Two very bad things have happened today. First, I woke up with a sore throat. My throat has been sore off and on for a few days (usually morning and night but fine in between) so I went on with my day.
My sore throat got worse as the day wore on, and then my neck started to get stiff. Towards the end of the work day it felt as it my entire neck had seized up. This was the second bad thing. I couldn't turn to look left or right, or up and down, and even bending over to pick something up off the floor was really painful.
The problem is I don't know if my neck is this stiff and extremely sore in connection with the sore throat or if I've pulled a muscle or strained my neck while shredding. In the level two warm-up, Jillian incorporates some neck stretches, so there must be some neck stressing exercises in the work-out.
So after work I managed to make my way to the bus stop and as I was walking, I thought things were starting to feel better but by the time I got home I was in so much pain, I laid down flat on the couch and tried to massage my neck, which felt better in the moment. Which leads me to believe I've strained or pulled my neck. Yes, my glands feel swollen and are tender to the touch but it feels like it goes deeper and further than that.
I had hubby stop at the drug store on the way home and he soon arrived with cepacol lozenges and Tylenol. I also have the hot water bottle on my neck. An hour later and I'm feeling much better. Throat is still sore, especially painful to swallow, but it's not as bad. My neck is much improved and I can turn it in every direction and it just feels mildly strained. A slight burn. Like my hamstrings have felt since starting level two!
So, is the improvement thanks to the massaging, the tylenol, the hot water bottle, the resting? All of the above? I'm not sure.
Regardless, it does mean there will be no shred for me today. Which upsets me and makes me sad as I really wanted to do this for 30 days in a row to see what would happen. Hubby is doing the best he can to convince me that my outcome in the end is not going to change because I've missed one day. And if it really is an injury, I could make it worse and then end up missing a week or two. Not to mention the sore throat. If my neck wasn't sore, I'd work out anyway, which probably would not help my case--and in fact probably do more harm-- if it's a virus. And, to be honest, I'm exhausted. Perhaps I've worn myself out. I've definitely been staying up too late, on top of all the exercise...
So for tonight it's lots of liquids and early to bed to try and beat this. Hopefully my neck is fine in the morning. And maybe it's time for some ice cream. That's obligatory when you have a sore throat, is it not?
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Truckin' along
Shred 13, at level 2, complete. And that's about all I have left in me for tonight, folks. Good night!
Monday, January 30, 2012
A Shredding Revolution
Well this is just no fun anymore. Level two is hard! It's like a tough mean boot camp and I'm being punished to do things I can barely handle. It feels hectic and chaotic and I barely have time to stand up before Jillian's into the next move... I thought the pace was fast in level one? Ha!
I know, I know, wah wah wah. I signed myself up for this gig but it was funner when it was 'easy'. I liked level one. I was starting to feel like an exercise pro. Although....if I started to see results in something that turned out to be easy (easier than level two, anyhow) does that mean I'll see even more results, perhaps faster in level two? I hope so because this is torture!
But now for a fun story. I went to Chapter's last night and noticed a girl inspecting the 30 Day Shred DVD (a collection of Jillian Michael's DVD's are on display). She was turning it over and over and I could tell she was torn. "It's awesome," I offered.
Girl: Oh yea?
Me: Yea, it really works. I'm on day 11!
Girl: So how does it work? How long is it?
Me: It's a 20-minute work-out.
Girl: How often?
Me: Every day.
Girl: Really, every day?
Me: Yes, but it's worth out. It works! I'm noticing results already.
Girl: I've heard it's great. So what do I need?
I told the girl that depending on where she works out, she may need a mat, and hand weights. She asked how heavy the weights should be (see, I AM an exercise pro now!) and I told her that I use three lb weights, and I'm not very strong. And off she went to grab some weights and the dvd and she was off. Your welcome Chapters. Where's my commission?
AND THEN, the girl behind me at the check-out was also buying the 30 day shred! I had never heard of this before I started and all of a sudden it's all around.
It's a shredding revolution!
I know, I know, wah wah wah. I signed myself up for this gig but it was funner when it was 'easy'. I liked level one. I was starting to feel like an exercise pro. Although....if I started to see results in something that turned out to be easy (easier than level two, anyhow) does that mean I'll see even more results, perhaps faster in level two? I hope so because this is torture!
But now for a fun story. I went to Chapter's last night and noticed a girl inspecting the 30 Day Shred DVD (a collection of Jillian Michael's DVD's are on display). She was turning it over and over and I could tell she was torn. "It's awesome," I offered.
Girl: Oh yea?
Me: Yea, it really works. I'm on day 11!
Girl: So how does it work? How long is it?
Me: It's a 20-minute work-out.
Girl: How often?
Me: Every day.
Girl: Really, every day?
Me: Yes, but it's worth out. It works! I'm noticing results already.
Girl: I've heard it's great. So what do I need?
I told the girl that depending on where she works out, she may need a mat, and hand weights. She asked how heavy the weights should be (see, I AM an exercise pro now!) and I told her that I use three lb weights, and I'm not very strong. And off she went to grab some weights and the dvd and she was off. Your welcome Chapters. Where's my commission?
AND THEN, the girl behind me at the check-out was also buying the 30 day shred! I had never heard of this before I started and all of a sudden it's all around.
It's a shredding revolution!
Level Two
Today my calves are burning and my arms are aching. This would be because I started level two of the shred yesterday, despite not quite leaving level one with the bang I had anticipated. But the show must go on.
Phew! To be honest, it was a bit of a shock. It was a work-out and a half. I was getting a little cocky, I guess, in my mastering of level one (when not suffering alcohol&food induced hangovers!). I feel like I am back at square one, even though I know I am far from it (no cramping jumping jacks!). But how I felt after yesterday morning's workout was quite similar to the feeling after my very first shred. Like a how-am-I-going-to-continue-this??? feeling. So the only saving grace is knowing that I persevered ten days ago so hopefully ten days from now, I'll be cruising through level two with Natalie? Ha!
I'm doubtful, but time will tell. I worked up quite a sweat and was in a slight state of disbelief as to how much harder level two is compared to level one. Like I said, a bit of a shock to the system but at least I know it's working, if these burning calves and arms are any indication!
Phew! To be honest, it was a bit of a shock. It was a work-out and a half. I was getting a little cocky, I guess, in my mastering of level one (when not suffering alcohol&food induced hangovers!). I feel like I am back at square one, even though I know I am far from it (no cramping jumping jacks!). But how I felt after yesterday morning's workout was quite similar to the feeling after my very first shred. Like a how-am-I-going-to-continue-this??? feeling. So the only saving grace is knowing that I persevered ten days ago so hopefully ten days from now, I'll be cruising through level two with Natalie? Ha!
I'm doubtful, but time will tell. I worked up quite a sweat and was in a slight state of disbelief as to how much harder level two is compared to level one. Like I said, a bit of a shock to the system but at least I know it's working, if these burning calves and arms are any indication!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
H-E-DOUBLE-HOCKEY-STICKS
I'm fairly certain working-out with a hangover is the equivalent of being in hell. Oh-my-good-god.
Here is the face of someone who has just worked out in hell:
I can tell you, that girl is not impressed. I swear I can't even believe I just got through that. By far the biggest accomplishment yet.
So last night we got home some time after 2a.m. and I was feeling prrreeeettty good. At the dinner party there were negroni cocktails. There was prosecco. There was wine. A lot of wine. I even had an espresso and I don't drink coffee! There was an Italian theme and everyone brought different dishes and it was an actual feast. Crostini, proscuitto wrapped asparagus, roasted fennel and white bean dip, caperese salad, risotto balls, lasgana rolls, and the list goes on. Even home-made ice cream for dessert! So I'm also suffering from a food hangover.
Such delicious, and rich, food. Here's a picture:
Yet this morning at 9a.m. I hopped out of bed to walk the dog. You see, I very often fall victim to the delayed hangover. The morning always starts off hunky dory but I just have to wait... after the dog walking and getting my banana pancake on and even running out to Telus to have my (brand new!) phone replaced (now I can finally make outgoing calls again) I joined my husband on the couch to watch a soccer game. And I knew that perhaps I had been a little too ambitious all morning. The hangover set in. I didn't feel so hot...and eventually I fell asleep. I woke up when hubby was headed out the door to play soccer. Well...if he could run off to play soccer, surely I could work out for 20 minutes...
WRONG.
I felt like I was going to hurl the whole time. I dragged my butt. I decided to just accept the fact that it was going to hurt and to just push through and get it over with. I felt so crappy about how pathetic I was during the first five minutes of the workout, before I managed to pull myself together, that when it was finally over I did ten extra push-ups and 20 extra squat & presses. Yep. I punished myself. But if I'm going to bother to do it all, I'm going to do it right.
This was definitely the most I've sweated since starting the shred. Which I'm hoping means some of the food & alcohol toxins from my over-indulgence last night seeped out through my pores. I'm currently sitting in the ice box of a sunroom we have on the back of our house while I write this because I am so overheated. I'm sure this is probably bad for my muscles and I risk catching a chill but I'm honestly afraid I may burst into flames.
I could have waited until later this evening to workout but who wants to do that on a Saturday night? Plus I really want to have a shower and I'm not going to shred after I shower. I'm glad I didn't wait because now it's done and I survived!
I don't want to have to go through that again so next time I'm out at a party I'm going to try harder to remember that everything is better in moderation. Except maybe that home-made ice cream...
Here is the face of someone who has just worked out in hell:
I can tell you, that girl is not impressed. I swear I can't even believe I just got through that. By far the biggest accomplishment yet.
So last night we got home some time after 2a.m. and I was feeling prrreeeettty good. At the dinner party there were negroni cocktails. There was prosecco. There was wine. A lot of wine. I even had an espresso and I don't drink coffee! There was an Italian theme and everyone brought different dishes and it was an actual feast. Crostini, proscuitto wrapped asparagus, roasted fennel and white bean dip, caperese salad, risotto balls, lasgana rolls, and the list goes on. Even home-made ice cream for dessert! So I'm also suffering from a food hangover.
Such delicious, and rich, food. Here's a picture:
Yet this morning at 9a.m. I hopped out of bed to walk the dog. You see, I very often fall victim to the delayed hangover. The morning always starts off hunky dory but I just have to wait... after the dog walking and getting my banana pancake on and even running out to Telus to have my (brand new!) phone replaced (now I can finally make outgoing calls again) I joined my husband on the couch to watch a soccer game. And I knew that perhaps I had been a little too ambitious all morning. The hangover set in. I didn't feel so hot...and eventually I fell asleep. I woke up when hubby was headed out the door to play soccer. Well...if he could run off to play soccer, surely I could work out for 20 minutes...
WRONG.
I felt like I was going to hurl the whole time. I dragged my butt. I decided to just accept the fact that it was going to hurt and to just push through and get it over with. I felt so crappy about how pathetic I was during the first five minutes of the workout, before I managed to pull myself together, that when it was finally over I did ten extra push-ups and 20 extra squat & presses. Yep. I punished myself. But if I'm going to bother to do it all, I'm going to do it right.
This was definitely the most I've sweated since starting the shred. Which I'm hoping means some of the food & alcohol toxins from my over-indulgence last night seeped out through my pores. I'm currently sitting in the ice box of a sunroom we have on the back of our house while I write this because I am so overheated. I'm sure this is probably bad for my muscles and I risk catching a chill but I'm honestly afraid I may burst into flames.
I could have waited until later this evening to workout but who wants to do that on a Saturday night? Plus I really want to have a shower and I'm not going to shred after I shower. I'm glad I didn't wait because now it's done and I survived!
I don't want to have to go through that again so next time I'm out at a party I'm going to try harder to remember that everything is better in moderation. Except maybe that home-made ice cream...
Friday, January 27, 2012
A new way to start the day
Whoop whoop! 9am and here I am at my desk at work, and I've already done the shred! It's feels amazing. I will admit that I didn't feel so hot when I got up at 6:30 this morning but I pushed through. I'm going to try to do a few mornings a week if I can because it's so nice to know I have the whole rest of the day and night free! (OK fine the alarm went off at 6:30 but I hit snooze until 6:45. Which technically is when the alarm is supposed to go off anyway (with a snooze until 7am). So it really wasn't much of a sacrifice in terms of getting up any earlier. Which is great, because by 7:20 I was into my regular morning routine (and moving faster than usual!) and out the door at the same time as always.
I do see another wet, snowy walk home in my future because they are calling for the same weather as last Friday. And because everyone apparently forgets how to drive when white stuff falls from the sky, combined with a completely slack HRM snow removal program and a transit system that is the worst at the best of times... rush hour will surely be mayhem. Came to work prepared with my heavy duty snow boots, and this time, no weights in my bag! So I just may get some more exercise in today.
Here's hoping the weather doesn't foil tonight's dinner party plans!
I do see another wet, snowy walk home in my future because they are calling for the same weather as last Friday. And because everyone apparently forgets how to drive when white stuff falls from the sky, combined with a completely slack HRM snow removal program and a transit system that is the worst at the best of times... rush hour will surely be mayhem. Came to work prepared with my heavy duty snow boots, and this time, no weights in my bag! So I just may get some more exercise in today.
Here's hoping the weather doesn't foil tonight's dinner party plans!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
A World of Difference
I am officially into week two of the 30 day shred. Tonight was another post-dinner work-out. I worked a little late so by the time I made it home, I wanted to help the hubs with dinner prep, as he had to get out the door to coach soccer. After putting in some laundry (why am I always doing laundry these days?? Oh yea, because I avoided it for weeks...) I got right to it. At the risk of starting to sound repetitive, I still can't believe how fast the shred goes. I feel like I just get into it and bam! it's over.
Today I read over my first week of blog entries and boy, have I come a long way! In just one week. I had a much, much easier time with the shred tonight then I did this time last Thursday. I certainly don't feel pathetic any more. I certainly have a lot more energy these days. And I promise you, there would be no point in me making this up, I'm starting to notice definition in my arms! I feel stronger, and although they have a long way to go, my abs do feel tighter!
It's a world of difference. Last week after the shred, I wanted to collapse on the floor. I just finished the shred and could probably get through it a second time--if I really wanted to torture myself.
Which leads me to believe... it's time for level two.
Don't get me wrong, work out one is no walk in the park. But I don't feel as challenged any more already. Not like I did this time last week. And I am following Natalie for most of the work-out (Jillian has her 'two best gals' helping her out. Anita does a simpler, modified version of some of the moves while Natalie steps it up). I'm finding cardio a breeze, abs are completely doable and I'm still finding the weights hard, but in a good way. I find the side lunge with anterior raises brutal, same with the squat and lift. Kills me. But I can do it.
My original thinking (before I started) was to do work-out one for 10 days, work-out two for ten days, work-out three for 10 days. After my first couple shreds, I was set on sticking with level one all the way, but I'm happy to say I'm going to stick with the original plan and it's on to level two this weekend for sure. Tomorrow is going to be my first early morning work-out because I'm going to a dinner party tomorrow night and I'm not sure if I'll have time to squeeze it in beforehand. Plus then I'd have to shower again...
So the way I see it, getting up early to work-out will be a challenge enough for me, and if I can accomplish that, I will be happy. And what a great rest of the day it will be, with my work-out behind me!
Today I read over my first week of blog entries and boy, have I come a long way! In just one week. I had a much, much easier time with the shred tonight then I did this time last Thursday. I certainly don't feel pathetic any more. I certainly have a lot more energy these days. And I promise you, there would be no point in me making this up, I'm starting to notice definition in my arms! I feel stronger, and although they have a long way to go, my abs do feel tighter!
It's a world of difference. Last week after the shred, I wanted to collapse on the floor. I just finished the shred and could probably get through it a second time--if I really wanted to torture myself.
Which leads me to believe... it's time for level two.
Don't get me wrong, work out one is no walk in the park. But I don't feel as challenged any more already. Not like I did this time last week. And I am following Natalie for most of the work-out (Jillian has her 'two best gals' helping her out. Anita does a simpler, modified version of some of the moves while Natalie steps it up). I'm finding cardio a breeze, abs are completely doable and I'm still finding the weights hard, but in a good way. I find the side lunge with anterior raises brutal, same with the squat and lift. Kills me. But I can do it.
My original thinking (before I started) was to do work-out one for 10 days, work-out two for ten days, work-out three for 10 days. After my first couple shreds, I was set on sticking with level one all the way, but I'm happy to say I'm going to stick with the original plan and it's on to level two this weekend for sure. Tomorrow is going to be my first early morning work-out because I'm going to a dinner party tomorrow night and I'm not sure if I'll have time to squeeze it in beforehand. Plus then I'd have to shower again...
So the way I see it, getting up early to work-out will be a challenge enough for me, and if I can accomplish that, I will be happy. And what a great rest of the day it will be, with my work-out behind me!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
A Tale of Two Shreds
Tuesday
What's happening to me? As I headed home from work, I was looking forward to the shred. Huh? The first thing I did when I got home (after popping dinner in the oven) was my work out. It felt great! Then I hopped in the shower, got dressed again and dinner was ready! After eating, I had time for another episode of Downton Abbey (so far so very good) and then was off with some friends to the movies (Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy. I still don't really know what happened. Think I need a re-watch). And enjoyed my popcorn completely guilt free!
Wednesday
At first it appeared that the "new me" who struts home from work excited about exercising was short lived. But it wasn't completely my fault. I got home and took the dog for a walk and half way through the neighborhood started to feel unwell. I knew it was probably due to the fact all I had eaten today was a whole wheat english muffin for breakfast and a huge (and I mean huge-like-the-size-of-your-head huge) croissant stuffed with goat cheese and caramelized onions for lunch. And not much water until the end of the work day when I realized I'd only drank tea all day. So basically a carb-fest and no real nutrients. I cut the walk short and drudged home to make dinner.
As the curry was bubbling on the stove I made a killer menu for the next week of dinners, including a couple new recipes I came across in some Style at Home magazines. Then I made a massive grocery list of everything I'd need for the next week.
After dinner I was feeling better, but now it was nearly 8p.m. and I had a coupon for 40% off at Banana Republic that I really wanted to use... suddenly was feeling better.
I am so, so, so grateful I have a husband who doesn't mind doing the grocery shopping. In fact, I'm pretty sure he actually enjoys it. And he dislikes it when we both go because apparently I take too long...yes I'm indecisive even at the grocery store! So to get back on track... I dropped him at Superstore and off I was to the mall. Sweater for me, check. Sweater for him, check (thanks again for the grocery run babes!).
I even got to play a really great trick on him. When I went back to pick him up, I entered the store, spotting him up ahead. He left the cart (in the middle of a random aisle?!) to go off and hunt for toothpaste. I swooped in and snuck off with the cart and hid, then really enjoyed watching him panic when he came back for it and it was gone! Then he caught me sneaking up the opposite aisle from him, and we both had a great laugh.
Ok back on track again. By the time we were home it was 9:30. Still no shred. I started to bargain with myself. "Surely no one can do 30 actual days in a row." "Surely you're meant to have a break in here somewhere." "I"ll do two shreds tomorrow!" By 9:45p.m., the better part of me realized if I just stopped hemming and hawing about it, by 10:15pm, I'd be finished.
So I shredded. At quarter to ten at night. And I feel great for it!
What's happening to me? As I headed home from work, I was looking forward to the shred. Huh? The first thing I did when I got home (after popping dinner in the oven) was my work out. It felt great! Then I hopped in the shower, got dressed again and dinner was ready! After eating, I had time for another episode of Downton Abbey (so far so very good) and then was off with some friends to the movies (Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy. I still don't really know what happened. Think I need a re-watch). And enjoyed my popcorn completely guilt free!
Wednesday
At first it appeared that the "new me" who struts home from work excited about exercising was short lived. But it wasn't completely my fault. I got home and took the dog for a walk and half way through the neighborhood started to feel unwell. I knew it was probably due to the fact all I had eaten today was a whole wheat english muffin for breakfast and a huge (and I mean huge-like-the-size-of-your-head huge) croissant stuffed with goat cheese and caramelized onions for lunch. And not much water until the end of the work day when I realized I'd only drank tea all day. So basically a carb-fest and no real nutrients. I cut the walk short and drudged home to make dinner.
As the curry was bubbling on the stove I made a killer menu for the next week of dinners, including a couple new recipes I came across in some Style at Home magazines. Then I made a massive grocery list of everything I'd need for the next week.
After dinner I was feeling better, but now it was nearly 8p.m. and I had a coupon for 40% off at Banana Republic that I really wanted to use... suddenly was feeling better.
I am so, so, so grateful I have a husband who doesn't mind doing the grocery shopping. In fact, I'm pretty sure he actually enjoys it. And he dislikes it when we both go because apparently I take too long...yes I'm indecisive even at the grocery store! So to get back on track... I dropped him at Superstore and off I was to the mall. Sweater for me, check. Sweater for him, check (thanks again for the grocery run babes!).
I even got to play a really great trick on him. When I went back to pick him up, I entered the store, spotting him up ahead. He left the cart (in the middle of a random aisle?!) to go off and hunt for toothpaste. I swooped in and snuck off with the cart and hid, then really enjoyed watching him panic when he came back for it and it was gone! Then he caught me sneaking up the opposite aisle from him, and we both had a great laugh.
Ok back on track again. By the time we were home it was 9:30. Still no shred. I started to bargain with myself. "Surely no one can do 30 actual days in a row." "Surely you're meant to have a break in here somewhere." "I"ll do two shreds tomorrow!" By 9:45p.m., the better part of me realized if I just stopped hemming and hawing about it, by 10:15pm, I'd be finished.
So I shredded. At quarter to ten at night. And I feel great for it!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Weekend one complete
My blogging may have been slack on the weekend but my shredding was not! Saturday morning found me up and at 'em completing my shred before starting my day. It was great. It got me up and moving and I was good to go!
I had the same intentions for Sunday morning but woke up not feeling so great. I wasn't drinking the night before so I wasn't hungover. I even had eight hours of sleep. I just knew that my stomach couldn't handle much jumping around at that time. I opted for a lazy Sunday morning instead, followed by a visit with my Nanny and then Sunday dinner at my parents' place. But lo and behold I did the shred when I got home. Started at 8:45p.m., combined with tackling a mountain of laundry followed by cleaning a very-badly-needing-to-be-cleaned bathroom and finally settling down at 10:30p.m. to catch up on Grey's Anatomy. Needless to say, I had a really great sleep last night!
I definitely enjoyed the Saturday morning shred to get it out of the way, and I have to say I didn't mind the Sunday evening exercise in exchange for a relaxing Sunday morning with the hubs. We finally even had a chance to check out the new local coffee shop.
And here I am at 9:30p.m. on Monday having just completed today's exercise, again combined with ongoing laundry. I didn't have time to shred right after work because I took the dog for a 20-minute walk and then just had to check out the first episode of Downton Abby with hubby before he ran off to soccer. Knowing my schedule I will be shredding all over the place--morning, noon and night but all that matters is that I fit it in, one way or the other!
I had the same intentions for Sunday morning but woke up not feeling so great. I wasn't drinking the night before so I wasn't hungover. I even had eight hours of sleep. I just knew that my stomach couldn't handle much jumping around at that time. I opted for a lazy Sunday morning instead, followed by a visit with my Nanny and then Sunday dinner at my parents' place. But lo and behold I did the shred when I got home. Started at 8:45p.m., combined with tackling a mountain of laundry followed by cleaning a very-badly-needing-to-be-cleaned bathroom and finally settling down at 10:30p.m. to catch up on Grey's Anatomy. Needless to say, I had a really great sleep last night!
I definitely enjoyed the Saturday morning shred to get it out of the way, and I have to say I didn't mind the Sunday evening exercise in exchange for a relaxing Sunday morning with the hubs. We finally even had a chance to check out the new local coffee shop.
And here I am at 9:30p.m. on Monday having just completed today's exercise, again combined with ongoing laundry. I didn't have time to shred right after work because I took the dog for a 20-minute walk and then just had to check out the first episode of Downton Abby with hubby before he ran off to soccer. Knowing my schedule I will be shredding all over the place--morning, noon and night but all that matters is that I fit it in, one way or the other!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Snow shred
No where on the back of the Jillian Michael's DVD does it tell me if I've had a 45-minute walk home in a snow storm while carry 6 pounds of weights in my handbag after waiting 30 minutes in the cold for a bus that never came that I am excused from my shred.
I thought about it... But I know a 45-minute hike in the slush is not the same thing as 20 minutes of non-stop cardio combined with weights...weight a minute, that's exactly what my walk home was, but 25 minutes longer!! The reason I had two 3 lb weights in my handbag is because yesterday, when I started the workout regime, I didn't actually have weights. I used glass canisters filled with pasta which by the way are each way heavier than a 3 lb weight so I borrowed a set (thanks Mom!) which I got a hold of today by asking my dad to bring them when he met me for lunch.
Add them to a bag already holding two magazines, a book, a pair of slippers, my five pound wallet, two pound set of keys and ten thousand other things... and it's heavy! I alternated shoulders and carrying it by the hands the whole way home.
But I was a good girl and the first thing I did when I got home was shred. Let's just call the journey home the ultimate warm-up. Like I said, I'm committing to this so regardless of what else happens in a day, I must shred, if I want to really know what will happen in 30 days.
The weight circuit wasn't as tough (but still tough) with the proper weights. And again, the whole thing was done before I knew it (in hindsight. In the moment, I thought I was going to die. Several times).
I just don't think I can make it up the stairs. I could swear I had chicken salsa & rice for dinner, but I feel like I'm filled with lead...
I thought about it... But I know a 45-minute hike in the slush is not the same thing as 20 minutes of non-stop cardio combined with weights...weight a minute, that's exactly what my walk home was, but 25 minutes longer!! The reason I had two 3 lb weights in my handbag is because yesterday, when I started the workout regime, I didn't actually have weights. I used glass canisters filled with pasta which by the way are each way heavier than a 3 lb weight so I borrowed a set (thanks Mom!) which I got a hold of today by asking my dad to bring them when he met me for lunch.
Add them to a bag already holding two magazines, a book, a pair of slippers, my five pound wallet, two pound set of keys and ten thousand other things... and it's heavy! I alternated shoulders and carrying it by the hands the whole way home.
But I was a good girl and the first thing I did when I got home was shred. Let's just call the journey home the ultimate warm-up. Like I said, I'm committing to this so regardless of what else happens in a day, I must shred, if I want to really know what will happen in 30 days.
The weight circuit wasn't as tough (but still tough) with the proper weights. And again, the whole thing was done before I knew it (in hindsight. In the moment, I thought I was going to die. Several times).
I just don't think I can make it up the stairs. I could swear I had chicken salsa & rice for dinner, but I feel like I'm filled with lead...
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Day One Update
I don't think I'll be finding time to exercise and blog twice a day, but given that this is day one, and I just finished my first work-out, I'd like to file an update.
Ok so I might have gotten a teeny cramp...during the jumping jacks... in the warm up.
I might have wailed out "I quit!" during the second strength circuit (weights).
I just may regret this challenge already.
And I take it back! I'm a believer! I truly believe if a person can get through it, every day, for 30 days, they will see results. It would be impossible not too. It's hard! Now my big doubt is mentally being able to physically put myself through that every day for 30 days...
Mind you, to be honest, I don't get much exercise. It's been a while. I took yoga once a week for 1o weeks in the fall, but that was relaxing. So this 20 minute work-out was a shock to my system.
Which is I why I have to keep going. As much as it hurt. As much as while laying on the floor doing bicycle crunches I really wanted to just pack it in. Forget I ever tried. Pretend it never happened. Because it's pathetic that it was that hard. And painful. I should be able to do this. I will be able to do this. I'm told it gets easier. I sure hope so. I'm only on level one (of three options). And it's only two hours post work out and my arms are starting to ache already. I'm petrified for tomorrow.
That being said... every time my muscles were on fire and I just couldn't squat or lunge or lift for one more second... the set was done. And we were on to the next exercise. And before I knew it, the work-out was over. It was quick. It was fast! I enjoyed the pace. No time to get bored.
Also can I just say that it did not help that I kept catching my husband peeking in from the kitchen. And it was NOT cute when the dog licked my face (yes. on the mouth.) as I was doing crunches. However, working out in the privacy of my own home meant I could grumble and moan and curse out loud at my trainer. Bonus!
So, already I want to change my mind. Quit. But I won't, because I still really want to see what kind of results 30 days will bring. 30 days of my life. In the grand scheme of things, that's not too much to give, so I'll give it my all. I've never challenged myself to something like this before, so it's about time. And in 30 days if I'm not happy, I never have to look at the damn dvd ever again.
1 down, 29 to go...
Ok so I might have gotten a teeny cramp...during the jumping jacks... in the warm up.
I might have wailed out "I quit!" during the second strength circuit (weights).
I just may regret this challenge already.
And I take it back! I'm a believer! I truly believe if a person can get through it, every day, for 30 days, they will see results. It would be impossible not too. It's hard! Now my big doubt is mentally being able to physically put myself through that every day for 30 days...
Mind you, to be honest, I don't get much exercise. It's been a while. I took yoga once a week for 1o weeks in the fall, but that was relaxing. So this 20 minute work-out was a shock to my system.
Which is I why I have to keep going. As much as it hurt. As much as while laying on the floor doing bicycle crunches I really wanted to just pack it in. Forget I ever tried. Pretend it never happened. Because it's pathetic that it was that hard. And painful. I should be able to do this. I will be able to do this. I'm told it gets easier. I sure hope so. I'm only on level one (of three options). And it's only two hours post work out and my arms are starting to ache already. I'm petrified for tomorrow.
That being said... every time my muscles were on fire and I just couldn't squat or lunge or lift for one more second... the set was done. And we were on to the next exercise. And before I knew it, the work-out was over. It was quick. It was fast! I enjoyed the pace. No time to get bored.
Also can I just say that it did not help that I kept catching my husband peeking in from the kitchen. And it was NOT cute when the dog licked my face (yes. on the mouth.) as I was doing crunches. However, working out in the privacy of my own home meant I could grumble and moan and curse out loud at my trainer. Bonus!
So, already I want to change my mind. Quit. But I won't, because I still really want to see what kind of results 30 days will bring. 30 days of my life. In the grand scheme of things, that's not too much to give, so I'll give it my all. I've never challenged myself to something like this before, so it's about time. And in 30 days if I'm not happy, I never have to look at the damn dvd ever again.
1 down, 29 to go...
Day One
I have been contemplating starting a blog for some time now. I've been wanting to get in shape for some time now. Especially, like everyone else, after the holidays. This year seems to have been particularly bad. A lot of eating. A lot of drinking. Maybe it's just getting harder as I get older, but my body can't handle it like I used to. And so this little blogging exercise challenge is born.
First off, let me tell you, I am not a believer. I do not believe that if I can complete Jillian Michaels ("TV's toughest trainer" from the Biggest Loser (of which I've never seen a full episode) 30 day work-out plan I will attain the best body of my life. Lose up to 20 pounds in 30 days. Achieve a lean, shredded body. But I so badly want it to be true. So, just for tricks, I'm going to try it. I'm going to commit. Some of my days are fairly packed but if I need to do start this work out at 11pm some nights, I'm there. If I need to get up at 6:30am to fit it in, so be it. Really, actually commit. And I'm going to see what the next 30 days brings.
My sister has challenged me to try the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. She is on day 10 and says she feels great--and stronger. I will be so very impressed if this works.
Twenty minutes a day--I can handle that. 30 days--not so bad. This sounds easy. Which is why I'm so skeptical. And why I really want to try it. So the title of my first ever blog is a little bit of a lie. I'm not dreading this 30 day shred. I'm excited!
And, to really commit myself, I'm going to be held accountable. Which is why I'm blogging this experiment and sharing it with all of you.
Bring it on, Jillian!
First off, let me tell you, I am not a believer. I do not believe that if I can complete Jillian Michaels ("TV's toughest trainer" from the Biggest Loser (of which I've never seen a full episode) 30 day work-out plan I will attain the best body of my life. Lose up to 20 pounds in 30 days. Achieve a lean, shredded body. But I so badly want it to be true. So, just for tricks, I'm going to try it. I'm going to commit. Some of my days are fairly packed but if I need to do start this work out at 11pm some nights, I'm there. If I need to get up at 6:30am to fit it in, so be it. Really, actually commit. And I'm going to see what the next 30 days brings.
My sister has challenged me to try the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. She is on day 10 and says she feels great--and stronger. I will be so very impressed if this works.
Twenty minutes a day--I can handle that. 30 days--not so bad. This sounds easy. Which is why I'm so skeptical. And why I really want to try it. So the title of my first ever blog is a little bit of a lie. I'm not dreading this 30 day shred. I'm excited!
And, to really commit myself, I'm going to be held accountable. Which is why I'm blogging this experiment and sharing it with all of you.
Bring it on, Jillian!
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