7/9/2014

Hello everyone!


Today I walked again, for another hour.  This time, it was a bit harder because I had some intense pain in my right heel.  It comes and goes, with a burning sensation, mostly in the morning and when I've been on the foot for a while, it sort of goes away.  I didn't let it stop me, though.

I suspect Plantar Fasciitis, but I am going to go to a doctor to confirm it if it persists. 

I also really need to start  making breakfast at home.  And I know it's going to be a pain in the ass because of how early I get up to go to work on time.  So far, I can only think of a few things that are gluten free and can be made the night before, like hard boiled eggs, pre cooked sausage, and so on.  And fruit, of course, which I really need to learn to like. 


But the postive side  is this - I have been able to do an hour again, and it's not my legs stopping me for breaks during that hour but my feet and lower back.  Mostly the feet. Ugh.

Have any of you guys dealt with foot pain? Any suggestions? I don't want to stop my walks, that's for sure, but it's hard when my heel hurts like this. 

Hey guys just a quickie post!


I finished my L1 D2 with 25 reps, a 60 minute walk and 30 minutes of DC.




Tomorrow night I will be doing 30 reps. EEEEK. I don't know if I can handle it. I feel kind of sore today. Hm.




Have a good night!!!

Hello everyone!




Today was the bootcamp workout that almost wasn't.  Last night, my refrigerator and freezer officially died, so I had to deal with that.  For a while I only got my leg reps (25! Yay!) done and my hour of power (walking). 


It's pretty late at night and I just finished 40 minutes of dance cardio as well as 25 of all the arms and abs work. I'm exhausted.


I have to get up early and await the delivery of my new refrigerator, and attempt 30 reps of everything tomorrow. Also tomorrow is my last day of 100% step touching. Scary!






Have a good night!

Trying to decide.

Hello everyone!


Yesterday I ended up having a pretty active day.  Two dog walks, a walk to the bank, and a dirty bathroom that needed scrubbing. 


No TA- Why? Because I am trying to decide if I want to do the book workout before going to meta.  It seems like the logical thing to do because:


1. It gives me a chance to strengthen up cardio-wise
2. I do have a lot of time this summer during the day- decided to not take summer school this time.
3. I have heard from others that it helped them a lot before starting Meta to lose some weight and get stronger with the MS work as well.


Whichever path I go, today I won't be able to do it because I do have a busy day, but tomorrow should be better. 


Well, I will think it over today and make a decision. 




Have a great day!

Breaking old habits one day at a time

Hello everyone!




I am going to be starting Metamorphosis this coming Monday, my workout buddy and I have agreed to this, she is currently ill with the flu and my work schedule this week is super hectic and tiresome.




However, I did do well giving up grains today. Got offered cookies (again) but politely turned it down.  With my monthly friend on the way this week (yes, I have been having cravings like crazy) I turned them down and drank some water.  It sucked, but the need for cookies did eventually go away.

Pictured: Those little evil temptresses known as Golden Oreos~!

It's still not easy for me, mentally most of all!  Maybe if I was a bit younger this would be easier to change my habits. 


Have any of you had to make a HUGE change? A little change? How was the process for you? Post below!

Getting 'Olympic Fit' With Tracy Anderson

Hello everyone!




Not much to say this morning, but I came across another article featuring Tracy Anderson.


http://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/201204167633/olympic-fit-with-tracy-anderson/


It's a nice little article about how to start getting active, with some tips from Tracy as well as some moves you can do to start up, especially if you have a family and obligations.


I thankfully got some sleep last night, woke up feeling much better by the way!



Have a great day everyone!

Got a dog? You got a workout buddy.

Hello everyone!




Today I was almost unmotivated to move around.  My dog, however, was hyper as ever. Too hyper. So, I decided to calm him down a bit and get my butt moving by going on a nice walk.

Studies have shown that people who own dogs (and WALK them) tend to weigh less, be happier and have lower body fat percentages. 




According to an article I read, a study done by Dori Rosenberg of SDSU's clinical psychology joint doctoral program,studied 2,200 people in Seattle and Baltimore and one third of them had dogs. 

Out of those dog owners, two thirds of them actually walked their dogs and they weighed an average of about six pounds less than the ones who didn't and had lower bmis. 

43% of the walkers also ended up meeting the federal health guidelines of 2 and a half hours of physical movement a week. 

"It's been shown that having social support helps people to achieve their fitness goals, but that doesn't mean it has to come from another human," the article said.

Click  here to read the article.

So, having a dog can help you slim down and stay healthy BUT you have to walk them! 

Hello everyone!


I haven't done my Meta today (I MIGHT- depends on how I feel).


Getting back into moving around and eating better... Is actually a pretty tiring process this time around for me.  Mostly PHYSICALLY tiring.


However, today was not 100% wasted.  I did walk for an hour and it took a lot out of me. Back aching, feet hurt, etc.  Apparently not having wheat today also seems to have drained me. According to the book "Wheat Belly" this is actually pretty common.


So I am going to take this week one day at a time- still keeping active but active for what I can handle with my energy level. 


I guess an hour walk is decent, I do feel like I did something and I want to go to  bed after posting this, hahaha.




Have a great  night!

Update on how I am doing

Hello everyone!






In my earlier post I mentioned that I am  unable to work out because of my neck pain.  Today, it got so bad that I went to the doctor.


I am glad I did!




Turns out that I have a severe spasm in my neck which is also pinching a few nerves.   He also said that if I had waited longer to come in and see him, I would be headed for physical therapy.  Thankfully I got seen within the first few days so I am being treated right now with muscle relaxers.


So, as soon as I am better (which should be really soon) I will be doing my TAM. Until then I will walk and play Dance Central to keep moving and keep an eye on my eating so I do not put on more weight unnecessarily.


I will still be updating here, as usual.




Have a great day!

Happy Leap Day!

Hello everyone!




Today I was really super busy with work and class, my workout consisted of only a 30 minute walk.


I did, however, get to the grocery store this evening after class.  I bought enough food to last me through tomorrow, since I get paid tomorrow and can get more.  I came across something interesting- a packet of seasoning mix to make tofu burgers with. I bought that and a bunch of tofu (88 cents a package, got about 8) and a bag of salad for tomorrow. New grocery sales also start tomorrow so I am hoping for some good salad/veggie sales.


I am also going to squeeze in a workout- Meta again.  I am not going to count my walks to and from work as part of my "workout". Walking should really be something I do every day, regardless of my fitness level. 


So, the goal starting tomorrow is to get a TAM workout in at least 4x a week, eat clean, and NOT EAT MY RESULTS.


What is "eating your results"? Doing a kick ass workout, then going to McDonald's for a super sized giant meal with a big old greasy burger and regular soda.  I really need to STOP. I have been eating mostly good foods for the past few days but I have ruined it a couple times.  No more. I really have to stop treating my body like a trash can.   I haven't been too happy these past few days and that's why sometimes I felt like I just didn't care anymore. :( 


I'm hoping tomorrow brings a brighter day, at least emotionally.  I hope all of you had a nice Leap Day!

Off to a decent start.

Hello everyone!!!




Day 1 of taking better care of myself has gone ok so far.


I didn't do my TA workout today, but I did take the pup for a nice half hour walk.  I also went to the mall today and walked around for a bit, also picked up a new body spray at Victoria's Secret. 


As I promised myself, I did also take my vitamins today and I plan on doing some treatments to my face tonight. 


Diet was about 80% paleo today, when I was out I did have 2 crunchy tacos from Taco Bell- I searched before hand and they do not have wheat in them, so I figured that was a decent choice. 


Tomorrow I will attempt to have a 100% paleo day.  I plan on getting a TAM workout in there too. Since I missed a few days I am starting level 1 early but I do not have a set rest day or anything. I would LIKE to get at least 6 TAM workouts in a week, with extra walks. 


So today wasn't a total bust, looking forward to tomorrow! (sorry for today's boring post!)

Abcentric Day 2

Hello everyone!




Today is Valentine's day, so you are probably busy doing something nice with your significant other. :) 


However, I did do my workout today but I am not pleased with it. I am also honestly not pleased with yesterday's either.


I am PMSing at the moment (probably why) and I feel like today and yesterday's workouts were shitty. Just walking for cardio and only 15 reps per leg during my meta today. Yuck. Yuck yuck yucccck! I took a very short walk and my back started hurting (it hurt yesterday too but failed to mention). Ughh. 




Do any of you ladies have advice for getting that extra push when your hormones want you in bed?  Post in the comments!  I'd love any help with this!




Have a happy, lovely, Valentine's day!

Tomorrow is the day!

Hello everyone!




I can finally get back to working out tomorrow!  So excited!  Day 1 of 30 begins tomorrow.




In the meantime.... 




Tracy was on QVC again- this time, very pregnant (I believe she is 6 months along now).







One thing I did notice which is a major change- At about the 3:55 mark, she actually addresses that she wants to help women get past our insecurities, that she does not want to try to make us into something that we're not, but to "be your best you" and that we are all beautiful, unique and she does not want to make all women the same.  A far cry from her old "Perfection/teeny tiny" speech. (Perhaps I should change the name of my blog, knowing that?) I think this is a great change, it promotes a much healthier mindset than striving for "perfect".  Maybe she was trying to say that but finally worded it in such a way that it sounds more positive.  I do remember when she was pushing teeny tiny, that she also would say 'Your teeniest, tiniest point', keyword "your". 


Again, I look forward to doing my first workout ALL WEEK.  This is gonna hurt. In a good way.




Have a good night everyone~

Bootcamp postponed until 2/3/12

Hello everyone!




Sadly, I need to postpone my boot camp workouts until this Friday.  Certain personal issues have come up and they require my time until then.  I TECHNICALLY started on Friday but then I ended up taking the whole weekend off.  I feel weird restarting today and then taking MORE days off.  I find when I take time off from TAM, when I get back to it I have to do it at the level I began at anyway.  Suckage!


If I am able to start sooner, I will post! I am still keeping a food journal so I am not using this time off as an excuse to pig out. :)


Still working on videos. 




Have a great day!

Tracy Anderson 30 Day Method- Day 1 of 30

Hello everyone!


After eons of talking about starting bootcamp, being indecisive about bootcamp, etc, I finally took the plunger and just did it!


Some of you might not know what I mean by bootcamp. That's ok, I'll explain it.


If you don't know already, Tracy came out with a book in 2010 called Tracy Anderson's 30 day method.  It works in a very similar way to Metamorphosis- change your workout every 10 days. However, there are a few differences.




1. In the 30 day method, there are NO rest days. Hence, the term "boot camp" which she uses in the book as well.


2. Unlike Meta, the book actually maps out for you how to begin your TAM journey based on your current fitness level. BIG help!


3. You get a lot of background information, tips/tricks, etc in the book that you do not in Meta.




In short, I believe starting out with the book and THEN heading to meta would be a good choice for most people.  There is a lot more instruction with the movements, and you build up strength enough for the next level. It also makes the dance cardio a lot less intimidating, especially for beginners. 




Now then. How did my first day go?


I did my MS work 20 reps each move (every 1st day of a level you are only supposed to do 20) and I did 60 minutes of step touch cardio.  Mind you, you do not have to do this much. I did it because a) I am technically NOT a beginner with this stuff and b) I just felt up to it.  Remember, never go over an hour with your DC. Tracy says that both in the book and in Meta cardio. 




That wasn't the only movement I did today!  I have started taking my puppy out for 2 one-hour long walks a day to tire his butt out and so he gets the exercise a mini poodle needs. (They need at least an hour a day but he has pent up puppy energy he's gotta let go of) 


So yeah... I did quite a bit today.  I also took my weight and measurements.  I prefer to wait until 10 days have passed so I can give you a before and after(ish). 


Vlog should be up soon.  I am not sure if I have the energy to do it tonight, I think I might do them with a delay, like do yesterday's vlog today, etc.  Right now I honestly feel like nosediving into bed.




I hope you guys had a great Friday- and let's work for a productive weekend- at least workout wise!

Sorry for the video delay!!!

Hello everyone!!!




I'm sorry I've been somewhat of an absentee. I have been working on how to use my webcam, how to angle it for best effects, etc.  I was having some sound issues but they appear to  be fixed now.  I am going to re-record my first introductory video, and try to make it pretty for all of you.


I decided I am going to be starting with boot camp and then meta.  Most of you know how the program works but in my intro I will be talking about it for those who don't.   Please bear with me, this is actually going to be my first video with me talking, ever. I'm pretty nervous to be honest!


I did,  however, run into a horrifying wakeup call yesterday.  For the past couple years, I have been living in elastic- meaning all my pants and tops are stretchy, loose fitting, etc.  I haven't worn jeans or real slacks in a long time.  So, out of curiosity, I was wondering what  my dress size would be right now based on my measurements.  Maybe a size 18-20 I thought. No. Wrong, so very wrong.  24-26. Not inches. SIZE. And plus size in the US starts at a 14!  The last time I wore jeans, they were a 16. This really got me emotional.  I can't believe I had let myself get so big.  I also took some real "before" pictures, as naked as possible- sports bra and little shorts. Looking in the mirror at yourself and looking at photographs are TOTALLY different.   In the photos, especially with nothing to cover your "imperfections" really opens your eyes to your problem areas.  And yes, I DID cry. Yes, it DID upset me how far gone this has become. UNACCEPTABLE.  So, for 2012, my goal is to hit under 200 pounds and hopefully be out of the plus sizes. My first goal is a size 14. If I get smaller than this, great!


Again, I apologize for my short absence but keep posted for videos!!!! Also, if you're interested, I am going to start up my  beauty blog again in the near future- check it out at www.obeybeauty.blogspot.com.  I already have some posts up!




Have a great evening!!!!

When it rains, it pours...

Hello everyone-

I may have to push my 30 day challenge back a couple of days.   I wrote yesterday's blog before something ELSE bad happened to me. 

Last night, I was headed downstairs to use the bathroom, stepped wrong, and fell down the remaining stairs. No MAJOR injury but I did hurt my left ankle a little. >< I hope to be ok by at least Friday.

Speaking of injuries, I found an article about how not to gain weight while injured.

http://www.shape.com/weight-loss/weight-maintenance/how-avoid-gaining-weight-when-youre-injured

That's about it for now, taking my final exam soon!

Doing Meta again. Excitement!

Hello everyone!


The past couple of days haven't been the best diet wise. I didn't count my points well yesterday or the day before.


I did do some exercise.  I did the biggest loser DVD on both days.


I have started my preparations for Monday- I have made up my Metamorphosis calendar and I plan to be a bit more stringent on my eating.  I have learned that eating higher point value foods means I will often be hungry even when my points for the day are all eaten up. 


Diet goal #1- eat more vegetables/oatmeal to fill up on less points and not to drink so many of my points.


I am doing Abcentric starting Monday, I might add on Omnicentric as well and just do all the moves with less reps, like 10-15 instead of 20-30 so I don't burn out. I do not plan on doing 2 centrics forever. Just for the first 90 days then hitting the mat for Abcentric continuity.


For those of you new to my blog, this is Metamorphosis- 





Also- not sure if I mentioned this but I am going to approach dance cardio in the following way- 


Level 1- 10 minutes step touching cardio 
Level 2- 20 minutes step touching cardio
Level 3- 30 minutes step touching cardio
Level 4- 40 minutes step touching cardio
Level 5- 10 minutes high impact, 30 minutes step touch
Level 6- 20 minutes high impact, 20 minutes step touch
Level 7- 30 minutes high impact, 10 minutes step touch
Level 8- 40 minutes high impact
Level 9- 50 minutes high impact
Continuity 1- One hour high impact


This is tentative, it depends on how I feel. Last time I did metamorphosis I was able to do 30 minutes of step touching from the get go. I have gained weight since then so this is why I am taking it slow.  Also I will be walking to supplement this. 


Have a great Friday!!!!

It starts today! But first, some articles.

Hello everyone!

Beginning weight watchers today, I will post more about my diet and exercises tonight (can't blog about what hasn't happened yet).  I did however come across this interesting article about protein.

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/green/how-much-protein-do-you-really-need-2523319/

It seems that most Americans get WAY more protein than we need a day mainly because of all the beef we eat.  The article also goes on to give a short list of types of proteins, the impact on the environment, etc. 

I also came up with this article when I was searching for strength training for losing weight

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/cardio-vs-strength-training-workouts

I will blog again later tonight after I eat all my food and do all my exercise.

Brainstorming...

Hello!

So lately I hear about people doing 2 different body types of metamorphosis at the same time. I have realized that if you do two completely different (not sharing any levels) body types, then technically you are getting a little bit of all four!

Let me explain.

Omnicentric and hipcentric share all odd levels, the evens are unique to them.  Abcentric and glute also share the odds. Now, if you take one from omni/hip and one from ab/glute you are technically doing all 4!

I am going to use omni and ab as an example (I will be doing this starting July 4)

On levels 1 and 9, all 4 have the same workout. Even levels- Working abs and omni.  Odd levels- working abs, omni, hip AND glute- because the latter two share with the main two.  All levels share the same arms and ab work. All level 2s have the same arms/abs, etc.

Basically the main two you choose would be the ones with your main problem areas. The odd levels are also working those main problem areas and working the secondary ones (doesn't hurt to work those too from time to time). 

As for time- it sounds like a lot of working out. However, if you have done Tracy's Mat workout, Post-pregnancy workout, /or the Perfect Design series, those workouts are one hour, as would be combining 2 metas if you do the arms and ab section again.

As for me personally, I had another little period of having to get the junk cravings out of my system, studying for my exam (and my monthly on the way) sort of screwed me up, so this time I will be double-meta-ing starting this coming Monday and will NOT eat all that other food I was eating last time I tried this.  That was also a learning experience for me, now I know better how the diet operates, etc and can be more prepared for it. As I said before I had some errors, not making enough of some foods, etc. 

For my American readers, the holiday is coming up (Independence day!) and I am very much looking forward to having the time off to relax. I've been sleep deprived and sore. Yuck.

Have a great Wednesday!