So I Actually Did P90X!!!!! (Guest post)

If you were checking up on Jennifer’s blog and you were confused by the title, have no fear-this is a guest blog entry!

My name is Karen Bridgman and I am a friend of Jennifer and as luck would have it, neighbors too.  About four months ago I had a little chat with Jennifer at Publix that changed my life and my husband’s life too!  Yes, life-altering conversations at a grocery store.  I will start by saying that I had considered myself to be in pretty decent shape.  I faithfully walked on the treadmill for at least 30 minutes each day, but I had noticed that I seemed to be putting on a few extra pounds that I wasn’t able to shed. My husband had a desire to lose some weight too but no desire to get on the treadmill.  So, we began to have some talks about what we could do.  I am 37 and he is 39 so we figured if were going to get in shape it better be NOW.  We talked about doing something like P90X but we figured we couldn’t really do it.  You’ve seen those infomercials before.  Those people are ripped.

So, one day on Facebook I noticed Jeff Corvin had posted something about Jennifer’s blog and I thought I would check it out.  I had no idea I lived across the street from a fitness guru.  So literally, the next day I saw Jennifer at Publix and we talked about P90X and I made up my mind to do it.  I called my husband and he said sure so I bought it that afternoon and we started the very next day.  I allowed us NO time to change our minds.

Happy and sweaty after my workout

At first, when we started, I’m pretty sure we thought we might die but it got better and a bit easier.  The program consists of three days of cardio or yoga and three days of weights.  Turns out we probably like the weights the best.  The program is great because each person in the video is doing some variation of each move.  If you need to modify, there is someone you can watch.  If you are a fitness machine, there is someone to watch.  If you don’t want to use weights, you can use bands.  I feel like this is a great program to kick off a new fitness routine.  Plus, Tony Horton is hilarious!  But really the best part is the results…I lost 10 pounds and 8 inches overall and my husband lost 20 pounds and 12 inches overall.   WOW!!! Even better, we have made a commitment to working out.  

A few months ago I never thought any of this was possible.  I doubted my own ability to do a challenging workout.  I figured I would never lose those extra pounds.  Now I feel like I can do anything!  In fact, we started Insanity the week after we finished P90X.  Insane right???  My whole mindset has changed about working out.  I want to stay in shape. I want to be more fit.  I want to be healthier- FOREVER!

And yes, all this happened following one conversation at the grocery store.  Funny how life works…

Why I Don't Workout at the Gym

Fridays are hectic. I got things going with Asylum 2's Power Legs workout. My legs are jello!

I fixed myself some chocolate Shakeology for breakfast and headed out the door! Several hours and errands later, I was ready for lunch. Since strawberries are still on sale at Publix this week (3/$5!!!) and Flatout Bread is also BOGO, I opted for a turkey wrap on my favorite Flatout Bread (Sundried Tomato) with mustard and peppers and some fruit salad on the side. Shout out to Whitney for introducing me to Flatout Bread at the beach a couple of years ago!

I wanted to post some pictures of the different workouts I do on my facebook page, so my husband has been doubling as my personal photographer recently. Looking through these photos has reminded me why I don't workout at the gym.

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

Notice the tongue. Apparently, I do that a lot.

And, last but not least, Exhibit C:

You should really click on this one so you can appreciate it in all it's glory.

If you workout at the gym, you're welcome. I am sure you're disappointed that you're missing out on this kind of natural beauty.

Seriously though, I love working out at home!!! Why? I'm glad you asked! Without further ado, here are my top ten reasons to workout at home:

1. I can take any class I want, any time. All I need is my DVD player.
2. I can sleep later!!!
3. I don't have to pay for a gym membership! (For those that know me, you know how big this is since I'm cheap frugal.)
4. I can workout even when my kids are sick. I've got 4 of them. Kids, that is. And they love to share, so illness can invade our home for days at a time.
5. I don't waste any gas! (Have you seen how much that costs these days?!?)
6. There is no commute and no wasted time.
7. I don't have to wait in line for a piece of equipment.
8. Bathroom breaks are quicker. (Lots of jumping + giving birth to 4 children = lots of bathroom breaks.)
9. Appearance doesn't matter, so I can make my weird workout faces and noises without fear of judgment.
10. My home is open 24/7. I workout when it's convenient for me.

Do you prefer working out at home or the gym? Tell me why!