It started with an empty bar.
The first time Paul and I went up to the weight room at the Y (early February, I think) I was doing bench presses with an empty Olympic barbell. That's because my commitment to this fitness goal is slow and steady. Smart, long-term thinking. Lifelong changes. Hard as it was, I needed to start with the empty bar, weighing in at 30 lbs. Well, this week I finally felt ready to add some plates to the bar. 10 lbs. more and I have some slightly sore muscles. Slightly is the key word. Nothing crazy. No injuries. Just a little more challenge as I feel ready.
Last night I also added two new upper-body weight machine exercises. Again, I feel some slightly sore muscles (front deltoids, mainly) and a few in my back. This kind of pain means progress. It is very rewarding. I also felt really good on the racquetball court last night! Hardly winded, I covered the court pretty well. Nice feeling!
An hour on the Wii Fit this morning and I am ready to go!
Eating more fresh.
I have continued to make sure I have at least two fresh veggies and some fruit each day. I think I'll be seeing a big difference by this time next week. Oh, I can hardly wait for the garden!
First day of spring that it is, I am longing to jump on my bike and just go.... it's going to be a fantastic spring and summer!
Victory! Every day that I make the right decisions for my health is a day that brings me the little victories that lead to the BIG ONE!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesday March 18, 2009 - Day 58
Need more veggies.
While I have definitely cut obvious sugar from my life, there's something else I need to do.
I need to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. I believe that making sure I do this will make a big difference in my progress. I know the importance of fresh fruits and veggies. How they help maintain a healthy blood sugar level. How they help our bodies heal. How they empower a healthy metabolism. It's just a bit challenging to keep them around.
I am committing, right here and now, not to let a day go by without eating fresh fruits and vegetables. I will just do it. It's too important not to.
So far I have had fresh veggies Monday - Wednesday.
More exercise.
Last week I simply did not get enough exercise. I missed my Wii Fit workout three times and didn't make it to the Y but once. I will not move along at a good pace in my fitness goal without a variety of exercise at least five times each week. So... that is another commitment.
This week is better already. Here's the rundown:
Sunday: 30 minute Wii Fit session
Monday: 55 minute Wii Fit session; 45 minutes of racquetball; 20 minutes of weight training
Tuesday: 60 minute Wii Fit session; 30 minutes of biking and basketball outside
Wednesday: 45 minutes of weight training; 35 minute Wii Fit session
Although I haven't lost the weight I'd liked to have after 57 days, I can still feel the difference in how my clothes fit, how I feel overall, and how I'm sleeping. And that is progress!
I cannot express how good it feels to be on the path to wellness. How empowered, encouraged and hopeful I am. I thank God for second chances. For conviction to do the right thing. For designing my body to bounce back.
Victory! With these new commitments, it'll come sooner than later!
While I have definitely cut obvious sugar from my life, there's something else I need to do.
I need to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. I believe that making sure I do this will make a big difference in my progress. I know the importance of fresh fruits and veggies. How they help maintain a healthy blood sugar level. How they help our bodies heal. How they empower a healthy metabolism. It's just a bit challenging to keep them around.
I am committing, right here and now, not to let a day go by without eating fresh fruits and vegetables. I will just do it. It's too important not to.
So far I have had fresh veggies Monday - Wednesday.
More exercise.
Last week I simply did not get enough exercise. I missed my Wii Fit workout three times and didn't make it to the Y but once. I will not move along at a good pace in my fitness goal without a variety of exercise at least five times each week. So... that is another commitment.
This week is better already. Here's the rundown:
Sunday: 30 minute Wii Fit session
Monday: 55 minute Wii Fit session; 45 minutes of racquetball; 20 minutes of weight training
Tuesday: 60 minute Wii Fit session; 30 minutes of biking and basketball outside
Wednesday: 45 minutes of weight training; 35 minute Wii Fit session
Although I haven't lost the weight I'd liked to have after 57 days, I can still feel the difference in how my clothes fit, how I feel overall, and how I'm sleeping. And that is progress!
I cannot express how good it feels to be on the path to wellness. How empowered, encouraged and hopeful I am. I thank God for second chances. For conviction to do the right thing. For designing my body to bounce back.
Victory! With these new commitments, it'll come sooner than later!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday March 13, 2009 - Great Week
Still at it!
Another week has gone by and I'm happy to report: I'm still at it!
Last weekend was very successful. Saturday morning my Wii Fit workout was 63 minutes and challenging, as I increased intensity and/or repetitions on several of the exercises. Sunday morning I squoze in a 35 minute workout.
A room full of pizza, wings, and good friends.
Last Saturday evening Paul and I had the privilege of spending a couple of hours in a beautiful hotel suite talking and laughing with a handful of good, uplifting friends. Also in the room: Pizza, wings and pop. After taking my Nutrilite Slimmetry and Glucose Health supplements, I had no problem enjoying my blueberry bar and some baby carrots that Tina so graciously shared. It was another good decision on the way to better health!
Back at the Y. Yea!
Tuesday night Paul and I finally went back to the Y. Racquetball was easier... and better. Paul commented on how much faster I seemed to be getting to the ball. What a great feeling! After 45 minutes of racquetball, we hit the weight room. I was able to add 10 lbs. to the barbell for my bench presses, 10 lbs. to my leg presses and curls, and 5 lbs. to the the dumbbells for my tricept kick backs and arms curls. Yahoo! I definitely am getting stronger!
Sisters, Mom, Julie and Desserts.
Last night was ladies' night out. My niece Julie, who is in town this week, joined Suzanne, Gerry, Mom and I. What fun! If laughter is medicine for the soul, our souls are doin' just fine, thank you! We sat to enjoy the live music after dinner, and that led to dessert. As my mom was asking me if I wanted to share some pie with her, and the server was describing the warm brownie with ice cream on top, Suzanne reminded me of this blog: "Mary, you're going to have to write about this in your blog. Remember how you feel after eating sugar!" And, thank you Suzanne. That's all it took to sit next to the pecan pie and chocolate silk pie with absolutely no problem. And today? I don't have a sugar hangover! Thank you Suzanne.
As I add one good decision to another (NO to sugar, YES to the Wii Fit, Racquetball, weightlifting) I get closer to Optimal Health and.... Victory!
Another week has gone by and I'm happy to report: I'm still at it!
Last weekend was very successful. Saturday morning my Wii Fit workout was 63 minutes and challenging, as I increased intensity and/or repetitions on several of the exercises. Sunday morning I squoze in a 35 minute workout.
A room full of pizza, wings, and good friends.
Last Saturday evening Paul and I had the privilege of spending a couple of hours in a beautiful hotel suite talking and laughing with a handful of good, uplifting friends. Also in the room: Pizza, wings and pop. After taking my Nutrilite Slimmetry and Glucose Health supplements, I had no problem enjoying my blueberry bar and some baby carrots that Tina so graciously shared. It was another good decision on the way to better health!
Back at the Y. Yea!
Tuesday night Paul and I finally went back to the Y. Racquetball was easier... and better. Paul commented on how much faster I seemed to be getting to the ball. What a great feeling! After 45 minutes of racquetball, we hit the weight room. I was able to add 10 lbs. to the barbell for my bench presses, 10 lbs. to my leg presses and curls, and 5 lbs. to the the dumbbells for my tricept kick backs and arms curls. Yahoo! I definitely am getting stronger!
Sisters, Mom, Julie and Desserts.
Last night was ladies' night out. My niece Julie, who is in town this week, joined Suzanne, Gerry, Mom and I. What fun! If laughter is medicine for the soul, our souls are doin' just fine, thank you! We sat to enjoy the live music after dinner, and that led to dessert. As my mom was asking me if I wanted to share some pie with her, and the server was describing the warm brownie with ice cream on top, Suzanne reminded me of this blog: "Mary, you're going to have to write about this in your blog. Remember how you feel after eating sugar!" And, thank you Suzanne. That's all it took to sit next to the pecan pie and chocolate silk pie with absolutely no problem. And today? I don't have a sugar hangover! Thank you Suzanne.
As I add one good decision to another (NO to sugar, YES to the Wii Fit, Racquetball, weightlifting) I get closer to Optimal Health and.... Victory!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Wednesday March 4, 2009 - Compliment
One simple compliment can go a long way.
Yesterday was a good day. Someone said this: "Mary, you're disappearing right before our eyes!" I didn't get it at first. Seeing the confusion on my face, he said: "You look great! What're you doing?" Then I got it.
When someone else notices a difference in you - without even knowing that you're working on it - well... that's the BEST! How encouraging! That person has no idea what he did for me yesterday. Oh, I thanked him. But he has no idea.
Thank God for such happenings.
He is so good to provide encouragement when we need it. Reprimands when they are necessary for our good. Wake up calls that come just in time. Blessings that surprise. God is most definitely good.
Bending down and picking up.
I bent down to pick something up yesterday. Bent my knees, went to the floor, picked up the item, and bounced back up again. Literally. There was no straining. No groaning. No faltering. It felt wonderful to do that! I realize I'm not 80 years old, but I was so out of shape, I felt 80 years old when attempting certain moves. Bending down and getting back up, for example. But after 45 days of Wii Fit workouts and some light weight training, I can feel a tremendous difference! Bending down... turns out to be quite a pick-me-up!
Know what else I can feel?
Victory! It's coming. Slowly. Steadily. Permanently. Victory is coming.
Yesterday was a good day. Someone said this: "Mary, you're disappearing right before our eyes!" I didn't get it at first. Seeing the confusion on my face, he said: "You look great! What're you doing?" Then I got it.
When someone else notices a difference in you - without even knowing that you're working on it - well... that's the BEST! How encouraging! That person has no idea what he did for me yesterday. Oh, I thanked him. But he has no idea.
Thank God for such happenings.
He is so good to provide encouragement when we need it. Reprimands when they are necessary for our good. Wake up calls that come just in time. Blessings that surprise. God is most definitely good.
Bending down and picking up.
I bent down to pick something up yesterday. Bent my knees, went to the floor, picked up the item, and bounced back up again. Literally. There was no straining. No groaning. No faltering. It felt wonderful to do that! I realize I'm not 80 years old, but I was so out of shape, I felt 80 years old when attempting certain moves. Bending down and getting back up, for example. But after 45 days of Wii Fit workouts and some light weight training, I can feel a tremendous difference! Bending down... turns out to be quite a pick-me-up!
Know what else I can feel?
Victory! It's coming. Slowly. Steadily. Permanently. Victory is coming.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Monday March 2, 2009 - Day 42-Cookies, cookies, cookies.
Desserts, cookies and two small victories.
While at a workshop Friday night, I was encouraged to stay after for the "dessert reception." Rather than put myself in a room full of sugary temptation, I opted to leave. Good decision. Then Saturday, with the lunch that was served, there were platters of huge, chewy chocolate chip -and other - cookies. There was not a whole lot of thinking involved in turning down those cookies at the platter. The people at my table, even the person next to me, were munching on those cookies. They looked so good... chock-full of chocolate chips... soft and chewy... And admittedly, I was tempted to go trade my apple for one of those chewy, chocolaty delights. But-I am happy to report - I decided to enjoy my apple and appreciate what it was doing for me. Nutrition as God intended.
Girl Scout cookies came yesterday. I have to admit. The peanut butter patties were calling my name - and I answered. I don't know if it's possible, but within two hours of eating those...uh-hem... several cookies, I felt like I needed a nap. It is amazing to me how quickly I can see the effects of sugar! These kinds of reminders make it easier to say "no" to sugar the next time. That's one part of the lesson. The other part? Don't let the package of cookies be opened right under my nose, where the aroma of chocolate and peanut butter will tempt. Whenever possible, avoid the temptation!
Workin' out.
In the meantime, I completed two very good Wii Fit workouts this weekend. One on Friday for 72 minutes (got carried away with trying to beat my highest scores), and one Sunday morning for 58 minutes. I have been challenged to fit in my weekend workouts, so this is good. :-) Tonight, I believe, we will finally make it back to the Y. Can't wait!
Another positive sign.
I am trying to be patient this time. I am trying not to go crazy with the drive to drop pounds at break-neck speed. So, I'm also trying to watch for the little things. Those tiny reminders that I am on the right track. This week, it was wearing a blouse that I haven't worn for awhile. The blouse used to be tight. This week when I wore it, I noticed a definite difference in the fit. It was no longer tight. That's rewarding! That's how I'm trying to measure progress. These little signals that I'm "shaping up". Add to that, the fact that I just plain feel better, and I know....
I am on the path to... Victory!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Thursday February 26, 2009 - 34 Days
34 Days and Quite a Difference.
I realized something yesterday. I have only been committed to daily exercise, better eating - and this blog - for just over a month. That's not a whole lot of time. Not when kept in perspective.
Rome was not built in a day.
Another one of my mother's favorite sayings. When she said: "Rome wasn't built in a day" she was trying to remind us to be patient. She was trying to let us know that some things are worth working for - and worth waiting for. My mother is such a wise woman. Always has been. I'm the one who needed to grow before I would truly appreciate that fact.
My point is: It's only been just over ONE month since I began this journey to "Feelin' fine in 2009". 34 days. And, after YEARS of neglecting my health, eating too much sugar, not exercising enough, my awesomely-made body is already responding! This blog may seem redundant. It's a common theme with me, because patience is an area in which I need growth. I'll admit, it does seem like it's been more than 34 days. But the Wii Fit doesn't lie. So this morning, as the Wii Fit made its announcement "This is your 34th day!" I thought: "Is that all? But I feel so different! So much better! Is it possible it's only been just over a month since I started?"
Amazement set in.
Then I was, once again, amazed. Not impressed with my own 34-day sticktuitiveness. Impressed with God's design, as The Great Creator. Our bodies are capable of being more fit after several months of determination, focus and commitment, than they were before YEARS of neglect! Isn't that amazing? I, for one, am grateful.
Successful eating... most of the time!
I really am eating far less sugar and processed foods than I have in a long time. Still don't know what perfection looks like for more than a day or two, but then perfection is not really the goal. I am thinking more before eating. And I'm making better decisions. Yahoo!
Ryan is the police.
I am learning how much my kids - especially Ryan, who's 8 - want me to be in better physical condition. He is very encouraging. Once in awhile, he's even pushed a little too hard. "Mom, are you sure you want to eat that?" he sometimes asks. I don't like it sometimes. I have to remind him that I appreciate his encouragement, but he does not have license to police everything I eat. Bless his heart. He wants me to feel good and have energy. Who could blame him? I think I'll thank him when he gets home today. I do appreciate him. I'm glad he cares.
So, the way I figure it, with the help of the Wii Fit, Paul's encouragement to go to the Y some evenings when I don't feel like it, wonderful Nutrilite products, and of course, Police Officer Ryan...
Victory is a sure thing! And it's coming one day, one week, one month at a time.
I realized something yesterday. I have only been committed to daily exercise, better eating - and this blog - for just over a month. That's not a whole lot of time. Not when kept in perspective.
Rome was not built in a day.
Another one of my mother's favorite sayings. When she said: "Rome wasn't built in a day" she was trying to remind us to be patient. She was trying to let us know that some things are worth working for - and worth waiting for. My mother is such a wise woman. Always has been. I'm the one who needed to grow before I would truly appreciate that fact.
My point is: It's only been just over ONE month since I began this journey to "Feelin' fine in 2009". 34 days. And, after YEARS of neglecting my health, eating too much sugar, not exercising enough, my awesomely-made body is already responding! This blog may seem redundant. It's a common theme with me, because patience is an area in which I need growth. I'll admit, it does seem like it's been more than 34 days. But the Wii Fit doesn't lie. So this morning, as the Wii Fit made its announcement "This is your 34th day!" I thought: "Is that all? But I feel so different! So much better! Is it possible it's only been just over a month since I started?"
Amazement set in.
Then I was, once again, amazed. Not impressed with my own 34-day sticktuitiveness. Impressed with God's design, as The Great Creator. Our bodies are capable of being more fit after several months of determination, focus and commitment, than they were before YEARS of neglect! Isn't that amazing? I, for one, am grateful.
Successful eating... most of the time!
I really am eating far less sugar and processed foods than I have in a long time. Still don't know what perfection looks like for more than a day or two, but then perfection is not really the goal. I am thinking more before eating. And I'm making better decisions. Yahoo!
Ryan is the police.
I am learning how much my kids - especially Ryan, who's 8 - want me to be in better physical condition. He is very encouraging. Once in awhile, he's even pushed a little too hard. "Mom, are you sure you want to eat that?" he sometimes asks. I don't like it sometimes. I have to remind him that I appreciate his encouragement, but he does not have license to police everything I eat. Bless his heart. He wants me to feel good and have energy. Who could blame him? I think I'll thank him when he gets home today. I do appreciate him. I'm glad he cares.
So, the way I figure it, with the help of the Wii Fit, Paul's encouragement to go to the Y some evenings when I don't feel like it, wonderful Nutrilite products, and of course, Police Officer Ryan...
Victory is a sure thing! And it's coming one day, one week, one month at a time.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Thursday February 19, 2009 - My side.
I'm changing. And I've noticed.
As I was talking with someone this morning, I put my hand on my side. It startled me a bit. Know why? Because I noticed something. There is less side there! Yes, as my hand rested on my side, it struck me: "Hey! I've shrunk a little!" And I have to tell you. It felt good to notice that change in myself. As you lose weight/get in shape, you are usually the last one to appreciate the changes that are occurring during the process.
Sometimes it takes an objective third party.
Monday morning I saw a friend that I hadn't seen in about 3 weeks. She said: "Are you losing weight?" I said: "Yes." She noticed right away. And it felt good. Paul has been commenting, and calling me "slim". That feels good too. But not as good as it felt to notice (for myself) my shrinking side "chub", as my kids would call it. Strange, I know. But true. It was a teeny, tiny-yet momentous-event on a long journey to fitness.
Thank you God, for small victories on the way to THE Victory!
As I was talking with someone this morning, I put my hand on my side. It startled me a bit. Know why? Because I noticed something. There is less side there! Yes, as my hand rested on my side, it struck me: "Hey! I've shrunk a little!" And I have to tell you. It felt good to notice that change in myself. As you lose weight/get in shape, you are usually the last one to appreciate the changes that are occurring during the process.
Sometimes it takes an objective third party.
Monday morning I saw a friend that I hadn't seen in about 3 weeks. She said: "Are you losing weight?" I said: "Yes." She noticed right away. And it felt good. Paul has been commenting, and calling me "slim". That feels good too. But not as good as it felt to notice (for myself) my shrinking side "chub", as my kids would call it. Strange, I know. But true. It was a teeny, tiny-yet momentous-event on a long journey to fitness.
Thank you God, for small victories on the way to THE Victory!
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