Test 2
1. Switch Kicks: 84
2. Power Jacks: 51
3. Power Knees: 88
4. Power Jumps: 30
5. Globe Jumps: 8
6. Suicide Jumps: 12
7. Push Up Jacks: 22
8. Low Plank Oblique: 55
Quite the difference from my first test. The biggest improvements were in the switch kicks (+33), Power Knees (+27), and Low Plank Oblique (+30). I lost 6 reps. on Power Jacks but as I explained before, I felt like I was cheating on the move the first time because there is no way that I did that many the with proper form.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Insanity Fitness Test Results: Test 1
I never posted the results from my first two fitness tests so I guess I will do that now. You can view the results from (eventually) all five of the fitness tests by selecting the links on the right side of the screen.
Test 1
1. Switch Kicks: 51
2. Power Jacks: 57 (I feel like I cheated when I did this because I wasn't able to top this rep. count on my second test.)
3. Power Knees: 61
4. Power Jumps: 23
5. Globe Jumps: 7
6. Suicide Jumps: 9
7. Push Up Jacks: 20
8. Low Plank Oblique: 25
Overall a pretty decent start considering I had not worked consistently in over a year. Although I probably cheated on some of the harder moves.
Test 1
1. Switch Kicks: 51
2. Power Jacks: 57 (I feel like I cheated when I did this because I wasn't able to top this rep. count on my second test.)
3. Power Knees: 61
4. Power Jumps: 23
5. Globe Jumps: 7
6. Suicide Jumps: 9
7. Push Up Jacks: 20
8. Low Plank Oblique: 25
Overall a pretty decent start considering I had not worked consistently in over a year. Although I probably cheated on some of the harder moves.
Insanity Day 17: Pure Cardio w/ Cardio Abs
I will tell you in all sincerity that I absolutely did NOT want to workout today. There was not an ounce of motivation in my body today and all that was going through my head as my work day ended was..."Fuck! I have to do Pure Cardio today."
It's always the warm up that I dread. Once I get passed the warm up then the rest of the workout, even though it's very hard, is just par for the course. I honestly believe that if you can get passed the warm up every day in this program, then there is no reason why you can't finish it. So begrudgingly I popped the disc into the player and began my daily mantra...
"...tough mudder, tough mudder, tough mudder..."
I plowed through the warm up and settled into the non-stop fun of Pure Cardio...and by fun I mean torture. Switch kicks, power jacks, Level 2 drills...fuck 'em all. This workout is just brutal in every way. By the time I got to the warm up I was absolutely drained. The sad part was I still had to do Cardio Abs. To tell you the truth I was sooooo close to turning off the DVD player. I just felt like there was no way I could go for another 15 minutes, but then the mantra returned in my head...
"...tough mudder, tough mudder, tough mudder..."
Sure enough I willed myself into continuing on with the second part of the workout and I don't know how I was able to do it. The C Position moves are just torture on my obliques and the final Plank Groin humping move is just funny...funny and exhausting.
So I'm tapped out for the night. I finally get Cardio Recovery tomorrow but to call it easy is a lie. There are some hard moves in that workout but at least I get a break from that damn warm up. Did I mention that I hate the warm up?
It's always the warm up that I dread. Once I get passed the warm up then the rest of the workout, even though it's very hard, is just par for the course. I honestly believe that if you can get passed the warm up every day in this program, then there is no reason why you can't finish it. So begrudgingly I popped the disc into the player and began my daily mantra...
"...tough mudder, tough mudder, tough mudder..."
I plowed through the warm up and settled into the non-stop fun of Pure Cardio...and by fun I mean torture. Switch kicks, power jacks, Level 2 drills...fuck 'em all. This workout is just brutal in every way. By the time I got to the warm up I was absolutely drained. The sad part was I still had to do Cardio Abs. To tell you the truth I was sooooo close to turning off the DVD player. I just felt like there was no way I could go for another 15 minutes, but then the mantra returned in my head...
"...tough mudder, tough mudder, tough mudder..."
Sure enough I willed myself into continuing on with the second part of the workout and I don't know how I was able to do it. The C Position moves are just torture on my obliques and the final Plank Groin humping move is just funny...funny and exhausting.
So I'm tapped out for the night. I finally get Cardio Recovery tomorrow but to call it easy is a lie. There are some hard moves in that workout but at least I get a break from that damn warm up. Did I mention that I hate the warm up?
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Insanity Day 16: Plyometric Cardio Circuit
My chins and ankles have been very sore today so I was not looking forward to the ol' Plyo Circuit. I had some improvements on the warm up as I am able to get through the first two sequences without stopping. The third one is still a challenge though.
During the workout proper, I was concentrating on being able to complete certain moves and not taking as many breaks as I have in the past. I was able to complete suicides, Mountain Climbers, Jabs, Uppercuts, and Power Strikes in full. No breaks and with full reps. That being said, the Power Squats are just brutal and the Level 1 Drills are always a bitch. I was able to do a few more drills before I had to take a break so at least I am making some progress. The main thing is that these fit assholes in the video are stopping for breaks during that sequence so you can't tell me I'm supposed to be any different.
Overall I felt pretty good about the workout but my legs took a beating. They don't hurt now but I am going to put ice on them. It was hell during the workout. So anyways, I am about to sit down and watch Halloween since it is that time of the season. This weekend is my friends housewarming party and it will be the first time I have been able to drink since my wife and I started this sabbatical in September. I probably won't drink much considering I don't want to miss a workout day. Tomorrow is fucking Pure Cardio and Abs again...bleh.
During the workout proper, I was concentrating on being able to complete certain moves and not taking as many breaks as I have in the past. I was able to complete suicides, Mountain Climbers, Jabs, Uppercuts, and Power Strikes in full. No breaks and with full reps. That being said, the Power Squats are just brutal and the Level 1 Drills are always a bitch. I was able to do a few more drills before I had to take a break so at least I am making some progress. The main thing is that these fit assholes in the video are stopping for breaks during that sequence so you can't tell me I'm supposed to be any different.
Overall I felt pretty good about the workout but my legs took a beating. They don't hurt now but I am going to put ice on them. It was hell during the workout. So anyways, I am about to sit down and watch Halloween since it is that time of the season. This weekend is my friends housewarming party and it will be the first time I have been able to drink since my wife and I started this sabbatical in September. I probably won't drink much considering I don't want to miss a workout day. Tomorrow is fucking Pure Cardio and Abs again...bleh.
Insanity Day 15: Fitness Test #2
Fitness Test #2 is in the books and I saw some definite improvements from the first one. Now keep in mind that you will do these tests every two weeks of the program and this being my second one, I wasn't expecting major improvements. However, like everything else in the program, I was rather surprised by the results on my record sheet.
In switch kicks and power knees I was able to increase my rep count by over 20 each! Suicides Jumps by 10 and the highlight, Low Plank Obliques by over 30! I was pretty amazed at the improvements that I have made in just two weeks. It really shows how effective this program is if you really push yourself. However, I was laughing during the Power Jacks because my original total (57) seemed utterly ridiculous to me, especially after I wasn't able to overcome that total this time. Honestly I think I was cheating on the move during the first test because there is no way I could have done that many the first time.
Overall, I feel that the Fitness Test is a necessary tool for you during the Insanity Program because it is the only written record of the improvements that you make. There are times during the program (I have had a few already) that you will become discouraged due to soreness, fatigue, and the overall difficulty of the workouts. Being able to take the test and complete the moves with higher rep. counts than the previous time allows you to see the advances you are making.
On a side note, my lower legs have been taking a beating lately and I think I've developed chin splints. The Insanity Program is very tough and for someone like me who had not worked out in over a year, this was probably inevitable. I had similar soreness when I would do Plyometrics in P90X. Since Insanity is like doing Plyo every day...well, you can easily draw the conclusions. I think I'm going to start a regimen of icing my chins and ankles to reduce the soreness. I strongly recommend that you do these workouts on carpet and with comfortable cross-training shoes. You need the support because this program is tough on your legs.
So I am into week 3 now and halfway through the first month of the program. Time isn't flying by but that lovely Recovery week is now visible on the horizon and I look forward to it. A week of not having to do Pure Cardio and Cardio Resistance sounds like heaven right now...but that's not for 2 weeks. Later!
In switch kicks and power knees I was able to increase my rep count by over 20 each! Suicides Jumps by 10 and the highlight, Low Plank Obliques by over 30! I was pretty amazed at the improvements that I have made in just two weeks. It really shows how effective this program is if you really push yourself. However, I was laughing during the Power Jacks because my original total (57) seemed utterly ridiculous to me, especially after I wasn't able to overcome that total this time. Honestly I think I was cheating on the move during the first test because there is no way I could have done that many the first time.
Overall, I feel that the Fitness Test is a necessary tool for you during the Insanity Program because it is the only written record of the improvements that you make. There are times during the program (I have had a few already) that you will become discouraged due to soreness, fatigue, and the overall difficulty of the workouts. Being able to take the test and complete the moves with higher rep. counts than the previous time allows you to see the advances you are making.
On a side note, my lower legs have been taking a beating lately and I think I've developed chin splints. The Insanity Program is very tough and for someone like me who had not worked out in over a year, this was probably inevitable. I had similar soreness when I would do Plyometrics in P90X. Since Insanity is like doing Plyo every day...well, you can easily draw the conclusions. I think I'm going to start a regimen of icing my chins and ankles to reduce the soreness. I strongly recommend that you do these workouts on carpet and with comfortable cross-training shoes. You need the support because this program is tough on your legs.
So I am into week 3 now and halfway through the first month of the program. Time isn't flying by but that lovely Recovery week is now visible on the horizon and I look forward to it. A week of not having to do Pure Cardio and Cardio Resistance sounds like heaven right now...but that's not for 2 weeks. Later!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Insanity Day 14: Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs...holy shit
After my lazy Sunday and a long night of little sleep (Insomnia), I had to force myself to do Pure Cardio/Cardio Abs. You already know my feelings about Pure Cardio...but I definitely noticed improvement in a lot of things yesterday. I was able to complete the first two circuits of the warm up without stopping, which is the first time that's happened. I really tried to breathe through every move and I was determined not to stop. The third fast circuit is still too challenging for me so I had to take a couple breaks.
I really busted my ass yesterday to get through the moves and even though I had to take quite a few breaks, I still felt that I was improving. By the end I didn't feel completely ruined as I had the other times I did the workout. I will take any small improvements at this point.
However, this was the first time that I had to do Cardio Abs and after such a hard workout it was the last thing I wanted to do. I liked the workout but my core was friggin' killing me since I haven't really done any ab exercises during this program. If you're wondering, Cardio Abs is MUCH tougher than Ab Ripper X in P90X. You're engaging your core a lot more with moves that require you to keep your back off the mat. No sit ups or crunches and the result is a much more effective workout. The fact that I had to do it immediately after Pure Cardio was the hardest part.
Anyways, week 2 is complete! Overall another tough week. The workouts are not easier but I have been making small improvements here and there. I've lost a few pounds but the hardest thing for me is to keep motivating myself to put the DVD in and press play. If I do that and get past the warm ups then it's all good. I have two more weeks in this month and then I will finally get to the Recovery week. My next workout is the 2nd fitness test and I will be sure to create a new section on the blog to display the test results. Later!
I really busted my ass yesterday to get through the moves and even though I had to take quite a few breaks, I still felt that I was improving. By the end I didn't feel completely ruined as I had the other times I did the workout. I will take any small improvements at this point.
However, this was the first time that I had to do Cardio Abs and after such a hard workout it was the last thing I wanted to do. I liked the workout but my core was friggin' killing me since I haven't really done any ab exercises during this program. If you're wondering, Cardio Abs is MUCH tougher than Ab Ripper X in P90X. You're engaging your core a lot more with moves that require you to keep your back off the mat. No sit ups or crunches and the result is a much more effective workout. The fact that I had to do it immediately after Pure Cardio was the hardest part.
Anyways, week 2 is complete! Overall another tough week. The workouts are not easier but I have been making small improvements here and there. I've lost a few pounds but the hardest thing for me is to keep motivating myself to put the DVD in and press play. If I do that and get past the warm ups then it's all good. I have two more weeks in this month and then I will finally get to the Recovery week. My next workout is the 2nd fitness test and I will be sure to create a new section on the blog to display the test results. Later!
Insanity Day 13: Rest Day
I guess the weekends don't really motivate me to work out. When Saturday rolled around I had an entire house to clean which took a few hours but I still was able to get through Cardio Power and Resistance. Sunday was a different story. I literally sat around all day and did nothing. It was a beautiful day outside and I just sat on the couch and watched sports. I knew I had to mow the lawn and do my workout but I just couldn't motivate myself.
So I just took a rest day and decided to do my final workout of week 2 on Monday. These things happen I guess.
So I just took a rest day and decided to do my final workout of week 2 on Monday. These things happen I guess.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Insanity Day 12: Cardio Power and Resistance
Today's workout was Cardio Power and Resistance for the second time this week. At times I was able to summon up the determination to push through for extra reps and keep up my intensity. Especially during the last set of moves when I am usually dog tired. It was nice to finally just clench my teeth and knock out a few more reps during the plank runners and the moving push ups. In fact today was the first time that I sensed the improvements I have made. The exercises were more familiar to me and by concentrating on my core, I truly felt that I was able to complete more today than I have up to this point.
This workout was still a friggin' monster though and I was pouring sweat by the first stretch as per usual (fucking warm up). The toughest moves during this workout just happen to be bastard relatives of your basic squat which is why I struggle with them. Power jumps, globe jumps, and that damn combination 8 hop squat/8 push up at the ass end of the workout.
I was going to mow the lawn today but since my legs were feeling a bit rubbery I decided against it in favor of a nice hot shower. Tomorrow is my last workout for week 2! Very exciting but it also means that I have to do Pure Cardio again...this time with a session of abs immediately after. Bleh.
This workout was still a friggin' monster though and I was pouring sweat by the first stretch as per usual (fucking warm up). The toughest moves during this workout just happen to be bastard relatives of your basic squat which is why I struggle with them. Power jumps, globe jumps, and that damn combination 8 hop squat/8 push up at the ass end of the workout.
I was going to mow the lawn today but since my legs were feeling a bit rubbery I decided against it in favor of a nice hot shower. Tomorrow is my last workout for week 2! Very exciting but it also means that I have to do Pure Cardio again...this time with a session of abs immediately after. Bleh.
Insanity Day 11: Cardio Recovery
Oops...another missed post from last night. Not really that big of a deal though considering it was just the recovery day.
As stated last week, I feel that Cardio Recovery is a combination of the Yoga X workout from P90X with a twist of Insanity thrown on top. There are points during the workout when things are easy and its rather enjoyable (pretty much the last 6 minutes or so), and then there are the not so easy parts (pretty much everything else). I have no problems with balance postures but sequences when you are holding squat and lunge positions for minutes on end are just killer. I don't know if I've mentioned it before but I despise lunges and squats. So even though this is a recovery day, there are points during this workout that I have trouble completing.
That being said, this is still the least hectic/easiest workout in Insanity so you can't be picky. I did the workout yesterday night (Friday) and I ended up going to bed pretty early. These workouts just knock me out. I cannot stay up late. It just proves how hard this program works you.
As stated last week, I feel that Cardio Recovery is a combination of the Yoga X workout from P90X with a twist of Insanity thrown on top. There are points during the workout when things are easy and its rather enjoyable (pretty much the last 6 minutes or so), and then there are the not so easy parts (pretty much everything else). I have no problems with balance postures but sequences when you are holding squat and lunge positions for minutes on end are just killer. I don't know if I've mentioned it before but I despise lunges and squats. So even though this is a recovery day, there are points during this workout that I have trouble completing.
That being said, this is still the least hectic/easiest workout in Insanity so you can't be picky. I did the workout yesterday night (Friday) and I ended up going to bed pretty early. These workouts just knock me out. I cannot stay up late. It just proves how hard this program works you.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Insanity Day 10: Plyometric Cardio Circuit
Man, these days are just flying by aren't they?! I was wrong about today's workout. My body was hoping for Cardio Recovery and instead I got Plyo Cardio Circuit. So Day 10 was more of the same, more squats, more stupid warm ups, and more Level 1 drills. I am not going to say that I'm getting used to this workout because frankly it would be a bold faced lie. I have to stop for water and catch my breath a lot. Watching the people in the video struggling through the exercises confirms that it doesn't matter whether I am out of shape or not, these workouts are Insanely tough (did you get what I did there?)
You know what the toughest thing is? Getting home from work and having to jump right into the warm up. Sure, the Level 1 drills are an abomination, but having to bust my ass for 8 minutes immediately after pushing play is just rough. Honestly, I just hate the warm ups...but of course that is me just bitching.
Good news of the day is that I lost 2 lbs! I'm sitting at 201 now and I know that every day brings me closer to my goal. I am hoping to be around 180 by the time I'm done with Insanity.
My wife made vegetarian stuffed cabbage which was friggin' amazing! I scarfed down 5 before I went into a food coma. Which reminds me, it's time for bed. See you tomorrow for Cardio Recovery......for real this time.
You know what the toughest thing is? Getting home from work and having to jump right into the warm up. Sure, the Level 1 drills are an abomination, but having to bust my ass for 8 minutes immediately after pushing play is just rough. Honestly, I just hate the warm ups...but of course that is me just bitching.
Good news of the day is that I lost 2 lbs! I'm sitting at 201 now and I know that every day brings me closer to my goal. I am hoping to be around 180 by the time I'm done with Insanity.
My wife made vegetarian stuffed cabbage which was friggin' amazing! I scarfed down 5 before I went into a food coma. Which reminds me, it's time for bed. See you tomorrow for Cardio Recovery......for real this time.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Insanity Day 9: Pure Cardio
Do I need to explain Pure Cardio? Do I need to express just how hard this workout is and what it takes out of me?
15 minutes of non-stop cardio exercises. No scheduled water breaks and no time to take a breath...unless you make the time. Trust me, I stopped the DVD more than once.
There's not much more to say about this workout. I get to do it again later this week and I have to do a session of Abs along with it. That will suck.
On the Tough Mudder front, I have paid my entry fee so I am officially locked in. My friend Jason will be registering later this week so it's time to get serious. After I'm done with the first half of Insanity, I am going to let him borrow the first few DVD's since the second half of the program is completely different.
Anyways, I am off to bed. I don't even know what workout is tomorrow...I think it's the recovery day. If so then that will be nice...relatively.
15 minutes of non-stop cardio exercises. No scheduled water breaks and no time to take a breath...unless you make the time. Trust me, I stopped the DVD more than once.
There's not much more to say about this workout. I get to do it again later this week and I have to do a session of Abs along with it. That will suck.
On the Tough Mudder front, I have paid my entry fee so I am officially locked in. My friend Jason will be registering later this week so it's time to get serious. After I'm done with the first half of Insanity, I am going to let him borrow the first few DVD's since the second half of the program is completely different.
Anyways, I am off to bed. I don't even know what workout is tomorrow...I think it's the recovery day. If so then that will be nice...relatively.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Insanity Day 8: Cardio Power and Resistance...I hate Globe Jumps
Onto week 2! As I sit here recollecting today's workout I must admit that I went into it thinking it might be a bit easier than last week. After all, every day consists of extreme cardio workouts and I would like to think that my body is starting to get used to the daily grind. Once again...I thought wrong.
Cardio Power and Resistance is all about...well, power. Lots of jumps, squats, and push ups. The one thing I noticed about this workout is that there really isn't an exercise that I would call "easy." What I mean is that you could be working out and sometime during the program you will get to that one exercise that you know you can relax on and get a breather. Today's workout does NOT have that...and the closest one (Belt Kicks) still involves a lot of squats. These workouts just will not get easier.
Every time I post I always mention the warm ups for this program and I am not kidding when I say the warm ups are killer. The first 5-6 minutes of almost every workout have this friggin' warm up that has jacks, jogging, high knees, butt kicks, and others. In fact, I wouldn't even call it a warm up since I am drenched in sweat by the end of it. Seriously...6 minutes into every workout and I am sweating more than any workout in P90X. This shit is no joke.
All things considered, I am feeling pretty good. My legs are still sore from the daily punishment they're receiving but I'm hoping that will go away by the end of the week. These workouts allow me to get to bed pretty early which is nice because I was having bouts of insomnia for a while which I believe was caused by my diet and lack of physical activity. At this point I just want to start seeing results on my body.
Anyways, tomorrow is Pure Cardio again and yeah.....I'm a little scared. 12 minutes of non stop cardio. That's Insanity.
Cardio Power and Resistance is all about...well, power. Lots of jumps, squats, and push ups. The one thing I noticed about this workout is that there really isn't an exercise that I would call "easy." What I mean is that you could be working out and sometime during the program you will get to that one exercise that you know you can relax on and get a breather. Today's workout does NOT have that...and the closest one (Belt Kicks) still involves a lot of squats. These workouts just will not get easier.
Every time I post I always mention the warm ups for this program and I am not kidding when I say the warm ups are killer. The first 5-6 minutes of almost every workout have this friggin' warm up that has jacks, jogging, high knees, butt kicks, and others. In fact, I wouldn't even call it a warm up since I am drenched in sweat by the end of it. Seriously...6 minutes into every workout and I am sweating more than any workout in P90X. This shit is no joke.
All things considered, I am feeling pretty good. My legs are still sore from the daily punishment they're receiving but I'm hoping that will go away by the end of the week. These workouts allow me to get to bed pretty early which is nice because I was having bouts of insomnia for a while which I believe was caused by my diet and lack of physical activity. At this point I just want to start seeing results on my body.
Anyways, tomorrow is Pure Cardio again and yeah.....I'm a little scared. 12 minutes of non stop cardio. That's Insanity.
Insanity Day 7: Plyometric Cardio Circuit...yayy!
After my lost weekend I was finally able to complete week 1 yesterday. Day 7 was the return of Plyometric Cardio Circuit and that means more Level 1 circuit...errr.
The good news is that I can complete some of the moves (Mountain Climbers, High Knees, Suicides) with no breaks. That is a definite improvement from the first day. Its also easier for me to do this workout now that I understand the exercises and how they flow together. I am able to anticipate what comes next and I can adjust my intensity accordingly. If I know that a tougher exercise is coming up, I can back off the current one to give myself a little extra energy. Now, while this might seem like a good idea in theory, it still doesn't mean that I am able to complete the hard moves. Certainly not the Level 1 circuit.
That damn Level 1 circuit is a friggin' beast. Two minutes of hell repeated three times...I hate it. The day I can actually keep up with Shaun T and his minions during this move will be a very happy day for me.
After the workout I checked the scale, which I don't do that often, and saw that I lost a pound....not that big of a deal but I will take any weight loss at this point. I am currently 203 lbs. and my goal is around 180. If I can keep up the intensity during these workouts, I see no reason why I won't get there.
Week 1 is complete! Overall a tough week of soreness and getting used to the rigors of this program. Just like P90X, if you can get through the first two weeks of the program then you are past the hardest part. All of the workouts, even my recovery day, were very challenging and it takes every ounce of determination (and sweat) in my body to complete. One day at a time...
I will probably add a section to the blog that displays the results of my fitness tests every other week. These tests are meant to show the improvements I make as I go through the program. My second fitness test will be next week so I need to bust my ass this week in preparation. Later!
The good news is that I can complete some of the moves (Mountain Climbers, High Knees, Suicides) with no breaks. That is a definite improvement from the first day. Its also easier for me to do this workout now that I understand the exercises and how they flow together. I am able to anticipate what comes next and I can adjust my intensity accordingly. If I know that a tougher exercise is coming up, I can back off the current one to give myself a little extra energy. Now, while this might seem like a good idea in theory, it still doesn't mean that I am able to complete the hard moves. Certainly not the Level 1 circuit.
That damn Level 1 circuit is a friggin' beast. Two minutes of hell repeated three times...I hate it. The day I can actually keep up with Shaun T and his minions during this move will be a very happy day for me.
After the workout I checked the scale, which I don't do that often, and saw that I lost a pound....not that big of a deal but I will take any weight loss at this point. I am currently 203 lbs. and my goal is around 180. If I can keep up the intensity during these workouts, I see no reason why I won't get there.
Week 1 is complete! Overall a tough week of soreness and getting used to the rigors of this program. Just like P90X, if you can get through the first two weeks of the program then you are past the hardest part. All of the workouts, even my recovery day, were very challenging and it takes every ounce of determination (and sweat) in my body to complete. One day at a time...
I will probably add a section to the blog that displays the results of my fitness tests every other week. These tests are meant to show the improvements I make as I go through the program. My second fitness test will be next week so I need to bust my ass this week in preparation. Later!
Insanity Day 6: Rest Day...yeah right
Sorry for the missed posts during the weekend. I planned on taking a rest day on Saturday and then completing week 1 on Sunday. That didn't really happen for various reasons.
Saturday, my rest day mind you, was an all day festival of helping my friends move to their new apartment. As such I didn't really get to "rest" and I spent about 6 hours lugging boxes and furniture up and down stairs, onto trucks, and basically busting my ass. I was already sore from the workouts during the week so this was torture.
Sunday came around and I had hoped to do my final workout of week 1 but that didn't happen. I felt dog tired all day and I also had to mow the lawn. I hate yard work during fall because by this point I have mowed my damn lawn for almost 5 months and I am sick of it. Last year I stopped mowing in late August and my yard became a disgrace. So in an effort to not get fined by the city, I must keep mowing until my grass finally stops growing.
So yeah, no workouts this weekend which irritated me...sorry about that. I will try to keep that at a minimum. Actually, I HAVE to keep it at a minimum since I am on a time table here and I can't afford to miss many days.
One final note. I created a team for Tough Mudder and we are called "The Illegitimate Sons of Ivan Drago." If you've ever seen Rocky 4 then you understand. ;)
Saturday, my rest day mind you, was an all day festival of helping my friends move to their new apartment. As such I didn't really get to "rest" and I spent about 6 hours lugging boxes and furniture up and down stairs, onto trucks, and basically busting my ass. I was already sore from the workouts during the week so this was torture.
Sunday came around and I had hoped to do my final workout of week 1 but that didn't happen. I felt dog tired all day and I also had to mow the lawn. I hate yard work during fall because by this point I have mowed my damn lawn for almost 5 months and I am sick of it. Last year I stopped mowing in late August and my yard became a disgrace. So in an effort to not get fined by the city, I must keep mowing until my grass finally stops growing.
So yeah, no workouts this weekend which irritated me...sorry about that. I will try to keep that at a minimum. Actually, I HAVE to keep it at a minimum since I am on a time table here and I can't afford to miss many days.
One final note. I created a team for Tough Mudder and we are called "The Illegitimate Sons of Ivan Drago." If you've ever seen Rocky 4 then you understand. ;)
Friday, September 16, 2011
Insanity Day 5: Pure Cardio (Pure Hell)
Let's get one thing straight here...I did NOT underestimate this program. I knew that when I spent the money for Insanity, this program was going to be challenging and probably harder than P90X. I knew that it was cardio-heavy and that I wouldn't be using weights. I knew that I would have to make a commitment in order to complete these workouts.
With that out of the way......HOLY SHIT this fucking workout was hard!!! (Fancy formatting FTW)
I'll try to keep the f-bombs to a minimum in these posts but I felt it necessary for today's workout. Saying Pure Cardio is a hard workout is truly an understatement. P90X has Plyometrics and the first few times I did that workout I felt like I was dying a little. Insanity has Pure Cardio and it's beyond the normal ways you would describe something as being challenging or hard...this was obscene.
Now I am pretty out of shape but you know you're screwed when Shaun T (The instructor for Insanity) says "Is anyone else as nervous about this workout as I am?" Shaun T and his minions in these videos are very fit, cut, basically physically prepared for the workouts. When THEY are scared of what's to come that is not good for me.
The warmup was hard as usual and I was pouring sweat by the stretch, just 5 minutes into the session. That's when Shaun T made his nervous comment and that's when I knew I was screwed. For 12 straight minutes it was nothing but cardio exercise after cardio exercise; each one a minute long and absolutely NO BREAKS. Suicides, power squats, push up jacks, and the return of the dreaded level 1 circuit. Shaun T and his minions were stopping for water, everyone had pain written all over their faces, and I am laughing at how ridiculous this workout is.
This is the toughest workout so far even though I said that about the first two days. I can't imagine what the Maximum cardio circuits are going to be like during the second month...I don't really want to. Next week I have to do this workout twice, and the second time I have to follow it up with a session of abs. I don't know how I will do this.
Anyways, that was my workout. Tomorrow I have to help a friend move so I may not be able to do my last workout of week 1. If not, then tomorrow will be my rest day and I will complete the week on Sunday. Later!
With that out of the way......HOLY SHIT this fucking workout was hard!!! (Fancy formatting FTW)
I'll try to keep the f-bombs to a minimum in these posts but I felt it necessary for today's workout. Saying Pure Cardio is a hard workout is truly an understatement. P90X has Plyometrics and the first few times I did that workout I felt like I was dying a little. Insanity has Pure Cardio and it's beyond the normal ways you would describe something as being challenging or hard...this was obscene.
Now I am pretty out of shape but you know you're screwed when Shaun T (The instructor for Insanity) says "Is anyone else as nervous about this workout as I am?" Shaun T and his minions in these videos are very fit, cut, basically physically prepared for the workouts. When THEY are scared of what's to come that is not good for me.
The warmup was hard as usual and I was pouring sweat by the stretch, just 5 minutes into the session. That's when Shaun T made his nervous comment and that's when I knew I was screwed. For 12 straight minutes it was nothing but cardio exercise after cardio exercise; each one a minute long and absolutely NO BREAKS. Suicides, power squats, push up jacks, and the return of the dreaded level 1 circuit. Shaun T and his minions were stopping for water, everyone had pain written all over their faces, and I am laughing at how ridiculous this workout is.
This is the toughest workout so far even though I said that about the first two days. I can't imagine what the Maximum cardio circuits are going to be like during the second month...I don't really want to. Next week I have to do this workout twice, and the second time I have to follow it up with a session of abs. I don't know how I will do this.
Anyways, that was my workout. Tomorrow I have to help a friend move so I may not be able to do my last workout of week 1. If not, then tomorrow will be my rest day and I will complete the week on Sunday. Later!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Insanity Day 4: Cardio Recovery
The cardio recovery workout was a nice break from the frenetic action of the last two days. I could sum it up as a condensed version of Yoga X from P90X. When I did P90X for the first time Yoga was always my favorite workout. I loved the challenge, the measured gains per week, and how relaxed I felt after each session. No matter how bad of a day I had at work, I could throw Yoga on and I would feel great after.
Cardio Recovery had similar moves (Planks, Downward dogs, right angle poses) but without the continuous vinyasa sequences. Funny thing is that even though the workout wasn't crazy, I was still sweating my ass off. This program just doesn't pull any punches, even on a "recovery" day. The nice thing is that the workout was relatively short (about 35 minutes).
After the workout I enjoyed a delicious meal of home made cabbage soup and a chicken salad. I have started to eat healthier to match my workouts. I'm not following the Insanity nutrition plan because I feel like I don't eat enough and subsequently I feel lightheaded when I workout. Instead, I am following the P90X plan which worked great for me last time and the food tastes great (It's all about the chicken pita).
A couple blog updates: I have posted a countdown clock to Tough Mudder and I included a section on the left that displays the gear I may possibly purchase for the event. The items may change as I do more research but my tentative choices are currently listed. If any of you have done Tough Mudder before and have any suggestions, feel free to leave a comment.
Anyways, tomorrow is Pure Cardio and I assume it is going to kick my ass like every other workout so far. That's good though. I need the cardio right now to help me lose weight quickly. I'm looking forward to the next few weeks in the hope that I start to see some results. Later!
Cardio Recovery had similar moves (Planks, Downward dogs, right angle poses) but without the continuous vinyasa sequences. Funny thing is that even though the workout wasn't crazy, I was still sweating my ass off. This program just doesn't pull any punches, even on a "recovery" day. The nice thing is that the workout was relatively short (about 35 minutes).
After the workout I enjoyed a delicious meal of home made cabbage soup and a chicken salad. I have started to eat healthier to match my workouts. I'm not following the Insanity nutrition plan because I feel like I don't eat enough and subsequently I feel lightheaded when I workout. Instead, I am following the P90X plan which worked great for me last time and the food tastes great (It's all about the chicken pita).
A couple blog updates: I have posted a countdown clock to Tough Mudder and I included a section on the left that displays the gear I may possibly purchase for the event. The items may change as I do more research but my tentative choices are currently listed. If any of you have done Tough Mudder before and have any suggestions, feel free to leave a comment.
Anyways, tomorrow is Pure Cardio and I assume it is going to kick my ass like every other workout so far. That's good though. I need the cardio right now to help me lose weight quickly. I'm looking forward to the next few weeks in the hope that I start to see some results. Later!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Insanity Day 3: Cardio Power and Resistance
It's getting late so I am going to make this post brief.
New day, new workout. Cardio Power and Resistance is not easy and in some ways is actually tougher than the Plyo workout yesterday. Once again, brutal warm up followed by more jumping squats and push ups than you can shake a stick at.
The toughest move is also the last one you do. 8 hop squats, drop down and do 8 push ups. Repeat repeat repeat. Trust me, at the end of the workout this is a spirit-breaker.
I am hoping to get my team together for Tough Mudder in the next week or so and give them my payment. I want to be locked into this as soon as possible so that there is no way for me to back out and fail all of you (which at this point is no one, but I will pretend I am hugely popular so as to not damage my non-existent ego).
Tomorrow is Cardio Recovery although it sounds easier than it probably is. I'll probably despise it and then come on here to bitch and moan. Maybe I will just put on a happy face for you. :D
New day, new workout. Cardio Power and Resistance is not easy and in some ways is actually tougher than the Plyo workout yesterday. Once again, brutal warm up followed by more jumping squats and push ups than you can shake a stick at.
The toughest move is also the last one you do. 8 hop squats, drop down and do 8 push ups. Repeat repeat repeat. Trust me, at the end of the workout this is a spirit-breaker.
I am hoping to get my team together for Tough Mudder in the next week or so and give them my payment. I want to be locked into this as soon as possible so that there is no way for me to back out and fail all of you (which at this point is no one, but I will pretend I am hugely popular so as to not damage my non-existent ego).
Tomorrow is Cardio Recovery although it sounds easier than it probably is. I'll probably despise it and then come on here to bitch and moan. Maybe I will just put on a happy face for you. :D
Insanity Day 2: Plyometric Cardio Circuit
Just so you know, there is a fitness test you are supposed to do before you begin the workouts proper. I completed the test back in August and I didn't feel like doing it again for, most likely, the same results. Needless to say I could complete the exercises but I know that I have a long way to go before I get better at them.
Anyways, DAY 2! I setup the spare bedroom for this program because it receives good airflow and the carpet is easy on the joints. The first real workout is Plyometric Cardio Circuit. The word "Plyometric" sends a shiver down my spine due to it's appearance in P90X.
I guess when you purchase a workout program called "INSANITY" you would be foolish if you didn't know what you were getting yourself into. The first five minutes of the workout introduced me to what interval training is. Periods of high intensity, ass-kicking, sweat-inducing moves followed by a measly 30 second break for water. I mean holy SHIT...the friggin' warm up is brutal! The intervals usually have 4-5 moves that you do in succession for 30 seconds each. After the aforementioned 30 second water break, you repeat the same sequence of moves, only this time at a faster tempo. One more break and then you repeat again at maximum speed.
I was a mess by the end of the warm up with about 25 minutes to go. 25 brutal minutes of various squats, jumps, and the dreaded circuit #1. Think lots of push ups, with jumps in between, and in/out ab moves. At a minute and repeated three times along with the other moves not mentioned, this sucker is a killer.
The scary thing is as I was watching the video, the people that are working out (who are extremely fit by the way) are friggin' dying. They're taking breaks during the moves, drinking tons of water, and all I'm thinking is "I'm screwed." If they're having such a hard time and they look like that, how is there any hope for me?! The simple answer is that there never was any hope but I can only do these moves at my speed for now and maybe down the line I will improve. I guess we will see.
Anyways, DAY 2! I setup the spare bedroom for this program because it receives good airflow and the carpet is easy on the joints. The first real workout is Plyometric Cardio Circuit. The word "Plyometric" sends a shiver down my spine due to it's appearance in P90X.
I guess when you purchase a workout program called "INSANITY" you would be foolish if you didn't know what you were getting yourself into. The first five minutes of the workout introduced me to what interval training is. Periods of high intensity, ass-kicking, sweat-inducing moves followed by a measly 30 second break for water. I mean holy SHIT...the friggin' warm up is brutal! The intervals usually have 4-5 moves that you do in succession for 30 seconds each. After the aforementioned 30 second water break, you repeat the same sequence of moves, only this time at a faster tempo. One more break and then you repeat again at maximum speed.
I was a mess by the end of the warm up with about 25 minutes to go. 25 brutal minutes of various squats, jumps, and the dreaded circuit #1. Think lots of push ups, with jumps in between, and in/out ab moves. At a minute and repeated three times along with the other moves not mentioned, this sucker is a killer.
The scary thing is as I was watching the video, the people that are working out (who are extremely fit by the way) are friggin' dying. They're taking breaks during the moves, drinking tons of water, and all I'm thinking is "I'm screwed." If they're having such a hard time and they look like that, how is there any hope for me?! The simple answer is that there never was any hope but I can only do these moves at my speed for now and maybe down the line I will improve. I guess we will see.
...And so it begins
About a week ago my friend Jason mentioned that he was thinking about signing up for Tough Mudder. I had heard about this obstacle course/endurance race/day of hell on Facebook and was pretty sure that I would never be that crazy to think I could participate. After all, I have been out of shape for over a year now. I completed 65 days of P90X before I got married and I was in great shape. Since the big day I have steadily put on weight so that now I am the heaviest I have ever been. I look unhealthy and trust me, I feel it as well.
That being said I began to reconsider Tough Mudder because like my wedding, this event would be a goal that I could shoot for. My biggest problem with working out is that it's work...same exercises, same results. I purchased the Insanity workout program to try to liven things up but let's just say it is tough to do those workouts in a house with no air conditioning, in one of the hottest summers on record.
Anyways, yesterday I started Insanity again and today I decided to write a big fat check that my ass may not be able to cash. I agreed to participate in the April Tough Mudder event in Ohio. 12 miles, 28 obstacles, and as Survivor so eloquently put it..."Just a man and his will to survive." (By the way that's Survivor the 80's rock band not Survivor the reality show. Just sayin')
So what's the point of all this? As far as Tough Mudder goes, I know that right now there is no way in hell I would be able to run that course. I have 6 months to get in shape for what will likely be sheer tortuous fun. By signing up for the event and dropping $100, I will give myself incentive (The proverbial "Carrot on a string" although I would prefer a beer) to not make a complete ass of myself on the course and hopefully finish it. Plus, seeing as I turn 30 in February, I feel like I'm overdue for some crazy life experience. No mid life crisis or anything...mainly boredom.
Then there's this blog that probably five of you will ever read. I am doing this to keep myself honest. If you are following this blog as I journey down this road of pain, you will basically be here to make sure I don't skip workout days or mow down a Baconator. It's a symbiotic relationship really. Who knows? Maybe you might find a shred of entertainment in my suffering. If so, you are sick.....but I appreciate your support. ;)
As previously stated, I have started the Insanity workout program which will go for 60 days and end sometime in November. After which I will take a couple weeks off before I begin a full round of P90X. I figure completing both programs is necessary for Tough Mudder considering Insanity is heavy on the cardio while P90X is more about strength training. The combination of these two programs will hopefully get me into "mudder" shape and allow me to run 12 miles over shitty terrain and **gulp** possibly even climb a rope (Something I was never able to do, even in grade school).
**As a side note, I have already completed the fitness test for Insanity and that is considered Day 1 of the program. As such, I will include this introduction post as the first day on the countdown.
**As a side note, I have already completed the fitness test for Insanity and that is considered Day 1 of the program. As such, I will include this introduction post as the first day on the countdown.
So that's that. Thank you for stopping by and if you're still reading this, my name is Kevin and I'm about to kick my own ass for the next 6 months. Enjoy!
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