May 2014 Challenges

If you follow my blog at all, you would know that I like to set goals and challenge myself to do a variety of things. As April ends and May begins, I find myself completing my first 5k (May 3rd) as well as closing out my "Lose 30 in 90" challenge (May 12th).

On Facebook, I follow a handful of awesome pages that help motivate me and help keep my workouts interested so I don't get bored and fall off the wagon. May's big challenge, MELT YOUR MUFFIN TOP comes from The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans. I am very excited for this one! You can find out more information about that challenge here.

Since May is National Bike Month, I will be getting off of the treadmill and onto the stationery bike.I will be BIKING MY ASS OFF! I've challenged myself to bike 200 miles in the month and this breaks down to 50 miles per week and 10 miles per day in the gym.

Since I have been focused on lifting weights and building/toning my muscles, I have also been dealing with the tightness and soreness that comes the day after. I will be focusing on stretching and rolling to find the best way to relieve the aches and pains.

April has been a blast, but I am definitely looking forward to what May has to offer while on this road from Fat 2 Fit!

10 items in my gym bag

Many of us have incredibly busy schedules that leave us dashing from the office to the gym, with little to no time in between. If you're like me, my gym bag and other essentials are in my car every day ready to hit it hard.

WHAT'S IN MY GYM BAG?

1. Workout clothes and sneakers (and socks!!) - Most days I am able to change at home before I go to the gym. On days that I know it's not possible, I make sure to have everything packed the night before or first thing in the morning.
2. Bottle of water - Water is the most important part of working out. Gotta stay hydrated!
3. Heart rate monitor - I use my heart rate monitor to determine how many calories I've burned during a particular class or workout session. It makes it easier to log on MyFitnessPal. 
4. Weight lifting gloves - I don't actually lift weights. I use my gloves at the gym for my turbo tone class. We move so fast and I want to make sure a) I don't lose grip on my weights and b) to avoid blisters and calluses.
5. Yoga mat - Now for a giggle. I haven't taken a yoga or pilates class yet. Turbo Tone is a crazy class where we end up on the floor doing ab exercises. 
6. Extra hair elastics - I have such good luck that my hair elastics break when I need them the most so I try to have at least one extra on hand.
7. Headband/bandana - The one thing I hate the most is getting sweat in my eyes. 
8. Small towel - Again, I hate getting sweat in my eyes. 
9. MP3 player/music streaming app - I rarely use it, but my iPod is charged and in my bag for when I need it. I usually take classes and don't need music.
10. Deodorant - Deodorant is a no brainer. 

Some other items may make their way into my bag from time to time: bathing suit (for sauna and/or hot tub), a bath towel, shower items (shampoo/bodywash in one). I hate getting to the gym and then realize I forgot something. I try to keep it all together. I'd lose my head if it wasn't attached. Haha!

1/14/13 Update

I guess this is a good time to start my weekly updates. These posts will include my week in review as well as my weight loss from last update. This will give me the opportunity to reflect on things I did in the last week as well as determine areas I need to improve on.

Last weeks weight: 281.2 pounds

This weeks weight: 278.2 pounds

TOTAL WEIGHT LOST: 3 pounds

Loss since start: 8 pounds

LOTS TO GO!

What makes me most happy about this weight, is that I'm pretty much right where I left off before Thanksgiving. Since then, last week was the first full week where I was focused and went hard. Working out at the gym is somewhat limited due to the kids' basketball schedule, but I have made an agreement with myself. On days that I know I won't be able to make the gym, I have decided to get up early (6:00 am is early for me) and do a 20-30 minute workout. Examples: 20 minute Zumba Wii workout or 30 minute Jillian Michaels' Yoga Meltdown that will try out on Thursday. Tuesday and Wednesday will be business as usual with Turbo Tone and Zumba class.

Over the weekend I went to the local produce market with my kids and picked out some healthier snack options. We got apples, pears, strawberries, grapes, zucchini, squash, tomatoes, broccoli, and I'm sure there are more! They were practically begging for a salad when we got home! They make eating healthier so much easier than if I had to hold myself accountable and do it alone.

The week consisted of 3 evening work outs: Zumba on Monday and Wednesday and Turbo Tone on Tuesday. I have become more mindful of my eating habits and track everything I can on MyFitnessPal app. (User Name: doinitonmyown) I don't allow myself to starve and also know when I can and can't indulge. With that being said, I have designated Fridays to be my "cheat day". That's the day I can eat pizza or chinese food or whatever (in moderation) and have a couple of beers or margaritas, whatever the case may be.

This week we have a Monday basketball game so no Zumba for me. I took care of that with the Wii this morning. I know we won't be home until later in the evening so I have prepared a snack for the kiddoes and we'll have a salad or something light for dinner when we get home. HOW MANY TIMES CAN I SAY THEY'VE MOTIVATED AND INSPIRED ME TO BE A BETTER MOM??? I love them so very much!

I'm getting the evil eye from the boss so I think she's figured out I'm not working right this second... better get to it!