Concentrate

I can't concentrate!  The computer sits right next to the television, in the living room, and is blaring in my left ear!  I can't concentrate, much less, type out any thoughts about exercising...

It's Official

It's official, I am now under 200 days remaining for the exercise project.  When I started at 365,  I thought it would take forever until I was under 300 days.  I can hardly believe I am now under 200!   I will set my mind on the next goal of busting through 100 and into the tens. One hundred days from now and I will be celebrating 99 days to go!  Tonight, I did Jillian's Shred dvd level 2 and Leslie's 1 mile walk dvd.

Pilates Ring

Abc

Super Warehouse of Fun and Stuff

Two new dvd's from Costco, Jillians Banish Fat Boost Metabolism and Biggest Loser's Boot Camp, came home with me today.  They jumped right into the cart as I was cutting through from the fruits and vegetables over to the coffee, canned goods and frozen foods.  If you have ever been to this super warehouse of fun stuff, food, and necessities, you know how you enter with 5 items on your list and leave with a cart full of items that convinced you that you needed them.  Of all the great and tasty items in the store, a box of oranges, paper towels and two exercise dvds jumped into my cart.  So, there was really no choice when it came to my workout tonight, I had to try out a new one...Jillian won ( I am a glutton for punishment)

Eighty Twenty

Although, I can't really say that I am one hundred percent mentally committed to exercising every day, I can say that I am about eighty percent there.  I have come a long way mentally.  I came from my  two "selves" arguing between "Dooit" and "Don't".  When "Don't" gave in, packed up, and left "Dooit's" evil twin "Dooit Later" showed up and had us all exercising late into the night.  I noticed "Dooit" is starting to assert herself and has brought us eighty percent forward in the right direction.  Tonight, I exercised at about 6 pm, when my husband came home he joined in and we did the B.L. Cardio Max levels 1 and 2.

3 miles and 30 min fitness ball routine lower body ,upper body, and abs

Getting Closer!

I can't believe how close I am getting to the countdown in days being under 200.  The countdown today is 205 and by the end of the week I will be under 200!  That is so cool to me as I thought 365 days was insurmountable.  March 14th will be exactly the half way point, and I am all ready making sure that after the project is over that I have ways to keep going.  I think getting my Zumba Fitness Certification will ensure that I keep exercising and make a little money staying fit!  I just wish my hours at work were not going to change.  March 1st I will be going to work at 12:30 pm and coming home at 9:00 pm.  I am not sure, at this point, how well a Zumba class will be accepted in the morning!

Misfit

It's Saturday and I am elated I got my workout done this afternoon.  I started it at noon and finished at 1:00 pm.  I chose the Biggest Loser Cardio Max levels one and two and I gave it all I had.  Yesterday I signed myself up to become a Certified Zumba Fitness Instructor.  The workshop is March 27th and after that I will be certified to teach a basic Zumba class.  I would like to get a small class together in April, maybe in the gym at my church....or maybe not....it's a Nazarene Church and a Latin Cardio Dance workout, somehow do not seem to go together!

The Doctor..

I had my Doctor appt today, time to check up on the insides.  Of course, you always have to start with the weigh in, so I ran right to the scale, dumped all my belongings, kicked off the shoes and let out a heavy sigh as I stepped on.  At first I was afraid to look, because this was the same scale I was growling at just one month ago.  Finally, I peeked and saw that I had lost 5 pounds for an overall total of 25 pounds!  Excitedly I went to the examination room and donned the "cuff".  I could not wait to see if my blood pressure had changed.  A couple of pumps, a "whooshing" sound and a "thats terrific!!" from the medical assistant, and I was rest assured of good news.  In September of 2009, my blood pressure was 124/82 not all that bad they tell me since the norm is 120/80 or below.  February 2010 and my brand new blood pressure is..."Tah DAh!"....112/74...I put it to the test tonight doing a one mile warm up walk dvd and Jillian's Shred level two.

OOPS....I did it again...

I went to Zumba class last night, came home to watch the last half of Survivor, went to bed watching the Olympics, and forgot to blog!  So, once again I will have two entries for today, one for yesterday and one for today.  Went to Zumba class last night and had a blast.  It definitely works up a sweat and the time goes by really fast.  I got into a little bit of trouble last nite because I whipped out my cell phone to take a little video clip of the class, and the instructor came over during the middle of "Gasolina" to tell me with a stern eye, "no videos, please".  I understand it is to protect the integrity and modesty of participants and for that I do apologize.  I don't plan to post it to you-tube or anything like that, and I will not post it to my blog (although that would be cool), I just wanted to show a friend at work who was curious about what "Zumba" is...next time I will just suggest you google it!

Thoughtless

Tonight I am just thoughtless...I have no thoughts on my project.  I did my stationary bike while watching American Idol and watched as they chose the "Top 24".  I only rode it for about 40-45 minutes, but I managed to work up a sweat.  I have a Doctors appointment on Friday, just a regular check up and I am kinda excited to see how my project is shaping me up inside and out.

Winter Olympics

Winter Olympics

Presidential Workout

Happy Presidents Day?  Is that really something we celebrate as being a happy day?  I had a "grrrr-eight"
workout tonight.  I started with a mile walk dvd for an all over warm up and then I broke out the "Shred"...level 2 (it has started to become slightly, a teeny-tiny bit, easier).  Then,... feeling "Presidential"
I did a 10 minute express pilates dvd, going for 30 minutes, hips, abs, and arms.  I felt strong and fit (although, Jillian still gets me winded).  It was a Presidential workout, and I feel like I can take on the world!

Heart Day

Happy Heart Day!  Today is Valentines Day, a day to say, "I love you" with more than words.  My husband and I tell each other everyday as I am leaving for work, in some ways its endearing and wonderful, and in some ways it has become a routine.  I am glad we say it to each other, because if something happened to either one of us we would know how the other felt about them.  Today it is especially important to show others with more than just our "routine I love yous'".  We went out to breakfast and had a nice "couples time" over coffee and french toast,... and discussed our kids, well, one in particular, who is having his first ever REAL Valentines day with a girlfriend.  I think he learned it was an expensive day...dinner, movie, roses, Hallmark card, and a heart shaped giant chocolate cookie that he made....ah, young love, it was very sweet to watch him get nervous and ask a boat load of questions as he shopped for all the components.  I hope he never lets the magical feeling of love fade away.  To improve my heart today I did a 50 minute stationary bike ride while I watched the start of Amazing Race, I love that show...

I Can't Believe....

I found myself with a new exercise dvd again today.  Before I knew it I was pulling out my Barnes and Noble Membership, my 15% off sticker and my credit card.  I really had trouble choosing between several titles and decided I need only to purchase them if I have discount stickers.  I chose Mari Windsor Pilates for Pink Core Challenge.  It has 4 ten minute express routines for all body parts.  I did the whole workout and I 'll let you know tomorrow if I am sorry for that decision!.... "I can't believe I did the whoooole thing..."

Scattered Thoughts

I have had some scattered thoughts lately.  I am getting near the halfway point of 182.5 days and my mind is asking questions and searching for answers.  Some of those thoughts have to do with 365 days and the project is complete and then?  Do I keep going? everyday? for how long?  I have hopes that I will be addicted to exercise and if I don't exercise I won't feel right.  Maybe I will be teaching a Zumba class in the far future, or become a Walk Leader.  Teach weight loss yoga, or a combination of all three!  Tonight I did a Leslie Sansone 3 mile walk dvd with a small pilates mat workout, I love working my core!

"I Like'em Chunky..."

I first heard this song at Zumba class one week ago and I loved it!  I started to wonder where it came from and then I watched the movie Madgascar  Escape 2 Africa, and the Hippo is singing it to his girlfriend.  I must admit to you I feel like I am swinging my "hippo-hips" during this song.  I had Zumba again tonight and it was just as sweaty dripping, heart pounding as the first night....and twice the fun.  I can't wait to download the songs and practice the moves at home...."I like-em chunky"....

Sweaty Yoga

I would never have thought that yoga would produce any sweat but, Biggest Loser's Weight Loss Yoga did!
I love the feel of the stretch of my muscles and I am on a quest to get to know each and every one of them by their first names.  I went to Barnes and Noble the other day to buy a medical anatomy coloring book for the bones, muscles and joints but, I ened up buying 3 new exercise dvd's instead, including the Biggest Loser Yoga dvd... The yoga dvd was great and I could see adding it into the repertoire each day.

I Won!

Remember back when you were a kid, and you and your best friend ran a race and you both got to the finish line and shouted "I win!" at the same time?  Then, you both had a verbal sparring match of  "I won!", "NO, I won!", "no I won!", "NO, I won!".  Well, I feel like a kid again, and it makes me giggle!   My friend Cindy started exercising yesterday and I am SO PROUD of her!  But I knew she would run right home from work today to exercise again, because she and her husband and some other friends and family come over on Tuesday nites for a Bible Study at 6:30 pm.  As she was leaving tonight she said, "Ha, Ha, now you have to exercise!", in her best little girl giggle.  I quickly replied, "Nah uh, I already did it!, in my best little bratty girl voice.  She turns around and says, "Well, I bet I did it first!",....  "OH YEAH!?, what time did you workout?" I snipped, "4:30" she gloated.....out came my best weapon against a friend....I stuck my tongue out at her!
PS. a mile walk warm up, and Jillians Shred level two and I bet I have worked out MORE DAYS than my friend Cindy....nee, ner, nee, ner

The Super Bowl of Workouts

I bought 3 new exercise dvds today!  The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga, Leslie Sansone 3 mile Slim and Sleek Walk Plus Pilates, and the third dvd, 10 Minute Solutions Rapid Results Pilates.  I also had a massage today at 1:00 pm and I should have done the workout before I went for the massage.  Instead, I did my workout tonight after the Super Bowl.  I decided the Pilates would be the least counter productive to the massage.  I have an intense desire to workout my abs now and will search for any ab workout that will cause me to wake up the next day "ab sore".

News Just In.....

Ladies and Gentleman the news just came in that the populations of Tummy Town and Bootyville have significantly decreased.  Residents of the town have been overheard saying the the Mayor of these  two towns has declared hard labor on every citizen who live in the city limits and some residents who live on the outskirts of town as well.  One resident, who refused to be identified, was quoted as saying, " I didn't vote for her, and I don't support her, not one little bit...she has us working long, late hours...she has totally ruined our lives and made it miserable for everyone.  I know about a third of the town has packed up and left!"  The Mayor refused to comment on camera, but sent a statement.  And I quote, " Tough Patooties!, Adios, Good Riddence, and don't let the door hit your Big Booty Judy on the way out of town!"  After that statement was issued she ordered them back to work, and had them doing a two mile walk later that evening.

11:21 PM

Came home tonight to find an earthworm on the sidewalk!   An earthworm in February!!   Doesn't he know its still winter?  I got so excited to see it I quickly ran the groceries into the house, grabbed my camera and ran out to take a picture.  This all, of course, made my exercise workout time go late into the night....(wink, wink)  OK,ok so its not the worms fault...I did a 30 min pilates workout....the worm just did stretching...

ZUMBA!...Ditch the Workouts and Join the PARTY!

Tonight was my first night of Zumba class and everything about it was F-U-N!   The music- fun, instructor- fun, vocabulary for the dance moves-fun,...people trying to swing their hips in a circle-funny!  It went super fast from 6:40 pm to 8:10 pm.  We learned about 3-4 moves to a song, and we did about 7 or 8 songs and a small cool down and stretch.  I learned how to do the "wee-wee", and the "washing machine", I had "jellyfish" arms, and "snake" arms,  I was "stabbing and pushing", "scooping water and pouring it on my head"....oh!, and you should see my "Egyptian" hands...Cleopatra would be proud!

Mixer

Tonight was a mixer.  I was not sure which way to go, so I turned on exercise tv to peruse the menu for a new workout.  I tried a little Bollywood, it was fun, but not enough.  I would use it as a good warm-up.  The next one I tried was Boost Metabolism with Jillian.  It was a good workout, but her Shred workout is harder.  Then I tried Biggest Loser Power Sculpt and on that workout I probably needed heavier weights.  I was using 3 lb weights in each hand and I did not feel the "burn".  I can tell I am getting a little bored with my routine, but tomorrow night I get to start Zumba classes amd I and so excited!

Control

I had to start by looking up the definition of control.  I thought it would have said to have power over..., I was close, it said to "to exercise dominating influence or authority over, direct, a check or restraint.  I am finally starting to realize I have control over "my will" to ignore the health of my body.  I am certain that "Don't" has packed up and left, and I hope very soon "Dooit Later" will follow closely behind.  I have gained a dominating authority over my mind and body and it has been a very long time since I have felt this good.  The feeling of control I have is like water to a parched soul, it is generating the want for more.  The want for more is maybe the basis for addiction?  Today, I came home from work and got right to the business of exercise, I did Biggest Loser Cardio Max levels one and two and I was happy I worked it hard and got it done!

Numbers, Numbers, Numbers

When I started this project over 4 months ago, I was focused on the number of days, and the number of pounds, and the number of minutes, it would take to complete this project.  It seemed overwhelming, what I was deciding to put myself through, but I knew I had to do it once and for all for myself.  Not only did I have to retrain my brain to embrace exercise, but I had to retrain my body to endure it.   Right now my knees are crying out, and I am a little concerned about it.   I may have to join a gym for access to the swimming pool, but I will not quit!!!!  Tonight I rode my stationary bike while watching the Bachelor and my vote is for Tenley....I am noticing she has been the first one asked at the last three rose ceremonies if she will accept a rose.  Go Tenley!