Week Four!

I can't believe phase one is just about over. This is the last week of workout's three and four. Then I start Phase two! Man has time flown! Okay so I've had both a GREAT weekend and...kind of a crap one. So the good thing is even though I have not been blogging everyday like I promised to myself I would; I have been working out in addition to following Jillian's schedule every single day-except today. I think I burned about 10,000 calories just over the weekend and quite frankly I think I KILLED my back! So let's start with the awesomeness that was my Friday. So in addition to the 30 minutes of the Jillian, I also went to the gym and did about 45 minutes on the Elliptical. Well I burned about 900 calories just in that day. BUT, I only consumed about 1000 calories Friday. Which is not a real god idea. So Friday evening my good friend and I went to go see Clutch. It was by far one of the best shows I have been too. In addition to it being one of the best, I also had the opportunity to be right up front, something I've never got to do at any concert before (unless you count Loverboy at the casino, just not the same). Being up front at a show like that comes with a price. Just to give you an idea, Clutch fans are pretty much nothing but adrenaline-pumping, hot, sweaty tattooed-bearded men. Like, ratio was 12 dudes for every girl. Me and my girl-bud was definitely loving that. So being up in the front, my girlfriend and I were man-smothered and totally surrounded with testosterone. The squished-up circle of dudes that were around us were pretty nice and as "protecting" as they could be from the drunks, the mosh pits, and aggressive crowd surfers and people trying to push their way to the front. Hey, we knew what we were getting into by being so close to the stage. Not only was I almost smothered to death multiple times, but also kicked in the head. My girl was picked up and pretty much thrown into the mosh pit. At 5'4, 110 pounds soaking wet, that girl can for sure hold her own. It was so much fun and probably once of the best times I had with so much adrenaline pumping through me. By the time the concert was finished, I was nothing but a hot mess. I swear I burned easily another 900 calories. Being on my feet for 5 hours in boots wasn't the best idea for Friday, but I looked great! So after Friday night, my lower back had started to bug. I ignored it. Sunday was an off day for Jillian, so I decided to really devote some time for cardio. I also wanted to burn the three pieces of pizza I had at my niece's birthday party from Saturday. So I did three miles on the elliptical, and I did a 5K on the treadmill. The overkill from the weekend, not eating enough overall, and not stretching made me wake up this morning at 2 am which a tight, burning sensation in my lower back. I got crap sleep, and spent the day on the couch, with an ice pack on my lower back and my legs propped up. With my back hurting the last thing I wanted to do were planks up. Sorry Jillian, but I don't want to strain anything. Although I didn't follow Jillian's plan today, I did hit up the Elliptical at the gym for about 50 minutes. With that I burn a lot of calories, and was able to give my back and knees a rest. So I am just going to be a day behind is all. This is my last week of unemployment! I am very stokes and anxious to be working. And now some pics from Friday. The first is of me and my girl AFTER the show. Exhausted and drained. The Second is the lead singer of Clutch-Neil Fallon. Happy Monday!

Week Three. Day...Four. Workout Three

Man, it's hard to try and blog EVERYDAY. I get side tracked, or just a little lazy. But ya know what I have NOT been lazy with? My Jillian! I'm behind on my updates. So Tuesday was Workout four. It was like a slightly more intense version of Workout two. Workout two you did "Good Mornings" with no weights. Workout four, you did "Good Mornings" with heavy weights. I really enjoy how Jillian has fun with her peeps. It makes me giggle throughout the thirty minutes. Natalie even sticks her tongue out at Jillian and Mimi conducts the class for a hot minute. I also just found a website where you can check out cast members and their profiles. Check it out here: http://fredofirep90x.blogspot.com/search/label/cast%20profile. My favorite cast member? David. Why? Because he is so nice to look at! I had to google him. I suggest you do the same :) So Yesterday I was out and about all day. I didn't get to do Cardio one, but I did meet with a friend at the gym and busted out 55 minutes of cardio. I still did the work son! Today, Workout three and going to the gym for some more cardio. I am still focused on doing more than just the workouts. For me, I feel that I need more than just thirty minutes. Well I am off for the day!

Week THREE: Workout THREE!

Oh Monday. Ya know I really can't wait to get back to work. Two more weeks! So yesterday I ended my first two weeks of the TBR with a nice two-hour hike of South Mountain. Was also able to catch up with a new friend I made from my old job. I am nice and sore today from the hike. My calves, glutes, thighs, and hamstrings are nice and tight. It was seriously tough to get up and out of bed this morning. So before I started the second half of Phase one; I went to the gym and got 45 minutes of cardio in before I busted out workout three. Which kicked my ass, by the way. The Plank ups, Sumo Squats with shoulder presses. The inch-worms. Oh the inch-worms. One thing though is Jillian has you go right into push ups once you are warmed up. I STILL have a tough time with the girlie push ups! HAHA! I have no quotes from this workout. I am just way too wiped out today. I will report more tomorrow. Overall, Workout three is for sure a step up from workouts one and two.

Week 2 Workout 3: Cardio madness

Well I'm up early. Which is good, because I need to be. Even while unemployed I do not sleep in ever past 8. I think I did that once, but was up till 2 am the night before. What a waste of the day to be sleeping in! So once my new job starts I need to be up no later than 4:30 am. I have to drive clear across town for training and I MUST get this workout in before I get ready for work. Since I am going to run a 5K with a girlfriend in May, I need to spend my evenings jogging. So the goal is to get up no later than 4:30...wake up...have coffee...and start my workout no later than 5 am...Be in the shower by 5:35 and be out the door for 6:45 am to be at work for 8! Yea, it takes me over an hour to get ready for work. Hey, ya can't rush perfection! Man, typing that makes me want to crawl back in bed! Anyways. About an hour after I posted yesterday's blog I went ahead and did Cardio one. Three days in a row now to where I have completed two workouts in a day! So far, so good. :) After that, I added some pushups. One thing I have noticed that even in the past two weeks now my pushups are getting more, hmmm maybe fluid? Now right now all I can do are girlie pushups. BUT I can do more and more. Pushups are a part of Workout one. But I am doing them on other days as well. So today's goal: Cardio one and my 45 minute Avanced Tae-Bo workout. The basic is too easy for me. Well, I still work up a sweat; but I need to PUSH MYSELF TODAY. In addition to the workouts, pushups, chest, and abs. I need to keep my abs sore, and that ab-wheel really kicked my ass...on Sunday...and I can still slightly feel it. Wish me luck. In addition to all this I joined BodySpace.com. It's bodybuilding.com's social networking website. Surfing through all the progress pics of both men and women is pretty inspiring. And I think I just fell in love with male bodybuilding competitor. He's not "Incredible Hulk" big, ya know, the kind of body builder that's just totally on 'roids. He is just perfect in every way, shape and form...and I am literally wiping the drool off the keyboard...what was I talking about? Oh yea! WORKOUT TIME BITCHES!

The rest of my WEEK TWO...

Have you ever had those "I suck at life" weeks? Well that was this week for me. Boy have I had a hormonal week! And I feel bad for not blogging everyday, especially since I've been meaning too and had the time. Okay so what is today? Saturday? Well ya know Wednesday I had a crummy day and didn't workout. Thursday I got right back into the Jillian. I realized that that would have been the last time I would complete workout one. Next week I start workouts three and four! Progression, baby! Well I completed workout one with ease and also added 30 minutes of Cardio. In addition to that, I worked out my shoulders, biceps and abs. That was a good day. Friday I woke up feeling like lady-poo. So I napped. And watched A LOT of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. WHICH is the best show ever in the world. And once a year I watch all the seasons (that and Angel). Well since I could use a little girl-power inspiration, and have two more weeks before I start my new job, I figure this is the perfect time to feed my inner slayer. So Friday I did NOT work out. I think I could have though. I was feeling lazy, exhausted, and hormonal. The last thing I should have done was NOT workout. I guess it's not the end of the world though. I just cannot make it a habit to let my emotions take over my goals. Come rain or shine, I must workout. So today I went to the gym. Did about an hour and a half of solid, sweaty-kick-my-own-ass cardio. But I did miss workout two of the Jillian. Today I was suppose to do her Cardio one. But I really wanted to just run. And do the elliptical. And blast some Disturbed in my ears. And just shut out the world, ya know? Tomorrow I am going hiking. It's been while since and the weather is getting GORGEOUS! So tomorrow after my hike, that's the goal, get in Jillian's workout two. It's also been tough to snag the TV this weekend, as my step-mom's daughter-in-law and her little ones are here. So that's it. My week. I missed two days this week. But kicked ass the rest. I am only human. And tomorrow is a new day.

Week 2: Workout 2

I have to be honest and say today was tough. I have been pretty BLAH these past couple days. Didn't have the motivation earlier to do anything but sit on the couch, feel defeated and watch old Star Trek Next generation episodes on Netflix. But I got up. Turned off the Netflix and turned on the Jillian. I said to myself: "Alicia, you will not feel down. You will COMMIT". And I did. And overall I feel better. Something's been on my mind for the past, well, forever it seems like. I won't go into too much detail. I am here to talk to you about my fitness journey, not the matters of my heart. Just having a hard time getting over "something". When I dream about it every night, well it's tough to wake up in a good mood about me, myself and I. And then it's in the back of my mind, like all the time. So what do I do to overcome these sad moments? I try to write in the morning the things I am grateful for. I also write down affirmations. It may be silly, but it helps. I also pray. I am not a religious person, but do believe in God and that he has a plan for me. I give it to God when I am feeling defeated and broken (and when I am happy). Ya know what else? I also think of Barney Stinson from "How I met your Mother" and this: It's silly, but motivating! This pic makes me smile every time. Okay so anyways. I completed Workout two. I can't believe this is the second week. These 90 days are going to be up in no time. I am STILL sore from the ab-wheel from Sunday! The diet these past two days has been good overall. I am keeping it to around 1250 calories and under 100 carbs (before fiber). Still afraid to do the "Supermans" in this workout. I am doing planks instead. My lower back has been feeling a little funky lately so I don't want to overwork that area. My body is feeling like it's going through some changes. I have not yet completed my second workout for today. Wish me luck!

Week 2: Workout 1

Oh my do I feel like jello! Upper back is sore, triceps, hamstrings, my abs, shoulders. Yesterday I completed Jillian's Cardio one. In addition to that, I added 30 minutes of tae-bo and did a bunch of ab workouts and arms curls. I have one of those "ab-wheely" things you roll out on to work out your core. And boy do I feel it today! Yesterday I was a little grumpy. So it really helped transferring all that negative energy out on exercising and pushing myself. Choir rehearsals really helped my mood as well. I am part of a semi-professional Alternative Choral group. There is about 50 of us. We are not associated with any church; we sing Radio Head, Damian Rice, Evanescence, Annie Lenox, Sting. Singing "Blower's Daughter" by Damien Rice with an ensemble of 50...brings tears to my eyes. Last night was all about recording. Our director is getting our season lined up for shows and it looks like we are adding Palm Springs and LA to the mix! The last time I was in Choir was about 15 years ago. Although I love to rock out on stage; there is something about the beauty of the collaboration of voices. We have some AMAZING singers in our group. So good that I feel somewhat intimidated. But Choir gives me the chance to read music again as its been years. It helps with the "technicality" of singing...so to speak. Singing balances me out. It's my therapy. Anyways today I completed Workout one. In addition to that, I also completed thirty minutes of Tae-bo! Hey man, I got the time before I start my new job. I hate sitting on my ass all day. And since I made the commitment to do two workouts each day this week, well I am off to a great start! In spite of those DAMN bicycle crunches, workout one is becoming routine for me. I still work up a crazy sweat, but my endurance is totally there. I am excited for the end of this program and what my endurance is going to look like then! I've also decided to wait until next Monday to weigh myself. I don't want to get into the habit of checking the scale all the time. I'll provide an update regarding this next week. Happy Monday!

Day Five...six...and seven!

Blah! I been a bad blogger! I haven't posted in a few days. But wanted to let everyone know I completed week one of Jillian's TBR! Now since I was sick on Thursday, I made that my "Sunday". So Friday I did workout one, Saturday workout two and today I did Cardio one. Ya know at first I dread Cardio one. Those running/ski "thingies" in place will aggravate my right knee somewhat. I know I am going to need to get it checked out soon. Arthritis runs in my family. But I do know once I warm up and become consistent with my exercises the pain eventually becomes non-existent. Besides feeling like I pushed myself 100% and working up a gross sweat; I really don't have much else to report. The diet could be better. To help this I pre-made my meals last night for the next two days. I hid my debit card so I don't go out to eat. And I told my friends that if we meet up; it's not over food. I'm kind of going into hiding for the rest of March. I have the next three weeks free before I start my new job. This is a time of personal reflection; accessing my goals, read a bunch of books. Finally compile together all the lyrics I been writing since God knows when. One goal I plan to make this week is to add an additional workout to my day. So that way there I am working out in the morning and in the evening. Jillian has a one-week jumpstart plan within her guides. Normally one would do this before they start their 90 days. So that's my challenge: Two workouts everyday. I got the time, and I can feel my energy levels already increasing to where I can feel myself wanting to work out when I wake up. One thing I would like to do is list all the reasons why I want to get healthy and lose weight. 1.) My wardrobe. I got a ton of cute jean skirts and other things that I can no longer fit into. Living in Arizona, our Summer starts like next week. 2.) Competition: I made a bet with an old "friend". We bet on who can become the most fit in 90 days. I would like that person's mouth to drop upon meeting up in a few months. 3.) Feeling good, both mentally and physically. Working out and eating clean boosts endorphins; making one's brain send out happy chemicals. Consistent exercise is good for one's digestive health, good for the heart, lungs, you name it. I just don't want to be a lazy ass sloth on the couch. 4.) Follow through: When 2014 hits, I want to NOT make losing weight my resolution. I want to look back on the year and feel a sense of pride for following through on my goals and being proud for creating a new life filled with healthy life-style choices. 5.) I want to be a RockStar: I used to be lead vocalist for a great band. But I really held back on stage due to my physical insecurities. To really rock out and have that sexy stage presence, losing weight will just be icing to the cake. 6.) When I am healthier, my face looks better. My skin clears up, my face thins out. I have high cheek bones and big brown eyes. I've been blessed with symmetrical features, but I know when I am a thinner person; these features pop out. 7.) Attitude: My confidence goes up. My attitude and outlook is brighter. I wake up happier. The routine becomes second nature. Healthy people are overall a happier group. 8.) Endurance. You never know when the zombie Apocalypse is going to hit. And when it does, you gotta be ready to outrun those suckers. 9.) Events: I got my Birthday in June, and a family reunion in July. It would be pretty stellar to see some results by then. 10.) Me: I'm doing this for me. I want to live a long life. I want to look damn good at 50. I'm single, I have no children. At the end of the day, it's just me. Only I can push myself, only I can set the example.

Day Four: Sick Fail

So I been laid up on the couch pretty much all day. I'm on the second episode of BattleStar Galactica (yes, I like me my sci-fi). I've actually been sick with whatever's been going around. Problem is, I been sick off and on since the beginning of the year. So I been on antibiotics for about a week now. I hate taking meds and try to avoid them and go natural at all costs. But when my tonsils get affected it seems as though the only way to get better is with antibiotics. So anyways. I felt better earlier this week. Started feeling it again yesterday. And now today. Well lets just say tomorrow I need to do BOTH workouts. I am so ready to kick this bug permanently in the ASS!
Since I'm not working out today, I thought I would go over my diet. My biggest weakness is food. I love my carbs. Pizza. Pasta. Burritos. Thankfully I never do dairy and I don't crave sweets. But man, carbs will get me. Hence the weight gain and all the reasons why to cut them down and out! So this time around I consulted my friend and bought the Paleo Diet book. I haven't read it yet, but have the gist if how it works. Jillian's plan is very good, but I'm a simple cook. I don't have time (well,overall) to cook elaborate meals. Give me the basics. So I'm eating chicken, fish, eggs, fruits like bananas and tangerines, berries. Veggies like broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, peppers, spaghetti squash. Sweet potatoes. I'm avoiding margarine and cooking with olive oil. I use stevia in my coffee and drink lots if water. I'm still struggling with it and have slipped this week. But I'm trying to be mindful and boy it can be tough.
Tomorrow is a new day. I will feel better!

Day Three: Cardio One

CURSE YOU JILLIAN AND THE HORSE YOU RODE ON!!! Yea, today's cardio workout kicked my ass. I was dripping sweat by the time I was finished. I did work, SON! HAHA! Even Jillian drops to the ground after the last set of suicide's. "You know. I wondered if I should have made this Cardio One..." Yea, no kidding Jill. This cardio workout is actually only about 25 minutes long. But it does kick my ass. The jogging is place is fine...But those damn leg kickouts while doing arm circles for a minute straight...then to follow it up with a minute of speed bags...My shoulder's are burning! In addition to those, you got running in place, but it's more like skiing in place-on crack. It sounds like Jillian has a cold or something. Her throat slightly horsed; but it doesn't stop her drive and energy and her well, ya know, kicking your ass! She gets everyone involved, and you can tell everyone's having a good time with her and the workout. All in all I feel pretty good! Super important to cool down at the end. My hamstrings are tight from yesterday and my biceps feel like they been worked out. All in all, it was a good day!

Day Two: Workout Two

I waited way too long today to get this workout in. I don't really have an excuse other than the shitty sleep I got the night before. Today was pretty much cleaning house, and making several phone calls and inquiries regarding my former employment verification with Starbucks (Yep, I was a coffee slinger in my early twenties). No excuses for tomorrow. So anyways...besides when I squeeze my buttocks (which for some reason I do often, especially when I sing, which I also do often), I'm not really sore from yesterday's workout. I feel it a bit right above the knee, and a bit from the shoulders we did yesterday. But I added more shoulders after my workout. I think I can probably go up in my weights. I'm using 8 pounders right now for most everything. 5 pounders for my triceps and when we add lower body in with shoulders. I'm thinking maybe I need to push myself a bit more. Sink more into the squats, hold heavier weights. Or maybe I need to take advantage of these two weeks of phase one, where it is meant to wean you into the more intense workouts. Okay Workout Two consists of working out your back, biceps, glutes, hamstrings and your core. Now I have to be careful with my lower back. I have two compressed discs back there. Being that I have weight to lose and my core isn't as strong as it used to be; any workouts involving my lower back I gotta do something else instead. Last thing I need to be is laid up on the couch for two days. So I figure for right now, when Jillian has you doing "Supermans", I'll do a plank instead. After doing this, my core can feel it from yesterdays workout. In fact, I am super mindful of my core with every workout. It's all about strength and stability. Your core is essential to everything. In fact, I am engaging my core as we speak. Work core, WORK! I really like the donkey kicks and the hamstring workouts. I know I'm going to feel those tomorrow! The bicep workouts I am also going to feel. I really like the sore-factor the next day. It's like pain and weakness leaving the body, ya know? It feels like I did something right. Jillian is very playful in this workout. She continues to pick on Omar and Mimi, and now Kento, the hot guy in the front with his shirt off! "Look at that! Look at that body!" Yes, Jillian, I do see his body...as I wipe the drool off my face... So I tried to post a 30-second clip taken from about 20 minutes into the workout. For some reason I can't seem to figure out how to embed the video in. Basically, Jillian says the following: "Stop and remind yourself why am I doing this? When you have a WHY to live for; you can tolerate any "how". Because over the NEXT 90 days I am going to BEAT YOUR ASS, EVERYDAY. REPEATEDLY. And if you don't have a REASON why, I guarantee you you will find the HOW, unbearable". Well said Jillian. No matter what you do in life, if there is no value or purpose behind what it is you desire, how to get there will seem impossible and will probably not happen. I know my reasons why. What is yours?

Day One: Workout One

Ya know it was somewhat amusing having an audience this morning while I worked out. I got my black cat Dexter on the entertainment center. He's giving me stink eye while I do my squats. My other cat, a yellow tabby named William Shatner (best cat ever), looking pleased from the doggie bed he is lazily lounging in. And Tequila, the Cockatoo, bouncing up and down while I do my cardio interval. Geez. Just completed Workout One. And I feel pretty good! Now I have attempted this before. Last year I got all the way through the first five weeks with an old friend of mine and then, well, life happened. I can remember in those first five weeks losing some weight, inches and an increase in my strength and endurance. Overall, I'm quite familiar with what the next month is going to bring me. These first two weeks is all about getting your body used to the workouts and working on your stability. A lot of core strengthening and working out little muscles in with the big ones (like doing lunges and bicep curls at the same time). Workout One is all about shoulders, triceps, chest, thighs and some abs. I really like the Leg Abductions (See pic below). I'm pretty capable of keeping my leg up the whole time; without ever stumbling or touching the floor. Jillian also has you add a side crunch, really honing in on those key muscles... I love how she picks on Omar; the cutie boy in the front. One thing I love about Jillian are her little antidotes. Her one- liners can be both blunt and in-you-face. She can also be motivating and encouraging. Two of my favorite quotes from her in this workout: "you might feel a little ridiculous doing this, and I quite honestly don't care", and, "you just don't realize how strong you are. You think you can't do it. You think you're gonna die. But I promise you. If you JUST PUSH WITH US FOR FIVE MORE SECONDS...you will realize, that you had it in you the entire time" Annnd bicycle crunches. I love them and hate them at the same time. If you dislike something, I say all the more reasons to be doing them! See, I figure if you don't like to do something, like running, then you need to be doing it. We are too lazy a society and too quick to cater to only what we want to do, and not what we should be doing. Its about discipline really. Anyways, not only do I feel crazy knots in my lower stomach, but also in my thighs when I do these crunches. So, I gotta push myself and really focus when I have to do them. Later today I am also adding some cardio. I am going to bust out the Tae-bo. I got the time and energy right now to really hone in on making exercise a lifestyle and I really want to get back into making working out a natural part of my life. I've taken my before photos. You can see them below. I have my weight and measurements written down. At this moment I won't be sharing this information. I will however, provide updates on inches and pounds lost throughout these 90 days. At the very end I do plan to share my before stats Make sense? Well that's me! In the flesh. The first one I took last Friday, right before an interview. The second one about a month ago, right before going out with girlfriends.

Sunday Pre-Game

Howdy peeps! Eve here and I am going to try this whole Blog-action once again. Now I am not the savviest of writers. I may have my moments and you may laugh at my posts, find inspiration, or just go..."meh". But I am going to make the commitment to take the time EVERYDAY for the next 90 days and blog about my success on the Jillian Michael's 90-day Total Body Revolution. So I decided that enough was enough-I gotta commit this time. I keep starting and then stopping. I have been struggling with my weight throughout the years. Well this past year and a half I gained about 50 pounds. Boooo on me and Booo on how I got lost there for a bit. See, my end-all goal is to be so toned and trimmed that an Insanity workout would be like second nature to me. I kinda want to look like, well, as close to a fitness model as I possibly can. With curve. I got a booty and quite frankly I like some of my meat. :) But I got a long ways to go. So in order to one day post my transformation story on bodybuilder.com, I figure, Jillian's 90 day program would be a GREAT way to start my new lifestyle. Jillian to me is one bad-ass bitch. She is no bull, blunt and to the point. But even with her drill-sargent tactics, she has a sense of playfulness and sincerity in her approach. To me, she cares. Losing weight and getting in shape is NOT and easy thing. Coaches are not meant to be passive and docile. They are meant to KICK YOUR ASS. Jillian fulfills that for me. She's beautiful, quirky, has a great body, and exudes the confidence and attitude that I strive for. She's someone I could kick it with. Okay so the Program is this: 90 days. Monday through Saturday. There are three phases and each phase lasts for four weeks...getting progressively harder. So this week my schedule is as follows: Monday: Workout 1 Tuesday Workout 2 Wednesday: Cardio 1 Thursday: Workout 1 Friday: Workout 2 Saturday: Cardio Each workout lasts for 30 minutes. See I figure this would be a great way to start a circuit training program. P90X is a bitch, and I think this is phase one of my journey. With this blog I will comment on the workouts, Jillian and her hot group of workout buddies. I will also post what I am eating that day, how I feel, and meh-life stuff :) Thanks for tuning in. Throughout my blog I'll fill you in a little bit more on me and my life. Tomorrow I'll post my before picture, jot down my measurements. YIKES! Don't judge. LOL