Laboring on Labor Day

Today didn't really include any type of relaxation. Nick and I got up semi-early to do a deep clean of our family room. Twice last week I had large bugs crawl on me when I was laying on the couch. If you know me at all, you know how much I absolutely go nuts over bugs. We keep our house neat, but I guess this is what comes with a 70 year old structure when the seasons change.

This is my recovery week for Phase 2, but Nick and I did plenty of heavy lifting today. Not only did we move the couch, we shampooed the rug and furniture, sprayed the perimeter for bugs, shampooed the staircase, and cleaned the windows. As a result of the wet rug in my normal p90x workout area, I moved shop upstairs to our third bedroom. It's a nice and big room with two skylights, but it is hot as (insert expletive here.)

We attempted Kempo up there and I literally died.

Stay tuned for Phase 2 pics this Friday.

So this is my recovery week?

I thought this was going to be a little easier. You know...none of the grunting and soreness. But, I was wrong. Dead wrong.

Ok so maybe those words are a little strong, but seriously, when I got out of bed this morning, I could not, and still cannot, move my head up and down.

Left and right = fine.
Up and down = wrong.

I'm praying that I slept funny on my neck because I felt fine yesterday after the Core Synergistics workout. Don't get me wrong, the superman roll into a banana twist v-up should not be considered a recovery week exercise, but the dvd wasn't Plyometrics. Nothing is Plyo.

Because I didn't want to break my workout today, I grunted through a 30 minute run and did Kempo (my fav). I couldn't 'bring it' as much as I would've liked, but kept reminding myself that this was recovery week and it was probably okay to dog a few punches and kicks.

I have an appointment tomorrow with a true miracle worker, Ollie Carver. This woman saved me from jaw surgery through the art of deep tissue massage. Her technique is outstanding and she is a wonderful and caring woman. I hope she can fix me before Phase 2 begins on Saturday. Let me know if any of you need a good massage therapist.

Stay tuned this week as I post my Phase 1 photos and remeasure body fat this Friday. joy.

Day 6 - Kempo X

After our Wendy's run and two glasses of wine at Jen's housewarming party (I'm a light-weight when it comes to alcohol), I think Nick thought that I wasn't going to be able to get up this morning and "bring it" as Tony Horton says.

I brought it.

Kempo is basically Tae-Bo which Nick and I think is named after the combination of Tai Chi, Tai Kwan Do, and Billy Blanks, who I just found out was a B-movie star. Talons of the Eagle anyone? Expect No Mercy? Yeah I haven't seen them either.

Today's workout was not bad at all. If you are in any type of cardiovascular shape, you will be able to do it no problem. I think I did have an edge because I have experienced the insaneness that is Joni Mlakar. I was introduced to Joni's classes at Evolution Yoga by a co-worker. Her classes were 1h15 min and burned 1,400 calories. Intense.

I'm not linking to Evo's site because they let her go a few months after I started classes there. I was upset and I know a lot of other people who were attending her classes for much longer than me were devistated. Joni taught a great yoga sculpting class set to any and every kind of music (Sam & Dave, country, techno, C&C Music Factory).

I've hear that she is now working somewhere over in Bentlyville. If anyone knows, please let me know! It's too far for me to drive, but I would love to know that she is helping others get in shape.