Day 49

Again, I got home a little later than usual. Not quite as bad as yesterday. Didn't sleep as well today as yesterday, either!! I think the allergies must be getting to me (I refuse to admit I might be getting sick), my throat was scratchy feeling all night last night, and continued today. I've been taking Airborne, just in case it's the "unmentionable" ... it's not making a difference, so, I think it probably is allergies.

I'm keeping today as my day off, even though I only worked out twice this week. Actually, I couldn't get moving in time to get the workout done, anyway!!

My goal for next week is to workout all 6 days. I am going to schedule them into my day, a little later this evening.

Tomorrow: sweat 3/4, abs: 150.

***

I read an article this weekend in FitnessRX for Women magazine. The cover article, actually, was about their "Nip & Tuck Bikini Workout" (and eating plan). How to get the body without the surgery. It's a pretty brutal looking workout. The idea is this: Aerobic (Cardio) activity 60-90 minutes a day. Their suggestion is 5-10% incline brisk walk on a treadmill, or walking. Two days a week (Monday and Friday) you do their core workout ... mostly squats, lunges and ab/back work. One day a week (Wednesday) you do general conditioning ... strengthen the other muscles, arms and legs. It's a do-able workout, as far as my abilities are concerned. But, that's a lot of time to spend working out!! It made me think though. Just think what I could achieve if I had 2 or 3 hours a day to devote to burning calories!!

I work 36 hours a week (actually, 1 week it's 24, the next week 48), and sometimes have difficulty fitting in my workout that lasts less than an hour! Makes me wonder how other people do it!! Full time jobs are generally 40 hours (or more) per week.

It's just a nice reminder to keep my priorities straight. Whatever my priorities are, I'm the only one who can decide what comes between me and my priorities. I suppose if my priority was to workout that much, then, I better keep that as my priority, and fit it into my day first.

Reminds me of that e-mail (might have been a story in one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books) ... about the professor who talked to his students about fitting the "big rocks" in first.

On the flip side of things ... If only I could get my employer to send me my paycheck without having to actually show-up to work!! Yeah, wouldn't that be nice ... think I'd be able to get my workout in 6 days a week then? Probably not. There's always something to get in the way!!

Day 48

Got home a little later than usual. Had a few last minute things to do at work, so I couldn't get out on time. Somehow, when I'm headed to bed at 9, instead of 8:15, waking up at 3:30 is just not something I can get excited about! So, again, I set the alarm for my usual time: 4:30.

I slept so well, I thought I'd set the alarm wrong when it went off ... had to look at the clock, and then realized that it wasn't early ... I really had slept all day!!

No workout.

Next week, I'm going to do better.

Day 47

I got home and was totally exhausted. I set my alarm for the usual time, not early so I could workout. My long (work) week is a little difficult at times to get the workouts in. But, I keep trying.

No workout today ...

Day 46

I was too busy getting things done before going in to work today. Tried to get my nap in before work, but, wasn't able to ... I think I got caught up on all my sleep yesterday! I laid down for a couple hours, anyway!

Again, no workout ...

Day 45

I wasn't feeling well, so didn't exercise. Called in sick to work, and then slept the whole day away! Woke up for a few hours in the evening, and then went back to bed!

No workout done ...

Day 44

Today I did not want to workout. I was cramping, in pain, and just wanted to sleep my afternoon away!! I got into my workout gear, all the while fighting with myself about working out. Mentally, I was totally there, wanting to workout; however, physically, I wasn't in the mood!

I decided that yoga would probably be a good thing to do, stretching, that kind of thing. So, I popped in the Ho' Ala Ke Kino DVD, and did my 30 min. yoga routine with Tony. The pain from my quads distracted me from the pain from my uterus!!

The yoga was good. I went deeper on some of the stuff, for longer, I think, then I have in the past. Great workout. And, I was feeling a little better, so, I popped in the Power90 3/4 DVD, and went for it!

I really pushed hard, and I think, for all the additional pain I was in, I think I did ok with the workout, overall. I switched over the fly push-ups to regular ones, instead of the girlie ones. I want to work on that more, increase my upper body strength.

I totally feel wiped out, yet, somehow energized after all that working out! Yeah, that's an interesting comment to explain!! ;-P

Today's workout:
Decline push-ups: 7
Regular "Guy" push-ups: 5
Heavy Pants: 15# 13 reps
Military Press: 10# 13 reps
Bicep curls: 10# 13 reps
Back Scratch: 10# 7 reps (I did them single-armed today, with minimal assistance with the other arm)
Lunges: 5 sets (2 one way, 2 back)
Fly Push-ups (regular ones): 6
Back Flys: 10# 13 reps
Swimmer's Press: 10# 13 reps
Open Curls: 10# 13 reps
2 arm Kick-Backs: 10# 10 reps
Lunge/Squat 5: 4 sets
Wide-Tri-Die 7-7-7: 7-7-7
Lawn Mower: 15# 13 reps
Shoulder Flys: 5# 13 reps
Bicep 21s: 10# 7-7-7
Dips (straight leg): 9
3-part squats (reg., wide, really wide): 12-0-0
Upright rows: 10# 13 reps
Calf Raise: 10# 20 reps
Wrist curls: 5# 15 reps
Wrist extensions: 5# 15 reps
Lower Back Extensions: all 5 reps
Max push-ups: 25 (I had to pause at 19, and then found that inner strength to pump out those last few.)
Max squats: 25

Goals for tomorrow: sweat 3/4, abs: 150

***

Being very proud of my accomplishments, and the fact that I am now able to wear size 8 jeans, I was talking about it with my brother and my mom this weekend. I made the comment that I don't remember ever wearing size 8. In the process of discussion with my mom (who has the memory of an elephant when it comes to seemingly minute details like the size of clothing she bought for me 17 years ago) she agreed with me. When I came out of the teenager size clothes (odd numbers) I went straight to size 10. Dresses for graduation my junior and senior years in high school seem to have been in the size 10-12 range.

So, I guess you could say I'm down to my high school size!!

Now, as I tone my body, and fit into smaller clothes, I'm heading into "uncharted" territory for me!!

I hadn't noticed prior to my measurements, that my clothes fit any different on me. I only decided to try the smaller size, because I figured losing that many inches should make some difference. I only have a couple items in the new size, so, today, I'm wearing my "old" size 10 jeans, and I must say, I do now notice a difference. They feel much bigger. Didn't notice that 2 weeks ago!

***

My Weight Watcher's meeting was good today. Using the senses when following the plan. All 5 senses, plus a 6th one ... commonsense. Really, it was about paying attention to what goes into my mouth, and taking it into account. It is really easy to let those little extra bites into my mouth without counting. I do find myself sometimes "rounding up" my bowl of cereal, or, when I'm not weighing my chips or crackers to add a few extra of the broken ones.

So, that is something for me to pay attention to this next week.

I've gotten a lot better about weighing my food. It makes it easier to know for sure what I'm eating, than to just "eye-ball" it ... which is what I do if I'm eating out.

Something for me to think about, anyway.

Day 43

Sweat 3/4 today. Done. Abs: 140. Done.

What a way to start my day. Goals achieved. I have done Body-for-Life in the past, and with that, Bill Phillips encourages that you do your workout first thing in the morning, you reach that "high point" in your workout, and the rest of the day goes better!

I had a good workout today. After my workout, I decided to pull out the DDR, and play! So, for about 30 minutes or so, I danced! I averaged a HR of 130 during my dancing, so, that's good! It was fun, too, totally cool how quickly the time past.

I had a protein bar before working out. One of those with 20g. of protein. I ended up waiting a little longer than I planned, to workout ... got sucked into Ellen Degeneres' HBO special ... any excuse to put off the exercise, even though I know I'm going to love how I feel when I'm done! Crazy.

I think the protein bar really helped keep my energy up throughout the prolonged workout session.

Goal for tomorrow: sculpt 3/4.

Goals for tomorrow's work-out:

1. Increase my reps so that everything is at 13 (except for those things that are already higher than the 13, or where the exercise is specified for a lower number)
2. Fly push-ups are going to be done "guy-style"
3. Max push-ups & squats increased to 25 each

I've also got my Weight Watcher's meeting tomorrow ... I will go, and not stress over what the scale says. I will remind myself that I am doing all these good things for myself, and that is what is important, not the number on the scale!

Day 42

Lazy day today.

Literally.

I slept in, and barely moved ... managed to get from the bedroom into the livingroom to then vege-out in the recliner! Really, the only reason I got out of bed, or dressed, was because I was hungry, so I decided it was time to get up!!

My plan, is to get the yoga (Ho' Ala Ke Kino) work-out in. But, that will be later tonight before I can get it done.

I've been wanting to create a workout chart. So, this evening, I did that! I cheated, slightly, by borrowing the forms from Body-for-Life, and then altering them. So, I've got a chart, now! I will be using that on my sculpt days.

***

Tonight, when I went to do the yoga, I realized that I had forgotten to bring the DVD with me. I had the work-out clothes, and the heart rate monitor, but no DVD. Yes, I've done yoga before, but I don't think I'd get the benefits of it, working with my memory!!

So, as an alternative, I decided there were exercises I could do that would work all the major muscle groups, without my usual props. So, it was squats, push-ups & sit-ups ...

I maxed out at:
squats: 40, 30 (70 total)
push-ups: 20, 8 (28 total)
sit-ups: 60

Goals for tomorrow: sweat 3/4 work-out, abs: 140.

Day 41

No work-out today, again.

I knew I wouldn't be able to get to it, however, it's frustrating, because it feels like I'm working against myself with the way my schedule ends up not working for me.

I had a church function to attend, and potluck. Visiting with my family. My brother and I have birthdays, 4 days apart, so, generally, we have a family celebration on a weekend near them. So, that's what I was doing.

It was totally cool, my mom got us a sugar-free Baskin-Robbin's ice cream cake ... trying to be supportive of my Weight Watcher's and my brother's diabetes. I thought that was really neat of her.

I am re-grouping next week, and will be better focused to get these work-out in. I can't achieve my goals if I don't follow the plan ...

Day 40

Today, I ended up being too busy to get my work-out in.

I had a lot of cooking/baking to get done today, for the weekend. You know, I had plans for my weekend!

I know tomorrow I won't be able to get a work-out in ... I'm going to be gone all day.

Day 39

My left knee was hurting last night. I decided not to work-out today. Give myself a little more of a rest. Perhaps I over-did it with the squats? Doesn't seem like it was enough to do that, it's probably nothing, but, don't want to cause damage that jeopardizes my goals.

So, no workout today.

Tomorrow I'll be back on track ...

Day 38

I got my sculpt 3/4 workout in today. It was a good work-out. I really felt like I pushed myself hard with this one.

Today's workout:
Decline push-ups: 7
Regular "Guy" push-ups: 4
Heavy Pants: 15# 13 reps
Military Press: 10# 13 reps
Bicep curls: 10# 13 reps
Back Scratch: 10# 9 reps, 9 reps (2-arm tricep extensions)
Lunges: 5 sets (2 one way, 2 back)
Fly Push-ups (girlie ones): 18
Back Flys: 10# 13 reps
Swimmer's Press: 10# 13 reps
Open Curls: 10# 13 reps
2 arm Kick-Backs: 10# 9 reps
Lunge/Squat 5: 4 sets
Wide-Tri-Die 7-7-7: 7-7-7 (Tri's were done against the wall)
Max: 3
Lawn Mower: 15# 13 reps
Shoulder Flys: 5# 13 reps
Bicep 21s: 10# 7-7-7
Dips (straight leg): 10
3-part squats (reg., wide, really wide): 12-12-12
Upright rows: 10# 10 reps
Calf Raise: 10# 20 reps
Wrist curls: 5# 15 reps
Wrist extensions: 5# 15 reps
Lower Back Extensions: all 5 reps
Max push-ups: 23
Max squats: 23

Goals for tomorrow: sweat 3/4 workout, abs 140.

New Goal

My last goal "expired" today. Technically, it expired on Saturday, April 15, but, I extended it to get the official weigh-in from my Weight Watcher's meeting.

I set a new goal today. It was part of my meeting today, however, I had planned on sitting down this evening to work on it!

My new goal is: By July 4, 2006, I will be wearing size 6 pants/shorts.

To reach this goal, I will:

1. Drink at least 6 glasses of water each day.
2. Take my vitamins.
3. Workout 6 days a week.
4. Track my intake daily and eat within my allotted points.

That is mostly what I did during the first 30 days to get where I am now, well, except for the working out 6 days a week. My goal was 4 days a week, but shooting for 6 when possible. I am now going to attempt to go "all-out" and workout 6 days ... see if I can get more trophies on my HR monitor.

Day 37

Success.

That one word kind of helps brighten one's day, doesn't it?

I was successful today.

I went to my Weight Watcher's meeting. I gained a little, 0.4 lbs., not bad, really, considering how "over-the-top" my points went this week. I tracked, even though I was planning on eating whatever I desired on Saturday. So, in actuality, I was expecting a bigger weight gain this week. It probably helps that I got back on track pretty quickly. And, sometimes, eating in excess, if it is not done too regularly, can help jump-start the metabolism ... or so I've heard.

Because of the change in my measurements last week, I decided that even though I hadn't noticed a change in my clothes, particularly, I should try on my "motivational pants" ... and they fit!! So, I've worn, proudly, my size 8 khaki's ... didn't ever expect to see that size!! (I'm not sure I ever wore 8s, actually ... size 12 was nursing school, and first few years of nursing.) Today, I went to the Polo outlet and bought myself a pair of size 8 jeans, and a pair of size 8 shorts. Normally, I'd pick them up cheap at the Vanity Fair outlet (I like $10-15 "temporary" clothes), but, I decided I deserved them. Also, I bought a pair of size 6 chino's to replace the khaki's that were sitting neatly, waiting, on my bedroom door.

Today, at my meeting, I made what I believe is my first non-scale related goal. Today we were to write down a new goal that we wanted to achieve by July 4. My goal is to fit into that pair of size 6 chinos. As well as I did the past 30 days, I think that is truly something I can achieve in the next 60 days (it'll actually be 77 days).

When I got home, I did my work-outs. I popped in my Ho' Ala Ke Kino DVD (power yoga), after that workout, I popped in the Power90 DVD and did the sweat 3/4 workout. I did the beginning stretching, because some of the stretches are a little different, but I skipped the power yoga part, since I didn't think my thighs had it in them to do it all over again! For the abs, I managed to reach my goal: 130 crunches. Then, I thought, I just bought this Kinetic game, I need to check it out!! So, I ended up doing a 50 minute workout with that!! Over 500 calories burned! Woohoo!! Yeah, I'm back on track!

I don't know that the Kinetic game will get my heart rate up as high as I want, though, maybe as the skill level expected of me increases, it might. But, it's a fun way to get active for an hour of my day, and not just sit around watching TV or falling asleep!

My eating today was pretty good. My water and vitamins are all in, and so far, I've only had 1 diet soda today.

Goal for tomorrow: sculpt 3/4 workout. I will increase my decline push-ups by 1 (8 push-ups), increase the back scratchers by 1 rep (9 reps), on wide-tri-die increase my max push-ups by 1 (3 girlie push-ups), and increase my max push-ups & squats at the end to 21 each.

Day 36

I spent so much time running errands today, I ran out of time to do the work-out I planned!

Still haven't found, in a store, Kinetic without the camera (which I already have). But, it just hit me, I didn't try the Sony store! Duh!! OK, so, normally it's the kind of store I try to avoid ... a Sony outlet store ... fun electronic toys at a "can't miss" discount price ...

Tomorrow, I check there. If they don't have it, I order it online from Best Buy ... they have it online.

Like I said, with all the errand-running I did today (and I didn't even finish the errands for the week!), I ran out of time for the work-out. My plan was to do Ho' Ala Ke Kino (power yoga), AND Sweat 3/4. No time to get sweat 3/4 in today. Guess it'll be tomorrow!

Good yoga workout, though!!

Plan for tomorrow, same as I planned for today: Ho'Ala Ke Kino & Sweat 3/4 with abs. Abs goal: 130.

Day 35

I've been hearing about this "Kinetic" game using "eye toy" from Sony. They have a cute slogan, it's in all the fitness magazines, Body by Playstation ... Using moves from aerobics, tai chi, yoga, capoeira (the Brazilian martial arts), kick boxing, etc, you actively interact with the game. With the little camera (eye toy), you are actually in your TV set, hitting at things, and ducking, and jumping.

It's something I've been thinking about getting recently. I have been reading about it for about a month, or so. Checked out the website to see what it was all about (very cool little videos with explanations). So, today, I made my purchase ... my birthday present to me. I got a used PS2 system cheap, and the camera which came with a game called "Play" ... I played with it for about 30-45 minutes tonight, swinging my arms around, jumping up and down, and occasionally kicking. I haven't found Kinetic in any of the stores that were open on Easter, yet, but will keep trying. It is online, but, I want it NOW, I don't want to wait for it!! I'll try again tomorrow ...

Day 34

Happy Birthday to me!

I'm not doing anything remotely close to a work-out today!! Are you crazy?!

Today's my "day off" and I'm takin' it!

Well, it turns out, that I did enough walking to count as a work-out ... about 7 or 8 hours total of walking time. From about 1 pm to 6 pm, I was doing some pretty steady walking, some hills, some stairs, mostly flat. I think sitting for no more than 30 minutes of that time. And then, a break from 6-7 pm, before hitting the pavement again ... got back to the hotel room about 10 pm.

Anyway, I had a nice birthday. Ate badly, but, enjoyed every minute of it!!

Day 33

I think climbing up and down my stairs should account for some exercise!! Laundry day today. And, thanks to the poorly operating dryer at my 4-plex, it literaly was an all day experience!

I was busy getting ready to go out of town, so didn't get the work-out in, again.

I am noticing that I seem to be able to be really successful for most, if not all the week, about every second or third week. But, not back-to-back weeks. That means, I should do well next week!

I did do a bunch of walking, for close to an hour, a little bit of hill, but mostly flat.

Day 32

Too busy ... umm, I mean lazy to work-out today. I was off work. Had several things to get done, and then an evening elementary school Easter program to attend.

The kids did an excellent job ... the 1-4 grade kids even had solo parts which I was impressed with. It'll be showing later this week on a local access TV station.

Unfortunately, the program lasted much later than I anticipated (about 3 hours had passed by the time I got back home). So, I ended up guzzling a couple bottles of water, and heading to bed, instead of working out.

Day 31

Sculpt 3/4 done. My arms are still shaking! According to my HR monitor, I burned 305 calories, my MAX HR was 164 (I'm sure that was during those squats and push-ups!!), my AVE HR 137. I was mostly in the 74-88% HR range ... cool! Gotta burn!! ;-)

I hadn't planned on increasing a lot of my workout today, mostly just staying where I was, but, I ended up upping things. Still trying to get all my reps to 13 (except for the things I was already doing more reps).

This is good ... one high day after another!

Today's workout:
Decline push-ups: 7
Regular "Guy" push-ups: 4
Heavy Pants: 15# 13 reps
Military Press: 10# 13 reps
Bicep curls: 10# 13 reps
Back Scratch: 10# 8 reps, 8 reps (2-arm tricep extensions)
Lunges: 5 sets (2 one way, 2 back=1 set)
Fly Push-ups (girlie ones): 20
Back Flys: 10# 13 reps
Swimmer's Press: 10# 13 reps
Open Curls: 10# 13 reps
2 arm Kick-Backs: 10# 9 reps
Lunge/Squat 5: 4 sets
Wide-Tri-Die 7-7-7: 7-7-7 (Tri's were done against the wall)
Max: 2
Lawn Mower: 15# 13 reps
Shoulder Flys: 5# 13 reps
Bicep 21s: 10# 7-7-7
Dips (straight leg): 10
3-part squats (reg., wide, really wide): 12-12-12
Upright rows: 10# 8 reps
Calf Raise: 10# 20 reps
Wrist curls: 5# 15 reps
Wrist extensions: 5# 15 reps
Lower Back Extensions: all 5 reps
Max push-ups: 20
Max squats: 20

Goal for tomorrow: Complete sweat 3/4. Abs: 130.

Day 30

Where to start?! Haha!! Today has definitely been a good day. I took my measurements, and pictures, and did a little math ...

Yeah, it's all good.

Friday, I had a delivery slip in my mailbox from the post office, today, I finally had time to get over there and pick the package up. It was my yoga DVD (Tony Horton's "Ho' Ala Ke Kino"), and Turbo Jam DVDs. So, instead of doing sweat 3/4, you know I had to check out the new DVDs!! Haha! ;) The yoga DVD is good, got some serious stretching in my lower extremities, mostly. TJ will definitely take time for me to get used to! You know, getting the hang of the moves. (That is one thing about Tony, you can figure out what you're supposed to do pretty easily. On the other hand, TJ is more fast-paced, so, she can't go slowly through the movements.)

Something really cool happened on my HR monitor. I got a screen I've never gotten before. Apparently, when I achieve certain success with my HR monitor (I was at 79% of my weekly calorie goal this week.) I get a trophy!!


I thought that was kind of cool! I don't know if it'll stay on there for the day, or the week, or what, but, I'm impressed! Normally in that spot is a little picture of an EKG.

For the measurements, I'm also quite proud of my accomplishment. I haven't particularly noticed a change in the way my clothes feel, or fit, other than that the low-rise jeans zip up without me needing to "suck it in." I have been getting complements lately of "apparent weight loss" by coworkers, and fellow Weight Watcher attendees. I had also noticed that my stomach was a little flatter, so, I guess I shouldn't have been so surprised at the changes in my measurements.

Measurements:
body part-----day 1-----day 30
Neck----------13--------13
Chest---------39--------37.5
Waist---------37--------33
Hips----------44--------42.5
R. Upper Arm-12-------12
L. Upper Arm-12-------12
R. Forearm----10.5-----10.5
L. Forearm----10.5-----10.5
R. Thigh-------25-------24
L. Thigh-------25-------24
R. Calf---------15-------15
L. Calf---------15-------15
Weight--------160.8----158
Body Fat %----45.6%---39.6%
BMI-----------29-------28.9

Body Fat percentage calculation was from Body Tracker. I plugged in my weight and measurements into the form on their website to get the number. I come up with 9 inches lost in the last 30 days.

The pictures were taken from different angles, one definitely closer than the other (camera turned sideways versus regular). I am wearing the same clothing, a spandex tank and bike shorts, however, in order to show my abs, I rolled up the tank top for the Day 30 pics.

Front:
Side:
Back:
Yes, I realize the back pic is blurry, but I really didn't feel like retaking after I'd gotten dressed back into regular clothes!! The one I took with the shirt down isn't blurry, so, I suppose I could use that one. On Day 60, I will remember to stay out of the frame when I push the shutter so that it can auto-focus on the bookshelves for my auto-shutter, instead of my chest.

Goal for tomorrow: More of the same! ;-) Actually, my goal is to complete the sculpt 3/4 workout, with the same reps as I did on Sunday, except this time, I'm going to make it all the way through, and do those MAX push-ups and squats at the end (19 each ... gotta add to my previous number).

Day 29

I was supposed to have done my sweat 3/4 workout today. I didn't. Somehow, I just ran out of time in my day!! Grrr, I hate it when that happens.

Tomorrow is picture taking and measurement day.

I think I might see a difference. This week I have totally been keeping good track of what I'm eating, so, if nothing else, there should be a little difference from my WW weigh-in of last week. I notice a little definition, but don't know if it'll be enough to show on the pictures!

Day 28

Sculpt 3/4 today.

It was such a good work-out! I was sweatin' like a pig!! Initially, I was a little bummed because it was taking everything in me to get through the workout. Between round 1 & 2, I had to extend the break, I was so whipped. But, then I realized I had upped my reps, so, I should be tired!

Usually, I try to increase my reps by 1 each with each workout. But then I decided it would make it so much easier for me if my reps were the same on all the exercises. So, the goal was to increase them all to 13 (except for the stuff I was already doing 15).

Today's workout:
Decline push-ups: 6
Regular "Guy" push-ups: 5
Heavy Pants: 15# 13 reps
Military Press: 10# 13 reps
Bicep curls: 10# 13 reps
Back Scratch: 10# 8 reps, 8 reps (2-arm tricep extensions)
Lunges: 5 sets (2 one way, 2 back)
Fly Push-ups (girlie ones): 16
Back Flys: 10# 13 reps
Swimmer's Press: 10# 13 reps
Open Curls: 10# 13 reps
2 arm Kick-Backs: 10# 8 reps
Lunge/Squat 5: 3 sets
Wide-Tri-Die 7-7-7: 7-7-7 (Tri's were done against the wall)
Max: 0
Lawn Mower: 15# 13 reps
Shoulder Flys: 5# 13 reps
Bicep 21s: 10# 7-7-7
Dips (straight leg): 9
3-part squats (reg., wide, really wide): 12-12-12
Upright rows: 5# 15 reps
Calf Raise: 10# 15 reps
Wrist curls: 5# 15 reps
Wrist extensions: 5# 15 reps
Lower Back Extensions: all 5 reps
Max push-ups: 0 (There was nothing left in me to do these.)
Max squats: 0 (There was nothing left in me to do these.)

Yeah, it was quite a work-out. I was totally pumped after that one. I don't think I've sweated that much in a long time!!

Day 27

It was a beautiful, sunny day out today!!

I went for a hike. A large portion of the trail was pretty straight up, but it was really nice. The trails were a little muddy, but not too bad, for the most part!

I ended up taking a wrong turn on a trail. Well, that's not entirely right. I think the problem was that I didn't turn! I went up one way to the peak, it would have been a 2 mile round trip, but I decided to take a different trail back. Instead of turning off my alternate trail to head back toward the parking lot where my car was, I headed further away toward the golf course. Finally, I backtracked a quarter of a mile (or less) and made my way back toward the direction of the car.

My 2 mile hike turned into about 5.5 miles. I was slightly muddy, having stuck my foot into a mushy area ... no, I did not fall ... the mud was only on my shoes and pant leg!! I spent 2 hours on the trail, and burned 1001 calories.

It was so nice being out in the fresh air, getting exercise ... working up a sweat!! Oh yeah!!

Day 26

Pure exhaustion.

Turns out, it was a good thing I got that extra hour of sleep. It was a very busy night at work. I was moving constantly from the time I got to work, at 7 pm until about 2 or so, and even then, it was steady, just not crazy!

I slept all day ... almost 12 hours! I woke sometime after 8 pm, and was back in bed before midnight. Hmmm, apparently, I needed to catch up on my sleep.

Day 25

I woke up, took one look at the time on the alarm clock, reset the clock and fell back asleep. I was just too exhausted to try to work-out.

Another day down ... without a work-out.

No, I'm not going to beat myself up over it. Overall, I am more active, even with my missed work-outs, than I was a month or two ago.

Day 24

I was too busy today to get my workout in. Between grocery shopping, and cooking dinner, and running errands, and getting my nap in, I ran out of time before work.

Day 23

I went to my Weight Watcher's meeting today. It was pretty good. We were given some recipes--that looked quite good, I think I'll try at least a couple of them. The topic today was about "brown baggin' it" ... healthy, nutritious meals that fit conveniently into my eating plan, for on-the-go times. I had briefly thought about doing that today, because, after my meeting I drove to Whole Foods Market to buy a few items that I really like, but can't get locally. I didn't brown bag it, but ended up doing ok, as far as my points were concerned, however, I didn't get in as many vegetables, and no fruits today.

So far, using the WW on-the-go program on my PDA is working out well. I used to use it, quite some time ago, but for whatever reason, stopped. And, had actually deleted it (I think someone was giving my games or something at work ... and games would be the priority over paying close attention to my eating!). I'm back using it again. It's so convenient ... everything about the convenience of tracking online, in the palm of my hand!!

Today was supposed to be a sweat 3/4 day. I couldn't get to it. Pure exhaustion was my excuse. After my hour long (or just a little longer) drive home from Whole Foods, in the rain, I was pooped! Actually, driving was a struggle, because I wanted to go to sleep!

So, tomorrow I will be doing sweat 3/4. I'll keep the same goals as I set yesterday. Goal: abs:130.

Thoughts on Blogging Article

I read an article this week in the April 2006 issue of Health magazine, entitled, "Blogging the Pounds Off". It was interesting to me, to read what the "experts" say about the benefits of blogging in the process of weight loss, and how online communities can be very beneficial in helping people reach their goals.

Some of the benefits of keeping an online blog are: they help you commit to your goals, virtual support (as people comment on your blog, you create a virtual support system), and a cost-saver (it's cheaper than paying someone for medical advice or paying money to diet organizations).

The article also cautions readers of blogs to use creative thinking when reading. As Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH, professor at New York University's Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, says in this article, "if advice you read in a blog sounds unhealthy, ignore it."

***

Some of the benefits that I see with blogging my weight loss are:

1. Having a daily plan for blogging, reminds me what my goals are on a daily basis. I frequently make goals, sometimes simple, sometimes elaborate, and then promptly forget those goals a day or two later.
2. The difficulty of having to indicate on the blog that I didn't exercise has on several occasions, been the motivating factor in getting me moving.
3. Having something public for everyone to see makes me want to do a better job at this, watching more closely what I eat, and putting that extra effort into my workouts.
4. It's helpful to read that others are having some of the same struggles that I have.
5. Watching my progress can be very motivating for me as well. I become my inspiration.
6. Setting my goal for the next day at the end of my entry has helped me focus my workouts and achieve those goals.
   

I'm sure there are other reasons, which I will think of later.

Are there any others you can think of?

Day 22

Sculpt 3/4 done.

What a workout. My arms are shaky right now!

Yeah, I killed it today ...

Today's workout:
Decline push-ups: 5
Regular "Guy" push-ups: 4 (I just could get any more out of it ... the problem with skipping workouts)
Heavy Pants: 15# 12 reps (I increased my weights here, should have done it earlier)
Military Press: 10# 12 reps
Bicep curls: 10# 13 reps
Back Scratch: 10# 11 reps (I decided to do a 2-arm tricep extension instead ... at least until I am stronger and can do the left handed ones without assist)
Lunges: 5 sets (2 one way, 2 back)
Fly Push-ups (girlie ones): 15
Back Flys: 10# 12 reps
Swimmer's Press: 10# 10 reps
Open Curls: 10# 10 reps
2 arm Kick-Backs: 10# 7 reps
Lunge/Squat 5: 4 sets
Wide-Tri-Die 7-7-7: 7-7-7 (I got to a full 7-7-7!! Didn't do the narrow ones ... just regular ones, though)
Max: 0
Lawn Mower: 15# 10 reps (I increased my weights, a little tougher which is good)
Shoulder Flys: 5# 12 reps
Bicep 21s: 10# 7-7-4 (still having difficulty completing this one, but I'm getting there)
Dips (straight leg): 8
3-part squats (reg., wide, really wide): 12-12-12
Upright rows: 5# 15 reps
Calf Raise: 10# 15 reps
Wrist curls: 5# 15 reps
Wrist extensions: 5# 15 reps
Lower Back Extensions: all 5 reps
Max push-ups: 18
Max squats: 18

I'm proud of my results today. I wasn't able to increase my push-ups at the beginning of the workout, and it took everything in me to make it through those push-ups and squats at the end of the workout, and keep my max number of 18. But, I really worked it earlier in the workout.

Tomorrow is my sweat workout. I'll set my crunch goal for tomorrow at 130.

It is also my Weight Watcher's weigh-in day, so, my goal today is to drink plenty of water (workout and vitamins are done for the day), and eat "clean" ...

Day 21

Sleep got the overwhelming vote today ...

Four days in a row of work is a bit tiresome, and typically on my last day I'm not very functional. So, I didn't get my workout in again today.

There's always tomorrow ...

Sculpt 3/4 tomorrow. I'm gonna increase my weights on a couple things, I think.

Day 20

I think my abdomen is shrinking!! I don't notice a 6-pack, or even a 1-pack, really, but, when I suck in my stomach, it looks almost flat! Woohoo!! ;-D

Another 10 days until pictures and measurements!

No workout today.