Final Fit Test! El Fin!

I know you've all (my millions of readers) been dying to know if and when we finished our challenge. We finally did it: we finished the Insanity challenge! Right after Sunday's post, husband came home and I chose chillin' in comfies over the fit test. Then yesterday after we DID complete the fit test together I was unable to blog it fresh for you as I experienced our habitual computer problems (overheating, dying, shutting down.) So here I am, back today to give you the run down.

For the final fit test someone had the bright idea of going one at a time while the other acted as the official rep counter. This approach definitely proved motivating - someone watching and counting, cheering you on to beat last test's numbers, raising the pressure. After 6 days a week of Shaun T's Insanity workouts, for 9 weeks.....

THE RESULTS ARE IN:
1. Better endurance, strength, balance and overall fitness level.
2. Higher repetitions in all fit test categories each week. Great improvement from the first to last test.
3. Some weight loss.
4. More muscle definition.
Note: Weight loss and muscle definition were not as dramatic as thought results would be, but better than when we began.
Healthy diet and slip-ups also played a role in amount of weight loss and muscle definition as well. We haven't seen Insane results but we also were not totally insane about our diets nor did we use any supplements.

We both pushed our absolute hardest in yesterday's fit test. We both collapsed to the floor when the time was up. We're both sore today. And we both don't know what we're going to do next. I'll tell you what though, I think the odds are pretty good that we'll do it all over again later this year. In the meantime, probably some combination of different exercises each week to keep it fresh and challenge/work the muscles differently to avoid plateauing.

Parting Words: 
I would highly recommend this workout but you have to have or make the time to commit yourself not only to the dvds each day but to a healthy lifestyle. If you aren't taking as good of care of your body one week vs another or over the weekends, you'll definitely see and feel the affects.

"DiG DeeP!"

Wrapping Up the Week...

Sooo the remainder of the week played out as follows....

Thursday, check. It was Core Balance or something or other and a lighter day. Husband wanted to do it on fast forward though and not do all of it because the basketball games were starting. Well I said boo to that, argued my case for our last week, and won. I mean honestly what do you miss in the first 10 minutes of a basketball game anyways??

Friday, check - I got up suuuuper early to fit it in before work. It was awful getting less sleep of course but did feel pretty amazing as I went in to work and even more amazing when I came home and was all ready to go straight to the bar for the March Madness games (husband got home earlier and did the workout.) Yes, if you're living under a rock, the NCAA March Madness is upon us full force. I have lost my husband in some way every day since it began. There was no date night Friday like we usually do so I adopted the 'if you can't beat 'em join 'em' attitude and happily went to the bar, bracket in hand. I tried to go healthy on the dinner but had a salad for lunch in anticipation of beer and bar food that night. I tell you what, I really didn't want to cheat and think the amount and selections that were consumed were as good a compromise I could have achieved without being crazy.

Saturday, last work out, check! I had an early morning hair appt., which was fabulous, and was raring to go when I got home, but my husband and his friend were still in bed. Ok, whoa, let me re-phrase and clarify! My husband was up in our bed and one of his good (male) friends was asleep on our couch in the basement where he had stayed after drinking and watching bball out in the 'burbs the night before.

So, anyways, I had to wait for the use of my 'gym' as husband was bailing on me for his man plans. Once the basement was all mine, my spandex wearing ass cranked out the last workout and was pretty pleased with myself. Oh yeah, I started wearing spandex shorts this past week haha. Felt very fit and athletic. However, the end of the workout was sort of anti-climatic. I mean, during the workout I couldn't wait for it to be done and I tried to use it as extra motivation knowing it was the last time I HAD to do them. But then once I was done it was sort of like, ok now what?? Maybe it would've been different if husband had done it with me? I don't know. He was heading out to watch basketball at a diaper party as I was finishing up.

Today is Sunday, my last official day-the final fit test. I had it all planned out, of course. I was going to get up, fit test and be showered and ready for my lunch date at 1, followed by pedicures. Well, that did not happen friends. I had a good bit of wine last night and a dinner that consisted of a variety of snacks like Girl Scout cookies, Sun Chips, and Sweedish Fish to name a few. Yep, it was a girly wine and movie night and it was awesome but clearly my stomach didn't think so this morning. No biggie, I thought, I have all day. Well, upon returning home from my lunch and pedicure date I was extremely relaxed with adorable feet and wasn't feeling it. I thought maybe I'll wait and do it when husband catches up and finishes Insanity tomorrow or Tuesday. I should have taken advantage of the fact that basketball isn't holding the tv I need captive but...instead I tried to look up Big Love episodes to catch up, without success.

Maybe I can't let it go, don't want to finish because then what? What do I do next? I really liked having a routine that told me what to do and when and the challenge of completing the program, being accountable, checking each day off. I don't plan to stick to 6 days a week at that level of intensity but I need to come up with something! Hmmmm.....I don't want to go back to the gym. I don't want to run on a treadmill or do an elliptical machine! I need to think on this....Stay tuned.

Green In the Face Maybe

No green beer but maybe green faces? Felt sick during today's workout, knew I should have protested the lunch venue with co-workers but husband was too though so guess I can't blame the food. Really thought one of us was going to throw up in the middle of the workout today. Maybe a physical reaction to the mental awareness that we were working out instead of out celebrating St. Patrick's Day on a patio somewhere in the beautiful Spring weather?? I don't know. We'll go with the lunch choices.

That was the last time for that DVD which was definitely helpful in the motivation department. You know it's a hard one when Shaun T's crew is laying immobile on the ground at the end, ha.

Three more workout days. Then final fit test on Sunday!

Winey Ice Cream

So, it was one of those weeks where work is crazy busy and by the time I make it home I am spent, drained, pooped; all I want to do is drink wine and eat ice cream. Alas, I did not do either. Stuck with the program, did the workouts and I tell you what, by the time I'm showered and able to relax I don't even WANT ice cream or wine anymore. Thank goodness for endorphins making people happy. I mean, don't get me wrong I'm still pooped and maybe, most likely, more drained and have no desire to think or do anything BUT I also don't want to screw up the whole being healthy routine.

Thursday did bring with it a much needed/long over due girly wine night (post recovery workout.) Don't let anyone tell you you can't drink your dinner. As long as there's cheese and crackers in plenty, you're good.

I even woke up early Friday to squeeze in as much of the workout as I could before a long day of work, happy hour, going away party and last but not least - out of town visitors.

These were not just any out of town visitors but my brother and sister-in-law and our adorable little nephew. Saturday afternoon we were joined by my mother-in-law too! Needless to say we ended up skipping the workout and having a cheat day yesterday, which was thoroughly enjoyable. However today I was relieved when we traded days and did the workout to make up for yesterday. My brother-in-law even joined us! He wanted to see what this Insanity deal was all about and lucky him it was a rough one haha. My sister-in-law and nephew sat lovingly on the floor and supervised, on hand in case there were any casualties. Luckily, everyone made it out sweaty and alive. May be time for some more cookies though...It is the weekend still and we do have visitors...Yikes, one more week to go of Insanity and then I think I need a new program or modified Insanity to keep me rolling. Definitely a big fan of discipline during the week and free day weekends!

(ok, I just reread this post and reflected on the week and I guess it's been a bad week as far as slipping on the healthy food routine, whatev) 

Sick Week 7

Where to start? Well, this week was more challenging given that we both came down with your typical nasty winter cold. Tuesday was rough, hardest one ever given the fact it was hard to breathe and physically exercise. Let me tell you something: if you aren't sure if you're sick or not, attempting the Insanity workout is a sure fire way to find out. Miserable, just miserable. Stopped a lot, fought tears, but made it through. Wednesday I was going to do the workout in the am since I had a dinner date with a ladyfriend after work but had to make an executive decision and take the day off. When I woke up feeling worse I knew it was the right call. Hubby stuck to the routine though and did it by himself. Thursday was the Max Recovery day so I eased back into it and last night kicked our butts once again.

"Bloomin Onion!"
"Steak, ah, garlic mashed, ahhh, wine!"

That's how I got through last night's workout. Yes, I was calling out my dinner order to get me through and you know what? It helped. When we were burning and trying not to stop, husband said, "if you want wine with dinner you have to do it until they stop". Oh man, I  mean I know if I want to have wine I'll damn well have wine but it's comments like these that really do help push through and work harder when otherwise you might not think you can. You CAN, it's just hard.

Today was my turn to work out alone as I'm feeling better. Still have a cold of course but he was hurting and made his own executive decision to sit out.

Annnnd that wraps up week 7 folks. Fit test Monday followed by a workout - insane idea if you ask me. Only two more weeks to go!

PS3 Outage!

Apparently there was a huge PS3 outage today and owners were warned not to turn their consoles on until problem was fixed, for 24 hrs., etc. Who knows! Regardless, we couldn't use it and of course this is what we use as our dvd player in the basement, aka to do our Insanity. Ah!

Have no fear, we did the warm-up as best we could (3 sets) by memory and then did as many other moves by memory for about the time of one of the Max workouts. Put the tv on some music channels and threw in a little freestyle as well, haha. We busted it as good as we could on our own and have to say I think we did it justice, especially for a Monday! Week 7 is underway...

Insanity Is Fitting: End Week 6

First off, wow this seriously is insanity. I mean working out 6 days a week and sticking to it is hard enough but when you're doing this level of exercise, Insanity is quite fitting. Against all odds, we completed the first week of the second half, the MAX workouts, beginning of the end. I got late from work last night due another snowy day, roads messy, drivers acting like idiots. Our bodies were feeling rough going into the workout and all we wanted was to go to Outback Steakhouse and kick off our weekend. The last thing we felt like doing was the workout which would delay the start to our Friday night. BUT, we did it and I think it was the hardest one yet. After it was over bodies were laying on the ground - on the dvd and in our basement.

Here are were a  few highlights:

"Where is Tonya!? She must be wedding planning" - Yes, strangely enough she was NOT in the workout last night and I was shocked and saddened.

"Yeah, Punch the baby!"  - Me trying motivate us while doing a modified punch at the ground and trying to invoke the 'KISS the baby' phrase. Misused it and clearly said the wrong thing sounding like an abusive woman.

"F**K frog jumps" -Husband clearly excited for that exercise. We each have a few we loath. Apparently this is on his short list.

We were beyond exhausting, starving, and felt like someone beat the crap out of us but braved the snowy roads for our steaks. Turned around halfway there and tried the new Olive Garden by us instead. Then stumbled home and didn't move for a long time. I know, we're are so crazy and exciting it makes you jealous.

Woke up this am and did not, did not want to do the workout but husband was ready to go so had to do with him as I knew there was no way I'd do it later alone. The warm-up was really hard to get into but got better and over the hump, finishing strong.

Cannot wait to indulge in some much deserved vino later!

Woot, Woot, Making it Fun!

Tonight, while doing the Max Recovery, I started asking my husband where he wanted to go out to dinner tomorrow, what he wanted to do afterwards, just talking it up while trying to stretch and hold various muscle burning positions. We were doing the exercise side by side, something we started last week during the recovery week and something which has proven to make the workouts more entertaining, less intense and more motivational all at the same time.

Whether making goofy faces at one another, exaggerating our motions in a theatrical way, or messing with one other, it makes us lighten up, laugh and pass the time more quickly. Ok, editorial comment from the hubby looking over my shoulder: he claims it's just me that does these things; he is working very hard and is very serious. Excuse me, so sorry. However I do seem to recall someone poking at me or staring me down, causing me to lose my balance on a number of occasions. Or making huge goofy eyes (or something funnier I can't describe well) that caused me to giggle so much I couldn't breathe and do the exercise all at the same time.

Doing the workouts along side one another vs him behind the couch and me in front also provides more motivation as you see the other person sticking with it when you want to (or do) stop instead of pushing through until the allotted rest/break times.

This shared activity also gives me someone to make commentary to about the Insanity crew. After watching some of the same people on the dvds 6 days a week for over a month now, I've taken to noticing, and commenting, on all sorts of things. From their outfits to their facial expressions to their performances. Or posing questions like, "how lazy would you feel if you were one of these camera men? I mean just standing there while these people are sweating and busting their asses." Earlier in the week, I said, "I'm going to pretend I'm Tonya and see if I can do these high knees better." I made a face and moved my body differently. You know what? I feel like it worked. Then today, I exclaimed, "Tonya's engaged!" noticing for the first time what looked to be a diamond ring on her left ring finger. I was so excited. I feel like I know her, sort of, ok not really but I watch her working out a lot. She's like Shaun T's main chick. She does the fit tests with us too and I either feel better or worse comparing my numbers to her's.

Lastly, I've begun to notice and take great pleasure in Shaun T calling out members of the Insanity crew. What I mean is he will call someone by name and say that they need to get lower or move this way or do it different or push harder. You'd know it if you heard it. He calls them out and I like to then comment, "oooh he called you out so-and-so!" no matter how strenuous of an exercise we're in the middle of.

Also, ok the 'lastly' was a fake-out, I like to imitate people who look silly ie) creeper jogging guy. I'm doing it right now but you can't see. I think it's hysterical. Husband calls me a creeper. I've brought cheap comedy into our workouts and, as always, I amuse myself quite a bit.

As you can see, it's just so much more motivational and fun to do the Insanity challenge together while still working our butts off. I highly recommend. =)

Max Intensity

Was intimidating to see what awaited us in the Max Insanity workout today but I'm happy to report we made it through and did pretty well for the first go on it. The time went by faster than I thought it would too. Learning the new moves, I typically think they're easier than they are or are supposed to be because I'm still trying to do them properly and thus not getting as much out of them as I'm sure I will next week. Also I have to say that it does help motivate and push me through when I see members of the crew on the dvd struggling here and there, haha. My husband would probably say I'm being a hater but it's just nice to see that it isn't just us. Idol's live tonight, LOST is on and we are not moving from the couch!

Fit Test 3 / Start Week 6

Wow. I don't how or why they expect you to do a new, longer, more intense workout after the fit test. We didn't go conservative on the fit test with the Insanity workout in mind but rather pushed to beat our numbers from the last fit test.

Overall we saw improvements or at least matched numbers but we both have an exercise or two that poses more challenging for us than the others. The fit test in and of itself took it out of us. It's hard to come back harder, longer, after a weekend let alone after "recovery" week.

The new moves and time and intensity required for this next week is already intimidating and kicking our butt. Hopefully we make it through the week! Need some serious refueling by means of good old fashioned healthy eating, no supplements or recovery formulas here. Sorry Shaun T!

Recovery Week

We made it through the first half of the Insanity Challenge better than I thought we would, ok better than I thought I would. Shhh. The Recovery Week workout is still bringing a sweat but definitely nothing compared to the usual routines, which, I think are about to get the intensity pumped up on next week....

I thought we'd both been watching our calories, "refueling" properly, and working hard....but I think I gained a few pounds or am the same as when I began. What the heck is that about?! Guessing I'm gaining some muscle - probably upper body - where I was lacking before? I don't know but it was not a good start to my day when I stepped on the scale. Granted I don't NEED to lose any weight but I do have a goal in mind. I know I'm probably stronger and we're both getting in better shape but you know us ladies....we always want more. Never satisfied. I'm not noticing any major changes but we'll see in the end. Perhaps gradual....

Renewed sense of dedication. Time for a healthy dinner but there will not be smoothies in this house as I was deeply hurt and offended when my husband would not drink the smoothie that I made last night. He has been the only smoothie maker since we made our thrilling blender purchase from BBB. The story involves berry stains on sweatshirts and a bent blade on the blender, both of which I maintain were not my fault!

Weak End to Week 4

Catching up on some posts as our computer was "infected!" and beyond use for the past week off and on - fun, I know.

So with the end of the Insanity week 4, I finally had my ankle and foot looked at by a friend who happens to be a podiatrist. I know, you would think if you have your own personal podiatrist in your midst they would be the first person you call upon injury. My mistake. Anyways, turns out it's most likely a tendon or ligament that I've hurt pretty badly but standard protocol of ice, rest and exercises to do. I couldn't really promise I'd take it easy as we're in the middle of this challenge but trying do everything else right when not working out (ie. ice, wraps, rest.)

Saturday was to be the last work out of week 4 but instead it was the first day we didn't do the scheduled workout! It was upsetting but would've been hard to squeeze it in...I know excuses, excuses but we had an out of town wedding and I, intelligent as always, scheduled a last minute hair color for that morning. Always trying to do too much, I made the decision not to get up at the butt crack on a Saturday in order to complete the workout. My husband, in solidarity (or laziness) also skipped the workout.

Then we went on to eat, drink, and dance it up. Needless to say my body, and ankle, were not loving me come Sunday.

I Did It!

I know you were all on the edge of your seats just waiting to know if I did in fact get up at the crack to do the Insanity workout less than 12 hours after Tuesday's.....Well, I did. I got up around 5:15am, got to it and got to work in record time - left ridiculously early due to yesterday's record breaking long commute, thank you winter weather.

It was tempting to slack off a bit without my oh so disciplined hubby there with me but I think I did a pretty good job all things considered (ankle, early time, blah, blah excuses.)

Tomorrow is cardio recovery and then we are allllmost done w/ week 4, amazing.

Week 4...?

Yes! We are underway with week 4 ladies and gentlemen. This week foresees a few challenges but we've been doing the routine long enough now that skipping a day is not an option. However, of course, the challenges are more for me: 1.) ankle pain flaring up mid-exercise (been hurting the whole 4 weeks but soft brace has been preventing pain during actual exercise until this point) and 2.) drinks and concert w/ the girls Wednesday night - this means I will work out tomorrow after work and then get up extra early for work to do the routine Wednesday morning with not much "rest" time for my body in between that and Tuesday night's regime.

Wish me luck!

Oh and let me tell you how happy we were that the SuperBowl was on an "off" day (Sunday of course) as we definitely ate horribly and loved every second of it! haHA

End Week 3

Ohmygosh, today was really hard. First of all I didn't want to do it but wanted to get it done and over with for the day. My quads were hurting early on into the warm up and I just wasn't feeling up to the challenge today. BUT we did it and made it through. My husband better than I - or so it sounded since he was behind me. I on the other hand felt like I stopped a lot more than I usually do and it was such a painful challenge to keep going. I think I must have pulled a muscle the other day so that would hurt during some moves and then my ankle really wasn't taking too kindly to the basketball drills, going in and out and up and down and blah and blah.

I also didn't know that I could sweat that much. Don't get me wrong, I always sweat a healthy amount during a workout but Insanity has inspired new levels of sweat to drip out of both my husband and I - it's not just me.

We've still been watching our calories and doing pretty well with that - even checked the calories online before treating ourselves to some Chipotle last night. I didn't think we would be able to have it but was surprised by how the calories added up  (or rather didn't) in our usual orders. Now of course this didn't take into account the generous worker who was excited to see us in the midst of a snow storm this weekend. Whatever, we felt justified and damnit that food tasted good.

Week 3 done and done! Time to shower and look forward to the wine I've been saving for tonight (part of the watching the calories is alcohol too, stinks huh!)

Week 3 Underway

Once again sweating through the warm-up. Had some troubles but overall good, tired, nothing new to report really. Icing the ankle which is still a little hurt but holding up well. Have told some people about our workout challenge....might start spreading the word. Still a long road ahead though.

LOST is new today!

Fitness Test #2

Forgot to blog after our second fit test yesterday BUT it went well, felt a little easier and we improved on almost all of exercises. I felt like we needed to keep working out as it was nothing compared to the Insanity workouts we're getting used to on a regular basis. Note: My husband said I must not have pushed hard enough in my fit tests,  ha.

Fit test #2 felt good. Excited to see the improvements in another few weeks.

End of Week 2

Phew, for some reason I had a harder time than usual I think today. It's Saturday so we slept in late but had a good breakfast and then even tried to wait, digest, go to the store, walk around, etc. before doing Insanity. My muscles were hurting during the first round of the warm-up so I knew I was going to have a tough time. We were dripping sweat by the stretching but we kept on in our usual fashion and made it through to the end. Today was the first cardio abs portion for us too. It was good but hard to do some of the exercises so will work my abs better next time when I'm doing them properly. Oh and my husband just sat down and wanted me to make sure everyone knows that I made us 'bad eggs' for breakfast today - they were expired by 5 days, oops! So maybe that's why we were having a hard time and fighting our bodies so much....? My bad.

Anyways, week two went well. We stuck to our schedule when I got home late from the movies Wednesday night and we did the cardio recovery by ourselves Thursday so could do separate dinner with friends.

Finally bought a blender today (you think we would've gotten one as a wedding gift but we didn't.) Time to experiment and make some delicious smoothies!!

Note to self: do NOT wear those pants ever again while doing Insanity workout. Seriously almost lost them several times. Clearly old and need to be thrown out. Other than lots of wardrobe malfunctions the Pure Cardio went well and ridiculously sweaty just as last time. I mean, dripping by end of the warm-up, I think. Hard to remember hours later. Must blog immediately after workout.

Start Week 2

Week 2 off to a good start! However, mismatched socks that slide off do not help anything. We're both seeing some improvement in specific exercises so it should only get better. Later this week we'll be doing the workout by ourselves at different times so going to have to keep focus, stay disciplined and be strong.

Week 1 Done!

Yesterday we completed our first week of Insanity!!

We were able to stick with our after work routine all week, which made it easier (my night with some girlfriends fell through.) I do better with routine. We come home from work, do our work out and then one of us starts dinner while the other showers. We trade places and before you know it we cozy on the couch, relaxing in front of the tv in the man cave.

My mom came to visit this weekend and still, we stuck to our schedule. I felt bad, acting sketchy about having to do something at home after work but it worked out well. She had quality time with my sister and we were able to stick with our routine. We then got up and completed our 6th day yesterday morning. Luckily we had warned my mom we'd be working out in the basement that morning so when she heard lots of heavy breathing and sound effects she was only a slightly disturbed - afterward we did explain the program to her and she thought it sounded intense but like a great idea.

The two workouts in a shorter time window between Friday and Saturday morning did make it a little rougher. Then having to go through a day with my mom and the talking and the attempt at shopping/errands....it was so exhausting. It was as if my body was screaming at me, "what the hell do you think you're doing?! We relax on the couch after our nightly workouts!" My muscles were confused. But we survived and had an enjoyable day finally collapsing on the couch for some down time.

Today is a day of rest and then we will kick off our second week tomorrow. I'd love to keep our routine the way it is but I'm not sure if I'll be able to avoid friends without explaining what we're doing. I'm not sure they'd understand or think it a worthy excuse not to make plans. I know we won't be able to do so for the whole 60 days but right now the idea of having to deviate from the routine we've gotten into makes me nervous that I'd miss a workout and fail the challenge. We'll see.

Now what to eat on our day off.....mmmmm!

Workout Day 1

Well today was the first official workout, although we were both sore from yesterday's warm up and fitness test which WAS a workout in and of itself, ha. Was good sign we need whipped into shape regardless of staring weights or anything ideas that we're in good shape.

Today was, well, it was tough but I think we did well. I'm fresh out of the shower and my cheeks are still burning red and muscles a little shaky haha. The warm-up felt surprisingly good to our sore muscles but worked us a good amount before the actual "workout" began. We're doing this in our finished basement with the Insanity dvds playing on the big flat screen mounted on the wall. I'm in front of the leather sectional and cannot see what or how my husband is doing. He's behind the couch and thus can see any time I stop - which I tried not to do but did more than I hoped. I know he took some breaks too but I couldn't see and tried to keep moving even if I wasn't doing the moves on the screen. (Note: Hubby has already admitted he likes working out w/ me because he can stare at my butt, ha.)

I definitely like that Shaun T encourages good breathing, form, lots of water, taking breaks if you truly need them - as any safe workout should. He also does a great job of going around to the different participants in his crew, pushing them and making comments about how they're doing. It makes me feel like I'm in a class and can apply some of what he's saying to myself. For me this is helpful in the motivation department. It's also motivating knowing my husband is pushing it to the limit behind me. He's stronger willed and more disciplined so it's my goal to be stronger minded as he always says. As they say, Dig Deep!

I felt some of the drills or exercises more in my arms than areas we were supposed to be targeting thanks to my weaker upper body . Also, my wrists were killing during some of those which was distracting from what we were actually trying to do. But, these are things that will definitely improve.

Feeling tired, sore and good! Tomorrow will be a challenge just in the timing of when we'll get the workout in. I have plans with girlfriends after work so hopefully will be able to get home in time to do the Insanity together instead of having to do it myself late at night. We shall see. It's TV time now.

Fitness Test

We made it through the fitness test and are doing well. However, not gonna lie we were already feeling it during the warm-up. I'd say we're both not in the shape we were in even a few months ago but still did well and made it through. It's definitely more motivating to have a partner doing it with you. Had a healthy dinner now relaxing with Monday night tv and ice on the ankle. Ready for the Insanity tomorrow!

Intro. Thoughts From the Mrs.

We're just your average mid-western, twenty-something newlywed couple. Neither of us are over weight. Actually we're both at pretty good 'starting' weights and shapes. We both like to work out and try to stay active. However, we would both like to drop a few pounds, tone up and get in better shape. My husband has done the P90X workout and played college football. Although I've had my own routines I've never done anything as hardcore or regimented as he has.

When he first told me about the Insanity workout I thought yeah right. I mean 6 days a week for 2 months of anything is more dedication and frequency than I've ever had in my workout routine. But, my husband ordered the dvds, showed me the promo online, read through the booklets and I guess we're going to do this. We've calculated the calories: caloric needs (that was a wake up call), calories to maintain while doing Insanity, and calories to lose while doing Insanity. We went through and tried to purge our kitchen of foods we won't be eating once we begin the challenge, ie. frozen pizza and homemade nachos. While re-stocking the fridge and pantry we were proud to discover a lot of the suggested foods were items we were already in the habit of buying.

It's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day so I'm home from work and it's easy to know what I'm eating. I should probably brainstorm what I'm going to pack for lunch to take to work this week and what dinners we can make as I'm sure we'll be tired after our workouts each night and dinner is not going to be something I want to worry about. We're beginning our new calorie conscience eating habits today - as the program says, "this is not the time to diet" as your body will need the proper amount of calories and FUEL to sustain the intense level of exercise we're about to embark on.

I'm not going to lie, I'm nervous. I'm afraid! haha Of course I sprained my ankle last week and am feeling ill-prepared for this workout. I feel like I should have trained or made sure I was back into my regular groove more before agreeing to do this....But I bought an ankle support and I know I'm going to have to suck it up and push myself to the limits like never before. This is not something I would attempt by myself. I would not have had this idea but my husband did and I'm not going to deny him and sit by doing my usual workouts 2-3 times a week while he dedicates himself to the Insanity.

So, this evening we will do the first fitness test and be underway! We're not going to post all of our fitness test results and calories and exact weights, etc. No thanks. There's plenty of people out there with all of that posted. Ok maybe we'll do some before and after pics. He said he wants to take them for ourselves so maybe we'll post. Ah, not sure if I want to post, no matter what it looks like ha. This is going to be a journal of a newlywed couple taking on the Insanity workout challenge. Time to get some fuel!