So, the first class - BodyStep. I had done this once before, a week before and it was tough. This time it didn't seem as hard, but then maybe I wasn't pushing myself as hard either knowing that I was following that class up with another class. I don't know which of those two it was. And then I followed BodyStep with BodyPump. Since it's in the same classroom and the also use the step, I didn't have much to get ready and I had a chance to talk to the instructor beforehand. She was really nice and helpful and throughout the entire routine she pointed out form and help for me and the other new person in the class.
I started with 2 kgs on each end of the bar and 5 kgs on each end of the bar. She told us when to switch to heavier or lighter weights and she had made the recommendation of what weights to start out with. For the most part, what she recommended was right on. In the beginning I probably could have used the medium weight instead of the light weight, but that is also the warm-up... however, I already was warmed up with because of the BodyStep class.
That second hour was surprisingly fast and I found it fun. I'll definitely be doing it again. This morning I feel it a bit all over - abs, thighs, shoulders, back. You name it, it's a tad sore, but nothing terrible or painful which means I worked the muscles, but didn't overdo it. Today I'll do a Zumba class in the evening to stretch out the muscles and work them a bit and to keep up the fitness. I'm feeling good and in a groove, so I want to keep going with it while it lasts.
Beginning weight: 255.6 Now: 198.0 (57.4 pounds lost)
Exercise total hours in 2011: 203
Total miles walked/biked in 2011: 546/1000
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
It Stuck! No longer in the 200s!
It looked promising when I went to bed last night that the 199.8 would stick or go a bit lower and sure enough, it did. I am no longer in the 200s! Yay! Throughout the day yesterday it started to hit me more and more. "Wow. I'm closer! 25 pounds to go!!!) I feel stronger, healthier, happier.
I remember when I went over 200 for the first time. It was shortly after I got married - less than a year after I got married. I remember looking at the scale in dismay. I had crossed that "I will never get that heavy" line. I don't have much memory of getting below it in my last weight loss journey over a decade ago and I have no memory of going back over it as I was ignoring the scale during those times. I don't even know if we had a scale at home then. I was weighing at the Weight Watcher's meetings which I then quit. I really only remember going over that number the first time. I remember the feeling of dread in my stomach because I didn't see how I could remedy the situation.
Now that I'm under that line in the sand again, I really believe I'll never get over it again if I remain healthy and strong. I used to doubt I would be one of the 2% that would keep it off, but I believe I will be. Why? I'm changing my life - not temporarily dieting. Plus, I'm not sure how much stock I put into that research anyway. Most research sucks. and I don't think it should factor into how I feel about my chance of success at this.
Yesterday I went to an aqua fitness class. That class can be tough if you really push it. Water resistance is a great thing! Today I'm taking a Body Step class AND a BodyPump class (there was an opening directly after BodyStep, so I thought, "what the heck!") I might be a bit crazy trying two classes in a row, especially after BodyStep which is the hardest class for me, but I figure the first time I do BodyPump I should learn what it's about and work on proper form and should keep the weights really light. One person even suggested doing it with the barbell only - no weights. So, I 'think' I'll survive! Eek!
That's it for now! End of the month is almost here! Wow!
Stats for 6/29/11:
Beginning weight: 255.6 Now 199.6 (56 pounds lost)
Total hours exercised in 2011: 201
Total number of miles Walked/Biked in 2011: 538/1000
I remember when I went over 200 for the first time. It was shortly after I got married - less than a year after I got married. I remember looking at the scale in dismay. I had crossed that "I will never get that heavy" line. I don't have much memory of getting below it in my last weight loss journey over a decade ago and I have no memory of going back over it as I was ignoring the scale during those times. I don't even know if we had a scale at home then. I was weighing at the Weight Watcher's meetings which I then quit. I really only remember going over that number the first time. I remember the feeling of dread in my stomach because I didn't see how I could remedy the situation.
Now that I'm under that line in the sand again, I really believe I'll never get over it again if I remain healthy and strong. I used to doubt I would be one of the 2% that would keep it off, but I believe I will be. Why? I'm changing my life - not temporarily dieting. Plus, I'm not sure how much stock I put into that research anyway. Most research sucks. and I don't think it should factor into how I feel about my chance of success at this.
Yesterday I went to an aqua fitness class. That class can be tough if you really push it. Water resistance is a great thing! Today I'm taking a Body Step class AND a BodyPump class (there was an opening directly after BodyStep, so I thought, "what the heck!") I might be a bit crazy trying two classes in a row, especially after BodyStep which is the hardest class for me, but I figure the first time I do BodyPump I should learn what it's about and work on proper form and should keep the weights really light. One person even suggested doing it with the barbell only - no weights. So, I 'think' I'll survive! Eek!
That's it for now! End of the month is almost here! Wow!
Stats for 6/29/11:
Beginning weight: 255.6 Now 199.6 (56 pounds lost)
Total hours exercised in 2011: 201
Total number of miles Walked/Biked in 2011: 538/1000
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
"One"derland!!!
Not sure if it will stick tomorrow, but for right now, this morning, I weighed 199.8. Well, probably closer to 199.9 because the first time I weighed, it said 199.8. Second time 200.0. Third time 199.8. A hair band would probably tip the balance, but it's there for this moment at least and I can only hope that tomorrow I will add to today's 1.2 pound drop and not add weight to it.
My plan was to go to BodyPump today, but all five classes at all 3 gyms was full. Ugh. So then I was planning to go to Total Body Conditioning, but that timing doesn't work very well because my more in law wants to go to an aqua fitness class at a gym she hasn't been to yet, so she needs help getting there. So, I while have her drive and we'll go to that class (it's good toning too) and I'll try to get to a conditioning class some other day.
Yesterday I accidentally didn't eat anything before taking the Zumba class. I know many people do that and even prefer that, but oh boy, that is so not for me. I felt so weak and even my eyes felt funny and tired. Lesson learned, better to be a little late than too hungry.
And how do I feel about finally reaching the one hundreds? Well, it's not real yet and even slightly anticlimactic. I was stuck and gaining for more than two weeks preceding it that kind of took the wind out of my sails. But I am fully aware that I now weigh 75 pounds less than my all time high and 55 pounds less from where I started on this journey. I've come a long ways and for the most part it's been painless and I feel better than ever. But I'm also becoming more aware of how much further I need to go. I'm also beginning to deal with some loose skin (mostly on my upper arms for now). So, basically, I need to work on some mental stuff as I settle into this new low too. Still hoping to eek out a bit more weight loss too before my monthly stall hits again.
Stats for 6/28/11:
Beginning weight: 255.6. Now: 199.8 (like rolling back the speedometer - all 4 numbers rolling back!)
Total exercise hours in 2011: 200 hours! Another big milestone!
Total miles biked/walked in 2011: 534/1000
My plan was to go to BodyPump today, but all five classes at all 3 gyms was full. Ugh. So then I was planning to go to Total Body Conditioning, but that timing doesn't work very well because my more in law wants to go to an aqua fitness class at a gym she hasn't been to yet, so she needs help getting there. So, I while have her drive and we'll go to that class (it's good toning too) and I'll try to get to a conditioning class some other day.
Yesterday I accidentally didn't eat anything before taking the Zumba class. I know many people do that and even prefer that, but oh boy, that is so not for me. I felt so weak and even my eyes felt funny and tired. Lesson learned, better to be a little late than too hungry.
And how do I feel about finally reaching the one hundreds? Well, it's not real yet and even slightly anticlimactic. I was stuck and gaining for more than two weeks preceding it that kind of took the wind out of my sails. But I am fully aware that I now weigh 75 pounds less than my all time high and 55 pounds less from where I started on this journey. I've come a long ways and for the most part it's been painless and I feel better than ever. But I'm also becoming more aware of how much further I need to go. I'm also beginning to deal with some loose skin (mostly on my upper arms for now). So, basically, I need to work on some mental stuff as I settle into this new low too. Still hoping to eek out a bit more weight loss too before my monthly stall hits again.
Stats for 6/28/11:
Beginning weight: 255.6. Now: 199.8 (like rolling back the speedometer - all 4 numbers rolling back!)
Total exercise hours in 2011: 200 hours! Another big milestone!
Total miles biked/walked in 2011: 534/1000
Monday, June 27, 2011
Weekend is over!
We actually had a very nice weekend. The weather was warm, but very low humidity. I spent a big chunk of yesterday weeding and hacking at a bazillion forsythia bushes. Discovered we have poison ivy in the back of the side yard - fun. And for two years now I've been battling a nasty weed. It's a fast growing vine that has barbs on it, so removing it is a painful proposition. Looked it up last evening and it's called, "Mile High Weed". Sounds like an appealing weed, huh? I didn't get to mowing as that took over three hours of my day yesterday and I was pooped. Going to the pool was a welcome change.
My husband went into Northern Virginia last night to meet up with some online friends from the Jeopardy board. My husband is a former Jeopardy champion and has always loved trivia. As a young adult he used to write trivia questions for a a trivia show similar to Jeopardy in Croatia. (He also played the game and lost). Anyway, he met up with 5 time winners, 8 time winners, some non-winners and they did a trivia night at a restaurant. Those three teams came in 1, 2, 3.... not surprisingly. His team was tied for first, but lost in the tie breaker. He said he didn't help his team at all because he didn't know anything they didn't know! And for those who know my husband, this is a feat!
While he was gone the two boys and I watched the movie Cars. Such a cute movie. We plan to see it in a movie theater this week or this weekend. A relaxing weekend is what I needed, but it was also productive which is also good!
Not much more to report! I'm off to a Zumba class in about 20 minutes. Scales are still moving in the right direction!
Stats for 6/27/11:
Beginning Weight: 255.6 Now: 201.0
Exercise total hours in 2011: 199
Walking/Biking total miles in 2011: 530/1000
My husband went into Northern Virginia last night to meet up with some online friends from the Jeopardy board. My husband is a former Jeopardy champion and has always loved trivia. As a young adult he used to write trivia questions for a a trivia show similar to Jeopardy in Croatia. (He also played the game and lost). Anyway, he met up with 5 time winners, 8 time winners, some non-winners and they did a trivia night at a restaurant. Those three teams came in 1, 2, 3.... not surprisingly. His team was tied for first, but lost in the tie breaker. He said he didn't help his team at all because he didn't know anything they didn't know! And for those who know my husband, this is a feat!
While he was gone the two boys and I watched the movie Cars. Such a cute movie. We plan to see it in a movie theater this week or this weekend. A relaxing weekend is what I needed, but it was also productive which is also good!
Not much more to report! I'm off to a Zumba class in about 20 minutes. Scales are still moving in the right direction!
Stats for 6/27/11:
Beginning Weight: 255.6 Now: 201.0
Exercise total hours in 2011: 199
Walking/Biking total miles in 2011: 530/1000
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Lazy weekend with family and shocked at some fit people's words
Yesterday I hung out with youngest in the morning and then we went to the sporting goods store and then the grocery store. At the sport goods store I was looking for water shoes or aerobics shoes. Struck out on both. I'm just going to have to order them and hope they work out. I'll order from zappos.com to at least save on return shipping if they don't work out.
Anyway, at the sporting goods store, I looked through their running/fitness clothes as they were all on sale. While looking through the racks, I overheard a couple talking. They were both very active and fit. That was obvious from looking at them. The woman was about 5'2" and was built very petite. The man was about 5'8" and was very fit and had a average build for his size. She was looking for a new running outfit and her husband was trying to help her. She found a rack of cute shirts and said, "oh, here are some cute ones!". And her husband responded, "I already told you I looked there and they don't have your size. See, they are all size large. Like there are any size large runners (said in a very snide way)". Said so ugly and I found it so jarring. Now this was a sales rack, probably the larges were what were left, but still. I wear a size Large now and while I'm not running I could be! And I know plenty of runners as big or bigger than me, so what was that about?
Another time, about 3 weeks ago at the pool, a very fit couple came to the pool to do laps. They came riding their race bikes and I'm pretty sure they are/were training for a triathlon. Anyway, while playing with my younger son in the shallow end, I overheard this guy say to his girlfriend, "look at these people, they are standing at the ends more than they are swimming". And said with a vey condescending voice. I found that very shocking too. These people were there for an hour swimming and yes, they took breaks at the end of laps, but they we doing something! They weren't sitting at home eating popcorn and doing nothing. They were at the pool swimming! Why the attitude?
I had always hoped and assumed that when more fit people saw less fit people exercising, that they would try to encourage the newcomers. Or would smile and be happy to see more and more people at least starting on the road to a healthier life. I never dreamed that there would be open hostility towards the novices or less vigorous exercisers. But now twice in a month I've run into people quite by accident who quite openly say some nasty things about heavier exercisers or slow exercisers. I find that very sad and it does rattle me a bit. Not that it will stop me in doing what I need to do, but I won't assume ever again that fit people are happy to be sharing the gym floor with me! Well, I know I will always have a soft spot for the newbie and for the overweight trying to get thin. Their road to fitness is much more difficult road than it ever will be for a person who grew up with fitness in their life and are a natural athlete.
For the rest of the day, I watered the flowers, went swimming with the family and made dinner. In the evening we watched a movie and just thoroughly enjoyed family time.
Today I have already walked around the lake once. Then we'll go swimming and then this evening I'll mow. Tomorrow it's back to the gym and this time I'm take my older son too! He needs to get more active again. He has really turned into a skinny marshmallow. Skinny marshmallow? What do you call a stick thin unfit person?
Stats for 6/26/11:
Beginning weight: 255.6. now: 201.8
Anyway, at the sporting goods store, I looked through their running/fitness clothes as they were all on sale. While looking through the racks, I overheard a couple talking. They were both very active and fit. That was obvious from looking at them. The woman was about 5'2" and was built very petite. The man was about 5'8" and was very fit and had a average build for his size. She was looking for a new running outfit and her husband was trying to help her. She found a rack of cute shirts and said, "oh, here are some cute ones!". And her husband responded, "I already told you I looked there and they don't have your size. See, they are all size large. Like there are any size large runners (said in a very snide way)". Said so ugly and I found it so jarring. Now this was a sales rack, probably the larges were what were left, but still. I wear a size Large now and while I'm not running I could be! And I know plenty of runners as big or bigger than me, so what was that about?
Another time, about 3 weeks ago at the pool, a very fit couple came to the pool to do laps. They came riding their race bikes and I'm pretty sure they are/were training for a triathlon. Anyway, while playing with my younger son in the shallow end, I overheard this guy say to his girlfriend, "look at these people, they are standing at the ends more than they are swimming". And said with a vey condescending voice. I found that very shocking too. These people were there for an hour swimming and yes, they took breaks at the end of laps, but they we doing something! They weren't sitting at home eating popcorn and doing nothing. They were at the pool swimming! Why the attitude?
I had always hoped and assumed that when more fit people saw less fit people exercising, that they would try to encourage the newcomers. Or would smile and be happy to see more and more people at least starting on the road to a healthier life. I never dreamed that there would be open hostility towards the novices or less vigorous exercisers. But now twice in a month I've run into people quite by accident who quite openly say some nasty things about heavier exercisers or slow exercisers. I find that very sad and it does rattle me a bit. Not that it will stop me in doing what I need to do, but I won't assume ever again that fit people are happy to be sharing the gym floor with me! Well, I know I will always have a soft spot for the newbie and for the overweight trying to get thin. Their road to fitness is much more difficult road than it ever will be for a person who grew up with fitness in their life and are a natural athlete.
For the rest of the day, I watered the flowers, went swimming with the family and made dinner. In the evening we watched a movie and just thoroughly enjoyed family time.
Today I have already walked around the lake once. Then we'll go swimming and then this evening I'll mow. Tomorrow it's back to the gym and this time I'm take my older son too! He needs to get more active again. He has really turned into a skinny marshmallow. Skinny marshmallow? What do you call a stick thin unfit person?
Stats for 6/26/11:
Beginning weight: 255.6. now: 201.8
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The power of a little voice and let the Whoosh begin!
Yesterday was a busy day for a summer vacation day of the first week. I had to run an errand around 10 am, had to take my son to occupational therapy at 1 pm (so that takes from noon to 2 pm) and then REI started their summer clearance sale today and I wanted to get to that and dinner is usually around 6:30 pm. In the morning, there was a class at 10:45 am that I would have loved to make it to (BodyStep), but that would not allow for a shower after class and I really need a shower after that class. Then there was a class at 6 pm, but that really interferes with dinner and I have already messed with dinner hours three times this week! So, I had decided to not go to the gym on Friday and to go on Saturday and Sunday.
But, this little six year old voice, at 5:40 pm said, "Mom, let's go to the gym!". I said, "We're not going to go today." or something like that and he promptly followed with a pleading voice, "Mom, please can we go? Of course we can go today." How could I resist that? I looked at the clock and realized I would almost definitely be a few minutes late, but went for it. I ran upstairs, changed into workout clothes, put on my shoes, while telling the little guy to get his shoes. I ran dowstairs to get my drink and membership cards and went out to the car. Realized I had forgotten my heart rate monitor, I ran back in and upstairs and then back down and drove off. We got lucky with the traffic and the traffic lights and got to the gym at 5:55 pm. We went to the Kidspace area for kids 3-6 and it was locked! What??? I know it's supposed to be open. I go next door to the 6-12 year old Kidspace room and fortunately, it was open, "Phew!" Fortunately the room where they do Zumba is next door to the KidSpace rooms, so I got in just as the instructor was cuing up the music. There were still some obvious available spots left on the floor and off I went!
That did mean that dinner was late. My husband texted me that he was on his way home seconds before the music started. I quickly texted "at Zumba". No plan for dinner at home for my husband to start a meal, but oh well, life happens.
We got home a bit after 7 pm. I quickly grabbed some basil and oregano from the garden and washed it up. Added some fresh garlic and sundried tomatoes and olive oil while the water boiled for fresh tortellini. That's what they ate. I cooked up 1.5 brats for me and we all had a green and red pepper salad. Dinner was served shortly after 7:30 pm. About an hour late, but that's OK.
When I weighed myself after dinner and full of water, I weighed the same as I did in the morning and I realized, right on cue, I was dropping the water weight. And sure enough, this morning I'm 1.4 down from yesterday putting me back to my all time low for this journey. Onederland is like RIGHT there now (again). Woohoo!
Not sure what the plan is for today, but I know it will involve going to the swimming pool with the kids and hopefully the hubby.
Stats for 6/25/11:
Beginning weight: 255.6 Now 201.8
Exercise total hours in 2011: 195
Total miles biked/walked in 2011: 524/1000
But, this little six year old voice, at 5:40 pm said, "Mom, let's go to the gym!". I said, "We're not going to go today." or something like that and he promptly followed with a pleading voice, "Mom, please can we go? Of course we can go today." How could I resist that? I looked at the clock and realized I would almost definitely be a few minutes late, but went for it. I ran upstairs, changed into workout clothes, put on my shoes, while telling the little guy to get his shoes. I ran dowstairs to get my drink and membership cards and went out to the car. Realized I had forgotten my heart rate monitor, I ran back in and upstairs and then back down and drove off. We got lucky with the traffic and the traffic lights and got to the gym at 5:55 pm. We went to the Kidspace area for kids 3-6 and it was locked! What??? I know it's supposed to be open. I go next door to the 6-12 year old Kidspace room and fortunately, it was open, "Phew!" Fortunately the room where they do Zumba is next door to the KidSpace rooms, so I got in just as the instructor was cuing up the music. There were still some obvious available spots left on the floor and off I went!
That did mean that dinner was late. My husband texted me that he was on his way home seconds before the music started. I quickly texted "at Zumba". No plan for dinner at home for my husband to start a meal, but oh well, life happens.
We got home a bit after 7 pm. I quickly grabbed some basil and oregano from the garden and washed it up. Added some fresh garlic and sundried tomatoes and olive oil while the water boiled for fresh tortellini. That's what they ate. I cooked up 1.5 brats for me and we all had a green and red pepper salad. Dinner was served shortly after 7:30 pm. About an hour late, but that's OK.
When I weighed myself after dinner and full of water, I weighed the same as I did in the morning and I realized, right on cue, I was dropping the water weight. And sure enough, this morning I'm 1.4 down from yesterday putting me back to my all time low for this journey. Onederland is like RIGHT there now (again). Woohoo!
Not sure what the plan is for today, but I know it will involve going to the swimming pool with the kids and hopefully the hubby.
Stats for 6/25/11:
Beginning weight: 255.6 Now 201.8
Exercise total hours in 2011: 195
Total miles biked/walked in 2011: 524/1000
Friday, June 24, 2011
Things that mess with our mind and Aqua Zumba
I think I figurred out what was messing with and aided in me getting too low in calories. I use mynetdiary.com for my fitness and food tracker. It's a nifty program that I can use on my iphone, ipad and on a PC. You set up your account and plan and it will give you a target for eating. Well, I didn't think I was 'following' what it said (at least I didn't used to). I was eating for hunger. But... it seems I might have been subconsciously affected by the numbers I saw on the screen.
When I set up the account, I set it to sedentary lifestyle which they describe as, ": A person engages in typical daily living activities (shopping, cooking, laundry, walking a few minutes to and from car/bus/train) but sits for much of the day. Sample occupations: computer programmers, office and phone jobs."
Now, that does pretty much fit my lifestyle, but maybe a bit too 'extreme' in assuming I sit that much in a day. Sure, some days I do, but I am usually in the kitchen 2 hours a day. I don't think most people cook the way I cook. I water my flowers/plants for 30-45 minutes a day, etc.
The next activity level they have is low active. It is described like this, ": Sedentary activities above PLUS 30-60 minutes of MODERATE activities (e.g. walks 2 miles at 3-4 mph). Sample occupations: school teachers, cashiers, retail workers, and stay-at-home parents with active children." With this one, I am probably not quite that active, but by putting that as my activity level, it now says I can eat 1406 calories a day instead of 1160. I think seeing that I should only be eating 1160 calories a day was messing with my head subconsciously and I was eating that low (or lower) on most days. I think eating (with my activity level with exercising) around 1400 is a much better number for me. We'll see how it goes.
When I set up the account, I set it to sedentary lifestyle which they describe as, ": A person engages in typical daily living activities (shopping, cooking, laundry, walking a few minutes to and from car/bus/train) but sits for much of the day. Sample occupations: computer programmers, office and phone jobs."
Now, that does pretty much fit my lifestyle, but maybe a bit too 'extreme' in assuming I sit that much in a day. Sure, some days I do, but I am usually in the kitchen 2 hours a day. I don't think most people cook the way I cook. I water my flowers/plants for 30-45 minutes a day, etc.
The next activity level they have is low active. It is described like this, ": Sedentary activities above PLUS 30-60 minutes of MODERATE activities (e.g. walks 2 miles at 3-4 mph). Sample occupations: school teachers, cashiers, retail workers, and stay-at-home parents with active children." With this one, I am probably not quite that active, but by putting that as my activity level, it now says I can eat 1406 calories a day instead of 1160. I think seeing that I should only be eating 1160 calories a day was messing with my head subconsciously and I was eating that low (or lower) on most days. I think eating (with my activity level with exercising) around 1400 is a much better number for me. We'll see how it goes.
Yesterday I was quite hungry, so I ended up eating closer to 1550 calories for the day, but that's normal variations in eating and I won't get upset by it. It was all good eating - nutritious foods, but a bit fattier than usual with a brat for dinner. I just needed a couple more snacks throughout the day too. So far today, I seem to be more normal - small breakfast and no need for more (yet).
My exercise for yesterday was aqua zumba. My mother in law has just joined the gym and I thought a water fitness class might be something she was interested in, so I asked if she wanted to go and she did. For me, the class can't produce a high enough heart rate for an aerobic exercise, but it's a really good toning workout with all that water resistance. It was fun. My mother in law seemed quite overwhelmed with following choreography (I don't think she's ever done anything like that ever), but she said she liked it afterwards and plans to go again. For me it must have done something because my abs ache a little bit this morning.
Today is the day my son has occupational therapy, so going to the gym this morning is a bit tough. I will go to a zumba class this evening at 6 pm. That means I will have gone to the gym every day Monday through Friday. Yay me!
Scale is still coming down v-e-r-y---s-l-o-w-l-y, but at least it's moving in the right direction. Eating salty brats for supper last night probably didn't help me much in the weight loss department, but it was yummy!
Stats for 6/24/11:
Beginning weight: 255.6 Now: 203.2
Exercise total hours in 2011: 194
Total miles walked/biked in 2011: 520/1000
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