so I expect them to be frustrating at first then give me the joys of accomplishment later. Seriously, I could hug Tony Horton. If you told me I could ever make so much progress in my war on chronic pain, I would have called you a liar, but Tony made it happen. I probably swore at him like a sailor more times than I can count (and Tony, I almost peed when you pulled off that dance on Inner Balance when my eyes were supposed to be closed, but I forgive you), but now I'm singing his praises. I have a long way to go before I can nail some of these down quite so skillfully, but I haven't been this damn healthy in years and it's the most amazing feeling.
I am ever struggling with the weight loss part, but I will nail that too. I've lost 32 pounds since January, 14 of those since starting P90X3 (started at 197 lbs, now at 183). It feels slow but considering I had a long plateau over the summer, I'm just glad to see a pound a week if that's all I get. I definitely know the muscle is there so the numbers are secondary. I have 34 to go to get to my big goal. I'd like to get to 135 (another 15) but as long as I'm healthy I won't hate the numbers. I've never had lean muscle like this before so I don't know if 135 is practical for that. 150 definitely is so we'll see.
I think it was Kate Moss who said nothing tastes as good as skinny feels. She's kind of full of shit, but only because nothing tastes as good as HEALTHY feels. Skinny kind of seems miserable and food is awesome, so it needs a revision. I'm rather fond of strong curves. I know skinny girls and I know fat girls and one thing the happiest among them can agree on is that nothing is better than good health.
I have my nephew helping with arm and back mobility by pushing my arms up on the shoulder stretch. I really need to work on that since it seems to be the least improved. I showed them starfish pushups, which they enjoyed doing. I swear though, nothing feels better than being able to best them at some physical challenge. It gives me back years of youth like nothing else can.
I'll have three new P90X3 workout reviews to add to that post this week: Decelerator, Eccentric Lower and Eccentric Upper. This is the last phase so I expect them to be frustrating at first then give me the joys of accomplishment later. Seriously, I could hug Tony Horton. If you told me I could ever make so much progress in my war on chronic pain, I would have called you a liar, but Tony made it happen. I probably swore at him like a sailor more times than I can count (and Tony, I almost peed when you pulled off that dance on Inner Balance when my eyes were supposed to be closed, but I forgive you), but now I'm singing his praises. I have a long way to go before I can nail some of these down quite so skillfully, but I haven't been this damn healthy in years and it's the most amazing feeling.
I am ever struggling with the weight loss part, but I will nail that too. I've lost 32 pounds since January, 14 of those since starting P90X3 (started at 197 lbs, now at 183). It feels slow but considering I had a long plateau over the summer, I'm just glad to see a pound a week if that's all I get. I definitely know the muscle is there so the numbers are secondary. I have 34 to go to get to my big goal. I'd like to get to 135 (another 15) but as long as I'm healthy I won't hate the numbers. I've never had lean muscle like this before so I don't know if 135 is practical for that. 150 definitely is so we'll see.
I think it was Kate Moss who said nothing tastes as good as skinny feels. She's kind of full of shit, but only because nothing tastes as good as HEALTHY feels. Skinny kind of seems miserable and food is awesome, so it needs a revision. I'm rather fond of strong curves. I know skinny girls and I know fat girls and one thing the happiest among them can agree on is that nothing is better than good health.
Recorded Exercise Calendar
This will be a constant work in progress, at least until goals are met, but this is my current progress, both for accountability and to see how I've improved over time.
At this point, I have completed two full rounds of P90X3, bridging into my first full month of PiYo.
I will be starting P90X over the summer for an added challenge, without having my weekday walks taking my nephews to school with them out for break. As of May 1, I am down to 175 lbs, with 40 to go for my low goal, 25 to be safely in my Normal BMI range. Ambitious target is at 2 lbs a week. Daily calorie goal is 1200, not to exceed 1600 (1600-2400 is often a maintenance mode range for me). I don't normally abide by rest days unless my health demands it (I'll still workout with a cold if I'm not too dizzy to stand). I have had to push around rest days to accommodate having to take a rest day sooner than I have wanted. It happens; get back on the horse and tough it out when possible.
That said, I tend to melt away the pounds when warmer weather accompanies my workout and diet, so I'm optimistic I'll reach my weight goals by winter of this year. Not too much to ask and no drastic measure to get there. Let's do this!
At this point, I have completed two full rounds of P90X3, bridging into my first full month of PiYo.
I will be starting P90X over the summer for an added challenge, without having my weekday walks taking my nephews to school with them out for break. As of May 1, I am down to 175 lbs, with 40 to go for my low goal, 25 to be safely in my Normal BMI range. Ambitious target is at 2 lbs a week. Daily calorie goal is 1200, not to exceed 1600 (1600-2400 is often a maintenance mode range for me). I don't normally abide by rest days unless my health demands it (I'll still workout with a cold if I'm not too dizzy to stand). I have had to push around rest days to accommodate having to take a rest day sooner than I have wanted. It happens; get back on the horse and tough it out when possible.
That said, I tend to melt away the pounds when warmer weather accompanies my workout and diet, so I'm optimistic I'll reach my weight goals by winter of this year. Not too much to ask and no drastic measure to get there. Let's do this!
Accountability
One thing I am learning is most important with a big life change is to embrace every step of it. There are rules that you try to place before you realize that the journey is a lot more personal. I set out on this leg of my journey with what I thought were hard rules: 1200 calories daily, no more or less, these exercises, etc. I've broken some of these rules on certain days and recorded the reasons/excuses so I could understand or assess whether it was a destructive behavior or my body might have been telling me something. Because of this, I believe this has been the most successful 8 weeks of my entire journey.
Let me give you a few details I've picked up gradually. Balance in diet was one of the hardest things I've had to adjust but I'm going to rattle off what I feel are important figures for women trying to lose weight. Some of these also apply to men, but these are daily averages that become important for me to calculate each week. Keep in mind when I am entering in what I eat in the Lose It app, I am always careful to either scan in new foods myself or pick the most complete information available.
Caloric intake: 1200-1400; on a cheat day I will allow up to 2000 one day a week, on days where I have strenuous exercise, I might allow 1600-1800 to refuel. 1200-1400 is what I aim for though and I do not make cheat days mandatory. If I don't use it, it doesn't get to rollover.
Carbs: less than 150, no more than 200. This is tricky. Since I have a very demanding daily exercise routine, low carb isn't realistic but I do aim for complex carbs rather than the "unhealthy" or simple carbs in white bread and such. On most days I can keep them between 100-150 but I don't beat myself up if it nears 200 on high activity days, especially when it's because of higher fruit intake.
Fat: I focus less on numbers here, as long as I steer clear of trans fat and limit saturated fats. Very simple to do. I think my daily average is about 60 grams which is actually on the low side and I've been told more isn't bad.
Protein: this is one where the Internet just confuses me more. On average, women only need about 49 g daily. I average about 60-80 but I am trying to build muscle. Bodybuilders sites say to aim for twice that but I'd have to pound protein shakes to get anywhere close. I'm not trying to build a lot of muscle but lean muscle is still important to me, so I believe I am in a good place here for now. I may learn differently.
Sugars: this one is simple. Don't exceed 90g daily. I don't have a sweet tooth so my weekly average usually doesn't even come close. This week it averaged 60g a day, which is even higher than usual, but the boys had given me those fun size kitkat candies a few times this week.
Cholesterol: 300mg daily seems to be the average here. I used to get close to this, but oddly enough, over the past month, I haven't come close. My average over the past four weeks is, again, half of that, but I think it's because my go to protein went from eggs to Greek yogurt.
Fiber: I feel a bit sheepish in saying I have been paying zero attention to this and want my new goal to be researching this and making sure this one is right. I may need to supplement for this one since my diet has been pretty stellar everywhere else.
A new P90X3 workout this past week so a quick review:
Pilates X: this one introduces a routine that is focused on breathing and is mostly done on your back. Do not think this means it is easy. There were some instant dislikes, if only for the difficulty, but I enjoyed a series called Saw and another called Alphabet Soup. It wasn't as fun as Yoga but it did have some charming moments sandwiched in good spots that made it worth getting through. I've built so much strength in the past two months (5 weeks just in P90X3 alone) that this one might have been less likable without it. At this point though, it was definitely something I did and said "I can get better." Tony does impress on you throughout to breathe, which is a staple in both Pilates and Yoga, so I like that. I find a lot of workout series have that one line that makes you roll your eyes when you hear it. I never feel that way on repeat watches. So far there was that one stupid line one of his helpers thought was funny "I eat brains for protein" (not in this video) but Tony's light humor and focused workouts otherwise don't irritate me. I find he has good timing and doesn't ramble on or get me lost or distracted. This workout flowed nicely as most of them do. I won't hate doing this one again.
Lastly, I'll put in last week's rundown. Eventually, I do want to spreadsheet this and just edit the post so both and I and any others using my routine as a guide can reference it easier, but for now, this will have to do!
Monday: Isometrix, 1 hr walk *added walk
Tuesday: Dynamix, 1 hr walk
Wednesday: accelerator, 1 hr walk *added walk
Thursday: Pilates X, 1 hr. Walk
Friday: rest-- did some experimental focus on triceps, 1 hr walk
Saturday: X3 yoga
Sunday: Dynamix
Not a bad week and Friday weigh in put me at 187 lbs so I'm happy to be down another two pounds. As a side note, added walks are untimed walks outside of my home but exceeding at least 15 minutes. Most of these walks do exceed 30 minutes and are sometimes just over an hour. I don't record them strictly because I consider them bonuses and not an excuse to exceed my calorie or fitness goals. I do feel like they at least deserve a mention since they signify increases in energy levels at the least.
To finish, I'd like to say my motivation has been increasing by the day. I notice every little change and I've made a few small victories. I can correctly hold a forearm plank and do Camel properly, both new to this week. I should probably post those more. They are honest boosters in my journey and some people can use every encouragement they can get to reach their goals. My balance is becoming amazing and all that stuff we take for granted in youth, bending, getting down and up off the floor, that stuff is still amazing to me being easy again. I do still suffer from excruciating unexplainable pain, but it's not nearly as crippling. I also have muscle pain that makes sense and lessens over time. Nothing will end chronic pain, but I sure as hell don't let it stop me. I am gaining more understanding of anatomy, my own limits (and how to push them), and even how to manage my pain through breathing, movement and focus. When pain does hold me back, I've learned to postpone plans and pick it up when I get that window. So if I feel too wretched for that morning workout, I'll sometimes find that i get a reprieve in the afternoon or evening and take advantage. It can't always fall neatly but it gets done.
Let me give you a few details I've picked up gradually. Balance in diet was one of the hardest things I've had to adjust but I'm going to rattle off what I feel are important figures for women trying to lose weight. Some of these also apply to men, but these are daily averages that become important for me to calculate each week. Keep in mind when I am entering in what I eat in the Lose It app, I am always careful to either scan in new foods myself or pick the most complete information available.
Caloric intake: 1200-1400; on a cheat day I will allow up to 2000 one day a week, on days where I have strenuous exercise, I might allow 1600-1800 to refuel. 1200-1400 is what I aim for though and I do not make cheat days mandatory. If I don't use it, it doesn't get to rollover.
Carbs: less than 150, no more than 200. This is tricky. Since I have a very demanding daily exercise routine, low carb isn't realistic but I do aim for complex carbs rather than the "unhealthy" or simple carbs in white bread and such. On most days I can keep them between 100-150 but I don't beat myself up if it nears 200 on high activity days, especially when it's because of higher fruit intake.
Fat: I focus less on numbers here, as long as I steer clear of trans fat and limit saturated fats. Very simple to do. I think my daily average is about 60 grams which is actually on the low side and I've been told more isn't bad.
Protein: this is one where the Internet just confuses me more. On average, women only need about 49 g daily. I average about 60-80 but I am trying to build muscle. Bodybuilders sites say to aim for twice that but I'd have to pound protein shakes to get anywhere close. I'm not trying to build a lot of muscle but lean muscle is still important to me, so I believe I am in a good place here for now. I may learn differently.
Sugars: this one is simple. Don't exceed 90g daily. I don't have a sweet tooth so my weekly average usually doesn't even come close. This week it averaged 60g a day, which is even higher than usual, but the boys had given me those fun size kitkat candies a few times this week.
Cholesterol: 300mg daily seems to be the average here. I used to get close to this, but oddly enough, over the past month, I haven't come close. My average over the past four weeks is, again, half of that, but I think it's because my go to protein went from eggs to Greek yogurt.
Fiber: I feel a bit sheepish in saying I have been paying zero attention to this and want my new goal to be researching this and making sure this one is right. I may need to supplement for this one since my diet has been pretty stellar everywhere else.
A new P90X3 workout this past week so a quick review:
Pilates X: this one introduces a routine that is focused on breathing and is mostly done on your back. Do not think this means it is easy. There were some instant dislikes, if only for the difficulty, but I enjoyed a series called Saw and another called Alphabet Soup. It wasn't as fun as Yoga but it did have some charming moments sandwiched in good spots that made it worth getting through. I've built so much strength in the past two months (5 weeks just in P90X3 alone) that this one might have been less likable without it. At this point though, it was definitely something I did and said "I can get better." Tony does impress on you throughout to breathe, which is a staple in both Pilates and Yoga, so I like that. I find a lot of workout series have that one line that makes you roll your eyes when you hear it. I never feel that way on repeat watches. So far there was that one stupid line one of his helpers thought was funny "I eat brains for protein" (not in this video) but Tony's light humor and focused workouts otherwise don't irritate me. I find he has good timing and doesn't ramble on or get me lost or distracted. This workout flowed nicely as most of them do. I won't hate doing this one again.
Lastly, I'll put in last week's rundown. Eventually, I do want to spreadsheet this and just edit the post so both and I and any others using my routine as a guide can reference it easier, but for now, this will have to do!
Monday: Isometrix, 1 hr walk *added walk
Tuesday: Dynamix, 1 hr walk
Wednesday: accelerator, 1 hr walk *added walk
Thursday: Pilates X, 1 hr. Walk
Friday: rest-- did some experimental focus on triceps, 1 hr walk
Saturday: X3 yoga
Sunday: Dynamix
Not a bad week and Friday weigh in put me at 187 lbs so I'm happy to be down another two pounds. As a side note, added walks are untimed walks outside of my home but exceeding at least 15 minutes. Most of these walks do exceed 30 minutes and are sometimes just over an hour. I don't record them strictly because I consider them bonuses and not an excuse to exceed my calorie or fitness goals. I do feel like they at least deserve a mention since they signify increases in energy levels at the least.
To finish, I'd like to say my motivation has been increasing by the day. I notice every little change and I've made a few small victories. I can correctly hold a forearm plank and do Camel properly, both new to this week. I should probably post those more. They are honest boosters in my journey and some people can use every encouragement they can get to reach their goals. My balance is becoming amazing and all that stuff we take for granted in youth, bending, getting down and up off the floor, that stuff is still amazing to me being easy again. I do still suffer from excruciating unexplainable pain, but it's not nearly as crippling. I also have muscle pain that makes sense and lessens over time. Nothing will end chronic pain, but I sure as hell don't let it stop me. I am gaining more understanding of anatomy, my own limits (and how to push them), and even how to manage my pain through breathing, movement and focus. When pain does hold me back, I've learned to postpone plans and pick it up when I get that window. So if I feel too wretched for that morning workout, I'll sometimes find that i get a reprieve in the afternoon or evening and take advantage. It can't always fall neatly but it gets done.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Crazy week
This has been a trial week, for already stated reasons as well as the crazy fluctuations in mood, energy, temptation and medical influence. Here's a Monday through Friday rundown.
Monday: accelerator, 1 hr walk 1800 calorie day
Tuesday: the warrior, crazy zoo field trip chaperoning, 1 hr walk, additional rage walking, 1600 calorie day
Wednesday: x3 yoga, 1 hr walk, 1400 calorie day
Thursday: CVX, 1 hr walk, another rage walk, back to 1200 calories
Friday: Isometrix, 1 hr walk, still in progress...
I started off wondering if I was slipping into high calorie habits but, with steroids throwing my energy levels into chaos, I realize that turning stress into exercise instead of eating actually gave me a lot of wiggle room and I should probably still be eating more protein to supply all the stress energy. I could very well burnout if I keep trying to bank calories rather than eat. I don't have a healthy relationship with food and I still fear I can easily overdo it with excuses. I don't go under 1200 regardless, so I don't feel as if I'm in danger of that sort of eating disorder but I do feel like I would like some advice. With as much time I put into exercise, I wonder if I might be creating too much of a deficit. I'm still unclear if I should add a certain amount of calories in healthy foods for big burn days. Definitely thinking I should get a doctor's advice. I don't want to trade obesity for anorexia.
Monday: accelerator, 1 hr walk 1800 calorie day
Tuesday: the warrior, crazy zoo field trip chaperoning, 1 hr walk, additional rage walking, 1600 calorie day
Wednesday: x3 yoga, 1 hr walk, 1400 calorie day
Thursday: CVX, 1 hr walk, another rage walk, back to 1200 calories
Friday: Isometrix, 1 hr walk, still in progress...
I started off wondering if I was slipping into high calorie habits but, with steroids throwing my energy levels into chaos, I realize that turning stress into exercise instead of eating actually gave me a lot of wiggle room and I should probably still be eating more protein to supply all the stress energy. I could very well burnout if I keep trying to bank calories rather than eat. I don't have a healthy relationship with food and I still fear I can easily overdo it with excuses. I don't go under 1200 regardless, so I don't feel as if I'm in danger of that sort of eating disorder but I do feel like I would like some advice. With as much time I put into exercise, I wonder if I might be creating too much of a deficit. I'm still unclear if I should add a certain amount of calories in healthy foods for big burn days. Definitely thinking I should get a doctor's advice. I don't want to trade obesity for anorexia.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Rage walking my way to better health?
This week has proven special in terms of being emotionally trying. Without getting too personal, let's just say a family member I particularly loathe is back in town and I've had to deal with being around them. Then there are all the little asshole kids showing up today... Three times this week, I've gone on rage walks-- rather than be stuck enduring said people, I've power walked the neighborhood until they leave. A walk that once used to make me struggle for an hour, I can now do in 45 minutes and barely breaking a sweat. As I told my obligatory friend named Joe, I'd rather be tired and moving than pissed and stuck. My nephew is going to help me overcome my fear of driving and that will change who I have to tolerate in my life. I will give the same consideration for feelings as I was given when I can finally move out: none. My family is welcome to tolerate each other. I know I can do better.
More on progress by week's end. I wait on tomorrow's weigh in with bated breath!
Monday, October 3, 2016
A Chronic Pain Sufferer's Guide to P90X3
I'll start this post off with my first impression reviews of P90X3. I neglected to jot down notes for Accelerator and Isometrix so they won't be as thorough but I do believe my impressions will change as I go anyway. Without further ado, a review of P90X3 so far.
Total Synergetics- this leads off the 90 day challenge schedule and I'm fairly sure it's meant to weed out the undetermined. Starts off with what I call "jiggle exercises" which I hate for the basic fact it reminds me exactly where all the fat on my body is. It requires a pull-up bar and weights or resistance bands, but I have neither except for one pound weights so I modified the best I could, trying to engage the same muscle groups at least. Some of the exercises I found exhausting and difficult and while I did breathe hard, I didn't get as much sweat going as I do with PiYo or a basic HIIT workout. I wouldn't mind phasing this video out if I find ones that seem to challenge and interest me more. With the sheer number of videos in this series, I am positive I will find enough variety to weed out ones I don't feel are effective for my goals. I didn't record reps or anything either, but the first time I take the challenge, I want to focus more on what's going on with my body than the "one more rep" mentality. I'm the sort to push to my limits anyway, but I can see how this method might prove effective for people who always just do the bare minimum. I have a friend who swears by this series though so I do have faith that something will appeal to me. I feel like this is a program that you can tailor with experience so I look forward to seeing how I can make it work best for me.
Agility X- this one used floor tape marked to indicate foot positions but I really just mimicked the moves. This one is not good in the limited space I have. I also couldn't do some of the moves because there were no modifications for high impact jumps. There was a lot of jumping I had to avoid and running was something I had to do very carefully. Because of the squat moves, my lower back is feeling the ache after, but like the first one, there's still a good take away of moves that are effective and challenging. Again, one to put off if someone has iffy joints and doesn't quite have the strength or ability, but it's not impossible. I got a good sweat even throwing in some alternating HIIT moves to substitute jumps. I've heard this program referred to as being the easiest P90x and I can only assume these people are very healthy and already in great shape because this workout is no joke. The guy on the left especially was gasping for air and he had some good lean muscle at that. Always take the bravado in reviews with a grain of salt. This may be too much for me right now, but I think an 'easier' P90x may still be too difficult for some people. I couldn't have done this at all 8 weeks ago, but I think that this program is more doable for people with chronic pain if they limber up with some lighter workouts first. PiYo's first week of the challenge and a simple HIIT routine were my precursors and while I can't nail everything, I still think trying gets me closer to maybe doing so one day.
3x Yoga- I love yoga based workouts so I was really excited for this one going into it. Exceeded expectations! Having done PiYo before, I was relieved to see a lot of familiar poses,however, Tony really wins here. Not only did he walk you through poses smoothly, he didn't have you hold things overly long (just to lock in form or extend a stretch) and actually cued breathing too, which is a huge thing in yoga that PiYo overlooked. The only two I absolutely couldn't connect were extended toe bind and camel (although my plow was pretty mediocre) but my back is still a bit sore from engaging little used lower back muscles on Agility X the day before. Still, this has been far and away my favorite and definitely makes it into my long term plan. Yoga uses such amazing engagements with strength and flexibility, a good break from intense cardio that still let's you know it counts. It's like leg day, guys-- don't skip it.
The Challenge- this one lives up to the name but not more so than any of the others. Like its name implies, it challenges you to 'pick your numbers' (pull-up reps and push-up reps) then has you alternate between types of pulls and pushes twice before giving you a one minute cool down. Don't think this cheats you out of the thirty minutes because you need to use that time to gently stretch the muscles you just pushed. The cool down phase is just as important as the workout phase in HIIT workouts and you can ruin your muscles if you don't limber up between sets. It goes on like this until the last two and a half minutes, which is a burnout phase (reps of 1 and 3 as fast as you can fire them off with proper form) before the cool down. Since this was my first time through, I did the pull-up phase without resistance or a bar, but I did muscle flexing and holds to engage the muscles. Again, because of my joints, I often opt out of anything but body weight or one pound weights, at least until I can build up to it without sharp pain. It was still kicking my ass because I was careful to follow form and movement. Again, not one of my favorites but it was still worthy. Like the others, it gives you something to work towards. Tony's a scary looking dude on first glance but he's a joker that also gets down to business. A lot of workout instructors will say a cheesy phrase that I roll my eyes on every time I get to it, but this guy pals around with his group, which I find I like more.
CVX- the first 15 minutes were the hardest, but the combination of cardio and weights was meant to really tire you and Tony is really forgiving about dropping that weight and just hitting the right motion. I didn't always get through the full minute without needing to catch my breath but I felt every bit of it. I skipped the burnout phase, which I catch myself doing a lot the first time through, but I didn't waste it either, preferring to stretch. I'm finding I've developed a soreness in the muscles just under the collarbone at the shoulder (the "fly" muscles) but I did do push-ups yesterday. I have noticed that where I am the most sore from a previous workout, they seem to get a rest with the next day in the schedule or at the least a less vigorous warming up. It was a rough start but I still like the rotation of moves, like with The Challenge. I tend to have a better attitude towards the more structured sets.
The Warrior- this one is a sort of high energy boot camp one that was hell on my lower back the first time around but really gets you sweating and focusing on targeting movement and muscle.
Dynamix- this one kinda reminds me of a PiYo workout only more intense than the first week of PiYo. It takes some yoga elements and focuses on keeping it cardiovascular and moving. It can be a bit grueling at times and I did need to make my own modifications since my hips don't allow for forearm side planks with open hip (I crossed the leg that was supposed to go up forward and used it to straighten out my hips to hold the side plank less painfully) and if you have larger breasts like I do, you might need to use your forearms to keep them from pressing into the floor on glute lifts and scorpions. Again, some of my complaints mainly come from struggling to overcome a pain condition so I do have some hypersensitivities even larger women don't experience. Still, I do enjoy the polka stretches and the way difficult moves seem to sandwich in between less difficult ones to keep me from getting discouraged. I find it hard to make it all the way through a minute on some videos, but this one I find myself being able to get there more.
Accelerator- cardio hell. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad workout! I feel like my lungs expanded a bit painfully at times and could very rarely push beyond halfway to three quarters on my first try, but some of these moves are a bit advanced for my level. The donkey kicks at the end were a big hell no since I've just gotten to the point where I can do planks on my toes instead of my knees. My wrists are much stronger than they were two months ago but definitely not ready for supporting all of my current body weight. Again, my main complaint would be that some of the jumps and twists are really dangerous to even attempt for my wrists and ankles but I'm not ruling out the possibility for the future. I've come a long way on my path to good habits and good health and I think this one will definitely be more valuable with time.
Isometrix- this one I recall was a tough power yoga sort of challenge. It takes basic yoga poses to a harder level, asking you to isolate and hold in very uncomfortable poses, challenging your balance, strength, stamina and flexibility. It's not cardio, but it will have you sweating. I wasn't able to really lock in a lot of them, but I didn't feel like I was cheating when I had to modify them even more simply just so I could still feel a challenge with my current limits. Definitely one I have any iffy relationship with out of the gate but I still think this is one I'll keep coming back to stubbornly, hoping I'll get a little further each time.
My Challenge:
I approached this challenge using the 90 day classic but realized I wanted to edge towards a Lean goal. I don't follow the challenge exactly and decide that rather than refusing to workout on a day I wasn't up for, I would often pick a similar workout in the series that I liked more, still trying to keep up with a good mix of muscle challenge. Here is my current progress:
Week One- week of 9/15
Monday: total Synergistics
Tuesday: Agility X, 1 1/2 hour walk
Wednesday: X3 yoga, 1 hr walk
Thursday: the challenge, 1 hr. Walk
Friday: CVX, 1 hr walk
Saturday: rest
Sunday: The Warrior, 1 hr walk
Week Two: week of 9/12
Monday: Dynamix,1 hr walk
Tuesday: 1 hr walk (rest)
Wednesday: X3 Yoga, 1 hr walk
Thursday: the challenge, 1 hr walk, 15 minutes PiYo lower
Friday: CVX, 1 hr walk
Saturday: total Synergistics
Sunday: Dynamix
Week Three: week of 9/19
Monday: Accelerator, 1 hr walk
Tuesday: the warrior, 1 hr walk
Wednesday: x3 yoga, 1 hr walk
Thursday: CVX, 1 hr walk
Friday: Isometrix, 1/2 hour walk *comic con
Saturday: 15 minutes PiYo Sweat
Sunday: rest
Week Four: week of 9/26
Monday: the warrior, 1 hr walk
Tuesday: the challenge, 1 hr walk
Wednesday: x3 yoga, 1 hr walk
Thursday: CVX, 1 hr walk
Friday: rest, 1 hr walk
Saturday: the challenge
Sunday:Dynamix
Had good and bad days but where the end of week three finished weak, I had contracted a mysterious rash that worsened rapidly, covering most of my body. Was misdiagnosed on Monday which made it ten times worse by Friday when I was put on oral steroids to bring down the swelling. I am still impressed with the determination I put into making Week Four strong even if it was one I suffered through. I think because of the misery, I was even more determined to work towards something positive. I am still itchy but the horrible bumps are going away and I choose to stay optimistic that I won't need to schedule with a dermatologist by Tuesday. For this week ahead, I am chaperoning my nephew's school field trip to the zoo and I'm looking forward to that. I won't bore anyone with the details of my horrible week, but let me just say I was so relieved that it wasn't a contagious issue like they had first thought and I could hug my nephews again! I thought that I got treated subhuman for being thick was bad until I got to see how people treated me with a visible rash.
I still have a lot of videos to cover as I pick and choose from the schedules, more progress to post as I go. I would love to stick to a stricter challenge once I get through my first go too, but for now I enjoy a freer approach.
Ending on a high note: hit a milestone weight goal by dropping down to 189 pounds on Friday. It always feels great to move that tens place down. I hope by Halloween I can be close to doing so again. The diet is really working for me and I'm more motivated than ever.
Total Synergetics- this leads off the 90 day challenge schedule and I'm fairly sure it's meant to weed out the undetermined. Starts off with what I call "jiggle exercises" which I hate for the basic fact it reminds me exactly where all the fat on my body is. It requires a pull-up bar and weights or resistance bands, but I have neither except for one pound weights so I modified the best I could, trying to engage the same muscle groups at least. Some of the exercises I found exhausting and difficult and while I did breathe hard, I didn't get as much sweat going as I do with PiYo or a basic HIIT workout. I wouldn't mind phasing this video out if I find ones that seem to challenge and interest me more. With the sheer number of videos in this series, I am positive I will find enough variety to weed out ones I don't feel are effective for my goals. I didn't record reps or anything either, but the first time I take the challenge, I want to focus more on what's going on with my body than the "one more rep" mentality. I'm the sort to push to my limits anyway, but I can see how this method might prove effective for people who always just do the bare minimum. I have a friend who swears by this series though so I do have faith that something will appeal to me. I feel like this is a program that you can tailor with experience so I look forward to seeing how I can make it work best for me.
Agility X- this one used floor tape marked to indicate foot positions but I really just mimicked the moves. This one is not good in the limited space I have. I also couldn't do some of the moves because there were no modifications for high impact jumps. There was a lot of jumping I had to avoid and running was something I had to do very carefully. Because of the squat moves, my lower back is feeling the ache after, but like the first one, there's still a good take away of moves that are effective and challenging. Again, one to put off if someone has iffy joints and doesn't quite have the strength or ability, but it's not impossible. I got a good sweat even throwing in some alternating HIIT moves to substitute jumps. I've heard this program referred to as being the easiest P90x and I can only assume these people are very healthy and already in great shape because this workout is no joke. The guy on the left especially was gasping for air and he had some good lean muscle at that. Always take the bravado in reviews with a grain of salt. This may be too much for me right now, but I think an 'easier' P90x may still be too difficult for some people. I couldn't have done this at all 8 weeks ago, but I think that this program is more doable for people with chronic pain if they limber up with some lighter workouts first. PiYo's first week of the challenge and a simple HIIT routine were my precursors and while I can't nail everything, I still think trying gets me closer to maybe doing so one day.
3x Yoga- I love yoga based workouts so I was really excited for this one going into it. Exceeded expectations! Having done PiYo before, I was relieved to see a lot of familiar poses,however, Tony really wins here. Not only did he walk you through poses smoothly, he didn't have you hold things overly long (just to lock in form or extend a stretch) and actually cued breathing too, which is a huge thing in yoga that PiYo overlooked. The only two I absolutely couldn't connect were extended toe bind and camel (although my plow was pretty mediocre) but my back is still a bit sore from engaging little used lower back muscles on Agility X the day before. Still, this has been far and away my favorite and definitely makes it into my long term plan. Yoga uses such amazing engagements with strength and flexibility, a good break from intense cardio that still let's you know it counts. It's like leg day, guys-- don't skip it.
The Challenge- this one lives up to the name but not more so than any of the others. Like its name implies, it challenges you to 'pick your numbers' (pull-up reps and push-up reps) then has you alternate between types of pulls and pushes twice before giving you a one minute cool down. Don't think this cheats you out of the thirty minutes because you need to use that time to gently stretch the muscles you just pushed. The cool down phase is just as important as the workout phase in HIIT workouts and you can ruin your muscles if you don't limber up between sets. It goes on like this until the last two and a half minutes, which is a burnout phase (reps of 1 and 3 as fast as you can fire them off with proper form) before the cool down. Since this was my first time through, I did the pull-up phase without resistance or a bar, but I did muscle flexing and holds to engage the muscles. Again, because of my joints, I often opt out of anything but body weight or one pound weights, at least until I can build up to it without sharp pain. It was still kicking my ass because I was careful to follow form and movement. Again, not one of my favorites but it was still worthy. Like the others, it gives you something to work towards. Tony's a scary looking dude on first glance but he's a joker that also gets down to business. A lot of workout instructors will say a cheesy phrase that I roll my eyes on every time I get to it, but this guy pals around with his group, which I find I like more.
CVX- the first 15 minutes were the hardest, but the combination of cardio and weights was meant to really tire you and Tony is really forgiving about dropping that weight and just hitting the right motion. I didn't always get through the full minute without needing to catch my breath but I felt every bit of it. I skipped the burnout phase, which I catch myself doing a lot the first time through, but I didn't waste it either, preferring to stretch. I'm finding I've developed a soreness in the muscles just under the collarbone at the shoulder (the "fly" muscles) but I did do push-ups yesterday. I have noticed that where I am the most sore from a previous workout, they seem to get a rest with the next day in the schedule or at the least a less vigorous warming up. It was a rough start but I still like the rotation of moves, like with The Challenge. I tend to have a better attitude towards the more structured sets.
The Warrior- this one is a sort of high energy boot camp one that was hell on my lower back the first time around but really gets you sweating and focusing on targeting movement and muscle.
Dynamix- this one kinda reminds me of a PiYo workout only more intense than the first week of PiYo. It takes some yoga elements and focuses on keeping it cardiovascular and moving. It can be a bit grueling at times and I did need to make my own modifications since my hips don't allow for forearm side planks with open hip (I crossed the leg that was supposed to go up forward and used it to straighten out my hips to hold the side plank less painfully) and if you have larger breasts like I do, you might need to use your forearms to keep them from pressing into the floor on glute lifts and scorpions. Again, some of my complaints mainly come from struggling to overcome a pain condition so I do have some hypersensitivities even larger women don't experience. Still, I do enjoy the polka stretches and the way difficult moves seem to sandwich in between less difficult ones to keep me from getting discouraged. I find it hard to make it all the way through a minute on some videos, but this one I find myself being able to get there more.
Accelerator- cardio hell. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad workout! I feel like my lungs expanded a bit painfully at times and could very rarely push beyond halfway to three quarters on my first try, but some of these moves are a bit advanced for my level. The donkey kicks at the end were a big hell no since I've just gotten to the point where I can do planks on my toes instead of my knees. My wrists are much stronger than they were two months ago but definitely not ready for supporting all of my current body weight. Again, my main complaint would be that some of the jumps and twists are really dangerous to even attempt for my wrists and ankles but I'm not ruling out the possibility for the future. I've come a long way on my path to good habits and good health and I think this one will definitely be more valuable with time.
Isometrix- this one I recall was a tough power yoga sort of challenge. It takes basic yoga poses to a harder level, asking you to isolate and hold in very uncomfortable poses, challenging your balance, strength, stamina and flexibility. It's not cardio, but it will have you sweating. I wasn't able to really lock in a lot of them, but I didn't feel like I was cheating when I had to modify them even more simply just so I could still feel a challenge with my current limits. Definitely one I have any iffy relationship with out of the gate but I still think this is one I'll keep coming back to stubbornly, hoping I'll get a little further each time.
My Challenge:
I approached this challenge using the 90 day classic but realized I wanted to edge towards a Lean goal. I don't follow the challenge exactly and decide that rather than refusing to workout on a day I wasn't up for, I would often pick a similar workout in the series that I liked more, still trying to keep up with a good mix of muscle challenge. Here is my current progress:
Week One- week of 9/15
Monday: total Synergistics
Tuesday: Agility X, 1 1/2 hour walk
Wednesday: X3 yoga, 1 hr walk
Thursday: the challenge, 1 hr. Walk
Friday: CVX, 1 hr walk
Saturday: rest
Sunday: The Warrior, 1 hr walk
Week Two: week of 9/12
Monday: Dynamix,1 hr walk
Tuesday: 1 hr walk (rest)
Wednesday: X3 Yoga, 1 hr walk
Thursday: the challenge, 1 hr walk, 15 minutes PiYo lower
Friday: CVX, 1 hr walk
Saturday: total Synergistics
Sunday: Dynamix
Week Three: week of 9/19
Monday: Accelerator, 1 hr walk
Tuesday: the warrior, 1 hr walk
Wednesday: x3 yoga, 1 hr walk
Thursday: CVX, 1 hr walk
Friday: Isometrix, 1/2 hour walk *comic con
Saturday: 15 minutes PiYo Sweat
Sunday: rest
Week Four: week of 9/26
Monday: the warrior, 1 hr walk
Tuesday: the challenge, 1 hr walk
Wednesday: x3 yoga, 1 hr walk
Thursday: CVX, 1 hr walk
Friday: rest, 1 hr walk
Saturday: the challenge
Sunday:Dynamix
Had good and bad days but where the end of week three finished weak, I had contracted a mysterious rash that worsened rapidly, covering most of my body. Was misdiagnosed on Monday which made it ten times worse by Friday when I was put on oral steroids to bring down the swelling. I am still impressed with the determination I put into making Week Four strong even if it was one I suffered through. I think because of the misery, I was even more determined to work towards something positive. I am still itchy but the horrible bumps are going away and I choose to stay optimistic that I won't need to schedule with a dermatologist by Tuesday. For this week ahead, I am chaperoning my nephew's school field trip to the zoo and I'm looking forward to that. I won't bore anyone with the details of my horrible week, but let me just say I was so relieved that it wasn't a contagious issue like they had first thought and I could hug my nephews again! I thought that I got treated subhuman for being thick was bad until I got to see how people treated me with a visible rash.
I still have a lot of videos to cover as I pick and choose from the schedules, more progress to post as I go. I would love to stick to a stricter challenge once I get through my first go too, but for now I enjoy a freer approach.
Ending on a high note: hit a milestone weight goal by dropping down to 189 pounds on Friday. It always feels great to move that tens place down. I hope by Halloween I can be close to doing so again. The diet is really working for me and I'm more motivated than ever.
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