Day 67 - Fit Test - July 22, 2011

Today was the final fit test.  My measurements for this final assessment were as follows:

                 May 17          May 30       June 14         July 9        July 22
Weight - 131 lbs             130.4         131.8           130.8          131
Bust -     33 3/4"            33 3/4"       34 1/2"        34 1/4"          34
Waist -   32 1/2"            30 1/2"          29"               29               29
Hips -     39 1/4"            37 3/4        37 1/2"        37 1/4"           37
Thighs -   23 3/4"              23"          22 1/2"        22 1/2         22 1/4

These 2 weeks I lost another 3/4", for a total loss of 6 3/4"!  Funny, but the exact same weight as the beginning.  I feel soooo much stronger and I really look forward to improving upon the fitness and burning some more fat with more running in my program.  I will however, continue to use some of the workouts, incorporating them into a routine 2 or 3 times a week.

My fit test results are as follows:

                                         May 17             May 30       June 14       July 9           July 22
1. Switch Kicks -              104                   129              130           120                 130
2. Power Jacks -                60                     62                63               67                   66
3. Power Knees -               95                   110                97            110                 114
4. Power Jumps -               42                     45                47              54                   57
5. Globe Jumps -                12                     13                15             13                   13
6, Suicide Jumps -              20                     22                20             22                   22
7. Push-up Jacks -             10                     14                 13             15                   18
8. Low Plank Oblique -      40                    50                 60             63                   69

My before and after photos are below:

                                                              Before                                After

                                                              Before                              After

So all and all I am happy with my results and am really looking forward to taking it to the next level and burning some more fat.

Thanks to all who have been following along and hopefully it motivated all of you to get out and improve your fitness level.

I sign off of this blog with a few words.....



• “Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.”  ~ Plato

Day 66 - Off - July 21, 2011

Today we had ball so it was a day off.  We biked up, so we still got the lungs going and the legs moving.  A good night of ball and we won again.  Our team is undefeated with a 10-0 record.   1 more day of the program.

Day 65 - Run - July 20, 2011

Today I felt great, a rest was just what I needed.  I did my usual lunch run as we are off to the city tonight to say bon voyage to my sister-in-law and her family.  They are off to Australia to live.  The run is a shorter 30 min or so run (give or take a minute or two), but its beautiful and gets me and the dog out for some fresh air.  I feel good, but even better is that this is the last week for insanity.  I do the final fit test on Friday!

Day 64 - Off - July 19, 2011

Today I took the day off.  My body was just tired and it was a somewhat stressful day.  I chose to relax instead.

Day 63 - Max Interval Circuit - July 18, 2011

Today I was wiped.  The workout was long and hard.  My body was really tired from a weekend of riding.  Thank god this is the last week.

Day 62 - Riding - July 17, 2011

Today was a nice long 3ish hour ride.  Some good climbing and decending.  Also worked up a good sweat today and it was nice and warm out.

Day 61 - Riding - July 16, 2011

We were away in Golden, BC on a camping and mountain biking trip.  Today we did 2 rides, each consisting of a couple of hours.  Worked up a good sweat and my muscles and cardio are feeling fantastic on the bike.  We also did a leasurely canoe on the lake.

Day 60 - Off - July 15, 2011

Today was an unscheduled day off.  We are going on a camping/mountain biking trip this weekend and today was the roadtrip day, so no time to workout.  I was busy packing and getting ready and we left right after work for Golden, BC.  It should be a busy and active weekend, so I'll make up for it on 2 wheels!  Have a great weekend everyone.

Day 59 - Off - July 14, 2011

Today was a scheduled day off, as we had a ball game.  Our team is doing really well this year and we are undefeated with a 9-0 record.  I have noticed a significant difference in my core strength which definately shows in my hitting and throwing.  I am much stronger these days.

Day 58 - Core Cardio and Balance - July 13, 2011

I really like this workout, it is more of a recovery workout, but it still pushes you.  Its less crazyness and more controlled movements.  I still finish it with a good sweat on.  I am starting to see a major increase in the muscle and definition in my legs now.  Still no change in weight, but slightly looser fitting clothes is nice.

Day 57 - Run - July 12, 2011

Today we are heading into the city this afternoon so I did a lunch run.  I run along our beautiful river trail and today's run was about 35 min.as I only have an hour for lunch.  I scoot home and pick up my fur baby and off we go.  I did really struggle with my breathing today (and have noticed it to be a problem for the last couple of weeks), as I have asthma, and thought it might be from the summer humidity.  Upon further thought, I realized, I was long overdue to have my inhaler replaced.  Off I go to get my prescription renewed which should improve things dramatically.

Day 56 - Max Interval Circuit - July 11, 2011

Today was my least favorite of the workouts.  It is the longest workout at close to 60 min.  and it is f%$#$ing hard.  An intense warm-up followed by 3 interval circuits with 5 or so exercises doing them 3 times each.  I am wiped, but I felt good and strong during the workout.  Time for dinner, I am starving.

Day 55 - Off - July 10, 2011

Today was supposed to be a recovery day, so I don't feel to bad about missing doing the recover disc.  I have to be completely honest, I am really getting bored and am having difficulty motivating myself.  I am tired of the workouts and tired of being inside.  I am definately ready to be done and move on with my summer.  The next 10 days or so is going to be difficult to complete because of motivation and time, hopefully I can do as much as I can.

Day 54 - Fit Test - July 9, 2011

Today was my measurement and fit test day.  I don't feel much different in my weight or how my clothes fit, however, I do see a major difference in my muscle mass.  I wish I had a way to calculate to my BMI at the beginning and now.  I better my fat % went down alot.

                May 17          May 30       June 14         July 9
Weight - 131 lbs             130.4         131.8           130.8
Bust -     33 3/4"            33 3/4"       34 1/2"        34 1/4"
Waist -   32 1/2"            30 1/2"          29"               29
Hips -     39 1/4"            37 3/4        37 1/2"        37 1/4"
Thighs -   23 3/4"              23"          22 1/2"        22 1/2"

Not much difference in measurements. 

I felt pretty good doing the fit test, and had some marginal increase in most exercises.  My results are as follows:

                                       May 17             May 30       June 14       July 9
1. Switch Kicks -              104                   129              130           120
2. Power Jacks -                60                     62                63               67
3. Power Knees -               95                   110                97            110
4. Power Jumps -               42                     45                47              54
5. Globe Jumps -                12                     13                15             13
6, Suicide Jumps -              20                     22                20             22
7. Push-up Jacks -             10                     14                 13             15
8. Low Plank Oblique -      40                    50                 60             63

Day 53- off -July 8,2011

Today i ended up having to take the day off. We have a wedding this weekend and the rehearsal was tonight and i didnt have time to do anything.

Day 52 - Core Cardio & Recovery - July 7, 2011

A nice workout today.  Long holds on poses.  An lighter day on the agro exercises.  I am feeling good and able to do much more in the workouts these days.  I am really looking forward to the end.  The weather is far to nice to be indoors working out.

Day 51 - Riding - July 6, 2011

Today it was almost 30 degrees and I couldn't help but want to be outside!  It was awesome, I biked G8 which is just shy of a 2 hour ride for me.  Lots of climbing and just overall fun!  Worked up a good sweat and enjoyed the beautiful place I live in.

Day 50 - Off! - July 5, 2011

Wow, I can't believe its been 50 days.  I am looking forward to the program being done and getting outside more and enjoying the nice weather. I have ball tonight, so no workout today.  A nice dog walk after work and I'll bike up to ball.  I have totally lost my workout buddy, but I expected it to happen.  Life is really busy right now and its hard to commit that much time each day.

Day 49 - Run/Ride & Cardio Abs - July 4, 2011

Today was a mix day.  I did a lunch run, around 35 min. and the cardio abs video.  I love doing the ab portion of this program, I just wish there was more of the focused ab workouts.  A good day nevertheless.

Day 48 - Max Recovery - July 3, 2011

Today was a recover disc day.  It is still a 50ish minute workout, but it is no cardio with only strength moves.  Holding the poses for long periods of time.  I would consider this workout as the toning workout.  I felt great except I still consider pushup poses a real struggle.  I am definately improving in that respect, but feel the improvement is slow.  I also did a shorter ride today.  It was a beautiful day and nice to get out in the fresh air.

Day 47 - Max Interval Plyo - July 2, 2011

After my run yesterday, I felt great going into todays workout.  I think a change of scenery was exactly what I needed.  It re-energized me and I had an awesome workout.  My body wasn't to tired until getting into the last 3/4 of the workout.

Day 46 - Run - July 1, 2011

Happy Canada Day!  Today was a run/ride day and I did a fabulous run.  Around 47 minutes and I did 6.6 km.  I am really happy with this.  It has re-motivated me and it was nice for a change in the routine.  It was a beautifully sunny and warm day and it was a great run.  I feel awesome.

Day 45 - Bail :( - June 30, 2011

I bailed on the workout today.  I just didn't make the time as we went truck shopping.  No excuse, just not time and no motivation today.

Day 44 - Max Cardio Conditioning - June 29, 2011

Todays workout was a slog, and I had the hardest time yet getting motivated and finishing the workout.  My legs were very tired from my ride yesterday.

I have done much soul searching and trying to determine my opinion on this program.  My opinion is as follows:

I feel that the program leans to much in the build muscle category and not enough in the burn fat category.  I have difficulty getting my heart rate up to the fat burning zone and maintaining it there, as my muscles can't keep up.  For example, it would be nice to do squats for 1 min, to get my heart rate up, but my legs just aren't strong enough to keep up.  Personally, my body needs a steady increased heart rate for a long duration to burn fat.  I have been struggling with this for a bit now and am discouraged that I am not getting the results I was hoping for.  Don't get me wrong, I am definately stronger and love the muscle I have built, but It would be nice to lose the layer of fat that is covering it, so you can actually see it:)

After much deliberation, I have decided to modify the program to better suit my body, needs and hopes for the program.  I have modified the program to incorporate 2 run/ride days/week.  1 being a shorter lunch run/ride and the other a long hour or hour and half run/ride.  To do this I did two things.  I replaced one of the cardio workouts that focuses mainly on cardio with the longer run and I added days for the short run, which will make the duration of the program 69 days instead of 60.  I am very happy with this decision and I think it better suits me and I look forward to better results.  Plus who wouldn't want to be outside more on our nice and beautifully sunny summer days.

Day 43 - Biking! - June 28, 2011

As I stated in the beginning of the program, now that the weather is getting nicer I have decided that I will not miss a ride to stay home and do the workout.  The rides are a better workout and who wouldn't want to be outside on a bike?  Today I rode instead of doing the workout.  It was supposed to be the Core Cardio and Recovery workout so I definately worked harder riding. We did a 3 1/2 hour ride with tons of climbing.  I felt great while doing it and nice and tired when we were done.  And best of all, we brought our fur baby along.  A great ride had by all.

Day 42 - Core Cardio & Recovery - June 27, 2011

Today's workout was not what I expected.  I thought it would be strength poses with long holds.  I was very mistaken.  It was a gentle version of all of the other workouts.  The program has you doing this workout for 7 days.  I think I would have been pulling my hair out.  Thankfully, with our company, we decided to do other things.  I only have 2 days of it, then back into the regular workout.  My body felt good, no soreness, but I can definately feel the fact that I haven't done an Insanity workout in a week.  Absolutely no difference in my body, but can get through more of the exercises at this point.  I am definately building a bunch of muscle, but not burning fat.  I am look forward to some long extended cardio like a run when the program is done.

Day 40 & 41 - Nothin - June 25 & 26

Both these days I didnt get up to much. Visiting and touring around, with some small walks. My body feels rested and i am definately looking forward to getting back into the workout. I need a good sweat burn. Tomorrow we are back at it.

Day 39 - Nothin - June 24, 2011

Today I took the day off to sightsee all day.  It was an awesome day!

Day 38 - Recovery - June 23, 2011

Today we had a rainy day, but was able to find the small sunny period and did a beautiful 1 1/2 hour gentle hike.  It was hot and sunny, and just as we finished the storms rolled in.  Good timing.

Day 37 - Recovery - June 22, 2011

Today was a beautifully sunny and warm day in Canmore.  I worked an early shift at work so we could enjoy the latter part of the afternoon.  Today for exercise we hiked highline trail.  It was a gorgeous, gentle 2ish hour hike.  Good to get the legs moving and get outside to enjoy the fresh air.

Day 36 - OFF! - June 21, 2011

So today is the beginning of the recovery week scheduled in the program.  It was actually supposed to occur last week before the second half began, but our schedule with company visiting, better suited us to do it now.  So the week is supposed to be a 7 days of a recovery disc.  Our plan is to do less than a week of recovery and do the discs when we can and continue to do activities such as hiking and biking throughout the week.  Surprisingly enough, I am actually looking forward to getting back into it next week for the push to the finish.  Today will be a full day off as we are heading into the city to pick up our company.

Day 35 - Max Interval Plyo - June 20, 2011

So I most definately made up for my lack of dedication on the weekend.  Today, I did a 30 min. run on my lunch with my fur baby, I did the workout and then did an hour and a half light hike with a friend and the pups.  It was a great day.  I got alot accomplished and had lots of energy doing it!  The workouts are still ridiculously hard and committing an hour has been difficult.  The commitment from my workout buddy is falling and I think I will end up finishing the program on my own, but he is still there, so fingers crossed he can put up with it for 25 more days!  I definately feel strong, however, my upper body needs alot of work.  I am a complete weakling when it comes to push-ups and such.  But I guess thats why I am here!

Days 33 & 34

Well I fell off of the wagon over the weekend, and I am definately beating myself up over it.  I didn't do the workout on Saturday or the recovery workout on Sunday, simply because I didn't make time throughout the weekend. It wasn't because I didn't want to do the workouts, I had all intentions, but it was such a busy weekend, I just couldn't find the time.  To make up for it I am going to go for a run at lunch today and do my regular scheduled workout.  It is warm and sunny out and its been awhile since I have ran, so I am really looking forward to it.

Day 32 - OFF! - June 17, 2011

So overall my body feels really strong and solid, but still feels tired.  I am really learning the importance of working hard on workout days, but taking a day off is key to improvement.  The day gives your muscles time to recover and get fresh.  Today will be a good day with relaxing and eating well, then back at it tomorrow.  I am off to the city to see me aunt who is coming for a visit from the east!

Day 31 - Max Cardio Conditioning - June 16, 2011

I felt a mix of feelings to day.  I began feeling energized and eager to get into it.  But as I warmed up, I realized my body was very fatigued and sore.  The warm-up helps with the soreness, but my body is still tired.  I am very much looking forward to the day off tomorrow for some recovery of my muscles.  Today's workout was similar with the pure cardio workout in the first half, with one major difference.... It begins with the new warm-up for the second half and proceeds to go into over 30 minutes of continuous repetitions of various exercises.  The pure cardio was 15 minutes straight and I thought it was tough.  Today's was over 30 minutes straight of intense power and cardio moves.  I will definately be sore tomorrow.

Day 30 - Max Inverval Plyo - June 15, 2011

Holy crap, this program is insane.  Tonights workout was slightly shorter than yesterday, albeit it was 50 some odd minutes.  It is purely exhausting.  Hopefully taking the workouts to the next level will bump up the results and the fitness level.  There was 2 rounds of 5 or 6 exercises that you do 3 reps of each.  Increasing the intensity after each rep, which is 45 seconds long.  They are new exercises or a spin on exercises in the first half of the program.  Its really nice to have some change.  Its a bit more of a struggle to fit it in, given that the workouts are between 10 and 20 minutes longer.  Looking forward to friday for a day off.  My body aches:)

Day 29 - Fit Test & Max Interval Circuit - June 14, 2011

I began today's workout with measurements and the fit test.  Here are my results:

               May 17          May 30       June 14
Weight - 131 lbs             130.4         131.8
Bust -     33 3/4"            33 3/4"       34 1/2"
Waist -   32 1/2"            30 1/2"          29"
Hips -     39 1/4"            37 3/4        37 1/2"
Thighs -   23 3/4"              23"          22 1/2"

In summary, I am thrilled I gained wait! Not! But I do understand it.  I have definately accumulated a ton of muscle and until I get all of the fat burned off, that was likely to happen.  I also think its hilarious that my bust measurement went up by 3/4", perhaps measurer error or due to all of those pushups building my pecs?  I am happy with the reduction in the rest of the measurements and in total lost another 1 1/2".

After measurments, I did the fit test.  I felt strong, but was only able to increase reps minimally and actually went down in a couple of the exercises.  The program schedules a day off the day before performing the fit test, I wonder if the fact that I didn't have a day off, made a difference in the results?  My results are as follows:

                                       May 17             May 30       June 14
1. Switch Kicks -              104                   129              130
2. Power Jacks -                60                     62                63
3. Power Knees -               95                   110                97
4. Power Jumps -               42                     45                47
5. Globe Jumps -                12                     13                15
6, Suicide Jumps -              20                     22                20
7. Push-up Jacks -             10                     14                 13
8. Low Plank Oblique -      40                    50                 60

I switched from doing modified push-ups to regular push-ups which explains the decrease in push-up jacks.  I also think my form is better in some of the exercises, which may also contribute.

Next was the first double header on the fit test day.  And I will say that s#$#%t is insane.  The workout was absolutely nuts and I feel like I am back at square 1 again.  Its 60 min. long and super hard.  Constant cardio and power moves with short 30 sec breaks scattered throughout.  The other big difference is each exercise cycles for 45 sec instead of the 30 sec previously.  Wow, I am sure not looking forward to the second half at this point.

Day 28 - Plyometric Cardio Circuit - June 13, 2011

Woohooo, the last workout of the first half of the program.  Phew, it was a long 4 weeks and I won't be sad to see those exercises go.  I really like the type of program, but there isn't enough variety within the workouts and not enough different workouts to keep from getting bored.  I am anxious to start the second half and get some new workouts, however, I am nervous just the same.  The workouts are longer and harder.  But hopefully we will start seeing more significant results.  In the program, the next week is supposed to be a recovery week, doing a recover disc for 7 days.  We have opted to postpone the recover week by a week, as I have company coming next week and it will be more difficult to get the workouts in.  So we start right back into it and will take a few recovery days next week instead.  Here we go!

Day 27 - Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs - June 12, 2011

Today was a double header with a cardio workout followed by an ab workout.  I opted to forgoe the cardio workout and do a 2 hour mountain bike ride instead.  It was a beautiful evening and a I had a great ride with a good friend.  After the ride I went home and did the ab workout with my workout buddy.  We both really enjoy this workout, as its the only workout that specifically targets just the ab muscles. And its only 18 min. I am seeing a huge difference in my core strength and can do alot more of this workout without taking breaks.    It was a good day.

Day 26 - Cardio Power and Resistance -June 11, 2011

We did our workout first thing this morning. Its nice to have it done early. My workout buddy is hanging on by a thread and is so bored with the workouts is ready to quit. Thank god we get new discs on Tuesday. Power jumps and push-ups are my nemesis:(.

Day 25 - Plyometric Cardio Circuit - June 10, 2011

Back on the wagon today and i have to say, i really thought after 2 days off i thought i would have more energy. Not the case. The workouts are getting boring and monotonous and we r losing interest really quickly. Good thing they all change on Tuesday. Tuesday is also the next fit test and measurements. This last 2 weeks havent felt all that amazing, so we'll see how that goes. I do have a ton of energy though.

Day 24 - OFF - June 9, 2011

Today is a regularly scheduled day off, since we have a ball game.  Even though I took yesterday off I am going to still take the day off today.  We don't have time to do everything we need to do on nights that we play ball and 2 days off won't make a difference in the grand scheme of things.  We will make sure we bike up to the ball diamonds to get the muscles working a little bit.

Day 23 - Fell Off the Wagon:(

Well I am sad to say that I skipped today's workout.  The decision to skip was a combination of many factors.  I was having a rough week to begin with, my body was really tired and we ended up having to make a trip into Calgary to visit a family member in the hospital.  At first I was really disappointed in myself and was beating myself up about it.  I have now changed my opinion.  My body needed a little rest and I took it.  I have done perfectly on the program thus far and even doing 2 workouts (riding & the program) on some days.  If I skip one workout in the entire program, I think I am doing pretty good.  So I decided to accept that I needed a day off both physically and mentally and to take it without guilt.  Now time to get back on the wagon.

Day 22 - Pure Cardio - June 7, 2011

Today was a great workout.  My body felt great and not to tired.  I have a bit of a tweak in between my shoulder blades.  Hopefully I can work it out.  Perhaps a massage will help:)  My workout buddy did something to his hamstring at work so sat this workout out.  We are hoping a days rest will help.  I can definately feel the impact of the exercises on my body. Mostly I feel good, but I definately feel the strain in my lower back.  I suspect this is due to not squating into the exercises after your legs get sore from doing them for a while.  The diet plan is going good, pretty much the same good eating habits I normally have, however, I do find myself treating myself to small treats now and then more than usual.  I get the "I worked hard and deserve a treat" idea and treat myself.  Treats are good, but in moderation.

Day 21 - Plyometric Cardio Circuit - June 6, 2011

3 weeks down!  I didn't have a great workout today, my body is feeling tired and worn out.  I did everything in the workout, but I took it down a notch, so as to night wear myself out more.  We'll see how tomorrow goes.  We are definately super tired of the same workouts and thankfully this time next week we get a new set of workouts.  Its be physically demanding to do the workout and to maintain the amount of riding that I want to do.  I feel like I need an entire day in bed:) Hopefully a good nights sleep will improve the fatigue.  Its pretty weird feeling fatigued, but still have loads of energy.

Day 20 - Cardio Power & Resistance - June 5, 2011

It was a beautiful day today, so I began the day with a fun, moderately technical ride on Montaine traverse.  A 10km ride out on sweet singletrack and the same back on a paved path.  It was an awesome ride.  I began feeling tired and sluggish, but that quickly subsided and I had an amazing ride.  We did our workout in the evening, and I began the workout with a very fatigued body.  However, about a third of the way through, I got a crazy burst of energy and finished the workout as strong as I have ever done one.  I still don't feel much different in the way of strength or clothes fitting better, however, I do have a ton of energy most days and I don't find myself getting home from work and not being able to peel myself up off of the couch.

Day 19 - Cardio Recovery - June 4,2011

Today was a cardio recovery day. The program for today is a light stretching program, however, we decided to have a family mountain bike day instead. We had a wonderful day outside and biked about 15kms. Not much of a rest day, but well worth it.

Day 18 - Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs - June 3, 2011

Double header again today.  I really enjoy doing the ab workout, I wish we did it more often.  How else would I get that six pack.  My workout buddy went for a ride tonight so he joined me afterwards to do the cardio abs portion.  I am really bored of the workouts and am really looking forward to a change.  Not near as motivated today with nobody there to push me.  My body feels pretty good,  but I still definately feel warn out.  I definately need to improve on my upper body strength.  I suck at push-ups. 

Day 17 - OFF! - June 2, 2011

Today is another scheduled day off for us, since we have another ball game.  4-0 so far, way to go black sox!  I must say, I am happy today is a day off, after the day I put in yesterday.  I woke up this morning feeling sore and tired.  Cheers to a day of rest!  Fingers crossed the black sox can log another "w" tonight.

Day 16 - Plyometric Cardio Circuit - June 1, 2011

Well lets just say I don't know what I was thinking today, but I had intended to do my workout and then go for a ride as well.  No big deal right?  It was alot of activity for one day.  A 40 minute intense workout, followed an hour later by an hour and half mountain bike ride.  The ride itself was not all that grueling, however the ride is located on one of the sides of the valley, and since we live downtown, it was a leg burning slog up to the trailhead for me.  But I am happy I did both, and my workout buddy did the workout with me and then had dinner ready when I got home!  So all in all, it was a super night and I had a good time hanging out with some girlfriends.  Its so nice to get on my bike again, and this is now the beginning of riding season for me.

Day 15 - OFF! - May 31, 2011

Today was a day of rest.  We have softball tonight, so a its a day off of the program.  We will however be biking up to ball. Nothing to crazy, but a nice little jaunt up the hill.  Body is feeling good, and no muscle soreness.  We finally have a nice day for ball with no rain, which is the first time this season.

Day 14 - Fit Test - May 30, 2011

Well, I started the day with a dissapointment and had a bit of a roller coaster with emotions.  I did my weigh-in first thing in the morning only to find that I only lost 0.6 of a pound.  Initially I was really upset, as its never fun to work so hard and not see results.  After much thinking and pep talking myself, I have come to the conclusion (and thereafter confirmed with research) that I have replaced the fat I have lost with muscle and therefore minimal weight loss.  I can definitively say this as a result of the change in how my clothes fit and after doing our measurements before the fit test.  I lost 4 1/4 inches! Woohoo.  My stats are as follows:

               May 17          May 30
Weight - 131 lbs             130.4
Bust -     33 3/4"            33 3/4"
Waist -   32 1/2"            30 1/2"
Hips -     39 1/4"            37 3/4
Thighs -   23 3/4"           23"

After the initial shock, I am excited about my results and it gives me the motivation to continue.

Tonights workout was the fit test.  The results for this week also gives me encouragement that I am definately getting stronger and more fit.  I also feel that my form is much better than the first fit test and the fact that I improved on all exercises despite it being harder with proper form feels great!  My results are as follows:

                                       May 17             May 30
1. Switch Kicks -              104                   129
2. Power Jacks -                60                     62
3. Power Knees -               95                   110
4. Power Jumps -               42                     45
5. Globe Jumps -                12                     13
6, Suicide Jumps -              20                     22
7. Push-up Jacks -             10                     14
8. Low Plank Oblique -      40                    50 

So all in all its been a good two weeks and I am proud and motivated to move on. 

Day 13 - Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs - May 29, 2011

Well, today was quite the day.  We were off to the city to run errands all day, and upon returning home around 7pm, there was little motivation to workout.  We pulled up our socks and pushed through "the lazies".  What a workout it was.  It was a double header, 2 workouts in one day.  The first, pure cardio is a workout that is nonstop card at a significant pace.  At the beginning Sean T actually says he's nervous about the workout.  It was followed by cardio abs, which is strickly ab movements.  We were spent.  I must say though, it was really nice to ad a new workout with cardio abs and it was really nice to focus solely on the abs.  But it kicked out asses.  I am really glad we pushed through and did the workout!

Day 12 - Cardio Power & Resistance - May 28, 2011

My body is definitely feeling good, but the workouts are definitely not getting easier yet.  I do find the workouts very repetitive and it will be nice to have some new ones.  I believe tomorrow is a double header workout with a new workout as the second workout.  Nutrition is still pretty much a piece of cake and easy to stay within the recommended calorie count of 1700 calories (specific to me) per day.  Looking at getting new sneakers tomorrow, which I think is long overdue.  Our weather is supposed to improve starting tomorrow, which may make it harder to be inside.  Going great and happy to be active every day.

Day 11 - Cardio Recovery - May 27, 2011

A lovely recovery day today.  Body is feeling good, but I think sleep is alot more important than I think.  Feeling sluggish from to little sleep definately affects motivation and endurance.  I am going to try to work on getting more sleep so I feel energized for the workouts.  Its been raining here for almost a week, and today we got snow, so its kind of dreary outside.  A good time to be doing workouts indoors, but not good for the motivation.  My workout buddy is back today, and vows to do the missed workout as a double header with tomorrows workout.  We'll see I guess.

Day 10 - Plyometric Cardio Circuit - May 26, 2011

I felt really good in the workout today.  I think I am finally over this cold and back on the mend.  It was bound to happen, my workout buddy bailed today:(  He had somewhere he had to be, so I did it solo.  Tomorrow is a recovery day, so my buddy will either do 2 tomorrow or skip recovery and do todays workout tomorrow.  No free passes here.  Starting to feel minimally stronger, its hard to be patient and allow my body to get stronger and fitter.  The fit test and weight/measurements will hopefully give me some more drive.

Day 9 - Pure Cardio - May 25, 2011

Still feeling pretty sluggish, but I am still recovering from being sick and was up all night coughing.  I am still proud of myself for working out through the sickness and perservering.  We did the intense cardio workout again today.  It hasn't gotten any easier.  I still am not noticing any difference in my ability or body.  I am looking forward to doing the fit test again to see if there are any improvements.  I guess I must be patient, since it is only the beginning of week 2.

Day 8 - OFF!!!!

Thank god today was a day off.  My body needed it.  From being sick and from just having a tired body, it couldn't have come at a better time.  We still have softball tonight, so its not totally a day of rest, but ball isn't much of a workout.  I am hoping this rest will give me some energy and I feel refreshed and ready to begin the next week of the program.  Our weather has been pretty dreary, so its good to be staying inside to do the program.

Day 7 - Cardio Power & Resistance - May 23

Today was supposed to be a day off from the workout program, but as I said in my first post, we have modified the program to coincide with our softball schedule, so today we moved on to the next workout and will take a day off tomorrow.  I am still sick and am finding the workouts are wearing my down, so a day off tomorrow will be nice.  The workouts are getting to be a little monotonous and we are cycling through the same ones and we are just going into week 2.  Here's to a much needed day off tomorrow.

Day 6 - Plyometric Cardio Circuit - May 22, 2011

So I'm still sick, but have been able to muscle my way through and continue to still do the workouts.  Today was the first day we repeated a workout and I had forgotten, but it was the first workout and by far the hardest one we have done so far.  My workout buddy mountain biked today, but still did the workout with me, so I have to commend him for his dedication.  Not feeling sore anymore, which is nice, but still have to work hard to finish the workouts.  I have not noticed a difference at all in how clothes fit, but still think its much to early to recognize any results yet.

Day 5 - Pure Cardio - May 21, 2011

I woke up feeling pretty good today except for the fact that I am definately sick:(  My body wasn't sore and it didn't feel all that tired, but I did feel rundown from being sick.  The workout was pretty intense with all cardio and very little breaks.  I thought the workout would be good, since I felt good, but didn't feel like I was able to push myself as much I as would like to.   We completed it nevertheless, and hope to have a better day tomorrow.  We did our workout first thing in the morning today because we had a really busy day planned and wanted to make sure we got our workout in.  It was nice having it done and over with.

Day 4 - Cardio Recovery - May 20, 2011

I will tell you now, I was awfully glad today was considered a recovery day.  I woke up this morning feeling like I am fighting a bug, and I now think I am sick:(  Someone in my office came to work sick the last couple of days and I think it got passed on to me.  Today's workout was a much needed break.  It was a break from cardio with just some strength and yoga stretches.  It couldn't have come at a better time.  This was the first day that it took some motivation to get my ass moving.  Tomorrow hopefully I am feeling better as I believe the work out may be the hardest one yet.  Off to bed, to get some much needed rest.

Day 3 - Cardio Power & Resistance - May 19, 2011

Well today was an interesting day.  I experienced total body soreness, which I attemped relief with some Advil.  Moving is the key, as staying still for to long allows things to seize up.  This is a sign of building muscle and I relish in knowing being sore means I worked hard.  Todays workout was much shorter than the first and I thoroughly enjoyed a lighter day.  Much of the same idea of a workout, but with different exercises.  It is still pretty difficult.  My workout buddy has remained totally committed, and eager to get going when he gets home from work.  (must be the recovery smoothies that I prepare ahead of time that gives him the drive).  We are having a blast doing the workouts and often find ourselves laughing or smiling in the struggle to finish.

Today`s smoothie recipe:

Almond Milk
Banana
Blueberries
Cocoa Powder
Vanilla Extract
Hemp Protein Powder

This one was a hit, and a much needed energy replacer after the workout.  Looking forward to tomorrows recovery day.

Day 2 - Plyometric Cardio Circuit - May 18, 2011

Today was our first real workout.  Boy was it hard!  I really like the program as it mixes the exercises up very frequently so you don't get bored and the time flies by pretty quickly.  We worked really hard and I was totally exhausted when I was done.  We wrapped up our workout with a protein smoothie for recovery.  After sitting down for a little while, I was really sore when getting up again.  I think I am really gonna pay tomorrow!  Since, feeling so sore, I was able to treat myself to a nice hot tub to sooth my muscles.  The nutrition portion is going great.  Based on my personal details I am supposed to consume 1750 calories per day in five equal meals.  I have been able to stick to it, using wonderfully fresh and whole foods.  Until tomorrow.

Day 1 - Fit Test - May 17, 2011

So unlike some of the reports and other blogs I have read, I didn't find the fit test as hard as others say they did. Don't get me wrong, it is definately not a walk in the park, but perhaps one can hope I am not in as bad shape as I thought I was?  I don't dare to dream such nonsense, as I am sure I will be put in my place tomorrow with the first real workout.  My results are as follows:

1. Switch Kicks - 104
2. Power Jacks - 60
3. Power Knees - 95
4. Power Jumps - 42
5. Globe Jumps - 12
6, Suicide Jumps - 20
7. Push-up Jacks - 10
8. Low Plank Oblique - 40

I did have a hard time remembering to count for the first couple of exercises, so they may be a little off.  Post workout, I had tons of energy and went on to clean my entire house.  The next morning I felt a little sore, but nothing I can't handle.  On to day 2....

Before Stats - May 17, 2011

Weight - 131 lbs
Bust - 33 3/4"
Waist - 32 1/2"
Hips - 39 1/4"
Thighs - 23 3/4"

Before Pictures

Not a bad starting point, but hopefully I get more toned and fit!

About Me

To start, I will admit, that by no means am I a writer.  I have decided to create this blog as a tool for myself to monitor my progress while doing the Insanity Fitness Program and as a tool for others to have support on their journey.

I am a 33 year old female who, I would say, is slightly above average on the fitness scale.  I am 5'2" tall and around 130 lbs (I'll confirm that later with my before photo and stats).  I live in a very active mountain town and partake in such activities as yoga, softball, running, mountain biking, hiking, cross country skiing, downhill skiing and snowshoeing.  My usual routine is around 3 days/week of cardio, lasting about an hour and 2 days a week of strength training, which is usually plyometrics.  My goal in the journey, is to take my fitness to the next level to help keep up with others doing the activities I love, to tone up and lose around 10 lbs.  I generally eat pretty healthy, eating lots of veggies and mostly whole foods.  Since I have a pretty clean diet, I will use the dietary plan only as a guideline for amount of calories consumed and spacing and sizing of meals.  I will be doing the program with my partner, a 30 year old male who does manual labour for a living.  I question his dedication and commitment to the program, but I am hoping we can motivate each other to "Dig Deep".

I plan to blog every day outlining my triumphs, failures and feelings.  I have shuffled the workouts slightly, around our softball schedule, using the days we play (usually once a week) as a day off.  We don't have time to walk our dog, play ball and workout on these days so they are now a scheduled day off.  We have not omitted any workouts, just shuffled the order slightly.

Well here we go...........