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.

Random Thursday musings

1. My car is back in the shop and I’m really hoping this is the last repair for awhile. I won’t get it back until sometime tomorrow.
2. Due to said car being in the shop, I have to work from home again tomorrow and cannot attend the happy hour festivities at work.
3. Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday!
4. The ice show is this weekend and I’m excited/nervous about it. I really want the kids to look good out there.
5. I’ve gone to the Lenten service at church the past 2 weeks and it has been great and given me a lot to think about.
6. I'm getting into a routine at the gym and want to keep it up.
7. My Florida trip with my mom is less than a month away and I cannot wait!
8. I think I will watch Twilight again this weekend. I made my mom watch it with me last weekend and she actually liked it. She thinks Edward is handsome.
9. I wish it would stop raining.

Coach trip

I had a coupon to Coach last week that I had no business using, but did anyway. I have been in need of a little retail therapy and that was a perfect excuse.

Here is what I got:

Heritage Stripe Slip Jacket and Planner

So cute and pink! It will definitely keep me organized.

Coach Body Splash in Peony

They call it a body splash, but it seems more concentrated like a perfume and it comes in a big 8.1 Ounce bottle. This will be perfect for summer.

Coach Lip Gloss in Orchid

It is a nice sheer color that I can mix or wear alone over the summer. I always like a lighter color like this when I get a tan.

I’ve been feeling good this week. I skated today and went to the gym Tuesday and Wednesday. I have also been really watching what I eat. Hopefully I can keep it up through the weekend. I also went to a Lenten service at church last night. There was a great fellowship and a wonderful message during the service that spoke of sacrifice and commitment. I felt great when I left.

I am ready for the first day of spring to officially arrive tomorrow and for the weekend to start!

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!

Zumba!

My friend and co-worker, Meghan convinced me to go with her to a workout class this evening and it was good. It is called “Zumba” and it’s described as a fitness program that is inspired by Latin dance. We did the Salsa, Samba, Cha Cha and many other Latin dance moves. I haven’t been to a class in a long time and this was perfect for me. It was a little over an hour long and we didn’t stop moving the entire time. My heart rate was definitely up for most of the class. The instructor was great and very motivating. I like taking classes like this because I don’t get bored and the time flies. We would learn about 2-4 combinations per song and then put them to work with the music. I am sure that I looked like a fool for some of it, but it was fun.

I left feeling energized and wonderful. If this class if offered at your gym, fitness studio, etc., I highly recommend it. I am going to try and go on a more regular basis.