The Gym

When you know you should go to the gym but are able to make excuses because there are other things to be done, why is it so hard to get back to the gym????

I watched Mr Z quite a bit last week as my nephew is working and also interviewing with local PDs - which is quite a process.  I know because my ex went through it. 

I finally just smacked the excuses this morning, jumped out of bed, and headed over.  38 minutes and 10 miles on the bike.

So I'm doing my happy dance!  Here was today's motivation: 

When's lunch?????

Wishful Goals ?

Week after week, I keep telling myself "it's time to get back on track", and each week goes by with no progress made.  Then I caught a cold, our temps dropped, and another five pounds seemed to jump onto my hips and ass! 

On Wednesday, I dropped into the gym to make some time on the treadmill.  30 minutes @ 3.0 incline = 1.4 miles.  While that's not my best effort, and I vowed to do better, but I didn't seem to be able to force myself to head to the gym on Thurs or Friday. 

One of the issues is they have a new locker room cleaning schedule; there's a male cleaning staff and the hours are 9-Noon.  Makes it impossible to be comfortable changing into gym clothes, and I can't exercise in jeans! 

This week, I get blood drawn for the usual check up, so my commitment needs to be on increasing my water intake, making sure I get 30 minutes of walking, either at the gym, or pushing Sadie in her stroller, and watching what I eat, including keeping my sodium down. 



Back in 2013, I worked very hard and lost 40 pounds -- and over the course of time, it's all come back.  Mostly because I stopped going to the gym. 

There are folks who start with "counting calories", but for me, I don't think all calories are the same.  If they were, the keto diet wouldn't be so successful.  So with the info I've gathered, I think I have two issues (not including my age):  insulin resistance and a hormonal imbalance.  I've tried the Plexus TriPlex but my system doesn't handle all of it in such large doses.  This is the week where I'm going to try to increase some of.  I have been able to get up to taking two ProBio5 each evening; now it's deciding if I can handle the BioCleanse or the Pink Drink.  We'll have to see how Monday goes!

I'm recording all of this here to use it as my accountability. 
And when I'm successful, maybe it will be an inspiration to someone else!!

I Gym'd Out

Why do we put it off, instead of just "doing it"? 

For me, I've been waiting for the heat to leave the Valley - if not totally gone, at least getting below 100 again!  But that isn't going to happen.  At least not any time soon.  And I totally need to be at the gym and getting more exercise into my days.  And less foods that aren't good for me, as well! 

Today, I decided that in spite of the high temps, I was going to the gym.  No.  Matter.  What.  Sure, it was hot, but I survived!  I walked on a treadmill, with an incline level of "2" (each machine can vary differently!) My goal was 30 minutes, see how far I could go and ended with 1.52 miles in 30 minutes.  I increased my water intake by 34 oz, and decreased my Diet Coke addiction down to 2 cans:  one in the morning, and one with supper.  Yes, I know, it's bad for me.  But if I go cold turkey, the caffeine withdrawal could be painful.  And very poor for my work situation! haha


Not my best I've ever done, but pretty good for this ol' Gal!

I keep telling myself it's a process, it won't happen over night, but darn it! Why does it take so long to see results?  If I was trying to gain weight, I could easily put on 5-10 lbs on a 3-day weekend!  But this is my life, it is what it is.  I think it's easier to work at something when you admit that this isn't a diet, it isn't temporary, and it isn't a quick solution to losing a few pounds.  Instead, it's more about being healthy, rather than thin -- or in my case, just a chubby goal I haven't been able to reach. 

Another reason for the walking and water increase is because it's nearly time for a doctor's visit to check the blood levels and blood pressure.  Last time it was slightly elevated and of course given my age, the doc is all about medications to control whatever issues are on the horizon.  Me, I dislike taking any meds, and I'm terrible at it.  So whatever I can do to put that off into the future, that's what I need to keep as my goal.

After the gym, an awesome county song came on the radio, Kenny Chesney and David Lee Murphy:  Everything's Gonna Be Alright  

Come on an' sing it with me: Everything's gonna be alright

That.  Is going to be my theme for the rest of the week.
If you're down, don't worry, everything's gonna be alright!

1..2.. Lights Out!

As always, a busy day at work.  But I've been "sticking to it" and hitting the gym during my lunch hour.  Today, I got there, changed clothes and jumped on the treadmill.  I got my stride going, and was just getting into a real rhythm, completing my first quarter mile when .... ZZZZZZzzz ..... we lost all power.  The dim emergency lights kick on, the folks using weight machines and the ellipticals were OK - they don't require power to run.  And I thought "hmm, I could stick this out, hop on some other machine ...."  BUT without power, there's no AC.  Now, I'm not a wimp - ok, not MUCH of a wimp - but it's 105 outside, and there is no AC and no fans.  And I have to go back to work after this. 

I grabbed my cell phone and found my way into the ladies' changing room (where there are no emergency lights) and by the dim light of my cell phone, I'm trying to dial up the combination on my lock.  I usually leave my glasses in the car when I'm working out, so add in a whole lot of squinting in the dim light and I'm praying "please open please open please open" and click, it did!  Hooray!

Get out of the gym clothes and back into street clothes, hoping I don't leave anything behind, or wear anything inside out!  And the thought occurs to me:  Power may be out in MY store as well, since we're kaddy korner to the local PF.  So I zipped around a major block because street lights are out and not all Arizonans stop for street lights not working!  I didn't want to try and cross 6 lanes of traffic, so I took the scenic route back to my store.  And nope, power wasn't out!   Thank goodness!




Needless to say, I'm feeling a little bit cheated on my workout, but that's ok because with all the heat and being really busy in the store, I've still managed over 14k steps again today!  

I know that whatever I need to do to reach some new goals won't happen overnight, so I'm trying to be patient, and consistent.  And I'm trying new things.  Today's new:  vegetable lasagna

It was pretty good!  I'd buy it again.

Start Now!

 

It took me nearly two years to get up

off the couch, so to speak, and join a

gym again.  But I started.

You can't wait for "the right moment"

which for me would have been some

other company taking over the gym

that's next door to work, that closed up,

because having a gym that close made

it easy to slip in during lunch break, left me with no excuses not to dash in for a workout

after work was done.  But it's still an empty building.

Two weeks ago, I joined Planet Fitness.  And I'm happy that I finally did.  Sure, there's all the benefits to working out and such, but I just like how I feel when I've a)  taken control of something and b) when I'm done with a workout, the physiology of whatever chemicals are doing their thing inside my body leaves me with a good feeling.  That sounds wordy and nerdy, but like they used to say "If it feels good, do it!"

Friday's workout was 1/4 mile on the elliptical.  My thighs were beginning to burn with the effort, and since it was lunchtime, and I still had another 3 hours of work to go, I decided not to push things.  After, I still did 1.25 on the treadmill, then slipped into the Hip Adduction machine, working those inner thigh muscles.  Back in the day, I could do 30 with the weight set at 135.  I did 25 @ 110 lbs.  That was enough for me do go "whoa" ... and I am still feeling it on Saturday afternoon!

Saturday morning, up with the birds, and hit the gym at 7am.  Got my 1.5 miles on the treadmill in 26:30.   I'm slowly getting there, but to increase the speed much more, I'll have to lose some of these excess pounds.  Which is why I hopped back on that Hip Adduction machine, set it at 90lbs and did 20 reps.  More of a muscle memory thing that a real workout, but I could feel the stress on my muscles!   Then I hit the Hip Abduction machine, working the outer thighs, 20 reps, 90lbs (Didn't want to overdo anything!)  Found the Tricep machine, 20 reps, 40lbs.  I could have done more, I'm thinking, because there isn't that intense burn from a "new" workout.  But that's ok, there's still time.

The important thing is ... I started.

Busy Monday

What a busy Monday!

Four hours into my shift at my BigBox store, it's time for lunch.  But I don't stop to eat, I head to the gym and hit the elliptical trainer for 33 minutes.   Back to work and boogie through the rest of my day to get it over with quick.  When my shift is up, it's back to the gym for another 33 minutes on the elliptical trainer.






Once home, it's time to cook up meals for the week.  I grilled 4 burgers, boiled a dozen eggs, and then fixed up my salad with chicken breast on it.  Kind of boring, but ... it gets the job done.


I'm anticipating a good week, even busy ones can be good!  I'm back and forth on the progress of weight loss, but I'm not slacking in my calorie counting or in my exercise routine.

Now I'm ready to watch some Longmire, then Antiques Roadshow!

My thought for the day:

Eat. Sleep. Gym. Repeat.

Whew!    The week is finally over!

And I've reached a few goals:

• Logged my food and exercise 5 days this week.
• 
  
• Goal of 10k steps per day is within reach.  6 Day total = 64,460
• 
  
• Made it to the gym 5 days this week! 
• 
  
• Cardio over 30 minutes 4 days this week! 
• 
  
• Thursday was "free cake day" at work, and I passed it up!
• 
  
• Friday is "Donut Day" at work, and I passed them up! 

The way I count it up, that's six successes this week!  *tHuMbS uP*

I found myself watching the clock today, wondering if it was close enough to quitting time so I could get to the gym.  Now normally, that hasn't been on my mind in the last few months, so this was a good change!  

As I was driving home, I knew that I needed a salad with protein.  But the thought of getting home and having a salad that was plain, boring, wasn't on the top of my list.  I decided to head through Taco Bell and pick up a salad with some tasty fixin's on it!   Thankfully, I saved room on my "calorie plate" so that I didn't go over my self imposed limits.  And boy did that taste gooooood!!!

I also have to admit failures, but I think the only thing to list is not spending enough time at the gym, I could have pushed harder.   (But a body as old as mine needs rest too! hehehe)

My Mantra for the coming week:

Being Better

When you are struggling 

just look ahead and hold your head up high 

it's not a race to compete with others 

it's a race to compete with yourself!! 

You got this!!!"

If you have ever struggled with weight loss,

or keeping your commitment to the gym,

just remember that the only person

you need to do better than

is yourself.

After yesterday's disappointing weigh in

(yes, expected, but it still 'hurts' ) 

I got myself busy in the gym.

I did elliptical for 20 minutes on lunch

then went back after work 

for another 20 on the treadmill

and a whole lotta arms work.

I just need to remember that I'm 

not competing against any one else,

I cannot expect to be like

"the skinny hot one" at the gym.

I can only do better today

than I did yesterday.

Be a Happy Gym Rat! 

This little sign made me chuckle....

"At the Gym!"

Ready, Set, GO!

Doing It Again

After my trek at Tempe Town Lake, I realized that I need to get into better shape.  So I'm doing it again.   My trainer sent me a text about a special that was ending:  5 sessions for $xxx.    I pondered it for only 20 minutes and decided to go for it.   I dashed over on my lunch hour and signed the papers.  I had a training session the next day!



As always when I'm working with my personal trainer, Russell, he doesn't allow me any slack.  We went through a few exercises that I can do on my own, at home or at the gym.  I can tell you, I'm a little sore the morning after.  But it's a good kind of sore.  I'm now feeling optimistic and in control of myself again.   Day 1 down, 34 more to go!

In an effort to do my part on the nutrition side of things, I got up this morning and cooked up a chicken vegetable soup.  By my calculations, there are 600 calories worth of ingredients in my pot, and it should be good for four 2-cup servings.... with a nice dinner roll, it will be a perfect lunch or dinner!





Wedding Central here is beginning to slow down.  I think I have a total of 30 vases done up in my daughter's colors, each of them different and unique!

It's been a great way to feed my creativity -- and use up some of the stuff I've accumulated over the years.  A few of the vases have scraps of lace and beads from my own wedding.  "Something Old" certainly applies!   *lol*

Steppin'

  61,308 steps last week!


I am kickin' butt and takin' names!

Actually, I'm just doing a lot of walking, 40 minutes at the gym, the steps really add up!  But that's ok, I felt awesome after the week was over -- and after I rested all day Saturday. hahahaha

Plan on doing the same thing this week, and I'm working toward some weight loss goals.

Exercise feels good -- did you get yours today??

Walk Fit

 

13,224 steps!!!

That's a new record for me.... this is a picture of a SparkPeople tracker.  When all the circles light up, you've reached your goal for the day.  Mine is set at 10k steps.  This week, I've bypassed that goal every day, and it feels so good!

The average person's stride length is approximately 2.5 feet long. That means it takes just over 2,000 steps to walk one mile, and 10,000 steps is close to 5 miles.

Reaching the 10k step mark every day is a lofty goal if you're not used to being active.  But by starting out, then increasing your goal every week, you can do it too!

Stepping Along

Tuesday, and the week is flying by.

I'm committed to making my workouts count.  Headed for the gym to walk during my lunch hour- we're in the middle of an excessive heat warning (anything over 110 degrees) so walking indoors is definitely the way to go.  I tried just walking inside my store, but I tend to get stopped to ask questions or directions.... the gym works out much better.  I made it for my afternoon workout as well.  It helps that I lock up my things at the gym after lunch, which forces me to log back into the gym to retrieve my stuff.  Well.  As long as I'm there... I might as well do something!!

11,432 steps today.  40 steps fewer than yesterday.  But I also lifted some weights.  My goal is 10k steps a day, so hooray for me!  It's a very slow process to lose weight.  But I can put 5 lbs on in just one weekend of bad eating!  Life's SO not fair.  *sigh*

I didn't do much on my afternoon workout, however, as I noticed my ankles were swelled up.  I'm hoping its just the heat; came home early and propped up my feet while watching #OITNB.  Yes, I've already finished all 3 seasons, I started them over, watching an episode a day.  That sure won't last me until the next season is released in June 2016.   ugh.

And, of course, Wedding Fever - working on getting some centerpiece vases painted up and decorated.  It's fun, I like crafty stuff!!  None of them will be identical, even though by accident I bought 4 different duplicates on 3 different shopping trips to Goodwill.  Ha ha, I must really like the shape of those.  *grin*

Make tomorrow your best day ever!
I plan on doing the same :)

Work It!

24-Hour Fitness is where I go after work.  Lucky for me, it's in the same parking lot as my BigBox Store.  That means I can park my car in 24-Hour's parking lot, head into work, do my thing all day, and when day's done, I head to my car where I grab my gym bag and head in to get my workout.

Today it was 30 minutes on the treadmill.  I only made 1.88 miles, but I'm ok with that.  I ran for two one-minute sprints within my workout.  It means my stamina is improving and that makes me happy. It also means that next week, I'll have to kick it up a notch!

Get out there and DO IT!