Monday, February 28, 2011

Week 3, Day 1: Fit Test 2

Let me begin by saying I thought I was going to die doing this fit test before I started simply because all I had to reflect on was the first fit test. I knew I would probably be able to tolerate more just because of going through the routine, but I was still intimidated nevertheless! Well, the key to it all is to max out on each exercise, so I guess I am still exhausted in that sense. That being said, I am THRILLED with my results!

Some were modest, but there were other exercises that I went up significantly in my reps. Yes, I was completely worn out, but I was able to recover quicker with the breaks in between. Well, needless to say I am completely sold on Insanity, and I will be pushing through the whole routine. At first, I was skeptical, but now I am a complete and total believer in this program. The following are my results for week 1 and weeks 2 respectively:

Switch Kicks - 90/100
Power Jacks - 30/36
Power Knees - 50/67
Power Jumps - 11/24
Globe Jumps - 5/6
Suicide Jumps - 6/12
Push-up Jacks - 18/22
Low Plank Oblique - 28/45

As you can see, the results don't lie. Now, seeing as I am now 2 weeks into this routine, I am going to post up my progress pics to this point. While I do not see a significant physical improvement, my endurance is way up. I know I am not far from seeing some results on my midsection. We'll see how I am doing in 2 more weeks. I am sort of dreading the second month of the Insanity workout, but I'm excited too!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Time To Dig Deep for Week 2!

Hey everyone, so today is the start of my second week of insanity. I have to say that I am even more amped up right now than I was when I finally got over my soreness (day 4). I just did my first weigh-in after starting Insanity, and I have to say that I am quite impressed! I originally weighed in at 209 lbs.; I am now down to 204 lbs! I know that is probably more water weight than anything, but it is great to say that I have already attained some kind of results.

I didn't think it was possible to be more energetic than I was just 3 days into the workout, but I can say that I am even more energetic than when I started! I know, I am only on my seventh day of Insanity, but I am already craving tomorrow's workout! Now that I see how much of an improvement has been made in such a short period, I just want more; it's like another addiction.

As the workouts have passed, I have noticed gradual increases in my stamina, as well as my endurance. I find myself more capable of completing more repetitions of each exercise as opposed to when I started. I am still taking plenty of breaks, but I am definitely not as exhausted as I was last week. I am still workiing on getting my form up to par. I will say this: despite not keeping up with the pace, I am still getting a great workout by simply focusing on my form.

Needless to say, this has been a very challenging workout so far, and I am enjoying every bit of it. If you have been like me for the past two years (just staring at the TV envying the great bodies on the infomercials but not motivated to do it yourself) then you definitely need to get this collection of DVDs! Either that, or you can look at my results as I go through the routine and let that serve as the proof that it works!

More updates to come! Two week photo update coming up next Monday (2/28/2011)!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Day 3 - Still Sore!

I got done with day 3 of Insanity earlier today. While I am still quite sore from the workouts, I am beginning to build some tolerance. I am managing to do at least some repetitions of each exercise, but I am still taking multiple breaks. This routine really wears you out! Just when I think I have exhausted all of my energy, Shaun T makes some kind of statement that gets you to put out just a little bit more. It's almost as though he is in the room with you. I didn't believe the reviews I read because I felt that other workout videos came off relatively generic and rehearsed.

There are plenty of reviews out there highlighting the fact that you will be the most sore in the first week of Insanity and then the soreness should subside. I am slowing becoming convinced by those reviews as I go through these workouts. The way the schedule is set up is making much more sense. People complained about how the workouts become played out because of doing them over and over again, but there is a method to the madness.

The hope is that I can come back on here in two weeks and realize that I have improved significantly despite feeling absolutely burned out. I have to say it again: Insanity is the real effing deal! I was dripping sweat today. I haven't had that in the previous two workouts. That lets me know I am already working harder. What's great is that, through all the soreness, I am actually gaining a degree of enjoyment with Insanity.

I am already experiencing an improvement in my stamina over the course of the day. I am not as sluggish, and I have not needed any dose of caffeine - something which was a ritual prior to starting Insanity. I normally drank at least 5 cokes and had upwards of 4 cups of coffee, hot chocolate, or both. Let me not forget to mention that I added plenty of sugar to those cups of coffee. I eliminated so much just by cutting out the coffee, soda and hot chocolate. Couple that with the fact that I have already improved on my diet, and there is nothing to stop me from reaching my goals: except myself.

Well, there is no question that I am going to keep up with Insanity, just as there is no question that I am going to continue providing updates for everyone to see. I have 11 days left until I post up my progress through 2 weeks. We'll see how that goes. Until then, keep digging deep!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Day 1: Fit Test

Today was day 1 of my quest for Insanity. The first challenge was the Fit Test, which consisted of 8 workouts; you do as many reps as you can within an allotted amount of time. This test definitely gives you an idea of what is in store over the course of the next nine weeks, and it absolutely obliterated me!

I can definitely share in the sentiment of so many reviewers whenever they mention their thoughts in the first day or two of the Insanity Routine: WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING?!?! What makes it all the more intimidating is the fact that there is more time between the exercises than in the actual workouts. I had a minute - in some cases, more - to get a drink and prepare for the next exercise while Shaun T. explained how to perform each movement. I will only be given 30 seconds of rest between circuits in the actual workouts.

Let me take a moment and provide a suggestion that I have not seen too many people make. Get a heart rate monitor! You definitely want to keep track of your heart rate throughout the workouts in an effort not to overwork yourself. I bought a monitor by new balance for 50 dollars since I am only using it for workout purposes. There are more expensive heart rate monitors which offer more operations should you desire one that offers more versatility. In any event, get one!

Here are the results I achieved on the first Fit Test:

Switch Kicks - 90
Power Jacks - 30
Power Knees - 50
Power Jumps - 11
Globe Jumps - 5
Suicide Jumps - 6
Push-Up Jacks - 18
Low Plank Oblique - 28

Another note I would like to make is that I did my best not to pay attention to the people doing the exercises on the DVD only because it is not accurate to measure up to them if you are barely getting into this routine. The folks on the DVD have already completed the workout, so don't be discouraged with your numbers. I think my numbers were fairly solid considering that I haven't worked out in quite some time, so I anticipate a steady improvement going forward.

For those of you who plan on trying to maintain some degree of muscle mass, I would recommend doing some minimal weight training throughout the routine. That being said, I think this workout will allow for better results when it comes to muscle building. I will probably incorporate 3 days out of the week to do some light to moderate lifting, but that's about it.

My next update will probably come on wednesday, and every third day after that. I will also put up posts every time I do a fit test. Future fit test posts will contain only the results and no additional commentary. That will be on my 3 day updates. Until next time, keep diggin deep!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Just Received Insanity

Let me start off by saying that I am not trying to sell anything. If anything, you can consider me doing this pro bono since my understanding is that this product sells itself. If you see my results and are motivated to get in shape you are more than welcome to visit beachbody.com and purchase it from them. My only payoff from whoever reads this is their new found motivation to want to get in shape. So, enough about that.

I am aware that I am what most would consider a late bloomer in terms of acquiring this work out as it has probably been out for close to 2 years. I first caught the advertisement around the end of Winter in 2009 and was immediately drawn to the infomercials. I was very hesitant to get into such a committment for a number of reasons; unfortunately, I used the lamest excuses to not take the plunge.

Any time I see an infomercial advertising anything - and it mentions that all you have to do is make so many easy payments of $xx.95 - I automatically write it off as an attempt at scamming people. That was my first lame excuse. The second lame excuse I came up with was that I already had a gym membership and I was doing better on my own. I thought I was in pretty good condition. Not only is that lame, but I couldn't be further from the truth.

If there is one thing that stings more than an ass whoopin, it's cold hard facts. When you suddenly find yourself surrounded by people telling you that you need to get in shape, it can hurt your ego pretty bad. I'm talking about friends, family, co-workers, etc. Now, I am not saying I became grossly overweight, but there was a marked decrease in my stamina; additionally, I had a noticeably larger appetite and people even pointed out that my personality changed: not for the better. My smoking habit has grown beyond control, and while I may not drink as much, I am still paying for it with all the other negatives.

Being overweight is not the only way to be unhealthy. I have not been happy with myself for quite some time. I am not proud of my appearance, my mentality, my outlook for the future, and my overall health.

To tell you the truth, I really don't know what exactly led me to allow things to get so out of hand, but I do know that now is the time to do something about it. If I don't stop my downward spiral, I may get to a point where there is no chance to recover.

About two weeks ago, I received a positive remark from my mother, who just so happens to be one of my best critics. She noticed that I have slimmed down. One of the areas I promised my girlfriend I would improve on from New Years was my diet. I have definitely minimized how much food I consume. I should have felt great hearing my mother's remarks, but I didn't. I told her that I was nowhere near as healthy as I need to be. She nodded her head in acknowlegdement and then we changed subjects.

I must have arrived home that day with perfect timing because as I stepped in I heard the commercial for the Insanity workout and something just triggered in my mind. It was at that moment I realized it was time for me to do what I should have done two years ago. I went to the beach body website the next day and made the purchase, but not until I made a promise to myself: no matter how difficult this routine may be, I need to complete it. I cannot sell myself short, or my efforts will all be in vain.

Look, I am not claiming to be some special exception: there are plenty of folks out there with the same story, some of you may be reading this right now. I am just an average Joe trying to show everyone that it is indeed possible to improve your lifestyle in more ways than one - and in a short period.

I just received the Insanity workout in the mail yesterday, and I am intimidated even with the way it was packaged! This workout means business. I decided to just get an idea of what I have to look forward to in the first month. It gets pretty damn intense; that's great, considering it's supposed to be that much more challenging in the second half. Well, I have already made the investment and I have made a committment to myself to follow through with what looks to be the greatest physical challenge I have ever experienced to date!

I will say this: I am excited and I am nervous for the same exact reason...this looks hard as HELL! So, in an effort to allow folks to keep up to date with my progress, I will go ahead and post my official before pictures. Again, while I may not look completely unhealthy, I feel it in so many ways. As of today, I weigh 209 lbs.

I have two goals:

1. I drop down to 175-180 lbs as a result of minor muscle loss, in which case I build it back up the right way. This actually might be ideal for me...

2. I drop to 185-190 and maintain most of the muscle up top.

Either way, I am trying to drop at least 20 lbs and I'll be happier if I lose closer to 30. Regardless of the outcome, it will still be an accomplishment. Check out my blog for weekly updates. My progress pics will be posted up every two weeks. Wish me luck folks.