This morning I got to try my first workout in the P90X + series. This DVD had two workouts on it; Interval X Plus and Abs/Core Plus.
It started with the interval workout and it was an awesome workout! I think this will quickly become a favorite of mine(it already is after just 1 go at it)
Interval training is a little different than regular cardio or aerobics. It is a series of moves that get your heart rate elevated(quite high at times) then slows down and then up again. I have quickly become a fan of interval training as it is the exercise that most closely resembles for me the way I feel when taking martial arts classes. The ONLY time I've never had to worry about watching my weight(other than keeping enough on!) was while taking martial arts classes. At about an hour each, they kind of resemble intervals in the sense that when drilling your heart rate goes up extremely high, then slows down while you wait your turn again, and same sort of thing when sparring. I think that is what sped up my metabolism so high I actually had to intentionally eat lots extra just to keep from losing too much weight.
That up and down of the heart rate is really what I feel was the secret to all of the incredible physical results I had while training. I have searched high and low trying something to mimic that first starting with Tae Bo and other kick boxing style workouts, but those while the movements were similar, were a constant movement with no change in heart rate. The closet I found was the Jillian Michaels "Banish Fat Boost Metabolism" DVD. Well, this is that taken up about three notches!!!
I was sweating heavy and breathing like I ran several miles at full speed within the first few moves! Lots of new moves I haven't seen in P90X or Tony Hortons One on One series. I was also please to see push ups included in the rotation to help maintain and improve upper body strength. There were also some familiar moves like skaters and some kicks.
I see why this is P90X PLUS and only recommended for P90X grads as I think this one would have killed me pre-P90X. I felt great and energized for hours afterwards!
On the same DVD is the Abs/Core Plus. This is all new ab moves! I really like the variety in this one. Abs were worked from my favorite ab position; plank
as well as hanging, standing and more.
I am not sure this is as intense as Ab Ripper from the original P90X, it certainly didn't feel as hard, although it was a lot more fun and interesting. We'll have to see how my abs feel in the morning! This ab workout is also a bit longer than Ab Ripper, I think just over 20 minutes. But both workouts were done in just about an hour making it alot more reasonable time wise than the original P90X workouts.
Overall so far, I am quite pleased with the workouts and look forward to the next one tomorrow. My only complaint was the music. I normally don't even notice with the exception of some yoga workouts the music on most workouts, but this was almost like elevator music and it was a rather intense workout(Intervals, didn't notice on the abs) So for those of you who do normally notice such things, this may drive you up the wall! Other than that though I give at least this particular DVD high ratings.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Interval X Plus
P90X +
There are five brand new workouts and a little booklet that gives you several different options on how to incorporate P90X + into your routine.
Interval X Plus
I will be trying each one this week and will review here. My elbow is still very sore, so I will have to modify moves that will aggravate it, but I think I should be able to do most of the workouts with little or no problems.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
REAL Women Age...Gracefully and Naturally!!
I have to admit since turning 40 this year I have been having a hard time accepting the fact that I AM getting older, I AM getting gray hair, and even a few wrinkles. I probably over do it a bit on the exercise trying to stay in great shape. But can one really blame me? As I watch movies and TV shows with some of my favorite actresses, many of whom I know are much older than me, they never seem to age! Many look not only as good at 50 as they did at 20, but some look even better!
Why is it that as they age, they don't seem to be prone to the wrinkles and gray hairs that I do? How is it with their busy schedules they manage to stay in better shape than most 20 year olds? It is very hard to feel good about one's self when I seem to steadily be showing the signs of age, while these actresses seem to be aging in reverse!
Then, the other night I was doing something I rarely do; watching a LIFETIME TV movie. One of my favorite actresses was in it! This woman has been my own personal ideal of what I aspire to be physically; strong, muscular, yet feminine in her own way. And of course she played in one of my all time favorite movie series; Terminator.
Yes, Linda Hamilton...who couldn't help but be impressed with her physique in Terminator 2?
So I am waiting for this LIFETIME movie to start and was SHOCKED at first when Linda appeared. She is just a tad over 50 now and unlike other stars of the day, she looks every year of it! At first I was upset; How could she let herself go like this?
Then I started thinking...wait, she actually looks like a woman her age! What a relief! She is older than me, and looks it! She doesn't look at 50 like many women stars do, young enough to date my teen son! I actually find it quite refreshing and somewhat reassuring. I must admit it is weird these days to turn on the TV and see these stars never aging.
I remember watching the great stars of the past like Catherine Hepburn actually age. Old enough to be my grandmother, as she aged she looked like, well, my grandmother! There was something comforting in that. Now these days, these stars just never age and it is somewhat strange on one hand and frustrating on the other. Without plastic surgery there is no way I can keep up trying to age along with my favorites, as I am surpassing them in the aging process even though I am years younger than many! How weird for my kids to see their mother aging faster at 40 than Madonna who has got to be over 50 by now!
I find it refreshing when stars like Linda Hamilton allow themselves to age naturally. I think it is much healthier not only for themselves, but those watching them. It reminds us that aging is just part of the natural process of life. We can do all we can naturally such as exercising, eating well and maybe a box of Clairol Nice n Easy, but that eventually we do all age, and there is nothing wrong with it at all.
Before and After(90 day photos)
Finally, those 90 day photos! I do see an improvement all the way around, although I would still like to lose a bit more belly fat and develop some more muscle in my arms and abs.
Due to an elbow injury, I will be having to take a break from P90X for a few weeks while it heals, but I wont be resting! I recently ordered P90X+, so I will be doing the carido routine and Kenpo Cardio + from that as well as some of my One on One Cardio's by Tony Horton as well. I am also anxiously waiting to order my Coach Showcase Package which includes several Beach Body Products including two I am particularly looking forward to; Yoga Booty Ballet and Turbo Jam. AS soon as they arrive and I have a chance to try them out I will post about them here.
To learn more about P90X or any Beach Body product please visit my WEBSITE.
DAY 90
DAY 1(above)
Sunday, November 29, 2009
How Do You Say Thank You?
Words just don't seem enough to thank the family that has been caring for my granddaughter for most of her first year of life. They have also extended kindness to Autumn's mother, my daughter. At times maybe even more than she deserved.
They have kept us feeling involved by emailing pictures and updates often. They have gone as far as sending Austin birthday gifts "from Autumn." They have gone above and beyond what should be expected from any foster family, then as if that wasn't enough they out did themselves by bringing her here to spend a holiday with us giving me five of the best days I can remember in a long, long time.
I don't know if I ever can express my deepest thanks for all they have done, a simple "Thank You" hardly seems enough.
Getting to Know Autumn
I am SO grateful for these five days of getting to know Autumn. We had five days to make up for a year of missing her! We all wanted time with her, and when it was time for her to leave none of us wanted her to go. She is such a happy baby full of smiles and the BIGGEST dimples I've ever seen.
Brother and Sister
I am SO grateful for this week that Autumn and Austin got to spend together. The last time they were together Autumn was only two weeks old. As far fetched as it may seem, there really did seem to be some sort of recognition, like they KNEW they were brother and sister. The first thing Austin said to Autumn, after touching her cheek was "Hi Beautiful!" Priceless!
Austin is Three!
Austin also celebrated a birthday this week. He was being a bit camera shy the night of the party with our guests, then last night when we had cake and gifts with just us, I for some inexcusable reason, forgot to take pictures! Here are a few taken one of the days Autumn was here. You can see what a handsome young guys he's turning out to be!
He got the red curls buzzed off a week or so ago, because I got tired of washing out the jelly and yogurt he keeps insisting on rubbing in his hair. He's still a cutie though, although now he looks more like a little boy than a baby.
This is such a fun age, I wish we could just keep him like this forever! So full of life and love, with lots of daily hugs and kisses! He's a very good boy, I couldn't imagine life without him.
Autumn is One!
Five Days of Heaven
Last Sunday my granddaughter arrived from out of state with the foster family who cares for her. They stayed for Thanksgiving, and left Friday afternoon. It was five of the best days I've had in a long time!
Those of you readers who aren't family are just going to have to deal with a few indulgent posts full of pictures as it was a busy week with FOUR birthdays celebrated, two families who were virtually strangers aside from emails getting to know each other, and a brother and sister bonding for the first time.
I have to say here that I just can't believe this even happened, but am So glad it did! I surely had alot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. This whole event is an example of foster parenting done right and shows how families can work together in the best interest of the child rather than fighting over each's own selfish desires.
This family drove from out of state with their own child and our grandchild, just so we can visit and my grandchildren can get to know each other, which is going to be very important no matter what happens down the road with this case.
It has been my prayer and desire that my daughter do what she needs to in order to regain custody, but if that is not able to happen, I have to say after this visit and getting to know the family who has been raising my grandchild, I am 100 % comfortable and in favor of them adopting. My selfish side wants her all to myself, but my practical side, and the side that unselfishly loves her, knows she is happy where she is at and very well loved and to remove her from that would not be in her best interest.
When I first found out my grandchild would be placed in a foster home rather than coming here right away upon being removed from my daughters care I was pretty outraged to say the least, and a bit terrified afraid of the unknown. I really hope and pray that all foster parents caring for children that aren't their own, whether just temporarily or in hopes of adopting are as great as these parents have been. I highly doubt it, but with all the children in desperate need of care I sure hope so. I also hope that more families interested in adoption consider adopting from the foster care system here in America. I know it is easier(and LOTS more expensive!) to adopt out of country, but there are so many needy children here in the U.S. and through the foster care system it is very low cost(like free other than initial expenses for licensing with some agencies) and there are babies available as well as older waiting children.
Okay, LOTS of posts with pictures to follow!
