It's been exactly 3 weeks since I started this exercise journey. Today was the 22nd day, actually. I am reminded to revisit where I'm going and what I'm using to measure progress.
First, how do I see myself....my progress? Am I measuring with a scale? No! Why not? Because this isn't about my weight....my pounds lost or gained (Yikes! Not happening!)....so, what's it about? It's about gaining my well-being, my health, my energy, my attitude, my focus and finding where I need to be going with ME. Have I lost weight? Yes...a few pounds. How do I feel about where I am? I feel FABULOUS! I'm very pleased with my persistence, my focus, my discipline and extremely pleased with how GREAT I feel. My feet hit the floor every single morning and march straight to the closet to dress for fitness! I grab my sugar-free XS energy drink and take a few minutes to wake up and focus on where I want to be. Then I hit the DVD hard! No excuses.
I have discovered one thing that can either be a roadblock or an instigator of success: Attitude! Am I focused on what I CAN do or what I CAN'T? When it gets hard do I tell myself "I can't do this!"?? Or do I tell myself "I CAN do this!" You guessed it. I CAN DO THIS!! I repeat it over and over again...OUT LOUD!....during the most difficult exercises. Level 2 of the 30 Day Shred is kicking my butt! But I CAN DO THIS!! And I will stay with Level 2 until I DO IT completely without feeling like I'm going to die. I believe today was the 4th day I've done this level. I have to focus on each individual exercise and the specific muscles I am working. NOT on how hard it is or how long I have to do it. This is key to my successfully completing the circuits. What I find is they actually go faster than I think when I follow those key steps.
And....how do I feel when I'm done? Like I can't move another muscle!! I'm dripping in sweat and totally out of breath. I take twice as long to complete the cool down stretches, not because it's difficult, but because I thoroughly enjoy the feel of the stretch. Taking my time with each one assures that my muscles are adequately stretched and therefore, refreshed at the completion of my workout. Then I hit the shower immediately and make it a point to take DEEP, slow breaths while in the hot shower. This sends oxygen to every area of my body and further rejuvenates my energy level when I exit the shower. And when I DO exit the shower I am exhilerated and full of energy! I LOVE THIS FEELING! It's like a drug. And if I'm going to be addicted to something....I definitely choose THIS!
What other benefits do I see and "measure" by? First my balance. I've noticed that in the beginning I had to use my furniture to balance myself during some of the one-footed exercises and stretches. Not so much any more. I still may have to wobble some, but mostly my balance has improved enormously!! Jillian Michaels says it will get better as you get stronger. So, I guess I'm getting stronger! Yay me!! Secondly, I'm noticing slight improvement in my flexibility. I'm able to stretch further and straighten my legs when I previously had to bend to reach the toes or floor. I'm able to go straight to the floor totally flat footed and knees straightened. And that feels wonderful!
I'm writing this halfway through my day. And I sit here STILL totally energized. That's one of the greatest benefits I can say I have enjoyed: feeling energetic through my WHOLE day. I don't get the sinking afternoon "I need a nap" feeling that I used to experience. Instead, my energy level stays high throughout my day and it is fabulous!
Can anyone tell a difference in my body? I doubt it. Well, Kelsi says she can tell I'm slimming down. But, I think most of my changes are still internal, working their way to the surface. I can tell a much larger difference in myself than anyone could possibly see physically. I can tell a difference in my muscle tone across my upper back and shoulders particularly. This makes me look forward to NEXT summer and wearing some sundresses for the first time in YEARS! I can also tell a small difference in my legs. Mostly I can see this while I am doing the exercises, particularly the abdominal exercises when I am flat on my back, but using my legs at the same time. I can see muscle tone that just wasn't there 3 weeks ago. My tummy is shrinking, but still has a way to go. My rear-end is a forever project! We won't even talk about how much further I have to go there. The main thing is this: I am making progress. Baby steps. Consistency. Discipline. And it WILL pay off in the long run. In the very least, I have improved my quality of life simply by how I feel. If I were truly concerned about my weight, I would be dieting WHILE I am exercising. But I'm not. I'm happy to be healthy and active again. Words just can't express how wonderful that feels. I hope my family and loved ones can see it in my moods, my attitudes and in my overall demeanor.
So, where am I going? What do I want? I want to be a happy, healthy blessing in your lives. I want to be someone who lifts you up and provides inspiration. I don't want to be a downer, or someone you dread spending time with. I love my family and friends and I love life. And I will continuing Moving Forward! Blessings! <3
Friday, September 16, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
13 Days!
Today's post is going to be about what I've learned and some of the "mind tricks" that have helped me through the DVD. It is specifically intended to help beginners to the 30 Day Shred DVD. But first, let me stop and take a small assessment of where I am today versus where I began. You can go back and read my blog from the beginning to get the painful beginnings of this venture, but today....here is what I have noticed:
I woke this morning with a pretty brutal headache. My energy was lacking. I didn't sleep well last night. Leg cramps. This is not foreign to me. It has been a part of my life for the past 30 years. Some worse than others. Actually, these days it is more a rarity, than common. I don't get the normal calf muscle leg cramps. My body decides to expose all of those small muscles that are wrapped around my bones that you don't even realize stand alone as muscles. And when you massage one cramp, it moves to the other side of the leg. Did you know you have muscles across the front of your shins? Yes, those are the best! Anyway....moving on. I didn't sleep well, that was the point. LOL Everything in my head said "No! Rest today, you need rest!"....but my commitment pulled me out of bed and straight to the closet where I slipped on my shorts and top and immediately slipped on those Nikes. NEVER, I mean NEVER exercise without your shoes! I guess Yoga could be an exception, I haven't researched that yet. I grabbed my XS energy drink and drank as much as I could as fast as I could....didn't take any headache medicine. Here I sit after my workout....headache-free! Energy level is high! And I'm feeling great! Exercise is amazing!! ;-)
Today I was particularly proud of some progress I specifically noticed with this workout: This is the first time I was able to hang totally with the workout pace....even the cardio which was a major weakness of mine before. I was so proud! I still slow my pace on the modified push ups and am unsure if I will EVER be able to do a full push up....but I will still aim for that goal eventually. The point here is this: Today is day 13. I have missed a total of 3 days through the workout but exercised 10 of the 13. The breaks I took did not send me backwards, although I admit I would probably have achieved the stamina goal 3 days ago if I hadn't missed any days. But....I have continued to move forward. Call them baby steps....I call them Proud steps. Now, the rest of my post today is about the DVD and the exercises. I want to share some of the "mind" tips that have helped me break through the "I Can't Do This!" stage and move me to the "I KNOW I can do this....at my pace" stage. I'm going to go through in order and share these thoughts with you now:
First....notice Level 1 workout is divided into 3 sections, or circuits. The exercises are rapidly changed up, so you don't get bogged down and discouraged in any of them for more than a few seconds. You will start with a warm up. Pay attention to something she mentions throughout the DVD....but not with every exercise. This is key: suck your tummy in through ALL of the exercises. She doesn't get into detail about this, so let me tell you why. She refers to this as your "Core". What that means is this is where ALL of your strength will come from. If you keep your stomach pulled in, it will protect your lower back and strengthen your abdominal muscles. Your strength to do virtually all of the exercises will come from this. So....tip number one is this: When you are feeling tired and feel like you can't make another move....move your mind to your stomach and focus on pulling in your stomach. This will do 2 things: it will take your mind off the "I cant's" and will most probably reveal to you the REASON you can't is because your stomach isn't pulled in. When you pull your stomach in and focus on that, you will have renewed strength that will pull you through! Yes...I discovered this on my own! hahaha
Pay attention to every instruction she gives you. One in particular is your butt! When she tells you to push your butt into the wall behind you....that is true! It positions your body to fully utilize the exercise you are doing and exercise the proper muscles. This will protect other muscles that aren't invited to that exercise. And notice she says NOT to push your butt back during the push ups. While doing this exercise I find it helpful to look straight at the floor and focus on keeping a straight line from the back of my head to my knees. I have my ankles crossed just as Anita does on the DVD. I find that focusing on that helps the 30 seconds to move forward pretty quickly. I use a pace as fast as I can but not faster than they are doing on the DVD. I'm just now at their pace. Until now, I have done these more slowly and focused on feeling the exercise in my arms. Again....I see progress here! :-)
The squat and press is important with the "butt to the wall" tip mentioned above. This will save your knees and work the legs properly. Knowing that you have 3 circuits to this workout will help you endure any of the tough ones. The cardio just about killed me for the first week. Don't give up! Stick with it and you will feel amazing!
After cardio, you will do 1 minute of abs. This is my favorite, probably because this is the area that I MOST want to change and I can feel it, although I still have a long way to go! Make sure your belly button is pressed through to the floor behind you. Pay attention to her tips. It is important to note here that if you feel your neck pulling or getting tired, then you are doing it wrong. You should focus on the abdominal muscles that are being worked. Your fingers should only rest gently behind your ears. They should NOT pull on your head and help you do the exercise. This will hurt you and you will not accomplish success with these exercises. Focus on using the muscles she describes in the DVD and make slow, controlled movements with your mind ONLY on your abdominal muscles. Keep your face toward the ceiling, not rolling your head up with your movements. If you do this properly, you will gain strength in your lower back and you will see inches shave away much faster. I have a long way to go here...but I am definitely seeing progress! I love it!
Well....these few tips should help you get through the DVD successfully. I will add more at a later time. The most important thing to remember is this: You CAN do this. Take baby steps. Every step counts and will provide results! Trust me....no matter how you feel....JUST DO IT and you will feel great and accomplished afterward!
I woke this morning with a pretty brutal headache. My energy was lacking. I didn't sleep well last night. Leg cramps. This is not foreign to me. It has been a part of my life for the past 30 years. Some worse than others. Actually, these days it is more a rarity, than common. I don't get the normal calf muscle leg cramps. My body decides to expose all of those small muscles that are wrapped around my bones that you don't even realize stand alone as muscles. And when you massage one cramp, it moves to the other side of the leg. Did you know you have muscles across the front of your shins? Yes, those are the best! Anyway....moving on. I didn't sleep well, that was the point. LOL Everything in my head said "No! Rest today, you need rest!"....but my commitment pulled me out of bed and straight to the closet where I slipped on my shorts and top and immediately slipped on those Nikes. NEVER, I mean NEVER exercise without your shoes! I guess Yoga could be an exception, I haven't researched that yet. I grabbed my XS energy drink and drank as much as I could as fast as I could....didn't take any headache medicine. Here I sit after my workout....headache-free! Energy level is high! And I'm feeling great! Exercise is amazing!! ;-)
Today I was particularly proud of some progress I specifically noticed with this workout: This is the first time I was able to hang totally with the workout pace....even the cardio which was a major weakness of mine before. I was so proud! I still slow my pace on the modified push ups and am unsure if I will EVER be able to do a full push up....but I will still aim for that goal eventually. The point here is this: Today is day 13. I have missed a total of 3 days through the workout but exercised 10 of the 13. The breaks I took did not send me backwards, although I admit I would probably have achieved the stamina goal 3 days ago if I hadn't missed any days. But....I have continued to move forward. Call them baby steps....I call them Proud steps. Now, the rest of my post today is about the DVD and the exercises. I want to share some of the "mind" tips that have helped me break through the "I Can't Do This!" stage and move me to the "I KNOW I can do this....at my pace" stage. I'm going to go through in order and share these thoughts with you now:
First....notice Level 1 workout is divided into 3 sections, or circuits. The exercises are rapidly changed up, so you don't get bogged down and discouraged in any of them for more than a few seconds. You will start with a warm up. Pay attention to something she mentions throughout the DVD....but not with every exercise. This is key: suck your tummy in through ALL of the exercises. She doesn't get into detail about this, so let me tell you why. She refers to this as your "Core". What that means is this is where ALL of your strength will come from. If you keep your stomach pulled in, it will protect your lower back and strengthen your abdominal muscles. Your strength to do virtually all of the exercises will come from this. So....tip number one is this: When you are feeling tired and feel like you can't make another move....move your mind to your stomach and focus on pulling in your stomach. This will do 2 things: it will take your mind off the "I cant's" and will most probably reveal to you the REASON you can't is because your stomach isn't pulled in. When you pull your stomach in and focus on that, you will have renewed strength that will pull you through! Yes...I discovered this on my own! hahaha
Pay attention to every instruction she gives you. One in particular is your butt! When she tells you to push your butt into the wall behind you....that is true! It positions your body to fully utilize the exercise you are doing and exercise the proper muscles. This will protect other muscles that aren't invited to that exercise. And notice she says NOT to push your butt back during the push ups. While doing this exercise I find it helpful to look straight at the floor and focus on keeping a straight line from the back of my head to my knees. I have my ankles crossed just as Anita does on the DVD. I find that focusing on that helps the 30 seconds to move forward pretty quickly. I use a pace as fast as I can but not faster than they are doing on the DVD. I'm just now at their pace. Until now, I have done these more slowly and focused on feeling the exercise in my arms. Again....I see progress here! :-)
The squat and press is important with the "butt to the wall" tip mentioned above. This will save your knees and work the legs properly. Knowing that you have 3 circuits to this workout will help you endure any of the tough ones. The cardio just about killed me for the first week. Don't give up! Stick with it and you will feel amazing!
After cardio, you will do 1 minute of abs. This is my favorite, probably because this is the area that I MOST want to change and I can feel it, although I still have a long way to go! Make sure your belly button is pressed through to the floor behind you. Pay attention to her tips. It is important to note here that if you feel your neck pulling or getting tired, then you are doing it wrong. You should focus on the abdominal muscles that are being worked. Your fingers should only rest gently behind your ears. They should NOT pull on your head and help you do the exercise. This will hurt you and you will not accomplish success with these exercises. Focus on using the muscles she describes in the DVD and make slow, controlled movements with your mind ONLY on your abdominal muscles. Keep your face toward the ceiling, not rolling your head up with your movements. If you do this properly, you will gain strength in your lower back and you will see inches shave away much faster. I have a long way to go here...but I am definitely seeing progress! I love it!
Well....these few tips should help you get through the DVD successfully. I will add more at a later time. The most important thing to remember is this: You CAN do this. Take baby steps. Every step counts and will provide results! Trust me....no matter how you feel....JUST DO IT and you will feel great and accomplished afterward!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Serendipities
As I progress through my days I am becoming more and more reflective on those things that I previously took for granted. I began this new outlook with thoughts of "shrinking" away the jigglies from my body and replacing it with toned, smooth muscles. However, I'm now realizing that the serendipitous advantages of just taking 30 minutes each day for myself are bringing new blessings to my day.
I had forgotten how it felt to have energy! I'm not running marathons, or anything....but I actually feel like moving in the morning after I've taken those 30 minutes and focused on each exercise and the productivity they possess. I'm more focused and able to think clearly. Wow! I had no idea how "cloudy" I had been living. It's only been 5 days since I began and I am feeling clear-headed, focused, energetic and productive for the first time in a very long time! My muscles are no longer sore. They are now just simply feeling stronger and maybe a little tight across the shoulders (a very good thing!) I can tell a difference even in my skin. Is this possible? Just 5 days....30 minutes per day? Really?
I read somewhere that the best test of accountability when dieting is to keep a journal of the foods you eat. Well....I'm not dieting, but I DO want to make sure I consistently make healthy choices with the foods I eat. I want to eat to live, not live to eat. That is something that is difficult for me because I simply L-O-V-E good food! And I love to cook! And I love to plan menus and try new recipes. So I pulled out one of my archive tools that I haven't used in quite some time. Here's the link in case you want to try it too: http://www.flylady.net/images/bc_investigator.pdf
I'm also going to pull out the book that accompanies this "investigator". It's titled Body Clutter and it's written by Marla Cilley and Leanne Ely. Marla Cilley is "The Fly Lady" and has provided a lot of tools that have assisted me through the years in my homemaking and organizational life. Their "BC Investigator" provides a daily report card to help establish good, healthy eating and exercise habits and provides a way to track your activities. This is helpful in keeping you on course if you have clear, precise goals you are following. For me, not so much. It's more a way of identifying strengths and weaknesses in my daily habits and also to provide answers if I do or don't get results I expect. So, today, on the 6th day of Moving Forward....I am reflecting on the serendipities of taking action and exercising discipline in my life once again. My mind races with the possibilities that tomorrow can bring. It feels good! :-)
I had forgotten how it felt to have energy! I'm not running marathons, or anything....but I actually feel like moving in the morning after I've taken those 30 minutes and focused on each exercise and the productivity they possess. I'm more focused and able to think clearly. Wow! I had no idea how "cloudy" I had been living. It's only been 5 days since I began and I am feeling clear-headed, focused, energetic and productive for the first time in a very long time! My muscles are no longer sore. They are now just simply feeling stronger and maybe a little tight across the shoulders (a very good thing!) I can tell a difference even in my skin. Is this possible? Just 5 days....30 minutes per day? Really?
I read somewhere that the best test of accountability when dieting is to keep a journal of the foods you eat. Well....I'm not dieting, but I DO want to make sure I consistently make healthy choices with the foods I eat. I want to eat to live, not live to eat. That is something that is difficult for me because I simply L-O-V-E good food! And I love to cook! And I love to plan menus and try new recipes. So I pulled out one of my archive tools that I haven't used in quite some time. Here's the link in case you want to try it too: http://www.flylady.net/images/bc_investigator.pdf
I'm also going to pull out the book that accompanies this "investigator". It's titled Body Clutter and it's written by Marla Cilley and Leanne Ely. Marla Cilley is "The Fly Lady" and has provided a lot of tools that have assisted me through the years in my homemaking and organizational life. Their "BC Investigator" provides a daily report card to help establish good, healthy eating and exercise habits and provides a way to track your activities. This is helpful in keeping you on course if you have clear, precise goals you are following. For me, not so much. It's more a way of identifying strengths and weaknesses in my daily habits and also to provide answers if I do or don't get results I expect. So, today, on the 6th day of Moving Forward....I am reflecting on the serendipities of taking action and exercising discipline in my life once again. My mind races with the possibilities that tomorrow can bring. It feels good! :-)
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
We're halfway through the first week!
This is Day 5....but only 4 of exercise. Sunday was a day of rest for me. In summary, here's how it's going:
I was warned by Ashley....yes....she was right.....I have NEVER been so sore in my life! Really, I'm not exaggerating. Tears came to my eyes every time I stood or sat down. And when I was breaking through the pain to conquer the DVD on Day 2....my breath literally left me! But, most importantly: I DID IT!
That was Saturday. I had a full day of work, fun, mini-travel, exercise and then a short stint on the couch to watch what turned out to be a disappointing movie. I ate a few things I don't normally eat such as a couple of bites of an amazing candy bar and a few sips from a Sonic strawberry shake. Yummy!! Did I feel guilty? NO!! Should I have abstained? YES!! But, over the years the main lesson I have learned that comes back to revisit me is this: God only gives us one day at the time: TODAY! I will no longer spend my days putting off small pleasures for the purpose of losing weight, or whatever the "goal" may be. Instead, I will adjust my activities to accommodate those little pleasures. And I will enjoy each day that God gifts me with. I know that it is movement and exercise that makes me feel good. I have now proven that to be true. I will remember this "good" feeling when I want to feel lazy.
I can feel my body changing from the inside out....no one can see it yet, but I can feel it. And that is an amazing feeling! I know the visual will follow, and I am in no hurry for that to occur.
I posted my "before" picture this morning on Day 1. This picture was taken on July 28, 2011 by Thomas. I was talking to Ashley on the phone while waiting for an acoustic concert to begin. It reflects a true "before" and it matches the stats (weight, etc.) that I posted at the beginning. I was ok with him posting it on his facebook page ONLY because I knew it would motivate me to action. Otherwise, it was so apalling that I would've asked him NOT to post it. I have NEVER had a stomach like that in my life! Arms? Well....yes, that is heredity and age that I fight daily. I will be amazed if that changes and I will surely CELEBRATE! But that stomach HAS to go. Not just because of how it looks, but because I know that weight carried in that location promotes poor health. I want to feel good AND look good. And I am willing to fight for it.
I don't expect immediate results. Baby steps are fine with me because I am in it for the long haul. And I am more and more convinced that Jillian Michaels is a genius with her exercise routines. Her mix of Cardio, Strength, and Abs is the perfect combo for anyone at any weight and age. If you cannot keep up, then do it slowly and work your way up. There are 3 levels and you can further break down level 1 with your speed. I think it is amazing! I can feel the tightness across my shoulders, down my legs, etc. And it feels wonderful.
I've noticed that my biggest weakness is my stamina during the cardio portion. Therefore, I am focusing on breaking through and not succumbing to the "lazies" during the cardio. I push myself and I have seen improvement. I look forward to the days when I can do the entire level without modifying any of the exercises (the push ups will be my biggest victory!!), but I am in no hurry to accomplish this. For today, I am happy to push myself and feel the goodness of those results. I am thankful to God for putting the fight in me to better myself and the ability to take the steps necessary to do so.
Six days ago I was making the excuse that I didn't have time to exercise. I was complaining about the heat outside....not having a place to ride my bike....no exercise equipment to use inside. No time to join a gym....you know the drill. I truly believe it was God who awakened me with the rememberance of the DVD program and the quiet voice of challenge to carve out those 30 minutes first thing in the morning. I'm worth it after all.....and so are each of us! God created us all for greatness and fabulous health.
And that is life in a positive light....today....in my life. Blessings!
I was warned by Ashley....yes....she was right.....I have NEVER been so sore in my life! Really, I'm not exaggerating. Tears came to my eyes every time I stood or sat down. And when I was breaking through the pain to conquer the DVD on Day 2....my breath literally left me! But, most importantly: I DID IT!
That was Saturday. I had a full day of work, fun, mini-travel, exercise and then a short stint on the couch to watch what turned out to be a disappointing movie. I ate a few things I don't normally eat such as a couple of bites of an amazing candy bar and a few sips from a Sonic strawberry shake. Yummy!! Did I feel guilty? NO!! Should I have abstained? YES!! But, over the years the main lesson I have learned that comes back to revisit me is this: God only gives us one day at the time: TODAY! I will no longer spend my days putting off small pleasures for the purpose of losing weight, or whatever the "goal" may be. Instead, I will adjust my activities to accommodate those little pleasures. And I will enjoy each day that God gifts me with. I know that it is movement and exercise that makes me feel good. I have now proven that to be true. I will remember this "good" feeling when I want to feel lazy.
I can feel my body changing from the inside out....no one can see it yet, but I can feel it. And that is an amazing feeling! I know the visual will follow, and I am in no hurry for that to occur.
I posted my "before" picture this morning on Day 1. This picture was taken on July 28, 2011 by Thomas. I was talking to Ashley on the phone while waiting for an acoustic concert to begin. It reflects a true "before" and it matches the stats (weight, etc.) that I posted at the beginning. I was ok with him posting it on his facebook page ONLY because I knew it would motivate me to action. Otherwise, it was so apalling that I would've asked him NOT to post it. I have NEVER had a stomach like that in my life! Arms? Well....yes, that is heredity and age that I fight daily. I will be amazed if that changes and I will surely CELEBRATE! But that stomach HAS to go. Not just because of how it looks, but because I know that weight carried in that location promotes poor health. I want to feel good AND look good. And I am willing to fight for it.
I don't expect immediate results. Baby steps are fine with me because I am in it for the long haul. And I am more and more convinced that Jillian Michaels is a genius with her exercise routines. Her mix of Cardio, Strength, and Abs is the perfect combo for anyone at any weight and age. If you cannot keep up, then do it slowly and work your way up. There are 3 levels and you can further break down level 1 with your speed. I think it is amazing! I can feel the tightness across my shoulders, down my legs, etc. And it feels wonderful.
I've noticed that my biggest weakness is my stamina during the cardio portion. Therefore, I am focusing on breaking through and not succumbing to the "lazies" during the cardio. I push myself and I have seen improvement. I look forward to the days when I can do the entire level without modifying any of the exercises (the push ups will be my biggest victory!!), but I am in no hurry to accomplish this. For today, I am happy to push myself and feel the goodness of those results. I am thankful to God for putting the fight in me to better myself and the ability to take the steps necessary to do so.
Six days ago I was making the excuse that I didn't have time to exercise. I was complaining about the heat outside....not having a place to ride my bike....no exercise equipment to use inside. No time to join a gym....you know the drill. I truly believe it was God who awakened me with the rememberance of the DVD program and the quiet voice of challenge to carve out those 30 minutes first thing in the morning. I'm worth it after all.....and so are each of us! God created us all for greatness and fabulous health.
And that is life in a positive light....today....in my life. Blessings!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Day 1
So here we are. Day 1. Ashley gave me the 30 Day Shred DVD a few years ago by my request. And I have kept it totally safe and sound....and unopened this whole time. It was intimidating to me since it is such a different exercise program from what my past experience has been. In the past I had a bicycle that I used to ride 10 miles every day....in 30 minutes. I lived in a very large subdivision where I could ride a route and never ride the same street twice while covering 10 miles. It was so very lovely! No boredom. Exercise DOES bore me....at least it did. It's all a matter of mindset, right? So, my mindset is going to change.
Jillian Michaels and I met this morning....at 5:50 a.m. Well, I met HER that is. I hit the floor at 5:30....grabbed my sugar free energy drink....slipped on my Nikes and woke my lovely youngest daughter from her sound sleep before sliding in the DVD and commiting to 30 minutes of FUN! I DID IT! I made it through. Yes, I did some of the modified exercises....my limbs felt like rubber and they were going to collapse beneath me about 20 minutes in....but I kept going. Before I started, Ashley and I talked about the 3 levels of difficulty on this DVD. She made the suggestion to try level 1 for the first 10 days....level 2 the next 10, etc. until I completed the 30 days of shredding the fat from my lean muscles that were going to replace the jiggles.
Well, at the end of the 30 minutes I realized that I am almost 50! Yikes! I think I'll be content to set my goal to complete the 30 days on level 1....then move to level 2 for the next 30 days....etc. Hmmmm......we'll see. Actually, my point here is this: It's not about the 30 days for me. This is about changing my lifestyle permanently. Exercise is what I need...always! So, I don't have to schedule my levels. I will master level 1 and then move to level 2....or jump between them as my energy and strength levels change (per her suggestion). In any event....my muscles are already talking to me. And that makes me happy. I feel accomplished. I did something good for ME. I haven't done that in awhile.
I took my rubber legs to the shower....got ready for work. I took my vitamins and ate 3/4 cup of Quaker Oats with 1/2 cup of frozen organic blueberries with 3 packets of Sweet N Low. No milk or butter added. I will drink my skim milk with supper as I usually do. This is not a diet, this is how I was eating BEFORE I started dieting. I'm a healthy eater, and that's what I will continue. I packed a banana, an apple and a pear for my snacking during the day....and Day 1 is off and running....with a smile on my face!
Day 1....or is it 2....or 29?
Ok, so this is all so new to me. Blogging and writing, that is. I was trying to find a way to be accountable to the things I say I want and will do and have watched my beautiful daughter use this venue to grow and learn and report all that she experiences. And I think this may be just what I need to do.
My battle? Just like so many others out there....my weight and obsessive need to NOT fall prey to the genes that make up my body. Yes....obesity runs in both sides of my family. And now...as I approach 50, the battle has become REAL. So for the first serious time in my life, I've had to start dieting (unsuccessfully I might add.) Now, I've dieted in my past very successfully. I've exercised abundantly well. But that was in my past...when I was younger....had control of my work hours (worked from home)....and when I still had my thryoid....that lovely organ that controls ALL of my metabolic hormones. Unfortunately, all of those aspects has changed. The doctors will tell you that the thyroid hormone you take orally is the very same as that produced by your actual thyroid. Really? I don't think so. EVERYTHING about my metabolism, energy level....well, everything changed when that lovely little organ was taken from my body 15 months ago and I started taking that lovely little daily pill.
So, here I am. I started a diet with my sister 29 days ago. I'm not knocking that diet....it just wasn't working for me. I don't know why, but my biggest suspicion is that I was not doing any exercise. I had the excuse that I simply don't have time for exercise in today's lifestyle. That is another subject for another time. It involved supplements, shakes and general healthy eating. Weight lost: "0". So, I took 2 days off and started a new diet. It was a 7 day diet. I can do anything for 7 days, right? WRONG! I've done this diet in my past (3 years ago)....and lost 10 lbs. in those 7 days. Day 4 into this diet this time: Weight lost: "0". By this stage the website says if you are doing it without cheating you should lose 5-7 lbs. (which is what happened the last time I did it). No....I didn't cheat. I did it by the book.....NO weight lost! So....I started thinking....Why am I eating this stupid soup every day....miserable.....no energy still....with no results? That's it....I know now what I need to do. The secret is the exercise. I always knew that, but now I REALLY know it. NO more excuses. Here I go. Today is really Day 1. Or it could be Day 2, if you count the 2 laps I walked around my pasture fence last night (I really need to measure how far that is somehow). But it is definitely not Day 29....because the last 28 days are now behind me and I look forward to each and every one from here.
So, here are my starting stats. Age: 49 years young; Height: 5'6"; Weight: 158 lbs. This is where I begin.
I'm not ashamed. I'm accountable and this is for me....to help me put one foot in front of the other and Move Forward in a Positive Light. I hope to inspire myself and anyone else who follows. I also hope to receive positive input and suggestions and success stories from others who may want to join the journey. Pictures will follow as soon as I learn how to design this blog (with help from my lovely daughter....the professional blogger, lol)
My battle? Just like so many others out there....my weight and obsessive need to NOT fall prey to the genes that make up my body. Yes....obesity runs in both sides of my family. And now...as I approach 50, the battle has become REAL. So for the first serious time in my life, I've had to start dieting (unsuccessfully I might add.) Now, I've dieted in my past very successfully. I've exercised abundantly well. But that was in my past...when I was younger....had control of my work hours (worked from home)....and when I still had my thryoid....that lovely organ that controls ALL of my metabolic hormones. Unfortunately, all of those aspects has changed. The doctors will tell you that the thyroid hormone you take orally is the very same as that produced by your actual thyroid. Really? I don't think so. EVERYTHING about my metabolism, energy level....well, everything changed when that lovely little organ was taken from my body 15 months ago and I started taking that lovely little daily pill.
So, here I am. I started a diet with my sister 29 days ago. I'm not knocking that diet....it just wasn't working for me. I don't know why, but my biggest suspicion is that I was not doing any exercise. I had the excuse that I simply don't have time for exercise in today's lifestyle. That is another subject for another time. It involved supplements, shakes and general healthy eating. Weight lost: "0". So, I took 2 days off and started a new diet. It was a 7 day diet. I can do anything for 7 days, right? WRONG! I've done this diet in my past (3 years ago)....and lost 10 lbs. in those 7 days. Day 4 into this diet this time: Weight lost: "0". By this stage the website says if you are doing it without cheating you should lose 5-7 lbs. (which is what happened the last time I did it). No....I didn't cheat. I did it by the book.....NO weight lost! So....I started thinking....Why am I eating this stupid soup every day....miserable.....no energy still....with no results? That's it....I know now what I need to do. The secret is the exercise. I always knew that, but now I REALLY know it. NO more excuses. Here I go. Today is really Day 1. Or it could be Day 2, if you count the 2 laps I walked around my pasture fence last night (I really need to measure how far that is somehow). But it is definitely not Day 29....because the last 28 days are now behind me and I look forward to each and every one from here.
So, here are my starting stats. Age: 49 years young; Height: 5'6"; Weight: 158 lbs. This is where I begin.
I'm not ashamed. I'm accountable and this is for me....to help me put one foot in front of the other and Move Forward in a Positive Light. I hope to inspire myself and anyone else who follows. I also hope to receive positive input and suggestions and success stories from others who may want to join the journey. Pictures will follow as soon as I learn how to design this blog (with help from my lovely daughter....the professional blogger, lol)
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