Staying motivated!

I have found that I get bored with routine so things need to keep changing. Our trainer does a great job changing things up each time we go to the gym but I get bored on my non gym days. On Thursday I checked out a Hooked on Hooping (Hula Hoop) fitness class. It was a blast and who knew you could break a sweat by hula hooping for 45 minutes. So I purchased the weighted hoop to practice with at home. I will definitely be going to more classes.

Next on my list of things to try......WII fit plus!

Down 20 lbs!

I haven't been blogging since school started. We are so busy. Still working out on Mondays and Wednesdays. Tyler had soccer practice so we have to be sure to be done at 5:30 so we can pick him up. He had games on Tuesdays and Thursdays so we lost that workout. High School soccer season is over so we got out nights back but it's just a matter of time before FCGB soccer practice begins! I am going to start a Hula Hoop class this week! The weight loss has slowed down so I need to try new things!

Good news! I have lost a total of 2.5 inches from my waist, 1.5 inches from my hips, 2 inches from my thighs, an inch from my upper arms. And have gone down two pant sizes. Yesterday I bought a pair of jeans and I didn't have to shop in the Women's section. That felt good! I guess the sweat and tears do pay off!

Another inch down!

Wednesday...Measurement day, lost another inches from my waist! Some of my other measurements went up. Corey tells me it's a good sign, means I'm building muscle. I'm a little concerned, I don't want to be muscular....just lean and tone. Our workout was insane. We did shorter stations but repeated the circuit twice without taking a break. bike, dips, treadmill, leg lifts, stairs and bent over rows. Because it was only for one minute......I felt like I could give it a little extra, jogged on the treadmill and ran the stairs. It was a great workout!

Tuesday....rode my bike while Bill ran three miles. He doesn't want to increase his distance so he has been working on his time.

Another Monday another workout!

So today's workout was a good one: bike, dips, treadmill, leg lifts, stairs and chest press. Another hot sweaty workout; Corey teases me about hating to be hot and sweaty. Bill bought me a fan last week and I moved it back and forth from the bike and treadmill trying to stay cool. I'm looking forward to Wednesday to get measured. I can't wait to see the fruits of my labor!

Still moving....

Sunday, the weather man said the thunderstorms would start around noon and would continue throught out the day. We decided to run/bike @ 10:30 to beat the wet weather. Bill and I were both sore since we didn't even get 24 hours between workouts!

Saturday, it was a very hot day. Tyler had a soccer scrimmage so we were out in the sun all day. We waiting until dusk to exercise. Bill ran three miles while Tyler and I biked it.

Friday, I went to ILS to workout with Bill. We worked out for 55 minutes. I did the bike, girls push ups, bike, scissor kicks, treadmill, lying down flys and curls. I also did one set of 30 ball crunches while I was waiting for Bill to finish up his workout. I worked up a sweat!

Workouts this week.

So, Bill and I are on our own on Thursdays so once again I biked while Bill ran three miles. I was starting to think last week that three miles isn't a long enough bike ride. We are under 24 minutes now so we keep quite a good pace. This week I decided to do pilates in the morning and then bike ride in the afternoon. If that doesn't seem to be enough, next week I may need to keep pedaling when Bill is done with his three miles. He said he isn't interested in running more than three miles so he won't be increasing his distance.

Wednesday, we had to shorter than normal workout. The treadmill repair man was there at the beginning so we got a late start. We had to be done by 5:30 so Bill could get Jordan to Tae Kwon Do and we could get cleaned up and off to dinner with friends. Fortunately, it was a good workout so I still left hot and sweaty. I did the bike, leg curls with 12 lbs., stairs, lateral pull downs, bike and ball crunches. We only repeated the circuit twice instead of our usual three times. It was a good workout!

Tuesday, we did our usual. I rode my bike while Bill ran three miles. It's getting a little easy for me so I either need to increase the resistance or the distance. I'm not crazy about doing either but if I'm going to work out, then I want it to be a worthwhile one.

Back to the plan.

It's Monday which means workout day. I'm actually looking forward to getting back into my routine. I weighed myself expecting to gain a lot of weight after a week of vacation. I only gained 0.2 pounds. Hurray!

Back in the gym with corey, our trainer. It was a rough night, hot and humid weather made it more difficult. Did an hour workout: bike, bench presses, treadmill, v sits, stairs and bent over rows. We did two full rotations and one abbreviated rotation of four stations. I was sweating like a pig!! Then went to the grocery store to buy good food! It is a lot easier to eat well when the fridge is stocked.

On vacation.....

Sunday, our biggest camp breakfast...eggs, hashbrowns, bacon and more bacon. We packed up our stuff and cleaned up the camp. Hit the road for home. I look forward to sleeping in my own bed and being more in control of my food. Had a frozen pizza for lunch/dinner just because we are home, tired and need to grocery shop. It's good to be home!

Saturday, another big breakfast. I have been making it brunch and not eating lunch too. Spent the day riding the mini bikes and 4 wheeler. Tammy came out and made Old fashion Spaghetti. Invited Aunty Jane. It was delicious. Again, keeping an eye on portions. Had a campfire and made Smores. I had one even though I wanted more!

Friday, another camp breakfast....raspberry pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Ithrew a ham in the crockpot and let it cook all day. Had Tammy, Tiffany and Aunty Jane out for dinner. Dean brought out his 4 wheeler. Scott, Lisa and Jed came out too. The girls played May I ($4.50). We had snacks, I didn't snack much. Trying to be good.

Thursday, had a big camp breakfast...eggs and bacon. We spent the day relaxing at camp waiting for Tiffany's camper to be delivered. Took a walk on the camp road to pick Raspberries. Rode the mini bikes. Had to go back to Ishpeming to grocery shop. Went to Joneses for dinner. Salad, grilled chicken and hot dogs, and corn on the cob. It was yummy!

Wednesday, Tammy, Tiffany and I drove to Ahmeek to the Gratiot River Park to pick agates from the beach. We think we picked agates or I have a lot of pretty rocks. We walked the beach for quite awhile. On the way home, we stopped in Baraga and Tiff and I waled the beach looking for beach glass. I had Subway for lunch. Bill and Tyler arrived in MI today, we met at the Congress for pizza. I kept my portions under control and drank water. Spent the night at camp.

Tuesday, Tammy and I shopped in Marquette. I had to buy new jeans as my old ones are falling down now. I need to replace my jean shorts too because I can pull them down without unzipping them. I had a big salad with grilled chicken for lunch/dinner. Played horseshoes on Anna's league team so her mom could sit out two games. Did ok for a first timer!

Monday's walk.

Today we played cards (May I) at the Wonder Bar. I passed on the snacks and my two drinks I ordered with diet coke. Anna and I went out to dinner at the new Irish Pub on Washington St. in MQT. I ordered a blackened chicken wrap. It came with a tiny crock of baked beans and homemade potato chips. I didn't clean my plate but it was really good. We walked when we got back to Ishpeming, about 3 miles. Stopped in at the Wonder Bar to drink a frosty mug of water while visiting with Tiff.


Sunday's walk...
Sunday we went to the Lindberg quarry to rock hound. We were looking for Kona Dolomite which is only found in the UP and is over two billion years old. Lifting those rocks and climbing the rock pile was a work out in itself. Anna and I walked around town, about three miles. It didn't feel like a workout, I felt like I was on a walking tour of my hometown. We kept a pretty good pace though! 143060

Saturday in MI.

I am visiting my sisters this week in MI. We went to Renaissance fair and Rock and Mineral show. Then we went to dinner with a friend. I had a lovely salad. After dinner we walked 3.5 miles. Today we are going to Lindberg's quarry to rock hound.

Thursday and Friday!

Thursday we went to dinner at a friend's house so we didn't workout. I made a salad and they served grilled chicken so our dinner was good.

Friday I volunteered to help with my a rehearsal dinner for my mom's friend. I was at my mom's house at noon and didn't get home until after 9pm. I worked my butt off that day so even though I didn't get an actual workout in, I wouldsay that I did exercise.

Wedneday's short workout...

On Wednesday we had to cut our workout short. I had to get Tyler to his sports physical for HS soccer and Bill had to take Jordan to Tae Kwon Do. Corey made sure that we got in a good workout even though it was short. No breaks!

Down day!

Tuesday, no trainer workout today so I like to think of it as my down day. I've been trying to do something active everyday though. I find it I take a few days off, I slip back into my lazy mode. Bill came home at 5pm. I rode my bike while he ran 3 miles. Jordan, our youngest, rode with us too. I was surprised how difficult it was to ride on a windy day. Until I got home and was watching the news and found out that it was 25-30 mph winds. Great workout, I guess!

Workout day!

Monday is workout day. We worked out with Corey for an hour. I don't know if Corey wasn't as intense today or if I'm getting use to this but I wasn't miserable working out today. I wasn't completely spent and soaking wet. Would be nice if my body was adjusting. In fact, Bill and I decided to take a walk after dinner because we still felt like we had some energy to burn. Then we did ball crunches while watching TV. It feels good to be motivated instead of having to drag myself to the gym. I hope this feeling lasts!!

Slow and steady wins the race!

Ok, so I know that it's important to be realistic about weight loss. And I know that healthy weight loss is about 1 to 2 pounds a week. Then if I know this why do I get so bummed out when I weigh in for the week expecting to see 5 pounds and I see 1.5 pounds lost again this week. That's in the healthy weight loss range. My workouts have been so intense and I've been following WW eating guidelines so it just feels like I am working so hard for less than 2 pounds. A workout friend has a theory that in the first month your body doesn't quite know what's going on. She said in the second month your body figures out that you're serious about this exercise thing and it gives in. Man, I hope that this is true!

Morning Workout

We had things that we wanted to do today so we decided that we would get out workout in early. So, I hopped on my bike and Bill put on his running shoes and we were off. Tyler is working out with us remember to get prepared for HS soccer so he ran along side his brother, Jordan, who rode his bike. The boys went 2 miles and Bill and I did 3 miles. I feel like I should do more today because the bike ride felt pretty easy today! That's a good sign I guess, right?

I'm heading to Kristen's, my bff, to weigh in for the week. I will post it soon! Wish me luck!

It's not easy being green!

We love visiting the Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings. Today we decided to walk to the Farmer's Market. It's about two miles to the lot and then we strolled up and down each aisle. We bought a few of our favorite veggies and walked home again. I was beat!

We were only home for 30-40 minutes before leaving to run some errands. We had some shopping to do which meant more walking. I only wish I would have worn a pedometer so I would know how many miles I walked today!!

My son has joined the mission!

We are Jcrew! Tyler, my son has decided to join Bill and I on workout days. He doesn't need to lose weight. He wants to build some muscles to push people around playing HS soccer. We worked out for nearly an hour and a half. I did bike, squats, stairs, ball crunches, treadmill, leg curls, calves and did each of these stations twice. I was sweating like crazy! Tyler liked the workout. He followed his dad's stations. He was impressed with how much of a workout it really was. No kidding!

Then we thought we wanted to rent a movie from Redbox so we took a 3 mile walk (roundtrip) and came home empty handed. We couldn't make a decision! Overall it was a great workout day. I'm glad that Tyler decided to join us. The more the merrier!!

Day off!

Thursday turned out to be a day off! I had every intention of doing some form of exercise. I thought treadmill or pilates video but I put it off to the point that I did nothing. I was very careful about what I ate though so I'm happy about that. I've been using the WW points and I only spent 75% of my points for the day. Bill and I shopped on Wednesday and bought WW friendly foods and snacks so I would have plenty of options! That really helps, be prepared! My biggest change no soda. From 4 to 6 sodas a day to none. I did cut back for a few weeks because last time I went cold turkey I had massive headaches. I'm surprised that I don't miss it. I've been drinkin ice tea instead and some water.

Measurement Day

It was exciting.....my first measurement day since I started. We measure every four weeks. I lost a total of 5 1/2 inches in a month! I was incredibly happy with an inch off my waist and an inch off my hips! DH got measured today too. He has been working out with the Trainer for 18 months......he has lost a total of 10 inches off his waist! I can't wait for those kind of results!!

I was the only one who was able to workout with the Trainer tonight so I got 1 on 1 attention. You would think that's a good thing right?! Well, be careful what you wish for! I had his undivided attention so I got my butt kicked big time. Worked out for almost an hour and a half! I could have rung out my shirt. I had sweat dripping off my nose. But you know what, he pushed me and I didn't break! He made me do 3 sets of 15 push ups. (girls) I don't think I've ever done 15 pushups at once in my life. I was pretty proud of what I accomplished tonight! It feels good to be tough!

I've moved!

I decided that I needed a separate Blogspot to track my weight loss. Since I've been posting daily about it, my paper crafts are getting buried.

Another day another pound.

Monday is workout with the personal trainer day however, Corey was out of town so we worked out without him. It lasted an hour and I was dripping wet when we got done so I know we did a good job. Then Bill (DH) and Tyler (DS) had to ref a soccer game that was close to the bike trail so I biked 5 miles whiles they worked. Man I will be lucky if I don't cramp up at some point today. So, I got on the scale this morning and I'm down 1 more pound! Hurray! Results are motivating!!

DS had to ref another soccer game tonight. The park had a trail that circed the park so I walked laps for 35 minutes while Tyler worked. Just wanted to be sure that I did some form of exercise today!

Tomorrow is measurement day so I can see the fruits of my labor. I'm excited to see my results. My DH said his first month measurements were his biggest lost over the past one and a half years.

Progress

I was happy to get on the scale this morning and lose 3.2 pounds. I guess the workouts, watching what I'm eating and giving up soda is catching up with me. The funny thing is I was starving yesterday and felt like I was grazing but it was good stuff. In retrospect, I think my metabolism must have been raging yesterday.

Found my old WW book and decided to try to follow that to help control my eating. It kinda fun to spend points on food. I passed on the pizza for lunch that my son made because one piece was 8 points. Too much!!

Hitting the gym with Bill in about an hour. Our trainer is out of town but we got a good workout in on Friday so I know we can do it again!

Exercise

Started my day out with a little Pilates. I didn't sweat like I do working out at the gym so I don't feel like I got much of a workout. Bill didn't work out yet today so I'm sure he will run and I will bike or we will go to the gym for a full workout. Depends on how much time we have after we get our to do list done. Hungrier than usual today. Had my usual smoothie for breakfast them ate an early lunch of left over roast, potatoes and carrots. Will watch my food intake closely today. My bff, Kristen and I have started a weekly weigh-in and tonight is the night! I lost 1.5 pounds.

Working out!

So I started working out with a personal trainer. I get meaured for the first time on Wednesday. I'm excited to see what the results are. I thought it might be fun to use my blog as my workout diary.



Monday worked out with the trainer

Wednesday worked out with the trainer then biked three miles while my husband, Bill, ran

Friday worked out with Bill

Saturday biked three miles while Bill ran



Bill and I are really trying to workout twice a week with the trainer and twice a week on our own. I've lost a few pounds nothing major but meals are still a struggle. I'm making better food choices but I falter.