December 10, 2008
Wednesday
It was really difficult to exercise tonight. Not because I didn’t want to, but because there are just not enough hours in the day right now. Christmas is coming and I like to have my shopping finished somewhat early to have time to wrap everything. Plus, weekends are full of holiday parties and get-togethers, so those seem to be flying by with very little items crossed off my “to-do” list. And it is dark out and feels like nighttime at 5pm, so that makes me just want to go home and hibernate! Anyway, I had some errands to run after work and Jason was out of town for the night, so I really wanted to get stuff done, but I did fit in the workout.
I feel very differently about the workouts now. At first, it was very overwhelming and I realized just how out of shape I am. Plus, I was starting to hate Tony. Now I understand the moves and have a pretty good knowledge of the routines, so now I am concentrating on working out and feeling the burn. I am using mirrors to make sure that I am doing the moves correctly and just overall working on doing everything correctly and fully. And I only get slightly annoyed with Tony, but mostly because I have to hear the same jokes over and over and over again.
So, with the attempt to advance, get through the workout completely, and do each move 100% correctly, now I am sore again. And I am starting to realize just how long it is going to take me to get to the next level. I am finding myself improving in some areas and doing worse in others. Like the yoga. I stopped using the yoga mat and I was having much better results. I was even starting to enjoy it. Last night, though, I could barely make it through. And anyone reading this that hasn’t done Power 90 – it is the first thing you do in this workout, so I wasn’t tired. I don’t know if my body is rebelling or changing or what is happening. It is frustrating, though.
The section that includes the jumping jacks, running in place, and lunge runs really hurts me. My heart and my lungs are not used to having to put forth that much energy. And my calves just kill me the entire time. I really hate those lunge runs. I have the footwork down now, but I just kind of swing my arms. The x work is still trouble, but mostly just the diagonal hops at the end of each section. I actually kind of like doing the fast feet, but I feel the energy drain during that, especially in the second set. I did get through the entire first set of the hops this time (hence the energy draining during the entire second set) and I did a few (about 10 seconds worth) in the second set.
The kickboxing is still my favorite and I really concentrated on the kicks tonight. I think that is why I am sore today. I could feel the difference on how I was executing each kick and it felt really good to take it to that level.
Also, I still struggle with about half of the sets in the Abs 100, so I decided to step that up a notch and do the abs work every night. I am hoping to see wonderful results with my tummy. That is a huge problem area for me, too, so it can’t hurt to double up on those exercises.
So far I have only told my sister Jamie (the loan commenter) about this blog. But if anyone out there is doing or has done Power 90 and has stumbled across this, I would really like to hear any suggestions or just comments about your experiences.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Day Nine
December 9, 2008
Tuesday
I had plans to meet up with my dad’s girlfriend, Ginny, tonight at 7pm. I knew it was going to be pushing it to get the workout in. Just as I was changing into my exercise clothes, Ginny called and said that she was ready now, if we wanted to go early. It was about 6:20pm. So, I had to put off the workout until I got back.
We went to “Ladies’ Night” at a local jewelry store. Although everything was really well done, we did consume some fattening hors d'oeuvres and glasses of wine. Not nearly as much as last Wednesday, but still, drinking before the workout is hindering.
I got back home much later than I thought I would, so I found myself pushing play on the circuit workout at 9:40pm. Not at all what I intended (I am usually in bed about 10pm). I did it full out, though. I did not give myself a break. I am still concentrating on perfecting the movements and I did the entire thing from start to finish. The pushups and arm dips and still with bent knees, but honestly, I don’t know if that will ever change. We will see as time goes on.
I have been noticing that the soreness is going away, and I think that it is completely gone. I feel my mindset changing. I am a competitive person and now I am at the point that I want to conquer Power 90. I am looking forward to doing cardio and abs tomorrow and becoming closer and closer to move to the next phase. I was barely able to do any of this when I started and now I am looking at the possibility of moving to the next phase. The first couple of days, I didn’t think I would ever be ready to leave Phase I – II. I thought that would be the next 90 days. I now I am not ready to move forward quite yet, but I can see the changes and that it could and will happen. Also, I am considering 5 pound weights.
I am pretty proud of my progress so far – mind and body.
Tuesday
I had plans to meet up with my dad’s girlfriend, Ginny, tonight at 7pm. I knew it was going to be pushing it to get the workout in. Just as I was changing into my exercise clothes, Ginny called and said that she was ready now, if we wanted to go early. It was about 6:20pm. So, I had to put off the workout until I got back.
We went to “Ladies’ Night” at a local jewelry store. Although everything was really well done, we did consume some fattening hors d'oeuvres and glasses of wine. Not nearly as much as last Wednesday, but still, drinking before the workout is hindering.
I got back home much later than I thought I would, so I found myself pushing play on the circuit workout at 9:40pm. Not at all what I intended (I am usually in bed about 10pm). I did it full out, though. I did not give myself a break. I am still concentrating on perfecting the movements and I did the entire thing from start to finish. The pushups and arm dips and still with bent knees, but honestly, I don’t know if that will ever change. We will see as time goes on.
I have been noticing that the soreness is going away, and I think that it is completely gone. I feel my mindset changing. I am a competitive person and now I am at the point that I want to conquer Power 90. I am looking forward to doing cardio and abs tomorrow and becoming closer and closer to move to the next phase. I was barely able to do any of this when I started and now I am looking at the possibility of moving to the next phase. The first couple of days, I didn’t think I would ever be ready to leave Phase I – II. I thought that would be the next 90 days. I now I am not ready to move forward quite yet, but I can see the changes and that it could and will happen. Also, I am considering 5 pound weights.
I am pretty proud of my progress so far – mind and body.
Day Eight
December 8, 2008
Monday
Week Two
Weight: 153.2
I am still on Phase I – II and I think I will be for the entire month. If anyone else has done Power 90, please tell me when you knew it was time to advance in the phases. Anyway, I had to switch it up a little this week and start with the cardio due to commitments and time constraints throughout the week.
I still dread this one so much more. I have to get over it. I realized today that it is only 15 more minutes and it really doesn’t feel any longer. I just know that it is.
I saw a lot of improvement tonight. I am increasing the arm movements on the knee lifts and I am getting closer to doing them all. I am still having trouble with the diagonal hops in the x work, but before it felt like I was just getting tired and now I just don’t think that my calves can withstand. These are my two hurdles.
I have seen pretty great improvements on the abs work, too. I can do most of the 100 with the last 10 (the full body crunch) now my only hurdle. I did do 8 – 9 of them tonight, though, and I think I will be able to do all 10 next time. I definitely need to work on my form with some of this, so I don’t feel like I have conquered this level or anything but it has only been one week and I already see huge improvements.
Monday
Week Two
Weight: 153.2
I am still on Phase I – II and I think I will be for the entire month. If anyone else has done Power 90, please tell me when you knew it was time to advance in the phases. Anyway, I had to switch it up a little this week and start with the cardio due to commitments and time constraints throughout the week.
I still dread this one so much more. I have to get over it. I realized today that it is only 15 more minutes and it really doesn’t feel any longer. I just know that it is.
I saw a lot of improvement tonight. I am increasing the arm movements on the knee lifts and I am getting closer to doing them all. I am still having trouble with the diagonal hops in the x work, but before it felt like I was just getting tired and now I just don’t think that my calves can withstand. These are my two hurdles.
I have seen pretty great improvements on the abs work, too. I can do most of the 100 with the last 10 (the full body crunch) now my only hurdle. I did do 8 – 9 of them tonight, though, and I think I will be able to do all 10 next time. I definitely need to work on my form with some of this, so I don’t feel like I have conquered this level or anything but it has only been one week and I already see huge improvements.
Day Seven
December 7, 2008
Sunday
I am not planning to blog on my days off, but I did want to record this. I totally talked Claudia into shopping with me today and we went to an “outdoor” mall (anyone familiar with the Columbus, Ohio area aka Easton Town Center, if not, feel free to google it). Anyway, there is a lot more walking here than there is at a customary mall. As we walked for what felt like miles, I kept describing my soreness to Claudia. My calves and hips just screamed at me the entire day. Finally, I told her that I was sick of complaining and wished that she could just feel what I was feeling so my pain didn’t seem so one-sided. She did not agree and said that actually she was happy she couldn’t. Anyway, still super sore on my day off.
Sunday
I am not planning to blog on my days off, but I did want to record this. I totally talked Claudia into shopping with me today and we went to an “outdoor” mall (anyone familiar with the Columbus, Ohio area aka Easton Town Center, if not, feel free to google it). Anyway, there is a lot more walking here than there is at a customary mall. As we walked for what felt like miles, I kept describing my soreness to Claudia. My calves and hips just screamed at me the entire day. Finally, I told her that I was sick of complaining and wished that she could just feel what I was feeling so my pain didn’t seem so one-sided. She did not agree and said that actually she was happy she couldn’t. Anyway, still super sore on my day off.
Day Six
December 6, 2008
Saturday
This is the first day that I REALLY want to skip the workout. I know this won’t be the last, but I am dreading it. Maybe it is the mental head game that it is cardio and therefore longer? Not that it should really matter today. I had planned to go Christmas shopping (by myself), but the snow made me postpone this until tomorrow. I was going to get up, work out first thing, and then carry on with my day. But I didn’t…
I waited until almost 6pm tonight. After a day of doing nothing, but finding ways to procrastinate and not exercise, I had no other choice than to just suck it up and do it. Okay, I will admit it – I only half-assed it tonight. I do have to give myself credit for pushing play, though. I did it. And I am still so sore, I don’t know how I will walk and shop the entire day. Stupid out of shape body.
Saturday
This is the first day that I REALLY want to skip the workout. I know this won’t be the last, but I am dreading it. Maybe it is the mental head game that it is cardio and therefore longer? Not that it should really matter today. I had planned to go Christmas shopping (by myself), but the snow made me postpone this until tomorrow. I was going to get up, work out first thing, and then carry on with my day. But I didn’t…
I waited until almost 6pm tonight. After a day of doing nothing, but finding ways to procrastinate and not exercise, I had no other choice than to just suck it up and do it. Okay, I will admit it – I only half-assed it tonight. I do have to give myself credit for pushing play, though. I did it. And I am still so sore, I don’t know how I will walk and shop the entire day. Stupid out of shape body.
Day Five
December 5, 2008
Friday
Let me just begin with, I usually reserve Friday nights for hanging with my best friend, Claudia, and her family. This has been going on for years, and I look forward to it so much, I usually speed home, change into something more comfortable, and get to her house as fast as possible. Bonus, they always order pizza and provide the wine, so it is a fatty evening of fun. But, this Friday night was an exception. I had already made plans with my other best friend, Leslie. I had not seen her in what seemed like forever or my one-year-old “nephew”, Evan, so we made plans to hang out that night. This definitely helped with the food. Although the wine would still be plentiful, I could eliminate the pizza and replace it with something healthier. I called Les and we agreed on sushi (yum!).
After work, I was anxious to begin the circuit, mostly so it could end and I could meet up with Leslie, but still anxious. I am still incredibly sore with my hips and calves being the most painful.
I concentrated tonight in perfecting the movements. I have significantly increased the amount of pushups I am able to do and I did every single one in the work out (still cheating with knees bent, though). I also have been bending my legs for the arm dips on the chair and I almost can complete the entire set. I don’t really feel a lot stronger, but I am definitely getting better.
Now to reward myself with enormous amounts of sushi and wine…
Friday
Let me just begin with, I usually reserve Friday nights for hanging with my best friend, Claudia, and her family. This has been going on for years, and I look forward to it so much, I usually speed home, change into something more comfortable, and get to her house as fast as possible. Bonus, they always order pizza and provide the wine, so it is a fatty evening of fun. But, this Friday night was an exception. I had already made plans with my other best friend, Leslie. I had not seen her in what seemed like forever or my one-year-old “nephew”, Evan, so we made plans to hang out that night. This definitely helped with the food. Although the wine would still be plentiful, I could eliminate the pizza and replace it with something healthier. I called Les and we agreed on sushi (yum!).
After work, I was anxious to begin the circuit, mostly so it could end and I could meet up with Leslie, but still anxious. I am still incredibly sore with my hips and calves being the most painful.
I concentrated tonight in perfecting the movements. I have significantly increased the amount of pushups I am able to do and I did every single one in the work out (still cheating with knees bent, though). I also have been bending my legs for the arm dips on the chair and I almost can complete the entire set. I don’t really feel a lot stronger, but I am definitely getting better.
Now to reward myself with enormous amounts of sushi and wine…
Day Four
December 4, 2008
Thursday
Let me just start with – I AM SORE. My entire body hurts. It hurts to walk, it even hurts to sit. Everything is achy, but I mostly feel it in my hips and legs. Ouch.
Time for cardio and abs work again. I find that I am already dreading this one. I think it is because it is slightly longer and it makes me sweat, so not only do I have to exercise for a longer period, I also have to shower after it, taking up even more time. And anyone who knows me knows that showering is not my favorite thing.
Anyway, I did much better with the power yoga segment. I think it was mostly just getting through the moves so quickly. Also, I am using a yoga mat and I am finding that my shoes keep getting stuck on it, so I will probably go without next time. I am working out in my basement. It has carpeting, but no padding and the carpet definitely needs swept. It should be obvious, but this section of our basement (dedicating to exercising) does not get a lot of action (until now!). Okay, back on track, I think that I will do a lot better with the power yoga once the mat is eliminated.
I tried to get through at least the first set of leg lifts with the arm movements and succeeded (both sets). I did more of the jumping jacks and I am still trying to master the lunge runs. Why are these so difficult for my body to comprehend?
The x work was actually worse, and I attribute that to all of the soreness. Also, I finally made the “x” on the floor, so maybe that made it more difficult. I know that I have to exercise through it to improve, but this sucks. I was worse at the kickboxing, too. I know sometimes there is a decline before improvement and I am hoping that this is all it is.
I did actually do more of the abs work, though, although those full body crunches are still my nemesis. And my feelings are not changing for Tony Horton at all.
Thursday
Let me just start with – I AM SORE. My entire body hurts. It hurts to walk, it even hurts to sit. Everything is achy, but I mostly feel it in my hips and legs. Ouch.
Time for cardio and abs work again. I find that I am already dreading this one. I think it is because it is slightly longer and it makes me sweat, so not only do I have to exercise for a longer period, I also have to shower after it, taking up even more time. And anyone who knows me knows that showering is not my favorite thing.
Anyway, I did much better with the power yoga segment. I think it was mostly just getting through the moves so quickly. Also, I am using a yoga mat and I am finding that my shoes keep getting stuck on it, so I will probably go without next time. I am working out in my basement. It has carpeting, but no padding and the carpet definitely needs swept. It should be obvious, but this section of our basement (dedicating to exercising) does not get a lot of action (until now!). Okay, back on track, I think that I will do a lot better with the power yoga once the mat is eliminated.
I tried to get through at least the first set of leg lifts with the arm movements and succeeded (both sets). I did more of the jumping jacks and I am still trying to master the lunge runs. Why are these so difficult for my body to comprehend?
The x work was actually worse, and I attribute that to all of the soreness. Also, I finally made the “x” on the floor, so maybe that made it more difficult. I know that I have to exercise through it to improve, but this sucks. I was worse at the kickboxing, too. I know sometimes there is a decline before improvement and I am hoping that this is all it is.
I did actually do more of the abs work, though, although those full body crunches are still my nemesis. And my feelings are not changing for Tony Horton at all.
Day Three
December 3, 2008
Wednesday
Well, I made the mistake of going to friends’ house for dinner tonight. After a starchy dinner of spaghetti, spicy sausage, and salad with not so light dressing, and don’t forget quite a bit of wine, I decided that I could not skip the workout on only the third day. So, a little tipsy, I came home and pushed play for the circuit training. First, I am very glad this was the workout for the evening, as I don’t think that my very full stomach could have handled the cardio. Second, I think the wine helped loosen up my muscles, which I am finding the next day may have its pros and cons. Third, my balance was completely off this entire workout, so I may have actually done more harm than good. But, I did get through, as rough as it was.
Wednesday
Well, I made the mistake of going to friends’ house for dinner tonight. After a starchy dinner of spaghetti, spicy sausage, and salad with not so light dressing, and don’t forget quite a bit of wine, I decided that I could not skip the workout on only the third day. So, a little tipsy, I came home and pushed play for the circuit training. First, I am very glad this was the workout for the evening, as I don’t think that my very full stomach could have handled the cardio. Second, I think the wine helped loosen up my muscles, which I am finding the next day may have its pros and cons. Third, my balance was completely off this entire workout, so I may have actually done more harm than good. But, I did get through, as rough as it was.
Day Two
December 2, 2008
Tuesday
Phase I – II Cardio, Abs 100
The cardio is about 7 minutes longer than the circuit, and there is almost 5 minutes of abs work after that. The cardio is as straight forward as the circuit. There are no dance moves or anything. After stretching is power yoga, which I could not get the hang of on my first try (even though I have done quite a bit of yoga before and I am familiar with a lot of the moves).
Then the workout went into leg lifts, jumping jacks, running, and x work. I was okay with the leg lifts, but my arms tired very quickly and I ended up doing the alternate arm movements that he demonstrated (which was pretty much nothing). I also could not finish the jumping jacks or get the hang of the lunge run. I did the first set of the jumping jacks, but barely any of the lunge run and mostly just continued to run in place. I like the x work at first, but could not hop back and forth diagonally for very long and ended up kind of step touching through most of those. I didn’t make the “x” on the floor, either, so I hope my guessing where it would be was pretty accurate.
After a break, there was kickboxing. Although some of the combinations took a couple of tries to master, I really enjoyed this section and actually got through it. It felt like it went really fast. The routine finished with a cool down and more stretching.
Up next was the abs work. 10 different exercises, 10 reps of each = 100. It starting with crunches (which I love – thank you dancing), so I didn’t mind it. By the end, there was the bicycle and a full body crunch, which there was no chance that I could bust out one, never mind the 10. My abs definitely need the help. And I think that I am starting to really dislike Tony Horton. He is kicking my butt.
Tuesday
Phase I – II Cardio, Abs 100
The cardio is about 7 minutes longer than the circuit, and there is almost 5 minutes of abs work after that. The cardio is as straight forward as the circuit. There are no dance moves or anything. After stretching is power yoga, which I could not get the hang of on my first try (even though I have done quite a bit of yoga before and I am familiar with a lot of the moves).
Then the workout went into leg lifts, jumping jacks, running, and x work. I was okay with the leg lifts, but my arms tired very quickly and I ended up doing the alternate arm movements that he demonstrated (which was pretty much nothing). I also could not finish the jumping jacks or get the hang of the lunge run. I did the first set of the jumping jacks, but barely any of the lunge run and mostly just continued to run in place. I like the x work at first, but could not hop back and forth diagonally for very long and ended up kind of step touching through most of those. I didn’t make the “x” on the floor, either, so I hope my guessing where it would be was pretty accurate.
After a break, there was kickboxing. Although some of the combinations took a couple of tries to master, I really enjoyed this section and actually got through it. It felt like it went really fast. The routine finished with a cool down and more stretching.
Up next was the abs work. 10 different exercises, 10 reps of each = 100. It starting with crunches (which I love – thank you dancing), so I didn’t mind it. By the end, there was the bicycle and a full body crunch, which there was no chance that I could bust out one, never mind the 10. My abs definitely need the help. And I think that I am starting to really dislike Tony Horton. He is kicking my butt.
Day One
December 1, 2008
Monday
I decided that December 1st was the perfect starting day. First, it is a Monday. Second, the end of the program will be the last day of February, which will work out very neatly. Third, I cannot think of any more reasons to procrastinate any longer.
Day One – Point Zero
Weight: 155.8
Chest: 34
Waist: 33
Hip: 40
Right Mid-Thigh: 22.5
Left Mid-Thigh: 22.5
Right Upper Arm: 13
Left Upper Arm: 13
Phase I – II Circuit
I started using the exercise band provided with the tapes, but found that way too difficult and switched to 3 pound weights. I really like the countdown. Not only does it countdown for each exercise, but for the entire workout, so you always know where you stand. Plus, it is much easier to push yourself if you know there are only 10 more seconds.
I was surprised by the repetition. I did like the routine, though, but it was much different than anything that I was accustomed to. I was always more drawn to dance type exercising and this is much more weight lifting.
I could not do all of the push-ups (even when doing the cheating ones with knees bent) or the dips on the chair. He didn’t demonstrate an alternative for the chair dips until the reps were almost completed, so I will try them that way next time.
This workout was much more difficult than I expected. I know someone who recently lost a lot of weight that just completed his 90 days. He looks amazing now and is really dedicated, but was not the picture of health for many years. So, I figured that if he could do it, I could, too. Plus, even though I am overweight, I always thought of myself as a pretty good dancer, so I think that these beginning levels should come easy for me – it did not.
All in all, it was a good first day. I am interested in the cardio, so I will be here tomorrow pushing play.
Monday
I decided that December 1st was the perfect starting day. First, it is a Monday. Second, the end of the program will be the last day of February, which will work out very neatly. Third, I cannot think of any more reasons to procrastinate any longer.
Day One – Point Zero
Weight: 155.8
Chest: 34
Waist: 33
Hip: 40
Right Mid-Thigh: 22.5
Left Mid-Thigh: 22.5
Right Upper Arm: 13
Left Upper Arm: 13
Phase I – II Circuit
I started using the exercise band provided with the tapes, but found that way too difficult and switched to 3 pound weights. I really like the countdown. Not only does it countdown for each exercise, but for the entire workout, so you always know where you stand. Plus, it is much easier to push yourself if you know there are only 10 more seconds.
I was surprised by the repetition. I did like the routine, though, but it was much different than anything that I was accustomed to. I was always more drawn to dance type exercising and this is much more weight lifting.
I could not do all of the push-ups (even when doing the cheating ones with knees bent) or the dips on the chair. He didn’t demonstrate an alternative for the chair dips until the reps were almost completed, so I will try them that way next time.
This workout was much more difficult than I expected. I know someone who recently lost a lot of weight that just completed his 90 days. He looks amazing now and is really dedicated, but was not the picture of health for many years. So, I figured that if he could do it, I could, too. Plus, even though I am overweight, I always thought of myself as a pretty good dancer, so I think that these beginning levels should come easy for me – it did not.
All in all, it was a good first day. I am interested in the cardio, so I will be here tomorrow pushing play.
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