Well, technically not the official Sky Lab but if you read along you'll get it.
Yea for me. I'm officially a runner. Or at least I have my first injury (almost injury. It only hurts when I touch it). This is what happens when you go against the grain of never enjoying running to pushing yourself to entering a challenge with your brother who is working in Afghanistan to run 25 miles/week. I never made to the last part. So, I "think" I have an inflamed IT band (at least it hurts when I press on it - stop pressing on it) and was advised to rest (no running), take anti-inflams, ice and buy better sneakers. Gosh - just when I was starting to like this. Ok, yes I know I need new sneakers.
So since I'm not running and my TKB classes aren't till the end of the week (plus I missed body pump - don't tell Liza, but I'm sure she already knows), I did get in a mini round of bicep challenge Saturday before heading to ArtCrawl Houston as part of my month-long birthday celebration.
So getting back to Sky Lab and the 6-pack in basketball shorts. No, I can't afford her 4K personal workout session. I can afford her $10 DVD and I do workout in one of my upstairs bedrooms, so it's kinda like being on the top floor overlooking a beautiful skyline (even if it's only my backyard). I pulled the cellophane of Jackie Warner's Power Circuit Training DVD (I wont tell you that I've had it since the summer) and watched the 15-min lower body and ab sections. I thought "What the heck - seems harmless". She's a proponent for HIT (high intensity training) and what better way to do that for a weight training slacker like me, than circuit training?
Haha!!!
Although she's not perky and cheerleader-ish like Chalene Johnson, Jackie loves to say "if you're not feeling the burn, you aren't working it". I came home last night with all intentions on doing her 40-min total body and let's just say I felt the burn, felt it burn so good I got lightheaded and lost a bit of hearing and that was only the lower body portion. My take on it - if you're not feeling the burn, you don't even have the DVD playing.
Yes, I'm serious about the hearing. And yes, I know enough to slow my ass down and breathe. I waited until my hearing came back and my heart rate was back to normal before moving on to upper body. I survived 23 minutes (lower body and 1/2 upper body) of her 40-min kick your butt workout. I am determined to make it through all 40-mins.
I can't believe I've waited this long to try her workout. It will kick your butt and make you beg for more. Her Power Burn sections BURN!!! So if you have a hankering for a new workout DVD, pick this one up. I guess I better find her first DVD in my stack and pull the wrapping off that one too.
Burn baby burn.
Showing posts with label workout. Show all posts
Showing posts with label workout. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
It's so....
Sweaty!!!
I've got to say I'm proud of myself, workout-wise, because I finally made it to Wk5 of C25K. I've even done the run 1-1/2 times through. My next run, I will shoot for the Day 3 schedule of straight 20mins.
I got home all sweaty and ready to dig in to the 2nd hour (the elimination hour) of Biggest Loser. I hear Jillian say "I want a 10-min mile". WTH! I am barely doing a 14-min mile (and I was so happy to finally get my mile time to 14mins) and she has these folks doing 10-min miles. I also noticed the amount of weights lifted. I thought I was doing well even made it to 3 sets of 21s with 8lb dumbbells (that darn bicep challenge). These chicks are lifting much more than that.
So I came down from my 3-mile high and had a glass of wine to cover the pain.
Then, Merry's post really hit home. There will always be someone fitter than me, so stop comparing myself to others, especially those on BL. I will continue to make the strides I am making. Yes, I probably could run faster and I may challenge myself on the next run. Yes, I probably could lift heavier weights, so I will take the BodyPump class on Saturday. Check out the promo below, I'm in for a world of hurt - hurt so good!
I've got to say I'm proud of myself, workout-wise, because I finally made it to Wk5 of C25K. I've even done the run 1-1/2 times through. My next run, I will shoot for the Day 3 schedule of straight 20mins.
I got home all sweaty and ready to dig in to the 2nd hour (the elimination hour) of Biggest Loser. I hear Jillian say "I want a 10-min mile". WTH! I am barely doing a 14-min mile (and I was so happy to finally get my mile time to 14mins) and she has these folks doing 10-min miles. I also noticed the amount of weights lifted. I thought I was doing well even made it to 3 sets of 21s with 8lb dumbbells (that darn bicep challenge). These chicks are lifting much more than that.
So I came down from my 3-mile high and had a glass of wine to cover the pain.
Then, Merry's post really hit home. There will always be someone fitter than me, so stop comparing myself to others, especially those on BL. I will continue to make the strides I am making. Yes, I probably could run faster and I may challenge myself on the next run. Yes, I probably could lift heavier weights, so I will take the BodyPump class on Saturday. Check out the promo below, I'm in for a world of hurt - hurt so good!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Clothes make the Gal
What do you wear to workout? Baggy sweats? Old and faded tshirts? Dirty sneakers?
Ever look over at the treadmill next to you or the track ahead and see a woman in full color-coordinated gear and think "wow, she must have a lot of time/money on her hands?" Ever see those Lululemon or Lucy stores and think "I'd never spend $60 on a sports bra or $40 on a top?".
Yeah, I say the same thing. I do try to match my workout clothes but they do tend to be ill-fitting. I've purchased those "stylish" yoga pants at Wally World only to look at myself in the gym mirror in horror and think "where the hell did that pooch come from" knowing it was only the super thick fold-over flap of the pants!
Well folks, while in Scottsdale Mom and I hit some thrift shops and guess what I picked up? A brand spanking new pair of Lucy yoga pants at a steep discount. Let's just say I'm tempted to throw out all my workout pants/shorts and only wear these pants day after day. I did wear them all day long on Saturday since my game plan was to workout (I didn't get a chance to since my errands took much longer than anticipated). These pants make your boo-tay look awesome! No added belly pooch since the top of the pant sits right below the low waist without the need to keep yanking them up throughout the workout. And best of all - no camel toe!
I did wear them on Monday for Wk 3 / Day 3 of C25K (I am finally making it to Week 4!!!) and TKB. My only complaint was that by this time, the legs were stretched out and during the kick section of TKB, I kept stepping on the bottom of the pants. I am sure after laundry day, they will fit just fine.
FYI - this post was NOT sponsored by anyone. I was just so hyped about my new-to-me workout pants. I did also purchase a top but that wont be worn until the Spring (it's finally getting cooler). Now, I'm scouring ebay for another pair and hopefully a matching top.
Ever look over at the treadmill next to you or the track ahead and see a woman in full color-coordinated gear and think "wow, she must have a lot of time/money on her hands?" Ever see those Lululemon or Lucy stores and think "I'd never spend $60 on a sports bra or $40 on a top?".
Yeah, I say the same thing. I do try to match my workout clothes but they do tend to be ill-fitting. I've purchased those "stylish" yoga pants at Wally World only to look at myself in the gym mirror in horror and think "where the hell did that pooch come from" knowing it was only the super thick fold-over flap of the pants!
Well folks, while in Scottsdale Mom and I hit some thrift shops and guess what I picked up? A brand spanking new pair of Lucy yoga pants at a steep discount. Let's just say I'm tempted to throw out all my workout pants/shorts and only wear these pants day after day. I did wear them all day long on Saturday since my game plan was to workout (I didn't get a chance to since my errands took much longer than anticipated). These pants make your boo-tay look awesome! No added belly pooch since the top of the pant sits right below the low waist without the need to keep yanking them up throughout the workout. And best of all - no camel toe!
I did wear them on Monday for Wk 3 / Day 3 of C25K (I am finally making it to Week 4!!!) and TKB. My only complaint was that by this time, the legs were stretched out and during the kick section of TKB, I kept stepping on the bottom of the pants. I am sure after laundry day, they will fit just fine.
FYI - this post was NOT sponsored by anyone. I was just so hyped about my new-to-me workout pants. I did also purchase a top but that wont be worn until the Spring (it's finally getting cooler). Now, I'm scouring ebay for another pair and hopefully a matching top.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Consider yourself confused
Yesterday I had the suckiest of sucky workouts - or so I thought:
1. I didn't bring the correct sneakers so my feet were burning during C25K. I quit 15 minutes into the run.
2. The weight area is tiny and big beefy was trying to intimidate everyone near him by dropping the weights. I wasn't scurred. I started my big bad bicep challenge (you really should join me) off with 21s. But wait, there's no room for me to get on the floor and do situps. Then the constant thudding of weights hitting the floor was beginning to break through my noise-canceling headphones and I couldn't keep my mind-muscle connection. I quit after the 2nd rotation.
3. I tried to take an ab class. I generally skip these because of my lower back issues. But something in me said: Since you've fueled up on crap and you're half-assing your workout, you may as well try the ab class. OOOOOOO - wrong move. I think there was a fallout cloud floating around me. I know - gross, TMI!
The good thing that came of this half-assed workout is that I went home and cooked! I made these sweet potato/black enchiladas. There were half-assed too because I used what I had on hand (moz cheese instead of jack, pickled jalapenos, parsley over cilantro - you get the picture). Talk about yum (even better the second day for lunch!!!).
So getting to the point of this post...Tony Horton an those Fan-actics at Beachbody talk about muscle confusion all the time. Heck, that's the entire concept of P90X and ChaLean Extreme. But what the heck does that mean? It means not doing the same workout over and over again because your body adjusts to the same repetitive motion. Ya'll know I love me some TurboKick and do it 4 days/week, but I'm rarely sore following those workouts. Tada!!!! Even after my BS workout yesterday, my thighs and biceps are sore. Am I figuring out this concept of muscle confusion? Probably. Will I mix up my workouts more often? Definitely.
So even if you're workouts aren't 4 stars and leaving you drenched in sweat, all movement is good movement. As one of my instructors says on a daily basis "even mistakes burn calories".
1. I didn't bring the correct sneakers so my feet were burning during C25K. I quit 15 minutes into the run.
2. The weight area is tiny and big beefy was trying to intimidate everyone near him by dropping the weights. I wasn't scurred. I started my big bad bicep challenge (you really should join me) off with 21s. But wait, there's no room for me to get on the floor and do situps. Then the constant thudding of weights hitting the floor was beginning to break through my noise-canceling headphones and I couldn't keep my mind-muscle connection. I quit after the 2nd rotation.
3. I tried to take an ab class. I generally skip these because of my lower back issues. But something in me said: Since you've fueled up on crap and you're half-assing your workout, you may as well try the ab class. OOOOOOO - wrong move. I think there was a fallout cloud floating around me. I know - gross, TMI!
The good thing that came of this half-assed workout is that I went home and cooked! I made these sweet potato/black enchiladas. There were half-assed too because I used what I had on hand (moz cheese instead of jack, pickled jalapenos, parsley over cilantro - you get the picture). Talk about yum (even better the second day for lunch!!!).
So getting to the point of this post...Tony Horton an those Fan-actics at Beachbody talk about muscle confusion all the time. Heck, that's the entire concept of P90X and ChaLean Extreme. But what the heck does that mean? It means not doing the same workout over and over again because your body adjusts to the same repetitive motion. Ya'll know I love me some TurboKick and do it 4 days/week, but I'm rarely sore following those workouts. Tada!!!! Even after my BS workout yesterday, my thighs and biceps are sore. Am I figuring out this concept of muscle confusion? Probably. Will I mix up my workouts more often? Definitely.
So even if you're workouts aren't 4 stars and leaving you drenched in sweat, all movement is good movement. As one of my instructors says on a daily basis "even mistakes burn calories".
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
It's the Gun Show
Ok, so Joise at Yum Yucky is one crazy, wacky chica...and her blog is super hilarious. Check her out if you haven't already. She has a Big Bad Bicep Challenge that just started and here's the schedule or you can do any combo at 5 days a week. That's a lot of badass gun work.
Option A – You Have Gym (or gym equipment at home)
- 21s – EZ curl bar, 7x halfway up, 7x halfway down, 7x all the way. Without pausing, 25 reps of situps on a decline bench. DO THIS SET 3x. BREAK.
- Seated bicep curls (start with both arms at top – lower one, bring it back up, lower the next one – so one arm is always at the top) – 12 each arm (or more).
- Without pausing, 25 reps of leg raises (lift both legs, but if you get tired alternate them). DO THIS SET 3x. BREAK.
- Regular curls with a straight bar – 12 (or more).
- Abdominals: Without pausing, do 25 reps of pull down crunches (behind the neck or an ab machine). DO THIS SET 3x.
OPTION B – You only have dumbbells
- Seated bicep curls (as in 2nd stage of option A – alternating arms, starting at top bringing one arm down and then up, so that one arm is always at the top). Without pausing, 25 reps of situps. DO THIS SET 3x. BREAK.
- Seated isolation curls (one arm with elbow against inner thigh, legs open, bring it up and down 12 times).
- Without pausing do leg lifts (flat on back, legs in the air, hands under butt – push butt up) – do it 25 times or for 1 minute. BREAK.
- Hammer curls (end of weights face forward and palms face into body or cross-over curls) – 12 (or more).
- Planks: Hold the plank position for 60 seconds. DO THIS SET 3x. BREAK. Note: (I’ll be doing 90-second planks).
Monday, September 27, 2010
Are you ready for some Turbo?
Ya'll know I love me some kickboxing, Turbo Kick aka Turbo Jam for the gym to be precise. I also have a fan-crush on Chalene Johnson. That's one small ball of energy and motivation. So when one of my fitness instructors mentioned that there would be a master class on Saturday, I was all down for the cause. Let's just say a GREAT time was had by me, I know for sure.
I did get in Wk 2, Day 2 of C25K before the start of the class. I have shaved 1 min of my mile time (woo hoo).
While waiting for the room to clear, the guest instructor came up. Wow, she is almost a dead ringer for Chalene. The class was high energy. It was like taking the class with Chalene in person (as close as I will get until my next trip to Long Beach - which isn't planned anytime soon). Andrea Acree kicked my butt. She didn't even do the full round, but I know I was huffing and puffing and had to take 3 water breaks.
My goal is to get certified as a TurboKick instructor, so I was glad to take the class with her. Of course, it's no where near close to the day-long training, but it was a nice taste of what's to come.
Oh, an according to my HRM, I burned 1325 cals doing the run and the class! Booyah!
I did get in Wk 2, Day 2 of C25K before the start of the class. I have shaved 1 min of my mile time (woo hoo).
While waiting for the room to clear, the guest instructor came up. Wow, she is almost a dead ringer for Chalene. The class was high energy. It was like taking the class with Chalene in person (as close as I will get until my next trip to Long Beach - which isn't planned anytime soon). Andrea Acree kicked my butt. She didn't even do the full round, but I know I was huffing and puffing and had to take 3 water breaks.
My goal is to get certified as a TurboKick instructor, so I was glad to take the class with her. Of course, it's no where near close to the day-long training, but it was a nice taste of what's to come.
Oh, an according to my HRM, I burned 1325 cals doing the run and the class! Booyah!
What was your weekend workout?
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Slap on a smile...
and say YeeHaw!
I think I've gone slightly mad. Maybe mad cow has finally eaten away at what's left of my brain. Or, maybe I just really really enjoy my workouts.
It dawned on me last night as I was hooting and hollering during kickboxing, heck, even "raising the roof" while doing C25K (yeah, I'm back on it), that I really enjoy working out. I was totally aggravated on my drive to the gym (yes, I'm the overly aggressive driver who wants to go 80 mph on the highway, especially when the lane is clear) because all the suburbanites where driving at school zone speeds and it was 7PM!!! Grrr, foot to gas pedal ppl. Cars were made to go fast.
Oh damn-it I lost focus...Ok, so I get to the gym parking lot becoming more frustrated because of the non-handicapped spots in front of the door - there's always 1 person who has to park right up front and she's driving a HUGE truck that she probably had to sit on phone books just to see over the dash! Why was I in such a rush to get to the gym? Dunno. Could have been the Black Eyed Peas pumping loudly through my speaker system (man, I love my car). It's a great song when you need motivation or need to feel pumped on the last bit of a run/walk/workout!
I got in my C25K run! I had to revert back to week 1 since I hurt my ankle last week :( but it was still a fun run. So by 8pm, I was hot, sweaty (oh yeah, that's sexy) and ready for some Turbo!!! I've gym-friended a young-ish RN who I noticed was going through the motions half-assed and half-hearted. This irked me since watching her kept me off pace. I finally started the nag. "Come on, Girl...you can do this!" became my mantra. She was probably perturbed by the end of the class, but I didn't care. I was grinning ear to ear when I was done. I had a blast and I'm looking forward to Nightclub Cardio tonight. Time for some booty popping and party pumping!
I think I've gone slightly mad. Maybe mad cow has finally eaten away at what's left of my brain. Or, maybe I just really really enjoy my workouts.
It dawned on me last night as I was hooting and hollering during kickboxing, heck, even "raising the roof" while doing C25K (yeah, I'm back on it), that I really enjoy working out. I was totally aggravated on my drive to the gym (yes, I'm the overly aggressive driver who wants to go 80 mph on the highway, especially when the lane is clear) because all the suburbanites where driving at school zone speeds and it was 7PM!!! Grrr, foot to gas pedal ppl. Cars were made to go fast.
Oh damn-it I lost focus...Ok, so I get to the gym parking lot becoming more frustrated because of the non-handicapped spots in front of the door - there's always 1 person who has to park right up front and she's driving a HUGE truck that she probably had to sit on phone books just to see over the dash! Why was I in such a rush to get to the gym? Dunno. Could have been the Black Eyed Peas pumping loudly through my speaker system (man, I love my car). It's a great song when you need motivation or need to feel pumped on the last bit of a run/walk/workout!
I got in my C25K run! I had to revert back to week 1 since I hurt my ankle last week :( but it was still a fun run. So by 8pm, I was hot, sweaty (oh yeah, that's sexy) and ready for some Turbo!!! I've gym-friended a young-ish RN who I noticed was going through the motions half-assed and half-hearted. This irked me since watching her kept me off pace. I finally started the nag. "Come on, Girl...you can do this!" became my mantra. She was probably perturbed by the end of the class, but I didn't care. I was grinning ear to ear when I was done. I had a blast and I'm looking forward to Nightclub Cardio tonight. Time for some booty popping and party pumping!
Do you find yourself enjoying your workout time for no reason at all? Or do you dread your workouts?
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Do you C25K?
I did last night! After my TKB workout, I found an empty treadmill. Of course, it took me a few minutes to get my heart rate down to a normal range (those burpees in this TKB round are challenging).
But in straight-up LTD style, I didn't pay attention to the rules (who reads the instruction packet anyway?) I didn't realize the podcast was for 30mins and instead set my treadmill time to 20mins. I did manage to get in 6 runs and was interrupted by my TKB instructor. That's a great interruption!
So Saturday, I will do Wk1 Day 2 and Sunday will be Wk1 Day 3!!!
Yeah baby!
But in straight-up LTD style, I didn't pay attention to the rules (who reads the instruction packet anyway?) I didn't realize the podcast was for 30mins and instead set my treadmill time to 20mins. I did manage to get in 6 runs and was interrupted by my TKB instructor. That's a great interruption!
So Saturday, I will do Wk1 Day 2 and Sunday will be Wk1 Day 3!!!
Yeah baby!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
You did what?
Um, well, ok...I...I...I said I would start the Couch to 5K. Yeah, I think I hit my head and in a fit of amnesia, I posted on FB for all the world (my few friends) to see that I planned to start the C25K. Oh yeah, and to top it off I challenged my cousin who started her C25K a week ago to a race (luckily, we haven't picked which one - hence, no date set - YET). OOOOO and to add insult to injury, I e-mailed Kim who's blog I read as soon as she posts to tell her.
Woozers!
So after boasting that I would start, I found a few podcasts (dance and rap) to add to my iPod (I don't own a smartphone or iPhone and refuse to pay for apps). My game plan was to start yesterday - 20mins on the treadmill because it's like the 4th ring of Dante's Inferno outside and a quick 20 minute upper body workout (I even printed out the moves). I was prepared! I was pumped! I was all gung-ho!
Enter the bubbly Group X instructor with her shiny disco ball and perky attitude. I dislike bubbly, perky, ultra thin aerobic instructors (not really). I secretly want to be one (perky and bubbly - not ultra thin).
Ahhh hell - out the door went my plans for yesterday. I ended up doing 45mins of Nightclub Cardio! And let me tell you - this low-impact aerobic class aint no joke. We squatted, party-pumped, booty-pop it till we were all dripping in sweat. We did so many chest flies that after the class all I wanted to do was get on the bus and head home!!!
Luckily, today is a new day. Today is Zumba day (thank goodness no party-pumps in this class). That means I can get in the 20-min Week1 Day1 of C25K AFTER Zumba. Plus, there should be available treadmills at 8pm tonight.
So wish me luck. Pray that I don't say (in my best Cartman voice) F* this, I'm going home!
Woozers!
So after boasting that I would start, I found a few podcasts (dance and rap) to add to my iPod (I don't own a smartphone or iPhone and refuse to pay for apps). My game plan was to start yesterday - 20mins on the treadmill because it's like the 4th ring of Dante's Inferno outside and a quick 20 minute upper body workout (I even printed out the moves). I was prepared! I was pumped! I was all gung-ho!
Enter the bubbly Group X instructor with her shiny disco ball and perky attitude. I dislike bubbly, perky, ultra thin aerobic instructors (not really). I secretly want to be one (perky and bubbly - not ultra thin).
Ahhh hell - out the door went my plans for yesterday. I ended up doing 45mins of Nightclub Cardio! And let me tell you - this low-impact aerobic class aint no joke. We squatted, party-pumped, booty-pop it till we were all dripping in sweat. We did so many chest flies that after the class all I wanted to do was get on the bus and head home!!!
Luckily, today is a new day. Today is Zumba day (thank goodness no party-pumps in this class). That means I can get in the 20-min Week1 Day1 of C25K AFTER Zumba. Plus, there should be available treadmills at 8pm tonight.
So wish me luck. Pray that I don't say (in my best Cartman voice) F* this, I'm going home!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Watch it wiggle
and I can see it jiggle...Not in a good way, mind you. Then again, anything that jiggles on the body isn't really good - is it?
I was wide awake at 420am this morning thinking: I'm 2 years away from the BIG 4-0 and I don't want to jiggle. I don't mind getting jiggy with it - whatever 'it' is...but I don't all my goods shaking, rattlin and rollin with it. Ya know. This sleepless thought probably crept in while I was thinking about walking the hills in Seattle and marveling over how my rear would never be saggy if I walked hills all day.
So what's a girl to do about jiggle spots on her body? Botox? Nip/Tuck? Ummm, yeah - I can think of better things to spend that kind of money on. Shoes, glorious shoes!
Thanks to those potty-break push-ups, I'm beginning to see some change in my arms - woo hoo. Now, my next trouble spot is the hardest spot to workout (in my opinion) - those inner thighs. What to do, what to do?
Here's what I'm thinking (list of easiest to stay on top of to hardest).
1. Add pile squats to my potty-break push ups.
2. Add lunges to the end of each workout.
3. Do abductor/adductor machines each Sunday weight train day.
#1 starts today! Hopefully in the next 6 weeks, I can crack walnuts with my thighs! Well maybe not that powerful, but close!
I was wide awake at 420am this morning thinking: I'm 2 years away from the BIG 4-0 and I don't want to jiggle. I don't mind getting jiggy with it - whatever 'it' is...but I don't all my goods shaking, rattlin and rollin with it. Ya know. This sleepless thought probably crept in while I was thinking about walking the hills in Seattle and marveling over how my rear would never be saggy if I walked hills all day.
So what's a girl to do about jiggle spots on her body? Botox? Nip/Tuck? Ummm, yeah - I can think of better things to spend that kind of money on. Shoes, glorious shoes!
Thanks to those potty-break push-ups, I'm beginning to see some change in my arms - woo hoo. Now, my next trouble spot is the hardest spot to workout (in my opinion) - those inner thighs. What to do, what to do?
Here's what I'm thinking (list of easiest to stay on top of to hardest).
1. Add pile squats to my potty-break push ups.
2. Add lunges to the end of each workout.
3. Do abductor/adductor machines each Sunday weight train day.
#1 starts today! Hopefully in the next 6 weeks, I can crack walnuts with my thighs! Well maybe not that powerful, but close!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
You looka like...
Not a man as Ms. Swan would say....
But apparently I look as if I've lost weight or more people are noticing or I'm finally wearing more size-appropriate clothes. Whatever it is, it's flattering.
But a funny thing happened on the way to the bank...One of the College employees (I see her every now and again in the cafeteria) stopped me and asked how I lost so much weight. My answer to her is simple, eat right and exercise 5 days a week. Her incredulous look is the same I get from most people: "you mean, I've got to sweat 5 days a week?"
Um, yeah honey...sorry.
Actually, I'm not sorry. I did mention to her that it's easier to stay committed when you find an workout that you enjoy. It doesn't mean being in the gym 5 days a week unless that's what you like.
Having said that stuff about commitments, I've been slacking. BIG TIME. I've realized that I was all gung-ho over Clean Eating and making meals plans. But then something went all wonky and I fell off the bull, so to speak. I thought I was holding on the horns, but apparently not strong enough to ride it through to submission. (Hook em Horns)...
Ok, ok enough of the Longhorn lingo. Can someone say A trip East is needed STAT?!
But apparently I look as if I've lost weight or more people are noticing or I'm finally wearing more size-appropriate clothes. Whatever it is, it's flattering.
But a funny thing happened on the way to the bank...One of the College employees (I see her every now and again in the cafeteria) stopped me and asked how I lost so much weight. My answer to her is simple, eat right and exercise 5 days a week. Her incredulous look is the same I get from most people: "you mean, I've got to sweat 5 days a week?"
Um, yeah honey...sorry.
Actually, I'm not sorry. I did mention to her that it's easier to stay committed when you find an workout that you enjoy. It doesn't mean being in the gym 5 days a week unless that's what you like.
Having said that stuff about commitments, I've been slacking. BIG TIME. I've realized that I was all gung-ho over Clean Eating and making meals plans. But then something went all wonky and I fell off the bull, so to speak. I thought I was holding on the horns, but apparently not strong enough to ride it through to submission. (Hook em Horns)...
Ok, ok enough of the Longhorn lingo. Can someone say A trip East is needed STAT?!
So tell me...how do you stay on the bull?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Boot Camp
Is not summer camp for your winter boots.
What the hell was I thinking? Yeah, I had a training session with Master Pitbull, Ariel and survived so what harm could it be to take her boot camp?
Hello. Earth to LaShaune. It's Tuesday and your legs are STILL sore! Boot camp was Saturday!!!!
But hello...LaShaune to Brain - it was oh so worth it. 5 Intervals, each one done 3 times through. There's only 1 move that can't be done solo (at home) and that's the medicine ball toss. She even included burpees (and you know how much I am loving those!). The one move I had the most difficult time with was the inverted bicycle move (on your knees or push-up position and bring your knee and opposite elbow in). It was not comfy since I was dripping wet. My favorite move was the pseudo-kettlebell swing-squat.
I gotta say, whoever invents a non-slip mat that absorbs sweat by the buckets and isn't big/bulky to haul to the gym will get my money (as long as it's under $20).
I will post the intervals later this week for those interested.
What the hell was I thinking? Yeah, I had a training session with Master Pitbull, Ariel and survived so what harm could it be to take her boot camp?
Hello. Earth to LaShaune. It's Tuesday and your legs are STILL sore! Boot camp was Saturday!!!!
But hello...LaShaune to Brain - it was oh so worth it. 5 Intervals, each one done 3 times through. There's only 1 move that can't be done solo (at home) and that's the medicine ball toss. She even included burpees (and you know how much I am loving those!). The one move I had the most difficult time with was the inverted bicycle move (on your knees or push-up position and bring your knee and opposite elbow in). It was not comfy since I was dripping wet. My favorite move was the pseudo-kettlebell swing-squat.
I gotta say, whoever invents a non-slip mat that absorbs sweat by the buckets and isn't big/bulky to haul to the gym will get my money (as long as it's under $20).
I will post the intervals later this week for those interested.
How was your weekend workout(s)?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Calories In vs. Calories Out
RPE vs. METs. Bodybugg vs. heart rate monitor.
It's all Greek to me.
So the question arose the other day: how many calories do you burn doing Zumba? Good question seeing how the instructors and infomericals tout that you can burn 800-1000 calories doing Zumba. Um yeah. What they neglect to tell you is that you can burn that if you weigh in at least 250 lbs.
But the question still looms. How do you determine if you're exercising within the limits for caloric burn or does it really? Yeah, it matters because for every 3,500 weekly deficit that equals 1 lb of weight loss. And isn't that the point of exercise and healthy eating? Yup.
Enter BodyBugg vs. Heart Rate Monitor. I don't have either. Why? 1) BodyBugg is a bit spendy. Even on sale at $175 for the monitor and another $100 for the display. 2) I can't quite comprehend which heart rate monitor is better. The watch vs. the strap. 3) I don't need to add any additional strap-ons during my workout (doubling down on sports bras is enough at the moment). 4) If I'm going to spend money (btw, I haven't spent 1 unnecessary dime this month so far), I'd rather buy new workout clothes over electronics that will get lost in my gym bag. If you've got an extra $250 to drop on the BodyBugg, you can order them online at 24 Hour Fitness.
There's bound to be a cost-effective way to measure this, right? Well, LaShaune, yes there is. It's call METs. WTH does baseball have to do with calorie deficits? Not the NY Mets, but Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) based upon oxygen intake while performing certain activities. A little googling provided a formula almost as complicated at Calculus 1 during the summer at 8am (who the heck is up for that punishment? If it's you dear reader, click here: Peer Trainer). If you want the simple, computer generated way to calculate it, click here: drgrily.
Yes, it's good to know how many calories you burn while performing certain activities, especially if you over did it on your meal plan (damn those chalupas, chips/salsa/guac and mojitos) the day before or are planning to throw caution to the wind and treat yourself (did someone say all-you-can-eat Gelato?). But how do you know if you are working out hard enough, just right, or need to get your rear in gear?
Come on over RPE aka Rate of Perceived Exertion, which is kinda like RPMs for the body. Some folks think of it as the "Talk Test". If you can carry on a normal convo, you need to kick it up 3-4 notches because your butt is slacking. If you can't breathe, slow your ass down before you pass out. If you can only sing every other word to the song currently playing on your iPod, you're in the zone! But if you need so see the full Borg list (yeah, it's Trekkie), click here, here, or here.
I use my Zumba day as my fat-burning day (where I can sing most of the song lyrics in very bad Spanish). Kickboxing is mos-def high-intensity cardio (can only sing 1 liners of most songs).
It's all Greek to me.
So the question arose the other day: how many calories do you burn doing Zumba? Good question seeing how the instructors and infomericals tout that you can burn 800-1000 calories doing Zumba. Um yeah. What they neglect to tell you is that you can burn that if you weigh in at least 250 lbs.
But the question still looms. How do you determine if you're exercising within the limits for caloric burn or does it really? Yeah, it matters because for every 3,500 weekly deficit that equals 1 lb of weight loss. And isn't that the point of exercise and healthy eating? Yup.
Enter BodyBugg vs. Heart Rate Monitor. I don't have either. Why? 1) BodyBugg is a bit spendy. Even on sale at $175 for the monitor and another $100 for the display. 2) I can't quite comprehend which heart rate monitor is better. The watch vs. the strap. 3) I don't need to add any additional strap-ons during my workout (doubling down on sports bras is enough at the moment). 4) If I'm going to spend money (btw, I haven't spent 1 unnecessary dime this month so far), I'd rather buy new workout clothes over electronics that will get lost in my gym bag. If you've got an extra $250 to drop on the BodyBugg, you can order them online at 24 Hour Fitness.
There's bound to be a cost-effective way to measure this, right? Well, LaShaune, yes there is. It's call METs. WTH does baseball have to do with calorie deficits? Not the NY Mets, but Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) based upon oxygen intake while performing certain activities. A little googling provided a formula almost as complicated at Calculus 1 during the summer at 8am (who the heck is up for that punishment? If it's you dear reader, click here: Peer Trainer). If you want the simple, computer generated way to calculate it, click here: drgrily.
Yes, it's good to know how many calories you burn while performing certain activities, especially if you over did it on your meal plan (damn those chalupas, chips/salsa/guac and mojitos) the day before or are planning to throw caution to the wind and treat yourself (did someone say all-you-can-eat Gelato?). But how do you know if you are working out hard enough, just right, or need to get your rear in gear?
Come on over RPE aka Rate of Perceived Exertion, which is kinda like RPMs for the body. Some folks think of it as the "Talk Test". If you can carry on a normal convo, you need to kick it up 3-4 notches because your butt is slacking. If you can't breathe, slow your ass down before you pass out. If you can only sing every other word to the song currently playing on your iPod, you're in the zone! But if you need so see the full Borg list (yeah, it's Trekkie), click here, here, or here.
I use my Zumba day as my fat-burning day (where I can sing most of the song lyrics in very bad Spanish). Kickboxing is mos-def high-intensity cardio (can only sing 1 liners of most songs).
How do you measure your caloric burn?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Burpee...
Excuse me. That was rude.
There's tons of talk out here in the blog world of exercise for non-exercise/non-scale victories aka NSV (it took me forever to figure out that acronym. I'm old and slow what more can I say). Well today is not one of those days. Today is my pat on the back, my gold star day of accomplishing something I said I would never, ever do.
What the heck did you do, LaShaune? Rob a bank? Buy a pair of Jimmy Choos? Did you order those Cleopatra earrings and necklace from Wendy Brandes? I wish! Actually, I'd love her swear rings, but that's for another day.
Ok, I'm back from my daydreams...
What I did was a burpee.
What the hell is a burpee, you ask? Oh, honey you haven't lived until you've accomplished this:
Check the vid for the proper form. These are part of the TKB turbo section in rounds 39 and 40. I actually did 3 (then went to modified) last night!
What have you accomplished exercise-wise recently?
Friday, May 21, 2010
What do you mean, it's not fun?
I don't understand when folks say that exercise is not fun. WTH? Granted, I go through phases when I love to workout at home (yea for TurboJam), outside or at the gym. Right now, I'm in the gym-rat phase. I get a high from my current schedule of Kickboxing (Mon, Thurs & Sat), Walking w/ The Fella (Tue), Zumba (Wed). Just this week, I've conned gotten a co-worker into10 minute toning sessions. 1 day was upper body using reams of copy paper and 1 day was squats and walking lunges. I got a huge smile from her this morning as she said she felt a little burn going down her stairs!
I have a friend who continues to say she needs to "get back on track". She's always asking me to workout with her, to train her (note: I am not a personal trainer). But the issue there is that she rarely shows up. She gets upset when I tell her that working out will help ease the stress in her life because the endorphins released during exercise creates a happy effect. So each day she comes up with a newexcuse reason as to why can't won't workout. I've long since stopped expecting her to show up. I've suggested that she find something that she absolutely loves and schedule it immediately after work. That has yet to manifest. I will pass along a new recipe every now and again or a new workout move, but I no longer go out of my way.
I weighed in this morning and am glad to report that the 159.6 lbs is starting to stick. Hot Damn!!! It's only been a week that I'm actually focusing on my meals, making sure to have a complex carb AND protein with each meal (including those snacks). Big HELL YEAH for the Eat-Clean book!
There are so many varied activities that constitute exercise. I don't run because I don't like it. I walk because I LOVE it. I don't take MMA classes, but love kickboxing. I've taken belly dancing and miss it desperately and have set a goal for the fall to start with flamenco dance classes and I love shaking my booty in Zumba. So for those who say exercise isn't fun, maybe they should rethink what they consider to be exercise. Workouts don't have to take place in a gym. It can be dancing around the house, walking for miles along the beach, lifting grocery bags several times before putting them away. It's just a matter of finding things you enjoy and doing them.
I have a friend who continues to say she needs to "get back on track". She's always asking me to workout with her, to train her (note: I am not a personal trainer). But the issue there is that she rarely shows up. She gets upset when I tell her that working out will help ease the stress in her life because the endorphins released during exercise creates a happy effect. So each day she comes up with a new
I weighed in this morning and am glad to report that the 159.6 lbs is starting to stick. Hot Damn!!! It's only been a week that I'm actually focusing on my meals, making sure to have a complex carb AND protein with each meal (including those snacks). Big HELL YEAH for the Eat-Clean book!
There are so many varied activities that constitute exercise. I don't run because I don't like it. I walk because I LOVE it. I don't take MMA classes, but love kickboxing. I've taken belly dancing and miss it desperately and have set a goal for the fall to start with flamenco dance classes and I love shaking my booty in Zumba. So for those who say exercise isn't fun, maybe they should rethink what they consider to be exercise. Workouts don't have to take place in a gym. It can be dancing around the house, walking for miles along the beach, lifting grocery bags several times before putting them away. It's just a matter of finding things you enjoy and doing them.
What's your fav exercise?
Friday, April 23, 2010
Struggle Challenge Wk 3
And a struggle it has been. This week has been rough at work and personally. I flake off my workout on Monday, walked Tuesday with The Fella, roamed the mall Wednesday (not a workout at all), went to the GYN (see yesterday's post). She swears I will be ok to workout by Saturday but I'm not so sure.
Food intake has been a bit better. I've been making oatmeal the night before using quick oats, 2% milk, dates, cranberries and walnuts. The only day that really sucked was yesterday when I tired it with Greek yogurt - not a good combo. If you want more quick oats ideas, check out Kath Eats Real Food. She has an homage to Oatmeal! I did give in to my craving and had bean burrito and a taco salad one night (yes, in one sitting). I also downed 2 glasses of wine last night at the encouragement of my MD (well, maybe she didn't say 2 glasses, but she did encourage a glass).
Since I've slacked all week, I woke up promising myself that I would use the hand weights in my office today during my lunch break.
Weight: 162.4 - 2lb gain :((
Upcoming Game Plan
1. Keep up the menu planning and quick oats overnight
2. Go back to regular weekly workouts
3. Strength train 2 x Week - this is still an issue and I need to figure a way to get over it. I think I will haul my weights and balance ball downstairs and set them next to the sofa. I can do them while watching TV!
I'm hoping the other ladies doing this challenge are doing better than I am. How do you deal with crappy work weeks and staying motivated to workout?
Food intake has been a bit better. I've been making oatmeal the night before using quick oats, 2% milk, dates, cranberries and walnuts. The only day that really sucked was yesterday when I tired it with Greek yogurt - not a good combo. If you want more quick oats ideas, check out Kath Eats Real Food. She has an homage to Oatmeal! I did give in to my craving and had bean burrito and a taco salad one night (yes, in one sitting). I also downed 2 glasses of wine last night at the encouragement of my MD (well, maybe she didn't say 2 glasses, but she did encourage a glass).
Since I've slacked all week, I woke up promising myself that I would use the hand weights in my office today during my lunch break.
Weight: 162.4 - 2lb gain :((
Upcoming Game Plan
1. Keep up the menu planning and quick oats overnight
2. Go back to regular weekly workouts
3. Strength train 2 x Week - this is still an issue and I need to figure a way to get over it. I think I will haul my weights and balance ball downstairs and set them next to the sofa. I can do them while watching TV!
I'm hoping the other ladies doing this challenge are doing better than I am. How do you deal with crappy work weeks and staying motivated to workout?
Monday, April 12, 2010
That which makes you stronger...
totally makes your butt hurt. Or at least your hamstrings.
So in order to incorporate strength training into my workout schedule, I told myself during REM sleep Friday night that I would take the toning class following my Saturdaybutt-kicking kickboxing class. I could see the evil gleam in my instructor's eye as she bubbly told me I would thoroughly enjoy it. Ha! Ha!
I wasn't going to jump in head first and use the 8-10lbs. I planned to start out slow and light. Please hand me the 3-4lbs dumbbells. Thank you.
The sets were seamless and easy - nothing fancy, no sumo squats or cherry pickers or dead-lifting your neighbor and her weights. It all seemed like a normal strength class. Until....
Crazy move, enter stage right. We did a walking plank. WTF? Moving from walking plank to tricep push up on the bench. Who-da-hell?!??!? Let's just say, I did 1 set of walking planks and stretched for the kamikaze tricep push-ups. I still have grooves indented in my palms from the bench.
Note to self...remember to not only pack weight gloves, but wear them next time!
I was expecting my upper body to be sore, but alas, it is my hamstrings that are crying to be let loose. So folks, I will spend most of today (Monday) stretching and sucking down Aleeve and water.
Workout plan for Monday: Zumba! At least some butt shaking and gyrating will help.
What's your workout plan for today? How do you psych yourself up for your workouts? What's your favorite strength move?
So in order to incorporate strength training into my workout schedule, I told myself during REM sleep Friday night that I would take the toning class following my Saturday
I wasn't going to jump in head first and use the 8-10lbs. I planned to start out slow and light. Please hand me the 3-4lbs dumbbells. Thank you.
The sets were seamless and easy - nothing fancy, no sumo squats or cherry pickers or dead-lifting your neighbor and her weights. It all seemed like a normal strength class. Until....
Crazy move, enter stage right. We did a walking plank. WTF? Moving from walking plank to tricep push up on the bench. Who-da-hell?!??!? Let's just say, I did 1 set of walking planks and stretched for the kamikaze tricep push-ups. I still have grooves indented in my palms from the bench.
Note to self...remember to not only pack weight gloves, but wear them next time!
I was expecting my upper body to be sore, but alas, it is my hamstrings that are crying to be let loose. So folks, I will spend most of today (Monday) stretching and sucking down Aleeve and water.
Workout plan for Monday: Zumba! At least some butt shaking and gyrating will help.
What's your workout plan for today? How do you psych yourself up for your workouts? What's your favorite strength move?
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Excuses are out of fashion
Really, I no longer have an excuse to not workout. There isn't a good one that can be used to deter me from the gym, unless I am on my death bed or the doctor has ordered it.
Over the past 3 weeks I have seen people in every manner of dress at the gym (most I would not recommend). I have seen women in slack and those ugly orthopedic shoes walking on the treadmill. I even saw one lady in a demin skirt and faux ugg boots using the elipitcal. So saying I have nothing to wear to the gym is out the window.
Last night I went straight from work to the gym (I was bad on the finance side because I overslept and had to pay $12 for parking - UGH! You best believe I got up this morning ON TIME and got my butt to the train). I hit the gym a half hour early to get in some treadmill time before my kickboxing class - worked up a great sweat and a great attitude (I so love the tunes on my iPod and the good looking guy on the stairclimber 2 rows in front was perfect eye canday). Went to TKB and made it through both turbo sections but decided to check out afterward. My excuse - my hair was sopping wet, slapping me in the face and I didn't have anything to pull it back. Plus, the CD was skipping and being off beat A LOT was annoying me as well. So, I used those two issues as an excuse to breakout.
WTH!!!
As I was walking out, walking right past the WW meeting - I generally look over just to peek at what they're doing - listening to the meeting leader. However, something else caught my eye. I looked left and saw several very large women dressed and ready to workout while waiting on a tour of the gym. Now, what the hell was my excuse for leaving the class early?
No more excuses!
Over the past 3 weeks I have seen people in every manner of dress at the gym (most I would not recommend). I have seen women in slack and those ugly orthopedic shoes walking on the treadmill. I even saw one lady in a demin skirt and faux ugg boots using the elipitcal. So saying I have nothing to wear to the gym is out the window.
Last night I went straight from work to the gym (I was bad on the finance side because I overslept and had to pay $12 for parking - UGH! You best believe I got up this morning ON TIME and got my butt to the train). I hit the gym a half hour early to get in some treadmill time before my kickboxing class - worked up a great sweat and a great attitude (I so love the tunes on my iPod and the good looking guy on the stairclimber 2 rows in front was perfect eye canday). Went to TKB and made it through both turbo sections but decided to check out afterward. My excuse - my hair was sopping wet, slapping me in the face and I didn't have anything to pull it back. Plus, the CD was skipping and being off beat A LOT was annoying me as well. So, I used those two issues as an excuse to breakout.
WTH!!!
As I was walking out, walking right past the WW meeting - I generally look over just to peek at what they're doing - listening to the meeting leader. However, something else caught my eye. I looked left and saw several very large women dressed and ready to workout while waiting on a tour of the gym. Now, what the hell was my excuse for leaving the class early?
No more excuses!
Monday, June 1, 2009
New Week for New Habits
Woo Hoo - it's Monday...Yeah, I know - not supposed to be so happy for a Monday, but I am for the major reason: I am once again a member of 24-hour fitness. I dropped my membership thinking it would save me money. Ha! I was wrong. Skippin workouts only lead me to deeper depression and spending more money resale shopping. So when I received the letter begging me to come back with promises of deep discounts, yada yada yada...I thought "why the hell not?" So tonight I will be turbo kicking my way back to sanity! Woo hoo for Monday.
Also, I read a megaload of fashion blogs. One of my favs is Fab Finds. Kimberly has done a great job keeping us frugal fashionistas updated and for providing some chic outfit ideas. So I've printed her fashioin calendar for June and here in my first attempt at dressing by the dots (instead of Nautical, Terrie and I changed it Seersucker Monday). Disregard the Cruella Deville hair and the poinsettias on the floor (I'm too lazy to store those holiday flowers).
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