Hard day, OK Class

Today was a rough day over all, but I did keep my promise to myself.  As much as the Group Power classes scare me, I forced myself to go.  It turned out OK.  I didn't like it as much as the Saturday class, but I got through it.  I guess part of the problem is that I'm really confident in the Muscle Challenge class.  I might not be great at it, but I know the moves, I know the form.  This is going to take me a while to get used to.  But, I'll keep at it.  And, it's an hour of strength.  On a Thursday.  That's a very good thing!

Great Day Today

I tried an easier version of intervals today.  I hate to admit this, but it was out of First Magazine.  It was, however, fun and energizing.  I warmed up on the elliptical and then did thirty seconds as fast as I possibly could, then took four minutes to recover.  I alternated between the two for the full thirty minute workout.  It was such a fun workout, and I felt amazing after I finished.  In fact, it was so much fun, I did it again after work.  So, a total of an hour on the elliptical today.  And, I felt great!

Then, I went to yoga.  It was an 'up' night tonight, and I was ready for it.  And, it was a great class.  I love that I am getting stronger each week.  Tonight, I noticed that I am breathing better.  When I first started, I couldn't maintain nose breathing through the warm up.  Now, I can do it for most of the class.  So, my cardio abilities must be getting a lot stronger.  It just makes me happy whenever I see improvements, no matter how big, or small.  Life is good!

Not a Rest Day

I am going to the TACA Real Help Now conference on Saturday, so I won't be able to exercise that day.  I figured I needed to sneak in an exercise session today to make up for it.  As soon as I got home from work, I went up and changed into my workout clothes.  Then, I did a thirty minute session on the elliptical.  Not bad for an office day!

Two Long Hours

Some Mondays are really inspiring.  Some Mondays I just get through.  Today is a mix of both.  In my muscle challenge class, I figured I was going to pass out.  It was so hard tonight!  I know when she starts out with step as a warm up I'm in big trouble.  But, the good news is that I've progressed from doing all the step work on the ground, to the step with no riser, to the step with one riser.  That's great progress!

I wasn't really sure if it was wise to stay for yoga or not.  But, my stubborn streak kicked in and I did.  And, as usual, I was glad I stayed.  The class tonight was really good, and I got a great workout and a great stretch.  Of course, now all I can think about is a hot bath and bed.  But, it still counts as a great day.

Happy Easter!

Since Easter is all about new beginnings and fresh starts, I figured it was time for a new picture. I've finally managed to start losing again, and am down to 295. I'm sad that the plateau/gain took up so much valuable time, but I am thrilled to be losing again, and to be back into 'fresh' weight.

I celebrated the day with a lot of family time, petunia planing, and two 30 minute sessions on the elliptical.  Great day!  I hope you have had a wonderful Easter as well.  

Quick Update

I managed to cut my finger, so typing hurts.  I'll be keeping this pretty short.  Good exercise day - two 30 minute sessions on the elliptical.  Looking forward to a great day tomorrow!

Fabulous Friday

Today was an amazing exercise day.  I started with 20 minutes on the elliptical, and then survived an incredibly painful personal training session.  Imagine this:  standing in tree pose while doing overhead triceps presses with a weighted ball.  Yeah, I did that.  I also did one legged calf raises and one legged ball squats.  She really had a thing about single limb use today.  But, I survived, and even remembered to stretch when the torture was over.

So, that was the morning.  The evening exercise was so much more fun.  I was so sore and tired when I walked into the gym. The instructor for the Friday night yoga class has been switching things up a little bit each week.  Tonight she did a really great quad stretch.  When I left the gym I felt almost good as new.  It's amazing what a good stretch can accomplish!