It's time for another progress check from me, and I have to admit, I'm starting to like what I see. I've never liked my midsection, and while the front still has a lot of loose skin and fat, the sides are starting to show some serious definition! The most startling change is in my hips, though - the ratio of waist to hip is not nearly as dramatic as it once was.
First off, my weight: I haven't had my Weight Watchers weigh-in yet this week, but I was at 202 last week, and stepped on the scale this morning to see 200. I'm hoping that number holds on until Friday's weigh-in. I've been working really hard to stay within my points when eating, and for the most part I've been successful. Eating out is always hard, but I'm learning that the chocolate cake isn't going off the menu anytime soon, and one or two bites are still just as satisfying as an entire piece, without the uncomfortable stomach ache afterward.
I wish I would have written down my measurements at the beginning of all of this, but I didn't start writing them down until March 23. So here's a comparison from March 23 to April 23 showing the differences I've made in a month:
(first number is 3/23, second is 4/23)
Bicep ----- 15" ------ 14.5"
Chest----- 36.25" --- 35.25" (underbust measurements)
Waist ---- 36.25" --- 35.5"
Hips ----- 47.75" --- 46.5"
Thigh ---- 27.75" --- 26.75"
One other indicator that proves I'm really making a difference in my body, even if the scale isn't moving much, is body fat %. I have one of those fancy scales that measures body fat %, and while it can be off by 3% either way, it can still show when you're trending downward or upward.
Since the beginning of March, my scale shows that I'm down about 8% bodyfat. That's a lot of fat that has now disappeared!
The hardest part is still buying clothing. As much as I'd like to be done with it, I'm still a size 16 in many pants, although I am now fitting comfortably in many 14's, also. I'm exclusively buying large tops instead of XL tops now.
All except Old Navy, of course. They have to have the weirdest sizing I've ever encountered. I tried on some capris at Old Navy the other day, and I was disgusted with their weird fit. A pair of size 16's didn't fit me, mostly because the Sweetheart "classic rise" - which is supposed to fall just below the waist - only came up just past my pubic bone. And the legs felt like they were for someone half that size. I tried on a size 18 too, and found it was still too tight in the legs, while enormous around what they think is my waist (but is really my hips). Note to Old Navy: if someone needs a size 16 for their hips and waist, they'll probably need some room for their larger legs, too.
But the truly odd thing is that I also tried on some knit capris and the XL were too large for me! I needed a large instead. Weird, weird sizing. It's no wonder women have such a complex over a little number sewn in the back of our clothing.
I'm also only an inch or so away from taking off my old jeans without unbuttoning them - you can bet I'll be filming that when it happens!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Challenge #7: Paying Attention & Changing Things Up
Sorry I'm a little late with the challenge this week. After yesterday's five mile walk for the March for Babies, I was simply way too tired to get any writing done.
But no worries, here are the challenges for this week!
Diet:
Two weeks ago I asked you to measure out your food portions to help you realize what you're eating. This week we're going to keep that theme of paying attention to what you're eating. Your challenge this week is to sit down and pay attention when you're eating. Far too often many of us eat on the run - eating in the car, nibbling on something while standing in the kitchen, walking while eating at an event, etc. The problem with this behavior is that your brain doesn't pay attention to your food intake with so much going on. That means it's easy to overeat, and you'll feel hungry again sooner.
So for this week, really concentrate on the act of eating: sit down, eliminate as many distractions as possible, eat slowly and consciously enjoy your food. You'll likely find that you feel more satisfied with less food and are less hungry between meals.
Fitness:
It's time to change things up with your fitness plan. Doing the same routines for several weeks results in the body getting used to the stress and adapting to it. That means you get less results for all of the sweat time you're putting in. For this week's challenge, change up your routine. Add in a new exercise or workout DVD, or try a new type of exercise. For example, if you're so into yoga that you even sleep in proper yoga positions, maybe try some kickboxing. Or if you do a lot of high-intensity workouts, try a pilates workout this week. Keep your body guessing, and you'll continue to get the results you want.
Personal:
This week's challenge is all about fear. What are you afraid of that is keeping you from your goals? Think about what it is you really want in life, and then brainstorm what's been holding you back from having what you want. Many of us want to lose weight, and psychologists have often said that our weight can sometimes be a layer of protection, insulating us from some past emotional hurt or fear.
As an example, I know I'm somewhat shy around the opposite sex, and I'm sure I have a fear of attention from men if I was thinner. Sounds crazy, but it's true - I don't know how to respond well to positive attention, and staying overweight can prevent much of that attention.
So what's holding you back?
A reminder on how to play: choose one challenge from the three listed above, do your best to follow the challenge, and report in at the end of the week. Leave a comment or e-mail me the link to your results post, and I'll link them up in a round-up results post.
Good luck!
New to Hot by BlogHer? It's not too late to join in - send me an e-mail and I'll add you to the roster!
But no worries, here are the challenges for this week!
Diet:
Two weeks ago I asked you to measure out your food portions to help you realize what you're eating. This week we're going to keep that theme of paying attention to what you're eating. Your challenge this week is to sit down and pay attention when you're eating. Far too often many of us eat on the run - eating in the car, nibbling on something while standing in the kitchen, walking while eating at an event, etc. The problem with this behavior is that your brain doesn't pay attention to your food intake with so much going on. That means it's easy to overeat, and you'll feel hungry again sooner.
So for this week, really concentrate on the act of eating: sit down, eliminate as many distractions as possible, eat slowly and consciously enjoy your food. You'll likely find that you feel more satisfied with less food and are less hungry between meals.
Fitness:
It's time to change things up with your fitness plan. Doing the same routines for several weeks results in the body getting used to the stress and adapting to it. That means you get less results for all of the sweat time you're putting in. For this week's challenge, change up your routine. Add in a new exercise or workout DVD, or try a new type of exercise. For example, if you're so into yoga that you even sleep in proper yoga positions, maybe try some kickboxing. Or if you do a lot of high-intensity workouts, try a pilates workout this week. Keep your body guessing, and you'll continue to get the results you want.
Personal:
This week's challenge is all about fear. What are you afraid of that is keeping you from your goals? Think about what it is you really want in life, and then brainstorm what's been holding you back from having what you want. Many of us want to lose weight, and psychologists have often said that our weight can sometimes be a layer of protection, insulating us from some past emotional hurt or fear.
As an example, I know I'm somewhat shy around the opposite sex, and I'm sure I have a fear of attention from men if I was thinner. Sounds crazy, but it's true - I don't know how to respond well to positive attention, and staying overweight can prevent much of that attention.
So what's holding you back?
A reminder on how to play: choose one challenge from the three listed above, do your best to follow the challenge, and report in at the end of the week. Leave a comment or e-mail me the link to your results post, and I'll link them up in a round-up results post.
Good luck!
New to Hot by BlogHer? It's not too late to join in - send me an e-mail and I'll add you to the roster!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Challenge 6 Results
If water ever needed a spokesperson, I'd be an easy pick. Despite a hard week, I've managed to keep up my water drinking, even polishing off two bottles of water during each of my 12-hour clinical days at the hospital. (And in nursing, that's hard to do - we never have time to get a drink!) I know I shouldn't weigh myself daily, but I have noticed a connection between my weight and the amount of water I drink each day. The days I drink more, my weight is less the next morning.
Workout-wise, though, I had a less than stellar week. I didn't workout at all on Monday or Tuesday because of my sheer exhaustion from clinical. Don't count me out completely, though - I did get back on the wagon Wednesday and Thursday. I usually give myself two days off from working out each week, and I think those two days will have to be my clinical days until I'm done with it in mid-May.
How was your week? Did you complete your challenge? If not, what was the problem?
Workout-wise, though, I had a less than stellar week. I didn't workout at all on Monday or Tuesday because of my sheer exhaustion from clinical. Don't count me out completely, though - I did get back on the wagon Wednesday and Thursday. I usually give myself two days off from working out each week, and I think those two days will have to be my clinical days until I'm done with it in mid-May.
How was your week? Did you complete your challenge? If not, what was the problem?
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Challenge #6: Another Chance
Ever have one of those weeks that you wish you could go back and redo? Well, this is your chance, at least as far as Hot by BlogHer is concerned. (I can't help you with any other part of your life, sorry!)
For this week's challenge, you're going to select a challenge from the previous five weeks. You can pick one that you were interested in but never got the chance to do. Or you can pick a challenge you already did, either because you need it again or feel you didn't succeed with it the first time.
Just to remind you, here are links to the previous challenges:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
For me, I'm going back to the water challenge this week, pushing myself to drink 64 oz. of water a day, with only two non-water drinks allowed. I'm also going to work in more of Deb's 10 minute challenges, with the goal of completing the ones I never got the chance to try last time.
Which challenge are you going to choose?
For this week's challenge, you're going to select a challenge from the previous five weeks. You can pick one that you were interested in but never got the chance to do. Or you can pick a challenge you already did, either because you need it again or feel you didn't succeed with it the first time.
Just to remind you, here are links to the previous challenges:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
For me, I'm going back to the water challenge this week, pushing myself to drink 64 oz. of water a day, with only two non-water drinks allowed. I'm also going to work in more of Deb's 10 minute challenges, with the goal of completing the ones I never got the chance to try last time.
Which challenge are you going to choose?
Friday, April 17, 2009
Challenge 5 Results
Now that school is back in session (as of last week), it's suddenly become way harder to keep up with my diet and fitness goals. My two 12 hour shifts at the hospital for clinicals each week are the primary problem. During those 12 hours, I'm constantly busy but not getting a lot of actual exercise (or sitting down either), and if I'm lucky I have time to inhale one quick meal in 10 minutes and a snack in five. Forget drinking water - I have nowhere to put a bottle, and if I did drink water, I'd have to make too many trips to the bathroom. Somehow I'll have to find some balance during those days.
I did a great job this week with the diet challenge. If I wanted to eat something that wasn't individually packaged, I counted out my serving and put the rest of it back. Almonds are my best example - given the chance, I could mindlessly eat an entire container of them. Instead, I counted out my serving, ate them, and then if I still wanted more, made the choice to go count out another serving.
Deb's ten minute challenges were also fun to do. I didn't get in all of them (crazy week here with Cordy on spring break) but I plan on going back to them. Even at the hospital I could work in the 2x2 stairs challenge.
Despite life getting in the way, I'm (as of today) down another two pounds. Two more pounds to go before I kiss the 200's goodbye. Oh, you can bet I'll be working hard this next week.
How was your week? Did you succeed at your challenge?
I did a great job this week with the diet challenge. If I wanted to eat something that wasn't individually packaged, I counted out my serving and put the rest of it back. Almonds are my best example - given the chance, I could mindlessly eat an entire container of them. Instead, I counted out my serving, ate them, and then if I still wanted more, made the choice to go count out another serving.
Deb's ten minute challenges were also fun to do. I didn't get in all of them (crazy week here with Cordy on spring break) but I plan on going back to them. Even at the hospital I could work in the 2x2 stairs challenge.
Despite life getting in the way, I'm (as of today) down another two pounds. Two more pounds to go before I kiss the 200's goodbye. Oh, you can bet I'll be working hard this next week.
How was your week? Did you succeed at your challenge?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Progress Report (Not As Exciting As Before)
I've lost another pound this week, for a grand total of 9 pounds, which makes me happy. Of course, I wish I was losing faster than a pound every other week, but I guess I don't mind as long as the numbers are still in a downward trend.
For fitness, I'm still refusing to commit to Team Bob or Team Jillian with the Shreadheads, and instead go with a blend of them with a little but of My Fitness Coach thrown in, too. I'm doing mostly Level 1 from the Shred, and Level 1 of Bob's Cardio Max. There's a strong possibility I'll be buying Bob's Weight Loss Yoga DVD in the near future.
I'm counting Points with Weight Watchers for my diet, and I'm so thankful I'm using this system because I've found my abilities of estimation to be lacking. I've dieted and overeaten for so long in my life, I can't tell when I've had enough. Emotion is completely tied in with hunger - am I hungry, or just feeling down? For now, I need the extra structure of counting out my portions, tallying them up, and keeping my totals within a defined limit.
I've noticed the greatest change in my clothing, though. I'm nearly at the point where I can take off my jeans without unbuttoning them, and these are Right Fit jeans that have a small and high waist. I'm making this promise to you: the day I can do it, you'll see the video right here on this blog. (With leggings on underneath, of course.)
When I started my final quarter of school last week, I was shocked to realize my nursing school uniform scrubs look like a clown suit on me now. At my last clinical in early March, the pants still fit tightly, the seams straining at the hips. Now? They're loose on me. Yippiee!
Despite still working out 5 days a week and keeping track of my food, I don't have dramatic photos to show for the past few weeks. At least, nothing as dramatic as the first three weeks.
Here are my starting and 3 week photos again:
And here I am from the other day:
As much as I hate to show it, here's the backside:
And now:
There's a little bit of progress there, but it's not as much as before. As much as I prefer the strength training, it might be time to increase my cardio. Because I can feel my new muscles, but they're hiding under some fat that needs to go away. Now that the weather is getting nicer, I might add some evening walks into my plan for a little extra cardio burn.
For fitness, I'm still refusing to commit to Team Bob or Team Jillian with the Shreadheads, and instead go with a blend of them with a little but of My Fitness Coach thrown in, too. I'm doing mostly Level 1 from the Shred, and Level 1 of Bob's Cardio Max. There's a strong possibility I'll be buying Bob's Weight Loss Yoga DVD in the near future.
I'm counting Points with Weight Watchers for my diet, and I'm so thankful I'm using this system because I've found my abilities of estimation to be lacking. I've dieted and overeaten for so long in my life, I can't tell when I've had enough. Emotion is completely tied in with hunger - am I hungry, or just feeling down? For now, I need the extra structure of counting out my portions, tallying them up, and keeping my totals within a defined limit.
I've noticed the greatest change in my clothing, though. I'm nearly at the point where I can take off my jeans without unbuttoning them, and these are Right Fit jeans that have a small and high waist. I'm making this promise to you: the day I can do it, you'll see the video right here on this blog. (With leggings on underneath, of course.)
When I started my final quarter of school last week, I was shocked to realize my nursing school uniform scrubs look like a clown suit on me now. At my last clinical in early March, the pants still fit tightly, the seams straining at the hips. Now? They're loose on me. Yippiee!
Despite still working out 5 days a week and keeping track of my food, I don't have dramatic photos to show for the past few weeks. At least, nothing as dramatic as the first three weeks.
Here are my starting and 3 week photos again:
And here I am from the other day:
As much as I hate to show it, here's the backside:
And now:
There's a little bit of progress there, but it's not as much as before. As much as I prefer the strength training, it might be time to increase my cardio. Because I can feel my new muscles, but they're hiding under some fat that needs to go away. Now that the weather is getting nicer, I might add some evening walks into my plan for a little extra cardio burn.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Challenge #5: It All Adds Up
What a week. First I had an enormous seder meal for Passover with my husband's family, then Easter brought more chocolate than I could resist. And while I did eat a lot of food, I didn't let myself become "stuffed" and so I don't think the damage was all that bad. Truthfully, it's hard to really do a lot of damage to a diet in a single day. Better to let yourself have that free day to enjoy a special meal with family and friends, then go right back to your good habits the next day, right?
For those who celebrated holidays this past week, how did you do with the food/family/time crunch onslaught?
Diet:
This week's diet challenge is so simple, yet has the ability to make such a difference. For this week, all you have to do is measure out everything you eat. What I mean by that is, if you want to snack on some chips, you'll read the serving size, count out how many servings you want, and then eat them. Grabbing the entire bag and eating from it is a big no-no, because it's too easy to lose track of how much you're eating.
So many of us will keep munching on food if it's in front of us, so remove that temptation by selecting the amount you want to eat, putting it on a plate or bowl or whatever, and then putting the package away.
Fitness:
This week's fitness challenge is courtesy of Deb. She has created these amazing 10 minute challenges you can do throughout your day, during commercials, or whenever you have a few moments to spare. I absolutely love this idea, and can't wait to try these this week. Here is Deb's explanation:
Ten minutes challenges are very simple idea: Do a movement for one minute and repeat it 10 times throughout the day. These are fairly simple exercises that can re-energize us and inspire us -and our families- to get moving.
This week:
Monday: Steps 2x2. Head up a flight of stairs 2 at a time; then walk down in normal fashion. The first minute try to complete this task 4 to 6 times. No need to race on this one; concentrate on pushing up on each step.
Tuesday: Push Ups. Everyone can do some form of pushup whether you push up from the counter's edge, from a wall, or from the floor, on your knees or your toes. No time set on this one. Do 10 pushups each time. By the end of the day, you'll have done 100 pushups!
Wednesday: Jumping Jacks! Remember how much fun these were? See how many you can do a minute, then see if you can do just one more each time.
Thursday: Bird Dogs. On the floor, on your hands and knees. Keeping your head straight (looking down not out) raise your left arm and right leg straight out. Hold for 5 seconds and return arm and leg to floor. Alternate sides.
Friday: Foot Push. Stand erect, hands on hips. Lift one foot slightly off the ground; balancing on one foot. Keeping the foot parallel to the ground, gently push the free foot forward as far as you can while maintaining your balance. You can bend the support leg but do not lean forward. Try for 3-4 times on each side in your minute.
These exercises were designed to give you a little touch of a full body workout. First your legs, then your arms, next some cardio and core and finishing with stability. Want to head outdoors one day? Play either a game of HopScotch or Leap Frog!
Personal:
When I'm feeling really down about myself, I sometimes find it difficult to find what I like about myself, no matter how hard I try. But if I take the focus off of myself for awhile and do something nice to benefit someone else, I find that little light inside of me again.
For this week's challenge, your goal is to practice random acts of kindness every single day. Look for opportunities to help those around you, or take the time to give a genuine compliment to someone else. That little effort on your part will not only make you feel better, but it could be the best moment of that person's day - and maybe karma will return the favor to you soon.
A reminder on how to play: choose one challenge from the three listed above, do your best to follow the challenge, and report in at the end of the week. Leave a comment or e-mail me the link to your results post, and I'll link them up in a round-up results post.
Good luck!
New to Hot by BlogHer? It's not too late to join in - send me an e-mail and I'll add you to the roster!
For those who celebrated holidays this past week, how did you do with the food/family/time crunch onslaught?
Diet:
This week's diet challenge is so simple, yet has the ability to make such a difference. For this week, all you have to do is measure out everything you eat. What I mean by that is, if you want to snack on some chips, you'll read the serving size, count out how many servings you want, and then eat them. Grabbing the entire bag and eating from it is a big no-no, because it's too easy to lose track of how much you're eating.
So many of us will keep munching on food if it's in front of us, so remove that temptation by selecting the amount you want to eat, putting it on a plate or bowl or whatever, and then putting the package away.
Fitness:
This week's fitness challenge is courtesy of Deb. She has created these amazing 10 minute challenges you can do throughout your day, during commercials, or whenever you have a few moments to spare. I absolutely love this idea, and can't wait to try these this week. Here is Deb's explanation:
Ten minutes challenges are very simple idea: Do a movement for one minute and repeat it 10 times throughout the day. These are fairly simple exercises that can re-energize us and inspire us -and our families- to get moving.
This week:
Monday: Steps 2x2. Head up a flight of stairs 2 at a time; then walk down in normal fashion. The first minute try to complete this task 4 to 6 times. No need to race on this one; concentrate on pushing up on each step.
Tuesday: Push Ups. Everyone can do some form of pushup whether you push up from the counter's edge, from a wall, or from the floor, on your knees or your toes. No time set on this one. Do 10 pushups each time. By the end of the day, you'll have done 100 pushups!
Wednesday: Jumping Jacks! Remember how much fun these were? See how many you can do a minute, then see if you can do just one more each time.
Thursday: Bird Dogs. On the floor, on your hands and knees. Keeping your head straight (looking down not out) raise your left arm and right leg straight out. Hold for 5 seconds and return arm and leg to floor. Alternate sides.
Friday: Foot Push. Stand erect, hands on hips. Lift one foot slightly off the ground; balancing on one foot. Keeping the foot parallel to the ground, gently push the free foot forward as far as you can while maintaining your balance. You can bend the support leg but do not lean forward. Try for 3-4 times on each side in your minute.
These exercises were designed to give you a little touch of a full body workout. First your legs, then your arms, next some cardio and core and finishing with stability. Want to head outdoors one day? Play either a game of HopScotch or Leap Frog!
Personal:
When I'm feeling really down about myself, I sometimes find it difficult to find what I like about myself, no matter how hard I try. But if I take the focus off of myself for awhile and do something nice to benefit someone else, I find that little light inside of me again.
For this week's challenge, your goal is to practice random acts of kindness every single day. Look for opportunities to help those around you, or take the time to give a genuine compliment to someone else. That little effort on your part will not only make you feel better, but it could be the best moment of that person's day - and maybe karma will return the favor to you soon.
A reminder on how to play: choose one challenge from the three listed above, do your best to follow the challenge, and report in at the end of the week. Leave a comment or e-mail me the link to your results post, and I'll link them up in a round-up results post.
Good luck!
New to Hot by BlogHer? It's not too late to join in - send me an e-mail and I'll add you to the roster!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Challenge 4 Results: Drinking Enough Water To Float Away
I can proudly say that I completed the diet challenge this week. Keeping my Cherry Crack Coke Zero habit to only two cans a day was difficult, but I had one with breakfast, and one with dinner, and only water in between.
I have no idea how much water I downed during the week, but I know the filter on my water dispenser already needs changed, so I'd guessing hydration isn't a problem for me. Cutting back on the caffeine has been difficult, though, including the withdrawal headache.
This week I started my final clinical experience for nursing school, involving two 12-hour shifts each week. Staying hydrated while working will be difficult - if I drink too much, I have to pee too much, which gets in the way of getting things done. It'll be interesting to figure out the right balance.
So how was your week? Did you complete your challenge?
(Send me a link to your challenge results post this weekend and you'll be eligible to win one of two Weight Watchers 3-month memberships! You must have attempted one of the challenges this week, and be listed in the roster on the sidebar.)
Updates:
Week 4 Challenge
Challenge 4 AKA I'm a Camel
You're the Only Bait in Town
Congrats to the winners of the 3-month Weight Watchers memberships: Sleepy New Mommy & Catnip!
I have no idea how much water I downed during the week, but I know the filter on my water dispenser already needs changed, so I'd guessing hydration isn't a problem for me. Cutting back on the caffeine has been difficult, though, including the withdrawal headache.
This week I started my final clinical experience for nursing school, involving two 12-hour shifts each week. Staying hydrated while working will be difficult - if I drink too much, I have to pee too much, which gets in the way of getting things done. It'll be interesting to figure out the right balance.
So how was your week? Did you complete your challenge?
(Send me a link to your challenge results post this weekend and you'll be eligible to win one of two Weight Watchers 3-month memberships! You must have attempted one of the challenges this week, and be listed in the roster on the sidebar.)
Updates:
Week 4 Challenge
Challenge 4 AKA I'm a Camel
You're the Only Bait in Town
Congrats to the winners of the 3-month Weight Watchers memberships: Sleepy New Mommy & Catnip!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Review: My Fitness Coach
One of the tools I've been using for my workouts, and to track my progress, is the Wii game My Fitness Coach. It really isn't so much a game as a customizable workout program.When you first set up a profile, you're asked to complete a physical challenge so Maya - the computerized trainer - can see what your starting point is. This challenge includes a cardio heart rate test, strength tests, and body measurements. From there, Maya recommends a program focus (mine was weight loss, obviously) and a workout commitment schedule.
Once you're ready for a workout, you choose your location, music, and length of your workout. If you have any exercise equipment, like hand weights, a step, or an exercise ball, select those so Maya can work them into your program.
The real genius of this program is that there are over 400 different moves that can be incorporated into a workout, making it highly unlikely that you'll ever do the same workout twice. For someone like me who gets bored easily, this is perfect.
Also, after each section of the workout, Maya will ask you how you felt about that session. If you answer that it was too easy, the program will adjust in the future to make it more difficult. If it's too difficult, it will make that section easier next time. (And of course, if you answer that you were working hard, it will continue that level.)
I also like seeing the time count down for each workout. The exercise bar also moves along the bottom of the screen, showing you how much longer you have for a current exercise and what is coming up next.
After every 10 workouts, you complete the physical challenge again to gauge your progress. It's great to see the measurements going down while my endurance goes up.
While I love My Fitness Coach, it's not a perfect Wii game or workout program. The game doesn't give you the ability to look back at the calendar and see which days you worked out. And while it shows the physical challenge results in a comparison chart, there are no numbers to see, only bar graphs. I'd kinda like a reminder of the numbers without having to write them down in my notebook.And of course, the program is only as good as your honesty. There's no way for the game to check that you're doing what you're supposed to be doing - you have to be honest in answering questions and doing the exercises she shows you.
I've been using My Fitness Coach for over a month now, and I'm very pleased with the game. It's a great workout - better than Wii Fit, in my opinion - and it doesn't require the Wii Fit step. In fact, the only requirement for this game is a Wii - hand weights, step, etc. are all optional. It's perfect for people who require a lot of variety in their workouts.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Challenge #4: Water, Abs, & Personal Strengths
How are you feeling so far? They say it takes over 20 days to form a new habit, so some of us should be reaching the point where this is starting to feel a little less foreign.
I bought a new workout top recently after my hot pink sports bra started to feel a little loose and not-so-supportive. The new one is a full top with built-in bra, so now I don't have to share in the mutual embarrassment of the UPS guy showing up to the door right after a workout. I love knowing it's a smaller size top, too, even if I am mourning the loss of my C cup.
If you have any ideas for challenges, feel free to send them my way. I try to think up challenges based on what anyone might need, but really I only have my own experiences to draw from. If there's something specific that you know you need to work on, let me know and I'll try to shape a challenge for you.
On to the challenges!
Diet:
The human body is made up of up to 70% water, and without a proper water balance our bodies don't function as well as they should. If you're hydrated, your skin looks better, you have more energy, and you don't feel as hungry. Water also helps flush out the by-products from burning fat so you can lose weight faster. Diet soda is OK, but caffeine is a diuretic so it forces more fluid out of you. And the artificial sweetener may be zero calories, but the sweetness does trigger your hunger signal and can lead to overeating.
If you accept this challenge, break out the reusable sports bottle (BPA free, right?) and start filling it up with water. You're going to drink a minimum of 1 liter of water each day, with a goal of 64 ounces if possible. You'll also limit yourself to only two non-water drinks per day. I'm not heartless - I know many of us need our caffeine to function in the morning. So plan wisely, drink up, and make sure you know where a bathroom is at all times.
Fitness:
The muscles we use the most are those located in our trunk. Your abs, your chest, your back - they support your entire body and are nearly always working to keep your posture. Strengthen your core to look taller and slimmer, as well as get rid of back pain.
For this challenge, you're going to focus on core work this week. Crunches and planks will be your nemesis for the next several days. There are several core workout plans out there, both online and in workout videos, so find one that works best for you and make a commitment to add extra core work into each day.
Personal:
Those of you who took the personal challenge last week took a closer look at who you admired and what traits in them you admired. Now it's time to examine your admirable traits.
This week's personal challenge is to write out your personal strengths. Make a list or write a full narrative of what you like about yourself. No negativity is allowed! (And yes, that includes writing things like "I'm smart, although I wish I could be smarter at..." - that doesn't count!)
--
Good luck with the challenges this week. I'm giving away the last two Weight Watchers 3-month memberships this week also. To be eligible, send me the link to your challenge results post by Sunday night. I'll choose two winners at random from this week's participants.
New to this site? It's not too late to join in - send me an e-mail and I'll add you to the roster!
I bought a new workout top recently after my hot pink sports bra started to feel a little loose and not-so-supportive. The new one is a full top with built-in bra, so now I don't have to share in the mutual embarrassment of the UPS guy showing up to the door right after a workout. I love knowing it's a smaller size top, too, even if I am mourning the loss of my C cup.
If you have any ideas for challenges, feel free to send them my way. I try to think up challenges based on what anyone might need, but really I only have my own experiences to draw from. If there's something specific that you know you need to work on, let me know and I'll try to shape a challenge for you.
On to the challenges!
Diet:
The human body is made up of up to 70% water, and without a proper water balance our bodies don't function as well as they should. If you're hydrated, your skin looks better, you have more energy, and you don't feel as hungry. Water also helps flush out the by-products from burning fat so you can lose weight faster. Diet soda is OK, but caffeine is a diuretic so it forces more fluid out of you. And the artificial sweetener may be zero calories, but the sweetness does trigger your hunger signal and can lead to overeating.
If you accept this challenge, break out the reusable sports bottle (BPA free, right?) and start filling it up with water. You're going to drink a minimum of 1 liter of water each day, with a goal of 64 ounces if possible. You'll also limit yourself to only two non-water drinks per day. I'm not heartless - I know many of us need our caffeine to function in the morning. So plan wisely, drink up, and make sure you know where a bathroom is at all times.
Fitness:
The muscles we use the most are those located in our trunk. Your abs, your chest, your back - they support your entire body and are nearly always working to keep your posture. Strengthen your core to look taller and slimmer, as well as get rid of back pain.
For this challenge, you're going to focus on core work this week. Crunches and planks will be your nemesis for the next several days. There are several core workout plans out there, both online and in workout videos, so find one that works best for you and make a commitment to add extra core work into each day.
Personal:
Those of you who took the personal challenge last week took a closer look at who you admired and what traits in them you admired. Now it's time to examine your admirable traits.
This week's personal challenge is to write out your personal strengths. Make a list or write a full narrative of what you like about yourself. No negativity is allowed! (And yes, that includes writing things like "I'm smart, although I wish I could be smarter at..." - that doesn't count!)
--
Good luck with the challenges this week. I'm giving away the last two Weight Watchers 3-month memberships this week also. To be eligible, send me the link to your challenge results post by Sunday night. I'll choose two winners at random from this week's participants.
New to this site? It's not too late to join in - send me an e-mail and I'll add you to the roster!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Challenge 3 Results
I don't know about you, but this has been a tough week for me! I was stressed out from the anticipation of taking a very important test today (good news - I passed!), which led to my desire to eat everything in sight that wasn't good for me. I was also extremely busy this week, too, making exercise harder to fit in. I was working out at 8:30pm one night because I refused to let the day end without the workout I had scheduled.
The scale may show an increase on Monday, but if it does I don't think it will be much. I did work out 4 days this week, including 2 days of the 30 Day Shred on Level 2. Even though I thought I might die after the first day of Level 2, I did it again yesterday and found I could tolerate it more. The cardio intervals in this level are insane, and I know my heart rate was probably near the maximum for my age.
I also took measurements again, and my results were:
Bicep: 14.75" (-.25")
Chest: 35.75" (-.25")
Waist: 36" (-.25")
Hip: 47" (-.75")
Thigh: 27.25 (-.50")
Not too bad, I think.
While grocery shopping this week, I picked up several healthier options for my snack drawer. Apples, 100-calorie packs, low-fat cheese, diced peaches in water, and Weight Watchers ice cream sandwiches are now what I reach for when I'm hungry.
(We'll ignore the fact that I received a shipment of Haagen Dazs ice cream to review yesterday. Oy.)
How was your week? Don't forget to send me your updates!
Also, I'm never sure if the challenges are too easy or too hard for everyone. So if you have any ideas for a challenge (something you know you need to work on, and think others might benefit from too), e-mail me and I'll work it in. Deb is already planning a fun fitness challenge for us in a few weeks!
Updates:
Accountable
My first cue to run
It's My Drawer! Mine All Mine!
Hot by Blogher - Challenge 3
By-the-by
The scale may show an increase on Monday, but if it does I don't think it will be much. I did work out 4 days this week, including 2 days of the 30 Day Shred on Level 2. Even though I thought I might die after the first day of Level 2, I did it again yesterday and found I could tolerate it more. The cardio intervals in this level are insane, and I know my heart rate was probably near the maximum for my age.
I also took measurements again, and my results were:
Bicep: 14.75" (-.25")
Chest: 35.75" (-.25")
Waist: 36" (-.25")
Hip: 47" (-.75")
Thigh: 27.25 (-.50")
Not too bad, I think.
While grocery shopping this week, I picked up several healthier options for my snack drawer. Apples, 100-calorie packs, low-fat cheese, diced peaches in water, and Weight Watchers ice cream sandwiches are now what I reach for when I'm hungry.
(We'll ignore the fact that I received a shipment of Haagen Dazs ice cream to review yesterday. Oy.)
How was your week? Don't forget to send me your updates!
Also, I'm never sure if the challenges are too easy or too hard for everyone. So if you have any ideas for a challenge (something you know you need to work on, and think others might benefit from too), e-mail me and I'll work it in. Deb is already planning a fun fitness challenge for us in a few weeks!
Updates:
Accountable
My first cue to run
It's My Drawer! Mine All Mine!
Hot by Blogher - Challenge 3
By-the-by
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