Insanity - The Last Week!

Wow! I can't believe it is week 9 already (4 weeks phase 1, 1 week of recovery exercises, 4 weeks of phase 2). This has been quite an experience to actually complete the Insanity workout. I tried a couple times before but didn't end up finishing because of injury or other commitments getting in the way.
My fitness has improved a lot and I look at my fit test results and it is hard to believe how much my numbers have improved in just 2 months. My most recent fit test was really good, I beat the people on the video in 5 of the 8 exercises!
I have been thinking about what to do next: Insanity again, or try something else? I think I can handle another round of Insanity and maybe I will get another program for Christmas!
I will post my improved results after I do my final fit test.

Insanity - Phase 2

I am finished the first week of Insanity Phase 2. After 6 weeks, I have to say that I am amazed how resilient my body is, to improve so much in such a short period of time. My results in the bi-weekly fit tests have increased from about 25% to almost double depending on the exercise. I am doing moves that I know I would not have been able to do, if I had started with them and I am completing the MAX workouts which are that much harder than the phase 1 workouts.

Being on the second half of this routine, I am looking forward to completing the Insanity and maybe even applying to get the T-shirt! What next after this? Another round or do I try another series? Decisions, decisions!

Insanity - 1 month in

It's been 30 days since I started Insanity. I got on the scale after one month of this routine and I must say I was disappointed to have only lost 4 pounds. I know that this is only one measure of progress but the awareness of the number is still ingrained enough to make it hurt.

On the bright side, I know that my fitness has improved a lot in the past 4 and a half weeks. This morning I completed all four sets of Level 1 drills whereas I struggled to complete 2 sets during my first exercise that had them as part of the routine.

I feel better and my spinal problems have gone away. I had been expecting to have to go to the chiropractor a few weeks ago, but exercising and especially strengthening my core has resolved the issue. I still need to be careful of my back but the overal health benefits of exercising are starting to reveal themselves.

What this is telling me is my snacks during the day, although not as bad as they could be (no Tim Hortons or McDonalds) I can do better. More vegetables and fewer granola bars!

Insanity - Week 3, still!

Just an update, today I did Pure Cardio with a bonus Cardio Abs, following the schedule. This was the first day that Cardio Abs is added to the first routine and I was surprised by my ability to do the second workout since I think my abs need a lot of work. I know that they do, but I was still impressed a bit with my performance. I am looking forward to hitting the scale at the end of the month to see what progress I have made in that area. I know that weight is just a number and what is important is how I feel and my fitness level, but it is another way I can gauge my progress.

Insanity - Week 3

This week started off well and then I had a setback: my lower back went out of alignment, causing me to take 2 days off. My backhas been problematic for about 5 years, with trips to the chiropractor now and again just to be able to move. I hope I will be able to press play tomorrow morning, my back feels better.

The lesson that I have learned from this experience over the past five years is to get back on the horse and realize that my body does, in fact, have limitations. I am eating better and feeling better (other than acute lower back pain!).

Insanity - Week 2

I keep meaning to post more often, but life is pretty busy! I am happy to say that this week is easier than last week and I am noticing a little difference in how my clothes fit already!

I celebrated my rest day on Sunday by going on a hike with the family at Glen Haffy Conservation Area. It was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun.

That is what life is about, isn't it? Enjoying the good times and getting through the hard times.

Here is a prayer that is on a big sign at the start of the trails at Glen Haffy:

"Prayer of The Woods

I am the heart of your hearth on the cold winter nights, the friendly shade screening you from the summer sun, and my fruits are refreshing draughts quenching your thirst as you journey on. I am the beam that holds your house, the board of your table, the bed on which you lie, and the timber of your boat. I am the handle of your hoe, the door of your homestead, the wood of your cradle, and the shell of your coffin. I am the bread of kindness and the flower of beauty. Ye who pass by, listen to my prayer: harm me not.

This inspirational label has been used in forest reserves of Portugal for over 1,000 years."

INSANITY 2: THE ELECTRIC BOOGALOO

Okay, so it has been over a year since I posted on this blog. It turns out that the "cold" or "allergies" that I couldn't shake last summer was, in fact, double pneumonia. Yes, I had pneumonia in both lungs in numerous places. I ended up having to take heavy duty drugs and a week off from work to recuperate. Since then, I have had numerous lower back issues and I have gotten to know my chiropractor fairly well. Luckily, I have had few back problems lately, now it's my inner calf muscles going into spasm whenever I run more than a few kilometres. What this is telling me is I need to shape up or I might just ship out!

I am not at my peak weight but I am so close it scares me. Time to take action (finally!)!

Yesterday, I started Insanity with the Fit Test. Remarkably, I was able to match or slightly improve my initial results from the first time I started Insanity. That surprised me, but maybe since this time I had a mark to match or beat I was able to aim for that target. Anyway, I felt completely exhausted afterward so I know I did my best.

Today was Plyo Cardio Circuit. This is tough too, and I have to say I had to take breaks during the second set of exercises. There's something about doing 3 sets of push-ups and other ab moves while still in plank for about 3 minutes at a time -- after already working hard for 20+ minutes.

It sounds like I have a lot of negative things to say, but I do feel great - completely wiped out - but great!

More to follow!