P90X Daily Progress

Today, after waking up and jumping on the scale, I can see that I am right on track! I have been consistently losing weight and today I just lost another pound--so exciting! I'm right on track to meet my 90 day goal, which is to lose a minimum of 20 lbs. I chose 20lbs because its achievable, realistic, and anything more than that is a bonus! Consistency when losing weight is a real mood booster and motivator, every time I see another pound or an inch off, I automatically know it's going to be a good day! Today was so important for me to see that -1lb on the scale because (ladies) when it's that time of the month, you know you gain water weight. This can be a real turn-off because it confuses us as to if what we are doing is really working. The key is to ignore gains and focus on the finish, you will see that with consistency and determination you can achieve anything!

Here in Pennsylvania the weather is outrageously cold and miserable-- 17 degrees, yikes! When the weather outside is frightful, it's delightful being inside my little house with my loved ones. It's such a great time to be cozy & get my workout on!!  If you live in a state that gets dumped on with snow in the winter, you can start to get some real Winter blues. You need to keep in mind that Spring is right around the corner-- get motivated and pop in a workout DVD. This way you can get your workout in and increase your mood.

Speaking of workouts, I just got done with my Kenpo X workout. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, its a combination of kickboxing and martial arts. I think the reason I do the workouts is because I get to have my P90X recovery drink! This is the most amazing thing on the planet! For those who don't know, it tastes like an orange creamsicle. It's really important to have a recovery drink after workouts because it replenishes your body after your workout and helps repair your muscles. It also aides in easing muscle soreness which is definitely a huge plus.

Note: There are so many recovery drinks and protein shakes out on the market today. Some consist of good ingredients and others are filled with unhealthy fillers, so do your re
search before you purchase one to make sure it is the perfect fit for you.

Measuring Results

Set goals:

Before starting any workout program or nutrition plan, make sure to set small goals for yourself. The smaller the goal, the more achievable it will be. Think about if you surpass your goal, how unstoppable and motivated you will be! Set goals every 2 weeks to every 30 days because sometimes it takes a while for your body to produce evidence that what you're doing is actually working. An example of a small goal would be losing 2 pounds in 2 weeks and losing 6 pounds in 30 days. If you surpass this goal, know that what you're doing is working, PUSH HARDER and stay on this track! If you haven't met your goal, you need to fix your nutrition (keep it clean) and start bringing it in your workouts..I want you to FEEL IT when you finish your reps. Now, losing weight shouldn't be your biggest concern to start..why? Well because sometimes your body doesn't respond that way because everyone is different. Some bodies begin building muscle first and then concentrate on losing weight. Stick to making pant/dress size goals, that should be your main focus. The scale lies, the mirror lies, and sometimes your eyes play tricks on you..but your clothes will always tell the truth and so will measuring tapes.


Whip out the measuring tape! 

I cannot stress how important it is to take measurements before, during, and after any type of workout program. You need to do this, even though you might be embarrassed, but you need to know what kind of goals to work toward and to know how far you've come since day 1. Through my own personal experience taking measurements is MY OWN PROOF that what I'm doing actually works..because sometimes..especially during that time of the month when we all get bloated, we fail to see our results.

Q: When shouldn't you take measurements?
A: I find the best time NOT to take measurements is the week before and during your period. This is because of bloating and water retention and doing so will give you extra inches...we don't want that!!

Q: When should you take measurements?
A: The best time to take measurements is before starting the workout program. If it's a 90 day program I strongly suggest you take measurements every two weeks to keep you accountable and motivated, even though most programs suggest every 30 days. Overall, once the program is completed, focus on the every 30 day measurements. The every two week thing was just to keep you going and excited to see your results.

Q: Where should I measure?
A: It's best to measure both arms, thighs, hips, chest, and waist. See chart below:

Stepping on the scale!

It's great to have a weight goal in mind, but it should not be what you focus on. If you didn't know this already, the number on the scale fluctuates from day to day and hour to hour..Please don't be discouraged if the number isn't what you'd hoped it would be. No one will ever know your number, only you..so DON'T let it bother you. The scales LIES. In the morning you tend to be your lightest and as the day goes on you get heavier..this is because of the food and water you've put into your body throughout the day.

Q: So, when SHOULD you step on the scale?
A: I find the best times to step on the scale are in the morning before you eat or drink anything.

Q: When is it a bad time to step on the scale?
A: Don't ever step on the scale before you go to bed, after you drank a lot of water, after a big meal or after eating in general. (Women) Don't step on the scale the week before or during your period.. the scale could read anywhere from 5-10 lbs. heavier than you actually are!

Q: Should I be wearing clothes or shoes?
A: Shoes are a NO, clothes should be kept at a minimum and if you can, don't wear any at all.