Insanity Max 30 Week 1!

Today is day 9 of my Insanity Max 30 journey.  I wanted to update on how my first week went and tell you a bit more about the program so far.

First off…what is it?  You can watch this quick video first…

http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/AllisonWhitman?bctid=3799930963001

So, maxing out…what is it?  It is that first moment where you NEED to stop.  The point is to push yourself to fail and not be able to keep up with the program (either the modified or full version) , record the first time you can’t, and keep going.  Then as you move along the 60 day program, you should see the times getting later as you get stronger and fitter.  I’m taking pictures for each of my max out times, so here we go on my week.  The program is 30 minutes (plus a 2 minute cool down) 5 days a week, plus Pulse on day 6 – 20 minutes of lighter cardio and stretching.  I opted for the Ab Maximizer schedule, which adds about 10 minutes of abs on some days starting in week 2.

Day 1 – Cardio Challenge – One thing I didn’t know was that the workouts would have short breaks.  These are not you maxing out (since you’re keeping up with the workout) and really saved me.  This one is the most like Insanity – 3 moves repeated 3 times and then a break.  It’s tough to keep it up, and I was fully impressed that I lasted more than halfway through the workout (spoiler alert – I lasted 3 seconds LESS on day 8!)

Before

After!

Day 2 – Tabata Power – If you haven’t heard of Tabata workouts yet, it’s basically 20 seconds on 10 second rests.  This sticks to that, over and over, and also has some water breaks.  It is tough!  This is basically a strength program, but no equipment.  Think push ups and dips! They are basically in segments and I haven’t mad it through the push ups without maxing out yet!

Day 3 – Sweat Intervals – More cardio!  This one is similar to Cardio Challenge.  And as you can see, it lives up to its name!

Sweaty 🙂

Day 4 was Tabata Power again.  I lasted 22 more seconds this time!  This is what’s on my schedule today as well.  We’ll see how I do with working out a little later in the day (these were all started about 4:30 am).

Day 5 – Friday Fight Round 1- As in fight to not max out!  It is said that this one is a mental and physical battle and I maxed out mentally…unsettled sleeping baby, mat moved around, hair in my eyes…I wasn’t focused.  I will do better this week!

In keeping with holiday accountability, I tried to avoid gingerbread house making becoming gingerbread house eating with a well-timed shake Friday afternoon.  No need to unleash the candy monster too early!  It worked well.

Saturday was the Pulse workout, which is a nice recovery workout.  Small movements and low impact cardio…easy on the brain and body.  I also did a little PiYo after because I wanted to finish out learning a section.  I then did hot yoga on Sunday, probably not my best idea for Monday though it felt amazing on Sunday!  I plan to do more resting on this Sunday.

Some things that surprised me in week 1…my legs.  So sore.  My goodness.  Coming off of workouts like Body Beast, you would think that a no-equipment workout couldn’t get me but you’d be wrong!  The jumping and squatting did a number on me.  I didn’t notice it until Friday Fight, but since then I’ve been enjoying the soreness.  Nothing too bad, but noticeable!  Also the length is perfect.  I wasn’t sure if 30 minutes would feel like forever with pushing to max out, but it’s a good length.  I don’t know if this one’s surprising, but I definitely feel like I’m burning extra calories well after the workout ends, which is awesome!

A little about the nutrition plan that comes with Insanity Max 30 – it’s basically the 21 Day Fix plan (now also available as just the nutrition part to pair with any workouts as Portion Fix) with the option of using containers.   The containers come with the deluxe pack.  It splits you into 2 calorie brackets – if you’re over 150 lbs or under 150 lbs.  I end up in the 21 Day Fix bracket that is one above where I am if I figure it out through the 21 Day Fix formula.  Which makes sense as these workouts are mote intense.  So on my sidebar where it says how I’m eating, I left the 21 Day Fix though I could say either program…they’re the same!  I love the 21 Day Fix, so that works for me.

What questions do you have about Insanity Max 30?  Let me know and I’ll answer what I can.  The bundle of Shakeology, the base program and support from me is on sale until the end of the month, so ask now and get in on a deal.  I love/live to save!

Some quick news!

Watch the video for some quick product news on 21 Day Fix, P90, Shaun T’s new Insanity Max 30 and 21 Day Fix Extreme (link will work starting 10/8/2014)!

Some updates

Here are some other things I have been up to that haven’t made it to the blog yet…

I participated in an Insanity flash mob.  It was fun, but we got broken up in 8 minutes 😦  And since I was doing Insanity, I got one picture!  My sister and I ended up jogging in NYC to keep up the fitness portion of the day, so that was fun.  I was wearing the wrong sneakers for it and haven’t been doing any running, so it was slow and short.  But a good time.

My baby turned 10 months old and hates light sabers.  That’s okay.  She’s still cool

She also ate banana pancakes.  We all had pancakes this morning – banana protein pancakes for adults, bananas dipped in pancake batter for the baby.  Enjoyed by all!

I learned how to back carry in the ergobaby…without assistance of a couch or husband!  I did use a mirror, so I may not be doing this alone out of the house just yet.  Practice is important when it comes to carriers!  I love my ergo.  I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a baby carrier.  The front carry is so easy and comfortable.  Hip carry is a little more complicated, but not bad.  Back carry is more logistical than difficult…you have to get the baby on your back, but then it’s nothing.  And I can feed her discretely while she’s in it.  If you need help with yours, let me know!

We went to Mariano Rivera’s last home game.  It was emotional.  He’ll be missed.

What have you been up to lately?  Any end of summer/start of fall fun?

Insanity…Q&A

I wanted to post some answers to a few questions I have heard about Insanity. These are my opinions, and I hope that they are helpful. If you have other questions, leave them in the comments!

Can anyone do it? Well, yes and no. First, we’re talking “anyone who can workout”…if your doctor says no or there are other limitations, then no. If you pay attention to form (a mirror or buddy are helpful) and are willing to go slower to maintain form, yes. You are encouraged to take breaks when necessary! There are times when no one in the video is doing the move. Be smart and listen to your body. As you do the workouts, you’ll get stronger and it will get easier.

That said, is it a good newbie workout? Not really! It’s hard. I wont lie. And that can be really discouraging to a beginner. I think that being at a point where exercise is a habit, or very much becoming one, is a good plan.

Do I need equipment? Nope! I got a jump mat because I have a bad leg and floors with no give. Other than that, I use a towel and water!

Do I need a lot of room? Nope! I can do the whole workout on the jump mat plus a few inches to either side (for moves like globe jumps that move. I would say that if you have a square where each side is just over your height, you’re good.

Does it work? If you do it, yes. If you buy the workout and put it on a shelf? No. It isn’t magical.

That’s what I have for now. Is your question not answered? Ask away!

Breastfeeding and Exercise

So here will be MY experience.  I’m not a doctor, a lactation consultant, or any other medical professional.  I’m just a regular woman with a baby and boobs (pardon me).

Everyone asks about losing weight, breastfeeding and exercise.  No one really wants to know if it can be done.  The true question is “will it hurt my supply”, and the answer is maybe.  This “everyone” doesn’t include those who lose tons of weight by breastfeeding (many do) but the others who can not shed weight until after they wean.

You need extra calories to breastfeed so you shouldn’t diet to lose weight.  It’s good for you and your baby to eat good food and not be starving.  I count calories, but give myself 500 extra a day to accommodate breastfeeding, and don’t really worry if I go over.  I also eat any calories burned from exercise.  And that’s what this post is about.

At this point, I am doing Insanity.  I have also done TurboFire and LesMills Pump, along with some running and yoga.  These can be intense, and I started slowly and built up to the Insanity program.  I don’t think I could have handled that first for many reasons.  I find that I’m okay as long as I drink water and eat extra.  And by water, I mean a LOT of water.  I have dips in supply, but nothing that would be noticeable if I wasn’t working and pumping.  My baby always gets enough!  I’m losing weight slowly but surely.  Baby is gaining weight.  Everybody wins!

So, what exercise did you do before pregnancy (or during!)?  You can probably do it now, starting slowly and working your way up.  The important things for me have been to listen to my body, drink a lot of water, eat when hungry, and eat healthy foods.  If you feel it is too much or that your supply is taking a hit, adjust.  I’m serious on the water!  Cookies help too!

What has your experience been?  I’d love to hear your stories!

Insanity Fit Test

I did the Insanity fit test yesterday to get ready for tomorrow’s start to the rest of the workouts. This post isn’t about my results, though I did better than I thought I would!

I wanted to talk about a misconception about the fit test. It is not a judge of if you are fit enough to handle the workouts. You can’t fail the fit test! It is a measuring tool to add to your arsenal. Taking the fit test is recommended every two weeks and at the end of the program. This way you can see your improvement.

So now you have the scale (ugh. Worst measurement tool!), taking measurements, fit of clothing, pictures and the fit test to show your results! Get to it!