Pics! Pics!

I've taken too long to post these. I've started month 2 on Insanity, and wanted to quickly update progress.

Day0: BF - 20.3%
Day28: BF - 17.3%

Day 25 - Cardio Recovery and Ab Ripper X

I took yesterday off since it was my 32nd birthday and I knew I was going to cheat on my diet. Today is day 25 and I'm seeing visible changes. I took some pictures that I will upload with my next post. I also did a BF% to see what and how much has changed. I'm excited to share the results, but will do so after I finish this week.
Today I combined Ab Ripper X with Cardio Recovery just to get some oomph.

I struggled a lot with Ab Ripper X, it is the most insane abs workout. Now I think I'm going to include that or replace cardio abs with it.

Its a friday and i'm going to push tomorrow and day after with plyo cardio circuit and Pure Cardio (holy crap again!)

Day 24 - Upper Body Weight Training

So I've altered my schedule to include at least 1 UBWT. Today I replaced Plyo Cardio Circuit with UBWT. I love this routine, the workouts at different, a combination of resistance training mixed with a bit of plyo like the power jumps, genius!!

I have a feeling that the change in schedule is working. I need to work my pecs so the UBWT will help me do just that.

Since I took 2 days off last week, I have been going non stop since last Sat.
I was planning to skip tomorrow, but since it is cardio recovery, its like a day off.

I should've seen my previous post on UBTW.

Notes to myself
A. UPP the weights, go for the 30 lbs on shoulder presses
B. slowly include weights in the weight push ups
C. Use 30's for arms.

Day 23 - Cardio Power and Resistance

Motivation Meter (0 - 5) - 4.
Sore -o- meter (0 - 5) - 4. I was actually quite sore from yesterday. I think because I'm out of whey and not able to recover well.
Nausea Meter
(0 -5) - 3.

Ups - Pushed myself although I was exhausted at 35 minutes.
Downs - not much
Notes to myself -
A. Dig deeper, and get your mind right before the workout.

Day 22 - Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs

Not the best workout for a Monday morning. I'm glad I did my previous workout 24 hours back on Sunday morning, this gave me ample time to rejuvenate. Pure Cardio is pretty tough especially since he takes fewer breaks after the "stretch". I'm just glad I did both workouts.

Motivation Meter (0 - 5) - 4.
Sore -o- meter (0 - 5) - 2.
Nausea Meter
(0 -5) - 2.

Ups - Not much today
Downs - sucked at cardio abs
Notes to myself -
during the workout.

Day 21 - Plyo Cardio Circuit

This morning I woke up fired up to do Plyo cardio circuit. Since I missed 2 days this week, I was hoping to kick this up a notch. Didn't happen, too many thoughts, frustrated with my diet plan, also noticing a little change in waist, I kept getting dragged away. Tony's words - "Clear your mind, stay in the moment" kept me on track a little bit. I did manage to finish 70% of the workout, but I'm surprised at how little progress I"m making especially during the drills.
At this point I'm going to focus on burning more goo. Here's a summary

Motivation Meter (0 - 5) - 4.
Sore -o- meter (0 - 5) - 2. Not sore after the workout but the pain during the drills kept me from finishing some workouts.
Nausea Meter
(0 -5) - 2.

Ups - Pushed myself although I was exhausted at 35 minutes.
Downs - Couldn't finish workouts.
Notes to myself -
A. find a way to stay energetic during the workouts.
B. Find a way to check how many calories were burned during the workout.

Fit Test 2 Results

After the break, I did Fit Test2. I was not expecting a huge improvement since my body is still weak from the viral/flu. Here's how I fared compared to Fit Test1

Switch Kicks - 93
Power Jacks - 45
Power Knees - 73
Power Jumps - 20
Globe Jumps - 8 rotations
Suicide Jumps - 10
Push Up Jacks - 21
Low Plank Oblique - 43

Day 11, continued

So I checked with the doctor and I'm okay to return to the program. I just finished day 11 - Cardio Power and Resistance. I like this workout, its a good blend of warmup --stretch --circuit training combined with push ups. Since I've still got some shortness in breath, I had a difficult time completing the circuit. Shaun T's words resonate all the time "When you rest make sure you recover completely before starting the circuit".

I'm fired up to hit it strong. I don't have results worth sharing. My fit test is coming up in 2 days, so you'll see that for sure.

I cheated a lot on my diet all through my sickness, but I wont beat myself about it anymore. Commitment is about standing up in the face of failure.

I'm coming back, with a vengeance.

Yet another breakdown

Things got worse after my last session - UBWT. I continued to experience shortness of breath, fatigue and muscle aches. My friends from healthcare asked me to take it easy and not do anything more aggressive than walking or light jog. I make another tough decision to take a break. I'm currently on day 3 of the break and still experiencing shortness of breath. I think its time to see the doctor.

So while I could've continued on with insanity, its not advisable during this condition.I'll see what the doctor suggests. I'm basically lost 6 days from my program and looking at a few more.
This is very disheartening since I did not have much buffer into my schedule. I was hoping to wrap up the program my May 22 (right before my May 24 vacation). New set of options

A. Double up? I have tried p90x doubles, but insanity doubles? May have to read up on this.
B. Skip the recovery week completely? - I looked at the video for the recovery week. Although it is not as intense, I think it is not a workout worth skipping.
C. Continue the program during my break?

None of these options appear appealing. I'll continue researching and evaluating. Stay tuned...

I'm Back!! - Upper Body Weight Training

I took a 3 day hiatus to recover from my flu. Although I'm not 100%, I decided to give it a try. I've altered my schedule a little bit to incorporate the Upper Body Weight Training.

...Just finished this routine that kicked my butt. I'm kinda glad I did this over the cardio alternative since my lungs still feel a little weak from the coughing and sneezing over the past few days.

About upper body training - Loved it. I was missing the weight training from P90X. This one fulfilled it. Although its the insane version of it. I took 1 min breaks and lowered my weights significantly since I'm new to the workouts. For the fly's I took 15's and squat curls used 20's.
Next time I'm going to up the weights.

I've decided to do UBWT once a week now. 2 Days to go before I do my next fit test, i'm kinda excited.

Down with Flu and Hating Itt.

Its official. After couple of days of fighting it, I'm down with flu. Runny nose, headache, sore throat and fever. I could've pushed myself to do insanity again today, but its not worth it in the long run. I'm really really pissed right now since I can't afford to loose a single day.
With a little bit of deliberation here's what I'm thinking

Option A. Repeat the week
Option B. Reduce my cardio recovery week (week 5)
Option C. Suck it up and do it.

Since I've ruled out option C. Option B is looking a little better. Not know how long it will take to beat the flu, option B definitely works. Its very easy to give into food temptations when you're sicking (I just ate 4 crepes for lunch). Something I'll have to watch for.

I'll keep posting, see how/when I survive the flu and perhaps post my revised schedule. My goal is to wait until I stop coughing/sneezing as much (thereby reducing my chances of dehydration) and get back into the insanity. Wish me luck!!