Keep pushing play, keep doing your best and keep working toward goals. NOTHING beats the feeling of achieving them!
Tag Archives: Personal Growth
Today’s Workout: Stretch, Cardio & Booty!
Today I woke up and my lower body was still very sore from the lower body workout I posted the other day. I decided a dose of X-Stretch from P90X would do my body good, so that is how I started today’s workout. I had to skip the sun salutations, camel and back hero since I still can’t stretch my core too much, but I still felt great after completing the workout.
My plan was to hit the pavement this morning since I needed to go to the post office and it conveniently falls along my walking/running path. Unfortunately, mother nature had different plans and it started to thunderstorm as I was getting ready to go. Thankfully I have a stationary bike so I hopped on there instead and got a solid 30-min cardio workout in before giving this workout I found on Pinterest a try:
I did three rounds of this, Insanity style, and felt a solid burn kick in halfway through the second round.
As you can tell, I’ve been putting focus on lower body workouts, and that’s because I’ve decided to join my husband and some of his buddies in August, as they attempt the Rock Solid Mud Run. I’m a little nervous about this since I recently had the surgery, but my plan is to pace myself, do what I can and just have fun.
If you try any of the workouts I’m posting, please let me know what you think or if you add anything! Also, if you have any that you love, please pass them my way. I’d love to try it out and feature it here along with your fitness story.
Filed under Health & Fitness, Quick Workouts
This Mornings Workout: Legs
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.
Filed under Health & Fitness, Quick Workouts
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
Post-Op Update
It’s been a little over 6 weeks since I had my surgery and I can’t believe how well I am healing!
A few weeks ago I was depressed, swollen and second guessing my decision to have the tummy tuck and abdominal repair. Today? I am on cloud nine and loving my results!
I have almost no restrictions on activities now. The only thing I am not allowed to do are any abdominal workouts until I hit the 5 month mark. I am currently on week three of my routine, and I opted to do ChaLEAN Extreme’s Push month, three times a week, to build up my arm strength again. I toyed with starting from month 1 of her program, but Push has always been my favorite so I figured why not?! I am definitely lifting lighter than I was pre-surgery, but I don’t mind at all and I’m sure I will be back where I was in no time. The only parts I’ve had to skip are the push-ups since I feel too much of a pull in my core, and some of the single leg squats for the same stability reasons.
The other great thing is I no longer have to wear the compression garment and I have had zero swelling in the past two weeks. This really surprised because I read a lot of blogs and boards about tummy tucks and everyone struggled with swelling and still felt like they needed their compression garment at this point. I am by no means complaining, and hopefully I didn’t just jinx myself …that would however be my luck.
Over the past two weeks I have been filled with a new found sense of joy when it comes to my body. I no longer second guess what I am going to wear. I don’t stare at myself, nit picking the imperfections that only I would notice. It’s a feeling that is so foreign to me but feels so wonderful and rewarding. I love seeing what I truly accomplished over the past 3 years with my body. I worked damn hard to achieve this and I am FINALLY getting to see the true results.
Today, I tried on a bikini and after the initial shock and awe of seeing my very pale stomach exposed, I loved my reflection. It felt amazing to stand there in a two piece bathing suit and not want to cry my eyes out. As a matter of fact, I felt so comfortable and happy, I took this photo to share with everyone here.
Please pardon the pastiness of my complexion. If it ever stops raining here, I may be able to lay out in my yard and get a slight tan.
So…there you have it. My post-op update, the first time I have ever shared a photo of myself, in a bathing suit, for all of the internet to see, and my new found confidence, all rolled up into one neat little blog post.
Filed under Tummy Tuck
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
Three Weeks Post-Op
Today I had my 3 week post-op visit and things are going well!
This past week I have really started to become comfortable in my skin again. As the swelling goes down and I’m able to be more physical, I am feeling more like myself again. Today I even tried on a few of my bathing suits just to make sure the scar line is covered and you know what? I was actually happy to look at myself in the mirror in a bathing suit! Shocking right?! It is the first time in I don’t know….EVER…. that I can honestly say that. It was a great feeling to not feel like I had to cover something or fidget with things.
Another plus this week was that the skin glue and mesh tape they used to close my incision fell off, which meant I no longer had to use these giant gauze pads to cover the area. I also fit into a smaller size pair of jeans than I did last week. I am still not quite into my normal jeans, but I think within another week or two I’ll be there. As you can see, I am still quite swollen but my belly button is healing nicely. I would also like to point out that this is the first time I have ever shared a photo of my stomach. It’s not the most impressive photo (especially since I haven’t shared a before) but I’m very happy with things so far and know that things will only improve as time goes on.
At the appointment today, my incision was looked at and he said it is healing very nicely. I can downgrade the type of compression garment I wear to a “Spanx” like style. I think I will go shop for a new one tonight since I officially loathe the medical grade one I have been forced to wear for the past 3 weeks. He also said I can remove the garment at night now, if I am comfortable doing that…..uh….fuck yeah! There is nothing comfortable about a zipper jabbing you in your side as you try to have sweet dreams.
I have also been cleared to go back to work and exercise again, which I am excited for. I have the green light for all cardio and anything upper body. The only thing I can’t do at this point are ab workouts. He said I have to wait until at least 6 months out for those and to be honest, I’m totally ok with that. Tomorrow morning I think I will try to do some lifting. Obviously, I’ll be modifying the amount of weight I lift, so I can get a feel for what’s comfortable and what’s pushing it. It’s been weeks since I have done any exercise so I’m sure I’ll be lifting much lighter, regardless.
Other than that, I don’t have much else to report. I need to order the scar gel he recommends to help the scar line fade and as I type this blog, I am enjoying the freedom of NOT wearing that torturous compression garment.
Hopefully my blog will begin to shift back to my workouts now that I am able to get busy again. During this off time, I seem to have found a spark within myself again and I’m hoping it ignites into the inferno it once was.
Filed under Tummy Tuck
Tomorrow’s The Big Day / What I Wore {Easter Sunday}
Yup! You read it correctly…tomorrow is the big day. In less than 12 hours I will be taking a major step in my weight loss journey and I’ll be having my tummy tuck with muscle repair.
The past week has been a whirl wind and with things being so hectic up at work, I didn’t really have much time to think about the procedure. I did manage to find time to make a list of things I needed from Target and pick them up, but outside of making sure I was taking my supplements as directed, that’s it.
Since we are on the subject of supplements….let me vent about what I pain in the ass they are! I feel like a junkie popping pills all day. It’s not fun and I’ll be happy when I’m 7-14 days post surgery, so I can stop taking them.
At this current moment, I keep flip flopping between excitement, nervousness and full blown anxiety. I’m thankful that today was Easter. I had plenty of things going on to keep my mind busy, so I didn’t dwell on it all day. It wasn’t until around 6pm when people started texting me to wish me luck tomorrow, that I started to enter panic mode.
Speaking of Easter, I decided to be girly and wear not only a dress but also my 5″ platform sandals. For those of you know me, you know how tall I am in 5″ platforms (as well as how ungraceful I am in them) but I wanted to step out of the box and finally wear these shoes. I bought them a year ago in two different colors because I loved them. I swore I would wear them but they never saw the light of day before today.
Coral Dress: Old Navy, last year. Teal Animal Stripe Sweater: Charlotte Russe, last year. Sandals: Charlotte Russe, last year. Necklace: Premiere Designs about 2 years ago.
It felt nice to get dressed up instead of just tossing on a pair of jeans and a shirt. I won’t lie, I took a pair of flip flops with me in my purse and wore them for the drive home. My feet can only take so much…they are used to my beloved Converse after all! Plus I’ll be living in sweats and I won’t have a need for shoes over the next 1-2 weeks.
I’m hoping sleep will find me tonight and the anxiety will subside. (Plus I can’t eat after midnight or I’ll turn into a Gremlin.) I have to be at the surgeons office tomorrow morning at 7:30 am, so I think I’ll be waking up around 6 am so I can shower, get into some comfy clothes and try not to be too cranky without coffee or breakfast. Sigh.
Thanks again to everyone who has supported me in my decision to do this, has been there to ease my anxiety and has kept me motivated along the way. You all mean a lot to me and I’m happy to have you in my life.
P.S. – I was hoping to have some pics of where I’ll be staying during the first few days of recovery, but we never got around to setting it up this weekend. Thankfully my husband is going to take care of all that while I’m in surgery tomorrow. I didn’t want him just sitting around waiting for 4-5 hours anyway, so now he’ll have something to keep his mind busy for a little while.
Filed under Fashion, House/Fashion/Beauty, Tummy Tuck
Less Than One Week and Counting
Today was my pre-op appointment with the surgeon, which means my surgery is less than a week away….YIKES!
My nerves have been on edge lately as the surgery date rapidly approaches. There is excitement to finally have my muscle issues corrected and to say farewell to the excess skin that taunts me as I get dressed daily. Then there is fear. Fear of going under the knife and everything that could go wrong. I think excitement is finally starting to win out over the fear, but that is something that can flip flop at any moment. I know…way to stay positive Nikki. Sigh.
At today’s appointment, we went over everything regarding the surgery again. I got to slip into the oh so sexy, pink gown that I’m shown wearing, but this time I was also lucky enough to put on a pair of black, string, mesh-like underwear. Be jealous! …and no…there is no photo of those horrific underwear, sorry.
Once in my lovely new attire, I was asked to stand by a blue wall so the surgeon could take my “before” photos. I had to face him, then left, the angled, then right, then angled again. This is when I mentally died a little of embarrassment.
After photos were done I had some measurements taken for the support binder I will have to wear for 2 weeks post surgery and then I was able to ditch the pink gown, hop back into my clothing and move to the next room where my vitals were taken.
The next segment of my pre-op appointment took place in the conference room where we went over all the surgery again. I was given my surgery time, we went over all of the risks, do’s and don’ts for both pre and post surgery and I was able to ask questions at this time. He also showed and explained the “pain pump” to me again. After reading things on-line, I’m very happy the surgeon I selected uses one of these and I think it’s going to make life a lot easier that first week.
Once everything was gone over and I signed all of the consent forms, we made our way up front and I was given my prescription for post surgical pain medication, appointments for post-op care and I received my “Recovery Support Program” which is a box of vitamins that I started taking tonight. In the box are the following item:
Clinical Support: Morning Formula – I have to take 3 tablets daily with breakfast or lunch, from now through 2 weeks post surgery.
Clinical Support: Evening Formula – I have to take 3 tablets daily with dinner or at bedtime, from now through 2 weeks post surgery.
Bromelin with Quercetin – 2 capsules on an empty stomach before breakfast, lunch AND dinner, for 3 days prior to surgery and continue for 7 days post surgery.
Arnica Montana 30X HPUS – The evening of surgery and for 7-14 days after, 3 tablets, under the tongue on an empty stomach before breakfast, lunch AND dinner.
*I also need to take 500mg of Vitamin C twice a day as it helps to promote healing.
As I type this, I can feel all of the pills I just swallowed sitting in my chest. This is A LOT of pills to swallow daily and I must admit, I’m not looking forward to it…however, they are supposed to help me to recover faster sooooo……
After receiving my surgical handbook and goody bag of prescriptions, appointments, pills and antiseptic cleanser, I was off to talk with the surgical nurse. She went over when and how to use the antiseptic cleaner and what I can and cannot use when prepping myself the day of surgery. She went over all of the vitamins again and made sure I received my prescription for blood work.
From there, I went to the financial office, where I left a very large chunk of money and suddenly it hit me…..I’m actually going through with this!
Filed under Tummy Tuck
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