Sunday, January 31, 2010

Hello Snow!

Ok, so my aspirations of feeling better and getting back in the gym have failed. I missed Th, Fr, Sat and most likely Sunday. Now, it appears that school will be closed for a couple of days. So, back to the gym with the kids tomorrow (kicking and screaming I'm sure).

I need inspiration from my friends. How have your workouts been? Is anyone going to the gym in the morning? If so; look for me and tell me to run faster- ha ha!

Hope everyone is enjoying time with the family and playing in the snow (214 calories are burned playing in the snow and building a snowman per hour).

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Rest Day

Well, today AND tomorrow will be rest days. I was in bed sick today and have plans tomorrow. I hope you all have a better end to your week then I will. But that means I have to do extra on Saturday! Hope everyone is healthy and happy today! Sniff, Sniff, sneeze, sneeze

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Thanks Mark!

Woke up this morning w. a very tight hamstring and an obnoxious head cold! So, I talked myself into 'sucking it up' and went to the gym anyway. I did a very easy 20 minutes on the eliptical and a moderate 'butt buster' on the treadmill for 20 minutes. Then I went to Marks' work and he squeezed me in for some heat and a stretch! My hamstring feels better already. Thanks Honey!

Welcome back Cloie! I'm glad you had such a good time! Vacations are meant for taking a break. Even from exercise! One of Marks' co workers is 2 weeks into the P90X. She is really enjoying the challenge. I was thinking that it might be good to try it this summer when gym visits seem to go down!

My diet still isn't where it should be. Now that I have a cold do I feed it or starve it? My vote is eat. We'll see how it goes. Have a great day!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Brrrrrr- Freezing!

What happened to our perfectly good weather? I can't believe it may snow this weekend. My time will remain indoors working out.

Pam, I will post some exercises for you area that you want to work out tomorrow. I want to ask Mark and research. I'm sure you know you can't 'spot reduce'. I hear that all the time with my abs and thighs! Although I keep trying in hopes to break the rule. I would imagine cardio, especially one with upper arm movement included, will help. I've been focusing on my 'bat wings' with increasing my tricep exercises. I can see a difference. I still have wings they are just a little smaller. :)

Today I did a mile run then Body Pump w. increase weights for some of the tracks. I was hurting (in a good way). I also squeezed in a nap. Yum! I skipped abs yesterday but plan to hit the class on Friday! Gotta run and get ready for work. Look forward to hearing from you all.

PS- Cloie is back from Florida. Can't wait to hear all about it!

Monday, January 25, 2010

Helllllooooo Sunshine!

If the kids were not home today it would be a great day to run. Isn't it funny how that works. I gave myself a pass and had some beer (yum) on Saturday! But it was a good 3 weeks and I felt I deserved it! Now it's time to get serious again.

I went to the gym this morning. Typical eliptical/treadmill/weight work out. Looking forward to Body Pump tomorrow. I'm going to up my weights!

My swimsuit should be coming today or tomorrow. So, my motivation should kick it up a notch once I try it on! Hope you all have a good workout/clean eating week! Can't wait to hear all about it!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Better late than never....

Sorry for the late blog. Very busy Saturday. I did make it to Body Pump this morning. It was caos. People swiping other 'body pumpers' equipment. Complete craziness! It was a launch so I'm hoping that people had temporarily lost their minds because they were so excited! Haiti looked more organized than the morning rush into this class. On a good note: when I was doing biceps today in class I actually saw my bicep peak out and say hello. It was encouraging!

Jen, I love Strive. Used to do it all the time! Maybe I'll join you one day.

Pam, glad I can bug you enough that you'll workout. I need the same from you all! Just having to log my workouts with my virtual friends makes me do what I need to do. Are virtual friends similar to invisible friends?? I hit the gym 6 times this week. Ate bad Fri and Sat nite. Tomorrow is another day!

My friend Deborah told me about a 30 min abs class on Mon and Fri mornings. Those are my cardio days so I think I'm going to add this to my workout schedule. I'll let you know how it goes.

If you get a chance watch the Justin Timberlake video for Haiti Now. I posted it on my facebook wall. Absolutely beautiful! I was very teary watching it.

I work tomorrow. So, it is a rest day for me! I will blog in the evening though!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

TGIF (almost)

I'm writing this Thursday afternoon. I'm not sure I'll have time to write in the morning. My goal is cardio in the morning. I think a walk/run is in order! Cross your fingers that the kids have school.

Thanks Dawn for your dieting tips. She said she prepares a bunch of chicken on Sunday and uses it for quick meals/lunches during the week. Toss it in salads, pasta, with veges, whatever. Thanks. I am going to try it this week.

Tips for weights/abs for the weekend:

*Making changes in your hand position during strength moves will allow you to hit the same muscles from a slightly different angle, which can increase your strenth and definition.

*Alternate between machines, free weights and body weight to target your muscles in different ways.

*When doing crunches, rest your tongue behind the top row of your teeth. This will prevent neck strain so you can maintain good form and work your abs harder.

Pain is fat leaving the body

I'm assuming that means that I have a lot of fat leaving right now. I'm sore today. So, I need to get motivated to get moving! I have my workout clothes on. Next I need to stretch and get my day started.

Body pump for me today! That's it! Oh, and try to eat right. I have not been calorie counting but have cut way back. Hope everyone has a great day! (yaaawwwnnnnn). Caffeine here I come!


"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going."- Beverly Sills

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Junk in the trunk.....

Appropriate for hump day! Today I'm working on my butt!!!!!!!

Last night I came across 3 "Butt Firming Cardio" workouts. One on Eliptical, one on treadmill and lastly the stair climber. So, I'm going to try them today. I'll let you know how it goes!

Elliptical: amp up the elevation (aim for 5 to 10) and lower the resistance (4-6).This combo targets your hamstrings and butt!

Treadmill: Set the machines incline to at least 5 percent. Then every 2-3 minutes, bump up the incline a little more until you feel like you can't take it any higher.

Stair Climber: Cross your right foot over your left as you step up for 5-15 minutes. Then switch sides. This can be tough but do what you can, you will build your time.

CONGRATS Pam for only missing 2 days. Doesn't it feel good. Another week or so and you'll need the workouts and won't want to miss.

Pray for Haiti today!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

A picture is worth..............

We all know the saying. I found out yesterday that my friend was moving her wedding up from next March to possibly July now! Yikes, that cuts my 'get in shape for the wedding' time way down. But I thought it would just motivate me to push a little harder.

Then, I saw a few pictures of me at the pool last summer. Yikes is an understatement. My back looked like a linebacker. It was scary. And the legs....well, we won't go there! So, now I have double the motivation to kick it up a notch!

My journal tip for the day: Target ALL your muscles. Varying the amount of weight you lift will help you work more muscle fibers and improve your definition, strength and endurance. Example: Monday 3-5 reps of heavy weights, Wednesay 12-15 reps of light weights and Friday 8-10 reps of moderate weight.

Off to Body Pump this morning then adding more cardio to step it up a notch!

Monday, January 18, 2010

Happy MLK Day!

Is that politically correct. Wishing a 'happy' day on the day remembering a great man that was killed????

So, my lesson to myself for the week is don't procrastinate. I used Friday as my day off thinking I would work out Saturday. Well, then I got sick and Saturday and Sunday were days of rest. So, next time I think I will push my day off to the last day of my Sun-Sat workout week. With a shot in the butt of a broad spectrum anitibitoic I'm ready to resume my workouts. I may be a little slower.... but it's movement- right??

I've gotten several emails that it is difficult to post and sign up for this blog. And that several of you are following along. Thanks for that! This isn't just my journey, it's for all of us. I shopped online for swimsuits yesterday as motivation. I think I'm going to order one and put it on once a week as a reminder. I think I like to torture myself just a little....

Enjoy the holiday! I'm off to the gym for a quick walk on the treadmill and maybe some eliptical work? We'll see how it goes.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Where did the day go.

I'm bummed because the day flew by. Got up early and went to brunch for a birthday party. However, I have been fighting a head cold all day. I took a long nap and now it's night time.

Mark says my body needs the break while I'm fighting this cold. So, 2 days in a row w/ no workout! Ugg! I work all day tomorrow. I'm hoping I feel good enough to hit the treadmill at home afterwards w/ a side of abs.

Valerie Bertinelli said in her last book..... "In the end, I decided to focus on my goals, watch my aim, and simply try to be the best version of me that I could be on any given day" . So, today my best version was to be a good mom, wife, friend and rest!

Friday, January 15, 2010

TGIF

Glad it's Friday? I am. Even though I have to work tonight.

Today was a day of rest! So, no work out to report. I also didn't eat that great either. Went to the Green Turtle for lunch. Yummo! It was good. Can't wait til Feb when I can go and order a beer!

Hoping everyone had a good workout/diet day! Going to the gym tomorrow afternoon and get a good cardio in. I'll need after todays lunch.

I'm planning to start a monthly walking group next month (if weather permits). A group of us used to do it before our 40 mile trek for Breast Cancer Awareness. I'll keep you posted incase anyone would like to join in. I think it used to take about 3 hours and at one point worked up to 5. We'll start out easy...... Check back for more info.

Happy Friday my friends! Blog ya later!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

better late than never....

Bloggn late today. Got up and went to gym. Did 1 hour of body pump w. slightly heavier weights. I decided today to change my workout (# days per week). I think my body needs an extra day to regroup every now and then.... so every other week I'm going to switch from 6 days/week to 5 days/week and keep rotating. With that said....I'm taking Friday off! If I don't guilt myself into going. :)

I'm always looking for good workout music. If anyone has any good workout songs let me know. My top workout songs on my ipod right now are:

Sweet Dreams-Beyonce
Imma Be- Black Eye Peas
Drop it Low- Ester Dean
Love Lockdown-Kanye West
Beautiful People- Marilyn Manson
Flaunt It-Djfrancofabi
Let Me Be Myself-3 doors Down
Crazy in Love- Beyonce
Meet Me 1/2 Way- BEP
Follow-Breaking Benjamins
Breakdown-Breaking Benj.
I dont care- Fall out boys
Anything by Flo Rida
Mr. Brightside- The Killers
So What-Pink
Anything by Rhianna

I'm getting ready to burn some of these for Teresa. If anyone wants any I would be happy to share them.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Thanks for getting over humpday!

When I woke up this morning I was in a 'funk' and thought I'd never push myself at the gym today. I was running late getting the kids out the door but I made a point to check our blog. Thankfully I did. Reading everyone's tips and motivations helped me regroup mentally! Thank you for that! I have had a mental block w. running lately. I just couldn't get to a mile. I got to .9, .95, .99. But just kept quitting. I don't know why. I've run farther than that in the past.So, I started running and ran to 1.5! I think I could have done more, but just walked the rest of it. Then I did weights (abs/legs).

Yesterday I weighed in and gained 3 pounds.....hmmmm......gotta stay off the scale. It obviously has me confused w. someone who is eating fun food! My pledge.....do not weigh yourself until the end of the month!

I'm 75% done w. my book. I have to say if you are inspired by others.....these books are great! Definetly a 'chick thing'. I'm lending both books to Teresa, so if anyone wants them next, they are worth the quick read!

Gotta go try some of Cloie's stretches so my shins don't hurt! Enjoy the day! Seize it!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Attitude is EVERYTHING!

Wow, it sounds like you guys are really busting butts (hopefully, right?).

Pam, hang in there. I worked out consistently from Sept-Early December. I got so discouraged I took 3 weeks off. Bad idea!!!! Then I reevaluated it all and chose a better route. I was getting bored. But I've tried to refocus my energy on mixing it up. I'm also changing little 'diet' habits each day. Giving up my favorite foods/drinks for January helped. Not in weight loss but proving to myself that I can follow through. Trust me....right now some chips dipped in beer w/ a side of french fries dipped in a soda sounds great! But I haven't given in. I also remind myself that I walked 40 miles (and so did you!) and completed 2- 1/2 marathons. So, hang onto that and move forward. This internet 'diary' has helped me, too! (Along w/ my journal and the support of my friends). Remember: Attitude is everything!

I will be watching for updates from Cloie and Melissa w. regards to their new workout programs. It may be the next step for me.....at some point. They sound challenging! You guys rock!

I went to Borders yesterday and bought my next autobiography (my fav!). It's the follow up to Vallerie Bertinellis' "Losing It". It's called "Finding It". If you haven't read the first book, I would be happy to lend it out. It's a good read. I also bought The Biggest Loser-Family Cookbook. The recipes look easy and yummy. I'm going to try one of the dinner menu ideas tomorrow. I'll let you know.....

Lastly, went to the gym today. Hit body pump for an hour (they say that's over 500 calories) and then I went to the treadmill and ran for 10 and walked for 10. So, feeling good today! What have you done today??????????

Monday, January 11, 2010

I can't believe it's Monday already....

All weekend I knew I wanted to cut back calories on Monday. Well, today is Monday and here we go........ the dreaded 'calorie counting'. A few years ago I did Nutrisystems and lost 22 lbs. It really worked. But after 3 years of not continuing my calorie counting I've put atleast 1/2 the weight back on. So, it's time to cut back again. This time I'll stick to my oatmeal, cheese sticks, veges, lean cuisines and other food items that work for me.

Todays tip was "Beat your caloric best". At the end of your cardio workout, take note of the calories your burned. Next time, do the same activity but try to beat that number- by 10, 50 or even 100 calories. Do it by increasing your speed or incline/resistance.

I have been good about writing my workouts in my 'Agassi inspired diary'. I decided to do a 1 hour cardio workout on 3 different machines. First eliptical for 20, then (ugg) the bike for 20 and finally a low impact, leisurely walk for 20 on the treadmill. But I made a point to push myself on the first 2 for a few extra minutes just to beat the caloric burn from last time. It was a small accomplishment, but I'll take it!

I talked to my friend Cloie this morning. She has been doing the p90x workout for a few weeks. She is going to start blogging on here her progress. I know I would love to see if it works. I've heard great things about it but would love to follow someones progress. Thanks Cloie!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Happy Sunday!

First: Congrats to my friend Lisa in Florida. She finished her first 1/2 marathon yesterday in 2 1/2 hours. And that was w/ sleet and snow in FLORIDA! WOO HOO LISA!

Moving on...So, for a long time I've struggled w/ the cold weather. But I have hypothyroidism so that was part of the condition. Well, last night at work I couldn't shake the cold. Then my hands turned white and painful. So, when I got home I showed Mark and he was like "oh, you have Raynauds' disease'. So, I went to the internet and sure enough it was exactly what I had! Who knew..... So, my workouts for the winters will definetly have to be indoors until the weather gets warmer!!! If you know anyone with Raynauds, hand them some gloves!!!!!! :)

I'll be going to the gym this afternoon to try those treadmill workouts. Last night I didn't do anything after work except warm up. But today will be day 6 of working out for the week (my weeks run Mon-Sun). So I guess Saturday was my 'rest day'..

Cloie: I still want to hear about kickboxing. How was it? Who teaches it? Date/Time of Class?

**If anyone is interested in trying a beginner level yoga class (for like old people and pregnant people) I want to go. It has to be at AFF though. Let me know.....

Saturday, January 9, 2010

New workout gear..

is so powerful. Why is that? Everytime I buy a new article of workout clothing I feel inspired to hit the gym. This week it was as simple as a long sleeve, mock turtle neck, dry fit top. Ok, so it was a poor choice for a one hour class indoors. I was dying! But it made me go to the gym.

There are also so many new gadgets now. I've seen the ads for Garmins' watch for runners. Then my friend Dawn got one and now I have watch envy. I'm not sure why I need it. My husband assures me it's way too much watch for me. But I want it. I've heard and read that the 305 is better then the 405. Any thoughts?

Well, since the weather outside is frightful I will stick to my indoor workouts. I found 3 different treadmill workouts (again in my Shape magazine) and it suggest to try one. So, tomorrow when I hit the gym I will be trying one of the following:

*FLAT SPRINTS: set the treadmill at a constant 1 percent grade and run or walk fast (you should be completely out of breath) for 30 seconds. Recover at an easy intensity for 60 seconds. Repeat 9 times.

*HILL DRILLS: run or walk for 30 seconds at an 8 percent grade followed by 60 seconds at a 1 percent grade. Repeat 9 times.

*CONSTANT CLIMB: set the treadmill at an 8 percent grade and walk or run for 30 seconds at a moderate pace (you should be out of breath) followed by 60 seconds at a slower pace, still on the 8 percent incline. Repeat 9 times.

The article suggests that you do interval training once or twice a week. I will keep you posted. Off to work I go! Have a great day ladies.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Goals

Way to go my friends! Wow! I'm inspired not to miss my workout today inspite of the snow and school being cancelled. My friend Lisa reminded me to set goals for myself. I have so many when it comes to fitness. I just finished a book (yes, I read sometimes) and it gave me an idea. Andre Agassis' book Open is GREAT! I really enjoyed reading about his life.

In the book his trainer kept a diary of sorts. The Bible of his fitness. He would make notes, changes, have pictures, etc.... So, that's what I started for myself. I got a journal. On the first page I wrote my goals: work out 5-6 days a week w/ 2 days of strength training, do the 1/2 marathon in September and tone for my trip to Fla in May! Then I got this months Shape magazine and cut out "Speedy Sculpting Secrets" and glued them randomly throughout the journal to try when I hit those pages. I also wrote things I wanted to stay away from in January to "jump start" my year: chips, beer, fast food and soda! So far I've been able to do it. I also am writing down my daily workouts and goals for my next one.Lastly I put a picture of a dress that I will be wearing for my dear friends wedding as motivation!!!

I'm hoping w/ the support of my lady friends and logging all of this in my journal I will beat goals I have set for myself in the past! Keep posting your workouts, tips, recipes for quick and EASY snacking/meals. You guys are the best!

POST YOUR GOALS BELOW. I WANT TO HEAR THEM!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Simplify

Ok my friends, we have all decided to push ourselves beyond the norm this year with fitness. The texting and facebooking encouragement helps. But I have decided a blog could be a good meeting place for all of us to share our words of encouragement and helpful hints! So here it is! Please share this with other friends who need daily motivation like us! Keep up the running, climbing, classes and healthy lifestyles! We can do this! I will post my daily workouts and hope to hear about yours!