I was so proud of myself. I held a full plank for 90 seconds this afternoon. Then, I went to yoga class. And, I parked all the way at the far end of the parking lot. I thought I was doing pretty well. Then, I got a text message from my trainer. Apparently, yoga doesn't count as cardio. So, tomorrow I'll be doing cardio. And the DVD I was planning on doing. It might kill me. Then again, I really need to see some movement on the scale!
For gratitude, I am really thankful that she cares enough to check in, and make sure I am following my program. And making suggestions to make it better. So, even though it means more work, I really am grateful.
Food: Perfect
Exercise: Yoga and the plank
Gratitude: Friends and trainers who care about me and my program.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Loving My Monday Evening Routine
This was a really rough day. The scale was mean to me. Michael started out really grumpy. I was the only one on my team working today. Our air conditioner broke. Steve was unhappy. It just seemed like the world was piling on. A little voice in the back of my head said that I was allowed to feel sorry for myself and skip my workout. Not an option. So, bad day or not, off to the gym I went.
The muscle challenge class was intense, challenging, and rewarding. It was hard, really, really hard, but I love when I can push my body and feel it respond. I am definitely getting stronger. My balance is better. I was able to hold a forearm plank for a full minute. It just made me so happy to be able to do things I haven't been able to do before.
Then, yoga started. I know it's going to be a good night when we start on the floor. It gives me a chance to catch my breath after the first class, and really focus for the second. She did some stretches that really open the hips and stretch the quad. Those are my absolute favorite. Of course, it was a hard class, and there were poses that I couldn't do. But, I am feeling more confident, and more flexible.
The most important thing is that when I left the gym I was happy. I felt relaxed. It seemed like every drop of sweat washed away my stress. So, as hard as the evening was, it was a gift as well. So, thank you Kathie for a great evening!
Weight: 299
Diet: Great
Exercise: Muscle Challenge & Yoga
Gratitude: Stress Relief from Exercise
The muscle challenge class was intense, challenging, and rewarding. It was hard, really, really hard, but I love when I can push my body and feel it respond. I am definitely getting stronger. My balance is better. I was able to hold a forearm plank for a full minute. It just made me so happy to be able to do things I haven't been able to do before.
Then, yoga started. I know it's going to be a good night when we start on the floor. It gives me a chance to catch my breath after the first class, and really focus for the second. She did some stretches that really open the hips and stretch the quad. Those are my absolute favorite. Of course, it was a hard class, and there were poses that I couldn't do. But, I am feeling more confident, and more flexible.
The most important thing is that when I left the gym I was happy. I felt relaxed. It seemed like every drop of sweat washed away my stress. So, as hard as the evening was, it was a gift as well. So, thank you Kathie for a great evening!
Weight: 299
Diet: Great
Exercise: Muscle Challenge & Yoga
Gratitude: Stress Relief from Exercise
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Update for the last few days
Sorry I've been MIA for a few days. I went away for the weekend and just didn't have time or energy to post to the blog. But, I'll give you a quick summary of the last several days.
Friday: I went to my Friday night yoga class. I reallylove this class. It's challenging, but relaxing. For example, we're working on balancing half moon pose. It's really, really hard. But, each week I feel like I do a little bit better, and my legs get a little bit stronger. And, I always leave happy. There are few classes that are challenging, and make me happy. This class really is a reward for making it through the week!
Saturday: I had intended to take Michael swimming when we got to my parent's place. But, he was having a rough day, and it just didn't happen. Plus, it started to rain, and I decided to just take the day off. Not the greatest decision in the world, but it worked.
Today: I made up for yesterday. This morning, I went for a walk that was 4.18 miles. And, it took me about 90 minutes to do the walk. The good news is that it wasn't nearly as hot as the 5K, and I did a lot better. The bad news is that I was still exhausted and sore when I finished. I will have to keep practicing until long walks are easy!
Tomorrow is the start of a new week, and I am looking forward to it. Hopefully, I'll be better about keeping up the blog this week. If not, send me a note and keep me honest!
Friday: I went to my Friday night yoga class. I reallylove this class. It's challenging, but relaxing. For example, we're working on balancing half moon pose. It's really, really hard. But, each week I feel like I do a little bit better, and my legs get a little bit stronger. And, I always leave happy. There are few classes that are challenging, and make me happy. This class really is a reward for making it through the week!
Saturday: I had intended to take Michael swimming when we got to my parent's place. But, he was having a rough day, and it just didn't happen. Plus, it started to rain, and I decided to just take the day off. Not the greatest decision in the world, but it worked.
Today: I made up for yesterday. This morning, I went for a walk that was 4.18 miles. And, it took me about 90 minutes to do the walk. The good news is that it wasn't nearly as hot as the 5K, and I did a lot better. The bad news is that I was still exhausted and sore when I finished. I will have to keep practicing until long walks are easy!
Tomorrow is the start of a new week, and I am looking forward to it. Hopefully, I'll be better about keeping up the blog this week. If not, send me a note and keep me honest!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Total Exhaustion = Inner Calm
I had another personal training session at the house this afternoon. Before she even got here, she had me do 30 minutes of intervals on the elliptical. Then, things really got fun. I am not sure I will be able to move tomorrow. And that's after we stretched everything we worked!
What I love about personal training is that she knows just how far to push to get my absolute best performance, but never pushes beyond my ability. Way, way beyond my comfort zone, but never my ability. Today we did ab work on the ball, lots of leg work, lat pull downs, chest presses, chest flys, calf raises.. I can't even remember it all. But, what I do know is that I worked every muscle I own. And then some.
The rest of the day was fairly uneventful. When Michael got home from school, I took him in the chamber, and then I took him to the library. I had some books to return, and he's really good about limiting the elevator rides. So, we both won. Some days are really good days, even if you finish exhausted.
The other thing I noticed was that I was pretty depressed this morning. I had been hoping for faster results from the diet changes, and they just haven't been coming. And, with Steve out of town, I get lonely. But, after the workout, even though I was totally exhausted, I felt much more calm, less stressed, and less depressed. I guess it's true - exercise is great therapy!
But, what I am thankful today is just Michael. No matter what kind of day I'm having, his smile, or a hug can make all the stress melt away. At least for a few minutes. And, he's still small enough that if I ask for a cuddle, I get one. Now, they are much shorter than they used to be, but they still melt my heart, and they still make everything better. Thank you Michael!
Diet: Great
Exercise: 30 minutes on the elliptical, Hour of Personal Training
Gratitude: Michael
What I love about personal training is that she knows just how far to push to get my absolute best performance, but never pushes beyond my ability. Way, way beyond my comfort zone, but never my ability. Today we did ab work on the ball, lots of leg work, lat pull downs, chest presses, chest flys, calf raises.. I can't even remember it all. But, what I do know is that I worked every muscle I own. And then some.
The rest of the day was fairly uneventful. When Michael got home from school, I took him in the chamber, and then I took him to the library. I had some books to return, and he's really good about limiting the elevator rides. So, we both won. Some days are really good days, even if you finish exhausted.
The other thing I noticed was that I was pretty depressed this morning. I had been hoping for faster results from the diet changes, and they just haven't been coming. And, with Steve out of town, I get lonely. But, after the workout, even though I was totally exhausted, I felt much more calm, less stressed, and less depressed. I guess it's true - exercise is great therapy!
But, what I am thankful today is just Michael. No matter what kind of day I'm having, his smile, or a hug can make all the stress melt away. At least for a few minutes. And, he's still small enough that if I ask for a cuddle, I get one. Now, they are much shorter than they used to be, but they still melt my heart, and they still make everything better. Thank you Michael!
Diet: Great
Exercise: 30 minutes on the elliptical, Hour of Personal Training
Gratitude: Michael
Monday, July 22, 2013
What a crazy up and down day
Today started out pretty good. Michael had a better morning, and got off to school OK. But then I had a denist appointment. My crown had a hole in it and needed to be replaced. I didn't expect him to get out the drill and cut it out! It seemed like he was drilling for hours. Then, he had to 'shape' what was left of the tooth underneath. Again, it seemed like hours. By he time I got to leave the dentist's office I was completely traumatized. Driving away, I told myself I could skip my workouts tonight and just feel sorry for myself.
But, I knew that was a lie. I went to both my classes tonight, and actually did really well. I was more tired than I realized, but I still got in two great workouts. I have a feeling I will definitely be feeling my arms and legs tomorrow.
Today I am grateful that I was actually able to get to my classes. Steve is out of town for a couple days, but Dan stepped up and made sure I could get out to the gym. I really appreciated that. Sometimes it really is great having three adults in the house!
The only bad thing is when I stepped on the scale this morning, I was up a pound. I'm not letting it stress me out though. I have been having some water retention issues, and I know that's all it is. Next week's number will be better.
Weight: 297.5
Food: On Track
Exercise: 1 Hour Muscle Challenge, 1 Hour Yoga
Gratitude: Getting to the Gym
But, I knew that was a lie. I went to both my classes tonight, and actually did really well. I was more tired than I realized, but I still got in two great workouts. I have a feeling I will definitely be feeling my arms and legs tomorrow.
Today I am grateful that I was actually able to get to my classes. Steve is out of town for a couple days, but Dan stepped up and made sure I could get out to the gym. I really appreciated that. Sometimes it really is great having three adults in the house!
The only bad thing is when I stepped on the scale this morning, I was up a pound. I'm not letting it stress me out though. I have been having some water retention issues, and I know that's all it is. Next week's number will be better.
Weight: 297.5
Food: On Track
Exercise: 1 Hour Muscle Challenge, 1 Hour Yoga
Gratitude: Getting to the Gym
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Long, horrible day
Short and sweet. As great of a day as yesterday was, today was pretty horrible. I did a yoga video for exercise, and hoping it would calm me down. It didn't work. Tomorrow is another day.
Food: Everything on plan, probably too much
Exercise: 1 hour yoga DVD
Gratitude: I made it through the day.
Food: Everything on plan, probably too much
Exercise: 1 hour yoga DVD
Gratitude: I made it through the day.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
I'm so happy!!!!
A little while ago Steve had gotten me some Jillian Michaels DVDs. One of them is a beginner front body workout, and another is the beginner back body workout. I did the back body workout this afternoon. It was intense, but really, really doable. I am so excited. I think I finally have a plan to get strength workouts in three times a week. I'll still go to my Monday double class, and then on Wednesdays I'll do the front workout, and Saturday the back workout. It's a real plan, and I'm happy.
Of course, Steve wanted to know what I'll do about personal training. If we can afford it, I'd still like to do the every other week sessions. It's such an amazing workout, a DVD could never come close. But now, I feel so much better that I have a plan for the rest of the time. I didn't realize how much this was bothering me, until I found a solution I liked.
This all leads in to my gratitude of the day. Hands down, I am so thankful that Steve is so supportive of this journey. He has never once complained about me going to the gym, or given me a hard time about picking up things I let slide. He has been more supportive than I could ever hope for. And now, with finding these DVDs for me, he gets extra bonus husband points. Now, I'm not saying he's perfect, but I really appreciate everything he does to make sure I have every chance of being successful on this journey. How could I ask for more?
Food: Great, if anything a little bit low
Exercise: JM Back Body DVD
Gratitude: Steve!
Of course, Steve wanted to know what I'll do about personal training. If we can afford it, I'd still like to do the every other week sessions. It's such an amazing workout, a DVD could never come close. But now, I feel so much better that I have a plan for the rest of the time. I didn't realize how much this was bothering me, until I found a solution I liked.
This all leads in to my gratitude of the day. Hands down, I am so thankful that Steve is so supportive of this journey. He has never once complained about me going to the gym, or given me a hard time about picking up things I let slide. He has been more supportive than I could ever hope for. And now, with finding these DVDs for me, he gets extra bonus husband points. Now, I'm not saying he's perfect, but I really appreciate everything he does to make sure I have every chance of being successful on this journey. How could I ask for more?
Food: Great, if anything a little bit low
Exercise: JM Back Body DVD
Gratitude: Steve!
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