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Fitness Friday: 3/7/14 (Stats update)

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This week has flown by, hasn’t it?! Or maybe it just seems like that because Baby J and I are visiting Hubby in Florida this week. 🙂 Hubby still doesn’t have orders to his next duty station, and he’s done here in 2 weeks. Craziness! Wherever we end up, I hope the base or naval station has a Family Fitness Center like the one I’ve been using this week, because it’s awesome!

Sweaty me in our hotel room after one of my gym workouts at the Family Fitness Center this week.

So one of the local naval station gyms back home in Hampton Roads has a tiny family fitness room. There are a few treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes, and then some dumbbells. That’s pretty much it. The room also has two gated areas to stick your kids in (divided by age). There are no toys, just some soft, stackable kids furniture that holds onto filth. But I’ve used it a few times during the cold weather. It’s much better than nothing.

Well, here in Pensacola, one of the naval stations has a family fitness center. It’s two large, well-equipped rooms with all sorts of machines and dumbbells. There’s plenty of room to work out. Alongside the main room are two raised platforms that are encircled with plexiglass to enclose your kids. And there are lots of toys! Baby J’s been doing really well in there. Most of the time, he’s alone, but occasionally there have been other kids.

One day Baby J was getting really fussy playing alone, so the lady in charge told me I could take him down in the weights area with me, since I was the only one working out down there. He was trying to do BOSU squats and donkey kicks like Mama! It’s been a really fun week.

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Activity: 

Well, as I mentioned above, we’ve been going to the Family Fitness Center while staying here in Pensacola. It’s open Monday-Thursday, so we went every day. I was able to get 15-20 minutes of cardio in every day on the elliptical, treadmill, Stair Master, or a combo of the three. In addition to the cardio, I also did strength training every time for about 45-60 minutes. Monday and Wednesday I focused on arms and abs. I concentrated on legs and butt Tuesday and Thursday. I know I need to do more exercises targeted specifically toward my back, but I have no idea what to do. Time to hit up more YouTube videos!

I’m pleased with what I did this week, but definitely feel that there’s room for improvement. My foot has held up okay. It occasionally hurts, but I can’t always figure out what’s causing it to flare up. Yesterday afternoon it didn’t hurt after working out, but today it started throbbing after I walked around my hotel room barefooted for a few minutes. It also started hurting after I drove for 30 minutes one day. The good news is that it hasn’t gotten worse, and I think it’s gotten better.

Today, I’m relaxing and letting my body have a break, since I was really tired at the gym yesterday after just a few minutes of exercise. Tomorrow morning I hope to run outside, while my husband watches Baby J for me. I’d love to put 4 miles in, but if my foot starts to hurt, I’ll have to stop. There are some trails around here that are lined with wood chips, dirt, and grass, so I’ll try one of those. Those surfaces should be much better for my foot than asphalt or concrete.

Diet:

Oh dear, I didn’t do so well at the beginning of this week. Saturday was a difficult day since we were flying out here, but I did well until we arrived and Hubby’s friends were grilling outside the hotel. And there were potato chips. I just can’t resist them. Then on Sunday, we went out to eat after church. Hubby’s friends wanted to go to Sonny’s BBQ. Maybe I should’ve stuck with the salad bar, but everything smelt so yummy, and I love barbecue and southern food. Bring me some biscuits and fried okra any day, mmmmmm. Monday I tried really hard all day to be good, and I was. But Hubby (against my pleading) bought Nutella. I had one little taste and it was over. Two or three Nutella sandwiches later, I was feeling horrible about myself.

But I determined I’d do better, and I have these last few days. I’ve been eating plenty of veggies and the right amount of carbs. I’m still probably eating too much saturated fat, and I’m having trouble getting enough protein. So I need to keep working on those too. I’m still researching protein shakes. I drank a ton of water this week, and sometimes I have trouble hydrating, so that’s good.

Stats:

I was planning on posting “after” photos of myself to compare to my “before” shots back on Fitness Friday January 10. I had Hubby snap a few photos of me in the same workout clothes last night, but I eventually decided to not share them. I look the same! Well, I might look a little smaller around the hips, and my backside might be a little perkier, but that could also be the angle of the camera. My arms do not look any more muscular in my new photos. *insert sad face here*

Although I did feel bummed for a few minutes, I reminded myself that my clothes are fitting looser now. So even if I look the same or almost the same in photos, I know that I’ve been toning (i.e. BUILDING MUSCLE). That’s what matters.

Weight:

I decided I’m not going to update this anymore. It’s no longer an accurate measurement of my fitness level.

Measurements: (Taken according to Weight Watchers guidelines.)

Previous Measurements (2/7/14):

  • Height: 5’10″
  • Weight: 149lbs.
  • Upper Arm: 11″
  • Abdomen: 33.5″
  • Waist: 30″
  • Hips: 36.5″
  • Thighs: 22″

Today’s Measurements (3/7/14):

  • Height: 5’10”
  • Weight: N/A
  • Upper Arm: 10 7/8″
  • Abdomen: 33.5″
  • Waist 29.5″
  • Hips: 36.5″
  • Thighs 23.5″

As you can see by my measurements, either I’m not making much progress at all, or I’m really terrible at taking measurements! I don’t know what else to do other than keeping plugging away, hoping that I’ll see some significant difference in those measurements eventually.

Goals:

I’d like to see my arm measurements go up a little- with muscle! I’d like to see another inch come off my waist, and I definitely would like to lose inches off my hips. I think my hips are going to be the last to lose fat, and that may not happen until after I’m done having kids.

As I’ve mentioned, in spite of the numbers on the measuring tape or the scale, my jeans are fitting looser, so I know I’m losing fat and gaining muscle. I’m happy that I’m making progress. I’m getting stronger; I can lift heavier and do more reps. But if I’m honest with myself, I’m not working as hard as I could. I’ve always lacked discipline when exercising, so my fitness journey really is a work in progress for me. I’m thankful for the women both online and in real life that inspire and motivate me to keep going.

 Fitspiration/Fitness Stuff I’m Loving:

I’m still watching Brenda Leigh Turner’s videos for motivation and workout ideas. I also LOVE this blog post by Jen Sinkler, “Strong Isn’t Really the New Sexy/Skinny.”

Join in:

If you’re a blogger, link up your FF post at my two favorite Fitness Friday linkys- JillConyers.com and WeDontHaveItAll.com. If you don’t have a blog, feel free to let us know in the comments below how you’re doing with your health and fitness goals.

How was your week? Any fun plans for this weekend?
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Fitness Friday: 2/28/14

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Another week is over, and it’s that time again: Fitness Friday!

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Click ^this button to join the Fitness Friday linky hosted at We Have It All.

Activity:

I had a great run last Sunday night. It was the last day of warmer temps (50/60s), so a friend and I headed down to the beach and ran on the sidewalk (with Baby J in the stroller, of course) for just under 6 miles. For half the distance, we interchanged jogs with sprints. On the way back, my friend wasn’t feeling well, and my right foot was hurting me, so we walked a little bit and jogged when we felt like it. And that leads me to my foot.

It’s been hurting me on and off for a few weeks, but hasn’t really been problematic until Monday morning. When I got up on Monday, it was pretty sore. I did a legs workout, and found that lunges really hurt my foot as well, whenever my toes bend. So I decided to take at least two weeks off from running (and definitely sprints), until my foot feels better. I’d rather take time off now, and still be able to run the half marathon, then wait, have my foot get really bad, and not be able to run it. The disappointing factor is of course I won’t do as well on the half, since I’m not training the whole time.

It’s blurry, but N snapped a photo of me and Baby J jogging last Sunday night.

I’ve been concerned about getting cardio in without being able to run or walk for long distances. Next week, I’m going to try some swimming. My foot did okay this week with 20 minutes of Zumba and 20 minutes on the elliptical, so at least short periods are fine. Well, I did feel a little pain later on after Zumba, but the elliptical definitely was not a problem.

Unfortunately that’s still not enough cardio for one week. I really aim to do 4 days of cardio a week and prefer to do at least 40 minutes at a time. I guess I could count last Sunday as a cardio day, but I usually start my workout weeks on Monday. I really should get in two more sessions of some cardio today, Saturday, or this coming Sunday. If not, I’ll be bummed, but I’ll also keep in mind that I need my foot to get better.

But the bum foot also means that I will not meet my Winter Miles Challenge for the week, and it’s the last week too!

Weightlifting/strength training went much better this week! I was consistent, and I concentrated on lifting heavier weights. I’m very weak, so the weights weren’t that heavy =D but I’ll get there.

Diet:

Fortunately, I’ve had my sugar cravings under control this week. Oh, and I lowered the number of calories I’ve been eating, since I’m doing less cardio. I had one cheat day -Tuesday night- when I attended a baby shower. Otherwise, I’ve been eating lots of fruits and veggies, whole grains, and trying to get enough protein. I’ve been looking into protein powders and shakes, because it’s been really difficult for me to get extra protein in my diet, and I need it as I’m trying to build muscle.

I’m curious about Garden of Life’s Raw Protein. If you’ve used it, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.

I have been eating a little too much fat. Granted, I’ve been eating a lot of the “healthier” fats: avocado, natural peanut butter, egg yolks, nuts, coconut oil, etc., but it’s still a bit much, I think.

Stats:

I’m supposed to update these in a week, but I do not feel ready! I don’t feel that I’ve changed much at all in the last month. Well, maybe my arms look a little more muscular…we’ll see. I’ll try to get a photo this time too.

Goals for Next Week:

Continue to lift regularly and do more cardio, in spite of the foot. Keep my diet healthy, even though I’ll be out of town and away from my kitchen.

Click ^this button to join the Fitness Friday linky at JillConyers.com!

Fitspiration/Workouts I’m loving:

I’ve been watching a ton of YouTube videos this week from Brenda Leigh Turner at LeanSecrets.com. She has some awesome advice for losing weight and gaining muscle. I don’t agree with everything she says (I mean, she says people should give up coffee…say what?!), but overall her advice seems very sound. Many of her workouts and exercises can be done at home, which is a huge plus for a stay-at-home-mom like me.

Also, it’s refreshing to watch her, because she’s not your typical modelesque fitness guru. Although she’s very pretty and very fit, she has a shorter, sturdier frame than Jillian Michaels, Amanda Bisk, Tracy Anderson, and other well-knowns. All body shapes can be fit and healthy.

Here’s one of my favorite Brenda Leigh Turner videos, “Do This, Not That & Burn More Fat.” She breaks it down really well and shows some great exercises:

How was your week? Did you meet your goals? Have anything exciting planned for this weekend?
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Fitness Friday: 2/21/14

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fitnessfridaywehaveitall3 buttonToday is the last day of the Move, Nourish, Believe Challenge by Lorna Jane and Sweat Pink. I’ll be posting my recap tomorrow, and there’s a big Twitter party for the event next Wednesday (woohoo!).

I’m still participating in the Winter Miles Challenge, although I believe next week is the last week.

Activity:

Today has been a good week! The weather has been gorgeous- possibly the best week all winter. We’ve had temps up in the 50s and 60s for highs, perhaps even the low 70s. I’ve definitely taken advantage of it, and we’ve been outside, getting active.

I didn’t keep track, but most days this week, I have been doing pushups, crunches, various ab exercises, and free weights.

I’ve been reading a lot lately online about the benefits of heavy lifting for women. I don’t have barbells or a bench, but I do have adjustable dumbbells (they go up to 50 lbs) and an ottoman. That will have to work for now!

Obviously I need to be consistent about which days I lift and for how long. Right now my exercising is all over the place, which is totally me, unfortunately. I’m rarely organized and have difficulty sticking to schedules. :/

Monday– I skipped running today. Since I didn’t work out on Saturday or Sunday (other than some weights here and there), I probably should’ve done some cardio, but it was the coldest day of the week (high of 30s), so I decided to wait for warmer weather. Why didn’t I do a home cardio workout? Good question. Being more motivated and consistent is a constant battle for me.

Tuesday– I put 5.88 miles in. After reading about the benefits of interval training, I completed walk/jog/run intervals. I didn’t time them; I just went by landmarks, how I was feeling, and the wind. If I was on a really windy area of the trail, I walked. If the wind died down, I sprinted and then slowed to a jog after 30 seconds or so.

Interestingly, I felt exhaustion in my hamstrings more from the speed walking than the sprinting.

The Army has an alternate physical training test. Certain Soldiers that have “profiles” (due to injury, etc.) may be allowed to speed walk the 2-mile run, instead of running it. The first time I heard that, I rolled my eyes. But when I actually witnessed how fast some of these troops have to walk in order to pass their test…it’s no joke. Speed walking can be a great workout.

I think because I was trying to walk fast and push the jogging stroller into the wind, I must have been digging into the ground with my heel and pushing off more. Somebody who actually understands muscle can probably explain this more, but anyway, I did get a good burn from it.

My averaged out pace was 11:13 min a mile.

Wednesday– I was busy cleaning and blogging earlier in the day, but Baby J and I broke out the bike and toddler seat in the afternoon! We just did 3.34 miles, but it was very refreshing.

Thursday– More walk/jog/run intervals for us today. We did 3.35 miles. I also spent probably 45 minutes chasing Baby J around the playground and climbing equipment with him. It was a lot of fun!  Average pace was 10:40 min a mile.

Friday– Well, the day’s not over yet! While I was babysitting earlier this morning, I spent a bit of time just playing outside with the boys, tossing and kicking a ball around. That’s one of the reasons I want to be in shape- just to be active with my family and friends.

I’ll update later this weekend, but my plan is to do a Brazil Buff Lift workout DVD this afternoon (it’s supposed to storm outside), and put a long run in tomorrow morning. I don’t know how far. Ten miles would be great, but I’ll be satisfied with 6.

As I mentioned above, I’ve been doing strength training every day this week, and that will continue today.

Diet:

I’m really struggling with this, but not quite as bad as last week. Earlier this week I bought ice cream from the grocery store and ate 2/3 of the pint in one night (Baby J ate the rest). Usually I can pass the frozen foods aisle, and yes, my mouth will start watering, but I’ll ignore it and resist. I just couldn’t do it! Then Tuesday I ate over at some friends’ home and instead of sticking to one brownie, I had two and a piece of cake. Yesterday at the grocery store, I couldn’t resist buying a deeply-discounted box of mini apple Danish. Today I’ve already eaten half a cinnamon crust bagel from Panera that someone gave me (this bagel is in no way healthy).

So clearly I’m having an issue with processed sugars. On a positive note, I’ve been eating lean protein, legumes, and tons of raw veggies and some fruit.

Statistics:

Next month I’ll measure inches and report back. My weight is still at 149 lbs., which is fine. I’m assuming this is a combination of building muscle and the crap I’ve been eating. But my arms look more muscular, so that’s great! I feel good too.

Goals:

I would like to get my sugar cravings under control, first of all. I did well for months, so I’m not sure why it’s flaring up suddenly. I guess I should do some research.

A big goal for me right now is to lift heavier weights and build muscle. I would like to see my jeans size go down, even if my weight goes up.

As far as running, I’m confident I could finish a half marathon in decent time if it were today or tomorrow. However, I may have to walk some of it. Because of this, my goal in the next 50 days would be to continue interval training and run longer distances, so I can at least jog all of the half (if not actually RUN).

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Fitness sites I’m loving this week:

I’ve found a couple of websites this week that have really inspired me: NerdFitness.com and NiaShanks.com. They both share practical, realistic advice about fat loss and muscle gain. You won’t find any fat diets on these sites.

NerdFitness also has a couple of great articles that explain why the number on the scale doesn’t matter, lower body fat isn’t always best, constricting calories often backfires, and that what you eat is 80 percent of the weight loss/fitness battle.

And how about you? How was your week? Did you meet your goals? Do you have any plans for this weekend? Goals for next week?
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