The Next Beachbody Hybrid - The Focus T25 with Shaun T!

I'm like the unenergetic Energizer Bunny.

c/o Pinterest

As I'm really enjoying the Hybrid programs, and they keep me workout out, I decided to combine Piyo and Focus T25.

I'll review Focus T25 here (I didn't review it previously, but completed it early 2015), and Piyo Here.

What is Focus T25?

25 MINUTES. 5 DAYS A WEEK. 100% RESULTS.

The only thing standing between you and the results you
want is TIME.

Shaun T experimented for the last year to design a program that delivers the same kind of results you'd expect from an hour-long program, in under 30 minutes. He's pulled out the rest to give you everything you need, nothing you don't.

The result is FOCUS T25—and the name implies the intent: If you focus your intensity for 25 minutes, and you do it 5 days a week, you WILL get results.

This program includes 5 workouts in 3 different levels (so 15 different routines), including: Cardio, Speed, Total Body Circuit, Ab Intervals, and Lower Focus.

I'm trusting Shaun T will help me gain back the cardio workouts I've been lacking for most of the winter (My Bad), and make me hate him all over again.

I love to hate Shaun T - he pushes me to my limits, and I get results.

As usual, I'll follow my own detrimental meal plan, and hope for the best!

c/o memegenerator.net

1) Alpha Round (aka Learning the moves while sweating like a banshee)

Cardio

25 minutes of calorie-burning, sweat-drenching cardio

After the first 12 minutes, I was kind of guffawing at Shaun T - this program really brought me back to the basics and my beginnings with Beachbody.

Then we got halfway through, and he made us do squats of various forms. The intensity, immediate sweat, and burning come on all of a sudden - it is awesome!

I appreciate the 2-3 steps from more basic moves into more intense and burning movements - it forces me to focus and work my way from modifying to almost doing the non-modified movements.

I really found this Cardio routine fun, and it was over just as quickly as it began!

Speed 1.0

Ignite your quickness. Burn the fat. Fast-paced for fast results.

This was my first routine of my second round of T25.

I totally forgot that Shaun T had hair...and he looks smaller in this routine compared to his more recent videos (Max 30 and Cize). I'm ok with this.

He didn't glare at me either.

I think I'm not as intimidated by him now, therefore push harder.

This routine is full of quick cardio moves at minute (?) intervals and stretching moves for the following 30 (?) seconds.

Tania is the modifier, and I generally follow her and intensify it up a bit as Plyo moves still don't make my body happy.

There are no breaks in this routine, unless you're weird like me and consider the stretches a "break."

Prepare to be sweating within a few minutes of starting Speed 1.0. It only gets more intense!

Total Body Circuit 

Focus on strength and resistance—without lifting a single weight.

Whew - 5 minutes in, and I'm dripping sweat!

In usual Shaun T fashion, the moves are introduced in a basic method and then work their way up through increasingly intense intervals.

As this is my second time around, I find I'm integrating the advanced move with the more basic moves as I can push myself a little bit more now.  Not quite ready for some of those plyo moves, but I certainly feel every movement and sweat drip.

This particular routine works out your entire body - arms (stupid push ups and planks), legs (stupid lunges and squats), abs (olique twists and side crunches with arm/leg moves), cardio, and core.

Most of the workout I do off my mat, otherwise a slip & fall would be happening - the moves are dynamic and move around.

If you have weak wrists, wear your workout gloves - mine come about 4" above my wrists, and are the only way I can plank and push up at all.

Ab Intervals

Cardio and ab intervals that shred the fat from your midsection.

This is definitely one workout that I need my wrist protection for - most people use them for weight lifting, but I have weak wrists, so need the extra support when planks and push ups are involved.

Each set includes a basic move, intermediate move, and the full move, followed with a cardio interval.

I grunted and groaned my way through this workout, but that's a good thing, right?

Not quite a sweat induced by some of the other routines, but the following day, my abs told me I did a good workout!

Lower Focus

Focus on your lower-body muscles—the key to burning fat and kicking up your metabolism.

Your behind will burn and curse Shaun T with the amount of Lunges, Squats, and other butt burning moves - and Shaun T does NOT let you rest. 

On the other end, this is where your workouts start to really burn away the bad cells and brings in strong legs that can balance your body enough to push a tent trailer up your driveway because you're not skilled enough at backing it up with the car.

Seriously.

c/o Pinterest

2) BETA Round (Aka Sweating Even More with even more aches and pains!)

You have been warned - resistance is futile and weights are added to increase your full potential for awesomeness!  Start with smaller weights and work your way up to avoid extreme pain for 2-3 days after your workouts.

Core Cardio

Get your sweat on! This progressive cardio-core workout is about you getting shredded fast

Cardio mixed in with a bit of fun!  I actually really enjoy this routine. 

The Air Planks are pretty fun - and I even did the regular version instead of modified - don't get me wrong, you still get a fabulously sweaty workout with the modified moves, but it is nice to eventually push your limits and go full out some days

Speed 2.0

Rev up with Shaun's calorie-scorching, core-focused speed drills.

Speed to has your legs higher, no breaks, and your cardio going off the charts.

NO BREAKS.

Shaun t is hardcore, and I want to slap him silly mid way through, but I actually love the beats of the music in conjunction with the moves - it keeps me going strong the entire workout.

Rip't Circuit

Cardio … upper body … legs … abs … repeat! This is how you get ripped in 25 minutes.

More weights. Don't overdo it, or you won't be able to make it through the routine!  10lbs or less, or you will regret it!

You'll enjoy more squats, planks, curls, and push ups - most of them with weights!  Working two body parts out at the same time is efficient and boosts your body into working while you're not working out!

Dynamic Core

You'll go from vertical to horizontal and back again in this dynamic, crazy core routine.

Shaun T tries to break you with this routine.  You really ARE up and down - abs work, contractions, and beyond - there are 7 standing core exercises, and 7 seated moves.  Then Shaun T is a jerk and makes you repeat the rounds! 

Your abs will "thank" you the day after this routine!

Upper Focus

Shaun will help you develop the upper body of your dreams. All you have to do is FOCUS.

I am not strong with my arms, and this routine pushes my limits with push ups, row, presses, curls, and weights!

You do have the option of using a band, but I prefer weights for the mostpart. 

Definitely do some extra stretching of your arms afterwards to avoid extreme pain the following day!

Conclusion

I love Shaun t, and will integrate this program over and over again with any other program as a Hybrid.

Shaun T's intense glares of love fuel me through each and every routine!

My Review on Beachbody's Hip Hop Abs Fitness Program

When I first "met" Shaun T, I didn't like him. 

His Stare through the TV is intimidating. And he doesn't give water breaks.

But After completing T25, Insanity Max 30, and even Cize, I have learned to embrace him.  Shaun T is good for my body.

I've also become quite fond of Hybrid workouts since my Cize/21 Day Fix Fiasco.  It means I become less bored, and stay motivated with a different instructor daily.

I know my only fallback on this Hybrid will be the lack of working out my arms.  I just REALLY want to get my mid section under control this year.  Arms will come later.

So I'm reviewing Hip Hop Abs here, and Brazil Butt Lift in a different blog page.

What Does Hip Hop Abs Promise?

"Dance your way to hot, sexy abs.

If you love to dance and you want to lose weight and tighten your midsection without doing sit-ups or crunches, Shaun T can show you how. Shaun uses a technique called “Tilt, Tuck & Tighten” to help you burn fat as you dance your way to six-pack abs.

In Hip Hop Abs^®, Shaun breaks the dance moves down into steps, so almost anyone can do them. And the workouts are set to hot dance music, so they're high energy and fun.

You’ll get 4 routines (plus bonus routines) to learn Shaun T’s training techniques, burn calories, sculpt your abs, and lose fat all over. And you’ll have fun dancing to the hottest hip hop music.
Hip Hop Abs also includes the Step-by-Step Nutrition Guide to help you lose weight, the Results on the Run Diet Guide that shows you how to eat at your favorite fast food restaurants, the 6-Day SlimDown plan, a 30-Day workout calendar, 24/7 Online Support, and measurement tools to keep track of inches you lose." - Beachbody Site

The Routines

Fat Burning Cardio - 30 minutes

30 minutes of stand-up ab crunching moves!  The dance moves were simple, and set in about 5 minute increments with 3-4 moves incorporated into each set. 

After Cize, this was a breath of fresh air.  I could actually keep up and one doesn't have to be super co-ordinated to keep up.

I think I have to crunch more, as a day after the routine, I expected to feel my abs from all the side crunches...but I don't feel the pain from the routine the following day.  I probably just have to up my game and add some weights in.

Hips, Buns, and Thighs Workout - 25 minutes

Lift and firm those stubborn problem areas.

I did this the first time after completing Brazil Butt Lift's Bum Bum.  My Boom Boom was quite stiff getting off the bus on the way to work after 2 days of extreme booty workouts.

I got a bit of sweat on with Shaun T throughout this workout.  We learn some "dancy" type moves to get our behinds into gear - for REAL! 

The last 5 minutes of the workout were intense - with pulsing and holding the entire time.  I LOVE it! 

I don't get the cardio I normally do with Shaun T, but I am enjoying the variety of moves in this workout.

There is a "modifier," but she doesn't really modify anything.  So I just went full out in my squats and pulses.  The 25 minutes just flew by!

Secret to Flat Abs - 13 minutes

Shaun's exclusive training techniques target your upper abs, lower abs, and obliques while you burn fat.

No, it's not a miracle cure like the Ab-Hancer pictured above...but it's all about the standing up and moving while getting an abs workout.  I felt this one mainly around the sides with some funky oblique twists, which is good, as these love handles have to go!  

If you have done a Shaun T Abs workout before, this one isn't as intense as his other abs workouts, but it does target some different areas that the other don't.  

I recommend this program after one of Shaun T's other routines within the program to get a full body (minus the arms) workout.

c/o pinterest.com

Total Body Burn - 45 minutes

A head-to-toe workout that combines cardio and total body sculpting with even more ab-defining moves. 

This workout includes weights.  And a LOT of squats and oblique twists.  And push ups near the end.  

I am glad for the arm workout, as I was beginning to get a bit weak in the arms without my regular fix.  

Near the end, my hips were getting quite tight with the movements - I found the cure for this is not the flimsy "cool down" exercises, but I did a quick You Tube search for Hip Opening Yoga which has been my saving grace lately.  I think too many squats leads to tight hips for me. 

c/o www.hungrygatorgal.com

Ab Sculpt - 25 minutes

More moves to get you the six-pack you've always wanted without a single sit-up or crunch. 

First off, by this point, I dance and sing along with Shaun T to his corny rap at the beginning of the workout. I can't help it. 

Don't judge me.

With this workout, I feel I could do a million of these abs moves and still go. Obviously that would lead to me not being able to walk the next day.  So, just follow the program.  

I am sweating like anything after the first 10 minutes - moving all those big muscles definitely works.

The majority of the workout is standing up abs, with lots of hip lifts and gyrating your mid-section.  

I do not feel I could do this in a fitness class with others, as I would be giggling too much.  How old am I??

The last 5 minutes before stretching is on the floor - and includes more oblique-type twists and a fun move called the bow & arrow (it's pretty much the movement you think it is - like shooting a bow an arrow from the ground).

c/o www.quickmeme.com

Conclusion

I give Hip Hop Abs a 4.5/5.

It's slowly getting rid of my one pack, and I'm starting to tuck in in all the right places.  I don't feel pain in my abs the following day though, hence not the 5*. 

I need to feel pain for there to be a 5*

You can make the moves harder with light weights - and feel ALL the pain.

This program also taught me that my hips are really quite tight and I need to focus on more stretches and releases for them - hence incorporating Yoga into my programs instead of the flimsy "stretches" the Beachbody programs offer at the end of each workout (that's another Blog Post for another day). 

The dance moves were easy to follow, and I always get my sweat on with Shaun T.  It's not his most intense program by far, but part of exercise is having fun with it and exploring new programs so your body doesn't plateau. 

Again, I just feel pressure with meal planning, so I didn't follow the meal plan.  I try my best to eat well, and that's all I have the energy for. 

I am looking forward to finishing up Hip Hop Abs/Brazil Butt Lift so I can score myself another t-shirt!  

***I am not a Beachbody Coach (nor will I ever be), I just really enjoy Beachbody Workouts for a fuller, healthier lifestyle***

Insanity Max 30 - The End!

I finally finished Insanity Max 30 - about 4 weeks later than anticipated due to our poor Truck accident.

I lost a few inches throughout this workout program, fit loosely into capris I bought last summer (no more muffin top!), and can hold my squats.

This program was awesome for my legs and caboose, but for my arms - I preferred P90x3. P90x3 used weights, and I had better results in muscle building/fat burning. I also didn't have to spend 5 minutes doing Pushups - which I regressed at in Max30, as I really didn't have the strength to attempt them without being on my knees. I always Maxed Out on the push Up and Tricep Dip portions. Thank goodness that wasn't every day.

But hey, I got out there and did the best I could do.

Now to decide - do I want to try out the 21 Day Fix workouts to break away from Shaun T for a few weeks before I start his new program, Cize? I am SUPER excited about Cize - it comes out this week. Shaun T used to be a backup dancer for Mariah Carey back in the day, and Cize is basically the end of Exercize. Turning basic cardio moves into dance moves to popular songs in 30-40 minute workout sessions over a period of 4 weeks.

I used to be a good dancer back in the clubbing days of Toronto. Back then I also didn't care what other people thought of me, and I just went out and felt the music. Being in darkness and funky lights also helped.

Now I'm insecure with my dance moves, and aren't quite as agile as I used to be. I have to stop being paranoid about what others think of me, and just get my head back into feeling the music.

I'm hoping Cize will bring my rhythm back. 

 

21 Day Fix....

OR

 

Cize?
 

 

***************************************

I ordered my FREE Insanity Max 30 t-shirt from Beachbody last night - I should be sporting it within the month.

All I need for motivation is free stuff. And getting back my rock hard body.

There really aren't any negative aspects of doing these workouts. In the comfort of our home. With my own private audience consisting of Gideon, Fynn, and Merlin.

I'll post in a few days which workout I decided on - stay tuned!

 

Friday Night Date Night with Shaun T: Month 2 Friday Night Fight Round 2

Holy Crap!  The Beachbody site tells me I'm 221 days into my life change of making fitness priority again!  I LOVE being about to challenge myself again, and have time for other life things too - like Husband and the Zoo.  Oh, and Girly things like painting and crafting.

Anyone who knows me from my CBT days, knows I was pretty much AWOL and stuck in the Dungeon all the time slaving away. It seems like a lifetime ago!

Having a life = Priceless

***************************

Shaun T likes to push me to my Max.  Like where I am just so exhausted or in so much pain that I flop to the ground.

This is a good thing though, as I seem to be Maxing out later every day. I can't see anything negative from having longer endurance.

Right?

Right??

So Friday Fight: Round 2 the apparently the hardest workout he has put together.  Because his other workouts were a walk in the park?

Every move lasts 1 minute, unless it's a Right side only then Left side only move (those are 45 seconds per side).

Here we go!

Iron Legs - Alternate Back lunge with a Squat, stand up and squeeze your behind. Repeat.

Floor Hops - Downward dog position, alternative legs to the side

Scissor "X" - Speed knees alternated with "x" arms while moving legs to alternate side (jacks)

Plank Jack Front Raise - On knees, alternately raise arms in front of your.

Plyo Hook Lunge - From chair position, alternate rear lunges with alternate arm hook at the front  - this was a fun move!  I like hooking.

Hit the Floor Tuck Jump - Side lunge and touch the ground, raise arms at the centre and repeat the lunge touch the ground on the alternate side.

Free Runner - Left side then right side (45 seconds each side) - Front lunge and life arms in power move to raise yourself from the lunge

Power Jump Dive  - Legs apart, fall forward, take two hand steps backwards, and tap alternate knees before falling forward again.  It's a lot more controlled then I explain it :)

Ski Down Abs - Sit on your behind, and row arms from side to side, like you are rowing a canoe or kayak.

Lat Push Up Alt - With arms close to your body, alternate diagonal push ups - this works the lats (aka upper arms)

Low High Switch Kicks - Low front kicks when Shaun T yells, High Front Knee kicks when Shaun T yells.

Slap Back Jump - Front squat with hands in front, stand up and squeeze behind with arms straight and slightly behind you.

Plank Jack Tap - in plank position, tap alternate shoulder with alternate hand - my shoulders feel awesome and hard core when I do this move!

Jab Speed Bag - Back lunge and move arms in a quick speed bag move (like you're hitting a boxing bag), then twist to the side and hop up & down like you're dunking a basketball

Plank to Squat - Hardcore.

Lunge Punch Kick - 45 seconds for each side - back lunge and come up jabbing with an oblique twist

Genie Tuck Jump - Keep core centred and fold arms like a genie - lift up alternating knees to centre of body

Wide Burpee Jump - Wide burpee and raise arms at the top for power

"X" Abs - On your back, move your arms and legs like a "x" - they must be off the ground!

Tricep Push Up Jack - Arms close to your side, do quick push ups to work the triceps

10 and 2 Punch - Move your body in the 10 and 2 position, punching alternate arms.

Oh hey, Shaun T took his shirt off - I was too busy sweating to notice when this happened.  Thank you, Shaun T!

8 Jab 2 Diamond - 8 jabs in a squat position, stand up and clench behind.

Burpee Punch Alt - Do a Burpee and punch with alternative arms on the way down.  I hate you Burpees.

High Knee Jab - High Knees while jabbing.  Simple, right?

Total Calories burned - 449

Awesome Level - Super!

Fynn even helped me work out.  No...he just made a mess of toys on the carpet, then flopped over when he Maxed Out.  At least he didn't try to join me - I generally lose my balance that way.

Some days I give up and don't bother sweeping. Silly messy, hairy, loveable beasts.

Now to decide...in 3 weeks, do I want to do Hip Hop Abs? Rockin' Body? Go back to P90X3?  Too early to stress about the next challenge!

*sigh*

Insanity Max 30 Month 2: Max Out Strength

This routine is similar to Month One's Tabata Strength.

But the moves are 45 seconds long with a 15 minute stretch "break" in-between.

Don't be fooled by "break" in the world of Shaun T - he doesn't really mean it.

Oh, but I'm sort of kind of starting to see some Rambo muscles going on. So his whip it attitude is doing something for me besides sweating gallons and cursing his very presence in my living room.

See...that little dent in the shoulder...it looks much better in person!

Back to hating on Shaun T (I love him, but I don't).

5 Minute Warm up - again, don't be fooled - you can Max Out in his warm ups!

None of the moves are repeated.

Split Plyo Lunge - Chair pose to alternating rear lunges - arms are up in the air the entire time

Plunge Plyo Squat - Chair to moving alternative side squats - arms go in and out with the move

2 Hop Squats - 2 Lunges - 2 Pulsing Squats, turn to side for 2 pulsing lunges - Alternate moves & sides

Hop Squat Lunge - Same as above, but only single pulses (no doubles)

Squat Thrust Lunge - Alternate single side lunge to centre, then squat with a thrust (aka tighten your behind) at the top - alternate lunge sides.

Squat Thrust - Squat with hands crossed at the front, stand up with a thrust and arms to the behind (kind of kinky!)

Push Up Jack Tap - Push up and tap alternate shoulder with hand at the top

Push Up Jack - In the modified version (aka me) - it's just a modified push up.

Plank Jack Push Up - Plank and side jacks - alternating legs

Plank Walk Push Ups - Push up and move alternating arm to side - similar to alternating push ups

Knee Push UP - Self explanatory, but a wider push up than the previous push up moves

8 Count Knee Push Up - Shaun T is a Jerk!  This move is self explanatory

Floor Switch Kicks - Lifting body like the top of triceps pushes, lift your butt off the ground - lift and kick alternating legs.  Similar to a standing swtich kick, just at a 90 degree angle.

Tricep Reach Kick - On your behind with legs bent, touch alternating foot with alternate hand.

Tricep Knee Taps - Tricep hold butt off ground, legs bent, and bring alternate knees to chest.

Tuck Extension - Start by laying on your back, come up and bring alternate knee to hand (meeting at the waist)

Floor Tuck Jumps - On your behind, hands on floor beside butt, knees bent and feet off the ground - these are like crunches, but pulsing very quickly.

Speed Knee and Ab - Head up and legs straight, bring hands to alternate knee in an oblique crunch

Tricep Push Up Jack - Plank and jack out alternating legs

Dive Push Up - On knees with hands close together, push up and hold at the top for a few seconds.

Lat Push Ups Alt - Body stays centred, but the hands move so you alternate push ups on either side

Knee Push Up Pulse - Low pulsing push ups - THE BURNING!

8 Count Knee Push Up - Slow knee push ups. Curse you, Shaun T!

Low Plank Hold - just that - knees off the ground, but low to ground.  SO difficult, but I did it!

Calorie Burn = Approximately 424 in 30 minutes.

One more work out in month 2 before they start repeating - I ought to be finished in 3-4 weeks or so, as sometimes biking gets in the way, or my CFS acts up, and I literally can't move and need a day off.

On a side note, as we're really making a conscious effort not to really drink alcohol, I find beer pint glasses make AWESOME water glasses for my workouts - they hold SO much more water than normal glasses!

Fake beer (aka Water)

The Bike Goal ALMOST Met and Insanity Max 30 - Max Out Sweat - Review

It was a bit nipply out on Sunday - biking gear included long bike pants, long sleeved bike shirt, windbreaker, and wishing we'd brought ear warmers.

It wasn't quite as windy as Saturday, but it took a good 15-20 minutes for my ears to freeze off a bit.

It was also my first day biking with my clip on pedals and shoes.  I haven't used these in about a decade, so it was a bit of a learning curve.  After about 5 minutes, I finally had my first foot clipped in.  Then my second foot followed suit.

Then we decided to ride on the Parkway as it closes Sunday mornings to cars and is open for fitness gurus.  I realized I would have to unclip to go over the high curb (and didn't have the time or experience) and ended up calling for Husband to help before I fell, and ended up falling sideways with him barely catching me before I ended up on the ground.

Fall number two in the last few weeks - a few weeks ago I fell mountain biking passing Husband - it was awesome - my whole left thigh was black and purple all week long and is barely noticeable now.

War wounds and experience.

Our goal - to make it to the Aylmer Marina.  We almost made it too.  20 kms after our ride started, I heard a clang, and my bike's resistance starting becoming rather difficult.  We stopped a minute later, and it appeared that one of my spokes broke.  My wheel also wouldn't turn.

Crap.  We were stuck in Quebec 20 kms from our truck.  Less than 1km from the Marina.

Husband swiftly broke the spoke off and realized the rear brake was causing the now warped rim to rub against it.  Off came the brakes, and I rode the slightly wonky Speed bike back to the Truck.

We still made decent time - 21 kmh - we averaged 23 over the last week, so considering the rear wheel was not perfectly straight, I'd say that's a victory.

Wheel is now fixed, and we'll be ready to roll again tomorrow!  Nothing can stop me!

Because biking 40km is never enough, I needed to get in my Max 30 fix as well.

Insanity Max 30 - Max Out Sweat Review

This workout consists of 3 sets of 3 different exercises and 30 second water breaks after these sets have been completed.

- Power Move 1 - Speed In & Out Abs - Mountain climbers for modifier me!

- Plyo Hook Lunge - Backwards Lunge with alternating arm hook

- Wide In & Out Knee Tap -  A plank with knee and arm meeting in the middle on the same side

- Switch Kick Punch - a Switch kick with alternating arm punches

- Power Move 2 - Hit the Floor Tuck Jump - Alternating side lunges while touching the floor

- Ab Attack - Squat with standing oblique crunches at the side

- Burpee Punch - A burpee with a punch out at the bottom - alternating sides

- Knee Switch Kick - Lift knee up to belly like a switch kick, and alternate kicking at the top

- Power Move 3 - 4 Jab 4 Knee Punch - 4 punches followed by 2 alternating punches with high knees

- Wide Fly In & Out Abs - On hands and feet, bent over (this sounds kinky) with your butt in the air - alternate same hand and foot in the air

- Free Runner - Alternating Leg lunges up and down quickly

-- Moving Push Ups - My favourite type of push up!

- Power Move 4 - 360 Hop Squats - 1 minute of frog squats (pulsing squat with hands hitting the ground on the bottom)

- Slalom - It's like skiing in the living room!

- Plank Jack Tap - Plank alternating arms to shoulders

- Scissor "X" - Alternating forward-backward and up-side scissor moves with arms and legs

- Power Jump Dive - Legs wide and fall forward, moving hands two steps back, then stand up for a side oblique crunch - repeat

- Floor Sprints - Slow sprint low to the ground.

I was kind of disappointed at the end - Shaun T kept his shirt on the entire workout!

C'est la vie - can't see Shaun T all the time!

An alternate to Shaun T - he understands me...

Until next time :)  Live for today as we can't change the past.

Max 30 - Max Out Power (Month 2) Review

I didn't work out or bike for 2 days due to pure utter exhaustion from my 9-5 shift last week.

This shift literally kills any energy I might have.  I still go to bed and wake up at the same time, but I leave home an hour later than normal, spend on average an extra 30-45 minutes in traffic due to more congestion, and I'm falling asleep in the car before I even reach Bayshore (with another 20km to go).

I get home, and either have a quick snack before we go biking and eat LATE (i.e. 8pm or later), or I get home, and have to make dinner or we end up with hot dogs or go out as I'm too exhausted. I am done. I have issues staying up past 8pm these days.

I try to work out before leaving for work these days, but literally couldn't keep my eyes open or energy level up enough on Thursday or Friday.  I barely made it through those days at work.

My body does ok on a schedule.  Take that normal schedule away, and stick me in an exhausting situation in the morning, and that sets me up for failure. I'm a mess. My vertigo returns, I usually get sick as my immune system screws up, brain fog returns, and a slew of other CFS symptoms.  Dealing with rush hour traffic for an hour to get to work vs the normal 2 stop commute to Tim Hortons-drop off Husband-my work in 40 minutes does it to me.  I do not recover at all these weeks (every 4-5 weeks).

Saturday afternoon, after I'd recovered from our 40km morning bike ride, I was jonesing for a workout fix!

Welcome to Month 2, Insanity Max 30 - Max Out Power with Shaun T!

My Body is My Equipment.

This routine is like Month 1's Tabata Power, but the moves are 45 seconds each with 15 seconds "rest" in-between.

- Slap Jack Jump - Up/Back  - I definitely need more co-ordination for this move - it's like rubbing your belly and tapping your head at the same time.

- Slap Back Jump - Side/Side - This move was easier as it was side to side

- Low Squat Plunge - Up/Back - My burning thighs!!  I was stuck in low squats going up & down!

- Low Squat Pulse  - I spoke too soon, as this move burnt even more as the squats were low with a 2" pulse movement - 45 seconds of pure pulsing!

- Chair Hold - My thighs burnt on this hold after the low squats.  No pulsing, just holding a chair squat for 45 seconds.

- Plyo Push Up Jack  - Diamond push-ups switching to regular push ups

- Arm Jack Push Up - A pulse at the top of the push up - I felt better at push ups today (for now)

- Push Up Pop - This was a closer hand push up with a pop or jump of the arms at the top - great for shoulders!

- Step Out Push Up - Diagonal Push Ups - this is my favourite push up move.  Yes, I said favourite and push-up in the same sentence.  I'm now certifiable.

- Knee Plyo Push-Up - Regular push ups alternating with diamond push ups - fun!

- 4 Count Knee Push Up - ohhh the burning!

- Pike Up Extension - Pike plank into a superman with sideway arms.

- Wide Push Up Extension - Wide push up with a superman (with sideway arms) at the bottom

- Low Plank Pike Up - 45 seconds of sphinx plank while moving alternating legs to the side.

- Ski Down Abs - I love this move on my lower back - it was a great stretch.

- X-Abs - Definitely a good one to keep the core tight - extend arms & legs into an "x" while on your back, with head/neck off the ground

- Backstroke - A nice oblique move while moving your arms from above the head to side - similar to the backstroke.

- Burpee Lunge - That was as hellish as it sounds.

- Squat Lunge - Squats with alternating back lunges - ow!

- Frog Jump Burpees - Jump up with a burpee on the bottom

- Lunge Pulse - Owwwww!  Pulsing Lunges - 'nuff said!

- Wide Burpee Jump Suicide - Oh my hips!  Anything burpees = bad

- Iron Legs - Alternating back lunge topped off with a butt squeeze

This workout was completed in Modified Mode (don't dis' it - it's still tough - my joints can only take so much, and plyometric moves are not what my body can take), and burned about 439 calories.

30 minutes. 30 minute work outs.  They rock.  And I have no excuses.

May this upcoming week be super for all - treat every day as a new beginning, challenges and all.

Little Successes - The Fight with Jeans No More!

My pants test is to see whether or not I can get them past my big arse hips without unzipping them.

I have one pair of work pants (my "big" pants) that I can finally do this with again, and this week - my pair of "big jeans" came off without unzipping them!

"Big Jeans" 

My problem area - my hips, thighs, and behind. Thank you, Genetics!

These are the areas that are getting fit last.  So my pant legs are looking baggy, but I still can't squeeze into my smaller pants...YET!

I follow my progress based on measurements, fit, and my faerie tattoo - where is her wing and the dragonfly? The goal is to get them back to where they were before I lost my fitness motivation.

Hopefully I can fold these jeans up (and the other 3 in my current rotation) up in lieu of my smaller jeans collecting dust on the shelf within the next month or so.

Slowly but surely.

******************

I did miss 3 days in a row working out.  Once I can't remember why (yay brain fog), the following day was due to a bridal dress fitting for a wedding I'm in in August, and Friday I got home and Husband wanted to run errands - we didn't get home until after 9:30pm and I was spent.

So back right at it Saturday afternoon and again this morning.

I missed Shaun T, but I did NOT miss Tricep Curls.  They are my toughest move and one day I will finish them all without Maxing out!

This is ALL I can think about when my Triceps are screaming in agony:

Until my next workout and post. Take the little victories each day has to bring you and make each day better than the last!

Peace out!

Insanity Max30 - Rest Day?

What is a rest day?

It used to be the day Husband and I would go to the pub for Wings & Beer...but about 3 weeks ago, enough was enough, and we've ixnayed beer (thus wings - because one cannot enjoy wings without beer) from our diet.

Beer doesn't really help me, as per my doctor, I really shouldn't have yeast or sugar in my diet. What is beer made of? These things :(.

Now we're not really going out to eat, as I'm a superb chef - ok - I prepare things ahead of time, once a week stick them in the freezer, and take them out the morning of said meal so we have no excuses not to eat delicious, yet healthy, meals. That's a whole post on its own.

Back to topic - What the heck is Insanity Max 30? It's this: 

It's crazy.

It's intense.

It's Shaun T. Who refers to himself in the third person ALL the time.

Systic would like to refer to herself in third person as well, but I don't have the pizzazz for it today. That's all I got.

As mentioned previously, I'm a normal (okay, really weird, but not crazy) person. I'm 36 years old. I started workout out almost daily since October 24, 2014.

P90X3 was difficult

Focus T25 was even more difficult. 

I tried to find Brazil Butt Lift (Beachbody as well), but couldn't "find" a "copy" - I really wanted to do a workout named "Bum Bum" - really, what could be wrong about that? Plus that program would result me in an awesome behind and Booty shorts! I don't really have shorts, so free shorts seemed like a good idea.

So, I already had a copy of Max30, and started it last week.

OMG. This really IS Insane. I feel like I'm going to do modified moves forever. But I'm pressing Play. And I'm going to get the Free T-Shirt as my reward. I'm like Pavlov's dog here.

Shaun stares at the camera, takes off his shirt so he can "breath" (he just wants to show us his 6-pack), people fake out in their Max Outs, Water sweat drips off the men. It's awesome.

I have sworn at him all week long. But I did it. I made it to the first of 2 rest days.

This "rest" day, I opted for the Pulse workout - kind of a neat stretching 20 minute workout - which I STILL sweat through - before heating out to Clark Kent Day job on my exhausting 9-5 shift week.

I'm guessing I burned about 192 calories based on the (can't think of the proper word - what's that word where...oh yeah) CONSENSUS provided me with the average calories burned for my weight/height.

...Above sentence - welcome to my regular brain fog! It's awesomesauce.

I'm just going to plow through, and leave "rest days" to start Shaun T's Hip Hop Abs...or something to get rid of that unhappy blubby area that is causing me to not fit into my old/new work pants. It's the plateau I have to plow through.

Gideon and Me!

Hopefully Husband will wait for biking tonight, as today's mega eating plan consists of:

- Breakfast: Peanut Butter Toast & Milk

- Snacks (I eat all day long) - Grapes, Strawberries, Banana, Pretzel Sticks, Carrot Sticks, Cucumber, Almond/Peanut/Sesame Seed/Pumpkin Seed mix

- Lunch: Mixed green salad with chicken breast, cucumber, mushrooms, celery, and some sort of fat free Kraft dressing.

- Dinner - no idea - possibly homemade burgers with salad, or possibly Butter Chicken with 1/2 cup of rice & mushrooms

Dinner's a crap shoot this week as Husband is supposed to be in charge - so it really could be Hot Dogs, as we have partial leftovers in the fridge to still eat.

Biking would burn anywhere from 500-1000 calories. This biking thing has caused me to lose about 2lbs a week for the last 2 weeks despite eating more than I noted above every day. I can't eat enough calories most days. i do try!

I feel I enjoy the challenge of a healthy lifestyle, as it really can be difficult at times to not get bored with it.

Shaun T is highly motivating to help keep me interested in a workout program. 184 days in? And I'm excited for the next program, and the next, and next. The possibilities are endless (and attention grabbing).

And I want that damn free T-Shirt.

And a poutine.