Well, I returned from our trip and threw myself back into work and working out.
I am officially addicted to spin class! I just love the feeling I get when we are pushing through difficult parts of the ride. The music is pumping, I am sweating and I feel so strong! There is also a community energy around spin like we are part of some club. My biggest challenge is that I wear my cross training sneakers and not the spin shoes that click in to the bikes. My toes fall asleep if I pull the straps too hard.
I am so impressed by the variety of folks in the classes. They are young, old, fit and just getting started. I love when some of them yell and whoop during class. We are all there to work hard and get the most out of an hour of exercise. In another class we had a woman who was wearing a calorie burning counter and she reported burning over 1000 calories in our class again. WOW!
A few days ago, Regina did my measurements. I have lost 2 inches in my hips, decreased my BMI by 1% and decreased my body fat by 2%! I was thrilled but still frustrated by the other numbers staying the same. Regina explained to me (again) that I need to throw in some treadmill running time to mix things up and keep my body guessing. I dread the treadmill routine but I will start doing it so I do not plateau! Maybe it will be the ingredient to really kick things into hyper speed. I need to shift my thinking about it and embrace it as a new tool in my fat busting arsenal!
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Thursday, December 9, 2010
Day 79-97
I just returned from a long trip from Georgia to vist our beloved family members for Thanksgiving! It was wonderful but the 13 hour drive both ways made me feel like my butt was expanding with every mile! I actually worked out while I was there but not at the same frequency or intensity as I would have at home.
Making our Thanksgiving dinner with my daughter and two sisters-in-law was fun and I was careful not to overeat. I refuse to gain weight over the Holidays! Too much work has gone into going in the other direction!
When I sat down to dinner, I picked up the salt to flavor my food and the entire top of the shaker fell off and flooded my entire meal. Is someone trying to tell me something? I started over again with even less food on the plate.
Now it will be back to my routine and an upcoming measurement meeting with Regina! I need a boost to keep my resolve in the coming weeks of crazy business and tons of temptation!
Making our Thanksgiving dinner with my daughter and two sisters-in-law was fun and I was careful not to overeat. I refuse to gain weight over the Holidays! Too much work has gone into going in the other direction!
When I sat down to dinner, I picked up the salt to flavor my food and the entire top of the shaker fell off and flooded my entire meal. Is someone trying to tell me something? I started over again with even less food on the plate.
Now it will be back to my routine and an upcoming measurement meeting with Regina! I need a boost to keep my resolve in the coming weeks of crazy business and tons of temptation!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Days 67-78
The theme of the past week has been "planning". If I am going to succeed at reaching my fitness goals I am going to plan for the week ahead. I have proven this frequently over the last months. I have also proven that when I fail to plan my plan often fails! I know this is cliche but it is so true.
The subject of planning came up when I was admitting to Regina that I felt my eating habits were still getting in the way. Truthfully, I am not overindulging or binging or any such craziness. For me it is rather an insipid, quiet overeating of a portion here, an extra something there. This is why the journaling of our meals is so crucial. We can see where that extra unnecessary stuff seeps in. Regina reminded me that planning ahead, strategizing through a party or celebration can really make a difference. She also reminded me that I am working way to hard to sabotage myself.
Then she put me through an excruciating workout. Actually, it was the leg portion that was excruciating. It is always the legs! She also says that the hardest part of the workout is the part we need to work on the most. Miss Regina has an answer for every whine I throw at her!
I tried the dreaded treadmill workout again last week. It was still heinous but I ran longer and faster this time! I read about folks running the NYC Marathon this past weekend. I am in awe! I celebrate 5 straight minutes!
Today I held my own in the hardest spin class that I have taken so far. It felt great when we finished. Someone in our class was wearing a monitor and she told us that we burned over 1000 calories in that one hour! SNAP!
Well, Regina is about to check my food journal. Time to face the consequences! Hopefully, my planning this week has paid off!
PS Next week is measurements!
The subject of planning came up when I was admitting to Regina that I felt my eating habits were still getting in the way. Truthfully, I am not overindulging or binging or any such craziness. For me it is rather an insipid, quiet overeating of a portion here, an extra something there. This is why the journaling of our meals is so crucial. We can see where that extra unnecessary stuff seeps in. Regina reminded me that planning ahead, strategizing through a party or celebration can really make a difference. She also reminded me that I am working way to hard to sabotage myself.
Then she put me through an excruciating workout. Actually, it was the leg portion that was excruciating. It is always the legs! She also says that the hardest part of the workout is the part we need to work on the most. Miss Regina has an answer for every whine I throw at her!
I tried the dreaded treadmill workout again last week. It was still heinous but I ran longer and faster this time! I read about folks running the NYC Marathon this past weekend. I am in awe! I celebrate 5 straight minutes!
Today I held my own in the hardest spin class that I have taken so far. It felt great when we finished. Someone in our class was wearing a monitor and she told us that we burned over 1000 calories in that one hour! SNAP!
Well, Regina is about to check my food journal. Time to face the consequences! Hopefully, my planning this week has paid off!
PS Next week is measurements!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Days 45-66
22 days without an update! Unacceptable! I am pleased to inform that I have continued to workout but I have definitely slacked on the accountability pieces of THE PLAN! I know from past experiences that this is a slippery slope and I am recommitting to practicing all aspects of documentation as I have also failed miserably to record my eating journal. It is actually amazing that I have continued to workout and that is a testament to the fact that I really want to succeed!
A few highlights from the past 3 weeks:
* Regina trained me on a new strength routine I have dubbed the "Muscle Beach". I have to go into the foreboding area of the gym usually reserved for significantly muscled men (and the occasional woman) who seem to take body building to a degree for which I cannot fathom. Seriously, I am extremely intimidated to lift weights in this area as I feel ridiculous with my 10 lb dumbbells. Not Regina! She showed me how to use a squat sled and a sliding something or other and a triceps dip machine that really isolated the wobbly bits on the back of the arm! I am proud to say that I completed this routine today, by myself, by focusing on my objectives and ignoring the hulking mass of muscles surrounding me!
*I had to travel last weekend for work and I actually got up at 4:30 AM to take a spin class at 5:30 AM!!!!My husband could not believe it as I am loathe to get up before 7am unless I absolutely have to rise! I went to a gym in the town where I was teaching and had a great time! The instructor was into the blues and the music was different than what I am used to in spin but it was very cool!
*On a past Sunday I decided to take a bike ride with my husband outside. I foolishly thought that the past few weeks of spin class would make outdoor biking a breeze. Not so! I was shocked at how challenging a slow climb in the real world can still be! I swear it was only my frustration at myself that kept me going! Hey, whatever works!
Well, I am glad to be back! Who knows what this weekend will bring, but I know I will not be handing out mini Snickers bars! I love them way too much and I just read they are in the top three highest calories for typical Halloween treats! Beware!
A few highlights from the past 3 weeks:
* Regina trained me on a new strength routine I have dubbed the "Muscle Beach". I have to go into the foreboding area of the gym usually reserved for significantly muscled men (and the occasional woman) who seem to take body building to a degree for which I cannot fathom. Seriously, I am extremely intimidated to lift weights in this area as I feel ridiculous with my 10 lb dumbbells. Not Regina! She showed me how to use a squat sled and a sliding something or other and a triceps dip machine that really isolated the wobbly bits on the back of the arm! I am proud to say that I completed this routine today, by myself, by focusing on my objectives and ignoring the hulking mass of muscles surrounding me!
*I had to travel last weekend for work and I actually got up at 4:30 AM to take a spin class at 5:30 AM!!!!My husband could not believe it as I am loathe to get up before 7am unless I absolutely have to rise! I went to a gym in the town where I was teaching and had a great time! The instructor was into the blues and the music was different than what I am used to in spin but it was very cool!
*On a past Sunday I decided to take a bike ride with my husband outside. I foolishly thought that the past few weeks of spin class would make outdoor biking a breeze. Not so! I was shocked at how challenging a slow climb in the real world can still be! I swear it was only my frustration at myself that kept me going! Hey, whatever works!
Well, I am glad to be back! Who knows what this weekend will bring, but I know I will not be handing out mini Snickers bars! I love them way too much and I just read they are in the top three highest calories for typical Halloween treats! Beware!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Days 38-44
Day 38 was glorious! Why, you may ask? Regina made me do my measurements and...I lost 6 inches in all the right places and reduced my body fat by 1%!!!! I wondered if this was enough progress for six weeks and Regina assured me it was a success! I was so excited to finally feel rewarded for all of my hard work! This may seem pathetic but it was the first time in a long time that I really felt hope for my body really being capable of changing. I left Regina feeling inspired to produce even better numbers in week 12!
Day 39 it was back to the cardio but with renewed vigor and enthusiasm!
Day 40 was my off day. My daughter wanted to go to the PA Renaissance Fair for her bithday. (She is 24, go figure!) We ended up having a blast, we split all of our meals and walked miles. I saw more cleavage wrapped in leather bustiers than a person should in one day and an intoxicated knight tried to walk us to our car. Where else could you have as much fun?
Day 41 I needed to work our front desk for Skippack Days, a local weekend festival of crafters and soft pretzel salesmen. Our spa made the most of it and offered complimentary seated massage and makeup touchups. I could have finished the day and not worked out opting instead for early dinner and a glass of wine. Remembering my measurements I chose to go right to the gym and do that intense workout Regina has imposed upon me!
Day 42 was spin class day! I am secretly becoming addicted! I had plans to meet some girlfriends for AYCE crabs at dinner so I took a morning class. This was a bit daunting because it meant Regina would not be the instructor. I was actually scared. The instructor turned out to be amazing and a good friend of Regina's. Now I know I can pepper in a few more classes during the week and hold my own!
Day 43 and 44 were cardio days. Of note: 6:00 on the cardio floor at the gym is a predatory place to find oneself! Not that people are looking at each other but rather looking at the equipment and ready to pounce on the first one available. Someone could do a full on cultural study on the human manuvering I witnessed!
Day 39 it was back to the cardio but with renewed vigor and enthusiasm!
Day 40 was my off day. My daughter wanted to go to the PA Renaissance Fair for her bithday. (She is 24, go figure!) We ended up having a blast, we split all of our meals and walked miles. I saw more cleavage wrapped in leather bustiers than a person should in one day and an intoxicated knight tried to walk us to our car. Where else could you have as much fun?
Day 41 I needed to work our front desk for Skippack Days, a local weekend festival of crafters and soft pretzel salesmen. Our spa made the most of it and offered complimentary seated massage and makeup touchups. I could have finished the day and not worked out opting instead for early dinner and a glass of wine. Remembering my measurements I chose to go right to the gym and do that intense workout Regina has imposed upon me!
Day 42 was spin class day! I am secretly becoming addicted! I had plans to meet some girlfriends for AYCE crabs at dinner so I took a morning class. This was a bit daunting because it meant Regina would not be the instructor. I was actually scared. The instructor turned out to be amazing and a good friend of Regina's. Now I know I can pepper in a few more classes during the week and hold my own!
Day 43 and 44 were cardio days. Of note: 6:00 on the cardio floor at the gym is a predatory place to find oneself! Not that people are looking at each other but rather looking at the equipment and ready to pounce on the first one available. Someone could do a full on cultural study on the human manuvering I witnessed!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Day 32-37
Day 32 I was feeling seriously sore in my butt and legs! I enjoyed the pain though because it helps me know that my work is working. I figured my cardio would be tough because of my lower extremities being taxed but I breezed through my 45 minutes on the elliptical! Could it be that I am getting stronger? I pretended I was dancing (something I can do for hours if given the chance) and it really worked! Thank you Michael Jackson wherever you may be!
Day 33 I skipped my workout due to overload of everything else. I am amazed how guilty I feel when I skip! I did choose to spend the evening with my beautiful niece, Lydia. We are planning a family October birthday/ Halloween extravaganza and we went shopping at the dollar store. It was fun and time well spent!
Day 34 I woke up and went right to the gym with my husband. I love to spend this time with him as I am usually at the gym by myself except for my once a week workout with Regina. We spent the rest of the day cleaning out our basement. What a job! I think I burned as many calories doing that as my cardio routine! I am lifting weight off of my house as well as myself. Both feel great!
Day 35 was strength training day. The routine was just as grueling as when Regina walked me through it! As I was leaving the gym a friend approached me and told me she was reading my blog and really enjoying it. She was the third person in two days to tell me this and it made me sooo happy!
Day 37 Spin Class Day! I arrived at the gym with a whopper of a headache. I had almost needed to skip because my son needed to go to the doctor's for strep but my amazing daughter, Tara, took him so I could stay on track. I was feeling so crappy I did not know how I would even finish the class. Regina came in, got on her bike and her microphone and acknowledged that this rainy day had everyone feeling low. Then she cranked up the music and told us she was going to wake us all up. I don't know what she did but I spun full on and finished almost all of her routine! If you have ever been in a spin class with Regina you know how huge this accomplishment had been!
Of note: A few days back I had asked Regina how she stays so positive all of the time. I mean this woman is encouraging and happy always. At the time she did not know but right in the middle of spin class she had an aha moment. On her microphone she told the class that we work together at the beautiful Body Serene Day spa and that I had posed to her this question. She said that she realized right in the middle of class that her workouts help her work out her frustrations. Maybe that is a bit of why I performed so well that evening in class... One of the spinners came up to her and told her that Regina had given her a manicure for her wedding. Regina and I were proud and happy leaving spin class Monday evening!
Day 33 I skipped my workout due to overload of everything else. I am amazed how guilty I feel when I skip! I did choose to spend the evening with my beautiful niece, Lydia. We are planning a family October birthday/ Halloween extravaganza and we went shopping at the dollar store. It was fun and time well spent!
Day 34 I woke up and went right to the gym with my husband. I love to spend this time with him as I am usually at the gym by myself except for my once a week workout with Regina. We spent the rest of the day cleaning out our basement. What a job! I think I burned as many calories doing that as my cardio routine! I am lifting weight off of my house as well as myself. Both feel great!
Day 35 was strength training day. The routine was just as grueling as when Regina walked me through it! As I was leaving the gym a friend approached me and told me she was reading my blog and really enjoying it. She was the third person in two days to tell me this and it made me sooo happy!
Day 37 Spin Class Day! I arrived at the gym with a whopper of a headache. I had almost needed to skip because my son needed to go to the doctor's for strep but my amazing daughter, Tara, took him so I could stay on track. I was feeling so crappy I did not know how I would even finish the class. Regina came in, got on her bike and her microphone and acknowledged that this rainy day had everyone feeling low. Then she cranked up the music and told us she was going to wake us all up. I don't know what she did but I spun full on and finished almost all of her routine! If you have ever been in a spin class with Regina you know how huge this accomplishment had been!
Of note: A few days back I had asked Regina how she stays so positive all of the time. I mean this woman is encouraging and happy always. At the time she did not know but right in the middle of spin class she had an aha moment. On her microphone she told the class that we work together at the beautiful Body Serene Day spa and that I had posed to her this question. She said that she realized right in the middle of class that her workouts help her work out her frustrations. Maybe that is a bit of why I performed so well that evening in class... One of the spinners came up to her and told her that Regina had given her a manicure for her wedding. Regina and I were proud and happy leaving spin class Monday evening!
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