Since my body has been responding so well post surgery to lifting, I figured it was time to add a short, but effective leg routine into the mix. If your legs aren’t jello after completing this, you’re not giving it your all.
Category Archives: Health & Fitness
Fitness Mindset
Three years ago, I had a similar conversation with myself, and I haven’t looked back. Anyone can do what I have done. You just have to change the way you think!
Filed under Fitness Inspiration, Health & Fitness
Another Year Down
I can’t believe it’s been 3 years since I made the decision to become healthy. There are days it seems like just yesterday that I started on the path to this lifestyle, and then there are days where I can’t imagine living the way I did. The fast food runs, over sized portions and constant bonding with my couch. I cringe when I think about all of that, but without it, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Looking back, I’ve come a long way. I haven’t eaten McDonald’s in well over 2 years, my body craves exercise and healthy foods and then there’s the 100+ pounds I’ve lost as a result of those things. Oh and let’s not forget my recent surgery. THAT is something I never dreamed I would be doing when I started all of this. I am a completely different person than I was three years ago and I am so grateful for that. I know that I have added years to my life with the choices I have made. It’s also nice to know that I no longer have to wish I can shop in certain stores and trying on new clothes is something I enjoy doing now.
One of the things I love the most about my journey, is knowing that I have inspired so many people along the way. I am one of those people who tend to be very hard on themselves. I don’t easily give myself credit for what I accomplish, so when I receive e-mails, messages and comments from people whom I have inspired, it’s very touching. It also in turn inspires me to keep going and to be the best ME I can possibly be.
If you asked me three years ago if I would ever be able to do the physical things I can now, I would have said you were crazy. I am forever amazed at what my body has been able to do, how strong it can be and how much I have grown mentally. There is nothing I can’t do …as long as I get out of my own way. Ha! The mental battle of this journey has been the most difficult but most amazing aspect. It’s all about mind over matter, seeing is believing and having confidence in yourself.
Thank you to everyone who reads my blog, comments on my posts and keeps me motivated!
Filed under Health & Fitness
Back in the Saddle, Again!
I just completed my first workout in weeks, and I gotta tell you…it felt great!
Yesterday, I was completely stoked when my surgeon said I could start working out again and that upper-body weight lifting was fine. I knew right away that I wanted to jump back into ChaLEAN Extreme’s PUSH month, as it’s my absolute favorite for building and gaining quick muscle definition.
Upon waking up this morning and felt a little nervous about attempting my first workout. I haven’t really lifted or done anything in months and over the past two weeks, I haven’t been allowed to even lift laundry baskets.
I headed down stairs to the “Get Fit Or Get Out” gym (AKA: my living room), found the DVD and carefully began selecting and moving my weights of choice to the center of the room. I knew I couldn’t lift as heavy as was before, but I also didn’t want to baby myself and not provide some kind of challenge. I settled on a selection of weights ranging from 8 – 12 lbs and began to warm up.
I had no discomfort during any of the exercises and I quickly figured out which weights worked best for which moves. The most difficult part for me was making sure I didn’t strain my core by holding it in too tight. It’s a little difficult to tell, since I don’t have much sensation but if I felt some pulling, I knew I had to easy up and adjust my stance. I had a little difficulty with the over head tricep extensions, since my muscles and skin are very tight. It makes standing straight with you arms over your head VERY difficult, but I did what I could and tapped out once I realized it wasn’t comfortable or worth it to push. Instead, I simply did some more single arm tricep extensions. The important part is working the muscle until it’s fatigued and I certainly did that.
Overall, I had a great first workout and I look forward to my next one. I was happy I didn’t experience major discomfort or swelling from it, because I was afraid of both. It feels good to have my motivation back and I’m excited to fall back into a routine.
Filed under Health & Fitness
Farmer’s Markets…I’m A Fan
As the warm weather starts to show it’s face around here, I have noticed a change in my food cravings. I no longer want those heavy comfort foods. I want fruit, fresh vegetables and the smell of something yummy grilling. Maybe it’s a subconscious thing…but the healthy eating instinct kicks in as the layers of clothing are no longer needed and that sweater can’t hide the truth about how many scoops of mashed potatoes you consumed with your meatloaf.
While I am NOT a fan of summer, I AM a fan of the Farmer’s Markets and road-side stands that pop up everywhere during it. I love driving by, seeing what looks good and planning my dinner for that night based off of what I find. Nothing beats fresh zucchini, red ripe tomatoes and just picked string beans to me. There is also something about all of the colors and smells that just make me happy.
Last year, I came to appreciate these stands even more since I was a vegetarian. The amount of fresh fruits and vegetables I purchased every week was insane. Between how expensive they can be and how quickly they spoil, I liked not having to go all the way to the grocery store to get them. There is also something about buying these items from the person who grew them that makes them taste better to me. You can save so much money buying them fresh, in season and directly from the farmer.
Last year, I blogged about GMO’s and organic foods. It was something that became important to me as I began to take care of my body. I was happy to learn about all of the organic Farmer’s Market’s that were close to home because I didn’t like having to rely on the grocery store as my only option for obtaining these items. Plus, I think it’s so much nicer to support local farmers than it is to pump money into these big name companies.
So, as the weather warms up I’ll be getting my charcoal ready and sorting through my vegetarian recipes so I’ll be ready when my favorite part of summer is set up roadside.
Want to find a local Farmer’s Market near you? Check out Local Harvest.
Filed under Health & Fitness
My Last Class Almost Killed Me
As many of you know, a few weeks ago my neighbor and I purchased 3 hot yoga classes at a semi-local studio. We skipped going last week and last night was our third and final class.
We arrived early and headed straight for the room to “claim” our spots for class. During our first class we were a little late and were stuck in a back corner with little room to move and we were right next to the steam machine. Our second class we ended up separated and on the right side of the room, it was super hot and you couldn’t feel the steam, so last night we decided to try the center in a quest to find balance. Little did we know when attending last nights class that we would have a different instructor…a crazy instructor…who I think was trying to boil us without us knowing, a la the old Bugs Bunny cartoons.
As we were sitting there waiting for class to start, I noticed the beads of sweat already starting to form on me. I thought it was because I didn’t drink enough water and tried to chalk it up to my really not wanting to be there, but I began to notice it on other people as well. Class started and it was ran a little differently because of the new instructor, so I found I had to pay closer attention. That was hard to do because I couldn’t get over the heat…plus I had sweat pouring into my eyes and I kept feeling dizzy.
Before long, I noticed I wasn’t the only one unable to hold poses or having to drop down into child’s pose to regain composure. It was happening all around me…even to the “advanced” students who I have looked to when I was unsure of how a pose should look. Everyone just looked exhausted and unsure of what was going on. The yoga instructor seemed to keep turning the heat on and off too and even opened the door to let cool air in a few times but nothing seemed to help. I mean, you know something is up when the yoga instructor has sweat pouring off her as she is only walking around making sure people are in the poses properly.
I made it through the standing balance poses….barely and with lots of breaks, and thought I’d be okay once we reached the floor portion, but I was wrong. With about 15 minutes left to class I had to tap out. I felt dizzy and like I was going to puke, plus I also ran out of water and needed cool, fresh air badly. I quietly got up from my mat, opened the door, and found 3 other students in the hallway, all bent over and looking like they were either going to pass out or puke as well. We sat there joking around, talking about how crazy class was this week and enjoying the cool night air from the window I opened, until class let out.
EVERYONE (save for one guy who seemed to enjoy being steamed alive) came out and complained about how hot it was. One of the guys I was talking to actually went back in to check the thermostat and said it was at almost 130 degrees! What the deuce, lady!!!
I am so glad that was not my first adventure in hot yoga, as it would probably be my last. While it felt good to sweat out the toxins in my body, I was unable to do most of the poses and that just defeats the purpose of the class to me. If I want to just sweat my ass off, I’ll go sit in a sauna for 90 minutes.
Will I return to hot yoga? I don’t know. I’ll most likely do a class here or there, however the nice weather is almost here (well, it actually is here right now as it is in the 70’s all week) and I’d much rather walk the fitness trail, enjoy the cool, fresh air and beauty of nature.
P.S. – I shall also admit here that after class, my neighbor and I went to Five Guys for a burger cause we were starving. I at least only got a little burger and I skipped the bacon and fries. I know this was not ideal “post workout” food, but damn was it good!
Filed under Health & Fitness
Looking At The Big Picture
I know I have spent a lot of time on here calling myself a slacker…and honestly, sometimes I truly feel like one. However, when I look back at how far I have come and how despite not really working out for the past few months I have maintained my weight, I’m actually very successful.
When I started doing P90X and Insanity, I knew it wasn’t a level of working out that I wanted to maintain forever. I don’t think my body would like me very much if I did that everyday with no true breaks. I knew I wanted to reach a point where I could workout 2-3 days a week and just eat healthy to maintain a normal, healthy weight for my height and age. I knew I’d eventually hit the point of needing balance…between workouts, nutrition, life and work…cause let’s face it, there are just not enough hours in the day for all of these things on a regular basis.
I am proud, that as the 3 year mark approaches, I am still on my journey. I have reached my goal, lost over 100lbs, maintained my progress and I’m planning new and exciting ways to improve myself. I am proud that I have been able to inspire others to improve themselves and change the bad habits that they hated for so long. I’m proud of my hard work and determination to see this through and finally achieve something that I thought was just a dream.
Every now and then we should all stop to reflect on the great things that we have achieved. It’s so easy to dwell on the negative or get hung up on the slip ups we made along the way. I know first hand how hard it is to stay positive sometimes, but keep your focus not on how many times you trip and fall, but on how many times you get back up, dust yourself off, and keeping moving on.
Filed under Health & Fitness
Is It Hot In Here, Or Is It Just Me?
Last night was my second Bikram Yoga class, and I was really looking forward to it. I have been under tremendous amounts of stress lately and this has become a treat that my body and mind both deserve.
This week we headed to class learning from the prior weeks mistakes. We brought a large towel to drape over our mats to prevent us from slipping on our sweat and we got to class earlier to secure a good spot, in the back, on the opposite side of the room from the steam output. Unfortunately, we missed out the prime back row spots, well my friend did, as I snagged the last one but she was brave and moved herself up to the front row. (So she could admire herself in the mirror, I’m sure)
Class began and man, let me tell you, I think the heat was cranked up to 1,005 instead of 105 degrees. It. Was. HOT.
The sweat immediately started pouring off of me and no matter how often I stopped to wipe down, I was drenched again within seconds. I don’t know if I didn’t take in enough calories early in the day or if the amount of stress I’ve been feeling had taken that much of a toll, but I kept getting light-headed and had to come out poses quite a few times to recover.
Normally, I would be self-concious having to stop but what I love about this class is that the instructor constantly reminds you to listen to your body and do what it tells you. Mine was telling me to rest, so that’s what I did.
Just like last week, the standing balance poses ended just as I thought I couldn’t take another minute and the floor poses began. I welcome this break like you wouldn’t believe. Maybe it’s cause I’m tall and heat raises, but laying on the floor felt like I had just hit the lotto and I could feel a temperature difference.
By the end of class my mind was clear, my body was stretched and I felt like a new person. (Not to mention my tank top and shorts were soaked and there wasn’t a dry spot on either towel….eww) It was once again a wonderful feeling to just let all of my worries go for 90-minutes and focus on nothing more than the mind and the breath.
I have one more class next week at the current studio. The other day, I received a Groupon for a different studio and we have until tonight to decide if we will take advantage of it and commit to another 10 classes.
Namaste.
Filed under Health & Fitness
A Night of Bikram Yoga
The other night, my neighbor, the lovely @Melysa_S, sent me a text message asking if I would be interested in joining her for a 90-min Bikram Yoga session. I found that I got excited about the chance to try something new, and then a sense of fear took over. If you have followed this blog for a while, you know I have a phobia or group workouts. I loathe working out around people so the thought of not only leaving my comfort zone, but doing it in a 105 degree F room scared me….big time!
So what is Bikram Yoga? Well…
- It’s done in a 105 F room with 40% humidity.
- It consists of 26 “asanas” or postures and two breathing exercises that are done twice in a row.
- It’s 90 minutes long.
- The combination of heat and postures are supposed to be good for blood circulation, delivering more oxygen to joints, muscles and organs.
- Sweating is supposed to be detoxifying.
This all intrigued me as did the need to de-stress, so I found the courage to say yes and started looking at info on-line to prepare myself. From everything I read, hydration and towels were the most important things, as well as going to class with an empty stomach.
Upon arriving at the studio, we signed in, quickly changed and entered the room. I knew it would be hot in there, but I wasn’t prepared for the wall of heat that smacked me. We found the last two spots in the back of the room (of course mine was under the pipe that fed the steam into the room), settled in and began to stretch.
The instructor was really nice and I was grateful that I had experience with YogaX so I knew some of the poses. I was also happy many of them were balance poses as those are the ones I like the best.
There were a few times the heat started to get to me, but I wiped the sweat off my brow, took a little water and got back in it.
Class was split into a standing a segment and a floor segment. I was very relieved when we switched to floor work because it gave my head a chance to rest from the lightheadedness that was beginning to take over.
Ultimately, it was an amazing workout. I had a great experience, felt a ton of stress melt off of me and I look forward to two more weeks of it, since we purchased a 3-class pack for only $25!
If you are interested in what kind of poses we did, here is a graphic I found that has all 26.
If you have ever contemplated trying Bikram Yoga, I say go for it! I’m so happy I stepped out of my comfort zone and gave it a try!
Filed under Health & Fitness
Think Less & Live More
This is my new outlook on fitness.
I have been stuck in this awful rut of over thinking what I have and have not been doing. I’ve been dwelling on the negative instead of the positive, and that my friends is no bueno.
For so long I’ve been fixated on reaching my goals and doing what I had to do to reach them. Well, you know what? I reached them and I guess I hit that point of not really knowing what to do next.
I had nothing to focus on anymore and found myself wandering around, trying to find happiness in what was familiar but not really what I needed anymore. Now, don’t me wrong. I’m not saying I don’t need to work out daily, or that I wouldn’t benefit from it. What I am saying, is that the need and want wasn’t really there anymore. Part of me wanted to see if I could maintain the goals I achieved without the “beast mode” level of fitness I had become accustomed to….and you now what? I did…and it’s a great feeling.
From here on out I want to take things day by day. I want to enjoy whats around me and just go with the flow of the mood I’m in. I don’t want to plan every workout in advance. I want to just do what I feel like doing that day.
Some people may think that’s crazy and to them I say, to each their own. I will have my guidelines for the 3 days a week I plan on working out and I will just pick from the workout DVD collections I have to fill the needs of that day. Some days it might be P90X or Insanity, others running or yoga.
At this point of my journey I believe my nutrition is the most important part, and it’s the area I have gained the most progress in. To me, it was the hardest to get under control and while I will indulge in kettle chips, Five Guys and ice cream from time to time, I am no where near, nor could I ever return to the fast food fiend I once was.
So…from here on out, I vow to (over) think less & live more, because if I can’t enjoy the goals I have obtained, what’s the point?
Filed under Health & Fitness
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