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!?!)