Level 3!

Posted by rlsofia in Uncategorized and tagged with , , ,

Level 3 is on! And although I was dripping sweat by the end I kept up pretty well, and only had to switch to the modified version a couple of times.

Since the beginning I’ve been using 3lb AND 5lb weights. Level 3 is no exception. There’s no way I can do jumping jacks with 5lb weights in my hands. I have a feeling if I tried something would end up with a giant hole in it, probably my tv, although I don’t know how many more times I can stand hearing Jillian say, “Don’t phone this in, buddy!” Eventually I might just throw my 3lb weight at her face. HA!

In all seriousness, this is a great workout for those of you who are beginning (although my husband who has done cross fit in the past was having trouble keeping up with level 2) or those of you who HATE “phoning it in at the gym” for hours each week.

If any of you have done any work out videos at home and had success I’d love to hear about it!

Back again!

Posted by rlsofia in Uncategorized and tagged with , , ,

Ok wow! I know I totally fell off the planet for a while but a lot’s been happening. We moved and had a slew of company. BUT I’ve been keeping up with my diet and exercise program and am finally starting to see some progress. I don’t know if you guys have heard of the 30 day shred by Jillian Michaels but I just completed day 20 and whew, it’s a butt kicker!!

Before I started I took my measurements so I could monitor my progress and I’ve already lost a couple of inches. One inch in my waist, one in my hips, and a half inch in my thigh. WOO HOO! My arms are definitely getting toned as well, and thank goodness. Summer’s here and all I want to wear are tank tops.

Here are my starting measurements and I’ll keep you posted on the rest of my progress!

  • Bust:34
  • Arm:10
  • Waist:27
  • Hips:37
  • Thigh:22

Feel free to ask any questions you may have about the program.

STRESS GOT YOU DOWN?? February 10, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Motivaton, Tips and tagged with , ,

I’m happy to report my weight is still on a steady decline. But now, I’m throwing a big wrench in my routine by moving. Can you say STRESSFUL??

And forget about keeping up with my diet and exercise plan. If I’m not packing, I’m sleeping. Stacking boxes is all the exercise I have time and energy for, and the anxiety is making me miss my old best friends; Oreos, pizza, and a bottle of cab.

So what’s the best way to stay on track when dealing with big changes?

1) Keep healthy snacks handy! Almonds, blueberries, and cottage cheese are quick nutritional options when you’ve got the stressed out munchies.

2) Sleep, sleep, sleep! Giving our bodies a chance to recuperate can make us feel refreshed and ready for the day. Try turning off electronics before going to bed (that includes cell phones) if you have difficulties falling asleep.

3) Be positive! Sounds trite but if you get out of your routine a couple of days, having a good attitude about it can help motivate you to get back on track and not give up.

4) Just breathe! Taking a couple of deep breaths can help calm your nerves and put everything in perspective.

Remember, achieving long term results is the ultimate goal, so when life gets stressful don’t give up. Just take a step back, regroup, and begin the journey again.

KEEP THAT MOTIVATION! January 28, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Motivaton, Uncategorized and tagged with , ,

It’s been a few weeks now since I said bon voyage to the old me and began moving on to better health and fitness. I’ve seen some progress (lost a few pounds), had some set backs (ate dessert three days in a row), and learned that I’d rather have my toe nails yanked off one by one than try to do pull ups.

As the month of January comes to a close I find myself wondering if I’ll be able to keep the momentum through February. And what happens once I reach my goal? Will I be able to maintain it??

I don’t know, but I guess that’s not the point. The point is, it’s a new day and that’s all I have to survive, right? So this is what I’m going to do to stay on track:

1) Take it one day at a time. It does no good to stress about the dreaded Wednesday weigh ins. I need to focus only on today’s progress, and making sure I stay active and avoid inhaling a large french fry from McDonald’s.

2) Remember this is not so much about my appearance but about my health. Once the initial elation of reaching my goal has departed I’ll need something more than looking like a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model to keep me going (LOL!). Focusing on my overall health will be my new goal.

3) Speaking of goals…I’m going to set short term and long term goals. That way I’ll always be achieving something and working on something new.

Hopefully with these ideas in mind I can continue on my journey and not get lost along the way. I’d love to hear how you’re staying motivated, and maybe together we can reach the final destination!

WEDNESDAY..EEK! January 23, 2013

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Ahhhh, the morning’s crisp, the sky is blue, the squirrels are fighting over acorns across my roof, and the bathroom scale is waiting patiently for me to step aboard and see my progress, or lack there of. So here goes…

Well it’s always nice to see that another pound has come off! I just wish I could tell if the strength training is starting to work. I’m still doing a modified version of the couch potato work out but I’ve been adding more reps almost every time. I no longer feel like I’m going to vomit after the push ups and squats, so I’m thinking that’s a plus. Some of my clothes are a little looser, and my husband SWEARS my butt has lifted three inches, lol, so I’ll continue to weigh myself each week but let the mirror and my clothes be my guide.

How long until you started seeing results??

THE CALORIE EQUATION…January 21, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Uncategorized and tagged with , , , ,

So in case you haven’t noticed, this blog is for the fitness novice like myself. If you’ve been working on your health for a while you probably won’t benefit from reading this, unless you want a hearty laugh now and then in which case I invite you back any time! 

Anyway, since I’m just beginning, I have a voracious appetite for knowledge. It used to be for Oreo cookies but I’m trying to channel it in a different direction now. What I’ve been reading recently is how to create a calorie deficit which is the only way to lose weight. It actually becomes quite a math equation when you try to figure it out. Maybe I should have listened to my teacher when she said I’d be using algebra all my life. Sheesh! 

Instead of confusing you with an unintelligible explanation, I’m going to post a link to an article that gives the step-by-step way to calculate how many calories you should be eating to maintain your weight and how to make sure you’re not overeating. It only takes  an extra 3500 hundred calories to add a pound. That’s half a Turtle Cheesecake! What?? Like you’ve never splurged before..

http://exercise.about.com/cs/weightloss/a/howtoloseweight.htm

 

WHAT’S YOUR SHAPE? January 20, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Tips and tagged with , , , , ,

I was talking to my sister the other day, and she mentioned wanting to start doing some strength training too. Then, like most conversations between women, the topic turned to those problem areas we can’t seem to get rid of. I wish I had smaller thighs (like her) and she wishes we could trade arms. LOL!

It got me thinking about all the shapes women come in. Even those from the same family. My sister’s an apple (I’m telling all your secrets, Ash) and I’m a pear. But what does that mean? And does our shape dictate how and where we lose weight?

Yes it does! Not only that but our shape may be linked to health issues! Here’s an article that talks more about what to do if you carry weight in your middle, and what to do if the junk’s in your trunk:

http://diet.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Woman_Body_Types

Of course, there’s no such thing as spot losing but if you know your shape and diet and exercise accordingly, you’ll see much better results!

DRESSING ROOMS…CUE THE JAWS THEME SONG-January 18, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Tips and tagged with , ,

How many of you out there LOVE trying on clothes?? Ha! Do I even have to ask?? Well yesterday was my day. My husband’s company is hosting a conference in a couple of weeks, and since I’ll be meeting some of his clients at a cocktail reception, he suggested I go buy a new dress. Not only that, but after the conference we’re taking his employees and their spouses for a night on the town.

Sounds fun, huh?

Ya, great, especially when my husband’s instructions are, “Nothing frumpy.” His definition of frumpy is very different from mine. To my hubs anything that’s not skin tight is frumpy! LOL!

So off to Dillards I went, hoping that I would find the perfect cocktail dress and night out outfit that would be sexy enough for my husband and comfortable enough for me. What did I find? Panic in the dressing room!

As soon I took my clothes off and stood naked in front of the mirror I wanted to gag. Add to that the bad lighting, warped mirror, and the fact that I’m PMSing, and I was soon looking for a makeshift noose. I did end up finding something I think will satisfy both our wants, but as I was trying on a million different styles I wondered how many women have ever felt like I do, and are there any tips for feeling good while trying on clothes? Turns out there are:

http://shine.yahoo.com/fashion/user-post-how-to-feel-good-about-trying-on-clothes-2464573.html

Wish I had read this before I went, but maybe it will help you the next time you have to face the…da dum da dum da dum…dreaded dressing room.

Check back next Wednesday to see some more (GULP) progress..

2ND WEIGH IN..January 16, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Motivaton and tagged with , ,

Did I mention how much I HATE Wednesdays?? Especially this Wednesday? So I weighed myself and GASP! I’ve GAINED 1.5 lbs. WHAT!!?? I’ve been sooo good! Counting my calories, exercising almost everyday and for what?? I almost gave up and shoved my head into a box of Krispy Kreme’s.

Then I looked at the calendar and yep, I should be getting my period soon. Welcome to PMS City. Do not pass go, do not collect your bikini. Instead, pull out your sweats, grab your kleenexes, and turn on Lifetime Movie Network.

What I WON’T be doing is drowning my sorrows in a pint of Ben and Jerry’s “Everything but the…” No I wont. I won’t. Right??

Right. And here’s why:

http://cardiopump.com/2011/05/25/44-snacks-for-surviving-pms-pitfalls/

It’s a great site for healthy PMS snacking. And yes, it’s all about the chocolate. Enjoy.

ANOTHER TIP January 11, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Tips and tagged with , , ,

To all my fellow couch potatoes! I found a work out routine just for you. And me. Heh. Here’s the link:

http://online.prevention.com/couchpotatoworkout/index.shtml

I’m into my second week now, and I have to say, the strength training isn’t getting any easier. LOL! In fact last week I think I pushed myself too hard and ended up crashing. Not good when you’re healing from adrenal fatigue but you live and learn, right?

I’ve found another snack to quell the sweet tooth. Cut up an apple and dip the pieces into one tbls of light peanut butter. I like creamy Jif, but if you’re really health conscious you could use a natural nut butter. I tried, but I’d have to dump a pound of sweetener on top so I’m thinking I’ll stick with the good stuff.

Not only is this low in calories, about 180 per serving, but it’s also a mood enhancer! Who couldn’t use that?? I like to have it with a cup of skim milk which does add more calories and sugar, but it’s pure yumminess.

Ok, I’m letting you guys in on a little secret…shhh…I bought a bathing suit for St. Thomas! It’s a one piece but is a little on the sexy side. Not hoochie side, just a little daring. Here’s a link if you want a peek:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/robin-piccone-penelope-crochet-overlay-one-piece-swimsuit/3240353?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Geranium&resultback=0

I got it in black, but the geranium color is pretty too. Maybe I’ll get both. I’d love to hear what type of bathing suit makes you feel the most sexy!