Day 10 Peak Fit Challenge

I am so loving these new workouts by Michelle Dozois! 

Today was Cardio Strength 1, which she had made along with Cardio Interval Burn, as stand alone workouts prior to making this complete set.  When she made the Peak Fit Challenge, she remade this with a new cast so even though I recognize the moves, it feels new to me (but I am still looking just as soaked as ever, ha!).

You go through 5 sets of metabolic training.  Basecamp gets you started, ascent is where you grab your weights and perform multifunctional weight training, climb is the cardio portion and peak is the all out intensity, "want to grab the 'ole bucket"!  (see a clip of the 2010 version over at Collage Video where it was rated 5 stars:  http://www.collagevideo.com/workout-video/michelle-dozois-peak-10-cardio-strength-5899) 

My goose is cooked (and I'm loving it)!  I really like how all of these workouts engage the core so much that it is constantly being worked.  Two thumbs up for tighter middles!! 


Denise,
    keep reaching for your "Peak"

Core & more

Day 4 of Peak Fit Challenge.....

Aah, a little core and relaxation today!  I did a brief 10 minute walk this morning to get myself warmed up and then popped in the Core Dynamics workout.  (little did I know that it would pack such a punch)  And, must I say, the band is used in such unique ways to add some resistance.  I loved all the oblique work......crunch, crunch, CRUNCH! 

After work I finished the 2nd workout intended for today, Dynamic Flexibility.  It too uses the band to enhance the stretches.  The workout had a nice "flow" to it and as the title suggests, Michelle utilizes dynamic stretching so the moves aren't held forever.  (just long enough to get out the tightness and feel wonderful) 

So far these workouts are great.....


Denise,
    keep reaching for the "Peak"

Give me some "band" attitude!

Wow!  I just finished day 3 of Peak Fit Challenge workout Pure Strength 1 and I must say that band gives a whole new dimension to strength training!  The concentric and eccentric motions are really felt (or meaning "I felt truly weak ha") as the band is really taut and remains that way for both the contraction and during the release.  Ouchie!!  I could barely move that thing! 

This workout kept moving...nonstop!  I was sweating (lots) by the ends but I still felt that each muscle group was worked well.  You work each muscle group with 2 sets.  The first set is back work followed by chest.  Then you'll repeat the exercises one more time.  (sometimes shoulders & core are sprinkled throughout the sets for an additional "surprise" but if I can get the shoulder definition like Michelle, count me in!!)  Then you'll move onto Legs followed by Shoulders/Arms.  Again, repeating each twice through.  The first time through each set I was trying to figure out my weights, etc but by the 2nd time through I knew what was ahead and was ready!

So far I am enjoying this set. 

Yesterday was Pure Cardio.  That was pure fun!  Lots of kickboxing influence mixed with some old school aerobics!  Two thumbs up for me!  I burned about 396 calories in 45 minutes....not too shabby in my book! 


Denise,
   See you at the top!! 

Reaching for MY peak!

Today I started the Peak Fit Challenge workout dvds http://www.peakfitchallenge.com/.....I love Michelle (http://www.michelledozois.com/), such an awesome instructor and tons of energy!  I am doing the entire 8 week rotation. 

Today is Day 1.  Instead of the Fit Challenge, I decided to do my most favorite, most often used workout of last year--Cardio Interval Burn.  All the same moves, just a few new cast members with the same great enthusiasm!  LOVED IT!  I burn tons of calories with this workout! 

I can't wait to progress with this series.  The moves are innovative and well thought out.  Due to my weird, "split work schedule" my diet won't have all the mini meals like the program calls for however I'm going to keep my calorie range about 1400-1450 per day and try to keep my carbs/proteins/fats in the desired percentage range.  (using my bodybugg every day to keep me honest on my calories in vs calories out---if you don't have a bodybugg, they are the BEST way to know exactly where you stand every day) 

I am hoping to lose 12-16 pounds during the 8 week program.  (hey, if lose more that is just icing on the hypothetical cake, lol) 

See you at the peak!


Denise

Choices

We all make 'em....choices!  Every single day we decide to do this or do that but if you want to hit a certain goal (or get into that new pair of jeans), you need to be diligent.  You see, the choices we DON'T MAKE are as important as the ones we DO!! 

You have a choice to exercise or skip it, eat that piece of cake or just a piece of fruit---get the picture??  If you aren't making the "right" choices (or non at all), then you aren't moving toward the goal.  Comprende?  And by all means, don't let others do the choosing for you. 

Today I choose to do the right thing.  I'm reevaluating my goals and cutting out the things that won't get me to where I need to be. Tomorrow, it goes into practice.....get ready world, here I come!

So what are you ready for?  It's your choice!! 


Denise

Mental exhaustion + physical exhaustion = 1 whipped me!

Sorry I haven't been on here for about a week....it has been a mentally/physically draining week.  I tried (oh how I tried) to complete Asylum's Speed and Agility today but my speed was not up to par and my agility, let's just say when you go into this workout with about 3-4 hrs sleep, it ain't happening!  I had to stop after 30 minutes (I was literally dead tired on my feet). 

My oldest daughter, Kayla, has decided to marry the love of her life, Jesse.  She tells us this Wednesday that it is happening Saturday (tomorrow).  Gulp!  Thus the lack of shut eye.....oh how I miss my sleepy slumberland! 

Luckily I've still been doing my workouts (all but the disaster from this morning, Oy!)  which is good but when you don't get your sleep, the results aren't going to come as easily.  (duly noted!!) 

So, I'm hoping for good weather tomorrow for Kayla and Jesse's wedding day and for some good "shut eye" for mom! 


Here's to the next workout!


Denise

Find your focus!

As I pick my sweaty, half comatose self off the floor after completing Asylum's Speed & Agility, I recall Shaun's comment about finding your focus.  I didn't think too much about it during the workout, as I was just trying to prevent my premature demise, but after the workout I thought what a perfect thought for the day!

Without focus, you really are lost.  To reach any goal you need FOCUS:  for your attention, thoughts, actions!  Just like the photographer trying to get "the picture", if it ain't in focus, well that picture IS NOT going to be in anyone's magazine, museum or home! 

So for today, let's focus on ourselves.  When we are in focus, all things look clearer!  ;)


Denise

Permission to breathe........

Ahh!  Day 5 of Asylum and it is Relief day.  As I stretch into the poses, I begin to realize I've been slacking on my stretching (okay, maybe alot....hanging my head in shame).  I love that Shaun says, as we are guided into the poses, that this isn't "releasing" it is "relief".  I like the analogy.  Yes, we can release things but oh, what a relief it is to do so!  What a breath of fresh air!

Just the act of releasing those things that are weighing you down will provide tremendous relief: tons of weight will be lifted off your shoulders (no more stress baggage, people--kick it to the curb).  Plus the upside of all the exercise is it is a cheap prescription for anxiety.  (gives you a boost of serotonin & endorphins, you know all that "feel good" stuff) 

Feeling better can start here, now....just give yourself permission to breathe! 



Denise

When you wish upon a star......(nothing happens! Come on people, that is for fairy tales)



Today is my birthday, time to reflect on what I really want and how I'm going to get it.  No amount of "wishing" is going to to make it happen!!  I'm in control of my destiny and I'm going to have to use some "3D":  Determination, Dedication & Desire (and a whole lot of Denise power so maybe it should be 4D, ha!) 

1st step:  I'm giving myself permission to eat.  Say what?  How is that going to help me lose weight?  Well let me tell you, being CONTROLLED my food is NOT the answer!  I want to eat and not worry about every little morsel that passes my lips thinking inwardly "is this going straight to my hips".  If 80% of the time I do well, then 20% isn't so bad.  My disorted view on food lately has gotten me stressed and we all know stress just keeps the weight on.  Food is just fuel, like gas (bad analogy, I know) is to the vehicles.

We all know we use food to celebrate events, ease our sorrows, and just to enjoy life.  This is just the way it is and even though I need to lose a few pounds, I still want to do these things and NOT feel guilty about it!  And you know what?  Today, on my 42nd birthday, I'm giving myself permission to lose weight & do all those things!  Woohoo, how freeing is that!  I mean just look at the first three letters of the word DIEt, enough said right?!

2nd step:  Make some goals.  Easy enough.  Conscious eating, no guilt-check.  Asylum exercise rotation started (and oh am I feeling it), check. 

3rd step:  Check in (so I don't check out!).  I need accountability.  I need to walk the walk to produce my desired results.  My thought on this is to take a picture of my weekly weight every Monday (after whatever the weekend brings, gulp) and post it.  Scary.....heck yes!  Should it keep me in line?  It had better, don't want too many weeks of pure disappointment! 



I'd like to aim for a nice, steady 2lb weight loss.  My anniversary is on 7/25 which is 13 weeks away.  In those 13 weeks I could be 26 lbs slimmer.....Hubby and I will be on vacation that week and he bought me "smokin' hot" sun dress that I want to wear (and I'm sure he'd like to check me out in, lol). 

Since it IS my birthday, enjoy a piece of cake.....and LOVE every minute of it! 



Bye, bye back fat! Back to Core to the rescue

Day 3 of Asylum and it looks like I've found a favorite:  Back to Core.  The warmup still has lots of jumping jacks (grr) and Shaun uses different arm movements to really get into the back area to increase blood flow for the main workout.  (plus your sucking wind to increase your oxygen, ha!)  After the warmup, the workout uses isometric and other solid exercises to develop strength in the core (which consists of the entire front/back area, think everything working together), hamstrings and glutes.

I still felt it, don't get me wrong...but it was easier ONLY because we didn't have all the cardio components.  Let me tell you when we had to hold a twisting lunge pose "forever" (think of Warrior for all you yogi's) and add pulses and all that, I was a quivering!!  (like one of those Taco Bell dogs and it wasn't pretty)

This workout will be a keeper in my collection and I can see me adding it to other exercise rotations because it really works the back body so well.  (which is often neglected) 

Have a Happy Easter everyone!  I know that I will because of my Lord, Jesus Christ! 


Have a super fit day,

Denise

Holy smokes Bat Man, I've been "saturated" (as in Asylum Strength will leave you drenched in sweat!)

Wow, Shaun T's Strength packs a "sweaty" punch!  I was wanting to grab the ole bucket again.  My gosh, I'm going to have to literally bring it in my exercise room and leave it there!!  Just how can a "strength" workout leave you so drenched?  (well at least I still have a smile on my face....really that was because it was OVER, ha!)  I look like a wet dog with my hair all matted to my head! 

Now that I'm all showered and freshened up, I do feel great!  The workout was awesome & unique, like Shaun knows best.  Nothing traditional here at all.  I did have an "audience" for a few minutes as hubby watched my performance so you know I had to "step it up a notch".  My bicep curl into squats into burpees into pushups, etc never looked so good (hee hee).  The back set seemed to go on & on & on.....I know I'll be feeling that! 

On another note, I wanted to give a shout out to my fitness bud, Jenny Ford.  I have done her Step by Step workout and can I say I LOVE IT!  I want to do it again and again (well you get the picture).  Jenny sent me an extra copy so I thought I'd share the love!  I'll do a random drawing from my followers.  If you are interested, please comment to this thread.  I'll randomly draw a person from those interested on 5/28 and send you the dvd so you can enjoy some Jenny awesomeness!  (I will make mention of this periodically so newer followers can participate as well....you only have to reply that you are interested once)

Have a great fit day!

Denise



Asylum....I'm committed! (or should I say "I should be committed", wink)

Today is day 1 of my official Insanity Asylum workout routine.  I did Speed and Agility and all I can say is "where is my puke bucket"?  This is one of THOSE kind of workouts!  (almost had to cry a few times) 

For anyone who is not sure what the heck I'm talking about, here is a link to these workouts:  http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/insanity-next-level-asylum-workout.do

I'm going to do the full 30 day rotation and see what transpires.  (hopefully not leaving me cowering in some corner, rocking myself gently, pleading for mercy) 

I did have to take a few breaks....okay a lot!  I'd give it my all on some exercises and then the last few (10-15) seconds I'd fester out.  Shaun just kept yelling "blah blah blah" and I definitely thought for a brief moment that I had been committed and this was some cruel torture exercise and in some ways IT WAS! 

But the workout itself (other than being tough stuff, which let me be honest, I do like to do, but I like to "complain" too, ha) was very sport oriented.  (more like his Max Sports Training from his Insanity set)  I have lots of room to grow and see improvement. 

30 days, hmm doesn't seem too long?  (or does it?!.....insert evil laugh)

Leading by example

Just the other day my almost 19 year old daughter, Tiffany, (shown above) decides to start walking/running several days a week.  She then approaches me and asks me for further guidance, wanting me to help her develop a program specific to her needs.  My oldest daughter has also done the same thing, asking for exercise advice. 

You see, my girls have ALWAYS seen their mother working out.  My exercise journey began many, many years ago....  I have fond memories of me being about 12 yrs old, subscribing to all the fitness type magazines I could read and doing all the exercises I could in the privacy of my bedroom.  I would grunt out those sit ups and leg lifts, not because I was fat (I graduated high school at 105 pounds people so that wasn't an issue for me) but because, okay you ready for it.....I ENJOYED IT!  I guess you could say this was the start of my "at home" vidioticy! 

When I graduated high school, my mom and I began working out at a gym (very short lived) but here is where I learned to love the weight training!  I would bring books by such greats as Rachel Mclish and follow their routines.  (people would actually approach me and ask me for advice!)  I didn't realize I was a "fat" skinny 105 because after I started lifting, I literally SHRANK in inches & I packed on 15 pounds of muscle!  I never looked better!  120 lbs of hotness!  Long live weight training!!!

After my short stint with the gym, I got married to my 1st husband (also a short stint, thank goodness), had my 2 beautiful girls but I continued with my daily workouts.  This is where I became a "vidiot"--doing my workouts to exercise videos.  The girls would watch momma do her "dancing" and I'd get my "me" time.  A win/win! 

Now, to the present day, I still get up in the morning and do my daily workouts.  I am glad I've always lead by example that fitness is something of who you are.  It is part of me, like breathing, sleeping, eating. 

So when my girls (or my husband, who God bless him, is wanting to begin to exercise again) or anyone else for that matter approaches me with questions, I gladly share my love of fitness. 

It all starts with one step

Time to step out of the "comfort zone"

I am starting this blog to kick myself in the "butt" and keep myself inline!  I used to be a fit/fit person but eventually life took over.....or should I say S T R E S S!  So I "grew" into a fit/fat person!  I say that because I was still fit (low cholesterol, very low blood pressure, etc), could do all my advanced workouts HOWEVER my pant size kept growing and growing until I was (dare I say this to whomever is reading) busting out of a size 16!  I was still working out, watching everything that went into my mouth, treated myself occasionally but I gained weight over the years until finally it all came to a screeching weigh in of.....175 pounds! (I'm only 5 foot 3 inches tall)  I really didn't want to post my weight but I figured what does it hurt?  Yes, I'm embarrassed but I was to the point where I thought something was wrong with me.  I kept a written daily log of everything that went into my mouth (I can post pics of the log books that went back for years) but I truly believe it was the daily stresses of my family life overtime that caused my gradual weight gain.  My husband is the biggest concern I've dealt with over the past few years--in and out of the hospital with a condition that mimics diabetes (he doesn't have diabetes but does have the same neuropathy that they have) until eventually last July, 2 days after his birthday, he lost his right lower leg.  This actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise because his recovery has been tremendous & he doesn't deal with the daily pains, etc so I was able to lose almost 40 lbs on my own, getting down to about 137.  I was having personal issues myself but chose to ignore them due to concentrating on hubby for so long and finally went to the doctor.  I had to have a partial hysterectomy last November which I then put a few lbs back on.  This leads me to where I am right now....hovering around 150 lbs.  Not bad, but not great. 

I want to get down to about 115.  I want to blog this "adventure" through words, pictures, exercise, clothes....anything I can think of that may help me succeed.  So it is time to "step up" and get busy!