Day LAST!: Final Fit Test (#5)

Hello readers... meaning maybe 3 people (lol). 

Final Fit Test.  I think it might be a little bit of a cheat... since it's been a week since I've completed a workout.  Pretty busy the past week... but finally did it.  They say the last mile is the toughest right?  I know mentally I wasn't there... or here... just not motivated.  But today finally finished!  O_O  My results were pretty awesome too.  Here they are with comparisons.

Exercise ==> Fit Test 1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 5 (Final)


1.  Switch Kicks => 150 ~ 120 ~ 150 ~ 150 ~ 156


2.  Power Jacks => 61 ~ 71 ~ 65 ~ 64 ~ 72


3.  Power Knees => 113 ~ 118 ~ 122 ~ 121 ~ 137


4.  Power Jumps => 51 ~ 57 ~ 55 ~ 66 ~ 58

5.  Globe Jumps => 10 ~ 14 ~ 13 ~ 13 ~ 14


6.  Suicides => 23 ~ 22 ~ 22 ~ 23 ~ 28


7.  Push-up Jacks => 25 ~ 22 ~ 22 ~ 23 ~ 20


8.  Low Plank Oblique Knees => 70 ~ 92 ~ 90 ~ 106 ~ 108
 
Overall improvement!  Not the best scores out of all my scores... example:  I did 8 more power jumps 2 weeks ago compared to this week... but still improvement.  I did remember resting a long time during that one.  I pushed 45 consecutive jumps... then rested until the last 10 seconds to do 13 more jumps.  @_@

I do think I have an improved cardio... but in general, I know I am not built to be an endurance aerobic athlete.  Last year we did a test in my Strength and Conditioning class... (can't find the results now), but I was the girl with the highest percentage of fast twitch in the class of athletes *proud moment* (... and the shortest).  Not enough to be an ultra athlete... but I know what type of training is best for me... and need adequate "rest intervals" to give 100%.  Need that phosphocreatine to replenish!

That's my little bit of exercise science for you there...

But I really enjoyed Insanity.  I will continue to do the workouts at my own leisure... whenever I feel the need to kick my own butt.  For now though... I will focus more on running... a goal of mine is to complete a half-marathon, start lifting weights again (my back is really weak)... and (lol) get back up on the pole!  It's hard to train for other things when you're beating your body with Insanity.

Here's a random pole pic of me from a year ago.  T_T 

So!!!  Try it out for yourself!  Go at your own pace.  It's a fun workout. 

Just be warned... it's pretty insane!

Day 63: Max Cardio Conditioning + Cardio Abs

Today was my last day of workout!  Thoughts on today's workout.


Max Cardio Conditioning
:: Still dislike push-up abs, push-up jacks, and other push-up plank exercises... except maybe plank punches
:: Side-to-side river hops ~ hmm... so low impact... I'd rather stop and rest than do these...
:: Love all other exercises

Cardio Abs
:: After completing Max Cardio... this is a nice pace change.  I like all the C-sit position exercises.
:: Dislike all plank position exercises.
:: I really like doing sit-ups and crunches.  This workout makes me miss them.

Quote Dr. Brown ~ "There are no bad exercises, only contraindicated exercises for certain populations."

So true.  Sit-ups and crunches aren't bad... more likely... most people aren't doing them correctly.

Skip the bottom if you don't want to hear whining/complaining.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tomorrow I just need to do my final "Fit Test" and see where I am.

Although I don't think there will be too much of a difference in results.  Measurements-wise too.  Maybe I should have followed the diet... but cooking is so much work!  Especially when it's not food I'm super into... like... chicken.

I've been lazy with blogging.  I think because I'm bored of the workouts.  I do feel tired, I do give a lot... and I also find exercises getting easier... (the whole point was to challenge myself into better cardiovascular shape... plus I heard it was really difficult, so I wanted to see if I could do it.)

So yes, I do feel I am in better shape, plus I have displayed better results.

But, measurements are mostly the same and weight is the same.  I can see a physical difference in toning in my legs... @__@  I'm so soft at places.

So that's good.  But the bottom line is that I'm bored!  I like working out with people, doing group classes, being a gym rat, counting repetitions, lifting weights, doing power exercises.  So this was fun... but also very fatiguing at times.  I also hate washing my hair everyday... and when you workout 6/7 days a week... you shower everyday o_o  My poor hair.

The Insanity workout would be more beneficial for me if maybe I did it 2-3x a week, and included other activities.  I would honestly feel so fatigued the next day that I wouldn't give 100%.  I'd give 100% of my 70%... so maybe that's why I don't see as much results.  So I'll continue to do workouts... just not as impacted together.

Tomorrow is Fit Test Results!

Day 62: Max Interval Plyometrics

Yesterday was a rest day... but still tired!  Did this workout around 11p on Tuesday night... wasn't going to... but had to.  @__@  *lazy*

Day 60 (59/60): Max Interval Circuit & Core Cardio & Balance

I enjoyed Max Interval Circuit the least of the three "Max" workouts before... but today I found it really fun.  Maybe because my "Pedals" are better.  Sprints + 4 lunges.

I really like that exercise.

Still dislike Full Body Drills.  Booo.  I hate push-ups.  I can do them... but I don't want to.

Core Cardio & Balance


This workout isn't too bad.  I was tired from Max Interval... but I pushed through it pretty well.  I think my favorite part is the end shoulder burners workout.  Those are fun.  Tough... but fun.

Day 59 (day 58): Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs

Today is a tougher workout, so tomorrow I'll double up with the Max Interval Circuit and Core Cardio & Balance.

Today's workout felt pretty good.  I actually was pretty tired, so I did end up skipping the end part of Cardio Abs.  Didn't want to do the plank-position exercises.  =\

The end!  *lazy*

Day 58 (55/57): Max Plyometric Interval & Core Cardio & Balance

Almost caught up!

Today I did 2 workouts, day 55 and day 57.  So... once I do another 2 workouts in 1 day... then I'm back on track and I'll finish the Insanity program within the allotted time!

Butt and hamstrings are so sore right now!  @__@

Day 57 (53/54): Max Interval Circuit + Max Recovery

Time to get back on track and back to work!!!

Starting by doubling up on past workouts until I'm back on track!

I went to Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo for Halloween weekend.  Ended up with a kink in my neck, and got a massage yesterday.  Luckily my stomach has been under control... no more bloating or feeling upset.  Body feels pretty good today... so time to get back!  Almost finished with the program.  Only 9 workouts left (7 after tonight)... then yup!

I don't really think I've seen many superficial changes... but I feel the physical changes.  Measurements are pretty much the same.

Day 52: Max Cardio Conditioning + Cardio Abs

Stomach not feeling 100% still... but mostly better?

Lucky leaving for Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo soon for this weekend!  Halloween yay!

Today's workout was a little tiring.  Also so busy today that as soon as I arrived home I just started working out!  T__T Because I found out later that I had an extra 2 hours I could have spent relaxing afterwards or go running... T__T  Oh wells!

Sorry, short entry!

Tomorrow (Saturday) is supposed to be Max Recovery... but won't be in town, or able to workout.  So when I arrive back on Sunday, double workout to catch up!

Day 50: Max Interval Circuit

Tired!  After doing the Fit Test... woooo!  I was tired.

Workout was kind of difficult, but pushed through!  Too tired and busy to write anything today!  Need to work on some Halloween costume stuff!

Day 50: Fit Test #4

O_O

Switch Kicks:  150 kicks

Same as Day 1 and Day 37 results!  Surprising!  I thought I would be fatigued and wouldn't be able to get this amount.  So good job.  But!  I don't know if it's me... or the warm-up is too short... or my stomach problems... maybe the combination of everything.  I feel sick.  Cold sweat sick.  Like I did too much too fast.  Stomach feels real uneasy.  =(


Power Jacks:  64 jacks

Still feeling sick!  Had a pretty decent numbers for this exercise too.  Surprised!  Still cold sweat.


Power Knees:  121 right knees

One less than last week!  O_O  Surprised.  Everything is surprised.  I guess it's a little easier than I thought to mentally block out things.  It did bother me, but seeing the results pleasantly surprised!


Power Jumps:  66 jumps

REALLY?  Started out at 51, moved up to 57, down to 55... and today was 66!?  Are you kidding?  I was able to push through 40 jumps consecutively.  Then took a long break and did the last 26 until the end.  Big big surprise!


Globe Jumps:  13 "around the worlds"

One less revolution compared to last two weeks... but still pretty good.  I think the fatigue from the Power Jumps made me a little tired.  But still better compared to week 1!  *happy*


Suicides:  23 "burpees"

Surprised!  I did one more in comparison to two weeks ago!  Was so tired, but pushed through.


Push-up Jacks:  25 push-ups

Still hate these.  lol.  *fighting them*  Wah!


Low Plank Oblique Knees:  106 knees

Last One!!!  Tired!  Surprised I was able to pull the strength to do this many.  I mean... serious?  I felt so tired and sick during other exercises... but good job me!


Rest time... then more Insanity!!!

Max Interval Circuit next!

Day 48: Core Cardio & Balance

Thank goodness that this workout was today!  I've been feeling really burnt out the past week.  I've been lazy with my updates due to this.  Going to get really busy soon too!

So here's a video instead of my text ramblings.

This is the Warm-up plus Stretching portion from the Core Cardio & Balance DVD.




Sorry, you'll notice that the video cuts off during the stretching.  But it's pretty much the same thing repeated on the opposite side... followed by core "contracts" and "relaxes" three times.

Sooooo enjoy!

Day 47: Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs

Oops forgot to blog.  Back log~!


Something has been wrong with me lately.  Stomach has been bothering me a lot.  During the entire workout I felt like throwing up.  I did a little bit of Cardio Abs, but I stopped halfway through.

wah!  =(

stomach hurts.  T__T

not my best workout.  not even a great workout.

Day 46: Max Recovery

Slow workout.  Not feeling so well.  Slow workout.

sorry, lame post.

Day 45: Max Plyometric Interval!

Sorry, I am lame tonight.   Maybe will do notes tomorrow!

But instead, here are some videos of me working out!

Video 1 ~ Max Plyometric Interval ~ Warm-up (Set 3)


Remember, the warm-up is 3 sets repeating.  This is my third set, meaning it is moving the fastest.





Video 2 ~ Max Plyometric Interval ~ Final Interval ~ 5:30 min


This is the final interval of exercises during the actual workout.  I was pretty tired by now... but I did my best!  Kind of.  I think I can do better!




p.s. Did you notice my shirt says "Size Does Matter?"  I'd always laugh when I'd wear it to the gym.  Always makes me think of the huge muscle guys trying to get as much hypertrophy as possible!

Day 44: Max Interval Circuit + Walk/Run

Pre-Insanity, it's walking time!

Walk / Run
Total time: 35 minutes
Walk time: ~ 30 min
Run time: ~5 min
Total distance: 2 miles
Walk distance: 1.5 miles
Run distance: .5 miles
Calories burned: ~200 kcal


It's Insanity tiiiimeeee...!

Max Interval Circuit


Wow!  Today was ultra fun!  For some reason... exercises seemed easier!  I was still tired, but I found with myself with more energy during certain exercises that were really tough the week before.  I also surprised myself with my endurance.

Warm-up
The switch kicks and side to side abs usually kill me during the warm-up.  Today I was able to do both exercises during a majority of the time.  That surprised me a lot!  Maybe because of the accomplishment felt from the warm-up, my workout intervals were pushed hard.  I dug deeper!  lol  XD


Let's switch up the reviews!  Let's review the workout by interval!

Interval #1
:: Pedal runs + 4 lunges / Ski abs + Push-up Jacks + In-out abs + Oblique Push-ups / Power  Strikes / Frog Jumps
Wooo!  My first set was awesome!  Was able to complete almost all repetitions!  Then came set 2... and set 3!  I did pretty awesome during this.  I was surprised I was able to do so many Frog Jumps.  Most trouble was with the Push-up jacks and Oblique push-ups!



Interval #2
::  4 High Hooks + 4 Low Hooks + 4 Jumpropes / High-Knee with Oblique Twist / Hi-Lo Jabs with Squats / Floor Switch Kicks
Don't know what I ate/drank or if I was spiked with something... but my Jump Ropes were awesome today!  I did every single repetition and during the second and third set, I actually was ahead of Shaun T's count.  I was awesome!  Surprisingly the Floor Switch Kicks weren't as bad as last week.  I was actually able to jump instead of just kicking!  I gave a goal of 20 switch kicks before I was allowed to take a break.  I was happy with my second interval!


Interval #3
:: Side Suicide Jumps / Squat Hooks / Full Body Drills / Plank Punches
The Side Suicide Jumps weren't so bad today!  Surprisingly the Squat Hooks were.  I always laugh when they when they show the shaved head guy doing this exercise (I think in set 2?).  Oh maaan... Full Body Drills.  Those moving push-ups!  I don't even remember doing them.  I was pretty beat by then, but had to really dig.  I was surprised how hard I was able to push through Plank Punches!

Good workout today!



After Insanity, it was time for more walking/running! Half and half. Legs felt pretty jello-y after Insanity today!

Walk / Run 2
Total time: 15 minutes
Walk time: ~ 10 min
Run time: ~5 min
Total distance: 1 mile
Walk distance: .5 miles
Run distance: .5 miles
Calories burned: ~100 kcal

Tomorrow is Max Plyometric Intervals (I think!)  Too lazy to look at the calendar.  XD  Did awesome today though!  Gonna work hard tomorrow!

Day 43: Max Cardio Conditioning

This workout kicks your butt and I love it!

Sure I'm tired and taking breaks and looking like "whaaat you asking me to do Shaun T?"  but!!!  I love it. I like pushing myself with challenges.  This workout is a challenge!

21 exercises.  Luckily not all of the exercises are "insane" but!  Doing 21 exercises consecutively is tiring.  I did feel really good at the end when the workout was complete!  So good that I went running.  So onto workout notes!

Exercises that were tough
:: Hi-lo Jabs ~ Why are you the first exercise?  Why?  lol.  Start burning from the beginning!
:: Ski Abs ~ I still don't like these.  Arms always get so tired during these.  I got through most of the time, but still a tough exercise.  Mostly due to my upper body strength.
:: 8 Jump Ropes + 8 Hop Squats ~ Yes, I liked them last week... but today!  I don't know if it's my butt or my quads... but these were tough.  Hard to jump around this time.
:: Oblique Push-Ups ~ wooo!  These were tough.  I couldn't even go half-way down by the time I got to these.


Fun fun fun exercises
:: Football Runs ~ did it the entire interval.  Slowed down a little at the end, but still continued on
:: Diamond Jumps ~ I like these, but they're tough.  I did 15 in a row, rested.  Then did them in sets of 3-5... then rest.  Tough, but enjoyable today.
:: Attacks ~ 2 palm side palm strikes plus a 180 jump, repeat with palm strike with the other hand.  These were fun today.
:: Forward / Backward Suicides ~ I felt a little funny doing these, same as last week... but today felt less awkward.  Like Frog Jumps without the jumping; instead you football run with fast feet forward and back.
:: 8 High Knees + 8 sprints + 8 floor sprints ~ wooo!  These are fun.  Again, slowed down a bit... but I like these.  They were fun.  I was smiling during this one.
:: Plank Punches ~ Surprisingly, today these didn't kill me.  Lasted majority of the exercise.  Took only one break near the end.
:: Squat egg-beaters ~ forgot the name.  But the last exercise.  Hold a low squat then circle your fits like an egg beater.  Totally burned!  But last exercise makes you really feel accomplished.


WOO!  That's a workout for sure!  But afterwards I was so heated up and pumped... that I threw on my sweater and went jogging!  Heart rate was pumped and I thought it would help me relax a bit.  It was a nice cool night too!  *winner*


Running
Total time:  15 minutes
Running time:  10 minutes
Walking time:  5 minutes
Total distance:  ~1.2 miles
Running distance:  ~1.1 miles
Walking distance:  ~ .1 mile
Calories burned:  approximately 120 kcal!


Not a long distance... but I had to shower up and get ready for dinner!  =)

Tomorrow is Max Interval Circuit!

Day 40: Max Plyometric Interval Circuit

Exercises that were tough

:: Level 3 drills ~ 16 push-ups!  Had to eventually do knee push-ups @__@
:: Side push-ups ~ Attempted, but did not do.  Shoulder hurt probably from awkward positioning.  I should try it while not doing the workout to get the form correct
:: Balance push-ups ~ o_o tough!

LOL All of those were push-up exercises.


Fun fun fun exercises


:: Sprints and lunges ~ FUN!
:: Pogo (standing one-legged stance, arms overhead, bend forward and touch floor/toes and extend back up) ~ I like these.  butt burns, but  pretty fun
:: Push-up Jumps ~ Tough but fun.  Start in a lowered push-up position, then jump up so toes and fingertips are toughing
:: Lunge to one-legged hop with knee up ~ similar to pogo, works butt and like it
:: 8 power knees + 4 diamond jumps ~ 




Tomorrow is Rest Day!


Was able to catch up today!  That means I'm back on schedule!

Day 40: Max Interval Circuit

WHOA.  Day 40!!!  Who would have thought?

I still am technically a day behind.  I'm thinking of resting an hour or so, then doing Max Interval Plyometrics... I'll be back on schedule if I do that.  But I'm tired?

Not really tired, still feeling stomach paings.  =(  A little headache too?  It's been like this the past couple days... probably the combination of stomach not feeling well and poor sleep schedule.  So we'll see if I do the second workout today.


Max Interval Circuit


A little challenging overall.  Maybe the fatigue.  Individual exercises were easier... second time around, so I have an idea of what to do... not as awkward as the first time around.

Warm-up
It was easier overall.  I was able to push through the entire workout, but during the third set, wasn't able to speed up as the workout asks.  Next week will probably be a little better as I grow accustomed to it.  At least my knees up with arms extended wasn't so weak today!  Knees were up!


Exercises that gave me trouble
:: Ski Abs + Push-up jacks + In out abs + Oblique push-ups ~ wah.  noodles arms.
:: Full Body Drills ~ I did my best to keep up... but so exhausting.  My arms were just jello at times.  =(
:: Hi-lo Jabs ~ legs were tired!  I pushed through majority of these... but just tough!
:: Table Top Switch Kicks ~ left bicep bothered today.  these are just tough.  Mostly position for me.


Exercises that were fun
:: Sprints and 4 jump lunges ~ First exercise of the workout.  I like the sprints.  The lunges do get tiring, but!  just gotta push through and had fun while doing it
:: Football circles and cross jacks ~ FUN!  I like fast feet and I like cross jacks.
:: 4 hooks + 4 low hooks + 4 jump ropes ~ tiring!!!  but so much fun!


Maybe a second workout later... we'll see.  Still debating!

Day 39: Max Recovery

Zzzz.... (＝◇＝;)

*tired*

Friday --> Disneyland Halloween Event
Saturday --> Wedding
Sunday --> Baby shower

Weekend finally over!  Time to rest!  I was so exhausted today!  Body is also exhausted from recovering from my upset stomach and the shock of new workouts.  So today's workout was burning!  My stomach hurt through it... I don't know what's going on with it.  It doesn't like food very much right now.

Hopefully it'll get better soon.  Onto workout notes!


Max Recovery


This is a long workout!  It felt longer than usual because I was so mentally exhausted.

:: Warm-up ~ A bit confusing.  If you don't watch the workout prior and know what's going on... you can get confused and go the wrong way.  Directions are given pretty quickly.  It's not fun to crane your neck to see the television screen.  Sometimes Shaun T doesn't tell you which direction to go "left or right?"  So I'll change directions... then oops!  I was supposed to be going the same direction!  Next time it should be easier.  

Have I ever mentioned I don't like push-ups?  My shoulder usually starts to hurt.  Since it's recently recovered... my chest/shoulder/arms are pretty weak still.  It is getting stronger... but, still weak!  So doing so many repetitions of push-ups feels uncomfortable after a while.

:: Push-ups with elbows back ~ these killed!  Started out okay... then just got so fatigued that I was moving so slowly.  Then I had to take a break.  Toughness!  Boo to plank positions and push-ups!!!

:: High plank - low plank ~ I actually liked these.  A familiar exercise to what I've previously done.  Again, after a while, right shoulder started getting bothered.  Took a break and started up again.

:: Wide-squats w/ pulses + side groin stretch holds ~ These were killer!  Quads were so tired.  They super burned and it was tough!  Was able to push through most... of the repetitions, but I'm sure my squats weren't as low as they should have been.


That's all I can remember!  Tired!  Must rest!

Tomorrow is Max Interval Circuit... and maybe some Max Interval Plyometrics!  If I do both tomorrow... then I'll be back on schedule!

Day 39: Max Cardio Conditioning

WHOA!  Sore from days 37 and 38.  So today was like whoa.  LOL.

I really like the Cardio Conditioning days.  In the Month 1 circuits, I could say the Pure Cardio DVD was my favorite.  More difficult also.  I would say the same with this month's DVDs.  I do understand you have to rest in between exercises for adequate recovery... but!  I love pushing through.  I do take rests, but try to jump back in as soon as possible.

Exercise is 90% mental and 10% physical!

So true.  It's really easy to give up and quit.  Easy to stop during a workout when it gets tough.  I think I might be strange... maybe also a competitive minded person, and I get pleasure when it gets tough!  I always want to push harder and do better.  Funny note ~ whenever I look at the screen and see people resting, I make sure that I am working!  And if I see someone pushing hard and I'm slowing down... I push harder!  It's so true about the 90% mental part!

Enough random thoughts... workout thoughts now! 


Warm-up
Month 2's warm-up is a bit different compared to Month 1.  The exercises are slightly more challenging and also, different... so muscles... get ready to adapt again!  You can really tell during the 3rd set.


Month 1 warm-up exercises

• Jog
• Jumping Jacks
• Heisman (side to side high knees and bend forward slightly)
• 1-2-3 Heisman (Heisman with short steps in between)
• Butt Kicks (runs with feet almost hitting butt)
• High Knees
• Mummy Kicks (arms criss-crossing in front of body)

Month 2 warm-up exercises

• Jog
• Jumping Jacks with Arms Pressing Up
• Jump Ropes (side to side hops with arms  in opposite direction)
• High Knees with Arms Extended
• Switch Kicks
• Hit the Floor
• Side to Side Floor Hops

 
So the nice thing about Max Cardio Conditioning is that during the 3rd set... you go back to Month 1 drills!  You add in the Jumping Jacks, Heisman, 1-2-3 Heisman, and High Knees!  You can feel the difference in the body conditioning... because these exercises were easy in comparison to the new ones.  Thank you body adaptation.  So today was a pleasant surprise!


The Workout
This workout has 21 different exercises.  21!!!  You do 9 exercises, then have 3 "recovery slower paced" exercises.  Then it's back to the insanity!  I had a lot of fun... and a lot of fatigue completing this workout.  Exercises you thought were easy... are so tough when you put them at the end!
 

Exercises that were difficult
:: Hi-lo jabs ~ From the beginning.  First exercise.  My thighs are burning already from the previous days workouts.  So I knew how this would feel.  Was moving slow... but pushed through the entire minute.
:: Diamond Jumps ~ more jumping.  I like these jumps, but today they were tough.  I rested as soon as he said what they were.  Mentally got prepared and did 15 of them.  Rested again, then did 10.  @__@
:: Plank punches ~ These were killing me!  Not very tough... but by the time you're at this exercise... your arms/shoulders are fatigued.  I almost fell over a couple times... but kept it together.


Exercises that were FUN
:: Football Runs ~ I love the sprinting exercises.  Fast feet.  Love love love.  This exercise is "drop down to the floor in a low push-up plan.  Jump up and sprint when I yell up"  XD  It was fun.  I liked timing type exercises when you have a pace.
:: 8 high knees/8 sprints/8 floor sprints ~ Fun fun fun.  Again, love the sprinting exercises.
:: 8 jump ropes/8 hop squats ~ Tough, but I enjoyed these.  Lots of fun.  Lots and lots of fun.  Had to take a break at times but pushed through.


Tomorrow is Max Recovery.  I am a day behind.. so I think I might do Max Interval Circuit again and then Max Recovery.  That way I'm back on schedule!!!  RAR!  Insanity!