Okay, okay…change of plans (once again).
Last week Insanity was not doing it for me. Day 3 left my mind wandering and out of frustration it was easy to just turn off the DVD and walk away (mad).
So it’s now back to the simple basics: cardio and weights. I am determined to complete Chalean Extreme and today I started phase 3, which I should have started a couple weeks ago. Blah. Oh well.
Cardio will now consist of interval training on the treadmill. I dusted that baby off (literally) after not using it for over a month. Did 30 minutes of walk/run followed by 45 minutes of weights.
The count down to vacation is on! I need to fit into my skinny/small jeans and be able to wear shorts proudly at the pool/beach without feeling like a fitness loser. By that I mean I don’t want to fall short of my goal. I was supposed to reach it last summer, and the one prior to that but it seems like the same old shit keeps repeating itself.
At least this time I am right there- just 5-10 lbs. The last 10 are holding on to dear life! I think I’m holding myself back mentally. Physically I know my body can achieve whatever I put through but mentally I’m finding reasons to slow down.
Maybe I am!
I’ve started up on INSANITY again. I love Chalene and Jillian but I’ve been lacking in the cardio department and I need some good sweaty action, ASAP.
No doubt about it, I still want to continue Chalene Extreme for my weight training days. Ripped in 30 is great but 30 minutes is not enough and I need more of a challenge, which is what INSANITY does.
Last spring I almost completed INSANITY but stopped midway on the 2nd month. Let’s see if I can complete it for the full 60 days especially because summer vacation is just about that far away.
Haven’t been feeling super sore like I anticipated when I begin something as challenging as this. I have to give credit to my protein shakes after my workout.
Read: Does Protein stop soreness?
So all seems to be well in the cardio/strength training department but my nutrition could use some more work (as always). If I was just some health nut who didn’t enjoy sweet chocolate or my iced hazelnut coffees so much, I’m sure I’d be fine!
I just finished my last session with phase 2. Next week kicks off the lean phase and I’m ready! Time for a change of pace. I’ve also been following Ripped in 30 on my cardio days. Love the workouts, wish it was a little bit longer (only 30 minutes) but for now it gets the job done.
Protein shakes: Last month I started taking Optimum Nutrition after my workouts but I noticed within a couple of days that I was not feeling well. Was it because of that? Not sure. So I took a break, started again a week later but the unwell feeling came back. Okay no more ON shakes for me.
Hubby suggested using the protein powder he takes: Syntha-6 Mochaccino. Anything that smells/taste like coffee is a winner to me. So it’s been a few days, I noticed yesterday afternoon that my stomach was bothering me (same symptoms as before). I took it again today (before and after my workout) and I’m going to really keep an eye on what I eat and rule out anything that could be bothering me. This will only encourage me to eat clean and remove toxins/junk out of my diet.
I’ve done away with the blender. Just 4 oz of ice cold water and a shaker cup does the trick. Easy clean up and fast too. I’m sure on some days I could add milk for a “milk shake” treat. Having a protein shake first thing in the morning really takes way the hunger pains and even after my workout. I just hope Syntha-6 is the one for me and no more tummy aches.
- You don’t lift weights
- You don’t use the right dumbbells
- You don’t work your lower body
- You don’t watch what you eat
- You skip workouts
Read the article here <—
I am guilty of the last two. On a good week I can eat clean, follow my regimen religiously and feel 100% great. I just need more of those good weeks.
I always have so much to talk about but just haven’t had time. Mornings are best for my writing mood but then I run out of time because I have to get the kids off to school, workout, ect… Before I know it a day or two or three has gone by without finishing the blog that I started.
Plus with hubby being back, we’ve been busy catching up and running errands while he’s got some time off. It’s nice but also kind of bad. I’m still working out. One of the perks of doing it first thing in the morning is having the rest of the day to do whatever. But then we’ve had so many lunch dates.
- Date 1: Seared tuna
- Date 2: Vietnamese
- Date 3: Seared tuna again but a shrimp po boy sandwich for me
- Date 4: Subway (not much of a date but it was a healthy lunch)
- Date 5: Indian curry, rice, and naan bread (buffet so you know we ate!)
- Date 6: Subway, again.
These alone times are great but the eating out must slow down or come to a stop for the time being. Plus we have plenty of healthy foods stocked up in the kitchen but it seems like having someone else cook for us is always more fun.
Speaking of, the grill has been on fire lately. Literally. Grilling up steak, chicken, pork, asparagus, mushrooms, and corn for dinner. I kind of like hubby being on a white meat kick because it makes it easier for me to chow down with him, since I don’t really care for the thighs or leg. Recipes though, I need more recipes. You can only handle so much of the same kind of chicken.
Next blog update: protein shake and training. I will write about it, I promise myself I will. Better yet, I promise it will be today because I know if I put it off, next week it will be old news.
It’s been a few days of adjusting to having my hubby home after being gone for 3 months. One of the biggest changes is his lifestyle and I don’t mean it in a bad way.
He is definitely on board with working out and eating clean/healthy. I mean, he’s always been the type to hit the gym but as far as eating habits, he could eat whatever and not worry about gaining.
Now he chooses to eat well to support his active lifestyle. The man loves dark meat but has switched to white. We went grocery shopping and brought home veggies for omelets, almond butter instead of peanut (which I’m still getting used to) and almond milk instead of soy. These changes came as a huge surprise to me and I’m having a hard time adjusting. What?! Why?!
You’d think I’d be excited that he’s on this healthy kick and I have someone to share this lifestyle with but for some reason I took it hard (hey, I’m a girl…I have every reason to cry and get emotional, even if I’m not sure of the exact reason why). I guess I felt like he’s on it 100% and here I am slacking which made me feel and look bad. Make sense? No? Didn’t think so. No point in writing about it because I don’t even know what to say.
After my pity party, we talked it over and came down with a plan. We both will eat clean during the week with Saturday as our cheat day. This is something I’ve been sticking to the past many months so no biggie there. If anything this will make it easier to follow knowing I have someone by my side.
I’m still following Chalean Extreme and I have one more week of the Push phase 2 before I move one.
Now that I have some “freedom” I’ve been excited to hit the gym for my favorite classes. But my TK instructor is out of town and it’s not clear if she’ll be there this Saturday. I told her I at least wanted to come to one more class before she moves (which is super soon) so we’ll see how things work out.
For now, I’m just gonna keep doing what I’m doing. I love having my own mini gym at home. It’s convenient, I don’t have to worry about how I look, and no excuses!
My heart is happy, the sun is shining bright, snow is melting (FINALLY!) and my husband is home after being gone for 3 months. I’ve been waiting for this moment for what seems like forever. Just the combination of spring and welcoming my love back, all is right in my life once more.
Although I didn’t quite reach my goal 100% while he was away, I’d have to say I’m 75% there. And I’m okay with that. He’s happy to see me, can tell I’ve worked hard, and well….I’m just gonna keep going regardless. Because it’s my life and it’s just another part of what I do, not because I have to but because I WANT to.
I have fallen off my regimen since Friday because when I found out my man was coming home, I had some major last minute cleaning up/getting ready to do! So I’d like to think all the running around, cleaning the house top to bottom, and organizing sort of replaced my Chalean Extreme or Jillian Michaels but I know it doesn’t come close.
But today, I’m feeling recharged and ready for some good sweaty training!!!
Yes, yes, yes!!! Great article with good to know information about strength training.
I was that “cardio friend”. There is something about sweating and moving that makes you feel like you’re doing 100%. But, there’s nothing like the strength you feel once you start lifting and pumping iron.
Maybe because I felt like I still had a bunch of fat overcrowding my barely there muscles- that’s why I was always in cardio mode. I didn’t feel worthy of hitting the weights to lean and tone up.
Now I love it and will continue doing it. I get it now, why strength training is important. I understand now when they say lift weights 3x a week and cardio the other 3, alternating of course.
Since I’ve started Chalean Extreme, I’ve noticed little changes especially in my lower body. My smaller jeans are fitting much better in the booty. My mid section, ugh…that’s another story. My upper body, getting there. Arms are feeling stronger, face is slimming down, shoulders are shaping up. I can do push ups now w/out using my knees (big grin)!
My nutrition? Well, that’s still an on going battle that I am determined to win.
BBQ season is here and this past Saturday we kicked off our first gathering with friends. Food, food, and more food. I ate till I couldn’t eat no more but I realize it’s not something I haven’t had before so passing up and going light next time wouldn’t be so bad.
Didn’t get to my weight training session today- been cleaning like a mad woman getting ready for a brand new week- fresh start! Spring is in the air and although we may wake up to a light dusting of snow or it suddenly looks like we’re inside a shaken up snow globe in the middle of a sunny afternoon, I know summer will be here before we know it.
Gotta get toned for shorts and tank tops!
A little bit of before vs after.
First photo taken in January, second taken today. These are my smaller jeans that I’m working on getting into and a smaller shirt that I bought in the fall but haven’t worn because, well it was not flattering.
Clearly my stomach was screaming to get out and you can see the excess pudge there (on the left, duh). Now I am able to wear them comfortably but not super comfortably, if you know what I mean. They fit although the battle of the belly bulge is still an issue.
The shirt has been washed and dried since the first time I put it on (tossing it in the dryer was an accident but with a good outcome) . It’s obviously smaller but fits just fine. I have the same shirt in several other colors and they are now my comfy, stay at home attire.
It’s the little changes that are so rewarding. Sure I’d love to see a more dramatic difference from a few months ago but hey, even if a few inches lost and 5 lbs to go with that is totally worth it.
I’m in no hurry and I’m enjoying the ride. Before it was like, “I’ve got to lose the weight…crap summer is coming….crap I need to drop 10 lbs ASAP….crap I’m no where near my goal…..crap, crap, crap…”
Which is why it took me several years to get to where I am. But I am content and loving my body/lifestyle so from this point on, losing inches here and there, a lb a week here and there to get to where I want to be is nothing to be stressed or rushed about.
I swear I have so much to talk about as far as everything and anything but where do I begin?!
The Scale:
- I have not weighed myself in weeks. I have promised to stay away from the scale only because I do not want the #’s to stress me out in any way. Yes there will be a time where I’ll take a peek but right now it means nothing to me. I feel like I’ve graduated from the girl who needs to lose weight, to the girl who is happy with where she’s at, now I just need to sculpt the finishing touches to the masterpiece- which is of course my body.
Progress:
- Is it me that just doesn’t see it? I mean, I know I’ve come a long way from being overweight yet I’m still fighting with the last stretch. You know- the last 10 lbs, the last few inches, the little bit of love handles, flabby abs, and jiggly butt. Pretty much the last minor details. I know I can get there, it should be easier than having to lose 30 plus lbs. But for some reason it’s not?
Compliments:
- Lately I’ve been receiving some quite nice comments on my weight loss efforts. It’s a great motivational boost to keep going no matter how tough it gets. To hear others say I look skinny, tiny, and like I’ve lost a lot of weight is mind blowing. Especially when the compliments come out of no where and totally unexpected. I can only be humble, say thank you, and appreciate the kind words. And of course, keep going because I am no where near finished.
Weight training:
- I have to say that I have found a new love for working on strength unlike before when it was all cardio, cardio, and more cardio. Just the past month of following Chalean Extreme has made me feel stronger. I have gone from working with 5 to 10 lbs to currently lifting 15 to 20. You never realize how strong you really are until you test yourself and push yourself to the limits. This has opened another door to the world of fitness for me. Something that I will definitely take on and incorporate into my daily lifestyle. Eventually I’ll learn and understand more about working with weights and take it to the gym. But for now, I’m being coached in the privacy of my own home and that’s an okay place to start.
Ripped in 30:
- Ah, what’s this? Yes- another program. I love Jillian Michaels as much as any other trainer. And when I heard about her new DVD and watched the promo, it seriously caught interest. So, the other day I looked for a copy- sold out! Argh. Tried my luck today- one copy left and it was meant for me! Came right home and turned it on (no time to be wasted). This is something I will mix along with my weight training days so Chalean Extreme is not over just yet. I just needed something else to keep my interest going. For me, it’s all about changing the pace, trying something new, and mixing things up. I CANNOT stick to the same regimen. It’s boring, doesn’t help me progress, and sizzles my motivation fast. The one thing I love about Ripped in 30 is how Jillian changes the routine every week. She even talks about how nobody wants to do the same workout for 30 days straight. Amen to that! Plus it’s interval training and she focuses on her 3-2-1 system: 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abs. So I get a total body workout without the boredom.
Summer:
- So basically what it all comes down to is just reaching my overall goal of being happy, fit, and healthy by the time the snow melts. Oh and by my birthday which is a month away. I can honestly say that if this is as far as I get with my weight loss efforts, I can’t complain. I’m not overweight, I fit nicely into most of my clothes, and I’d rather be here than where I was 40 lbs ago. But I know I can do and achieve so much more. It’s all about the next step- which brings me to the next topic…..
Final touches:
- I’ve worked hard to get to where I am. I’ve molded and sculpted my figure to a much healthier and happier version. Now it’s all about the final touches (like I stated earlier)- the last little details. It’s the minor things that need to be fixed: love handles, flabby stomach, jiggly butt, and little bits of fat here and there. Focusing on my body fat percentage rather than the scale is way more rewarding. With that said, my scale is no longer in the bathroom but tucked away in the closet.
So basically that’s a little bit of everything and anything that’s going on. I’m usually good about updating daily but I’m obviously more busy with walking the walk than talking the talk *wink*. But seriously, I do miss blogging and I plan on trying to write more to hold me accountable on the rest of my journey.
Cheers to good health!
Sunday’s strength training really kicked my ass and I felt it all over yesterday, mainly in my triceps. It’s good, I don’t think I’ve ever woken up those set of muscles before or at least to this extent. They were sore and almost put me in a grumpy mood. I know it’s a good thing to feel and the pain doesn’t last (remember, pain is weakness leaving the body) but even an easy run on the treadmill proved to be difficult.
My armpits, just like in the beginning of phase 1, were on fire again. So yha, running didn’t help but mind over matter, right? Today I’m in push circuit 2, hoping for a good session and looking forward to feeling less of the soreness and more of the strongness (I know it’s not a word but it just sounds right).
