Plans & Goals

After a month of no legitimate, breaking-a-sweat, type of workouts - it's hard to get back to it! I was pumped up all day, until the second we walked through the door last night. I felt as though I was walking the plank as I headed to my room to put my workout gear on.  I knew it was going to suck. I knew I was extremely out of shape and it was not going to be enjoyable.

I was right. It did in fact suck. Until I had finished, then I felt absolutely amazing. There is no greater stress reducer than a great workout in my opinion. One 30 minute sweat sesh and I felt like the weight of the world had lifted off my shoulders.

Originally, my "where do I go from here?" plan consisted of T25 for the workouts with running thrown in. The boys gave me T25 for Christmas, and I haven't gone more than one week healthy since then in order to complete the program. This was my chance!

So, I put it in the DVD player and it took me all of 3 minutes before I remembered that you spend a good 90% of the workouts on your toes. Normally, this is great - work those calves! But, on a broken toe? Not so great...

I pushed through the workout though. I had to modify a few of the moves and threw my shoes off the last 8 minutes. But, I survived. I can handle some discomfort for 30 minutes, but I had to get real with myself last night. T25 is not going to work right now while my toe is still healing. Back to square one on the fitness front...

I contemplated several different options last night before it hit me: Jillian Michael's Body Revolution. This is the program that started my weight loss this time last year. This is the program that had me motivated and I saw amazing results with it. Why not repeat it? So that's what I'm going to do. JMBR Round 2. I'll be upping my weights and modifying for my toe as needed.

Normally, I work out at night after work. I want to work on changing that to mornings. Wyatt is up at 5 every morning, anyways. I just need to push myself to get moving and get the workout out of the way. My hope is by doing the workout in the morning, it will give us more time to get runs in after work on nice days. Wyatt looooves going for a run in the jogging stroller.

So, that's my fitness plan.

Nutrition is going to be very clean. I'm going to be doing a 21 Day Fix/Grain Free hybrid if you will. Basically, very clean eating while eliminating grains. I'm not going to be counting calories. Honestly, I've counted enough calories in my life that I have a vague idea of where I lie on any given day. Calorie counting doesn't work for me. I hate it and it actually hurts my progress. If calorie counting is what works for you, that is awesome! I'm just sharing what works/doesn't work for myself, personally.

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{GOALS} - April/May

I need some goals in my life right now. Something to keep me focused...

1. 20 pound loss by Wyatt's birthday party May 31st.

 First off, this sounds a bit high, yes. But please remember, I've been on prednisone almost non-stop for months. I've retained a lot of water. The first bit of weight  loss will be from the meds, not fat loss. Just a little something to keep in mind. 

Secondly, that's 10 pounds a month. A little steep, but definitely not an unhealthy number.

2. Morning Workouts 3 days a week

3. At least 1 lunch run, 1 after work run, and 1 weekend run a week. I miss hitting the pavement and need to ease back into the running game

4. Wheat Free - I'm challenging myself to 21 days 100% wheat free to start - no cheats.(I'm officially starting this tomorrow so my weekly check-ins line up with Wheat Belly Wednesday)

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I'm also changing my weekly weigh-ins to Wednesday so that I can update everything all at once. I haven't weighed yet, but promise I will be in the morning. I wish I could say I was looking forward to it... but, I feel more like having a panic attack. Things can only go up from here! (well, except for the number on the scale... that can go down).

Motivation Monday

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Sorry I'm late to the game today, and it's going to be short and sweet. I procrastinated yesterday thinking I'd have time this morning, then ended up with one of those crazy Monday's we all know and love.
Nightly thunder/lightening storms the past week have forced me back inside for my workouts and back to DVDs for the most part. I've been in a major cardio mode for a few weeks in an effort to get my endurance back after my 2 week illness hiatus. Yesterday morning, I managed a 3 mile run with Wyatt. And by managed, I mean barely survived. I'm having some leg issues again, and in an effort to prevent ending up back in a boot AGAIN, I'm forced to re-evaluate my workouts. (I think I jinxed myself when I said no injuries in September. Someday I'll be healthy, right?).
It's been 6 weeks since I've had any significant weight-loss. Part of this is a plateau, sure. But, I feel a larger part is my actual workouts. After I finished JMBR, I tried several other types of exercise. All of which I love and have seen success with in the past. However, I think at this point in the game, I need more structure and someone yelling at me to go faster, harder and push myself. 

Last night, I completed levels 1 & 2 of Extremem Shed and Shred and felt amazing after my workout for the first time in a long time. So, I'm going to go with it.

Starting tonight, I'm going to repeat 6 weeks of JMBR Phase 2 and 6 weeks of JMBR Phase 3. I do still plan on fitting in runs when the weather allows, but I will be scaling back the mileage until my leg issues subside. With the addition of running in my JMBR routine, I'm confident this well help me start seeing results again. 

Every once and awhile, it's important to take a step back and evaluate where you're at. It's so important to find enjoyment in the journey. What works for one person, may not work for you. When it comes to fitness, it's a lot of trial and error. Learn from it and move forward. 

JMBR Final Results & Progress Pics - Motivation Monday

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Four months ago I ordered Jillian Michaels Body Revolution on a whim, hoping that I would finally find the motivation to lose the weight and get my health back. Day 1 of JMBR, I weighed in at 195.6

Approximately 195 lbs

I've faced some set backs with injuries and illnesses causing the program to take a little longer than expected, but I pushed through to the end. In Phase 1, I was skeptical. I struggled to force myself to get up and get the workout done. But, the pounds were falling off, so I continued on. It's hard to find an excuse to skip a workout that's only 30 minutes long. I lost 10 pounds in the first phase and was starting to feel a little better. My clothes were fitting more comfortably and I was beginning to enjoy my healthier lifestyle.

Towards the end of Phase 2, I started seeing a lot of changes. Not just in my physical appearance, but changes in who I am. I found myself smiling more and had more confidence than I've felt in a lot time. Instead of coasting through the day to day, I started to feel passionate about things again and enjoy the little moments. The old me was returning.

In Phase 3, I found a love for fitness. The scale slowed in the last phase, which I'd be lying if I said it wasn't frustrating. However, it's no longer the most important factor to me. I became more concerned with what my body is capable of. How far can I run? How fast? How heavy can I lift? How many reps can I do? My focus has switched. Am I at a healthy weight? No. Do I still plan on losing? Heck yes. Of course I do. I can't wait for the day I am at a healthy weight, however, my overall health is my main focus. For me, I am judging that by my endurance and what I can achieve in my workouts. By doing this, I have seen the biggest changes in my body this phase. Even though the scale doesn't reflect it. 

So, on to the JMBR - Final Results

Left: End of Phase 1. Middle: End of Phase 2. Right: End of Phase 3

Left: End of Phase 1. Middle: End of Phase 2. Right: End of Phase 3

Also, as these pictures reveal... I've had a break in my plateau! I am finally down 1 pound this week for a total of 26 pounds lost. This is the first time I've seen the 160's in over 3 years. Here's to hoping the 160's disappear faster than the 170's!

I'm a few days into my 4 week program from efitmama and I am LOVING it. It's a bit higher intensity, which is exactly what I was needing right now. Eventually, I do plan to come back to JMBR and repeat it using higher weights and the more difficult modifiers. 

I'm a work in a progress, but I'm amazed at how far I've come. I have tears in my eyes looking at these pictures. Tears for letting myself get so unhealthy and be unhappy for so long. But most importantly, tears of happiness. Because I'm actually doing it. I stopped looking for excuses and I just did something about it. I put the negativity aside and ignored the part of me saying "Someday" "There's not enough time." "Maybe when Wyatt gets a little older." "Eating healthy is too expensive." "I'm too tired." "I'll start tomorrow, or Monday." I'd listened to her for far too long and clearly she wasn't making me happy. Choosing to ignore the excuses was one of the best decisions I've ever made. 

I've said it a thousand times, and I'm sure I'll say it a billion more: Your body is capable of so much more than you ever dreamed of. Push yourself past your "limits" because that is where the magic happens.

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Also, I'm guest posting for the beautiful Carolyn over at Fitnasty for Life today. Go check it out!

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I'm Moving On...

With my workouts, that is! I technically completed JMBR last week (final results will be up sometime next week), but had been continuing the past few days while I researched and made decisions about where I want to go from here. Then I came across Erica aka efitmama on IG (follow her, she is AMAZING), who just happens to have started a blog this week at Mom with Muscle.

She happened to have a special going earlier this week for a customized 4 week plan. The timing was too perfect and I jumped on it. The workouts are going to be very similar to JMBR, but with a big bump in intensity. I'll also be adding more cardio than I have been doing previously.

I am beyond excited for this new phase. The fire that I had in the beginning of my journey is back and it feels great! I completed my first ever Tabata workout before work this morning. It was short and sweet, but effective. Sweat was dripping off of me! I'll finish up cardio day with a 3 mile run this evening, followed by 30ds since there is still a few more days left of the challenge. I'll kick this plateau's butt if it's the last thing I do!

Busy week, so short and sweet today. Happy Hump Day!

WOW - JMBR Inspired Workout

I have now entered my last 3 weeks of Jillian Michaels - Body Revolution and do not have words for how much I have loved this program! You can see my 1-2 progress HERE. It continues to challenge me and is by far my favorite of all her programs, or any that I've tried at all for that matter.

So, today I've decided to put together a little circuit training workout using some of my favorite moves from JMBR:

I always start with a 5 minute warm up and 5 minute cool down. You repeat each circuit one time (more if you're a real over-achiever). You can make it easier or harder by lowering or upping your weights. You can find videos of any of these moves on YouTube if you unsure of what they are. I've included videos of a few of the moves:

Scorpion Push-Ups (my new addiction.. LOVE these):

Plank Ups:

Rock Star Jumps:

Let's Have Coffee...

If we were to have coffee together today, I'd probably tell you:

* I am so excited for the 4th of July tomorrow! Happy Birthday, America! Fun with family and friends, and a day off from work. It doesn't get better than that.

* While standing in the checkout line yesterday, staring at all this temptation, foaming at the mouth like a rabid raccoon, I decided it should be illegal to put sweets by the register.

* I'm doing this crazy awesome 30ds challenge with Amber and Holly. Of course, I still have Phase 3 of JMBR, so I'm doing two-a-days. There is a high possibility Jillian might kill me this month... 

* But it's worth it for the results. While cleaning out the storage room, I came across this coat this past weekend. It used to barely button across me.  It is moments like this that make all the struggles, stress, sweat and tears worth it. 

Have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day everyone!!

Non-Scale Victories - JMBR Phase 2 Result Addition

Time for another round of Non-Scale Victories! I apologize in advance, because I'm going to be a bit of a broken record. I shared my JMBR - Phase 2 results on Monday, and I'm going to recap them once again today. 

1. As of this past Sunday, I have lost well over 17" around my body so far. (Probably over 20", but I was a slacker and didn't take all my beginning measurements.)

2. I got brave this week and shared my progress pics. I'm starting to notice a difference in my upper body, which feels really great. (Once again, I was a slacker and didn't take official before pictures. So I'm missing a 195 lb pic)

3. I started JMBR - Phase 3 on Sunday and I am LOVING it. It's brutal, but awesome. Back in Phase 1, I could not hold hollow-man or boat pose for the life of me. In weeks 9/10 there is an exercise where you hold boat pose for 10 seconds, then slowly lower to hollow man for 10 seconds, back to boat etc... without collapsing, or breaking on the floor. I can do it! 3 months ago I couldn't hold either of those poses for 10 seconds, and now I am able to alternate the two like nothing. 

Throughout all of Jillian's DVDs, she almost always makes a comment saying, "You have no idea what your body is capable of. Push yourself..." Quite honestly, in the midst of a workout, I am thinking SHUT UP, Jillian. I hate you. Truth is, she's right. I realized this earlier in the week when I was able to complete moves I never thought possible. Since that moment, I am loving my workouts. It's not something I have to do. I look forward to them. I'm excited to push myself past my comfort zone and see what else I can do. 

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Workout Wednesday - Toy Story Addition

Wednesday has finally arrived in the longest week ever. Which means, it's time for another Workout Wednesday with Skinny Meg!


First of all, last night was my first go-around with JMBR Phase 3, Disc 10. There is only one word to describe this one,   A-MAZ-ING! I absolutely loved it. It is, by far, the hardest workout I have ever done. I have never sweat so much in my life. It was painful, exhausting, and I thought I was going to pass out at one point, but I loved every second of it. I'm definitely feeling it in my entire body today. Hopefully I won't be too sore for my run tonight!

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On to Workout Wednesday. As I've mentioned before, more often than not, I work out with my two-year-old. Once I came to the conclusion that my workouts were as much of a priority as getting up and going to work in the morning, I knew I had to find a way to incorporate it in without being able to easily find excuses.

Wyatt is a horrible, and I do mean horrible, sleeper. 5 am is sleeping in for us if that gives you any idea. It's just he and I at home, so going to the gym is not an option. Waking up at 3am to be sure and get it in before he wakes up is also not an option. No way, Jose'. I tried working out around 8:30/9pm after he was asleep, and I was too exhausted to push myself through a workout. This led to the conclusion of working out while he is awake.

Please excuse the mess, I was packing for a trip.

I had many concerns about this and a big internal debate over it. The last thing I wanted was to lose precious time with my son when I feel like I get so little as it is during the work week. (Why can't money grow on trees?). I was concerned that he'd be playing in his room by himself, get into things, cry and whine, etc... But, I got lucky. Every evening (sometimes in the morning, depending on the day) we go into my room before dinner and workout together. He mimics the moves, yells back at Jillians, lifts 2 lb weights and jumps around like a crazy person. Now, don't get me wrong, some days go better than others. There are times I have to hit pause to get him a drink, or to have a little chat. There are days he brings his toys in and plays on my bed. And even the rare occasion that he wants nothing to do with it and goes and does his own thing for a few minutes. But overall, it's been a great experience for us. Wyatt actually looks forward to it and asks me to put a workout in.

So with this in mind, and the fact that I will be completing JMBR in the next 4 weeks, I've been browsing workouts. I came across a Toy Story workout (which Wyatt is obsessed with). This is definitely one we can do together, or he can just watch the movie and mom can workout. Either way. Pretty sure this will have to happen this weekend...

Can't go wrong with a little Toy Story Workout action. There's always to fit a workout in and make it fun!

One of those days...

So, this happened last night...

And I lived to tell about it.

 I'm not sure if I psyched myself out reading about it how "hard" it was, but it went surprisingly better than I thought it would. Don't get me wrong, this workout is not easy. It was definitely a step up from the previous ones. Circuit 2 is brutal, but beyond that, it was just right difficulty-wise for me. 

I had no problem doing push-up jacks which shocked me. Also, back in Phase 1, I could not hold Hollow Man or Boat Pose for the life of me. Last night I was able to alternate the moves without collapsing on the floor. I love what this program is doing for me and love finding what my body is capable of. I mean, I'm practically Wonder Woman. 

In other news, the boy is a bit under the weather, which means no sleep for either of us the past 2 nights. I'm ridiculously tired. Just this morning on our way to daycare, I drove right by and started heading down to Colorado. Apparently I felt like running away today. Unfortunately, I knocked some sense into myself and realized we just can't up and leave, so we flipped around and drove back which then put me way behind for getting to work at a decent time. I get Wyatt all settled in, hugs and kisses, bye-bye. I'm almost to work, listening to some Blake Shelton on the radio, when I start thinking, "Man, it is bright out this morning. My sunglasses aren't even helping.. blah blah". This is when I realize that I am missing my lenses. I had spent our entire, longer-than-usual, morning commute wearing lense-less sunglasses and hadn't thought anything of it. Mama needs sleep, or I'm trying to start some new trend. Either way.

The bad news is, when I'm exhausted, I'm gruuumpy (aren't we all). I don't want to cook healthy foods. I want to order a dadburn greasy pizza and down a gallon of Dr. Pepper. Working out? Puhlease... no time for that. But, I'm going to refrain and be a good girl. I'll let Jillian kick me while I'm down tonight and I'll eat some healthy crap and hopefully wake up in a better mood tomorrow. 

Don't forget, Google Reader is going away at the end of the month. So if you are only following me through there, don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin' so we don't lose eachother! You can find me on Bloglovin' HERE.

JMBR Phase 2 Results & Motivation Monday

Good riddance JMBR Phase 2. I wish I could say I was sad to see you go. Although, I may be wishing you back by the end of this week! Sunday's are supposed to be my rest day, but I was too curious. So, I decided to give Cardio 3 a try and see what was in store for me in the next 5 weeks...

Death. That's what is in store. I'm not joking, friends. I laid there for a good 20 minutes after finishing, sure I had died and gone to hell. Surprisingly, I survived. However, if I don't post tomorrow, know that it's death by Jillian.

Of course, I can't move on to Phase 3 without sharing my Phase 2 results with you guys. I've debated sharing my weight and progress pictures. Mainly because I hate looking at myself. I hate seeing my weight in black and white. But, we are our worst critics, right? So, here we go.

Let's start with measurements. For some idiotic reason, I didn't think to take measurements of my whole body before starting the program. I'm blonde, what can I say? I only have my beginning tummy and hip measurements. I got smarter after completing Phase 1 and did my whole body at that time. Word to the wise, take measurements from the get go! I promise you will regret it if you don't.

 I use the following chart as a guideline on where to measure myself at.

Now for the scary part: pictures. Just like with measurements, I didn't take official "before pictures." I got smart and changed that after Phase 1 was complete and I'd already lost 10 pounds. I started my journey the beginning of March weighing in at 195 pounds, 5'4" tall. Yikes. The only pictures I have at that weight are from a little trip we took the weekend before I started JMBR. 

195 lbs

I lived in hoodies no matter the temperature. Always covered up and ashamed of my appearance. This was probably the first day in months that I had my hair down. I had given up on myself completely.

 Here are my "end of phase 1" results (it's not easy taking full length pictures of yourself in a little mirror):

185 lbs

And my end of Phase 2 results, weighing in at 175 this morning. 20 pounds down, lots more to go! But I will get there!

175 lbs

I have had many setbacks along the way already: injuries, illnesses, vacations, but I'm not giving up. There is still a long ways to go, but it's great to finally start seeing and feeling a difference in myself. If you have a bad day and are feeling like you've ruined your progress, or are wondering what's the point in continuing on, just remember that the time is going to pass anyways. I try to always keep in mind the quote: "6 months from now you're going to wish you started today." Oh so true... if Jill doesn't kill me first. 

Head on over and see Wendy to grab a button and link up!

Bloggers Helping Bloggers

Heather over at From Here to There has started an awesome exchange called Bloggers Helping Bloggers.


You're not going to go broke with this, or you don't have to anyways. It's all about encouraging and getting to know one another. Click the button to see how it works and hope you join in the fun!  ----
I completed JMBR Disc 7 for the final (until next go around) time last night. My triceps and abs are sighing a big sigh of relief tonight. Although, I get the feeling they will be begging for 7 back here shortly. Tonight marks my last time having to do the circuit of death in Disc 8. Hallelujah!!! I've got my last Cardio 2 on Saturday, rest on Sunday and then DUN DUN DUN... Phase 3 starts Monday. 
As promised, I will be back on Monday with my Phase 2 results including the dreaded progress pictures. Eeeek! 
Hope you all have an awesome weekend!

Finding the Other Side of Fear

This is my last week of Jillian Michael's Body Revolution - Phase 2 and I don't know whether to feel excited and a sense of accomplishment over this, or to be completely terrified and fear for my life over what's to come. I've been reading people's comments regarding weeks 9&10 on the JMBR Facebook page, and I'm beginning to think I'd rather come face to face with a jellyfish than to move on to phase 3. If you know my fear of jellyfish, than you understand just how concerning this is.

With statistics like this, I don't understand why everyone is not terrified of jellyfish. I'll pet a shark before I walk barefoot at the beach. Darn washed up jellyfish. 

Here's a little taste of what I just read:

"Holy Moley! Workouts 9 & 10 are NO JOKE! dripping in sweat! Oh geez!"

-Laura

"9&10 are the toughest in my humble opinion..."

-Pat

"I'm on workouts 9&10 as well. They are really difficult compared to other previous workouts."

-Cherae 

"Started 9/10 yesterday. Oh my God! I am in pain."

-Elena

I feel ya, Elena. I'm in pain just reading about it. Then there is talk of near-impossible "wheel house push-ups" on disc 12? What the...??? I don't even want to know... 

My ridiculous fear of  jellyfish JMBR Phase 3 has got me really thinking about what other fears I have for my journey, and I've realized that I have a lot.

* I'm terrified of never being comfortable in my own skin. Terrified of never being satisfied with where I'm at now.

* Loose skin and stretch marks. Don't get me wrong, Wyatt was worth every bit of it, but I'm legitimately worried about my poor tummy never looking even semi "ok". I'm worried about how my c-section might affect how much I'm able to tighten my mid section. And a part of me feels guilty for even caring about this, but I do. I realize that I need to come to terms with it, accept it, and be proud of it no matter how it works out in the end. 

* Maintenance. I failed at this in the past. What if I lose the weight again just to put it all back on again? I'm excited to reach that point, but also feel a lot of anxiety for when that time comes. 

* I fear losing myself, and yet I also fear not being able to find myself. (Yup, she's psycho)

* I worry about how my weight loss might affect my relationships with the people in my life. 

* I'm scared that I'll never find the confidence I've craved and wished I had.

* A more immediate fear: I'm scared that when I take my Phase 2 Completion pictures/measurements this weekend that there will be no change. I want to be able to see my hard work paying off. 

These are all fears I'm going to have to face and overcome. Some,  I may just have to accept. But that's all part of growing and reaching a healthier place - both physically and mentally. Fixing the outside will only be temporary if I don't work on repairing the inside.

I've mentioned this in the past, but I haven't even looked at my own "before" pictures. (Well, mid-way pictures. I didn't take real befores). I snapped them and have yet to look back and see myself. I'm excited yet dreading being able to compare them in just a few days. I've been too embarrassed to post any on the blog yet, but I promise I will put progress pics up on Monday. (Eeek! It's out there now, so I have to do it).

Anyone else have strange, psychotic fears of any kind?