Tony Horton, Hello Plan B

Hello Tony, thanks for a great yoga session today!
I did not get in as much as I would have liked to but still, it was a great practice and really helped my back feel so much better. I finished this off with some head rolls.

With sleeping on the "wrong" side my neck has been killing me and again I am saving for a new matress.

Did anyone see the hula hoop girl on Americas got Talent?

She was just was amazing! I have to laugh at myself because I can only do about 2-3 minutes and I drop it a few times. A girl can dream right? I just goes to show you can do anything you set your mind to.

Last night I also caught the last part of Losing it with Jullian and cried like a baby. I just could not believe how big that 14 year old boy was.

What I liked about the show last night:
Her visit to the school
Her talk at the school class mates
How she made the mom recognize her accomplishments
How her talk with the mom and dad brought the family to be on the same page
That the son learned his dad was proud of him no matter what
That the bridge symbolized a new beginning

This again shows, YOU CAN do anything you set your mind to. So never ever give up, raise the bar and continue to grow. If you are NOT challenging yourself you will stay the same, who wants that?

Today I felt pretty good going into a new workout routine. Tomorrow I will play with the weights, yeah baby bring it on! I am not sure if I will do this at the gym or home.

Why?

Because I have to take medicine to sleep with this ringing and sometimes its hard to get up when I want to. So just 3 more weeks and that will be over with another....yeah!

Plan B day 1:

Am Workout - P90X Yoga
Mood - Sore
Wt - 119.5
Time of workout - 40 minutes [20 minutes]
Cals = 86 [43 calories]

Mountain pose
Reverse Swan
Chateranga
Minata
Plank
Downward Dog
Runners Pose
Crescent Pose
Warrior 1
Warrior 2
Warrior 3
Triangle
Twisting Triangle
Chair
Twisting Chair

Lunch Workout - Incline Walk

NO EXCUSE I MAKE IT HAPPEN!

BBQ SALMON RECIPE:
www.examiner.com/x-28813-St-Louis-Fitness-Trends-Examiner~y2010m6d30-Sweet--Tangy-BBQ-Salmon


AND HAWT STEFAN'S HOW TO EAT AT A 4TH OF JULY BBQ TIPS:
www.examiner.com/x-1943-Fitness-Examiner~y2010m6d29-4julybbq

Move Over Insanity

I have missed today's Insanity workout sigh.......

I am on week 2 Day 3 of Insanity have decided to wait until the end of July to restart this program.

Doing the jumping around, reaching down and all the other upside down-ish, sideways, head moves are just too much for my ear right now. I have to admit it, I am not giving up it is just something I can't do right now. The challenge is too big! [There I said it]

So I am putting this on hold for now and going with plan B.

My workout mix will be:

P90X - Yoga & Upper body [Tony I do miss your head rolls, but not your dorkyness]
Cardio - Elliptical & walking lunch and dinner
Gym - Legs, back and glutes

DVDs
30 Day shred
Yoga Meltdown

So I will be heading back to the gym a few times a week rather then just on the weekends and its been over a month since I got to take a class.....sigh.

Meanwhile, I did putz around and miss the cut off date for my next certification so I will be taking that next round.

My ear is healing, it is 3 weeks today since I had the surgery and its a bit less tender. I still can not hear, and its packed so I put the drops in 2 times a day and go back on Tuesday July 20th for the final post-op visit.

Now I wait on the bills. This will help me decide if a mattress is going to be bought on credit or not. I have decided its time to get a new one and since they are on sale for this holiday weekend, I may bite the bullet. [Mine is 10 yrs old and my back is killing me]

I also really want [want not need] a new dresser so I am cutting cost where I can trying to get this bedroom in shape. I spend a lot of time reading in my bedroom so it is one room that I really enjoy which is why I am also addicted to bedding, remember that blog?

This is just a blog I wanted to share called "Selective Hearing" which I have been told by many guys that I have selective hearing [we all have it lets admit it right?] Humm.... hopefully NOT this bad but the girl does remind me of me. [Warning it is very funny and I am NOT responsible for anyone peeing in panties k?]
www.firstwivesworld.com/community/house-bloggers/selective-hearing-really-means-you-dont-listen-anymore

Off to plan B. when I get it all organized I will post it.

NO EXCUSES I MAKE IT HAPPEN

Weekend River Picture Blog

Went to the river this weekend and had another wonderful time perpetrating a tan (burn)......here are some pictures


Getting some sun and as you can see, my body fat is still hovering at the 23% area since I have not got in my workouts the last 3 weeks.


Looking for pretty rocks and skimming flat ones, I can't really skim them but I do try.


I wear beach shoes, but lots of people wear flip flops they may look better but these work great on the rocks and in the water.....dork I know! They actually match my swim shorts but I thought I would be brave and get some swim suit REALITY CHECK pictures to keep my motivation going in the RIGHT direction.


The garden finally has some red tomatoes, the goal is to make fresh salsa and put that over chicken so if anyone has a super recipe let me know.

It won't be long and the garden will be full of things to eat... yum! Squash and cucumbers are what I am really looking forward to.

Did my day 2 of Insanity, and basically had a relaxing weekend..just wanted to share some new pictures so hopefully when I am done with Insanity I will look much better.

Insanity Week 2 Day 2
Pure Cardio
Time = 45 min
Cals burned = 281

Friday Stats:
WT = 119
BF% 23.7
BMI 20.4

Complete 3 times:
Jogs
J jacks
Heisman
Heisman x3
Butt kicks
High knees
Mummy kicks

Stretch
Flat back to lunge contractions
Cresent lunge w/contractions
T-stand bent knee

Lunge to butt lifts - back straight leg lifts
Cresent twist to low triangle
Lunge to butt lifts - back straight leg lifts
Runners lunge to crecent twist to low triangle

All are 1 minute each:
Suicides
Switch kicks - I did not jump
Wide foot ball sprints
Stance jacks
Pedal - sprint to lunges
Hook 8 jump rope 4
Power jacks

Level 2 drills all are 1 minute:
8 push ups 8 runs
Frog jumps
Power knee - bring knee to chest singles each side
Mountain climbers standing
Ski down
Scissor runs
Suicide jump
Push up jacks - 15

Stretch

HS reunion 6 weeks to go. I have to get busy-er!!!

Also my ear drops have been having my ear drain ewe bloody, which means it is working but its itching like crazy! I feel like one of those dogs just scratching an itch I can't reach lol.....good news is the scar looks better.

NO EXCUSE I MAKE IT HAPPEN

Apple iPhone 4 My Personal Trainer

Photo Andy Newson

Anyone get it yet? Let me know your thoughts......
www.examiner.com/x-28813-St-Louis-Fitness-Trends-Examiner~y2010m6d24-Apple-iPhone-4-My-personal-trainer


If you have an iPhone will you upgrade?

If you do have the new Apple iPhone, not only can you get great workouts but you can do video cam with YOUR trainer if they have the same phone. (see how they get you?) But how cool would it be to have anyone LIVE in the palm of your hand at anytime?

This can truely change online fitness personal training AGAIN. Now you have a website, phone and text with your trainer. But adding live cam can really help reach your client one-on-one.

Keeping your client in good form and motivation, I would be so happy to have this feature of face to face.

As for the weekend, Im thinking camping. Last night was so wonderful out that I really just wanted to be sleeping outside and having a good fire to look at. I think that tonight will be just as lovely.

I had so many problems with my laptop this morning I did not get my workout in. For some reason my computer would not read the disk and it kept trying to open with the wrong program. Ugh.

Im counting today as my off day, and walking at lunch.

NO EXCUSES I MAKE IT HAPPEN

INSANITY Week 2 Day 1

Today I decided to ease back into Insanity, and see how I did with balance and stamina. Week 2 day 1 is where I am starting.

It has been 2 full weeks since my last REAL hard core workout. I did half the workout, plus I added my own warm up of about 10 minutes.

Why?
1. Because I am stiff from sleeping on the opposite ear, and needed some neck rolls and stretches. I am very tight in my upper body and back since the surgery
2. Because I felt I needed more cardio warm up since my stamina has been down

I have been concerned about going to the chiropractor since my neck pulling on the skin is tender so I am waiting this out a few more days till those stitches feel more healed. I would also love a massage but I am trying to stay on a close budget since this surgery bill has not come in yet.

Tonight I will use my massage chair, and take a bubble bath for some relief.

I wanted to share this from my friend Eric [if your on his P90X Bring it Team you may have seen this] who got it from Tom Venuto.

FYI - DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN GO 8 DAYS WITHOUT FOOD AND ONLY 4 WITHOUT WATER? Drink your H2o!

Here is the article by Tom:
Why would anyone resort to starvation diets when they can burn fat more efficiently through exercise? Perhaps they believe that eating more food and working out at the same time will “cancel" each other out. Maybe they shy away from the hard work involved in exercise.

There’s also a trend these days towards avoiding too much aerobic exercise
because of the false belief that it will make you lose muscle. Quite to the contrary, aerobic exercise –combined with weight training - is the only method of fat loss that allows you to create a calorie deficit and burn fat without slowing down the metabolism.

Here are the reasons why exercise - not dieting - is the superior method of losing body fat:

1. Exercise – aerobic and weight training - raises your metabolic rate.
2. Exercise creates a caloric deficit without triggering the starvation response.
3. Exercise is good for your health. Dieting is harmful to your health.
4. Exercise, especially weight training, signals your body to keep your muscle and not burn it for energy. Dieting without exercise can result in up to 50% of the weight loss to come from lean body mass.
5. Exercise increases fat-burning enzymes and hormones.
6. Exercise increases the cells sensitivity to insulin so that carbohydrates are burned for energy and stored as glycogen rather then being stored as fat.

Insanity Week 2 Day 1 (I am starting where I left off)
Cardio Power & Resistance
Time = 45 mins [I did 20 mins]
Cals burned = 281 [burned 125]

Complete 3 times:
Jogs
Power jacks
Log jumps
1,2,3 Heisman
Butt kicks
High knees
Vertical jumps

Stretch

Complete 3 times:
Power jumps = 25
Belt kicks
Hit the floor [ these kinda strain the back I went slower]
V Push ups = 15,20,23

Tricep dips [ I did round 2 & 3 off the couch due to wrists]
Ball tricep

Complete 3 times:
Huddle jump
Globe jumps
Moving push ups
Floor sprints

Bonus round 3 times:
8 Hop squats to 8 push ups

Stretch

Did anyone see Americas Got Talent last night? The rock climbing dance couple blew me away, did you see that AMAZING act?

NO EXCUSES I MAKE IT HAPPEN

ps: here is my friends AMAZING recipes I wrote about:

http://www.examiner.com/x-28813-St-Louis-Fitness-Trends-Examiner~y2010m6d23-Turkey-Meatloaf-on-the-go

I also make her eggs-n-oats every week, never thought of them this way:

http://www.examiner.com/x-28813-St-Louis-Fitness-Trends-Examiner~y2010m6d22-EggsnOats-Recipe

Hello Again INSANITY

Things are looking up!

I went to the doctor yesterday (hence the NO blog) and he said everything looks great! JUST WHAT I WANTED TO HEAR!

Thanks for the prayers, keep them coming for July 20th the last visit.

For now its drops in the ear, antibiotics that will eat the packing away restore the hearing and rid me of the head ringing. The ear did drain blood last night with the drops so that means its working, 2 drops 2x a day.

He said I will have THIS CONSTANT ringing that is normal because of that packing holding the surgery in place, and it will go away. [THAT IS THE GOAL OF THIS WHOLE 2nd SURGERY].

I had the last bandage taken off by him and it looks good on the incision, and I have neosporen on it so maybe it won't scar bad.

This morning got in a short workout, strength training and Yoga and feel great. 6 weeks till my 30 year high school reunion.

Now its back to INSANITY, Hello Shaun T.

NO EXCUSES I MAKE IT HAPPEN

Staycation Weekend Picture Blog

I had a really great weekend, our weather was fabulous. Hot and breezy not even humid. I decided to be tourist in my own town, and go on the "cheap" but doing things that were free.

Here is a little picture blog on our mini Staycation, enjoy.........

Started the day with eggs and oats, yum!


Hydrated and headed to the park


Castlewood, my favorite


Hit the river


The water was ice cold!


Then off to the Transportation Museum, woo woo


This was a tug boat


Then it was off to the Laumeier Sculpture Park, they have lots of outdoor sculpures, it is a wonderful park.


This was a really great cat mirror sculpture, it was made of tiny mozaic tiles.

It was a nice weekend, finished it up Sunday going to church and having lunch at Ravanelli's.

This place is in Granite City Illinois they are known for "broasted chicken" which is like steamed and it was d-lish. Plus deserts, that are so big you could feed 4 off one! (Pictures next time when I save room for one)

Ps, here is the link to the Eggs-n-Oats
www.recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1043893

Whats In Your Pantry Thats Killing YOU?

Here are the pictures of the freezer and pantry as promised. [see my earlier blog for my fridge pics]

Remember that this is the "Barbie house", its very small and as you can see some things are NOT clean eats. (I am a work in progress and Barbie house = 580 sq ft)

I shop on Sunday and prep food for the week. I am NOT supposed to do bananas (carbs via my trainer) but I find them easy so I use them. Hence why my body is not where it should be, am I hard headed? I normally buy Smart Balance PB but if Skippy is on sale I get it, or Dierbergs home brand but I hate stirring it.

I am trying to have more sweet potatoes, but in the summer I don't care for hot foods as much. I even have a few good versions, like with honey and walnuts but still.


Freezer, yes ice cream sandwiches are in there. Also that is the perdue chicken that I love, comes packed individually with no hormones.


Pantry top shelf


Pantry bottom shelf, Kashi was not on sale and I do have 2 sweet potatoes to make into something this weekend.

I only buy food for the week, each week at a time to keep on budget. As most of you know I have the "Trainer T. Foundation" and all my savings goes for that to fight obesity in kids. (also once you get out of the "habit" of buying pre-packed stuff its not that much more expensive [sometimes less] to buy natural and make it yourself if you buy on sale)

On another note, here is Friday stats:
Wt = 119
BF% = 23.5
BMI = 20.5

I got in walks 2 times this week, which I was more then glad about. I can't wait for Tuesday maybe I get the ok for workouts again.

Did you know that only 20% of diet packed frozen foods have to have under 300 calories? That means Healthy Choice, Lean anything can have over 500 calories per serving and gobs of fat and STILL BE LABELED DIET!

You can not believe the FDA on this kind of thing, what they let go through for manufactures. Please be warned:
READ YOUR LABELS ON EVERYTHING!

No HFCS or HO this stuff will hurt you, and has been BANNED in other countries!!! It is killing people making them obese, don't fall for this.

Try to get protein and fiber at each meal, it will keep you full longer. Carbs are not BAD for you, you need them for energy but you also need to watch the bad fats. Take care of your body now, you will thank yourself later!

So whats in your pantry and fridge? Would losing it with Jillian Michaels be proud of you?

Oxygen Mag Protein Cookies

Last night I made this great easy combo meal.
It was chicken, brown rice, scrambled eggs, mushrooms and green beans with almonds. I added 3 tbs of light soy sauce and it was delish! Time to prepare = 15 mins (I do the chicken on the Forman grill and rice in the micro)

It came in nutritionally:
Cals = 333 Carbs = 29 Fat = 10 Protein = 37

I did get in another walk at lunch yesterday with inclines. Cals burned = 114 and did my one leg dips as a bonus and did not fall down! Woot woot, not that my balance is back but I was able to do them and that kinda made my day (and my bootays too) It was hot and again today but if its not too humid I will also try again today as I am feeling really stiff and fluffy without my workouts.

Here is a fun fact I just read, if you change your thermostat 2 degrees you will save 2% off your bill. So guess what I am doing, upping the A/C setting 2 degrees and giving T. a 2% electric savings raise.

I just got my July Oxygen magazine and spotted a MUST make recipe, cookies. This is the the thing that is great for me on the run and when my sweet tooth hits me. I plan to make this this weekend, but thought I would share the recipe.

Also I won't be adding the optional items. Heck I don't even know what "sucanat" is and I never understand why make a recipe with options....don't they know we will add or subtract what we don't like anyways?

Come on, that's why there are so many cooking shows! Ok, enjoy and let me know if you make them.

Protein Packed Cookies July Oxygen magazine recipe:

1 cup whole grain flour
1 c wheat bran
1 c vanilla protein powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/3 c sucanat (optional)
1 tbs pineapple juice
1 c unsweetened applesauce
2 egg whites
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp pure coconut extract (optional)
1 c finely chopped fresh pineapple or 1 8oz can unsweetened crushed pineapple

1. preheat oven 350 line baking sheet with parchment paper

2. in a large bowl mix together first 4 ingredients, set aside

3. in a small bowl, stir in sucanat (optional) into pineapple juice. Set aside

4. add all remaining ingredients to the large bowl and combine gently, do not over mix

5. use a spoon and bare hands to form dough into walnut sized balls. Place balls onto baking sheet, flattening slightly. Bake in oven until lightly browned. Let cool before serving.

Nutrition:
Calories 100
Total fat 1g
Trans fat 0
Saturated fat 0
cholesterol 15mg
sodium 50
total carbohydrates 15g
fiber 2g
sugar 6g
protein 8g
iron 1mg

NO EXCUSE I MAKE IT HAPPEN

ps- here is my take on the rave of coconut water
http://www.examiner.com/x-28813-St-Louis-Fitness-Trends-Examiner~y2010m6d16-Coconut-Water-the-natural-Gatorade

Whats In A Trainers Lunch Cooler?

Since I am not able to post my workout I thought I would share with you what my lunch cooler looks like.

Here is a normal lunch, however it does vary from time to time. My meals are 4, one at 8am, 10am, 1pm and last snack at 3pm. (Dinner at 5.30pm last Casein snack at 7pm)

This meal would be:
1. 1 scoop whey, 1/2 pb and honey sandwich
2. oats, cinnamon, banana, 1 tbs pb
3. 1/2 pb and honey sandwich, 1 cup yogurt w/blueberries
4. cottage cheese, peaches and nuts

Cals =1,410 carbs =150 fat =50 protein =103

As most of you know, I normally workout 45 minutes in the morning and a walk at lunch.

Enjoy the picture blog.........


My fridge - Coffee, water and eggs are staples, plus some chicken breast I get Purdue hormone free all individually wrapped (and buy when on sale). Usually $11 a box get on sale for $9 and well worth the money over other boneless breasts. If you have not tried them, you will get hooked. Cooked on my Foreman grill there is never any fat drainage, they are that lean and clean.


Packing my lunch


Yogurt and blueberries (also I just found this bottle of sugar free vanilla nut flavoring for coffees that I am going to try in Greek yogurt instead of a sugar substitute since its so tart)


Cottage cheese and peaches with sunflower seeds, its got that sweet salty taste and sometimes I use peanuts or sesame seeds.


PB and honey - I usually have Smart Balance which has flax seed but this was on sale.


My day time meal, including 1 scoop whey (vanilla) in the morning and 1 scoop casein (Chocolate) in the evening (the only thing missing is my dinner)


My lunch packed - all my containers are 1 cup servings in this lunch, I have 1 cup and 1/2 cup containers that I use to keep my portions controlled.


1 water, 1 banana, oats, yogurt, cottage cheese, peaches and blueberries, pb and honey sandwich


My new smoothie maker, I can't wait to get back to them.

Like most people I try to stay on a food budget, so I don't buy organic and I won't upgrade my milk to soy or almond unless I can afford to each week. I will try to get a picture of my pantry and fridge next time.

Ok, I just changed the look of my blog and if anyone has an opinion let me know. Now that they have all these new templates I spent an hour trying to decide. Btw, I do NOT get any compensation on any of my product reviews I just like to share information that works for me.

Hoping to walk again today, trying to make things happen during recovery.
Weight today = 119

NO EXCUSE I MAKE IT HAPPEN!

90% Of Change Happens When.....

It's true change happens when your uncomfortable, or frustrated or have a problem to solve.

Well T. is frustrated! (still can't taste, still have a black eye, still have a sore neck and ear ugh)

I may not get to workout till June 22nd and that's bad. (waiting on doctor approval like a good girl...huff) But I am going to walk and still watch my meal plans. Ok, the ice cream needs to go, but since my taste buds are not working, its like I eat things searching for satisfaction.

NOT a good thing.

That is how people get over weight, eating for satisfaction. I am holding at 118 so that's a good thing, but I know I could do better. I need to cut a few calories simply because I am not my active self.

But getting back to this 90% of change, you know that means that only 10% of change happens BECAUSE YOU WANT IT TO.

Enter goals.

If you have a goal or a date that your working towards that does make that 10% more effective. I know because I have stuggled with this myself. This is why goal setting keeps achievers achieving, and motivated. Its the if I do this, I will get that mentality. (But sometimes when your kinda already at goal or close its harder to stay in this mode, or for me anyway to push myself over the edge)

But to really change you have to be uncomfortable:

Feel fat
Feel ugly
Feel not worthy
Feel guilty
Hate your appearance
Hate your clothes size
Hate your weight
Hate your health issues
Hate your self conscience
Not want to go out
Not want to make friends
Not want to be seen in public
Not want to do things you like

So when will you be frustrated, or uncomfortable enough to change?

That will be your turning moment in any change you make, first its being unhappy then its contemplation then its change. (unless your doctor tells you)

When you decide your life is NOT what you want it to be or where you want to head, you will hit that switch and change will be upon you.

Good news is......your in CONTROL.

You get to decide how you want your life to be, you decide what direction makes you happy, and how you can have all the energy and health you want to have with your body.

So get doing things that are out of your zone, take baby steps and start building that confidence to do more. Do you think the first time someone tried to do anything they succeeded?

NO.

Its ok to start somewhere, that somewhere where you are right now. Don't let that 10% of wanting to change hold you back.

Think of it as when you learned to do any thing new, you were scared, and maybe even not sure anyone would approve. Forget about that, think only of yourself here, you get one shot you don't get more then today. As we should live it as its our last that is very hard to do. But you can still live it the best that YOU can right?

What steps will you take to be uncomfortable today?

ps
This article was inspired by June Success
www.successmagazine.com/

INSANITY Shaun T. Miss Me?

I am already missing working out so bad, and its only been 1 week.

I wonder if Shaun T. is missing me sitting next to the computer waiting to be loaded in? Let's hope he does, because I was just getting a good relationship going on with him before my ear surgery set back. So I wait for doctor approval on June 22nd.

Not working out......How do people do it?

Really....I just don't feel very energized or like myself without a good morning workout. It just sets the tone for the whole day. Like being grateful in the morning for the day.....then being physical, its just NOT the same and I don't like it. There I said it.

Don't get me wrong, I am really not a workout "fanatic". I am just a trainer that loves challenging myself and others by doing something everyday to take care of myself for me.

Could I be a fanatic?

YES! I love the feeling but I also am very balanced, I really feel that you need all zones of your life to be in balance or something is NOT getting the attention it needs.

So if you spend hours working out what is your purpose?

How are your other relationships? (If you competing I am not talking about that, which is a goal or an achievement. Your going to sacrifice for that, and your family, friends, career and body all understand this is a temporary state.)

But if you choose to become that working out is all that you do, and your not including your relationships in this unbalance, something is going to snap. You have to decide what it is that you want from health and fitness, then set the plan in action such as how this makes your life better or more fulfilled.

Just like a workaholic, you don't get TIME back.

You can't be close to your family if your never involved with them, relationships are work, and they need certain things to survive. So I encourage you if you are addicted to fitness, then get your family and friends involved too and share LIFE along with your health and fitness.

I never am shocked when I see a wife or spouse lose a bunch of weight, start working out and getting fit doing all the right things (go back to school, change jobs) and then get told that they are getting divorced or separated.

When push comes to shove people change. SAD.

Darren Hardy (Success Mag) had put out a great course that I did on a 10 year plan and part of that was a balance wheel.

On that wheel was several things, and after the test I saw I was a bit low on finance as my area of weakness. (I have stopped buying shoes since then k?) So I am working on improving that by controlling spending and investing better (but the stock change I made did not do very well, ugh)

Here are the categories:
Health
Finance
Family
Relationships
Career

So just ask yourself, are you balanced in all areas?

If not, now is the time to re-balance and make the changes that will give you the life that you want.

TIME waits for no one.

NO EXCUSES I MAKE IT HAPPEN

PS:
Here is an outdoor challenge:
www.examiner.com/x-28813-St-Louis-Fitness-Trends-Examiner~y2010m6d11-Outdoor-fitness-top-3-challenges

I Want My Sexy Baaaack!

I'm not feeling very sexy right now, as a matter of fact I am sick of being sick!

Thank you all for prayers and well wishes, I am grateful.

It's day 4 of recovery from my evasive ear surgery, and I want to thank Jessica [fitgirl] for reminding me that it will get better.

Still in my pj's and not doing much of anything because the pressure, balance and head ringing is just not motivating at all. NOT ONE BIT!

Did you ever hear someone mow grass 24/7 that is my head right now, and really its a bit crazy. I keep running around saying do you hear that? Please, its nothing but inside my head...Ugh!

Maybe I need to do Jessica's NEW Zumba video?

If you have not seen it, here it is I'm a fan.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkj6AKV-2Ww

I ended up taking 2 pain pills yesterday and hope for the same today. My ear seems to be itchy, deep down and its bleeding still just a bit. The cut and lobe is still very tender to the touch. My neck is still really bruised too. [I'm just way to scruffy to take a picture of right now, it would frighten Frankenstein!]

Only sleeping on my left side, so not much sleep either. Can you get sleepy from being sick?

All I know is that I don't sit still very well and I just want to feel healthy and sexy again. Oh and even though the food thing taste weird, I am still eating but nothing is the even the same texture...if that makes any sense?

Blah blah, no workouts, not being productive.....its just SO NOT T.!

Surgery Day 3 Pictures

I am on day 3 of recovery and here are the pictures of the bandages off.


And if you look close you can see the cut near the top of the ear, ouch!


I am going to try to make it today without pain medicine, but the ear is sticking out and very sore. I can't even touch it at all. I have slept the last 2 days, I can't even read right now.

My head is still ringing like before so please keep the prayers coming that it will go away. I think it sounds just the same, and that is very frustrating to me right now along with some other pounding sounds I am hearing. Some of this I am sure is normal since that is what the recovery sheet says.

I can't lay on my left side only on my right and back, so sleep has not been very comfy but I am making due thanks to all of you. Later today I am going to take a bath, and try to move around a bit more.

The equilibrium is still not there, and taste is off so nothing taste like it should. (even toothpaste is odd) The ear is connected to taste and balance, and until you have something like this you don't realize how amazing the body is.

Thank you again for your prayers and support. I will try to get back to everyone by the weekend when I hope to be able to type much better too. For now I am logging my food and trying to stay eating enough when everything feels and taste weird.

I don't think I will be doing any workouts until next week, or I hope so. My follow up appointment is on the 22nd, lets hope all goes ok till then.

NO EXCUSE I MAKE IT HAPPEN

Trainer T's Recovery

I made it through the ear surgery and I am at home recovering. I can't really type right now so I have some pictures to share.

Me home yaaaaa !!!

Taking meds and sleeping a bunch


They gave me these paw socks, in purple cute huh?


It was about an hour long surgery and an hour recovery. Went in at 7am, surgery at 8.30am and home by 12pm. I have a cut behind my ear and I feel sore there and my head is ringing which is normal they say. I get to take off the bandage this afternoon and see the cut/scar where he grafted skin to fix the ear drum. [I slept all day yesterday]

One good thing was now they have these deflatable hospital gowns that are heated by a hair dryer instead of warm blankets. I looked like a big purple and white puff ball, and wished I had my camera...I know, I am a true blogger huh?

Have you ever seen these?

It's by http://www.bearpaws.com/ and a great idea since you can make it as warm as you want. Of course I picked Bahama warm!

Thank you all for the prayers, and keep them coming for the regain of my balance and NO more head ringing. I am off work the rest of the week to recovery and go back to work on Monday.

By the way, this is a link sent to me on colon cleansing I thought you might like to see I really like this guy. (bonus he is HAWT)
www.burnthefatinnercircle.com/public/375.cfm?sd=2

I'm not sure when I will get to do Insanity again, maybe on Monday or that's the plan that way I only missed 1 week. I'm sure Shaun T. is missing me lol...

NO EXCUSES I MAKE IT HAPPEN

INSANITY Week 1 Completed

I made it through week 1 of INSANITY and can honestly say this workout is a real killer. [editors note, belated post could not post this on Monday blogger was down]

I am not sure how many more workouts I can do without going to my chiropractor. All the jumping style moves, some held in a plank position, are very hard on the back. WARNING....Again, if you have back or knee issues beware! So far this has not hurt my neck at all, but you do use a lot of the trapezius/delt muscles and I am really tight at my traps right now.

Hey Tony Horton = I miss your neck rolls!

I have decided not to go to my chiropractor because I am having my ear surgery in the morning...yuck, scared!

That means I will spend most of Tuesday and maybe Wednesday on some sort of medication. [today is Wednesday and still on meds] And I don't think jumping up and down is going to do my ear/head any good so this may be a delay.

Sorry Shaun T. I will miss you.

I did my Saturday workout as follows, then I went out of town and got to my moms doing about an hour worth of gardening. Her yard looks amazing and I hope she goes fishing today and enjoys herself. I have a nice little tan ;-)

Sunday we walked the yard and the flea market where I got an adorable straw and tortoise vintage purse for $6. It is in great condition, I think I will carry it this summer and then sell it not sure yet. Either way I could not pass it up.

My post workout was Vanilla ice cream whey protein and Kashi cereal.


Insanity Plyometric Cardio Circuit
Week 1 Day 5
Time = 45 mins
Cals burned = 281

Complete 4 times:
Jogs
J Jack plyo
Heisman
Heisman travel 3
Butt kicks
High knees
Mummy kicks

Stretch

Complete 3 times:
Suicide
Power squats
Mt climbers
Ski jump

Football Feet
Football wide sprint

Complete 3 times:
Basket ball basket jump
4 pushup to burpee
Side to side ski abs
In and outs

Jabs
Cross jacks
Upper cut
Attack

Stretch cool down

I am meeting a friend after work today, and doing a 3 mile walk as long as I feel up to it and we don't get rain. [we did do this and it took 6 mins down and 12 mins up, so we did extra by walking another hill = 30 min incline walk ]

Please pray for me tomorrow as I have my ear surgery at 8.15am that I regain my balance, and the ringing in my head stops. Thank you all my friends, I am grateful for the prayers.

INSANITY Week 1 Day 4 Pure Cardio

Is Shaun T. trying to kill me? (Don't let this sweet picture fool you this guy is tough!)

I'm not sure but at least I am not having a love/hate with him like I did with Tony Horton and P90X! I think its more like a.....your sweating right there with me, but I am like 15 years older!

PURE cardio is right! Good thing I do most of these moves a few times a week and on the elliptical or I would have died...D-I-E-D! (The moves: Standing mountain climbers & power knees)

I really enjoy the fact that he is very humble, he knows your working hard, he is even telling some of the cast to take a break. How fabulous is that? Ok, I wanted to take a break but the competitor in me said, "NOT gonna do it!" (that's in a President Bush voice) Or the fact that if I did, I may not go back.. lol.

I decided to explain some of these moves because they are kinda hard to know what they are but if you want to know any of them just ask me ok?

The warm up, if you call it that is pretty much the same on all of these so far and so is the stretch. I like that because I am feeling like I can get much better form NOT looking at the screen the whole time. (plus I am writing these out like a mad woman)

My favorite move was "Wide football sprints", followed by "Hook 8 jump rope 4" then the "8 push ups 8 runs".

The football sprints are like blocks hands out front legs wide going as fast as you can run, then jump down to a stance as if your going to throw the ball then back up, its fast and furious fun!
The Hook 8 jump 4. Hooks are my favorite move so that's pretty easy, then you air jump rope 4 jumps. The 8 push ups you do 8 push ups, then you jump up and run in place 8 jogs.

EACH TIME IT GETS FASTER!

Last night I decided to try my Casein with water and cold coffee...I'm in love! Casein is thicker and richer then Whey, so it was like a tasty thick shake and totally D-lish!

Today's workout another sweat session! So far I am loving this more then the 2 rounds of P90X. (more on that later)

I did post my stats and I am OK with them, lets see if Insanity changes that. I am not following the diet so far, I am still working with a trainer on that and a chef. My job is restricted on food times, so its kinda hard for me to eat 1 hour after a workout. Its kinda close, but still we are working something out.

Post workout snack - 1 full serving of PB chocolate Muscle milk with 1 cup almond milk. I have finished out my Muscle milk which I got on sale, and am back to my 100% Gold standard whey in Ice cream vanilla. (I do this RIGHT after my workout)


Insanity Week 1 Day 4
Pure Cardio
Time = 45 min
Cals burned = 281

Friday Stats:
WT = 119
BF% 23.7
BMI 20.4

Complete 3 times:
Jogs
J jacks
Heisman
Heisman x3
Butt kicks
High knees
Mummy kicks

Stretch
Flat back to lunge contractions
Crescent lunge w/contractions
T-stand bent knee

Lunge to butt lifts - back straight leg lifts
Crescent twist to low triangle
Lunge to butt lifts - back straight leg lifts
Runners lunge to crescent twist to low triangle

All are 1 minute each:
Suicides
Switch kicks - I did not jump this is kicking in front of you, then jump to the other leg
Wide foot ball sprints
Stance jacks - These hurt the back, you have to be very careful how you support yourself
Pedal - sprint to lunges
Hook 8 jump rope 4 - RAWKED
Power jacks

Level 2 drills all are 1 minute:
8 push ups 8 runs - RAWKED
Frog jumps
Power knee - bring knee to chest singles each side
Mountain climbers standing - RAWKED
Ski down
Scissor runs
Suicide jump
Push up jacks - 15

Stretch

NO EXCUSES I MAKE IT HAPPEN

Insanity Day 3 Recovery

Is this really recovery? Because I would call it power yoga. Some of the moves are moves that are very similar to P90X and for those of you wondering, I have a blog planned for that.

INSANITY VS P90X.

I'm only on day 3 so far so its too soon to tell but I would use Insanity as a cardio, stamina body weight strength training and P90X for Strength and resistance training.

Insanity so far works on SPEED, each round gets FASTER. Where P90X is form, CONTROLLED, agility, and PURE strength. So in regards to that aspect depending on the type of workout trainer you like that makes a huge difference. Tony is more low keyed, funny and Shaun T. is more motivating and energetic.

Both trainers are EXCELLENT ON FORM AND INSTRUCTIONS.

Personally I can see why INSANITY has more girls and P90X more men, that's who I see more desired for the workouts. Usually women love cardio and speed, men are more methodical. NOT that you could not do either program, I'm just saying what I see about them.

As I get farther into this, I can say more about it but so far INSANITY gets a MAJOR warning on the knees, with P90X only the Plyo is grueling on them.

On a good note I got my Casein (chocolate flavored to cure my sweet tooth at night) yesterday and last night started using that (thanks Ruben). Lets see how this goes, oh and a fresh supply of whey in Vanilla ice cream flavored. I like that for cooking pancakes, eggs and with soy milk and berries. (I did wake up feeling good and not starving)

That's why you have not been seeing my recovery smoothies. (in case you have missed them) I have only been drinking 1 scoop peanut butter Muscle milk with 1 cup soy, kinda boring you know but tasty just the same.

Plus my good friend JJ sent me some Beach body samples, love her to pieces and if you want to know more about it here is her spark link. She really cares and is a wealth of nutritional knowledge! (I am not being compensated to endorse her or beach body products)

www.sparkpeople.com/mypage.asp?id=BODYNSOIL1

Stop by and check her out, I know she can help you out with any questions you may have. Love her!


Insanity Week 1 Day 3
Recovery
Time = 45 mins
Cals = 97 [counting as yoga]

Stretch
Flat back to lunge contractions
Cresent lunge w/contractions
T-stand bent knee

Standing back roll
Plank contractions
Plank w/knee into chest
Push ups 4 count slow
Childs pose to downward dog
Lunge to hip flexor to straight leg stretch

Lunge to butt lifts - back straight leg lifts
Cresent twist to low triangle
Lunge to butt lifts - back straight leg lifts
Runners lunge to cresent twist to low triangle
High plank
1 arm T stand to push ups 2x4x8x8
Childs pose

Low plank knee to elbow 4x8
Plia squat w/oblique twist and T stand
Plia w/1 toe lifted 8x16x16x
Knee to elbow standing oblique
The hammer - Straight leg lifts alternating

Stretch

NO EXCUSES I MAKE IT HAPPEN

INSANITY Day 2 Cardio Power & Resistance

Warning, this is a tough workout on the knees!

As I said yesterday on my blog that I love plyometrics, this is jump training too. SHOCKED! So if you have bad knees I would not get this workout or would NOT jump high on ANY OF these moves.

Like P90X Rockstar Jumps, he does Power Jumps = same thing without the air guitar. This move I only brought my knees up 50% or I would NOT be able to continue. (Imagine jumping up with knees so high they are at your waistline)

Remember any time you do plyo, land soft on the feet more towards the toes not the heels.

Other then that, this workout RAWKED!

Insanity Week 1 Day 2
Cardio Power & Resistance
Time = 45 mins
Cals burned = 281

Complete 3 times:
Jogs
Power jacks
Log jumps
1,2,3 Heisman
Butt kicks
High knees
Vertical jumps

Stretch

Complete 3 times:
Power jumps = 25 low jumps each time
Belt kicks
Hit the floor [ these kinda strain the back I went slower]
V Push ups = 15,20,23

Tricep dips [ I did round 2 & 3 off the couch due to wrists]
Ball tricep

Complete 3 times:
Hurdle jump
Globe jumps
Moving push ups
Floor sprints

Bonus round 3 times:
8 Hop squats to 8 push ups

Stretch

My favorite move was the "8 hop to 8 push up" and the "V push ups" followed by "Hurdle jump". Again I was soaked doing this workout and so far I am really loving it.

NO EXCUSE I MAKE IT HAPPEN

Insanity Day 1 Plyo Cardio Circuit

Day 1 INSANITY

Insanity Plyometric Cardio Circuit
Week 1 Day 1
Time of workout = 45 mins

Complete 4 times:
Jogs
J Jack plyo
Heisman
Heisman travel 3
Butt kicks
High knees
Mummy kicks

Stretch

Complete 3 times:
Suicide
Power squats
Mt climbers
Ski jump

Football Feet
Football wide sprint

Complete 3 times:
Basket ball basket jump
4 pushup to burpee
Side to side ski abs
In and outs

Jabs
Cross jacks
Upper cut
Attack

Stretch cool down

Here is how my Fit Test went - 30 Minute Insanity Fit Test:

Switch Kick = 115 [I can do lots of these, its my fav...so I did 115 on both sides for fun]
Squat Jack = 56
Power Knees = 105
Power Jumps = 51
Global Jumps = 10
Suicide Jumps = 15
Push Up Jacks = 12
Low Plank Obliques = 40

What I like about this workout is plyo....plain and simple I love jump moves and always have. If you have bad knees the only real hard move on this is the Power Jumps. I did not go deep on this move at all, or it would cost me time off.

My favorite move was Push up to burpee climbers, these are fast, FUN and furious. Followed by Suicide and Mummy kicks.

I like Shaun T. in this workout his training style is very bootcamp with some sugar on it. [Motivation and clear direction] These are basic moves taken up a notch, and I would NOT say this is even a intermediate level workout unless you really tone it down. If you can't get through the fit test with some decent numbers, just keep working on that before you start.

Otherwise you may set yourself up for injury. I will let you know tomorrow how my back feels.

On another note, the holiday went great very productive. I got some house chores done at the Barbie house, and got my new tree planted. I did not get to put the pictures up but its a Japanese Maple going to the right side of the bay. Woo woo been wanting that for about 8 years and got it 1/2 price for $20. I figure if I kill it that's NOT much money, since the bigger ones were $90! [and that's at half price]

Against the blue siding its fabulous!

See the dead shrub there on the very right?

That's where the new tree is at, and its about 1/2 way up the bay so its just a baby. It needed some height there and the azaleas are now trimmed and lovely too they were getting too big but I had to wait till after they bloomed.

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend.....now its time to get BUSY with some INSANITY! If anyone has this workout and has been doing it, what is your favorite?

NO EXCUSE I MAKE IT HAPPEN!