After not getting to the gym this morning I was almost dreading going this afternoon. Not because I wasn't looking forward to working out, but because I knew the traffic would be atrocious.
Praise God, because all three kids went down for a nap at the same time this afternoon, so I was able to workout at home for the first time. After 2 sets of lunges, squats and some inner thigh lift thingys I moved on to abs. I got one set of each exercise done before the baby woke up, so that was exciting. I put her on my belly for the other 2 sets and I must say, that's a workout! You can certainly feel your muscles working overtime with an almost 14lb. baby perched atop them. So, the workout is over for the day.
It feels good. I haven't lost a lot of weight. Barely any, really, but I can feel my muscles working and coming out of hibernation. And that's a good feeling. And I swear my baby belly is shrinking. And that's an even better feeling! =)
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Meet Melissa - May's "Gym Mama of the Month"
The "Gym Mama of the Month" for May is a woman who I am proud to call a friend. I met Melissa while training for The 3Day two years ago. She walked it that year (as did my mom!), but I wasn't able to be there. We've kept in touch and I'm so excited that she's our first "Gym Mama of the Month"!
I remember the first time we met (after numerous emails trying to coordinate a time!) for a training walk. Through a cemetery. A cemetery that didn't seem like it was very hilly. Until I started pushing a double stroller with about 80 pounds of child weight in it. Melissa was so sweet to my boys and was observant enough to realize that I could barely breathe, let alone hold a conversation!, as we trudged up one hill after another. She must have had a million thoughts running through her mind that day! I had one - "Don't stop breathing."
Melissa has personally raised over $5,000 in the fight against breast cancer in 3 years. She walks in honor of her Aunt Lana who is fighting the disease and so that the rest of her family never has to suffer through it.
Who says one person-one amazing woman-one awesome mom, can't make a difference?
I remember the first time we met (after numerous emails trying to coordinate a time!) for a training walk. Through a cemetery. A cemetery that didn't seem like it was very hilly. Until I started pushing a double stroller with about 80 pounds of child weight in it. Melissa was so sweet to my boys and was observant enough to realize that I could barely breathe, let alone hold a conversation!, as we trudged up one hill after another. She must have had a million thoughts running through her mind that day! I had one - "Don't stop breathing."
Melissa has personally raised over $5,000 in the fight against breast cancer in 3 years. She walks in honor of her Aunt Lana who is fighting the disease and so that the rest of her family never has to suffer through it.
Who says one person-one amazing woman-one awesome mom, can't make a difference?
Back in the Saddle
It was off to the gym this morning after not having been there since Thursday. It felt good to go, but boy, was it tough hearing that alarm go off at 5:35. I set it after the baby woke up at 2am. I figured since she had woken up in the middle of the night she would not be waking up at her usual 5:30-ish time.
So, off to the gym I went. I found a routine in a new magazine I got the other day....when to do arms, legs, abs, cardio. Day 1 was 20 minutes of upper body and 20 of cardio. Since that's what I was planning on anyway it was a good fit. I think I'll try sticking with their routine and see how it goes. It's a 6 week plan, so we'll see.
My right instep has been bothering me the last few days. I think I have a weird arch. Anyway, I warmed up on the treadmill, but my foot started feeling uncomfy, so I did the recumbent bike for my 20 minutes of cardio. The resistance was a lot greater today than it was the other day, so I got a good workout.
I signed up for the 7 day free Weight Watchers trial period the other day so I'm exploring that aspect of this whole fitness thing too. I've discovered in the last few days that I eat A LOT! =) So, even if I choose not to continue it it's a good wake up call for portion control and the amount that I'm eating. I'll let you know how it goes.
So, off to the gym I went. I found a routine in a new magazine I got the other day....when to do arms, legs, abs, cardio. Day 1 was 20 minutes of upper body and 20 of cardio. Since that's what I was planning on anyway it was a good fit. I think I'll try sticking with their routine and see how it goes. It's a 6 week plan, so we'll see.
My right instep has been bothering me the last few days. I think I have a weird arch. Anyway, I warmed up on the treadmill, but my foot started feeling uncomfy, so I did the recumbent bike for my 20 minutes of cardio. The resistance was a lot greater today than it was the other day, so I got a good workout.
I signed up for the 7 day free Weight Watchers trial period the other day so I'm exploring that aspect of this whole fitness thing too. I've discovered in the last few days that I eat A LOT! =) So, even if I choose not to continue it it's a good wake up call for portion control and the amount that I'm eating. I'll let you know how it goes.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Breaking the Cycle of Inertia
My aunt (I won't say which one in order to protect her identity, but you know who you are!) recently emailed me after reading this very blog. She said she'd been thinking about exercising too. For years. In fact, I'm guessing it's going on decades. If I'm wrong about that I'm certain I'll be getting a phone call and quickly editing or deleting this post.
What struck me is that we're really all a product of our environment. Unless we choose to change it that is. We tend to imidate the lives our parents show us. If they like fast food, we tend to too. If they eat a lot of veggies, I'm guessing it would work the same way. I don't come from a veggie fanatic family, so I'm taking a leap on that analogy, but you get the idea.
The same thing with exercise. Seeing your parents consistently exercising, because that's what you should do to stay healthy, would lead you to exercising consistently too. At least you'd be a lot more inclined to exercise consistently.
My mom has exercised on and off throughout the course of her life and she's become very consistent with it. You go, Mom! I think that's why it may be easier for me to want to be consistent and exercise. Good modeling of behavior.
I want to model that behavior for my kids. I want them to grow up loving exercise and wanting to work out. So, I'm realizing that it's up to me to model that behavior. It will be great when their dad models it too, but for now, it's just me. And that can be enough.
I'm breaking the cycle of inertia. You can too, anonymous aunt. All it takes is a leap of faith and a pair of sneakers. I believe in you!
What struck me is that we're really all a product of our environment. Unless we choose to change it that is. We tend to imidate the lives our parents show us. If they like fast food, we tend to too. If they eat a lot of veggies, I'm guessing it would work the same way. I don't come from a veggie fanatic family, so I'm taking a leap on that analogy, but you get the idea.
The same thing with exercise. Seeing your parents consistently exercising, because that's what you should do to stay healthy, would lead you to exercising consistently too. At least you'd be a lot more inclined to exercise consistently.
My mom has exercised on and off throughout the course of her life and she's become very consistent with it. You go, Mom! I think that's why it may be easier for me to want to be consistent and exercise. Good modeling of behavior.
I want to model that behavior for my kids. I want them to grow up loving exercise and wanting to work out. So, I'm realizing that it's up to me to model that behavior. It will be great when their dad models it too, but for now, it's just me. And that can be enough.
I'm breaking the cycle of inertia. You can too, anonymous aunt. All it takes is a leap of faith and a pair of sneakers. I believe in you!
One Child Down
I won't be going back to the gym until Monday, because of scheduling and childcare issues, but I'm planning on digging out some of my exercise videos from the closet. Actually finding them and trying to remove them from the cabinet should burn off just about as many calories as actually doing them. The closet is a mess.
I am happy to report that I am now the weight that I was before I got pregnant with my baby girl (she's 4 months...almost 5). That's exciting, because I have now lost the weight from one of my 3 children. Unfortunately, I'm still way above where I need to be. We're looking at a good 30 pounds above. I look at that number and think, "How did I get to this?"
But the good news is that I'm working on changing it.
I'll be walking in a local MS Walk tomorrow with my mom and kids. My brother, nieces and hubby all had to cancel for one reason or another, so it will just be the 5 of us. I haven't raised a lot of money, but I've raised some. And I'm walking it. Every little bit helps. If everyone does something, even if it's small, combined it makes something big. THAT'S exciting!
I am happy to report that I am now the weight that I was before I got pregnant with my baby girl (she's 4 months...almost 5). That's exciting, because I have now lost the weight from one of my 3 children. Unfortunately, I'm still way above where I need to be. We're looking at a good 30 pounds above. I look at that number and think, "How did I get to this?"
But the good news is that I'm working on changing it.
I'll be walking in a local MS Walk tomorrow with my mom and kids. My brother, nieces and hubby all had to cancel for one reason or another, so it will just be the 5 of us. I haven't raised a lot of money, but I've raised some. And I'm walking it. Every little bit helps. If everyone does something, even if it's small, combined it makes something big. THAT'S exciting!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
God bless the recumbent bike
My sweet cherub woke me early this morning, so I was able to get up and out of the house before 6. I like having my workout behind me and done for the day by 7am. It makes me feel accomplished! =)
So this morning I warmed up on the treadmill, did lower body work and abs, and then hopped on the recumbent bike for my fat burning cardio. Oh, the sweet, sweet recumbent bike! I flipped through a magazine while on it (who knew so many stars were pregnant?! How dare they still look so skinny at 8 months!) and the time flew by.
I can see why Shawn threatened to pull me off of it though....the other machines make it feel like you're working out a lot more. Of course, Shawn's military boot camp style exercises definitely work a lot better than any of the machines.
Have I mentioned I still haven't been brave enough to try lunges at the gym again? I've been practicing in the privacy of my own home. It's much less humiliating that way. Of course, my darling mother has been getting a lot of laugh mileage out of the whole falling on my butt while lunging episode. My aunts even said they'd bring popcorn and come to watch. Such support. Although, if I charge admission it might actually pay for the gym membership...hmm...not a bad idea....
So this morning I warmed up on the treadmill, did lower body work and abs, and then hopped on the recumbent bike for my fat burning cardio. Oh, the sweet, sweet recumbent bike! I flipped through a magazine while on it (who knew so many stars were pregnant?! How dare they still look so skinny at 8 months!) and the time flew by.
I can see why Shawn threatened to pull me off of it though....the other machines make it feel like you're working out a lot more. Of course, Shawn's military boot camp style exercises definitely work a lot better than any of the machines.
Have I mentioned I still haven't been brave enough to try lunges at the gym again? I've been practicing in the privacy of my own home. It's much less humiliating that way. Of course, my darling mother has been getting a lot of laugh mileage out of the whole falling on my butt while lunging episode. My aunts even said they'd bring popcorn and come to watch. Such support. Although, if I charge admission it might actually pay for the gym membership...hmm...not a bad idea....
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
GymMama.net
Gather round you Gym Mama blog watchers! Check out my new site and new store at GymMama.net.
20% of the proceeds from all sales will go to charity, because "Fitness Is Making A Difference."
This month's charity? The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of Tricia and Nate (and little Gwyneth Rose) over at Confessions of a CF Husband. Read their blog, shop at GymMama.net and make a difference!
See you there!
Mid-Week
Today was my mid-week gym day. A break from resistance training to give my muscles some recovery time.
So, I hopped on the treadmill and maintained my maximum heart rate for a good 30 minutes. I was going to use the recumbent bike, but Shawn was working and he told me he'd come drag me off the recumbent bike if he saw me on it. I tend to believe him, so I didn't chance it. I'll have to try it the next time I'm there in the early morning, because he doesn't start working until 8 or so. Have to choose your battles wisely.
Not a big gym day, but I went, I sweat and I'm tired! Oh,and I've lost a couple of pounds since last week. That has to count for something! =)
So, I hopped on the treadmill and maintained my maximum heart rate for a good 30 minutes. I was going to use the recumbent bike, but Shawn was working and he told me he'd come drag me off the recumbent bike if he saw me on it. I tend to believe him, so I didn't chance it. I'll have to try it the next time I'm there in the early morning, because he doesn't start working until 8 or so. Have to choose your battles wisely.
Not a big gym day, but I went, I sweat and I'm tired! Oh,and I've lost a couple of pounds since last week. That has to count for something! =)
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
The "Testosterone Zone"
Leaving a few minutes later in the morning makes a world of difference. The sky was lighter, the sound of the world waking up was in the air and there were a few more cars on the road. Not a whole lot of difference in the gym though. It seems as though there's a consistent flow of people through the building throughout the day. No one time seems any less crowded than any other. A peculiarity for a gym.
So this morning I smartly avoided the Cardio Killer and went straight for the treadmill. After stretching of course. And untangling my iPod. (By the way, thank you for the iPod, honey. It's working out great!) And getting a sip of water. I was stalling, but chose to think of it as "letting my body wake up." Positive self-talk, right?
After 10 minutes on the treadmill I hopped down and almost propelled myself into the row of Cardio Killers behind me. I apparently had a bit too much pep in my step as I stepped down. Alas, no harm done, but I think the woman whose machine I almost ran into was given quite a shock. Hey, I'm just helping get her heart rate up.
Upper body resistance training was on tap for today, so I headed into the (drumroll please!) "Testosterone Zone"! It's the part of the gym with free weights and big, bulky men who wear those ripped shirts and have names like "Bud". Okay, maybe that's stereotyping, but you know the type. Although Shawn assured me women use the "Testosterone Zone" there was nary another woman in sight. I must say, it's slightly intimidating venturing into that area of the gym alone, but I did it. Of course, I did my reps without making eye contact with anyone and hightailed it out of there to the safety of the Arm Curl Machine. I felt like I should receive a t-shirt or prize for venturing in and coming back safely. "I survived 'The Testosterone Zone'!"
A bit more cardio and abs and my workout wrapped up for the morning. I'm thinking of going to the Mat Pilates class this afternoon, but that's all going to depend on if I can still move. We'll have to wait and see!
So this morning I smartly avoided the Cardio Killer and went straight for the treadmill. After stretching of course. And untangling my iPod. (By the way, thank you for the iPod, honey. It's working out great!) And getting a sip of water. I was stalling, but chose to think of it as "letting my body wake up." Positive self-talk, right?
After 10 minutes on the treadmill I hopped down and almost propelled myself into the row of Cardio Killers behind me. I apparently had a bit too much pep in my step as I stepped down. Alas, no harm done, but I think the woman whose machine I almost ran into was given quite a shock. Hey, I'm just helping get her heart rate up.
Upper body resistance training was on tap for today, so I headed into the (drumroll please!) "Testosterone Zone"! It's the part of the gym with free weights and big, bulky men who wear those ripped shirts and have names like "Bud". Okay, maybe that's stereotyping, but you know the type. Although Shawn assured me women use the "Testosterone Zone" there was nary another woman in sight. I must say, it's slightly intimidating venturing into that area of the gym alone, but I did it. Of course, I did my reps without making eye contact with anyone and hightailed it out of there to the safety of the Arm Curl Machine. I felt like I should receive a t-shirt or prize for venturing in and coming back safely. "I survived 'The Testosterone Zone'!"
A bit more cardio and abs and my workout wrapped up for the morning. I'm thinking of going to the Mat Pilates class this afternoon, but that's all going to depend on if I can still move. We'll have to wait and see!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Gym Mama meets the "Cardio Killers"
A 5am wake-up call from my 4 month old made getting up and going to the gym this morning not so bad. I hadn't planned on going quite so early, but I couldn't sleep after trying to crawl back into bed. So, by 5:39 I was in the car and on my way.
One great advantage of going so early was that there was NO traffic. In fact, it was still pretty dark outside and it seemed like the rest of the world was still asleep. Lo, and behold, as I approached the intersection by the gym I could see the glow from the lights and just make out small figures feverishly ellipting...or whatever it is that you actually call the motion on the elliptical machine.
Speaking of elliptical machines....I've decided they're mighty deceptive. I mean, they look so easy! That gentle gliding sort-of motion and handlebars that look like they'd help and not make the workout harder make the machines look so appealing. So, I decided that they would be my warm-up cardio machine of choice today. After using one for, I kid you not, 57 seconds, I decided I should rename them "Cardio Killers". They're tough little buggers! Needless to say, I was quite relieved when 5 minutes of warm-up was over! Of course, the guy on the one next to me was ellipting like a mad-man and I was to the point where I knew walking was going to be a challenge.
I made it to the towel & sanitizer dispenser and back without collapsing on my jelly legs, so I felt mighty accomplished. It doesn't take much.
I went through a lower body resistance routine using what I could remember from my session with Shawn and I must have done pretty good, because, boy, are my legs angry at me now! They don't hurt, they're just really not that happy. Abs were okay...I really tried to target my "baby belly" and set a goal for myself for tomorrow to do at least one more of each exercise tomorrow. Baby steps, right?
The funniest part was when I got on the treadmill to do my 15 minutes of "fat burning cardio". The poor machine was terrified that I had already reached my maximum heart rate (that's what I get for not exercising for 6 years!) and wouldn't incline or speed up beyond 2 miles an hour without me repeatedly hitting the increase button. It kept displaying, "You have reached your maximum heart rate. We will adjust the speed and incline to keep you on target." I think I could have had the machine turned off and sat down on it and my heart rate STILL would have been high! Apparently, this too will improve as I become more fit.
I've decided that I like this gym though. The people there look like me...like regular people....and they sweat. I'm not a big fan of sweating really, but if I have to be sweating I sure as heck don't want to be the only one doing it!
So,Day 2 is done. And it's only 9:23 in the morning. A good start to the week!
One great advantage of going so early was that there was NO traffic. In fact, it was still pretty dark outside and it seemed like the rest of the world was still asleep. Lo, and behold, as I approached the intersection by the gym I could see the glow from the lights and just make out small figures feverishly ellipting...or whatever it is that you actually call the motion on the elliptical machine.
Speaking of elliptical machines....I've decided they're mighty deceptive. I mean, they look so easy! That gentle gliding sort-of motion and handlebars that look like they'd help and not make the workout harder make the machines look so appealing. So, I decided that they would be my warm-up cardio machine of choice today. After using one for, I kid you not, 57 seconds, I decided I should rename them "Cardio Killers". They're tough little buggers! Needless to say, I was quite relieved when 5 minutes of warm-up was over! Of course, the guy on the one next to me was ellipting like a mad-man and I was to the point where I knew walking was going to be a challenge.
I made it to the towel & sanitizer dispenser and back without collapsing on my jelly legs, so I felt mighty accomplished. It doesn't take much.
I went through a lower body resistance routine using what I could remember from my session with Shawn and I must have done pretty good, because, boy, are my legs angry at me now! They don't hurt, they're just really not that happy. Abs were okay...I really tried to target my "baby belly" and set a goal for myself for tomorrow to do at least one more of each exercise tomorrow. Baby steps, right?
The funniest part was when I got on the treadmill to do my 15 minutes of "fat burning cardio". The poor machine was terrified that I had already reached my maximum heart rate (that's what I get for not exercising for 6 years!) and wouldn't incline or speed up beyond 2 miles an hour without me repeatedly hitting the increase button. It kept displaying, "You have reached your maximum heart rate. We will adjust the speed and incline to keep you on target." I think I could have had the machine turned off and sat down on it and my heart rate STILL would have been high! Apparently, this too will improve as I become more fit.
I've decided that I like this gym though. The people there look like me...like regular people....and they sweat. I'm not a big fan of sweating really, but if I have to be sweating I sure as heck don't want to be the only one doing it!
So,Day 2 is done. And it's only 9:23 in the morning. A good start to the week!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
The Escape Clause
No, not the movie. The reason why I went to the gym the other night for "just a tour" to begin with. I need a break from the house, the kids, the doing. I need a "ME" thing and it was either head to the gym or head to the store to do some mindless shopping that wouldn't change anything except my credit card statement. So, the gym it was.
Honestly, I had no intention of actually joining the gym...I just wanted to see it. (Really, honey,I swear!) And then while I was there I started thinking about why this would be a good choice for me. It could be my daily "Escape Clause". And it could get me back in a size in the single digits. What a bonus. The euphoria of spending an hour on the recumbant bike reading the latest phoo-phoo novel all by myself was just too much to pass up. What mom doesn't need "me" time? Show me someone who says she doesn't and I'll show you a liar-liar-pants-on-fire.
Somewhere between the hours of escape clause bliss and the meeting with Shawn it became more than just a means for "me" time. Maybe it was getting the call that my hubby's brother had taken a turn for the worse in his battle with colorectal cancer (at the age of 43) or maybe it was my best friend's mom being very ill in the hospital with unexplained bleeding and me being suddenly confronted with the reality that I'm now of the age to be the caregiver instead of being just "the kid." Facing your own mortality sure is a kicker.
I want my children to have me for their mom for as long as they possibly can. Only God knows how long that is, but if I can help by keeping my body healthy and strong then why the heck wouldn't I? I can't do anything about the things out of my control, but I can do something about my weight and my general health. So, that's why I'm doing this. The "Escape Clause" is just a bonus.
Honestly, I had no intention of actually joining the gym...I just wanted to see it. (Really, honey,I swear!) And then while I was there I started thinking about why this would be a good choice for me. It could be my daily "Escape Clause". And it could get me back in a size in the single digits. What a bonus. The euphoria of spending an hour on the recumbant bike reading the latest phoo-phoo novel all by myself was just too much to pass up. What mom doesn't need "me" time? Show me someone who says she doesn't and I'll show you a liar-liar-pants-on-fire.
Somewhere between the hours of escape clause bliss and the meeting with Shawn it became more than just a means for "me" time. Maybe it was getting the call that my hubby's brother had taken a turn for the worse in his battle with colorectal cancer (at the age of 43) or maybe it was my best friend's mom being very ill in the hospital with unexplained bleeding and me being suddenly confronted with the reality that I'm now of the age to be the caregiver instead of being just "the kid." Facing your own mortality sure is a kicker.
I want my children to have me for their mom for as long as they possibly can. Only God knows how long that is, but if I can help by keeping my body healthy and strong then why the heck wouldn't I? I can't do anything about the things out of my control, but I can do something about my weight and my general health. So, that's why I'm doing this. The "Escape Clause" is just a bonus.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Who Knew I Had No Abdominal Strength? At All!
I'm writing this today as opposed to yesterday, because I had to come home and collapse. Okay, not really, but it was close. Although there were no tape measures in sight it was a sad, sad day at the gym. I came upon the realization that I am indeed way overweight and that I have absolutely NO core strength left after having three kids. This may not come as a shock to you...it certainly hasn't to everyone I've told, but for me, Whoa, Baby! It was a kicker.
How, you may wonder, did I discover this interesting tidbit about my core strength, er, lack of core strength? By falling on my butt. Twice. While doing lunges. Go ahead, conjure up the image. Lunges go forward, knees are bending...yep, that's right. Now imagine that image standing back up. Up, up, feet together, whoa!, topple over backwards and land flat on your bottom. Apparently, balance is closely related to core strength. This I was so nicely informed of by my new personal trainer, Shawn, who not only used to be in the Army, but thinks everyone else should be. At least for the physical training part. So, after falling on my bottom twice (because, really, once was just not humiliating enough), Shawn so sweetly suggests, "Hmm. Well, let's find you an exercise where you can sit down now." Gotta' love him.
The rest of the workout went well, considering the shape I'm in, but boy, was it a wake up call. For 6 years now I've been thinking, "Well,running around with my kids all day is exercise! Who needs a workout program?!" Let me just tell you, all you stay-at-home mamas who are thinking the same thing....you need more. Dancing around the living room with little Johnny is great, but it's not an exercise program. So, Shawn will be working with me once a month (do you know how much personal trainers charge?! I'm SO in the wrong field!!) to gauge my results and help me come up with a plan of attack. I'm sure it won't be pretty at first and I may wind up back on my bottom a few more times, but by the time I see him in May I'm determined to be lunging without falling and have at least a little bit of my core strength back.
For those of you who are interested, yes, I will be spending the majority of my time doing resistance training. I know it burns fat faster and builds muscle quicker. Besides, the more muscle you have the more calories you burn even at rest. Like when you're watching The Biggest Loser with a whole lot more respect!
See ya' on Monday for Day 2 at the gym!
How, you may wonder, did I discover this interesting tidbit about my core strength, er, lack of core strength? By falling on my butt. Twice. While doing lunges. Go ahead, conjure up the image. Lunges go forward, knees are bending...yep, that's right. Now imagine that image standing back up. Up, up, feet together, whoa!, topple over backwards and land flat on your bottom. Apparently, balance is closely related to core strength. This I was so nicely informed of by my new personal trainer, Shawn, who not only used to be in the Army, but thinks everyone else should be. At least for the physical training part. So, after falling on my bottom twice (because, really, once was just not humiliating enough), Shawn so sweetly suggests, "Hmm. Well, let's find you an exercise where you can sit down now." Gotta' love him.
The rest of the workout went well, considering the shape I'm in, but boy, was it a wake up call. For 6 years now I've been thinking, "Well,running around with my kids all day is exercise! Who needs a workout program?!" Let me just tell you, all you stay-at-home mamas who are thinking the same thing....you need more. Dancing around the living room with little Johnny is great, but it's not an exercise program. So, Shawn will be working with me once a month (do you know how much personal trainers charge?! I'm SO in the wrong field!!) to gauge my results and help me come up with a plan of attack. I'm sure it won't be pretty at first and I may wind up back on my bottom a few more times, but by the time I see him in May I'm determined to be lunging without falling and have at least a little bit of my core strength back.
For those of you who are interested, yes, I will be spending the majority of my time doing resistance training. I know it burns fat faster and builds muscle quicker. Besides, the more muscle you have the more calories you burn even at rest. Like when you're watching The Biggest Loser with a whole lot more respect!
See ya' on Monday for Day 2 at the gym!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Today's the Day!
Today's the big day! I go to the gym for the first time! If only the sales tour counted - then today would be the second day! But, alas, it doesn't. So, today I go meet with the trainer to devise my plan for achy joints, sore muscles and buckets of sweat. Who knew that would be so exciting?!
I'm a bit nervous too. What if he breaks out a tape measure?! Knowing that 66 lbs. of fat have made themselves at home on my body is bad enough....but measuring where that fat is doesn't seem all that appealing to me. Yes, yes, I know. "If you don't know where you are, how will you be able to track how far you've come?" Can't I guess-timate? Gimme a break - I just had 3 kids! Well, "just" is such a relative word, isn't it? "Just" 4 months ago, "just" 4 years ago, and "just" 6 years ago. But being the good mommy that I am, I've kept momentos from all of those pregnancies...firmly attached to my hips. I'll let you know how the tape measure thing goes, but keep me in your prayers anyway!
So, you may be wondering why I've created this blog. Well, it's here to help chronicle my daily battle with procrastination, avoidance and big thighs. Maybe you can relate? If not, sit back and have a chuckle. I hope you'll be entertained, encouraged and realize that you don't have to be a size 2 or 4 or 6 or 8 to get on a treadmill. Leave me a note to let me know you've stopped by! I'd love to hear from you.
I'm a bit nervous too. What if he breaks out a tape measure?! Knowing that 66 lbs. of fat have made themselves at home on my body is bad enough....but measuring where that fat is doesn't seem all that appealing to me. Yes, yes, I know. "If you don't know where you are, how will you be able to track how far you've come?" Can't I guess-timate? Gimme a break - I just had 3 kids! Well, "just" is such a relative word, isn't it? "Just" 4 months ago, "just" 4 years ago, and "just" 6 years ago. But being the good mommy that I am, I've kept momentos from all of those pregnancies...firmly attached to my hips. I'll let you know how the tape measure thing goes, but keep me in your prayers anyway!
So, you may be wondering why I've created this blog. Well, it's here to help chronicle my daily battle with procrastination, avoidance and big thighs. Maybe you can relate? If not, sit back and have a chuckle. I hope you'll be entertained, encouraged and realize that you don't have to be a size 2 or 4 or 6 or 8 to get on a treadmill. Leave me a note to let me know you've stopped by! I'd love to hear from you.
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