Happy Tuesday Update! :)

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Tuesday is really starting to become my favorite day of the week.  I usually flex into work on Tuesday's which means I don't have to be at work until 1:30 in the afternoon.  LOVE IT!

Today I've used my time to clean up the apartment a little and get my workout in for the day.  I ended up taking Friday, Saturday and Sunday off from Jillian which made yesterday and today a little tough on me.  However, it was nice to see myself push through a tough workout.  Today marks day 6 of level 2.  I had the goal of only doing each level 7 times but considering I took a few days off over the weekend I'm going to make up for that by doing level 2 a few more times before moving onto level 3.  I'm pretty excited to see myself get to level 3 because I have never even attempted that level even when I did the 30 Day Shred back in college.

I've really been struggling with eating like always but my mom made a good point the other day.  She said you now have a good habit of getting your workout in now just focus on getting the eating down.  As simple as this sounds it really made sense to me.  I ordered some protein online called Perfect Fit Protein.  I am in LOVE with this stuff.  I've been using it as a breakfast on the go when I don't have time to make something.  Yesterday I had a shake on the way to work which was around 6:15 am.  I wasn't even hungry until around 12:30 pm.  This is crazy to me because I am always hungry an hour or two after breakfast.

I've set another goal for myself that I would like to share.  After I complete Level 3 of the 30 Day Shred I plan to start Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 DVD.  This is the same concept as the 30 Day Shred just geared a little more towards someone who has been working out.  I'm excited to start that DVD too.

The Tone It Up Bikini Series starts next Tuesday and I am really excited about this as well.  You can read about it at toneitup.com.  I have been a fan of Tone It Up for years but I have never actually completed any of their series or challenges.  I am excited for this to come around next week.  Let me know if any of you decide that you would like to join me.

Other then my workout and weight loss journey life has been fantastic.  I am also really enjoying the weather that we have been getting.  I am excited to see some more sunshine and warm weather.  Call me crazy but its so much more fun to get up in the morning when the sun is out.

Well I need to start thinking about getting ready for work and make my grocery list because I need to hit Giant Eagle after work today or Kyle and I are not going to be eating the rest of the week.

I hope you are having a great day.

-B

Today and Yesterday

Hello people of the world! 

Yesterday was the longest day ever.  I started work at 6:30 am and worked until 6:00 pm with no lunch break.  I love my job but everyone needs a break every now and again.  I got home last night with no intention of working out because I was so tired.  I laid on the couch, watched an episode of 7th Heaven, then Wheel of Fortune.  I started watching Jeopardy and was bored and half way falling asleep.  I decided to get up and work out.  This was a really proud moment for myself.  Even though I was more tired then I was before I worked out, I was proud of my accomplishment of getting my butt off the couch and getting something done.  

After I was done with my workout I stretched for a little while to loosen up my muscles.  Then I laid back down on the couch until Kyle got home.  I headed up to wings with Kyle and was there for a whole 5 minutes.  I got really hot and felt like I was going to throw up.  Kyle brought me home and well I passed out in bed for the night. 

This morning I was NOT excited to wake up to the snow!  Actually I couldn't even get out of bed for like 10 minutes because I am so sore today.  I decided I was going to have an active rest day and get a good stretch session in to help loosen up my body again.  I did a 15 minute stretching session on a DVD I have and then I continued to stretch out my hamstrings, back and butt because this is where I seem to be the most sore.   I also took a hot bath which seemed to help as well.  

I flex into work today so I am thinking I will get in my workout later tonight as long as my body stays loose.  I made homemade chicken nuggets for lunch.  YUM!  I added a bowl of watermelon to get some fruit in!  

After work tonight I am headed home to see Big Bob before my appointment to get my eyebrows waxed.  Then once I'm home I'll make the decision if I will workout or not.  As of now I am thinking I'll be able to get it in... BUT we shall see.  

Okay I'm off to get ready for the day and head into work.  

Happy Tuesday!

-B

Walk. Level 2. Motivation. Goals.

Sunday...  a beautiful day has lead into a relaxing evening. 

Today was a great day for me!

This afternoon my dad, my dog Cooper and I set out on a walk to enjoy the day.  We walked a near by bike path which took us about an hour from start to finish.  I'm estimating that we hit somewhere around 2 or 2.5 miles.  I didn't keep track though so who knows how far we really walked. 

After the walk I headed home to hit Level 2 of Jillian as hard as I could.  I knew from experience going into this level it was going to be difficult.  However, I have completed it before and knew I just needed to hold on and continue to talk myself through the workout.  This level seems to focus a lot on shoulders, which made the half burpees, plank jacks and plank twists difficult to make it through.  During each of these exercises I did have to take a few seconds to give my shoulders a break.  I talked to myself a lot during this level to keep motivating myself to finish.  I also tried to control my breathing as much as possible which seemed to help out a lot. 

I also was reminded today that haters are gonna hate.  There are going to be people who are always going to look down on your goals, your successes and they will probably find joy when you fail.  Instead of being discouraged, I am more motivated then ever.  My goal to finish the 30 day shred IS GOING TO HAPPEN.  Me changing my life IS GOING TO HAPPEN.  Me being a more fit and healthier person IS GOING TO HAPPEN.  Don't EVER let someone try and bring you down.  Use your own drive and determination to LIFT YOU UP.  

Before sitting down to type this up I also did a stretching routine which helped to relax my muscles.  I'm hoping that I will be able to walk and move like a normal person tomorrow.  :)

My goals for this week are as follows: 

1. Pack my lunch every day. I successful did this last week. 

2. Make it through level 2 without stopping.  This is going to be a challenge but bring it on! 

3. Get in a run a few times this week. 

A Sunday well spent makes for a week of content! :) 

I hope you have a great week! 

-B

Jillian Michaels, Sunshine and Goals

Good Morning all!

Its so nice to finally be able to sit on the patio and relax in the mornings.  I have really been enjoying this nice weather that we have been having the past few days!

I know I haven't posted much lately.  For awhile I fell off the ban wagon and was struggling this my motivation and my commitment to getting healthy.  Honestly this really doesn't surprise me that this happened.  I did not have a plan, a schedule or even goals that I was working towards.  The only picture I had in my head was the body I once had.  I needed some short term and some long term goals.

Recently I have started doing the Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred again.  This is my program/schedule- everyday for 30 days.  Now I have  had to take breaks here and there because my muscles needed some recovery.  I have done level 1, 7 times through.  I've felt the pain of working out again and I've also had the excitement of working out again.  I actually look forward to coming home after work and getting my workout in.  In only 1 short week I can tell you I have seen a huge difference in endurance and my strength has really improved.  I have noticed small changes in my body but huge changes in my attitude!

I have a few goals in mind that I have decided to keep to myself until after I have accomplished them- then I will scream them to the world.  Short term wise I want to finish the 30 Day Shred.  My goal is to do each level at least 7 times through.  I have noticed my calorie burn has decreased a little with level 1 because it has become easier to me.  So this that being said...

I was going to wait until tomorrow to start Level 2 but I have decided to start today.  My goal is to also get outside and enjoy this nice day.  Maybe a short run outside or a bike ride!  Just something to keep myself going!

Last weekend I also bought a foam roller.  How have I been surviving without one my entire life?  They are amazing!  Run to the store and get yourself one!

Last but not least if there is anyone out there who can provided information to me on how to get my muscles to recover more please let me know your tricks of the trade.  I have had to take a few days off here and there because my legs just need a break.

I hope you all have a great Sunday.  Get out there and enjoy the sunshine!

-B