Last night, I found my swimsuit and tried it on. To my surprise, it fit quite well and looked nicely. Therefore, I decided to incorporate swimming into my routine at the gym today. I hit the weight room for about 45 minutes, then got showered and changed to go into the pool. Keep in mind that I haven't really swam since middle school. Yes, I did earn multiple swimming certificates through the American Red Cross, but I was not a very strong swimmer. I never really mastered the crawl stroke, but I enjoyed the elementary backstroke and the survival stroke (I think some may call this the breaststroke). I decided to play to my strengths for my first time back.
Well, it was a funny sight to behold. Before I go into the reasons as to why this story is funny, let me first remind you that I was in the lap pool, and it was at its deepest point 4 feet 10 inches. I could touch the bottom. You have to be able to laugh at yourself in life. I do that often. Okay, back to the story...
1. Water Temperature: The water was freezing cold. I tried not to go into shock. It took me 5 minutes to get into the pool (and stand up).
2. Walking Lap: Instead of dunking in the pool to get used to the water, I decided that my first 'lap' would be walking to the other end to see if I could get used to the water. In the meantime, someone else got into the pool in another lane, just jumped right in, and started doing a beautiful crawl stroke. Ummm, not me. I was in my swim cap, goggles, and swim suit literally WALKING down the lane. Hilarious.
3. First Immersion: I got to the other end and finally decided to bite the bullet and immerse myself in the water - but only up to my neck. I did so, but I gasped loudly (sort of like the prepubescent boy who shrieks and his vocal cords have not yet developed). I did not go all the way under...that was just a step too far at this point.
4. Onset of Panic: Once I stopped laughing at myself, I suddenly felt a huge sense of accomplishment. I was ready to start executing my game plan (which was to get 10 laps in, of whatever stroke I was able to figure out). So, I decided to start with the survival stroke. I was very good and comfortable with that one in middle school. Okay, so I go under water completely, panic because I can't breathe, try to muster some form of a movement that will propel me forward, and then I come to the surface after a few cycles of this....GASPING for air. I kept trying to move forward, felt like I was sinking, then panicked because I would come to the top for air and sink back down. Somehow, I forgot that I was only in 4 feet of water and started kicking around like I was about to drown. Man, I wish I had a video camera to tape this entire sequence. However, once I stopped laughing, I managed to make it half way down the lane. (keep in mind that Mr. Crawl Stroke is still executing beautiful laps a few lanes over from me).
5. Clumsy Moments: Why did I stop halfway down the lane you ask? Let's just say that is the point that clumsy made a grand entrance. Someone in my flailing to gasp for air like a fish, I hit my damn foot on the lane dividers. Okay, let me just say that those things are not soft. They are made of hard plastic, and I proceeded to whine like a little kid. I tried to just keep 'swimming' in the hopes that feeling would somehow return to my foot. Eventually it did, but this was still just too much to take in.
6. Commitment to Just Do It: Finally made it to the end of the lane, thus completing my 2nd lap (if you could the 'walking' as a lap by itself - questionable). So, I decided that if I was going to do this, I was going to try every single stroke that I could remember, regardless of how well or not-so-well I did. To be honest, I did keep wondering how wet my hair was getting. I had on my swim cap AND a shower cap. I just hate what chlorine does to your hair, so that was definitely in the back of my mind. However, the only alternative was to suffer the damn crawl stroke or just accept that the probability of getting chlorine hair was very high and just live with it.
7. Tickle-Tee-Touch: For my 3rd lap, time for the elementary back stroke. I was excellent at this one. Tickle-Tee-Touch...I still remember learning it. This one came back easily, and I was doing a great job. I was able to somewhat calm down with the whole breathing thing. I just kept telling myself to pay attention so that I didn't overshoot the other end of the pool. Made it down to the other end (albeit crookedly) without any major issues.
8. Beloved Crawl Stroke: Next I decided to take on my arch nemesis the crawl stroke. I made it halfway down the lane and gave up. I kept hearing my brother's laugh in the back of my head. He would particularly enjoy my frequent attempts at the crawl stroke and would laugh heartily at my efforts. I said "oh boy, if only he could see me now!"
9. Made it through: I was able to get in my full 10 laps, and I did the elementary back stroke and survival stroke to finish them off.
10. No matter what - Laugh: Once I finished my "laps", I went to the locker room immediately. I was
actually proud of myself, and had a good laugh in the process. Also, I didn't give up!!
I can't say that this will be a regular part of my routine, but it was certainly a nice change. I was proud of myself for even having the guts to wear a swimsuit in public and feel somewhat comfortable. As I sit at home typing this blog, I realize that the swimming, even for that short amount of time, really helped with the knots and tension in my shoulders. Could be on to something here.. :-)
Until later, keep selecting those challenges and confronting them one by one. Variety is the spice of life, so try something new or different and HAVE FUN while you do it.
Good night!
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Always listen to your body
I've said this thousands of times to my clients, group fitness classes, and myself. No matter what stage you are in regarding your overall wellness, I stand firm that you should always listen to your body. I've been noticing that I've had more knots and pain than usual in my rhomboids, traps, and shoulders. About a month ago, I caught myself in the middle of a seated shoulder press exercise when I almost dropped the weight. After that occurred, I noticed that I had a pesky pull in my rotator cuff. The pain subsided pretty quickly, and the spot was a little tender for a day or so. I paid attention to the area to ensure that a serious injury hadn't occurred. My rotator cuff felt fine within a short period of time, so I just continued to focus on proper lifting form, stretching, and foam rolling.
I decided to get a massage last week because I noticed that my shoulder knots were more pronounced than they usually are. The masseuse commented that the knots were "attached to me like they were my my best friend." Even after 90 minutes of kneading, there was still very little relief. I decided to get a 2 hour hot stone massage last night to continue trying to release the knots. I've worked with this particular masseuse before, and he remembered my naturally tight traps. He was finally able to break down the knots, which provided some relief. He gave me some excellent advise and mentioned that the cause of the issue was tight pectoral muscles. The good news is that these conditions can be corrected with regular, consistent attention.
I've always known the importance of stretching and body work. I will be the first to admit that I get a "fail" when it comes to consistency of stretching. I've really improved over the past several months. However, spending 10-12 hours a day at the computer and sitting down does not help this condition at all. I found some really great yoga videos online and decided to purchase a convenient yoga travel kit. I won't even make any outrageous statements that I will plan to incorporate yoga into my practice 3 times per week, because I would be lying to myself. I'll just plan to do a little better every day to try to heal my body from poor posture and too many hours working at the computer. It all takes a toll on your body. I've always been concerned with the posture that the body is placed in while looking at a phone, texting, surfing the internet using a small device, etc. I get concerned about the pressure being placed on the neck and the rounding of the shoulders. When I started chiropractic care in 2009, the doctor mentioned that my spine was 100% healthy until he got to my neck. As such, my body has started to exhibit 'forward head posture'. I continue to engage in regular chiropractic care, but until life changes occur, I will continue to suffer.
I encourage you to become aware of the ways in which you may be overusing your body or putting it into compromising positions just based on the daily tasks that you may engage in. Take some quiet time to perform an assessment of what you feel in your body today. What is tight? Where do you have trigger points or knots? Yoga, pilates, and any type of regular stretching routine will help. I encourage you to explore various techniques that will help you consciously fix your posture.
Below is a great video that I found from Brooke Thomas introducing a stretch called 'Open Sesame' for tight chest muscles, specifically the pectoralis minor. For me, this area is a contributor to my issues. My pectoralis minor is constantly shortened, which means that my neck, traps, shoulders, and rhomboids overcompensate and under constant activation (which causes the knots and discomfort). This stretch (and a few others) are outlined in a blog post that I found on Yoga Tune Up.
Good luck!
I decided to get a massage last week because I noticed that my shoulder knots were more pronounced than they usually are. The masseuse commented that the knots were "attached to me like they were my my best friend." Even after 90 minutes of kneading, there was still very little relief. I decided to get a 2 hour hot stone massage last night to continue trying to release the knots. I've worked with this particular masseuse before, and he remembered my naturally tight traps. He was finally able to break down the knots, which provided some relief. He gave me some excellent advise and mentioned that the cause of the issue was tight pectoral muscles. The good news is that these conditions can be corrected with regular, consistent attention.
I've always known the importance of stretching and body work. I will be the first to admit that I get a "fail" when it comes to consistency of stretching. I've really improved over the past several months. However, spending 10-12 hours a day at the computer and sitting down does not help this condition at all. I found some really great yoga videos online and decided to purchase a convenient yoga travel kit. I won't even make any outrageous statements that I will plan to incorporate yoga into my practice 3 times per week, because I would be lying to myself. I'll just plan to do a little better every day to try to heal my body from poor posture and too many hours working at the computer. It all takes a toll on your body. I've always been concerned with the posture that the body is placed in while looking at a phone, texting, surfing the internet using a small device, etc. I get concerned about the pressure being placed on the neck and the rounding of the shoulders. When I started chiropractic care in 2009, the doctor mentioned that my spine was 100% healthy until he got to my neck. As such, my body has started to exhibit 'forward head posture'. I continue to engage in regular chiropractic care, but until life changes occur, I will continue to suffer.
I encourage you to become aware of the ways in which you may be overusing your body or putting it into compromising positions just based on the daily tasks that you may engage in. Take some quiet time to perform an assessment of what you feel in your body today. What is tight? Where do you have trigger points or knots? Yoga, pilates, and any type of regular stretching routine will help. I encourage you to explore various techniques that will help you consciously fix your posture.
Below is a great video that I found from Brooke Thomas introducing a stretch called 'Open Sesame' for tight chest muscles, specifically the pectoralis minor. For me, this area is a contributor to my issues. My pectoralis minor is constantly shortened, which means that my neck, traps, shoulders, and rhomboids overcompensate and under constant activation (which causes the knots and discomfort). This stretch (and a few others) are outlined in a blog post that I found on Yoga Tune Up.
Good luck!
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Well, my favorite holiday is finally here!! I absolutely love Thanksgiving. There is so much to be thankful for. Even when times get tough, reflect on the aspects of life that you are truly grateful for and those grey clouds seem to go away every time :-)
Today, I will be enjoying Thanksgiving with one of my close girlfriends. I started my day off by taking an indoor cycling class at Flywheel in Plano. I've been wanting to try out the facility for the past several months, so I figured that today was a good day. It's pricey, but the concept of the gym was fun. The instructor was pleasant and her tunes were nice.
Ever since WSSC, I realized that my cycling endurance have greatly diminished since I stopped teaching classes. I want to focus on improving my overall endurance, particularly on the bike since I love it so much.
As I mentioned a few months ago, I plan to start filming workouts and posting them here for your use and enjoyment. That will be a major accomplishment for me (and a way of overcoming an aversion - the video camera - oh my!). I've been doing some research on the best type of equipment and lighting. Once I figure it all out, I will share my journey and workouts with you through video! My goal is to have the first video posted in time for the new year.
I really miss teaching. I realized long ago that it is my gift. A friend of mine whom I haven't seen in years mentioned that she hasn't found a spinning instructor that motivated her the way that I did when she took my classes in Austin. I also find that I have had a hard time finding an instructor locally whom I click with. Flywheel was a nice studio, I liked the layout, but I don't see myself attending on a regular basis (mostly because at $25 per class, I can't afford to do so). I think this will be a great way to reach those former clients and friends whom I used to teach, while bringing the energy back and gaining new followers.
If anyone has ideas regarding cost effective equipment and lighting strategies, I'm all ears! I want to produce quality workouts for you to enjoy!
Happy Thanksgiving, and try to remember the reason behind the holiday.
Today, I will be enjoying Thanksgiving with one of my close girlfriends. I started my day off by taking an indoor cycling class at Flywheel in Plano. I've been wanting to try out the facility for the past several months, so I figured that today was a good day. It's pricey, but the concept of the gym was fun. The instructor was pleasant and her tunes were nice.
Ever since WSSC, I realized that my cycling endurance have greatly diminished since I stopped teaching classes. I want to focus on improving my overall endurance, particularly on the bike since I love it so much.
As I mentioned a few months ago, I plan to start filming workouts and posting them here for your use and enjoyment. That will be a major accomplishment for me (and a way of overcoming an aversion - the video camera - oh my!). I've been doing some research on the best type of equipment and lighting. Once I figure it all out, I will share my journey and workouts with you through video! My goal is to have the first video posted in time for the new year.
I really miss teaching. I realized long ago that it is my gift. A friend of mine whom I haven't seen in years mentioned that she hasn't found a spinning instructor that motivated her the way that I did when she took my classes in Austin. I also find that I have had a hard time finding an instructor locally whom I click with. Flywheel was a nice studio, I liked the layout, but I don't see myself attending on a regular basis (mostly because at $25 per class, I can't afford to do so). I think this will be a great way to reach those former clients and friends whom I used to teach, while bringing the energy back and gaining new followers.
If anyone has ideas regarding cost effective equipment and lighting strategies, I'm all ears! I want to produce quality workouts for you to enjoy!
Happy Thanksgiving, and try to remember the reason behind the holiday.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Recommended Reading: Strong Curves
If you are looking for a new fitness read, I highly recommend Bret Contreras and Kellie Davies' Strong Curves. I really enjoyed the quality of this book. Although I haven't been following the programs verbatim, I was definitely impressed with the caliber of the programs in the book, as well as the attention to detail about all relevant exercises.
I have incorporated two principles from the book into my current training program, and I am seeing excellent results!
1) I have been lifting at least 4 days a week. Per my own design, I have one day that is purely devoted to legs and glutes.
2) I have incorporated glute work into every strength training session.
After 4 weeks, I am noticing that I am able to activate my glutes doing the most basic things (i.e. walking, sitting in a chair, etc.). I have also noticed that my glutes are starting to lift and take shape. In addition, my hips are beginning to lean out, while increasing strength simultaneously. This is very exciting progress after such a short time.
This book has introduced me to hip thrusts, which I have simply fallen in love with. I started sing just body weight and then progressing to barbell hip thrusts. I will admit that it is slightly embarrassing to do this exercise in the gym, but my oh my do they work! My glutes were on fire with using just a 40lb barbell. Here is an excellent article that Brett wrote about hip thrusts, with corresponding video tutorials.
Anyway, if you're looking for a new read and want to take on a new challenge, I highly recommend the Strong Curves book. Let me know if you check it out!
To close, here is s short video of Kellie demonstrating barbell hip thrusts. It may take a few tries before you get the hang of these, but keep at it. I'm still working on my form and execution of this exercise, but it's worth the learning curve!
I have incorporated two principles from the book into my current training program, and I am seeing excellent results!
1) I have been lifting at least 4 days a week. Per my own design, I have one day that is purely devoted to legs and glutes.
2) I have incorporated glute work into every strength training session.
After 4 weeks, I am noticing that I am able to activate my glutes doing the most basic things (i.e. walking, sitting in a chair, etc.). I have also noticed that my glutes are starting to lift and take shape. In addition, my hips are beginning to lean out, while increasing strength simultaneously. This is very exciting progress after such a short time.
This book has introduced me to hip thrusts, which I have simply fallen in love with. I started sing just body weight and then progressing to barbell hip thrusts. I will admit that it is slightly embarrassing to do this exercise in the gym, but my oh my do they work! My glutes were on fire with using just a 40lb barbell. Here is an excellent article that Brett wrote about hip thrusts, with corresponding video tutorials.
Anyway, if you're looking for a new read and want to take on a new challenge, I highly recommend the Strong Curves book. Let me know if you check it out!
To close, here is s short video of Kellie demonstrating barbell hip thrusts. It may take a few tries before you get the hang of these, but keep at it. I'm still working on my form and execution of this exercise, but it's worth the learning curve!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Recognize the beauty in you
I am really at a place of peace. I have been confronting challenges and issues deep within me that have been holding me back. I have acknowledged, let go, and forgiven myself for harboring feelings of anger, shame, and disappointment. I've finally reached a place where I can look at pictures of myself from several years ago and not look at them with tears or longing to return to that place. I am finally starting to look at myself now and actually see beauty. The dark cloud has been lifted and beauty has returned. I've dealt with struggles of self esteem for a large portion of my life. It wasn't until I moved to Texas and started becoming my own woman that I started to break those barriers down. Given the health issues and challenges of the past 5 years, I lost sight of that.
So, today, I have decided to celebrate ME. I know that I am a beautiful person with a kind, caring heart. That is what really makes me beautiful - the INSIDE. I truly love others. I care for the well being of others. I try to find the shining star in every person who I meet. I know God. I am grateful for the gifts that He has bestowed upon me. I am finally starting to see outer beauty, and this is an evolution that has been almost 36 years in the making. I am not saying this in a conceited way. I just recognize that inner beauty shines through to the outside.
I am sharing a few pictures from my competition era and the surrounding years. As I mentioned, I used to cry when I would even think of these pictures, let alone actually see them. Now, I see look at them and smile. They are really pretty pictures that captured a very happy time in my life. At the same time, the physical demands I placed on my body to get to that level were only meant to be for a moment in time, not a lifetime. I am proud of these images, and I accept that I may never get back there again. And that is 100% okay. I can say that with complete and total honesty. I look at the competition pictures and feel proud, but I vividly remember the constant hunger and challenging workouts that I had to endure. I enjoyed the journey, but not the lifestyle.
No matter what your struggle, recognize the beauty in Y-O-U. Nobody can take that away or lift that emotion up, other than you. God made every one of us beautiful. When I started my journey, a friend shared this verse with me. We cried and prayed together as I started my test. I listened to my dear friend Kari then, but I don't think that I ever really internalized the message until now.
Psalms 139:13-16: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Friends, recognize and embrace the beauty within yourself. You will feel better and having a healthy sense of self worth is both positive and peaceful. Thanks to my friend T for helping me reach this point in my journey. People are brought into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Whatever the duration, the impact has been so meaningful.
Find You. Love You. Be You.
THEN
NOW
So, today, I have decided to celebrate ME. I know that I am a beautiful person with a kind, caring heart. That is what really makes me beautiful - the INSIDE. I truly love others. I care for the well being of others. I try to find the shining star in every person who I meet. I know God. I am grateful for the gifts that He has bestowed upon me. I am finally starting to see outer beauty, and this is an evolution that has been almost 36 years in the making. I am not saying this in a conceited way. I just recognize that inner beauty shines through to the outside.
I am sharing a few pictures from my competition era and the surrounding years. As I mentioned, I used to cry when I would even think of these pictures, let alone actually see them. Now, I see look at them and smile. They are really pretty pictures that captured a very happy time in my life. At the same time, the physical demands I placed on my body to get to that level were only meant to be for a moment in time, not a lifetime. I am proud of these images, and I accept that I may never get back there again. And that is 100% okay. I can say that with complete and total honesty. I look at the competition pictures and feel proud, but I vividly remember the constant hunger and challenging workouts that I had to endure. I enjoyed the journey, but not the lifestyle.
No matter what your struggle, recognize the beauty in Y-O-U. Nobody can take that away or lift that emotion up, other than you. God made every one of us beautiful. When I started my journey, a friend shared this verse with me. We cried and prayed together as I started my test. I listened to my dear friend Kari then, but I don't think that I ever really internalized the message until now.
Psalms 139:13-16: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Friends, recognize and embrace the beauty within yourself. You will feel better and having a healthy sense of self worth is both positive and peaceful. Thanks to my friend T for helping me reach this point in my journey. People are brought into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Whatever the duration, the impact has been so meaningful.
Find You. Love You. Be You.
THEN
NOW
Friday, November 22, 2013
Fitbox Arrived - MAJOR FAIL
I was really excited when I learned about the inaugural launch of the Fitbox service. I was interested in the PopSugar boxes, but thought the Fitbox was more aligned with my lifestyle and interests. So, I decided to give it a try.
Well, after many crafty marketing emails about the launch of the product, my Fitbox arrived yesterday. I opened it this morning, anxiously anticipating the contents. I thought that maybe it would include a Fitbit Force for the very first box - something big and on my wish list. Or even a really great workout DVD would have been up my alley. I couldn't have been more INCORRECT. I was incredibly disappointed by this sh*t. Biggest. Waste. Ever.
Contents:
Save your money people. I hope that some people who ordered like the contents, but I am highly disgruntled. I immediately sent them an email stating my opinions and told them to cancel effective NOW. This was the biggest waste of $29.95 that I've ever seen.
Damn you Fitbox! It was an excellent concept. Terrible execution.
On to the next...
Well, after many crafty marketing emails about the launch of the product, my Fitbox arrived yesterday. I opened it this morning, anxiously anticipating the contents. I thought that maybe it would include a Fitbit Force for the very first box - something big and on my wish list. Or even a really great workout DVD would have been up my alley. I couldn't have been more INCORRECT. I was incredibly disappointed by this sh*t. Biggest. Waste. Ever.
Contents:
- AllergEase throat lozenges + $1.00 off coupon
- Multi-Use Toothbrush suction holder
- 2 samples of Athletic Greens
- Recipe card for 'Dirty Guacamole'
- 20% off coupon for Hylete products
- 3 protein bars
- Sample of "Fighter Fix Liniment" (comes in a cologne sampler tube)
- Hand Band X (seriously?!?)
- Fold-Out Card with a November "Depletion Training" workout
Save your money people. I hope that some people who ordered like the contents, but I am highly disgruntled. I immediately sent them an email stating my opinions and told them to cancel effective NOW. This was the biggest waste of $29.95 that I've ever seen.
Damn you Fitbox! It was an excellent concept. Terrible execution.
On to the next...
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Progress?
I rarely post my progress pictures. However, I am going to allow an exception to the rule and move into the 'slightly uncomfortable' zone. It's all part of the evolution. Here is a picture that I snapped on Monday before I went to the gym. Apologies for the hotel room decor - I'm clearly not good at "selfies".Anyway, I want to give a shout out to PROGRESS. Not just the external indicators, but there are many other (perhaps more import) indicators of progress than the obvious physical changes. I wanted to acknowledge the following changes over the past month:
1) Smile. My smile has returned. I am not avoiding mirrors as much, and I am not displaying signs of being uncomfortable with myself, such as walking with my head down or avoiding mirrors of any and all kinds. I have always taken pride in my smile being a reflection of the essence of me. When my body started going haywire, I lost my smile. I used to love taking pictures and being in front of the camera. I'm slowly finding my way back to that happy place. I'm not a vain or self centered person. I am just usually and preferably happy and smiling. I smile often and proudly now.
2) Improved Cardiovascular Endurance. I notice that my endurance is improving. I'm still not able to stay on the elliptical for extended periods of time, but it's getting better. I used to do hours of cardio, broken down into 45-to-60 minute sessions. I haven't done that in a while. I enjoy being able to push myself, and I'm happy that I'm working my way back up to doing challenging things.
3) Muscular Strength. I notice that I'm getting stronger with certain movements. Since my friend Pat started training with me at my house, I have been forced to use my 16kg and 20kg kettlebells for minimums on certain movements. As such, I'm getting much more comfortable with using my 16kg as my baseline kettlebell weight. This is great since I still plan to test for the RKC, hopefully next year, in which my minimum kettlebell weight is 16kg. It's amazing the way my arms and glutes tone up using heavier kettlebells. I used to always default to my 12kg bell, but not anymore! I look forward to adding a second 16kg and a 28kg bell to my set. I already have 8kg, 12kg, 16kg, 20kg, and 24kg bells at home, in singles and pairs of the lighter bells.
4) Define New Challenges. I still try to identify one challenging item to work on each month in the gym. On my list for December is to start incorporating the stepmill into my routine. I usually avoid it like the plague. I saw this man at the gym who was absolutely amazing to watch on the stepmill. He was dancing on that thing! My clumsy a**, I can't even walk on it without constantly looking down at the stairs to avoid falling. Anyway, that will be my December goal. So far this month, I've revisited barbell overhead squats and incorporating my jump rope into my workouts in between sets. I've noticed tremendous improvements in cardiovascular endurance from the jump rope. I'll continue with this and increase my duration from 1:00 to 1:30 rounds.What progress have you recognized in yourself this past month? Acknowledge and be proud!
Three for your playlists...
I get so pumped up when I'm doing cardio or trying to make it through that last rep and either of these songs come on. I've been a big fan of Sia's since 2004ish, during my early days as a newly coined Spinning instructor. She made my playlist rotation regularly. I was introduced to the genius of Steve Aoki during his block party at the Pro Bowl this year in Honolulu, HI. That guy - definitely underrated! Shout out to the Japanese Jesus (his self-proclaimed moniker, not mine :-).
- Sia - Buttons - Marcus Schulz Vocal Mix
- Steve Aoki - Singularity
- Steve Aoki - Come with Me ft. Polina - Deorro Remix
Friday, November 15, 2013
Sick Day
I am totally bummed. I am sick. I foresaw this happening when I took my seat on my flight on Monday morning. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a major germ-o-phob. This means that I thoroughly wipe down my airplane seat and the one next to me with lysol AND clorox bleach wipes. I was the first person on the plane, which gave me plenty of time to stow my luggage and get to the task of disinfecting. Mind you, my client is very cost conscious, which means that I am forced to fly Spirit Airlines each time. If you've ever flown Spirit airlines, you may understand that my quest for cleanliness is not being blown out of proportion.
I have an aisle seat and along comes sick lady #1, clutching her purse, complete with a red, snotty nose. She doesn't acknowledge me whatsoever. I'm not sure if she thought I was going to rob her at gunpoint, but she had this look of fear on her face that just made me shake my head. I get up and let her in. Minutes later, I hear someone in the row behind me coughing up a storm AND a person in the row in front of me doing the same. Then, the man in the row adjacent to me starts coughing and sniffling. I literally felt a panic attack coming on.
Just as the last people are boarding the plane, enter sick man #2, who is sitting right next to me. Awesome. Not only does he put his dirty hands all over my damn seat when he gets in, he takes forever to do it. Not to mention another lady was behind him, moving at a glacial pace. Since I'd stepped behind my seat, she had to get to her row before I could get back to mine. She hits another woman with her butt and is just leaning over people in her row. It was amazing to watch this. I finally get back to my seat, where I proceed to once again wipe down my seat, seat belt, tray, and other things. I then start hearing the heavy breathing of the man next to me. I think that he and the woman work together or somehow know each other. He is very condescending to her. He is writing feverishly and working on something, I have no idea what. Anyway, I say not a single word to either of them the entire flight. I literally leaned into the aisle for the entire 2 hour flight. I had on a sweater and began to shield my face with it (looking indeed like a bandit) when the 2 old folk started their coughing, sneezing, and hacking. Man, I was peeved.
So, Wednesday comes around, cold front hits Atlanta, and I felt my body shut down like bricks on Wednesday night. I still went to the gym, but just had a shorter workout than usual. I thought that sitting in the sauna and hot tub might help sweat out the oncoming illness. I showered after my workout, braved the humiliation of putting on a damn bathing suit (but noticed it fit better than that last time I wore it), and I tried to relax. I entered the steam room first. There was another lady in there, but she was nice, so I felt comfortable. I wasn't too freaked out since I laid towels down on all of the surfaces that I'd be sitting/touching. I started to a little nervous when water dropped down from the ceiling onto my leg. I left about 30 seconds after that and entered the tried and true sauna. This sauna was particularly hot, so I wasn't really able to get as comfortable as I usually do. My shower shoes were burning my feet, so I was a tad bit perplexed as to how I was going to strategically exit the sauna. I did not want my bare feet to touch the floor. I threw one of the towels down and tried to scoot across the floor. Had I been a fly on the wall, I am sure that this would have been a bit of comic relief.
All in all, I did enjoy the steam room and sauna. I took another shower, and then got into the hot tub. I was only in there for a few minutes when another woman entered the hot tub COMPLETELY NAKED. I immediately hopped out of that hot tub like it was full of molten lava. I could not fathom the concept of being in a hot tub, with a naked woman. I did not want any part of that! No sir!
I started laughing at myself. Mind you, I showered after my workout and before I got into the steam room. Then, I showered again after the steam room/sauna but before entering the hot tub. I was freaking out having a shower in the gym, because I rarely do that. Anyway, when that naked lady got in the damn hot tub, I seriously freaked out. I won't be using the hot tub again ever. I'll leave it to just the sauna and on rare occasion the steam room.
Anyway, I slept hard when I got home last night. I woke up this morning with a fever and feeling sore all over. I decided to take the day off and focus on resting. I had a great workout planned for today, but I am not sure if I'll get to it. I'd rather get well and be able to have an excellent workout tomorrow.
Despite all of this, the past 3 weeks have been really phenomenal. I am noticing changes in my legs and more definition in my arms. I am also trying to select new or challenging exercises/machines that I haven't done in a long time to reintroduce into my program. I'm having fun and am very proud of myself. I am 6 weeks out from birthday number 36. There are times when I feel like I'm not going to meet my goal of competing ever again..but I try to just get rid of those negative thoughts when they enter. It's entirely possible. I just have to remain consistently consistent, and the results will come. I believe this whole heartedly. I welcome age 36 and plan to feel the best ever. It will be a blessing!
Have a great weekend. I'll post some of my favorite workouts in the coming days.
I have an aisle seat and along comes sick lady #1, clutching her purse, complete with a red, snotty nose. She doesn't acknowledge me whatsoever. I'm not sure if she thought I was going to rob her at gunpoint, but she had this look of fear on her face that just made me shake my head. I get up and let her in. Minutes later, I hear someone in the row behind me coughing up a storm AND a person in the row in front of me doing the same. Then, the man in the row adjacent to me starts coughing and sniffling. I literally felt a panic attack coming on.
Just as the last people are boarding the plane, enter sick man #2, who is sitting right next to me. Awesome. Not only does he put his dirty hands all over my damn seat when he gets in, he takes forever to do it. Not to mention another lady was behind him, moving at a glacial pace. Since I'd stepped behind my seat, she had to get to her row before I could get back to mine. She hits another woman with her butt and is just leaning over people in her row. It was amazing to watch this. I finally get back to my seat, where I proceed to once again wipe down my seat, seat belt, tray, and other things. I then start hearing the heavy breathing of the man next to me. I think that he and the woman work together or somehow know each other. He is very condescending to her. He is writing feverishly and working on something, I have no idea what. Anyway, I say not a single word to either of them the entire flight. I literally leaned into the aisle for the entire 2 hour flight. I had on a sweater and began to shield my face with it (looking indeed like a bandit) when the 2 old folk started their coughing, sneezing, and hacking. Man, I was peeved.
So, Wednesday comes around, cold front hits Atlanta, and I felt my body shut down like bricks on Wednesday night. I still went to the gym, but just had a shorter workout than usual. I thought that sitting in the sauna and hot tub might help sweat out the oncoming illness. I showered after my workout, braved the humiliation of putting on a damn bathing suit (but noticed it fit better than that last time I wore it), and I tried to relax. I entered the steam room first. There was another lady in there, but she was nice, so I felt comfortable. I wasn't too freaked out since I laid towels down on all of the surfaces that I'd be sitting/touching. I started to a little nervous when water dropped down from the ceiling onto my leg. I left about 30 seconds after that and entered the tried and true sauna. This sauna was particularly hot, so I wasn't really able to get as comfortable as I usually do. My shower shoes were burning my feet, so I was a tad bit perplexed as to how I was going to strategically exit the sauna. I did not want my bare feet to touch the floor. I threw one of the towels down and tried to scoot across the floor. Had I been a fly on the wall, I am sure that this would have been a bit of comic relief.
All in all, I did enjoy the steam room and sauna. I took another shower, and then got into the hot tub. I was only in there for a few minutes when another woman entered the hot tub COMPLETELY NAKED. I immediately hopped out of that hot tub like it was full of molten lava. I could not fathom the concept of being in a hot tub, with a naked woman. I did not want any part of that! No sir!
I started laughing at myself. Mind you, I showered after my workout and before I got into the steam room. Then, I showered again after the steam room/sauna but before entering the hot tub. I was freaking out having a shower in the gym, because I rarely do that. Anyway, when that naked lady got in the damn hot tub, I seriously freaked out. I won't be using the hot tub again ever. I'll leave it to just the sauna and on rare occasion the steam room.
Anyway, I slept hard when I got home last night. I woke up this morning with a fever and feeling sore all over. I decided to take the day off and focus on resting. I had a great workout planned for today, but I am not sure if I'll get to it. I'd rather get well and be able to have an excellent workout tomorrow.
Despite all of this, the past 3 weeks have been really phenomenal. I am noticing changes in my legs and more definition in my arms. I am also trying to select new or challenging exercises/machines that I haven't done in a long time to reintroduce into my program. I'm having fun and am very proud of myself. I am 6 weeks out from birthday number 36. There are times when I feel like I'm not going to meet my goal of competing ever again..but I try to just get rid of those negative thoughts when they enter. It's entirely possible. I just have to remain consistently consistent, and the results will come. I believe this whole heartedly. I welcome age 36 and plan to feel the best ever. It will be a blessing!
Have a great weekend. I'll post some of my favorite workouts in the coming days.
Tuesday, November 05, 2013
Methods
This quote came across my Inbox today, courtesy of MBody Strength:
Methods are many, principles are few.
Methods often change, but principles never do.
Take it for what it's worth, and keep rockin' it out!!
Methods are many, principles are few.
Methods often change, but principles never do.
Take it for what it's worth, and keep rockin' it out!!
Monday, November 04, 2013
Reminder: Consistency
The past week has been really great. I was able to lift 4 out of 7 days last week, which was my stretch goal. I was also able to keep my eating pretty much on target. The result? I dropped 5 pounds!! I didn't stress out or overthink things, as per usual. I just planned my meals, packed my lunch bag, equipped myself with options while on the road, and set a specific time to go to the gym each day. I feel amazing, in mind, body, and spirit. I wake up each day excited for the things that I want to accomplish professionally and for the day's challenge after work in the gym. I haven't felt this way in a long time.
I am truly grateful for the chance to continue improving my life, and I am taking things one day at a time. When I feel tired or like dismissing my daily routine, I think of those who may not be able to go to the gym or take in the sunshine or walk up a flight of stairs. I have a close first cousin who has terminal sarcoidosis (at the tender age of 43). When I feel like complaining, I think of her. No matter how much you feel like giving up, as long as you are given a new day to try, seize the opportunity. She reminds me of that every single day. She has a very difficult time even breathing, but she continues to fight with every new day that she is given. Helps you keep things in perspective, huh?
Ergo, all this to say: I have been reminded that being consistently consistent with nutrition and exercise is the only way to accomplishing ones health & fitness goals. A little bit of something is better than a whole lot of nothing.
Totally Random:
How beautiful is this picture of Rhianna?!? She is the new 2014 face of Mac's VivaGlam campaign. Excellent choice!
I am truly grateful for the chance to continue improving my life, and I am taking things one day at a time. When I feel tired or like dismissing my daily routine, I think of those who may not be able to go to the gym or take in the sunshine or walk up a flight of stairs. I have a close first cousin who has terminal sarcoidosis (at the tender age of 43). When I feel like complaining, I think of her. No matter how much you feel like giving up, as long as you are given a new day to try, seize the opportunity. She reminds me of that every single day. She has a very difficult time even breathing, but she continues to fight with every new day that she is given. Helps you keep things in perspective, huh?
Ergo, all this to say: I have been reminded that being consistently consistent with nutrition and exercise is the only way to accomplishing ones health & fitness goals. A little bit of something is better than a whole lot of nothing.
Totally Random:
How beautiful is this picture of Rhianna?!? She is the new 2014 face of Mac's VivaGlam campaign. Excellent choice!
Saturday, November 02, 2013
My Goodie List
I'm putting together my gifts-for-myself list, and there are 3 things that are rising to the top.
1) New Gym Bag - I'm always on the lookout for a new gym bag. I haven't found one that is just the right size - not too big and not too small. I am trying to decide between 2 of the Live Well 360 bags - either the Core or the Luxx bag. I'm leaning towards the Core because it looks like a decent size, and I'm not a huge yoga tote person. It also looks like a bag that I can take on work trips, and then be able to take to the local gym at the client site. Of course I will get the Eggplant Purple - since purple is my favorite color!
CORE
LUXX
2) Gucci Bag - I've not purchased a really nice handbag for myself. When I was in 7th grade, my parents bought me a Fendi purse, and I thought it was a really extravagant gift for a 12 year old. I don't remember whatever happened to it. My Mom always tried to get me expensive purses, but I'm a very practical and frugal person. Nonetheless, now that I'm a fully grown woman, I realized that I have never purchased anything over the top expensive for myself apparel wise. Anyway, I've decided that I'm going to treat myself to a Gucci handbag next year. I think they are really sophisticated. I'm not quite sure if it will feel "too big" since I tend to go for smaller purses. I have a girlfriend who has one of these bags, and I really liked it. What do you think of these two (other than one of them being more than my mortgage - argh?!? Methinks I need to find a sugar daddy).
3) Herve Leger Dress - I've had an HL on my list for years. Now that my weight loss is well underway, my goal is to be able to buy an HL for my 36th birthday. We are in the final countdown now, people. There are several that I really like. Here is one that is on list. Watch out sexy will be back in full effect!!
1) New Gym Bag - I'm always on the lookout for a new gym bag. I haven't found one that is just the right size - not too big and not too small. I am trying to decide between 2 of the Live Well 360 bags - either the Core or the Luxx bag. I'm leaning towards the Core because it looks like a decent size, and I'm not a huge yoga tote person. It also looks like a bag that I can take on work trips, and then be able to take to the local gym at the client site. Of course I will get the Eggplant Purple - since purple is my favorite color!
CORE
LUXX
2) Gucci Bag - I've not purchased a really nice handbag for myself. When I was in 7th grade, my parents bought me a Fendi purse, and I thought it was a really extravagant gift for a 12 year old. I don't remember whatever happened to it. My Mom always tried to get me expensive purses, but I'm a very practical and frugal person. Nonetheless, now that I'm a fully grown woman, I realized that I have never purchased anything over the top expensive for myself apparel wise. Anyway, I've decided that I'm going to treat myself to a Gucci handbag next year. I think they are really sophisticated. I'm not quite sure if it will feel "too big" since I tend to go for smaller purses. I have a girlfriend who has one of these bags, and I really liked it. What do you think of these two (other than one of them being more than my mortgage - argh?!? Methinks I need to find a sugar daddy).
3) Herve Leger Dress - I've had an HL on my list for years. Now that my weight loss is well underway, my goal is to be able to buy an HL for my 36th birthday. We are in the final countdown now, people. There are several that I really like. Here is one that is on list. Watch out sexy will be back in full effect!!
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