Insanity Round 2--In Progress

When deciding what to do for my second round of Insanity, I was faced with a choice--do Month 1 workouts during month 1 and do a deluxe workout in addition to a regular workout each day or do Month 2 workouts for 2 months and add deluxe workouts 2-3 days per week. While Month 1 workouts are tough, the purpose of Month 1 is really to prepare you to do the grueling Month 2 workouts.

I chose to do 2 months of Month 2 workouts. I like the challenge.

I try to do deluxe workouts 2-3 times per week. So far I've done Insane Abs for the deluxe workout on days that are not super intense. I do a deluxe workout on days that I do Max Recovery, Max Cardio Conditioning, or Core Cardio and Balance. If you get the deluxe Insanity version, which I have, it's more expensive, but you get more workout options so it's very nice. I'm getting 7 lb. weights this week so I can begin doing Upper Body Weight Training as a deluxe workout at least once per week. If I don't have time to do a double workout on Core Cardio and Balance days, I replace that workout with Max Interval Sports Training--an AWFUL but really fun workout.

The Month 2 workouts are longer than Month 1, so it can be difficult to make time for a regular workout and a deluxe workout. Instead of obsessing with it, if I only get one or 2 deluxe workouts in per week, that's ok. I do what I can. One week, I was short on time. I was working out on my lunch break. So instead of doing Max Cardio and Insane Abs (each 45 mins) I did Max Cardio and the Fit Test. I didn't write down results or anything, but the Fit Test is a KILLER 25 minute workout.

There have been a couple of days that I've had NO TIME to work out at all, so instead of doing Max Cardio, I did the Month 1 Cardio workout as it was about 15 minutes shorter. And it's a workout I'm not used to anymore as I'm not doing it once or twice per week. I found I was able to push harder without breaks, and was still dripping wet afterward! Plus, it was super fun to revisit a Month 1 workout that I wasn't as familiar with. I think I've replaced Month 2 workouts three times with the Month 1 workout equivalent. One day, I had way more time to workout so I did Max Cardio and Month 1 Cardio for a double workout.

So I've allowed myself the freedom to make some choices this time around. It's fun and keeps it interesting. Usually, I try to stick with a Month 2 workout and a deluxe workout 2-3 times per week. But it does change sometimes depending on time. As long as I'm doing the workouts 6 days per week and not switching the days around (i.e. if I skip Max Cardio, I do the Month 1 Cardio workout, or if I skip Max Interval Plyo, I replace it with the Month 1 Plyo workout).

This time around, I've also really tightened up my diet. My portions are much smaller and I'm eating good food. I've begun to calculate my caloric intake daily at www.livestrong.com. Click on the MyPlate option.

I found that my caloric intake should be 1585 per day. According to the Beachbody site, I should be at about 1700. So I'm usually within that range by + or - 100 each day. It has really helped. I pack my lunches in snacks in small containers now! And I've been trying to eat smaller dinners. That is key and one thing I could tighten up on--lighter dinners early in the evening. I find myself eating slightly larger lunches and snacking throughout the day.

Another big change I've started this second time is using Shakeology. It has been amazing! Shakeology is really at the core of the Beachbody programs. For more info, go here: www.myshakeology.com/kthardy

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http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/kthardy?bctid=35137119001

So basically, this has 70 servings of fruits and veggies in one serving along with protein and all my daily vitamins including calcium and B12. It's very expensive, but it's been so worth it. I'm already seeing the benefits of it and I've only been doing it for a week. I've had a lot of digestive problems over the past couple of years, and I'm taking less and less meds for that this week. I'm excited to see if I can get off of all of them by the end of the month. I really hope so and I will keep you updated. It costs about $4 per day and in order to budget for it, I don't get coffee or Jamba Juices anymore! I'm not even craving coffee anymore! I've noticed my sugar cravings have been reduced as well! And I have way more energy. One of the reasons I decided to become a Beachbody coach was to get the %25 discount on Shakeology every month. It's been a great discount. Email me with any questions!

So Round 2 is still in progress. These are some of the things I've changed up a bit and I will keep you posted on my results. I'm still just as addicted as I was last time around. I've had a couple of people say that this is just a fad, but again--I've got workouts planned for the next few months and I'm so excited to get to them! After this round of Insanity, I'll be diving in to ChaLEAN Extreme! I can't wait!

I will keep you all posted!