Pinterest is a HUGE help for workouts

I love Pinterest- not just the awesome looking foods and crafts- but the tutorials for quick workouts are really impressive. I don't scoff at the pictures of skinny, fit-looking bodies either- they are nothing but fuel for the fire that I've built. I'm determined to finally get my weight down and this change for life is all trial and error.

The one that I tried tonight was a routine that is suggested to do right before a shower. I was thinking- okay- no prob.

Here is it:

50 jumping jacks
5 pushups
20 crunches
20 mountain climbers
30 second plank

Alright, I admit, I was thinking- jumping jacks?? Piece of cake! Yeah, I burned off a portion of the ice cream cake I had today just doing the jumping jacks. All this weight being thrown around gets your heart pumping- and quick! I was out of breath at 30 and 45 is where I felt the burn. 5 more and I was ready for the next.

5 pushups- no problem!

20 crunches- I've learned that having my legs straight up in the air is easier. I just scoot close to a wall and use that as leverage- this gut is feeling it right now. How cool!?

This is not my picture- I found it off Pinterest and it came from About.com.

20 mountain climbers...um-- what?! Yeah, I had to google it..Bootynomics is awesome (check out her clips.) 44 second clip and - okay, I'll shut up...here ya go:

Alright, now that you've watched, there are two variations- I chose the easier on my joints method where it's like you're doing a granny jog in place. Her's is higher intensity but man oh man, I can't wait until I'm able to do that!

Last 30 second plank. I didn't do as bad as I thought I would have. Granted I'm no where near perfect form- that's okay though. I tightened my core and tried my best.

Whew- done. Shower time!

Hugs,

A.

Weight Loss Update

Today is the first day I've noticed a difference in my waist. It's taken 2-3 months before I can say that. I've noticed little changes here and there but today I'm seeing a little of the old me peek through. And I'm loving it.

Loving. It.

It's making me that more motivated. Plus, I've got some awesome support behind me at work. Yes. WORK. Coworkers are supporting me. I never would have thought.

All that I'm doing is:

Cutting out a lot of carbs. I still snack every now and then- basically when I want some. My body tells me every week and a half to two weeks that it's time for some fat. So I have a little.

Fage Greek Yogurt with Honey is a dessert for me. It's creamy and the honey adds the sweetness.

I eat a lot of veggies. Frozen steamer bags are a friend. I pack one bag with a piece of chicken and I"m fine.

Green Tea makes me feel good. I can't explain it. But it honestly works.

Two servings of fruit a day. I try really hard to do this. Sometimes I'm actually too full.

Side note: I pack my breakfast and lunch at night. Grab and go in the am- no reason to stop off at McD's anymore. Less stress too. Pack a few various tea bags in your lunch box and you're good to go.

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My workout routine:

I'm still doing 30 minutes on the treadmill. I've been slowly incorporating jogging.

If all you can do is start out with 10 seconds then do it. And keep doing it. Increase your time. Stick with it and don't try to be hero like I did. Shin Splints held me back for 3 weeks- easy!

Jogging is finally getting easier for me. I don't dread it and it's not hurting. But I had to break through that tough period and just keep working at it. 1 minute 15 seconds is my best time right now. I'm proud of it. Others may scoff but that's okay. They're entitled to their opinion. But this is my body and my routine.

Last thing. Something I've come to the realization all by myself- You will only do what you really really want to. I started gaining this weight and peaked at what I am now for the past 8 years. Family members giving diet books and me pining over wanting to look better has only started to be changed because I am finally making it a priority. Diet pills or crash diets aren't going to work. I've come to the realization that I need to make this change now and I'll have to work at it for the rest of my life. I'm ready for it. Bring it on.

Hugs,

A.