Wellness journey.. ouch...INSANITY DAY 36 (AKA month 2 day 1)

Assalamu Alaikum all my lovelies!
So today, I officially started month 2 of Insanity! I know! I can't believe I actually stuck with it this long either!
On this day, I had to do 2 things: my "Fit Test" and "Max Interval Circuit"
To make it easier on myself, I did my fit test in the morning, and Max Interval Circuit at 6pm (which is my regulary scheduled time to workout).
This was my 3rd fit test!
Here are the results when compared to my second fit test!

Switch Kicks: from 115 to 143 (28 more!) Power Jacks: from 41 to 58 (17 more!) Power knees: from 120 to 140 (20 more!)Power Jumps: from 30 to 40 (10 more!) Globe Jumps: from 7 to 8  (1 more...) :'(
Suicide Jumps: from 10 to 15 (5 more!)
Pushup Jacks: from 10 to 20  (10 more!) thought I was gonna pass out! lol
Low Plank Obliques: from 50 to 65 (15 more!)

So it looks like I improved big time on most of them, and a little bit on some, but I atleast improved on ALL OF THEM!

Ok, so I watched the DVD for Max Interval Circuit before actually doing the workout so I would be familiar with the moves. I remember thinking "you want me to do WHAT?!" hehe
This workout was 60 minutes long (twice as long as most of the workouts in month 1)!
The warm up was completely different than the workout used in month 1. I actually like the switch up.
This workout ended up being hard for me, as expected, and I couldn't help but have a flash back to my first workout during month 1, where it was hard for me to keep up. Surprisingly, I didn't do THAT bad, haha.

80% of the moves were new to me, so on some of them I had to work more on getting the form right, then getting my reps together. All in all. Im excited (and still nervous) about my workout tomorrow, which is "Max Interval Plyo"

I'm a little nervous about my knee (which started bothering me about a week ago). I wonder if it will hold out during this next month?

Alrighty my lovelies, that's its for my update!
Take care!

Another peek a boo! ***UPDATE****

Assalamu Alaikum all of my lovelies!!!
I am proud to announce.... that I start month 2 of my Insanity program TOMORROW!!!!!
That's right!!! I have officially completed month one, and I feel great!
I haven't lost any weight yet, but I've lost almost 10 inches all over!
I spoke to some people, and they said that month one really gets your body in better shape and condition, but month 2 is where the "magic" happens.
Longer, hard workouts, and sometimes shorter breaks... oh yea, Ibuprofen and I are going to become good friends :)
So tomorrow's workout is actually 2 workouts! The "Fit Test" and "Max Interval Circuit"

Also, I am in my second quarter of University, and so far so good! I had to retake my chemistry class because I didn't get an A, but I'm on point and keeping track this quarter, and everything is where it should be! I'm a little nervous about our next exam, but thankfully our instructor drops our lowest grade (I loooove when instructos do that!!!) I'm also taking a Sociology class (which I love) and a History class (which I thought was going to be boring,,, but is actually pretty interesting)

I transfered into this university as a Sophmore, and I found out this week that I will be a JUNIOR at the end of the quarter!!! YAYYYY! I'M SO EXCITED! This really puts into perspective how long I have until I graduate). I also found out that I have to sign up for my Nursing program entrance exam in April.... now THAT was a surprise. It makes me really nervous because I thought I would have more time to study. I need to get together $40 to get the practice exam book to study from, so Insha Allah (God Willing) I will be able to get it soon.

Well my dears, that's my  update. I hope to be able to update again soon!
Take care!

Well-ness Journey...RECOVERY WEEK...(Day 29)

Assalamu Alaikum all my lovelies!
Wow, it's been awhile hasn't it?
Where do I start?....
Well, I am in the 3rd week of Winter quarter at my university, which is why I haven't been able to update for a bit. Studying (as well as 8:30am classes Monday-Friday) have had me swamped. I'm getting closer and closer to my test to get into the Nursing program! I have a couple more classes to take before I will feel comfortable taking the entrance exam. I'm nervous though. I only have two chances to take the test. If I don't get the marks I need, I'll have to pick another career if I want to stay at this university.

So I'm sure you understand why I've been locked away, studying like mad, and trying to stay organized. It's coming up sooo fast! I'm excited though. I spoke with my Academic Nursing Advisor, and it still looks like I'm on track. One thing I really need to do is get my GPA up. There are so many requirements to get into this program, and it's super competitive. They only accept 100 students in at a time! So I have a lot of hard work to do. Maybe I can get a recommendation from my advisor for the program if I work hard enough!

Anyway, onto what you really want to hear about! INSANITY!
Well, today is day 29 (though it should techinically be day 30). I skipped yesterday because of some knee pain, but jumped right back in today. I am now in my recovery week.

That's right! I finished month 1 of Insanity!!!!

Once my recovery week is complete, it will be onto month 2! During this week, I only use one disc: "Core Cardio & Balance." These moves aren't as intense, but they still pack a punch! I feel like they target a whole new set of muslces since they focus on the core. There is a new set of discs for month 2. The workouts will be longer, breaks will be shorter and moves will be harder! I'm a little apprehensive about it, but the only thing I can do it jump in and see how it works out!

Well, alright my lovelies, I have a Sociology exam tomorrow that I need to review for, so I'll leave it here.
Take care and DIG DEEPER!

Well-ness Journey (and more!).... I'm back!!!!! (Day 20)

Assalamu Alaikum all my lovelies!

Well, it's been a while!!! Let me tell you what I've been up to.
The last week of December saw me packing up all of my things, and getting ready to go back to university :) I was washing clothes, spending time with loved ones, and getting in a couple more lazy days. I was finalizing my class schedule, getting back together with my roomates, and doing all the normal stuff to prepare myself.

My class schedule is something you would never expect from me, because I am sooo not a morning person! I have morning classes MONDAY-FRIDAY starting at 8:30am!!! Yes, you read me right! 8:30am classes!!!

Now you might be wondering why I would do something like that to myself, and I'll explain.
Since the sun goes down so early now and it's Winter, I don't want to be walking (or driving) back from class during frigid temperatures, and if there's any ice, I want to be able to see it. This also saves me gas money because I dont have to drive unless I'm going to the grocery store!

Anyhoooooooo
Last week, I skipped a couple of days because of my hectic schedule, so I decided to redo the last part of week 3 instead of moving forward to week 4 :) So technically today is day 20!

Today's disc was "Plyometric Cardio Circuit" and I must admit, I've missed working out! I was having a couple of problems with my heart rate getting high in the beginning, but I think it's something I can easily work on. I think I'm going to get an actual heart rate monitor. And now, I'm off to drink my recovery drink.... chocolate milk! <3

Take care!!!





Well-ness Journey....Pure Cardio+ Cardio Abs..... DIG DEEPER (Day 17)

Assalamu Alaikum all my lovelies!


So today is day 17 of my Insanity program challenge!
Today I had to do 2 DVDs again! "Pure Cardio (40 minutes)" and "Cardio Abs (15 minutes)"
It was Insaaaaaane! :)


Today, I pushed myself so hard through the warmup of Pure Cardio,,,, I think I left little to no energy for the rest of the workout, haha! Sometimes watching Sean T. and the rest of the group go lightning fast inspires you to do the same..... and I may have put my body into shock, lol


The last time I had to complete these two, I did the Pure Cardio before doing the Cardio Abs. Well, that didn't work out too well for me, because after finishing Pure Cardio, I was exhausted! This made it difficult for me to make it through Cardio Abs.


Thank goodness for my facebook Insanity Support Team! A member on there told me that they do the Cardio Abs BEFORE doing the Pure Cardio........ All I can say to that is thank you :) Switching the workouts helped me out soooo much! It was still difficult doing two DVDs, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the last time!


As of right now,,,, I don't know which one is more difficult.... Pure Cardio, or the Cardio Circuit! Sometimes when I put the DVD in, I'm like "...wait, didn't I just do this yesterday?!" And then I take a closer look and see there's a difference. haha! Tomorrow is "Cardio Recovery" ........ It's the day that Sean T. goes "easy" on you.....I have to prepare for those pulses XD


Alright! Take care all my lovelies!

Well-ness Journey... Cardio Circuit....ZZZzzzZZZzzz (Day 16)

Assalamu Alaikum my lovelies!

So today was day 16! And the disc was "Cardio Circuit"....
Wow.... all I can say is wooooooooow XD

Today, I was really fatigued. My leg muscles were already sore all day, and then I had to jump around and do this workout. My legs kept feeling like they were going to give out. I almost didn't do it, but the hardest part is pushing play! As soon as I do that, half the battle is already over.

I was having a hard time during the warmup. But it was different. Usually, I have to take a break because of my Asthma, but this time I had to take a break because my body was still tired from yesterday's workout. It made it really difficult to keep up, and I struggled through the entire workout! But I stuck with it all the way to the end!

I wonder if the excitement from starting the program is wearing off? I'm not as excited about doing my workouts as I was before.

So yesterday was the beginning of week 3,  which means FIT TEST TIME!
So I did my 2nd fit test yesterday. My endurance and cardio has improved so much!
All of my workouts (except for the pushups) increased by about double! But it still felt like day 1 (which was fit test #1) because I had to push myself as hard as I could.

Alright my lovelies, I'm off!
Take care!

Well-ness Journey... Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs (Day 13)

Assalamu Alaikum all my lovelies!


I just finished day 13!!!! I have officially finished 2 weeks!


Today, I had to do 2 cds... "Pure Cardio" and "Cardio Abs."
All I can say is..... ouch! Having to do two different workouts was really difficult. Pure Cardio was 40 minutes, and Cardio Abs was 15, so overall it was a 55 minute workout! But, I was able to push through.
Even my cat was trying to get into the cardio workouts, by laying down in front of me during my stretches and rolling around...... haha.


So there is this drink made by the program called Shakeology. One glass of Shakeology supposedly contains the same nutrional benefits that you would get from eating everything below in one sitting:


Exotic Fruit
Raw Broccoli
Red Radishes
Raw Onions
Raw Cauliflower
Peas
Raw Mushrooms
Romaine Lettuce
Raw Carrots
Wheatgrass
and Non Fat Yogurt


It's supposed to be a good recovery drink, but I can't afford it. So I went online, and did some research. Come to find out, not a lot of people actually use it because of the cost, so they substitute with.......CHOCOLATE MILK!!! So of course I'm ecstatic about this, and decide to give it a try myself, because my muscles are usually so sore the next day.


So yesterday after working out, I drank a glass of chocolate milk. This morning, I had little to NO PAIN in my muscles!!! So I'm hooked! My mom told me I could drink stuff like Ensure, but I was worried about the number of calories and sugar, so I think I'll stick with the chocolate milk for now.


Alright everyone, I'm off to drink my chocolate milk!
Take care! :)

Well-ness Journey... Cardio Power and Resistence (Day 12)

Assalamu Alaikum all my lovelies!

So today's workout was "Cardio Power and Resistence.".......... wowowowowowowwwww!!!!
This workout today was super intense!

But I have to admit, I am noticing so many different changes in my body! My legs are toning, my stomach is starting to shrink and my energy levels are rising! I haven't lost any weight yet, but if this continues, I can definitely expect to see great results by day 60!

Also, Ive noticed changes in my strength, endurance and how many exercises I can successful accomplish :)

Examples:
1) High Jumps: This requires you to jump in the air, bring your knees to your sides, and tap your knees with your hands. You then land softly into a squat, and repeat. When I first attempted this exercise, I could bare do it, but NOW, I was jumping so high, pumping my legs and powering through! I didn't know I could jump that high!

2) Moving Push-ups: For this exercise, you start with a regular pushup, then move your body to the side, do another push-up, and repeat this, going twice to the left and twice to the right. (repeat)

3) Globe Jumps: This requires you to jump to the right and into a squat, jump backwards and into a squat, jump the left and into a squat, then jump forward and into a squat. <<<< this is considered one "globe." When I had to do this in my fitness day (day 1) I will be honest and say I barely did 3..... but now, I waas able to keep up with Sean T! Wow!

okay lovelies, this is my update for the day!
take care

Well-ness Journey.... Cardio Recovery (Day 11)

Assalamu Alaikum my lovelies!

Ok, so today's Insanity workout was "Cardio Recovery".

Now this workout here may be called recovery, but as a beginner, it's still a good workout.
There was a lot of stretching and yoga moves involved.
My three least favorite phrases in Cardio Recovery are "pulses", "hip flexor", and "hold it."
Some of the moves involved holding the pose, and then pulsing in that position.
Example: If you're doing squats, you hold the squat position for a bit (AKA... hold it), and then pulse for a set number...... ouch :( and hip flexors are pretty self explanatory.

Tomorrow will be day 12, and the workout for the day will be "Cardio Power & Resistance"
This should prove to be interesting!

Well my lovelies, I am off to take a shower and eat dinner.
Tonight's dinner is baked chicken with onions, boiled potatoes and broccoli, and of COURSE......WATER!
Take care!

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatulahi Wabarakatuhu!

Well-ness Journey.... PUMPED (Day 10)

Assalamu Alaikum! Hello all my lovelies! Konbanwa Minna-San!

Ok, I just finished my Insanity workout and couldn't wait to jump on here!
I am so sorry I haven't posted in a couple of day, but I was getting some preparations done for Winter quarter at University.

Ok, so today's workout was "Cardio Circuit"....... Woooooo boy!
This workout was kick-butt! I am really feeling the adrenaline from this one!
This workout included various sport exercises that ranged from Basketball, Football, Skiing, Mountain climbing and more!

And we had to do them over.....and over.....and over......

It got so hard, I ended up sitting out the first part of the last set (2-3 minutes) to get my heartrate back to where it needed to be, and to use my Asthma inhaler.

As I'm typing this, I can feel my body cooling down. For me, the best part of the workout is when it ends..... Hopefully when this first month is over, or when the 2 months is over I'll feel differently.

I just hope I can go from this after a workout...

To this after a workout!!!!!

Because I certainly don't want my doctor telling me this.....

Tomorrow's workout is "Cardio Recovery." Insanity goes a little (and I mean "a little") easier on you. It's mostly stretching out the muscles in your body.

Well, I'm going to go ahead and get cleaned up and get some dinner in me (along with a lot of water!).
Take care my lovelies!
Assalamu Alaikum!
Oyasuminasai minna-san!

Well-ness Journey....... Pure Cardio.... Regret (Day 5)

Hello all my lovelies, Assalamu Alaikum!


Oh My Allaaaaaah! I just finished day 5 of my Insanity workouts, and all I can say........ ouch. My word for the day is REGRET. I regret not doing my Insanity workouts while I was sick, because now I have to start from scratch, and it sucks! In the words of my dear friend who did her first Insanity today,,, "I feel like jelly." <<< I couldn't articulate it any better.


So today's disc was "Pure Cardio" and from the first jog, my heart rate sky rocketed. My heart was even pumping through the cool-down. Today though, I had my cousin as a workout partner, and it actually encouraged me to "Dig Deeper." I must admit, through all the gasps, collapses to the floor, water breaks, and screams.... I have no intentions of quitting. I'm in it to win it, and Insha Allah (God Willing) I can make it through these 60 days to a healthier, more fit and active me!


I'm thinking about organizing my well-ness journey into small weekly goals. So, completing each week of Insanity will be a goal. Once this week is over, one goal will be complete. When the second week is over, the second goal will be complete. I'll think about getting it organized, and let you know what I come up with. In the mean time, I'm off to take a shower, and eat some dinner :)


Take care all my lovelies!

I'm back!!!!

Hello all my lovelies!!!
I am finally well enough to continue on with my Insanity challenge!!!!
I was so upset that I had to stop because of being sick, I started feeling lazy again and just......blah.
I may not have been able to exercise, but I was able to keep up with my healthy eating. I'm still struggling to get in enough water for the day, but I'm getting there!
So tomorrow, as I continue my Insanity challenge, I will be using the disc for week 2 (Wednesday).
I am also doing some research for more sewing/crocheting/knitting projects, so be on the look out for new goals!
Take care my lovelies!

Genie/Harem pants complete!

Hello all my lovelies! Assalamu Alaikum!
So today I have finished hand sewing (YES, I said hand sewing) my first ever pair of genie/harem pants! It took me 2 days to make them and I absolutely love the results. Let me give you a quick walk through of the process...

Here is the fabric that I used...

I'm not sure what kind of fabric it is, but I found it in my closet and thought it would be just right!

Here's the basic shape I cut it into. I made sure to cut the crotch area extremely low. I didn't want to have pant legs, just a little bowed shape.

Next, I stitched the sides and crotch together. This left me with something that looked just like clown pants.

Afterwards, I took an elasticised waistband that fits me and gathered the waist of the pants to fit it. I then stitched the gathered waist to the elasticised waistband.

Finally, I cut two rectangular pieces of fabric, and sewed them into loops. I gathered the ankle area to fit the loops, and stitched them together (same method as the waistband).

Here's the finished product! I'll post more pictures when I actually wear them :)

Take care my lovelies!!!!

Feeling a little better...... Old passion on the forefront!

Hello all my lovelies! Assalamu Alaikum!
Today I'm feeling much better! Or, atleast I'm telling myself that. Gotta keep a positive attitude!
I miss my Insanity workouts! I've decided that if I feel up to it, I'm going to start tomorrow, which will be a week since my last workout.
Also, my love of sewing has been brewing for a couple of days now. I think it was all the sewing I did in preparation for last Monday's party. The only problem is that I don't have a sewing machine. I was told by a friend that SEARS has a layaway, so I have two options: to buy the $99.99 Basic 18-Stitch Simple Sewing Machine shown below...(this would really just be settling based on my funds)

Or I can put the sewing machine that I really want (shown below) on Layaway. This is a Brother Sewing Machine SC6600, which is $169.99.

*sigh* decisions, decisions. I think I'm going to just try and save my money instead of dealing with a layaway.... Money is so tight, and I want to seeeeew!

I love the idea of at least 50% of my wardrobe being handmade! And I have so many ideas! There are two projects that I really want to try.

***My 1st Project: Harem Pants (Complete)

I took a trip to Morroco, and fell in love with the genie/harem pants that were there! Unfortunately I couldn't find the time to buy them, and  that was about 3 years ago! Here in the states, it's hard to find exactly what I want, so I have decided to take on the challenge of making them myself :)

Here are the pants that I want to make:

They look pretty simple right? They look so comfortable, and I would looooove to have them in a variety of colors and patterns!

***My 2nd Project: Super Wide Legged Pants

When I was younger, my mother bought me an outfit that had pants with legs so wide they flowed and fluttered like a skirt. I have yet to actually find a pair like them, and have decided to make my own

I would actually like the pant legs to be even wider than these! I don't even want there to be a clue that they are pants!

So there you have it, my aspirations for when I get a sewing machine, so I can get started on my 50% handmade wardrobe.

Take care all my lovelies! Stay safe out there! It's snowing really hard in some places!

*sick* Workout on Hiatus

Hello all my lovelies!
It's been awhile since I've posted anything, and I apologize!
Well, I can definitely say that I have not done a workout since last Saturday.......
I am really sick, and feel its not a good idea to continue until I am better.

Had a blast on Monday at the party (which was when I really started getting sick)! Everyone was so beautiful! I'll post a pic of my dress once I'm better :)

Well, here's my update!
Stay safe out there, and try not to get sick like me!
Take care all my lovelies!

Side note* I am so glad that I'm sick during Winter Break! I would hate to miss classes because of this!

Off Day..... (Day 6).. ZZZzzzZZZ

Hello all my lovelies!
Well, today is Sunday, and I am exhausted! I've been working on this dress for the party on Monday and I'm still NOT DONE!
I've also slacked another day with my Insanity :( I feel so bad! But I will start fresh on Monday with a new outlook and hopefully more energy!
Since today is Sunday, it is my "day off" from Insanity. My workouts are only Monday through Saturday.

I've almost finished my dress! I'm a little unhappy with it, but I hope that with some adjustments, I will end up liking it more :/ I feel like I just took on a big project for a party whose date is so close (tomorrow). I only have tonight to finish it. If it's not finished, I will just go to plan B and wear my backup dress :)

I'll post pics of my finished dress sometime tonight.

Take care my lovelies!

Well-ness Journey. Cardio Recovery AKA The "Easy" Day...(Day 4)

Hello all my lovelies!

Well, I looked at my schedule for Insanity, and today I had to do the Cardio Recovery, which is a combination of slow cardio, with a couple ballet moves and pilates. It was 30 minutes, and I feel great!
I was feeling so slow and lazy before, and now I feel energetic and uplifted!
Tomorrow's exercise is PURE CARDIO, and I must admit, I'm a little intimidated by that, but I'm ready to dive in head first!

I've come to a conclusion regarding the schedule of my workouts. Because the workouts end up making me exhausted and ready for bed (after the adrenaline runs out), I've decided to workout closer to bedtime. I think this will work best!

Not much to say right now, just giving an update,
Goodnight my lovelies <3

Our Beauty

A woman was glowing with beauty, and she was asked what kind of makeup she used.
She replied:
For my lips, I use truth.
For my eyes, I lower my gaze.
For my hands, I give the charity.
For my voice, I speak kindly.
For my figure, I wear my Hijaab.
For my body, I perform my Salah (Prayer) regularly.
For my heart, love for the universe.
For my mind, Faith and Islam.
For my soul, obedience to and love of ALLAH.

Well-ness Journey Update (Day 3)

Hello all my lovelies!
I didn't get to post yesterday because I'm out of town, so I'm doing it this morning.
I wasn't able to workout yesterday, and I'm so bummed about it, because it was only my 3rd day :(
I'm going to go ahead and continue with my schedule, and still have Sunday off, so that way I'll still be on schedule once the next week starts.
I also didn't track my nutrition for yesterday, but I made sure to eat healthy and keep within my limits. I think I did pretty good! I go back home today, so I plan to get my workout in later on!
*Side note* I think this water intake is still a problem for me. I'm still not able to get my 8 glasses of water in.
*new development* I realized that I haven't had any juice or carbonated drinks since Monday, and I don't crave them at all! I don't even want any junk food! I went to the grocery store, and walked past that aisle with the pops and chips, and sooooo didn't want any. *yay!~

So I started working on the dress that I will wear to the party on Monday. I went to Goodwill and bought two dresses that I will revamp and combine! I am so excited! Let me see if I can get a picture of the the dresses below.......


                                                     Ok, here's dress #1

Aaaaaaand dress #2

I also drew a sketch to get a visual on what I want.....

We shall see how this goes!

Take care all my lovelies!

                                                         

Well-ness Journey. SNOW DAY!!! (Day 2)

Hello all my lovelies :)



Today is an okay day. I've been sore all day from yesterday's exercise, and I still haven't done my workout for today :( I've had 3 glasses of water, and I have 5 more left! It's 6:15pm, so I definitely think I will make my goal. I had a good breakfast, which is a challenge for me because I don't normally eat breakfast :P I had half a veggie sub from subway for lunch today... I wonder how many calories that is?  I'm thinking about eating the other half for dinner.



I'm still working on my workout schedule. Yesterday, I did the Insanity at 4:30. By 8:30 I was ready to go to bed. The problem is I don't want to go to bed too early, so I'm thinking that exercising closer to my bed time will be better for me.



So I'm going to a party on Monday! It's an all women's fashion party! I'm so excited! We were invited to bring our favorite dessert. I found a recipe for Zebra striped cake online last week, and I am soooooo excited to make it!



Today marks the first snow!!!!! As I was leaving work this evening (I was called in) there were fat, wet snowflakes falling from the sky!!! It was beautiful to see it at night <3 Some nearby areas have even gotten up to 4 inches already! I hope we don't get that.......
*Reminder* I need to get some gloves and waterproof boots :)



Alright my lovelies,
hope you all have a good night!