1. Hundred Push-ups Challenge
I was successful at competing this challenge with moving beyond the 100 push-ups and at my best, completing 150 push-ups in a session. I may try this challenge again at some point as it feels great to complete so many push-ups but find it too much to do that on top of the weight training I have been doing.
2. Plank
I have added some new exercises into my core routine as a means of strengthening my core. I have been planking but have been finding this very challenging. I thought that 3 minutes wasn't an overly difficult goal and that with some work I could do it. However, I am finding it to be more tough than I thought. I have made the three minute mark a number of times but find doing 3 sets of 2 minute planks is working my core nicely. However, I would still like to work on hitting the 3 minute mark.
3. Running
I love running! I love the feeling I get after pushing out another mile when I feel like I would rather just give up. I understand the runner's high and feel so exhausted and invigorated all at the same time. I consistently ran 10K once a week - without missing a week! And consistently ran 5K (or more) two-three times each week. I have registered with some friends to run a 5K race at the end of June and have been talking about the Mother's Day 10K so will let you know through a post when I have completed a race. I plan to continue running like I have over the last nine weeks and can't wait for the weather to get warmer so I can get outside, and off the treadmill.
4. Weights
In lifting weights I am incorporating different exercises and adding weight. I have also recently been trying to focus on different muscle groups and not trying to do a full body workout every time I go to the gym. This is enabling me to be more focused on what muscles I am working, focus on proper form, and complete more sets. I am already noticing some better definition in my arms. However, I need to remember not to neglect the lower body weights so have started incorporating some exercises into my routine.
5. Mix It Up
I have mixed things up with some of the exercises I am doing and with focusing on different muscle groups when lifting weights but have not done any fitness classes like I was hoping to. This will continue to be a goal for me.
6. Diet Pepsi
I am doing not bad in this category and have found that some days I have not even had a Diet Pepsi. I have been drinking more water and notice when I have not had enough water to drink in a day as I get more irritable and tend to get headaches more frequently. So although I haven't cut Diet Pepsi completely, I am on the right track and will continue to encourage myself to drink more water.
7. Snacks
I am doing better overall with not snacking as often. There have been moments when I enjoy a bowl of chips or some popcorn but in moderation. I am also packing a lunch each day which includes veggies and fruits. Often I was waiting to eat when I got home early afternoon and then found myself snacking rather than eating a proper lunch. Easter I found I snacked more than I should have - I couldn't stop eating the chocolate and the jelly bellies. Was I the only one?
Are you ready to change your life? Jillian Michaels was so motivating! She began by speaking on eating well. She talked about the basic calories in and calories out. The way to loose weight is not consume more calories than what you are working off. In her speaking about what we put into our bodies, she stressed the importance of reading labels so we know what is in our food, and avoiding foods high in sugar. She also noted the importance of buying organic in certain foods to avoid ingesting pesticides, growth hormones, and antibiotics. Truly important in staying healthy. Also part of being healthy is exercise and so she spoke on that as well and the importance of regular workouts and the intensity so that you are making good use of your time.
The majority of the evening with Jillian though, she spoke on living the life you want to live and that you are passionate about living. She really challenged everyone to focus on caring for yourself so that you can be what you want to be - whether it be a better wife and mother or so that you can achieve success in other areas of your life. She reminded each of us to find our why in all we do so that we can evaluate what we do to our why and ensure it lines up. She spoke to letting go of rules and the guilt or shame we carry in our lives - forgive and move on. With this she also talked about not letting fear stop us from reaching success in our life - and to define success ourselves. Jillian is a believer in believing in yourself and believing that you are capable of what you set your mind to as long as you are passionate about it, surround yourself with a good support system, and make informed decisions to get you where you want to go. She was inspiring and she walks the walk of what she talks about in her own life.
With all of this information in mind, I do want to make more informed decisions regarding my eating. I would like to look at options for buying organic with certain foods and be more cognizant of checking labels which is something I have never done. One main goal would be to eat healthier by stopping to think about what I am putting into my body - including less - to no Diet Pepsi and fewer inappropriate snacks.
Regarding fitness goals, I think I touched on some of those above. Incorporate push-ups into my routines regularly. Core work to continue, including planking to reach the three minute mark consistently. I plan to continue running and completing a 5K and 10K this summer. I will also modify my weights and perhaps even skip the gym a little more to do a workout at home by using my dvds or by attending a fitness class down at Soul Connexion. I would like to see how eating better will help me loose a bit in areas that are problem areas for me and how following these goals will help me tone and build muscle. I will check in again in six weeks - toward the beginning of June.
Are you ready to make some health and fitness changes? I would love to hear what your goals are and help keep each other accountable by checking in and encouraging one another.
Keep fit!
No comments:
Post a Comment