Day 27 - January 27, 2011

HEAVY...BREATHING!

Those are the sounds that I heard in the wee hours of this morning as I struggled with Tony Horton's "10-Minute Trainer" video.  This session focused on the core and let me tell ya, those 10 minutes couldn't go by any slower! ;-0  The following video is just an example of what I sounded like this morning and is also a promo from my latest obsessive weight loss TV program. LOL!

Although the workout was challenging, I still felt that great sense of euphoria after it was over and the welcoming calm of a 30 minute meditation was greatly appreciated. ;-) The exercise and meditation was a great jump start to my work day.  I even skipped up the steps to the front door of my job and handled the first few hours of sour puss or deadline challenged co-workers with ease.  It doesn't hurt that there's one more day to go for the work week and then on to the weekend. Yeah!!! LOL!

HUNGER...AGAIN!

Last night was fairly challenging to my resolve of eating better or at least less.  Unfortunately, I loss the battle.  I had an extra sandwich and some cookies after I had already had my dinner of fake fried tofu/fish, coleslaw, red potatoes, and hush puppies.  Everything was nicely proportioned for dinner but in the end, I was still HUNGRY!!! It's amazing how hungry you get when you're eating healthy.  It's something about healthy food that just doesn't FILL YOU UP. 

Yet, when you eat bad food, no matter how little, it explodes into your stomach and fills you up like an air balloon...yeah, that's how your stomach feels and looks...unfortunately. ;-( 

Oh well, I haven't given up and I don't plan on doing so.  This is a lifestyle change in the making and I realize that I'm going to tumble and fall, but the important thing is that I get back up.

TODAY'S SECOND WORKOUT...

Today is strength training for biceps/triceps/forearms and cardio with the Pussycat Dolls' core workout.

I love that DVD and looking forward to loosening up my buttons with the girls. LOL! I'll report back tonight on that experience. ;-)  7::39PM - After the workout...it was GREAT! At first, I thought the strength training was too easy because I was able to get through it without much struggle.  But when I started the Pussycat Dolls workout, I was glad that the strength training wasn't too difficult, because the PD made up for it.  Those hip gyrations, dips, squats, jumping jacks, and belly rolling, got the sweat pouring, the heart racing, and hopefully the calories a burning! LOL!

My Word for Today:  Breathe



Day 26 - January 26, 2011

SPECIAL DELIVERY...THE GYMBOSS IS HERE!

One of my blog friends recommended the Web site: bodyrock.tv to me a few weeks ago and I've added it to my list of favorites. ;-) I had previously seen the online personality's (Zuzana) videos on YouTube.com and thought she was amazing even then.  But after viewing her Web site each day for the latest challenge, food tips, and gym equipment suggestions, I'm inspired even more.  The Web site was designed to celebrate the freedom and flexibility of working out at home.  It also emphasizes how you can get a great workout within 20 minutes.  Zuzana uses the HIIT approach (High Intensity Interval Training) and although I haven't dared perform any of these exercises yet, I have bookmarked them in my mind for future use. LOL! 

What I have decided to try immediately is some of the workout tools that Zuzana uses and recommends.  The first one is the Gymboss Interval Timer. 

The GYMBOSS is a small, easy to use, repeating interval timer. This multi-use timer has many versatile functions that make it beneficial to virtually any type of exercise program.  I'm going to use it with my strength training workouts to make sure I don't take too many extra pauses between moves and to keep the pace fast enough to get a good workout.  Eventually, I will also use it with other creative workouts that I'm bookmarking for when I'm stronger and have more endurance. 

My next delivery is a Cardio Belt that  I can use with the Door Resistance Band kit that I have.  Within Tony Horton's "10-Minute Trainer" workouts, he uses the Cardio Belt for some great core and upper body techniques.

The Cardio Belt is a must have for anyone who wants to get more out of their fitness cables. With the Cardio Belt looped through cable handles you can resist running, lateral slides, back peddling, broad jumps and crawling. With the use of the belt you can add conditioning movements to your strength training!

I'm also excited about this new workout tool because I think it will really increase the intensity of my workouts.  Notice I'm saying this now before actually trying it out. LOL! I'll keep you posted if both tools are worth the shipping cost and delivery time. ;-0

TODAY IS REST DAY...

I'm a little lethargic today and sort of glad that today is a freeby from working out.  Tomorrow it's back to three days on of strength training and cardio and I'm really looking forward to my Zumba workout at the gym on Saturday.  I don't remember if I told you about my last DVD purchases of "Zumba" and the "Brazilian Butt Lift." LOL! Well since I loved the actual Zumba group fitness classes, I thought I could incorporate it at home anytime I wanted to by purchasing the "Zumba Fitness" DVD.  I also wanted to work on reshaping the glutes and thought the Beachbody DVD, "Brazilian Butt Lift" would do the trick. But both turned out to be less than idea and not worth the $60 a piece that they cost.  So I quickly shipped those two back after the Christmas holiday and decided to postpone anymore workout DVD purchases for awhile! LOL!

My Word for Today:  Rest

Day 25 - January 25, 2011

RAIN OR SHINE, SUGAR RAY LEONARD IS ALWAYS RIGHT ON TIME...

Okay, okay, I'm really trying to rhyme here or be clever with blog titles. LOL! Today was a lighter workout day for me and I was glad.  Although I enjoy working out, I find that alternating days of intense with less intense workouts really does my body good. ;-) I still did my morning 10-minute workout with Tony Horton and meditation, and then did another cardio session this evening with an oldie but goodie, VHS Tape of Sugar Ray Leonard's "Boxout - The New Way To Exercise with Sugar Ray Leonard."

Don't let the 90's cover and the name Sugar Ray Leonard fool you, it's not just ole school aerobics, but a great cardio workout with less intensity like the new HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts.  It's great for the upper body, abs, glutes, and legs, and if you need to get rid of some negative energy or anger, it's a great tool to do that as well.  I increase the intensity of the workout by using standard boxing gloves.  The extra weight of the gloves really gives my upper body a workout. Click here if you STILL have a VHS player, and you want to get a copy of the tape. LOL!

When the workout was over, I had broken a sweat, the endorphins had kicked in, and I was thankful for my second day of exercise after a two-week long hiatus.  My eating habits were also very good even though as I write this blog entry, I secretly (I guess not that much of a secret) long for something sweet. ;-0 Tomorrow is my rest day before another three days of cardio and strength training.  I worry a little that the extra time might be more of a temptation not to eat well, but I'm going to do my best to maintain my resolve to stay on the right track.  Pray for me. ;-)

My Word for Today:  Perserverance

Day 24 - January 24, 2011

USE IT OR LOSE IT...

That's what Jack LaLanne encouraged people to do throughout his career as the fitness guru of all time. Today,  as I got my daily dose of updates from Yahoo.com before the start of the work day, I learned that Jack LaLanne had died at the age of 96.  Although I never watched him when I was younger, I remember the spoofs that Jim Carey did of him on "In Living Color," and I remember his juicer phase. But what I learned about Mr. LaLanne in an article today regarding his crusade for healthy living resonated with my goal to make exercise and diet a lifestyle and not just a temporary thang.

 Jack LaLanne was a trailblazer who helped others empower themselves through physical fitness.  He opened the doors for athletes as well as women to strength train during a time when it was forbidden or frowned upon.  He was a testament of what a healthy lifestyle can do for you even well past your prime.  And now, even in death, he is still inspirational to me and for many others.  He believed that the only way we could hurt our bodies is by not using them.



After reading that article, I was glad that I had made the decision to use my body and complete a 10-minute workout and a 30-minute meditation session this morning.  It was the premiere of what was to come later on this evening.  Throughout the day, I felt energized, happy, and ready to do more.  It wasn't until close to quitting time did I feel a little lethargic, but that was quickly replaced when I started my second workout for the day.  Today's evening workout included 40 minutes of leg strength training and 20 minutes of core and cardio with The Firm's "The Wave."

I was wiped out after the challenging leg routine so I decided to do the express workout from "The Wave" in hopes that it would be a quick and easier routine than the longer 40-minute version.  But what I'm beginning to realize is that just because a workout routine is short doesn't mean that it's easy, in fact, be prepared for a high energy, fast-paced, challenging workout if it's less than 30 minutes! But I'm not complaining.  Even though I struggled at the end, it was worth the awkward positions and pouring sweat.  I was glad for the challenge and proud of myself for staying committed.

TEMPTATION...

Why is it when you're trying to stay committed to a healthier life, there is always temptation around every corner? Sometimes subtle and sometimes just blatantly obvious! Today, a co-worker tried to tempt me with a chocolate brownie from one of my favorite bakeries.  ;-(  The co-worker literally told me that she knew I was trying to diet or eat better (as she placed the thick, chocolate, morsel in front of me), but that she was stressing and had needed something sweet and thought she would share it with me. What?! So misery truly does love company, huh????????????  She told me that I could toss the brownie in the trash if I wanted to, but I promised her that I wouldn't, because I thought that would have been just as rude as her offering it to me.  So for 30 minutes, the brownie sat in a white paper bag, filling my cubicle with a milk chocolaty heaven! ;-0  I resisted and resisted, but started to feel myself break.  So I got up from my desk, took a walk around the area, and on my way back to my desk, I ran into another co-worker who I offered the brownie to.  Luckily for me, she accepted and I didn't have to deal with the temptation any longer.

FOR THE LOVE OF...

Food! Food! Food! Today, I tried a different combination of food so that I could prevent myself from getting too hungry.  When trying to eat better, there are always so many programs, diets, and advice out there that encourages you to reduce the amount of food and practically starve yourself.  But this starvation technique is temporary because you can't continue to keep that routine up unless you're anorexic.  No offense to anyone struggling with this disorder.  But seriously, what's the point in denying yourself the amount of food you need to fuel your body and brain for the challenges of your work day and workout?

So I decided to place all of my heavier food items at the beginning of the day and provide myself with lots of healthy snacks that would keep me in the 1,500 calorie a day range but would fill me up with food that wouldn't make me feel deprived.  So far, it's working. In fact, by the time, I got to my afternoon snack of  one and a half strips of fake fried chicken fingers and BBQ sauce, I felt too full to eat.  So did I? Yes, I did.  I knew that I would need that fuel for my hour workout within the next hour or so.  After the workout, I was tired but not starving and ready to eat a cow! The food throughout the day had kept me fueled and satisfied.  I'll keep you posted as I continue to test this new way of eating out and I'll let you know if it helps me reduce the weight or if it helps to pack on more pounds. ;-0

My Word for Today:  Alert

Day 23 - January 23, 2011

10 MINUTES TO HAPPINESS...

After writing my blog yesterday and completing half of a project for my job, I thought long and hard about the changes that I needed to make to correct this downward spiral of poor eating habits and nonexistent workouts.  Throughout the night, I had dreams of work issues and working out.  Around 2:30a.m., I woke up with the determination that today I would start my workout program again and would prepare healthy meals for next week.  When I finally got out of bed, before I turned on my laptop to finish my second half of the project, I put on my workout gear, turned on the TV, popped in Tony Horton's "10 Minute Trainer" DVD, and got to work!

Visit this link to purchase a copy if you like...
http://www.amazon.com/Tony-Hortons-Minute-Trainer-Workouts/dp/B0022QPO88/ref=pd_sim_sg_1

Have I ever told you how much I love, love, love, Tony Horton?! Because I do. Ever since I was introduced to his P90X workout series a few years ago, before the world became in awe of his wonderful 12 Disc Muscle Confusion Technique, I have idolized this crazy, funny, healthy, inspirational 45 year old man.   Today, I learned to love him even more.  Because after what seemingly appeared to be an easy task to do in 10 minutes, turned out to be one of the hardest workouts I've done in awhile. I did the Core Cardio workout (the DVD has three different 10 minute workouts with supporting warm up routines).  I never knew how much tension and how challenging resistance bands can really be.  I purchased the Gold's Gym Resistance Door Kit and had used it a couple of times, but never felt that it was challenging enough, until this 10 minute routine. 

The endorphins kicked in and the muscles stretched and burned as my body readjusted to an active lifestyle from the sedentary one I had condemned it to.  After those 10 minutes, sweat was pouring, arms were aching, and one of the biggest grins rested happily on my face. ;-) The high from that workout stayed with me the rest of the day, as I worked on my project, then ran a few errands to ensure that I had just the right items for my meal plan.

This evening as I sit and write this blog, I feel hopeful.  I have hopes that tomorrow will lead to another great day of workout, better eating, and more positive behavior.  I haven't given up on myself and I'm glad that my body knows it and is still ready for the challenge.

I also gave my kiddies a run for their money...literally! After a few hours of work, I gave in to my middle kids, barking and long face and decided to challenge the middle and baby of the pack to a race up and down our three flights of stairs.  After two rounds of this, we were all winded (more me than them) but happy just the same.

My Word for Today:  Joy

Day 22 - January 22, 2011

THROUGH THE STORM...

It's been over a week since the Atlanta snow storm kept me a prisoner in my home and  captive to my own inner food demons. I failed to keep the resolve I needed to stay on the right path and this downward spiral continued when I returned to work.  Back to the office, in the midst of unexpected deadlines, stressful times, and desires to make it all go away with a box of chocolate chips, and a crab filled burrito with lots of cheese and salsa. ;-(  Even as I found myself anxious, frustrated, fearful, angry, and depressed, the food still didn't satisfy me the way it used to. The sadness was still there.  My body longed for the sweat of a good workout, the soreness of too many squats and lunges, the beat of the drums within some good dance music, and the happiness from the endorphin rush of a satisfying workout.  Did I return to the workout? Nope, not yet. I still find myself distracted by the work deadlines, the anxieties, and easy access to the junk food even though I have a pantry and fridge filled with good, healthy alternatives.  It amazes how easy it is to go back to such an unhealthy routine yet oh so difficult to maintain a healthier routine.  This must be how crackheads feel when they're jonesing for their next fix.  Bad habits, are really hard to break.

But it's not completely all bad.  Even though I didn't stay committed to a completely healthy routine, my body did miss the workouts.  I also didn't completely blow my diet with poor choices.  During the week for breakfast and lunch, I always ate my normal tofu scramble, toast, and turkey or slider sandwiches.  I had healthy snacks in between those meals and I still drank water.  Unfortunately, it was after work that I allowed myself to splurge with fast food and sweets.  This weekend so far, I've also had too much take out and sweets, but tomorrow, I plan on returning to my better eating habits.  Keep me in your prayers that I have the strength to stay committed to this decision.

After reading my other fellow weight loss seekers' blogs, I realized that I just may need to use some drastic measures and get a sponsor like any other good junkie would do. LOL! No seriously, maybe I do need to have someone to reach out to in the middle of  a binging fever.  Because as much as I know that I need to get it together and not let work or any other stressful situation prevent me from staying focus on my goal, I've yet to master that. I didn't pass this test, but I do feel hopeful that in the future, I'll be able to overcome this addiction.  And if you're interested in being my sponsor, send me your credentials, I just might sign up! LOL!


My Word for Today:  Searching

Day 13 - January 13, 2011

SOMEBODY CALL DR. DREW...

I really do need an intervention.  It's day four of my house arrest...I mean snow bound. LOL! When I tell you that I have cabin fever, it's more than just being irritable from being house bound, it's doggone disastrous to my resolve to eat less quantity, and eat more quality foods.  I haven't completely lost it, but it's getting close to a true need for rehab. ;-0 LOL!

Good News...

We reduced the amount of weights we were using on the barbell and had a much more successful Total Body Strength Training workout today during my lunch break. ;-) Tomorrow, I should be able to make it into work and our workout session is an hour of stretching.  If the weather permits, we plan on heading to the gym on Saturday for an hour workout of Zumba!  Things will shape up, both mentally and physically soon.

My Word for Today:  Rehab