Jillian Michaels Yoga Inferno Level 1 Calorie Burn

So I got a new Polar heart rate monitor for Christmas, and I decided to try it out today starting with Jillian Michaels Yoga Inferno Level 1.  The work-out from beginning to end was just under 34 minutes and I burned 340 calories--that's 10 calories a minute!  My average heart rate was 175 BPM and my maximum was 205 BPM.

However, at 5'3" and 133 lbs, I was at a fitness level for 28 min:22 sec and only 1 min:35 sec at a fat burning level, so I'll have to work on getting my heart rate up more during the cardio intervals.  I did have a few times where I had to check my heart rate monitor transmitter, though, because it had slid down a bit due to sweat, so I'll tighten it up and see what changes tomorrow.

THIS THING IS SO COOL!!  I LOVE IT!!

PS- calculated my resting heart rate at 84 BPM!

Jillian Michaels: Body Revolution

I started Jillian Michaels 90-day Body Revolution program yesterday (it's more like 97 days, because she gives you an optional kick-off week to really jumpstart your metabolism).  I decided to start with her Kick-start week which includes two 30 minute work-outs a day (morning and evening) and a lower caloric intake than the rest of the 90 days for that first week.  You do have the option to skip the Kick-start week and go right into week one, but I wanted to see what this first week could do for me (Jillian claims you can drop 1 jean size in 1 week if you follow the meal and exercise plan).

The Body Revolution workouts use HIIT (high intensity interval training) and PHA (peripheral heart action) which causes blood flow to go from top to bottom, bottom to top, back and forth to speed up your heart rate.  These work outs are said to rev up your metabolism for 16 hours after a workout!  (I don't have any scientific proof of this, but I believe it because my appetite has increased already.)  With the kick-start week you're doing two workouts per day to make your metabolism work extra through the day and night, keeping your body burning calories at its max 24 hours a day!  This is a good jumpstart to your metabolism and your stamina for the next 90 days.

If you're a Jillian beginner, really listen to her and don't push yourself too hard the first couple weeks...just get used to her, her moves, and your body's abilities.  If you're experience with Jillian (like me) the workouts may seem boring at first so she'll give you ways to spice things up with resistance, but still enjoy the easier moves (I am, because I know how she operates, and things WILL get A LOT harder).  Even though it feels like beginner work, I'm definitely feeling a little sore, so I know I'm still getting a good workout.

Now let's talk about the food: I'm a picky eater who is horrible at diets, lactose intolerant, and doesn't like to cook, but I do like to eat as healthy as I can under my circumstances, and I am good at remembering to count my calories.  Thus, instead of following the 75-page book of recipes that comes with the program (I might actually give some of the recipes a try when I'm bored with my food; I'm sure they're delicious for people who have a different palate than mine), I've just decided to count my calories and make my calories count!  I bought some Greek yogurt for snacks (and some regular for when I just want a side dish to a meal), celery, low-fat peanut butter, carrots, bananas, tuna, some Weight Watchers frozen meals (I know the sodium in them is bad, so I'm doubling up my water intake to flush it out), and of course, I'm still drinking my Muscle Milk.

Eating healthy when you've got two kids and a husband who can eat whatever they want, whenever they want and not ever have to worry isn't always easy. There are cookies, cokes, and candy in the house that I have to train myself to avoid (out of sight, out of mind is my best tactic).

As for eating healthy when you're on a budget, if you live near a Kroger or Ruler Foods, you can get their brand of foods and save A LOT.  Muscle Milk also now comes in a powder form giving me a months worth of shakes for the cost of what used to only get me through a couple weeks.  It's the same price as Whey protein, but it tastes a lot better!  In fact, sometimes I drink one when I'm craving ice cream or a milkshake, or when I just want something sweet.

And if you're thinking you want to go the diet pill route as a supplement for an extra boost, try Relacore or Slimquick without caffeine.  Caffeine will boost your metabolism, but I know from personal experience that spending too long on diet pills or relying too much on caffeine can actually destroy your natural metabolism, cause an addiction and/or anxiety, and give you horrible withdrawal headaches, and make you sleepy when you can't get "enough."  Jillian suggests no more than 400 mg of caffeine a day, I suggest even less than that if you do it.  My biggest regret is depending on diet pills for way too long, so I've switch to filling my body with vitamins that will help me inside and out: Fish Oil with Omega 3, Biotin, pure Rasberry Ketones, DHEA, and Niacin.  It may seem more expensive than taking 1 pill, but considering the average bottle of diet pills lasts you 10-15 days, the vitamins will last you at least twice as long (but take the full recommended doses).

I know it's quite an investment spending $100 for Body Revolution, $12 for a resistance band, and then about $50 on 3, 5, and 8 pound weights (you'll need them to advance the moves and challenge yourself...some people might even need a set of 10's), and then having to replace your unhealthy foods with healthy ones, but let me tell you how worth it is...I've already lost 1 pound in 24 hours! My stomach even looks flatter already! :)

End of Insanity Week 1: Getting through the Soreness

Today was the end of week 1 of my 60 Day Insanity Challenge (besides tomorrow's rest day), and I can tell you that it wasn't easy, but it was definitely worth pushing myself.

What motivates me to do the workouts is reminding myself that I have to push myself to my limits for only 20 minutes, and I KNOW I can do that.  The first 10 minutes or so of the dvd is a warm-up and stretching before it goes into 15-20 minutes of intensity.  

Yes, I did have to stop and take a few extra rests, and the first few days I thought my calves were going to break in half (I could hardly walk for 4 days), but I pushed through the workouts, and, sure, my entire body is sore, but I feel GREAT about that soreness...like I really accomplished something.  And actively recovering my muscles (meaning working out those sore muscles) actually helped with the soreness.  I also added a few extra stretches of my own to the end of the workouts, since I think Shaun T tends to forget to stretch your calves or any part of your upper body.

Also, a banana before my workout and a protein shake directly afterwards will help your muscles recover quicker; you need potassium and protein to help rebuild those muscles you just broke down, plus protein supplements (such as Whey protein shakes, etc.) digest quicker than solid foods and you need to consume a decent amount of protein within an hour of your workout to help with your recovery.

So those of you trying Insanity and thinking you just can't survive the sore muscles, try bananas, Muscle Milk (my personal choice bought at your local Wal-Mart or Target), EXTRA stretching, and focus on how good you feel about what you just accomplished!

"Pain is weakness leaving the body."

Insanity: Day 1: Fit Test

I decided that I finally needed a little switch up from Jillian Michaels; however, I'm a huge fan or interval training, so I wanted to a work-out that still focused on the interval training.

I decided to take a 2 week vacation from working out while I went to California with my family, and while I was there, I saw so many infomercials about Insanity while I was watching TV at night (I don't have cable at home, so I'd never seen these before, I'd only heard about the Insanity Challenge).

I've already had several friends who have tried Insanity and seen awesome results, but I never thought I was strong enough to do it.  After watching how some people started out doing Insanity at all different stages of life, I decided to stop using excuses and just start doing it, so today, I started the 60 Day Insanity Challenge! (I'm borrowing the DVDs from a friend until mine gets here in the mail.)

During the Insanity 60 Day Challenge, you'll start with a Fit Test (which is done every 2 weeks to track your progress), and then you move on to various types of exercises averaging 45 minutes a day for 6 days a week (you get Sundays to rest).  At the end of 60 days, you can send in a before and after picture and receive an Insanity t-shirt to show everyone you had the strength to do it (although I think that the results of a strong body is enough for me).

So I'm going to track my results online to make myself push harder and show you all that you can do it, too!  Compare your results to mine, post your results in the comments, and show me that you can kick my butt!  I'm up for the challenge! :)
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During the DVD you'll have 1 minute to do as many of these as possible.
Switch Kicks: 87
Power Jacks: 35
Power Knees: 68
Power Jumps: 27
Globe Jumps: 8
Suicide Jumps: 15
Push-up Jacks: 15
Plank Oblique: 25
Weight: 139.5

I always modified Push-up Jacks during Jillian workouts because I assumed I didn't have the upper body strength to do them...clearly, I can at least do 15 in a minute, and I'm proud to say I tried and I pushed myself!  However, by the end of this less than 25 minute workout, I felt weak, tired, sweaty, and about ready to die!  LOL  But that's what this work out is all about...you'v got to be INSANE to do it!

 BEFORE picture taken a few days ago. In 60 days, I'll post an AFTER picture!

My Progress of Shedding Inches

I decided that I probably should have posted these a while ago.  How can I give you advice if I don't show you examples of practicing what I preach.  So here are some photos of the progress I've made.

July 2011 after the birth of my daughter at 184 pounds and wearing a size 14 (all you'll see in photos from this time are of my face!)

Our wedding in January 2012 at 153 pounds and wearing a size 8

July 2012 (me on the far left) at 138 pounds and wearing a size 4

6 months ago at a wedding at 128 pounds and wearing a size 2

So, you can see the difference, even though my weight changes weren't dramatic.  I've always been focused on how I FEEL as opposed to what the scale says since I know that I'm building muscle which weighs more than fat.  I have put on a  few pounds since this last photo, but I still feel great and I still fit comfortably in my size 2 jeans (however, my quad and glute muscles are getting larger/stronger so they're a little tight in those areas, but I have to wear a belt to keep them on my waist and a flat stomach IS my goal!)  

I'll post another bathing suit picture after my trip to California next month...that's the deadline I've given myself.  :/  YIKES!!  But I know I can do it, and you can reach your goals, too!  It may take time, but you've got to have patience!  

I Want a Hard Body!

I forgot that while I was giving you a review of Jillian's new DVD Hard Body, I forgot to give you a list of the workouts!  Instead of her coveted 3-2-1 system, or her other popular technique of one circuit of moves repeated twice before moving on to the next circuit, this DVD has 6 circuits of combination moves done once all the way through and then repeated.  (There is a combination of kick-boxing, some yoga, and, of course, cardio in these circuits.)

Jillian suggests using a range of weights from 3 lbs. to 8 lbs. (going lighter at some points and heavier at others), but I only have one set of 5's, so although that makes some of the moves easier on me, it makes others harder which evens everything out and still gives me a massive burn!

(Some of the moves sound intimidating, but remember, Jillian always provides you with a beginner modification...or you can just do the super-advanced!  My tip is to LISTEN to what Jillian says instead of watching the girls, because some of the girls are a little off on doing the poses right when Jillian isn't looking.)

This is LEVEL 1:

Warm Up: 
-Over-hand jumping jacks
-Alternating step-back planks
-Twisting front kicks
-River-dance
-Skaters in chair pose

Circuit 1:
-Speed squats
-Push-ups
-Speed Rope
-Sit-up/Superman combo

Circuit 2:
-Row into lunge and curl
-Suicides
-Crunch with scissor kicks
-Chest press, chest fly, triceps banger in bridge

Circuit 3:
-Calf raise with a shoulder press in sumo
-Donkey kicks
-Weighted burpee
-Curl in crescent pose into a kick-back in warrior 3

Circuit 4:
-Side lunge with a  row into chair pose with a shoulder raise
-Skiers
-Traveling push-ups with lateral jumps

Circuit 5:
-Push-up with a row into mountain climbers
-Jump-kicks in crab
-Alternating lunges with a punch using weights

Circuit 6:
-Surrenders with mermaid
-Squat (with a curl) spinners
-Oblique raise with a side crunch
-Lat pull with a pelvic thrust

Repeat Circuit 1-6 then Cool Down

(Even though I just gave you a run-down of the moves, I ALWAYS suggest buying the DVD for modifications, motivation, and guidance.)

The Firm (An Oldie but Goodie)

So, I decided that I needed a little switch-up again from all the Jillian Michaels (by the way, after only 5 days of Hard Body, my stomach is flatter; I gained about a pound, but I'm positive it's just muscle--after all, muscle weighs more than fat, so remember how you feel and ignore what the scale tells you!). I went to the local library and rented one of my favorite dance videos by the The Firm -Cardio Dance Club which consists of 3 different dance segments (Club, Latin, and Caribbean) that are each 20 minutes long.

The reason I like this video is #1 because it promises results in 10 workouts or less and #2 it's super easy if your a beginner, or if your more advanced (like me) you can spice it up!

The results in 10 workouts or less I believe to be completely true!  On the days that I'm too worn out to do a Jillian DVD, I do and hour of Cardio Dance Club (adding 1.5 pound kickboxing hand weights for a little burn) and I still feel like I did something for the day, and I really do notice a difference (with out without the addition of Jillian).

So if you're looking to flatten your stomach quickly (because this is mostly a core/cardio dance DVD) , then I suggest Cardio Dance Club.  And like I said earlier, it's easy and fun so ANYONE can do it and be able to enjoy it without having to think too much into the moves.

(I have been doing Level 1 of Hard Body which is 40 minutes, and adding one dance section from Cardio Dance Club which is 20 minutes, for a calorie blasting 60 minute workout!  And instead of taking a full "rest" day, I do at least 1 dance section or sometimes I even do the whole 60 minutes.)
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The Firm has been around for awhile, and a lot of people swear by their DVD's the same way I swear by Jillian Michaels, and I really have enjoyed the DVD's I've tried.  Their a step down from Jillian, so they're good for beginners.  The moves are simple, but the workouts will still make you sweat; so check out your local library and rent a few DVD's by The Firm and find one that you like!  I suggest adding at least one of their DVD's to your workout routine.

Jillian Michael's Hard Body DVD

Jillian Michael's newest DVD Hard Body is a now out and kicking butts all over the place!  I just got it, so, so far, I've only tried level 1 twice, but it's already kicking my butt!  You can burn about an average of 350 calories in 40 minutes while sweating like a pig!

1. Remember my tip to work out in shorts and a sports bra in front of a mirror and keep your tummy tucked in!

2. Also, work out without a fan, and you'll sweat more which means you'll loose more water weight.  (I did Ripped in 30 level 1 and Killer Abs level 1 back to back and burned off 2 lbs of just water weight.  It's amazing how great you can feel after a nice, hard sweat!)

3. Add 3 lb weights or even just hand weights or ankle weights to that exercise you love but doesn't make you feel challenged anymore.  That will really spice things up and make you feel challenged again...plus you won't have to find a new work out to do!  (I dance or do Zumba with 1.5 lb hand weights; I also started back at level 1 on all my Jillian Michael's DVDs but upped the weights.)

Tip 2: ZUMBA!

I'm sure by now that everyone has heard of Zumba, but I've been doing it for 5 years, and I still love it. 

I originally started with classes at my college gym, but after college, I couldn't afford classes, so I got online and got a used copy of Zumba Fitness: PARTY for Nintendo Wii.  It's a good workout, fun, and it calculates your calories based on your energy (you wear a belt on your hips that holds the Wii remote so it knows how your moving, how much, and how fast.)  The only thing I do not like is that you have to unlock levels to do the longer workouts, and they are all pretty much the same dances, they just sometimes go in a different order based on the length and intensity of the "class."  They have, however, come out with the Core workout for the Wii that I haven't tried, yet.  Also, the avatars are weird and it's still fun to do, but boring to watch.

Now, the Zumba Fitness: RUSH for Xbox Kinect is AWESOME!  (I'm saving up for the Zumba Fitness: CORE workout next.)  This game has several different dances, several different mixes, 10+ "classes" to choose from and "real" avatars in various settings that is fun to watch.  Also, with the Kinect, it shows in the bottom left corner how you're moving, so it's kind of like a mirror (and we all know that when working out in front of a mirror makes everyone work a little harder!).  This game, too, calculates your calories burned based on how much you move and the energy you exert.  In a mid-length, medium intensity class, I burned 376 calories; in a full-length, medium intensity class I burned 1,372 calories; in a mid-length high intensity class I burned 1,734 calories.  HOW AWESOME IS THAT!?  I'll let you know how much I've burned off whenever I get to the other class combinations!

If you don't have a Wii or Kinect, I can guarantee that you can find a class in your area to try out.  If it's something you really enjoy doing, then I suggest going to Game Stop and getting a used console and a used game.  (It'll save you time and money in the end when you can work out at home!)