Sprints on the treadmill, 30 min (includes 5 min cool down), jog/walk speed 3.2, run speed 8.2, 2.17 miles, 199 calories burned.
Feeling like I maybe should have done 8.5 mph since I feel, overall, pretty darn good. The last 5 or so sprints were difficult, but doable. The sprints are 30 seconds long, with the treadmill taking nearly 15 seconds to get up to speed and 15 seconds to slow to the walk/jog speed.
Despite running a bit behind since i took the kids to school (Roo had to bring a cake!), I made a concentrated effort to get to the gym. Now I'm all sweaty and feeling great!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Now What?
So, now that my month of personal training has wrapped up, now what? Where do I go from here? What's the next step?
Well, for starters, I don't know. Haha!
What I DO know is that I'm not where I want to be yet. Mentally, I'm there. I 'get' it. I know I feel good when I workout. I know that working out makes my stress level drop exponentially. (It's hard work running a business, taking care of a home, taking care of a family!) I know that I AM going to continue to workout. Really, I mean, that's just a no-brainer. I'm back in the routine, so it really doesn't make much sense to stop at this point does it? Seriously. Why in the world would I stop when I've got such a good thing going?!
I am still trying to figure out a good, concrete goal for myself though... That's the next step, really. Setting another concrete goal. I'll sit with one of the trainers when they get a few minutes and have them help me set that goal. You know, it's like running a race and seeing the finish line ever so slowly coming up on the horizon... The last thing you want to do is STOP right when you're about to finish, right?! Seeing that finish line is the motivation to push just a weeeee bit harder, just a little longer....
I've crossed my first finish line of getting back into the routine of working out. Now, I'm in the process of picking my second race, setting my next goal... I'm going to strike while the iron is hot! Not over-thinking things, just doing them!
(Oh, and my birthday was yesterday so I took the day off from working out and ate pizza with the family. Do I feel guilty? Nope! Everything in moderation. :) AND today--even though I'm technically a year older--I feel BETTER than I have in the last 6 months or so! Bam!)
(Oh, and my birthday was yesterday so I took the day off from working out and ate pizza with the family. Do I feel guilty? Nope! Everything in moderation. :) AND today--even though I'm technically a year older--I feel BETTER than I have in the last 6 months or so! Bam!)
Friday, March 22, 2013
3.19.13 - cardio
Elliptical, level 5, 35 min (includes cool down), 3.90, 314 cals.
I did the elliptical but changed it up a bit by focusing on sitting back on my heels. It forced different muscles to work and it made it feel SO much harder for some reason! And not just "I'm working some different muscles, eh *shrug*" kind of difficult, but "I don't think I can make it five minutes" kind of workout. Whew!
I did the elliptical but changed it up a bit by focusing on sitting back on my heels. It forced different muscles to work and it made it feel SO much harder for some reason! And not just "I'm working some different muscles, eh *shrug*" kind of difficult, but "I don't think I can make it five minutes" kind of workout. Whew!
Monday, March 18, 2013
Final Numbers!
So... I finally got my measurements and the results are in!
In four weeks I was able to...
... shave off 0.4% of my body fat
... lose a quarter of an inch on my arm
... lose half an inch off of my waist
... lose two and a half inches off of my thigh
So, of the locations measured, I lost a total of 3.25 inches. Assuming I lost the same amount from each arm, that's a half an inch lost from my arms and FIVE inches off of my thighs?! Bam!
The scale doesn't show that I've lost any weight, but I know I've gained a good bit of muscle. Yes, I'll take losing fat over smaller numbers on the scale.
My clothes are fitting again, which is nice. After the holidays, a few of my favorite pairs of pants felt so snug that I was uncomfortable wearing them, made me feel restricted. Just plain uncomfortable, you know? This morning, I put on a pair of pants that I haven't worn since I took an out of town trip. Six MONTHS ago. Every time I'd put them on, they'd feel too tight in the stomach or legs and I'd worry about splitting some seams or something! Yeah, like I need to be at work and have my pants split in the butt because I'm not working it [my butt] off?! Negative!
Anyway, what's even more exciting is that I KNOW I'm going to continue with my workouts, so I will get my measurements again next month and the month after and the month after that... I'm curious to see where I am at when summertime rolls around. I know that I'll be better off than I am right now, just gotta stick with it! I can't wait!
In four weeks I was able to...
... shave off 0.4% of my body fat
... lose a quarter of an inch on my arm
... lose half an inch off of my waist
... lose two and a half inches off of my thigh
So, of the locations measured, I lost a total of 3.25 inches. Assuming I lost the same amount from each arm, that's a half an inch lost from my arms and FIVE inches off of my thighs?! Bam!
The scale doesn't show that I've lost any weight, but I know I've gained a good bit of muscle. Yes, I'll take losing fat over smaller numbers on the scale.
My clothes are fitting again, which is nice. After the holidays, a few of my favorite pairs of pants felt so snug that I was uncomfortable wearing them, made me feel restricted. Just plain uncomfortable, you know? This morning, I put on a pair of pants that I haven't worn since I took an out of town trip. Six MONTHS ago. Every time I'd put them on, they'd feel too tight in the stomach or legs and I'd worry about splitting some seams or something! Yeah, like I need to be at work and have my pants split in the butt because I'm not working it [my butt] off?! Negative!
Anyway, what's even more exciting is that I KNOW I'm going to continue with my workouts, so I will get my measurements again next month and the month after and the month after that... I'm curious to see where I am at when summertime rolls around. I know that I'll be better off than I am right now, just gotta stick with it! I can't wait!
Anxiously Waiting...
I have my partial measurements done, but am having to wait to get measured with the tape measure. Measuring with the tape measure is technique specific, so if you have one trainer measure you to get your initial measurements, the same trainer should also be the one measuring your progress.
I know my weight hasn't changed, but I'm curious to see how many inches I've lost. My clothes are fitting better already. On top of that, a nice change is that my stress level has decreased. Last week was a pretty stressful week though I was able to make it through without any major meltdowns. Haha!
So, while I wait, I wanted to come on here and say that I am pretty sure I've got a condition called "diastasis recti'. Here's a good link that explains it pretty simply, though if you wanted to look into it further, you could certainly very easily Google additional information. So, for the mamas out there who are working their butts off but not feeling like they're making any progress in the mid-section area? I'd strongly suggest you look into it!
And the wait continues...
Friday, March 15, 2013
Trainer #3, Workout #4
Oh my gosh. This morning's workout beat me down! Oh my gosh! Yet again, 15 minutes into the workout I was whooped! I keep forgetting to bring in my water bottle for some reason. Like, every time I get ready to workout, I feel like I'll be able to handle it. I mean, it's only 30 minutes, right?! Ha! Yeah, no.
So today wraps up my 30 days of PT. *sad face* But, even in only a month (that went by really quickly I might add!), I've been able to get back on track. I realized yesterday that I didn't even have to think twice about getting ready and getting back to the gym. It took me about three weeks to get to that point, but now that I'm back on track, I'll certainly stay with it and will be making additional PT arrangements.
Yes, it's seriously THAT good. That, and I know that if I keep up this pace, I will get to treat myself to a new bathing suit this summer! Awww yeah!!!!
If you have ever thought about working with a trainer, I simply can't put into words how much I would STRONGLY recommend it. Without a doubt THE best workouts I've probably ever gotten. Hands down. Some of the stuff they've had me doing? I would have never done on my own. Like, ever. And all of the ab work? Haha!
If you don't think you need a trainer, that you do perfectly fine on your own? I seriously doubt you would ever push yourself as hard as I have been pushed this month. There's also always something new to learn.
It was neat that the trainers all learned my body cues and would modify the weights, reps, and moves to suit what I wasn't putting in to words. I mean, I can't be a whiny baby, right?! The trainers have certainly made me work smarter instead of harder. Even with my hour-long or hour and a HALF long (!!!) workouts, I would never felt this tired at the end of them and I was doing everything "right"!
So, I should be getting my measurements done later today or possibly tomorrow, and I'm curious to see how much I've been able to do. I know I slipped into a pair of jeans that I tried on the day I started this, and they were no longer tight. They fit just right. And not only did they fit just right, they fit just right RIGHT OUT OF THE DRYER! (Girls, you KNOW what I'm talking about!)
Anyway, I'll keep you posted as soon as the numbers are in!
So today wraps up my 30 days of PT. *sad face* But, even in only a month (that went by really quickly I might add!), I've been able to get back on track. I realized yesterday that I didn't even have to think twice about getting ready and getting back to the gym. It took me about three weeks to get to that point, but now that I'm back on track, I'll certainly stay with it and will be making additional PT arrangements.
Yes, it's seriously THAT good. That, and I know that if I keep up this pace, I will get to treat myself to a new bathing suit this summer! Awww yeah!!!!
If you have ever thought about working with a trainer, I simply can't put into words how much I would STRONGLY recommend it. Without a doubt THE best workouts I've probably ever gotten. Hands down. Some of the stuff they've had me doing? I would have never done on my own. Like, ever. And all of the ab work? Haha!
If you don't think you need a trainer, that you do perfectly fine on your own? I seriously doubt you would ever push yourself as hard as I have been pushed this month. There's also always something new to learn.
It was neat that the trainers all learned my body cues and would modify the weights, reps, and moves to suit what I wasn't putting in to words. I mean, I can't be a whiny baby, right?! The trainers have certainly made me work smarter instead of harder. Even with my hour-long or hour and a HALF long (!!!) workouts, I would never felt this tired at the end of them and I was doing everything "right"!
So, I should be getting my measurements done later today or possibly tomorrow, and I'm curious to see how much I've been able to do. I know I slipped into a pair of jeans that I tried on the day I started this, and they were no longer tight. They fit just right. And not only did they fit just right, they fit just right RIGHT OUT OF THE DRYER! (Girls, you KNOW what I'm talking about!)
Anyway, I'll keep you posted as soon as the numbers are in!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Trainer #2, Workout #3 & Cardio
I missed updating yesterday due to being so busy with work, so for those who checked in, sorry for the delay!
My workout with #2 yesterday was great! Again, I had some new moved thrown at me and I loved it! I have yet to get bored with any of the workouts I've been doing and that is definitely keeping it interesting. I no longer dread these workouts and I find myself actually looking forward to seeing what they have in store for me. One of the new-to-me exercises was the "clean and press". Just, woah! It not only made me feel like a BEAST while I was doing it, but today I am reminded that it worked a bit of everything. That one exercise utilized so many muscles and took enough effort that I was getting a cardio workout while just lifting. I love that. I actually like to run on the treadmill but I love being able to get in a cardio workout AND weights at the same time. It just feels like a better use of my time, which I don't seem to have much of these days!
My cardio workout this morning went a lot better than I was expecting. My iPod was dead and I was worried that I wasn't going to get in a good workout due to lack of music. I dunno, but I have to have a good beat to run to. My feet hit on the beat and it also helps me keep my breath moving so I don't get that tightness or shortness of breath. I feel like I can just go farther and longer. To make myself finish out the song then I hear the start of another, favorite song, and I just keep going...
Anyway, I walked for a little less than 5 minutes to warm up. I jogged slowly at 4.5 for about 5 minutes, and I increased to 5.0 for 5 minutes, 5.5 for 5 minutes, then three minutes at 6.0, and a minute at 7.0 then a minute at 8.0. I cooled down for 5 minutes, then.... BAM! Cardio was DONE! I felt great afterward and was pretty sweaty. I love getting 'lost in my head' when I run. It just makes me feel so much better when I'm done!
So... Cardio stats: treadmill, hill setting, 260 calories burned, 2.36 miles, 30 minutes (includes cool down)
My workout with #2 yesterday was great! Again, I had some new moved thrown at me and I loved it! I have yet to get bored with any of the workouts I've been doing and that is definitely keeping it interesting. I no longer dread these workouts and I find myself actually looking forward to seeing what they have in store for me. One of the new-to-me exercises was the "clean and press". Just, woah! It not only made me feel like a BEAST while I was doing it, but today I am reminded that it worked a bit of everything. That one exercise utilized so many muscles and took enough effort that I was getting a cardio workout while just lifting. I love that. I actually like to run on the treadmill but I love being able to get in a cardio workout AND weights at the same time. It just feels like a better use of my time, which I don't seem to have much of these days!
My cardio workout this morning went a lot better than I was expecting. My iPod was dead and I was worried that I wasn't going to get in a good workout due to lack of music. I dunno, but I have to have a good beat to run to. My feet hit on the beat and it also helps me keep my breath moving so I don't get that tightness or shortness of breath. I feel like I can just go farther and longer. To make myself finish out the song then I hear the start of another, favorite song, and I just keep going...
Anyway, I walked for a little less than 5 minutes to warm up. I jogged slowly at 4.5 for about 5 minutes, and I increased to 5.0 for 5 minutes, 5.5 for 5 minutes, then three minutes at 6.0, and a minute at 7.0 then a minute at 8.0. I cooled down for 5 minutes, then.... BAM! Cardio was DONE! I felt great afterward and was pretty sweaty. I love getting 'lost in my head' when I run. It just makes me feel so much better when I'm done!
So... Cardio stats: treadmill, hill setting, 260 calories burned, 2.36 miles, 30 minutes (includes cool down)
Monday, March 11, 2013
Trainer #1, Workout #4
Oh my goodness! I was expecting it to be easier today, and I guess, in a sense it was? I did more, completely new-to-me exercises today. They were SO good!
Overall, it was a very challenging workout but the few exercises we did that I have done before, seemed to take a little more work to feel them. THAT means those muscles are getting stronger, and THAT's why I'm starting to see some definition. And I have no complaints about any of that.
This is set to be my final week of training but like I said before, I'm likely going to continue. Bathing suit time is right around the corner, man. And I want to be ready!
Overall, it was a very challenging workout but the few exercises we did that I have done before, seemed to take a little more work to feel them. THAT means those muscles are getting stronger, and THAT's why I'm starting to see some definition. And I have no complaints about any of that.
This is set to be my final week of training but like I said before, I'm likely going to continue. Bathing suit time is right around the corner, man. And I want to be ready!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Sunday Funday
Since I have been making myself workout, I have found that I am getting my energy back. It's funny that people complain that they don't have any energy to do active things, but they don't realize that in a sense the more they ask from their body, the more their body will respond.
Say you start a new job that requires you to get up two hours earlier than your old one. After a week or two, your body responds by adjusting your internal body clock to match your new work schedule.
The same thing happens when we exercise. You ask your body to produce more energy to make it through a workout and your body responds by giving it more energy. At first, it can be difficult. But once your body gets used to it, it becomes routine. The time changed this morning but my body clock didn't. Haha! It was SO much easier to get up while listening to my body clock versus the alarm!
It feels good to no longer be so sore after my workouts; I just had to make myself plug on through the first two weeks.
I took today off from working out, a nice and well deserved rest day. Well, as restful a day I can have with doing some heavy duty Spring cleaning anyway. I simply haven't had the energy to do a good deep cleaning and my house was showing it. The weather is gorgeous today, so I've got the doors and windows open and am enjoying the nice breeze.
All of that to say that I threw on a pair of shorts today to be comfortable cleaning, and noticed I'm getting the definition back in my legs. Nice and actually surprising! Nice because, well, it's nice to see them firming back up. A surprise because I could see definition in my midsection before seeing it in my legs when it's always been the other way around. Yay for working with my awesome trainers!
Definitely looking forward to this week's workouts and guessing what changes are in store for next weekend!
Say you start a new job that requires you to get up two hours earlier than your old one. After a week or two, your body responds by adjusting your internal body clock to match your new work schedule.
The same thing happens when we exercise. You ask your body to produce more energy to make it through a workout and your body responds by giving it more energy. At first, it can be difficult. But once your body gets used to it, it becomes routine. The time changed this morning but my body clock didn't. Haha! It was SO much easier to get up while listening to my body clock versus the alarm!
It feels good to no longer be so sore after my workouts; I just had to make myself plug on through the first two weeks.
I took today off from working out, a nice and well deserved rest day. Well, as restful a day I can have with doing some heavy duty Spring cleaning anyway. I simply haven't had the energy to do a good deep cleaning and my house was showing it. The weather is gorgeous today, so I've got the doors and windows open and am enjoying the nice breeze.
All of that to say that I threw on a pair of shorts today to be comfortable cleaning, and noticed I'm getting the definition back in my legs. Nice and actually surprising! Nice because, well, it's nice to see them firming back up. A surprise because I could see definition in my midsection before seeing it in my legs when it's always been the other way around. Yay for working with my awesome trainers!
Definitely looking forward to this week's workouts and guessing what changes are in store for next weekend!
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Supa Saturday
Surprise Saturday!
My assignment was to do cardio three days a week in addition to my three days a week PT, so...
Treadmill, speed interval setting, level 2 or 3?, jog speed of 3.2 mph, run speed of 7, walked 5, alternated jogging/running 1 min intervals, 2.23 miles, 30 min total, 233 cals burned.
I'm dripping sweat and outside of a little bit of breathing difficulty, it was a good workout! Feeling pumped and just about ready to take the day!
My assignment was to do cardio three days a week in addition to my three days a week PT, so...
Treadmill, speed interval setting, level 2 or 3?, jog speed of 3.2 mph, run speed of 7, walked 5, alternated jogging/running 1 min intervals, 2.23 miles, 30 min total, 233 cals burned.
I'm dripping sweat and outside of a little bit of breathing difficulty, it was a good workout! Feeling pumped and just about ready to take the day!
Friday, March 8, 2013
Trainer #3, Workout #3
Oh my gosh! This morning's workout was so hard but felt so good once it was over! I constantly felt like I was challenging myself. Hence the name "WORKout" right?! I had difficulty completing the last two or three (or more? I dunno, I'll have to ask #3 on that!) reps of each exercise we did. We did some completely new things again. It was easy to keep interested and I wasn't given the option to relax or stop. Push, push, push!
About halfway through the workout, I could feel all of the muscles we were working starting to fatigue. You know how it gets when everything starts to get shaky? The reps get slower and slower? That was me. And I noticed that I'd get to the point where I would feel like I couldn't do any more, but had #3 in my ear telling me I could. Encouraging me. Telling me I could not only finish but finish STRONG! It was just what I needed to make the last rep happen. It was great.
You know... Thinking about it over the past three weeks, I thought I was pretty good at motivating myself to finish workouts and work hard. I still think that, to a certain extent, I can and do. But, even at that, I don't push myself like THIS. I don't see how anyone COULDN'T be successful working out like this over a good period of time. Like, it would be impossible.
In fact, this morning after my hot shower with my yummy-smelling body wash? I can see that I've got just a HINT of definition in my midsection! I knew I was feeling like things are tightening up very nicely, but this? It honestly, it nearly floored me. I was very surprised! So surprised, actually, that I even pulled my full-length mirror out of my dimly lit bedroom to the bright living room. Yup. It was still visible! Woohoo! No complaints from me!
So, with adding cardio back in this week, cardio tomorrow morning will be my final workout of the week. I stumbled across what looks like a great cardio routine on Facebook. It's basically 30 minutes of sprints; 30 seconds running between 7-9 mph with 30 seconds of rest. For 30 minutes. Just READING that made me tired. Haha! If you've never done sprints on the treadmill (or outside), they're awesome and you end up sweating buckets. You finish and feel GREAT! Just ready to tackle pretty much anything!
Anyway, I don't know that I'll have a lengthy update tomorrow but I'll definitely be getting the workout in! I owe it to myself!
About halfway through the workout, I could feel all of the muscles we were working starting to fatigue. You know how it gets when everything starts to get shaky? The reps get slower and slower? That was me. And I noticed that I'd get to the point where I would feel like I couldn't do any more, but had #3 in my ear telling me I could. Encouraging me. Telling me I could not only finish but finish STRONG! It was just what I needed to make the last rep happen. It was great.
You know... Thinking about it over the past three weeks, I thought I was pretty good at motivating myself to finish workouts and work hard. I still think that, to a certain extent, I can and do. But, even at that, I don't push myself like THIS. I don't see how anyone COULDN'T be successful working out like this over a good period of time. Like, it would be impossible.
In fact, this morning after my hot shower with my yummy-smelling body wash? I can see that I've got just a HINT of definition in my midsection! I knew I was feeling like things are tightening up very nicely, but this? It honestly, it nearly floored me. I was very surprised! So surprised, actually, that I even pulled my full-length mirror out of my dimly lit bedroom to the bright living room. Yup. It was still visible! Woohoo! No complaints from me!
So, with adding cardio back in this week, cardio tomorrow morning will be my final workout of the week. I stumbled across what looks like a great cardio routine on Facebook. It's basically 30 minutes of sprints; 30 seconds running between 7-9 mph with 30 seconds of rest. For 30 minutes. Just READING that made me tired. Haha! If you've never done sprints on the treadmill (or outside), they're awesome and you end up sweating buckets. You finish and feel GREAT! Just ready to tackle pretty much anything!
Anyway, I don't know that I'll have a lengthy update tomorrow but I'll definitely be getting the workout in! I owe it to myself!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Walls
Still trying to stay off of the scale... It's SO hard!!!!!
*sigh*
Today was cardio today again. WOOHOO! (<-- please read that in the sarcasm font) I was about five minutes late leaving this morning, but I still made myself workout. I finally hit "The Wall".
Before I go on, please let me stop riiiight here for a hot second.
If you're saying to yourself, "Huh? 'The Wall'? What the heck is that?!" or "Sounds like an excuse to me!" or any other negative comment... If you've ever scoffed or rolled your eyes at someone who is struggling with their health or weight... If you've never had a problem working out or being active... Never struggled with finding the motivation to go workout... If you have any other negative or less than supportive thoughts pop into your head... If that's YOU? Please kindly do one of two things:
Aaaaand, carrying on.
So, I know I've said here before that I really, really didn't want to workout one or two mornings (or more?), but today? Today, I really REALLY didn't want to workout. I didn't want to get dressed. I didn't want to go to the gym. Even knowing I feel better when I workout, I didn't want to do it. I wasn't feeling it this morning. At all.
I hit that wall.
I've seen it happen time and time and time again. I have had it happen time and time again. I hit The Wall when I was trying to lose the weight after my second baby and several times since then. I've gone 110% into working out and fizzled out after a week or two or three. I used to be hyper-focused on the scale. I wasn't concerned with anything else, just the numbers on the scale dropping. And you know what it did? It made me MISERABLE. And when you're miserable, what do you do? I quit. I simply quit. I just didn't feel like fighting it any more and resigned myself to feeling crappy.
That happened to me this morning.
But what DIDN'T happen this morning was I flat out refused to make it keep me home. I refused to allow that thinking to continue to creep in. I have worked my butt off for the past two and a half weeks and to stop now? It would have felt like it was all a waste of time, energy, effort, and sweat. I could have very easily enjoyed a quiet house this morning since the kids were on their way to school and my husband was out doing his job thing. Even the DOGS wouldn't have been able to bother me since they were outside. Instead I simply refused to let a temporary, single fleeting moment keep me from my workout.
Even with working in the health and wellness field like I do, sometimes it's easy to slip back into focusing solely on those numbers and an old way of thinking. I have since learned that there are SO many OTHER ways to measure the effectiveness of workouts, thankfully!
Yes, it's all in my head. I know that. Heck, anyone who has ever hit that block knows that! The difference between people who are successful on their health and wellness journey or successful with losing weight the RIGHT way and not with any of those shakes/pills/fad diets/insane workout programs? Consistency. They realize that they didn't get to where they were overnight and the results aren't going to happen overnight. THAT's why I had to come in today. THAT's why I simply refused to allow those negative thoughts to keep me from seeing the big picture.
Anyone who knows me knows that I don't usually pat myself on the back, but I certainly did today! You bet your sweet bottom I did! Sometimes it's just the little victories that can mean so much.
So, guess what?
I got to use my body wash this morning!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Today's cardio stats: Treadmill, random setting, walking warm up, jogged/ran (4.5-6.5 mph), 30 min total, 2.32 miles, 249 cals burned.
*sigh*
Today was cardio today again. WOOHOO! (<-- please read that in the sarcasm font) I was about five minutes late leaving this morning, but I still made myself workout. I finally hit "The Wall".
Before I go on, please let me stop riiiight here for a hot second.
If you're saying to yourself, "Huh? 'The Wall'? What the heck is that?!" or "Sounds like an excuse to me!" or any other negative comment... If you've ever scoffed or rolled your eyes at someone who is struggling with their health or weight... If you've never had a problem working out or being active... Never struggled with finding the motivation to go workout... If you have any other negative or less than supportive thoughts pop into your head... If that's YOU? Please kindly do one of two things:
Stop reading after the next suggestion and look for tomorrow's blog update.
(I swear it won't hurt my feelings and I promise to still be your friend!)
OR
Continue reading and try to put yourself in that person's shoes and
possibly gain a new perspective
.....
.....
.....
.....
.....
Aaaaand, carrying on.
So, I know I've said here before that I really, really didn't want to workout one or two mornings (or more?), but today? Today, I really REALLY didn't want to workout. I didn't want to get dressed. I didn't want to go to the gym. Even knowing I feel better when I workout, I didn't want to do it. I wasn't feeling it this morning. At all.
I hit that wall.
I've seen it happen time and time and time again. I have had it happen time and time again. I hit The Wall when I was trying to lose the weight after my second baby and several times since then. I've gone 110% into working out and fizzled out after a week or two or three. I used to be hyper-focused on the scale. I wasn't concerned with anything else, just the numbers on the scale dropping. And you know what it did? It made me MISERABLE. And when you're miserable, what do you do? I quit. I simply quit. I just didn't feel like fighting it any more and resigned myself to feeling crappy.
That happened to me this morning.
But what DIDN'T happen this morning was I flat out refused to make it keep me home. I refused to allow that thinking to continue to creep in. I have worked my butt off for the past two and a half weeks and to stop now? It would have felt like it was all a waste of time, energy, effort, and sweat. I could have very easily enjoyed a quiet house this morning since the kids were on their way to school and my husband was out doing his job thing. Even the DOGS wouldn't have been able to bother me since they were outside. Instead I simply refused to let a temporary, single fleeting moment keep me from my workout.
Even with working in the health and wellness field like I do, sometimes it's easy to slip back into focusing solely on those numbers and an old way of thinking. I have since learned that there are SO many OTHER ways to measure the effectiveness of workouts, thankfully!
Yes, it's all in my head. I know that. Heck, anyone who has ever hit that block knows that! The difference between people who are successful on their health and wellness journey or successful with losing weight the RIGHT way and not with any of those shakes/pills/fad diets/insane workout programs? Consistency. They realize that they didn't get to where they were overnight and the results aren't going to happen overnight. THAT's why I had to come in today. THAT's why I simply refused to allow those negative thoughts to keep me from seeing the big picture.
Anyone who knows me knows that I don't usually pat myself on the back, but I certainly did today! You bet your sweet bottom I did! Sometimes it's just the little victories that can mean so much.
So, guess what?
I got to use my body wash this morning!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Today's cardio stats: Treadmill, random setting, walking warm up, jogged/ran (4.5-6.5 mph), 30 min total, 2.32 miles, 249 cals burned.
Trainer #2, Workout #3
(Wednesday, 3/6/13)
Weight: ? (I still haven't gotten on the scale again.)
Today I had a substitute trainer, Trainer #1. I'd be lying if I said I was excited to be with #1 again after the dang beat down I got on Monday, BUT outside of a little soreness in my glutes, I woke up feeling great and ready to tackle the workout.
Instead of working the lower body like we did Monday, this workout was primarily focused on upper body. Yay for upper body! I'm ready to get my arms toned up for the sleeveless clothes we'll be breaking out soon... Gotta love South Mississippi spr-summertime! (No, that's not a type-o, that's just about how much spring we get before summer, so it felt fitting.)
Anyway, if you know a mom, you'll know that some moms crave their nighttime showers as I used to when I stayed home with the kids but I really crave a hot, post-workout shower. My "special" body wash, to be specific. It's not really that special, only like $2 at Walmart, BUT it's still better than just regular bar soap. It's just a special treat to myself for making a morning workout happen, and I reward myself regardless of how tough or easy the workout is/was. It's just a nice way to pat myself on the back for doing SOMETHING other than sitting on my butt and being lazy!
Weight: ? (I still haven't gotten on the scale again.)
Today I had a substitute trainer, Trainer #1. I'd be lying if I said I was excited to be with #1 again after the dang beat down I got on Monday, BUT outside of a little soreness in my glutes, I woke up feeling great and ready to tackle the workout.
Instead of working the lower body like we did Monday, this workout was primarily focused on upper body. Yay for upper body! I'm ready to get my arms toned up for the sleeveless clothes we'll be breaking out soon... Gotta love South Mississippi spr-summertime! (No, that's not a type-o, that's just about how much spring we get before summer, so it felt fitting.)
Anyway, if you know a mom, you'll know that some moms crave their nighttime showers as I used to when I stayed home with the kids but I really crave a hot, post-workout shower. My "special" body wash, to be specific. It's not really that special, only like $2 at Walmart, BUT it's still better than just regular bar soap. It's just a special treat to myself for making a morning workout happen, and I reward myself regardless of how tough or easy the workout is/was. It's just a nice way to pat myself on the back for doing SOMETHING other than sitting on my butt and being lazy!
Oh My...
(Tuesday, 3/5/13)
Weight: ?
Weight: ?
I woke up sore ALL over, but needed to do something since being assigned to do cardio this week. (And on top of that, we've got an event going on tonight and I need to work off some of the stress that I'm under!) Assignment/Homework = I don't get to stay home and wallow in the aches and pains. I made myself go to the gym and ultimately decided to do the elliptical. I really did NOT want to come in.
Like, really really.
Like, really really.
Anyway, I took it easy on the elliptical and ended up burning 241 calories burned, 2.88 miles, 30 minutes total (including 5 min cool down)
Pretty dang sweaty but feeling good!
Trainer #1, workout #3
(Monday, 3/4/13)
I confess. I weighed today (gasp!), BUT it was mostly out of curiosity (sigh!). No change yet. Slightly disappointing? Uh, yeah! I'm a GIRL! Haha! I DO feel like things are starting to tighten up a bit though, which is making up for not seeing the numbers move. It's been several months since I've been on a regular workout routine, so I expect to take at least the same amount of time to get to where I'm more comfortable.
Today's workout was really good! I felt like I could do a little more than last Monday and while I still worked my butt off and was all wobbly at the end, I don't think I was quite as out of breath. Definitely still out of breath, but I felt like I recovered a lot more quickly. Sweet! I'm fully expecting to feel this Wednesday if not tomorrow. We'll see...
I confess. I weighed today (gasp!), BUT it was mostly out of curiosity (sigh!). No change yet. Slightly disappointing? Uh, yeah! I'm a GIRL! Haha! I DO feel like things are starting to tighten up a bit though, which is making up for not seeing the numbers move. It's been several months since I've been on a regular workout routine, so I expect to take at least the same amount of time to get to where I'm more comfortable.
Today's workout was really good! I felt like I could do a little more than last Monday and while I still worked my butt off and was all wobbly at the end, I don't think I was quite as out of breath. Definitely still out of breath, but I felt like I recovered a lot more quickly. Sweet! I'm fully expecting to feel this Wednesday if not tomorrow. We'll see...
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Little Things
I pulled on a pair of jeans that haven't fit right for a while and I didn't have to tug on them to get them on or buttoned.
Sometimes, it's just the little things.
Sometimes, it's just the little things.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Trainer #3, Workout #2
This morning I woke up a lot better off than yesterday. I can feel that my glutes are still tight like I worked them, but they're not nut-cracking tight.
Before we even got started, I told Trainer #3 that my glutes were still pretty sore and begged for mercy on their behalf. What did that get me? Oh, just a 6 or 7 minute walking warmup. I figured I could handle walking, but two minutes in? Hahahaha! Uh, yeah... No.
I know I've never done that type of warm up; less than 5 minutes in and I'm out of breath? Yikes! I know that by our next workout I'll be a bit stronger and I won't be as out of breath, but whew!
From there we did one lower body exercise, several upper body, and even a dreaded abs exercise. Abs are hands down my LEAST favorite body part to work. Have I mentioned that here yet? After having three abdominal surgeries, it's just difficult to make myself work them to the point that I'd actually rather do lunges or burpees instead. Yes, I dislike working abs THAT much. I was forced to do them and hated every second, but I know I'll be saying a big "thank you!" later. I can already feel that the muscles are starting to tighten up which was nice. I can't wait to see it!
The muscles were definitely fatiguing toward the end of the workout. They started to get shakey, so I know I was working them and it wasn't my just my head playing games with me. My arms are pretty tired right now but they're not so exhausted that it'll be hard to drink my water, tie my shoes, or wash my hair.
I'm going to enjoy my recovery time this weekend and also focus on minimizing my "cheat" days. Instead of 24-48 hours of whatever I want (in moderation), I'll probably just have a cheat dinner and good breakfast. Friday night is pizza and a movie night at our house and I won't give that up since the kids look forward to it all week. Breakfast is the easiest meal of the day for me because I'm always so hungry when I first wake up for the day.
Anyway, I leave you guys with this 'angry cat' picture. This cat makes me smile every single time I see him and this one takes the cake today!
Before we even got started, I told Trainer #3 that my glutes were still pretty sore and begged for mercy on their behalf. What did that get me? Oh, just a 6 or 7 minute walking warmup. I figured I could handle walking, but two minutes in? Hahahaha! Uh, yeah... No.
I know I've never done that type of warm up; less than 5 minutes in and I'm out of breath? Yikes! I know that by our next workout I'll be a bit stronger and I won't be as out of breath, but whew!
From there we did one lower body exercise, several upper body, and even a dreaded abs exercise. Abs are hands down my LEAST favorite body part to work. Have I mentioned that here yet? After having three abdominal surgeries, it's just difficult to make myself work them to the point that I'd actually rather do lunges or burpees instead. Yes, I dislike working abs THAT much. I was forced to do them and hated every second, but I know I'll be saying a big "thank you!" later. I can already feel that the muscles are starting to tighten up which was nice. I can't wait to see it!
The muscles were definitely fatiguing toward the end of the workout. They started to get shakey, so I know I was working them and it wasn't my just my head playing games with me. My arms are pretty tired right now but they're not so exhausted that it'll be hard to drink my water, tie my shoes, or wash my hair.
I'm going to enjoy my recovery time this weekend and also focus on minimizing my "cheat" days. Instead of 24-48 hours of whatever I want (in moderation), I'll probably just have a cheat dinner and good breakfast. Friday night is pizza and a movie night at our house and I won't give that up since the kids look forward to it all week. Breakfast is the easiest meal of the day for me because I'm always so hungry when I first wake up for the day.
Anyway, I leave you guys with this 'angry cat' picture. This cat makes me smile every single time I see him and this one takes the cake today!