Update

After an exhausting 7 month search, I finally found a job. A good job. One that I may actually enjoy. And be fairly good at. I. Am. Thrilled! 

That being said, I am taking a break from the fitness blog. With my new schedule, I don't know when or if I will be as active as before. No, I shouldn't say that. I'll still be active, but it will be in a much different capacity. I'll likely do more walking or biking. But I am most likely going to stop the exercise videos. And the sweaty selfies. I know...devastating!! I may update from time to time but it will not be regular occurrence. 

Thank you for letting me pour my soul and sweat to you for the past few months. It has kept me sane during a very uncertain time. 

Monday Motivation

I had a difficult time pressing play this morning. My account had run out and I had to sign up again. then I had a difficult time picking a workout. There was a Core de Force video (actually two) but they were both pretty long and the one was Plyo, and I'm not a big fan of that. Truth be told, I just wasn't feeling it this morning. So I decided instead of cardio like I usually do, I'll do weights. I turned on 8x8 by Joel Freeman. It's my go-to when I don't want to do cardio or anything too boring. It wasn't long into the video when my littlest decided to join me. She picked up my 3 lbs. weights and started in! She actually did pretty good until she lost interest and went back to her shows. Oh well, I finished the program while she watched her shows and me.

I think it's important to be a good example. Both my daughters know the importance of exercise and eating healthy. They both get their "iPad time" but know when it's over, they need to do something active. They play together pretty well for sisters. They do tons of make believe play - unicorns and mermaids. The weather has been really nice recently and they love playing outside - either sledding or building snowmen. They made a cute little baby snowman yesterday. I've said it before, and I'll say it again...balance is key! They can have a cupcake if they eat their veggies. They can have their iPad if they play outside. Everything in moderation. Something that I try to live by too.

My workout buddy:

Taekwondo

My daughter has been in taekwondo for just over two years. She has earned her yellow stripe. I love watching her learn new patterns and kicks. Its great watching her. She is so excited and even when she told me once that she wanted to quit, I didn't believe her since the entire practise, she didn't stop smiling once! So needless to say, taekwondo has been a great decision for us. As soon as my younger daughter is old enough, she'll go in too. 

One big part of taekwondo is learning patterns. It's basically a set of moves. The first two patterns she learned were pretty straight forward. Just do the same thing while turning in a circle. But her new pattern, Chon-Ji is more complicated than that. I just could not see the pattern in it! So I looked it up on YouTube to try and help her. But still, I was having trouble. (I've even dreamed about it!!) So this morning, instead of doing a workout video, I played the YouTube video of Chon-Ji. I went through it with the instructor over and over until I finally saw the pattern. And after about 15 minutes (the pattern takes about 45 seconds to do!) I think I have it. And in the process, I worked up quite the sweat!! Taekwondo is more than just punching and kicking. It's hand placement, foot placement, body placement. All of these things you have to remember as well as what move comes next. It's actually quite challenging. 

I've been thinking about joining for awhile too. I was going to sign up this last session but the class switched their practise days and I couldn't make it. But if the schedule stays the same, I'll be able to join in the fall. I don't know why I'm so nervous. I guess I'm afraid I'll make a fool of myself. I always push my daughter to try new things and get involved but I am such a hypocrite. I watched her last class when she approached a couple girls who were working on their Chon-Ji. She was shy but I forced her to go over there. After a couple of times going through the pattern, the girls moved on to something else and it left my daughter out. I could see her crumbling inside and I saw the tears she tried to hold back when she came back to sit with me. She tried so hard to be brave - and she was. I am so proud of her for trying new things. Hopefully I can do the same!

My Thought Process

It dawned on me today that I go through the same thought process every morning that I work out. 

Wake up: Better put on my workout clothes. That way I'll be ready when it's time. Have some breakfast, coffee, send the kid to school. Time to pick out an exercise. That one looks fun. Let's do this. Where are my shoes?

Press play: This is fun. I'm so glad I have this time to get in shape and do something to improve my health. Go me!

5 minutes later: This is dumb. This is going to take forever. Do I really need to do this? I mean, I'm already pretty healthy. But then again, I have the goal set on my Fitbit for exercise 3 days a week and if I don't do it now, I won't get my goal! Ok, just a few more minutes. 

5 minutes later: This isn't so bad. I'm nearly halfway done. I can do this. 

5 minutes later: I might actually die. Time to modify a few moves. 

5 minutes later: Don't stop now!! You're so close!!!!!! 

Cool-down: I did it!! Wow. I didn't think I'd make it but I did it! I'm so glad I finished. 

Finished: Whooo-hoooo!! Time for a selfie and a shower!! 

22 Minutes Hard Corp Cardio 2.0

It's been a tough week. I've been feeling really down about my job search. And it was really affecting me. I didn't feel like exercising or anything. I pushed myself and felt better after each workout. I found out Friday that I have an interview. But I can't get my hopes up. It would be perfect for me but I can't think like that. If it doesn't work out, I'll be crushed. 

But on to my workout on Friday... I did the 22 Minutes Hard Corp Cardio 2.0. It's a mouthful and a huge workout. I figured, 20 minutes, no biggie. Well, it's Sunday and I'm still sore!! It was an incredible workout! I like Tony and I know he's not everyone's cup of tea, but he's a little more subdued in this program. Maybe because he's with members of the US Military or for some other reason but he's easier to take. And he pushes hard. The members of the military who are doing the exercises are amazing! But even they get winded and tired. So I didn't feel so bad about my performance!! But I did the best I could and will definitely try it again. 

Picture from Jan 1/17 & Feb 3/17

22 Minutes Hard Corp Cardio 2.0

Pump You UP!!

I spent most of the morning driving to different companies around town and handing out my resume. Otherwise known as "pounding the pavement." Its soul crushing. At least it is for me. There's really nothing like going up to a complete stranger in a professional setting and asking if they want you only to be told over and over that no, you are not wanted. I had one lady flat out tell me they aren't looking. I left my resume anyway and drove home to eat timbits. Actually the timbits were for my daughter who I dragged along with me. She spent her time contentedly playing on her iPad happily knowing that if she was good, she'd get a timbit. And she did. 

Since Fridays are usually my workout day, I felt that I should at least do something. I was hoping a burst of endorphins would do me good. I don't know about the endorphins but lifting weights always makes me feel strong.  And when I feel strong, I feel confident. And that is something I desperately need today. 

Monday Motivation

And I have none!! I sent my daughter off to school and just wanted to sit in the couch and eat. But instead, I found a short program on Beachbody on Demand and hit play. I chose 21Day Fix Extreme: 10 Minute HardCORE. The first reason was because it is short, 10 minutes and for today, that's all I got. But like one obesity doctor said regarding exercise, "Some is good. More is better. Everything counts." 

The second reason I picked the 10 Minute HardCORE exercise was because it had weights. I've been on a weights kick lately. I like the idea of having sculpted and toned arms and legs - and core and booty! I know cardio helps with that too and I'll never give up my HIIT and other cardio workouts but I like the variety of weight training too. 

Hopefully my mood and motivation improve this week. Here's to a great week! 

http://www.weightymatters.ca/2010/09/some-is-good-more-is-better-everything.html?m=1

When You Fall Down...

Today I wasn't in the mood. On those days I know I need to push myself. So I thought I'd go in a completely different route. I looked at Challenge de Jour and saw Country Heat. It's a country music line dancing inspired workout. I'm not a fan of dancing to get fit. Don't get me wrong, I thinks it's a totally effective way of getting in shape! Dancers are strong and fit! It's just I can't dance! And about 5 minutes into it, I was reminded of this!! I lost all motivation and started to feel like a failure. So instead of turning it off, I switched to Turbofire HIIT 15 - a workout I know I can do. I modified the jumping exercises but other than that, I nailed it! So now I know for sure, I'm not a dancer!!

The thing I love the most about Challenge de Jour is the chance to try. It has shown me more different types of workout exercises and has given me the opportunity to try them without making a huge commitment to one program. Over this last year of consciously making activity a priority, I've discovered what I like and what I do not like! I love walking, especially outside. I do not like running. I like HIIT, I do not jumping. I like weights. I do not like dancing. I like boxing/martial arts styled workouts. I do not like yoga. Minimum 15 minutes, maximum 40 minutes. And now I can search out these types of activities and keep up my activity this year. 

8x8

I'm late posting this: forgive me, please!

Today I thought I'd do something different. I checked out some of the extras on Beachbody on Demand. There was one from Joel Freeman. It's called 8x8 and it focuses on weights. I will admit, I was a little intimidated because they used a bar with weights on it but Joel used Dumbbells. So I gave it a shot. It was great! I got through it no problem. I have two sets of weights, 3lbs and 5lbs. I used the 5lbs and by the end I was thinking I definitely could have used heavier Dumbbells. Then I started to walk towards the shower. My legs started shaking and my arms were jelly. Guess it wasn't as easy a workout as I had thought!! But some time I will get heavier Dumbbells and try it again. 

Half & Half

Today I tried something a little different. I was watching a Facebook Live interview with Jericho McMatthews - one of the trainers from Core de Force. She mentioned one of her favourite ways to exercise is through HIIT. And she has a HIIT program on Beachbody on Demand that combines 20 minutes of HIIT followed by 20 minutes of yoga. I looked at that program awhile back but never tried it because it was 40 minutes long and seemed daunting. But when she explained that it was in two parts, I thought i'd give it a try. The HIIT section was great. I really enjoyed it. It was challenging but doable. The yoga part for me was a challenge. I am to a fan of yoga. I find it boring*. But it was alright and I really wanted to get through it and finish! I have a weakness when it comes to videos and stopping them before it's over. So I pushed through and completed it. Yay! She has another version of Half & Half called Half & Half Harder. I might try that one a different time. For now, I need some rest, water and a healthy snack!!

*Please understand, boring does not equal easy. Yoga is challenging. It takes flexibly, balance and strength. It's just so SLOW! I want to be moving! Anyway, that's my opinion. 

Kicking Butt

Today started off not so great. I had a headache and the kids just wouldn't listen. After the oldest left for school (-30C without the windchill!) I streamed Core de Force MMA Shred on the AppleTV. I was cautiously optimistic because streaming has a tendency to be picky. But it worked great and in no time I was flying through the program!! I don't know if it was the repressed aggression I had built up from the week (and getting the kids ready in the morning) or what but I had a fantastic workout!! My hamstrings were really tight at the beginning so I took it easy on the snap kicks. But after one round, they felt a lot better and by the end of the program, they were fine! 

I still have to do my regular life chores. Even after a great workout. There's laundry to do and groceries to buy. Which means driving to the store in this crazy cold weather!! Not fun. But I really want to stock up on healthy snacks. It's so hard not to grab cookies or chocolate or chips. I need to find food that is good to eat, tasty but won't ruin the good I've done exercising. Wish me luck!! 

FitStar

This morning, I tried out the Fitstar app. I thought it would be a good one since it's part of the Fitbit app. I managed to stream it on the AppleTV which was kinda hard at first. But I got the hang of it and made it through the program. After each exercise, it asks you to rate it, was it easy, too hard, just right? Were you able to finish? It all goes to design a better program more fit to your individual needs. Plus, Fitbit just updated the app to be more tailored to your individual needs and likes. So I like that!! I might have to give Fitstar more play this week.

It's snowing again so I'm going to shovel once I'm done here. When will it ever stop?

Best Intentions

Let me tell you a thing about best intentions. Every night I go to bed thinking that I will conquer the next day. And every morning I wake up exhausted and ready to roll over and go back to sleep. Then I get up and try and have a healthy breakfast. Yesterday I had new overnight oats to try. They were disgusting!! It looked like slop and tasted like a paste of disappointment. Last night I made fruit water (limes - I love limes). This morning I took a big gulp. And my mouth nearly fell off! So gross. And as for exercising? Not happening today. But I did go for a good, long walk yesterday so I got in my 3 days a week of exercise. So I guess I have that going for me.

I have to do some grocery shopping today. I am going to look for healthy options so when I decide to snack, I'll have something good to choose from instead of leftover Christmas cookies and chocolate!

Hope your day is going well!!

Push It

I was not ready for today. I knew I was going back to my regular routine but I wasn't prepared for how tired and unmotivated I would feel! I had a decent breakfast and said goodbye to those who went to work/school and then it was time for me to push play. The challenge de jour was Core de Force: Power Sculpt. It was 35 minutes long and it took 25 minutes for me to not want to quit. I modified most of the movements but that's okay. At least I kept moving. My little daughter came to watch and honestly, I think she was the only I didn't quit. That and the fact I committed to exercising three times a week and it seemed like a shame to quit on the second day!! So I pushed myself through and finished. Yay! It felt good to finish. It was a tough one. Afterwards, I took the little one with me to the library to check out some books. Got to start this year off right!!

 

My lunch today was an egg-white omelette with mushrooms, feta and black olives. Super yummy! 

Monday Motion

I went to bed last night thinking that the next day was Tuesday. And my plan to exercise three days a week this week would be messed up. I was ready to take the day off when I realized it was in fact, Monday. And therefore, the day I get back to healthy living. It's not as fun as I was thinking it would be! 

My kids are stuck inside and they have been for awhile now. They are loud. My head hurts. I considered going for a walk outside but it's windy and blowing snow. So instead, I went on the bike. Maybe on Wednesday I'll do a video. We'll be back to our regular schedules around the house so it will be a good opportunity to get back to my regular schedule too. 

Back on the Wagon

Happy New Years!!!

I decided awhile ago that I was going to take the week of Christmas to New Years and enjoy it to its fullest. And I did! But now it's over and it's time to get back on the wagon. That's not the greatest metaphor in this situation. Because truth be told, I didn't fall off the wagon, I jumped. I made a conscious decision knowing full well the consequences. And I regret nothing. I ate everything I wanted and drank everything I wanted. And it was awesome. One week out of 52 isn't going to break me. 

I took a picture of myself on January 1, 2016. You see, my New Years Resolution was to eat more veggies and get some regular exercise. I wanted a picture to see the progress I made. And I'm really glad I did. On that day, I weighed 128.6lbs. Which doesn't sound like a lot. But it was the heaviest I have ever been outside of being pregnant. Now, I weigh 115lbs. Now granted, I lost the majority of that weight the first 3 weeks of January but I managed to keep it off. My lightest I got this year was 113lbs in August but I don't believe that that's sustainable for me. Judging from this year it seems that a reasonable weight is 115lbs. And that seems to be the spot where my pants fit the best!! 

But I still maintain that the number on the scale isn't the best measure of your health. Are you eating right? Are you moving your body? Are you challenging your mind? So this year, my New Years Resolutions will be to continue on this path of healthy eating, and getting regular exercise, and also to start exercising my mind more by reading more often! Put down the phone and pick up a book!