Workout Report: Days 85 – 90

WARNING: This week was sort of a joke. I don't know why I thought I would be able to exercise while I was packing for my trip, taking our pets to the vet, cleaning my house, traveling across the country, and attending reunion activities.

Monday, June 21
I did not work out today.

Tuesday, June 22
P90 X Cardio X

• 45 minutes, 32 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 131bpm
• 250 calories burned 

Wednesday, June 23
I spent most of today packing for my trip and cleaning the house for our pet/house sitter. Oh, I also saw my chiropractor, and our dog had an appointment with the vet.

Thursday, June 24
Today, I left Burbank at 2pm, and after many delays, I arrived at the historic Tutwiler Hotel in downtown Birmingham around 10:30pm. I just made it to the bar before it closed at 11. Thanks, Sarah!

Friday, June 25
I didn't plan to exercise today, but it was even more hectic than I expected. My husband arrived in Birmingham at 9am (love those red-eye flights), and he was very ill. I spent the day taking care of him; I don't even remember eating lunch.

Having fun at Gable Square

Saturday, June 26—Day 90—REUNION!
I honestly thought I would do some yoga today before attending my reunion party. Instead, I was nursing a slight hangover after going to the Wine Loft, the Gable Square Saloon, the Rare Martini, and Formaggios the night before. I was also running on "near empty" with less than four hours of sleep.

Week 13 Results: June 21 – June 26

• 1 workout day
• 250 calories burned

AWW – XoXo

P.S. I will post the final EMAO results soon—complete with "After" pictures. (I don't see much of an improvement.)

Workout Report: Days 85 – 90

Workout Report: Days 71 – 77

Monday, June 7
P90X Chest and Back + JW 20-minute cardio Workout Results:

• 67 minutes, 56 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 136bpm
• 415 calories burned
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: elbows, knees, shoulders

Tuesday, June 8
I did not work out today.

Wednesday, June 9
P90X Shoulders and Arms Workout Results:

• 49 minutes, 23 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 114bpm
• 220 calories burned
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: shoulders

Thursday, June 10
Jackie Warner's 20-minute Cardio Workout Results:

• 28 minutes, 22 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 134bpm
• 165 calories burned
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: knees

Friday, June 11
Jackie Warner's 20-minute Cardio + Power Circuit (Routine A) Workout Results:

• 55 minutes, 39 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 129bpm
• 315 calories burned
• I only completed the routine one time, but you are supposed to do it three times. Sigh.

Saturday, June 12
Jackie Warner's 20-minute Cardio Workout Results:

• 23 minutes, 19.5 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 133bpm
• 140 calories burned
• Today I actually exercised outside along the Chandler Bikeway in Burbank; it is right next to our house.

Sunday, June 13
I purposely did not work out today; my muscles needed a break, and my awesome LA Lakers were playing!

Week 11 Results: June 7 – June 13

• 5 workout days
• 1255 calories burned

AWW – XoXo

Workout Report: Days 71 – 77

Workout Report: Days 64 – 70

Monday, May 31
P90X Chest, Shoulders, Triceps + JW 20-minute cardio Workout Results:

• 75 minutes, 55 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 129bpm
• 430 calories burned
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: ankles, hips, neck, shoulders

Tuesday, June 1
P90X Plyometrics(i.e., jump training) Workout Results:

• 54 minutes, 43.5 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 131bpm
• 315 calories burned
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: hips
• I normally do not do this workout since it involves non-stop jumping, but I wanted to see if I could survive it.

Wednesday, June 2 
P90X Back and Biceps +  Jackie Warner's 20-minute Cardio Workout Results:

• 66 minutes, 47 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 128bpm
• 370 calories burned
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: ankles, elbows, jaw, knees
• I was exhausted during this workout.

Thursday, June 3
I did not work out today because our cat came home from the hospital after major surgery. I spent the evening watching game one of the NBA championships with him on my lap the entire time.

Friday, June 4
See Thursday.

Saturday, June 5
P90X Legs and Back Workout Results:

• 58 minutes, 30 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 117bpm
• 280 calories burned
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: ankles, elbows, hips, knees

Sunday, June 6
I did not workout today, and this time it had nothing to do with our cat or basketball.

Week 10 Results: May 31 – June 6

• 4 workout days
• 1395 calories burned (excludes any calories burned during dance class)

AWW – XoXo

P.S. I'm selling my Mari Winsor Pilates system. Email me if you are interested. Thanks!

Workout Report: Days 64 – 70

Workout Report: Days 57 – 63

Monday, May 24
Today, I danced in class, and I didn't get corrected for my "ballet" moves. Finally!

Tuesday, May 25
Zumba Workout Results:

• 57 minutes, 41 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 126bpm
• 310 calories burned
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: none

Wednesday, May 26
I did not work out today.

Thursday, May 27
Jackie Warner's 20-minute Cardio Workout Results:

• 35 minutes, 32.5 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 142bpm
• 235 calories burned 
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: none

Friday, May 28
P90X Core Synergistics Workout Results:

• 57 minutes, 32 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 123bpm
• 285 calories burned
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: ankles, hips, knees

Saturday, May 29
I did not work out today. "Aunt Flo" arrived; it's been 44 days since my last menstrual cycle so I was surprised. EMAO is the last thing I want to do when I have major cramps.

Sunday, May 30
Mari Winsor Pilates (Pilates of the Fit & Famous) Workout Results:

• 25 minutes, 0 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 84bpm
• 50 calories burned ARGH!
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: none

Week 9 Results: May 24 – May 30

• 4 workout days
• 880 calories burned (excludes any calories burned during dance class)
• This week was my "off week" from strength training.

AWW – XoXo

P.S. I'm selling my Mari Winsor Pilates system. Email me if you are interested. Thanks!

Workout Report: Days 57 – 63

Zumba: Fast, Fun, and Fierce

One of my readers suggested that I try a Zumba class as one of my EMAO workouts. Initially, I dismissed the idea because I don't know anything about Zumba (except for those late-night Zumba infomercials), and I didn't want to pay for a class that I may not like. However, my friend Sali came to my rescue.

Sali has been taking Zumba classes at 24-Hour Fitness for the past year. As an Arts for LA instructor for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), she also teaches Zumba to her elementary school students. (Zumba is also taught in Florida public schools.) Sali offered to give me a free, private Zumba lesson in my home saying that it would give her a chance to receive feedback as an instructor and give me material for my blog. I agreed.

Zumba is a high-energy, cardio workout done to Latin-infused music. To move with more ease, I donned my Bloch sneakers instead of wearing my Skechers Shape-Ups. My first reaction to Zumba was ... How do non-dancer do these moves when I am struggling to keep up? Sali explained that instructors teach the same classes every week with little variation so eventually anyone can figure out the steps. Sali alternated between facing me and facing the "front" of the room, which was actually easier for me. I couldn't figure out the steps as quickly when Sali watched me, but we lacked a mirror so she had to look at me occasionally in order to provide guidance.

As a professional dance and yoga instructor for over 15 years, Sali possesses the stamina and strength to teach Zumba. Even when she apologized for messing up, she never stopped moving, which is the key to Zumba. As an intense aerobic routine, the music is fast, the steps are fun, and your body burns some serious calories, which makes Zumba one fierce workout. Here are my stats from my private class:

• 57 minutes, 41 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 126bpm
• 310 calories burned 

Sali could have kept going, but when she offered to stop, I replied, "Yes!" because I felt like falling down. Sweaty and exhausted, I had experienced enough Zumba to write my blog. I also realized that I may never be able to master a Latin dance because my hips don't shake when I want them to! As for the belly-dancing and Indian-inspired moves, my body seemed incapable of performing them.

I understand why people love Zumba, but for me, it was frustrating, which is the last thing I want in a workout. While I thank Sali for her outstanding teaching, I don't see myself doing Zumba again in the near future.

AWW – XoXo

P.S. Sali is losing her teaching position in June due to a proposed cut in LAUSD's budget. To help save her job and to provide arts education to students, visit the LAUSD Arts Education Advocacy Team page. You can also support Measure E in the June 8th election; read Steve Lopez's column for an insightful analysis of the proposed measure.

Zumba: Fast, Fun, and Fierce

Workout Report: Days 50 – 56

Monday, May 17
Today, I only danced in class. Our instructor once again chided me for my "ballet" moves. His exact words, "We're going to have to beat that [ballet technique] out of you." Apparently, I was doing développés instead of proper kicks with a flexed foot during the Charleston.

Tuesday, May 18
P90X Cardio X Workout Results:

• 46 minutes, 26 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 122bpm
• 220 calories burned
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: ankles, hips, knees

Wednesday, May 19
P90X Back and Biceps + Jackie Warner's 20-minute Cardio Workout Results:

• 73 minutes, 64 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 139bpm
• 475 calories burned 
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: jaw, elbows

Thursday, May 20
I did not work out today.

Friday, May 21
Mari Winsor Pilates (Bootcamp Express) Workout Results:

• 20 minutes, 18 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 133bpm
• 120 calories burned 
• Note: Bootcamp Express is the only Mari Winsor Pilates workout (so far) that has gotten me into my target zone.

Saturday, May 22
P90X Chest, Shoulders and Triceps Workout Results: 

• 55 minutes, 30 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 122bpm
• 260 calories burned
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: elbows, knees, shoulders
• Note: I was very tired and depressed today, but I'm glad I finished this workout. I wanted to quit several times. 

Sunday, May 23
Mari Winsor Pilates (Power Pilates) Workout Results:

• 50 minutes, 0 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 81bpm
• 45 calories burned (Ridiculous!)
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: elbows, knees

Week 8 Results: May 17 – May 23

• 5 workout days
• 1120 calories burned (excludes any calories burned during dance class)

AWW – XoXo

P.S. I'm selling my Mari Winsor Pilates system. Email me if you are interested. Thanks!

Workout Report: Days 50 – 56

Workout Report: Days 43 – 49

Monday, May 10
P90X Chest and Back Workout + YBB Sculpt (Abs I/III) Results:

• 75 minutes, 32 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 115bpm
• 340 calories burned
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: ankles, elbows, knees
• I also danced in Lindy Hop class tonight.

Tuesday, May 11
Advanced Taebo Workout Results:

• 56 minutes, 40 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 128bpm
• 315 calories burned
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: I forgot to write them down!

Wednesday, May 12
I did not exercise today because I had a low-grade fever; I also have an ongoing bizarre bacterial infection. :(

Thursday, May 13
See yesterday.



Friday, May 14
P90X Shoulders and Arms Workout Results: 

• 60 minutes, 34 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 121bpm
• 300 calories burned
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: elbows, jaw, shoulders

Saturday, May 15
Mari Winsor Pilates (Cardio Sculpt & Burn and Firm) Workout Results:

• 40 minutes, 0 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 96bpm
• 115 calories burned

Sunday, May 16
Jackie Warner's 20-minute Cardio Workout Results:

• 30 minutes, 17.5 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 131bpm
• 175 calories burned

Week 7 Results: May 10 – May 16

• 5 workout days
• 1245 calories burned (excludes any calories burned during dance class)

AWW – XoXo

P.S. I apologize for not posting more frequently. This infection is kicking my ass; I am seeing a specialist for it.

Workout Report: Days 43 – 49

Help me if you can I'm feeling down ...

I am 34 days into this crazy experiment, and I am failing on several counts:

1. I am not blogging every day. In fact, I have not posted in four days, which is my largest gap yet. I could give you an abundance of excuses, but I hate it when people do that to me. 
2. I have not shed one pound. Not one. Not even half of a pound. It is frustrating beyond belief. I appear to have lost almost 1/4 inch in my waist though I could be pulling the tape measure a bit tighter just to make myself feel better. 
3. I am not working out every day. A recent study showed that if a woman wants to maintain her weight, she needs to work out for an hour every day. Apparently, moderate exercise three times per week is still good for our health, but it is not enough for we women to maintain our girlish figures. Fantastic.

Okay, enough of my complaining. I need to do two things: make serious changes to my diet and vary my exercise routine, which I love, but it isn't working for me. I'll report on the dietary adjustments in future posts, but I want your opinion regarding my future workouts. Even though I am reaching my target heart rate during my strength training workouts, I don't think I am doing nearly enough cardio each week to burn off the fat around my abs. I can feel my core muscles becoming tighter and stronger. I am positive that I am simply building muscle underneath this layer of fat, as I engage in numerous crunches in a variety of positions.

I have researched several programs that focus on cardio while creating a flatter stomach. I'm not going for a six pack; I just don't want the extra fat around my mid-section.




Here are the workouts that I am checking out:

• Jackie Warner Fat-Burning Cardio and Strength training
• Mari Winsor Slimming Pilates
• Shaun T. Hip Hop Abs

Please vote for the one that you think I should do by taking the poll (on the right beneath links). There is also Shaun T's Insanity program, but I am not ready to be insane. Yet.

AWW – XoXo

P.S. And I do appreciate you being 'round to read my blog. More than you know.

Help me if you can I'm feeling down ...

Workout Report: Days 22 – 28

Monday, April 19
Although it is not a difficult workout, my husband and I began a Lindy Hop class on Monday nights. I was going to wear my heart monitor, but then I realized how ridiculous I would look so I opted not to. I'm sure I didn't burn that many calories, but I did have a lot of fun!

Tuesday, April 20
P90 Yoga X (Modified) Workout Results:

• 52 minutes, 16 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 109bpm
• 210 calories burned
• Soreness factor: 7 (arms=ouch!)
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: ankles, back, elbows, knees
• Focused on the first part of the program: Vinyasa flow

Wednesday, April 21
I didn't exercise today.

Thursday, April 22
I didn't exercise today either since I have not slept well in over a week. Just too tired to do much of anything!





Friday, April 23
P90 Core Synergistics Workout Results:

• 62 minutes, 38 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 127bpm
• 345 calories burned
• Soreness factor: 5
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: ankles, elbows, hips, jaw, knees, lower back

Saturday, April 24
P90 Yoga X (Modified) Workout Results:

• 58 minutes, 0 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 83bpm
• 110 calories burned
• Soreness factor: 4
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: ankles, elbows, hips, knees, toes 
• Focused on the second part of the program: Balance postures

Sunday, April 25
P90 Kenpo X Workout Results:

• 62 minutes, 40 minutes in target zone
• Average heart rate: 132bpm
• 365 calories burned
• Soreness factor: TBD
• Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: ankles, hips, jaws, knees

Week 4 Results: April 19 – April 25

• 5 workout days (if you count dance class)
• 1030 calories burned (excludes any calories burned during dance class)
• Overall soreness: 5
• This week was my "off week" from strength training.
  

AWW – XoXo

Workout Report: Days 22 – 28