I'm a Joiner

Almost a year ago I joined Curves with my friend Katie and was really committed to working out. I started off strong having a buddy to work out with then Katie moved across town and didn't go anymore. Then Lucas moved his bedtime from 6:30 to 8:00 and it got harder and harder to go by myself because I didn't want to miss out on family time. The last few months I have been VERY slack about going to Curves and honestly I can't remember the last time I did go, which I know was a waste of money. I did however lose 13 lbs while I was there and managed to keep it off.

Before the weather got too hot I was meeting with a few of my friends and walking in the mornings. It was great because I could bring Lucas and get a nice workout at the same time. Now that it is 500 degrees we have stopped walking together but several of the girls from our walking group go to the YMCA. A few months ago I went and check out the Y and tried a water aerobics class while Lucas was in their free child watch. It was AWESOME but I couldn't join right away because I still had the contract with Curves.

Well since this is my last month of Curves I went and signed up for the YMCA today. I love that it is open 7 days a week and that they have free childcare. Also 85% of the moms in our playgroup go to the YMCA so I know I can always find a workout buddy. Also one of the best things about the Y is that they have scholarship programs and I was able to get a $15 a month membership!!! Now to get back to reaching my workout goals.

Work Out Week 23

Tomorrow will mark the completion of 23 weeks of working out. Honestly, by now I thought I be a little closer to my weight loss goal. Initially, I planned on losing at least a pound a week. In reality it has been about a pound every two weeks. (Also I actually gained weight back last month which I blame on the three Thanksgiving dinners in two days that we had.) I was weighed and measured today and I thankfully have lost most of the weight I gained last month and even through my weight gain I continued to lose inches last month and this month.

Even though it might sound like it I'm not down on myself. I am actually proud that I have kept up going to the gym. I do however need to start getting back in the habit of going as much as I did when I first got started. It was also a lot easier a few months ago because one of my best friends was going with me. She has since moved across town and can no longer go to the gym (which is ironic since she is the one that talked me into signing up!)

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I've been feeling a little on the lonely side sometimes since she moved too, which is funny since she just lives across town. We hardly talk that much anymore (both just busy) and when we do it is mostly about what is going on with her since things have been going pretty crappy lately. Other than that I guess we don't have much to talk about since our lives are pretty different right now. When we do manage to get together though we have a blast and don't run out of things to talk about it is just the in between times that stink. Thank goodness for my Mom friends or I would have gone crazy by now. I always have a blast hanging out with them and I know someone is always able to get together and hang out. I guess I just wish I had a fellow mom best friend (if that even makes sense.)

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Really, I'm not as sad and depressed as this is all sounding. I think I am just PMSing. I am so over this whole my cycle being regular thing. I guess not having a period for two years made me forgot how crazy and hormonal I get around this time of the month (which I will NEVER admit to my dear husband... because then he would use that whole "is it that time of the month?" every time we got into a disagreement.)

Look What I can do

My Christmas/Birthday present (that I ordered) arrived today and I LOVE it! I can't wait to start some serious picture taking. The best part is that I can finally take videos with sound!!! Don't get too excited though since after this first video you might not return to watch anymore videos posted by me.

(click to watch. Can't view? Hit your browsers reload button)

P.S. Today starts my 20th week working out. I really haven't been able to go as much as I would have liked the past few weeks (sometimes only once a week) but now that the New Year has started I am ready to get serious again. The only bad thing is I have lost my workout buddy since Katie moved across town a few weeks ago.

Work Out Week 15

I haven't really worked out this week. Curves was closed for the Thanksgiving weekend starting on Wednesday so I haven't gotten to go in a week. On Friday I got my first period in 25 months (party because I was pregnant for 9, nursed for 13 and have PCOS.) I was expecting things to be just like they were before Lucas but they aren't. My cycle has been so heavy I really haven't been able to leave the house, let alone work out. The only time I have been out of the house has been to go buy feminine hygiene products. I know some wives can ask their husbands to run these kinds of errands for them but I fear Curt would hyperventilate or run away and never come back if I asked him to even walk down that aisle in the store.

While I haven't been to the gym I am still eating breakfast and chasing after Lucas. Curt told me today "I think I need to get in shape now, Lucas tires me out with all his energy. I don't know how you do it." That made me feel better, especially since I've been a raging "Witch" lately. These last few days have also made me realize I don't own anything in a stretchy waist that I would be seen in outside of the gym. Jeans are the last item of clothing I want to think about wearing today.

Lucky Number 13

So I've been working out for 3 months now and today was the day I dread each month... the day I get weighed and measured. I knew that I was going to get on the scale and either have not lost an ounce or gained a few pounds... but I was pleasantly surprised and in this last month alone I lost 8 lbs! This last month I've only been able to work out half as much as I normally do but I did start eating breakfast. I guess everyone was right about what a difference breakfast makes!

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This month I also lost:

2.5 inches from my bust (3.5 total)

2.5 inches from my waist (4.5 total)

2 inches from my abdomen (3 total)

1 inch from my hips

1/2 inch from my thighs (1 inch total)

1 inch from my arms (1.5 inches total)

That is a total of loss of 14.5 inches and1.30% (or 9.5 lbs) of body fat

Completed Working Out Week 13

Even though I haven't been specifically posting about it I am still working out. The last two weeks I haven't been able to go my normal 3-4 times a week. During week 11 I took Lucas trick-or-treating and then he got sick and I got sick and I also went to a Bible Study. Week 12 I went to Bible Study again and then Curt was out of town (I didn't post about it then because I don't think it is smart to tell the whole world wide web that I would be home alone with a baby.) I have also been eating pretty crappy (Milkshakes the day Dre left, Mexican food with Katie on Saturday and then there was Halloween....)


Needless to say this week I had to FORCE myself to get to the gym. (Also my friend Katie is very sick and hasn't been able to go with me the last 2 weeks which makes it that much harder.) I have hit a slump but I'm forcing myself to get back in the swing of things (which is going to be hard with Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner) I have been eating breakfast though and I have also been going to bed earlier and getting more sleep. My weigh in day is supposed to be tomorrow but I have Bible Study again and the girl who does the measuring won't be in until Monday so at least I have a few more days. Also with Lucas moving more I've been chasing him more so I think it all will balance out (at least I hope so because lately I just don't feel like I am seeing any results. I just want my baby belly to not be there anymore)

Completed Working Out Week 10

This week I've been really bad about eating breakfast or really eat or drink anything before 1 or 2 PM (when Lucas takes a nap.) It is so hard with Lucas being clingy (because of his cold) to remember or have time to eat. When Lucas eats breakfast or lunch I am always trying to get a load of dishes or laundry in our out. Then when he is done there is no way I can eat because he will want what I am eating (this past weekend he sneezed snot and all into Curt's oatmeal) To try and remedy the situation I bought a few of those drinkable yogurts that try and pass themselves off as yummy fruit smoothies. The working out part is going great and while I still can't wear my AE Jeans I bought a few weeks ago out in public (still can't really breathe in them yet) my current clothes fit much looser.

Weigh Day 2

Since Sunday was the 15th of the Month, today was my day to get weighed and measured. I only lost 1/2 lb BUT Since last month I have lost:

• 1 inch off my bust line



• 1/2 an inch off my waist (2 inches total)



• 1 inch off my abdomen



• 1/2 inch off my thighs



• 1/2 inch off my arms
  

That means since I started working out 2 months ago I have lost 5 lbs and 6 inches. I have been aiming for losing a pound a week but since muscle ways more then fat I would rather lose inches over pounds any day!

Completed Working Out Week 8

This week I've been 98% better at eating breakfast. It is a conscience effort for sure but hopefully soon it will become a habit just like working out. I can finally tell the difference in the way my clothes are fitting because I spent all weekend pulling up my jeans because they were too loose and I didn't bring a belt with me. It was a nice problem to have.

Completed Working Out Week 7

Even though it isn't the 15th of the month yet I weighed myself today at the gym and I've lost about 3.5 lbs more. (I say about because I didn't weigh myself until AFTER I worked out and the two other times I've been weighed have been before work outs so I don't know if that makes a difference) So that means in 7 weeks I've gone from 276 to 268 and lost about 8 lbs. Not to shabby if you ask me!

I bought a new pair of jeans this week online... a pair of American Eagle Jeans. I can fit into them (by fit I mean I can button and zip them and not really breath) I am not wearing them out of the house just yet (waiting for the breathing part first) but the fact that they fit (somewhat) made my week. My goal is still to be able to buy a pair of jeans in the store though (they only sell size 16 & 18 online) so I'm not quite there but little goals lead to BIGGER ones. One pound and one size at a time.

I'm still struggling with eating breakfast in the morning. It is so hard to remind myself to eat. By the time I get up and take a shower in the morning and start getting dressed Lucas is awake. Then I have to change him, feed him his breakfast, and usually pack his diaper bag to go do whatever errands, appointments, or playgroups we have during the day. Then it is lunch time and I realize I really haven't eaten anything (or drank anything) yet all day... which I know is SUPER bad. I keep meaning to buy a refillable sports water bottle for myself but keep forgetting.

Completed Working Out Week 6

This past week I wasn't able to work out as much as I normally do but I did get in the Curves recommendation of working out at least 3 times a week. I really like to go 5 times a week if I am able because I really enjoy it now. Instead of dreading going to the gym I am sad on days when I don't get to go. I've been doing slightly better on eating breakfast (I made myself eat half a banana this morning) but it is still something I need to work on. I have started eating more fruit. I've been snacking on carrots, apples, and bananas which is a HUGE change for me. The only drawback to buying all this fresh and healthy food is that our grocery bill has increased significantly.

Completed Working Out Week 5

Working out has become something I really enjoy and look forward to each day. I've noticed that the days that I don't get to go to the gym that I don't feel as energized and on top of things. The one habit that I need to work on the hardest right now is eating breakfast. I have always skipped it but I've read tons of articles about how eating breakfast jump starts your metabolism. I also need to start eating more fresh fruits (another thing I've always skipped.)

I am a LOSER!

Exactly one month ago I joined Curves. Once a month I get weighed and measured by a trainer to track my progress and today was that day. I was dreading today at the start of the week. I couldn't really tell if I had lost any weight because my clothes seemed to feel the same. Then on Wednesday I ran into two friends I hadn't seen in over a month and they both told me how great I was looking and that it looked like I had lost weight. Well, it turns out they were right!

I lost a total of 4.5 lbs (3.58 of that was body fat)
I lost 1.5 inches from my waist.
I lost .60% body fat.

The trainer was surprised that I did so well. She said most of the time people don't see results until their second month. Here is hoping this continues!

Completed Working Out Week 4

Most days I go to the gym with my friend Katie. Today, however I went by my safe because of the busy day I had with going to the grocery store, and getting together with family that came into town. Katie works so the only time I could fit going to the gym in was while she was still at work. It was so hard to make myself get up and go since I know there was nobody expecting and depending on me to show up. At first I made up my mind to just skip today since I was tired and didn't have much of a chance to just sit down. Then I realized I was just laying on the couch flipping channels wasting time so I got my butt of the couch, laced on my shoes and went to the gym.

Weigh in day is coming up soon... September 15 (which is another reason that motivated me to get off my butt and get to the gym, well that and the sexy new jeans that I plan on buying in the neat future.) My goal is to have lost four pounds (one for each week I've been working out) but honestly I don't know if I will or not. My jeans don't fit any different yet. Also I'm having a real problem eating. Since working out I just don't feel hungry. Today I realized I hadn't eaten breakfast or lunch... I wasn't planning on it. This just happened. I know this isn't good because my body needs fuel to run off of and burn the fat off with. So we will see.

If nothing else working out has become a stress reliever. I have a real problem with keeping things bottled up inside and working out provides me with a physical release. I find that on the days when something (even if it is really small) is nagging at me I seem to push myself harder. Today I had two separate people ask me about some of my family members that I haven't seen in a while. I honestly didn't know the answers to their questions. Instead of making it into an awkward situation I just had to sidestep the whole issue and quickly change the subject. Tomorrow should be another good workout.

Completed Working Out Week 3

I worked out five of the last seven days again. My clothes aren't fitting any looser yet but I do feel more muscle tone (especially in my arms and legs.) Now that working out has become a habit I need to start working on even healthier food choices. I've gone from white bread to whole Grain wheat Bread. I've also switched us from 2% Milk down to 1% which has not gone unnoticed at home. Curt gets furious if someone "messes with his milk." It has taken me five years to get him from Whole milk to 1%. I've also replaced many of the prepacked side dishes like boxed mac & cheese with baked potatoes and more veggies (which Curt didn't mind since he LOVES fresh fruits and Veggies... just don't mess with his milk!)

Completed Working Out Week 2

Today marks the second week of my new life as a gym junkie. Out of the 6 days the gym was open this past week, I worked out 4. Originally I thought I would be weighed and measured this week but instead all the trainer did was count the number of reps I did on each machine to compare it to my first workout. They only weigh and measure once a month. I still have 2 more weeks to find out if I have lost anything. I am hoping for a pound a week so on the 15th of September I hope to weigh at least 4 lbs less. So far I don't see a physical difference but I can tell that I am more relaxed, more energized, and more motivated then I was two weeks ago. I am very happy I decided to get my lazy butt off the couch and do something healthy for myself, and my family.
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Even Curt is happier since I started working out. He enjoys the extra one-on-one time he gets to spend with Lucas. He also gets a few minutes all alone to himself once he puts Lucas to bed. Well, at least usually. Tonight, I walked in the house to find Curt trying to calm down a very upset Lucas. Evidently Curt heard him cry out and he went in to check on him. He found Lucas hysterically crying but still asleep. Lucas had his arms up almost like he was protecting himself. He picked up Lucas to calm him down and Lucas woke up and kept crying. I walked in at this point and walked outside with Lucas to calm him down. When he seemed okay I walked him back into his room and handed him his baby and his paci. He laid down and went right to sleep. The only thing we can think of is Lucas had a night terror epidsode.

Completed Working Out Week 1

Today official marks my first complete week of working out. In have worked out 5 of the last seven days. This is absolutely awesome to me since my activity level recently has been WELL BELOW that. I'm not sure if I have lost anything yet because I have not weighed myself and don't plan on doing so until I hit my two week mark (Someone at Curves will measure my progress at Curves on July 29th.)

Even if I haven't lost anything yet I can feel a difference. I have more energy and I'm usually going to bed at a decent hour. I am not on a diet but I am certainly more conscience about what goes in my mouth. I am not buying anymore junk food. I am also less hungry and find myself actually eating a little bit less.

I cannot wait to be able to go into American Eagle and buy a pair of jeans. This is a HUGE deal to me since they only carry up to a size 14 in the store (they sell 16 & 18 online) I haven't been able to buy a pair of jeans instore from American Eagle since I was 19 years old. I haven't been able to order a pair of jeans from them online since about a year before I got pregnant. Today I tried on a pair of jeans I haven't worn since I first got married. Although I was able to pull them all the way up, I could not button them up (they are button flu) even if my life depended on it. Since I don't have a bathroom scale these will be what I will measure myself by.

Before

Today I joined Curves. I've been wanting to start working out again but needed a kick in the butt. Well, my friend Katie was that kick. Recently she moved a few minutes away from me and she suggested we check it out. We went last week to find out more about it and we really liked it. Today was our first workout.

Today was also the first time that I have been weighed since my 6 week post-natal checkup. I now weigh more then I did then... over ten pounds more. I think the big reason is Lucas has started to wean himself from nursing but I am still eating the same amount of food... so the extra calories that would go to him are now sticking to me. Originally I had planned on weaning Lucas completely at a year but as we got to a year he was already down to only once or twice a day (when he first wakes up and sometimes at night) so I've been letting him wean himself instead of just abruptly stopping.

I really think working out at Curves is just what I've been looking for. Everyone is so friendly and there are women of all ages working out. Also, the girl that was showing me around today is 4 months pregnant and going to the Birth Center where I went while I was pregnant with Lucas. We talked about Pregnancy the whole time and the workout just flew by. They suggest going three times a week in order to see results but I plan on trying to go more then that. Also, by blogging about it I hope that I won't let myself just give up and quit.

My goal weight might be a little ambitious right now but I would love to weigh under 200 lbs if I have to put a number on it... but then as I haven't been at that weight in MANY YEARS I don't know if that is the right goal to have. Honestly I don't care what the number on the scale is as long as I can walk into an American Eagle store and buy a pair of jeans.... which I haven't been able to do since I was 19. Little goals lead to small goals so right now I want to lose at least a pound a week.