
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Day 59: Insanity Challenge- BENCHED!

Saturday, March 6, 2010
Day 55: Insanity Challenge
The BF's birthday was amazing, although I did indulge a little too much in the drinky cupcakey birthday things. I took the day off from working out so I could have a full day of merriment, but when it was back to the grind on Thursday I felt bloaty and sluggish. UGH! You truly are what you eat. I was 1/2 a Crumbs bakery cupcake, a cheeseburger, 2 bottles of beer, and some red wine. I sweated it out, even though I didn't really feel like my usual bad ass self.
Tomorrow is the end of my second month third week of Insanity, and next week is the final week! The process has been amazing, and should anyone want to know if Insanity is right for them please ask me. I have been working it out for almost two months and I can answer any insane question you can throw at me!
PLUG: If you have boobs of any shape or size you must get thee to Intimacy, a fancy bra fitting store that only wants the best for your breasts. I found out about it from my fairy godfather Tim Gunn on his show Tim Gunn's Guide to Style where he preached that your undergarments are the foundation of any outfit. I am a chesty lass, and needed new bras to replace the stretched out ones I have been pretending are suitable. AND I wanted a really respectable sports bra.
Intimacy holistically measures you: no measuring tape. The bra fit specialist (mine was Molly at the 62nd and Lexington location) literally can size you up just by looking at you. Then she brought in a lot of bras to try on- so many options and so pretty! I found out that I was not a 38 D like I had always thought, but a 34 DDD. Cup size and band size are completely individual to everyone. I love the ones I purchased and feel like it is something that every women should do. A great fitting bra is really important to a workout, and the difference is incredible.
Plus I look about 10 pounds lighter. And my boobs are back where they should be.
Stay tuned for my end of the week fit test results, new pics, and my blogs on Celebrity Fit Club and The Biggest Loser!!! And a big thank you to my readers and friends for the positive comments and cheering on through this challenge. YOU ALL ROCK!!!!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Day 51: Insanity Challenge- NEW PHOTOS and FIT TEST RESULTS!
Today was day 51 of my Insanity challenge- that is week 3 of month 2, or 51 days out of 63 days. I can't believe it is almost over! The great part of owning the Dvds? I can go back in a couple of months and be insane all over again. Feel the burn.
I completed the fourth Fit Test yesterday and here are the results:
Switch Kicks: Day 1- 120 Day 15- 118 Day 36- 148 Day 50- 135
Power Jacks: Day 1- 56 Day 15- 53 Day 36- 62 Day 50- 69
Power Knees: Day 1- 102 Day 15- 110 Day 36- 114 Day 50- 123
Power Jumps: Day 1- 35 Day 15- 32 Day 36- 40 Day 50- 42
Globe Jumps: Day 1- 10 Day 15- 11 Day 36- 13 Day 50- 13
Suicide Jumps: Day 1- 18 Day 15- 19 Day 36- 22 Day 50- 22
Push-Up Jacks: Day 1- 30 Day 15- 34 Day 36- 45 Day 50- 55
Low Plank Oblique: Day 1- 55 Day 15- 74 Day 36- 78 Day 50- 80
I am growing in leaps and bounds! On the exercises where I stayed the same, I honestly don't know how I can complete any more in the time allotted (I only have one minute). I am amazed by my verifiable progress!
On the measurements front, I am down 2.5 pounds from 2/8/10, down one inch on my waist (30 inches!), 1/2 an inch on my hips (33.5 inches!), 1 1/2 inches off my chest (33.5 inches!) and my legs and arms have stayed the same.
33.5, 30, 33.5? Only if she's 5'4"! (Thanks Sir Mix-a-lot!)
And here are the pics, lovingly spliced together by my BF. They were taken on the first day, mid way through, and yesterday.
I can see more of my belly button! I feel like I am losing the hippiness and toning up all over- my legs and arms look hot! And yes, that is my dog Magenta sitting in the same place both times. She wanted to see her results too, apparently.
I wonder how much more I will change by day 63? I'll keep you posted. . .
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Day 44: Insanity Challenge- Month 2
Because 44 days ago I thought Jillian Michaels was the toughest trainer out there. Apparently there are many trainers that wear that moniker!
This pushing of my body, this intensity that I am working out at, this willingness to say "Yes!" and not "Really?" has opened up my eyes and I am having some major epiphanies.
Back in the old days, in my single lady days, I used to go to all sorts of classes and I would run and boot camp and pole dance- I would get totally inspired and motivated by fitness because it was a great distractor and occupier of time. When I was single, I would get super fit.
Then I meet someone, get cozy, and I gain some weight. Not a lot, but enough where I was like, "Huh?", and ponder why I wasn't where I used to be.
With moving in with my boyfriend this past June, I realized I had adopted that same mentality. I didn't want to work out in front of him because what if he thought I looked silly? Or he found out that I sweat? I quickly got over that because I like working out and had to get over this sudden shyness. I started working out again, I started this blog, I started the studying for my ACE certification, I started my Twitter account. I met all my blog friends and forum friends; People that encouraged me to get accountable. I felt I needed to push myself to be an example for those folks, to show them what was possible.
Through the Celebrate Weight Loss challenges, I started to push the limits to what I thought that I could do. Then I started watching all the infomercials for Insanity and I thought maybe that was the challenge that I needed to get the scale moving.
And I was right. The intenSati Warrior Challenge got me into the positive frame of mind to do this hard work, and Shaun T keeps telling me to dig deeper and really push myself beyond the boundaries that I have set for myself.
That is when the light bulb went off. I didn't lose weight because I was single! I lost weight because I pushed myself harder than I used to. When I pushed myself, I got the results that I wanted. Now I am seeing the results that I want in the mirror. My body feels strong, graceful, and powerful. I now know that this is the level that I need to be working out at, and I have already started to plan my workout regime for after the Insanity plan is over based on the structure of these workouts.
With careful planning and renewed dedication, I know that I can keep it up and not back track. I have even found a couple of bikinis- BIKINIS!- that I want to purchase and really wear in public. I am onto week 2 of the second month! Exhausted, but insane.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Day 36: Insanity Challenge- MONTH 2!
Have I mentioned I am very blessed? I AM!
Today marked the beginning of month 2 in the Insanity rotation. I had to complete my third Fit Test and then do a new workout, Max Interval Circuit. Folks, I don't think I have ever worked out so hard in my life. It was twice as long as month 1's workouts and there were some combinations in there I didn't think I could do.
For example. . .one exercise was ski ab jumps in plank, followed by jumping push ups, followed by in and outs, followed by oblique push ups. I didn't even know I could do an oblique push up!
Here are the results of my Fit Test:
Switch Kicks: Day 1- 120 Day 15- 118 Day 36- 148
Power Jacks: Day 1- 56 Day 15- 53 Day 36- 62
Power Knees: Day 1- 102 Day 15- 110 Day 36- 114
Power Jumps: Day 1- 35 Day 15- 32 Day 36- 40
Globe Jumps: Day 1- 10 Day 15- 11 Day 36- 13
Suicide Jumps: Day 1- 18 Day 15- 19 Day 36- 22
Push-Up Jacks: Day 1- 30 Day 15- 34 Day 36- 45
Low Plank Oblique: Day 1- 55 Day 15- 74 Day 36- 78
I was amazed at how my progress has jumped! I will take photos tomorrow and make sure to show you what I'm seeing in the mirror. It is really blowing my mind. I'm also going to start up the C25K program again. I had to quit because of starting intenSati at the same time as Insanity- I'm crazy, but I'm not that crazy.
Let's get it on!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Day 31 and 32: Insanity Challenge- RECOVERY WEEK
I'm still in recovery with Insanity (sorry, just was watching Celebrity Rehab) and I feel myself getting stronger every day. I'm not the only one who is noticing- my boyfriend commented on my obliques being more pronounced. And during my bloaty lady time! That's a huge accomplishment.
If you are inspired to workout now, here is a link for some fabulous yoga poses you can do anytime, anywhere- and right now! Happy Thursday!!!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Day 29 and 30: Insanity Challenge- RECOVERY WEEK
I am into my mid Insanity recovery week and it feels goooooooooood! I do the same workout every day until Saturday- Core Cardio and Balance. Favorite part? Shaun T keeps telling me to take it easy, to rest my muscles! No tuck jumps!
After this week I have another month of Insanity, and then it is time to try something new! But next week I shall be back at the Insanity and into my marathon training.
OH! Check in! I weighed and measured yesterday after intenSati was over, and I wanted to share that I am down 2 pounds, 2 inches off waist, 2.5 inches off hips, 1 inch off chest, gained almost 1/2 an inch in biceps, and down 1/2 an inch in both thighs since the 11th of January. Holler at your girl.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Day 28: intenSati Insanity Challenge- Last Day of intenSati!
www.satilife.com and www.patriciamoreno.com
Check them out!
My present today for completing the challenge was this awesome shirt that says "If not now, when? 2010!" which was the chant that we said on the first day of the challenge.
It means a lot to have this shirt and the feeling that I was inducted into a little society of warriors! This challenge changed my whole outlook on what I was going to do this year. No more complaining, no more excuses, only saying yes! I am actually really really really excited about getting my ACE certification and being on my way in the fitness career I have always wanted. And eventually, I will make being an intenSati Leader apart of that journey.
But today is today, and after the close of the challenge I headed home and did my Insanity Plyometric Cardio Circuit with a new found sense of energy (where does it come from?) and said goodbye to Month ONE!
Recovery week this week and then onto month two! The warrior in me sees and bows to the warrior in you!
Namaste. . .
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Day 27: intenSati Insanity Challenge
When I was in junior high, I used to love going to the school dances. I was REALLY into head banging. I had long hair and I loved to flip it all around all crazy to whatever music was on. The next morning I would wake up and my neck would be so sore!
Yesterday's danceSati had this particular move where I whipped my head from side to side. As I said in my blog, I was pushing myself as hard as I could. And this morning I woke up and wouldn't you know that my neck was sore? No Nirvana or Pearl Jam required.
And since I took my rest day yesterday, I had Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs waiting for me today. CARDIO ABS! So, I used the heating pad on my neck and the knot I have in my left lat (I know, I am a hot mess), took some ibuprofen, drank a lot of fluid and a big glass of milk, and decided to take today as an opportunity to really gauge my form and do each exercise to the best of my ability.
The point is to be safe and smart- don't push yourself to the point of pain, but rather, use the workout as a way to loosen the muscles and get up a nice sweat. I would rather do that then give up and throw in the towel any day.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Day 26: intenSati Insanity Challenge
I keep thinking about what Patricia said in strengthSati a couple of weeks ago: you have to try and push yourself as hard as you can. No drama- if you can do it, great. If not, it's not a big deal. At least you tried. I now have her voice in the back of my head whenever I am doing any activity and I honestly ask myself: am I pushing myself as hard as I can?
It's a whole new way to not be complacent.
However, in my attempt to be a super bad ass, I was super exhausted and decided to have my Insanity rest day today instead of Sunday. That way I am all geared up for the weekend and for the big finale of intenSati on Sunday.
Woop woop!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Day 24 and 25: intenSati Insanity Challenge
Yesterday I did Plyometric Cardio Circuit and today I did Cardio Recovery in my Insanity rotation. And I drank all my water for my intenSati challenge.
What is hard is getting myself to do BOTH workouts on the same days. I never knew that intenSati was going to be such a tough cardio challenge, and then to add that on top of Insanity was going to be such a true physical challenge.
I am proud to be able to have the well being, health, and strength to do both activities. But I am really pushing myself as hard as I can and I am a little relieved that one of my challenges ends of Sunday so I don't completely burn out. Whew.
I've said my peace. Now off!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Day 23: intenSati Insanity Challenge
Today I rewarded myself for all my hard work today (Cardio Strength and Resistance with Insanity) and all the water I drank for intenSati up to this point with an amazing Ayurveda massage.
OH GOD. It felt so NICE! You punish the body and then you reward the body. Okay, I don't think working out is a punishment and is it's own greatest reward, but getting a massage sure feels nicer. And I didn't sweat as much.
ONWARD. word.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Day 21 and 22: intenSati Insanity Challenge
After the intenSati weekend I had, I was a little tired and a little grumpy to bring it with Insanity today. Especially when I saw what the title was: Pure Cardio AND Cardio Abs. CARDIO ABS! Lord. Where will I muster the courage? THE COURAGE?!?
I had to reflect upon my lessons from Sunday. I took intenSati with a new instructor, Erika (here is her twitter feed) who is amazing and inspiring. The class was HUGE and had maybe a million people in it. The energy was through the roof! I honestly don't know how I get this sweaty. I mean, I could feel the sweat dripping off of my chin onto the front of my shirt. GROSS! But kind of cool, too. I like it when I am that into something.
Then it was time to towel off and change for the Leadership Workshop that was hosted by Patricia Moreno and her friend and president of the Handel Group Laurie Gerber. Laurie is super adorable and ambitious and wants to save the world! One life coaching at a time.
I wish I had all night to tell you how much I learned from taking this class and how I can't wait to have more cash-o-la to take life coaching- because I can see how beneficial it can be and I want to shout it from the rooftops! But I actually have plans this evening and I have to cut it short.
I wanted to leave you with Laurie's tips on being a leader- they are amazing!
1.) A leader has clear vision- they have their vision locked in.
2.) A leader walks the talk.
3.) A leader's vision is all for the world and is connected to that.
4.) A leader puts themselves through hell PUBLICLY.
5.) A leader has courage.
6.) A leader can keep track of their mind.
Can you identify yourself in these steps? Can you see yourself being a leader?
Of course you are. :) So I sucked it up and did the Cardio Abs. And it was good.
If you are interested in learning more about the Handel Group, click here. More about intenSati? Click here. Wanna rock Insanity? Click here.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Day 20: intenSati Insanity Challenge
Let it blow, let it blow, let it blow!
The wind is like a razor blade today- HOLY GEEZ! I actually left the safety and security of the apartment today and dragged my boyfriend to an intenSati creative writing workshop hosted by the lovely Lindsay Davis (her blog is called Lindspiration and you can read it here!) who is an intenSati instructor and writer.
Before I did that, I did Insanity Plyometric Cardio Circuit and was feeling like a real pro. Especially on the in and out plank work. But alas, I move on in two weeks to the next level, and I'm sure it will take me another three weeks to feel like a pro again.
After the Insanity, we braved the cold and went to the Equinox on 33rd and Park- very nice! There was a big bunch of us there, and we were lead through an hour long workout, followed by an hour of creative writing exercises. Here is the affirmation we worked on today:
Wanna try out Insanity? Click here. I sell it! Wanna try out intenSati? Click here.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Day 19: intenSati Insanity Challenge
Am I going to get any of that? No. . .but I love to live vicariously through the "normal" people who have regular job hours and aren't in the Warrior Challenge and doing Insanity at the same time.
Today was Insanity Plyometrics and Cardio Resistance, which is a toughie. However, I felt so GOOD today that I kicked some serious ass and felt like a mega rock star at the end. A sweaty rock star, but a rock star nonetheless.
This weekend is full of intenSati- class, a special writer's class that I'm taking my boyfriend to (evil laugh), and leadership workshop. I will, of course, be blogging all the way.
With a sip from my third bottle of Sigg, I bid you a happy weekend!
Wanna try out Insanity? Click here. I sell it! Wanna try out intenSati? Click here.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Day 18: intenSati Insanity Challenge
I feel the wheels are starting to really move in my career. It's exciting and it's scary. Moving into the unknown frightens me sometimes. And being frightened can lead to immobilization, which leads to me not wanting to do anything, which leads me to stay stuck where I am, which is not where I want to be.
It's a vicious cycle.
Today I am trying to take a deep breath and just keep plugging forward. Onward and most certainly upward! As Patricia would say, "What I want is on it's way. And it is coming to me in greater amounts than I could ever imagine."
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Day 17: intenSati Insanity Challenge
Day 17 of my challenge is complete! WHAT WHAT! I did Insanity Pure Cardio and my nemesis Cardio Abs. Which actually wasn't AS tough as I thought it was going to be. Maybe because I was mentally prepared for the beating I was about to take.
I wanted to talk about excuses for a second. I notice when I am reading posts from the Celebrate Weight Loss forum or looking at blogs with people that haven't posted for 5 months but their blog title is "Watch Me Lose 100 pounds- My Journey to Greatness!" that there are some pretty amazing excuses being used to not work out.
NOW DON'T GET ME WRONG. I understand that sometimes there are days when you wish your bed was already made, to quote The Bangles. You can be legitimately sick or injured. But half the game of making yourself well and creating self discipline is making yourself actually do it.
Yeah, it's hard. Nobody told you that it would be easy. But do you really want it? Then you must make yourself do it. Slacking off because you have a headache or you just aren't in the mood to sweat aren't good excuses. There is a reason why you have gotten where you are and why you want to change. Now all you have to do is make it happen.
So make it happen!!!
Wanna try out Insanity? Click here. I sell it! Wanna try out intenSati? Click here.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Day 16: intenSati Insanity Challenge
Today I checked all of my items off of my to-do list! YAY!
1.) Go to strengthSati. CHECK. If intenSati could get any harder, it would be this class. OH MY GOD. Weights. And push ups. Lots of push ups. And curtsy lunges. Lotsa those too. Patricia had a great blog about weight loss today- click here to read!
2.) Write my Biggest Loser blog. CHECK. And it was pretty funny, if I do say so myself.
3.) Do Insanity Plyometric Cardio Circuit. CHECK. I am actually getting a little stronger every time I do it. My favorite part is the punches at the end. Mostly because they are at the end. :)
Now I can kick back, relax, and watch the Biggest Loser! Hoo RAH!
Wanna try out Insanity? Click here. I sell it! Wanna try out intenSati? Click here.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Day 14 and 15: intenSati Insanity Challenge
Today was my fit test 15 days into my Insanity challenge. And I was really pleased by my results. My weight stayed the same, but I lost 1.6 inches off my waist, 1.5 inches off my hips, and 1.3 inches off my chest. Woo!
Here are the results of the fit test:
Switch Kicks: Day 1- 120 Day 15- 118
Power Jacks: Day 1- 56 Day 15- 53
Power Knees: Day 1- 102 Day 15- 110
Power Jumps: Day 1- 35 Day 15- 32
Globe Jumps: Day 1- 10 Day 15- 11
Suicide Jumps: Day 1- 18 Day 15- 19
Push-Up Jacks: Day 1- 30 Day 15- 34
Low Plank Oblique: Day 1- 55 Day 15- 74
I grew in some areas. I can only assume that the exercises I did worse on I had better form than the first time. Regardless, I still feel super positive about the growth I made!
And here are the pictures, as promised.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Day 13: intenSati Insanity Challenge
I have never been a huge fan of ab workouts- I do them because I know it is important to have a strong core and a strong core is the basis of all fitness- CORE CORE CORE!!! But when I started doing P90x and the workout Ab Ripper X, I really started to DESPISE ab work. I hate it, but I need it. I didn't think any ab workout could ever be tougher or more grueling than Ab Ripper X.
Then I did Cardio Abs. OMG. It was SO HARD! I was whining like a little baby. It follows Pure Cardio, which is such a tough workout anyway, but then to tack on an extra 20 minutes of ab work is INSANE. Or f'n crazy. Which isn't as promotable, I'm sure.
And there isn't a single crunch. It's almost pilatesesque in its level of torture. But I made it through week 2 successfully, and tomorrow is a rest day!!!
Monday I will post the results of my fit test after 15 days of this craziness.
Wanna try out Insanity? Click here. I sell it! Wanna try out intenSati? Click here.

