Tag: workouts

Working Out Week 6 of 2014

February 8, 2014 kimberlee 1 Comment

This week was my completion of week 5 of P90X3. The schedule was different from the previous weeks. I would say the intensity has increased with the addition of some of the new dvd’s. The schedule for the past week and the next two weeks are as follows:

Monday – Triometrics
Tuesday – The Warrior
Wednesday – X3 Yoga
Thursday – MMX
Friday – Incinerator
Saturday – CVX
Sunday – Rest or Dynamix

The workouts that were new: Triometrics, MMX and Incinerator. Below are my photos from those workouts:

I really liked Triometrics. It was challenging for sure. Each move progressed into a more intense version of the move. I was definitely feeling this in my legs all over when I was done and the next morning.

MMX is a martial arts – kickboxing type of workout. I really like kickboxing workouts and enjoyed this one a lot. The time flew by because you were so busy punching, kicking and sprawling. A great cardio and total body workout.

Incinerator was not what I thought it was going to be. Based on the name I thought it would be some high intensity cardio workout but it was more of an upper body and core workout. The workout uses dumbbells or resistance bands, a pull up bar, if you have one, or a resistance band attached over a door and you also do lots of variations of push ups. The reps are not that high so I am thinking I need to up my weight next week. This past week I used 8 and 12 pound dumbbells. Next week I am going to try 10 and 15 and see how I do. I may have to use 8 for some of the tricep exercises. This is a great strength training workout and I felt it in the back of my arms and shoulders the next day. Especially since the morning after doing Incinerator I had to do CVX – the cardio workout that uses a dumbbell.

I am also big on motivational quotes and this was mine for the week:

I will update again next week on the workout program. I really like all the positive changes I am seeing from doing P90X3 – not just physically but even mentally. I think a good exercise program and being healthy really does give you a positive mental outlook. It probably does not happen over night but after a month or two you begin to see all the benefits.

Have a great weekend!

Kimberlee

Categories: Exercise Health

Tags: exercise, fitness, health, P90X3, P90X3 workout week 5, workouts

Working Out Week 5 of 2014

February 1, 2014 kimberlee 7 Comments

Five weeks into 2014 and this is my fourth week of completing P90X3. The past week was called a Transition week and the schedule was a little different than the previous three weeks – some new dvd’s replaced a couple of the other ones. The schedule the past week was:

Monday – Isometrix
Tuesday – Dynamix
Wednesday – Accelerator
Thursday – Pilates X
Friday – Agility X
Saturday – X3 Yoga

The workouts were a nice change and I really like Dynamix and the Pilates workouts a lot. Below are my photos from those two sessions:

The Pilates workout was a great challenge for the core. I really felt this one in my abs while doing the actual workout and that evening and the day after I could feel a change in my hips and legs. One of my favorite moves in this workout is the pretzel – shown in the above middle photo. I am familiar with the move as they do this in one of my Exhale Core Fusion dvd’s. This is an awesome move to tone up the legs, glutes and hips. It looks easy but looks can be deceiving with this one.

Results so far with the program are:

Overall feeling really good and healthy (I considered myself healthy when I started but feel even better)
Increased energy and positive mood
Seeing a lot more definition of lean muscle in my arms, shoulders and back; loss of inches in hip and thigh area

The exact amount of inches I have lost so far are 1/2 inch in my waist, 1/2 inch in my upper hip area, 1 inch in my lower hip area, 1/2 in. in each of my upper thighs. My lower thigh and calf have actually increased about 1/4 inch but I think it is the muscles definition because it doesn’t look any bigger to me. My upper arms have stayed about 1/4 inch within my day 1 measurements, too but there again I am noticing a lot more defined lean muscle so I am okay with that.

Above are some motivational words I posted for myself this week. I thought it appropriate since we were in a “transition” week and doing some new things, like the PIlates workout. That workout will take anyone who has never done Pilates way out of their comfort zone and work muscles you didn’t know you had. I also think these words can apply to anything in life really. If things aren’t working it is time to try something else or do something about it.

My challenge group on facebook is a great support group for all of us that are doing the P90X3 program. I think there are about 30+ of us in the group and we are all keeping each other accountable and motivated on a daily basis. I think being in a dedicated group makes all the difference in the world of completing a 90 day program like this and I am so glad to be a part of it.

Next week we are on to our new group of exercises called Block 2 – Days 29 to 56 of the program. I am looking forward to some of the new dvd’s we will be using – especially MMX – the kickboxing workout. I have not done it yet but I watched a little of it to see what it was about. Another new one is called Incinerator – I have not looked at that one but the name alone kind of scares me.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

-Kimberlee

Categories: Exercise Health

Tags: exercise, fitness, P90X3, working out, workout routine, workouts

Working Out Week 2 of 2014

January 11, 2014 kimberlee 2 Comments

This week was the start of my new workout challenge with my facebook challenge group for P90X3. This a 90 day challenge using the P90X3 program from Beachbody.

I chose to do the Lean schedule for the program. There are 4 different programs to choose from using the various 16 dvd’s that come in the set. The programs are: Classic, Lean, Mass, or Doubles. Most of the people in my group are doing the Classic or the Lean schedule.

For the Lean schedule the workouts you will use for the first three weeks are:

Day 1 – Accelerator
Day 2 – The Warrior
Day 3 – X3 Yoga
Day 4 – CVX
Day 5 – Isometrix
Day 6 – Agility X
Day 7 – Rest or Dynamix

All of the workouts are 30 minutes long. A very reasonable time that is easy to fit into your schedule. The workouts are not easy, by any means. I am glad they are challenging – that is why I like to do a variety and try new workouts – to give me more challenges.

I think that out of this weeks workouts I have two favorites – CVX and Isometrix. CVX is a cardio workout done with a dumbbell – I used 5 pounds. Isometrix is a yoga type of workout done in bare feet where you hold each pose for 45 seconds. That may sound easy but trust me it is very challenging. Especially one of the poses on one leg with your eyes closed. Try that for 45 seconds – you are sure to wobble. There is also a one hand downdog called “bound downward dog” I believe and it is hard – my hand sweats and that causes me to slip on the mat.

Below are some of the other photos from the workouts. I didn’t take any from the CVX day as it was faster paced and I wanted to learn the moves.

Accelerator is a fun cardio workout that had me sweating a lot. The donkey kick thing at the end was pretty hard.

Warrior was the workout for day 2 and another good heart pumping cardio workout.

Day 6 was Agility X and probably my least favorite. This is a pure cardio workout that has you sweating a lot. You have to have tape on the floor to mark where you jump, step, etc. My cat really liked the tape on the floor. He was either scratching at it or sitting in between the two pieces of it as seen in the one photo where I am doing the cooldown at the end. This workout will be a challenge for me to learn the moves and get better at it.

I am thinking I am going to take the rest day tomorrow instead of doing the optional Dynamix. I have already done the Dynamix workout about a week or two ago and I know I like it but Sunday is usually a rest day for me.

This information is my own opinion. I am not affiliated with this program I am just sharing my weekly workout and my experience with it.

Have a great weekend!

Kimberlee

Categories: Exercise Health

Tags: fitness, fitness routine, weekly workout, workout schedule, workouts, yoga

Workout Wednesday

November 20, 2013 kimberlee 4 Comments

This week I have been using two of my exercise books to workout with instead of my usual dvd’s. Sometimes I get tired of doing the dvd’s and need a change. I think that is one thing that helps to keep me motivated to exercise every day is to have variety. I think if I had to do the same thing all the time I would get very bored and decide to quit. So far I have kept a regular workout schedule for the last 5 or more years and I think alternating my workouts and change is the key to keeping me interested and seeing results.

Both of these books use an exercise ball and they also use some dumbbells with some of the exercises, a medicine ball or a handled exercise band. I bought the one book on the left recently this past summer at Half Price Books and the one on the right I have had for several years – I got it from Barnes and Noble on sale. A lot of the time you can find some decent fitness books in the sale section at Barnes and Noble.

Both of these books have color photos and detailed descriptions of the exercises. I also like the fact that at the end of both of the books there are workout routines. For example on Monday I did the Sports routine from the CORE book. It was compiled group of 16 different exercises from the book. On Tuesday I did the 101 Ways to Burn Fat on the Ball book – the Five Minute Arms and Five Minute Shoulders routine – 2 rounds of each of these so it was about 20 minutes long with a few minutes of stretching at the end. On Wednesday, today, I did the 101 Ways book again using the Five Minute Butt, Five Minute Legs and the Pilates routines. I did 2 rounds of each of these as well so it took about 30 minutes. The photos below are from the routine today.

Tomorrow I plan to do the CORE book again – using the Warrior routine which is compiled of 19 different exercises. Friday I will do the CORE Power workout that is 18 different exercises. Saturday I will use the 101 Ways to Burn Fat on the Ball and do the stretching routine.

I really like using the exercise ball, especially with weights. It is a great way to tone your whole body and really work your core.

I hope everyone is having a great week so far. I can’t believe tomorrow will be Thursday already and next week Thanksgiving!

Categories: Books Exercise

Tags: exercise ball, exercise books, exercise routines, fitness, fitness books, workouts

Rocktober Workout Weeks 3 & 4

October 28, 2013 kimberlee

Today is my final workout of the Rocktober challenge. Week 4 started for me last Tuesday and I finished my 3rd workout of week 4 today. The exercises for this past week of the challenge were tough. Especially the push up jacks and the side plank with the hip dip and leg pull in.

I am also including my week 3 in this post as I was unable to blog about it last week. I had my parents visiting and my kids were also out of school for a few extra days for a little fall break. Life seems to get in the way of blogging sometimes for me. Week 3 was also challenging and I really enjoyed some of the exercises from that week.

Below are the photos from weeks 3 and 4. I did not have time to do collages for week 4 so I have just included some single photos of some of the exercises from that week.

I really enjoyed being a part of this challenge group on the Betty Rocker group page through facebook. Lots of great and interesting people who participated in this challenge from all over the world. The workouts were something different from my normal dvd’s and books I use. I also really have noticed more definition in my arms, abs and back after completing this 4 week challenge. I was also working out with my Cathe Friedrich dvd’s on the days I was not using the Rocktober workouts and doing yoga on the weekend. I try and workout 6 to 7 days per week for 25 to 45 minutes per workout – depending on my time available and the workout I have planned. I believe the key to success with any workout program is your commitment and then planning a time and place to do the workout and following through. The end results are worth the time you invest – not just to be physically more fit but to have better overall health, more energy, and confidence.

Now that Rocktober is over I will be continuing the use of my Cathe dvd’s and doing a little more yoga. I will keep you updated on my future workouts. I am also planning to review a new yoga book I have been using for a few weeks now. Please subscribe via bloglovin, email, or RSS feed by clicking on any of those icons in the sidebar to stay updated.

Categories: Exercise Health

Tags: exercise, fitness, Rocktober, Rocktober Challenge, the Betty Rocker, workouts

Rocktober Week 2 Complete

October 14, 2013 kimberlee

Week 2 of the Rocktober Challenge is complete for me. The challenge is from Tuesday to the following Monday. I got my 3 workouts in on last Tuesday, Thursday and then on Saturday. Week 2 was a little more difficult than week 1. A lot of the moves were similar but had some add on’s to make them more challenging. Like the lunges had a pulse to them and the push ups were done with an extended arm. The tricep dips were also done on one leg. Each exercise is performed for a minute then you rest for a few seconds and move on. There are a total of 7 exercises that you repeat for 3 to 5 rounds. Let me tell you – I am pretty much done after 3 rounds. I notice some people in the facebook challenge group are doing 4 or 5 rounds but 3 is good for me!

Below are a few photos from this past weeks workouts:

Rocktober Challenge wk 2 day 1 Kimberlees Korner

Rocktober Challenge wk 2 day 2 Kimberlees Korner

I didn’t have time to do photos for the 3rd day. Saturday was a busy day around here.

Also, I am still trying to eat as clean as possible and I am now trying to drink a totally green drink-smoothie every day – usually around lunch time or early afternoon. I am using the recipe from The Beauty Detox Foods book by Kimberly Snyder that I recently checked out from the library. I will not lie and tell you I love the green drink-smoothie but it is a real energy boost for my day and makes me feel really healthy after drinking it. It is not horrible just an acquired taste sort of thing. I am thinking the more you drink them the more you grow to like them -eventually.

Well tomorrow we get a new round of the exercises for week 3 – I am excited to see what is in store but also a little nervous! I will update you next week on the workouts.

Have a great day!

Categories: Exercise Health

Tags: fitness, Fitness Progam, make fat cry, Rocktober Challenge, the Betty Rocker, workouts

Workout – Final Week of Focus T25

October 5, 2013 kimberlee 1 Comment

This is the final week of my 10 week challenge group for Focus T25. I am proud to say I have completed this 10 week journey. To be honest with you this is the longest I have ever stuck with one workout program. Yes, I workout daily but usually I start a fitness program and use it for 4 to 6 weeks then get bored with it and move on to another program or type of exercise.

I think being in the facebook challenge group was very positive and motivating and helped me stay focused to do the complete 10 week program. It was a fun and encouraging to read others’ posts and post your own workouts each day. I also have gotten to know some amazing and truly committed fitness people who are such a positive inspiration. I would encourage anyone who is starting a new fitness program to give a facebook group a try, if one is available, and be a participator in the posts and discussions. It can only help you succeed.

The following are some of my final T25 photo collages for week 5 of Beta and week 10 of the overall program:

My overall final review on this 10 week program is that it was truly amazing! The workouts are a challenge and they will give you results -especially if you follow a clean eating plan! This program has greatly improved my physical stamina as well as given me a very strong and tight core. I also have much more tone in my legs. I have lost inches – mainly in my waist and hips. I have lost over 2 inches now in the hip area in 10 weeks! Other benefits I have noticed include: sleeping better (more soundly – I didn’t really have any sleep issues to start with other than an occasional night of not sleeping well), increased daily energy, more positive outlook on life, improved skin tone – I think all that sweating is some form of a facial! Also Shaun T, the creator of the program and the instructor, is so positive and motivating – you can not help but want to wake up and workout. He has been a great positive source of energy and influence on my mental attitude the last two months.

If you are looking for a program to change your body as well as your life I would recommend Focus T25. It is a workout that you can do in less than 30 minutes per day 5 to 6 days per week and get great results. Note: I am not affiliated with Focus T25 or BeachBody. I am just a 40 something mother of 3 who has been working out on my own to various books or dvd programs for the past 10 years and decided to share my experience.

I hope you enjoyed my reviews on the weekly progress of T25. Currently I am doing another challenge called Rocktober from the Betty Rocker. It is for the whole month of October so I will be posting updates on that each week. I will also be starting my new Cathe Friedrich workouts that I received last week – I had preordered them back in March. There are 8 dvd’s and I can’t wait to use them in the coming weeks!

Have a great weekend!

Categories: Exercise Health

Tags: exercise, fitness, Fitness Progam, Focus T25, T25, workouts

Week 1 of Rocktober Challenge

October 3, 2013 kimberlee

I have completed 3 days of the Betty Rocker, Rocktober challenge this week. Let me tell you it is tough. The exercises don’t look too hard but they are a challenge when you have to do them for 1 minute each. There are 7 different exercises that she emails you at the beginning of the week and you are to do them at least 3 times in one week – 3 rounds of each set of exercises, for one minute each. A video showing the exercises was also sent with the email. Below are some of the photos of me doing some of the exercises in the challenge.

In addition to doing the Rocktober the last 3 days I have also been keeping up with my last week of my Focus T25 challenge group. It has been tough doing both workouts in one day and my inner thighs are killing me the past two days but I didn’t want to quit my other challenge when this is the last week. I will be posting my weekly T25 post at the end of the week and give you my overall feedback on the workout program. I will post again next week on Rocktober after doing the new grouping of exercises I receive from Betty Rocker the beginning of the week.

I hope everyone is having a good week!

Categories: Exercise

Tags: exercise, fitness, Rocktober, the Betty Rocker, workouts

New Fitness Challenge Starts Tomorrow

September 30, 2013 kimberlee

Hey everyone! I just wanted to share with you the latest fitness challenge I have decided to do after my friend Joanna told me about it. It is called Rocktober! It is the Betty Rocker Fitness Challenge for the whole month of October. Here is the link if you are interested and want to sign up. Sign up needs to be done by today though. http://thebettyrocker.com/sign-up-now-for-the-free-30-day-rocktober-fitness-challenge/ This is a free challenge and if you join you will be invited to the facebook challenge group as well. I really like being in the facebook challenge groups because it gives you support from others from all over the world who are doing the same workouts as you.

I just signed up on Saturday so if you do it now you will be all set. I will be finishing my last week of Focus T25 with my challenge group this week along with starting the Betty Rocker challenge tomorrow. Lots of working out to do this week! I will plan to post at the end of the week my Focus T25 and also more about this current challenge.

I hope everyone is having a great evening!

Categories: Exercise Misc.

Tags: Betty Rocker Challenge, exercise, fitness, Rocktober Challenge, the Betty Rocker, workouts

Workout – Week 3 Focus T25 Beta Round

September 21, 2013 kimberlee 8 Comments

The third week of Beta round is complete! I am really starting to notice things changing after this week. My core and lower abs seem much tighter than they were just a week ago. My stamina during the workouts has also greatly improved since I started the program 11 weeks ago.

I do not own a scale so I do not know how much weight I have lost since starting T25. I do know my clothes are fitting differently – loose in the waist and hip area. I have lost approximately 5 3/4 inches over all. The most significant loss has been in the hip area for a total of 2 1/2 inches. That is followed by the waist where I have lost 1 1/2 inches. I have lost the least amount of inches in the arms and thighs but I didn’t feel like those two areas were that critical to me. I am very pleased so far with my results.

The schedule for the past week was:

-Core Cardio -Upper Focus -Speed 2.0 -Rip’t Circuit -Dynamic Core & Speed 2.0 on Friday

Below are some of the photos from this past week. The one photo is of the shirt I bought at ShaunTervention last weekend and the other shirt photo is of one I embroidered titled NO EXCUSES.

Shirt I bought from ShaunTervention event in Dallas to workout it - it says This Ain't No Coffee Break Kimberlees Korner — Shirt I bought from ShaunTervention event in Dallas to workout in – it says This Ain’t No Coffee Break
Kimberlees Korner

New workout t-shirt I embroidered NO EXCUSES
Kimberlees Korner

New workout t-shirt I embroidered NO EXCUSES Kimberlees Korner — Shirt I bought from ShaunTervention event in Dallas to workout in – it says This Ain’t No Coffee Break
Kimberlees Korner

New workout t-shirt I embroidered NO EXCUSES
Kimberlees Korner

Beta round T25 week 3 Rip't Circuit Kimberlees Korner — Beta round T25 week 3 Rip’t Circuit Kimberlees Korner

Beta Week 3 double workout Friday - Core Speed + Dynamic Core — Beta Week 3 double workout Friday – Core Speed + Dynamic Core

On Friday, the double workout day, the schedule was for Speed 2.0 + Dynamic Core. The workout set came with a bonus dvd called Core Speed. It tells you that you can replace Speed 2.0 with Core Speed so that is what I did this past Friday since I had just done Speed 2.0 on Wednesday. I had already done Core Speed a few times during the Alpha round as an extra Saturday workout but had not done it in over 3 weeks. I really like Core Speed – I think better than Speed 2.0. Both are very fast paced but I like the moves better in Core Speed.

I also bought a new yoga book this past week and have stated doing some of the routines from the book in the evening or on the weekend days. I love T25 for the cardio and sculpting but my body is telling me I need more flexibility and stretching – I also think I have been missing my yoga! I will plan to review the yoga book and my progress with it after I have used it some more.

I hope everyone had a great week with their workouts. I will post again next week after week 4 of T25 Beta is complete.

Have a great weekend!

Categories: Exercise Health

Tags: Beta week 3 T25, embroidered workout shirt, fitness, Focus T25, T25, Workout program, workouts