Discouraged or encouraged, which way should we feel? Steve and Sherri took their weight and measurements on the 28th day of their P90X journey and found the results to be puzzling, at first.
Both Sherri and Steve gained weight, but the gain was less than a half a pound. Sherri's body fat went down and Steve's went up, but again not by any real significant decrease or increase, respectively. Our more noticeable changes were in our measurements. Overall, Sherri lost 1.5 inches all around and Steve lost an inch, primarily in his waist.
So, should we be discouraged based on the numbers? Not really. You might be asking yourself, why? Well, for a few reasons. First of all, we never trust the scale completely. It is an estimating tool only. It does not reflect our overall fitness. Secondly, we are only 28 days into the program and we feel the best changes are yet to come. Phase I, in our opinion is the learning curve phase. You are introduced to a program you are not all that familiar with and it takes time to grow in strength and stability before you can actually start sweating like Tony and the "kids". Thirdly, we are still in the process of refining how, when and what we eat. This process takes a little more time as it is not easy to implement new eating habits. It is not that we eat bad now, but there are things we need to change, like cutting back on our cheese and eating roughly every 3 to 4 hours.
We are already excited about Phase II and hit the play button and began sweating as we worked our way their Cardio this morning. Tomorrow we learn a new routine, which will work on our chest, shoulders and triceps.
Let's keep pushing play!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
P90X - Week 4
For those of you who are following our journey, don’t give up on us, we are still around and we are going strong! Steve and Sherri are now in Week 4! Yes, Week 4! Can you believe it?
Week 4 in the P90X program is different than the first 3 weeks because it is considered a rest week. Rest in this case, does not mean “time off” for a job well done. Instead, it means more stretching and more Yoga and no working on your shoulders & arms and legs & back – a slight reprieve, but still a very intense week.
Yoga X is still a challenge for both Steve and Sherri. The one thing we know for sure is that we are not pretzels and we can only bend so far! There are a few moves we are struggling to master, but are confident as we continue to work through the routine we will become more flexible.
Sherri is still struggling to get all of her daily calories in, and absolutely has to find a way to accomplish this before heading into Phase II. With the intensity level naturally increasing in the next phase, more calories will be burned. The last thing she wants is to plateau and start gaining weight. Phase II is similar to Phase I except that one new routine is introduced.
We are pumped up about the end of this week because it means we will have reached our 30 day mark - completion of Phase I. It also means we get to take our 30 day pictures, weigh & measure ourselves, and figure out our body fat. So, in a couple of days we will give our first progress report. Go Primetime Baby Boomers! Let's BRING IT!
Week 4 in the P90X program is different than the first 3 weeks because it is considered a rest week. Rest in this case, does not mean “time off” for a job well done. Instead, it means more stretching and more Yoga and no working on your shoulders & arms and legs & back – a slight reprieve, but still a very intense week.
Yoga X is still a challenge for both Steve and Sherri. The one thing we know for sure is that we are not pretzels and we can only bend so far! There are a few moves we are struggling to master, but are confident as we continue to work through the routine we will become more flexible.
Sherri is still struggling to get all of her daily calories in, and absolutely has to find a way to accomplish this before heading into Phase II. With the intensity level naturally increasing in the next phase, more calories will be burned. The last thing she wants is to plateau and start gaining weight. Phase II is similar to Phase I except that one new routine is introduced.
We are pumped up about the end of this week because it means we will have reached our 30 day mark - completion of Phase I. It also means we get to take our 30 day pictures, weigh & measure ourselves, and figure out our body fat. So, in a couple of days we will give our first progress report. Go Primetime Baby Boomers! Let's BRING IT!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
The Scale
Tip of the Moment: THE SCALE
Is the Scale your friend or enemy?
I know a lot of people who start their morning off by stepping on to the scale to check out their weight. The thing is, weighing yourself on a daily basis while trying to lose weight, may not be a good thing. Why? Well, first of all it can be discouraging and cause low self-esteem and secondly, it may not be accurate. I know this from firsthand experience. Women have a tendency to judge their progress by the number on the scale. There are many possibilities that can skew the number i.e. water weight, constipation or muscle gain, which all can make the scale your enemy.
It might be better to weigh yourself once a week, or better yet, once a month. A good rule of thumb is your clothing. Let your clothing be your guide, as it will not lead you astray. Your clothes don’t lie. You can tell when your waistline feels loose or when the material across your abdomen doesn’t seem to be stretched to the max. The scale, on the other hand, may lead you to believe that you’ve either gained a pound or two, or have lost a pound or two; truly it is not that accurate.
Yet, many others believe that only once you have obtained your desired weight loss, that weighing in on a weekly basis is a good thing. The main reason for this is that it helps you keep tabs on your new found weight. This is where your scale becomes your friend.
Of course, there are always two sides to every issue. Many people find the scale to be helpful and not that much of a deterrent (and that is fine), but for the rest of us, the battle of the scale may be destructive and take us off course when trying to reach our weight loss destination.
So, the bottom line here, in my opinion, is use the scale periodically. Stay off it as much as possible and let your clothing be your guide. Use the scale weekly, but only after you have reached your desired weight loss. These two guidelines will help build your self-esteem as you move through your fitness /weight loss journey.
Will you let your scale be your friend or will you let it be your enemy? Will you let the scale get the victory? The choice is yours.
Is the Scale your friend or enemy?
I know a lot of people who start their morning off by stepping on to the scale to check out their weight. The thing is, weighing yourself on a daily basis while trying to lose weight, may not be a good thing. Why? Well, first of all it can be discouraging and cause low self-esteem and secondly, it may not be accurate. I know this from firsthand experience. Women have a tendency to judge their progress by the number on the scale. There are many possibilities that can skew the number i.e. water weight, constipation or muscle gain, which all can make the scale your enemy.
It might be better to weigh yourself once a week, or better yet, once a month. A good rule of thumb is your clothing. Let your clothing be your guide, as it will not lead you astray. Your clothes don’t lie. You can tell when your waistline feels loose or when the material across your abdomen doesn’t seem to be stretched to the max. The scale, on the other hand, may lead you to believe that you’ve either gained a pound or two, or have lost a pound or two; truly it is not that accurate.
Yet, many others believe that only once you have obtained your desired weight loss, that weighing in on a weekly basis is a good thing. The main reason for this is that it helps you keep tabs on your new found weight. This is where your scale becomes your friend.
Of course, there are always two sides to every issue. Many people find the scale to be helpful and not that much of a deterrent (and that is fine), but for the rest of us, the battle of the scale may be destructive and take us off course when trying to reach our weight loss destination.
So, the bottom line here, in my opinion, is use the scale periodically. Stay off it as much as possible and let your clothing be your guide. Use the scale weekly, but only after you have reached your desired weight loss. These two guidelines will help build your self-esteem as you move through your fitness /weight loss journey.
Will you let your scale be your friend or will you let it be your enemy? Will you let the scale get the victory? The choice is yours.
Friday, April 13, 2012
P90X - Week 2
Have you been wondering where we have been? Don't worry...we are still pushing play! Week 2 is a repeat of Week 1 and Steve and I didn't want to blah blah blah about the same things. However, we do have a few comments that we would like to share.
First of all, week 2 doesn't necessarily appear to be getting any easier. We only did 45 minutes of the Yoga Wednesday morning and on Thursday, I had to split the back & arm routine and the AB Ripper X workout between the morning and the evening. I thought it would be bad for me to split the routines, but in the end it actually worked out better for me.
Secondly, it is really important to eat the right amount of food so it can fuel the body before, during and after the workouts. Steve and I are suppose to take in well over 2,000 calories a day, but I am finding this very hard to do. I've never been a big eater, so thinking about eating or what to prepare is a bit challenging.
Thirdly, getting enough rest is really important. If you are exhausted before you ever begin your workout, you are already on a slippery slope. So make sure you get plenty of rest.
First of all, week 2 doesn't necessarily appear to be getting any easier. We only did 45 minutes of the Yoga Wednesday morning and on Thursday, I had to split the back & arm routine and the AB Ripper X workout between the morning and the evening. I thought it would be bad for me to split the routines, but in the end it actually worked out better for me.
Secondly, it is really important to eat the right amount of food so it can fuel the body before, during and after the workouts. Steve and I are suppose to take in well over 2,000 calories a day, but I am finding this very hard to do. I've never been a big eater, so thinking about eating or what to prepare is a bit challenging.
Thirdly, getting enough rest is really important. If you are exhausted before you ever begin your workout, you are already on a slippery slope. So make sure you get plenty of rest.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
P90X - Day 7
Day 7 Stretch X / Rest
My husband and I finished the first week of P90X-Lean and we have enjoyed every bit of it. It is hard to believe we only have 11 weeks to GO! Make no mistake, we are sore and tired, but these are good things. Today,was Stretch X and that felt marvelous.
We are looking forward to week 2 as the second time around is a lot easier in the sense of learning the routine. And yet harder, because we'll be more engaged in the workout; which should yield even better results. Yeah baby, still bringing it!
Tip of the Moment: ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER: Find somebody to do your workout with. It HELPS!
I think Steve and I enjoy the fact that we are doing the workouts TOGETHER! It is nice to have an accountability partner and it is fun to have another person in the room with you. It brings out an inner competitiveness in me personally, which I love. Of course, I can't hold a candle to Steve's agility and strength in many areas, but I like to try and I'd like, one day, to give him a run for his money.
My husband and I finished the first week of P90X-Lean and we have enjoyed every bit of it. It is hard to believe we only have 11 weeks to GO! Make no mistake, we are sore and tired, but these are good things. Today,was Stretch X and that felt marvelous.
We are looking forward to week 2 as the second time around is a lot easier in the sense of learning the routine. And yet harder, because we'll be more engaged in the workout; which should yield even better results. Yeah baby, still bringing it!
Tip of the Moment: ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER: Find somebody to do your workout with. It HELPS!
I think Steve and I enjoy the fact that we are doing the workouts TOGETHER! It is nice to have an accountability partner and it is fun to have another person in the room with you. It brings out an inner competitiveness in me personally, which I love. Of course, I can't hold a candle to Steve's agility and strength in many areas, but I like to try and I'd like, one day, to give him a run for his money.
P90X - Day 6
Day 6 Kenpo
Steve and I did not get to this workout until late last night and what a workout it was! The moves in Kenpo, to me, seem kin to some form of martial arts or kick boxing. The routine was filled with kicks and punches, which called for coordination and multi-tasking (which I don't possess). I fought the routine a bit, so hopefully when we do Kenpo again next week I will have a better handle on it.
Steve and I did not get to this workout until late last night and what a workout it was! The moves in Kenpo, to me, seem kin to some form of martial arts or kick boxing. The routine was filled with kicks and punches, which called for coordination and multi-tasking (which I don't possess). I fought the routine a bit, so hopefully when we do Kenpo again next week I will have a better handle on it.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
P90X - Day 5
Day 5 Back & Arms with Ab Ripper X
This morning was Legs & Back (can you say burning?) and Ab Ripper X. We were able to finish the Legs & Back portion, but Sherri ran out of time for the Ab Ripper X portion. She will complete it tonight, while Steve is at work!
What a good workout... we chose to do some of the exercises without weights, but still felt that it was intense enough! We were required to do many "chin-ups" that required palms away from your body. This is designed to work more on your back, and not so much your biceps. Sherri used the resistance bands, and Steve used the pull-up bar. Great results from today... as is evidenced by tired, sore muscles already! Looking forward to Day 6 (tomorrow morn) - Kenpo!
Stay tuned!
This morning was Legs & Back (can you say burning?) and Ab Ripper X. We were able to finish the Legs & Back portion, but Sherri ran out of time for the Ab Ripper X portion. She will complete it tonight, while Steve is at work!
What a good workout... we chose to do some of the exercises without weights, but still felt that it was intense enough! We were required to do many "chin-ups" that required palms away from your body. This is designed to work more on your back, and not so much your biceps. Sherri used the resistance bands, and Steve used the pull-up bar. Great results from today... as is evidenced by tired, sore muscles already! Looking forward to Day 6 (tomorrow morn) - Kenpo!
Stay tuned!
P90X - Day 4
Day 4 Yoga X
WOW! The Yoga X routine is long, 1 1/2 hours long to be exact. We were not able to complete the program in its entirety this morning due to time constraints; however, Sherri finished it this evening while Steve was at work.
Yoga is an interesting fitness routine and it is an exercise regime we've never done before. At first, we thought we wouldn't get much of a workout with Yoga, but that is so far from the truth. Many of the moves were a challenge for us, but that's the beauty of it - it's a challenge!
The Yoga format is slow and methodical; the room is filled with quietness. This was great because it allowed us to focus on my breathing and form. Very difficult for Steve to be quiet, though!
Yoga X may not be for Steve at this point because there is too much "hands over shoulder" movements. He paid the price for it this morning. So we are hoping to continue building up the muscles that surround his shoulders and then try again at a later date.
Until tomorrow...
WOW! The Yoga X routine is long, 1 1/2 hours long to be exact. We were not able to complete the program in its entirety this morning due to time constraints; however, Sherri finished it this evening while Steve was at work.
Yoga is an interesting fitness routine and it is an exercise regime we've never done before. At first, we thought we wouldn't get much of a workout with Yoga, but that is so far from the truth. Many of the moves were a challenge for us, but that's the beauty of it - it's a challenge!
The Yoga format is slow and methodical; the room is filled with quietness. This was great because it allowed us to focus on my breathing and form. Very difficult for Steve to be quiet, though!
Yoga X may not be for Steve at this point because there is too much "hands over shoulder" movements. He paid the price for it this morning. So we are hoping to continue building up the muscles that surround his shoulders and then try again at a later date.
Until tomorrow...
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
P90X - Day 3
Day 3 Shoulders & Arms, AB Ripper X
Shoulders & Arms, AB Ripper X has been executed! Since this was our first time doing this routine we chose to use lower weights which equaled lower intensity. For us, this was a good choice. Next week we may add additional weights to the program as we feel the need.
There were two deciding factors that drove our decision to use low weights: 1) Steve's shoulders and 2) I do not desire to have "Arnie" arms.
We also divided up the routines today and completed the shoulder & arms this morning and the AB Ripper X this evening. We would have liked to have done them together, but time was our enemy this morning.
Tomorrow is YOGA X, which should be interesting because it requires concentration and no talking (hmmm....two things that are difficult for an ADHD husband). :)
Shoulders & Arms, AB Ripper X has been executed! Since this was our first time doing this routine we chose to use lower weights which equaled lower intensity. For us, this was a good choice. Next week we may add additional weights to the program as we feel the need.
There were two deciding factors that drove our decision to use low weights: 1) Steve's shoulders and 2) I do not desire to have "Arnie" arms.
We also divided up the routines today and completed the shoulder & arms this morning and the AB Ripper X this evening. We would have liked to have done them together, but time was our enemy this morning.
Tomorrow is YOGA X, which should be interesting because it requires concentration and no talking (hmmm....two things that are difficult for an ADHD husband). :)
Monday, April 2, 2012
P90X - Day 2
Day 2 Cardio X
Yesterday we mentioned that Steve did not give his body enough fuel before working out, which caused him to "bonk" or otherwise known as "crashing". This morning Steve had a much better work out and was able to complete the whole routine because he took in enough calories to push his body through the program.
I know his workout had to be good because he made the comment that he can't remember the last time he experienced sweat pouring down his face. The Cardio X routine kept us hopping for 50 minutes and when we were finished - WE FELT GOOD!
Our bodies are a little tender in some areas, but it's nothing Tylenol and a good nights sleep can't handle.
Tomorrow's workout, Shoulders & Arms, and AB Ripper X, should be a real challenge for the both of us. Yikes!
Yesterday we mentioned that Steve did not give his body enough fuel before working out, which caused him to "bonk" or otherwise known as "crashing". This morning Steve had a much better work out and was able to complete the whole routine because he took in enough calories to push his body through the program.
I know his workout had to be good because he made the comment that he can't remember the last time he experienced sweat pouring down his face. The Cardio X routine kept us hopping for 50 minutes and when we were finished - WE FELT GOOD!
Our bodies are a little tender in some areas, but it's nothing Tylenol and a good nights sleep can't handle.
Tomorrow's workout, Shoulders & Arms, and AB Ripper X, should be a real challenge for the both of us. Yikes!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
P90X - Day 1
Day 1 Core Synergistics:
Woot Woot! We survived the first day of P90X-Lean and we loved it! Some of the moves were similar to those in Power90, but there were several moves that were new. This really challenges our flexibility and coordination abilities, which is great.
The one mistake we made this morning was not fueling our bodies well enough. Steve was about 40 minutes into the routine when he bonked. His body had completely used up what fuel it had stored up. Thankfully, I didn't bonk, but I recognized quite quickly how important it was going to be for us to be fueled properly, so our workouts could be maximized.
Steve's Intensity Level: 7
Sherri's Intensity Level: 6
Woot Woot! We survived the first day of P90X-Lean and we loved it! Some of the moves were similar to those in Power90, but there were several moves that were new. This really challenges our flexibility and coordination abilities, which is great.
The one mistake we made this morning was not fueling our bodies well enough. Steve was about 40 minutes into the routine when he bonked. His body had completely used up what fuel it had stored up. Thankfully, I didn't bonk, but I recognized quite quickly how important it was going to be for us to be fueled properly, so our workouts could be maximized.
Steve's Intensity Level: 7
Sherri's Intensity Level: 6
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)