P90X Series: Kenpo X

Another day...another video...

Today I did KENPO X followed by AB RIPPER X. I can say that this is the most fun workout out of all of the ones I have tried so far. KENPO X is a martial arts type workout. It's not like Tae Bo because it focuses on more form, but it is meant to be a cardio workout. In fact, the models in the video are all wearing heart rate monitors (I have decided that I am going to ask for one for Christmas!). Like all the videos in the P90X series, there is a little time bar at the bottom of the screen that tells you how much time you have left and completed. This video had a rep counter as well. I didn't notice it until toward the end of the video, so I don't think it was there the whole time..but it was there. I think Tony Horton is too funny. I swear he was in my house with me as I was doing this video. Toward the end I was getting a bit sloppy and as soon as I thought it he says, "Come On! I know you are getting slopping right now with your form because you are getting tired, but step it up!". Another time we were doing back kicks and I noticed I started kicking outwards versus back and he says, "Don't turn it into a side kick..think mule kick!". It was hilarious..

I enjoy martial arts and even took Tai kwando as an elective in college. My instructor would always comment on how well my form was. I chalk it up to having short limbs (4'11) and my passion for dance. Plus I have done my fair share of Tae Bo and similar videos so I knew I wouldn't have a problem with doing any of the moves. This is the first video I was able to keep up to pace with the entire time. I didn't feel like I was over exerting myself and I was sweating lots!

The only hard part of doing this video was doing it sore as hell from yesterdays LEGS AND BACK. Man, my butt, legs, and even arms are really sore and I did not realize until I started this video. It hurts but once I was loosened up, it wasn't a big deal and I was fine.

It is really neat feeling all this soreness because I am sore in muscles I have never actually felt before. Ab Ripper X was still hard, but I did a lot better. I have a feeling that next week I am going to do better because I will be more familiar with the videos. For the next 2 weeks I will be following the same exact schedule as far as what videos I will be doing. I will not be writing daily since you guys already know of my thoughts on the videos...but I will update you on my progress and anything else that comes across my mind.

P90X BRING IT!!!

P90X Series: Legs and Back

I can sum up this video in ONE word: BURN!!!!

This video is chock full of squats and pull ups. My legs were on fire the majority of the time! It felt good though because all of the moves are do-able...no ridiculously hard moves here. It is just a matter of being strong enough to do them for the reps he suggests. The burn really came through when we did wall squats...my line sisters know about these crazy exercises!

This video has the best calf workout I have ever had. I never felt like I engaged my calf muscles like I did today. Granted, my calves are probably the most tone part of my body, so it's not like I need it..but it is always great to strengthen that foundation.

You also are supposed to write down your progress after every set. P90X comes with workout sheets, but I have mine in an excel file. I just press pause and type it in my excel document and then press play again.

Today was the first video using the pull up bar. Of course, they recommend you get the P90X Pull Up bar, but I got my Iron Gym pull up bar from Target. It was $29.99 and fits it most door frames. There is no drilling or screwing it...you just latch it over the door frame and go! Holds up to 300 pounds. In any event, I had to do all my pull ups assisted because I am not strong enough to do one pull up on my own. Since I am so short I had to put a box on top of my chair to really get it to work. If I didn't add the extra height I would basically be standing up and down, up and down, versus actually pulling up with my arms. I made sure to barely keep my feet on the box so that my arms would do the work and not my legs. I will say that with the Iron Gym you may have to tweak some of the pull ups due to the grip padding (ie, may have to alternate the wide grip with something else).

I have to admit..I was surprised at my strength. I did a good amount of assisted pull ups and I didn't think I would be able to. Once again, Tony emphasizes doing as many as you can. He tells you to pick a number and try and reach it..even if it is only 5. Many of the models only did an average of 12. In the video, they also show you how you can use resistance bands instead of a pull up bar. My sister is using the resistance bands and says it works great.

This is definitely a workout to follow up with your 'recovery drink'. By the way, I slept like a baby last night and woke up feeling less sore than I expected..GLUTAMINE ROCKS!

Okay. Off to shower and then to bed. I'm tired!

P90X Series: Ab Ripper X

Today I went to the gym and just did my regular 45 minutes of cardio (remember my Shoulders and Arms video won't play for me right now). When I got back I did AB RIPPER X.

OH MY GOODNESS....This video is HARD.

Figures that the area I need to work on the most has the most difficult routine ever. Jeez. It is 15 minutes long and you do a variety of ab exercises....349 total to be exact. I can tell you now that the majority of them require you to have your feet off the floor. Out of the 11 different exercises, I was able to do like 2 at max reps (25). All of the exercises require 25 reps, but Tony really emphasizes that it is okay to take a break. I had to modify most of them to make it easier.

Yes yall, I almost died on my living room floor but I sure that over time it will be easier. Hell, it better!

Tony recommends following the routine with a 'recovery drink'. He is referring to the supplements that come along with the program that are able for purchase. I did not purchase any of the P90X Supplements but I did get some protein powder (Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Double Rich Chocolate) and some Glutamine powder for my tougher workouts to aid with muscle recovery. You can google protein shakes and see what kind of protein you are interested in. I definitely can recommend this brand because it tastes yummy and they have a variety of flavors. Also if you go to www.vitaminshoppe.com they have great deals on Optimum Nutrition brand. I spent less on the product that if I would have gone down to the store (including shipping) and it only took about 2 days to arrive at my house.

Tomorrow we are using the pull up bar...we will see how that goes!

"Class Reunion" TNX Fall 2009 Week Performance

P90X Series: Yoga X

Day three people..and today was supposed to be SHOULDERS AND ARMS PLUS AB RIPPER X. Unfortunately, this video is having problems playing for me so I just skipped to the next workout which is YOGA X. Until I get the video issue fixed, I will be supplementing SHOULDERS AND ARMS with my own gym routine. However, tomorrow I have to work late and I was aware that YOGA X us fairly lengthy and I would have much more time today to do it, so I skipped ahead. Just wanted to clear that up!

YOGA X! Let me start off by saying that I like yoga and similar pilates, but find yoga to be incredibly difficult. It takes an intense amount of balance, focus, and a strong core. I think when I work out I do a great job of maintaining control with whatever I do, so I figured I would do well but knew I would struggle a bit.

Well, this was probably the best yoga workout I have ever had...along with being the hardest. I really like how Tony breaks down each of the positions and clearly names them so you can really learn. By the end of the 90 days, I am sure I will be a yoga pro! I stretched and held my body in positions that I didn't even know were possible. I twisted my body in ways I didn't think my body could go! It was great.

This routine is the longest at an hour and a half. It is broken down into yoga exercises, balance/control exercises, stretching, and meditation. I had difficulty with the balance part but I am sure I will get better over time. Particularly THE CRANE move...hell nah. I will most likely never be able to do that move. This is what it looks like:

Ha ha! Isn't it beautiful?!

Toward the second half of the video I noticed a dramatic difference in my flexibilty. I was able to stretch further than normal and it felt great. I really loved the last 10 minutes of YOGA X. I am sure if someone walked in on me doing the Shavasan (Corpse pose) they would be like.."Hey! Aren't you supposed to be working out!"...because you basically just lay there. The end is the mediation piece and we even practice a few "Ohms". Tony says that the "ohms" vibrate the central nervous system and it felt REALLY cool.

YOGA X definitely is a challenge and takes control and patience. Tony does an excellent job of being very descriptive with the moves so you don't have to do much looking at the screen and can follow along. In fact, I found I held my moves much better when I stopped trying to look at the screen and just listened to his direction. Overall, I am impressed but I wonder if once I get better at the moves, if I will get bored. Hmmm.

P90X Series: Cardio X

Hola, so it is day two and according to the LEAN Program..it is time for CARDIO X. I just want to put it out there that before starting P90X I had lost about 60 pounds on my own (over a course of a year) with good ol' diet and exercise. Granted, that was post baby weight so I got a little bit of a head start once he was born..lol. Point is, I have felt pretty confident with my cardio routine and was skeptical about CARDIO X. I am thinking..this is going to be a piece of cake..nothing gets my heart rate up like my current routine!

Well...I was right...however, pleasantly suprised. While doing the routine I did not feel extremely pumped or feel my heart rate really up there like I normally do with cardio, but I just finished the routine, sat down to type this, and I can definitel FEEL my heart rate up here. It is a good feeling. I can feel it pumpin faster and out of my chest.

Also, I am mildy sore from CORE SYNERGISTICS yesterday but not to the point where I had trouble today with CARDIO X. This routine, again, concentrates on good form initially. It starts out with a few yoga poses that I REALLY LIKED. They were hard, but I felt strong doing them. Then he does a few heart rate raising moves. During the 45 minute routine I was thinking...man my heart rate isn't doing anything, but I darn sure was sweating a lot. I need to invest in a heart rate monitor but it is not in the budget right now.

Overal, I liked it. I think it is a great cardio workout that does what it is supposed to. Will you be pumped and jumping and moving and shaking...eh, not the entire time, but will you feel good..yes? I have heard of another program called INSANITY that many people supplement the cardio portion of P90X for. Apparently that is another hardcore program.

But anyway..I will keep you all posted!

P90X Series: Core Synergistics

Hey guys!
Some of you may know that I am starting the P90X program. This is a program designed to 'transform' your body in a matter of 90 days. Hmmmmmm...suuureee. Just like with any program, it is about how much you put into it and your diet. This program consists of 12 different DVD videos outlining 12 different workouts, from Yoga, Core, Stretch, and all of the muscles in your body (ie chest and back, shoulders arms, biceps, etc.). You can choose from Lean, Classic, or Doubles depending on the intensity you like and the type of muscle you would like to shoot for. If you would like more information fell free to check the program out! I looked up tons of youtube videos, read articles, talked to people I know who did it, etc.

A sorority sister of mine and I are doing the program together before we go to Vegas in November..so really it is P56X for us (or something like that)..lol.

I will be writing a review on each of the workouts as I come across them. I will go ahead and put my disclaimer here: I AM NOT A FITNESS PROFESSIONAL WHATSOEVER. Some people may read this and immediately think this program is garbage..soo be it. I get really bored with my workouts so I like to switch things up. This is just another avenue to fitness for me. Also, workout at your own risk!

Since I am doing the Lean program to build lean muscle, I started out with CORE SYNERGISTICS. It is exactly what it sounds like...a variety of exercises aimed at utilizing your core muscles. What I like about this program is Tony Horton's emphasis on form and doing things correctly. I am not a fitness expert, personal trainer, etc. and I cannot tell you what works and doesn't work. I can tell you that Tony Horton does a great job of helping you improve form to get the job done. I was impressed by the variety of exercies and how quickly the hour program went by. He breaks it down by one to two minutes, so you are constantly doing something.

He is also pretty encouraging. It is clear that not only does he emphasize form, but he emphasizes bulding up to maximum reps. I cannot do a push up (off the knees) and at first I got discouraged b/c one particular move we started out with requires you to do push ups. Before I could even lay down on the ground in defeat he said something like, "If you can't go all the way down and can only do a little dip, then do it! You will get better in time". Now I am not one for these mushy, cutsy wootsy encouraging fitness trainers. I prefer when someone yells and screams during a workout...but his "practical, matter of fact, just get it done the best you can" attitude really seems to work for me. Also, the models they use in the video are really working it out. They are all sweating, struggling at some parts, taking breaks, switching thinks up, and working hard. These people in the video are trained professional and if THEY are working their butts to do it, then of course it wouldn't be easy for me! Of course it takes hard work and persistance! So I didn't feel bad when I had to stop and shake it out.

The cons are...well, the music is really blah. But the amount of focus that goes into perfecting each move really takes me away from the music. I think after a couple of weeks I may turn my MP3 player on since I won't really need Tony to describe the moves to me anymore.

Today after I worked out, I definitely had built a sweat and my muscles felt tense. I didn't feel my heartrate as much as I would have liked, but CORE SYNERGISTICS is not meant to be a cardio program. It is only one piece of the puzzle. I am going to give myself time to get acclamated to the program, but I think I am going to supplement my 'easier' days with an extra 45 min of cardio at the gym. We will see how it goes. I think for the first video, I did a pretty good job. Sure I couldn't keep up the entire time and I had to modify a lot of the moves..but at least I did it..jeeeez!

I will keep you guys posted on the next workouts!

P90X BRING IT!!!!!

Tips and Tricks: Series

Normally as I am laying down to go to sleep a ZILLION things are running through my head. Point is, they are normally pretty random things. In order to remain sane I usually reach over, grab my cell, and type in my random thought for me to remember later. The other night I COULD NOT SLEEP at all...booo.... and had an idea for a blog series. I will be featuring random Tips and Tricks entries. These tips and hints will not have any relation to one another usually and will be quite...well...RANDOM...enjoy.

Feel free to add a comment leaving your own Tip or Trick we should know!

Home and Car

1. To remove candle wax from the floor grab a paper towel and a hot iron. Put the paper towel over candle wax and 'blot' the hot iron onto the paper towel. The candle wax will melt and adhere to the paper towel. You may have to wipe off the iron a time or two and it normally takes several 'blots' to get it all out. Don't ask how I learned this...
   
2. When you buy a new comforter and it is really limp and not fluffy...throw it in the dryer with a bunch of tennis balls. It will plump right up! (My brother told me this one!)
3. The Sleep Timer on the TV is a great invention. Saves energy!
   
4. Keep a quart sized ziplock bag (or larger) in your car in the door panel or front console. Now whenever you have a tag, paper, wrapper, napkin, trash..whatever...you can just throw it in the mini bag. I used to keep a walmart bag but it looked a hot mess and made my car look trashier. Now I just pack my trash as it comes in the little bag and throw it out at the end of the week. No mess!
5. Use a hanger to hang your long necklaces. DulceCandy87 (youtube) has a great video where she hangs all of her necklackes on thumbtacks on her wall. You can get a trusty hanger..find some space on the closet door or in your closet and hang em..keeps them tangle free!
6. THIS ONE IS GROSS: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE put down the toilet seat before your flush. Feces remnants can spew yards! Do not store makeup in the bathroom and keep a toothbrush cover on your toothbrush.

Health and Skincare

1. I used to get really bored at the gym and would end up dragging my feet when I was supposed to be getting my cardio on...UNTIL...my favorite personal trainer (my line sister) suggested I break down my 45 min cardio session into three 15 minute intervals. Get pumped for those 15 min and switch machines. I do the eliptical, treadmill, and stationary bike and workout twice as hard now!
2. BE GENTLE. This goes for skin, hair, and nails. Lightly rub in your moisturizer, toner, or whatever you use..your fingertips should barely graze your skin. There should be a light layer left on your face...it will absorb on its own. Of course don't go walking out the house with a whole glob of stuff on your face! Treat your hair like a fine grade of silk! You would be surprised how rough we can be with ourselves.
3. DON'T FORGET THE NECK! Ladies..when applying your moisturiser please do not forget the neck! Especially during the day when you should be using SPF. Once the neck gets messed up there is very little you can do to fix it!
4. Use a t-shirt to dry your hair instead of a towel...especially if you have curly hair. It is much gentler and will cause less frizz!
5. Sleep masks are a wonderful invention. When you sleep the mask covers your eyes and blocks out all light...which leads to a better nights sleep. I started wearing one after I had my son...and I sleep much better nowadays (except for the night I wrote all these out..lol
   

Makeup

1. Broke an eyeshadow? Dropped a blush and it cracked into a billion pieces? DON'T THROW IT OUT! Instead..make that formerly pressed eyeshadow a pigment. Make that blush into a faux 'mineralized' blush. Find an empty 5 gram or gram jar (check the travel sized section in walmart heath and beauty) and put the remains of your makeup in it...scraps..dust..bits and all...then take the back of makeup brush and crunch it into even finer pieces..viola..!
2. Use your products in various ways! Don't stop using something just because it may not suit you (ie, blush too light for your complexion, etc.). Try using and applying your products in a variety of ways before you give up on it. Transform it into something else (ie, that too light blush might be a great highlight or eyeshadow).
3. Everyday items can be put to use greatly in the makeup world! Contact solution is a great mixing medium for pigments, milk of magnesia is a great face primer, etc. I will list a bunch of these on future posts. In fact, I will probably do a video on it because I know of so many!
   
4. Pat your shadows onto your eyes...don't swipe (unless you are blending)! The colors pop better and stand out then if they are just 'brushed on'.

Mommy World

1. Kids HATE taking antibiotics (at least mine does)...even if they are flavored. A good trick is to put it in a syringe (no needle of course..just the tubing), place it in the side of their mouth, and squirt a bit in. As soon as it is in the mouth..BLOW IN THEIR FACE! Not too hard...but hard enough to make them jump a bit which will make them swallow. Repeat until the entire teaspoon or amount is done.
   

My favorite Tip:
DO YOUR RESEARCH! I always do my research on anything I am interested in. Before I buy a product or try something out..I google it, youtube it, ask about it, read reviews, read articles etc. The last thing I want to do is waste my time or money with something that is not going to work for me. Obviously, word of mouth and research doesn't always work..and sometimes I am left with bogus products or tips that did not help...or made things worse. Such is life...when it doubt..look it up and take a risk!

So fresh and so clean..

Hello people!

So for the past several months I have been trying out a variety of clinical protection deodorants.

CLINICAL PROTECTION DEODORANT IS NOT ONLY FOR SMELLY, SWEATY, STINKY PEOPLE!!!

Anybody can use this product. For example, with my job I am out the in the field..in and out of homes, my car, the hot Florida sun, in the office, sitting in a conference room for a staffing, etc. I want to be sure that I am smelling fresh in whichever scenario I am in. I got this as a sample at my doctor's office and decided to try it because we all LOVE free samples and definitely feel much fresher throughout my day. At first I felt weird about using a 'clinical protection' deodorant but got over that quickly when I realized that they actually work!

All of the products work virtually the same. Preferably you put it on at night time. When you sleep, your body temperature lowers which allows the deodorant to absorb into your skin and 'prep' your body and sweat glands for when you wake up and your body temperature rises as you go about your day. It will last ALL DAY, even if you shower in the morning. Also, for all products, the directions state that TWO CLICKS per pit (lol) is recommended.

For reference, I put this on at night time and if I remember, I use my regular plain ol Dove deodorant during the day. I can say that maybe 20% of the time..I remember to put on the plain Dove so I do not believe that it makes any difference. I bought all the products at Walmart and they all are relatively the same price: $7-$8.

I have tried several of them and here is what I found:


Women's Degree Clinical Protection Deodorant: 5 Stars
-Pros:

• I love this applicator on this one. The holes on the top always provide an even distribution. I like the packaging on this one the best.
• Fresh, clean smell that lasts all day
  
• Doesn't leave a gross layer of residue on your underarms
• Comes in Original (the one I tried) and Classic Romance
• $2 off from degreeclinical.com
  
• This one seemed to work the best
  

-Cons:

• Two clicks is way too much. It feels like you are slathering cream all over your arm pit. Simple fix, I just used 1.5 clicks.
• The plasticky film that covers the top of the applicator. It is just a pain to get off before your initial application but it really isnt that big of a deal.
  

Dove Clinical Protection Deodorant: 4.5 Stars
-Pros:

• It's Dove..nuff said.
• $2 off coupon from dove.com
  
• There are a wide range of scents. From fresh clean, to a floral scent, to a powdery scent, etc. You can definitely smell this product on your skin more so than the other ones.
  
• There are a variety of formulas that do different things for your underarms. For example, the one I got is formulated to make the underarm hair appear finer and smoother so when you do have stubble, it is much less noticeable and fine to the eye (I have not used it long enough to tell if this is true).
• Although ALL the products included directions and a generic explanation of why it works, this was the only one I remember clearly stating HOW the product worked (ie, lower body temp, etc.)
• Comes in Visibly Smooth Wild Rose (the one I tried), Energizing, Cool Essentials, and Original Clean
  
• Two clicks are enough (but this can also be a con, see below)
  
• Product is VERY long lasting (which can be a con, see below)

-Cons:

• Two clicks are enough but because of the holes on top, sometimes it does not come all the way to the surface so you are left with an uneven layer or more product on one pit then the other
  
• This stuff really stays on. Even after I shower (which I do daily, and at night, so a whole 24 hours after I put it on since I put it on at night) this mess still needs to be SCRUBBED off in order to ensure that the pits are nice and clean. If you don't scrub, a thin layer remains on your underarms and it feels very gritty and not smooth.
  
• The smells are great but sometimes it is a bit TOO strong. I remember laying in bed at night and thinking my air freshener has just kicked it because all of a sudden I just smelled my deodorant strongly.
  

Secret Clinical Protection Deodorant: 3 Stars
-Pros:

• The plasticky film is only a foil looking like film. Much easier to remove!
• Great scent.
• Doesn't leave white marks everywhere.
• I always see coupons for this product in our Sunday paper, so essentially it would be the cheapest in price.
  
• Only one to come in a Sensitive Skin formula. Also has Waterproof, Sport, and of course the Original (which is the one I tried).
  

-Cons:

• Same thing with the two clicks...it's way too much.
• I HATE the applicator of this one. The holes seem awkward and it always seems to get clogged up.
  
• Honestly, I don't notice this one being any better than any regular deodorant. I don't feel any more fresher than normal.
  

Overall, I love them all! Most likely I will alternate between the Degree and the Dove. The Degree seems to get the job done the best. It is simple, works well, applies well, and smells fresh. The Dove would be more so if I were going out at night and wanted an extra punch of fragrance or just wanted to smell nice. Dove works fabulously as well, but that thin layer that requires intense scrubbing can get a bit annoying. Point is...try it out people. It is definitely worth the money!

Skinmatching Makeup?!

Hola!
So yes, I have been completely ghost recently. Of course, I have been busy with life, but more so I have been STRAIGHT LAZY. Well..I am back on it and I decided to post about a precious gem I found at Walmart.

Soooo a few month back I did a haul video on youtube of a ton of makeup I got on super crazy clearance. In that haul was Revlon's Beyond Natural Skin Matching makeup in Deep. I tried it a few times, wasn't all that impressed, but overall liked it. I just though it was a tad too dark for me so I really never wore it. I wasn't upset though..I got it for like $3 at Albertsons or Target because it was in the clearance aisle. Fast foward to two days ago when I stopped by Walmart after the gym one day to look at MP3 players. I made my usual round to the makeup section, just to browse and I noticed an entire bin of this same skinmatching makeup...this time it was in color MEDIUM DEEP and had a bonus foundation primer attached to it...all for 6 BUCKS! I'm thinking..hmmmm makeup and a primer for $6...what a deal. Regular price of the foundation alone at walmart is around $10 or so.

Earlier in the week I had gone to Sephora and just scooped up a new mositurizer and primer that I love..so it's not like I needed this product, but I decided to give it a shot since the DEEP shade had been a tad dark. Boy am I GLAD I took a risk. I LOVE THIS FOUNDATION!

• First off, it comes out white when you put it on your finger. It is made up of tiny color beads that pop and create your 'perfect shade'. Lol, yeah right. The color beads pop and out comes the color (which will be the same color on anybody who tries it. It doesn't actually morph to fair, brown, tan, etc.)
• It is so light. I had been looking for a tinted moisturizer but have not found one to match my shade. This foundation is very light but gives you a flawless look...almost a medium coverage.
  
• The color is just a tiny tiny tiny bit lighter than I would normally wear, but when I set it with my MAC MSF Natural in Dark, it looks perfect.
  
• This stuff lasts ALL DAY...even when I am working in the field, sweating, etc.
  
• I have NOT broken out from this so far. My skin has been extremely sensitive the last few months but this stuff really looks great.
• The packaging is great. It came wrapped in plastic so people cannot 'test' and use your bottle before you buy it.
  
• The bonus primer seems nice as well. Although I haven't used it on my face, I did swatch the primer on the back of my hand..waited a minute or so..and applied the foundation and it looked like velvet. It was a perfectly smooth finish. I will try the primer on my face tomorrow.
  
• There are a good amount of color choices: Light, Light-Medium, Medium, Medium-Deep, and Deep
  
• And best of all..it has SPF properties. It only has an SPF 15, but it is better than most foundations that have none...and it doesn't feel greasy.
  

Overall, I am thoroughly impressed. I have been using my mineral makeup recently and was getting boreD with it. This light foundation is easy to apply (just rub it on with your fingers) and leaves my face looking fab! I definitely recommend this to anyone who doesn't want to take a lot of time to apply foundation. Also, CVS and Walgreens have BOGO on Revlon foundations all the time, so it will be easy to stock up!Go out and get it!