Workout 42 of 2011 (Ripped in 30 Level 2)

My current favorite snack!

Today I decided to return to Ripped in 30 level 2.  It still kicks my butt :).  My bloodsugar has been so great the last couple of days that working out did not seem to be in the cards, but today I ate my FAVORITE snack, waited 30 minutes and then was able to workout!  It felt great to work on my fitness--as cheesy as that sounds, I mean it 100%!

Workout 41 of 2011 (Six week 6-pack level 1)

A year ago today, I did my very first Jillian Michael's workout.  A year ago today, I discovered that there was a type of workout that did not bore me.  A year ago today, my life changed.  I went from being someone who loathed working out to someone who looked forward to it.  I firmly believe you have to find what you love and that's what works.  Circuit training is what works for me.

I still remember the desperation I felt when the baby weight was not coming off.  I had tried various options and had even worked out most days in April and did not lose any weight.  I am so glad I had to go through all the struggle of losing the weight because through that journey I discovered a workout system that I could commit to for life.  I finally found my style of working out.  If not for all the failed attempts, I might never have figured out that I LOVE working out.

I did not realize today was the anniversary, otherwise I would have done the 30 Day shred for old time's sake.  Instead, I did Jillian's Six week 6-Pack level 1.  It was a good workout though I do have to modify some of the exercises that hurt my joints.  It's amazing to me that almost a year ago, I almost gave up the 30 Day Shred because my joints couldn't handle the jumping jacks, high knees, jumprope, etc.  I recall crying on the couch because my knees and ankles would not cooperate during my 3rd or 4th workout.  I was so distraught that I had finally found something I loved and I could not physically do most of the cardio moves.  Thankfully, I realized that cardio is cardio and I ended up modifying that portion of the circuits by hopping on my elliptical.  I still do that when necessary.

Workout quote of the week (see the connection): "Don't let what you can't do interfere with what you can do" – John Wooden, UCLA Basketball Coach

Happy Easter!

Here's a picture of us on Easter 2010 (which actually was over a year ago since Easter is a lot later this year)

Here's a picture of me with the kids this year (hubby had to work).

It's amazing how much my hard work has paid off!  I'm so proud of myself!  I hope my success inspires others to go after their goals and accomplish what they want.

Happy Easter!

Tip of the Week ~ Drink water!

The cup that makes this water-hater drink 70 ounces a day!

Did you know that the eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day is just a general statement to encourage people to drink water?  All of our bodies are different which means all of our bodies need different amounts of water.  I used to try to follow the 64 ounces of water a day rule until I discovered that there's a better way to know how much water I needed.  It's better to do it based on body weight.

Take your body weight (say 140 pounds)
Divide it in two (70)

For a 140 pound person, 70 ounces is the magic number.

I realize that's awfully close to the 64 ounces, but not everyone weighs 140 pounds.  When I was trying to lose weight in college and then again after having my second child, one of the key components that aided my weight loss was my water consumption.  When the body isn't hydrated, it can make you feel hungry when you are actually thirsty.  I notice that when I drink my target water ounces, I am less inclined to be hungry between meals, and I am less likely to have wild cravings for bad foods.

Now that I'm focused on being fit and healthy, I notice my energy level changes depending on how much water I've had.  I used to be one of those people that could go a week without an actual glass of water.  I do not like water but my body now reminds me on a daily basis that I need it.  So how does someone who HATES water drink 70 ounces of water a day?  EASY!  I have an awesome cup that I LOVE and only allow water in it.  I also have some bigger water holders that I keep on my desk at work to make it easy to refill my favorite cup when I run out.

Trust me, if you make yourself drink water, you will see a difference in your energy level and it will help prevent overeating!

Dress Shopping!

Yesterday I went Easter dress shopping which was way more fun this year than last year!  I found a dress for tomorrow and another more casual dress for fun.  Guess what sizes they were.... Size 6 and Size Small!  Now haters would say, "Well, that's just because those brands run bigger," but I don't care!  I have a dress that's clearly labeled Size 6 and now 2 that are Size Small!

I think it's safe to say I'm no longer a size 10 as NONE of my size 10 stuff fits (besides dresses which do usually run small).  I think I shall now refer to myself as a 6/8 instead of an 8/10.  :)  LOVE IT!

40% of the way there! Workout 40 of 2011 (Ripped in 30 Level 1)

Today is a big day!  My 40th workout means I'm 40% done with the goal of 100 workouts in 2011!  I'm super-excited that I'm sticking with it even after having some slacky weeks.

Today, I returned to Jillian.  Because I had not had a full 24 hours of recovery between workouts, I did level 1 and it was HARD.  Note to self: never do 2-a-days!  

I just have to say, it felt good to be back with my favorite trainer. :)

Workout 39 of 2011 (The Trainer's Edge: Integrated Strength Training)

Tonight I decided to try yet another Netflix Instant-Play workout entitled The Trainer's Edge: Integrated Strength Training with Jeffrey Scott.  I figured by the title, it would offer workouts similar to Jillian Michaels', and I was correct.  Basically you keep your heart rate up by being in constant motion while working with the weights.

The workout offered 3 levels to each move with one back-up girl doing level 1, one doing level 2 and the host doing level 3.  It was a decent workout though not nearly to the caliber of Jillian's.  I did break a sweat and may consider doing it again sometime when I need some variety, but I prefer Jillian's circuit style.

To be honest, my reason for not doing a Jillian workout tonight is because I'm scared.  I've had almost a week off from her and I'm afraid of feeling out of shape when next I workout with her.  Sad but true!

Workout 38 of 2011 (Pick your Level Weight Loss Pilates)

Last night I decided to try some pilates.  My main reason for branching out into pilates is that I really want to work on my flexibility.  Plus, I kinda love that I don't have to put on shoes to workout.  How awesome is that?!?!?!

Tonight I decided to try another video on Netflix instant-play.  This evening, I discovered  Pick your Level Weight Loss Pilates with Ellen Barrett.  This DVD has 3 people demonstrating moves at varying levels.  There's beginner, intermediate, and advanced.  It makes is very easy to switch between levels for each move.  If I feel more capable, I can do the advanced move, and if I feel less so, I can do the beginner.  This is a convenient workout for a newcomer like me.

This workout video was more difficult than the one I tried last night; however, I only worked up a little sweat.  I can tell that the strength I have gained though my Jillian workouts made this workout easier than it would have been otherwise.  While I felt challenged at various points in the workout, I don't feel like I've truly worked as hard as I could have the last two nights.  I enjoyed it though!  This is definitely a workout I will do again; be that as it may,  I'm feeling the need for some Jillian tomorrow.

Workout 37 of 2011 (Crunch: Pick your spot Pilates)

I am still uber-sore from my kettlebell workout on Sunday so I was hesitant to do a Jillian workout.  Instead, I decided to work on a goal I haven't focused much attention on: becoming more flexible.  I am ridiculously inflexible and I want to change that.  I'm so inflexible, that I don't feel I can adequately stretch post-workout.

In order to work on this, I decided to try one of the Netflix instant-play pilates workouts.  Crunch: Pick your spot Pilates with Ellen Barrett has three 10-minute workouts that target abs, butt, and thighs.  I did all 3 workouts and the time flew by.  Some was easy but a lot was hard.  I appreciated that she had a modified version of the harder moves.  I enjoyed the workout and will likely do it again or try one of the other MANY pilates/yoga workouts offered on Netflix instant-play.

Workout 36 of 2011 (Shred it with Weights Level 1)

I decided to do Shred it with Weights again but this time with a 10 pound kettlebell.  The first time I did the DVD, it was with a 3lb weight, the second time with a 5lb kettlebell.  Both of those times left me feeling like I had not really worked out.  It was too easy.  Tonight, with the 10lb kettlebell, I got a GOOD workout.  My arms and legs are jelly and I'm sweating like a pig.

Workout quote of the week: "Strength is the product of struggle" – Unknown

Shopping!!!!

Money has been tighter since reaching my goal but yesterday my wonderful husband told me to go buy some jeans!  My school had a fundraiser and by more than doubling our goal in money raised, earned us jeans days everyday for this last grading period.  I have not bought new jeans since 2008 at the earliest.  I did buy some interim jeans while I was losing the weight but I don't count those.

Shopping yesterday was AWESOME!  If you ever need to feel skinny, shop at Old Navy.  Old Navy usually puts me in a size smaller than I really am, which any and all girls LOVE.  It was amazing for some of the styles in size 8 to be too big!  I only found one pair of jeans but I also found a really cute top that I could not resist.  I can't wait to wear this new outfit this week!

I am so appreciative of my body now.  It's not perfect, but I don't focus on the flaws anymore.  I am enjoying my hard work paying off everyday.

Now I just have to get back on the working out bandwagon.  Hopefully I will have a second post tonight about a workout :).

Workout 35 of 2011 (Ripped in 30 Level 4 day 1)

After a brief hiatus from working out, I decided to give level 4 a try.

It's definitely the hardest level and it's apparent from the beginning that Jillian is super-excited to have a 4th level on the DVD.  She brings out a lot of new moves and some old ones.  Unfortunately, my TV messed up during circuit 1 some I'm not 100% sure I did all of the circuit 1 moves correctly.  Thankfully, it righted itself just in time for circuit 2.  In level 4, there's more plank/push-up moves and some serious ab exercises.  Once again, I had to modify or substitute cardio moves as I cannot do any of her jumping moves.  Jillian ends this workout with a moment of relaxation where she builds us all up a people and encourages us to be the best we can be.  It's kind of cheesy but I kinda love her for it.

All in all, I think this DVD is my new favorite.  Even after completing 4 more days at this level (and 1 more at level 3), I plan to continue incorporate workouts from this DVD.

Workout 34 of 2011 (No More Trouble Zones circuits 1, 2, and 6)

I was short on time so I decided to get some circuits of my favorite workout DVD.  Having not done it in awhile, I forgot how hard it is.  It felt great to do my favorite ab circuit ever--circuit 2.  I really feel like my abs got the best workout they've had in a long time.

Workout 33 of 2011 (Ripped in 30 Level 3 Day 3)

Today's workout was AWESOME!  I was not in the mood to do it but I'm soooo glad I made myself.  Once it started, I felt motivated and had no trouble completely committing to every exercise.

There's something I keep forgetting to mention about level 3: there's a mistake on the DVD!  During strength in circuit 1, Jillian does not have us do the 3rd exercise the second time through.  Instead, she skips on to cardio.  I guess it doesn't matter but it throws me off every time.

If I'm crazy, I may try level 4 tomorrow (my pattern has been to do each level 3 times before checking out the next one then going back for 2 more).  I want to but at the same time, I like that I still have another workout on the DVD to look forward to.  After I test it out, I won't have anything new to try.  We'll see what I decide!

However, I still haven't tried level 2 of 6 Week Six-Pack  or Shred-it with Weights so I do at least still a couple of DVDs with uncharted territory.

Workout 32 of 2011 (Ripped in 30 Level 3 day 2)

I'm back to level 3 and kind of hate it.  Actually, it's not the workout, I've just been in a workout funk.  I am glad I worked out but I did not feel good throughout it and had to force myself to push through.  Right now I feel just blah because I did not do my best.

Hopefully tomorrow I will feel more energized!

Workout quote of the week: "It's about mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter" -Unknown

I mind so I gotta make it keep mattering!

The trouble with perfect bloodsugar levels...

I can't workout!  When my bloodsugar is perfect, I will go low if I workout.  But I guess that is the silver lining.  At least my bloodsugar is good!

For me, the best bloodsugar to have pre-workout is 175.  Anything below that will result in low bloodsugar mid-workout or immediately after.  Right now I am 105.  Time for a spoon full of jam (yes, it's like a sugar-shot) and 15 minutes off the pump to hopefully raise it up enough to workout!