These past few months I have been going through what I would like to refer to as a ‘quarter life crisis’, though the fact is the average life expectancy in Canada is 80 years old, which means this is realistically more of a ‘third life crisis’ and that really stresses me out.
I think we all have our own perception of what 30 was/is going to be for us. I know for me I thought most certainly I would have an important power position at work, married, kids, 2 dogs, white picket fence, I mean I will be OLD!!! Flash forward… I sit here writing this and as I am fortunate enough to have a great job, I am single and live in a tiny condo downtown, by myself. I still feel like I am 21… how did this happen? It feels like yesterday I was being told, `you are so young, live your life’. These days when people ask me how old I am, it is more often than not followed by “Oh wow”. It’s all happening.
That being said, I am embracing this upcoming milestone (that’s what they all say, I know) and I have decided since I have all of this independence and freedom, I am going to challenge myself and get into the BEST shape I can by my birthday – July 17th. Typically, whenever I say I am going to do something like this, it lasts about 2 weeks and then I have a cheat day, which leads into a cheat month. Not good. This time is going to be different. Consistency is going to be the key to my success. In order to maximize my time, I will have to put my abs and booty in the trusty hands of Shaun T.
This guy does it all, choreographer and fitness expert, he really knows how to motivate you and most importantly – he gets results. I had the great honour and privilege of working out with Shaun here in Toronto last year. It was such an incredible experience. Talk about a man who is genuinely passionate and kind. There were hundreds of people there and he stood for hours after the group workout and took pictures and spoke to each person individually about their experiences. He is a real inspiration to me.
Insanity is a Beachbody program created by Shaun T. It claims to be the hardest workout ever put on tape, and I believe it. Using nothing but your own body weight, you do endless push-ups, squats, jumping jacks, suicides, burpees, you name it… then the warm up is over. WARNING: This program is not for everyone. If you are extremely out of shape or afraid of hard work you might want to try something less intense, this will prevent injury and you will be less likely to get discouraged and quit. “It’s get fit, or get out people”. On days when I am tired, I literally dread it. BUT, it gives you equally as dramatic results. I did this program for the first time about 4 years ago, I was out of shape, lethargic, and had every single excuse in the world as to why. Let me tell you, as that version of myself, Insanity was one of the hardest things I have ever done, and in retrospect one of the greatest. I lost 50 pounds and gained a new appreciation for everything and everyone around me. Amazing things happen when you push your body past its limits and take back control of your life. There is no better feeling, for me at least.
What you can expect from Insanity
They were not exaggerating when they named this program. Each workout is done at a very strenuous pace (if you have any lingering joint issues be extremely careful). Insanity is based on the ‘Max-Interval Training’ principle which is essentially the opposite of traditional HIIT workouts, meaning you work hard for 3 minutes and rest for 30 seconds.
Month 1 – consists of 5 videos that are scheduled differently each week.
If you can make it through these 4 weeks, it is then followed by a week rest phase that consists of 1 video. It is very important to get this much-needed recovery. Trust me.
Month 2 – is really tough, these 4 videos are much more demanding and longer than the first month, but at least now you can now see the light at the end of the tunnel, and the results are motivating and exciting.
An easy to follow schedule and eating plan are also included to ensure you are eating properly to get the most out of all of your hard work. Abs are made in the kitchen!
I am a huge supporter of Insanity and Shaun T. It will not be easy, but if you are up for the challenge I promise it will push you out of your comfort zone and throw you into a pile of your own sweat on the floor. You will get insanely incredible results but you will have to work for them, and hard.
So here I go again. If you think you have what it takes, please join me!
I am currently on Day 4/60. Day 60 being my birthday. I will be posting my progress every 2 weeks (with pictures, at the end). #DIGDEEP everyone!
Ash XO
These past few months I have been going through what I would like to refer to as a ‘quarter life crisis’, though the fact is the average life expectancy in Canada is 80 years old, which means this is realistically more of a ‘third life crisis’ and that really stresses me out.
I think we all have our own perception of what 30 was/is going to be for us. I know for me I thought most certainly I would have an important power position at work, married, kids, 2 dogs, white picket fence, I mean I will be OLD!!! Flash forward… I sit here writing this and as I am fortunate enough to have a great job, I am single and live in a tiny condo downtown, by myself. I still feel like I am 21… how did this happen? It feels like yesterday I was being told, `you are so young, live…
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Ashley Virginia Stewart 