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[TabletopTictacs]

Day 9 done and I definitely think I'm getting fitter. I was able to keep up with all three waves of the warm-up this morning. It wasn't until about halfway through the main chunk of Pure Cardio that I started to drop off.

A quick question: do you guys tend to take lots of mini breaks or one big one? I.e, is it better to miss an entire exercise and start the next one on full power or is it better to do, say, 20 seconds of one, die, then do 20 seconds of the next and die etc. I'm tending to do the former at the moment but taking a lot of mini breaks seems counter-productive.

 

[SteveMeister]

Day 9 done and I definitely think I'm getting fitter. I was able to keep up with all three waves of the warm-up this morning. It wasn't until about halfway through the main chunk of Pure Cardio that I started to drop off.

A quick question: do you guys tend to take lots of mini breaks or one big one? I.e, is it better to miss an entire exercise and start the next one on full power or is it better to do, say, 20 seconds of one, die, then do 20 seconds of the next and die etc. I'm tending to do the former at the moment but taking a lot of mini breaks seems counter-productive.

Pure Cardio is a beast, but you really want to try to start each move on time and never press pause. The point being you don't want your heart rate to drop too low.

So watch the timer bar, and use it to give yourself a quick breather when you need it but try to be ready to start the next move right away.

Also, it's better to slow down & modify than to stop completely, especially if your form is starting to falter. And remember the breathing trick -- take several sharp breaths with a forceful exhale, four or five times over the course of a couple seconds. This'll give you a quick boost of oxygen.

 

[Ubersnug]

Quick question guys. I'm 16 days into my Insanity regime and my shins are starting to ache as well as around the ankles. I've always suffered from shin splints when I used to run and I could never get over them. Normally I would wait till they no longer hurt, take up running again and the shin splints would come back again. A never ending cycle.

Anyone got any advice on how to get rid of them or maybe some reassuring words of encouragement that they will go away if I persevere through the pain?

 

[SteveMeister]

Focus T25 links for the new page, here and here.

I've set up a closed Facebook group for folks doing this. If you sign up on teambeachbody.com with me as your coach and are interested in joining that group, let me know and I'll get you added.

Otherwise, who else is getting it? When do you plan to start? I'll be posting about my experiences with it here as well as in the Facebook group, and in a thread on the teambeachbody.com message boards. I'm hoping to get mine this week so I can start on Monday, since I'll be finishing up Body Beast on Friday. I'll post my final measurements after my last workout. So far it looks like I've put on about 6lbs or so, and my body fat percentage has gone up by about .5 of a percentage point, so not much change there. Definitely a lot stronger with more definition!

Quick question guys. I'm 16 days into my Insanity regime and my shins are starting to ache as well as around the ankles. I've always suffered from shin splints when I used to run and I could never get over them. Normally I would wait till they no longer hurt, take up running again and the shin splints would come back again. A never ending cycle.

Anyone got any advice on how to get rid of them or maybe some reassuring words of encouragement that they will go away if I persevere through the pain?

First a couple questions:
- What kind of shoes are you using?
- What's the floor like that you're working out on?

For shoes, court shoes (i.e. Basketball shoes) or cross training shoes are the best... They offer plenty of cushioning and good lateral support. I use Reebok CrossFit Nano 2.0s, and I'm very happy with them.

I also work out on a 1/2" thick foam puzzle mats. I have a large area, 12'x12', but for Insanity you can get away with about 6'x3'. It helps a lot to lessen the impact. In addition, the Beachbody "Jump Mat" works well, though I haven't used mine since I put in the puzzle mats.

Next I'd have you take a look at your landings. You want to come down toe-ball-heel, rolling your foot back until it's flat on the floor, and further absorb the shock by bending your knees, while keeping your knees pointed in the same direction as your toes. You don't want to land stiff-legged or flat-footed. It's really important to keep your knees aligned with your toes, too -- don't let them buckle inward or outward. If you can land barely making any noise at all, you're doing it right!

What I'd do is slow down a bit and really focus on what you're doing when you are landing. Practice it. It should help quite a bit.

 

[Espresso]

Are Power 90 results at all comparable to P90X results? I know there are a few GAFers who have completed both workout regimes.

 

[Ubersnug]

To be honest, I've been using a pair of Asics running shoes that I had from when I used to go to the Gym and jogging. I knew I really should be using cross trainers, but I started this 2 weeks before payday and wasn't in a position to buy a new pair of trainers at the time. Looking to buy a new pair this weekend however.

I do my workout in a garage with concrete floors, but I put down 1/2" thick puzzle floor mats to absorb my foot impacts. I really didn't want to do a high impact regime on bare concrete floors.

Also, I think I do a good job of always leading or landing with my toes first and rolling the rest of the foot down. Maybe give or take the odd misplaced landing when I'm starting to feel drained during a workout.

Appreciate the quick response Steve. You have any advice on how to handle Shin Splints?

 

[izakq]

Though the one concern that I do have is, when going through the workouts, I feel like my lower half is doing just great. When about thirty minutes in and some of the workouts deal with push-ups or exercises that are in a push-up position, I'm getting winded and can't get through the whole exercise. With that, I feel like I'm losing out a lot and my upper half, especially my arms, are not getting the full benefit, even though I try to push myself with these exercises. Any tips on this?

Quoting for new page. Again, any tips on my concern?

 

[SteveMeister]

Are Power 90 results at all comparable to P90X results? I know there are a few GAFers who have completed both workout regimes.

I've done both!

Power 90 is a lot more entry-level than P90X. It's a great way to start, particularly if you haven't been working out much. You can definitely get good results! Here are my measurements before & after Power 90, from January 9 2012 to April 6 2012:

Chest: 40.5 --> 37.5 (-2.5")
R. Arm: 15 --> 13 (-2")
L. Arm: 14.5 --> 13 (-1.5")
Waist: 39 --> 34.25 (-4.75")
Hips: 40 --> 36.5 (-3.5")
R. Thigh: 25 --> 22.5 (-2.5")
L. Thigh: 25 --> 22.5 (-2.5")
Weight: 185 --> 166.2 (-18.8lbs)
Total inches lost: 19.25

Appreciate the quick response Steve. You have any advice on how to handle Shin Splints?

It's probably best if you go see a specialist about that. You may need to work out in orthopedic shoes. Sometimes shin splints are caused by flat feet.

Though the one concern that I do have is, when going through the workouts, I feel like my lower half is doing just great. When about thirty minutes in and some of the workouts deal with push-ups or exercises that are in a push-up position, I'm getting winded and can't get through the whole exercise. With that, I feel like I'm losing out a lot and my upper half, especially my arms, are not getting the full benefit, even though I try to push myself with these exercises. Any tips on this?

It can definitely be hard to keep going! One thing you can do is go back into Child's Position briefly to stretch out your arms & shoulders. And don't feel bad about going onto your knees if you need to! This'll take a lot of weight off your shoulders & chest but still give you a good workout. Also, make sure that your arms are perpendicular to the floor, with your hands directly below your shoulders. I've found that I get fatigued quicker if my arms are extended forward a bit rather than perpendicular, plus that's improper form.

 

[Ubersnug]

Quoting for new page. Again, any tips on my concern?

Not an answer I'm afraid, but I do share your experience.

Take the Plyometric Cardio circuit for example. I can power through the warmup with no hassle, the first set of 3 sets I can just about get through without taking a cheeky break. However, by the time we hit the second set, I just about get through the basketball jumps and then the Level 1 Drills, Ski abs and the last one (I can;t remember) I struggle through because I've already pushed through the first set of exercises. As a result, I feel as if the workouts that focus on the upper body get neglected since I physically can't put any more effort into them. Either with a lack of breath or just from a weakened state. Thus, I feel as if I've let myself down.

Perhaps I just need to learn to pace myself better. But I try to follow Shaun T's lead and increase my pace with each set.

 

[Harry Potter]

Quoting for new page. Again, any tips on my concern?

When you can't do anymore push ups, dropping your knees to the ground and doing them is always a good way to get in more reps.

 

[izakq]

It can definitely be hard to keep going! One thing you can do is go back into Child's Position briefly to stretch out your arms & shoulders. And don't feel bad about going onto your knees if you need to! This'll take a lot of weight off your shoulders & chest but still give you a good workout. Also, make sure that your arms are perpendicular to the floor, with your hands directly below your shoulders. I've found that I get fatigued quicker if my arms are extended forward a bit rather than perpendicular, plus that's improper form.

I've been doing the Child's pose when I get winded. I'll try modifying some of the exercises by going to my knees if I can't hack it throughout the set. Thanks for the tips, SteveMeister!

Not an answer I'm afraid, but I do share your experience.

Take the Plyometric Cardio circuit for example. I can power through the warmup with no hassle, the first set of 3 sets I can just about get through without taking a cheeky break. However, by the time we hit the second set, I just about get through the basketball jumps and then the Level 1 Drills, Ski abs and the last one (I can;t remember) I struggle through because I've already pushed through the first set of exercises. As a result, I feel as if the workouts that focus on the upper body get neglected since I physically can't put any more effort into them. Either with a lack of breath or just from a weakened state. Thus, I feel as if I've let myself down.

Perhaps I just need to learn to pace myself better. But I try to follow Shaun T's lead and increase my pace with each set.

Yep, that is exactly what I go through. I'm hoping that as time goes on, I'll get a bit better on the conditioning that I'll be able to get through those sets and get more out of it.

 

[Deadly Cyclone]

I plan to start T25 right after 4th of July weekend. I'll probably eat bad and drink beer that weekend so might as well start right after.

 

[SteveMeister]

I plan to start T25 right after 4th of July weekend. I'll probably eat bad and drink beer that weekend so might as well start right after.

Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we GET IT DONE!

 

[Deadly Cyclone]

Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we GET IT DONE!

Indeed. I've had this extra 6 pounds sitting on me since my San Diego vacation (too many tacos and too much beer), and it won't go anywhere. I need to hit it hard. I apparently am great at maintaining weight, but not so good at losing.

 

[Gumbie]

Focus T25 links for the new page, here and here.

I've set up a closed Facebook group for folks doing this. If you sign up on teambeachbody.com with me as your coach and are interested in joining that group, let me know and I'll get you added.

Otherwise, who else is getting it? When do you plan to start? I'll be posting about my experiences with it here as well as in the Facebook group, and in a thread on the teambeachbody.com message boards. I'm hoping to get mine this week so I can start on Monday, since I'll be finishing up Body Beast on Friday. I'll post my final measurements after my last workout. So far it looks like I've put on about 6lbs or so, and my body fat percentage has gone up by about .5 of a percentage point, so not much change there. Definitely a lot stronger with more definition!



First a couple questions:
- What kind of shoes are you using?
- What's the floor like that you're working out on?

For shoes, court shoes (i.e. Basketball shoes) or cross training shoes are the best... They offer plenty of cushioning and good lateral support. I use Reebok CrossFit Nano 2.0s, and I'm very happy with them.

I also work out on a 1/2" thick foam puzzle mats. I have a large area, 12'x12', but for Insanity you can get away with about 6'x3'. It helps a lot to lessen the impact. In addition, the Beachbody "Jump Mat" works well, though I haven't used mine since I put in the puzzle mats.

Next I'd have you take a look at your landings. You want to come down toe-ball-heel, rolling your foot back until it's flat on the floor, and further absorb the shock by bending your knees, while keeping your knees pointed in the same direction as your toes. You don't want to land stiff-legged or flat-footed. It's really important to keep your knees aligned with your toes, too -- don't let them buckle inward or outward. If you can land barely making any noise at all, you're doing it right!

What I'd do is slow down a bit and really focus on what you're doing when you are landing. Practice it. It should help quite a bit.

I ordered today, wish I would have seen this before I would have ordered under you as a coach. I've done P90 and P90X but never any Shawn T stuff. I haven't worked out since March but I have continued losing weight. Went from a skinny fat 205lbs (around 16-17 percent body fat) to 185lbs with around 14% body fat. I'm looking forward to T25 but I'm afraid the focus on cardio will make me look like a stick man. I went ahead and got the Gamma dvds too so I can get some weights in there.

 

[SteveMeister]

I ordered today, wish I would have seen this before I would have ordered under you as a coach. I've done P90 and P90X but never any Shawn T stuff. I haven't worked out since March but I have continued losing weight. Went from a skinny fat 205lbs (around 16-17 percent body fat) to 185lbs with around 14% body fat. I'm looking forward to T25 but I'm afraid the focus on cardio will make me look like a stick man. I went ahead and got the Gamma dvds too so I can get some weights in there.

I appreciate that! If you're already signed on to teambeachbody.com and NOT actively working with your assigned coach, you can switch coaches to me by following these directions..

I don't think T25 will cause you to lose muscle. I believe that like Insanity, T25 is also based on a principle of anaerobic training, which is a stimulus for muscular hypertrophy. So you'll burn fat, not muscle.

 

[Harry Potter]

I appreciate that! If you're already signed on to teambeachbody.com and NOT actively working with your assigned coach, you can switch coaches to me by following these directions..

I don't think T25 will cause you to lose muscle. I believe that like Insanity, T25 is also based on a principle of anaerobic training, which is a stimulus for muscular hypertrophy. So you'll burn fat, not muscle.

Did you get tracking info for your T25 order yet?

 

[SteveMeister]

Did you get tracking info for your T25 order yet?

No, and I keep refreshing gmail looking for it! I got my order confirmation pretty much right away, and I ordered using priorty shipping. Still waiting on that tracking number though!

I should be getting my Vanilla Shakeology samples box tomorrow, though!

 

[Harry Potter]

No, and I keep refreshing gmail looking for it! I got my order confirmation pretty much right away, and I ordered using priorty shipping. Still waiting on that tracking number though!

I should be getting my Vanilla Shakeology samples box tomorrow, though!

Same story for me.

 

[desu]

So T25 is finally out, why haven't I gotten an Email notification ...

Anyway I really wish they would do digital downloads, getting the DVDs is rather annoying and slow.

 

[SteveMeister]

So T25 is finally out, why haven't I gotten an Email notification ...

Anyway I really wish they would do digital downloads, getting the DVDs is rather annoying and slow.

I think they opened orders up teambeachbody.com members first, whether you're already a member or whether you order through a coach and sign up at that time, and they'll open it up to other orders later. I doubt it'll be long before they do that.

Same story for me.

Just got my shipping confirmation! Tracking number won't be, er, trackable until tomorrow some time though.

 

[Razorskin]

Power circuit Whey and Optimum Gold Standard Whey, yay or nay? Friend bought them for me who works at a gym.

 

[Hawkian]

Finally killed the seemingly endless tub of Green Apple MP. holy hell.

Finally, Raspberry Lemonade...

Any suggestions for when I re-up?

Blue Arctic Raspberry
Fruit Punch
Grape Blast
Green Apple
Orange Mango
Raspberry Lemonade
Watermelon

Green Apple is godawful. Blue Raspberry is merely awful.

 

[vatstep]

Power circuit Whey and Optimum Gold Standard Whey, yay or nay? Friend bought them for me who works at a gym.

Optimum Nutrition is good — I've used it for years, and it's the most popular for a reason, though not necessarily the best or best-tasting. And I got a new bottle today and it's all shiny and sparkly now! Don't know anything about Power Circuit.

Had to mail in plyo today. Awful day at work, 92 degrees with no A/C, dentist appointment, couldn't eat my afternoon yogurt... bleh. I just ran in place during jump knee tucks and rockstar hops, ha.

 

[RukusProvider]

Appreciate the quick response Steve. You have any advice on how to handle Shin Splints?

I was starting to get shin splints and pain on the back of my lower legs between the ankle and the calf.

Follow this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgHoePuZaPw

Roll it manually against your shins also.

I did this after each workout followed by ice packs tied down with socks around the area. Took a few days to kick in but worked great afterwards. Totally worth it to not have that nagging pain.

 

[RukusProvider]

Congratulations on some awesome results!! Very impressive! It really does help to have people providing support, and I'm glad your fiance' was right there with you. Sounds like you have a good plan going forward, too.

It also seems to me that you two might make a good Coaching pair. Send me a PM and I can give you some info about that.

Thanks Steve. While it would be good fun, unfortunately my job takes up a lot of my time and what I do have left, I like to keep open.

 

[Espresso]

I've done both!

Power 90 is a lot more entry-level than P90X. It's a great way to start, particularly if you haven't been working out much. You can definitely get good results! Here are my measurements before & after Power 90, from January 9 2012 to April 6 2012:

Chest: 40.5 --> 37.5 (-2.5")
R. Arm: 15 --> 13 (-2")
L. Arm: 14.5 --> 13 (-1.5")
Waist: 39 --> 34.25 (-4.75")
Hips: 40 --> 36.5 (-3.5")
R. Thigh: 25 --> 22.5 (-2.5")
L. Thigh: 25 --> 22.5 (-2.5")
Weight: 185 --> 166.2 (-18.8lbs)
Total inches lost: 19.25

Good job!. I've decided to do Power 90 for now, and I'll save P90X for the fall. Sculpt 1-2 was challenging after months without strength training, but it's just what I needed to get back into the swing of things.

 

[SteveMeister]

Thanks Steve. While it would be good fun, unfortunately my job takes up a lot of my time and what I do have left, I like to keep open.

I know what you mean. Work + a long commute + wife & a 5-year-old boy + living on a farm + workouts makes it hard to find time for me, too, so I'm just taking it slowly. I spend probably about 45 minutes a day on it on average, broken up into small chunks here & there. Maybe it'll grow into something more substantial, but I'm in no hurry for that to happen. In the mean time, I get to help a few folks here & there and the discount is a big plus

My Focus T25 tracking is active now, shows a Thursday delivery!

 

[TabletopTictacs]

Are any cereal bars that can just be bought at Tesco etc. recommended? I don't really wanna splash out on super expensive protein bars, just something that can replace one of the 5 meals for when I'm feeling lazy. I'm guessing Nutri-Grain and other popular bars are full of sugar and off-limits but there must be something?

 

[Razorskin]

After a day of going though booklets yesterday, today was my first day of P90X, kicked my ass as expected, but felt good about being able to keep up with most of it. Helps that the first day was all push ups and pull ups and that's all I've done over a year, though I've never made a serious routine of it. Tony's got good charisma and I'm all for continuing this and not wasting my investment into it. I'll post here again after my first week.

The protein powder ended up tasting pretty damn good to boot.

 

[Hawkian]

Going away for the weekend, hope Portland is good to me.

 

[Deadly Cyclone]

I'm eating these Apple Pie Quest bars for a snack. FOR A SNACK. I have chips and queso in the fridge, what's wrong with me?

 

[Harry Potter]

My Focus T25 tracking is active now, shows a Thursday delivery!

Nice! Looks like I'll be getting mine Friday. I think I'm going to look over the videos on Friday and start Saturday. What's your plan?

 

[-tetsuo-]

Sooooooo.... am I the only one who has basically not improved at all in pullups when doing P90? I am in week 6 and I still cant do any un-assisted.

 

[SteeloDMZ]

Sooooooo.... am I the only one who has basically not improved at all in pullups when doing P90? I am in week 6 and I still cant do any un-assisted.

Nope; I'm with ya. I've improved dramatically in almost every single area...... except for pull-ups. They are just hard as fuck.

 

[SteveMeister]

Nice! Looks like I'll be getting mine Friday. I think I'm going to look over the videos on Friday and start Saturday. What's your plan?

Friday's my last day of Body Beast, and I was planning to start T25 on Monday. We'll see if I can hold out. There's been some stress lately and I have a couple bad muscle knots as a result that I am trying to work out, and a couple days off might be the right thing to do. But we'll see!

Sooooooo.... am I the only one who has basically not improved at all in pullups when doing P90? I am in week 6 and I still cant do any un-assisted.

They are definitely tough. Here's how I worked on improving my numbers. First, I'd do as many as I could unassisted with proper form. Note that this could be zero or one! Next, I'd jump up and go slowly down -- sort of a partial assist, focusing on the negative -- and do as many of those as I could. Finally I'd do assisted pull-ups with my chin-up max device. All of this within the allotted time, of course. You work towards increasing the number of unassisted reps.


Teaching my first live Insanity class at my Fit Club at work today! Should be fun!

 

[sp3ctr3]

Sooooooo.... am I the only one who has basically not improved at all in pullups when doing P90? I am in week 6 and I still cant do any un-assisted.

I completed P90X and I can do maybe 2 unassisted. Chin ups are a little easier for me, but can only do 5 unassisted.

They're pretty tough.

 

[SteveMeister]

Got my box of Vanilla Shakeology packets last night, & tried it for breakfast this morning.

I made my wife the "Minty Watermelon", with ice, water, fresh watermelon and mint leaves she picked from our herb garden. It wasn't bad.

For myself, I made the "Nutty Banana", with ice, milk, half a banana, 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, and 1tbs almond butter. OH. MY. GOD. Unbelievably good. Better even than my favorite chocolate Shakeology recipes.

If anyone's interested in trying it, as long as I'm your coach I can send you a sample for free. If you're already a teambeachbody.com member and NOT actively working with your coach, instructions for switching coaches can be found here. Send me a PM if you have more questions.

 

[Deadly Cyclone]

Pull-Ups suck. I went from being able to do 0, to being able to do like 4 maybe. Don't get discouraged there.

 

[FOOTE]

Well I decided to get some quest bars, finally, after all the talk about them in here. They're going to replace the clif bars that have served me pretty well, no sugar sounds good though.

I have to wait to order T25 this weekend so I'm gonna be a week later than you all.

 

[reggieandTFE]

T25 just got delivered, but I have muscle spasms in my neck potentially caused by a pinched nerve. My wife is going to do it today though and I'll share her impressions.

 

[SteveMeister]

So it's technically NOT 25 minutes a day -- you do two workouts on Fridays. And there's a Stretch video you do on Sundays (assuming you start on a Monday). But each of the individual workouts is 25 minutes.

I'm thinking of cycling between P90X2 Yoga, Body Beast Total Body and Body Beast Lucky 7 on Saturdays. We'll see how the first week goes.

And, with today's workout, Body Beast is DONE!! I'll post results later. What a great workout program this was!

 

[SteeloDMZ]

It would be awesome if both did a hybrid program.

 

[SteveMeister]

It would be awesome if both did a hybrid program.

That would be awesome. Wonder how Tony feels about things though, Shaun T's definitely become Beachbody's superstar. P90X2 hasn't sold all that well, but T25's selling *fast*, and Insanity is super popular too.

Thinking about doing a Body Beast/Insanity hybrid after finishing up T25 (including Gamma), and following that up with Asylum 1 and 2. That should bring me into January of next year. Unless of course Beachbody comes up with yet another cool workout program between now and then that I *have* to do

Thanks for adding me to the Body Beast grads list, SteeloDMZ!

 

[Deadly Cyclone]

P90X3 should have Tony doing the weight/body sections, Shaun T doing the cardio sections.

Make ti happen Steve.

 

[SteeloDMZ]

Yeah, Tony is slipping. I remember hearing early this year that they were already doing focus groups and stuff from what I assume is P90X3, but he hasn't said anything official.

Shaun T. pumped out Insanity V.2 and T-25 in that time.

 

[Razorskin]

Halfway done the first week, loving the workouts but I am a sore motherfucker, should I opt to rest or do the stretch routine for day 7?

 

[FOOTE]

Halfway done the first week, loving the workouts but I am a sore motherfucker, should I opt to rest or do the stretch routine for day 7?

Up to you, but the stretch workout is nice and not intense at all and it's only an hour of your day.

I'd do it and see how you like since it's your first week.

So it's technically NOT 25 minutes a day -- you do two workouts on Fridays. And there's a Stretch video you do on Sundays (assuming you start on a Monday). But each of the individual workouts is 25 minutes.

I'm thinking of cycling between P90X2 Yoga, Body Beast Total Body and Body Beast Lucky 7 on Saturdays. We'll see how the first week goes.

And, with today's workout, Body Beast is DONE!! I'll post results later. What a great workout program this was!

Sweet. Post that inspiration!

 

[Razorskin]

Up to you, but the stretch workout is nice and not intense at all and it's only an hour of your day.

I thought every routine was 1 hour (barring Ab ripper which I'm doing 3 times a week anyway), then I checked and yoga is 90 minutes, RIP me tomorrow.

 

[weekend_warrior]

Day 9 done and I definitely think I'm getting fitter. I was able to keep up with all three waves of the warm-up this morning. It wasn't until about halfway through the main chunk of Pure Cardio that I started to drop off.

A quick question: do you guys tend to take lots of mini breaks or one big one? I.e, is it better to miss an entire exercise and start the next one on full power or is it better to do, say, 20 seconds of one, die, then do 20 seconds of the next and die etc. I'm tending to do the former at the moment but taking a lot of mini breaks seems counter-productive.

Big breaks are bad. Ideally you want to keep your heartrate in the zone, so if you're getting too high taking an extra 20 seconds isn't bad, do some huggers and march in place. Definitely want a heart rate watch if you don't already.

Are any cereal bars that can just be bought at Tesco etc. recommended? I don't really wanna splash out on super expensive protein bars, just something that can replace one of the 5 meals for when I'm feeling lazy. I'm guessing Nutri-Grain and other popular bars are full of sugar and off-limits but there must be something?

Just go to your local mart and take a look at the nutrient information on the various health bars. Look for high protein, low fat and sugar, carbs will probably be similar. The shorter the ingredient list the better.