Join The Community!
Hi everyone,
I was a very active member of the previous Health, Fitness and Accountability group from 2008 to 2010. During that time I finally achieved my goal weight, after 10 years of weight gain and halfhearted attempts to get healthy. I owe a lot to Cliff, Stephanie and the members of the GSPN community who provided motivation and suggestions during that time. Now I am facing the lifelong "marathon" of health and fitness.
Currently I have gained back an inch or two around my waist, and I would also like to solve the problem of getting a good night's sleep on a consistent basis. Stress and early morning workouts are contributing to some very sleepy days. I am looking forward to sharing whatever suggestions I can, and learning from you in this great new environment.
Tags: introduction
Permalink Reply by Cliff Ravenscraft @GSPN on July 9, 2012 at 11:25am Well, it's looking good! So glad to see you keeping up with things!
I hope you have an amazing week!
Sincerely,
Cliff
Permalink Reply by Fred Firestine on July 25, 2012 at 1:08pm Almost done with Jillian Michaels Body Revolution workouts. This is my final week. I started at the end of May, skipped through Phase 1 a little quicker than the recommended 4 weeks, then slowed down to one month each in Phase 2 and 3. Every two weeks, the workouts get tougher. I was not following the diet recommendations (hey, it wasn't purchased by me or for me!). I've been maintaining my weight and waist size, eating slightly more than I probably should, on average, but not terrible. It's maintenance, for sure, but not progress!
I would recommend Jillian Michaels Body Revolution if someone already enjoys working out using DVDs, or they think it might be a good way to get started. The workouts start out at a beginner level, but Jillian demonstrates how to increase the intensity when you're ready. Of course, the meal plan is just as important as the exercise, but if someone starts one without the other to take "baby steps" that would be fine.
Here is a link to my Body Revolution blog posts, which includes reviews of all the workouts, and more information about some of the people you see in the workouts.
Permalink Reply by Fred Firestine on August 25, 2012 at 6:38pm I've replied to a couple of other people over the past few weeks, but I haven't updated my own progress! I used Jillian Michaels Body Revolution for my daily workouts during July and August. I would highly recommend this 90-day program for someone who wants to change their exercise and eating habits. The workouts are 30 minutes, and can be very challenging.
At the beginning of August, I started my second "round" of P90X2, the sequel to the popular P90X exercise program. It actually has a lot in common with Body Revolution. Not too surprising, since they were released less than a year apart. I guess great minds (Jillian Michaels and Tony Horton) think alike. This time I am documenting my progress on YouTube (channel HomeFitnessGeek) so I can hopefully get a P90X2 t-shirt at the end. I might as well give it a shot!
The first month of P90X2 is over. I am moving from the "Foundation" phase (lots of work with balance and core) onto the "Strength" phase (closer to the P90X-style weightlifting, and more core). My weight is fine, and I am looking for that six pack! I still need more rest and less stress.
Permalink Reply by Fred Firestine on August 31, 2012 at 12:00pm I mixed up my workout routine a little today. I'm on P90X2 round 2 day 33, and today is the scheduled yoga workout. The other day, I received some Bob Harper "Inside Method" workout DVDs that I had ordered, including a yoga workout. I figured it was an even swap for P90X2. Bob's workouts have a reputation for being challenging.
You can check out an actual discussion (surprise!) on my Home Fitness Geek Facebook page, but as I said there, if P90X2 yoga is a difficulty 10 for me, the Bob Harper one is at least a 7. My progress with yoga is limited by poor balance and tight hamstrings, so I give it my best shot. I judge difficulty based on how much it makes me sweat, stretch, and find calm while exerting myself. Bob does a good job of mixing hard effort with yoga relaxation.
Great comments Fred! I have the Bob Harper "Yoga for the Warrior" DVD and can also share that it's a great workout for only $5. Solid thumbs up for Trainer Bob's new "Inside Method" series.
Permalink Reply by Fred Firestine on September 2, 2012 at 4:53pm Hey dude, long time no see! :-) I thought "Inside Method" looked new, so I'm glad to start with that as my first set of Bob Harper DVDs. I am going to finish this round of P90X2, but maybe at least watch the other ones (strength, cardio, and... abs, maybe?).
© 2013 Created by Cliff Ravenscraft @GSPN.