Trying to Become Active Again

Hi everyone!

I don't necessarily consider myself as starting over right now.  I guess when it comes to blogging, I am definitely coming back after a long absence.

PERSONAL CATCH UP STUFF:
I am still in NYC, and still working on a PhD.  My first year in the program was tough, but I got through it and I am still here.  I have really enjoyed the city in the spring/summer.  I honestly was not too pleased during the winter.  Really cold temps are not for me.  I survived my first blizzard.  Well, I think it was a blizzard.  It set records for snowfall in Manhattan.  I still think snow is really pretty, but only when it's fresh lol!  After people get out and walk in it, it looks disgusting lol!

These are the only pics I have left from the blizzard.

As I have already said, the city this time of year is amazing!!!  I have spent a lot of time just walking around and exploring.  I have fallen in love with Hudson River Park and the beach/boardwalk at Coney Island.  I leave when Coney Island begins to get crowded later in the day though.  Everything this summer seems to be going perfectly.

Coney Island Beach

WEIGHT LOSS AND HEALTH:

About two months ago I had fibroid surgery.  I completely underestimated recovery time.  It was awful, but 8 week later, I am so happy I did it.  I also saw an endocrinologist right before the surgery, and my glucose levels were technically normal, but at the highest number for what is considered normal.  So, she told me to cut the sugar and drop some weight, which is what I have been doing.  I am currently sitting at 229.  So, I've lost 31 lbs since my high of 260 last Jan.  The lowest weight I can remember seeing on the scale in the last decade was 223, so I am excited about being close to that again and surpassing it.

During the past two weeks, I have really been working hard at working out and eating at home.  For exercise I am hitting the gym, and planning to start C25K again.  My body has gotten used to walking around the city, so my everyday walking is no longer enough for me to see results.  In the gym I normally use the Life Fitness Flex Strider, which I enjoy more than the normal elliptical machine for some reason.  Depending on the day, I am on it for 30-60 min.  I have not started C25K yet, but hopefully, I will be blogging about it soon.

I am still figuring out my strength training routine.  I love weights, but I still feel intimidated using free weights, so I have not been squatting or deadlifting, which is what I really want to do, but can't work up the nerve to just go grab a rack with all of the guys around.  I'll work on that.

GOALS:

Short Term: I would really like to see 225 by my birthday, but my birthday is less than a week away, so that probably is not going to happen.  So, I am readjusting to simply losing weight by my birthday.

End of the Year: Before I go home for Christmas break I want to be in Onederland.  That means I need to lose about 30 lbs in just under 6 months.  I know this is a completely reasonable and doable goal.  I just have to stay committed, active, and disciplined.  It would be a wonderful Christmas gift to myself.

In general, I am in a good place right now and extremely happy.  Exercise is a great mood booster, so even on days when I feel like doing nothing, I remember how I feel after working out and I go anyway.  Here's a sweaty workout picture from yesterday.  I must admit that I get a sense of pride from knowing I pushed myself physically, and still survived lol!

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Prince - Baby I'm A Star

Let's Try This Again

So, obviously I have been doing terrible when it comes to this blog and weight loss.  The good news is that I have actually lost some weight, but not very much.  I am down to 238.  I have gone between 239 and 234 for the past month.  I was at 260 this time last year, so that is definitely progress.  I have not been in the 230s since 2012.  I was consistently in the high 240s most of the spring and summer.  I attribute my current weight loss to all the walking I have been doing in NYC recently.

Let me step back a moment.  I moved to NYC in August to begin working on a PhD.  Coming from Alabama, I was used to driving everywhere.  NYC is the complete opposite.  I left my car in Alabama, and if it's within 1.5 miles, I normally try to walk it.  I am sure that will change as the temperature begins to drop though.  For most other trips I just use the subway (or "train" as New Yorkers say).  Sometimes I am walking around 5 miles a day just going back and forth for daily activities.  Most days I probably average 3 miles though.  So, my weight loss has really been out of necessity and not because I have really been trying.  I have honestly been eating everything, because there are just so many options and everyone, I mean EVERYONE delivers!  This weekend I decided to batch cook a lot of things to curb eating out so much.  So far I have made it two days without eating out.  I am craving Thai food and/or tacos though lol!

My best friend also bought T25 for me, so I am going to try that out.  She honestly bought it a few weeks ago.  I lasted a good 5 days before I was off track.  I will be going home for the holidays in a few weeks, so I am challenging myself to stick with T25 at least until then.  We will see what happens.  I am also planning to hit my university's gym to weight train.  I miss the weights.  When I was at Innovate Fitness, I completed a two month training program and when it was over I had a 1 rep squat max of 215 and a 5 rep deadlift max of 210.  I am sure that has fallen off quite a lot by now.  I might see if I can get back with them for a month while I a back home for the holidays.

Me, Day 1 of T25 this morning, looking a hot mess lol!

I've lost a few pounds while up here and I would like to lose a few more before I go back home.  I would like for people to be able to notice a difference, even if just a small one.  Anyway, I hope to do a better job of keeping up with this blog and hopefully this time next year I will be in much better shape.  Have a great day!

So glad Missy's back!  Definitely going to work out to this!

Missy Elliott - WTF (Where They From)

Catching Up

I have not posted in awhile, but I am still going pretty strong.  I was sick towards the end of last week and the beginning of this week, but I am better now.  I am getting ready for graduation.  I will have a 2nd Master's in about two weeks, but I have a lot of writing I need to do before then.  Plus, I have my comprehensive exams next week.  My exercise still pretty much consists of Crossfit and jogging.

Food is alright, but definitely not perfect.  I am trying to make good choices, but I have not logged my food in close to a week.  I eat a lot of chicken, fruit, and oatmeal.  Salsa chicken is my go to.  It's just chicken breasts in a crock pot with salsa.  It's so easy that I do multiple chicken breasts like this almost every week.  I use fruit to replace candy.  My breakfast is normally turkey sausage and oatmeal.  I need to do better with vegetables and maybe eating fruit that has less sugar (like pears).

Let me just say I am such a slow jogger.  I know it really should not matter, but yesterday I was teamed with a partner and we had to jog together.  I was teamed with a super fit guy, and I could tell it was difficult for him to jog so slowly.  To his credit, he was nothing but supportive and never complained.  It was a little amusing to me because I was trying my hardest and so out of breath, but he was chatting it up lol!  He was really sweet, but I felt like I was holding him back.  He honestly did not seem bothered at all.  I think I just have to learn to be comfortable with what I can do and be happy for my own progress.  I am working on that.

Here's a couple of images from my gym...

You cannot see me very well, but I am in the red shirt towards the open door in the back.  We were in a circle for warm up.  We all chose an exercise and how many to do.  I chose 10 squats.  Warm up is different everyday.

Below is a video of my class pushing sleds on Wednesday.  You can catch a glimpse of me in the corner of the video on the Airdyne.  The Airdyne is a bike that is terrible lol!  It has built in resistance and the resistance gets stronger the faster you pedal.  We had to do sprints on the Airdyne and it wore me out.  On the plus side, it burned a ton of calories really quickly.

Nothing like some sleds for breakfast!!
Posted by Innovate Fitness on Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Just Feeling Good

I have no idea why, but I woke up feeling pretty awesome today.  Someone called and woke me up early, I am sore, my scale isn't really moving much, I have reading to do for class, BUT I feel great and motivated.  Isn't it odd how that works sometimes?

I went for a walk/jog this morning.  I almost did not go, because it is so cloudy and supposed to rain.  I went and was very happy that I did.  I am starting to get back into it.  Years ago I loved it, so getting back to that place would be nice.  This time I am doing it without an official program (like C25K).  I am just going out there and doing what I can, while pushing myself to do just a little more every week.  In a sense that is basically what C25K is, I am just doing it without keeping track of official times.  It takes some of the pressure off of me.  I am also learning to enjoy jogging and working out in general without headphones.  My super old (1st or 2nd generation) ipod shuffle died and I have not replaced it.  Now I am not sure if I will.  The shade produced by clouds and the breeze right before it rains was wonderful.  It was just a nice morning.

Yesterday I had another instructional class at my gym.  We did some deadlifts and squats.  The thing that really wore me out was my introduction to the rowing machine.  After getting comfortable with the machine and making sure we were using it properly, our coach made us do a 2000 meter row.  He just said do what you can, but do your best.  We are going to use it later to see how much better we have gotten.  I completed my row in 9 min 11 sec.  Of course, the coach was cheering everyone on and pleased with what we did.  I looked it up online though, and 9 minutes does not appear to be very good lol!  To be honest, it really doesn't matter to me.  I am my only competition right!  It gives me a goal to beat next time.  For someone out of shape, I know that I gave it my all and I am looking forward to smashing that time when we test again in the future.

This morning I was standing in front of the mirror and I don't know if my body is changing or if I only think it is changing because I feel so much better about myself.  I know it sounds crazy, but I am really not sure which it is lol!  I think confidence and pride in yourself does show, so maybe that is it.  I am really excited about the changes I am making for myself.  It is hard...really hard some days, but I am enjoying it.  While working out I wonder what have I gotten myself into, but afterwards I feel like a rockstar!  For me that feeling is worth it!

Don't you just love Soul Train?!?!  The video quality is awful, but in honor of his birthday.....

Marvin Gaye - Got to Give It Up

Just Another Day

As I was leaving Publix today I realized how often I go to the grocery store now.  The reason is that when I am eating healthier and eating more naturally occurring foods, then I have to keep going back because items spoil and I cannot bulk buy them.  I know this is really common sense, but it is something I never really thought about before.

Today I jumped on the elliptical machine for 20 minutes.  Then I did some upper body weights (lat pulldown, strict press, chest press, tricep pushdowns, shoulder press, bicep curls, and modified pushups.  I did 3 sets of 12 with various weights.  Afterwards, I went for a walk/jog for about 25 minutes.

I had more Crossfit/functional fitness training last night.  It was really great.  Three other women are in the class with me and they are really nice.  I arrived as a regular class was ending and they were also really nice to me.  I think I just assume that super fit people would judge me, but they were not like that at all.  They were awesome and full of support, and they don't even know me.  I think I am really going to enjoy this aspect of group fitness.

As you can see, I really did not have much to talk about today.  I just wanted to get on here and log my journey in some way.

I recently heard this song and I really like it!  I am all about dancing to burn calories, so this song really hit the spot!  Enjoy!

Walk the Moon - Shut Up and Dance

Back at it...Again

So, I have been consistently working out off and off since mid-January.  Does that even make sense...to CONSISTENTLY work out OFF and ON????  Anyway, I have made some progress...mostly with inches lost.  I have not lost a ton of weight.  I am rediscovering my love for weights.  My hate of cardio is definitely still there.  Being out of breathe is awful and cardio does that for me.

I joined a Crossfit affiliate.  I don't think they refer to themselves as Crossfit.  The term they use is functional fitness, but it seems like the same thing to me.  They have a two week instructional course, which I am in now.  I had my first day yesterday.  We covered squats, deadlifts, and a straight press.  My hamstrings are sore, so I guess I did the deadlifts right.  I was so nervous, being that I am so heavy and out of shape, but everyone was really nice and supportive.  I was able to do everything yesterday without modifications.  They do have modifications for just about everything though, which is a good thing.  They don't expect me to do the same thing as or perform like their elite athletes.  I was just looking for a way to keep me motivated to come to the gym and a way to really incorporate weights outside of some of the machines.  The thing about not relying heavily on machines (I still plan to use some) is that I need to have correct form.  The classes at my gym are small, so I will always have a coach there watching my form, so I feel more comfortable doing things like squats and deadlifts.  An injury is not something that I want.  Anyway, to sum up, I had a good experience yesterday and I am looking forward to my new journey.

I have started jogging again.  I am not doing C25k or any other program.  I am just going out there and running until my body says stop then I walk for awhile and then run again.  So, in some ways it is very similar to interval training programs.  I just do not have a set interval.  Maybe I will go back to a program as I progress and get more comfortable with jogging.  Right now though, having no set interval allows me to enjoy it more.

I have 101 days until my birthday, so I have decided to challenge myself to 100 days of better health.  For me this means that I will eat well or workout everyday for 100 days.  I was considering just saying exercise for 100 days, but I honestly do not think I would do it.  I think adding in the "or eating well" gives me a little more room for success.  I am really happy where I am now.  This time it feels like I am doing something I can keep up with and I don't feel like I am pressuring myself.

I am loving this song right now!

Pitbull, Ne-Yo - Time of Our Lives

6 Week Update and Measurements

First, what's going on with Blogger?  The blogs I follow are here some days, and others they completely disappear.  It's soooo frustrating.  Anyway, I've trying to drop weight for 6 weeks now.  Here are my results...

I'm not ready to post comparison pics yet, but I do have them.  Basically, I lost 12.6 lbs and over an inch from the largest part of my stomach.  I'm really happy about that.  Here's a look at how I motivate myself to do things like workout and eat right...

I USE STICKERS!!!!!

You can see that I wasn't doing ANYTHING, before 6 weeks ago.  Seriously, I love stickers!  Some days the thought of getting a sticker would stop me from making poor food choices.  I have stickers for cardio (a heart), eating well (fruit), jogging (flower), strength training (silver star), and meeting goals (smiley face).  I'm thinking about changing out the star for strength training, because I can't see it as well as I can the others.  Here's a summary of my month:

Goals: I did not work on any goals, and pretty much forgot about them, so no goals met.

Jogging: I didn't jog any either.  I went walking quite a bit, but never actually jogged.

Strength Training: 6 days of real strength training.  I do challenges with my mom and sister, so just about everyday I did squats or push-ups, but I only give myself a sticker if I do a series of exercises.

Eating Well: 14 days.  Eating well is really a struggle for me.

Cardio: 18 days.  This was zumba, walking, or the elliptical...mostly zumba though.

Those numbers show me how I wasn't extremely dedicated over the last 6 weeks, but I definitely put in more effort than I had previously.  I know I could have had better results if I had taken things more seriously, but I am pleased with the progress that I did make.  You have to start somewhere, and the fact that I am blogging results after 6 weeks is progress for me.

For the next 6 weeks I would really like to work on eating better and strength training.  I actually love lifting weights (waaayyyy more than cardio), but I get intimidated in the weight room.  Therefore, I avoid it.  I'm just going to have to get over that.  I started today...

Leg Press (135 lbs each side)

Sundays are leg days for me.  So, here's my workout for today.  I did 3 sets of 12 for each strength training exercise...

Elliptical- 20 minutes

Leg Press- 270 lbs

Squat Machine- 105 lbs

Squat Jumps- body weight

Leg Extension- 40 lbs

Leg Curl- 50 lbs

Walking Lunges- body weight

Calf Raises- body weight

Walk/Jog- 1 mile in 14 minutes

I felt great afterwards.  My legs probably will not feel so great tomorrow lol!  The most difficult thing I did was probably the squat machine.  There were quite a few super fit guys in the weight room this morning, so I am proud of myself for going in there and getting things done.  Go Me!!!!

I have posted this several times, but it's my favorite song to workout to.  Have a great Sunday ladies and gents!

Janet Jackson- Make Me

Doing Great!

So, it took a lot of work, but now I feel like prepping food was the BEST thing I could have ever done.  Here are a list of things I have learned and benefits I have found from pre-packing my food.

• I pretty much just heat and go for the most part.  It really saves a lot of time in the long run.
• I am not having to think about what I'm going to eat and whether or not I have anything at home to eat.  It's all there just waiting on me.  
• Measuring has also made it much easier to track/log my food.  I know exactly how much I have.  It's great! 
• Measuring also means that I see how much a proper serving size is, and to be honest, a normal serving size is a lot...especially with pasta, rice, and veggies.
• I have a nice variety of food, and so far I am not bored with any of it. 
• I am not stopping at fast food places.  So far I have been able to keep some kind of food with me/in my car so that I don't stop.  Stopping whenever I'm in the car became such a habit that my body just says I should be stopping or at least eating something, so if I eat something small that I brought from home while in the car then the craving for fast food goes away.

I feel like I have my mojo back.  I know it won't be like this everyday, but I feel awesome today!  I did some strength training today for the first time in awhile.  It was nothing fancy, but it was something.

3x12 Squats

3x12 Forward and Walking Lunges

3x12 Calf Raises

3x12 Squat Jumps

50 Jumping Jacks

Because I am feeling so great today...

Irene Cara- What A Feeling

Food Prep

In the last post I talked about how my commitment has been pretty lackluster.  So I took a very good look at myself, and I have to stop being so lazy.  I am not going to do more than I feel I can keep up (the whole lifestyle vs diet/quick fix conversation), but once I get on a schedule I know I can do this.

Yesterday I spent a few hours prepping food for the next week or so.  Here's a pic...

What you see is
-salad (lettuce, cucumber, carrots) which I will add banana peppers and tomato to when I get ready to eat it
-chili with ground turkey (1 cup)
-ground turkey (4 oz), brown rice (3/4 cup), peppers and onion
-spaghetti sauce with ground turkey (1/2 cup)
-crockpot chicken (3 oz) with peppers and onion
-salmon (4 oz) with sweet potato, brown rice (1/2 cup)
-whole wheat pasta baggie (2 oz)
-grilled chicken baggie (3 oz)

Add in my egg whites, Greek yogurt, oatmeal, pears, and watermelon and I think I am pretty much set for the week and probably longer.  I placed most of the chili and spaghetti sauce in the freezer.  This is my first time prepping food, so I am not sure how long this will last.  Because of that I wanted to freeze food just in case.  I did not want anything to go bad.  I'm actually proud of myself for doing this.  I really hope it helps.  I'm almost positive it will.  It HAS to cut out my fast food trips right?!?!  I'll be sure to come back and share my experience with this next week.

For exercise I have mostly been walking and doing Zumba.  I need to get back in the gym and hit weights though.  I love weight training.  I just get intimidated going into that area of the gym by myself.  I just have to get the courage and go anyway.

Well, I feel like I have made progress this week, and I am really starting to feel that desire to change.  Have a great day!

Daft Punk- One More Time

Binges

I haven't blogged much, but I am still here.  The last two weeks have had ups and downs.  I have definitely eaten better (with some bad choices here and there), but the exercise has been lacking.  Something happened yesterday though, and I was craving EVERYTHING!  in one sitting I ate two chocolate iced doughnuts and a medium 10 piece nugget meal (with sweet tea).  I have no idea why, other than I just wanted it.  I wasn't particularly hungry.  It was like a compulsion and I had to leave my house.  Afterwards, I felt terrible...physically and emotionally.  It's like after a few days of making healthy choices my mind/body rebels and says "Give me Junk!!!"

This was my body last night...

I know slip ups happen, but I felt like last night was really bad.  I won't dwell on it, but I want to at least get it out there that it happened.

Over the weekend I have been doing a lot of thinking about the true nature of my commitment to change.  So far I feel like I am quasi-committed.  I've been making half-hearted attempts.  I eat well and exercise so long as it does not inconvenience me.  This means that I eat better a heck of a lot more than I exercise.  I'm normally a planner, but I don;t know if it's better for me to plan things or to just take it one day at a time when it comes to my fitness and health.  I need to sit down and think about why I really want this.  Right now the first thing that comes to mind is to feel better.  My knees ache, and I think it's because of the weight.  I remember being much happier when I was eating right and working out regularly.  Happiness should be enough.  I don't know.  I'll think on it and update on my next post.

This is a song from the Coke commercials.  I love this song...seriously, love it!  Have a great day ladies and gents!
Clean Bandit- Rather Be

How Many Times Can You Start Over???

Seriously, this will be the 5th blog that I tag as "beginning."  I'm starting to feel a little ridiculous.  I guess you keep starting over until you don't have to anymore, keep doing it until it actually sticks.  I don't know.  I just need to take it one day at a time, and soon those days will add up.

Meanwhile, I am at 260 lbs, which is just ridiculous.  My height is about 5'8".  I am wearing a size 18 and an XL in most clothes.  I'm uncomfortable in my own skin.  I am easily out of breath just walking around campus.  I am sick a lot, so my physician just tested me for lupus.  I don't have those results back yet, but I know that I need to take much better care of myself.  I'm 32, and I should not be living like this.  The good news is that my regular labs are back, and my blood glucose and cholesterol levels were actually really good.  My blood pressure was up a little, but my physician wasn't sure if it was because I was upset (I was on the verge of tears) that she thought I needed a lupus screen.  So, I need to get control of everything now while my numbers are still good, instead of allowing myself to fall into failing health and then trying to correct them.

So, here's to beginning #5, and let's hope this is the last one!  Have a great weekend and Roll Tide!

Love this song!
Junior Senior- Move Your Feet

Quick Update

Today's post should be pretty quick, but TOM has struck and I am feeling AWFUL.  Yesterday was a cardio day for me.  I spent 25 minutes on the elliptical and 23 minutes doing a jogging interval...1 minutes jogging and 3 minutes walking for 1.4 miles.

Today I did not do anything.  I have felt quite terrible all day.  I can add in today's workout with tomorrow's workout I think.  If not, I can just bump my schedule by a day.  It shouldn't be a problem.

I am sore.  My legs are so so, but my arms hate me.  My upper body is so weak.  Anyway, that's really all I have to say today.  I just feel so blah.

Here's a pic from my jogging yesterday.  Have a good one!

Day 2

Today's blog should be pretty quick.  I don't have too much to say, but I wanted to make a record of what I did today.  I would also like to add that my legs are not sore.  I can tell that I worked them, but I am not what I would call sore.  My soreness normally kicks in 36-48 hrs after I workout, so I will let you know how I am feeling tomorrow.

I am happy to say that I did workout today even though I did not feel like it.  TMI Alert: I can feel TOM coming along...probably later today or first thing in the morning.  I am starting to feel really crappy.  Anyway, I woke up late, but I went to the gym for a little cardio and upper body strength training.  Like yesterday, I did 20 minutes on the elliptical. I am starting to think of this as my warm-up.  It gets my body loose and prepared for whatever else I plan to do.  So, here's what I did.  Oh, all strength training exercises were on machines, no dumbbells.

Elliptical 20 min
Tricep Extension 30 lbs (3x12)
Bicep Curl 20 lbs (3x12)
Fly 30 lbs (3x12)
Lat Pulldown 40 lbs (3x12)
Chest Press 30 lbs (3x12)
Shoulder Press 20 lbs (3x12)

Shoulder press was the hardest thing I did.  Shoulder exercise have always been difficult for me though, even when I was actually in shape years ago.  I dread shoulder exercise for that reason, because no matter what, it's always a struggle.  I did it though.  I want to quit after my first set, but I kept going and I am proud of that.  In a week or two I will add in pushups.  I am trying not to do too much my first week back.  I don;t mind being sore, but I want to be able to move some lol!

Like yesterday, I feel weak, but I have to forget the awesome things I used to do and just know I will get back there and even surpass that if I keep at it.  I thought about going walking, but changed my mind.  Tomorrow is my cardio only day, so I will do some walking tomorrow.  Have a great day people!

Lady Gaga: Applause

Exercise Feels Good

I have a love/hate relationship with exercise.  It's normally not so bad once I started.  I actually really enjoy it most of the time once I get started.  Well, I should say that I do not like cardio.  I really enjoy weight training.  I know that you need cardio though, so for me it;s mostly a matter of finding cardio that I do enjoy.  In the past I have found that to be zumba or the Arctrainer.  My gym got rid of its Arctrainer though, so I will have to figure something else out.  I am also working too late now to make it to my zumba classes.  I am just all the way messed up with cardio now lol!  I do have some options though.  I can borrow zumba dvds from my sister until my schedule changes (about a month from now).  My aunt has said I can try water aerobics at her pool.  That might be fun, but I'm not really sure what to do for water aerobics.  I have taken one water aerobics class, but that was about three years ago.  I can google it though right?  Of course I can lol!  SO basically I just have to make up my mind to do it.

I decided to wake up early and workout before church this morning.  When my alarm went off, I tried to go back to sleep.  After about 10 minutes I told myself "I need to get up.  I can do this."  So, I got dressed and headed to the gym.  I was thankful that there were not very many people there so early on a Sunday morning.  I started at the elliptical.  I did 20 minutes at level one.  Starting out I felt great.  Around 10 minutes in and I was feeling a little tired.  Well, maybe more than a little, but I knew I could finish out my twenty minutes.  I was dripping with sweat.  Man, I am so out of shape.  Afterwards, I hit 3 leg machines.  I did the leg press (180 lbs) 3 sets of 12 reps, leg extension (40 lbs) 3 sets of 12 reps, leg curl (50 lbs) 3 sets of 12 reps.  Surprisingly, that felt pretty good.  I could feel that I was working, but I was not totally exhausted and my legs felt alright.  I was shocked at how weak I am though.  I know I have to build back up, and I know I will get there.  I am planning to do squats, walking lunges, and deadlifts at home later tonight. I will let you know how that goes next time.

Next was jogging intervals.  I went to a park and jogged (1 minute)/ walked (3 minutes) in intervals for 24 minutes.  That was so so.  It went better than I expected to be honest, because it had been so long since my last attempt at jogging.  It was also extremely hot...even at 8 am.  I think we were supposed to be right at 100 degrees for our high today (105 heat index).  I normally hate jogging for about a month.  After that I get excited about it.  Now I just have to make it to the end of that one month.

All in all I felt really wonderful after working out this morning.  I had energy, a smile on my face, and a sense of accomplishment.  I have to wake up even earlier tomorrow, so I was already dreading that while driving this morning.  Then the thought came to me "How bad do you want it?"  So, I will be up bright and early in the morning.  I have a feeling that my next blog might be about soreness though lol!  Have a fantastic day!

So to recap:
20 min on elliptical
Leg Press 180 lbs (3x12)
Leg Extension 40 lbs (3x12)
Leg Curl 50 lbs (3x12)
Jog/Walk Intervals (1:3) 24 min, 1.4 miles

This song came on at the end of my jog and it was perfect!
Queen: Another One Bites the Dust

Starting Over Again and Again

I am back at it, and once again I am heavier than ever before.  This week I have been working on eating better, which has worked because I dropped 3 lbs by eating better.  Nutrition is always the hardest part for me when it comes to losing weight.  I really enjoy the convenience of fast food.  I eat out constantly.  I think steak, potatoes, cheese, ice cream, and things drowned in butter are the absolute best!  My favorites are the things I should not have or that I should at least not have often.  I'm working on that.  Years ago when I did really well with losing weight it just took a little faking it until I made it.  So, I had to cook and eat things that I knew would get me where I wanted to be.  With a little research and experimentation I eventually found foods that were healthy for me and that I really enjoyed eating.  I need to go back to doing that.

When it comes to food I need to stop:
1) buying junk food- I have really been on a chip kick lately.  Up until a few days ago I had 3 bags of chips in my pantry, not the good kind...golden flake bbq, dill pickle, and tortilla chips

2) buying Michael Angelo's Shrimp Scampi- Honestly, this is probably my favorite frozen meal EVER!  The stuff is capital G O O D!  Let's look at the nutrition label though...540 calories, 28g fat (16g saturated fat...that's an entire days worth for me, I like to stay at 15 or below for saturated fat), 820 mg sodium, 46g carbs, and 25g protein.  Looking at the fat content gets me every time, but it is so so so good lol!  I can't resist it when it's on sale.  It's my kryptonite.  I need to stop buying this stuff.

3) saying I don't have enough time to cook- We all know the truth is that I do.  I sit and watch tv every evening when I could DVR something, prep my food, then come back and watch the tv program.

4) eating food on impulse- I pass by a Jack's and I just have to have a Big Bacon burger.  I am at a restaurant and I have to have what is probably the worst thing on the menu for me.  If I just take a few minutes and think I know I can make better choices.

5) skipping meals- Eating better foods more often will probably aid greatly with #4.

When it comes to food I need to start:
1) drinking more water

2) eating more fruits and vegetables

3) drinking more water

4) replacing some beef with chicken, fish, or vegetarian dishes

5) drinking more water

6) Did I say drinking more water?!?!?!

I think it will be good for me to remember good foods that I like (relative to what I normally eat, a lot of these items have cheese, but I try not to use much)
-egg white omelet (3 egg whites, chopped onion and bell peppers, dash of cheddar cheese, salsa)
-plain greek yogurt with blueberries
-sweet potatoes
-chicken quesadillas ( while grain tortillas, slow cooker chicken, small amount of cheese, pico de gallo)
-turkey sandwich (whole grain bread, real turkey, thin cheese slice, tomato slice, then placed in a hot press)
-pears (yay for good tasting fiber)
-natural peanut butter with a touch of honey
-apples
-salads (I just have to watch the dressing-I probably need to explore making my own)

I went walking one day, but other than that I had no exercise this week.  I am not sure when I will write again, hopefully soon though.  Maybe my next post will be about getting my exercise on track.  Anyway, I may not be excited right now, but I know it will be good to get back into things.  I can remember how great I felt when I was exercising and eating better.  So, good talk lol...see you next time.  On, I'm going back to posting songs I like to work out to at the end of my posts.  Have a great day!

One Republic: Love Runs Out

Back in the Gym

I finally began a real workout schedule today.  I was nervous about setting foot in the gym after I had been away for so long.  I kept thinking, "They will know I don't belong here."  I'm not a New Year's Resolution person, I just happened to hit my heaviest weight towards the end of the year.  Anyway, I went in and everything went fine.  Here's what I did:

30 min on elliptical
Leg Extension 40 lb (3x12)
Squats 10 lb db (3x12)
Plie Squats 20 lb db (3x12)
15 min Walk/Run (about 1 mile)

I did not do a ton today, but it was better than doing nothing and I can at least say that I have started.  I know I will be sore in the morning, but I liked feeling a sense of accomplishment today.  I have pretty much lost all of my strength lol!  The leg stuff was a struggle, and I know that when I was really working out consistently that would have been nothing to me.  I will get back there and be even better.

I also went to the grocery store today.  I bought chicken breasts, salmon, turkey burgers, veggies, and oranges.  My biggest struggle is the eating part.  Overall, it was a good day, because I got started.

Sunshine is Good for Me

Today I went walking for the first time in months.  I realized two things: 1) I am incredibly out of shape 2) Exercise and sunshine will instantly boost my mood.

For the past couple of days I have been feeling extremely sluggish.  I have been sleeping for ridiculous amounts of time, going to bed early, waking up late, AND taking naps.  Today I decided to get off my behind and go walking no matter what.  Well, I went to my bedroom to put on workout clothes and ended up taking a nap.  The phone ringing woke me up, and I knew I had to go walking.  I honestly dreaded it every step of the way, but as soon as I got out of the car and in the sunshine I felt better.  I only walked 1.4 miles in 22 min, but I was tired.  I am looking forward to improving my fitness level again.

Gotta Get It Together

It has really been a long time.  I'm going to begin blogging again.  I am at my heaviest weight.  I stepped on the scale and saw 249.6.  I think before this my heaviest was 249.0.  Something has to be done, so I'm going to start working out and eating right again.  I'm pretty disgusted with myself, but I know what needs to be done. 

Whoa, That's a lot of Cardio!

Yesterday was supposed to be strictly cardio, so that's what I did.  At the beginning of this year my New Year's resolution/goal was to try a new food and a new exercise, activity, or fitness class every month.  I started out well, but eventually I got away from it.  I remembered that resolution on Monday and decided to do something about it before the end of July.  I don't think I'm going to make the new food this month.  I did try a new class though.

I decided to try a spin class for the first time.  When I went in I could automatically tell these ladies have been going for awhile and are pretty close knit.  They were very welcoming though.  They seemed quite happy to have a newbie.  They told me to just go at my own pace, and they warned me that my bottom would be sore.  When the instructor came in she adjusted my bike for me, and we got started.  It honestly wasn't too too bad.  45 minutes in and I was spent though.  Thank the Lord it was only a 50 min class lol!  They were right about that seat.  It did not take long for my bum to hurt.  I was thankful for the times we were told to stand up.  I don't know what I expected, but it was an arm and leg workout, because of all the standing up and leaning forward.  Like I said, it wasn't too bad though.  I would go again.

After spin class I went jogging.  I moved up in intervals this week.  I went from jogging 1 min and walking 2 min to jogging 1 min, walking 1 min, jogging 3 min, walking 3 min.  I kept cycling that for about 20 min.  I completed 1.4 miles in 19:49, which is a little faster that last week, but not by much.  To be honest, I would love to be faster, but my #1 goal is to be able to jog a 5k in its entirety.  After I can do that, I would like to jog a 5k under 40 minutes.  I know if I keep jogging, I'll get there eventually.  When I tried this last year I made it to the point where I was jogging 30 minutes nonstop, and then I quite.  So, I know I can do it.  I just have to keep working out.  Yesterday's jog started out a little rough.  My legs felt heavy from the spin class.  As I got into jogging the 1st 3 minutes, things started to get back to normal though.  I did notice that I walked slower during the walking breaks.  I'm still pleased that I finished my session with no major problems and I didn't quit.  Go Me!

After the jog, it was 9:55 and my zumba class starts at 10.  So, although it was not in my plans, I decided to go to zumba.  I finished the class, but I definitely did not have my normal amount of energy.  It was rough.  I was definitely tired from the new class and the jog.  All totaled I did over 2 hrs of cardio yesterday.  I was worn out!  looking back, it doesn't seem that bad, but I know how I felt yesterday and I was exhausted when I got home.  I probably will not do that much cardio again anytime soon lol!  It was good to push myself though.

M.O.P. feat Busta Rhymes - Ante Up  *Warning Explicit Lyrics*

Finding A Groove

I'm starting to feel alright about working out.  First, I'll tell you what I've done since my last blog. 

Friday:  I don't think I did any exercise.  If I did, I don't remember what it was.
Saturday: 1 hr of zumba
Sunday: 1:2 jogging interval for 20 minutes (1.33 miles)
              Leg press 90 lbs 3x12
              Squats (body weight) 3x12
              Rotary Calf Machine 70 lbs 3x15
              Leg Extension 50 lbs 3x12
Today:  DB Chest Press 12 lb db 3x12
             Modified Push-Ups 3x12
             Tricep Pushdowns 30 lbs 3x12
             Lateral Raises 5 lb db 3x8
             Front Raise 5 lb db 3x8
             Elliptical for 20 min

Zumba is always fun, and I'll do it pretty much any time I can.  You just dance, who would not love that.  Plus, I love Latin music, and from what I hear 60% of any zumba class should be Latin music.  I also love weights.  I hate the soreness that follows, but I love using weights.  My problem always comes with cardio and eating well.  I don't know why, but I just hate cardio.  It was such a problem for me to stay on the elliptical.  I originally planned to do 30 min, but I was bored and just didn't want to, so I bailed after 20 min.  My gym used to have an Arctrainer.  I loved that machine and it made getting in cardio much easier.  About a month ago they got rid of them and bought new ellipticals.  I wish I could have afforded to buy them from my gym, but they wanted $2000...yeah...no thank you.  I remember getting to the point where I really enjoyed running.  I'm hoping to get to that point again really soon.  This week will start a new set of intervals for me.  I'm looking at the C25k plan and tweaking it for me and what I feel comfortable doing.  I'll be sure to come back and post what I decided to do tomorrow.

The soreness from Thursdays leg session was pretty intense.  Those deadlifts were something serious lol!  Deadlifts are one of my favorite exercises, but I have always been using pretty light weights (normally 20 lbs because I only have 10 lb db at home).  So, jumping up to a total of 40 lbs gave my hamstrings a shock.  It was pretty easy to do, but the soreness said otherwise lol!  I can still feel the soreness when I stretch.  Shockingly, I feel no soreness at all from Sunday.  I would normally have sore quads and calves, but so far...nothing.  I did cheat a little on Sunday, because I was sore from Thursday.  So, I did not use any weights for squats, and I halved the weight on the leg press.  I'll pick it back up next time. 

I guess the bottom line is that I am feeling alright, and I feel like I am finding my groove.  I know I can work harder, and hopefully I will this week.  I'm just happy to be active again.

I know it's weird, but this song pumps me up lol!
Phil Collins - Sussudio