Today was a very productive day, being Sunday I didn’t really have a choice but to get my homework done. I slept in, but I didn’t waste any time getting my homework out of the way. After i finished my roommates and I took a walk to the grocery store and bought stuff to make a decent Mexican dinner. We’re trying to eat together on Sundays, so far we have kept it up but I am sure as school picks up it will become harder to do. After our little adventure I did some more work, then started the work out. Cardio is continuing to grow on me, and then it was followed by Yoga and Total body, which are becoming my favorites.  I struggle with the moves in Total Body that make you raise the bands over your head, but today I think I improved. 

Tomorrow it will be Week 2, and so far it has not been hard to fit these work outs into my routine, I really like making it part of my day, and always feel good afterward.

Much of today was spent debating whether or not today would be my designated “day off” that is planned in the 10 Minute Trainer guide. The past couple days have been stressful, and a nap was sounding so much more appealing than getting into work out clothes and repeating different exercises for thirty minutes. Finally I decided I would just do the one ten minute work out and see how I feel. It’s getting started that is the hard part. Starting out with total body, I was a lot more comfortable using the bands, so I was able to get more out of this time than when I had first done total body. Breaking a sweat after four or five minutes, I decided to do all three suggested for day four. It’s only day four, and though it has not become easy, it is easier to follow the work outs and transition quicker now that I am more familiar with all of the moves, and now, I am getting more out of my work outs.

Tony always talks about how every move is designed to work the whole body, and that no muscle or body part is ignored. When I do work out on my own, I think I only work two or three muscles at the most. I am excited to results throughout my body. I always neglect to do my arms, and after completing total body I could immediately feel how much I worked them. 

With the weekend up coming up, I think I’ll save my day off.

At last my arms are no longer sore after moving in all my furniture, so today it was not hard to get into workout mode. I started with Total Body this time, which mostly used the bands, which I have to get more comfortbale using I think. It started out with doing push-ups…what a rude awakening. When I danced we would have to do 20 push-ups in our warm-ups, which I had no problem doing back then because it was so routine. Today I struggled with doing five before I switched to bending my knees. Im sure in time they’ll become easier though. Then I did cardio, some of the moves I really liked, some of them I could not wait to finish, like the ones that looked like you would do them at football practice. I finished with lower body, which I did yesterday and really liked. 

Today I did the workout after I was done with classes for the day, I think I prefer starting my day with the work out, but on days like today, getting myself up for 9:30 class is hard enough. Tomorrow I’ll start my day with the work out and then start my classes in the afternoon. 

Now that I have done my 10 MInute Trainer I am going to go on and do my least favorite hidden workout ever…a trip to the art supply store. As an art student I always have to walk about 15 blocks to the nearest art supply store and stock up on heavy and painful to carry art supplies and then walk back…that definitely makes me break a sweat. 

Also, I forgot to mention that my sister is a friend of Jen…she has begun the p90x workout, you can read about her switch here. When I heard about her results from 10 Minute Trainer I wanted to get involved and see them for myself, and so…I took over!

I went to my new job today. I start Oct 10th, but I had to go in to do paperwork and be fingerprinted. I am so excited. I can’t wait to start!!! I go to school first for 2 months and then take my state exams for CNA. Once I pass it’s all smooth sailing from there.

Once I got back from that I wacked out my workout. On the ticket for today was total body, lower body, and cardio. My dog and cat kept chasing each other around the house during my workout. I don’t know what got into them  but they were running in and out of my feet and everything! I had to pause my workout twice just to yell at them and get them to simmer down. They are almost as bad as a bunch of kids. Speaking of kids, no call from the school nurse today YAY! I took extra notice today to ensure my form was really smooth and I was using the appropriate band weight and all. I want to get the most out of these workouts. In order to do that you have to pay attention to these key areas. It is better to do 8 clean reps or 45 secs of smooth cardio work, than to rush through everything and not get the most out of this program. It really sucked having to do cardio as my wrap up workout. By the end of lower body I was already feeling the heat and definately didn’t feel like running in circles or doing tires. But I sucked it up and pushed that big play button. Which in the end actuualy makes the reward taste better because you know you pushed yourself.

We decided to switch the P90X off days today. Usually, when doing P90X, today would be Core Synergistics of the “Rest Week”. But our son has been feeling the strain of lack of one on one time at night. We devote a lot of time and effort to both of these programs and these blogs. That’s why we’re glad you guys actually read them and respond. We’re not the only ones putting in here, our kids do too. So anyways, our son was upset because we haven’t spent much time with him at night as of late. So instead of working out will use today as our off day and watch a movie with our son. So good night to you all and we’ll see you tomorrow for another fantastic day!

Whew! I am feeling it today. These 2 workouts a day are really taking their toll. Not that I can’t handle it though. My body is still a bit sore from yesterday’s 10 Minute Tariner workout coupled with the P90X Yoga X wokrout. So needless to say, I was not in any hurry today to do my workouts. I lounged about the house a bit and took advantage of the morning. Started it off with a whole wheat bagel, some cottage cheese, and an orange. Quite scrumptious I must say. After that I got the kiddies off to the bus…….only to be called by the school nurse an hour or so later. It seems my son some how managed to get his finger stuck in some part of the seat belt buckle on the bus. Two nurses, some soap, some ice, and an hour later and he was free! No major damage to report thank God! Only my child…….. After that fiasco I met my husband for lunch. We went out this time and enjoyed a nice adult lunch at Panera bread. We ordered fat free turkey breast on whole grain with some fruit. We even ate outside. I am thoroughly enjoying the adult time again with my husband before I go off and start a job. So after a nice afternoon I came home and started the total body/cardio/lower body workout for 10 Minute Trainer. Really enjoyed it! It felt like I covered the map today. Got my heart pumpin’ and worked some major muscle areas. I really like the lawn mower exercise in the total body routine. It is basically like pull starting your lawn mower with your bands. I like it when you can add a little pretend to your workouts! I am still feeling the burn like crazy on lower body. This being the less toned portion of my body I try to give it my all. There is one series of exercises that I find quite humorous. It’s hard to do them while laughing. You get down like you’re a jockey riding a horse and you do little hops on the balls’ of your feet. You change position and speed slightly throughout, but it is hilarious to see and do! After dinner we watched Speed Racer with the munchkins. I was already falling asleep on the couch and in no mood for another workout, but transition I must! So we shooed them off to bed and started Core Synergistics for P90X. Let me tell you……..my least favorite workout of all time. Strictly for the fact that it is HARD! It is exactly what it says, it works the core. Not just abs, but back, butt, thighs. There were a few things I couldn’t complete due to being so sore from yesterday. I gave it my all and sweated like cray though. In the end I felt good just having made it through without killing myself. Definately not for the weak and weary. So I am taking my sorry butt to the showers and then to bed to dream of workout bands, water bottles, and a 45 year old man that yells at me to “bring it”. LOL. Good night!

What a wonderful day! You wouldn’t know it by the way it started out. It was rainy and dreary outside. Really felt like fall. But by early afternoon the sun was out and it was hot. We decided to take the kids to the local aple orchard (this is a family traidtion) to do our yearly round up of apples. We had such a great time. We rode of the hay wagon out to the trees and icked for about 1/2 hour. After we loaded up our van we went to visit the honey house that they had. The kids and I tried real honeycomb. It was delicious!!! All in all a fantastic day spent together as a family. Tomorrow we will start on another tradition. Every year after we “harvest” the apples we come home and make aplebread, applesauce, dehydrated apple slices………we basically go apple nuts! We find these things are great to give as gifts during the holidays. Poeple really appreciate homemade things.

Before we left for the day I did my workout. Started off with a nice round of yoga. Great way to wake up and start the day. PS-I don’t recommend working out on an empty stomach. I find that you will tire more quickly and not perform at your best. Your body needs the energy, so eat a god breakfast and wait about an hour or two. After yoga I did the total body and cardio circuits. I am really starting to show a lot of progress as far as being able to keep up and do a maximum amount of reps. I have a lot of energy and am not as sore as when I first started the program. Now it is more or less an itch to take it to the next level with the advanced program.

Well gang, sorry to cut you guys short today. I’m gonna go spend the rest of this glorious day with my family. If you’ve been on the fence with Tony Horton’s 10 Minute Trainer, all I can say is give it a try, you won’t regret the decision. I will see you all tomorrow!!!

So I am a little over 1/2 way to being 1/3 of the way done! LOL! I have resumed exercise again, no pain what so ever witht the foot thanks to proper support and stretching. I have fallen into a nice comfy routine now that the kids are in school. I work out generaly in the AM, unless errands and housework say otherwise. It’s a great way to kick start your day!

I wanted to touch on the food things again. I went grocery shopping today. I only go every other week. I sit down with the nutrition guides for both my husband and myself and plan out the meals for the week. Then I make the grocery list. So I spent $210 today at WalMart buying all the healthy stuff I am supposed to be eating. I know some of you may be having sticker shock at the moment but hear me out. $210 every 2 weeks. That’s only $105 a week when you break it down. I am feeding a family of 4 healthy and nutritious food for $105 a week (that includes household items as well). I noticed today that my cart doesn’t get as full these days. Not because we’re starving ourselves, but because the in between crap snacks and everything else along those lines has been cut from our diets. Like I’ve mentioned, we still get snack in the AM and PM. They aren’t dounuts and cookies, but they are tasty just the same. Who doesn’t love smoothies? So if you are thinking you can’t make this part of the program work for you…..think again. I am doing it for 4 people (why shouldn’t my kids join in right?) for about $100 a week!

On to the workout. Today was lower and total body. I am still getting back into the swing of things after taking those rest days. But I didn’t regress much at all. I can still do a good amount of reps and keep up. I am really feeling the burn in my buttcheeks during all the squats in the lower body workout. This is great for me because my lower body is what needs the work. I know I’m not overweight (I cannot stress this enough). But I am out of shape. Just like any of mom, my upper body rocks! I could pull a Dodge Hemi a block if I wanted to……thanks to all the lifting, carrying, and pulling that goes along with the “Mom” title. My lower body isn’t so great. So I am really pushing myself on these lower body days. Total body isn’t too hard anymore. That must be a sign! Time to increase the resistance band level. I can’t wait to move on the advanced DVD in a week and a half. New workouts and everything! If you guys want more info on the program check out this link The Tony Horton 10 Minute Trainer See you guys later!

Well it is official. My 5 year run as the stay at home mommy is over My babies left for school this morning and they couldn’t be happier. It is ony 10:15 and I have all my housework done. Thank God I have an interview today! I couldn’t imagine sitting here all day doing nothing by myself. I can’t wait for them to come home and tell me all about their days. This is my son’s first year, so I’m particularly looking forward to all he will have to say.

So with all my extra time I decided to do 30 mins today. I was able to finish the hop squats today!!!!!! Big pat on the back for me. Let me tell you though, by the end of the ab routine I was dragging ass. I have another helpful tip for you all. You need to wear sneakers during the workouts. I, being a former gymnist, am used to not wearing footwear during exercise. Well, I have learned the hard way that that may not be such a good idea. I may have pulled or strained something in my foot while hopping and bouncing around earlier this week. You don’t have to wear shoes while doing yoga, but I highly recommend them for other routines. Tony even tells you to, but who am I to lsiten? So I have learned my lesson and now were sneakers. Food is still playing a big role in my life. I am finding new ways to make old dishes that are healthier. My husband, who is doing p90x, has some wonderful meal ideas. Their chinese dishes are great!!!!! I would honestly prefer them to take out. And here I thought I’d never touch stir fry again once starting this program!

So that about wraps it up for today. I send my best wishes to all of you starting your own workouts, whatever they may be. Remember to not cease all things in your life that bring you joy (such as the occassional cookie). Keep up the hard work and let me know about your progress. It keeps me inspired to know I’m not alone. Until tomorrow……

10 Minute Trainer Week 1

Spider Bite!

This weekend has been a whirl wind, let me tell ya! We’ve had the expected BBQs and parties, but then there’s the unexpected. My son woke up this morning complaing about his ear. He had been at my father-in-laws camp the night before. Well, his ear was swollen to about 3 times it’s normal size and a nice red/purple color. There were 2 very tiny marks on the upper part of his ear (where skin was now starting to peel away) and there was stuff oozing from it. We took him to the doctor of course. Turns out the poor guy is suffering from a nasty spider bite. The nuerotoxins in the venom are causing skin death and it had turned into a staff infection as well. They drained the ear and put him on a high dose of antibiotics and steroids. He should be doing fine by tomorrow they said, but we still are keeping a close eye on him.

With that being said, on with the 10 Minute Trainer Review. Today I upped the anty people. That’s right, 30 whole minutes of butt busting work. I did cardio, total body and yoga. I think the combo worked out pretty well actually. I like how they give you the stacking option, but it’s put in order so that they mesh well together. The cardio got me nice and pumped. Then I got to work my whole body with some nice iso moves. The yoga was a nice finishing touch. Really helped me cool down and strecth out. Plus I think I needed it after today’s stress. All-in-all, great workout day. We made sure to keep to the healthier side of things today too. After last night’s “little extra” and tomorrow’s (we have another BBQ tomorrow) I figured playing it safe would be a good idea today.

So that’s it for week one people. We made it! Seven whole days!!!! Make sure to stick with me. I’ll be starting week 2 tomorrow and I can’t do it without you guys. You are great with the support, keep it coming!

So I’ve made it 5 days! I feel great about myself! Today I did Total and Lower Body and I was able to go through them BOTH without stopping! I even did a little extra bicep work once I was finished. I am dripping sweat all over my keybord. This is amazing!!!! I am having a wonderful day. I go to a Motley Crue concert tonight to top things off. For lunch today I am going to try something a little different…..a turkey burger. Never had one before so I am a little iffy about it, but I have been told they’re good. Last night I got my whole family to eat halibut, even my picky eater husband! I can see the changes in everyone. We’re all sleeping better, more active, and less stressed. I’ve even noticed a little more energy in the “wifely duties” department, if you know what I mean. Alright enough on THAT topic, but it was a little secret I felt like sharing. So guys, I am feeling amped and am lookkng forward to another week and awesome results! See you tomorrow when I do the Yoga for the first time. That should be good, I love yoga!

If you’re interested and want to know more about the program check out 10 Minute Trainer here.