Self Esteem

Self esteem is one of the things I struggle with, I think most of us do. Working out has been a great way for me to feel better about myself, not only do I feel strong and productive but the endorphins help balance all those nagging little thoughts of, you are not pretty enough, skinny enough, or good enough. But still every once in a while there are times when those thoughts get the better of me, I look in the mirror and can't figure out why I ever felt good about myself to begin with... I have realized I can't trust my eyes, because I'm not seeing what everyone else does. I try to trust the good I do see and what people say to me but it can be hard when what you are looking at seems to contradict what people are telling you. Many times I have wished I could see what everyone else sees, I recently found this one website that kind of does that

http://www.mybodygallery.com/index.html

It is a site dedicated to women showing pictures of themselves, including weight and clothing sizes. The whole website is dedicated to showing what real normal women look like (every shape and size). They are not edited or photo shopped, but just raw and real. You can look up women who have the same stats as you and realize they look pretty good and if you saw them in the street, most likely you wouldn't judge them they way you judge yourself. You can also scroll through the gallery and realize what 'real people' look like, instead of a crazy 'ideal' that isn't really possible. I still struggle, I seem to go through ups and downs but it helps to realize I'm normal and normal is pretty good. 

I'm Back!

I'm Back!

Well sort of, I was out of town on vacation and wasn't able to keep to my workout schedule... I had all my stuff with me (DVD's, weights, etc.) but my days were soo long that by the end of the day I was dead, and just couldn't bring myself to do the workouts. Luckily my vacation was over the 'recovery' week of p90x and even though I didn't stick to the schedule, there was a lot of physical activity (tons and tons of walking, swimming and things like that) so hopefully I didn't undo all my hard work!

I haven't been working as hard as Amber

But I have been working out!!

We had a big move (big because it's the first time we've moved since being married) and that was quite a workout! Also I've been unpacking boxes almost non-stop for about a week.

I hadn't done Jillian Michaels since we ended last season... I did other workouts though! I even set the timer a few times and just did different workout moves I learned from Jillian. I also did a few dance workouts that can be found on Netflix on demand.

Last night though I felt like pushing myself so I did week 4 of Ripped in 30.... Yeah... I probably should have started at week one again after such a long break, but it was a good challenging workout!

So, that's what I've been up to workout wise since we ended the Season.

ps. I LOVE our new place. 

It's so homey, and cozey and cute! It makes me happy.

What have you been doing to workout since we ended the season?

You Did What!?

Let me start off this post by saying, the push-ups I do are mostly done on my knees and when I do pull-ups, they are done with one leg kicked out on a chair (you still used you upper body like crazy but it isn't quite as hard). It is all still very intense but doing the moves like that, make it so you can steadily build the muscle up, instead of just struggling. 

      

(The pull ups go something like this)

On Monday I did an hour long workout that consisted mostly of pull-ups and push-ups. It was really hard but I enjoyed it a lot, I pushed myself and it payed off because by the time the workout was over and I had completed 85 pull-ups and a whopping 201 push-ups! After the workout I went and told my husband, whose reaction was something along the lines of...'You did what...!?' This is only the second time I have done this workout, the first time I forgot to write down my numbers (sad!) so I don't have anything to compare my progress to but I'm excited to see how far I can push myself and hopefully I'll have even more progress to report soon!  

I'm Loving It

I am loving P90X so far, yes it is hard and yes I feel like I have been run over by a steam roller afterwards but I am really enjoying the program! I was a bit nervous to start out, I knew it was going to be hard but it is done in such an encouraging and smart way. I love to progress bar, so you know how much time you have left in the over all workout and I love that it has a countdown on the screen for each individual move! There have been times I want to quit on a particularly difficult part but being able to see I only have to do it for 10 more seconds, makes it so I can hold out and push just a little farther. I love how each dvd has proper stretching, cool down and has breaks and the instructor is motivating but realistic (so in the words of Annie) basically the 'Anti-Jillian' (I kid...sort of...) I have only been doing the program for a week but I look forward to it each evening, I hope that my level of excitement continues!       

On My Own

Even though we are on a season hiatus, I still will be working out and continuing to push myself. My plan is to keep you all informed on my progress! I recently decided on a new workout regimen and I tried to get someone to do it with me, I started by asking my husband (nope!) and then Chantel and also Helena but no one was having it, so I guess I will have to go it alone (so pitiful right?). Well yesterday I stared P90X (all by myself...) and have to say I really did enjoy it but I have only done it once so far, I think it will be interesting to see how much I like it in a few days/weeks. After I finished the workout yesterday, I was tiered but as the evening progressed my muscles became more and more fatigued! Not sore but fatigued, as if I was continuing to workout... By the morning however I was so increadably sore, I haven't felt this amount of soreness from a workout since the first time I did a Jillian Michaels DVD years ago and i'm no newcomer to a  hard workout! I'm really excited to keep this up and see how far I can go! 

 

Until Next Time

After some talking, it was decided that we are going to take a little time off from the 'Reasons to Lose' competition. So we will start back up after the new year, but in the mean time we will continue to post about our progress and the different experiences we are having, we just won't have any challenges or winners.

Thank you everyone for reading and following along with us as we work to better our lives!

The Winner!

The Winner Is....

Chantel.... and Amber?

What?!? 2 winners, but how is that even possible?

Well i'll tell you how it is possible, there are 4 contestants, meaning there is the possibility of a tie AND that is what we have here folks!

Congratulations you two!

Have fun splitting your winnings...

Oh, hey there.

Hey guys!

So, I lost 12 lbs this season! But then I gained 3 back. Still, 9 lbs is pretty good.

I may not qualify to win any of the prizes, but I'm still pretty happy with the results.

-Helena

Season 4: Cast Your Vote

It's time. 

The moment we've all been waiting for and working towards for the past three months

You have until next Saturday, 08/27/11 to write a blog post and vote on who you think deserves to win Season 4 of Reasons to Lose.

Good work ladies, and good luck!

Final

Quick review of last week challenges:

I did not do Jillian, and I did not give it all I had. I was focused on finishing school and working.

I did fine on the no sugar diet. Easy as pie. Sugar free non mushy pie.

Overall.

I did not do as well as I would have hoped. I was very consumed with work (bought by a new company) and school (full time) I found it hard to have the drive to exercise once I completed all of my tasks. The nutritional challenges we not hard to do, just making time for the physical ones.

I did not loose any weight. I did not lose any inches either.

I think I did pretty well with my lack o carbs diet. I even got Jimmy to not detest brown rice! I also tried new grains and even made banana bread for others will all whole wheat flower!

I completed 14 Challenges. It could be worse, but could be better.

I am so proud of you girls! You rock it and I am proud to have you as my sisters!! :)

My final update for season 4

Hey guys, another "season" of Ripped in 30 has come to a close.

And so it's time to let you know how I did

With last weeks challenges:

Physical: I gave it 100%! 

Nutritional: I had my four meals of no meat- it was really easy for me

Emotional: I listened to Jillian's motivational speech at the end of the DVD

Now for my overall update:

As you know I've been working out with Bryn throughout this season nearly every week. Almost every week during these three months looked like this: I would do the Ripped in 30 with you guys on Monday, on Wednesday morning I would do the 30 Day Shred with Bryn, and then on Friday I would do Ripped in 30 again with Bryn. 

Of course, it would vary sometimes, but that was mostly how it would look :-)

I'm proud of myself. I've pushed myself harder in this season than any of the others.

And I really see and feel the difference.

I revisited the goals we were all supposed to write down in the beginning of this cycle and I'm pleased to say that I have met them all! 

Of course there's still room for improvement with all of them, but I've seen some great advancement in each area which was my main goal :-)

I've lost a little bit of weight (which is weird to me, because I know I've gained muscle), and I've seen some changes in the inches. My body fat and BMI went down a little as well. 

But what I'm really excited about are the changes I can see and feel. 

Especially those in my endurance, health, confidence and just over all well being.

and that I can see some definition of course ;-)

I feel great! 

And I am really very proud of how hard I pushed myself and how far I feel I have come.

Also, I'm pleased to announce that I purchased 3lb weights a few weeks ago and I have been using them each time I work out :-)

As for the weekly challenges:

I have a total of 22.5 points :-)

Amber you beat my by half a point! Good job!

We've been doing this for a year now, I'm very proud of all of you. <3

The End

Before I get to my final results, I want to play a little catch up. I was out of town last week, and that meant I had no internet, cellphone reception or even electricity. So if you guys don't mind, i'd like to post about how I did on the last few challenges!

• I worked out with Dave (we went walking!) for the physical challenge

• For the Emotional Challenge I made a list things I would like to change. I also found that I have more confidence (it keeps growing!) and have been dealing with stress much better.

• Nutritionally I was able to do the 4 meals without any simple carbs (it was tough, I didn't have my normal food around because we were out of town!)

• The other Physical Challenge was to give it your all, I couldn't do the ripped in 30 (no electricity) last week but I did do a lot of physical activity and I did give it my all!

Now for my results-

I did 23 challenges this season!

I didn't lose any inch's except on my thighs (1 1/2 in!) Though my arms are getting more defined, really my whole body is getting more toned and just keeps changing! I don't know if I lost any weight, my scale isn't working right now so I can't check, but I feel good and don't really care either way.

I really enjoyed this season, I pushed myself, moved on to 8lb weights and really had fun! I stuck to my No Meat restriction and didn't even use most of my cheat days. I worked really hard this season and am getting so much stronger, I can see the results, both physically and emotionally!

Season 4 Final Week

It's the end of another season, and that means that it's time to post about how we did.

This week when you post about how you did with last weeks challenges also tell us how you did this season.

Include the following information:

Did you lose any weight or inches?
Did you meet your goals?
What (if anything) did you learn?
How do you feel?
How did you do with your diet?
How many points did you win with weekly challenges?

We are going to wait to vote for who we think deserves to win this season after everyone has posted their results. That means you have to write your post by Saturday 8/20. 
Then next week we will vote on the winner.

This season has been a lot of fun!
I've enjoyed writing the challenges, and I hope you guys had a fun time doing them :-)

I'm really happy

We're almost done! 

So, last week I did workout with Michael.

It was fun.

We didn't do Jillian Michaels, but we played tag with our nieces and nephew! It was quite a workout.

And I've been thinking about positive changes I would like to make in my life. Here are some of them:

Be more crafty

Be more proactive

Face my fears more

Procrastinate less

Manage time better

Improve my talents

I've also been thinking about how far I've come since we've started this blog. 

I have a lot more stamina and endurance, I'm stronger, healthier and I feel really confident.

Some of the biggest changes I've seen have been muscle definition in my arms, calves and a little in my abs. One of the biggest changes I've seen in my working out is that I can actually do the push-ups! That's a pretty big deal to me; in the past I would be able to bend my elbows slightly, but now I can really do them!

I have loved getting into the habit of working out because now I can do things like hiking, swimming and running without getting as tired and worn out as I would in the past. I can also hold children in my arms for a lot longer without even starting to get tired.

I feel like I've come a long way, and I'm really happy with the progress I've made.

I'm looking forward to hearing how you guys feel about the progress you've made since starting Reasons to Lose!

Season 4 Challenge 12

In case you are new:

Each week we are given two challenges. These challenges will start on Sunday and go through the following Saturday.

On our designated blogging days we'll let each other know how we did with the previous weeks challenges!

BE HONEST. If you failed the challenge, tell us why. If you rocked it, tell us how. Most importantly, tell us how you feel about it.

This is our last weekly challenge! 
So lucky us, we get a physical, nutritional, and an emotional!
I'll give instructions for next week on Sunday.

  

This week's challenges:

Physical: Since this is our last weekly challenge in this season, we need to give our workouts all we have! We all have those times when we don't really put 100% into our workouts, maybe you could push a little harder but you don't, or maybe you are stuck in the same routine and don't really go the extra mile. This week, with whatever you do, give it your all! Don't quit, push harder, give it everything you have! You don't have to add an extra workout, just make sure whatever you are doing, you don't phone it in!

Nutritional: It's our last time to swap diets! Continue maintaining your specific diet, and in addition we will each have to follow a specified persons diet for at least four meals, preferably over the course of two days. Share at least one recipe you tried in which you incorporated the new diet.

Amber, this week you will try Annie's diet of no simple carbs

Annie, this week you will try Helena's diet of no sugar

Helena, this week you will try Chantel's diet of no dairy

Chantel, this week you will try Amber's diet of no meat




Emotional: We make fun of it, and we don't really listen, but this week when you do level 4 of Ripped in 30 on your own, really LISTEN to what Jillian says at the end. Sure, it's corny, and maybe you'll roll your eyes. But she gives some pretty good advice, and I think it would be beneficial for you to lay there, close your eyes, listen and internalize before you stretch.

AND remember our continual challenge this season is to do the Ripped in 30 DVD twice each week.

Good luck!

How I Did

Amber and I worked out the same muscles! Yeah!

I did my calves, and it was hard sometimes. But good. When I'm in the clean room at work I stand a lot, especially when I'm cleaning bottles or tanks, which worked out perfectly. I too came up with a lot of different variations of going up to my toes and lowering down. My favorite was probably going up for 8 counts, holding it for 8, and lowering down for 8. I could feel the burn!

And I also noticed a difference at the end of the week! I think my calves look and feel stronger.

I also recorded what I ate, and I notice I should probably cut back on nighttime snacking. It's nearly always popcorn or tortilla chips. Late at night I tend to crave salt.

I've been noticing a lot of physical changes this cycle, it's fun

Last Week

Well last week went pretty well, I wrote down everything I ate... It was interesting... I realized I need more vegetables, but other then that my eating wasn't too bad. Dave would get a kick out of reading my list at the end of the day, because it was always so eclectic! I also did the strength challenge and decided to workout my calves, I did do it everyday and would work them out until I couldn't do any more! I would go onto my tip tows and then lower down, I did a ton of different variations on that move. I would go fast, then slow and I would walk around on my tows, I would try anything I could think of to tire the muscles out! I even noticed a difference at the end out the week, my legs were stronger and even a little more buff!

Season 4 Challenge 11

In case you are new:

Each week we are given two challenges. These challenges will start on Sunday and go through the following Saturday.

On our designated blogging days we'll let each other know how we did with the previous weeks challenges!

BE HONEST. If you failed the challenge, tell us why. If you rocked it, tell us how. Most importantly, tell us how you feel about it.

  

This week's challenges:

Physical: We're almost done ladies! This week get your significant other to workout with you. Maybe all you can get him to do is go for a walk, but somehow this week get your man to workout with you at least once! Tell us what you guys do together! 

Emotional: Take a look at how are and see if there is anything (NOT physical) that you would like to change. Are you too critical of yourself? Negative about the future? Hanging onto the past? Write down things you want to change, and change them. You can keep that list to yourself, but we want to know how you've grown since we first started this blog. Look at where you are and how far you've come. Let us hear about your progress in a post.

AND remember our continual challenge this season is to do the Ripped in 30 DVD twice each week.

Good luck!

Only 18 days left!?

It just hit me today that there really are only 18 days left in this season!

Crazy...

Last week, as you know, I did the level 4 of Ripped in 30! I didn't blog after my second time doing it, but it went faster than the first time.

I made working out fun twice as well! 

One of those times was when Michael and I went hiking on one of his friend's birthdays (last Saturday). It was about a 5 hour hike (I told you 3 hours Annie, but I was mistaken). We left around 8, and got back after 1:30. It was hard. It was a really tough hike, very steep and tiring. But it was so very worth it, and lots of fun!

I have to tell you, I am so glad that I've been working out, because it built up my stamina more; I know that had I not been doing Jillian Michaels, there would be no way I could have finished that hike without at least 20 more rest breaks.

It was a lot of fun though! My favorite part was coming down. Down the side of the canyon there are some small loose orangish colored rocks that we slid down (on purpose) it was very fun! And it cut back our climb down by at least 30 minutes. I'll have to post a pic of it sometime.

I've also received the emotional challenge letter from Michael, and I've been working at believing the things he says, and trying to see myself the way he see's me. 

How has that been going for you guys?

If you have any challenges in particular that you want to do before the season is up, let me know!

Yeah, Yeah

I know I'm a day late posting but Dave and I were hanging out with Kelsy (Dave's sister), who came down to celebrate her birthday with us! So I'm playing catch up with my blogging today. Time is almost up for this season, so I have been trying to go full throttle, I don't want to phone it in or anything :) I did the ripped in 30 twice last week AND two workouts that were fun (just like the challenge told us to!). I also started using my 8lb weights last week, so that made everything a little harder but I have been enjoying the challenge. Dave also wrote me the letter (the one for the challenge, telling us why we mater and whatnot), he was very sweet and made sure to get it done on time!

Season 4 Challenge 10

In case you are new:

Each week we are given two challenges. These challenges will start on Sunday and go through the following Saturday.

On our designated blogging days we'll let each other know how we did with the previous weeks challenges!

BE HONEST. If you failed the challenge, tell us why. If you rocked it, tell us how. Most importantly, tell us how you feel about it.

  

This week's challenges:

I forgot to add this to the emotional challenge last week. 

You're challenge is to read the letter from your significant other, and believe it. Believe in your heart that what they said was true.  If you don't believe it right away, that's okay. But keep working on seeing yourself the way they see you. 

Physical: Isolate. Pick a body part you don't normally work (arms, thighs, toes...) and spend a little time everyday this week doing something to strengthen/tone the area. Let us know what area you're working on, and how you're going to strengthen/tone it!

Nutritional: Track everything you put in your body for the week! Write down everything you drink, snack on and eat. You don't have to count calories, just keep track. At the end of the week review how you did. What was good? What do you need to cut out? What do you need to add into your diet? Let us all know what you're going to work on!

AND remember our continual challenge this season is to do the Ripped in 30 DVD twice each week.

Good luck!

Challenge week 8 review

This clock is a good outward appearance of how I feel about time in the inside. I need more of it! Too much going on.

I did not do my outdoor activity. I am sorry. :( I spent most of my time inside at work or inside at home doing schoolwork. :(

I did however get to do the nutritional challenge. I did not eat dairy for 4 meals. I think it would be hard to do though all the time. You go miss Chantel!

Dododo....

Does anyone else have a hard time thinking of titles for blog posts?

Anyway, I rocked the challenges last week!

I did my four meals of no simple carbs! It wasn't very difficult. For one of the meals I made some brown rice and mixed in some chicken breast, cream of chicken soup, some seasonings and crackers on top. Not really special  delivery chicken, but a quick substitute.

I also did my outdoor workouts! Hiking and swimming in St. George made up most of them. I also went for a walk! I love the great outdoors! 

I would have gone for a bike ride, but I don't have a bike. I want to get a bike, and I'm loving this one and this color too

and they are on sale! Can't beat that :-)

But then again, to cut down on gas this bike might be good. Thought WAY too expensive.

Anyway, when Michael and I have some more money, we're going to get some bikes! 

Last night...

I tried level 4 of Ripped in 30!

Have any of you tried it yet?

What do you think?

It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Don't get me wrong, it was harder than week 1 and 2 but I think 3 was harder. I didn't feel like I would die if I didn't have a water break like I do in level 3, and I wasn't radiating heat half way through like I do in level 3 either.

It did feel like it took longer to finish the workout though. Which may have had to do with the fact that I was making ice cream that I could consume once the workout was finished.

By the way, the ice cream was delish! I didn't follow any sort of recipe, I just added stuff in. I used almond milk (as to keep it dairy free), vanilla, cocoa powder and a little agave. It was yummy. But I wouldn't be able to tell you how much of anything I used :-)

Anyway, let me know what you thought of the workout!

Sun, Sand And... Sunburn!

(The beach we went swimming at in St. George)

Four meals with no sugar? No problem! I did that challenge, it wasn't too difficult, mostly because I don't eat much sugar anyway but it was still fun to make sure I ate properly. I also did the outdoor workouts, last week my husband and I went down to St. George with Chantel and her husband. Before we left I mowed the lawn, it was hot and difficult but that counted as one workout! When we got to St. George we went swimming twice, and did some hiking, the area is beautiful and we ended up doing a ton of outdoor workouts there! Though I got a really bad sunburn the last day we were there, so I wound up being in too much pain to do the ripped in 30 again, but with all the physical stuff we did on our trip I think I'm good!

Just call me late, really late.

Remember me? I am so behind on my posts! Lets do a quick recap.

Challenge 6:

Jillian 3 times a week. No. No offense, but that woman is nuts! 2 times a week is all I got.

Do not skip a meal.I did skip a meal once....but other than that I tried to make a conscious effort not to.

Challenge 7:

Jumping jacks. No again. :( Lame huh?

Fruits 3 times a week. Yes! I did every day! I love summer fruits. I made a ton of popsicles.

Ladies, thanks for the motivation you give me. I love you all tons!

Season 4 Challenge 9

In case you are new:

Each week we are given two challenges. These challenges will start on Sunday and go through the following Saturday.

On our designated blogging days we'll let each other know how we did with the previous weeks challenges!

BE HONEST. If you failed the challenge, tell us why. If you rocked it, tell us how. Most importantly, tell us how you feel about it.

  

This week's challenges:

Physical: The end is near! (of this season I mean!) and because of that some of us have been losing motivation. So this week, do a workout that is fun. It could be dancing, hiking, swimming, extreme hula-hooping or a DVD/game that gets you moving! Whatever you do, choose something that you'll look forward to. Make working out fun at least two times this week!

Emotional: Have your significant other write you a letter about why you matter. It can be done anyway he wants (a love letter, a list, things he admires about you or finds attractive) and either save it for when you're feeling down, or read it right then! Even if the letter isn't done how you would have done it, make sure your husband feels appreciated (so he will be more likely to do things like this in the future ;-)

AND remember our continual challenge this season is to do the Ripped in 30 DVD twice each week.

Good luck!

Shoot!

I went to St George this week, and part of my preparations were supposed to be writing and scheduling this weeks blog, but I didn't do it...

I did however do the fruit challenge! I, like Amber, love the fruits that summer brings. 

I've been having a lot of strawberries, they are my favorite after all!

And I've been having melons, grapes and nectarines

What fruit is your favorite?

I did the jumping jacks almost every morning! I even did squat jacks (like those we do in level 3 of Ripped in 30) and they killed, as always. I think I missed a morning of jumping jacks so I'll only give myself a half point for that one.

What type of challenge would help motivate you? Let me know and I'll incorporate it in one of the challenges we'll get in the coming weeks!

35 Days Left!

Guys we are almost done with this season! Next week we start on level 4 of ripped in 30 (heaven help us all...) and pretty soon we will be wrapping everything up, it is crazy how fast this summer has been going! I have really been having fun time this season and have been enjoying the difficult workouts that we have to do, and with all the tough workouts I realized it is time for me to up the weights I use! I have been using 5lbs but I just ordered some 8lbs, so we will see how that goes! What size weights do you guys use and do you think you are ready to move to a heaver set?

As for the challenges, every morning I forgot to do the cardio... snap... But I did eat all the fruit I was supposed to and more! Peaches, nectarines, and strawberrys oh my, I do love summer and all the fruit that goes along with it!

I only did the ripped in 30 once (I also did another workout dvd) but I wasn't feeling very well and decided to take it easy. I'm going to try and do it 3 times this week to make up for not doing it though, so I'll let you guys know how that goes!

Season 4 Challenge 8

In case you are new:

Each week we are given two challenges. These challenges will start on Sunday and go through the following Saturday.

On our designated blogging days we'll let each other know how we did with the previous weeks challenges!

BE HONEST. If you failed the challenge, tell us why. If you rocked it, tell us how. Most importantly, tell us how you feel about it.

  

Since I'm a day late in posting this I decided to choose challenges that don't have to be done everyday

This week's challenges:

Physical: It's summer time baby! So this week take advantage of the heat. Do two summertime workouts this week (things you can't really do outside unless it's warm out) It could be swimming, hiking or bike riding, but whatever you choose make sure you do it for at least 20 minutes. And be sure to work up a sweat! Give yourself an extra point if you do four outdoor summertime workouts this week! (and be sure to let us know what you did!)

Nutritional: I know we did a nutritional challenge last week, but it's time to swap diets again! Continue maintaining your specific diet, and in addition we will each have to follow a specified persons diet for at least four meals over the course of two days. Share at least one recipe you tried in which you incorporated the new diet.

Amber, this week you will try Helena''s diet of no sugar

Annie, this week you will try Chantel's diet of no dairy

Helena, this week you will try Amber's diet of no meat

Chantel, this week you will try Annie's diet of no simple carbs

AND remember our continual challenge this season is to do the Ripped in 30 DVD twice each week.

Good luck!

Ahhh! I'm late again!

I seriously forgot about blogging until right now...

So here goes! 

My motto this season seams to be "better late then never"

With the challenges last week I did really good!

I had all three meals for more than four days, so I'll take that extra point! :-D

And I did an extra workout dvd in addition to doing Ripped in 30 twice!

As I've mentioned I've been working out with Bryn, so that helped. I did the 30 Day Shred.

I'm excited to see how everyone else is doing! 

I'm sorry I was late, Amber you're awesome for getting your post up on your day!

And Annie and Helena, my motto can be your motto too ;-D

LOVE YOU ALL!

On My Day?!?

I know shocking right, I'm posting on the day i'm supposed to... Crazy huh? Last week went well, I almost didn't get the second Jillian DVD in but at the last minute I pulled through! I also did the physical challenge of doing an extra workout, my pilates one and I even got Dave to do it with me. I have been doing three workouts a week regularly though, the two Jillian and another lower impact one and I have even been enjoying it! The only downside is that we have been trying to keep the air conditioning in our house off as much as possible (meaning lots of open windows and tons of heat!) so I get really sweaty after working out...

I sort of did the nutritional challenge this week, I had three meals a day but they weren't always technically 'breakfast', 'lunch' or 'dinner' will that count anyway? What do you guys think? I did make sure to get the food in but not always in the designated time slots, but the eating is what is important right...? Let me know what you think!

Season 4 Challenge 7

In case you are new:

Each week we are given two challenges. These challenges will start on Sunday and go through the following Saturday.

On our designated blogging days we'll let each other know how we did with the previous weeks challenges!

BE HONEST. If you failed the challenge, tell us why. If you rocked it, tell us how. Most importantly, tell us how you feel about it.

  

This week's challenges:

Physical: This week start every morning with a little cardio! Do jumping jacks every morning this week (Mon-Sat) until your heart rate is up! Or for an extra challenge, do them until you are fatigued :-)

Nutritional: Take advantage of some of the delicious fruits that summer brings us! Be sure to include fruit in your diet at least three times this week, and let us know how you incorporated it!

AND remember our continual challenge this season is to do the Ripped in 30 DVD twice each week.

Good luck!

Review week 5

Aren't these ladies rocking it? Chantel and Amber, I am inspired by your posts.

I have not had a very good challenge week. I was finishing up one class for school and writing a midterm so my time has been limited. I did not complete the challenges. :(

One thing that I am learning is that when I am done with school and just have my crazy job I will use my free time more wisely. You don't appreciate it until it is gone!

Well I'm Late

I think it is okay that I'm late posting this week... because the challenge went up late... so everything was pushed back... right?

Last week went okay, I did the challenges and got my heart rate up like I was supposed to. Annie and Helena haven't been able to workout the last two weeks, so Chantel has been coming over to my house and we have been working out together. We did level 3, this past Monday... I'm glad we had water handy, because we needed it by the time we were done!

I also pampered myself, I took the time to pain my nails. I really like it when I can do my nails, I have been keeping them long and I love how it looks when they are all done up. My husband however HATES everything that goes along with doing them, the smell of the remover and the polish and he even hates the sound of nails being filed... So my nails don't get done as often as I would like (out of consideration for my husband), so I stole away as he worked in the garage and spent all the 'fumey' time I wanted doing them!

It's my birthday week

Hey guys! This is my first blog post as a 23 year old :-D

It may be my birthday week, but rest assured, I'm still working hard. :-)

Well, without further ado, this is how I did last week:

I did the Ripped in 30 twice

I got my heart rate up for more than twenty minutes three times. One of those times was from dancing around my apartment! I love dancing. It's such fun.

aaannd I pampered myself a little. I was going to go get my nails done because I never do that, but it got postponed to this week, and it's being postponed again. Instead I took a relaxing bath and bought myself a new shirt.

How did you guys do? What did you do to get your heart rate up? and what did you do to pamper yourself?