So last week I decided it was time to start working out...for real this time, meaning everyday instead of just when I feel like it. Because, let's face it, I don't feel like it very often. I've don't really good! I worked out everyday last week (except for Sunday) and felt really great. I changed my workout up so it was something different each day (Yoga on Monday, Ab focus on Tuesdays, Power Yoga/Pilates on Thursday...) Working out was actually even a little fun. I would exercise when Zoey went down for a nap and then do something fun for myself (like writing a blog for instance.) I even lost 6 pounds by the end of the week! I was super excited!
And now this week, I feel cranky about exercising again. I've done good, I have exercised both yesterday and today (Yoga and Ab focus). But I feel tired and not as energetic as last week. I don't know if it is just not new anymore or if now that I have worked out for one week that my body is run down. (The horrible headache I had all of yesterday probably didn't set the tone for week to well either.) To make it worse, according to the scale, I've gained two of my lost pounds back. This makes me feel yucky. But I know that weight loss is on a sliding scale and that it could simply be my body retaining water or whatever. But still... I should only weigh myself once a week, but I get to excited (though sometimes disappointed) about the scale. So I will continue to work hard this week because I know it will pay off.
There are some things that have been going really well since I started working out last week. I have noticed my back feels straighter and I'm standing taller even when I'm not thinking about it. My breathing has also been slower and more regular since working with Yoga. I am really enjoying yoga. In fact, the one day I did straight cardio, I felt tired and worn out. But when I do Yoga/Pilates I well like I have worked out harder and fell less drained and generally more energetic.
What do you do to keep in shape? Does anything in particular keep you going?
My dad made me this chart when I asked him when I should weight. It was really cool. Basically, there are TONS of variations that could or could not happen at any time you weigh. Typical things like water weight, womanly weight, scale variance, clothing, if you've eaten recently, etc., etc., and the list goes on. It could vary as much as 12-15 pounds, which was pretty unbelievable when I saw it on his graph. Having said that, there is no real /right/ time to weigh, just keep the fact that it's based on a lot of things in mind, and don't let it get you discouraged. There was one time I weighed myself and it looked like I'd gained 2 lbs (202), and then I weighed the very next day and I was 196. So no worries. :D
ReplyDeleteAnd working out, I'm working out too! I'm not sure what to do aside from running and cardio. I want to work on my abs as well, but I can't seem to find anything very good to do. Any tips/suggestions on what your routine is (exercise wise, like what different things you do and how many reps of each, etc.).
Right now I'm doing workout DVDs through netflix. I love the "Crunch" ones. They are always high energy and easy to understand. I am in love with Yoga right now and would recommend it to anyone. I like the relax cool down yoga and the power yoga/pilates to get the good stretches. I want to do P90X if we can get it. It sounds like an intense workout. I actually dislike running very much. I never have liked it even when I was in shape. So I generally avoid it, but cardio is great. I love to dance, but I don't have the structure with that like I use too. Before, (back when I was in shape before Zoey was born) I used to do stretches, lunges, weights, push ups and sit ups (lots and lots of sit ups.) That paired with cardio and swimming got me the best results ever. I'm just not in the same set up I was then so it is a little harder to do.
ReplyDeleteThe trick is to always weigh yourself at the same place/time every time you do it. For instance, I do it in the morning before work and getting dressed. So no matter what variance(s) that may occur during the day, I know that I am consistent at least.
ReplyDeletethat's awesome that you've already lost that much!! congrats! I'm glad I'm not the only one who struggles with the energy level thing. One week I'm on fire can't get enough then the next I'm totally wiped out can't seem to get up and go. I think it's key to not beat yourself up when you gain weight back or don't do as much exercise as usual. The whole point is that you're doing something, we are human and things get in the way and prevent us from being able to do what we want to do. Keep up the good work!!!
ReplyDeleteGood for you honey! There is no downside to working out and the groundwork you lay now will not only serve you well in the future (when you're an old fart like me!) but you're also modeling good, healthy behavior for your daughter! I've struggled with my weight my whole adult life. What really got me was when I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with Ella. EYEOPENER!! So, I exercise everyday, and some days it's REALLY HARD!! But, I'll be 50 in 2 weeks, have low blood pressure, low cholesterol, low resting heart rate and minimal cardiac risk factors. I still struggle with my weight but I feel great, have great energy and best of all, Ella likes to join me for my video workouts at home and recently started to run track at school!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize you struggled with weight Auntie Liz. I never would have guessed it. You are in great shape now, I mean you greatly out walked me on our Boston adventure! It's good to know that everyone deals with their own weight issues though. And you are right about it being a good role model for Zoey. I hope she can keep her flexibility for as long as she can. It's also go to know that how I feel (and what I weigh) now doesn't have to be the same years from now. Hopefully it will be much improved, even after having more kids. I've really seen weight loss change lives and bring energy.
ReplyDeleteAlso, thank you Brittany for inspiring me to start yoga because it is the exercise for me so far!