P90X: One Woman's Transformation, Documented.

Tony Horton's 11 Laws.

2010-02-22T13:41:00.000-08:00

I am starting P90X again now that my ribs have healed. I am about to be on my way toward being a bad ass again, and before you know it I will be jumping fences, humping poles, and climbing mountains. Yaya.

I follow a great Blog, Joey Petri, a Beachbody trainer whose Blogs inspire me and motivate me. Today he happened to Post Tony Horton's 11 Laws, which was exactly what I needed to jump start my confidence and motivation.

Here are the 11 Laws, with my comments in Red.

1. Variety. Variety is the spice of life and fitness. A lifetime of health and fitness is achievable when you can think outside the box. You have to mix it up all the time. Stay curious, creative, and stick with the kinds of workouts that you enjoy. A variety of exercises, workouts, and sports will allow you to avoid injuries, plateaus, and boredom.

This is not difficult for me, as I get bored quickly and have a lot of interests. Also P90X is the perfect platform for variety.

2. Consistency. Improvement and change occur when you do things often. Stopping and starting all the time will kill any momentum you need to succeed. You must find ways to stay in the game. Moderate forms of exercise, done consistently, provide far better results than the occasional full-body pummeling. A lifestyle that includes multiple forms of exercise five to six days a week guarantees results.

Consistency has not been easy for me because I keep screwing up my body. So here are 2 tips from me to avoid the same obstacles I encountered:

1. If you feel a tickling, painful sensation and you feel it gradually moving along your nerves, this is the beginning of a Pinched Nerve. This is where you STOP. Do not be like me, the masochist that I am, and keep going because "Pain is just weakness leaving the body." That Nerve kept me from going on for about 3 weeks.

2. If you find yourself in an encounter with a psychopath ex who has violent tendencies, I would suggest backing away quickly to avoid getting Bruised ribs, like I had for 3 months. They may have been cracked. I don't have insurance so I will never know. What I do know, is that I would have the body of a goddess right now if now for my inability to move properly due to effed up ribs.

3. Intensity. YOU'RE TOUGHER THAN YOU THINK. The fear of pain or injury from working out is a mindset steeped in failure. You must learn to "Find the Line." Do the extra rep or two, increase your range of motion, and increase resistance as you get stronger. Intensity goes hand in hand with Variety and Consistency. The combination of the three work together as a triad that creates a platform for success. The programs provide variety. Your plan will keep you consistent.

See above. There is a difference between Intensity, and Masochism. Key phrase in this one "Find the Line." I went over the line. Maybe you will too. But eventually, you will find the line.

4. Purpose. Your purpose is to have a better life. Exercise and eating right help you feel better. When you feel better, you do more. When you do more, you meet other people. A healthy lifestyle gives us the energy to be better than before. We want to participate, share, communicate, and build a community—have purpose in our lives. If you had never found Beachbody, you might be right back where you were—isolated, with nothing to share, no purpose, because you weren't doing anything with anyone.

The last Blog I wrote outlines my own specific purposes for this journey I embark on. read all about it Here.

5. Reality. Why do we want life to be different than it is? Why do we think about who we were and who we're going to be more than who we are? We certainly talk a good game about who we are now. Why do we try to predict the future with the hope that wishful thinking is enough to change it? Life is NOT the way it was. It's the way it is. Life is not our fantasy predictions of the future or our glory days of the past. Life is that thing that is happening to you as you read this. We fall into the trap of living in the past and future because right here is not good enough. Back then and up there are keeping you from right now.

Today, my reality is that I will be going home tonight where my mom will have 7 cheese tortellini with homemade sauce waiting for me. Ouch.

6. Sports. Take the onus off of weight, inches, and body fat percentages and put the focus on MOVING—from dancing, rock climbing, and mountain biking to table tennis. I love that ping-pong! Think in terms of "can do" instead of "look like." Sports are fun and help develop balance and coordination—which in turn accelerates your results. Jump, kick, run, spin, throw, skate, shoot, hit, score, compete . . . PLAY!

Not a fan of sports, but I am a fan of playing.

7. The Plan. SCHEDULE ALL WORKOUTS IN ADVANCE. This creates accountability. Plan an entire month ahead of time. Try to schedule as many workouts as possible with friends who have similar goals. WOWY was developed so that we could find an easy and effective way to stay accountable and work out together. Now we've got people in Trumbull, CT (my hometown), doing Power 90 at the same time with people in Hollywood. That is cool!

I am going to do this right now. I need this in writing.

8. Sleep (and stress). Stressed out, sleep-deprived people don't eat right and exercise regularly. Stress depletes energy, strength, and desire, while poor sleep habits affect your moods and immune function along with cognitive and motor performance. Burning the candle at both ends makes it impossible to be fit and healthy.

Another major goal for this week. Trying to go to bed by 10:30 every night, Well see.

9. Loving It. Exercise and workouts involve commitment, determination, planning, consistency, and intensity. If you don't like what you're doing, there's no way on earth you'll succeed. Enthusiasm is a very big piece of the puzzle. Get creative and stay curious. If you enjoy doing Power 90 exclusively and it works for you, then keep doing it until it doesn't. If you get part way through P90X and it's not your cup of tea, then stop, and do something else. Something's got to bring you back day after day, week after week. Love it (tolerate it) or leave it.

I will learn to love it.

10. Flexibility. Flexibility is the fountain of youth. Flexible people are much less prone to injury. Yoga and stretching allow you to bring more intensity to your workouts. Flexibility is the key component to becoming less vulnerable and more durable. Aging has a funny way of making everything we do harder. Staying limber and flexible is the way to prevent that from happening.

Yoga is my fave.

11. Food and Supplements. You are what you eat! Food and supplements are your fuel. The right fuel supplies proper energy and recovery through balanced brain chemistry. The right supplements simply fill in gaps in your diet.

Lifelong journey, haha.

5 Reasons and Goals for my Fitness Journey

2010-01-05T22:59:00.000-08:00

There are Important motivating factors in why I am committing to this once and for all. There are certain goals I wish to achieve, as well as reasons why I need to be at my best. Here are the
top 5, in no particular order of importance:

1. Be able to do at least 10 Pull-ups/Chin-ups.

I have never done one in my Life. All those humiliating moments in P.E. shall be redeemed. I can already see that triumphant day when the bar flashes across my vision as my chin goes beyond....to that glorious area above the bar, the challenge which has haunted me always. It will Happen. I can't wait for the day. I will feel like superwoman.

2. Parkour/Free Running.

When I first saw a video of Free-Running, I was filled with a sense of freedom and relief. I longed to be one of the lithe, energetic jumpers and vaulters of the Urban Jungle. To overcome every obstacle, leap over every barrier, and explore the city from the eyes of a liberated lunatic, traveling the streets with cunning skill, would be a dream come true for me. The first step to Parkour? Be in shape. You need strong arms and legs, and mad jumping skills. P90X is perfect for this. By the end of the year I will be exploring the LBC a new way.

Interested? Wondering what I am talking about? Here is more Info:

http://worldwidejam.tv/pkbasics.1.jam.parkour.html

3. Climb Things.

I want to climb, rocks, mountains, and Trees. I want to be able to go on long, uphill hikes to see the best views ever. I need to be able to climb fences to trespass on abandoned and forbidden areas. I want for the world to be my playground.

4. Appearance.

Of course, Vanity plays a role in my motivation. I am not afraid to admit it. As a Violinist, and eventually a Belly Dancer, I will be on display. I want to be at my best and sexy as hell.

I also want to be a stripper for extra money. (Joking)

5. Health.

Yes, my Health is important to me. That is all I really need to say about this obvious one.

There you have it. I want to be an immortal, climbing, jumping, belly-dancing, sexy, notorious Violinist.

This is why P90x is happening. This whole thing, will be happening.

New Year, New body, more blogging.

2010-01-05T22:45:00.000-08:00

Now that the Holidays are over, I can stop making excuses. I started the year with mostly raw food, but just today I gave in to Taco Hell and suffered the consequences for the rest of the day.

The delectable dish you see up above is Zucchini noodles w/ Raw sauce I made on New Years Day. It was simple, but I as so proud. I went in to more detail in my other Blog, link is on the right.

I was happy to discover that my mom is putting my little bro on a diet and is purchasing healthier foods. This is a great step in the right direction. Not only is it easier for me to have a healthier environment with less temptation, but I am concerned about their health as well.

This weekend I ended up with Bruised ribs, which has made it near impossible to put any stress on my body. I have heard this lasts for weeks, and I am deeply disappointed because I had planned on restarting P90x this week. I have been doing some relaxing Yoga, but I am eager to start working on my fitness.

This year I plan on blogging a lot more about my journeys and adventures. I have been seriously lagging.

I am BACK with a Vengeance! My First Green Smoothie!

2009-12-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

My pinched nerve is gone and my body is feeling ready to get back in to the groove of P90X.

This week is crazy due to the Holidays, so I am getting in workouts when I can but I am not fully on the plan until next week. However I am trying desperately hard to control my diet.

This past week has been very interesting. My diet went from one extreme to the other, and I gained deep insight as to how strongly food affects my body and my energy.

Last week I managed to go 4 days on a mostly Raw vegan diet. I decided to try making this "Green Smoothie" deal I keep reading about on the raw food sites. After doing the P90X protein thing, I was not feeling like I was at my best, so maybe meat is not the best thing for me.

I remembered that one of my biggest problems is that I tend to do an insane amount of research, and the only thing that will propel me into Transformation is ACTION. So I took out my Blender and whatever fruit and greens we had going on in the kitchen. A handful of greens, frozen blueberries, and a banana later, I had my first ever Raw Food Green Smoothie.

I stared at the bits of greens floating around the thick, dense, purple drink I held in my hand, and took a sip.

Amazing. I had a whole crapload of Greens in there, but all I could taste was the wonderful sweet blueberries and a hint of Banana. It was better than any Jamba Juice I have ever experienced. As I drank my liquid meal, I felt refreshed and renewed. I took comfort in the raw natural fuel I was giving my body, and I took pleasure in the taste and luxury of it.

After following the wonderful tips on http://www.gorawhavefun.com/ I packaged myself a few days worth of raw salads.

After 4 days of Green Smoothies and Raw salads as an 80% raw diet, I experienced: My First Natural High.

I am sure I have felt naturally high before, I mean my life is not that depressing. But THIS was a different type of high.

I felt wonderfully stimulated from my head to my toe. I felt like my body was functioning properly and at its best. I felt like I could do anything I wanted, including going for a sprint! I felt happy and in love with life. The closest I have ever come to such a wonderful feeling was certain epic moments of my life, and a mushroom trip years ago.

Then, came the weekend. Along with the weekend came Holiday party mode, which includes an abundance of alcohol, sugar, desserts, cheese, and did I mention sugar? Just a wonderful assortment of cookies, cakes and pies to taste after I gorge myself with cheese and crackers. Friday night I did not eat so much, but I did consume more than my share of vodka and tequila.

Monday morning came. Oh Dreadful Monday morning. Only a few days before I was on top of the world, and suddenly I violently crashed and a dark cloud consumed my energy and life.

That is when I realized I had full control over the way I feel, and a lot of that control has to do with what I put into my body. This is the harsh reality.

This last week was a sort of accidental experiment that has been enlightening. I see the people around me and what they put into their bodies, and I see how they feel and how they act. People are irritated, lazy, lethargic, and unhappy. I feel that way too, when I consume the wrong things.

This has made it easier for me to continue with this transformation and change my life. While on P90x I will need to make sure I consume protein, but I really feel that a mostly raw food diet will be the best thing for me.

Stay Tuned!

Program paused for mysterious pain

2009-12-07T16:28:00.001-08:00

The last week I have been severely pestered by pinched nerves in my neck and allover shoulder and back pain. I am irritated that this is causing a delay and hindrance in my P90X program.

My discouragement led to poor diet choices, which meant fast food once or twice, ice cream, and even some chips. (Ouch!)

THIS ENDS NOW

I did not commit to this program to so easily fall back in to my old habits. Here is my Plan:

This week: Yoga, biking, walking, belly dance. I will exercise and use my body daily, but with the focus of healing and mobility. My focus this week is not to get ripped and be all hardcore. I am going to try and do Ab Ripper a few times depending on my pain level. This works out perfectly since I have a Violin Recital this weekend and will be needing to focus on my music.

Next week: I will finish my 3rd week of Phase I. Leading up to the new year I will be doing P90X and my recovery week. The first week of the New year will be the beginning of Phase 2.

As for my Diet: Since my workout program is lacking, I need to really focus on my eating habits. This week I am going to be focusing on the Caveman approach for Simplicity sake. This means veggies, meat, fruit, and nuts.

Any Encouragement and Advice is greatly appreciated!

Slipknot during workout, Pain ensues

2009-12-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

The Chest and Back workout is somewhat familiar to me now, and I wanted to push really hard for this week. I put my Itunes on and had Slipknot playing in the background. The aggressive music made me feel like a bad ass as I pushed my hardest through the pull ups and push ups.

Tony Horton says that most people give up before they need to. From what I understand, you are supposed to push through the pain. No Pain, No Gain. So I did just that.

Before I could proudly beam about the fact that I had drastically improved from last week in regards to my repetitions, I felt a stabbing pain crawl up my arm and in to my neck. Before I knew it I could not even finish the Ab Ripper X workout because of the pain in my neck. All night it hurt, and today it is so bad that it is difficult to check my right side mirror when driving.

I know that when I get these pains I usually have them for days or even weeks. I hope this will not affect my workouts. What to do?

My first screw up! Thanksgiving.

2009-12-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

I wish I could say that I did a great job during Thanksgiving and stuck to my 1200 Calorie limit while consuming healthy protein and veggies. I really wish that I could.

The day began nicely with some fruit and a workout. I declined offers for Pie and I refrained from eating cookies. I made some yummy fudge for dessert later, but I did not eat any.

Then came the Croquets. OH, glorious and evil croquets. Here is what they are: Mashed potatoes w/ pieces of salami and ham. THEN you put a chunk of Mozzarella cheese in the middle. Roll into a ball. Cover with egg and breadcrumbs and then FRY. They are amazing. I had like 6. Before Dinner even began.

My dinner plate had Turkey, lots of veggies, and croquets. Later, I ended up grubbing on the fudge I had made earlier.

The rest of the weekend was a blur. I had a burger on Saturday, and Sunday I only had eggs and bacon. Not a healthy, balanced diet, and I am sure I went over my alloted calories. I also ate lots of peanut butter in a failed effort to appease my sweet cravings.

HOWEVER I did finish Week 2 of my workouts! ::::Pat on Back::::

Today I had 2 tamales and some CousCous w/ Veggies. Not too bad right? I am not sure about the tamales. Tonight I will take it easy with some tuna and fruit after my Chest + Back workout. This week I need to focus on pushing HARD through my workouts, since it is my last week of Phase III before the Recovery week.

I am also going to drink a crapload of water and green tea.

I want to feel light again, like last week. I feel all heavy and blah.

Chest & Back Week 2

2009-11-24T22:53:00.001-08:00

I feel like a Bad Ass. I did all kinds of push-ups and Pull-ups today. Granted the Push-ups were on my knees and the Pull-ups had the aid of a chair, but only one foot!

Only a matter of time before I can pull my chin over that bar using my body strength.

Food Details:

Trail Mix
Tuna + Arugula on whole wheat
Grapes
Green Tea

Tomorrow my Mom starts the cooking and baking, which leads to temptation, and indulgence, and test of willpower.

May the Force be With Me.

First full week of P90X COMPLETED!

2009-11-23T15:18:00.000-08:00

Success!

I brought my absolute best for all 6 workouts.

The Yoga workout on Friday was just divine. My body was loving the stretching and relaxation of it all. Then came Saturday's Legs and Back workout, along with Ab Ripper X. I was so over it, very sore, and totally dreading the workout. However I installed my chin-up bar, got myself a chair, and got to work.

Was it fun? Hell No. Did I Bring it? Hell Yes.

Sunday was Kenpo, and that was FUN. I loved it. I miss doing Kung Fu, so it was fun to punch and kick again.

Today is my Rest day. AAhhhhhh. It feels so nice to chill out. Unfortunately I do not get to enjoy my rest day, because I have Music Theory class today.

How does my body feel?

Actually it feels fine now. I am not too sore at all, and I am ready to start pushing again tomorrow. I am excited to complete another week.

"But the Holidays are this week!" exclaims everyone.

Luckily for me, I am not too fond of most Thanksgiving grub. I will eat some Turkey, green beans, and mashed potatoes, but go easy on the portions. This week I will research healthy, low cal dishes I can maybe cook up.

I am VERY proud of my success this week. I ate well all week, and stayed within the 1200 calorie range. I did not eat 3 hours before bed. No nachos, brownies, or candy. I totally rock.

I did eat 3 pecan cookies one day, because the accounting lady brought them in and I could not resist. But then the only other thing I ate was a salad and some tuna. My friends all came over to drink beers Saturday night, and while they got their buzz on I knocked out into a blissful, stone-cold sober slumber.

I had to cancel plans, rearrange my days, and spend $70 on food. I am committed and I plan to see results!!

Rainbow

2009-11-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

I discovered an awesome way for me to broaden my nutritional repertoire. There are so many glorious veggies and fruits I have not tried, and also quite a few that I would like to RE-discover.

Yesterday I was on my way home from work listening to Pink Floyd and dining on an Orange. As the sweet smell reached my nostrils and the amazing citrus juice left my senses intoxicated, I actually found myself thinking: "This is better than chocolate." It was so fresh and energizing, and the taste was just unbelievable. I have had Oranges before, but I have never Respected them as much as I do after that moment.

I decided to go through the entire "Rainbow" of natural delights. Basically I will buy as many fruits and veggies from one color, then move to the next color, ect. This way I am able to experience a great variety of natural foods, introduce myself to new tastes, and entertain myself as I try to refrain from feasting on chocolate.

I am totally excited about this.

So I found this great web site: Color Wheel of Fruits and Vegetables

Here is a brief Excerpt:

"By eating fruits and vegetables of a variety of different colors, one can get the best all-around health benefits. Each different color fruit and vegetables contains unique health components that are essential to our health.

Fruits and vegetables are very important to our health because they are whole foods, created by nature, that are rich in a large amount of nutrients. The processed foods that we so commonly eat, can never compare to the health benefits provided by strawberries or broccoli, which have fiber, vitamins, and enzymes built right in.

Eating plenty of healthy vegetables and fruits helps prevent heart disease and strokes, diverticulitis, control your blood pressure, prevent some types of cancers, and guards against cataract and macular degeneration or vision loss.

The phrase "eating a rainbow" of fruits and vegetables is a simple way of remembering to get as much color variety in your diet as possible, so that you can maximize your intake of a broad range of nutrients. The colors of fruits and vegetables are a small clue as to what vitamins and nutrients are included. By getting a variety of different colored fruits and vegetables, you are guaranteed a diverse amount of essential vitamins and minerals."

The site goes on to describe all the benefits of each group based on their color.

The site then provides an extensive list of fruits and veggies for each color.

Tomorrow I am hitting up the market and I am beginning with: RED!!

Check out all the cool stuff I can get with RED:

Beets
Blood oranges
Cherries
Cranberries
Guava
Papaya
Pink grapefruit
Pink/Red grapefruit
Pomegranates
Radicchio
Radishes
Raspberries
Red apples
Red bell peppers
Red chili peppers
Red grapes
Red onions
Red pears
Red peppers
Red potatoes
Rhubarb
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Watermelon

3rd day: What did I get myself into?

2009-11-20T11:50:00.000-08:00

I had to push through the Arms and Shoulder workout, despite my inability to effectively move my sore limbs.

For each phase of the workout, I found myself thinking, "How the HELL am I going to make it through this next round?" Yet somehow I always did.

This is when I realized the reality of Tony's words. The fact is, people normally quit before they really need to. Their MIND gets in the way. I would bend over and pick up the weight with a groan, but then I would end up lifting it, and again, and again and so on.

I was so tired at the end, but triumphant.

Ab Ripper X was a Killer this time around.

I am so excited for Yoga tonight.

Plyometrics, First Taste

2009-11-18T20:44:00.000-08:00

All I can say is: OUCH.

I have never had a workout where I was so sore before the workout ended, and even more sore immediately following the Workout.

It is now the next day, and every movement is a mission and is followed by a wince and at times a groan.

However, I am going to have some killer legs.

Plyometrics is fun, but a huge challenge.

Yesterday I think I ate pretty well. I had a bit of chili, which had a lot of protein and veggies, so I did not think it was that bad. My mom made spaghetti with mussels and clams, so I had a bit of pasta.

Today a coworker brought in cookies and I crumbled. I had 3. But I will eat straight greens and protein the rest of the day to try and make up for it.

I am eager to see my body change.

First Day: Check + Back + Ab Ripper

2009-11-17T22:23:00.000-08:00

Today I got my first taste of P90X. It was glorious.

I Brought It on the push-ups, but I am doing the "knee" ones. I am also using the resistance bands instead of the chin-up bar, just for a little while. Despite either of those minor setbacks, the work-out was difficult, I felt the burn, and I gave my all. That's what it is all about right? Woo!

AB RIPPER X: That workout is a trip. I am looking forward to the day when I will be able to keep up and do the whole thing. Can we say "Crunchy Frog??" (That may not be the correct name, hey its only my first day.)

Here are some stats:

25 knee Push Ups
24 band pull ups
5 Diamond Push ups
3 Dive bombers
20 chin ups

Today I ate banana, and an orange. I had a turkey and veggie sandwich for lunch. I drank green tea and water like crazy.

Off to a Great start!

Preparation

2009-11-12T12:10:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I set up my Pull-Up bar in the doorway, but my doorway is weak and I feel it will crash with extended use. We shall see.

I got my weights and bands out, and even the dreaded close-toed shoes and socks that I hate so much. I suppose I will need them for the Plyometrics deal.

Last night I grubbed on nachos and lucky charms at like 11PM. My biggest weakness is late night munchies. I will need to lay off the ganja.

I felt pretty guilty, and I am determined to STOP. I made out my grocery list for this weekend based on the P90X tier I and Tier II foods.

Tonight I am watching a movie. My last night as a lazy ass. The next 3 days I will be at a convention that will bring me enlightenment and self awareness. Then, Monday, it will be P90X time.

My P90X Adventure: The Beginning

2009-11-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

I have decided to embark on this adventure during a time in my life when everything is changing and my entire being is transforming. I feel that I am emerging from my cocoon and becoming a beautiful butterfly, and everything is evolving except for one important factor: My inner health and my outer appearance.

I am 24 and I have the entire world in front of me. I want to be in the best shape of my life so I may seize every opportunity with complete confidence and passion. I want to shed all the insecurities that keep me from putting my face out there.

This physical transformation will be the outer representation of what is going on in the inside.

To complete these 90 days with success is a goal I have committed to and I am unable to turn back now. The final, successful day of this program will be more than a sexy "after" photo. It will be the day I have proven to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to, and it will represent a plethora of achievements.

I have my complete P90x set, including nutrition info. I have a pull up bar and weights and resistance bands.

I will soon be Posting my Fit Test results, measurements, and "Before" photos.

I will be starting Monday, November 16th, 2009.

BRING IT!