One of my goals for this year is to get healthier, and since I’m the type that needs concrete goals to work toward (like say, training for a marathon rather than just ‘get healthier’), I signed up for a 90-day fitness challenge.
I’m using P90x by Tony Horton and this program covers fitness and nutrition so it includes workout schedule and nutrition plan to follow. Which makes it even better for me. No thought, no problem! And as I found out, it’s a butt-kicking workout program.
Well, this is the tail end of week one and I’ve survived so far. I’ve done well at the working out part and somewhat craptastic at the nutrition part but I’m determined to fix that.
For those interested, here’s what this week looked like:
- Day 1 – Chest and Back
- Day 2 – Plyometrics
- Day 3 – Arms and Shoulders
- Day 4 – Yoga
- Day 5 – Legs and Back
- Day 6 – Kenpo
- Day 7 – Rest or Stretch
Since I know I never seem to have time to work out at night (actually, I just come up with excuses not to work out at night) I’ve gotten my backside out of bed every morning at the unholy hour of 4:00 a.m. to get my daily workout in. I’m proud of myself for doing it all week. I haven’t missed a workout yet! I feel pretty accomplished just for not missing a workout.
The nutrition part, though, I haven’t done so well on. I knew I wouldn’t, at least this first week. If I try to change everything at once, I’ll end up changing nothing at all. So, I gave myself permission to mess up on my eating this week.
To be honest, I did ok. I started every morning with my protein shake breakfast, had healthy snacks and a healthy lunch. But all nutrition bets were off once I got home from work. I think being tired from getting up an hour and a half earlier than normal made me super tired by the end of the day. I just reached for anything and everything I could find to eat.
This week will be different and better. My body is slowly adjusting to my new schedule and I’m not giving myself excuses for week two. In the meantime, here’s a summary of how week one went.
Week 1 Wrap Up
Let’s see, getting up at 4:00 in the morning won’t actually kill me. My pull-ups consist of me hanging from the bar watching my arms shake, I fall over when attempting yoga and I can’t punch worth a damn. However, I can do a few “real” pushups before dropping to my knees and my years-ago karate training is still evident in my side and front kicks.
Check back next week for my week 2 wrap up!
Note: I’m not affiliated in anyway with P90x, Tony Horton, or Beachbody Fitness. I just like the program and figured I’d share.
Great job this week! WOW. I hear that P90X is great. Stick with it!! I find that I have to eat at least 4 times a day so I don’t consume a box of cookies or crackers while I’m making dinner. I find a small meal like a yogurt or some rice and vegetables around 4:00 solves that problem.
Thank you, Gracey! I’m going to give the rice and veggies a try this well and see if thathelps my post work binging! Thank you for the idea and for stopping by!
Karen, I know exactly what you are going through… I embarked on a similar journey to get a bit of a bikini shape back last year in April 2011. Though it probably took me about half the time to loose 20lbs, I spent roughly 90 days to get those legs and arms back into shape. And though I have not put any weight back on since, I still have to work hard on maintaining that muscle tone…:) http://www.potsandpickles.com/how-i-got-my-mojo-back-and-a-bit-of-a-bikini-shape-too/
Hi Paedra! Congratulations on losing those 20 pounds! Starting a workout program is tough. But now that I’m in week two, I can’t seem to make excuses not to do it. Hopefully, that means I’ll stick with it.
I love the name of your website! And I’ll definitely visit and comment. Thank you for stopping by!
WOW–I am so impressed! 4 A.M.! You deserve a giant kudo for just being up at that hour! I agree that it works better to not change too many things at once but to make the changes more gradually. Do you have a recipe for your protein shake or is it one you buy already prepared? I’m looking forward to following your progress! Impressed Fan!
Hi Sandra! It’s actually gotten a little easier to get up at 4:00 this week. Maybe because I’m too tired to stay awake much past 8:30? 🙂
I use both prepared shakes and recipes. My favorite is one I found a while ago. I can’t remember the original source (so if anyone knows, please let me know so I can give credit!)
It makes 4 servings and my kids love it too.
1 1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt (I use greek yogurt)
1 frozen banana cut into chunks
1 medium banana (I break it into pieces)
1 1/2 cups mixed berries
1 scoop vanilla flavored protein powder (I choose vanilla but you can use whatever flavor you like)
Put it all in a blender and blend until smooth!
As I recall, getting up at 4:00 a.m. to work out with your sister resulted in my first knee surgery. That is why I cannot do such things. Or maybe it’s laziness. 😛
But you, of course, will succeed because you always do. Love and miss you!
I think I remember that! Getting up at 4:00 a.m. for me may result in therapy… 🙂