Last night I completed my first go at level 3 of the Shred. This one brought back memories of Body Revolution, as the moves are complex, yet do-able. The warm-up even often varied moves to get my heart rate up fast and keep it up.
I found this one went by extremely quickly. I loved the first move, the crazy pushups, where you start in pushup position, and move your left hand closer to centre and move your right hand out, then the push up is done. Then you walk your hands back to do it on the other side. And keep repeating. I love the plyo plie squats. I loved the variety of ab moves, and I felt it each time. I love the plank rows followed by a leg lift. I wonder why these weren't introduced in BR, as it seems like it would be a great move for one of the advanced workouts. We did a similar one which consisted of only plank rows, but I feel the leg lift would have been a welcome addition.
Based on the intensity of this workout I have determined that I will do this program every other day in order to give my muscles a break between workouts. On non-30DS days I will try to do something else like a walk or jog, or it may be a day I play vball or softball.
I felt great yesterday, and feel great again today. I need to have a plan in place and hit those targets to feel good and focussed. I have been doing a lot of self-reflection the last week or so. Every so often in my life I feel like I need to evaluate where I am and where I want to be, and often crabbiness is part of that process. It reminds me that perhaps there is something I am forgetting to focus on. Some things I think about is how I am going to make money (am I happy in my current job - when I go back, that is?), do I like where I live (what about the dream of owning lots of land?), do I want to have another baby (specifically, a daughter)? These thoughts can drive me crazy, and I often have to do lots of research and soul-searching to figure them out. But I am happy to report I am in a good place right now with respect to the above.
:) So here we are, ready to enjoy another hot day here. Hope you all stay cool, and try to get your feet moving!
Peach
Friday 22 June 2012
Thursday 21 June 2012
Day 20 of 30DS
Good morning fellow peeps who are also working to improve their bodies and health!
I usually write in the evening, but worked out late last night and didn't have the energy to write, so thought I would get this out to you this morning. A little a.m. reading.
I am officially done part 2 of my 30 Day Shred, meaning that today I get to move on to level 3. I had gotten used to level 2, and it's difficulties. My ending modifications included using 5lb weights for most of the moves except for the second set of strength in circuit 2 and in the final circuit, where I used 3lb weights. I agree with Cheryl that the Squat Thrusts are one of the most challenging parts of the workout. My move tends to sometimes be Downward Dog Thrusts and sometimes the proper squat thrusts. I learned to love this one by the end, and am excited to see what level 3 brings.
In summary, this is what level 2 of the 30 Day Shred looks like:
Warm-Up (each move for about 20 seconds)
- Arm crosses
- Backward windmills
- Jumping jacks
- Standing toe touches
- Neck stretch
- Jumping jacks
Circuit 1
- Walk out to plank and a pushup (5x first rep, 4x second rep)
- Squat Dumbbell Row (1 min)
- Repeat
- Knee Highs (30 sec)
- Squat Thrusts (30 sec)
- Repeat
- Single leg lift with crunch (30 sec on each leg)
Circuit 2
- Crescent with Rows (30 sec)
- Alternating forward and backward lunges with bicep curls (1 min)
- Repeat with other leg
- Oblique twists (30 sec)
- Skaters (30 sec)
- Repeat
- Lying leg raises with weighted crunch (30 sec)
- Double crunch (30 sec)
Circuit 3
- Single leg raises with military presses (30 sec)
- Chair with arm raises (1 min)
- Repeat
- Plank jacks (30 sec)
- Double jump rope (30 sec)
- Repeat
- Plank twists (1 min)
Cool Down (2 min)
I felt back on track yesterday. I was able to run errands in the morning and did some baking in the afternoon. I baked some more of the banana chocolate chip muffins, as well as some banana bread. It was so hot out here, but it needed to get done. The good news is that dinners for tonight and tomorrow are all planned to be done on the bbq.
Afternoon snack was a latte with banana chocolate chip muffin. If you want to limit calories, or are unable to find chocolate chips made with 70% cocao, I recommend picking up some baker's squares, as they make these in a 70% cocao version. These are the ones I use for both my frozen chocolate banana pops and I use 2 squares in my banana chocolate chip muffin recipe instead of a half cup of chocolate chips to keep calories low but still get the chocolate. I simply take a chef's knife and chop the squares into slivers and mix into the prepared batter.
Dinner was tacos. These are especially yummy on a hot day, with crisp cool lettuce and tomato and a touch of sour cream. I use the 14% sour cream, but only use a tsp of it on each taco. I had one whole wheat soft tortilla taco, and one using the standard taco shell. I love the crunch on the hard taco, but prefer the soft shell. For cheese I used a premade Sargento blend of provolone, asiago, parmesan and mozzarella. For dessert, I had 2 pillsbury cinnamon buns.
All right, enough talk for me. Get out there and enjoy your day!
Peach
I usually write in the evening, but worked out late last night and didn't have the energy to write, so thought I would get this out to you this morning. A little a.m. reading.
I am officially done part 2 of my 30 Day Shred, meaning that today I get to move on to level 3. I had gotten used to level 2, and it's difficulties. My ending modifications included using 5lb weights for most of the moves except for the second set of strength in circuit 2 and in the final circuit, where I used 3lb weights. I agree with Cheryl that the Squat Thrusts are one of the most challenging parts of the workout. My move tends to sometimes be Downward Dog Thrusts and sometimes the proper squat thrusts. I learned to love this one by the end, and am excited to see what level 3 brings.
In summary, this is what level 2 of the 30 Day Shred looks like:
Warm-Up (each move for about 20 seconds)
- Arm crosses
- Backward windmills
- Jumping jacks
- Standing toe touches
- Neck stretch
- Jumping jacks
Circuit 1
- Walk out to plank and a pushup (5x first rep, 4x second rep)
- Squat Dumbbell Row (1 min)
- Repeat
- Knee Highs (30 sec)
- Squat Thrusts (30 sec)
- Repeat
- Single leg lift with crunch (30 sec on each leg)
Circuit 2
- Crescent with Rows (30 sec)
- Alternating forward and backward lunges with bicep curls (1 min)
- Repeat with other leg
- Oblique twists (30 sec)
- Skaters (30 sec)
- Repeat
- Lying leg raises with weighted crunch (30 sec)
- Double crunch (30 sec)
Circuit 3
- Single leg raises with military presses (30 sec)
- Chair with arm raises (1 min)
- Repeat
- Plank jacks (30 sec)
- Double jump rope (30 sec)
- Repeat
- Plank twists (1 min)
Cool Down (2 min)
I felt back on track yesterday. I was able to run errands in the morning and did some baking in the afternoon. I baked some more of the banana chocolate chip muffins, as well as some banana bread. It was so hot out here, but it needed to get done. The good news is that dinners for tonight and tomorrow are all planned to be done on the bbq.
For lunch I made a grilled havarti and tomato sandwich. One of my faves and is definitely a must try. Total cals are about 340 for a full sandwich. I switched my bread to Country Harvests' Vitality (No Fat No Sugar Added) and just love it. It's 90 cals per slice, whole wheat, and the pieces are thick with soft centers and chewy crust. The kids love it too.
Afternoon snack was a latte with banana chocolate chip muffin. If you want to limit calories, or are unable to find chocolate chips made with 70% cocao, I recommend picking up some baker's squares, as they make these in a 70% cocao version. These are the ones I use for both my frozen chocolate banana pops and I use 2 squares in my banana chocolate chip muffin recipe instead of a half cup of chocolate chips to keep calories low but still get the chocolate. I simply take a chef's knife and chop the squares into slivers and mix into the prepared batter. Dinner was tacos. These are especially yummy on a hot day, with crisp cool lettuce and tomato and a touch of sour cream. I use the 14% sour cream, but only use a tsp of it on each taco. I had one whole wheat soft tortilla taco, and one using the standard taco shell. I love the crunch on the hard taco, but prefer the soft shell. For cheese I used a premade Sargento blend of provolone, asiago, parmesan and mozzarella. For dessert, I had 2 pillsbury cinnamon buns.
All right, enough talk for me. Get out there and enjoy your day!
Peach
Tuesday 19 June 2012
Day 19 of 30DS
How grateful I am to have such great readers and supporters.
I am feeling better. It does make a difference to take myself out of the 'need to do' mode and instead take time just for me. Let the dirt pile up on the floor, let the hand weights sit in the basement, let the world go as it is and just let myself forget about it.
I am proud to hear that Cheryl (http://ctminnesota.wordpress.com/) is joining me on my 30 Day Shred! How cool is that?! And also, how motivating! As a case in point, it was 9pm and I just sat down to catch up on blogs and report on my day, when I read Cheryl's comment. Knowing she was there with me I got up and went down and did it. I'm not through with it! I did not take another rest day, I just did it. Thank you for giving me that support. :) Oh, it's such a sweaty workout though, isn't it?
Food was good. I have to bake more muffins but it is just so darn hot I do not want to put the oven on. So I waited until my 11am appointment for breakfast and grabbed a banana chocolate chip coffee cake (370 cals).
Lunch was leftover veal scaloppini with creamy mushroom sauce, roasted potatoes and asparagus. Lots of calories there, but filling. In fact, I was about halfway through when I didn't want to finish. It took me a couple of hours actually to finally eat, and it sort of counted as my afternoon snack. In this weather, I really should remember to have either my frozen chocolate banana pops or the frozen smoothie popsicles I made. That would be excellent. So easy to make. I just buy all natural pre-made smoothies in a variety of flavours (this one is an acai berry smoothie) and pour into popsicle moulds. Easy and quick, and less than 100 cals per popsicle.
Dinner was chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) which I poured lemon juice over and let it sit for about 20 minutes while the bbq warmed up. Sprinkled with salt and pepper. I used an Uncle Ben's premade rice packet, whole grain rice flavoured as garden vegetable. I have had this in my cupboard for months and am trying to get rid of some of the more processed items in the house. I made an incredible salad which will need to be repeated. I used fresh baby spring lettuces, added half of an orange pepper, half of an avocado, and half of a Bartlett pear. I used some gourmet dressing "Pear Guava" made by Renees. This salad is fabulous and filling. Total cals for my dinner were just under 500.
I failed to take pictures given my state, but am hopefully going to be back at it tomorrow. I am ready for this!! ... again!
:) Nighty night to all,
Jess
I am feeling better. It does make a difference to take myself out of the 'need to do' mode and instead take time just for me. Let the dirt pile up on the floor, let the hand weights sit in the basement, let the world go as it is and just let myself forget about it.
I am proud to hear that Cheryl (http://ctminnesota.wordpress.com/) is joining me on my 30 Day Shred! How cool is that?! And also, how motivating! As a case in point, it was 9pm and I just sat down to catch up on blogs and report on my day, when I read Cheryl's comment. Knowing she was there with me I got up and went down and did it. I'm not through with it! I did not take another rest day, I just did it. Thank you for giving me that support. :) Oh, it's such a sweaty workout though, isn't it?
Food was good. I have to bake more muffins but it is just so darn hot I do not want to put the oven on. So I waited until my 11am appointment for breakfast and grabbed a banana chocolate chip coffee cake (370 cals).
Lunch was leftover veal scaloppini with creamy mushroom sauce, roasted potatoes and asparagus. Lots of calories there, but filling. In fact, I was about halfway through when I didn't want to finish. It took me a couple of hours actually to finally eat, and it sort of counted as my afternoon snack. In this weather, I really should remember to have either my frozen chocolate banana pops or the frozen smoothie popsicles I made. That would be excellent. So easy to make. I just buy all natural pre-made smoothies in a variety of flavours (this one is an acai berry smoothie) and pour into popsicle moulds. Easy and quick, and less than 100 cals per popsicle.
Dinner was chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) which I poured lemon juice over and let it sit for about 20 minutes while the bbq warmed up. Sprinkled with salt and pepper. I used an Uncle Ben's premade rice packet, whole grain rice flavoured as garden vegetable. I have had this in my cupboard for months and am trying to get rid of some of the more processed items in the house. I made an incredible salad which will need to be repeated. I used fresh baby spring lettuces, added half of an orange pepper, half of an avocado, and half of a Bartlett pear. I used some gourmet dressing "Pear Guava" made by Renees. This salad is fabulous and filling. Total cals for my dinner were just under 500.
I failed to take pictures given my state, but am hopefully going to be back at it tomorrow. I am ready for this!! ... again!
:) Nighty night to all,
Jess
Monday 18 June 2012
Days 16, 17 and 18 of 30DS
I would be lying to say that this isn't easy. Also, blogging is not as easy as it should be, but I need to continue. Blogging is like therapy, only much less expensive.
On Saturday, moodiness was still in my cards. My husband convinced me that it was good for me to take a day off. So I did. And even into the evening when I kept thinking to myself I should be in the basement working out, I stayed upstairs, I sat on the couch, I did not exercise.
On Sunday, I also did not exercise, but it was my regularly scheduled day off. I do however play softball on Sundays, and get my daily steps over 10,000 for this reason, even though I am not doing a JM workout.
Today, I was back at it. My meals are planned for the week, I am back at it. My weight has not changed since last week (I am still five pounds down). Phew! Two more days of level 2 and then I get to see what Level 3 holds.
I am now enjoying level 2 more. I use 5lbs for some moves, but generally use the 3lb weights. I feel such a great burn after. Actually, thinking back, I was quite sore yesterday and wonder if it was from the BR workout 4 I did with Mom on Friday.
How were your Mondays? Do you find that mondays are the best time to get back on track?
Nighty night,
Peach
On Saturday, moodiness was still in my cards. My husband convinced me that it was good for me to take a day off. So I did. And even into the evening when I kept thinking to myself I should be in the basement working out, I stayed upstairs, I sat on the couch, I did not exercise.
On Sunday, I also did not exercise, but it was my regularly scheduled day off. I do however play softball on Sundays, and get my daily steps over 10,000 for this reason, even though I am not doing a JM workout.
Today, I was back at it. My meals are planned for the week, I am back at it. My weight has not changed since last week (I am still five pounds down). Phew! Two more days of level 2 and then I get to see what Level 3 holds.
I am now enjoying level 2 more. I use 5lbs for some moves, but generally use the 3lb weights. I feel such a great burn after. Actually, thinking back, I was quite sore yesterday and wonder if it was from the BR workout 4 I did with Mom on Friday.
How were your Mondays? Do you find that mondays are the best time to get back on track?
Nighty night,
Peach
Friday 15 June 2012
Day 15 of 30DS
Yeehaw, halfway through the mini-marathon of JM workouts.
:)
Thanks for all of your kind words regarding the horrid feelings I've been having towards myself. I'm doing much better today, and feel it will continue. As human beings we are capable of so much, and that can drive anyone crazy... knowing that we can do anything we put our minds to. I signed on for 30 days of shredding and I will complete it.
Today was a bit a fun interruption, as I was able to spend it with my mom. She is a bit behind me in the BR program. Actually, she had to restart it given the condition of her neck/shoulder. Today we did Workout 4 together, and I loved it. Oh, how much I loved it. I am really going to enjoy not having a set regimen but rather the ability to select workouts each day based on how I feel or what I want to do once I am done this month.
The workout was 32 minutes long, a bit longer than level 2 of 30DS. I feel I worked out hard enough, but it was easier to me than level 2. It was a nice change up from the day-to-day of 30DS.
I have continued to watch my calories as well. I eat regular meals with an awareness of portion sizes and calories. What a difference it does make. All it takes is knowing what's going in to be able to reduce calories. I used to have two helpings of a plate because I thought I was still hungry. But I realized that that was an extra 400 calories (making a 400 cal meal into an 800 cal meal) and completely not needed. I'd rather save those extra cals for a splurge.
Tomorrow is last dig at level 2 before my rest day... also happens to be Father's Day. Given the day I had today, I am looking forward to it immensely. :)
Friday night, hope you all get good sleeps tonight. I was only 97% efficient in my sleeping last night... here's for 100 tonight!
Nighty night,
Peach
:)
Thanks for all of your kind words regarding the horrid feelings I've been having towards myself. I'm doing much better today, and feel it will continue. As human beings we are capable of so much, and that can drive anyone crazy... knowing that we can do anything we put our minds to. I signed on for 30 days of shredding and I will complete it.
Today was a bit a fun interruption, as I was able to spend it with my mom. She is a bit behind me in the BR program. Actually, she had to restart it given the condition of her neck/shoulder. Today we did Workout 4 together, and I loved it. Oh, how much I loved it. I am really going to enjoy not having a set regimen but rather the ability to select workouts each day based on how I feel or what I want to do once I am done this month.
The workout was 32 minutes long, a bit longer than level 2 of 30DS. I feel I worked out hard enough, but it was easier to me than level 2. It was a nice change up from the day-to-day of 30DS.
I have continued to watch my calories as well. I eat regular meals with an awareness of portion sizes and calories. What a difference it does make. All it takes is knowing what's going in to be able to reduce calories. I used to have two helpings of a plate because I thought I was still hungry. But I realized that that was an extra 400 calories (making a 400 cal meal into an 800 cal meal) and completely not needed. I'd rather save those extra cals for a splurge.
Tomorrow is last dig at level 2 before my rest day... also happens to be Father's Day. Given the day I had today, I am looking forward to it immensely. :)
Friday night, hope you all get good sleeps tonight. I was only 97% efficient in my sleeping last night... here's for 100 tonight!
Nighty night,
Peach
Thursday 14 June 2012
Days 13 and 14 of 30DS
Wow, this is hard. You definitely need to be in the right frame of mind to get through these challenges. To be honest, yesterday afternoon when I was doing my level 2 of 30DS, I was full of self-deprecating thoughts, which were fully expressed verbally. I was glad my little man decided to hang out upstairs and watch some programming during this workout. I'm sure you know the words that were used, haven't we all been there? We call ourselves fat, we beat ourselves up over it, hoping if we say it enough it will mean something and suddenly our bodies will change. But it makes it worse, it makes me want to throw in the towel and wave that white flag of surrender. Look, those thoughts are no good for anybody! Our bodies change, they are built to change, and we've got to be the one to make the change happen. My thought today is - GET OVER IT! MOVE ON!
So today I wasn't sure if I was going to get my workout in. Not because I didn't have time, because I will always find the time. But because all week I've been telling myself that I'm tired, I'm exhausted, I don't have it in me. And yet, each day I get the workout done. Tomorrow is Friday, then Saturday, and then I can rest. Even on a week I thought I couldn't do it, I am still doing it.
Yesterday's workout was brutal to say the least. I used my 5lb weights. I made it through... shall I say I sweated it through? Yes, I did that. Today, I thought it would be best to try with the lesser weights, and it made a world of difference. I am still working hard, but at least I am feeling more capable with the 3's than I did with the 5's. I do not need to do the workout 'advanced', I just need to do the workout. I found that when it came time to do the Plank Thrusts in circuit 2, I ended up doing more of a Downward Dog Thrust. It worked for me.
Thanks for reading and for letting me know what you think of the 30DS. I am halfway done this month tomorrow, which means just a few more days of level 2 and then I hit up level 3. I'm not dreading it quite so much since one of you pointed out that you enjoyed it more than level 2.
I hope you are all staying on track as best you can for today. Any big plans for Father's Day weekend?
Nighty night,
Peach
So today I wasn't sure if I was going to get my workout in. Not because I didn't have time, because I will always find the time. But because all week I've been telling myself that I'm tired, I'm exhausted, I don't have it in me. And yet, each day I get the workout done. Tomorrow is Friday, then Saturday, and then I can rest. Even on a week I thought I couldn't do it, I am still doing it.
Yesterday's workout was brutal to say the least. I used my 5lb weights. I made it through... shall I say I sweated it through? Yes, I did that. Today, I thought it would be best to try with the lesser weights, and it made a world of difference. I am still working hard, but at least I am feeling more capable with the 3's than I did with the 5's. I do not need to do the workout 'advanced', I just need to do the workout. I found that when it came time to do the Plank Thrusts in circuit 2, I ended up doing more of a Downward Dog Thrust. It worked for me.
Thanks for reading and for letting me know what you think of the 30DS. I am halfway done this month tomorrow, which means just a few more days of level 2 and then I hit up level 3. I'm not dreading it quite so much since one of you pointed out that you enjoyed it more than level 2.
I hope you are all staying on track as best you can for today. Any big plans for Father's Day weekend?
Nighty night,
Peach
Monday 11 June 2012
Day 11 of 30DS
Workout level 2 - it sure provides a burn. It also brings me back to the good ol' body revolution days that are not so far behind me. I fully enjoyed workout level 2. I feel like it was tough enough, and more than once I had to pause my move, or drop to my knees. I found it went very quickly, with 29 minutes total including warmup and cooldown. The moves were great, and found the strength sequences seemed less than 3 minutes, and cardio felt like more than 2 minutes. Cardio was once again the challenge for me. Lots of plank-inspired moves here. But nothing that can't be done. I worked up a great sweat and wonder how I am going to do another 8 days of this in a row.
Therefore, based on this, I have decided that I will take Sundays off for the remainder of this program. Done! No going back now, so let's do this!
Anybody else currently on the 30 DS? How quickly did you move up in the levels? Which level did you (or do you) enjoy the most?
I am going to continue to use the 5lb weights since it hurts so bad at the end of each set and I pretty much cannot finish. Therefore there is room to improve.
On a side note, I keep on losing weight. I am down now to 161 lbs, and I really could have been trying a lot harder. Yet the weight is still coming off. If I lose 4 more pounds doing this program (I have already dropped four pounds since starting June 1st) I would have surpassed my already ambitious goal. I think perhaps it is the combination of fitbit use and MFP along with my daily working out. The fitbit tracks better than MFP alone, and MFP holds me accountable to my food choices. The fitbit gives me more accurate calorie setting. I believe I have found something good that works for me. I cannot believe I am less than 14lbs away from my goal weight.
Tomorrow I will do level 2 again, and will try to remember the sequence a bit better.
For now, have a great night, let's get ready for tomorrow.
Nighty night,
Peach
Therefore, based on this, I have decided that I will take Sundays off for the remainder of this program. Done! No going back now, so let's do this!
Anybody else currently on the 30 DS? How quickly did you move up in the levels? Which level did you (or do you) enjoy the most?
I am going to continue to use the 5lb weights since it hurts so bad at the end of each set and I pretty much cannot finish. Therefore there is room to improve.
On a side note, I keep on losing weight. I am down now to 161 lbs, and I really could have been trying a lot harder. Yet the weight is still coming off. If I lose 4 more pounds doing this program (I have already dropped four pounds since starting June 1st) I would have surpassed my already ambitious goal. I think perhaps it is the combination of fitbit use and MFP along with my daily working out. The fitbit tracks better than MFP alone, and MFP holds me accountable to my food choices. The fitbit gives me more accurate calorie setting. I believe I have found something good that works for me. I cannot believe I am less than 14lbs away from my goal weight.
Tomorrow I will do level 2 again, and will try to remember the sequence a bit better.
For now, have a great night, let's get ready for tomorrow.
Nighty night,
Peach
Sunday 10 June 2012
Day 10 of 30DS
Wow, I'm always impressed when I read about my MFP friends having great success with their food choices. I know it's not easy. It seems that even on days that are not so bad, some of my friends seem to think that because they went over in their calories or ate something they 'weren't supposed to' without going over their calories, that they just did damage to their weight loss. But the only damage done is to your self-confidence, because your body will just digest and move on. And so should you! Keep your head in the game. This is not decided by one day or one meal, it is decided first in your head, and then in the actions you take.
Say hello to 'Start-Over Mondays' -- good thing that's tomorrow!
I was able to have a rest day today, but did more activity today than I usually do, or at least that I have done in the past couple of days. I took the baby for a long walk to the grocery store, and bumped into an old friend I hadn't seen in months. This afternoon we played softball, and I was intent on keeping moving whenever I could. My goal is to keep my heart rate up as often throughout the day as I can.
I will not discuss food... no need to talk about that after my motivational speech above. (eek). My friends can visit me on MFP to see what I ate, and I did stay within my calorie goal (barely).
So here we are, Sunday night, and tomorrow is a new day. I will be starting JM's level 2 workout tomorrow and I am anxious to see how it goes!
Have a great night,
Peach
Say hello to 'Start-Over Mondays' -- good thing that's tomorrow!
I was able to have a rest day today, but did more activity today than I usually do, or at least that I have done in the past couple of days. I took the baby for a long walk to the grocery store, and bumped into an old friend I hadn't seen in months. This afternoon we played softball, and I was intent on keeping moving whenever I could. My goal is to keep my heart rate up as often throughout the day as I can.
I will not discuss food... no need to talk about that after my motivational speech above. (eek). My friends can visit me on MFP to see what I ate, and I did stay within my calorie goal (barely).
So here we are, Sunday night, and tomorrow is a new day. I will be starting JM's level 2 workout tomorrow and I am anxious to see how it goes!
Have a great night,
Peach
Saturday 9 June 2012
Day 9 of 30DS
There really wasn't much different to report on today. I again did my workout in the evening, which is less than preferable, but seemed to be the only time I can squeeze it in.
I have decided to add a rest day to my workouts as well. I really feel like I need a break. Also, my weight isn't moving up or down, so a break may be good for me while I'm in this limbo. I was thinking to either start taking Sundays off, or just taking off the last day of each level. Tomorrow happens to be a Sunday and the last day of level 1 before moving to level 2, so I really could do either option and I have a week to decide. So I will rest tomorrow and focus only on meals. I am looking forward to the break! I have been working out every day since last Thursday and my mind needs a break from the commitment.
Nighty night,
Today I did 14 full pushups, then modified to my knees after 2 full ones in the second set.
I still feel incredibly strong when I do this workout.
I have decided to add a rest day to my workouts as well. I really feel like I need a break. Also, my weight isn't moving up or down, so a break may be good for me while I'm in this limbo. I was thinking to either start taking Sundays off, or just taking off the last day of each level. Tomorrow happens to be a Sunday and the last day of level 1 before moving to level 2, so I really could do either option and I have a week to decide. So I will rest tomorrow and focus only on meals. I am looking forward to the break! I have been working out every day since last Thursday and my mind needs a break from the commitment.
To summarize, this is what Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred level 1 looks like:
Warm Up
-Arm crosses (20 sec)
-Windmills (20 sec)
-Jumping Jacks (20sec)
-Hip Circles (20 sec)
-Knee Rotations (20 sec)
-Jumping Jacks (20 sec)
Circuit 1
-Pushups (30 sec)
-Squats with shoulder presses (1min)
-Repeat
-Jumping Jacks (30 sec)
-Jump rope (30 sec)
-Repeat
-Crunches (30 sec)
-Reverse crunches (30 sec)
Circuit 2
-Dumbbell rows (30 sec)
-Lunge with bicep curls (1 min)
-Repeat (switching legs with the lunge with bicep curls)
-Butt kicks (30 sec)
-Punches (30sec)
-Repeat
-Side crunches (30 sec each side)
Circuit 3
-Laying chest flies (30 sec)
-Side lunge with anterior raise (1 min)
-Repeat
-Jumping jacks (30 sec)
-Butt kicks (30 sec)
-Punches (30 sec)
-Jump rope (30 sec)
-Bicycle crunch (1 min)
Cool down - Stretching
If you were thinking of getting 30DS and were on the fence, I would absolutely recommend it. Level 1 already provides great workouts, with a total workout time of just 27 minutes (including warm up and cool down). Completely doable for all fitness levels. In terms of weight loss, I have been on the program for 9 days and am down 3.5 pounds. I have been steady at this weight for three days, too.
Have a great night, I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Nighty night,
Peach
Friday 8 June 2012
Days 7 and 8 of 30DS
No, you're not losing it. I did not write yesterday. I have been doing well. I changed things up a bit yesterday and did my workout in the evening. This is not as effective for me. In terms of accomplishment, I was able to do 14 full pushups first time around, but 10 on my knees for the second set. Everything else I followed Nat's advanced moves. It still really works my shoulders, but it's better than it being too easy.
Tonight while doing the workout, I feel as though I may be ready to move on to the second level. I did full pushups both times, 14 and then 10. I felt strong throughout the entire workout. I also sweat, but I am looking forward to level 2. As long as I've had this disc (two years!) I have never made it on to the second level. And I start on June 11th (Monday). I am thrilled to be moving onwards.
I've been somewhat lax in my eating, although not too poor. I have been hitting my calorie goals and love the way the fitbit adjusts to MFP. I certainly could have moved more yesterday, and today for that matter, but I do enjoy a couple of less intense days after such a long haul. The big news is the Cinnamon Bun Eating Contest that was held at my house last night. The oldest went in to get a chicken pox vaccine earlier in the day, and to ease it for him (he hates needles, who does?) I asked him what would help. He reminded me of the bet I made to him months back about him not being able to eat an entire tray of cinnamon buns. The wager was $20 on my end if he does it; nothing from him if he can't, since my reward would be the ability to eat his uneaten buns. Who here remembers my affinity and cravings for cinnamon buns?? Okay, so the boy was able to get through 3 entire pieces before passing out. As he was working through his, I was working through mine... yes, I bought one tray for him and one for the rest of the family. And I ended up having 2 pieces. Certainly more than I needed, I could have stopped at 1 and met my calorie goal for the day, but ended up going over by 600. Oh well. :) It was still satisfying.
I've been much better today. A little relapse gives more meaning to refocusing and getting back on track.
We are now at the weekend, we'll see what it brings. Last time I checked we had minimal commitments.
Enjoy yours, hopefully it is sunny where you are!
Nighty night,
Peach
Tonight while doing the workout, I feel as though I may be ready to move on to the second level. I did full pushups both times, 14 and then 10. I felt strong throughout the entire workout. I also sweat, but I am looking forward to level 2. As long as I've had this disc (two years!) I have never made it on to the second level. And I start on June 11th (Monday). I am thrilled to be moving onwards.
I've been somewhat lax in my eating, although not too poor. I have been hitting my calorie goals and love the way the fitbit adjusts to MFP. I certainly could have moved more yesterday, and today for that matter, but I do enjoy a couple of less intense days after such a long haul. The big news is the Cinnamon Bun Eating Contest that was held at my house last night. The oldest went in to get a chicken pox vaccine earlier in the day, and to ease it for him (he hates needles, who does?) I asked him what would help. He reminded me of the bet I made to him months back about him not being able to eat an entire tray of cinnamon buns. The wager was $20 on my end if he does it; nothing from him if he can't, since my reward would be the ability to eat his uneaten buns. Who here remembers my affinity and cravings for cinnamon buns?? Okay, so the boy was able to get through 3 entire pieces before passing out. As he was working through his, I was working through mine... yes, I bought one tray for him and one for the rest of the family. And I ended up having 2 pieces. Certainly more than I needed, I could have stopped at 1 and met my calorie goal for the day, but ended up going over by 600. Oh well. :) It was still satisfying.
I've been much better today. A little relapse gives more meaning to refocusing and getting back on track.
We are now at the weekend, we'll see what it brings. Last time I checked we had minimal commitments.
Enjoy yours, hopefully it is sunny where you are!
Nighty night,
Peach
Wednesday 6 June 2012
Day 6 of 30DS
I'm not tired of the workout yet. It's a great one actually, going back to basics. This time around, I was UNMODIFIED. I do not know how I did it. Perhaps it was the idea of counting the moves that got me through. For example, for the pushups I counted 12 in the first set and 10 in the second. I did each one as a count and each one on my toes. So this is very good. Also, I kept the 5lbs weights, even in the third circuit when it feels like I cannot finish. Because I do finish each time, even though it is a challenge and my pose isn't perfect. I do finish.
I am going to continue counting to see if I can at least match or better my pushups. I'm still just impressed I didn't drop to my knees on round two.
Foodwise was yummy. I made some banana chocolate chip muffins for breakfast this morning, fresh from the oven. To save a few extra calories, I used dark bakers squares (70% cacoa), two of them. I coarsely chopped them using a knife and added them to the mixture. The calories for twelve muffins dropped by about 400 cals when I did this.
Afternoon snack I had a nonfat latte, along with some celebration cookies with dark chocolate. I could have eaten the entire box, yay for me for stopping at six. :) Really.
Dinner was my last serving of the turkey burgers with oven roasted brussel sprouts and baby carrots. This is one of my favourite meals because it is filling, satisfying, and quick.
All in all, a wonderful day. I've had some wine tonight as my calories have allowed.
Tomorrow is busy with another doctors' appointment in the afternoon and work meeting in the morning. My goal is to complete my workout in the morning, as usual.
Also, I sure do need to update my profile on my blog site. I had initially copied it from MFP, but as I update MFP this one doesn't update, and my baby sure isn't 3 mos anymore. He is six months old now, and what a darling he has turned out to be. I think I will post a pic of him tomorrow.
Have a great sleep everyone... hoping you all hit 98% efficiency!
Nighty night,
Peach
 |
| My darling W. |
Foodwise was yummy. I made some banana chocolate chip muffins for breakfast this morning, fresh from the oven. To save a few extra calories, I used dark bakers squares (70% cacoa), two of them. I coarsely chopped them using a knife and added them to the mixture. The calories for twelve muffins dropped by about 400 cals when I did this.
 |
| Chicken with egg noodle soup and 1/2 grilled cheese sandwich. |
Lunch was a can of organic chicken with egg noodle soup and half of a grilled cheese sandwich.
Afternoon snack I had a nonfat latte, along with some celebration cookies with dark chocolate. I could have eaten the entire box, yay for me for stopping at six. :) Really.
 |
| Turkey burger with oven roasted veggies |
Dinner was my last serving of the turkey burgers with oven roasted brussel sprouts and baby carrots. This is one of my favourite meals because it is filling, satisfying, and quick.
All in all, a wonderful day. I've had some wine tonight as my calories have allowed.
Tomorrow is busy with another doctors' appointment in the afternoon and work meeting in the morning. My goal is to complete my workout in the morning, as usual.
Also, I sure do need to update my profile on my blog site. I had initially copied it from MFP, but as I update MFP this one doesn't update, and my baby sure isn't 3 mos anymore. He is six months old now, and what a darling he has turned out to be. I think I will post a pic of him tomorrow.
Have a great sleep everyone... hoping you all hit 98% efficiency!
Nighty night,
Peach
Tuesday 5 June 2012
Day 5 of 30DS
Sometimes I sit here when I am about to begin my blog and a huge blank comes across the synapses of my brain. Where to start? My daily inspiration at the top of the blog at least gave me a starting point. Today we spent a couple of hours at the hospital taking part in a research study. Even the coordinators marvelled at how I weigh less now than I did pre-pregnancy (8kg to be precise!). It seems everyone notices this transformation in me except myself. I still look in the mirror and see the same person I've always been. It seems that the only time I can acknowledge a change is when I look at old photos of myself. Detachment apparently goes hand in hand with realization. Who knew? So apparently, I'm looking great. Certainly, I am feeling great.
My little fitbit tells me that I went up 17 flights of stairs today, and that I am one flight away from a new award. So please excuse me while I go run upstairs and come straight back to report my findings! Turns out I climbed the leaning tower of Pisa! Very cool. Also, if I climb two more flights I get another award! Hold on a sec. ... I just climbed Coit Tower! Not sure where that is, but it's tall. So the fitbit is enjoyable to use, and I like the little challenges it presents as well.
Recall my returned HRM? Well, I have been with the company I work for for 5 years now, and I am eligible to receive a gift due to my accomplishment. There were lots of nice options (a silver ring with a single diamond, a silver bracelet, a wicked duffel bag, watches, golf clubs, pens, the list goes on) and in particular there was a HRM watch similar to the one I returned but made by another company. So I'm going to give that one a try. I have nothing to lose, and it will complement the features of the fitbit. I now await its arrival.
Food was okay today. For breakfast I had a whole grain blueberry muffin and a coffee from Timmies. Lunch was the hearty vegetable soup with 1/2 of a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich. I did end up having three cookies with dark chocolate tops. And dinner was a couple of slices of buitoni spinach and goat cheese pizza. I had lots of calories left over today, so I had an ice cream cone for dessert, and two more light smirnoff ice's.
For now, have a great evening, and I'll see you tomorrow.
Nighty night,
My little fitbit tells me that I went up 17 flights of stairs today, and that I am one flight away from a new award. So please excuse me while I go run upstairs and come straight back to report my findings! Turns out I climbed the leaning tower of Pisa! Very cool. Also, if I climb two more flights I get another award! Hold on a sec. ... I just climbed Coit Tower! Not sure where that is, but it's tall. So the fitbit is enjoyable to use, and I like the little challenges it presents as well.
Recall my returned HRM? Well, I have been with the company I work for for 5 years now, and I am eligible to receive a gift due to my accomplishment. There were lots of nice options (a silver ring with a single diamond, a silver bracelet, a wicked duffel bag, watches, golf clubs, pens, the list goes on) and in particular there was a HRM watch similar to the one I returned but made by another company. So I'm going to give that one a try. I have nothing to lose, and it will complement the features of the fitbit. I now await its arrival.
 |
| Grilled cheese with tomato |
Food was okay today. For breakfast I had a whole grain blueberry muffin and a coffee from Timmies. Lunch was the hearty vegetable soup with 1/2 of a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich. I did end up having three cookies with dark chocolate tops. And dinner was a couple of slices of buitoni spinach and goat cheese pizza. I had lots of calories left over today, so I had an ice cream cone for dessert, and two more light smirnoff ice's.
 |
| Amazing and yummy pizza. 1/4 pizza is only 170 cals! |
And, going back to my workout, it's the same as it was yesterday. I still had to modify the pushups, and I can barely lift my arms by the end of the third circuit. I'm sure my 5's are too heavy, but I'm going to push to get stronger.
For now, have a great evening, and I'll see you tomorrow.
Nighty night,
Peach
Monday 4 June 2012
Day 4 of 30DS
I believe that to be successful in anything you need two things. The first is motivation. You need to want to succeed, and if you want it bad enough you will overcome whatever obstacle it is that is in your way (time, money, credentials, etc). The second thing is a support team. You need to have people around you who also want you to succeed. SO, thank you for being my support team, because without you I would not have the accountability that I need to keep going.
Day 4. Again, my shoulders are sore, and I still need to modify the second set of pushups to be on my knees. Oh I still feel it alright, and I almost cannot finish the third circuit strength move. After completing the 90-day BR I am surprised that this is a challenge. But they are both different. My heart rate does not get up as high with 30DS as it did with BR. It's just the strength sequences that work my muscles so hard.
In terms of weight loss, I am down 3lbs since ending BR last week (a week already!). This means that I am officially below my wedding weight, and is the slimmest I have been since my wedding a few years ago. I have the MFP app on my phone and it shows a lovely little graph of my progress (see print screen of image). While I definitely have some spikes, there is a wonderful downward trend... just lovely really. So do not worry about those regular fluctuations up and down. It all levels out! I am now about 14lbs away from my goal and I suspect that as I continue fighting the bulge the weight will be more and more difficult to take off. When that happens, I will begin to rely more on my BF% as a measure of success.
I had a great day for meals. Banana Chocolate Chip muffin with my coffee for breakfast. Lunch was a container of Sweet Potato Thai soup and half of a grilled cheddar sandwich. No afternoon snack today, unless cake counts since I had a couple of little end bits. Dinner was one jumbo chicken hot dog, with the bun.
I am definitely under my calorie goal for today... I have something like 1,000 calories left to eat but no way to eat them. I did have an amazing little concoction after beach vball this evening. My friend brought hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps, and it was so good. A new beverage to love. Since getting home from vball I have soaked my feet and applied lotions and enjoyed two smirnoff ice lights (100 cals each). Life is good.
My cool handy dandy fitbit also syncs automatically with MFP, which means that if my steps and activity are above and beyond MFPs calculations, then an entry is made in my activity to account for the extra calorie burn. It also means I only need to log my food and activities once in MFP and it syncs back to the fitbit site. This is excellent, as the fitbit is such a hands-off device, and still is not close to needing charging. Very easy.
Have a great night to all. Tomorrow is Tuesday, and I hit workout 1 again.
Nighty night,
Peach
Day 4. Again, my shoulders are sore, and I still need to modify the second set of pushups to be on my knees. Oh I still feel it alright, and I almost cannot finish the third circuit strength move. After completing the 90-day BR I am surprised that this is a challenge. But they are both different. My heart rate does not get up as high with 30DS as it did with BR. It's just the strength sequences that work my muscles so hard. In terms of weight loss, I am down 3lbs since ending BR last week (a week already!). This means that I am officially below my wedding weight, and is the slimmest I have been since my wedding a few years ago. I have the MFP app on my phone and it shows a lovely little graph of my progress (see print screen of image). While I definitely have some spikes, there is a wonderful downward trend... just lovely really. So do not worry about those regular fluctuations up and down. It all levels out! I am now about 14lbs away from my goal and I suspect that as I continue fighting the bulge the weight will be more and more difficult to take off. When that happens, I will begin to rely more on my BF% as a measure of success.
I had a great day for meals. Banana Chocolate Chip muffin with my coffee for breakfast. Lunch was a container of Sweet Potato Thai soup and half of a grilled cheddar sandwich. No afternoon snack today, unless cake counts since I had a couple of little end bits. Dinner was one jumbo chicken hot dog, with the bun.
I am definitely under my calorie goal for today... I have something like 1,000 calories left to eat but no way to eat them. I did have an amazing little concoction after beach vball this evening. My friend brought hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps, and it was so good. A new beverage to love. Since getting home from vball I have soaked my feet and applied lotions and enjoyed two smirnoff ice lights (100 cals each). Life is good.
My cool handy dandy fitbit also syncs automatically with MFP, which means that if my steps and activity are above and beyond MFPs calculations, then an entry is made in my activity to account for the extra calorie burn. It also means I only need to log my food and activities once in MFP and it syncs back to the fitbit site. This is excellent, as the fitbit is such a hands-off device, and still is not close to needing charging. Very easy.
Have a great night to all. Tomorrow is Tuesday, and I hit workout 1 again.
Nighty night,
Peach
Sunday 3 June 2012
Day 3 of 30
10% done already! I cannot believe how sore this workout makes my shoulders. Funny that I find it more intense than BR, but then again, in this workout we work the same muscle group one after the other, and for a longer time. 3 minutes on the same muscle group, with no cardio break.
I am not sure how long this post is going to be today, I really don't have much to report on. We played softball this afternoon in the rain, but our captain called the game after the downpour got really bad. Besides, we were down by about 10 runs. We missed about 15 minutes of game play due to the call, but I was happy to get home and get my oldest into some dry clothes. While it was pouring rain, that's not the reason he was soaked.... He chose to play in the water feature at the park and got absolutely drenched. Poor guy!
Food was not bad today. We had a brunch earlier in the day with some quiche, tomatoes and cheese, salads, meats and bread. That held me over for most of the day. For dinner I enjoyed another of the turkey burgers with oven roasted carrots and brussel sprouts. I still have a few hundred calories left in my budget thanks to all the activity of the day.
Turns out I am a very good sleeper. 100% efficiency again last night. Boy, when I fall asleep I sure sleep well!
I hope you are all ready for your Monday... plans set, goals in place, meals planned perhaps? This is your body, you are in control of this, what are you going to do today to change it?
Nighty night,
Peach
I am not sure how long this post is going to be today, I really don't have much to report on. We played softball this afternoon in the rain, but our captain called the game after the downpour got really bad. Besides, we were down by about 10 runs. We missed about 15 minutes of game play due to the call, but I was happy to get home and get my oldest into some dry clothes. While it was pouring rain, that's not the reason he was soaked.... He chose to play in the water feature at the park and got absolutely drenched. Poor guy!
Food was not bad today. We had a brunch earlier in the day with some quiche, tomatoes and cheese, salads, meats and bread. That held me over for most of the day. For dinner I enjoyed another of the turkey burgers with oven roasted carrots and brussel sprouts. I still have a few hundred calories left in my budget thanks to all the activity of the day.
Turns out I am a very good sleeper. 100% efficiency again last night. Boy, when I fall asleep I sure sleep well!
I hope you are all ready for your Monday... plans set, goals in place, meals planned perhaps? This is your body, you are in control of this, what are you going to do today to change it?
Nighty night,
Peach
Saturday 2 June 2012
Day 2 of 30 DS
Wow, I am continually pushing myself with level 1 of this program. It is comprised of three circuits, each with 3 minutes of strength moves (30 seconds of major muscle group plus 1 minute of a combo move, repeated), 2 minutes of cardio (switchup every 30 seconds four times) and 1 minute of ab-work.
The strength moves are very concentrated. Today after doing the first set of pushups military style, I dropped to my knees for the last half of the second set. My shoulders are sore today too from all of the weighted lifts. It's all good. While I find the strength challenging, I find the cardio a breeze. This is a switch from how workouts normally go with me.
I was under my calorie goal today, and this may be because I was so active today. My total calories in were about 1800. I took the kids to the pancake breakfast at the fun fair today, and I had two pancakes and two sausages with 1/2 of a butter pat and about a tablespoon of syrup. For lunch, still at the funfair, I had one hamburger with relish and ketchup and a 2 oz piece of vanilla cake with icing. No afternoon snack. For dinner, I had a leftover Jillian Michael Southwest Turkey Burger with oven roasted brussel sprouts and carrots. I sliced tomato and avocado to put on the burger. No bun. This meal was in the 7-day Jump-Start Your Metabolism provided with the 90 day revolution. There are no carbs for those first 7 days, and the meals are high protein. I love this one because it is very tasty, very simple to make, and very yummy.
I am enjoying my FitBit. I really enjoy how it syncs up online effortlessly. I was fascinated to see the graph of my sleep from last night. It took me 17 minutes to fall asleep, with one little blip just after 6 am, then back to sleep until 7am. I had 7 hours of sleep and it was at 100% sleep efficiency (apparently my little blip really was just a little blip - I remember waking up at that point too). That's good! I also love the daily challenges that the fitbit provides. For example, today I hit 10,000 steps, so now it's asking me if I can get to 15,000 in one day. Now I'm wondering... Can I get to 15,000? Sounds like a challenge to me!
I love how it syncs automatically when I am within 15 feet of the base which is plugged into my laptop. I also love how it tells me how I am doing with my food at that point in time, considering what is left of the day.
It's all good.
Tomorrow is a new day, happy Sunday to all.
Nighty night,
Peach
The strength moves are very concentrated. Today after doing the first set of pushups military style, I dropped to my knees for the last half of the second set. My shoulders are sore today too from all of the weighted lifts. It's all good. While I find the strength challenging, I find the cardio a breeze. This is a switch from how workouts normally go with me.
I was under my calorie goal today, and this may be because I was so active today. My total calories in were about 1800. I took the kids to the pancake breakfast at the fun fair today, and I had two pancakes and two sausages with 1/2 of a butter pat and about a tablespoon of syrup. For lunch, still at the funfair, I had one hamburger with relish and ketchup and a 2 oz piece of vanilla cake with icing. No afternoon snack. For dinner, I had a leftover Jillian Michael Southwest Turkey Burger with oven roasted brussel sprouts and carrots. I sliced tomato and avocado to put on the burger. No bun. This meal was in the 7-day Jump-Start Your Metabolism provided with the 90 day revolution. There are no carbs for those first 7 days, and the meals are high protein. I love this one because it is very tasty, very simple to make, and very yummy.
I am enjoying my FitBit. I really enjoy how it syncs up online effortlessly. I was fascinated to see the graph of my sleep from last night. It took me 17 minutes to fall asleep, with one little blip just after 6 am, then back to sleep until 7am. I had 7 hours of sleep and it was at 100% sleep efficiency (apparently my little blip really was just a little blip - I remember waking up at that point too). That's good! I also love the daily challenges that the fitbit provides. For example, today I hit 10,000 steps, so now it's asking me if I can get to 15,000 in one day. Now I'm wondering... Can I get to 15,000? Sounds like a challenge to me!
I love how it syncs automatically when I am within 15 feet of the base which is plugged into my laptop. I also love how it tells me how I am doing with my food at that point in time, considering what is left of the day.
It's all good.
Tomorrow is a new day, happy Sunday to all.
Nighty night,
Peach
Friday 1 June 2012
First day of the New Program (30DS)
First thing I thought when I woke up this morning was, "I cannot wait to hit my workout!". How often does that happen??
I got the kids up, fed breakfast (fed baby), kicked I. out the door to school, and ran downstairs to work out. Oh my goodness. Finally! This is all I could think. I did not remember this workout from previous attempts until I went through it again. In some ways it is easier than BR, and in some ways it is more difficult. It was more difficult because I used 5lb weights rather than 3's. Also, it is more intense in the strength training. We did 3 minutes of pure strength, with just 2 minutes of cardio, and then abs. I found that it was a challenge to do pushups, followed by squats with shoulder presses, and then repeating this move again. In the BR program, I would do the pushups followed by squats with shoulder presses, and then have a bit of a break with the cardio. So I certainly felt this, especially in my shoulders.
Catherine, who is currently on the Ripped in 30 program by JM, noted that she finds it is easy to get bored with the workout since it is the same workout all week. At this point, all I can think is that I've got 10 days of this. I did find it a challenge, but I will continue to do it all 10 days. This just means my pushups will get stronger, perhaps I will add heavier weights by the end. I will modify to make it work for me. And then perhaps I will get bored... I will visit that when I get there.
I felt very good about my meals today. But first, I should say that I had to return the HRM watch that I picked up two weeks ago. I was having a difficult time getting readings, and it was giving my arm a rash. Both not good. I am still determined to find something that works well enough for me. In the meantime, I picked up a FitBit Ultra, which is a monitor and online tool (which includes tracking sleep patterns) to help lose weight. It mainly tracks steps and stairs, but the online tool allows an override (say, if you were jogging and want to register additional calories). The tool tracks everything by the minute so it is easy to override specified minutes during the day using the online tool. And I cannot wait to see how my sleep goes tonight!
I continue to enter my foods online at MFP. For breakfast, I enjoyed a banana chocolate chip muffin with my coffee. Lunch was a can of soup with half of a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich. I love these 1/2 sandwiches because they are quite filling. Not sure if it is the warmth or the tomato. But it works. No afternoon snack today.
For dinner we ordered pizza. I ordered a small multigrain thin crust with chicken, green peppers and mushrooms. I had three small pieces (equivalent to two medium regular multigrain crusts) and a few glasses of white wine. Ahhh, relaxation.
I also received my new phone today, and it is the Samsung Galaxy S2. If anybody out there has this phone you can attest to it's ease of use, speed, colour is amazing, oh my I just love it. :) It makes staying it touch way easier, so K I'm counting on you to put it to use! Tomorrow is the fun fair, which means we have a pancake breakfast at 8am, and I. is walking with the Cubs in the parade, and W. is walking with CUD (the daycare).
For now, have a great night. I am stoked about losing 8lbs this month and hope you are all on your way to reach success yourself.
Nighty night,
Peach.
I got the kids up, fed breakfast (fed baby), kicked I. out the door to school, and ran downstairs to work out. Oh my goodness. Finally! This is all I could think. I did not remember this workout from previous attempts until I went through it again. In some ways it is easier than BR, and in some ways it is more difficult. It was more difficult because I used 5lb weights rather than 3's. Also, it is more intense in the strength training. We did 3 minutes of pure strength, with just 2 minutes of cardio, and then abs. I found that it was a challenge to do pushups, followed by squats with shoulder presses, and then repeating this move again. In the BR program, I would do the pushups followed by squats with shoulder presses, and then have a bit of a break with the cardio. So I certainly felt this, especially in my shoulders.
Catherine, who is currently on the Ripped in 30 program by JM, noted that she finds it is easy to get bored with the workout since it is the same workout all week. At this point, all I can think is that I've got 10 days of this. I did find it a challenge, but I will continue to do it all 10 days. This just means my pushups will get stronger, perhaps I will add heavier weights by the end. I will modify to make it work for me. And then perhaps I will get bored... I will visit that when I get there.
I felt very good about my meals today. But first, I should say that I had to return the HRM watch that I picked up two weeks ago. I was having a difficult time getting readings, and it was giving my arm a rash. Both not good. I am still determined to find something that works well enough for me. In the meantime, I picked up a FitBit Ultra, which is a monitor and online tool (which includes tracking sleep patterns) to help lose weight. It mainly tracks steps and stairs, but the online tool allows an override (say, if you were jogging and want to register additional calories). The tool tracks everything by the minute so it is easy to override specified minutes during the day using the online tool. And I cannot wait to see how my sleep goes tonight!
I continue to enter my foods online at MFP. For breakfast, I enjoyed a banana chocolate chip muffin with my coffee. Lunch was a can of soup with half of a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich. I love these 1/2 sandwiches because they are quite filling. Not sure if it is the warmth or the tomato. But it works. No afternoon snack today.
For dinner we ordered pizza. I ordered a small multigrain thin crust with chicken, green peppers and mushrooms. I had three small pieces (equivalent to two medium regular multigrain crusts) and a few glasses of white wine. Ahhh, relaxation. I also received my new phone today, and it is the Samsung Galaxy S2. If anybody out there has this phone you can attest to it's ease of use, speed, colour is amazing, oh my I just love it. :) It makes staying it touch way easier, so K I'm counting on you to put it to use! Tomorrow is the fun fair, which means we have a pancake breakfast at 8am, and I. is walking with the Cubs in the parade, and W. is walking with CUD (the daycare).
For now, have a great night. I am stoked about losing 8lbs this month and hope you are all on your way to reach success yourself.
Nighty night,
Peach.
Thursday 31 May 2012
New Program to begin tomorrow
I hope you have been enjoying these past few days. I have been enjoying them to a certain extent, but have found that my days lack focus and meaning when working out is absent. For this reason, I am beyond excited and ready to start my next chapter in my journey. That is - Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred (hereinafter known as 30DS).
I am beginning this program tomorrow, June 1st. I will do each of the levels for 10 days each, with no rest days (there are 3 levels). I will continue to report on my feelings and my experience with the workout, as well as reporting on my meal choices. It's been said that food is the bulk of weight loss, and if I can nail that then I will be able to lose the weight. So I will continue to report on food.
My beginning figures are from my 90-Day BR (see post from May 28th). I will start with a weight of 165 and the measurements as identified in the post. My goal is to lose 8 lbs this chapter.
Feel free to follow me on my blog and add me as a friend on myfitnesspal.com (user jfaure23) if you are interested in viewing my food log and exercise diary. I use MFP as a tool to record my calories burned and eaten, and as a way to identify trends in my eating and exercise habits (and the results that come of those habits).
For now, nighty night,
Peach
I am beginning this program tomorrow, June 1st. I will do each of the levels for 10 days each, with no rest days (there are 3 levels). I will continue to report on my feelings and my experience with the workout, as well as reporting on my meal choices. It's been said that food is the bulk of weight loss, and if I can nail that then I will be able to lose the weight. So I will continue to report on food.
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| My bicep, post BR |
Feel free to follow me on my blog and add me as a friend on myfitnesspal.com (user jfaure23) if you are interested in viewing my food log and exercise diary. I use MFP as a tool to record my calories burned and eaten, and as a way to identify trends in my eating and exercise habits (and the results that come of those habits).
For now, nighty night,
Peach
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| The 'official' side by side for the end of the program. My Start photo for 30DS. |
Monday 28 May 2012
Day 90 - Body Revolution Results!
I completed the program. It was 90 days and it flew by, and this is what I have to show for it.
Final Workout: Cardio 3
As soon as I could this morning, I ran down to the basement to have my way with Cardio 3... for the last time. I used weights at the beginning and dropped them when we started the plank moguls. I didn't pick them up again because this workout is enough on its own for me, no added weights needed. At the end of the first circuit the thought crossed my mind that I really didn't need to finish, what could 20 more minutes of this actually do for me? But the thing is, this entire program from start to finish is made up of these 30 minute moments, which collectively gave me the results you see below. Sure it sounds small, but the results are huge. So stay with it. Do your day right, from start to finish. And FINISH STRONG!
With this program, I lost 20.5 pounds, and a total of 33 inches off of my body. I went from a dress size 14 to 8. And might I add, I FEEL GREAT!
| Results for Period End | Change | ||||||
| FINAL | Ph2 | Ph1 | Start | FINAL - Ph2 | FINAL - Start | ||
| Weight (lbs) | 165.0 | 172.0 | 174.5 | 185.5 | (7.0) | (20.5) | |
| Upper chest (") | 34.0 | 35.0 | 36.0 | 37.0 | (1.0) | (3.0) | |
| Bust (") | 36.0 | 37.5 | 38.0 | 39.5 | (1.5) | (3.5) | |
| Midriff (") | 32.0 | 33.0 | 33.5 | 36.0 | (1.0) | (4.0) | |
| Upper arm (") | 11.0 | 11.0 | 11.5 | 12.0 | - | (1.0) | |
| Waist (") | 29.5 | 30.5 | 32.5 | 35.5 | (1.0) | (6.0) | |
| Upper hip (") | 36.0 | 37.0 | 39.0 | 41.0 | (1.0) | (5.0) | |
| Lower hip (") | 38.0 | 40.0 | 41.0 | 43.0 | (2.0) | (5.0) | |
| Upper thigh (") | 24.0 | 24.0 | 25.5 | 27.0 | - | (3.0) | |
| Mid thigh (") | 20.5 | 21.5 | 22.0 | 22.0 | (1.0) | (1.5) | |
| Calf (") | 15.0 | 15.5 | 15.5 | 16.0 | (0.5) | (1.0) | |
| Dress size | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | (2) | (6) | |
| Total weight lost (lbs) | 7.0 | 20.5 | |||||
| Total inches lost | 9.0 | 33.0 | |||||
Altogether I am wowed by the process. While I was trying to follow Jillian's meal plan at the beginning, by the end and pretty much for all of Phase 3, I was following my own meal plan and trying to stick with 3 meals and one afternoon snack each day. I try to buy organic when I can, and I definitely try to buy foods that have no preservatives or artificial ingredients. This is good not only for me, but for my kids. I believe that eating as naturally as possible gives kids the best possible chance for focus and development.
So this is the end of my BR journey, but join me as I start my next - Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred for the month of June!
Keep on keeping on, and finish strong!
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| 90 Days Ago |
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| Today! After completing the 90 day program. May I also add that 3 children came out of this body! |
Sunday 27 May 2012
Day 89 - Final Days
Funny thing happened at softball today. One of the kids had sent a ball over the fence and landed on private (commercial, unused) property. Isaac was able to crawl through a hole in the fence to get to the other side. The surprising thing was that I was also able to lay on my back and pull myself through the tiny hole as well, rather gracefully I might add.
Today's Workout: Workout 12
I said I was going to do this workout unmodified. I did this workout unmodified. You read right. Completely unmodified. I did all those plank moves with reverse flies and rows IN FULL PLANK and kept my hips straight as well as I could. I did it all. This time around, I kept the dvd going at the very end and I received the applause that I earned for completing this program. To think that I have only to finish one more Cardio 3 workout is incredible. I almost feel a bit unprepared for what will come afterwards. I've done this program for 3 months, for a quarter of a year, an entire season! My body is definitely stronger, and I know that I will need to keep this up.
Today I took the family to Prime 360 for a breakfast buffet to see good friends whom I haven't seen in so long, and more importantly to celebrate Ash's birthday. The food was great, and I kept myself to just one plate of food. I had initially grabbed an apple cinnamon muffin, but wrapped it up to go when I found out that there were cinnamon buns. My husband brought me one (yes, just one). This meal was a combination breakfast and lunch. For afternoon snack, I grabbed a nutrigrain bar just before softball.
For dinner, I wanted to eat up some of the spaghetti sauce I prepared yesterday, so I made french fries with grated cheeses and the spaghetti sauce. I kept mine to one serving, with 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce, and 1/4 cup of the grated cheese.
No dessert for me tonight, but I am soaking my feet and enjoying a Crown and diet coke. Celebratory?! Absolutely.
So tomorrow is the last day of my chapter. I will be providing final measurements and will perhaps post my before and after pics. I hope all my American friends enjoyed their memorial day long weekends, and I hope my Canadian friends enjoyed their regular weekends.
As Jillian says, FINISH STRONG - and I plan to!
Nighty night,
Peach
Saturday 26 May 2012
Day 88 - Happy Birthday little William!
Last time with workout 11. That's inspiring!
Today's Workout: Workout 11
It was going to be a busy day today, with W's birthday and party and visitors. I tried to get to bed early last night, but it ended up being past midnight by the time everything was done and the cake was decorated. The power went out again last night and our clocks were all off, so it was about 1/2 hour later than what I thought. I still managed to get everything ready though. Everything except the workout! That didn't come until after W was in bed.
I am happy to be done this one. It is hard! My legs are like jell-o. It may be because I did it end of day rather than beginning of day. Circuit 1 is brutal with the static lunge jumps. I did the full scorpion pushups. I modified the plank tricep extensions by dropping to my knees after a few in full plank. The three-part pushups I also modified to my knees. Recall I said I was going to go unmodified for the last time around. I tried, but my arms were jell-o too and wouldn't hold me up. Always room for improvement. Right?!
Here we are, I can see the horizon and I can see where I still need work, but I am so happy with how far I have come so far.
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| Yum! W enjoying his bday lunch! |
My meals were not complete today. For lunch I had two cheeseburger sliders with a handful of cheesies and some popcorn. I also had two small (1" x 2") pieces of chocolate cake with chocolate pudding (yummy!). For dinner I had a serving of whole wheat spaghetti and 1/2 cup of homemade spaghetti sauce (bolognese with mushroom and basil). A caramel drumstick for dessert, and some wine. So, as you can see, no breakfast, no real afternoon snack, and lots of snacks. Food is important! I am going to a brunch tomorrow morning and will get back on track with meals come Monday. Breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner.
Hope you are all enjoying your weekends, especially for you Memorial Day celebrationers!
Nighty night,
Peach
Friday 25 May 2012
Day 87 - Getting ready for the weekend
It's hard to come to grips with food... not sure whether I control it or it controls me! I'll go with I control it!
Todays Workout: Cardio 3
I did cardio 3 first thing this morning to get it out of the way, otherwise I am doubtful that I would have had time tonight. It's W's birthday tomorrow and we've got ourselves a little spiderman party to attend to! Lots to do in preparation. When I did cardio 3, I walked slowly to the basement because I was trying to tell myself all the reasons why I could put it off until later. But I knew there would not be a later. Once the disc was in and I was in it, there's no stopping. I am at Jillian's command when that dvd is on. I meant to only sweat a little, but that's one more thing I cannot control, because by the end it was as though I just stepped out of a sauna.
I also did choose to use 3lb weights for the first few moves again. That workout sure is a challenge, and unbelievable to me how much can be accomplished in such a short time.
I have just one more cardio 3 to go. In fact, just three more days to go. Monday will be my last day with this program and I will also provide my final weigh-in.
I'm happy to hear that Catherine will be doing Ripped in 30 when she finishes the program tomorrow. I am quite excited to learn of her experience with that dvd. She said that others noted it was more difficult than BR so is a great next step. I will be doing the 30 Day Shred, and am unsure how I will find it. I honestly feel so changed.
I'm hitting the hay now. Big day tomorrow!
Nighty night,
Peach
Thursday 24 May 2012
Day 86 - Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
It`s nice to be recognized for the little things I do for others and the community. It`s also nice to have my hard work recognized with respect to this body revolution. I got both today.
Today`s Workout: Workout 12
This morning at 8am was the volunteer appreciation breakfast at my oldest sons school. Free childcare was provided, and the kids were kept in a separate room no less, so I didn`t even have to think of them as I mingled with friends and had a leisurely breakfast. If I could do this every day, I would!
After breakfast, myself and a couple other moms walked over to a park for the kids to play for a bit. William was very helpful with a 19-month old baby boy, helping him up the structure and waiting for him at the bottom of the slide. I imagine what he will be like for baby G when he gets older. I also managed to get the front garden done. All plants planted, beds weeded, soiled, and mulched. W helped with that as well. He`s so eager to help, I hope he doesn`t grow out of it.
It was a bit of an off day because of the breakfast. It means I didn`t have my standard breakfast, and I didn`t get my exercises in this morning. It also meant G didn`t get his morning nap when he usually does. I had a strange appetite for lunch but had to run some errands, so we ended up having happy meals again. Dinner was a mix of crackers with leftover artichoke dip from yesterday along with a blueberry banana muffin. Weird.
I ended up doing my exercises later in the evening which seems harder. I had a good burn but kept my modifications as in previous workouts. I will try to do unmodified for my last time on Sunday.
I`m glad this day is over and I can get ready for the next. I am aiming for a great sleep tonight, especially since tomorrow is Cardio 3 (brutal!).
One more thing... this evening Isaac had has first soccer game of the season and scored a goal! He was so proud. Then he play goal for the second half and although he let one in, he saved a few good ones too.
A great day. Get a good sleep, I`ll see you tomorrow.
Nighty night,
Peach
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Day 85 - Happy Anniversary!
I wonder when it will stop surprising me when I put on a pair of shorts that I haven't worn in years and they fit... What a feeling! Losing weight is so worth it.
Today's Workout: Workout 11
This is the home stretch. I have to do this workout just ONE MORE TIME. I did well, same as ever. I had to modify a couple of the moves. I have to do the pushups with the resistance cable on my knees rather than in full military press. Although I do use 5lb weights instead of JM's recommended 3lb weights when we do the tricep kickbacks in plank (Yay me!). I still find circuit 1 painful! The weighted standing lunges with shoulder presses are so hard! My quads feel like they cannot move when I am midway through. This time around when doing the Crab kicks for the cardio, I did double time when JM had Kenta do double. The last time I do this workout (on Saturday), I am going to go all in. I am going to try unmodified. She keeps saying I can do it, and this time maybe I can.
I am still figuring out my next steps. I think I will begin JM's 30 day shred beginning June 1st and finishing the last day of June. You are welcome to join me on this journey as well, as I tone the rest of my body and try to lose those last 10 - 15 lbs. As the finale approaches I will fill you in on my plan.
It is our anniversary today, and feel I ate well considering. During the day was no real challenge. It was nothing new, all things I've had before.Breakfast: Blueberry Banana Muffin and coffee
AM Snack: A cup of almond milk with a scoop of light chocolate protein powder
Lunch: Chicken soup with egg noodles and half of a grilled havarti and tomato sandwich
PM Snack: A quarter cup of acai-infused blueberries covered in dark chocolate
So, a wonderful day :) My HRM is telling me that I burned just over 3200 cals so far today, thanks to my JM workout, a walk around the block, some gardening, and lots of moving. I should still have about 750 calorie deficit.
And tomorrow is my favourite workout #12. I have also been invited to the school for a volunteers breakfast at 8am, with free childcare! I will be showing up with all three kids in tow. Have a great night to all, and don't forget why you are here, why you keep reading my blog. You are looking for motivation and change, and it starts with you. Make up your mind and get going on it!
Nighty night,
Peach
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Day 84 of 90 - Last official day of rest
I wanted to work out this morning and had a difficult time sipping my coffee and reading the newspaper instead. Indicators of a lifestyle change.
Rest Day
Not much to report on a rest day, except that every calorie counts when I do not exercise. As I mentioned in my opening inspiration, I did want to exercise today but didn't. It's just as important to rest these muscles as it is to work them hard on the other days. I had a wonderful visit from my friend and ran some errands.
For breakfast I ate a Blueberry Banana Muffin while I sipped my coffee and read the paper. It helped too that W felt like sleeping in a bit today. A busy weekend sure helped that!
Since we were out running errands, I took my little man to McD's for lunch where we both had a cheeseburger and apple slices.
For afternoon snack I enjoyed a nonfat latte with a quarter cup of mango acai trail mix. So very satisfying and what a caffeine kick the latte provides.Dinner was a new concoction. I prepared salmon fillets served alongside a quinoa salad with vegetables. I also warmed up a french baguette and served with butter. After dinner, I had a few calories left over and indulged in a drumstick caramel cone. I could have had two of them, but twice hubby told me no after I said I was going to get one. My good choice was denying that urge and drinking more water. What was yours?
Tomorrow begins the last 6 days of my journey. I am ready for this. Bring on workout 11.See you tomorrow! Nighty night,
Peach
Monday 21 May 2012
Day 83 - Happy Victoria Day!
End of week 12. This means I am one week away from finishing my program!
Today's Workout: Cardio 3
This workout is meant to make you sweat! It also helps that it is 30 degrees outside and sunny, and no a/c turned on yet so the house is quite warm. This means I sweat even more! I did it all. I pushed hard, each move, I didn't miss a beat. It was well worth it because I burned close about 550 calories. It feels so good to finish. This is what is driving me to the finish line. The satisfaction of completion. Where are you on your journey? What is your finish line?
I had a satisfying day for meals. Breakfast began with coffee and a Blueberry Banana muffin. I took these up to the cottage on the weekend and mum had one - she said she liked them very much! Now, I just need to send her the recipe.
For lunch I used up some mushrooms, red onion, green pepper and prepared an omelette, with a quarter cup of shredded four cheese blend. I fill the omelette using egg whites which is a great lower-cal option to fill up on. Also, lots of veggies helps. The omelette came in at 300 calories and was very filling.
No afternoon snack today, unless you count the Smirnoff Ice I had after gardening. Something so satisfying about a cold bottle after working outside and working up a sweat!
Dinner was outdoors tonight since it was so hot in the house. I prepared hamburgers served with sauteed onions and mushrooms, sliced cheddar, tomatoes, onions, and bbq sauce. I also served a caesar salad prepared with calorie-wise caesar dressing, real bacon bits and parmesan. On top of this, I had a corn on the cob with melted butter and salt. Oh, it was satisfying. It was a wonderful Victoria day.I would also like to welcome Prince Charles and Camilla to Canada... I hope that you enjoy your visit!
Nighty night,
Peach
Sunday 20 May 2012
Days 80, 81, and 82 - Lazy Cottage Days
Did I say lazy? There's no rest at the cottage... at least not when we're first opening it up, and when I bring my JM dvd's with me!
Workouts Cardio 3, Workout 11 and Workout 12
I have not yet missed a day of my workouts. Mum was privileged to witness my attacking Workout 11 yesterday morning at the cottage. Good thing I didn't shake the cottage too much or Papa was going to send me out with the mosquitos and black flies! I am feeling so improved, and am very excited to go back and try other workouts. This program is a body changer. It will make you stronger. It does everything Jillian says it will do, as long as you are willing to put in the work. It needs to be done each day, and it needs everything you've got that day.
Each workout is getting better. I am able to do a bit more than I was last time. Today I did the reverse flies in a plank IN A PLANK for the first set and on my knees for the second. I was also able to do the wheel pushups better than last time. I hit the same numbers (7 first time, 4 second) but I was stronger and could hold it longer.
I watched what I was eating this weekend, and kept portions under control. I am loving my HRM watch, because I know with more certainty how many calories I am burning. It seems that most days I am burning between 2700-3000 calories. This is in line with the calculators I have used, and makes me more confident that I am eating the right amount to lose weight. I knew that 1200 calories was not enough for me. I am much more satisfied to be taking in 2000 calories and know that I can still lose weight while being active.
To see what I was eating, visit my profile at myfitnesspal.com, username jfaure23. I will be back on track tomorrow with pictures and lists of my food intake. In terms of weight, my last weigh in on Thursday shows that I am 164 lbs, which is down 31 pounds since starting to lose weight in January, and 20+lbs since beginning Body Revolution.
I hope every one is enjoying their long weekend. Exercise doesn't take a break, does it? The end result will be worth it. Remember to make one good choice each day, what was yours? If you haven't done it yet, you can do it now! Have another glass of water if you are short, go for a quick 15 walk around the block, put back the potato chips. It's up to you.
See you tomorrow.
Sweet dreams, nighty night,
Peach
Thursday 17 May 2012
Day 79 - "Cranky" still Exercises
Even on an emotionally spirited day, exercise can have it's place.
Todays Workout: Workout 12
This workout always surprises me. I always expect it to be harder than it is. I still burn 590 cals doing it (it is a challenge!) but I modify some of the moves. This time around, for the first set of planks with arm raises, I did them in full plank, but in the second set I dropped to my knees. Even on my knees it was a workout. And, guess how many wheel pushups I did this time? Yes, that is right, you guessed it! SEVEN! Yes, first time round I did seven of them before having to hold. Second set I could only do 4 again, but I held it. Every time my body lifted I was impressed with myself.
I love my little heart rate monitor. Last night, once I set my sleeping heart rate (by resting, taking the setting, and then taking the watch off) I put the watch down on my nightstand until the morning. I did my cardio workout, and also took a long walk to the walk. On this walk I had to push the baby as well as push W on the stroller, so my heart rate is about 110 for most of the way. All I can say, is looking at my HRM I have burned 3241 so far today. It has been an active day. And I have kept my calories in to 1900 (on MFP I am set to eat 1530 cals per day plus my exercise cals which end up being about 330 from my JM workout).
I mentioned that I was cranky in my opening inspiration. And I was! It didn't matter what it was, I felt like snapping. It seemed that nothing was easy today. I went to the park on my walk with W and G, and when we got there W was happily playing but G just wanted to be pushed in his stroller. He just was not happy sitting still. I have been having such problems with my cell phone, I decided that I would erase it all and start again. So going to my contacts list I was to save them all to the SIM card so they keep, but turns out I had multiple duplicates of the same contact. When I say multiple, I say about 50 duplicates. So there I was, with 1100 contacts and ONE-by-ONE trying to delete them -- all while G is screaming. I eventually got through them all, then took G on his walk while W played at the playground. I need a new phone though, even my husband says it's ridiculous.
Meals were GREAT today. My goodness. I say that because twice I visited Timmies and tempted myself with a donut or timbuts but instead chose nothing but a coffee. Breakfast was a Blueberry Banana Muffin with coffee. I took a scoop of my protein powder mixed with almond milk after my workout. For lunch I had a weight watcher's smart ones pizza (380cals) and a diet coke. Dinner was a chicken breast, with whole wheat rice and broccoli, french baguette and butter - total cals about 480. And a few glasses of white wine.
I relaxed by the end of the evening, after talking to hubby. He even fed baby G for me while I ate dinner to help out. Tomorrow we are heading to the cottage and I am looking forward to the weekend. I will be bringing my weights and videos with me so that I can continue my exercises.
I cannot believe how close I am to the end of this program. Thank you for your comments and supports. It helps to keep me on track!
Stay focussed, you've got this!
Nighty night,
Peach
Wednesday 16 May 2012
Day 78 - Feeling All Right
Last night's demonstration of self-control has increased my appetite... for self-control.
Today's Workout: Workout 11
I am officially in the home-stretch of this program. Less than two weeks away to finish. Does it ever come quickly!
What a rockin' day it was! We had no errands to run, so I was able to putter around the house all day and prepare my report for parent council meeting this evening. My mom also surprised me by a visit just after lunch and she stayed for afternoon. Finally! We were able to catch up and hang out. I love those visits. You know how there are just those people that you feel totally comfortable with? My mom is one of those people, so I feel lucky and blessed to have that. Part of the desire to have a daughter lies in this connection that I cannot and will not get elsewhere. I am selfish, and I want to have a connection like that with (and for) my daughter. I am pleased that we continue to inspire each other to continue with our daily battles of the bulge and moving our bodies into shape. She is also on a body revolution, and is close to finishing Phase 1 (you can read her blog at www.gwenny61.blogspot.com).
The workout was great this morning. I was feeling off with a bit of tickle in my nose and throat, but hot coffee soothed that and I was able to push hard for the workout. My heart rate monitor told me that I burned about 580 calories doing this workout (way more than MFP's calculator for circuit training). JMs workouts are incomparable to other workouts in that she forces you to get your heart rate up and keep your heart rate up, even after the workout is finished. Even after finishing and cooling down, I continued to burn at an accelerated pace while my heart rate slowly came back down to my resting rate. I burned an additional 100 calories (maybe more), through that.
I continued to modify a couple of the plank moves. For example, the pushups using the resistance cable I completed fully on my knees. Same with the chatarunga holds, I did those on my knees as well. But I still held it, and I still felt it. I love the way this workout ends with the russian twists and planks with knee raises. Once again, by the end, there was sweat pouring off of me.
I stayed true to my meals today. Breakfast was a Blueberry Banana Muffin with my coffee.
For lunch I had a can of beef barley soup and half of a grilled havarti with tomato sandwich. I love the flavour of this sandwich and find the 1/2 size perfect.Afternoon snack was a nonfat latte with 1/4 cup of mango acai trail mix and a 100-calorie bag of chocolate pretzels. Dinner was leftover steak with potatoes and veggies. All these meals were very satisfying. And I topped it off with a caramel drumstick cone after my meeting (310 cals). My total calories for the day was 1900, before exercise.
Back to workout 12 in the morning. How will the wheel pushups go? We will soon find out. Get your rest so you can take on tomorrow.
Sleep well, nighty night,
Peach
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