Day 58

Wow, I can't believe how many gains I've made in the last 58 days. Yesterday was Back and Biceps, and I really impressed myself with all the pushups I was able to do. And the pullups. My ultimate goal would be to be able to do a pull up unassisted. I think that I'm on my way. I am definitely stronger than I have been in the past. And it just keeps getting more and more.

Have I mentioned how grateful I am that we started this program? It is probably the single most important thing that I could have done for myself this year. I shudder to think where I would be right now if we hadn't started it. Imagine this: I was on my way up into the 150s and who knows where it would have stopped, or IF it would have stopped. My teaching clothes that I bought in the fall for Practicum hours were starting to get smaller and smaller on me. As of right now, my clothes are HUGE! The shirts fit fine, but the pants...well, lets just say that I have quite a bit of room to breathe in them.

I know that I only have 5 more weeks of the program (round 1 anyways) and I am SO ready to bring it. I proved that yesterday, and boy am I sore today. I feel it in my, well, uh, my Back and Biceps :) Imagine that! I'm getting a little bit of studying done right now, some research, but I'm planning on getting a workout in early in the afternoon, or maybe right before lunch. Matt had duty yesterday, and I'm not sure when he's coming home, so I don't know if I should wait for him or not.

I'm so proud of Matt and the gains he has made. He's eating a whole lot more than me, but that is just fine with me. He needs it.

I'm a little scared of going on vacation for 10 days. What am I going to eat? How am I going to get my exercise in? Are my sister and my mom going to support me? Can I help them make a lifestyle change? Will they see how much better life can be if you add fitness and health into your long list of priorities?

Ok, well, speaking of homework, I need to get that studying done. I feel great, or have I mentioned that already?

~Pam

And the numbers are in-Day 56

Pam's Numbers
Day 1
Weight 146.6
BF % 33.3
Chest 36.5
Waist 34.75
Hips 41.5
R Thigh 24.75
L Thigh 24.75
R Bicep 13.0
L Bicep 12.75

Day 56
Weight 139.0-->-7.6 pounds
BF % 29.3-->-4
Chest 35.25-->-1.25 inches
Waist 33.25-->-1.5 inches
Hips 40.25 -->-1.25 inches
R Thigh 24.5-->-.25 inches
L Thigh 24.25 -->-.25 inches
R Bicep 12.75 -->-.25 inches
L Bicep 12.25 -->-.5 inches

Totals
Inches lost-->5.25 inches
Fat lost---> 8 pounds

And here are my 60 day pictures. Maybe I'll get Matt to do a side by side comparison, but I don't have access to the pictures right now. :)





Matt's Numbers
Day 1
Weight 137.2
BF % 5%
Chest 35
Waist 30
Hips 35.5
R Thigh 19.5
L Thigh 19
R Bicep 11.5
L Bicep 11.25

Day 60
Weight 143.2-->+6
BF % 5 % --> <->
Chest 36 ---->+1
Waist 31.25----->+1.25
Hips 36.25---->+.75
R Thigh 20.375 --->+.875
L Thigh 20---->+1
R Bicep 11.75--->+.25
L Bicep 12---->+.5
Totals
Inches Gained---->5.625 (or 5 5/8)

And here are Matt's 60 day pictures. I can really tell a difference!

Day 52 :)

Ok, I can't believe we've been doing this for 52 days. I have to admit that I had my doubts. But now I'm starting to see results. Right before we got the stomach flu, I started taking some fat burning pills. That, combined with the exercise has really made my results speed up. I'm actually starting to notice that my stomach is smaller, my legs are tighter, my arms are more toned. I feel better during most of the exercises. Today was Kenpo and it was butt kicking. I was punching and kicking like nothing else. And I think it is weird how as I get stronger, I work harder, so the exercises get harder, not easier. My weight has gone down quite a bit, almost 10 pounds,to 138.1 this morning, and my body fat is almost down to a more healthy 30%. I am anxious to see what my measurements are, but Matt won't let me measure early. I can stand in front of my "before" pictures and see a huge difference. My clothes fit differently. My pants that I bought that fit, then got tight, now fit and are almost loose on me (I'm not going to complain about that). And boy is Matt looking great. His bulging muscles are sooo.... well, anyways, you get the picture. I'm so proud of the work he's done. And for the first time since we've known each other, I weigh less than him!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Yes that deserves that many exclamation points.)

Ok, so I'm sorry I haven't blogged much this last month. In my defense, I've been sorta busy with school, and I was a little frustrated with my perceived lack of results. But not anymore :) Result city, here I come!
Speaking of heading out, I'm heading to England in just a couple weeks, and I'm looking forward to continuing my regiment there as well. It will be a challenge eating right, but I think I know what portions I can eat and I'm up for it. I'm going to work out every day while I'm there, and maybe get my sister interested :) We shall see. Maybe my mom will even do it with me. Hmmm...interesting proposition.
Alright, as you can probably tell, I'm a little tired. All I can say is, THANK YOU P90X! I am so happy with my body right now, and I haven't felt that way in a long time.

~Pam

ekkk long time no blog

Hey there, we have been pushing hard to recover from when we got sick last. And now we are on track for some awesome results. Pam has really started to show amazing results, it took a while and a lot of determination on her part but it certainly seems like the program is really kicking in for her. I am very happy with my results and I continue to look more defined and have larger muscles. Anyways I just wanted to make sure that we kept on writing on this! Almost time for some more measurements!

-Matt

Not sure the day-Plyo

Ok, so let me bring you up to speed. Yes, last week was rough. I felt a little overwhelmed because I felt like I was working my a** off and not seeing the results I thought I should. And then, just when I finally decided to suck it up and keep working at it, I got sick. With the stomach flu. That took me out for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (which was a rest day anyways). But then Thursday I started back up with Chest, Triceps, and Biceps and today with Plyo. I only made it through half of Plyo before I almost passed out. Holy cow, my energy is gone. But I'm determined to stick with it and get my energy back so that I can see more results. Amazingly, I seem to see differences every day. I wore a shirt today that I haven't worn in a long time, and it fit me better than it ever has. That made me feel pretty great.

Ok, that's about it. I'm going to try to get back to blogging as well. :)

Pam

day ??? -

Well it was a busy week for us last week and Pam is getting a little frustrated because the scale is not showing the results she is hoping for. She is kinda put off because she has only lost a couple of pounds and a 2 percent body fat, but I think that it is spectacular and that she is looking very good.

The workouts in phase two are nice, it is a good switch up and I can feel the targeted muscle groups exactly like I am supposed to. I am very pleased with the results of this program, it is making me feel like a much stronger & healthy person.

Today we have yoga and I am waiting on Pam to finish her homework so I can get it done. I am thrilled to be still doing this program and am even headed towards gaining some weight which is my ultimate goal.

-Matt

Day 31- Back and Biceps

Ok, so I realize I haven't blogged in quite a while. Yesterday, Matt came home from duty and was exhausted, so I ended up doing Plyo X by myself and burning 541 calories! This morning we did Back and Biceps together, and I burned 404 calories (with Ab Ripper X). My arms are pretty much dead.

One good thing about this week-we started to eat carbs again. It is so nice to have a BAGEL for breakfast, or a wrap tortilla for lunch. I feel like I have more energy. I think that is why I burned so many calories in Plyo last night-I was able to do more exercises than I could before.

Ok, well, Matt and I are going to hit the shower. If we keep this up, I'll be losing weight and feeling great in no time.

Matt - Day 30

Progress, there are defiantly small changes in definition on Pam =)

Matt - Day 30 - Was it what we needed?

So we just finished our recovery week, and maybe it was what we needed, but I can't spoil Pam's news for today. I'll just say that there is going to be a lot more progress this month!

Unfortunatly I was unable to work out today due to recovering from Duty, I had to basicly spend about 40 hours up with 3 hours of half sleep on a couch. So in the interest of recovering and not hurting my self I am skipping Plyo today. Which I am very sad about.

Here are the 30 day pictures, not as much change as we would hope but that is just going to make us push harder!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matt - Day 26 - Core Synergy and motivation

Ok, so first off let me lay down some quotes from other people to help Pam. She's a little worried because in her eyes there isn't very much progress at the 30 day point of P90X. I am excited to take her pictures though, I think that she will see some progress when we take the pictures. But to quote some other people on the world wide web:

from http://www.weightloss-hq.biz/exercise-reviews/top-20-p90x-questions-answered-here.html

16. I'm not seeing results after 30 days, what am I doing wrong?

Have some Patience - As I stated before, most people quit after the first month - I know this because I've seen it on our P90X forums. They get frustrated because they diet and workout very hard for 30 days after years of neglecting their body!?? Come on people! You must have some patience! I see the first 30 days as the "adjusting" period. Your body is in "shock" mode. Some people start to get good results after 30 days, some don't change at all...it really depends on the person. I started to see significant results 2 weeks after the second month. Once you past the 30 days mark, this is when you need to kick it up and really push yourself hard.

17. I'm gaining weight, what's wrong!

This may happen to you in the first 30 days. Like I posted earlier, the first 30 days your body is in shock mode. The second month is when you'll start to lose weight.

Second order of business is to say that I am very, very lucky to have an extremely low body fat percentage. It makes seeing the changes very easy for me. But I hate people that think it's some gift or super metabolism, let me share my secret... I am always hungry, but when I eat, I eat just enough to give me an hour or two reprieve from the hunger, and my meals tend to be small. The other thing is that I am a 6' 2" male, that means I am taller then average and require more calories. So please just don't roll your eyes and think that I can eat anything, because I bet that I only eat half of what a normal American eats at a meal. Instead I snack constantly with somewhat lower calorie snacks. But anyways here is a little preview pic I took =)



I had just finished a work out, and am flexing, but it's still crazy for me to see my abs having so much definition. No amount of crunches would ever do that to my abs... it was P90X that is teaching them how to be real abs =)

Today was the Core Synergistics which a cardio intense workout. I enjoy it a lot because it is fast paced and HARD! tomorrow is Yoga, not sure when I am going to get it done as it is a long one. Anyways, more later, Bring it!
-Matt

Pam Day 25- Stretch X

Today was my first day with Stretch X. I'm impressed. It is a nice workout. I should have been doing it before now :) Also, for the first day we get to eat CARBS! I had a muffin for breakfast, along with fruit and milk. Then for lunch, there was a tuna salad burrito. Ooooh, yummy! I had almost forgotten how good that kind of food tastes.

So, I'm not quite seeing the results that Matt is, yet. But I'm keeping an open mind. I feel better, that is for sure. And I think that I have probably lost inches. My goal for this week's Helm Health Challenge is to brush my teeth 2x and floss 1x daily. My "I think I can" goal is to work out every day, even on the rest day. I haven't done that yet, and it will be hard for me to work out on Wednesday morning, but "I Think I Can" :)

This Rest Week hasn't been very restful, so far. A lot of cardio. Core Synergistics is probably the most challenging workout so far. And it is up again tomorrow. I'll be doing it with Matt when he gets off work in the afternoon.

Ok, another goal of mine is to keep blogging every day. I hope I can keep it up!

Pam

Matt - Day 24 - KenpoW!

Ok today was Kenpo again, as Pam mentioned we are in our rest week right now, and it's not much rest =) It is really a cardio intense week and it is just as tough as the rest of the program. I am starting to see some intense results, I have a lot more definition and have gained a couple of pounds which is a huge challenge for me. But my abs are just getting crazy, I have never had definition like I am getting... anyways we are still working hard and going strong!

I am so excited because tomorrow we are starting phase 2 of the diet which is somewhat normal compare to phase 1 which was almost entirely protein... oh I am so craving some normal foods =)

-Matt

Oops, it has been a while-Day 23-Core synergistics

Holy cow!!! I know I haven't posted for a little bit, but man this workout today was tough. My core definitely could use the strength. I can't believe we are in the first rest week. THat means that we are almost done with month 1!!! I can't believe it. Yoga yesterday was challenging as well. The day before that was rest day, and I didn't workout. THe day before that was Kenpo, which was harder this time, but I was still able to do some of the moves better. Today was the first day that I ate anything that wasn't on the diet...we ate sushi. Not too terrible, but still. Our plan is to wake up at 5 am tomorrow and do the next workout. I'm not sure what it is...we'll just have to see.

Ok, well, off to bed. Need lots of rest.

Pam

PS. I am starting to feel stronger. Soon I'll be posting day 30 pictures and measurements. :)

Day 19-Legs and Back for Pam plus Abs

This morning we got up and did Legs and Back. Holy cow! I'm getting much better on my pullups, which is a relief. I feel like I'm getting closer to my goal. My arms are definitely more defined. My stomach doesn't seem to be making too much progress, but I think that will come eventually. There's a lot of fat there, so I have a lot of work to do. Abs today was brutal. I am getting stronger, but that almost makes me work even harder for it.

Day 18-Yoga. We didn't do yoga until about 7:30 pm last night. I guess the good thing about waiting until the end of the day to do yoga is that it is easy to fall asleep after, because you're so relaxed. I was able to do Plank position much better this time. I feel like I'm much stronger than last time I did it. I was able to reach through my leg and around my back for that twisting prayer pose thing. My flexibility is definitely increasing.

Matt - Good Morning Legs and Back x 2

Well on my duty day I did Legs and Back because I didn't need weights to do it at work, yesterday was Yoga which is super leg intensive, and today I am joining Pam for Legs and Back, phew is it going to be a rough week on my legs =) Other the that, doing well, the definition is really starting to show in me, which is easy for me because I have no fat covering anything, so as soon as my muscles change it shows. Pam is being a rock star, but I have to run, holding up the work out now! =)

-Matt

Pam Day 17-shoulders & arms, not legs &back

Ok, I don't know why I thought it was legs and back yesterday. It was my fault that Matt didn't bring his resistance bands to duty, so he wasn't able to do the video. I ended up doing it in the afternoon, which was really weird. I got 2 phone calls during the workout, both Matts. I ended up calling my brother back after the workout. I didn't get a chance for an afternoon snack :( because I was working out in the afternoon, then I made dinner. I ate a little earlier than I'm used to, so I am kind of starving right now.

ANyways, about the workout-it was good. Tough. I upped my weight on a bunch of exercises, so I really challenged myself. And the ABS, well, all I can say is that I can do several of the "Wide Leg Sit ups" and I even got my legs off the ground with the Oblique v-ups. My body feels pretty good today. Lets see how it goes. I think we have Yoga today. It is very challenging, even though it is Yoga, which people think is relaxing....

:) Pam

Pam Day 16-Plyometrics

Ok, here's a catchup---
Day 14- rest day. That was Wednesday, and I was able to get a bunch of laundry done, work on dishes, and sweep and mop the floor. Very productive day, and I'm glad it was a rest so I could recover.

Day 15- Shoulders and Arms plus Abs. Holy cow. I'm much stronger than last week, because I am not sick. So this workout worked me out. I felt very strong after this workout. The Abs was challenging as usual, but I was able to do some of the wide leg sit ups, and also the v-up, roll ups. :)

Day 16-Today. Plyometrics. This is by far the hardest workout. I didn't burn as many calories as I did last time I did it, but I still felt like I had an awesome workout. I could see Matt working hard; he took his shirt off, and let me tell you! His abs, pecs, and back muscles were very defined this morning. Sometimes I have my doubts about my own muscles doing the same under my skin, but I know something is going on under there. My weight is still about the same, but my clothes are a little looser, so I know that my body is changing. Probably gaining muscle at the same rate as losing fat, or something like that. I need to be better about blogging. Now I'm going to have 3 blogs to keep up with, this one, my main blog, and the Helm Family Health Challenge blog. I'm excited about doing challenges with my siblings, and I hope a lot of us do it. If nothing else, I think me and Kate will do it :) Isn't that how it always ends up?

Ok, I'll write more later. I think it is Legs and Back tomorrow. That one is always a good workout. And next week....well that is the Recovery week. I can't believe that we're almost done with the third week! I'm so proud of myself and Matt, too!

~Pam

Yesterday was Day 13!!! Kenpo X

So, we had to wake up yesterday at 3:30 in order to get our workout in. Holy cow! I think b/c I had done Kenpo once before, I was able to do the moves more than last time, and got a much better workout. However, I didn't burn as many calories as the last couple days, so I'm a little disappointed. I only hit 330 something calories. Also, since I had work from 8-12, then class from 420-950, I had a tough time getting all my food in for the day. I think I ended up with 1300 calories total for the day. I should have eaten a Special K bar for dinner, but I didn't think of that! So, I really didn't have dinner :( That wasn't so good. Then I got home late and had a hard time falling asleep (surprise, surprise). But I was able to talk to 4 sisters yesterday- Kate, Penny, Marie, Jill. It was a good day, with my first two classes starting. This is going to be challenging, especially when Matt has duty, but I think we can work it through.

Pam

PS. Today is Day 14 and I am taking a break. Sometimes I think day 14 is my favorite :) Just kidding. But it is good to let my body recover. I actually feel pretty good. I'm not exhausted, which is amazing. And I'm looking forward to getting laundry done and cleaning up a little bit around her this afternoon before I have to head to class tonight.

Day 12 Legs and Back

I can't believe we've done 12 days already. Today's workout was an almost 500 calorie, sweat drenching workout. I also did something exciting during ABS...I did 2 wide leg sit ups!!! I haven't been able to do any yet, so I have just been doing regular sit ups, but today I did 2 unassisted wide leg sit ups. Those puppies are hard!
Anyways, we've got to be up early again (we got up at 4am this morning. I think 3:30am tomorrow) so I have to be off to bed. I worked hard, and my legs are starting to shrink! My calves look oh, so sexy! ;)

~Pam

Day 11 Yoga

Today was tough because we had to get up early. And yoga is ridiculously challenging. My whole body gets a workout.
I'm tired. Trying to feel better. Tomorrow's another early day.
~Pam

Well to give you a bit more info Pam is recovering from being sick still, hence the crazy blog above =) I spent all day cooking food so that our lunches will be healthy and ready to go for next week. I used the George Foreman non - stop. Anyways gotta go to bed and start work again tomorrow =(

-Matt