I've been thinking

Changes need to be made! 

This may not true but I am pretty sure that I haven't been taking full advantage of the work I put into the gym.  Yes, I've lost weight and I'm stronger than I have ever been and I can do a lot more than I've ever done.  However, I'm still not were I want to be.  I have some pounds to lose and muscle to gain!  I've said it before, my eating...well...it needs work.  I am definitely eating better.  Still finding what I like to eat and what works for me.  Still won't eat mushrooms!  Just can't do it..

I'm into this.  It will take time, but so did getting to where I am now.

So here's what I'm thinking and I'm blogging about it because I'm serious about it and want to be held responsible.  For the month of March:
- weigh in and take measurements and beginning and end of the month ONLY
- take before pic
- track everything I eat and drink, EVERYTHING
- try new light and fresh meals with veggies
- eat less carbs
- eat more protein
- track my workouts and calories burned
- track my mood and satisfaction and hunger levels
- take a rest day   

What do I plan to accomplish with this?  I want to get out of this slump that I've been.  I want to restart my weight loss and lose another 20ish pounds.  I will be using an app (My Fitness Pal) since I'm adding a new class, I will need to eat a little more.  I'm looking forward to experiment with food.  I'm not sad or bummed out cause I haven't budged but I'm excited for this.  My workouts and way of eating worked for me to reach my prior goal.  They say, if you keep doing what you're doing you will continue to get the same the results.  Well....changes are coming.

My partner in crime is going to hold me accountable for this and I extend this to you as well.  Feel free to check in as well.

Start date March 1, 2013
End date March 31, 2013 

Changes will be made!

Last Night

I ran.

I'm not really a runner....but the thought of running always intrigued me.  Why?  I was never ABLE to run.  A quick jog to around the block would have me wheezing.

At the beginning of my journey I wanted to run and I did, for a bit.  It took me a long time to build up endurance.  I was pleased with what I was able to do and felt so good.  Me....running!!!!!  Whodathunkit!
I started doing more than the treadmill so the running took a back seat.  I would run every once in a while but when the knee acts up, I freak and STOP!  Though it's not funny it does tickle me that the pain in knee according to my doctor is " runner's knee" .  Honestly, ME with RUNNER'S KNEE.  That's a riot!  Does that mean I'm runner?  I will take it.  LOL

Lately I have been going the motions and working out.  Just lots going on with life.  Physically I am there but mentally elsewhere.  Remaining active but not putting in what I should therefore not getting out of it what I could!  Honestly, the only one I'm wronging is me.  So last I ran.

Back to basics.  I used an app when I wanted to start to run.  I did very well on it.  So I thought it would be great to use again.  Like I said back to basics.  I started the app, I hit play on my new ipod playlist, and I started warm up.  Then I started to walk, run, walk, run, walk, run, wa.....no...I need to RUN.  I ran.  Sorry lady on app....I need to GO!  I was at 6.0 speed, then 6.5...I needed more went to 6.6...6.7......7!  IT FELT SO GOOD!

Time is up.  Time to cool down.  Smile on my face.  Fog is lifting.  Head is clear.

Off to Kickboxing I went!

" There are plenty of difficult obstacles in your path. Don't allow yourself to become one of them" - Ralph Marston

I gained!

I weighed myself this morning....though I try not to focus much on that number anymore....every once in awhile I get on and fulfill my curiosity.  Today, I was pleased.  So I thought back....

Since 2010 when I decided to make changes I have gained:

Strength

Confidence

Muscle

Years to my life

Fitness Relationships

Knowledge of healthy vs unhealthy

Great Energy

Good habits

Determination

Happiness

Appreciation and more

I have also lost:

Bad habits

Weight

Discomfort and more

Though I have more goals to reach and this year is about eating right and building muscle I REFUSE to forget just how far I have come.  It's easier for to look in the mirror and say " look at at that jiggle in the middle".  I have to remember and say " hey I can see my toes and look how cute they look!

Be good to yourselves!

Your Public Service Annoucement

I have been in and out of gyms and on and off diets for YEARS!  I believe that wanting to be healthy and liking to workout makes it easier.  I also believe that finding an exercise format you like and an instructor/trainer (if it's a class) that you feel motivated by is important as well.

I like my gym for several reasons; one being that I am extremely comfortable there.  I don't feel there is judging.  It's not a "meat-market".  It's full of people of all shapes and sizes wanting to workout and be healthy.  I also like the classes offered, the equipment, and the staff there.

I prefer group fitness exercise classes.  I also prefer trained and knowledgeable instructors.  There are several different styles out there.  Slow, fast, simple, complex, brand new, veteran, good, not so good, knowledgeable and some NOT so knowledgeable.  I feel like I've taken all.  If it's too slow or too fast for me,  I don't continue to take.  That doesn't really bother me.  If it's not a good match doesn't mean that the instructor isn't good...just means that it's not for me.  Someone else may really like.  BUT.. instructors that are NOT knowledgeable and/or NOT trained AND teach...well...that bugs me.  Dangerous exercises and bad form will only lead to injury.  Trust me...I know injury.  I just was just recently made aware of new trainer in my area.  I did some research and cannot believe all the people that are going to this trainer.  There will be demand for physical therapists in my area real soon! 

To me...form is everything.  I like taking a class and have my form corrected.  That means that I'm being looked after and that I'm doing the exercise safely and effectively.  When I question the benefit of an exercise and the trainer can't answer the question...well I can tell you that doesn't impress me. 

I'm glad that I'm knowledgeable enough now to know what is safe for me and what can really hurt me.  If you ever have a question about something that you are doing in a class or a piece of equipment you are using, make sure you ask.  If it doesn't 'feel right', ask.  You might be doing something.  It's better to ask and be corrected or reassured, then not to ask at all.

This has been your PSA from Keeping Fit and Curvy

Happy New Year

I'm not much for making resolutions.  I haven't really for several years.  The ones I made in the past were extreme and apparently somewhat unrealistic and only let up to disappointment.  The last one I made (probably about 4 or 5 years ago) was the best and I still practice. 

So..........If I was to make one.............. it would be " to continue on the path I'm on".

In 2011 a giant step was made into making changes in my life.

In 2012....many MANY wonderful things happened.  I lost weight, become more health conscious, took more risks, became more active and more involved with fitness.  I started to take care of me which made me happier.  It's true what they say a happy mom makes a happy home!

Though I am currently STILL sick and battling a huge mental and physical slump, I sit here and can acknowledge that I have come a long way.  I put a little collage together.  I hope you like.

I'm not upset that I still have a ways to go, but it's something I can look forward too.  I can only get healthier and stronger right?!

It will be 2013 in a few hours and though I won't be working out anytime soon, there are 365 days in a year.  I will make 2013 a year to learn and grow more, a year to try new things, a year to focus on those that are important me and me to them.  Life is short but damn it is good!

For this coming year...may all your dreams come dreams, your goals be met, or resolutions be kept.

Happy New Year!

Cindy

Ending 2012

So I have been sick for a week now.  Just over a week.  Last week at this time I wasn't feeling to hot but decided that a workout would be a good idea.  Looking back I was probably too sick to do.  Sitting here now thinking.....I can't even fathom putting on clothes and heading to the gym. 

I haven't worked out since then.  Due to being sick and the holidays.  I have also lost my motivation to workout...possibly due to lack of energy.  Though not sure.

I also haven't really eaten.  Some soup and tea.  Lots of liquid medication and water.  HOWEVER....this is OK (though not really healthy).  No cookies, cakes, fatty foods, or alcohol.  No coffee!!  Kinda my own little detox.  Minus the whole medication overload!  I ate yesterday....I was NOT ready to eat yet.  I will spare you the details.

This obviously wasn't supposed to happen, but it has.  

My Christmas was very FITmas like.  Some fitness related items I received were Turbo Fire DVD collection, a smoothie maker, and two recipe books.  One on smoothies and one on salads.  Sadly, they are all in a corner of my living room collecting dust at the moment :(

The new year is coming and though I really don't resolutions anymore, I did want to set some goals for 2013.  Though, I can't think of one right now.  Maybe it should be to find a way to get back on track.  I am still hoping for better eating in 2013.  Being sick is a great way to start.  It will make be careful how I introduce foods back into my system and what type of foods. 

I'm sure I will get back into the swing to things - at least I hope.  Just not really in a rush.  I'm really hoping that getting this out and putting out will help me and any others that are feeling unmotivated.

I am feeling better.  The fever is gone.  The body aches and pains are gone.  I have a little more energy and can do things around the house and drive.  I will be out and about for a little bit today.  Hopefully I don't hurt the progress. 

I know that this isn't happy, cheerful, motivational....but it's real.  I said I would be real. 

Hope everyone is doing well, eating well, and feeling well.

A change is coming

I have never been the type of person that can easily relax or take it easy.  I have always kept myself busy with family and friends when younger.  Added work and children to that mix once older.  Now I have added fitness on top of that.  That's just who I am and it's always been my nature. 

For the past 2 + years I have been working towards a goal.  So that's occupied my mind on top of all the other responsibilities I have.  It's kept me busy.  Health and fitness has definitely motivated me and kept me going.  Did I lose another pound?  How many calories did I burn?  It's something that I looked forward to every single time I got on the scale and every single time I was at the gym.

I reached my goal.  So now what?  Maintain?  BORING! 

Honestly, I'm having a hard time with that.  I'm not saying I'm where I want to be...not at all.  I'm just saying that I had a goal to reach, I met it, now I need something else.  But what I don't know.  This is where I am now.  It's really weighing on me

I've thought about:
- getting a personal trainer
- meeting with a nutritionist
- picking up a sport

I would still like to drop one size and build more muscle.  I seem to work off goals.  I even work off of  'to do' lists daily.  The feeling of 'checking' something off keeps me motivated! 

So now I just have to figure out how?  Can't really add more and I like what I do so I don't want to drop.  Maybe it's my eating.  I'm thinking that's where the change needs to happen.  I know what's bad for you and what's good for you.  I don't understand the science of eating.  What's good when?  How much of what to have?  That's the tough part.  I tried weight watchers and counting calories.  These did not work for me when I tried.  Will it work for me now?  I don't know.  I can tell you that I'm not letting all my hard work go down the drain. 

Time for some research....