Complete

Insanity: Cardio Power & Resistance -- DONE.

Omg I was so sore today -- partly from Insanity, partly from poor posture while studying/writing a test the day before, partly from sleep deprivation for the last 3 days.

But I did it. Yay! :)

I felt like this last time I did this workout too...

Yup... the last time I did Insanity around January 2010 I felt just like I do this time -- Like I got run over by a truck. 

But at the same time... I haven't worked out this hard in a looonnnng time, so in some ways the pain/nausea is gratifying. I can't remember the last time I taught or did a Muay Thai class, but even then it wasn't this bad. I wasn't able to do it to the same extent as the people in the video -- but let's be realistic -- these are workout robots who were probably fit to begin with. I did pretty good for an out-of-shaper -- I did as much as I could with good form and without passing out. I am super sweaty. For the exercises that I couldn't do (like, physically, my strength/stamina is not there yet) I did some crunches and oblique crunches in the mean time. 

I can't believe I have to do this again tomorrow... and every day this week. :( But it's for a good cause -- being fit, getting in shape, and looking faboooooo!!! (Animaniacs? Anyone?)

Commence the insanity

Now that my major pressing concerns are taken care of I can get back to looking after myself

Hoping on the INSANITY bandwagon. Again.

Hey Ya'll. It's been a long time since my last post! Not too many things are new -- doing my community placement now, working part time at a hospital doing Occupational Health stuff using my previous degree, currently on reading week... and currently not too pleased with my physique.

I have been a big supporter of yoga for the last 7 months -- It's low impact but builds strength and can be a good cardio workout if you choose the right kind of yoga. I still love yoga (http://www.yogadownload.com) but I'm thinking I probably need a more conventional workout to boost my fitness. I need to be in shape for my profession for my own safety, and I think that yoga alone won't get me there when I'm only doing it like 2x/ week. So... enter INSANITY.

I bought the INSANITY workout from BeachBody.com back in 2010 or late 2009 I think. I did it for 11 days with a friend of mine back in our last year of Undergrad at UW, but then I had to stop -- I was exhausted and it was making me literally sick (nauseated). I never did get back on it. In hindsight there are a couple of things I did wrong in the first place:

- I wasn't following the meal plan guides in the book -- hence I probably wasn't getting the right balance of fat, protein, and carbohydrate
- I pushed myself too hard too fast
- I wasn't able to get myself into the right frame of mind

Motivation is an interesting mind game -- in the right frame of mind, you can achieve anything. But once you get into that "negative space", you're afraid to push yourself and push through physical and mental fatigue.

So what am I planning on doing differently this time to be successful?
- I'm going to follow their nutrition plans
- I'm going to go at a pace that allows me to get the form right -- I'm not going to go at max speed
- I am going to do my workouts in the evening so that I can konk out right after
- If I can't do the full Insanity workout for that day, I will substitute with the 20-minute Insanity: fast & furious workout, or a Yoga workout (I just got a new one; Qi Barre, and it's wicked for the lower body!)

I've set up a calendar and everything so I'm all set. I just need to do positive affirmations to myself everyday so I feel like I can do it. I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to setting myself back through self-doubt talk. I'm not going to try to be a crazy fit hottie -- I want to take it at my pace so I don't kill myself, and hopefully get in shape along the way. I would love to look in the best shape possible for my brother's wedding.

Here's to trying!

Just another day at the office...

Currently on lunch break. Need tea or some warm beverage.

Valentine's Day

Happy V-day everyone! For those of you who are lucky to have someone special in your life, I hope you share the spirit of Valentine's day everyday. For those of you who are not in relationships for whatever reason, do not forget to love yourselves!

My dad passed away September 27, 2005, and so every year my mom celebrates Valentine's day alone. My brothers and I have made it a new tradition to send her roses or whatever flowers look nice on Valentine's day as a surprise. Despite having them for 7 years now, she still is always surprised when we do it. Don't forget to tell or show your loved ones you care. It doesn't have to be with flowers or gifts -- just give them a call and say "I love you!"

Yoga is all you need for Fitness

http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/739

Proof that Yoga is as viable of an exercise as running or weight training.