04.04.2013 – I Really Must Be Insane

I just got finished with my first Fit Test of the Insanity program.  No, really.  I’m still sweating and my heart rate hasn’t fully recovered.  I’m that fresh…without actually being fresh you should all be glad you are not in the vicinity of my Insanity Stank.

I am definitely not as good as I remember, but I’m not as bad as I thought I would be.  I thought I would barely make it through the warm-up before I turned the DVD off and never spoke of this silly adventure again.  But, alas, I have finished the fit test and I am ready to announce my results.

1. In Switch Kicks I obtained a score of 65…. not bad, but I should mention that I did not do jumps nearly as explosive as the two people in the video.

2. In Power Jacks I obtained a score of 21… these I did not modify.

3. In Power Knees I obtained a score of 50… these I also did not modify.

4. In Power Jumps I obtained a score of 20… I wasn’t able to get my legs to go up during the actual jump, so these were modified.

5. In Globe Jumps I obtained a score of 5… these I did not modify, but my lack of room did cause less explosive jumps.  I honestly feel I could have done better in a less confined space.

6. In Suicide Jumps I obtained a score of 9… these were the most modified.  I basically turned a burpee into a down&out that involved stepping back into plank.  I threw in a couple normal ones, but I need to alternate versions to keep my knees sane.

7. In Power Jacks I obtained a score of 8… I hate Power Jacks.  I always have, I always will.  My inability to do a push-up resulted in me only going halfway down for each push-up.

8. In Low Plank Obliques I obtained a score of 29… I’m not gonna lie, I’m pretty sure I turned these into Mountain Climbers for wusses.

I am being overly critical of myself in these exercises because I do think this program will vastly improve my fitness level, and I would like to be able to document just how far I have come.  My journey may result in getting the same numbers but with proper form, and I think I would be okay with those results.  The fit test that comes after the third week usually does not yield improved results for me, but we shall see if I can be proved wrong.

Tomorrow starts the real work… and I will probably want to die afterwards.

This weekend starts the journey of fitting Insanity into a packed schedule… I believe it can a will be done.

Later Days,

-Jenni.

 

04.03.2013 – Getting Back to Business

After an extended vacation from my daily trips, I hate the gym.  I hated it yesterday and I’m probably going to hate it today.  I also hate that I’m starving right now and I’m not supposed to eat for at least another hour.  Basically, I’m just in a hating mood today. 

But in a positive light… I am looking forward to this weekend.  Two out-of-town trips in which I will probably see two of my most favorite people.  That is something to look forward to.  Furthermore, even if I do hate the gym right now, I am looking forward to starting Insanity again.  I am also looking forward to things I am not at liberty to discuss on this blog… get your mind out of the gutter, people, it’s nothing like that.

I am hoping to add some yoga to my workout this afternoon depending on how I feel.  I know that I am going to have to find a way to keep stretched out once I add Insanity back into the mix.  I am hoping that I will do Insanity Thursday – Tuesday, then have a “rest” day on Wednesday.  During my rest day I am going to try to add in a bit of extra cardio in the form of biking at the gym.  I will also be taking advantage of the sauna at the gym whenever possible, which will probably be two to three times a week.  If money permits, I am also considering adding a hot yoga class (I’ve been talking about it for months, and I finally found one…so I just need to do it).  I think the hot yoga will definitely keep my muscles feeling fresh, and any extra yoga during the week will just reinforce that fact.  I am mostly adding the extra cardio at the gym to allow myself to feel like I am still getting my money’s worth while I am doing most of my working out at home. 

I might also consider setting extra goals within my Insanity regime and rewarding myself accordingly.  Like if I improve by so much on the fit Test every two weeks, I can treat myself to a groupon massage.  I have my little 190lb. spa day planned, but that will be at home.  I need something that involves professionals to look forward to as well.

This unorganized post was brought to you by extreme boredom and avoidance of grown-up tasks.

Later Days,

-Jenni.

04.02.2013 – Mega Update

First, and foremost, I passed the General Knowledge Exam!  Now, on to the Professional Education Test, which I am hoping to take around the middle of May.  Being done with math (again) is a huge weight off my shoulders and it gives me more time to focus on new fitness goals. 

I started my 85% vegetarian journey this week and it is going quite well.  I am currently trying o cut down to only having meat with one meal per day.  This might become a problem as I run low on food, but I did realize that I have more veggie burgers hanging out in my freezer than I originally thought.  Other than my lack of spending money to go towards food this month, I’m doing okay on that front.  It might be a little less fresh fruits and veggies compared to the frozen options, but I think my body will survive a month of the lesser options.  Once I’m finished with what’s in my freezer, there will be more room for the super healthy options.  I am currently reading The Kind Diet, which is more informative than I originally gave it credit.  Not only informative, I love that it is written in a positive and uplifting light, a far cry from Skinny Bitch, a book that suggests the same plant-based diet but with a sharper tongue.

Along with my vegetarian journey, I have a few fitness goals to add to my list as well. 

1. As I have already mentioned, I want to use this summer to learn how to swim.  My major goal is to start participating in triathalons, but I need to get the actual learning process out-of-the-way before I can start looking at swimming as a valid exercise.  Right now it just consists of me flapping around in the water and trying not to drown.  This goal can be reached through private swimming lessons that are offered at the Lakeland Civic Center pool.  Done and done.

2. My second goal involves investing in a bike.  In preparation for the triathalons that I hope to add to my agenda next year, I need to start focusing on biking as its own sport.  This will involve getting a bike and riding on a normal basis.  While I am living at home, I will be able to use the Fort Frasier Trail.  once I move to Winter Haven, I will be able to bike to and from the gym and my apartment.  I’m not badass enough to bike to work…and even if I could handle the distance traffic would scare me off the road. 

3.  The final goal, which I am able to start this month, is to complete the 60-Day Insanity challenge.  I have the program mapped out, starting next Thursday.  This will involve a lot more updates from me in terms of measurements, weight, and how I am feeling.  I tried the program a couple of years ago and had to stop due to my knee.  This time, I am planning to focus on what my body is telling me and taking breaks when I know I need to stop.  I am going to try to add a few gym trips a week to this plan, but just for extra cardio.  And I am planning on staying off the treadmill in order to keep my joints comfortable.

More updates to come.  I’m back in the gym for the first time in two weeks this afternoon.  Wish me luck!

Later Days,

-Jenni.

03.21.2013 – Better

I am happy to say that I am completely back on my feet today.  I am over the worst of the flu and back to school, which is a good change of pace from the boring that comes with being resigned to bedrest all day.  I was just thankful I was still able to get some yoga in while I wasn’t feeling 100 percent.  I was hoping to make it to the gym this afternoon, but I’m thinking that I might just call it a day after work and catch up on sleep.  While I have been getting back to normal, my parents are both still pretty sick and my dad is having a tendency to wake me up at 430 in the morning with his hour-long coughing spells.  This has me running on about 4 hours today, which is partially my fault…but ya know.

It’s obviously been a very laid back week when it comes to exercise, but I have actually remained decently healthy, especially compared to how I usually eat when I am sick.  I have upped my carb-intake, but that is something I was working on before I even got sick.  Starting refreshed next week after I’m well will definitely be in my game plan.  I have decided to cut down on sweets rather than cut them out completely.  While it is awesome, and I am impressed by anyone who can quit a food group “cold turkey”, I am not that type of eater, and I need to weed it out one small problem at a time.  My goals is to get where I have moderated my sweet intake enough that I don’t feel bad about myself when I do indulge.

Starting in April, I am considering starting Insanity again.  I think it would be a good way to round out the school year.  I would modify it a bit, probably cutting down on too much plyo, but still doing a less explosive version of the move to save my joints ant unwanted/unneeded pain, but I think I can get most of it done.  I would also still want to get at least one or two days in the gym for some alternative cardio (most likely biking, but elliptical if it fit my mood).  My main reasoning for that is I don’t want to nix my gym membership, but I don’t want to be paying $20 a month for something I never use.  If I can get at least 5-6 gym trips a month, I will feel like my money is not being wasted.  If it cost more per month I would probably put the membership on hold, but $20 isn’t too much to complain about, and I enjoy Wednesday afternoon bike ride and sauna trips.  This entire plan will be mapped out more once I get my Insanity DVDs back from my friend and after Spring Break is over.

In personal news, I am looking forward to taking the GKE next month, hopefully.  I have been studying math, which I hate.  I just need to write a few practice essays to refresh my skills and register for the test (which I will do at the beginning of April).  Hopefully, this will go as well as I am willing it to in my mind.

That’s all for now, I will try to send an update tomorrow to give an overview of Spring Break plans.

Later Days,

-Jenni.

03.15.2013 – The Weekend Ahead

I have lots planned for this weekend, starting with a trip to visit one of the besties as soon as school is out this afternoon.  I have been dreaming of this trip for over a month now because I have been dying to go to the beach for over a month, and the day is finally here!

Other than the beach, I will be kicking it with some other friends at a Battle of the Bands in Ybor on Saturday night.  Whether I’m crashing in Tampa that evening is undecided at this point, but it’s going to be pretty awesome.   

My eating and working out this week has been less than ideal, which is why there has been a lack of daily updates.  It wasn’t too bad, but I was trying to feed my need for sweets with carbs all week.  This has been further proof that I don’t think I could ever be burnt out on bread.  I also don’t think I could ever go on that “Gluten-Free Diet” that I’m always thinking about.

I will try to get an update in sometime this weekend, and I will definitely be on track starting next week.  It’s only two weeks before the big trip, and I am failing to reach any of my goals.

Later Days,

-Jenni.

03.08.2013 – Busy Weekend?

My New Favorite Jam

Pink + Nate = Perfection.  Your argument is invalid.

I kicked major booty at the gym on Thursday, doubling up Thursday and Fridays workout into a major, eight-point workout that lasted a little over two hours.  I may have felt dead today, but it made me feel better about being to busy to get to the gym tonight.  Tomorrow will be a cardio-focused day, hopefully getting a run in after I spend the morning volunteering a the PCSB Health Fair.

I got my glucose and cholesterol screened today as a part of the health fair, and I think it was a great way to show me that I am healthy as freak, even if I’m not a stick-thin model.  While my BMI was up, as it always is (and probably always will be), my Cholesterol and glucose were the signature of perfection.  Here’s the stats:

Glucose (desired < 100): 73

HDL, Good Cholesterol (desired >60): 74

LDL, Bad Cholesterol (desired < 100): 101 …okay, so I could work on that one

Triglycerides (desired < 150): 61

TC.HDL Ratio (desired < 4.0): 2.5

This weekend is going to consist of a lot of working out mixed with a lot of studying.  I’ve held strong at losing 6 pounds this week, and I want to keep it up.  I might reach my dream goal after all!

Later Days,

-Jenni.

 

03.04.2013 – Day Four on the Island of No Sweets

I am doing okay.  I had some cravings over the weekend, but I pushed through and was able to fill in my sweet tooth cravings with fruit.  I know I need to watch my dried fruit intake, which can be just as bad as candy, and I am doing so.  I have found a slight love for dried prunes, mostly because it’s in a single-serve package that resembles candy.  I am limiting myself to three, at most, three times a week.  I had some PB on toast this morning, so we will see how long my plan of having PB once a week lasts… I’ll try to stay strong.

My water intake is improving, which was another goals for the month.  And along with hydration comes more energy to work out.  I have a big workout planned for today, but I am hoping to push through all of it.  The Cardio Cinema is back up at the gym, which will help come Thursday (cardio [@ the gym] day).     

I haven’t planned out my dinners for the week, but those usually follow where I end up at night.  I at least have some groceries at the boyfriend’s house so that we don’t have to resort to pasta every time I make an impromptu visit or forget to bring dinner to his house.  It’s going to be so much easier when we live together and I won’t have to remember stuff like that.

This was a random update.  Sorry.

Later Day,

-Jenni.

02.20.2013 – Restart

The holidays always seem to do me in, especially when they involve traveling.  I always plan to keep it somewhat healthy, and I fail every time.  Valentine’s Day was no exception to this rule.  If anything, it was probably one of the worst 180’s I have done over a holiday period that only is supposed to last a day.  I could blame the fact that Valentine’s Day turned into a weekend affair that included a last-minute trip to Heavy and Light on Monday evening, where I indulged in fast food for the first time in at least three months.  I could do that, but I know that the majority of the choices were done because I thought I could get away with it.  It’s like I get it inside my head that calories don’t count over the holidays.

But alas, the calories always count, and my lack of exercise had me feeling sluggish at the gym yesterday.  I did about 5 miles on the stationary bike and called it a day, no strength training at all.  This was a major fail on my part, and it will be remedied this afternoon.  While the movie selection at the gym this week is particularly lacking, I am hoping to get some major strength training done today, and perhaps a few miles on the bike.  Being Wednesday, it is a day to focus on the upper body, but I will probably throw in a few squats and other leg moves.  I have discovered that some of the weight machines are more enjoyable than one might be led to believe. 

As for the restart headline, I am restarting my healthy plans this week, focusing on weightloss more than I did while I was getting accumulated to the gym.  I am at a current weight of 210, and I have a goal weight of 160.  I have lingered around my current weight for at least a couple of years now, and I am ready to get rid of the final fifty.  I know this will take the type of dedication I have to dig down deep for, but I am hoping that my small group of supporters will be enough to push me across the finish line.  In order to do this, I will be uping my gym workouts every few weeks and following the rules of Bob Harper’s The Skinny Rules.  It should be noted that I am slowly working on the “no carbs after 2 rule”.  I’m trying, but it’s all a matter of keeping low carb snacks around the house for when I get home from work and finding protein supplements with low carbs.  I’ll do an update next Wednesday on how this is going. 

Tomorrow will be a gym day instead of running, as I am planning to attend an open house at Southeastern University.  Hopefully that goes well and doesn’t turn everything I want to do upside down…but let’s be honest, it probably will.

Later Days,

-Jenni.

02.17.2013 – Yeah, I Know

All of my plans to keep the blog up over the brief holiday this weekend.

Along with not keeping up the blog this weekend, I enjoyed chickening out at the Ropes Course, Dining at two buffets and the Hard Rock Cafe, and sleeping.  Yes, this girl fell into a deep, deep food coma after the China Buffet.  Romantic, right?  This is why my boyfriend is perfect.  He let me sleep for almost two hours, and I woke up thinking I hadn’t been passed out for more than a quick power nap.

Today was spent sleeping in (relatively), making Mason Jar meals for my lunches this week, and dominating at the gym.  I am in serious need of a healthy week.  I am in serious need of getting back on track with eating healthy and exercising and avoiding Price-Reduced Valentine’s Day candy.

My new favorite activity might be biking, something that has caught on for me during Cardio Cinema.  I banked 25 Miles today while watching Premium Rush.  I may look into buying a real bike, but that would involve saving money that I don’t necessarily have right this moment.  At any rate, it will put a hold on my running shoes for a month or two.  I might be investing in Cross-Trainers instead.

Weigh-in tomorrow, then it’s time to get serious about following numbers again (just for a bit).  Boo.

Later Days,

-Jenni.

02.12.2013 – Tuesdays at the Gym

I know… I’m a horrible person for not updating this weekend!

This will be my first Tuesday at the gym rather than running, and I am really looking forward to it.  I have an extensive workout planned, and I am hoping to get it all accomplished.  I do pretty well with sticking to my gym plans.  I did change my long distance ride to Sunday because they are playing Premium Rush at the Cardio Cinema.  I’ll be riding a bike while watching a movie about a guy riding a bike…ironic, eh? 

Wednesday will be the short workout that I was hoping for, with soccer planned for later that afternoon.  I am hoping that this will keep my speed skills sharpened while I am taking a break from track.  It isn’t much, but it’s better than nothing. 

Also, expect a small review of Diary by Chuck Palahniuk later on in the week.  I just finished the book this morning and I am thoroughly looking forward to moving on to Survivor. 

I’ll do an eating update on Friday.  I’m hoping to stay healthy this week in order to prepare for this weekend’s adventures in Orlando.  I am hoping to find some foods that aren’t fried.  Something tells me that might be difficult to do at a Chinese Buffet…at least I know there will be crab legs.

So… updates to look forward to:

Wednesday – Book Review

Thursday – Week at the gym recap

Friday – Healthy eating recap.

 

Later Days,

-Jenni.