Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Week 7
So, today Beata asked what is the one thing we can change over the next 7 days that will make the biggest impact and will bring us closer to our goals? When I responded I was feeling pretty blahh. Today was a hard day. I had a bad headache, it was hot, and Willa was being very TWO. The twins had their four month check-up which was fine but just a lot to juggle. (Plus, two babies getting their shots is just a whole lot of tears.) So, I had said: I am ACTUALLY going to do all my extra workouts and come tomorrow and Saturday!
And now, I still stand behind that.
So, if I do a video tomorrow, a workout tomorrow night, a video on Thursday, workout Thursday night, video on Friday and workout Saturday morning ... that will be amazing. (And make up for the small fries I had today.) I just don't want to push myself to hard where I'm exhausted at class.
And now, I still stand behind that.
So, if I do a video tomorrow, a workout tomorrow night, a video on Thursday, workout Thursday night, video on Friday and workout Saturday morning ... that will be amazing. (And make up for the small fries I had today.) I just don't want to push myself to hard where I'm exhausted at class.
100
Not sure if that was the actual temperature or just what it felt like. Whatever it was—it was hot. A night I would have stayed in. But I didn't want to disappoint myself or my fellow moms. So, armed with two water jugs I made it through the traveling circuit. I ran a little, sweated a lot and made it through red-faced. Hard to believe next week is the last week. I'm feeling strong. Even if I don't lose pounds, I feel good. I like myself when I exercise. I'm a more relaxed mom and partner. I feel strong.
Week Seven
Starts tonight. I'm still not being good about the food thing and the working out at home thing. What can I do to make it better? I actually thought about going for a run the other night. (Something I never ever thought I would want to do.) But it was so hot that it didn't happen. The truth is my kids are getting in the way of my progress. But how long can I use them as an excuse?
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
I Ran
In between our traveling workout tonight ... I ran. I don't run. But I ran. I probably haven't run in I don't know—EVER. And I ran.
Visualization
So, now we're suppose to be thinking positive thoughts and using visualization to imagine/remember our bodies before kids/food/jobs. (Why did I think I was fat in college?) I need to dig out a picture from the year I got married. That might have been the last year I was happy with my body. But that was when I could go to the gym every morning—before I moved to Baltimore and spent my free time commuting to DC, before four kids popped out between my 30th and 35th year, before working out slipped below, well, everything. Beata says she wants everyone to find a picture of themselves where you were either happy with your self OR you would be very happy with now *even if at the time you weren't thrilled —you know better now—and attach it here. We're to devote 5 minutes of every day to visualize EACH of us based on our pictures not by what we might look like at the moment. We have 2 more weeks and then our assessment class and our party. I feel like I'm going to be disappointed with myself but then I think just getting to class each week has been a major goal for me. And I've done that. Even when I'm exhausted. Even when I have a bazillion things to do.
You Can Too (Free Class)
There's a free preview class for the summer session—did I mention I'm doing this again? I figure this session has been a wake my body up session and next session will be get my shit together session. It's Wednesday, June 1, 7:30pm, meet at Flagpole near Eastern/Linwood - bring a mat or towel and a water bottle. Be prepared for a great work out! If light rain, will move to Pavillion near duck pond, if heavy thunderstorms or rain class will be rescheduled.
For more info check out.
https://www.facebook.com/
I'm not sure if I've hit home this point enough—but our instructor? She makes the class. She pushes without being mean, she listens, she inspires, she makes you believe a mom really can be strong.
For more info check out.
https://www.facebook.com/
I'm not sure if I've hit home this point enough—but our instructor? She makes the class. She pushes without being mean, she listens, she inspires, she makes you believe a mom really can be strong.
Will Power
Where did mine go? Did I leave it on the delivery table? Did I forget to bring it back with me the last time I went out? Did it slip out of the stroller when I wasn't paying attention? I seem to have lost it. And I want it back.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Week 4
From our fearless leader:
-PRIOR to each Tuesday class, please take out your food journal and write down
in the 'workout' spot what days you plan to workout and what you plan to do
(total body, gym, walk/run, abs, etc). Think about your whole family's schedule
and plan around that.
-As you arrive to class (on Tuesdays), I'll have you buddy up and share your
plan for the week. I also want you to look at each other's food journals.
Discuss one positive and one challenge from the previous week and have 1-2 goals
for the upcomng week.
-On Thursdays, you will check in with your buddy and see how the week is shaping
up for you.
Planning and prep is key. For food, I want you all to really think about what
you are eating and listen to your hunger cues. There's a reason you won't eat a
whole bag of apples but will eat a whole bag of chips. Whole foods are
satisfying. The meal plan is designed to take the guess work out for you. The
recipes are easy to make and pretty tasty. If you feel like you just cannot do
the recipes, try to make simple changes on your own - veggies are a no brainer.
Fill up your plate with lots of vegetables and low starch fruits. Pick whole
grains (non-glutinous grains are best-brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, millet,
amaranth). Pick lean meats and healthy fats. I highly recommend sticking to
the meal plan but if you can't, make changes in your current eating. Make sure
you eat every 2-3 hours and make breakfast and lunch your largest meals. This
is the start of week 4. We are almost to the half-way point. Please commit to
doing your absolute best. Ask for support when you need it.
**Me again. We always eat so much better when we do one food shop at the start of the week. Every night we know what we're having—fish, pork chops, chicken and what we're serving with it. It's so much better than running in the grocery store last minute and being tempted by a quick frozen pizza. My kids love salad (well, lettuce) and I know it's because they see us eating it every night. I want to be that good example for my children. Well, when they don't think a food group is chicken nuggets.
-PRIOR to each Tuesday class, please take out your food journal and write down
in the 'workout' spot what days you plan to workout and what you plan to do
(total body, gym, walk/run, abs, etc). Think about your whole family's schedule
and plan around that.
-As you arrive to class (on Tuesdays), I'll have you buddy up and share your
plan for the week. I also want you to look at each other's food journals.
Discuss one positive and one challenge from the previous week and have 1-2 goals
for the upcomng week.
-On Thursdays, you will check in with your buddy and see how the week is shaping
up for you.
Planning and prep is key. For food, I want you all to really think about what
you are eating and listen to your hunger cues. There's a reason you won't eat a
whole bag of apples but will eat a whole bag of chips. Whole foods are
satisfying. The meal plan is designed to take the guess work out for you. The
recipes are easy to make and pretty tasty. If you feel like you just cannot do
the recipes, try to make simple changes on your own - veggies are a no brainer.
Fill up your plate with lots of vegetables and low starch fruits. Pick whole
grains (non-glutinous grains are best-brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, millet,
amaranth). Pick lean meats and healthy fats. I highly recommend sticking to
the meal plan but if you can't, make changes in your current eating. Make sure
you eat every 2-3 hours and make breakfast and lunch your largest meals. This
is the start of week 4. We are almost to the half-way point. Please commit to
doing your absolute best. Ask for support when you need it.
**Me again. We always eat so much better when we do one food shop at the start of the week. Every night we know what we're having—fish, pork chops, chicken and what we're serving with it. It's so much better than running in the grocery store last minute and being tempted by a quick frozen pizza. My kids love salad (well, lettuce) and I know it's because they see us eating it every night. I want to be that good example for my children. Well, when they don't think a food group is chicken nuggets.
The Results
Well, we had our weigh in (one shrimp and grits ago.) The eight moms in the class have lost a total of 35 pounds and 9 inches from their waist. That is amazing! Of that I have contributed 2.5 pounds and 1.25 inches on my waist. Thank goodness we still have weeks 5-8! I'm looking forward to getting my ass back in gear tonight.
Damn You Austin Food Trucks
Spent the weekend visiting my sister. I did a lot of walking—but a lot of eating too. I couldn't say no (no, really I couldn't. I tried) to banana pudding and BBQ and ice cream sandwiches. Am feeling the bulk. And I hate that the weather is bad this week. I want to go for a long walk with the kids.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Don't Beat Yourself Up
One of the moms said something I found really important:
Learning to accept that not every single interaction I have with my child has to be profound and meaningful helps (this is a very tough one). Letting my children be otherwise occupied so I can squeeze in a work out is OK - it makes me a better mom the rest of the time.
I have such guilt. Am I on the computer to much? Am I spending more time with one child than the other? Are any of them getting quality time? Should I be working more? Should I be working less? But I'm really doing the best I can. I love my children. And sometimes that is just enough.
Learning to accept that not every single interaction I have with my child has to be profound and meaningful helps (this is a very tough one). Letting my children be otherwise occupied so I can squeeze in a work out is OK - it makes me a better mom the rest of the time.
I have such guilt. Am I on the computer to much? Am I spending more time with one child than the other? Are any of them getting quality time? Should I be working more? Should I be working less? But I'm really doing the best I can. I love my children. And sometimes that is just enough.
Week 4—a Q&A
So, we're asked the following ...
1) What are you most proud of so far during the time you've started Body Back? 2) What is your biggest work out struggle? 3) How can you overcome it? if you don't have a clear idea yet, what are some ideas and the barriers - maybe we can offer suggestions. 4) What is your biggest nutritional struggle? 5) How can you overcome it? if you don't have a clear idea yet, what are some ideas and the barriers - maybe we can offer suggestions. 6) What support do you need?
And here are my answers:
1) That I've found the time—despite having four kids under five, p/t working, and having a house, husband and dog—to do something just for me. It's so easy to just put my needs last. It's so easy to find reasons why I can't do this ... so I'm proud of myself for making the time for me. I want a better body and I'm taking the steps—small or otherwise—to get there.
1) What are you most proud of so far during the time you've started Body Back? 2) What is your biggest work out struggle? 3) How can you overcome it? if you don't have a clear idea yet, what are some ideas and the barriers - maybe we can offer suggestions. 4) What is your biggest nutritional struggle? 5) How can you overcome it? if you don't have a clear idea yet, what are some ideas and the barriers - maybe we can offer suggestions. 6) What support do you need?
And here are my answers:
1) That I've found the time—despite having four kids under five, p/t working, and having a house, husband and dog—to do something just for me. It's so easy to just put my needs last. It's so easy to find reasons why I can't do this ... so I'm proud of myself for making the time for me. I want a better body and I'm taking the steps—small or otherwise—to get there.
2) See #1. Finding the time to do the extra workouts. I love Tuesday/Thursday because I know I'm going to get my ass kicked. It's making myself do it the other days that I find so hard. I love group classes because I'm not good at motivating myself. Or every time I put in the workout—someone wakes up, someone needs to be fed or held, or I'm just to damn tired to do it. Eating lunch and watching my DVR just sounds so much better than working out!
3) I need to schedule it in my day and not let anything get in the way. As soon as Willa goes down for a nap I need to pop it in and workout and then *reward* myself with lunch/quiet time. I know myself .. if I wait until the kids go to bed it won't get done. I can barely keep my eyes open after 8 PM!
4) When I'm home I snack. I try to only snack on healthy items—carrots, trail mix and drink plenty of water. I also try to only have stuff in my house that's good for me because if it's there I'll eat it. I have NO self control! I also need to work on my portion control.
5) I just need to really think before I put something in my mouth. Usually after I eat something I regret it ... but not while I'm putting it in my mouth.
6) I love this group because it's all moms. You know what it's like to try to balance everything. You know how hard it is to get there. But I need someone to say to me: Janelle ... It's Wednesday. You should be doing your other workouts. No excuses! Or some sit on my couch and make me do it!
Week Three ... What I Am Doing
So something positive I'm doing? I know I sound like a broken record but I think that just carving out two-plus hours a week for something completely selfish like this is amazing. I have FOUR kids. I can't even pee without someone barging in. It sometimes takes six tries to shower. Being able to do this (thanks to my hubby!) is what gets me through each day.
I have been a dud when it comes to the DVDs. I need Kristin to move into my house. I think that's the only way I can be motivated. It's frustrating. I'm frustrated with myself.
I'm also trying to change the way we eat. We've always been good eaters. But my husband is trained to have a "side." Like bread with pasta. So we've been starting every meal with a big salad. (I just need to get him off the Thousand Island drenching and into my fat free balsamic vinaigrette.)
No wonder movie starts are skinny. They have personal trainers, chefs and nannies. It takes a freaking village to be healthy.
I have been a dud when it comes to the DVDs. I need Kristin to move into my house. I think that's the only way I can be motivated. It's frustrating. I'm frustrated with myself.
I'm also trying to change the way we eat. We've always been good eaters. But my husband is trained to have a "side." Like bread with pasta. So we've been starting every meal with a big salad. (I just need to get him off the Thousand Island drenching and into my fat free balsamic vinaigrette.)
No wonder movie starts are skinny. They have personal trainers, chefs and nannies. It takes a freaking village to be healthy.
If You Want to Feel Bad About Yourself When You're Feeling Good
Go try on some pants. In a dressing room.
Why I Never Get Anything Done
Every time I go to write something down/cook a good breakfast/put in my DVD ... one of these rascals want to eat/cry/play.
Week 3 ... What I Should Be Doing
From our fearless leader:
Hello ladies,
Welcome to week 3. I hope you are all starting to get into a rhythm with the
exercises and food journal. Please continue to share successes and challenges.
Just a couple things:
-Tonight, interval workout, meet at the flagpole, 7:30
-Thursday, circuit workout, meet at the STAIRS in PP, 7:30 (I'll point them out
at class tonight and send out a reminder Thursday)
-At home: 3 total body, 3 abs (do NOT forget these!!)
-1st Specialty class is Sunday, May 15th, 9 am, this will be a 'game day',
please feel free to bring a friend, if people are up for it after let's have the
dads/kids meet us and we can have a playdate at one of the playgrounds - please
let me know if you are coming and if you are bringing a friend so I can plan
accordingly
-Next week will be week 4, which means we are coming to the halfway point, I'm
planning a special partners class for Tuesday to recognize how far we've come
-Continue working hard and I promise it will pay off in results, you should
already be feeling stronger and you should be seeing some numbers move, please
let us know in class tonight if you've seen more weight loss!!
Hello ladies,
Welcome to week 3. I hope you are all starting to get into a rhythm with the
exercises and food journal. Please continue to share successes and challenges.
Just a couple things:
-Tonight, interval workout, meet at the flagpole, 7:30
-Thursday, circuit workout, meet at the STAIRS in PP, 7:30 (I'll point them out
at class tonight and send out a reminder Thursday)
-At home: 3 total body, 3 abs (do NOT forget these!!)
-1st Specialty class is Sunday, May 15th, 9 am, this will be a 'game day',
please feel free to bring a friend, if people are up for it after let's have the
dads/kids meet us and we can have a playdate at one of the playgrounds - please
let me know if you are coming and if you are bringing a friend so I can plan
accordingly
-Next week will be week 4, which means we are coming to the halfway point, I'm
planning a special partners class for Tuesday to recognize how far we've come
-Continue working hard and I promise it will pay off in results, you should
already be feeling stronger and you should be seeing some numbers move, please
let us know in class tonight if you've seen more weight loss!!
Week 2
I loved this week since I finally got to come to class, meet everyone, and actually start getting my butt kicked. On boot camp days it's all I think about—12 hours to boot camp, 8 hours to boot camp, two hours—because I know I'm going to sweat and hurt and yell and maybe cry but love every second of it. I love how I feel after I work out. I eat better. That's why I usually love working out first thing in the morning. It changes my whole day.
That Tuesday we did an interval workout. Of all the different workouts it's not my favorite. Thursday we did the circuit which I really like. It doesn't feel quite so much like working out. We work with a partner and I always push myself harder when I'm with someone else. Competitive—maybe? But also I love the support and I think I'm a pretty good cheerleader.
A lot of people have been weighing themselves on their own but I don't. I don't own a scale. I think it's just going to bum me out. I feel good. Seeing the same number or worse a higher number will make me feel like a big fat loser.
About Others
No of course I'm not going to post what the others moms wrote about. I only want to say that they were funny and honest and heart-felt and amazing. I was inspired. And I don't usually say stuff like that. We're all very different, but being mommies connects us in a way that would be hard to explain to someone without kids. We get it.
About Me
Hi everyone. I missed last week but will be there from now on. I'm Janelle. I'm mom to Milo (4), Willa (2) and Zeke and Gideon (3 months.) Yes, that's four under five. Zeke and Gideon were a big surprise, to say the least. I've been married to my husband Ron for seven years this May—and I turned 35 in February. I've been working at Baltimore magazine for five years as lifestyle editor—I do the Bride issue, fashion, gift guide, and a monthly column. Prior to that I was at the Washington Post. I'm currently negotiating a longer maternity leave—hopefully until September when my daughter will join my son at Montessori school. My husband and I love to travel and enjoy good food—from food trailer trucks to break the bank meals. I also love to read—currently reading Bossypants on my Kindle—and entertain.
About my family: Milo is sweet, shy, and becoming an amazing big brother. He has a wild imagination. He is obsessed with superheroes and riding his scooter. Willa is sassy and silly. I love her personality. She is going to rule the roost—even being the only girl. She's got crazy curly hair and loves everything that her brother touches. She loves to dance and play pretend. And my sweet new boys? Well, they still mostly eat/sleep/poop ... but they are both quick to smile, love their swings, are slowly sleeping through the night, and most of all light up when they see Milo & Willa. Ron is the GM of the Chipotle in the Can Company. He did marketing for them for a long time but was traveling almost every week. Now, he's two blocks away. And no, we don't eat Chipotle every day! Our favorite Sunday activity is hitting the farmer's market.
I've spent what feels like the last five years pregnant and its taken its toll on my body. I'm ready to feel good about my body and give myself two nights a week that are jut for me.
About my family: Milo is sweet, shy, and becoming an amazing big brother. He has a wild imagination. He is obsessed with superheroes and riding his scooter. Willa is sassy and silly. I love her personality. She is going to rule the roost—even being the only girl. She's got crazy curly hair and loves everything that her brother touches. She loves to dance and play pretend. And my sweet new boys? Well, they still mostly eat/sleep/poop ... but they are both quick to smile, love their swings, are slowly sleeping through the night, and most of all light up when they see Milo & Willa. Ron is the GM of the Chipotle in the Can Company. He did marketing for them for a long time but was traveling almost every week. Now, he's two blocks away. And no, we don't eat Chipotle every day! Our favorite Sunday activity is hitting the farmer's market.
I've spent what feels like the last five years pregnant and its taken its toll on my body. I'm ready to feel good about my body and give myself two nights a week that are jut for me.
Week 1
So, week one was pretty much a bust for me. The first class I missed because it was Passover and the second class I missed because of some tickets bought months earlier. But I did do my food journal. Because it was Passover I couldn't have breads or pastas and that really helped. Lunch was mostly salads with grilled chicken and dinner was a protein, vegetable and usually a sweet potato. I did do my tapes this week.
Our homework for Week 1:
1) At home workout - remember a MINIMUM of 1 total body and 1 abs (plus any additional workouts to compensate for any indulging over the weekend, try to be reasonable and make smart choices (remember portion sizes!)
2) I will post a new message called "About me..." - reply to this message with a paragraph or two about yourself and your family. If you can, please post a picture of your family as well. It's a good opportunity to get to know each other a little better. Include some fun facts.
3) Stand in front of a mirror with your shirt off. Let everything relax - ie let everything hang, droop, sag, and hunch. Take note of how your feel and look. Then, stand tall - chest up, shoulders back and pulled down, abs drawn in, smile. Again, take note of how you feel and look. This is a posturing exercise. Be mindful throughout the day of your posture. Try to be ideal....
I'll post my About Me in my next entry.
#3 was hard. Hang, droop, sag was right. Gravity is not my friend. But when I pulled back—while there was still definite sagging—I did feel better. Stronger. And confident. Confident in me and what I can do. Maybe not this week or next week .. but in time.
Our homework for Week 1:
1) At home workout - remember a MINIMUM of 1 total body and 1 abs (plus any additional workouts to compensate for any indulging over the weekend, try to be reasonable and make smart choices (remember portion sizes!)
2) I will post a new message called "About me..." - reply to this message with a paragraph or two about yourself and your family. If you can, please post a picture of your family as well. It's a good opportunity to get to know each other a little better. Include some fun facts.
3) Stand in front of a mirror with your shirt off. Let everything relax - ie let everything hang, droop, sag, and hunch. Take note of how your feel and look. Then, stand tall - chest up, shoulders back and pulled down, abs drawn in, smile. Again, take note of how you feel and look. This is a posturing exercise. Be mindful throughout the day of your posture. Try to be ideal....
I'll post my About Me in my next entry.
#3 was hard. Hang, droop, sag was right. Gravity is not my friend. But when I pulled back—while there was still definite sagging—I did feel better. Stronger. And confident. Confident in me and what I can do. Maybe not this week or next week .. but in time.
The Assessment
It hurts a lot to see my pictures because in my mind I looked bad—but not this bad. It was a good wake-up. I've been meaning to print them out and hang them on my fridge as a deterrent to, well, eating. My belly I can blame on my three pregnancies including my twin pregnancy that stretched my belly beyond recognition. But my arms? Thighs? That's all me. It makes me sad ... but hopeful. It's something I can change about me.
The assessments included a picture, weight, measurement at chest, waist, hips, and thigh, one minute test of sit ups, squats, push ups and bicep curls, holding plank and side plank as long as I could and a timed run.
So, here it is.
Weight: 205.6
Chest: 42 in
Waist: 43 in
Hips: 45.5 in
Thigh: 26.75 in
Fitness Tests:
Sit Ups: 20
Squats: 45
Push Ups: 10
Bicep Curls: 35
Run: 6 min 20 sec
Plank: 2 min
Side Plank 30 sec
The assessments included a picture, weight, measurement at chest, waist, hips, and thigh, one minute test of sit ups, squats, push ups and bicep curls, holding plank and side plank as long as I could and a timed run.
So, here it is.
Weight: 205.6
Chest: 42 in
Waist: 43 in
Hips: 45.5 in
Thigh: 26.75 in
Fitness Tests:
Sit Ups: 20
Squats: 45
Push Ups: 10
Bicep Curls: 35
Run: 6 min 20 sec
Plank: 2 min
Side Plank 30 sec
I've Failed
At being a good blogger. I thought I could do it all. And I didn't. I've been being a good Body Back girl. Going to all the sessions—except the first week—and being generally good. But I failed at the blogging. I don't even know why. I love writing. I love blogging. Just every time I went to write I ended up doing something else. We are now four weeks into the program and I'm scared about tonight. It's our weigh-in. And I don't think I'm going to do well. I haven't been great about the other aspects of the class. I try to eat well but I don't always. And I try to do the extra exercises—but I don't always. But I love the direction this class is taking me. And I'll sign-up again. I love the other women in the group. So honest and supportive. They have opened up to complete strangers about very personal things and I love them for that. It makes me feel lucky with all that I have and understand them all better. I wish I could have done them proud with this blog! So, I'm going to start at the beginning—the assessment.
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