Workout Tryout

Training mode to me usually includes trying a new workout weekly to determine where I am fitness wise. The challenge can sometimes encourage or discourage me.

I did the sportskool cardio combat 1, 28 min. video. It was one of those I watched last month while I was sick. 

It started out with a ball sequence,  then a few Kickboxing combos and finally a stick sequence. The video was okay. I give it a 3 of 5 star rating.

I felt like quitting a few times because there was a high volume of lunges and leg rotations so my knee was a concern. I would get frustrated and a bit discouraged but I kept going.

In the end, I did not sweat as much as I did with  yesterdays workouts . I know it was probably because I did not push hard during certain parts of the sequence due to knee concerns. 

I will definitely try this again once I feel confident about my abilities just to compare fitness level. 

For now I will continue with my other planned activities to continue with knee rehab.

Here's to trying new things and pushing forward.

Training Tuesday

 

My game has been elevated. My knees. My sore muscles. My bruises. All there. I know I want to continue to participate in events like TM so there is no slowing down. I will create the April plan tonight. I'm also excited with my recent meetings.

I will be taking this a a step further by creating events for my community. 

Let's do this together!

Wonderful Wednesday

I have no recipe today because of lack of planning. I was in my main office but stuck to the best options available. Below is what I did today.

Workout:

5a workout with my #triplethreat girls. Private circuit-training session conducted by Anthony.

6a workout with #acceleratefamily. Session prepared by Anthony.

Meals:

✔7:10A organic protein shake with almond milk and 1 cup of berries.
+ I had something quick and manageable because the coach said I had to eat something immediately.

✔10:30A 3 egg whites, 1 slice of toast and 1 cup of strawberries - (1 additional cup reserved for snacking during meeting).
+ I said no to the tray of cookies and brownies offered during the meeting.

✔1:00P 2 cups of arugula salad with minimal dressing, 1 slice of bread, 1 1/2 cup of whole wheat pasta with 2oz grilled chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, basil and spinach.
+ I said no the the birthday cake being offered repeatedly during the meeting.

✔7:00P 1 cup of green salad w/ 1tbs Italian dressing. 2 tortillas. 3oz of shrimp with 1/2 cup of beans. 2cups of Steamed broccoli, nopales and carrots. 1/2 cup of plantains.
+ I did not add sugar or salt to the plantains and enjoyed the natural sugars.

+ I did not have any tortilla chips which were calling my name!

This is typically more carbs than I have in a day but it provides you with an idea of what I follow on a day when I am not on my element i. e. in a group meeting. I do not over indulge when I  focus on my ability to resist those foods that are not good for me. I created the most balance possible with the choices I was provided.

Here's to staying on target.

The hide out.

Mentality

My mental state for the most part has been positive. The structure I had for the month of May fell out. I kept most of my routines because my goal was to make it to the white river rafting adventure with as much strength as possible. My insecurities kicked in a couple of days before rafting but I did it. It felt AWESOME just like I did back in my college days. INVINCIBLE. 

White River Rafting. American River near Sacramento, Ca. May 16, 2016

Meal-Plans

I stopped tracking my food and winged it. The consequence is a 3 pound weight gain. So be it. I'm coming clean because I'm ramping up for the final home stretch. I have 122 days before my final goal date of 09/30/14. I know careful meal planning and point counting will be the key to my success. Point tracking is key and I will do it going forward.

Work-outs

I've been pretty consistent with my work-outs. Everything except the 12-week challenge. I hated admitting it to my readers but mostly to myself. I saw it as a failing moment. I made myself wrong for not doing things "right". Then I hid because it is a typical way I handle things when I put a lot of pressure on myself. I finally decided to focus on my fitness highlights. I tried new things like boxing, beach yoga, new hiking trails and new training techniques. oh and of course I rafted; an activity I used to love doing annually and was unable to do due to my weight for almost 14 years. 

No Excuses

Having a confessional blogging moment is the perfect time to recommit. I'm hooked on this new lifestyle and I'm not letting go until I reach goal. Having a detour doesn't mean I'm stopping. It just means I'm human. I still want to provide a "how to" to other people who are struggling with their weight or simply want to be healthy. This makes me move forward because I'm truly living an inspired life and I want others to do the same. 

To living to inspire myself and others.

Accountability - Double Tuesday

Kiki: I was being Lazy.
Trainer: You Lazy? You're not lazy.
Kiki: Well I was getting Lazy.
Trainer: You? No, never you. You are one of the ones that gives me her all when she's in here. I don't buy it. I don't hear it.
Kiki: <smile>

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I've been getting comfortable and just as I was thinking, I'm lazy, I remembered the convo with my trainer a few months ago. He didn't want to hear it. He didn't buy it. I'm not training with him now because of the 12-week challenge I decided to do on my own but I can hear him. So today, unlike yesterday. I'm getting back on track and sharing my training calendar with you. I have also included a list of all the work-outs I mention with a brief description.

Today will also be Double Tuesday...because I will post after I've completed everything for the day. It will also count for my missed posting on Saturday. 

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March Training Calendar - Items scheduled are not always completed. 

I will share a  completed work-outs calendar at the end of the month. 

12-Week Body-for-Life Challenge (BFL)- This is the core of my exercise routine right now. I plan out what I am going to be working on weekly and follow through the routines as described in the instructions. On my cardio days I also follow the 8-week walking to running training schedule.

Boxing- "Many people see positive results from boxing; you may build stronger and more defined arms and legs, as well as increase your cardiovascular health." -220 Boxing 

Callenetics - This is one of those DVD's I really like but rarely follow when scheduled. Then when I complete the routine I feel great and stretched. 

Circuit Training - Is my favorite type of training. I was doing this regularly with 2 different trainers 3-4 times a week. I am currently only doing it once a week with a trainer on Wednesdays. Here is a good circuit training guide if you would like to start it on your own.

Hiking - I Hike Trails suitable for beginners. I use several different sites for research. 

Mini-Challenges - I am hooked on doing more exercise daily and I always have some type of mini-challenge I'm completing. For example this month I'm doing the strengthening ankles and better sex exercises three times a week. I also complete the ab and squat challenge daily.

Pop Physique - I purchased a groupon for these classes. It is good isolated movement. I would only continue to do this if they have another good new student special and it works with my schedule. Otherwise I prefer Cardio Barre which I have done in the past and hope to do again in the future.

Pole Dancing - "This class offers over 30 beginner pole spins & tricks including sensual dance movement, dance flow, sensual floor work & basic strength training drills to strengthen your upper body, abs & core. " -Allure Dance Studio

Vixenology - "Learn a mix of Sultry & Hard Poppin' dance routines to turn you into a Video Vixen. You’ll jam to the hottest songs and learn routines that’ll vary each week w/ hips shakin, booty poppin, twerkin & more." - Allure Dance Studio

Yoga - I start or end my days with Yoga. I use the AM & PM Yoga or  AM Yoga DVD at home. I also go to the local Yoga Studio for a class once or twice a week. I have also started to do guide myself through Yoga poses when I just want to listen to the meditation station on Pandora. 

To keeping it tight...

How do you do it?

People in my social circles keep on asking, "how are you loosing weight?". I can go on about the details for days but the bottom line is I do it by taking it day by day. 

There are a whirlwind of emotions, occurrences and obstacles that may cause me to stop or take a day off. But in the end, my main objective is still there...I must get healthy. I allow myself to feel what I need to feel, go through what I need to go through, and then I tell myself to keep pushing. Then I do what it takes to get me through the day because this time I'm getting to the final goal.  

Smile. I'm making changes.

This is me before my morning work out. I'm keeping active and reaching goals. 

Get it done.

Fitness for today.

I have shared my medical history in the past. Today was one of those days when it was all okay and it changed instantly. The difference, I pushed through the my dance class but was not satisfied with the fact that I couldn't give it 100%. 

I won't make myself wrong and will continue to work through what ever is necessary to reach my goal. 

My reasons for not blogging daily...

I'm working.....

WOI-hump day

Work out Wednesday ended with a Bang! Tonight was weight training night. It was an hour of a consistent amount of sets with very few breaks in between. 

Then a picnic at the observatory to view the blue moon. My brother prepared grilled salmon, salad, quinoa and grilled chicken wings. I had just the right amount of food and had a 130 calorie sorbet to finish the night off. 

To awesome hump days!

Work Out Information (WOI)

Thursday: Yoga, 45-60 min.cardio and Pole Dancing 

 

I did not wake up early enough to do Yoga. I skipped it. My regular AM Yoga routine is 20 minutes with a few poses I add. The DVD is 15 minutes. 

I completed my cardio at the gym after work. I was really sluggish and I did not have my normal "power" during the work out. My highest RPM was 87 and it is usually about 112. No matter how hard I pushed it wasn't enough. The elliptical machine was on fat burn mode and I did better there. 

I was not completely satisfied with my work out but I thought I should listen to my body and maybe I'm pushing too hard. Shortly thereafter I found out I I had started my lady days. Boys if you're there sorry but it happens! My point is my lady days are hard because of my condition. I usually have to work from home and am pretty home bound for a couple days during the cycle. So going forward if I write about being "ill", it is related to my condition.

I still had pole scheduled for 8:30P. I was going to be a no show for pole because I was scared about going to class while on my lady days. I went and figured if at any point I need to leave, well, I will do just that. The pole studio I go to is Allure Pole Dance & Fitness. They have two locations in the Los Angeles area. Any interested ladies could buy this current deal on groupon. I was concerned but kept on thinking, "participate". The class starts with a dance routine, then we stretch, do floor work, and strengthening excercises for about 15-10 minutes. This is followed by pole instruction and practice. I felt more ease as I got closer to the end of class. When I got home I realized  I got my first bruise! Which in pole means you're progressing! HAA 

To a good day.

Day 29. Challenge.

This whole process is a challenge and I keep pushing. I did NOT wake up at 4:30A for my regular yoga and cardio routine. I told myself if I don't do it in the morning then I have to do it after work at the Citi Plaza 24. I HATE that gym. It challenges my comfort level. Challenge met.

I noticed while on the bike that my heart rate was pretty steady and not like in the past. I added resistance and also did more elliptical training. I was real close to quitting but I kept on pushing. Challenge met. 

Then I got home with an hour and a half to spare before dance class. I took a nap and overslept. I was going to call and say I can't make it because I really didn't want to go. Instead I pushed myself and thought 5-8 min. late isn't ideal but not that bad either. I went and had a blast sweating. Challenge met. 

To accomplishing small, big and every other type of challenge.

Day 28. YES!

I had a breakthrough. I went to the gym while on a getaway. It was nice to finally get a good sweat. Accomplishing the goal early also set the tone for the day. I felt energized and happy.

To ongoing breakthroughs.

Day 26. Fun Friday.

Tommy Hilfiger Size 9 1/2, Spring Season 2013

Yay to Shoes! I'm one of those gals that LOVES shoes. I figured out it is also the best reward system for me. I used to reward myself with food and treats after I accomplished a goal. I have found new rewards like shoes (more pairs than usual), a massage or some new experience I want to try.  

The shoes in the pic above were calling my name the first time I went to Marshall's but they did not have my size. I went back a couple weeks later and found them in clearance section in size 9 1/2. I'm a size 10. I tried them on and THEY FIT! I tried on another pair, (the brown shoes on my 08/07 post), in a 9 1/2 and they fit too! I'm not sure if this means weight loss is causing foot shrinkage OR I just got lucky!

With regards to work outs, I finally got back to it last night.  I really enjoyed it and felt great afterwards. I am unsure of how the work outs will go this weekend since it is my wedding anniversary getaway weekend. A true breakthrough will occur if I exercise during the getaway. I will be sure to post if I do! To fun filled active days.

Day 14...but wait what happened to day 13?

Friday night was a sinful night. Full of fun and sinful calorie rich food. The upside is I worked out on Sat. Morn before my day filled of multiple parties.

Then came the parties and I was "okay" until the cabana party!!! They had the best tapas, cocktails and I broke my 17 days of no sugary treats and desserts! I had cake! It was delicious. I enjoyed every bite and ate it very slowly. 

Am I feeling guilty for what I ate? No but I know I need to get back on track and the sluggish way I'm feeling now is no doubt a consequence of bad eating. I completed today's work out and I'm ready for this week salad lunches! 

Day 12. But please more...zzzzzz

I wanted to sleep. I did not want to work out but I remembered tonight's concert plans don't allow for an evening work out. I got up a bit later and cut out my yoga and gym routine. 

Instead I worked out to core rhythms at home. I burned 926 calories making it above the goal. Yay to me and to this happy Friday! 

Day 11. Early rising.

This is the second time this week where I wake up to what I call a "back to back". I worked out last night for oversleeping but I really prefer an early work out like the one I'm about to start.

First, am yoga then I drive to the gym for an hour to an hour and 20 minutes of cardio. Let the fun begin! 

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I added a snap shot of my work out upon completion. :D

Say bye bye to the Loosy Goosy Days and hello...

...to the tutti fruity days!!! I'm going strong with my challenges and pushing myself as hard as I can.

I have set a few new goals including:

• burning at least 700 calories during cardio a day.
• eating one salad a day.
• no desserts, candy bars etc. unless it is truly desired e.g. during menstruating days.
• if someone invites me to work out, say YES.

 I have been doing a lot of stretching and dancing as additional activity for the day. It is not a whole lot of structure but it is enough to keep me focused.

I'm happy. I'm proud. Most of all I'm feeling tutti fruity working hard and playing hard!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dbEhBKGOtY