Workout Wednesday

Inspired…or should I say thin-spired. That’s how I feel after watching the finale of last night’s Biggest Loser. If you’re a fan, then you know by now that Michael Ventrella was the winner. He lost a staggering 264 pounds, with a starting weight of 526 and then weighted in last night at 262. To say that he looks incredible would be an understatement. He has an energy about him and it was wonderful to see his transformation.


Michael before at 526 and after at 262

This got me thinking. I sit around and complain from time to time (okay, a lot) about how hard it is to lose weight, but then I see something like this and think that if he can lose the weight of an entire obese person, I can certainly get to where I want to be. I know I don’t have Bob and Jillian screaming at me and a Ranch that’s a workout playground at my disposal. It doesn’t matter though and it’s no excuse not to keep going.

As an update, this is week 19 for me and I am down a total of 19.4 pounds. That is slightly over a pound a week that I’ve been averaging. It’s not some astonishing number, but it’s what I have accomplished and I’m proud of it. I’ll update again in another 10 weeks.

Thursday tidbits

I bought The Shred at Target on Monday and did it on Tuesday night for the first time. Jillian is no joke. I cannot imagine what Levels 2 and 3 will be like.

Gwen knows that I’ve been getting back into working out and just trying to be healthier. She sent me this sweet surprise in the mail with a card saying how I could use this for my gym stuff (keys, phone, etc.). It is perfect!



I saw on the news that Snooki from Jersey Shore got a makeover for a photo shoot. She looks so different.



We may be getting punched with another massive snowstorm over the weekend. I can’t take anymore!

Late weekend recap & my Tuesday at the gym

Friday night I got home from work later than usual and forgot that my mom was coming over to treat Geof and me. She made dinner for us and we had taco salads. I forgot how much I missed her cooking. It always seems to taste a little better when it comes from home. We had dinner, caught up on life, watched television and then I baked cupcakes for my ladies night on Saturday.

Saturday was ice skating and we’re two weeks away from the show. I cannot believe it! I think everything will turn out fine, but the stress level is still there. After skating I came home and got ready to meet up with the girls for ladies night at Melissa’s. We had a blast. After that, I decided I wasn’t ready to go home just yet and met up with my friend Kelly at Barnaby’s for a drink. I ran into a few people I knew and we had a nice time.

Sunday, I must have been more tired that I thought because I slept in very late. My friend Jessica came over and we all went out. First, we went to the YMCA so that Geof and I could join. We’ve been talking about this for awhile now and finally did it. I’m really proud of both of us for taking the first step and will be even prouder when we put our membership to good use. After the gym, the 3 of us went out to dinner at Olive Garden. Now at least I have a gym to work off those breadsticks!

**TUESDAY UPDATE**

We went to the gym for the first time tonight and I feel pretty good. I hate to admit it, but it’s been a long time since I stepped foot into a gym. I feel out of shape and this is the kick I need to get me feeling better. My night consisted of 45 minutes of cardio (30 minutes on the elliptical, 15 on the bikes). I was feeling it on the elliptical, but pushed through. I know it’s not much, but definitely a start. I need to get a heart rate monitor to see where I’m really at, but the machines said I burned about 380 calories.

I love playing volleyball (we play beach volleyball every Tuesday in the summer at our pool). I was happy to see they have pick-up games every Tuesday and Thursday night at the gym. I like the fact that I can switch things up from doing sports, cardio on the machines, weights, classes and swimming. My biggest challenge is staying motivated. I hope that by posting and talking about it from time to time here will give me what I need to stay focused. I’ve watched one too many “Biggest Loser” episodes and I think my mind is in the right place now for the first time in a long time. It takes a lot for me to post this and put myself out there. If anyone has any great workout tips or motivational tips, I would love to hear them!

Belly dancing?

My friend Danielle, who I admire greatly invited me and some of her other friends to a belly dancing class on Monday nights. Our conversation went a little something like this:

D: In addition to Pilates, I will be taking Belly dancing every other Monday night (alternating with work schedule). You will feel it in your midsection! My mom got me into this. It's $10/class.
ME: I may be down for belly dancing and I know right where the place is. Do I have to bear my middle section and wobbly bits? LOL!!
D: Ha! That's optional! You can buy a cute skirt with coins to shake shake shake!
ME: Hahaha! Good idea. Let me know the next time you're going and I'll try to come.

I think I’m going to go and try it out. Why not? It’s better than doing nothing and I am looking to do more than ice skate. Now that the wedding is over and the holidays will be over in a snap, I feel like I can take time to focus on me and improving my health. This would definitely be a good start.
I also noticed that some sort of martial arts studio is opening around the corner from my house. I would be interested to see what kind of classes they offer. I think alternative methods of working out will be a great way to get started. It keeps me interested and when it’s a class, I feel guilty if I don’t go. Sometimes I need that extra discipline to keep me on the right path.
We also desperately need to go food shopping. Geof has been traveling a lot the past 2 months and we have been eating out a lot or bringing food home most of the time. This is a habit that must be kicked!
I know you’ve seen me post goodies that I’ve made or indulged in over the holidays, but I truly do want to make some changes. I guess the first of January would be a more appropriate time to post this, but I figure now is as good a time as any. I want to get my priorities straight and focus on changes that I would like to make.
I haven’t been blogging for long and I usually keep things pretty light, but sometimes it helps to be honest and put some of my more serious thoughts out there. Thanks for listening and that’s all for now!