it's the X.

P90X. I've been borrowing my brother-in-law's workout DVD's and getting some major strength training done. I tried their nutrition program in the spring and really liked it. Summer wreaked havoc on my fitness motivation, but I'm going strong again! I'm averaging 4-5 days a week that I either go for a 1.6 - 2 mile run or do a fitness DVD. My goal is 6 days/week, but only because it gives me no excuses to skip :)

Anyway, I absolutely loved my workout this morning because the DVD has the option to turn off the music so you only hear the instructor (he's a little weird) and not the background music... so I opened up our Girls In Shape blog and turned up the volume so I could work out to the cool songs on our playlist! So here's a shoutout to everyone who helped contribute their favorites to make our playlist rocking and eclectic! ** Be sure to comment with your most recent fav's so I can add them to our songs! **

My most recent adds have been Short Skirt, Long Jacket and Love You Madly by Cake; Tik Tok by Kesha; Wind It Up by Gwen Stefani; Starry Eyed Surprise by Oakenfold; She's a Rebel by Green Day; I Believe in a Thing Called Love by The Darkness.

Check them out!!!

DAY ONE.

Okay, girls, this is it. I'm finally committed to a schedule and program. My brother-in-law Jon ordered the P90X Extreme Home Fitness Kit, and I am pretty impressed. He's going full steam ahead with the exercise portion of the program, (which is too intense for me), and I'm going with the nutrition plan! It is simple enough and has plenty of food suggestions that seem to be a good fit for me, so here goes! The main thing I like about it is that it is well-balanced with the food groups. It has three phases, and I'm starting with Phase One, Level One, which means my Food Plan is 50% protein, 30% carbohydrates, and 20% fats for 1,800 calories daily. It's broken up into servings and focuses heavily on portion control. 1,600 calories are 5 servings protein, 2 servings dairy, 1 serving fruit, 2 servings vegetables, 1 serving fats, 1 serving carbs, and 3 servings snacks (which will be fruits/veggies to get my 5 a day), and 1 serving condiment. Then I figure the extra 200 calories are a buffer or can be a healthy snack if I'm hungry. Whew!


My exercise plan is custom to what I actually enjoy doing and what fits my schedule. Since I don't work Tues/Thurs/Sat, those are the mornings I will take my 3 mile run through the neighborhood, followed by strength training exercises. Mon/Wed/Fri I work in the morning, so it's getting too hot to run outdoors by the time I'm ready to workout. So those days I will do a workout video in my living room during Emily's nap. Total: 6 days of exercise, at least 1 hour long! Can you believe I'm actually excited?!





I have discovered that I enjoy working out at home since my only audience is Emily. Cheryl got me hooked on Pilates a few years back with the Pick Your Spot Pilates DVD above. I borrowed the 10 Minute Solution from the library, and liked it enough to order it from Amazon (it's en route!)















I heard good things about the Jillian Michaels (from The Biggest Loser) workout DVDs, so I also ordered 30 Day Shred, since it's based on the 3-2-1 method: 3 mins strength, 2 mins cardio, 1 min abs.
















No More Trouble Zones came in for me today at the library, so I'm trying this one out until my order arrives! I'll be sure to post reviews of my new workout videos :)















Yesterday I had a mini-breakdown of discouragement because I replaced the battery in my scale and discovered that I've gained 10 pounds since becoming consistent with my exercise. Crap! My eating habits have been self-defeating, and now I am more motivated than ever to see results. I feel like I'm moving to the next level by adding strength training to build muscle and increase my metabolism (which I suspect is low- I'm making an appointment to get it tested). I bought a couple of 2 pound weights that were on sale at Target, so I'm all ready to go!

Wish me luck! Actually, pray for me. I think that's the only thing that will make sure I stick with it and stay motivated! :) And thanks for all your inspiring experiences and advice! You guys rock!