Days 26-35

Wow, 35 days today.   I'm back home from my long vacation with not much to show for it.  I didn't have as much opportunity as I thought I would with 2 kiddos.  I hope you  got to see the new measurements from the last post.

Days 26 and 27 (weekend) were recovery days from lack of sleep and traveling.  Monday (Day 28) I went for a run!!!  Yes, a run.  It felt so nice to run after such a long break from running!  My shins hurt from the first step...they always hurt, along with my knees and ankles, when I run on hard surfaces.  But it got easier until the extra weight made my ankles super achy.  I planned on doing 15 minutes, or as far as I possibly could until I had to walk.  I surprised myself.  When I got that "walking" feeling, I just kept telling myself to run just a little further every time, and it worked.  I never had to walk!  I ended up doing just under 17 minutes because I lost track of time.  I was proud.  I did my burpees for the last couple of days and 150 crunches.  (I didn't have access to any weights this week but made the most of it).

Tuesday and Wednesday were a flop, but Thursday I made up for the burpees, another 150 crunches, and 30, yes 30 minutes of running!  Actually 31 to be exact.  Not planned, though.  I got lost and decided to keep running until I recognized where I was - which wasn't until 28 minutes.  At that point, I figured to go the rest of the way!

Friday I decided to do 20 minutes and 150 crunches, but I didn't get to the burpees for lack of time (travel day).  Endurance-wise my lungs are great (I could go forever), but my legs get so tired with the extra weight, so I struggle to stay running, though I never stopped once on any of my runs.  But then again, I was going so slow that a baby could have probably passed me.  For the sake of my joints, I tried to stay on softer surfaces but there were no trails - just pavement and some grass (at times).

Saturday and Sunday were recovery days from traveling, lack of sleep, and unpacking.  No burpees either.  I totally dropped the ball on those since Thursday.  So I think I've given up on them.  Today I didn't do burpees, but I did pushups (22) for the day.  And 100 crunches and my 30 minute video.  It was hard to get back on track this morning.  Almost gave up several times before I even started.  I wish I could just do the running, but the weather here is not great yet.

I didn't get to weigh myself because I didn't have access to to scale, but the scale read 176.2 this morning.

Monthly Measurements

I know I am still on vacation and I will tell you all about what I am doing (and not doing) as far as workouts when I return next week, but I had to post my monthly measurements (done yesterday).  It seems like my arms and things are the same but everything else went down (considerably on my waist!!):

Remember the Starting Measurements:

• Chest: 39 in
• Waist: 35 in
• Hips: 47 in
• Thighs: 28 in (right), 27 (left)
• Arms: 12 in

Here are the New Measurements:

• Chest: 38.5 in
• Waist: 31.5 in
• Hips: 45 in
• Thighs: 28 in (right), 27 (left)
• Arms: 12 in

Still Fruit of the Loom Pear, but working on it!

Days 24 and 25

Oh well. Kick me in the rear end.  Thursday didn't go as planned so no workout.  Not even one burpee.  But I did workout this morning - video plus 23 burpees (for yesterday and today) and 100 crunches.  Why can't I get passed 4 days of working out per week????

Weigh-in Wednesday Week 4 (Day 23) and Feelin' Good

It's a new dawn; it's a new day; it's a new life; and I'm feeling gooooooooooooood!  
Yea, that about sums up the morning!  I'm 3 for 3 this week.  I did my workout, did my 10 burpees, did 100 crunches (no balls), ate reasonably (portion-wise), refused a cookie (that I had "offered" myself in my own mind) and even started going in the right direction as far as weight loss.

Starting Weight: 177.7

Week 2: 178.2 

Week 3: 178.9

THIS Week (4): 177.5!!!

Weight lost/gain this week: -1.4

Total weight loss/gain: -0.2

Weight left to lose: 47.5 (to reach 130)

I will be on vacation starting Saturday for nearly a week, so I won't have the facilities (or the DVD player) to workout.  It makes me a little nervous.  Will I be able to get off my rear end during my vacation time to workout?  I sure hope so.  I am vowing to do something everyday (other than the travel days).  Burpees, crunches, and some cardio-type exercise (whether I can try to run for a few minutes, or do a few minutes of jumping jacks/jump-roping/combination jumping).  It won't be nearly as much as I have been doing, time-wise, but I will keep the intensity high.  Promise (gulp).  

Monthly Measurements coming up Monday...will I see results?With my vacation, that will also mean no posts for a week.  Don't think I will have forgotten about you, though.  If I have ANY access to internet for a few minutes, I will at least post my measurements.

Day 22

Did the workout and the 9 burpees for today.  Also did 100 crunches (no balls this time).  Seriously thinking about going back to running once the weather is nicer.

What's my excuse? (Days 19 - 21 and Week 3 Review)

What's my excuse for not working out ONE more day Saturday or Sunday?  I have none.  I even reasoned it out in my head that I could just do the burpees for those two days (a mere minute),  Nope.  Nada.  Zilch. Nothing.  I procrastinated both days until the bitter end of day and it was too late.  Sorry to disappoint everyone, including myself.  And to add to the frustration, I went shopping for some clothes (jeans, dresses, skirts) to end my frustration of not fitting into my clothes or maternity clothes (and wearing ONE pair of jeans all week long every week).  Yea, I came out with a dress and a skirt that don't even fit that well.  The jeans situation was humiliating as I tried on every pair the saleslady gave me and they wouldn't go past my thighs.  I left empty-handed.  Will I ever get back down to size?  I've never had to deal with this my whole life, so I am crushed.  Moreover, I read on some websites that while nursing, you're not supposed to lose more than 1 pound per week.  Read this  http://www.llli.org/FAQ/lowcarb.html.  Frustrating.  So, I can't lose my 40-something pounds in 20 weeks!?!?!  So much for beach-ready in June/July.  But, I sadly continue my LONG 40-something or more week road.

Today I did manage to workout like planned.  I did all the burpees from Sat and Sun, and for today (21 in all).  No extra crunches, but I did up my weights to 7 pounds.  Things were getting too easy.

Just to show you how much my weight normally fluctuates in a day...Saturday night, went to bed at 179 pounds, woke up Sunday to 176 and went to bed that night to 183!  Weigh-in is in 2 days, and measuring next Monday.

Days Exercised: A pathetic 3 (Jillian Michaels DVD set, plus 3 days of 100 crunches each using med and/or Swiss ball)

Summary: I'm starting to sound like a broken record. Kegels, more abs, fiber, less sweets, more water, more workout.

Weeks Accomplished: 3 

Weeks Left: 17

Days 17 and 18

Well, my mini trip turned out badly.  I didn't workout on Wednesday before leaving, as we all know, but was hoping to workout Thursday night upon arriving at home.  That didn't happen either.  I got ZERO, ZERO sleep the night before and felt so stinkin' tired on Thursday that I decided to forget the workout.  THis morning I feel a little on the ill side but not bad enough not to workout. Besides, I am getting really nervous at measuring in, especially since I have skipped many a workouts (and have been eating lots of desserts, which is totally unlike me in the first place).

Regardless of all said, I did have a great workout this morning (Friday), making it only my THIRD workout this week.  I HAVE to HAVE to workout tomorrow. My goal was 4 minimum workouts per week with a goal of 5 (which I yet to do).  I did the cardio DVD and noticed that my jumping jacks felt SO much easier for the first time.  And I must admit I have not been doing Kegels but felt like that wasn't an issue this time.  I did 100 crunches on the ball with the med ball for half of them.  Then I did 15 burpees (I decided to start the whole burpee thing as of the 1st, so that meant that I had to do 15 of them today to catch up).  Tomorrow I only have to do 6, since it's the 6th day.  Burpees are harder when you have to do 15 of them all at once for the first time.  Not recommended.  Note to everyone else: Do them the way they should be, starting with 1 the first day.  Half way through them, I did girl pushups.  It was too hard, and I am not used to doing pushups anymore.

Weigh-in Wednesdays (week 3)

Starting Weight: 177.7

Week 2: 178.2 

WEEK 3: 178.9

Weight lost/gain this week: +0.7 (looks like we're moving the wrong direction, huh?)

Total weight loss/gain: +1.2

Weight left to lose: 48.9 (to reach 130)

No workout today, though I planned on doing it this morning before we left on our overnight trip.  Time just slipped away from me.  Maybe tomorrow night and then a Saturday to make up for today.

Monthly Measurements in just about another week.  Getting nervous.

Days 12-15 and Week 2 Review

Wow, I can't believe the days just went by that fast since my last post.  Needless to say, life has been busy around here (hence no posts).  I didn't get to workout this past weekend - I was literally standing up all day Saturday except to use the bathroom, ride in my car for 10 minutes, and eat dinner (the other meal times were standing up)!  So, I was busy and tired.  Bummer.  I know I told myself that I wouldn't get down on things like that, but I just can't help it.  And I have been eating a lot of desserts lately, which is highly unlike me.  Every time I step on that scale, it seems like it hasn't budged a pound.  I know the 2nd week is always the hardest (the first you see results fast, and then you tend to slow down the gains).  Not excited for tomorrow's weigh-in.

Days Exercised: 4 (Jillian Michaels DVD set, plus 2 days of 100 crunches each using med and/or Swiss ball)

Summary: Starting to feel better endurance-wise and strength-wise.  Still lacking on incorporating Kegels.  Need to do more abs, eat more fiber, and less sweets, and drink more water (I hardly drink enough for a nursing mother as it is).  I'm terrible at it!  No weight loss noticed this week, and it's starting to get me down, though I know it is supposed to happen at this point.
Weeks Accomplished: 2 

Weeks Left: 18

Monday and today I worked out in the morning, as planned.  Both were better than last week (Isn't it funny how you work out "better" when there is a threat of someone watching you??  For me it was my husband and a visitor who would periodically come by in the basement).  We will be going out of town for one day this week and then again for several days mid-March, so I am not looking forward to missing workouts.  I may start the Burpees, like I once said, and possibly cutting down on some of the not-so-good-for-you foods, though I am VERY opposed to dieting myself.  We'll see.

Day 11

Worked out in the morning and didn't skimp on the jumping jacks this time,  I added 100 crunches (assorted) using the 8 pound med ball.  It was good, but I still need one more workout this week to complete 5 workouts, and this weekend will definitely be a challenge.

Q&A: Burpee

What is a Burpee?

A Burpee is a combination of push-ups with squat thrusts and jumps.  There are plenty of visual examples on You Tube, but here is a written description.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

The burpee is a full body exercise used in strength training and as aerobic exercise. It is performed in four steps:

• Begin in a squat position with your hands on the floor in front of you.
• Kick your feet back, while simultaneously lowering yourself into a pushup
• Immediately return your feet to the squat position, while simultaneously pushing up with your arms.
• Leap up as high as possible from the squat position.

Variants

• Easier variants
  
  
  • No-pushup burpee: the athlete does not perform a pushup while kicking back their feet.
  • Non-jump burpee: the athlete does not jump in the air after step 3.
• More challenging variants
  
  
  • Long-jump burpee: the athlete jumps forward, not upward.
  • Jump-tack burpee: the athlete pulls his knees to his chest while jumping.
  • Jump-over burpee: the athlete jumps over an obstacle between burpees.
  • One-armed burpee: the athlete uses only one arm for the whole exercise including the pushup.
  • Dumbbell burpee: the athlete holds a pair of dumbbells while performing the exercise.
  • Parkour burpee: following one burpee on the ground, the athlete jumps upon a table and performs the second burpee on the table, then jumps back to the initial position
  • Hindu push up burpee: instead of a regular push up, do a hindu push up
  • Pull-up burpee: Combine a pull-up with the jump or do a pull-up instead of the jump.
  • Double burpee: Instead of one pushup do two in a row to cancel the drive from landing after the jump and to make the next jump harder. Each part of the burpee might be repeated to make it even harder.
• Other variants
  
  
  • Wall burpees / incline burpees / air burpees: the athlete kicks his feet up against a wall / up on a table / up in the air, instead of back. Usually, these variants are performed without a pushup.
• The 8 count body builder is another variant of the burpee. Counts 1-8 are as follows: (1) put your hands down, (2) push out your feet, (3) and (4) do a jumping jack on the ground, (5) and (6) perform a pushup, (7) bring your feet back forward, (8) jump in the air.

Origin

The exercise may have been originated by a man named Lieutenant Thomas Burpee (1757-1839). He was an officer in the New Hampshire Militia during theAmerican Revolutionary War and was described as “having the innate Burpee fondness for martial exercises” in A History of the Town of New London, Merrimack County, New Hampshire. Lt. Burpee may have used the combination of pushups and squat thrusts as a means of drilling, conditioning, and disciplining the troops under his command. In addition, the exercise may have also been used by the troops as a way to stay warm during the winters in wartime New England.

Day 10

Another good morning workout, though I seem to be skimping on jumping jacks still.  I'll do them, just not that intensely as I should.  On the plus side, I don't take as many breaks between the various exercises on the circuit as the video allows.  So, I am generally ahead of the DVD.  I also did 100 varied crunches using an 8-pound medicine ball on a Swiss ball.  Crunches I can literally do all day, given the time.  So 100 seems like nothing to me.  I added them because the DVD has you doing minimal crunches.  But when it's over, I just want to get on with my day and not do anything else.  At least I did some extra today. Been thinking a lot about adding Burpees to my routine starting on the 1st.  But only going to 50 and not 100. Any thoughts?

Q&A

I thought this question may be appropriate to post:

A Reader Asked...
What is there that is a safe/functional work out while pregnant? I walk to and from school everyday, but I live in CO and we've had a lot of ice, so I'm afraid to run, I own a wii but I doubt it's effectiveness.. etc. It's not even so much for the working out aspect, but I miss the endorphins and the adrenaline lol. I just figured since you are a mom and a former personal trainer, you might have some good ideas.

Answer:

Here's my take on exercising while pregnant (and if you ask Doctor A, it will be different than Doctor B and so forth). You're pregnant, not debilitated. While pregnant I did everything I was doing before getting pregnant but modified when needed (before starting a new exercise program, check with a doctor). I even did my aerobics classes, spinning classes, ran for a while (until it felt uncomfortable), did p90X, etc. 

I did nothing with my back on the floor, so I modified my crunches on a Swiss ball, for instance. 

I limited my running, jumping and bouncing to slower and lower with LOTS of breaks.  Generally less impact is best but you are not limited to it.

More water intake, more breaks, especially when tired, lightheaded, or overheated. 

For obvious reasons, nothing on your stomach. 

No weights heavier than 25 pounds. 

Nothing that involves an object that can come toward your stomach (like tennis) or make you lose your balance or fall (bike, skating, etc). 

Nothing potentially dangerous (skiing). 

Swimming is the best because the weight of your baby floats in the water, and that helps your tired feet and back.

Most of all, listen to YOUR OWN body, and more than ever. Stop or alter it when you just don't feel right. Err on the side of "safe." But you don't have to be limited to walking by any means. 

A max 140 heart rate is a good suggestion that most docs and books tell you, but every doc I've spoken to tells me that they have to say that to cover their rear ends.  So, you can go higher but for lesser periods of time than you are used to. 

Just remember that if you do workout hard, you can feel flushed, lightheaded, dehydrated, and overheated much faster than when not pregnant. So beware and be careful. But don't be afraid to work hard.

I hope that helps.

Weigh-in Wednesdays (week 2)

Starting Weight: 177.7
Week 2: 178.2 before workout (though I weighed 175.6 on Sunday) and 179.5 after workout (and drinking 24 ounces of water)
Weight lost/gain this week: +0.5 (gain)
Total weight loss: none (gain)
Weight left to lose: 48.2 (to reach 130)

Though I will do it every Wednesday, I don't like to use weight as a way to check progress.  I think a better way is to check measurements.  Weight can fluctuate a lot in a single day, depending on many factors (hormones, water intake, food, time of day, etc.).  And muscle weighs more than fat, and I'm building muscle.  Yes, I would love to get the scale to read lower, but I would much rather look and feel good and fit into my clothes.  And my clothes do feel like they fit a tiny bit better.

Just wait until Monthly Measurements at the end of each 4 weeks!

Days 8 and 9

Okay, so life took over and I didn't get to workout on Tuesday like I had planned (especially before the dreaded weigh-in), but I did get to workout this morning.  Plus I had a big Chipotle burrito yesterday, among other things (including McDonald's breakfast).  I'm a big eater.

I started the DVD series over again - back to disc 1 in the same order as last week.  I still find the jumping jacks the hardest to do...Kegels again.

Day 7

I love the comments!!  It helps keep me motivated knowing someone's out there listening!  Thank you!  Day 7 went well.  I did Maximize Full Frontal today, and in the morning.  I thought this would be a good week, but tomorrow and Wednesday will be a challenge to workout at all.  I will be gone in the morning (Tuesday), so I will have to defer my workout until the evening.  Then Wednesday I will be gone ALL day, and working out will probably have to be neglected for the day (and I will have to do it on Saturday).  Oh well!  So much for an easy 2nd week!  But weigh-in is on Wednesday, so I have to do tomorrow's workout.  Have to!

I feel the need to (further) explain a couple of things:

1. Another good excuse reason I am not dieting: I am still nursing and will be for (hopefully) as long as this babe will let me.
2. Looking back at my choices for videos, the two seem a little on the opposite ends of the spectrum from one another.  The Jillian workouts are 30 minutes at most.  The p90X workouts are over an hour long.  Yes, I do realize this.  I can't put the babe down to workout now, so I have to have the hubby help out taking care of the kids.  So, the shortest amount of time possible is best right now (hubby does have to get to work eventually).  Plus, I am just starting out.  Then, once I feel the endurance and strength are back in action, and the babe (hopefully) will allow me to put her down for longer periods of time, I can (hopefully) do the longer workout series.  Maybe in spurts at best, but I am hopeful.  Since p90X is a 90 day regimen, I will need to start it no later than April 1st (ha! April Fool's Day).  That means I have to be well on my way to being physically fit by then.  Whew! That also means that I will need my biggest encouragement at that point to follow a 6 day per week routine without missing any workouts (after having done a 4-5 day per week routine from the previous months).  I'm really counting on you!  I hope I can do it. I am having my doubts.  Maybe I will just do a Burpee challenge instead?

Week 1 Review

Days Exercised: 4 (Jillian Michaels DVD set, plus 1 day of 100 crunches on ball)

Summary: OK starter week...hoping to get to 5 days next week, especially since it's a 5-disc series.  Work on incorporating Kegels and more abs.  Eat more fiber, drink more water.
Weeks Accomplished: 1 (start week of Feb 15th)

Weeks Left: 19 (end week of June 28th)

Feeling good about myself now that I've started, but I hate to see my belly jiggle around so much.

Days 5 & 6

I skipped Saturday - busy day and some sickies to take care of, but I did Maximize - Back in Action on Sunday.  I'm liking that these dvds are only 30 minutes long, since I am limited on time.  Also did 100 crunches on Swiss Ball.  Jillian is kicking my butt.  I've gained a new appreciation for the Biggest Loser bunch.

Day 4

Yea!  I did it in the morning again!  I did the Cardio Kickbox DVD (also 30 minutes) that I was supposed to do yesterday.  It felt good to do it, especially at the start of my day.  I may be dreamin it, but I think my (maternity) jeans are fitting looser in the legs.  Learning that I also must do some Kegels.  One more workout this week, though I was really hoping to avoid working out on weekends.

Day 3

Had an appointment this morning so had to do bump it to the evening.  Wanted to do Cardio Kickbox DVD, but ended up having unexpected company and husband wanted to watch a movie afterwards. Disappointed.  Need to get the workout in on Saturday.  I was hoping to have a workout-free weekend.  Must get more sleep as well.  I am very tired today and feel very sore.  This will be a long and difficult challenge for me, I can already tell.

Goals for the future: Drink LOADS of water, try to keep to my schedule better, not get hung up on days I couldn't workout, workout 4-5 times per week, eat more fiber, wear the baby more while doing normal daily activities (it burns extra calories when you carry 10 extra pounds around).

Day 2

Managed to do it in the morning!!!!  Did Shape-up Front (also 30 minutes or so).  A little tired but not sore from yesterday evening's workout.  I did notice, however, that I felt sluggish and more winded than yesterday.  Skimped on the weights during a jumping jack part.  I hate jumping jacks.  No interruptions (i.e. no pausing the DVD) but toddler did "join" me.  It felt good to work out again in the morning!!!

Day 1

I meant to start on Monday but had many errands to run.  Couldn't do it in the morning, though that is my preferred time.  Started after dinner on a full belly.  Did Biggest Winner Shape Up Back (about 30 minutes of a hard but manageable workout).  Using 5 pound weights for now.  Felt a little slow but good.  Had a few interruptions by kids and husband but overall ok.

The Challenge

I am struggling with my post-baby weight.  I just had baby #2 several weeks ago and can now workout.  I love to workout, but struggle to find the time and energy to do so.  Not to mention the repetition that comes with indoor (in your home) workouts when you have no money for a gym membership and can't get outdoors in the wintertime.  So what do I do?  I bought a few DVDs to help me on my quest.  I should also tell you that I don't diet.  Never have and just am not a good candidate for it.  I LOVE to eat.  In fact, I would exercise to keep up with my eating habits pre-baby.  So, this journal will solely be about exercising to get the weight off...let's see if it works.

The DVDs:  The 5-disc series from Jillian Michaels called Biggest Winner, P90X series

The Challenge:  Do the 5 disc series until I get into reasonable shape to start the 90-day P90X series and be in pre-baby shape and weight (weight at 130 lbs and clothing size 6) by June, with the constraints of two young kids and not much time.

The Background:  Before baby #1 I was between 127-133 pounds, very defined upper body...couldn't pinch a centimeter of fat.  Lower body was solid but I've always had big thighs.  During that pregnancy I gained 55 pounds!!!  After baby #1, I managed to barely get back to 138 lbs (not very shapely) right before I got pregnant with #2.  With not much working out during this pregnancy (and none towards the end), I gained 71 pounds!!  Yes, I weighed in at a whopping 209!  I could hardly believe it.  And I had vowed not to gain as much weight the second time around!  After these few weeks of nursing (and I am still nursing), I have leveled off at just about 31 pounds of weight loss.  I can't wear any of my clothes before this baby, and can't fit into even a size 12 pant.  Very frustrating when I used to wear size 4 (and size 8 before this baby).  Perhaps documenting it will be motivation enough to not drop the ball (and you can keep me accountable).  Wish me luck!!!

Starting Measurements:

• Weight: 177.7 lbs
• Chest: 39 in
• Waist: 35 in
• Hips: 47 in
• Thighs: 28 in (right), 27 (left)
• Arms: 12 in

(Looks like I have written measurements of a rather large Fruit of the Loom pear!?!)