Goal Accomplished!

One day I put down on a list of things I wanted to accomplish this year that I wanted to run a 5K race, but it never occurred to me that I’d be able to do it like any other athlete could. I’ve never seen myself as an athlete, or sporty person, or even in shape. But, the last few weeks things have changed. My mind and body have gone through a transformation into this person who can put her mind to something and just do it (thank you Nike for that). And that is exactly what I did! I ran the 5K, faster then I have ever done it before, and without ever stopping to get a breath, some water, or to “tie my shoe”. I had no excuses to stop, I just kept going.

Last month I was encouraged by several friends, but one in particular to run the Shamrock run, and knowing that I was in the best shape of my life I thought about it, but was sitting on the fence. A few days later, my friend came up to me and said, “I’ll change my race to the 5K and run with you if you sign up.” Wow, that’s pretty powerful encouragement! How could I say no to that? So, there I was on the last day to sign up putting my name down as going to be running (rain, snow, or shine) in the 5K race.

About a month later I get my super cool green Adidas shirt and all the race accessories, and it all becomes a reality. I began to run outside a few times, and realize that “Hey, I can do that!” and then just days before the race I am finally able to just run a mile without stopping for anything. I’ve been pushed to become an athlete I realize, and that I am capable of running and that I am no longer the out of shape fat girl! It stirs so many emotions for me that I can’t help but cry off and on about it, but in the end I realize that I could never have changed that self image of myself without prayer and encouragement! God has blessed me with some amazing people in this journey.

The day of the race we get to the park and of course it’s freezing outside! I’m so cold I just want to run as fast as I can to get somewhere warm. We watched the 15K and 8K start, and then shuffle into the enormous 11,000 plus crowd for the 5K. I had a group of people cheering me on, and two great people to run with (as well as the Zumba party in my ears to keep me going!) I hit mile 1 and realized I did it again, just ran and never stopped, so I knew I could make it to mile 2. About a block before mile 2 I almost stopped, but all I heard in my head was “If I stop, I won’t be able to go again” because I knew I’d lose the confidence in myself, not the ability. So, I slowed a bit and then just kept going. I even passed up the water station! A huge hill (to me at least) to climb came just before mile 3, and I began to think about the finish line and wanting to find my husband. I envisioned being able to just run into a huge bear hug at the finish line, so as soon as we were down the hill I picked up my pace! I started to see people on the sidewalks, and looked up, but I had such huge tunnel vision that I couldn’t even focus on anyone’s face. I just hoped that he would see me. We crossed the finish line in a huge crowd of people and my legs were shaking, but I had this feeling that I could have kept going further. I wasn’t able to get that huge bear hug until a long search for each other, but I had high fives and hugs with my friends! That evening I found my race time and knowing that I ran faster and longer I was excited to see how I did. I ran the 5K in 36:06 minutes!

Now in my head all I can think about is how 3 miles is nothing, I’m gonna have to go longer then this next time. Jon and I joke that we’re going to do the 15K next year, so we can hear our names announced, and yes I’m going to have Jon run with me soon! No way am I doing this without him anymore, and I’m for sure going to run with great friends too! I can’t say thank you enough to everyone around me these days, life is pretty hard overall, but when you surround yourself with the right people life’s challenges can be much easier.

The Biggest Loser Jacobs Ladder Challenge

This is motivation to get my butt in hear - if they can do it, so can I!

Fear of the machine

This week I've been eying the dreaded Jacobs ladder, and realizing that I need to get on there and conquer my fear of the machine. Here's a post over a year ago about using the Jacobs Ladder for the first time - Click here (Side note: look at how much my body has changed since then! So exciting!)

I find that when I add a new machine/exercise to my routine I get more excited about it and get more results from my hard work. So, here's to trying new things and working hard and having dedication to a challenge!

Revised Workout Schedule

I’ve got an altered schedule going on, so I’d thought I’d share with you all what’s been going on at the gym. And, if anyone wants to join me I’m more then open to have someone keeping me accountable! My hours in the gym sometimes get less because of transition times and checking in with other people around the gym. It's safe to say, by adding in the extra 30 minutes on some days I'm actually getting 4 hours of real exercise.

Sunday:
7:00-8:00 am: Gym workout/Treadmill
9:00-1:00 pm: Church
2:00-4:00 pm: Grocery Shopping/Workout: Circuits
6:00-8:00: Church Units bible study

Total workout time = 3

Monday:
5:30 -7:30: Wake-up/Coupons & House Work
8:00- 11:00: Julia up - Preschool & 9:30 - 10:30 Gym Workout
11:30-12:15: Gym – Calisthenics
5:30-8:30pm: Biggest Loser Class; Pump & Zumba, stretching & Sit-ups

Total number of hours = 4.5 hours

Tuesday:
5:30 -7:30: Wake-up/Coupons & House Work
9:30 - 11:30: 30 min Treadmill & Body Pump
5:30 – 8:00: Biggest Loser Class/Stretch & sit-ups/Body Combat

Total number of hours = 4.5

Wednesday:
5:30 -7:30: Wake-up/Coupons & House Work
8:00- 11:00: Julia up - Preschool & Housework
1:20: Pick-up Ashleigh to babysit Julia!
2:00- 3:30: Gym: Treadmill & Circuit
5:30 -8:30pm: Biggest Loser Class/Pump/Zumba/Stretching & Calisthenics

Total number of hours = 4.5 hours

Thursday: Last Chance workout!
5:30 -7:30: Wake-up/Coupons & House Work
10:30-11:30: Story Time @ Library
11:30-12:30: gym/Treadmill
5:30 - 8:30: Biggest Loser Class/Spinning Class/Yoga and/or ½ Combat &Treadmill

Total number of hours = 4

Friday: Jon’s day off!
8:00-11:00 am: Gym workout/Treadmill 9:00 - Yoga Class
11:00- Weigh-in!
4:00-6:00pm: Family Gym time/Workout OR Date night!

Total number of hours = 3-5

Saturday:
REST DAY – work in daycare in the morning & catch up on any housework!

Workout Schedule

So, here’s my workout plan for each day of the week. I’m in need of some child care on a couple of days since the gym’s daycare is not open during the early afternoon times. It could be that some days I’m only able to get 3 hours in due to no one able to watch my daughter, or if the weather is willing I’ll be able to take it outside with her. This will be the only hinder and obstacle to getting my workout in most days, so here’s to leaving in God’s hands.

Sunday:
7:00-8:00 am: Gym workout/Treadmill
9:00-1:00 pm: Church

2:00-5:00 pm: Grocery Shopping/Workout: Treadmill

6:00-8:00: Church Units OR Workout

After J’s bedtime: Home Yoga
Total workout time = 4

Monday:
6:30 -7:30: Wake-up/Coupons & House Work

8:00- 11:00: Julia up - Preschool & 9:30 - 10:30 Gym Workout

12:30-1:30: Gym: Treadmill (child care)

2:00- 4:00: Julia's Nap (if needed)

6:00-8:00pm: Pump & Zumba

After J’s bedtime: Home Yoga

Total number of hours = 3-4 hours

Tuesday:
6:30 -7:30: Wake-up/Coupons & House Work

9:30 - 11:30: 30 min Treadmill & Body Pump

2:00-4:00: Julia's Nap (if needed)

5:30 - 7:30 Biggest Loser Class/Treadmill/ Body Combat

After J’s bedtime: Home Yoga

Total number of hours = 4

Wednesday:
6:30 -7:30: Wake-up/Coupons & House Work

8:00- 11:00: Julia up - Preschool & 9:30 - 10:30 Gym Workout

1:00-2:00: Gym: Treadmill (child care)

2:00- 4:00: Julia's Nap (if needed)

6:00-8:00pm: Pump & Zumba

After J’s bedtime: Home Yoga

Total number of hours = 3-4 hours

Thursday:
6:30 -7:30: Wake-up/Coupons & House Work

10:30-11:30: Story Time @ Library

11:30-12:30 - gym/Treadmill

2:00-4:00: Julia's Nap (if needed)

5:30 - 7:30 Biggest Loser Class/Treadmill/ Body Combat

After J’s bedtime: Home Yoga

Total number of hours = 3

Friday:
8:00-10:00 am: Gym workout/Treadmill 9:00 - Yoga Class

2:00-4:00: Julia's Nap (if needed)

4:00-6:00pm: Family Gym time/Workout (5:15 Zumba)

After J’s bedtime: Home Yoga

Total number of hours = 4

Saturday:

REST DAY – work in daycare in the morning & catch up on any housework!

Notes: On days I need childcare and don’t have anyone I will take long walks outside, use my Wii fit or Zumba games to get in an hour of exercise, or use the time to spend stretching and relaxing my muscles.

Goals: When using the treadmill I am reaching for 5 miles a day on the treadmill, in order to get in 30 miles a week. I’m hoping to run a 5K in March just before the end of the contest.

Pain is only temporary!

Yesterday I had my double class day at the gym, and this morning I am feeling the results of those 2 hours! I had such a difficult time during those 2 hours. The little devil on my shoulder just kept telling me how nice it was outside and that I should go home and spent it with my family, eat dinner and don't worry about your workout today. But, I knew it wasn't the real me talking. I knew I needed to be in the class and focused. I still compare myself to the other people in the gym when I'm there. I hate that I do this, but it's inevitable when you have spent most of your life doing this behavior. I can easily look at a picture of myself now without cringing and see the amazing results of all my hard work, but at the same time I look at myself in the mirrors along the wall of the group X classroom and I see the work I still need to do. I see flabby arms and thighs, and abs that still aren't sucked in all the time, and I feel the pain my knees and feet have been through from being over weight overtime. I know this can be counterproductive, but in the middle of an intense workout in can also motivate me. I can't let that devil on my shoulder get me away from my goals. I have to remind myself that less then 6 months ago I still struggles in these classes, and now I am up front working it out with all the "skinny" girls!

When I woke up this morning my body hurt everywhere. My toes hurt, my butt from 145+ lunches and 14.5 pound squat lifts, my shoulders hurt from push-ups and numerous other exercises, but then as I drank my coffee and watched the latest episode of Extreme Makeover: weight loss edition I realized the pain is only temporary, the transformation is not! I am so blessed to have the people in my life who are there every day to help me get through this transformation. My husband and all of my family, the amazing instructors and trainers at the gym, and so many of my new friends at the gym all support me 100% every time I walk into that gym!

Accountability

Well I haven't been posting on here as much as I use to, and mostly it's due to staying focused on the gym and family life. But, I do need to still keep my accountability to everyone who is watching. I'm at the lowest weight I've been since starting college, and feel great. But, I'm not done! So I need to keep on focusing on new techniques and ways to make the pounds come off. I don't have any answers to this yet, but welcome suggestions. I do, however, want to update you on what's been going on with me lately.

Gym life -
Monday through Friday I am in the gym anywhere between 1 hour to 3 hours each day, depending on the day. I have some awesome new shoes that I got for my birthday that are great for the workouts I am primarily doing (cross training). I also got the Zumba for the Wii game for those days when I can't make it to the gym (vacations or Saturdays). My workouts include, Zumba, Body Pump, Body Combat, and frequently some elliptical and sit-ups. In order to keep treating any knee and shoulder pains I have to do stretching 3 times a day and really keep my body flexible and out of any stiffness that I encounter a lot after a workout.

Diet Life -
Well, food around here isn't the best. We decreased our food budget almost by half to save money and I did so with couponing. But, the down side to this is that stores do not coupon produce. So, the amount of fresh foods has decreased in our diet lately. I use a lot of frozen veggies though to supplement, and have added vitamins to make sure we do not lose out on an nutrients. I have also been taking a potasium pill once a day to help with water retention and muscle cramping.

Goals -
With the use of a lot of pantry items and freezer foods now my goal is to cook almost 100% from scratch (likely 90%) and keep our sodium levels low. I'm hoping to grow some of my own vegetables too, but unfortunately I won't get to do a whole garden as I'd hoped to do. I am also trying to lose about 1 pounds a week for the summer. This is a super realistic goal for me, considering all the BBQs we have and possibility of eating out that happens in the summer time.

I am hoping to become pregnant by the end of the summer, so at that time this blog will become about maintaining weight and eating a low sodium diet, along with low impact exercises. If I do not become pregnant by the Fall then I will change the weight goals and continue to lose weight.

Quick Check in

Well I haven't been updating a lot, and really do not have any real reason as to why. The inspiration isn't there anymore to write, I'm just focused and working hard all the time. I am trying to find some more ideas to keep all the motivation and inspiration going for you and myself. I recently saw a sport injury doctor because I have been battling with knee pain for about 2 months and started having shoulder pain too. After a complete check-up without any scans or x-rays it appears I only need to stretch better! I have very tight calf muscles and an old injury to my shoulder has caused some remolding to the area that will need some extra TLC and stretching.

Since beginning Body Pump about 4 weeks ago I've been watching my body transform. I've lost some pounds and my waist, arms, and shoulders are really changing. I am not seeing a lot of change in my butt or legs, so I will need to focus more there.

My Current weight is 236, which means I've lost 6 pounds since March. Not a huge lose, but still a lose. Since my diet has change so much back into a very budget friendly one I've had to reteach myself how to portion control high fat foods (because unfortunately high fat foods are less expensive). I'm learning more tenchniques on cooking completely from scratch as well, which is helping lower sodium levels and allowing me to have more control over what goes into my body.

Hoping for new cross trainer shoes for my 30th birthday! Watch for stretching/yoga moves to help with muscles pain along with some diet and health posts.

Body Pump Review

Yesterday I took, for the first time Body Pump, a 60-minute workout that works all major muscles groups by using weight room exercise like squats, presses, lifts and curls all instructed to music. The instructor that was scheduled to teach was out with a sore muscle, so I did not get the current Body Pump release for my first day. I think that was okay though for a beginner, seeing as the sub said he hadn’t taught in a year and was doing some easier routines. Overall my thoughts on the class were positive, but still intimidating.

As I walked in I did not recognize any of the people in the class, like I do in my other group classes. That first off was pretty intimidating, especially since none of them offered a hello or an encouraging or helpful word my way. I finally asked the instructor what to do, since everyone else seemed to have already set up their weights. Not being familiar with my skill level like many of the other trainers in the gym he set me up with 2.5 and 5 pound weights to start off with, gave me some general instruction on the class, and though I’ve taken a mini lesson on the class from another instructor I didn’t get the weight instructions very well. After the warm-up the daycare attendant came in to get me, because my lovely daughter needed a diaper change (don’t ask about this story, just gets worse). By the time I got back my head was unfocused and not in the class anymore. I had to go for the next 40 minutes wondering if Jon was picking up Julia on time, if she was crying because I left her again, and all the other complications that go along with having a child in daycare while you workout!! Needless to say I just didn’t get the whole experience from the class, but I kept on going with it anyways. By the time we’d done our 3rd set of squats my thighs were burning and my shoulders were screaming! I knew I had done the right thing by taking this class.

My plan to take the class once a week probably won’t be a good one, seeing as that gives my body to long to recover from the lifting, so I will be going back in on Thursday to get more torture done to my body. As for this morning my entire body is sore and tight, and I will need some serious stretching. On a side note, I was clumsy while walking during the evening around town with the family, and slightly fell off a curb. I ended up twisting my big toe that is already injured, so not only is my body sore, but my toe is bruised and doesn’t want me to put all my weight down onto it. Great!! I’ll just keep on keeping on though!

Experimenting in Group Exercising

So, I've found myself in a plateau with my weight lose and inches lost in my body. I workout like a mad women - 6 days a week, 90-120 minutes a day! I've also been battling with a knee problem, and should have it looked at one of these days. But, needless to say this isn't going to stop me. I have decided that I am not getting enough motivation to do my weight training on my own, and at the same time finding myself bored with the same routine. So, to keep myself from not sticking to this thought and not running with it I am declaring to you, my readers, that I am going to take a Body Pump Class next week.

So, what is Body Pump? Body pump is a barbell weight training class that strengthens your entire body. The class is a 60-minute workout that challenges all your major muscle groups by using the best weight-room exercises like squats, presses, lifts and curls. The class is a lot like Body Combat with weights - a structured routine to music and motivating instructors. Now, I have been told time and again by the trainers at my gym that this is THE class to take for weight lose and weight training, but I've been scared to take it for numerous reasons.

My main fear is pain and inability to accomplish the class. I had the same fear when I began Body combat, and here I am conquering that class into the 2nd launch now. I've also been intimidated by the instructors, so after getting to know some of them and realize that they once were beginners too I'm feeling more confident in my abilities. The main problem though is the time of the class - Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 - 5:30 or Monday Wednesday at 6:30 - 7:30. Now, the first class is doable, except for I have to take Julia to the daycare (cost) and the second one is during Zumba, so Tuesday or Thursday it is!

My plan will have to change now though. I will have to change my workout schedule to fit my family needs. If I take a 4:30 class then I can't stay to workout after because 2 out of 3 of us are going to need dinner. If I take this class, I might not be able to do my 6:30 Body Combat class either. So, these are all concerns, but I'm going to go after this class and see what kind of results I see from it.

Workout Plan for Week of May 8 -
Sunday - Mother's Day - no workout
Monday - 6:00 - 8:00 - Calisthenics & Zumba
Tuesday - 4:30 - 5:30 - Body Pump & evening walk with family
Wednesday - 6:30 - 8:30 - Zumba & Abs
Thursday - 6:30 - 8:00 - Body Combat & Elliptical
Friday - 5:00 - 7:00 - Zumba & Calisthenics
Saturday - Long quick pace walk during the day

Group Exercise Classes

I absolutely love my group classes that I take 5 days a week now! I couldn’t say enough about them if someone asked me for a recommendation. Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays I take Zumba, and we all know how awesomely fun that is. And, if you don’t you better get your butt in gear and find out! Here is my review of Zumba from the first time I took it. On Tuesday and Thursday I take Body Combat, which is a high intensity cardio kick-boxing class! Yes, I said kick-boxing, and yes I can now kick your butt if you test me. Both these classes work some of the same areas of the body, but for the most part I get different results from the two classes.

So, what does my body combat class give me? The class uses several areas of martial arts, including karate, boxing, and muay thai (among others) to give a crazy workout that has fast pace music and about 7 tracks followed by an abs workout. In the class we strike, punch, lunge, side kick, and even squats. Of course there’s a lot more to it then just those, and the hour goes by so much faster then just using a machine for the same length of time. The instructors are also so amazing. I usually have the same instructors for the class, but occasionally we get a sub and they always work you in a slightly different way – which is great! This class has empowered me work hard, push through pain, and focus on my workout.

I am into almost 5 months of Zumba classes, and love it more ever day. I can’t say enough about what a great time I have in this class. I’ve made some great friends from the class, and have learned to shake my booty at the same time. Zumba is so much fun, and really works out the entire body. I think I lost most of my weight recently in my core because of Zumba, with its amazing rumba and Latin inspirited dance movies I get a whole body workout in an hour. In a week I will do a 2 hour Zumba party at the gym and can’t wait to dance the night away!

I will post some videos later on of each class for examples of the workouts!

Running Journey

I’m new to this running thing. I remember in middle school track how much I dreaded it and really did not do well at it at all. I can’t say I’m any better these days, but I see the benefits and really am enjoying developing the skill of running (because, really it is a skill). I’m going to begin research more about running and really begin the process of becoming a runner. On the side bar you can see that an exercise goal of mine is to be able to run 1 mile without stopping. I’m almost there to; I can run about half a mile without stopping which is a great accomplishment for me! I still have my foot pain and would love to invest in better shoes and orthopedics, but at this time it’s just not realistic. So, until the pain is taken care of I can’t do a lot of running. At this time I am jogging/walking on the treadmill for about 15-20 minutes at a time about twice a week. I love it! I’m running at 4.5 mph pace with no incline, and am also considering doing a 5K run at my gym (considering!!). So, share with me any of your running pointers, and we will see how far I get in this part of my journey.

Fitting in the Workout into a busy life

So I have officially become one of those people who is a regular at the gym! I can’t say I ever thought it possible really. Even when I have been in better shape, I dreaded the gym most days. Now, it’s the best part of my day (outside of my snuggles with Julia). So, how do I fit in 6 days a week, 2 hours a day at the gym? I plan!

First thing I do is write out a monthly schedule with all the classes I will be participating in each day. (I take an instructor led class 5 days a week now.) Then, I add in appointments, Jon’s scheduled days off, and any other events going on that month (such as church events/bible study or birthdays). With only having a toddler at home and no other activities for my family this schedule is pretty flexible. One tip for those of you with older kids in school and after school activities is to really important to calculate drive times and any “socializing” time you will have at events. Another tip would be to have a weekly schedule white board that you can write out each day’s events if they change from week to week. The other major scheduling I do is meal planning. This is crucial to saving time, money, and your waist line. I plan 2 weeks at a time for every meal for myself, and dinners for the whole family. I plan in any activities that might be away from the home too, so then I know I don’t have to defrost something that day.

Here is a sample of my regular Monday schedule:

5:45 – 9:30(depending on when Julia wakes up): Wake-up (like a zombie)
During this time I drink coffee, craft, shower, do quiet household chores, and work on blogs and meal plans. Sometimes I just take a nap too! *Every other Monday I make sure I have meal plans set up for the next 2 weeks*

9:30 – 12:00: Breakfast, cartoons, chores, snack time and play time. No specific order of any of this. Sometimes play time includes a trip to the library and a walk around the neighborhood.

12:00 – 1:00: Lunch time and more play time. I typically get Julia lunch around 12:30 and do dishes and clean the kitchen while she is eating. Once she’s done eating she gets a short time to play before her nap. Sometimes we run errands and this time is extended to about 2:00.

1:00 – 2:00: Start nap time; read a book & sing a song and tuck in for a nap! This is usually a good 20-30 minutes process.

2:00 – 4:00 (4:30): Depending on when Julia wakes from her nap (no longer then 2 hours long and past 4:30). During this time I do laundry, dishes, and any major cleaning that doesn’t require a loud machine (vacuum); have my lunch; craft; do a Wii Fit workout; fold laundry; major scrubbing clean-up jobs.

4:00 – 5:15 – Prep and make dinner. I usually will have something started before Julia wakes from her nap, and then snuggle with her during her cartoon hour before Jon gets home from work. This is also a great time to get on the floor and play with her if I already have food cooking.

5:30 – Dinner! I try to keep to this time each day so that Julia’s hunger cues stay the same. Typically she and Jon are starving by this time, so I can easily know dinner will be a success. I usually will eat only half of a portion before I leave for the gym and finish up in the evening if I’m in need of more food.

6:00 – 8/8:30 – I’m at the gym! I take classes either at 6:30 or 7:00 (Friday’s are at 5:15) and try to be early each day to get a warm-up in and a really good stretching session before the class. After each class I generally do weight lifting (low weight, high reps) and calisthenics (sit-ups, push-ups, and such). Twice a week I will do more cardio – elliptical or jogging on the treadmill.

8:45 – 9:00 – Julia’s bed time. If I get home earlier then 8:30 we just go from there. Since she loves to sleep in we generally give her a later bedtime. I’m sure I will need to begin changing this time when she starts preschool though.

10:30 – 11:00 – Finish housework or crafting and go to bed! I always make sure the sink is empty of dishes and that the laundry is either in the dryer or folded. This of course is a perfect scenario, and some days the sink is full and the washer is still going.

I hope you can benefit from this, and if you can’t well now you have a little more insight into my life that you could have cared less for. Get crack’n on those schedules!

Triceps Kick Backs

Starting Position
Hold a dumbbell (5-8 lbs) in one hand. Kneel on bench with the opposite knee, then lean forward from your waist and support your body weight on your free hand. Keep upper arm of weighted hand fixed to your side, and allow to bend to 90 degrees.

Action
Push weighted hand back until elbow is straight. Slowly lower to starting position and repeat. Complete desired repetitions and alternate.

Special Instructions
Make sure to relax upper body.

Muscles Worked: Triceps

I love triceps kickbacks because they are completely about the triceps, and really work and engage your whole body when you are forced to bend at the waist. You need to tighten up your abs in order to keep your back from hurting, and the rest of your body follows suit. It's a great exercise!

Info courtesy of Sparkpeople.com

Arm Exercises

So I finally caught up with the trainer from the gym and asked about what I need to do to tone up my arms! He really didn't give me information I didn't know, but just reiterated that I need a lot of repetition and a lower weight. Then he showed me some of the machines I could use outside of just using dumbbells. So, for the next few posts I will posts videos and demonstrations from Sparkpeople.com and My Trainer Bob on youtube to give you an idea of what I will be doing in the gym!

He also said to work on my waist and thigh areas that the work I was already doing was the best! So, I need to keep on doing my zumba and body combat on a regular basis and I will continue to see inches lost!

I was in hiding....

Well, I haven't posted on the blog for a couple of weeks for a couple of reasons. 1) I am in full force weight loss mode, and do not have alot of extra time to write out posts. 2) I want to keep you in suspense on how well I'm doing.....haha

I am doing great just so you know. I will post a weight this week and after that will be the final weigh for the Biggest Loser Contest. I've been keeping my workouts up very regularly, except when we had 2 winter storms hit our town in a week and I wasn't able to go to the gym for 5 days - holy smokes I was craving for some Zumba by then!

My daily life right now in staying pretty consistent, but I am making some sacrifices for the next 2 weeks for the final push of weight loss in the contest. I've been focused on counting my calories, and trying to keep them below 1,300 a day (let me tell you, that is hard!) and exercising for 2 hours a day (except Saturdays). The sacrifice comes not only on my part, but also my husband and daughter. As soon as Jon comes home at night I am running off to the gym for the evening while he wrangles our two year old. I am then come home sore and exhausted and help with bedtime (a whole other workout in itself). Jon usually has to finished dinner time, bath time, and play time with Julia after he has already worked 8-10 hours that day. He is behind me in this and we are making it a full family effort!

My other sacrifice comes in the budget form - having to buy so many "healthier" foods can be costly, and not in a huge way, but some items that help can be pricey. Such as Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, and Flax Seed Oil (more on why I use these items at another time). Just this past week I think I spent almost $50 of produce alone! I also am making budget cuts in order to be at the gym and have the membership, otherwise we would not be able to afford it.

So, with only a week and half left in the competition at the gym I am keeping an eye on the competitors, and dedicated to winning this contest! My goal is to have lost 20 pounds, but 16 would be awesome! Keep me in your thoughts and don't let me eat anything that isn't "good" for me!

Bob Harper's Inside Out Method - Tricep Dips Challenge

This is a great challenge for those of you working out at home! Get a short chair and give it a go. Start slow, and just get to 100!

Burpee and Advanced Burpee Demonstration

Here's a great demonstration of how to do a burpee. I am struggling with this exercise every time I do it, and it has a lot to do with stiffness in my hip flexors. So, I suggest stretching very well before proceeding. Of course, consult your doctor if you are not a frequent exerciser.

45 Minutes Exercise Routine!

So sorry I’ve been away from posting for a few days. It seems to be that Friday, Saturday, and Sunday all blend together and consume me until they spit me out on Monday exhausted and not feeling my healthiest. But, I wanted to share with you a quick workout you can get done in about 45 minutes and really work-up a sweat! Some of this is from the Biggest Loser Fitness Class I’m taking, and some of it is altered to give you more of a cardio workout.

1. 10 min warm-up: Spinning; running at 4.5mph or higher; elliptical; or bike.
2. (5 minutes) Stretch– focus on hamstrings, calves, and back.
3. (5 minutes) Move into a circuit training mode and get a stability ball and a floor mat.
- Crunches with ball 30 seconds – as many as you can do
- Rest 30 seconds
- Push-ups (knees, with feet crossed and off the floor) on mat for 30 seconds – as many as you can
- Rest 30 seconds
- Crunches 30 seconds
- Rest 30 seconds
- Push-ups 30 seconds
- Rest

4. (5 Minutes) Lay flat onto your back on the mat –
- Clamshell Crunch with Ball 30 seconds: Sit on a mat and place a stability ball between your legs (at your calves/ankles). Squeezing the ball in place, lie back onto the floor, keeping your feet just off the ground, knees bent. Make sure your lower back stays planted and your abs are tight. Place your hands lightly behind your ears in a crunch position. Action: EXHALE: Simultaneously lift your shoulders off the ground and your knees into your chest to perform a double crunch. INHALE: Slowly return to start to complete one rep. Special Instructions - Don't let momentum swing your knees up for you. Be sure your hands are not lifting your upper body- concentrate on using abs.
- Rest 30 seconds

- Side Planks: Lie on left side, legs together, feet stacked. Wrap right arm around waist. Keep head and neck aligned with spine. Action: Prop upper body on bent left forearm (be sure elbow is directly below shoulder). Press hips toward ceiling, using abs to stabilize torso. Hold for 30 seconds. Special Instructions: Exercise will be easier if feet are staggered instead of stacked.
- Rest 30 seconds
- Clamshell Crunch with ball – 30 seconds (as many as you can)
- Rest 30 seconds
- Side Planks (right side) – hold 30 seconds
- Rest 30 seconds
- Clamshell Crunch with Ball – 30 seconds (as many as you can)

5. Rest 2 minutes – Lunges 3 sets of 12

6. Burpie &Squats:
- Burpie: stand with feet shoulder width apart, bend at the waist, touch the floor, kick you feet back and then quickly move back into a standing position. (This is extremelyy hard, and as soon as I can find a demo video I will post it.) 30 seconds
- Rest 30 seconds
- Squats: Begin this exercise by standing with your feet wider than shoulder width apart and your toes pointed forward. Slowly lower your body and remember to bend slightly at your hips and stick your butt out. Keep your weight back on your heels and your back as upright as possible. 30 Seconds
- Rest 30 seconds
- Repeat above steps 2 more times!

7. Brisk Walking (treadmill or gym floor or outside) – 10 minutes:
- after 2 minutes move your arms in an up and down motion for 1 minute
- Rest 1 minutes
- Move arms in forward circles -1 minutes – then move arms in backward circles – 1 minutes
- Rest 1 minutes
- Walk at a faster pace for last 4 minutes

8. Stretch your body and do a slow walk

Hope this workout will help you to get some muscle building skills and really get an idea of the areas in which you need to work.

Life getting in the way!

Life has gotten in the way again of my goals. I’ve had two days without the gym now and I know to most of you that sounds like nothing, but for me to stay focused I have to stay consistent. I can’t go off track even a little, and sometimes I’m just going to have to admit defeat in that area from time to time. Monday I had a birthday party to go to, and by the time we got home and put Julia to bed I was so tired I fell asleep on the couch until midnight. Since I had made it to the gym Sunday I didn’t feel super horrible, but I did miss a day of my 30 day challenge. That gave me some guilt. Then came Tuesday, and I had some out of the house work to do (babysitting) all day and had a very frustrating time attempting to get Julia to take a nap in a place other then her own bed. (Took all my energy!) So, by the time I was headed home I was so mentally fatigued that I could barely talk. My amazingly loving husband was fabulous – he made dinner, took care of clean-up, let me fall asleep off and on all night long, and even gave Julia her bath and did most of the bed time routine. Again, I missed the gym and my 30 day challenge. I was so drained I couldn’t even find the energy to stretch! I went to bed early, slept the entire night, woke feeling rested for the most part, and am ready to find the strength today. For the days that are hard I’m really going to have to dig a lot deeper into my soul and faith to know that even when it’s hard I have the ability to succeed. I think one of my major road blocks in life has been not allowing me to see this. So, today is Zumba night and I will go and work my butt off, come home and do my 30 day challenge, and pass out from even more exhaustion. And, it will all be worth it in the end!

A Side note – I have my Biggest Loser Weigh in and body comp test on Friday at 12:30. More details on this to come.