Scale Neglect...and Loving IT!!

Hey guys,

First I just need to say how much I've missed blogging and reading other blogs this past week or so....I feel like part of my routine is missing and I can't wait to get back to it. I plan to spend all of Saturday (or as much as I need) reading blogs and catching up on what I've been missing. I will also be back to posting regularly...I've really missed it! :)

Anyhoo, it's been 2 weeks since my last weigh in. Right now, I have no idea if I've gained or lossed weight. All I know is that I feel great and really that should be all that matters!!:) I haven't seen the scale and I don't miss it one bit. For the purposes of this journey, I will continue to weigh my self regularly to be able to chart my progress but once I reach my set goals and I get to the point of just maintaining a healthy lifestyle, one of the first things I'm going to do is host a SCALE-SMASHING party!! YEAH!!! I'll invite people over with their respective scales and at some pivotal point in the evening, we'll gather in my backyard and smash away!! We may even do it to music - maybe somethng by ACDC (Thunderstruck, maybe) Sounds like fun eh?? :D

Seriously, I'm pretty certain that I haven't gained any weight because I've been working out regularly, including regular "pullup" attempts - still the most difficult exercise EVER and so far I still can only complete ONE full pull-up!!! My eating hasn't been perfect but it hasn't been terrible either. I would say, overall it's about 80-85%! So that's not so bad...

I will weigh myself on Saturday morning (July 25th --omg, that's my husband's birthday - must plan something fun- he's been so amazing through all this) and post the results and get back to business 100%.

On another note, I saw one of my colleagues today, who I haven't seen in about 3 weeks and I must say that he looked fabulous. He has been extremely supportive of my journey, and we often speak of my struggles, triumphs, etc. He was inspired to start losing weight and he has. I believe he's down about 30 pounds since April - just by making some healthy changes (including exercising and nutritious foods). He is also training for a 5K run. I'm so happy for him and could see the difference in him (both physically and mentally). It's awesome....he inspires me to keep going. I just wanted to say, "GO Rob Go!!!"

It's funny, just a short few months ago, I could barely climb my stairs in my home and now I'm training for a 5K run...it's amazing to me how quickly your body adapts to healthy changes and how strong one can get...

Anyway, that's all the ramblings for today.

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

My Workout Plan

Hey guys,

First off, thank you all so very much for the wonderful feedback/comments on my recently posted anniversary pics!! THANK YOU GUYS!! IT MEANS A LOT!!!!! I always look forward to your comments.

After looking at those 4-month pics and noting all the changes/progress from Day 1 to now, I'm motivated like crazy to just keep pushing through!! I don't want to lose momentum. I am so very excited for what's to come. I've been feeling good, really good actually.

The next few weeks I plan to really give it a 110 percent with each workout and with my eating as well. I want to stay true and clean to both the meal and exercise plans!! Optimal results!!! I feel like I'm in a zone and I just want to stay there!!! Fitting into those size 16 jeans may have a lot to do with this attitude!!:))

Working It Out

I am currently working out 6 days a week...rest on Sunday....Rob (trainer) now has me doing Cardio 5 times a week instead of 3 days a week and my strength routine 3 times a week. Here's the breakdown:

Monday - Strength Routine (1 hour) and 30 minutes of Cardio
Tuesday - Spinning Class (45 mins to 1 hr)
Wednesday - Strength Routine (1 hour) and 30 minutes of Cardio
Thursday - Spinning Class (45 mins to 1hr)
Friday - Strength Routine (1 hour) and 30 minutes of Cardio

Saturday - My own day of exercise fun - either I go for a walk/jog outdoors, do yoga, swim or any new fitness thing that I want to try - SAMPLE SATURDAY!! This is something I wanted to do, my program calls for me working out 5 days a week. I think it's important in regards to maintaining this new lifestyle for me to try new things; for example in the summer time, I think it will be just as simple as putting my son his stroller and taking a long walk - we'd then end up at one of the many parks in the area where we'd play (you'd be surprised at the workout you can get running around and climbing up and down those play structures!!!) Healthy FUN!!

I've always wanted to take tennis lessons, so this may be something I will try in the very near future!! Maybe I'll join a recreational sports team (like soccer, or football)...who knows???The options are endless!!
Sunday - I'M OFF BABY!!! Rest, Worship, Family and REST some more!!!!!

Then continue strong on Monday!!!

So this is my plan for the next few weeks. I look forward to the weigh-ins on Wednesdays to see what happens next!!

Until then...

Joania(2KMINE!!!)

Just call me "SPIN-derella"!!!!

I just completed my very first ever SPINNING class and HOLY MOTHER OF EVERYBODY!!! I was sweating like you wouldn't believe, my crotch area, (maybe too much info here - but I'm keeping it real), inner thighs, thighs in general, my butt cheeks - entire lower body as a whole is burning and sore!!! Holy crap what a workout!! My legs are pumping and burning....I KNOW I will be sore tomorrow.

So I get to the class, and let me tell you, these bikes are no joke!!! They don't look like the typical stationary bikes ( you know, grey and boring), these ones look mean! I did feel a little intimidated - but again I reminded myself of my goals and reason for doing this and for the time being that was enough to keep me from running out of there. The spinners started filing in and setting up their bikes. In walks this cute little girl/woman named Tiffany. She was a fricking POWERHOUSE!!! So sweet - until she started TEACHING THE CLASS!!!! I spoke to her briefly prior to starting, just to advise her that I was new and I had my health card with me!!! I was so nervous. Anyway, she was so helpful...she showed me how the bike worked and how to properly set up the height of seat and how to stop the wheels etc... I hopped on and it was on!!!

It was just awesome. I know it's only Day 1, but I swear I'm hooked. The workout was extremely challenging and I was just so friggin proud of myself for finishing the class. I will be doing it twice a week and I just know I will see results. Between eating right, the awesome strength training plan that Rob created for me (and his regular guidance) and this new form of cardio, my body will have no choice but to say "Buh-bye" to my fat!!!! My next class will be on Thursday morning and I'm really looking forward to it.

I'll keep you guys posted...again, if any one of you living in the Ottawa area is interested in joining me....check out the website . I will be going every Tuesday (6:45pm to 7:45 pm) and Thursday (6:30 am to 7:30 am).

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Week Four Weigh-in......3 POUNDS DOWN!!!!!!! THAT's 16 POUNDS in 4 WEEKS!!!!!!

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh-in: 245 lbs (Dec 31/08)
Current Weight: 242lbs Total Loss: 16 (3 this week)

WOW!!!!!!!!! I'm at the end of Week 4 and I've managed to lose another 3 pounds!! I'm so happy, I can't stop smiling!! 16 POUNDS LOST IN TOTAL FOR MY FIRST MONTH!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!! SWEET SIXTEEN BABY!!!! YES!!!!!

I'm of to work but I will continue this post when I get home this aft.....just had to post this awesome news!! Thanks for all the love guys!! Can't wait for next month!!!
Saturday is picture day....can't wait!

J