Week 5 is almost done! I completed workout 6 for the second time and liked it much better. I felt stronger than the first time and had better form. I actually liked the interval with Statue of Libertys, Chop Lunges and Running Man. I think that was my favorite...lol. I'm still certainly not at their level in terms of range of motion (i.e., there's no way I can get my knee within an inch of the ground for any lunges, much less wood chopper lunges), but I didn't cry . I did the supermans with a single 5 lb weight and I barely got my arms/chest off the ground, but it was an improvement. I am going to try and do the FastFix Kickbox DVD tonight for extra cardio and then will finish the week tomorrow with Cardio 2 (LOVE IT) and a yoga class. I'm hoping for a good weigh-in this week with all of the additional cardio, but my "monthly friend" is about to arrive, so who knows? I already feel bloated, so I'm not going to sweat it (no pun intended). Looking forward to how much better I get with these workouts next week.

Week 5 is over...I've lost 17 lbs so far. I weighed myself on Saturday and lost 1.1 lbs and when I weighed myself this morning, my weight was back to what it was last week. Considering I'm now bloated due to time of the month, I'm going with yesterday as my weigh-in (I need that for my motivation). Overall, I'm excited to do workouts 5 & 6 next week again...

Overall, I had a rough week last week, eating-wise. I completed all workouts, though I didn't add any additional workouts. My eating was terrible. Everyday, I woke up and worked out...all with the intention of making healthy food choices. Somehow, I allowed myself to go down a different path. Positive aspect of the week: I did all workouts. Negative aspect: I ate like I was on vacation and probably gained weight; I didn't weigh myself yesterday. Based on my week, I decided not to move ahead to week 7 workouts. I felt like I wanted to have "clean" weeks for all of my workout weeks, so I'm "redoing" the second week of workouts 5 & 6, and Cardio 2. I will move ahead next week. Fortunately, workout 5 was still a challenge this morning, though I found myself to be stronger and better at the exercises. I was still VERY sweaty at the end and was out of breath throughout.

Just wanted to use this post as a place to share my thoughts, honestly.

O.k., on to a good week!!

I continued with my extra week of workouts 5 & 6 by doing Cardio 2. LOVE this workout! I didn't workout this morning; I was so tired, I just couldn't get up. My monthly friend finally arrived, so I thought I'd weigh myself. I didn't gain any weight from last week's eating frenzy (or I already lost it during the first few days of this week). In fact, I was .1 lbs less. I'll take anything...especially feeling crampy and bloated. I worked out after work and I really felt great (working out later has the bonus of already being warmed up and you can go even harder). I still prefer working out in the morning, because then you're done for the day.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow's workout...

Week 7 is complete. I added a few extra workouts this week, during my "extra" week of workouts 5 & 6 and I feel the difference. I also knew I'd have a few extra dinners out, so it helps keep me honest. I'm nervous and excited for Monday!

First time with workout 8...I'm not sure how I feel about it. Other than circuit 3, it was doable. Of course, I am learning the moves and will hopefully increase my range of motion (especiallly with the front/back lunge with knee raise and reverse curl). Circuit 3...gnarly. Between the deep crescent pose with reverse fly and the weighted Warrior 3 pose...I was dying...but in a good way. I do not have 3 lb. weights, so I held a single 5 lb weight for Warrior 3. Overall, it was a solid workout and I hope to increase my challenge the next time.

I didn't need 3 lbs until week 5, though I still don't have them. She recommends 3s again in another workout. They aren't that expensive, so they are worth the investment, in my opinion. I will be going to pick up a set tonight.

Yes, I don't know why I didn't do it before. You really just get a better workout because you can always "try" the exercises while previewing just to get the right form down...

Workout 8 again . It's week 2 of workouts 7/8. I still feel so challenged in certain areas. I'm fairly certain I'll add an additional week of workouts 7/8. I also did one of the sections of Jillian Michael's Fastfix Kickboxing workout for some added cardio (to compensate for too much eating this week). I have been challenged this month with eating. I need to get it together. I still have not missed a single workout, which I am definitely proud of.