Lean But Not Mean!

Do you find

2010-02-09T14:06:00.000-06:00

that you only have enough willpower to tackle one challenge at a time? I started my big triathlon training plan last week and then woke up to 7 feverish children the next day. By the time they started to turn a corner, Bill and I were up to our necks in a talk of the sacrament of matrimony for the converts at church. The talk went well, but there is always a lot of debate and discussion and disagreement on that topic which causes me so much internal turmoil that Sunday afternoon I didn't have the oomph to get to the gym. And so it has continued.....my body is filled with nervous energy and excess adrenelien, my spirit depleted and spent.

How does one strength train one's will?

New Years Resolutions?

2009-12-31T00:28:00.003-06:00

Rachel asked about fitness related New Years resolutions.

Some of my thoughts?

I have been working on motivation, by keeping up with workouts and reading health and fitness related books.

And I have actually been better at eating this week...just thinking and planning a bit more...resisting eating away sadness yesterday and today.

A little cry in the bank's carpark and two calorie counted glasses of wine helped!

New Years fitness resolutions?

I tend to do mottoes or themes rather than resolutions..the looseness of a motto guides me without stressing me.

What one word comes to to your mind, when you think of your fitness life? That can be your fitness motto for 2020!

My fitness motto may just be STOP AND THINK ( before eating and this leads to planning meals better).My life motto for 2010 may just be COPING..but that will be another post, on my Living Without School blog!

What are you doing for motivation?

2009-12-18T19:18:00.004-06:00

Today I did Taebo Amped Live in LA. A 43 minute workout, one of a set that we gave son Greg for his birthday on December 9. My arms are really feeling the work of the weighted bar!

I just don't have time for hour long workouts right now....

Trying also to re-read some fitness and health books, amid the busyness of late Advent and almost-Christmas rush. Wanting to remain motivated to lose weight and get healthier and fitter. Although my weight is kind of the same...

What are you doing for motivation , for weight loss or maintenance, for fitness and health, this Advent?

Isn't This Better Than Dieting?

2009-11-29T06:03:00.002-06:00

A quote from the old classic FIRM workout Volume 1.

Such an 80s workout classic. Yet so effective. Cardio and weights. You can do the whole 70 minutes or break it up into parts. I'm addicted to the high impact cardio, the push ups on the dumb bells, the killer legwork, the chest work, the abs....I don't often do the whole workout but have been doing parts since Wed of last week, every day, after I heard of the untimely death of the workout's creator.

The FIRM used to promise visible results in ten workouts. And it is kind of true. I've done six days of the FIRM Volume 1 in a row and people have already asked me if I have lost weight.

It is more fun than dieting..I find I need tough-ish workouts to help me lose weight, to keep that waist line in shape...And I need to watch what I eat...That is the tricky part right now!

I am reading the book I mentioned a few posts back - Finally Thin.

At first, I didn't feel the book was helpful for me. She lost a lot of weight, as I did, but she looks thin and gorgeous while I look...fat and ugly.

The author raves about never having to worry do I look fat in this? But I worry about that most days.

Amd she doesn't do a lot of talk about emotional eating. Eating to cover up emotions.

But then, I gave myself a mental shake up. A mental slap. Come on, girl!

I realised that maybe I was just being way too negative and that this negativity was attributing to my inability to lose a few more kilograms.

Now, I am reading the book with a positive frame of mind. I might be old. I might be fat. But I am not as fat as I was. I might never be as thin as the author. I might never rejoice at what I see in photos. But I can learn some more positive food habits .

Like - thinking, really thinking, before I eat.

And returning to my own, personalised sort of food plan..meals and calorie allowances that suit me. Not someone else.

Knowing there is never just one way.

And learning that it is okay to take care of myself, too.

Ouch!

Forgiveness

2009-11-26T10:26:00.004-06:00

Listening to Jeff Cavin's talk called The Hidden Power of Forgiveness as I straigten up and prep the house today.

He is talking about how Jesus said we all will face trouble in the world. Trouble means worry, strife, pressure.

Then he explains how when we are faced with trouble often that is caused by feeling offended. We have all been offended many times.. by things other people did or said, didn't say, didn't do.

Often, Jeff says, we feel offended and hold that in and it can lead to us... using excessive amounts of alcohol, food,... work, hobbies.... etc.

I saw this in real terms of eating. Feeling offended.. then finding refuge in food.

I continue to ponder the relationship between stress and eating. Could definitely relate to the feeling of being 'offended'.. and do see his connection.

Here are some notes I am taking as listening..

Being offended- is a carefully laid trap by the evil one.
To be offended is to be 'scandalized'. Our pride. It is a trap-which means:

1. We don't see it as it is hidden.
2. It immobilzes us.
3. It is stronger than us

When we are offended.. we are trapped.

When we are offended...when something happens to offend us... what do we do?
When I am hurt, or gossips about me or my friend, child, family.. or my spouse or someone ticks me off... I get offended- angry. I shut down.

Wall goes up.

Enemy wants that.

Trap can cause obsessive behavior.

Forgiveness means release. Releasing someone from what they owe you. They owe us in our minds because they offended us. We want to pay them back, by building walls, or other behavoir. Make them pay with emotional weapons.

Jesus shows us new way. Absolve them. Release them of what they owe us.

Matthew chapter 18- best story of forgiveness.
Matthew 18:15

Hummm.. what do you all think?

God bless you all this Thanksgiving-- Cindy

What is your holiday goal?

2009-11-23T21:56:00.000-06:00

We're heading into that season of foody delights and every pre-Thanksgiving WW meeting I've been to always emphasized holiday goals. Where do you want to be on New Year's? How are you going to get there?

This week when I stepped on the scale, I saw that I was very close to my goal. I haven't changed my eating dramatically despite my efforts, but I have increased my exercise to 5 days/35 min each. With that in mind, I decided that this year's holiday goal will be for me to maintain my weight through maintaining/increasing my workouts.

Have you set goals?

Accountability is my middle name (not)

2009-11-15T16:49:00.002-06:00

Hi all--

I wrote a really long comment to Leonie's comment about helping each other with accountabilty. You all may have disucssed this aleady, as I have not read all the back posts yet.. but I would love to have help.. and maybe we can post here what we want to be held accountable for?

I would like to focus on just staying on the Weight Watchers plan for a few weeks to see if I can get some portion control back in my life.

Here are my comments from the other post. Please post anything you want acccountability on.. and we can help each other.
-------------------------------------------------------------
My comments on previous post:

Yes, let's hold each other accountable... but in a very positive way.. which I know you are.. but I used to have a friend I asked to yell at me if I messed up. lol I am getting too old for that.

I thinking today about your post about standing up eating M&Ms etc. Oh I could relate. I do 80% of my mindless eating on my feet, at the island of my kitchen with the news on.

lol

I thought today... next time I start do to that (my nemesis is usually chips..) I am going to think of Leonie. (or anyone else here who struggles with this) and think.. what would I want Leonie to do right now? I want the best for her-- she is so sweet and must be feeling down or tired or stressed.

I am going to hope she stops.. gives herself a hug and maybe even take a moment to sit and have a cup of tea and be kind to herself. Just like I would be kind to her if I were there.

I found it so much easier to thinking these things for others than for myself! For myself I just think.. 'you dummy! Why did you eat? You should be cleaining the house or working... you blew it again!"

lol

I would never say that to one of you.. so, maybe my virtual support of you when *I* am about to mess up will train me to also be kind to myself.

Does this make any sense? But I will hold you accountable and want to hear your succeses and challenges.

One thing I have done since starting WW is stocked my fridge with lots of good stuff.

I found I would be STARVING and no time- eating on the fly and no good choices. So I got tons of great stuff.

Also cleand out the fridge (it was packed adn a mess) so I can find everything.

The first week went pretty well until a dinner party we were invited to Fri night. I budgeted pretty well.. but then had some wine.. and when I got home ate half a bag of chips. How embarrasing?

Oh well, I am what I am!

So ate light today.. tomorrow is my first weigh in at WW.. lol.. silly but now my Monday mornings will be my little benchmarks....

Let me know what kind of support you need.. maybe we can all post?

I will make a new post for that.

hugs,
Cindy

The Good, the Bad and the APFRI

2009-11-14T13:18:00.000-06:00

A month ago I had an opporunity to participate in an Executive Wellness Assessment by the Army Physical Fitness Research Institute (APFRI) which has been offered to the students and spouses at Bill's school. Bill is a Major and the soldiers at this school are all in their mid-30s, and already APFRI has found plenty of people who need to improve their overall health and fitness. The amazing thing to me is that soldiers must pass weight and physical fitness tests to retain their jobs. If these are the fittest Americans, what must everyone else be like? (You can tell I don't get out much.)

The preservation of the Soldier's health should be the commander's first and greatest care.

--George Washington

APFRI's slogan is printed on the front of the packet I received after my 3 hour assessment which included an Army body-fat tape test, a bod pod trip, a treadmill test, a flexibility test, a weight lifting test for leg and arm strength, nutritional analysis, and blood work. Inside were all sorts of helpful sheets on how to improve in the areas I needed to work on, namely upper body strength, body fat, weight, and aerobic fitness. A staff member talked me through my results in a judgement neutral way. What I loved about the whole thing was that it felt really thorough and somebody took the time to show you how you did on each result. They didn't just summarize like the doctor does; they explained the reasons for and the ranges of results for each of the tests and showed me where I fell in a green/yellow/red spectrum. And for the areas where I'm not in the green, they set up consultations for me with a personal trainer or a nutritionist. Now I just have to do what they say.

Here are some of my results:

blood pressure--green range

Glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol--green, and with the risk factors I have, I could take up smoking and still be risk free (Bill argues that is my own interpretation of the results)

Army body-fat tape test--green

BUT: Bod Pod body fat test puts me in the red with 31.60% body fat. I should be below 23.9%

Weight: yellow at 138.61 lbs

Upper body strength: yellow

Nutritional Analysis: I eat my entire caloric allowance in starches/grains every day, and I still eat from all the other food groups!

So why share all this? A little to have it recorded in a place I can come back to, but also because I thought it was a great idea to have a benchmark, a real snapshot of my health and wellness at 36. I would love to have something to compare this to from when I was 25 and 35 pounds overweight and just starting this whole healthy lifestyle journey. And I think that most of it would be replicable without APRFI. A trip to the doctor with an appointement to discuss results, a tape measure, a heart monitor, a scale, and a few minutes assessing my eating and workout habits would cover 90% of what APFRI did. Have you ever done something like this?

From the comments

2009-10-20T00:07:00.001-05:00

My check in...and looking for help in dealing with that stress eating. That picking at food here and there...Any ideas?

Rachel and Niamh - looking forward to updates!
Today I did a new workout - Tracy Mallett's Sexy in Six - terrible name but a good mix of cardio, light weights, yoga, pilates. Nice for me cos lately I've been doing more walking/jogging.

Eating not so great - stress eating, you know? But I am determined to get there - lose those pesky 10 kg!!

A book

2009-10-05T19:11:00.002-05:00

Rachel's recent checking in post came at the right time for me.

Awhile ago, someone who cares for me shared their wish that I would lose more weight. More weight? Well, I lost about 38 kg over a four-five year period. Have kept that weight off for about a year or so . Have a healthy BMI but it is still a weight that is at the higher end of the healthy BMI.This pic was from 38 kg ago....

After Easter, this year, I tried stepping up workouts and eating mostly healthy. I lost 1 kg over the last three months. My doctor was pleased -she said most people who lose weight regain it and I hadn't. But that person-who-cares and myself weren't happy.

Could I deny myself a little, lose another ten kg,?

I bought some Weight Watchers magazines.And thought - - if they can do it, so can I. For my even better health; for fitness; for another; to learn even more self control and self discipline; and, yes, vanity prevailing, to look better.

Walking, jogging, instead of Taebo. Counting WW points. I lost a kg this week. Only nine more to go!

And I've ordered this book - from a lifetime Weight Watchers member. Looks good!

New goal weight, here I come!

Anyone going to join me?

Checking in

2009-09-15T21:09:00.004-05:00

We survived our military move and are loving life in a more laid back place. Almost every day I'm able to go running alone or biking with 2 boys in the trailer behind me. I'm not losing weight, but I'm learning to appreciate being fit and out of doors as their own enjoyable benefits and not a means to a weight loss end. One thing I will say after biking all over post today....no matter what you've heard, Kansas is NOT flat! Or not where we are anyway.

The FIRM

2009-07-17T08:27:00.003-05:00

Having a week of FIRM workouts - aerobic weight training. Some step work. Makes a nice change.

Most people know that exercise can help beat type 2 diabetes, but one type of fitness regimen might work best, a new study shows.
Specifically, workouts that combine aerobic and resistance training exercises appear better at controlling blood sugar than either type of activity alone, researchers say. Find the article
here.

Read more about the FIRM workout DVDs.

How is everyone? Anyone out there??

Log

2009-07-04T20:22:00.004-05:00

Workouts - a week of Jillian Michaels, the trainer from The Biggest Loser. Half hour workouts that are tough, intense cardio and weights, plyometrics or jump training, intervals and circuits. Did Cardio Kickbox, Shape up Frontside and Backside, 30 Day Shred Levels 1, 2,3. They pack a punch in 30 minutes and the change from my usual 60 minute Taebo saw me lose a kilogram on the scales - even though I didn't change my diet at all. It is said that one should change things up wrt workouts and I guess my body needed that change! Three more kg for goal number 1.

Food - Well, I have goals and thoughts.

Fill half the plate with veggies and/or fruit.

Choose fresh, natural, good quality foods from several different food groups - as much as possible, that is!

Give my eating some thought, some planning, some structure.

Try not to skip meals.

Don't ban any food or drink. Allow treat foods in small but regular quantities.

Stop obsessing over the calories in food.Choose wholesome natural foods ( where I can) , food that I know will make me feel good.

Look for other ways of dealing with my emotions. It's not all about the food, you know!

Don't pick or snack, especially when tired. Stick to fruit, crackers, tea. Okay?

GET THE BALANCE RIGHT!

Change One

2009-06-13T18:04:00.000-05:00

Sounds sensible...Still working on those 5-10 kg here!

The Change One Diet is a weight loss program from prolific publisher Reader’s Digest. The content is authored by some of their leading health and nutrition writers.

The plan originally appeared in the book Change One: Lose Weight Simply, Safely, and Forever: The Breakthrough 12-Week Eating Plan from Reader’s Digest, and received very favorable reviews (typically 5/5). Reader’s Digest have now come up with a complete on-line format containing all the advice from the book plus additional tools.

The name “Change One” comes from the idea that you make a single change to your lifestyle and diet each week.

Start out by altering breakfast habits, then lunch, then dinner and so on. Each week gradual changes are made towards a 12 week goal. There are no restricted food groups as such, and the diet is simply a balanced plan based on an “optimal” caloric intake for weight loss. It’s a refreshing break away from the “bad/naughty” foods point-of-view that causes so many dieters to binge or fail.

Losing another kilogram..

2009-05-26T00:59:00.002-05:00

...makes me feel the self control is good, I am happy, I am mostly eating better, the scale has moved in the right direction..yet I am also scared lest I lose control and put that kilogram ( 2.2 lbs) back on. Weird. Even in success, there is fear and trepidation...

A Reminder

2009-05-17T20:56:00.002-05:00

Feeling fat and ugly recently..did a Taebo Advanced Live Workout today..and Billy Blanks, the instructor, reminded me of why I do this..it is not all about looks but also about health..and fitness..and energy..and who I am and how I feel..and learning self control and disciplibe..and smiling ( those endorphins!).

One of Billy Blanks' maxims ~

Get Fit
Be Strong
Have Fun
And put the losing weight part last...

The power of words.

Short workouts

2009-05-13T03:12:00.003-05:00

What workouts do you do, when you have little time but still want an effective and not easy workout?

Like today - I had exactly one half hour to workout after early mass ( Our Lady of Fatima) and before I had to go to work meetings. I chose Jillian Michaels' Biggest Winner Cardio Kickbox - fats paced kickbox and calisthenics, bootcamp in feel.

So my list of short but not easy workouts are ~

Jillian Michaels' Biggest Winner series - Cardio Kickbox, Shape Up Frontside, Shape Up Backside - all bootcamp style
Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred - any level but especially levels 2 and 3 - circuit training
Turbo Jam Fat Blaster - four turbos, each done low impact then high impact.
Turbo Jam Cardio Party Remix - fun music, high impact danbce and kickbox, two turbo drills.
Cindy Crawford's Shape Your Body Workouts 1 and 2 - weights, low weight, high repetition, great music, great production.
Turbo Jam Kickin' Core - just the 30 minute high impact cardio section...
Taebo Cardio Circuit 1, with light weights
Taebo Original Bootcamp 1
Taebo Abs and Glutes ( ouch, is all I can say!).
Joyce Vedral's book workouts, to my own music - Definition or The College Dorm Workout or The Fatburning Workout ( all weight workouts).

A Loss!

2009-05-08T08:45:00.002-05:00

I may be exhausted ( busy week, bad day yesterday..) but..trumpets please ..at least I lost a kilogram...2.2lbs for my US friends.

My eating hasn't been great but I have tried to watch portions and continue to workout. Obviously with some success.

A loss of weight, good news on the scales, can make up for a multitude of bad days and for an exhausted TGIF grumpiness..

Agree?

Log

2009-05-02T18:34:00.003-05:00

Monday - Taebo Advanced Live 1 60 minutes - a great combo to Duran Duran's Rio!

Tuesday - Tabeo Advanced Live -the DVD - love the crane and the wax on/wax off moves- 60 minutes

Wednesday - 40 minutes Cindy Crawford Shape Your Body Workout 1 - fun ab work

Thursday - 40 minutes Cindy Crawford Shape Your Body Workout 2 - killer upper body with weights

Friday - Taebo Advanced Live 6 - nice standing ab work - almost 60 minutes

Saturday - the Express workout from the FIRM High Definition Sculpt - 25 minutes - then the strength and ab sections from Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred - about another ten minutes or so. Wow, I'm feeling it today!

Sunday - off to deliver junk mail with the kids ( walking!) and then probably a FIRM cardio and sculpt workout.

Eating log? Don't bother! It hasn't been great! Skipping meals or eating sweets!

Here's my log - where's yours? :-)

Workouts

2009-04-22T20:40:00.006-05:00

Been doing Taebo this week.

Yesterday was Taebo Cardio Live Bootcamp ( 30 mins) followed by Taebo Elite Bootcamp Abs ( 30 minutes, with weights and some capoeira moves. Challenging!).

Today was Taebo Ultimate Lower Body - great workout, no equipment needed, only 45 minutes with cardio that has a focus on the lower body.

Love my kickboxing!

Secrets of a Former Fat Girl

2009-04-19T23:14:00.001-05:00

A book I am re-reading. And I posted a thought for this week over at my blog.

Am interested in hearing your thoughts - and your health and fitness related reading!

The first day of the rest of my life

2009-04-06T13:37:00.002-05:00

If you are a milestone person, a birthday is a good day to start something new. I'm not a milestone person, but I won't let the fact that today is my birthday stop me from getting started on the next step in my quest for a fitter, healthier me.

I was reading Runner's World this morning (love that magazine) and was once again struck by the idea of having a "streak". There is a guy in there who has run every day for 31 years! There was also a study that people who ate 3 apples or pears a day as a snack lost 2.7 lbs/1.2 kgs in 12 weeks. The every day-ness of this approach intrigues me. Could I be disciplined enough to do the same thing each day for a set period of time? Sure I can!

I feel like everything is poised for me to succeed. The baby has weaned (he'll be 1 tomorrow!), I'm within 10 pounds of my goal weight, I have been working out 2-3 times a week, I've used Lent as a way to help me make good food choices, my husband is--as ever-very supportive, and I really really want this.

As usual, I plan to use a babysteps approach. Daily workouts until the end of April while maintaining my other good habits. Since I was sick yesterday, I chose yoga to be today's workout. It was lovely.

Ok, So I Know I'm Not Normal

2009-04-02T06:31:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone-

Here is an article/quiz that just came over my Sparknotes email. I have not taken the quiz yet (and already know the outcome..lol) but plan to and thought you might enjoy it too

Oh, Jenny- you aksed about my cooking for the family and if that contributes to my bad eading. YES! And my sons are beanpoles, too.

Here is the Am I a Normal Eater Quiz

What do you do when your dh wants you to lose weight?

2009-04-02T05:13:00.003-05:00

Now, I'm no bomb shell, I don't exude sex appeal, but I am nearly 40 kg , about 80 lbs, less than I used to be.

The other night, my dh wanted me to do a quiz on why I can't lose weight. He wants me thinner. He is thinner, weighs himself every morning and night, works out hard...

Hell, I'd like to be thinner but I also know I used to have eating disorders. How do I get thinner without being obsessed?

Do I work hard after Easter to lose more weight, Ive been maintaining this last year - can I work hard to lose, say, another 9 kg ( about 18 lbs) ? I lose slowly, about a kg a month - so, in nine months could I be slimmer, look better?

It's up to me. What the heck, maybe I should just go for it.

At least dh would be happier! lol!

I started!

2009-03-31T07:14:00.003-05:00

I waited till hubby had left for work, the kids were settled with their breakfast/showers/activities, our sick Labrador Jack was medicated, and then I clipped on my mp3 player and left.
We're a street from the beach and it was for there I set my course - do you KNOW how much it hurts to walk fast in soft sand??? No? Well it DOES. My calves were burning, but it felt good because I knew I was working them. By the time I arrived at the Old Jetty I was ready to leave the beach and walk back home via the runner's track.
All the time I was moving my legs I was listening to some pretty inspirational messages from Annette Sym (the Too Good To Be True lady) on my mp3 - just the sort of thing to bolster the old self-esteem as you pound the pavement in ancient runners and raggedy jeans. ;-) For the first time I wasn't self-conscious about what I was wearing, in the past that was one of the things that held me back from walking the beat. Instead I held my shoulders back and swung my arms high and thought about how much better I am going to feel a month, two months, 6 months from now!
When I got home I spent 20 minutes working on my abs and stretching before deciding the best way to keep active and not be food focused was to change a couple of rooms around and do some deep cleaning. Smart move! My food diary shows me eating much less today than the last week, even though I've been really good the last 10 days.
I noticed in my food diary that my downfall is the little between meals snacks...I'm going to focus on three good main meals so that I'm not looking to nibble between meals, and see how that works with my level of fullness. Plus I'll drink more water as I've been pretty slack with that.
I'm so tired tonight...a good sleep to be had methinks.

Sunday's Log

2009-03-29T16:56:00.002-05:00

Food ~ Had a few upsets around here but remembered I don't do that any more and refused to eat to cover up emotions. I wanted to either eat or make myself throw up ( two food related coping mechanisms from my past). Instead, I worked out, I did other things, I gave myself permission to have an afternoon off, I texted!

Food log ~ a banana, a slice soy linseed bread with low fat cheese, tea with skim milk, 2 mini Lindt chocs leftover from birthday, toasted sandwich with baked beans and capsicum and no butter, 2 tablespoons margarita ice cream from birthday, an apple, tea, an orange, a handful of potato crisps, low fat tuna vege curry with rice and salad, a mini party pie, tea with skim milk.

Exercise log ~ 60 minutes FIRM Total Sculpt plus Abs. Cardio, step, and weights. Felt it in my arms afterwards and in my legs today, Monday.

Finally...

2009-03-29T05:47:00.004-05:00

...I worked out what the heck was going on with my brain/body dialogue.

I'm the sort of person who wants you to tell her the worst now, to correct her NOW, and not to sweeten the news or dilly-dally 'round it. I'd rather one huge stomach punch of shock than little irritating pinches over a long period of time.

So, knowing that about myself, I figured this book was what I needed to kick my butt and get me back on track with slimming down to a healthy me - a me who can live long enough to be an awesome nana to the grandkids I have and all the ones yet to come - not to mention a me who can enjoy the rest of my babies teen years and my hubby's mid-life. (Hubby is only 43 this year but I've just hit 50)

I was so excited waiting for this book to arrive from the UK. I just KNEW it was the missing link in getting my brain and my body to work together for good, and not be hell bent on sabotaging my midriff and hips in their incessant discourse of gluttony.

Oh how sad it was when I finished the first two chapters and hated myself. Wow - this book really packs a punch! A nasty, rude, deprecating, demoralising flood of words that left me feeling worse about myself than ever before. This was in-your-face on a new level, one I soon realised I didn't want to play on. By the time I'd picked myself off the floor and disposed of the pile of tissues I'd wept into over the course of just 20 pages, I was so depressed I went off and ate a whole chocolate block in secret to comfort mysef. I haven't opened another page since. It could be much nicer further on, but I'm not going there to find out. Feel free if you must...

But the thing is, this book really HAS helped me. Over the following weeks since closing it's pages I have learnt a lot about myself, and the thing that lists highest is that in order to treat my body well I need to LOVE it. Bulges and all! I need to be NICE to it, be nice to me! I shouldn't be harsh or cruel with words against myself - cruelty harms, it crushes, it scars...those feelings would never help me to work at being a healthy weight. If I'm going to do good to this 50 year old body I need to do it with care, with love, and with encouragement.

For the last 10 days I've been taking time to dress more carefully, add some make-up each morning, blow-dry and style my hair - and eat well, knowing that what food goes in is going to show for good or bad depending on my choices. I'm a kilo down already, and my eyes are shining. That may not sound like much to you but it's thrilling to me. I am walking with my shoulders back, not hunched (amazing what that does for a body!!), and today I wore peep-toed black heels to Mass. I bought them 18 months ago and have never worn them - till today. My attitude is to like my body NOW, and to like it better as it changes - to work with it and not against it, to remember that I'm not competing with anyone, and I'm not 24 anymore. ;-)

Now to get moving...that's the next step. I have started once and stopped already this year, but that was before my 'aha' moment.

Thanks for letting me get this out. :-)

Jenny

Log updates

2009-03-28T01:43:00.003-05:00

I've been much better wrt eating and food choices. Thinking before I eat. Reminding myself of a couple of mantras ~

1. WIWM ( what I want most - health, looking better in clothes , rather than a second helping..)

2. I don't do that any more ( not stuffing myself with food when I was upset!)

3. If they can, I can ( reading a book about Skinny Chicks and reminding myself of good choices)

Been very busy so some days have only worked out 30 minutes or 45 minutes but I have continued to work out every day. Mostly a mix of cardio with a little bit of resistance work - Taebo, Turbo Jam, Jane Fonda....

These two pics remind me of some of my progress these last four years...

Tuesday

2009-03-17T07:24:00.002-05:00

St Patrick's Day. Not great food choices. Want to read a bit more about nutrition and motivation and mindfulness.
My workout, however, was good. 60 minutes of the 90 minute Taebo Ultimate. Kickboxing cardio, standing resistance work.

Monday's Log

2009-03-16T08:28:00.002-05:00

Sunday was a super cardio day - 70 minutes of hilo aerobics, some on the step. Christi Taylor's choreography keeps you thinking and guessing and the music is fun, too.

Workout Monday - 60 minutes Advanced Live Taebo 6, all cardio and standing ab work and some martial arts/self defence moves at the end. With the usual good soundtrack and large class, energetic, filmed live.

Food Monday - Body For Life oatmeal with skim milk and tea; half piece birthday cake; bowl pea and ham soup, coffee with skim milk; grapes and coffee; leftover Chinese noodles small serve; water and popcorn at the movies;lowfat hot chocolate while blogging before bed. Not too bad today!

Saturday's Log

2009-03-14T20:29:00.003-05:00

Food ~ Too much! I took dh out for lunch and we had a visitor for dinner - mm, want to work on portions. Body For Life Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal with skim milk and tea; nectarine; spinach and potato curry with basmati rice; 1 churro to try from dh's plate - no sugar or sauce!; skim milk flat white; water and water all day; tea with skim milk; a gin and toinc, glass of red wine, a plate of takeaway Chinese food ( but no spring rolls and steamed rice instead of fried! And lots of veges..), a small square hazelnut chocolate and two cups tea with skim milk.

Workout ~ 60 minute Taebo Advanced Live 2 - lots of cardio kickboxing and some great push ups, butt work, ab work at the end. Cool music. A half hour walk home from church . Good cardio day!

Blogging and Logging

2009-03-13T00:56:00.004-05:00

Over at the Video Fitness forum, there has been some discussion on logging workouts and food. Some members find it helpful to keep track of these things.One member posted a copy of her journal - delightfully messy, artistic, a fluid log of workouts and food to help her live mindfully in these areas.

So, I am wanting to log here - loosely - in an effort to be mindful in my workouts and in my healthy eating.

Today

Food ~ So Far -Toasted cheese sandwich and coffee with skim milk in the car for breakfast from the service station after Mass and on the way to skating - threw out the ham as I am trying not to eat meat on Fridays; 2 mini bites Cherry Ripes and another coffee; Fillet O'Fish with no tartare sauce and a garden salad no dressing and a skim milk Chai Latte and a mini peppermint slice at McDonalds for lunch; a nectarine and a tablespoon of fat free sugar free yogurt; cup of tea; lots of water. ETA ~ 4 low fat crackers; tuna pasta dish with cream and mushrooms and a rocket salad no dressing; pinched two small squid rings from son Anthony; two cups of tea with skim milk; two squares of chocolate from son Alexander. Hmm, too much chocolate and not enough mindful eating today!

Workout ~ 40 minutes - THE FIRM Punch Kick and Jab - kickboxing circuits with weights segments, using 3kg weights. Good abs section, too. Tick for my workout!

It is March!

2009-03-01T20:11:00.003-06:00

Thoughts on a March Challenge?

A weekly check in?

I did okay with my strength challenge the first two weeks in February then became unwell - upset stomach, headaches, sore neck..So these last two weeks I've dropped the weights and just done cardio. I felt the weights wouldn't help my neck pain...

So, here I am, thinking about a March fitness challenge.

Maybe consistency. Consistency in continuing my daily workouts. Consistency in eating healthy most of the time.

Don't Diet!

2009-02-18T16:47:00.003-06:00

From the book Eating Less - Say Goodbye to Overeating by Gilllian Riley.

It may be depressing but it is true that most people who lose weight by restricting their calorie intake put their lost weight - and more - back on.

Those who stay trim by eating a healthier diet and adopting a modest exercise programme fare better at keeping the weight off in the long term.

Inch by Inch...

2009-02-16T23:05:00.002-06:00

Hi Girls!

Hope everyone is going ok!

Just checking in...I have continued to follow my 'life schedule' which is working wonders and has helped me keep on track despite some 'heavy' things that came my way during the past week.

I have been doing a weight loss diet...feeling that I needed the structure and kickstart because I have so much weight to lose and so far I have lost 1.8kg over the two weeks that I have been doing it...SMILE!

TAE BO bootcamp has been my bosom buddy over this time as well. I have been watching he Biggest Loser and motivated heaps to continue the exercise program!

Overall...I am still targeting the inside as well as the outside...was watching an interview with Magda Subanzki last night..."Babe fame...who has embarked on a weight loss program with Jenny Craig and she was saying that along with the meal plan and the exercise (she has lost 16kg so far!) she believes that dealing with the 'inside issues' are extremely important! That's what's become real obvious to me...I was kind of feeling things 'out of my control' and that was manifesting in all sorts of ways!

Pray everyone stays encouraged to 'nurture' ourselves with health and 'inner beauty and peace'!

This week I have made a commitment to myself to continue with the Tae Bo bootcamps and the choice of 'keep moving' along with the focus on 'positives' in life...it really does change the perspective on things!

Big Hug!
Be Healthy!
God bless!
Julie

Stress less

2009-02-08T15:38:00.005-06:00

Stress less has been part of my February Challenge. More strength training. Less stress.

I mean stressing less about what I am eating and what I am weighing.

Eat healthfully and mindfully without obsessing about calories or weight on the scale.

Of course, those things are important but they don't define me. I'm into this fitness thing for health and for that feeling of joy, of energy, of well being, of I can do anything!

Yesterday and today, I went for some new ways to approach workouts. I combined workouts.

Sunday I did Taebo Bootcamp Live ( 30 minutes) then added a 15 minute toning workout from Jazzercise, given to me by an older lady friend who was cleaning outher cupboards. Jazzercise made me think of you, Cindy!

Today, I did a 30 minute Taebo followed by the last 20 minutes of Turbo Jam's Punch Kick and Jam. capoeria and toning and working on form with a little tai chi stetch.

Injecting some fun and variety into my daily workouts.

P.S. Speaking of Jazzercise...Collage Video has two new Jazzercise workouts listed. Apart from the toning workout mentoned above, I've never done a Jazzercise workout. I'm tempted to add them to my birthday wish list of workout DVDs....

Februrary So Far

2009-02-03T07:31:00.002-06:00

How has your February gone so far? MIne has been rough!

I got WAY SICK the last week of January and was down for the count. I didn't work out for 10 days ARGH! Yesterday was my first day back to my favorite spin class with Lynn, who has the BEST music-mostly 80s. It felt soooo good! I sweated from the indside and and felt like I got all that icky out of my body. Awesome!

It is beautiful here in Texas now- crisp cold morning and sun. I decided to really try and focus on my dog. lol Not the one in the picture I posted yesterday- that is Ralphie, he is 4. But Boomer is 11 and really aged the past 4 years. He lays around ALL DAY. His poor stomach is always rumbling.

So, I reserached food and think I am feeding him junk food. LIke I was feeding me! So I got some food that is protien based and I am going to try and take him out every day. He is so slow... a dachund with little short legs... and walking in our neighborhood is torture, as the cars some, he sniffs we never get anywhere. We have a local park, so I put them in the back of my wagon yesterday am and drove the 2 min there.

I took them out on the long retracatabel leashes.. and they LOVED IT! Boomer was galloping (well for about 15 seconds) and trotting adn sniffing. So, I am now their personal trainer and want to help him be healthy in these last years.

My biggest problem is time. Their workout is NO workout for me, but it is relaxing. So how to fit in their workout, then my workout, then the rest of life. I want to get to daily Mass more, too and have prayer time, the of course my 3 jobs and oh, yeah these kids I am in charge of.

Oh well, one day at a time. Tomorrow when we go out at 7:30 my friend is coming too with her Cocker Spaniel. It is fun to try something new!

Also, my friend in VA who I workout with long distance is trying something BRAND NEW this week! She has just done great with working out and loves it. All this was brand new to her last year. She had gotten in fabulous shape, slow and steady. She tried running last week. She has a trainer who takes her out. Fun!

I like that she is always trying new things and we share ideas, text each other. It is fun to share.. glad you all are here to share with too

I decided in addition to my doggie personal training I am going to try and get outside as much as I can while the weather is good. I can't run anymore b/c of my joints, but maybe walk and intervals of jumping jacks (which I love), etc around the lake at the Y... ?

Are you all doing anything new? Is your old routine still fun?

Habits!

2009-02-02T17:30:00.003-06:00

Thank you, Girls, for the feedback last week....there's a lot to 'mentally digest' and lots of 'sticky notes' to keep in mind.

Last week's goal of 'optimism' went well- repaired some damaged relationships with my kids that I really needed repaired. Happy to have achieved this!

The exercise was not up to scratch again: The work/education schedule only just kicked back in yesterday so I found it hard to get into a routine!

This week's goals: Beating Bad Habits...Establishing Good Habits!

This includes mind sets, physical and emotional.
They say it takes 40 days for ANY habit to set in...good or bad!

1. Physical :
It's been put on a daily schedule list.
Realize I work better when I am locked into time management for part of
my life...or else I go haywire!

General fitness :
Tae Bo workouts
Swimming
Home Gym- weight training here we come!

Balanced and healthy food choices:

Cindy mentioned being in tune with
the body's need for food - Have noticed I am not a 3 big meal a day
person. Going to try smaller, healthy meals and see how I go!

Aim for a healthy, mobile life as opposed to sedentary and frustrated!

2. Mind and Spirit:

No procrastination
Answer: daily/weekly schedule

Want to be a FLYLADY (Finally Loving Yourself)
Cindy's advice about being happy about the things we DO achieve! Leonie
often reminded me of baby steps...baby steps are more achievable!

Really understanding the concept that 'We are the temple of the Holy
Spirit- that embraces mind, spirit and soul

Thanksgiving: This week I'm going to be grateful!
Grateful to God, family, friends....
Grateful for my body and every other area of my
life...need to change the negative focus that has crept
into my life.

Here I go, Girls...these are my week's commitments to myself and one of the things I haven't been doing...is keeping the promises I make to myself...another bad habit that has to go!

God bless!

Self Esteem

2009-01-31T07:24:00.010-06:00

Julie mentioned this in a previous comment and I am so glad you did, Julie, as I think it is an incredibly important subject. Honestly I think that is the cause of a lot of overeating... feelings of inadequacy and eating fills and emotional void.

Also the media keeps shoving these pictures in our face of a perfect body (skinny) and it starts so young with girls. It is a never ending cycle.

On the UC list (some of you are on) we have been talking about Flylady, who is a woman with a loving method of keeping your home orderly. FLY stands for Finally Loving Yourself. I think this is the best part of all the wonderful things she does.

I know from experience what it is like to beat myself up, compare against others, feel I am not measuring up. She talks about 'finally loving yourself' in giving yourself small goals, and really appreciating your self for what you do do. Forget perfection. Embrace the moment, live life, love your family and all your imperfections.

For me it comes back to being a child of God. He made me. Even if I was the perfect weight and did all I could humanly do to perfect my body, I still would not measure up to the magazines. I have super broad shoulders so look like a linebacker in those cute little cap- T shirts. I have large bony shins and white skin just like my dad and gramma. I have my mother's side German nose, which is knobby on the end. Nothing like J Lo's.

Someone made me this way... who? Why? Am I beautiful? I am to God. I must be or he would not have made me this way! That really has to sink in with me and I have been pondering it ever since faith became important to me, which was a decade and a half after I first noticed I was not really 'beautiful', around age 14.

I also think about St. Paul and his 'affliction', whatever it was. He had one that drove him nuts. Scripture don't tell us what it was. But about 6 years ago when I was really frustrated with dieting and finding my good weight, I shared that with a trusted friend. She said, maybe that is MY affliction, like St. Paul had his! What? Would God use something so superficial as that to reach me? God uses everything. He created everything. He knows every thought, not matter how trivial or silly it is.

Then, I think, it is probably very, very good he did not make me beautiful. I am so selfish now, imagine how vain and uber-selfish I would have been if I was gorgeous and men had been falling all over me. I would have been doomed and never listend for his voice.

So, I think it is about finally loving yourself. I still struggle. I like it when I am trim and dress and clothes fit well. I like to look good. But then I also realize that if I am not that good-looking, it doesn't' matter.. I don't have to look at me... everyone else does! Ever think about that? What we really should want is other people to look great, since we have to look at them! ha ha

But, now, what I am really trying to do is think about the balance- mind/body/spirit

Focus on a balanced life- feed my mind. I know how to do that, and luckily enjoy it. And if we keep great ideas to keep us interested, excited and sharing. (and not bored.. that leads to eating!) It also helps me get outside of 'myself'. There is a larger world than just ME ME ME. :0

Body- Ok, the toughie.. WHY do I want to eat right and exercise?
As I approach 50 this year, there is a shift. I have more friends with health issues. I see parents and other elderly passing away. I see quality of life issues. I know I can't prevent them all, but I want to treat my body as well as I can. For me and my family.

When I was about 30 pounds overweight 2 years ago, the final straw was movement. I could not run around move, play with my kids. I was awkward and I really didn't like that. It was affecting the kind of mom I wanted to be.

So, I want a healthy body that can also give as much to those around me as I can.

Also, I have to admit it, I want to feel good. I have more energy. I have less stress. I can do more. I am happier. I am better to those around me. I know saints have suffered and still were sweet and maybe that is what God wants me to do.... suffer, maybe be really really fat and still learn to be sweet to others. Wow, that would be tough for me. Oops.. I hope I didn't give Him any ideas!

But I also like to be slimmer, because I feel better about myself. Not only slimmer but the weight training you were talkinga bout Julie... I can just FEEL better walking through the grocery stores, like my muscles are working in tandem, smoothly and I am not dragging and off balance. If this makes sense to anyone.

And spirit- the ultimate goal. I would give up the other two for this. I know ultimately I would. But what is God asking of me? He knows I am human and I think I function better if I am healthy. God wants what is good for me. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. He wants us to be healthy, but not vain. It is only with his help I can do that.

But, like I said, he didn't make me too beautiful, so I never will get too vain....

Finally (on this tome..lol) I want to say, I really am beautiful. Ok, this sounds weird, but the past years I have been able to look at people and see real beauty in them even if they are not beautiful by worldly standards. I think this is gift from God as I grew up in the midst of pop culture of the 70s and 80s. I think I have learned to see people's souls, to know each one has a beautiful soul that has been tarnished by the world, and the body God gave them is just vessel to carry it.. and even so the body is an image of him. Ever notice how beautiful Mother Teresa is.. when she is really not? Or Mother Angelica?

If I stand next to them, who is the most beautiful?

Wow, did I ramble....what do you all think about beauty and self esteem? Does any of this relate to your thoughts or issues?

February Challenge?

2009-01-30T16:56:00.002-06:00

Any thoughts on a February Challenge? Who's in?

I already mentioned that I want to add in more strength training.

Still thinking about another focus for February.

Ideas, anyone?

Strength

2009-01-26T22:08:00.002-06:00

Strength Training increases our Metabolism and Reduces Body Fat Research studies have shown that if we increase our lean muscle mass by 1.4kg we also increase our resting metabolism by 7% and our daily calorie requirements by 15%. At rest, one kilogram of muscle requires 77 calories per day for tis sue maintenance, and during exercise this figure increases dramatically. If we replace lost muscle through a sensible strength training program we will use more calories all day long and therefore reduce the likelihood of fat accumulation. Want proof? In a 1994 study, strength training produced 1.8kg of fat loss after three months of training, even though the subjects were eating 15% more calories each day. That is, a basic strength program resulted in 1.4kg more muscle, 1.8kg less fat, and 370 more calories per day food intake!

This was a good reminder for me - so I've added in a few more weights sessions to my kickboxing...Hoping to make the January Challenge ny February Challenge, too.

...This week...Positive is the key word!

2009-01-25T16:58:00.004-06:00

Hello everyone!

Last week went pretty well...my workouts lagged behind a bit (shame) but I have been working on my nutrition and detoxing from the holidays. Have managed to incorporate our home based meals with lots of salads, vegies and fruits. Am feeling so much better for it!

I ended up seeing "Yes Man" this week....which if I had known about some of the scenes, I would not have gone to...but...the message of being positive kept resounding in me! Of taking on the challenges (within reason...which he failed to do and burst some bubbles along the way )and of facing the challenges and opportunities in life with the "I will and I can" attitude....what we have been talking about in our efforts right along....this attitude opened up the doors to many great experiences for him, which he would have otherwise missed out on!

I can tend to be overcautious in many ways...
Spontaneous on one hand or so I think... but much often weighing myself down with the "oh what if" or " I can't do that" thoughts.
In the end undermining myself. My husband is great at challenging me in this way....but even then I'm like a stubburn horse that doesn't budge if I don't instantly feel comfortable with it!

So this week...my attitude will be tuned into positiveness!
Positive attitude towards:
1. My Ab Bootcamp exercises
2. My Eating habits
3. My personal relationships with my kids and husband and friends
4. My fear of rejection with cooking: I am volunteering to provide a dish for a fiesta our church is holding next weekend

I'm putting scriptures up on the walls that reinforce this....I am going to 'love what I do...what ever it is that I do...So help me God!

.....The Holiday is OVER...now I have to deal with the damage!

2009-01-18T18:27:00.002-06:00

Hi Fitness Buddies....

I was missing in action....not wanting to come back from holidays...wanting to avoid the mundane for as long as I possibly could! For no other reason than that I loved the 'freedom' that being a tourist and exploring new things brings...but...Alas...though we walked heaps...diet was a not structured...found my appetite actually went due to the heat but we overloaded on Cokes, in an effort to satisfy dehydration and I now realize how WRONG that decision was.

The walking has made my legs really strong...but...I look like a paddle pop!

Lacking any focused upper body exercise, I look like a water balloon that has been squeezed from the bottom and is top heavy...and...oh boy...does it feel uncomfortable! I had taken a Tae Bo dvd with me but the cabin we were at had no dvd player and I thought that with the exercise I was doing...I would be ok...though I was swimming everday and walking...I have come to realize that the upper body is my stubborn section...it requires specific exercising...targeting the whole mass!

I agree with you, Cindy, about focusing on the positive. My realization that I have to do specific exercises for the upper body has given me focus...I just have to do it if I want to see results and it has to be long term!

I'm still catching up with older posts but just want to encourage everyone to keep on keeping on!

This week's commitment for fitness will be:

1. Nutrition
More vegies and fruits (we had very little during the holidays...lots of take-aways)
I like the idea of 'listening to our bodies needs' and the smaller meal concept...think my body functions better

2. Fitness
Ab bootcamp
Walking.....actually like it now...walking on the boardwalks of beaches of the Sunshine Coast were awesome! Maroubra beach here I come!

3. Mental Fitness
Positive thinking
Remaining active: relationships, learning, faith!

We have the power to change....Let's do it!

A Good Thing

2009-01-17T11:15:00.002-06:00

Ok, I am posting this b/c I am convinced we have to LOOK for the good things! They are out there, but so often I focus on what is not working/good/right!

Here is the deal....
My knees are cramping my style. I will be 50 next year. My body is telling me this. I can no longer do my step classes I love. Also found out today that Body Combat hurts, too. Any torque (twisting) hurts them. I had to give up jogging 5 years ago. Which was sad, too, as I have jogged since college.

Here is the good news---- I can still do spinning! (which I love). And the eliptical machine and with my music I can really get going and enjoy. That is double-good because if I do elip then I can go whenver I want and am not tied to a class schedule. Well, the elip machine is in this room where you are aimed at TVs. I find myself watching the TV and I don't watch ANY media news now. I am sick of the biased reporting, so I find my blood pressure goes up. Also I love fans blowing on me and they just have these ceiling fans that don't do much.

Well, this week, as I got brave and went in the big weight room *where the sweaty guys live*, I found a bank of cardio machines. They face out this plate glass window onto a lovely vew of the lake. NO TVs!! It is so pretty and you also get to see the kids play and swim the families go in and out, the moms chasing their toddlers to the cars... lol

AND THERE IS A GIANT FAN MOUNTED ON THE WALL JUST OVER MY FAVORITE ELIP MACHINE!!! I was even looking for a mini fan to bring in.. but this is perfect! I blast the fan on high, blast my jivin' music, watch the birds, geese and ducks, and get a great workout.

Life is Good!

Check In

2009-01-17T11:06:00.002-06:00

Hi all-

Well, of course life got super busy the past two weeks, which makes it harder. Actually I think it helps the eating if I am busy, b/c I don't think about eating... but then when I do eat, if I am not very organized I have to grab quick stuff.

Like you, Leonie, my workouts are going great. But that is not a problem for me, as this is a long ingrained habit. It is nice to be at that place with it... just like brushing teeth, it is not even an option, I just do it! So nice, becuase remember when I used to talk myself out of it.. and took so much energy just to get there.

My eating has not been perfect, but I am happy with it in general because I am aware. I mostly did my rather strict eating plan to get myself back to portion control and being aware of what I eat. So if I go over, it is ok, but I think about why.. was I really hungry, or just tired/bored/mad/stressed. Etc. Because I KNOW I have eaten this plan before and felt great and not hungry. So that is my thing--- makeing that connection and awareness. I hope, hope, hope that one day the eating will be as second nature to me as the workouts are now. So I can live, go off the healthy stuff, but come back to it, like i do workouts.

Water is a challenge. AGain, I am more aware. I am setting little goals... I have a 32 oz water bottle I take to the Y. I drink my coffee on the way to the Y (bad girl, but I LOVE it!) then down a quart of water while working out. I make myself finish it if need be before I leave.

I refill it at the Y and then try and make myself drink it all on they way home (it is 11 min drive home..lol) So, if I do that I have 64 oz in already. Then try and drink water will all meals and only have non-water drinks for special things.
But, I am getting more aware.

So.. I am happy with the challenge.. it is keeping my focused and I have messed up but I am so far past beating myself up. What a waste of energy! Just learn from my mistakes and go on....

So, how's your week?

2009-01-16T23:03:00.003-06:00

How is the challenge for you guys?

I am great with workouts ( usual) but not-so-great with eating ( also usual, sadly!).

Eating junk. Eating too much. Maybe habit? Maybe eating instead of...instead of what? Not sure ... want to think about it.

Good news? Haven't had any alcohol for 16 days ( no cocktails before dinner! no wine with dinner! sob!) - so that cuts calories and is good for my health....

Looking forward to your check in.

This week--even though it's Tues

2009-01-13T13:38:00.002-06:00

Workouts scheduled today and Thurs am with my friend. Sat workout also planned, probably the bike here.

Still working on drinking my water. I want to focus on it long enough to make it second nature again.

That's it. I'm really trying to start slowly.

More reflecting on the challenge... :)

2009-01-12T20:21:00.002-06:00

It has been kind of quiet here.. so hope everyone is doing well and the challenge is doing positive, good things for them, whatever their goals were.

I had kinda aggressive goals.. which I wanted, but didn't do too well the past week becuase frankly I had too many other goals, too.
I had some ambitious working goals and also faith related goals. I was getting up at 5 am to work out so exhausted completley by evening. Burning the candle at both ends. Eating for comfort, not hunger. Not smart.

So I cut back on a little of everything- that I was pushing myself with. I am playing more. Spending more time with the kids. I feel more refreshed already. I feel this is more doable now. I am going to work out again mid morning which I felt I could not before because itw as 'work hours'. Well, I don't care. Work can work around me!

I also changed my workouts, like you Leonie. Something new and different.

So, back to healthy eating... and working out. Hope it sticks a little better. I really do love how I feel when I stick to it, but then it is about ebb and flow.. right?

Reflecting on the Challenge

2009-01-11T17:52:00.005-06:00

I have been in a funk mentally lately. But still been working out! And my eating has been very mindful, until yesterday and visitors! Uh oh..

Mindful eating, not dieting? Nice articles here. Ten principles.....

1. Reject the Diet Mentality
2. Honor Your Hunger
3. Make Peace with Food Call a truce, stop the food fight! Give yourself unconditional permission to eat.
4. Challenge the Food Police .Scream a loud "NO" to thoughts in your head that declare you're "good" for eating under 1000 calories or "bad" because you ate a piece of chocolate cake.
5. Respect Your Fullness Listen for the body signals that tell you that you are no longer hungry.
6. Discover the Satisfaction Factor The Japanese have the wisdom to promote pleasure as one of their goals of healthy living
7. Honor Your Feelings Without Using Food Find ways to comfort , nurture, distract, and resolve your issues without using food.
8. Respect Your Body Accept your genetic blueprint.
9. Exercise--Feel the Difference
10 Honor Your Health--Gentle Nutrition

Also have been reading about the importance of cross training, and of weight training for women, especialy as they get older. So, I thought I should probably change up my routine a bit.

Saturday, instead of Taebo, did a FIRM weights workout. Sunday and today , instead of Taebo, did Turbo Jam - still kickboxing but with an anaerobic drill and capoeria.

Going to plan not to pick at food when tired after work this evening!

A week in review

2009-01-09T15:20:00.002-06:00

To sum it up: Failing to plan is planning to fail.

I never did plan my workouts and guess what? They didn't happen. HOWEVER, in the spirit of starting over, I've already made a date for next week. :)

I found my water goal a little challenging so I tweaked it a bit and it's going much better. And I forgot how much it helps me to add ice to my water, but I'm doing that now. So most days I drink most if not all of my water and my little nursling is overflowing his diapers.

I have a friend who just joined WW and so I think we're going to try to hit a meeting next week.

Here's my quote for the week:

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. --Thomas Jefferson

Another Update

2009-01-04T16:51:00.003-06:00

So, how's the January Challenge ladies?

Yesterday, I ened up doing an old (very old, very dorky but fun) Jane Fonda workout. It's on VHS - 60 minute aerobics called Lean Routine. Dance and intervals and way out clothes!

Eating was mindful. Happy to say I'd lost a kilogram when I weighed this morning (had put on 3 kgs over the holidays so one down, two to go!).

This morning I did a Taebo workout with one of my sons - Ultimate Taebo. It is a 90 minute workout but I am back at work at Kumon today so didn't feel like I had 90 minutes in which to workout. So, Greg did 60 minutes and I did 71 ( but who is counting, right? lol!).

New stuff is hard stuff

2009-01-03T21:47:00.002-06:00

Well, no prob with the workout.. had a terrific spin class today, then a mat pilates which stretched me out in all the right places.

My portion control was not great, but I did change what I did eat. Back to basics... lean meat, vegs, lots of water, oatmeal. It feels good to eat good. I can really see how far off I got when I try and follow something simple.

Handful of chips here, cookies there, glass of wine... it all adds up. I think the older I get the more sensitive my body is, too. Ok.. maybe tomorrow will be better and I can work on the quantity, too. :)

Sat., Jan 3

2009-01-03T13:30:00.002-06:00

Well, even my simple goals of water and planning my workouts haven't quite materialized. While I did workout yesterday, I forgot to plan those for the rest of the week. And I'm usually able to choke down my first cup of water by 4pm, a second one by 9pm, and maybe half a third one by midnight because I've been staying up too late watching the Office with Bill.

Still, I think I'll sing, "Tomorrow" and remember that New Year's is not my only opportunity to start over and try again. Any moment that I rededicate myself to my goals is the moment when I stop being who I was and start being who I want to be.

Happy weekend, ladies! Thanks for the inspiration!

January 3

2009-01-02T22:19:00.003-06:00

Pleased to say that yesterday I was mindful with my eating - thinking about what I would eat BEFORE I ate. Just that stopping and thinking helps. So, ate well - and not too much!

Today I did a 73 minute workout. Very proud of myself! A 31 minute Taebo Cardio Circuit 1, with Greg and with the addition of light weights. Then a workout that Jonathon gave me for Christmas. The 42 minute Crunch Cardio Go-Go. Think Go-Go dancers! Making a fool of myself in the family room.

But having fun.

Thanks for your encouragement in the challenge, Cindy. And for your updates!

January 2

2009-01-02T07:09:00.003-06:00

January 1-
Not off to a great start.. Y was closed and I was still so sore from my weight workouts this week I could hardly walk!
Did great on food until dh made this elabortae New Year Day meal.

Loved that the family ate together, but I ate way too much. I am so tired of food. He is off work, loves to look up recipes and cook, but this has gotta stop. I am goig to tell him that I am going to be waching my food and may not partake in all he makes. (then he leaves ME to do the dishes... gotta work on the envirnment here!)

My goal is to eventually be able to just eat little bits of what he makes and enjoy the family...but right now I still eat way too much if the food is really good.. like his is. sigh.

I plotted out my exercise for the next week. Working hard on my water. Realized I am only drinking about 32 oz a day.

Hope you all have a great day-

Leonie's Challenge Update

2009-01-01T18:15:00.004-06:00

January 1.

Did my Taebo Workout, only time for 40 minutes.

Eating was cr*p, too much alcohol and too much picking at food. We had friends over and I just didn't eat mindfully.

January 2.

Remembered my affirmations. Reading Half-Assed but she seems so darn good all the time - always eating well and working out hard. Damn, that is how she lost 200 pounds whereas I am more of a bit here, a bit there person. Yes, I lost 80 pounds over a long-ish period but my biggest fear is ~ will I continue to stay there?? Will I get fat again?? Feel like there is a fat lazy person inside always struggling to get out...

My mind rebelled against the January challenge. Already. As always. I set up the challenge to do Taebo everyday so today I felt trapped. I don't wanna do Taebo -I love it but just because I said I must I don't wanna do it. So did a FIRM kickboxing workout instead- with weights. At least I never miss my beloved workouts....

Working on thinking about my eating, too - before I eat, not after!

Day One!

2009-01-01T08:45:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone-

This is the beginnning of our fabulous January Challenge!
Please feel free to post how you are doing, ups and downs.

Today the Y is closed. I am mega-sore from hard weight workouts the past two days.

I am focusing on my eating and drinking water today. My big difficulty- snacking. Grabbing a handful of chips or cashews as I walk through the kitchen.

Make sure I take my vitamins, drink lots of water and do some yardwork to get moving. It is a beautiful day here, so am taking advantage.

Hope you all have a great day and great start to January!

But, is there time?

2008-12-31T21:36:00.005-06:00

I was just reading Willa's post with her goals and saw the part about the exercise cutting into her Geo Challenge and/or curriculum time...

Great point. So, how do you all fit in the exercise? The sneaky and the planned? Would love to hear.

This reminded me of a conversation I had with Stephen (18) and Bryan (15) today. It was annoucned that Stephen was going to try and survive on a hour less of sleep. He is a night owl but we determined he really only sleeps about 9 hours a night, even though sometimes he sleeps REAALLL late.

We were talking about how to find more time in the day. I told him I gave up blogs for a while... Had to when things got hectic. He could not think of anything he does that 'wastes' time.

Well, I happen to see how he eats. Slow. The boys both usually read or listen to CDs or audio books while eating. It can take Stephen 45 minutes to eat a sandwich.

So, I suggested, in a nice motherly tone, that maybe he spend less time eating.

He replied, "But that is my READING time!"

Touche'

So, this related to Willa becuase I took a long-overdue peek at more of her blog. (I miss reading it Willa). And I remembered, what a terrific writer she is. And thought, no, I don't want exercise to take away from her writing time. I can just see her in the mountains of the Sierras writing and thinking and sipping coffee (or water... lol)

Willa.. ok.. how about when you hike, can you take your lap top? Or dictate to a machine? Maybe this is about multi tasking!

Sorry, I am a bit nuts-- long dog sitting day. And the day started with this KILLER workout at the Y with two gym buddies, who, by the way, I hope will join our blog. I told them (Lisa and Lynette) about the January Challenge and they were psyched!

So... repeat question:
How to you fit in your exercise in your already busy and important life??

January Challenge- Cindy's plan

2008-12-30T21:44:00.002-06:00

Ok.. here is my revised plan:

Drink water. See how much I drink with my workout and make sure I get enough the rest of the day to make 64 oz.
Sneaky exercise: Be more active. Walk the dogs, park far from the store, on days I feel fat and lazy (or on my cycle) move MORE, not less.
Use my 1400 cal/day diet as a backdrop or default. Vary it, have a treat now and then, but have that as healthy options so I don't eat junk. Keep healthy food in the house and in sight. (and hide the chips!)
Don't eat junk. When I am tired or stressed, have presense of mind.
When I get down, use my affirmations and turn to prayer and thanksgiving- laugh daily.
Push my workouts. Try new things. Cardio, weights and pilates. See how strong I can get!

January Challenge--Rachel May's PLAN

2008-12-30T20:11:00.004-06:00

Thanks, Cindy for the kick that I needed to get going again!

This is my goal for January. PLAN to exercise and then execute the plan.

So, on Saturday when Bill and I plan our menu for the week, I will also plan 3 30-min exercise sessions, on the stationary bike, at the pool or outside for a ....ahem....jog.

I was going to use the Runner's World Race Finder to plan to run a 5K, but I think I'll save that for February's challenge.

I will also PLAN to get all my water in each day. My plan is to drink at least 24oz by lunchtime, and 2 more 24 oz cups by bedtime. When I do that, my little nursling is a very happy camper.

It doesn't sound like an ambitious plan, but it feels like one at the moment.

January Challenge!

2008-12-30T14:47:00.004-06:00

Ok, ya'll.. let's go for January!

So far I hear the following girls are in:

Leonie
Willa
Niamh
Rachel May (when her stomach calms down!) :0 -- HOPE you feel better soon!!
Julie (when she gets back Jan 10)

Did I miss anyone? Anyone else want to join in?

Ok, let's start fresh for the new year!

Here are the rules:
Create a new post with your goals. They can be whatever you want them to be.... small, huge, in between. They always say to make specific goals, but if something like 'being mindful' works for you, the do it. Honestly I think this is all about habits. So if you just want to pick one habit and work on it, that is great, too.

I would love to have everyone make a seperate post with their own goals so it is easy to go back and find. That way we can READ it and HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE... lol, of course in a nice way. But what is better than your girlfriends cheering you on and helping you when you fall?

Should we make this for the month of January, then hope it sticks? So think of goals that you think you can do for a month.

My 42 day challenge is going great IF I add belgium chocolate and sugar cookies to my 'diet'. I am going to try and stick with that healthy eating but give myself allowances.. need to think of how much I want to hold myself to for the month.

Ok... hope you all will post! It can be about exercise, eating, affirmations, positive thinking, taking vitamins, drinking water, just being more active....
anything you want to work on and would like us to help you with. Even if helping just means knowing that we will look in and cheer you on!

Leonie posted here (feel free to edit, Leonie if you want) and I will post mine again I am scraping my 42 day challenge (I'm FREE!) and will start up with you all on Jan 1.

Looking forward to it..starting off the new year on a healthy note. :)

Joining that challenge...

2008-12-30T04:47:00.003-06:00

Hey, Cindy, can I join your challenge?

But mine will be a January challenge.

The challenge?

1. To continue with my daily workouts. But with a mostly one hour mostly Taebo focus. I just want to feel and look fitter and Taebo always does that for me.

2. Work on what I am eating. Need to eat healthy. Stop this junk! Diets just plain don't work for me. But working on eating well, on good habits, on the whys of eating, on eating mindfully, well, this helps. Reading Skinny Bitch and Half-Assed for encouragement.

3. Use my slogans. My mottoes. My affirmations. Where I am today is where my mind put me. Where I'll be tomorrow is where my mind will put me. Get Fit Have Fun Be Strong. Every day above ground is a blessed day. Use your mind and spirit. Be what you wanna be.

Affirmations help me, remind me of who I am and who I want to be.

So, that is my three step January challenge. Cindy, how are you going with yours? Maybe we can post regular updates?

Anyone going to join me??

2008-12-21T21:47:00.004-06:00

Do I have any takers on the 42 day challenge? It is down to 35 days now.. lol

How about after Christmas.. or start on Jan 1 and have it be a 25 day challenge! :)

I feel so lonely...... lol

Anyone going to join me??

2008-12-21T21:47:00.001-06:00

Awesome workout!

2008-12-20T07:04:00.001-06:00

Ok.. I had the most incredible workout yesterday! And it also opened me to new horizons. I think that may be the most important thing.

I work out at theY as you all know. I do classes and the women's weight center. Also do the cardio room which is a big room full of all ages and lots of cadio machines.

Well, they also have a big weight room which I avoid. I alaways thought of it as the big hulky guys.. and felt intimiated to go in there.

Well, Lisa, who is an awesome aerobics instractor, sweet as can be and a friend now, was hanging in there working out and clowing around with friends. I snuck in to do some abs, and tried to make myself invisable. Well, she was hving such fun, I went over to try some machines near her. Soon she introduced me to psople and asked if I watned to join them for a circuit train on Friday. She said it will be HARD, but that is good!

(She cracks me up, because when we are in class doing something REALLY hard, she will look up, grin, and say "Life is good!" She is right!

I agreed to come.

So, yesterday morning at 6:30 am we all met.
She had devised a circuit train. 3 stations per block. We all rotate each station for a full minute at max effort. Them move to the next station. After we all finish the block, we rest a bit then do another block.

It was HARD stuff! We worked out for 1 hour and 20 minutes! There were four of us, one guy this rock hard body cop- nicest guy in the world and the three of them would trade jabs and trash talk... but they were all sweet to me as I was new.

It was so much fun! Just comraderie and helping each other max out and achieve.. and laugh and work hard. It opened up a whole new world (why was I afraid of the weight room) and also that you can have FUN while you work out... and that you can form friendships around working out and being healthy.

And.. I am so sore today.. truly in mucslesI have never worked before. Can't wait till our next circut train!

And I encourage everyone.. open your horizons, do something new, make working out fun, find a friend.. laugh! Life IS good!

Eating plan

2008-12-20T06:56:00.003-06:00

Hi Julie and all

Here is my eating plan, cut and pasted from Word. Not sure how it will come through but I can email the doc to you if you want.
Really it is just eating 5 times a day. About 1400 calories and spacing them out. You can eat whatever you prefer, but I just listed foods I like, that are healthy, satisfy me and easy to keep aournd. I just like having a structure, so when hunger hits I run to my list to see what to eat, versus grazing through my fridge and pantry! Usually what I have planned sounds really good and I stay on track.

Of course I still struggle, and at night especially. Candy... chips, still call my name and I an working on that. Let me know if you want any more info... sometimes I like structure sometimes not.. hope this helps!
Cindy

Breakfast: 300 cal
2 eggs and toast
or
6 oz yogurt, 1 t honey and
¾ C Blueberries
coffee w/ ½

Snack: 200 cal
Chicken 6 oz
or mini bagel 120 w/ 2t pb 80
Or 6 oz Yogurt w/ 1 t honey

Lunch 300 cal
Salmon patty 4 oz,
or
Chicken
or
tuna 6 oz 200
with salad 1 t Oil/vinegar or spianch
1/2 C corn or small potato

Snack: 200
Tea or banana and 1 t pb
or
Fruit and cheese: choose between
-1 C grapes
-1 orange
-1 C strawberries
Mozz or Feta cheese 1oz

Dinner: 300 cal
4 oz salmon, or chicken
green veg
½ c corn or small potato
small fruit

Dessert:
Sugar free pudding or max glut and tea 100

Vitamins
Omega Oil

Water 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 total 1400 cal

The 42 Day Challenge

2008-12-16T08:34:00.004-06:00

"Over Christmas? Are you crazy?"
~ my 15 year old son

"Anytime is the right time for health!"
~ me, (with my MOM-answer)

Yup, I am starting the challenge now. Of course I will have a Christmas cookie and a treat here and there. But I realized I have lost that 'connection' of food to mouth and mind and body. So that is one of my goals.

I am really getting back to basics. A few months ago I got serious about getting in shape as I decided I was really about 40 pounds overweight. I had a picture taken of me and realized I didn't recognize myself. Ugh. I got on a scheduel with a buddy and we really worked hard. I lost about 25, then went into maintenance, mostly because the schedule was pretty rigourous. But then maintenance turned into major-lapse and my old habits came back. So I am back up several pounds. I am not going to weigh. I think that would not be productive at this point. But I want some measurable goals.

So, they are really a lot of what I did before. But this time I am going to also focus on the connections part. Really think about what I eat, how I feel, focus on health and energy. Let weight loss be a by-product.

But here are my goals:

Eat on a plan I made up. It is about 1400 cal a day. Structured, but has options. So I can keep good food in the house and have options I like.

Workout schedule- Aerobics 6X week, Pilates 2 X week, Weights 3X week.
I have my Y schedule and will put it on my planner daily. I want to burn 550 cal a day.

Vitamins, essential oils, water.

Prayer and meditation

Focus on how I feel, health, when I see myself straying and coming up with solutinos (this is the hard part for me)

Ok! Those are my goals! Wish me luck!

Join me if you like! (with your own goals or share some of mine:) )

Hey Fellow Leaners but not Meaners!!

2008-12-16T08:18:00.003-06:00

I have been awol, just checking in, but wanted to say hi! I hope to read more regularly and catch up. From what I see, looks like Julie and Leonie have been mostly holding down the fort. Good going, girls!

I have had a rough fall, and unfortunaltely hit has transferred to poundage UP and strength DOWN.

But that is ok, that is life. And I am full of resolve and have myself on a 42 day campaign to bring back some discipline in my life. I am so excited!

More on that later.. but I wanted to share something I discovered today. This is the little stuff, that adds the pounds back. Little things like this...

Ok, I had a great workout this morning and brought back out my heartrate monitor and watch to track my calorie burn. At the end of my workout came on this song I LOVE: Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen. Who can't jam to that? So I counted how many cals I burn in that 4min `14 second song.

30 calories.

Then I realized that those 3 handfuls of Peanut M&Ms I ate last night (which took about 6 seconds to scarf) probably were somewhat more thatn that hard workout song.

I researched and found out that EACH peanut M&M is 10 cal! So for that hard working, jammin' Born to Run for over 4 minutes... it was wiped out by 3 of those M&Ms! (And I had WAY more than three!)

Where have a gone astray? Not thinking. Not wanted to care for my body. Forgetting that my body is made up of cells (love your fat cell graphics, Julie) and I feed them with whatever goes in my mouth.

The goals in not SKNNY. The goal is healthy and building my body from the inside out.

I miss the way I felt about 3 months ago, when I was stronger, and leaner.. had energy. And my clothes fit so well so life was simple.

But now I am motivated. I have my challenge. Will post it next. Anyone want to join me? Do a 42 day challenge with your own goals?

Missed you all and so glad to be back!

hugs,

Cindy

Updates

2008-12-16T00:36:00.003-06:00

Well, I lost a kilogram ( 2 lbs) when in Tokyo. Lots of walking, lots of drinking but not much eating. And a little bit of working out each day in the hotel room.

Now I'm home, am trying to get back into my fitness routine. Done some hard Advanced Taebos, one hour long. And some shorter workouts for busy days - the tough but effective Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred.

I love my workouts! I wake up feeling horrible, have a cold and cough since Tokyo. I do some kickboxing and I feel better - it clears my head, gets rid of the achy thing that comes with a cold.

How are you? Working out or not, let us know what is going on!

The abover? One of the Japanese lunch bento boxes we hd in Tokyo. Definitely not a lot of food - especially when you can't eat half of it!

Lost a kilo!

2008-11-23T23:30:00.004-06:00

Unbelievable!

But true!

I was feeling defeated when I wrote the last post....I didn't WANT to give up... but....I was sure close to it!

Then this morning...as the drum rolled in my head (for dramatic effect)...I approached the 'scale' to torture myself yet again.

I found, however, a loss of 1 kg!!!!

Yes!

The diet worked despite all the hiccups (uhmmm....chocolate cake and yummy stuff at a b'day party the second day into it and then noodles and brownies at the zoo during the second cycle....alas!)

Oh! It's like a dose of CPR!

There is hope!

I do know for sure that the workouts are essential!

The feeling of your body firming up is the best!

My goals this week is to take baby steps with the workouts: will aim for three this week and will continue the diet!

Here I go....

Gettin' Down with the Fanny Lifter!

2008-11-23T15:46:00.005-06:00

A quote from Emily Walsh's FIRM workout, pictured left. AWT.

Aerobic Weight Training.

I've been working out with an AWT focus this week. Mostly FIRM workouts , new and old.

Sometimes, like yesterday, it has had to be a short workout. 30 minutes, as we were going to be out all day. Mass and Kumon Awards Ceremony at Darling Harbour.

Sometimes, a nice longer AWT session.

What is AWT?

Aerobics and weight training together.

Aerobics and toning fitness video workouts include both fat-burning cardio and body-sculpting in the same program. The balance of techniques creates a fitness video format that's both varied and effective.

They also involve interal training - as does kickboxing and Taebo. Interval training videos are also called circuit training videos. One type of interval training fitness video has alternating intervals of aerobics and toning. This keeps your heart rate up as it burns fat.

So, I'm having fun working out. Hope you are, too!

Well.....

2008-11-21T17:59:00.002-06:00

Well...I've just proven to myself again this week that 'walking' and I just don't mix!

It sadly just does not give me any motivation...I struggle with it...don't know why but I do!

Consequently, most of this week I forfeited any significant workouts because one way or another the avoidance of the walk managed to take over!

As you can well imagine the result is just a feeling of stagnancy! Frustration! Despair!

I did manage to do the diet for the most part of the week yet over the last days I feel...bloated and having taken some pictures on an excursion yesterday I notice my face looks like its got cellulite! EEEEWWWW!

Sigh!

I can only try again this week.

Very disappointed that I failed myself with the unfulfilled promise of losing some weight and feeling fitter by the end of the year...(head dropped)...but I can't deny that the changes that I did start have made a significant difference in my day to day activities.

Feeling very run down this week and beginning to think it really has got a lot to do with not doing the intense workouts, however, the legacy of having done them those consecutive weeks has allowed me to have a lot more energy and endurance, without being 'out of breath' all the time!

It's just that I have sooooooo much weight to lose...It gets to me....

Heavy aaaaannnnnnd Heavy Laden!

2008-11-16T22:12:00.005-06:00

Hi!

It's been a non-eventful two weeks in terms of exercise and I can FEEL it..(frustration...snarl...snarl...grump!)

Whereas I was beginning to see and definitely feel the benefits of a more exercised, firmer midriff...I can now feel the 'bulge' sensation that I so detest!

Why do I do this????
Why do I let myself lull into complacency so QUICKLY!

Well...the fight is not completely lost!
I still have tiny reserves of enthusiasm left, though I seem to fighting an enemy which I can at least now identify......The Sedentary Militia!
Looking back critically at my whole weight gain experience...I can see how it has managed to ambush me! It creeps in....

Ok....I've been extremely busy...emotionally more than anything else and the subliminal message was 'take a break...you need a rest'....which I could identify straight away, so I fell back into the old "comfort zone" of research and reading...which relaxes me....but forgot THE ALL ESSENTIAL BALANCE!
Before I realized it, I could feel the difference in my body again, not the good change, only the bad!

My initial reaction was.....give up!
My second thought was...No! Not this time!

I've really been feeling 'weighed down' with everything so as I stopped to reevaluate things, I made the decision to buy a Leg Master which I had been wanting for ages and which was on special...my new toy kind of....since last week I have been doing sporadic jumps onto it and that helped me feel better!

Similiarly, I decided to take the plunge and start the diet!
I've actually lost one kilo which proved another incentive! Yes!

And since for some reason, I am finding it sooooooooo hard to do a workout, I've set my goal this week in terms of walks! My daughter has been begging me to start taking her down to the beach of an evening to walk..... Thinking perhaps this is the counterstrike I need, in order to break that sedentary mindset that I've adopted...to actually get out there and get a change of scenery, take in the fresh air!

Been really trying to come face to face with the 'excuses' that have underminded me in past efforts to lose weight! But....oh boy...is it a labyrinth!!!!!

Workout log

2008-11-16T19:11:00.004-06:00

Saturday I did Taebo Advanced Live 5 - killer glute work to the song My Sherona.

Sunday was Turbo Jam Cardio Party 1 - good kickboxing cardio, esp to some Brittney Spears songs and to Don't Blame it on the Boogy.

Today? Not great music but a different workout - no kickboxing, just cardio and some light weights. The FIRM TransFIRMation Cardio Overdrive.

Anyone want to update re workouts - or lack thereof? :-)

Feelin' Fat and Chubby

2008-11-14T05:26:00.004-06:00

Been feeling fat and chubbby lately. You know, losing weight and being healthy is not only a physical thing. It is also mind thing. An ongoing mind thing for me.

Taebo helps. First, it is cardio, sometimes hard cardio.

Secondly, it is resistance training and toning. Those kicks. Those punches. That floorwork.

These make me feel like I am powerful. Fit. Losing weight. Slimmer.

It's all psychological with me.

Thirdly, doing Taebo helps me with endorphins. Working out hard with many pushups and squat thrusts on yesterday's Bootcamp 2 made me feel tough and happy and invincible. And a bit sore, but that's another story.

Worked out with Advanced Taebo Live 2 today. The killer floorwork with the song Simply Irresistible, made me sing. Out loud. Be happy.

Finally, Taebo helps me with that mind thing. Billy' s words of wisdom, his little motivational talks at the end, help me. His words act as affirmations or slogans. Remind me I can keep on keeping on.

Hopefully feeling fitter will stop that chubby feeling.

Affirmations

2008-11-10T06:04:00.004-06:00

Affirmations?

The act of affirming or the state of being affirmed; assertion.
Something declared to be true; a positive statement or judgment.

Affirmations have helped me on my weight loss and fitness journey. They help me now, as I try to learn to eat normally, to maintain a reasonable weight.

What affirmations have helped you?

Some of mine -

W.I.W.M. ( what I want most)

Discipline is remembering what I want tomorrow not what I want today

Every day above ground is a blessed day

Where I am today is where my mind put me; where I'll be tomorrow is where my mind'll put me

If she can, I can!

I'll show him! ( lol!)

Never give up. Ever. Ever.

Just Do It!

I.N.O. ( it's not an option)

I don't do that anymore

...ON THE LOOSE....NEEDING TO LOOSEN UP!

2008-11-02T16:52:00.007-06:00

What a relief to be on this side of the week!

Troubles abounded and workouts were zilch!

However....I did get to do some abdominal work, keeping that section on notice just before 'blacking out' most nights from mere emotional and mental exhaustion....

On the positive side: I've been really encouraged by the 'loose fitting' of some of my clothes!

YES!!!!!

It's happening...deep down there...something is going on! I do find it funny that although most of my workouts have been focused on my midsection, it's actually my legs and shoulder area that are showing the quickest results! No matter...I will continue until I get that middle bit right!

I must add that my nightmare week did end with many miracles! God is amazing...He really does turn our mourning to laughter and never misses a thing!

My husband ended up booking me into the Stamford at the Airport for a night...to take some time on my own...to take a breather...and OH BOY...it took my breath away!

My room had the most awesome view of Botany Bay and both the Domestic and International Airports...Now...the significance of this goes back a loooong way...my dad was in the Peruvian Air Force and since I lost him when I was only one, I have always had this love of being near planes! So here I was...graced with being spoiled and nestled in a place that gave me a sense of security and peace! I was like a kid at the candy store...sat there and just took it all in! It was such a great experience!

Now....4 weeks ago when I started the exercise commitment I had spent many years with a 'supposed' stress related anxiety and claustrophobia that I could not shake off...couldn't be in enclosed areas (like elevators..a no no) or even situations that put me in a place that I could not control...my throat would grow dry and I would get a desperation to swallow, which it seemed I just couldn't do! That brought on panic...feelings of faint...like I was dying!

Now....here I was...4 weeks on...having begun to confront an old enemy of mine that has played me for a FAILURE for soooo many years (that is, my inability to get myself in shape...to be a healthier me..to take control of my body!) Never thought or gave this area of my life so much significance but you know what, the damage WAS being done!...

Now, here I was on the 11th floor!

No panic!

No stress... DESPITE the nightmare week!

Just a sense of awe!

Thanking God for his healing and my awesome family and friends who have been helping me thru this!

And guess what! The hotel had a gym!!!!!

Although I really did not feel like exercising...I did get myself down there and did some walking on the treadmill and workouts on three other machines! Any other time this would have been an exercise dream! There was even a pool, a spa.. a sauna...could have done so much...but there were other things that God was dealing with in me that were just as important!

I found it really hard to relax completely...kept feeling guilty about not having the kids and hubby enjoying this experience with me! Go figure....that's a mother for you!

In the end, I walked away with many a revelation that I think was important for my continued success in Operation Fitness for my life....I even thank God for letting the things that did happen last week happen because they were trying to lead me to realizing that somewhere along the line with the guilt and personal failure regarding my self-esteem and perception, I had lost my joy! My zest for life! My joie de vie!

Where did it go?

I don't know!

When did I lose it?

I didn't THINK it was missing!

But it is now obvious....I have to loosen up!

I have to forgive myself for my failings and get back on the starting mark and run the race with renewed strength, outlook and vision!

It's the sense of failure and accompanying regrets, frustration and anger that have left me empty...thinking I could never be what I really wanted to be ....which at its most basic level...is happy and give my family a happy life!

I've been, in real fact, alienating myself on many levels because I was out of control and felt deep down that I could do nothing about it! I've been contradicting the very foundations of what I have wanted to achieve in my life! And I've been sending the wrong messages! Confusing those I love the most, without even realizing it....because of ...shame! Shame from my own failure in this...a failure which I could not hide or even cover up!

This failure and anger does not belong to me and it's time

to get rid of it too, just like the fat! I don't want it!

This weeks goals:

1. To continue the ab workouts and tae bo training

2. To initiate an ongoing workout for more laughter and joy in all areas of my life!

To loosen up just as my clothes are loosening up... as the fat gives way...now its time for the disappointments and failures to give way and let the new Julie emerge!

Have a great workout week....and don't forget to get rid of the 'failure' mentality wherever and if ever it rears it's ugly head!

God bless!

Working out and weight loss

2008-10-26T15:20:00.003-05:00

This week, I changed up my workout routine. Inspired by a thread at Video Fitness, I pulled out my Cindy Crawford workouts.

High repetition, low weights, fast paced but not true aerobics.

I alternated between The Next Challenge and Shape your Body all week, I gave it my all. I sang to the music ( songs by Blondie, Seal,the Smithereens, - the song Crazy, Top Top of the Pops and so on).

I worked hard and enjoyed myself. And today , in spite of a big restaurant lunch yesterday, and in spite of the accompanying fair amount of alcohol, I found I'd lost a kilo.

Woo hoo!

And my arms and glutes just look a littletighter, too

Thik I'll try and stay with Cindy this week!

Video Fitness

2008-10-24T22:07:00.002-05:00

Sharing one of my favourite fitness forums ~ Video Fitness.

VF also has a group at Facebook.

What is VF??

Video Fitness is a thriving online community whose members are dedicated to helping each other make the most of a home exercise program. Members accomplish this by writing reviews of the exercise videos that they use regularly, and by sharing advice and opinions in the Reader Forum.

We do not sell videos, so our community members can be totally honest about whether a fitness video lives up to its claims and to the reviewers' expectations. If you're looking for a place to buy the videos you read about here, see our Sources section, which includes consumers' comments about their experiences with particular vendors.

Video Fitness is a community unlike most you'll find on the Internet. Some of our community members have been coming here for years. Dozens have met in person on VF road trips or at local VF get-togethers, and many close friendships have formed around this common interest in fitness videos. As a result, the Reader Forum at Video Fitness will seem less impersonal than other fitness boards you'll find on the Internet. Most regular posters use their real names, and are often very candid about their lives and the challenges they face to working out regularly.

Video Fitness initially grew and developed with the help of advanced level home exercisers--women who had been using fitness videos regularly for years. As a result, the reviews (especially earlier ones) and the Forum postings can seem skewed toward the advanced perspective. However, the women who post about their rigorous workouts were once beginners, too. They didn't start out by lifting 50 lb. barbells or completing 2 hour marathon video workouts. They worked up to it gradually as their fitness level increased. If they can do it, so can you!

Another thing you'll notice is that we don't talk about diet much at Video Fitness. Yes, diet is a fundamental part of a healthy lifestyle, but every health and fitness site, as well as every women-oriented site on the Web, seems to focus on diet. Most Video Fitness readers enjoy having a haven from diet talk--a place they can go to focus exclusively on exercise and personal goal-setting.

Had to share this one!!!!!

2008-10-21T19:02:00.004-05:00

Just had to share THIS...a little milestone in my battle with the bulge!

I lost 2 kilos!

Weighed myself reluctantly this morning....thinking...I'm not going to get caught up in the often too regular scale heckling, I'm accustomed to...but...I had to have a peak. Last week my 'get up and move' bubble was burst many a times, including an encounter with the scales that showed a gain of 1 kilo!

Today, however, I savour the sweet entree of success that my workouts have bought me!

I feel so bad that I didn't perservere more last week.

It's been three weeks since venturing into this new Workout Lifestyle and Week 2 was a real fizzler!

I haven't been able to change my diet at all....so, for the most part...it's been the EXERCISE! Funny how Leonie just brought up the subject in her post today! Thought...SHAZZAM...when I read it!

I know fad diets are a NO NO...but...a friend suggested I try the Japanese Morning Banana Diet, which is supposed to activate the metabolism....so I tried it yesterday and did ok...didn't feel hungry most of the day - then again I really got into 3 workouts during the day - putting the " old veg out" time to doing the dvds!

Apparently, in having just banana and water at room temperature (yeah yuck) for breakfast (you can eat as much banana as you like), it's supposed to kickstart your metabolism. You can basically eat all you want all day, within reason, right (trying to steer away from desserts) and as long as your last meal is eaten before 8pm and you go to sleep before 12, this start to your day is meant to make a difference with your ability to metabolize your food..........despite criticism....there are a lot of people losing a lot of weight.

Since I'm not a big breakfast eater......I'm giving it a try!

So here I go......resolved to continue this commitment to see change in my body...GOOD CHANGE! HOOOORAY!!!!!!

........All I want is a waist for Christmas...........sigh

I don't do that any more!

2008-10-21T16:40:00.005-05:00

From The Do-able Diet ~ Barbara Wimhurst, a mother in her 20s, lost 45 kg on her own by eating less and exercising...

I remind myself constantly "I don't do that anymore". Every time my eye wanders down the confectionery aisle, or I go to eat the crusts from my sons' lunch or I think to ask for some extra cream on the side, I repeat this affirmation, "I don't do that anymore". These words remind me of how far I have come and how much I prefer the sweet taste of freedom and success,

OMG! Sore bu**

2008-10-20T05:05:00.003-05:00

That's me today. I find it hard to walk up my stairs.

Why?

My Bu** is killing me after some great workouts.

Yesterday I did Taebo Advanced Live 10 - cool music ( Knock On Wood, Your Love is Lifting Me Higher, Boogie Fever, Simply Irresistible) and some killer floorwork. Ouch.

Then today I did Cindy Crawford's The Next Challenge - some effective cardio/leg/lower body work then abs and chest/upper body. Nice music too - especially the Blondie song.

No wonder it's hard to walk up those stairs without pain. But it's so worth it and the workouts are so much fun.

There's a fine line between pleasure and pain ~ The Divinyls.

....Sound off...one...two...Recommit..three..four!

2008-10-19T22:00:00.004-05:00

Gee...I've only been at the GREAT GET IN SHAPE plan for only 3 wks and I'm already needing to recommit!

I Am hyped up after having found the Billy Blank's Bootcamp Boxed kit...which has...Ab Bootcamp...which is what I was WANTING!!!! Last weeks effort to do the workout through You Tube proved a failure as sharing the two computers between the five us, is a logistical nightmare, plus it kept freezing up and then taking forever to download....so now...God has pushed aside yet ANOTHER excuse ( uhhhumm!) after my morning winge on Leonie's post.

I also came across the Kickbox PARTY that my Honorary Workout Therapist, Leonie (this is the first time she hears THIS!) suggested ......and it is now in my hot little hands!

On this Monday afternoon, I stand here (or rather...sit and type) and recommit to my exercise goals before you...cyberspace bloggers...and do hereby set my goals as getting through the Ab Bootcamp and the Kickbox Party for this week!

Additional Goal: to get into a structured weight loss eating plan!

Haven't been very good about confronting this full on but just bought the Abs

Diet for Women (incl. DVD) and will try to follow that this week.

God bless us in our efforts!

BootCamp

2008-10-19T15:18:00.005-05:00

Interesting article on bootcamps.

Participants in the study used a Bootcamp DVD workout.

I own a couple of Bootcamp DVDs but not the one mentioned in the article. What I like about Bootcamp is the mix of cardio and bodyweight resistance work; sometimes you use bands or dumbbells too; and it is fun to mess around with the push yourself military style.

Which ones do I own?

Kickbox Bootcamp

Crunch Bootcamp

Denise Austin Bootcamp

Taebo Bootcamp Elite

Taebo Bootcamp 1 & 2

Taebo Bootcamp Boxed Set

Workout Update

2008-10-18T17:18:00.003-05:00

Well, guys, its just Julie and me posting right now? lol!

Friday I did another Turbo Jam workout. Cardio Party 3. About 50 minutes. I love, love, love the moves, the kickbox and dance and capoeira, in this one. And I love the music - "Party Party People".

I was woo hooing and having fun, doing my workout before mass and ice skating. Jonathon ( son number 4) told me to calm down! lol!

Saturday was a time for a short workout. Turbo Jam Cardio Pary Remix - two turbos or anaerobic drills. A high energy workout in only 30 minutes.

Worse for Wear!

2008-10-16T17:38:00.002-05:00

Ummmmmmmmmmm......this week has been DISAPPOINTING on the workout level of my achievements.

Monday: On fire with Bootcamp 1 and JM's Full Frontal and even some gym work
Tuesday: Decided to take a day off because I was feeling off colour
Wednesday: Was so full of energy that I decided I would rearrange the furniture and strained my upper back....no workout possible!
Thursday: Awwwwwwwwwww! Back still sore, couldn't even turn!

My back is no longer hurting but I'm feeling so FLAT!
Mind you, everything inside is saying ' get that workout done'.....GET BACK ON THE HORSE!

Need to get thru a mountain of homeschooling work with my homeschooler, who has been suffering from food poisoning since Monday! But before the end of today.....I WILL WORKOUT!!!

Girls Just Wanna have Fun!

2008-10-14T06:48:00.005-05:00

This week's log.

Hmmm..Not sure about goals this week...But I want to keep up the emphasis on kickboxing and cardio..And I need some weight or resistance work ( I've seen my arms!)....And I want to have fun in my workouts...Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Sunday A weight workout, late afternoon, after a busy but great day at our church's 25th celebration. The FIRM TransFIRMation ~ Hard Core Fusion. Aussie readers - this set, with weights, is available for sale right now at Big W!

Monday Kickbox, dance, capoeira, cardio. Turbo Jam Cardio Party 1

Tuesday Another Turbo Jam - Kickin ' Core - 30 minutes higher impact kickbox cardio, 15 minutes strength and ab work - I used a weighted medicine ball...

Wednesday The Firm Pump Jump n Jab Around the 40 minute mark, kickbox intervals alterated with dumbbell resistance work. Finishes with push ups, planks, ab work. Nice one!

Thursday Turbo Jam Punch Kick and Jam 50 minute workout, more athletic and less dancy kickboxing than other TJ workouts. I love how the music in TJ is real music, not canned techno stuff, and how it is geared to the routines. A capoeria section, then capoeria legwork and some work on form with or without a resistance band.

My eating has been up the creek. I am eating irregularly, at odd times, missing meals, not always making the best selections - like cake for a very late breakfast two days in a row and no proper dinner two nights in a row - just a mandarin or cheese and crackers. HMM. Really, Really Need To Get Back Into A Better Eating Routine.

Julie, how's your eating plan going?

YES!... I DID IT......NOW...I'M EXCITED !

2008-10-12T04:35:00.004-05:00

Girls!

I achieved part of my goals for this week!

Achieved goals:
1. Alternated Bootcamp 1 and Bootcamp 2 every weekday this week (Mon-Fri)
2. Alternated JM's Full Frontal and Maximize Frontal during the weekdays
3. Did 2 days of Blank's Ab Bootcamp
4. Walked along Maroubra beach coastline (3/4) on Thursday
5. Did some gym work

Felt I really needed to get a kickstart this week! Felt at times like really not doing it but was "driven' towards doing the workouts....I'm 'feeling' different! It's helping me FEEL different!

Blank says to give it 40 days before you see the changes and that kind of hit a nerve with me...Ok....I want to see the 'changes'...so...I need consistency...commitment...Ok...

I'm not doing it to the point of exhaustion....I'm a big girl but I always had a high level of flexibility when I was younger and part of me was really 'anxious' ... actually...about having to face reality and accept that perhaps age (and years of inactivity) had taken that away!

...BUT...it's still there!
ALLELUYA!
Realizing "I still could" just rocketed me on!

I can already 'feel' the changes...though miniscule to the casual observer....
I'm breathing better! - Confession time: I have been suffering from this 'anxiety' type of throat constriction for years...where I felt I had something in my throat and could never swallow it...the sensation would make me claustrophobic and panicky...YET...NOW...I'm swallowing better! I don't feel the same...I actually went on an elevator to the 17th floor (entering an elevator is something I haven't done for years!)...These minor stepping stones are making me sooooo HAPPY!

Unachieved Goals:

Did not begin the Liver Cleansing Diet (had to re-buy the book after having lent my copy)-
Feel I still need to follow some structured eating and cleansing plan!

Goals for this Week:

1. Bootcamp workouts daily
2. Gym workouts
3. Specific ab workouts ( JM's Full Frontal and Maximize)
4. Start Liver Cleansing Diet

Thank you, Girls for your support in all this....knowing that you guys are out there and wanting me to achieve this is really helping!

God Bless and have a great workout week!!!!!!!!!

Leonie's Workout Log

2008-10-05T19:57:00.008-05:00

Goals for this week ~

*Concentrate on cardio/kickboxing, especially Turbo Jam and Taebo. Why? I find that cardio/kickbox helps me keep that calories balance and works out my upper abs ( my problem area). And it helps burn off stress, all those powerful punches and kicks, all that cool music.

* Work on portion control and avoidng mindless eating, picking at food...

* Smile more!

Sunday Not a bad eating day, in spite of those yummy margaritas! lol! Did a 40 minutes workout - Turbo Jam Cardio Party 1. Busta move!

Monday Worked out with dh and son Jonathon - an hour long Taebo Advanced Live 9. Classic Taebo, leg and butt and ab work, pushups. My arms were feeling it. Yay! I was singing and jumping and happy, with all the endorphins cruising in my veins...Its okay, I can laugh at myself! :-)

Tuesday Fitting a workout into a busy day. Turbo Jam Punch, Kick and Jam. A more athletic version of TJ.

Wednesday. In a rush, couldn't decide what to do so did Turbo Jam Fatblaster. Gota love all those Turbo drills in this workout. had a terrible tummy ache this evening so ate a late but light dinner ~ a Weight Watchers meal, Chicken Carbonara.

Thursday Another TJ workout - this time a weights workout. I am a bit of a cardio freak but I know weights are important for bone density, building and toning muscle, increasing metabolism. So, I did Booty Sculpt plus Abs with 7 and 9 lb weights and a resistance band.

Friday. Today! Still on my TJ craze so did Cardio Party 2 - love the kick sequence in this, to the music and lyrics of Sir Mixalot - Baby Got Back.

Saturday. Tired - lack of sleep, and worked at church working bee, so had to workout in the afternoon. Decided to go for corny dancing fun. Richard Simmon's Disco Sweat - I can make it harder by increasing the impact. Sang Disco Inferno!

How's everyone's week?

Operation Cut The Fat....out!

2008-10-05T17:05:00.002-05:00

I have made a new schedule for my week...this week is still School holidays so I think it's perfect to focus on getting into a solid workout plan:

Goals: To do the Billy Blank Bootcamp workouts daily

Play some afternoon tennis with the family

Walking (my husband is off work and the kids love it...we are off to the National Park today!)

To keep moving!

Food Attitude: Because of the amount of weight I have to loose...I need to start a structured eating plan......
Having listened intently to some friends sharing 'diets' on Friday, I prayed and remembered a diet plan that helped my sister lose 3 dress sizes and I had tried it for 5 days and lost nearly 5 kilos...but failed to perservere...

The Liver Cleansing Diet by Sandra Cabot

My mother had always said to us that it was important to keep our livers healthy- something which our perservative ridden lifestyles do not do!!!! I will tell you that my sister shrunk! Literally but looked so healthy! Its all about going back to healthy eating...no starvation....all aiming to restore the liver to its natural functions so that it can do its job and kick the metabolism back on track and deal with cleaning out our bodies...like it was meant to do...

Here I go....my commitment this week...workout and clean out my food!!!!! No more icy cokes from Maccas!!!

Whatever Process You are Following is Perfect for the Results You are Getting

2008-10-05T07:11:00.002-05:00

I ran across the above profoundity somewhere on line as I was surfing health/diet/exercise.

This spoke to me and convicted me, too! I made a little sign and posted it on my fridge.

As I stand there looking at the words I realize just where I am now, with health and weight and fitness really is just the perfect reflection of the 'process' my body has been through as of late. My body does not play tricks with me, it just naturally reflects what I put into it and how much I move it.

That strips away the 'magic' of this diet or that one. There is no secret formula or mojo to make a diet work. It simply reflects how I live.

I think it also helped me to stop beating myself up because I didn't follow a strict diet or exercise plan. It made me see this is a process.

And, I realized too, that if I had not done all the good I HAD done, that I would be more out of shape and heavier. I am doing good things, too and my body notices those!

So, anyway, I liked this. It was honest and convicting but not negative.. and helps me continue to see this is a process and about long term habits. And slip ups are allowed. That is life!

Cindy's Exercise Plan for Week of Oct 4th

2008-10-05T06:46:00.007-05:00

Every Sunday I look at my calendar for the week. The first thing I pencil in every day is my workout plan. That is the only way I know I will get to my workouts and treat them like appointments.

Then I fill in the rest of my life around them.... :) I love the way it makes me feel.. and i love getting the workouts done first thing so they are done.. and I can move on with my day.

This week will be challenging as I am going to be in Chicago Thursday through Saturday for a Lighthouse Catholic Media conference. I am excited, though to meet all these wonderful people and on Thursday I get to go to an Ignatian silent retreat at a monestary. Boy, do I need it! So, I will have to find some way to MOVE during my Chicago time.

Here is my workout plan: (all at the YMCA)

Sunday- Eliptical machines at the Y with new playlist my spinning teacher gave me! Oh, music motivates me so much!

Monday:
11 am weight workout &
Spinning class

Tuesday:
6am (yikes!) Step and Mat class

Wednesday:
6am- Athletic Conditining class (cardio and weights)

Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Me and my tennis shoes at the monestary! I asked my friend going with me to bring her tennies, too... she has told me she HATES exercise and calls my workouts my 'torture sessions' but she does like to walk.. .so we will have fun.

What are you all planning this week? Big steps? Little steps?

Now...I'm angry...this is war against fat!

2008-10-05T02:36:00.002-05:00

Somehow...someway....I have avoided looking at my PROBLEM realistically....
Sure...I knew I had gained weight...but...today the full impact of realizing that I am obese has just hit me.....I'm so mad...mad at myself....mad at the fat!

We took some photos yesterday and while downloading them today....AHHHHHHH! I look sooo bad... I'm not kidding...this is not self-pity...It's just being real...as a matter of fact, before today, I would have deleted all the photos (I did one or two because I just couldn't handle it..) but I have purposely put them on my Facebook because I want to SEE change...I want to see what everyone else is obviously seeing and I've been 'editing' out of my life....

No more excuses....I need excercise
I need to change my eating habits
I need to change my sedentary lifestyle

I really do need this!

No more excuses....No more excuses...No more excuses.... My habits have to change!!! Now!!!

Kicked it at my workout this morning!

2008-10-04T11:51:00.001-05:00

Well, to finish out my week I took off yesterday because a good friend called and was on my side of town, so we went to a resturant for breakfast, then did shopping, then lunch.. what fun!

But today... I made up for it.. See here... :)

Hi Yall

2008-10-03T07:07:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! I decided to get back to my workout journal. I will keep posting here, but if you want more boring details about my life, please drop in!

Cindy

September Summary

2008-10-03T06:42:00.003-05:00

I got back into running in September by starting with a running partner who is a homeschooling mother of 5. We meet two mornings a week to run and share ideas although the huffing and puffing has cut down on the talking. Nancy found a program that eased us into running with 1 mi jogs followed by 2 min brisk walks alternating for 5 sets. Then it was 2 min runs...then 3 min. Weekend runs were on our own, but I've managed to make all of mine. :)

My first Oct run was yesterday and afterward I sat down to look over what I've accomplished. In September I ran 3 times a week for 4 weeks, and yesterday I easily ran 2 miles seperated by a 1/4 mi walk. I'm feeling pretty good, and this morning I treated myself to a plain, grande coffee from Starbucks after my run. On the chilly walk home with my hands warmed by the coffee and my nose full of the scent of paper cup, I pondered what habit I could gently add in this month. No decisions yet. Perhaps making sure I get my (breastfeeding mom's) 8 servings of fruit/veg a day?

Enough with the excuses!

2008-10-02T15:19:00.002-05:00

Having decided to take the 'exercise' plunge...I'm a bit frustrated that I have failed to do the workouts over the last two days....

The school holidays has proven to send things into a spin...but not of the excersise kind!

Not having exercised for years.... I struggled at first with Jeanette Jenkins' Kickboxing Bootcamp...achieving a whole 10 mins of the warm up on the first try (uhggggg)...but I thought to myself...it's a start! Two days later I was able to do the whole dvd but in three segments (uhggggg...uhgggg...uhgggg).... I felt encouraged....I guess the endorphin kick set in and I no longer felt that negative ' I will never be able to do this' feeling. I find that her workout is good but she wears me out before I can get to the nitty gritty of the workout....so I tried

JM's Shape Up front....thinking again...I'll never make it...but I did..on the first try I finished it after two breaks and am keen on trying the maximise full frontal (my major problem area). I was able to keep up with her much better than the Jenkin's workout - didn't feel so puffed out...go figure! Loved her " I'm not going to let you quit' attitude...I needed it!

The curious 'take on a challenge' part of me took the Billy Blank's Bootcamp 1 out of its plastic wrap (can't even remember when I had bought it..but it was there...challenging me from the dingy darkness of the closet..).... It was fabulous...I was a human sprinkler system and in the privacy of my own exercise corner AND I felt like I was achieving something! I was able to finish it with two very short breaks...I found him very encouraging with his tidbits....just when I was questioning everything inside me...I heard this "you need at least 40 days of effort before you are going to see any results" voice coming from the tv and it just helped me put things into perspective....I know it sounds silly and unrealistic...but that defeatist part of me wanted to have seen results yesterday...just to justify giving up...but Blank's set me straight and I did it!

These last two days have seen other major obstacles stand in my way and I have not been able to get back to my workouts....but whereas...in the past...I would have let them get to me to the point of feeling 'crippled'...I've stopped to think that perhaps God is letting them come to surface because, like the exercise....I have to deal with them and they too have been a thorn in my side...the piece of wood in this lions paw.... with all her roars and bravado...these rotten little things tend to get the better of me...but...I don't want them to anymore...ENOUGH IS WITH THE EXCUSES!

Mind you! I chose yesterday to get out of the house and trying to 'air out'... went on a window shopping outing to a couple of suburbs.....I had the 'need to exercise' in the forefront of my mind so I pushed the pace at which I walked right around the shopping precincts....Does that count? I was good and refused to buy any junk...though the Pastisserie's taunted me to the left and the right and though I felt the hunger pangs by 2pm, I shunned the Chinese Take-away.....

On the drive home however...... the thought of an icy cold Coke from Mc Donalds seemed to be exactly what I needed.....so I talked myself into just making a quick stop and maybe grabbing a couple of chicken mcnuggets...I had done all that walking... I thought... and the heat yesterday here in Sydney was stifling...but...would you believe...that on the drive home (the shortcut way I use) had NO MC DONALDS ! The only Maccas and Hungry Jacks I passed were on the other side of the Princes Highway , which with the heat, I was not bothered to do the major turns and u turns needed to get there.........so I made it home....and sat down to the chicken leftovers from the night before and a refreshing salad........there were no cold cokes in the fridge...just some cold apple juice.... and....an ice cream (wooooops)!

Cindy's Log Week of Sun Sept 29th

2008-10-01T21:29:00.003-05:00

Sunday:

REST :)

Monday:
Spinning class. I have not been to spinning in so long and I loved it. This instructor (Lynn) has THE best music. It all has a beat and keeps me so motiavated. After, I did 100 abs and 40 pushups

Tuweday:
Trying to get back to my 6am workouts.... I got really tired mid afternoon when I did them, but I MISS them! The format, instructor and fellow participants were just awseome AND I was done by 7:30! That was a cool feeling. But slept in, so did 40 min on the eliptical.

Wednesday: 6am Athletic conditioning class at the Y. Fun.
She had us do 30 min alternating step, BOSU and Slide. Ever done the slide? I found a picture and put it up top...it is the long thing that looks like a gray slip and slide about 6 feet long and 2 feet wide. You put little booties over your tennies and you slide right to left like a speed skater. GREAT workout.

AFter cardio, we did 30 min of weight work. Felt great as many of us had few workouts during the 3 weeks since Hurricane Ike.

Thursday Plan:
6am Mat Pilates class and eliptical

Friday Plan:
not sure yet...

Eating has been way off. Schedules have been werid since the hurricane.. ready to get back on healthy track.

Workout Log Week of Sun Sept 29

2008-10-01T16:50:00.006-05:00

Am keeping an online log - do you want to join me?

Sunday Taebo Bootcamp 1 - with my dh! A 40 minute bootcamp military style workout - with traditional taebo moves, of course!
Terrible with eating - no, I didn't eat too much calorie wise, but I ate unwisely. No dinner for example! Something that has been happening regularly lately...

Monday Turbo Jam Punch Kick and Jam. About 50 minutes of kickbox and capoeira. Fun!

Tuesday Turbo Jam Cardio Party 3- a 55 minute cardio sweat fest. A nice section near the end where you work on form in punches and kicks. And I need to stop eating mindlessly, stop picking at food here and there...

Wednesday A quickie today. Turbo Jam Fatblaster. 30 minutes but advanced - 8 Turbos! Feeling fat, especially, when I look at pics. Am re-reading Overcoming Overeating, Confessions of a Former Fat Girl and The Do-able Diet.

Thursday. Am off to do another Turbo Jam workout. Probably Cardio Party 1 or 2.
ETA - Did Cardio Party 1. Did you hear me singing along with LL Cool J - Mamma said knock you out! lol! And my eating was still pretty uneven..

Friday Planning on another Turbo Jam - probably Cardio Party 3. Didn't happen, our DVD player broke. So I did an old Taebo on VHS. Advanced Live 2 - great music, singing along with Early In The Morning, Be What I Wanna Be. Powerful kicks and punches, great standing ab work. Trying not to eat more than I need. It's all about portion control..

Saturday Gonna try that TJ Cardio Party 2 from yesterday, hopefully the DVD player has recovered!

Hey, guys!

2008-10-01T16:49:00.001-05:00

I changed the look of our blog - hope this is okay! And do you know anyone else who is interested in joining and sharing about fitness?