Level 3!

Level 3 is on! And although I was dripping sweat by the end I kept up pretty well, and only had to switch to the modified version a couple of times.

Since the beginning I’ve been using 3lb AND 5lb weights. Level 3 is no exception. There’s no way I can do jumping jacks with 5lb weights in my hands. I have a feeling if I tried something would end up with a giant hole in it, probably my tv, although I don’t know how many more times I can stand hearing Jillian say, “Don’t phone this in, buddy!” Eventually I might just throw my 3lb weight at her face. HA!

In all seriousness, this is a great workout for those of you who are beginning (although my husband who has done cross fit in the past was having trouble keeping up with level 2) or those of you who HATE “phoning it in at the gym” for hours each week.

If any of you have done any work out videos at home and had success I’d love to hear about it!

Back again!

Ok wow! I know I totally fell off the planet for a while but a lot’s been happening. We moved and had a slew of company. BUT I’ve been keeping up with my diet and exercise program and am finally starting to see some progress. I don’t know if you guys have heard of the 30 day shred by Jillian Michaels but I just completed day 20 and whew, it’s a butt kicker!!

Before I started I took my measurements so I could monitor my progress and I’ve already lost a couple of inches. One inch in my waist, one in my hips, and a half inch in my thigh. WOO HOO! My arms are definitely getting toned as well, and thank goodness. Summer’s here and all I want to wear are tank tops.

Here are my starting measurements and I’ll keep you posted on the rest of my progress!

  • Bust:34
  • Arm:10
  • Waist:27
  • Hips:37
  • Thigh:22

Feel free to ask any questions you may have about the program.

KEEP THAT MOTIVATION! January 28, 2013

It’s been a few weeks now since I said bon voyage to the old me and began moving on to better health and fitness. I’ve seen some progress (lost a few pounds), had some set backs (ate dessert three days in a row), and learned that I’d rather have my toe nails yanked off one by one than try to do pull ups.

As the month of January comes to a close I find myself wondering if I’ll be able to keep the momentum through February. And what happens once I reach my goal? Will I be able to maintain it??

I don’t know, but I guess that’s not the point. The point is, it’s a new day and that’s all I have to survive, right? So this is what I’m going to do to stay on track:

1) Take it one day at a time. It does no good to stress about the dreaded Wednesday weigh ins. I need to focus only on today’s progress, and making sure I stay active and avoid inhaling a large french fry from McDonald’s.

2) Remember this is not so much about my appearance but about my health. Once the initial elation of reaching my goal has departed I’ll need something more than looking like a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model to keep me going (LOL!). Focusing on my overall health will be my new goal.

3) Speaking of goals…I’m going to set short term and long term goals. That way I’ll always be achieving something and working on something new.

Hopefully with these ideas in mind I can continue on my journey and not get lost along the way. I’d love to hear how you’re staying motivated, and maybe together we can reach the final destination!

WEDNESDAY..EEK! January 23, 2013

Ahhhh, the morning’s crisp, the sky is blue, the squirrels are fighting over acorns across my roof, and the bathroom scale is waiting patiently for me to step aboard and see my progress, or lack there of. So here goes…

Well it’s always nice to see that another pound has come off! I just wish I could tell if the strength training is starting to work. I’m still doing a modified version of the couch potato work out but I’ve been adding more reps almost every time. I no longer feel like I’m going to vomit after the push ups and squats, so I’m thinking that’s a plus. Some of my clothes are a little looser, and my husband SWEARS my butt has lifted three inches, lol, so I’ll continue to weigh myself each week but let the mirror and my clothes be my guide.

How long until you started seeing results??

THE CALORIE EQUATION…January 21, 2013

So in case you haven’t noticed, this blog is for the fitness novice like myself. If you’ve been working on your health for a while you probably won’t benefit from reading this, unless you want a hearty laugh now and then in which case I invite you back any time! 

Anyway, since I’m just beginning, I have a voracious appetite for knowledge. It used to be for Oreo cookies but I’m trying to channel it in a different direction now. What I’ve been reading recently is how to create a calorie deficit which is the only way to lose weight. It actually becomes quite a math equation when you try to figure it out. Maybe I should have listened to my teacher when she said I’d be using algebra all my life. Sheesh! 

Instead of confusing you with an unintelligible explanation, I’m going to post a link to an article that gives the step-by-step way to calculate how many calories you should be eating to maintain your weight and how to make sure you’re not overeating. It only takes  an extra 3500 hundred calories to add a pound. That’s half a Turtle Cheesecake! What?? Like you’ve never splurged before..

http://exercise.about.com/cs/weightloss/a/howtoloseweight.htm

 

JUST A CAUTION…January 7, 2013

I mentioned in my bio that I’m recovering from Adrenal Fatigue. I was diagnosed a year ago, and since, have been making steady progress in my healing. That being said, everyone is different. What I do may not be right for you if you are also recovering. I would hate for anyone to suffer an adrenal crash because of pushing too hard. It’s important to talk to your doctor before embarking on any diet and exercise program.

We have to take care of our bodies! Here’s a link to an article written by someone else with Adrenal Fatigue. Maybe you’ll find some helpful tips there.

http://robbwolf.com/2012/04/09/real-deal-adrenal-fatigue/

Adrenal Fatigue is a very real health problem, but there are ways to make it easier to deal with. If you feel you may be suffering with Adrenal Fatigue, please talk to your health care specialist.