Ding! Ding!
Today our workout was BOXING!
I LOVE boxing!
To be clear, I like putting on light boxing gloves and punching heavy bags, mitts, and the air. I like to throw in some kicks too.
Apparently, the group boxed last week when I was on hiatus. So the rest of the group knew to buy some fresh gloves of their own. Since I was not in the know, I had to use gym gloves and they were so incredibly stinky I wanted to cry. I am also a germ freak so I was completely grossed out by it all. It was like renting bowling shoes but much, much more gross.
I learned that there is a boxing class at the gym 2 evenings per week so I am going to commit to attending (in addition to this morning routine). This new plan of extra workouts will have to start next week, however, because I have Sweet 16 NCAA basketball to watch tomorrow night. :)
Super fun workout this morning burning about 500 calories. Bring on tomorrow!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Day 12
We definitely kicked it up a notch today.
We do a lot of circuit training in this program. Generally we do 2 sets of 2 different circuits w/ a break between each set. Today we did 2 sets of 3 different circuits with no break between the 2 sets.
Did you follow that?
All you need to know is that it was a lot of work.
I "only" burned about 500+ calories today. This concerns me a bit since I've managed to gain weight and now I'm burning less calories than I was just a week ago. It's actually super news because it means my heart is getting stronger, but reality has quickly sunk in that I have to work a lot harder to get some results rolling.
Onward!
We do a lot of circuit training in this program. Generally we do 2 sets of 2 different circuits w/ a break between each set. Today we did 2 sets of 3 different circuits with no break between the 2 sets.
Did you follow that?
All you need to know is that it was a lot of work.
I "only" burned about 500+ calories today. This concerns me a bit since I've managed to gain weight and now I'm burning less calories than I was just a week ago. It's actually super news because it means my heart is getting stronger, but reality has quickly sunk in that I have to work a lot harder to get some results rolling.
Onward!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Days 9-11
Whew. So happy to be back at the gym at 6am with my class this morning! First, let's catch up...
Day 9 turned into a "day off". It shouldn't have been, but it was and I won't bore you with the travel drama that accompanied day 9.
Day 10 I worked out in paradise! I was staying at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville and truly, if I had to live in that place I would never have to leave for ANYTHING and I would be a very happy gal. The workout facility had every piece of equipment I use at home so there was no reason not to have a kick butt workout. And I did. A little shorter than it should have been (40 minutes instead of 60), but I was on a tight schedule.
On to today, Day 11. First of all, I weighed in and I GAINED. Talk about a bummer. It's weird because I LOOK different. Less around the middle. However I somehow managed to pack on the pounds. Sigh. I'm not giving up - I'm actually adding to the routine. I am going to journal what I eat all week and try to figure out where I am going off the rails.
Wins today...
I ran a mile! This is a big deal for me. Not because I CAN'T run a mile, because I REFUSE to commit to running a mile, generally.
I recorded all of my eating today. I'm not the picture of health but I'm not hopeless.
Today was my little guy's birthday! He's 7, so I really can't blame the lbs on the baby weight anymore... ;)
Bring on Day 12!
Day 9 turned into a "day off". It shouldn't have been, but it was and I won't bore you with the travel drama that accompanied day 9.
Day 10 I worked out in paradise! I was staying at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville and truly, if I had to live in that place I would never have to leave for ANYTHING and I would be a very happy gal. The workout facility had every piece of equipment I use at home so there was no reason not to have a kick butt workout. And I did. A little shorter than it should have been (40 minutes instead of 60), but I was on a tight schedule.
On to today, Day 11. First of all, I weighed in and I GAINED. Talk about a bummer. It's weird because I LOOK different. Less around the middle. However I somehow managed to pack on the pounds. Sigh. I'm not giving up - I'm actually adding to the routine. I am going to journal what I eat all week and try to figure out where I am going off the rails.
Wins today...
I ran a mile! This is a big deal for me. Not because I CAN'T run a mile, because I REFUSE to commit to running a mile, generally.
I recorded all of my eating today. I'm not the picture of health but I'm not hopeless.
Today was my little guy's birthday! He's 7, so I really can't blame the lbs on the baby weight anymore... ;)
Bring on Day 12!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Day 8
Today I had to remind myself that this is a mind, body, and spirit journey. Today was mind and spirit with as much body as I could muster...
It started like this: busy. I had a pretty full schedule so once I was kid free (i.e. free to work out) I had several work commitments in front of me.
Blink...it's already 1pm.
Blink...it's 1:30pm.
Girl, you had better get something accomplished in the category of exercise...
So, off I went on a 60 minute walk. Yes, my ability to craft an interesting 60 minute workout on my own tanked after just 2 days. I ended up burning 400+ calories which is actually pretty good - but not up to my current standards.
I was reminded of several things today:
I so appreciate the opportunity to work out at 6am.
I so appreciate when my husband is in town so I have some "me" time to work with.
I so need the structure of this program right now.
Life happens.
I did not take a step backwards by any means today.
Just keep going.
I was sooooo lazy before I started this program.
It is sooooo hard to burn calories.
I am sooooo loving this challenge.
Life is grand - bring on another round tomorrow!
It started like this: busy. I had a pretty full schedule so once I was kid free (i.e. free to work out) I had several work commitments in front of me.
Blink...it's already 1pm.
Blink...it's 1:30pm.
Girl, you had better get something accomplished in the category of exercise...
So, off I went on a 60 minute walk. Yes, my ability to craft an interesting 60 minute workout on my own tanked after just 2 days. I ended up burning 400+ calories which is actually pretty good - but not up to my current standards.
I was reminded of several things today:
I so appreciate the opportunity to work out at 6am.
I so appreciate when my husband is in town so I have some "me" time to work with.
I so need the structure of this program right now.
Life happens.
I did not take a step backwards by any means today.
Just keep going.
I was sooooo lazy before I started this program.
It is sooooo hard to burn calories.
I am sooooo loving this challenge.
Life is grand - bring on another round tomorrow!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Day 7
Another day bites the dust - in a good way!
First of all, my protein shake powder arrived yesterday - I could have hugged the UPS driver when he showed up with it. I have such a sweet tooth and such an appetite and those yummy Cinch shakes take care of both. I have been known to treat those drinks as a beverage with my meal rather than THE meal, but so far, so good.
Next, I have no idea how to change the time on my heart rate monitor watch. I am so afraid of messing something up, I'm just going to keep the time wrong (off by one hour) for now...
As for today, I put in another 60 minute, 600+ calorie workout. Today was a little on he boring side so I look forward to getting back with my group next week in the wee hours of the morning when there is more hustle and bustle and someone besides me leading the charge.
One very, very important and exciting thing to note...I was noticing a little looseness on the yoga pants while I was running. It could be an exercise mirage, but I'm quite sure it was real. That is what I look forward to more than anything - looser fitting clothes.
I have mentioned before that I have a knack for eating the same food over and over and over - especially when I am eating healthy because there isn't much my taste buds are very excited about that's healthy. So bananas have been a daily occurring in my life for more than 2 weeks. This morning I realized I'd better come up w/ a plan B soon the texture is getting a little "ick" and I need a break. Maybe smoothies...
One last thing I noticed today in the context of the benefits of exercise and better eating. I locked my keys in the car this afternoon. This led to a round trip (cha ching) taxi ride to pick up my keys and return to the car in 5pm traffic. The me that doesn't exercise and eat right would have absolutely done two things as a result: cry and eat. With a good workout under my belt and stable blood sugar the whole ordeal barely phased me. This exercise stuff really works wonders.
Tomorrow is Day 8 of this journey - bring it!
First of all, my protein shake powder arrived yesterday - I could have hugged the UPS driver when he showed up with it. I have such a sweet tooth and such an appetite and those yummy Cinch shakes take care of both. I have been known to treat those drinks as a beverage with my meal rather than THE meal, but so far, so good.
Next, I have no idea how to change the time on my heart rate monitor watch. I am so afraid of messing something up, I'm just going to keep the time wrong (off by one hour) for now...
As for today, I put in another 60 minute, 600+ calorie workout. Today was a little on he boring side so I look forward to getting back with my group next week in the wee hours of the morning when there is more hustle and bustle and someone besides me leading the charge.
One very, very important and exciting thing to note...I was noticing a little looseness on the yoga pants while I was running. It could be an exercise mirage, but I'm quite sure it was real. That is what I look forward to more than anything - looser fitting clothes.
I have mentioned before that I have a knack for eating the same food over and over and over - especially when I am eating healthy because there isn't much my taste buds are very excited about that's healthy. So bananas have been a daily occurring in my life for more than 2 weeks. This morning I realized I'd better come up w/ a plan B soon the texture is getting a little "ick" and I need a break. Maybe smoothies...
One last thing I noticed today in the context of the benefits of exercise and better eating. I locked my keys in the car this afternoon. This led to a round trip (cha ching) taxi ride to pick up my keys and return to the car in 5pm traffic. The me that doesn't exercise and eat right would have absolutely done two things as a result: cry and eat. With a good workout under my belt and stable blood sugar the whole ordeal barely phased me. This exercise stuff really works wonders.
Tomorrow is Day 8 of this journey - bring it!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Day 6
Come with me as I give you a front row seat to a conversation my husband and I had on Friday...
Me: Whew, I can't believe I have a week of this program done!
Husband: I know! Too bad you can't go to class next week...
Me: What do you mean?
Husband: I'm traveling next week, remember?
Me: Oh sh**!
Now, I would like to believe I would have remembered that I am a single parent at 6am almost every day this week before I would have walked out the door this morning with a 6 yo fast asleep in his room. What a major DUH moment on Friday!
You know what this means, right?
With only one week of discipline under my belt I have been left to my own devices for 5 days. Oh. My. Goodness.
I was seriously bummed for a bit over the weekend but then I realized: This is life. Sh** happens and if you can't roll with it you are never, ever going to get out of this unhealthy mess.
I've just returned from the gym and I will cut to the chase and advise I worked out for 60 minutes and 600+ calories - just like last week's workouts. I don't have the camaraderie of my classmates or a clue what I am doing, but I thought - just keep moving for and hour and see how it all pans out.
Now, I can't say this is an ideal situation this week but I will say I have found a silver lining or two...
First, I actually paid attention to the heart rate portion of the heart rate monitor that I wear. It didn't dawn on me to do so the first 30 minutes but for the second 30 minutes I paid close attention and a funny thing happened - I was able to slow down yet still burn calories at a rapid rate. Unreal.
Next, that voice showed up again today. The same one that encouraged me to take a walk break while I was running around the building last week. This time I was at the 30 minute mark and the following thought showed up in my head: You know, this has been a pretty good workout. Let's call it a day. Ooo, did I ever consider it. But then I decided: If you are going to throw away all of the hard work from last week just to get back in the car 30 minutes early you are a fool.
One more thing happened that taught me that numbers are a blessing and a curse...
In the case of this journey, numbers are a blessing because exercise really is a science and if you track your activity and you track your calories you can produce fairly predictable results.
The challenge with numbers is that we get hung up on them - obsessed with them really. I am reading The Power of Now right now and while it's a little woo woo for me, I am learning so much about how much energy I waste thinking and over thinking and tracking and over tracking. I actually applied some of the tips in that book to suspending my thoughts so I could escape being bored on the workout equipment and wouldn't you know - it worked!
If you are reading the blog every day you are in for a real teat this week - we are shifting into a week of Ms. Clueless working her butt off to figure it out and keep the momentum going. Get ready for a bumpy ride!
Bring on Day 7!
Me: Whew, I can't believe I have a week of this program done!
Husband: I know! Too bad you can't go to class next week...
Me: What do you mean?
Husband: I'm traveling next week, remember?
Me: Oh sh**!
Now, I would like to believe I would have remembered that I am a single parent at 6am almost every day this week before I would have walked out the door this morning with a 6 yo fast asleep in his room. What a major DUH moment on Friday!
You know what this means, right?
With only one week of discipline under my belt I have been left to my own devices for 5 days. Oh. My. Goodness.
I was seriously bummed for a bit over the weekend but then I realized: This is life. Sh** happens and if you can't roll with it you are never, ever going to get out of this unhealthy mess.
I've just returned from the gym and I will cut to the chase and advise I worked out for 60 minutes and 600+ calories - just like last week's workouts. I don't have the camaraderie of my classmates or a clue what I am doing, but I thought - just keep moving for and hour and see how it all pans out.
Now, I can't say this is an ideal situation this week but I will say I have found a silver lining or two...
First, I actually paid attention to the heart rate portion of the heart rate monitor that I wear. It didn't dawn on me to do so the first 30 minutes but for the second 30 minutes I paid close attention and a funny thing happened - I was able to slow down yet still burn calories at a rapid rate. Unreal.
Next, that voice showed up again today. The same one that encouraged me to take a walk break while I was running around the building last week. This time I was at the 30 minute mark and the following thought showed up in my head: You know, this has been a pretty good workout. Let's call it a day. Ooo, did I ever consider it. But then I decided: If you are going to throw away all of the hard work from last week just to get back in the car 30 minutes early you are a fool.
One more thing happened that taught me that numbers are a blessing and a curse...
In the case of this journey, numbers are a blessing because exercise really is a science and if you track your activity and you track your calories you can produce fairly predictable results.
The challenge with numbers is that we get hung up on them - obsessed with them really. I am reading The Power of Now right now and while it's a little woo woo for me, I am learning so much about how much energy I waste thinking and over thinking and tracking and over tracking. I actually applied some of the tips in that book to suspending my thoughts so I could escape being bored on the workout equipment and wouldn't you know - it worked!
If you are reading the blog every day you are in for a real teat this week - we are shifting into a week of Ms. Clueless working her butt off to figure it out and keep the momentum going. Get ready for a bumpy ride!
Bring on Day 7!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Day 5 / Week 1
Holy moley, I have worked out 5 mornings straight! I have 1 week of this 12 week program under my belt - a belt that hopefully I can latch tighter soon enough!
Yesterday I described my great workout and some friends have let me know that they too may try it. I learned an extra step to the routine today that I must share with you before you set out and walk 1000 steps...
I woke up this morning with one sore calf. Just the one. The other one was fine. This seemed odd because when you are as out of shape as I am, if you have two of something, they get sore at the same time like clock work.
I learned that I was supposed to alternate my lead foot at the beginning of each new set! So 100 steps leading with the right foot, 100 steps leading with the left foot, 100 steps leading with the right foot...
I'm not positive that plan would have worked all that great for me anyway as I'm prone to get a little dizzy on steps so if I'm trying to lead from the unnatural (to me) side, my brain would have been confused. However, to avoid a lone sore calf in the future, I will cope with the potential for dizzy and switch off - make sure you do the same.
Today, I hopped on the treadmill and I was actually feeling strong enough to hold my frame up while I ran. Since I straight up don't like to run (or jump or do anything that requires work), I don't think I have EVER possessed the capacity to have that positive body language during a run. It felt so much better!
I also took the speed up a bit on those intervals. To think that keeping a 6 mph pace on the treadmill and not almost flying off the back was NOT in my vocabulary a week ago...
We weigh in on Mondays so I have no idea if I have made any progress yet. I feel great and I have been working my butt off (quite literally) so I'm feeling confident. But I have 2 days "off" in front of me, a full tank of gas in my car, and loads of stops where I love to eat. I've worked too dang hard to pee it away on junk this weekend - so I am hopeful.
I can't wait to weigh in on Monday - can't wait.
Yesterday I described my great workout and some friends have let me know that they too may try it. I learned an extra step to the routine today that I must share with you before you set out and walk 1000 steps...
I woke up this morning with one sore calf. Just the one. The other one was fine. This seemed odd because when you are as out of shape as I am, if you have two of something, they get sore at the same time like clock work.
I learned that I was supposed to alternate my lead foot at the beginning of each new set! So 100 steps leading with the right foot, 100 steps leading with the left foot, 100 steps leading with the right foot...
I'm not positive that plan would have worked all that great for me anyway as I'm prone to get a little dizzy on steps so if I'm trying to lead from the unnatural (to me) side, my brain would have been confused. However, to avoid a lone sore calf in the future, I will cope with the potential for dizzy and switch off - make sure you do the same.
Today, I hopped on the treadmill and I was actually feeling strong enough to hold my frame up while I ran. Since I straight up don't like to run (or jump or do anything that requires work), I don't think I have EVER possessed the capacity to have that positive body language during a run. It felt so much better!
I also took the speed up a bit on those intervals. To think that keeping a 6 mph pace on the treadmill and not almost flying off the back was NOT in my vocabulary a week ago...
We weigh in on Mondays so I have no idea if I have made any progress yet. I feel great and I have been working my butt off (quite literally) so I'm feeling confident. But I have 2 days "off" in front of me, a full tank of gas in my car, and loads of stops where I love to eat. I've worked too dang hard to pee it away on junk this weekend - so I am hopeful.
I can't wait to weigh in on Monday - can't wait.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Day 4
Today I walked 1000 steps.
Maybe this is a common exercise plan, but for me it was all new. Here is what you do...
Using a "stepper" commonly used in aerobics classes, you step up and down 100 times. Both feet up, both feet down - that's 1 step. Then you do 10 push ups. Then you do 10 sit ups. Then you do it all over again. 10 sequences for a total of...
1000 steps.
Technically, this was an easy routine. If you can count and safely climb stairs, you can do this. However, this ended up being one of the most challenging - I was sweating like crazy!
I am so excited by the variety of these workouts every day. I said that yesterday but it's true and worth repeating. That's one of my many (many) excuses for not sticking with exercise: it's boring. Not this program - anything BUT boring.
A few interesting things I noticed today...
Even though I am continuing to work out hard each day, I am LESS sore today! I was starting to think I would just be sore forever since I'm working out every week day. I always thought some rest time laying on the couch was what made me feel better. Total. Opposite.
The other interesting thing I observed today was that when I woke up (without the alarm!) at 4:50am this morning, I felt a little fuzzy. I went to sleep at 9pm again last night so I was plenty rested. The issue was that I didn't eat enough good stuff yesterday. I didn't fall off the wagon and binge, instead I didn't eat much of anything. I have always been told that NOT eating is almost as bad as eating crap - and I think I finally "get it". So, I'm trying Gwyneth's recipe for tuna burgers tonight - I saw her make them on Regis and Kelly once and they looked pretty dang good even though they sound gross.
I also had to go without a morning shake yesterday (and today!) because my Cinch shake order from Shaklee has not arrived yet. Note to self: be better prepared next time you change your life!
Day 4 is in the books - time to get ready for Day 5...
Maybe this is a common exercise plan, but for me it was all new. Here is what you do...
Using a "stepper" commonly used in aerobics classes, you step up and down 100 times. Both feet up, both feet down - that's 1 step. Then you do 10 push ups. Then you do 10 sit ups. Then you do it all over again. 10 sequences for a total of...
1000 steps.
Technically, this was an easy routine. If you can count and safely climb stairs, you can do this. However, this ended up being one of the most challenging - I was sweating like crazy!
I am so excited by the variety of these workouts every day. I said that yesterday but it's true and worth repeating. That's one of my many (many) excuses for not sticking with exercise: it's boring. Not this program - anything BUT boring.
A few interesting things I noticed today...
Even though I am continuing to work out hard each day, I am LESS sore today! I was starting to think I would just be sore forever since I'm working out every week day. I always thought some rest time laying on the couch was what made me feel better. Total. Opposite.
The other interesting thing I observed today was that when I woke up (without the alarm!) at 4:50am this morning, I felt a little fuzzy. I went to sleep at 9pm again last night so I was plenty rested. The issue was that I didn't eat enough good stuff yesterday. I didn't fall off the wagon and binge, instead I didn't eat much of anything. I have always been told that NOT eating is almost as bad as eating crap - and I think I finally "get it". So, I'm trying Gwyneth's recipe for tuna burgers tonight - I saw her make them on Regis and Kelly once and they looked pretty dang good even though they sound gross.
I also had to go without a morning shake yesterday (and today!) because my Cinch shake order from Shaklee has not arrived yet. Note to self: be better prepared next time you change your life!
Day 4 is in the books - time to get ready for Day 5...
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Day 3
Day 3 is off to a roaring start. Before I launch into Day 3, I have to share how Day 2 wrapped up...
SLEEPING by 9pm last night!
I wouldn't say I am a night owl, but having the ability to fall asleep at 9pm on any day in any time zone is not something that I can do typically.
So, when you go to bed at 9pm...
You wake up raring to go at 4:50am!
I think I might actually like this...
Today's workout was totally great but totally different from yesterday (or the day before). My brain is constantly identifying value in things and the first example of value I encountered was when the trainer pushed me to work out to my full potential. The next example is that I could never create the variety I am encountering every day. I'm a gal who will eat the same food item day after day after day. So to get creative with something I don't particularly enjoy as a rule would never, ever happen.
Today was totally different in that we did lots LESS cardio and lots MORE strength exercises. Interestingly enough, I burned MORE calories today than yesterday. Yesterday I buring 650+ and today close to 800. This is evidence that I don't know the first thing about the science of exercise - I would think cardio would give you more bang for your exercise buck.
I did not get off the hook completely with cardio, however. Intervals to start and then 3 laps outside around the building. Know this: it's a really huge building.
An interesting thing happened while running around the building. Sabotaging thoughts pertaining to stopping were popping into my head. Literally I caught myself thinking: "You know, you could walk a little bit." I was outside left to my own devices so I definitely could have listened to myself and walked. But something the trainer said yesterday stuck with me: You are investing a lot of time, money and energy in this program...
Keep running, girl!
Not to sugar coat the experience completely, by legs feel like cement. This too shall pass, but while it's here it is very real and uncomfortable. Today, my arms felt like the feeling you get when you get a vaccination shot right into your muscle. Ow.
But here's the thing, I got myself into this mess and I'll get myself out of it. Even in this muscle soreness pain phase I feel 100 times better than I did last week.
Day 3 is a wrap. Bring on Day 4...
SLEEPING by 9pm last night!
I wouldn't say I am a night owl, but having the ability to fall asleep at 9pm on any day in any time zone is not something that I can do typically.
So, when you go to bed at 9pm...
You wake up raring to go at 4:50am!
I think I might actually like this...
Today's workout was totally great but totally different from yesterday (or the day before). My brain is constantly identifying value in things and the first example of value I encountered was when the trainer pushed me to work out to my full potential. The next example is that I could never create the variety I am encountering every day. I'm a gal who will eat the same food item day after day after day. So to get creative with something I don't particularly enjoy as a rule would never, ever happen.
Today was totally different in that we did lots LESS cardio and lots MORE strength exercises. Interestingly enough, I burned MORE calories today than yesterday. Yesterday I buring 650+ and today close to 800. This is evidence that I don't know the first thing about the science of exercise - I would think cardio would give you more bang for your exercise buck.
I did not get off the hook completely with cardio, however. Intervals to start and then 3 laps outside around the building. Know this: it's a really huge building.
An interesting thing happened while running around the building. Sabotaging thoughts pertaining to stopping were popping into my head. Literally I caught myself thinking: "You know, you could walk a little bit." I was outside left to my own devices so I definitely could have listened to myself and walked. But something the trainer said yesterday stuck with me: You are investing a lot of time, money and energy in this program...
Keep running, girl!
Not to sugar coat the experience completely, by legs feel like cement. This too shall pass, but while it's here it is very real and uncomfortable. Today, my arms felt like the feeling you get when you get a vaccination shot right into your muscle. Ow.
But here's the thing, I got myself into this mess and I'll get myself out of it. Even in this muscle soreness pain phase I feel 100 times better than I did last week.
Day 3 is a wrap. Bring on Day 4...
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Day 2
My eyes opened at 4:50am this morning and Day 2 was officially underway! I can't imagine this "get up before the alarm sounds" thing will last considering how early I have to get up for this program, but a gal can give it her best shot. I much prefer waking up without the alarm suddenly whipping you awake.
I decided after I did the remote start on my vehicle to leave this morning that I should probably NOT do that anymore as part of my routine. I don't know if this is the norm, but the remote start on my vehicle rolls out like this: BEEP! BEEP! Varooom... At 5:30am, beep beep is a highly un-neighborly move.
Had to park on the road again at the gym because as I mentioned yesterday, this is the place to be pre-6am around here. Since it was my second day I felt a little less naked standing around pre-class. I hopped on a treadmill and got started.
I went to start my heart rate monitor and discovered I never turned OFF the last workout. So the watch credits me with a 23 hours and 59 minute workout yesterday. Sigh. When you know better you do better, as my girl Oprah would say.
I was less intimidated with the heart rate monitor today. I no longer fear pushing the wrong button and causing it to explode (or worse, not give me credit for every last calorie burned). I ended up burning about 665 calories today - NICE!
At today's workout, the trainer hauled out a tractor tire and I thought - oh brother. Then he handed us a giant sledge hammer to swing around and land on the tire. I decided in that moment that I could never be a firefighter as the ax would be too much to maneuver.
I'm finding the most miserable exercise of all is the one I like the most. It's called Intervals. Bear with me if you have already heard of it - it's a totally new concept for this formally-a-non-exerciser. Sprinting for 20 seconds and rest for 10 seconds. Ironically, the 20 seconds feels like an hour and the 10 seconds feels like a blink.
I met someone at the gym this morning who is on week 9 of this 12 week program. Week. 9. Pretty impressive when you are the girl who is on Day. 2.
Another cool thing has emerged from this new routine. I am down to 2 cups of coffee per day. For the record, I will never quit coffee. I know you should refrain from using the terms "always" and "never", but I'm quite sure on this one. I like coffee. I just drink far too much of it. Now I don't have my first cup until at least 8am which was around the time of my 4th cup before. It's the little things.
Overall, Day 2 has been a win. Bring on Day 3...
Monday, March 5, 2012
Day 1
5am came early this morning.
My workouts are at 6am Monday-Friday. So, I'm rising at 5 so I can eat something and get there with some time to spare. My brain LOVES to rationalize things and make excuses so I hope that I stick with this 5am rise business. It's nice to not feel rushed.
I looked snazzy this morning for my workout. It was sort of like the first day of school - new outfit and all. I would imagine I will not match quite so nicely in coming weeks. I will say, I bought a bunch of new workout shirts at JCP last week and I fully plan to out grow them (in the other direction - they are going to be too big eventually) and then I'll joyfully buy some more workout shirts. One goal: dump sleeves and get back to rocking tank tops!
I wore a heart rate monitor for the first time today. I bought a Polar FT4 model this weekend. My husband has had one for years and loves it. I loved watching the number of calories burned throughout the workout - definitely a good investment if you are considering one. Note: I think the FT4 model is the most basic option that has a chest strap. Spend the extra money and get one with a chest strap (and a watch). It makes for a more accurate recording of the information. Seriously, if you're going to go to the trouble of wearing a heart rate monitor you will want credit for every dang calorie burned.
I pulled in at the gym and I was blown away by the number of cars in the parking lot. It was 5:45am and this gym was hopping. Apparently morning workouts are the new black. This made for a bit of inspiration and a whisper of intimidation - what is everyone DOING in there this early?
The workout was great. Intense, but it was the first day so we were treated to a bit of first day hecticness which probably saved at least 5 minutes of working out - I'll take any break I can get at this point. You need to know this about me: I have been working every health and wellness trick in the book for the past 12 years. If you have ever been to a Weight Watchers meeting, you know all about some of these tricks (wear light weight clothes, go to the bathroom right before weigh in...). I'm not knocking WW, I lost 30 lbs on it once.
One thing I have always known about myself and it was confirmed this morning is that I am totally lazy. I will half-a** an exercise any chance I get. Luckily the trainer caught on to this early on and did a wonderful job telling me to pick it up when it was quite clear that I was fully capable of picking it up.
I came home and promptly mixed a chocolate Cinch shake from Shaklee. I must order a canister of vanilla and chocolate shakes immediately because they are so. yummy.
All in all, Day 1 was a success! Bring on Day 2...
My workouts are at 6am Monday-Friday. So, I'm rising at 5 so I can eat something and get there with some time to spare. My brain LOVES to rationalize things and make excuses so I hope that I stick with this 5am rise business. It's nice to not feel rushed.
I looked snazzy this morning for my workout. It was sort of like the first day of school - new outfit and all. I would imagine I will not match quite so nicely in coming weeks. I will say, I bought a bunch of new workout shirts at JCP last week and I fully plan to out grow them (in the other direction - they are going to be too big eventually) and then I'll joyfully buy some more workout shirts. One goal: dump sleeves and get back to rocking tank tops!
I wore a heart rate monitor for the first time today. I bought a Polar FT4 model this weekend. My husband has had one for years and loves it. I loved watching the number of calories burned throughout the workout - definitely a good investment if you are considering one. Note: I think the FT4 model is the most basic option that has a chest strap. Spend the extra money and get one with a chest strap (and a watch). It makes for a more accurate recording of the information. Seriously, if you're going to go to the trouble of wearing a heart rate monitor you will want credit for every dang calorie burned.
I pulled in at the gym and I was blown away by the number of cars in the parking lot. It was 5:45am and this gym was hopping. Apparently morning workouts are the new black. This made for a bit of inspiration and a whisper of intimidation - what is everyone DOING in there this early?
The workout was great. Intense, but it was the first day so we were treated to a bit of first day hecticness which probably saved at least 5 minutes of working out - I'll take any break I can get at this point. You need to know this about me: I have been working every health and wellness trick in the book for the past 12 years. If you have ever been to a Weight Watchers meeting, you know all about some of these tricks (wear light weight clothes, go to the bathroom right before weigh in...). I'm not knocking WW, I lost 30 lbs on it once.
One thing I have always known about myself and it was confirmed this morning is that I am totally lazy. I will half-a** an exercise any chance I get. Luckily the trainer caught on to this early on and did a wonderful job telling me to pick it up when it was quite clear that I was fully capable of picking it up.
I came home and promptly mixed a chocolate Cinch shake from Shaklee. I must order a canister of vanilla and chocolate shakes immediately because they are so. yummy.
All in all, Day 1 was a success! Bring on Day 2...
Sunday, March 4, 2012
The End
Tomorrow I am starting a 12 week program that's similar to The Biggest Loser. I'll be working out 5 days a week with a trainer, meeting with a nutritionist 1 day a week and tracking the food I eat every day. This will be an increase of 5 work outs per week, an increase of meeting with a nutritionist 1 day a week and a 100% increase in tracking my food.
You read that correctly: I am completely sedentary at the moment. But that's all about to change...
So today is my last day being totally and completely out of shape. I'm excited, I'm already tired at the thought of how massive an undertaking this will be, and I'm ready. I think the most important piece - the thing that gives me a shot - is that I'm ready.
This post is titled "The End" because this is the last day I will put zero effort into my health and wellness. I have not been in really good shape since about 2000 - 12 years ago. My mind and body has been doing their best to hang in there with me as I've been on this careless bender, but it can't hang with me forever at this pace.
I've created this blog as a place to journal about my journey. It doesn't really matter to me if I have zero followers or a million. What I do know is that my journey will serve as an example for someone, somewhere, someday - and that's good enough for me.
I can assure you there will be gains, losses, laughs, tears, doubt, irritation and a few more laughs. I'm to a point where this "is what it is" - and I'm going to get really real. I'm pretty sure that's where you have to get to finally make improvements in your life.
Getting excited. I've set out 5 days worth of workout outfits (does that count as exercise?). Wondering if I should take a nap in prep for tomorrow morning...
I'm ready.
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