I can't believe September is more than half over! In just a few weeks, we will be digging out the parkas, mitts and boots...where did the summer go? I can't believe how quickly it has flown by.
I checked out my first spin class ever on Monday. The class itself is called Turn and Burn. About 70 percent of the class is on the bike and the other percent is spent doing strength/resistance exercises. I was worried that the biking would be hard on my knees...boy was I wrong! It was a great overall workout - great cardio! I enjoyed the strength training exercises too - even if planks were involved! lol...The instructor was awesome too - she went around to each participant and made sure they had their bike set up properly - this made me feel secure knowing that she knew what she was doing. She was also really enthusiastic and motivating...it was also great that my buddy Lorraine joined me - I can't wait until my next class - tomorrow!
My Tuesday/Thursday bootcamps with Kendra were the usual crazy brutalness - Tuesday we did TRX and Thursday we did kickboxing with heavy weights. It was the last two classes until the next round that starts this Tuesday - so she kicked it up a notch.
On Wednesday, I went to my Lap-Band Support Group Meeting. We spent most of the class talking to each other about our experiences - it was neat to see all of the support we show for each other. Wendy, one of the dietitians, brought a few receipes that were on the Lap-Band Connect Website - she actually cooked them and brought them in. I think I enjoyed the Pumpkin, almond oatmeal the best! I was also happy to see that the Health Region is putting more funding into the Calgary Weight Management Program. Not only are they funding 50 surgeries for this upcoming year instead of 25, they are also in the planning stage of looking for an exercise specialist or personal trainer for the program. I think that would be awesome and a great resource!
Friday, I was supposed to have my fifth fill. After waiting for almost three hours, it was decided that there was a clerical/scheduling/communication glitch and the surgeon was in fact, not coming. I was pretty annoyed to say the least, as I had taken time off of work to go there. They are supposed to be rebooking me for this upcoming week. I think I am finally getting close to my "sweet spot" - which would be great as the weight is not coming off as quickly as I woud like. Last month, for instance, I only lost two pounds...I was a bit upset and frustrated when I was talking to the dietitian about it. She told me that at least it wasn't going up and was going in the right direction - that I am doing what I am advised to do that that's all I can do. Then she told me I need to be more gentle with myself. Uhhh...she obviously doesn't know who she is talking to lol...I can't believe the amount of people in the last 6-8 months that have told me that - including my surgeon. I'm not expecting rapid weight loss - in fact, I don't want that at all. But two pounds in a month??? Give me a break!!
Friday evening I headed to the YMCA...all by myself! I started out on the eliptical and rocked it. I was surprised how great on my knees it was. I then proceeded to do three rounds on the strength training machines. I did it by myself and I am proud. I have come a heck of a long way since the beginning of this year. I am no longer nervous about doing it on my own - I can't wait to get hooked up with the FitLinxx System...then I will REALLY rock it!
Saturday I went to my early kickboxing class and loved it. After that, I went and got my knees x-rayed. They have been giving me a lot of problems lately. They are now scraping - bone on bone. I see my doctor in three weeks to go over the results and figure out what the next step is. I just want some progress made - I want to be able to run up and down the stairs and not be in pain. Time will tell...
Saturday evening, my friend Shane and I went to the Stamps game. It was great to people-watch and have a great time and relax...unfortunately tho, they lost - they can't seem to win at home and nobody seems to be able to figure it out.
This week I am looking forward to pushing myself more - I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to. I can do it and I AM doing it.
Have a great week everyone!
Showing posts with label kickboxing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kickboxing. Show all posts
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Tabata!
I've sure been busy this week! In fact, I worked out six days in a row...three out of the six days I did Tabata. Don't know what Tabata is?? See below...
From Wikipedia:
Tabata Method
A popular regimen based on a 1996 study[2] uses 20 seconds of ultra-intense exercise (at an intensity of about 170% of VO2max) followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated continuously for 4 minutes (8 cycles). In the original study, athletes using this method trained 4 times per week, plus another day of steady-state training, and obtained gains similar to a group of athletes who did steady state (70% VO2max) training 5 times per week. The steady state group had a higher VO2max at the end (from 52 to 57 ml/kg/min), but the Tabata group had started lower and gained more overall (from 48 to 55 ml/kg/min). Also, only the Tabata group had gained anaerobic capacity benefits.
Doesn't make sense? Well basically Tabata is performing an exercise for 20 seconds on, then 10 seconds off - and doing that 8 times! On Monday, Damir had us do Tabata in Bootcamp. We each had a station we had to do - everything from cycling, to pushups, to plank rows, squats...I think the hardest one for me was the pushups - doing pushups using the Tabata protocol is killer - at least for me anyway.
Tuesday I opened my big mouth and told Kendra how much "fun" I had in Damir's class doing Tabata - so...of course she decided to teach a Tabata TRX class...it was insane...
Wednesday, my friend Lorainne and I headed to the YMCA and did a Muscle Works Class. While I did enjoy the workout - to tell you the honest truth, I'm not a big fan of the instructor. We both had a hard time understanding anything she was saying - and she lacked something big...enthusiasm! I'm so used to Ben's charged up classes and the intensity and enthusiasm that he shows each and every time he instructs a class. And boy do I miss it.
Thursday I was back in Kendra's class and yup - you guessed it...we did Tabata again. I thought for sure by the end of the class that I was either going to pass out or throw up or both...lol I sure slept well that night!
Friday I took a much needed rest day...I went out after work with my co-workers and relaxed...it was great!
Saturday I was back at it and went to kickboxing. My partner had to leave part way through the class, so I had Damir for the last half. My hands and wrists are still sore from punching so hard...I think I will need to wrap my wrists and hands the next time for sure!
So...basically - I am back to my routine! I'm back to working out 5-6 days a week minimum and it feels so good! Today I was exhausted, but it felt good inside knowing that I have worked very hard. The past couple of months have been kind of hard for me to find my groove again and get back into my workout routine - but I'm glad it's back!
My nutrition has been better too...I still slipped up a little, but they were just little ones...nothing really overboard - besides...with all of of my workouts, I would have burnt that off in no time!
I feel good...and I'm happy... I'M BACK!
YES!!!
From Wikipedia:
Tabata Method
A popular regimen based on a 1996 study[2] uses 20 seconds of ultra-intense exercise (at an intensity of about 170% of VO2max) followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated continuously for 4 minutes (8 cycles). In the original study, athletes using this method trained 4 times per week, plus another day of steady-state training, and obtained gains similar to a group of athletes who did steady state (70% VO2max) training 5 times per week. The steady state group had a higher VO2max at the end (from 52 to 57 ml/kg/min), but the Tabata group had started lower and gained more overall (from 48 to 55 ml/kg/min). Also, only the Tabata group had gained anaerobic capacity benefits.
Doesn't make sense? Well basically Tabata is performing an exercise for 20 seconds on, then 10 seconds off - and doing that 8 times! On Monday, Damir had us do Tabata in Bootcamp. We each had a station we had to do - everything from cycling, to pushups, to plank rows, squats...I think the hardest one for me was the pushups - doing pushups using the Tabata protocol is killer - at least for me anyway.
Tuesday I opened my big mouth and told Kendra how much "fun" I had in Damir's class doing Tabata - so...of course she decided to teach a Tabata TRX class...it was insane...
Wednesday, my friend Lorainne and I headed to the YMCA and did a Muscle Works Class. While I did enjoy the workout - to tell you the honest truth, I'm not a big fan of the instructor. We both had a hard time understanding anything she was saying - and she lacked something big...enthusiasm! I'm so used to Ben's charged up classes and the intensity and enthusiasm that he shows each and every time he instructs a class. And boy do I miss it.
Thursday I was back in Kendra's class and yup - you guessed it...we did Tabata again. I thought for sure by the end of the class that I was either going to pass out or throw up or both...lol I sure slept well that night!
Friday I took a much needed rest day...I went out after work with my co-workers and relaxed...it was great!
Saturday I was back at it and went to kickboxing. My partner had to leave part way through the class, so I had Damir for the last half. My hands and wrists are still sore from punching so hard...I think I will need to wrap my wrists and hands the next time for sure!
So...basically - I am back to my routine! I'm back to working out 5-6 days a week minimum and it feels so good! Today I was exhausted, but it felt good inside knowing that I have worked very hard. The past couple of months have been kind of hard for me to find my groove again and get back into my workout routine - but I'm glad it's back!
My nutrition has been better too...I still slipped up a little, but they were just little ones...nothing really overboard - besides...with all of of my workouts, I would have burnt that off in no time!
I feel good...and I'm happy... I'M BACK!
YES!!!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Moving Forward!
Wow...what a week...and I made it!
I'm also happy to say I've been feeling more like my "old" self again, and when I mean "old" I don't mean my age. I am starting to feel like I am in more control of my emotions and actions and more in control of my life. For the past few months, I really haven't been putting forth as much effort towards myself as I would have wanted. I let my emotions get to me. I lost sight of why I am really doing this journey in the first place. Yes, I want to be healthy...yes I want to be happy...but most of all, I want to be in control. I want to be able to decline the piece of cake at work and be okay with it. I want to be strong and capable of anything I set my mind to. I know I have all those attributes I just listed - I'm just having "issues" putting them into play.
Monday I tried out a new bootcamp. My friend Jacquie found a deal off of Living Social - 20 fitness classes for 20 bucks. Jacquie was gracious enough and gave me her other passes that she had. The Bootcamp is called FitBody. The look on my face must have been priceless when I walked into the place and was watching the current class...the first thing I saw they were doing were bearcrawls - I immediately started panicking a little inside. I had done bearcrawls with Ben at Alive - and hated them. We met the instructor Chris and he told us what the class would consist of - then Jacquie blurted out that I wanted to do bearcrawls! lol...so yeah you guessed it...we did bearcrawls, and tractor pulls and side planks, and shoulder presses, just to name a few...the class kind of reminded me of Damir's bootcamp classes...lots of body weight drills and you feel like you just walked out of a torture chamber...lol The thing I loved most about the class, was that I was able to do just about everything I was asked to do and I did them well. I killed it on the bearcrawls too - and yes...I actually really liked them!
I woked up on Tuesday with pain in my lats like I have NEVER had before...and I was excited. I always love it when my muscles hurt as I know I have worked hard. I did Kendra's bootcamp class that evening and we did a tonne of TRX drills...my lats have never had it so good! lol
Wednesday I went and saw my doctor about my knees. He gave me a requisition for another x-ray as he thinks the osteo has made more degeneration in my knees since my last x-ray a year ago. Depending on what the x-rays show, the next step would be cortisone injections. I think I would rather have Synvisc injections, but I will see what happens. He also wants to get an MRI done too. That will be up to a year wait to get that done...should be fun!
Thursday I did Kendra's class again...only three of us showed up, so we were at her mercy...we did tons of pilates drills, using our small core muscles and such. We also did lots of shoulder work...must be why my shoulders are still sore three days later! Good on ya Kendra!
Yesterday, Damir's Saturday morning kickboxing class started up again. I was excited as my Saturdays used to be dedicated to classes of some sort...He put me with a great partner (Jessica) and it was not only a great workout, but I laughed and had fun...it's been such a long time since I've had fun like that in a Saturday class...I can't wait for next Saturday!
And today...I am very happy to say...I finally joined the Shawnessy YMCA!! Brian and I went together - I started off on the bike - did 20 mins on that, and then we proceeded to work out together. I also got myself acquainted with some of the weight machines and Brian helped me out to get me to feel more comfortable using them. I've been so used to having Ben guide me and show me how to do everything, and for the first time on my own today, I think I did pretty damn good! I am also really looking forward to doing their classes too! Who wouldn't love to walk or run on a treadmill and watch a movie through their I-pod or whatnot? lol...my experience there was very positive and I'm really looking forward to going back and getting back on track. The front desk girls name was Samantha too! I cracked a grin when she told me what her name was. That was awesome.
So there's my week in a nutshell...I'm still loving my new job and am damn good at it. I am starting to really love my new routine and I know that in only a short time, the weight will start to melt off again.
I'm excited...bring it on!
I'm also happy to say I've been feeling more like my "old" self again, and when I mean "old" I don't mean my age. I am starting to feel like I am in more control of my emotions and actions and more in control of my life. For the past few months, I really haven't been putting forth as much effort towards myself as I would have wanted. I let my emotions get to me. I lost sight of why I am really doing this journey in the first place. Yes, I want to be healthy...yes I want to be happy...but most of all, I want to be in control. I want to be able to decline the piece of cake at work and be okay with it. I want to be strong and capable of anything I set my mind to. I know I have all those attributes I just listed - I'm just having "issues" putting them into play.
Monday I tried out a new bootcamp. My friend Jacquie found a deal off of Living Social - 20 fitness classes for 20 bucks. Jacquie was gracious enough and gave me her other passes that she had. The Bootcamp is called FitBody. The look on my face must have been priceless when I walked into the place and was watching the current class...the first thing I saw they were doing were bearcrawls - I immediately started panicking a little inside. I had done bearcrawls with Ben at Alive - and hated them. We met the instructor Chris and he told us what the class would consist of - then Jacquie blurted out that I wanted to do bearcrawls! lol...so yeah you guessed it...we did bearcrawls, and tractor pulls and side planks, and shoulder presses, just to name a few...the class kind of reminded me of Damir's bootcamp classes...lots of body weight drills and you feel like you just walked out of a torture chamber...lol The thing I loved most about the class, was that I was able to do just about everything I was asked to do and I did them well. I killed it on the bearcrawls too - and yes...I actually really liked them!
I woked up on Tuesday with pain in my lats like I have NEVER had before...and I was excited. I always love it when my muscles hurt as I know I have worked hard. I did Kendra's bootcamp class that evening and we did a tonne of TRX drills...my lats have never had it so good! lol
Wednesday I went and saw my doctor about my knees. He gave me a requisition for another x-ray as he thinks the osteo has made more degeneration in my knees since my last x-ray a year ago. Depending on what the x-rays show, the next step would be cortisone injections. I think I would rather have Synvisc injections, but I will see what happens. He also wants to get an MRI done too. That will be up to a year wait to get that done...should be fun!
Thursday I did Kendra's class again...only three of us showed up, so we were at her mercy...we did tons of pilates drills, using our small core muscles and such. We also did lots of shoulder work...must be why my shoulders are still sore three days later! Good on ya Kendra!
Yesterday, Damir's Saturday morning kickboxing class started up again. I was excited as my Saturdays used to be dedicated to classes of some sort...He put me with a great partner (Jessica) and it was not only a great workout, but I laughed and had fun...it's been such a long time since I've had fun like that in a Saturday class...I can't wait for next Saturday!
And today...I am very happy to say...I finally joined the Shawnessy YMCA!! Brian and I went together - I started off on the bike - did 20 mins on that, and then we proceeded to work out together. I also got myself acquainted with some of the weight machines and Brian helped me out to get me to feel more comfortable using them. I've been so used to having Ben guide me and show me how to do everything, and for the first time on my own today, I think I did pretty damn good! I am also really looking forward to doing their classes too! Who wouldn't love to walk or run on a treadmill and watch a movie through their I-pod or whatnot? lol...my experience there was very positive and I'm really looking forward to going back and getting back on track. The front desk girls name was Samantha too! I cracked a grin when she told me what her name was. That was awesome.
So there's my week in a nutshell...I'm still loving my new job and am damn good at it. I am starting to really love my new routine and I know that in only a short time, the weight will start to melt off again.
I'm excited...bring it on!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
I am a Warrior
What a great week I have had...I'm pretty sure the reason for that was because I tackled it one day at time instead of looking towards the end of the week...I must remember to do that more often.
One aspect, however, that has been bothering me lately, is the feeling of "disconnection" that I have. I miss the sense of "togetherness" and friendships that I formed at ALIVE...I miss walking into the women's change room and seeing my buddies and then catching up with what was going on in each other's lives...I miss the support and the camaraderie...This past Monday at U-Thrive was the first time since ALIVE closed that I felt a glimpse of that. There were three trainers and their clients working out at the same time - it was busy and it felt good. The music was loud and upbeat and for just a few minutes, it brought me back. I guess I just need to reach out more to those people that I do miss...expect a call, email or BBM soon!
I had my second fill on Thursday...my dietitian Wania, was very excited and super proud of me...I managed to lose just over 10 pounds in the four weeks since I had seen she and Dr. Church. Most of the weight I managed to lose in just the last couple of weeks - I had been on a bit of a plateau, but managed to break through that. Wania also asked me if I would like to do a presentation to the new lapband clients that are new to the program - to tell them my story and to answer any questions they might have. I told her I would love to do that. If I can help someone that was in my same situation just over a year ago, then bring it on. She told me I am everything that they want in the program - that she has never had anyone in the history of the program work as hard as I have. We chatted about my eating patterns, and the only thing she "tweaked" was my snack in between breakfast and lunch - I wasn't having one because I just didn't have time...so now I will be making time starting this week. I ended up getting 0.8 cc's in my band and now have a total of 2.8 cc's in. At first, I was kind of disappointed, as I wanted more saline put in, but the past couple of days have proven to me, that slow and steady wins the race...I do feel quite a bit more restriction than I had.
My exercise this week has been awesome...I have worked out in some form every day...Monday, I trained with Ben - and it was, as always a good session...Tuesday and Thursday I did Kendra's Bootcamp and loved it - I think I worked harder than I have in a long time...I walked just over 5km with Jessica in Fish Creek on Wednesday - we went on the west side of the park - much different than the east - lots more scenery and trees...and of course...mosquitoes! lol... they thought I was tasty I tell ya! Friday came and I had my session with Ben again and Holly joined us! It's always fun when she comes to my sessions...lots of giggles and just plain fun. :-) Saturday I went to Damir's kickboxing class and ended up working one on one with him for the entire time. I am very glad that he gave me quite a few little breaks a long the way - cause by the end of it, I think my face was purple and today I am sporting a few bruises on my legs and my elbows...but I love it. I know for a fact, that I couldn't keep up like that two years ago - I feel great about it...I feel like a warrior...and in a sense I am! I've battled so many "things" the past couple of years - I've battled my thoughts, my insecurities, prescription meds and the anxiety...and I'm going to keep battling to get where I want to be...I'm 75.5 lbs down now...100 lbs down is in my reach - I'm getting excited...
Bring it on!
Have a great week everyone! Stay strong!
One aspect, however, that has been bothering me lately, is the feeling of "disconnection" that I have. I miss the sense of "togetherness" and friendships that I formed at ALIVE...I miss walking into the women's change room and seeing my buddies and then catching up with what was going on in each other's lives...I miss the support and the camaraderie...This past Monday at U-Thrive was the first time since ALIVE closed that I felt a glimpse of that. There were three trainers and their clients working out at the same time - it was busy and it felt good. The music was loud and upbeat and for just a few minutes, it brought me back. I guess I just need to reach out more to those people that I do miss...expect a call, email or BBM soon!
I had my second fill on Thursday...my dietitian Wania, was very excited and super proud of me...I managed to lose just over 10 pounds in the four weeks since I had seen she and Dr. Church. Most of the weight I managed to lose in just the last couple of weeks - I had been on a bit of a plateau, but managed to break through that. Wania also asked me if I would like to do a presentation to the new lapband clients that are new to the program - to tell them my story and to answer any questions they might have. I told her I would love to do that. If I can help someone that was in my same situation just over a year ago, then bring it on. She told me I am everything that they want in the program - that she has never had anyone in the history of the program work as hard as I have. We chatted about my eating patterns, and the only thing she "tweaked" was my snack in between breakfast and lunch - I wasn't having one because I just didn't have time...so now I will be making time starting this week. I ended up getting 0.8 cc's in my band and now have a total of 2.8 cc's in. At first, I was kind of disappointed, as I wanted more saline put in, but the past couple of days have proven to me, that slow and steady wins the race...I do feel quite a bit more restriction than I had.
My exercise this week has been awesome...I have worked out in some form every day...Monday, I trained with Ben - and it was, as always a good session...Tuesday and Thursday I did Kendra's Bootcamp and loved it - I think I worked harder than I have in a long time...I walked just over 5km with Jessica in Fish Creek on Wednesday - we went on the west side of the park - much different than the east - lots more scenery and trees...and of course...mosquitoes! lol... they thought I was tasty I tell ya! Friday came and I had my session with Ben again and Holly joined us! It's always fun when she comes to my sessions...lots of giggles and just plain fun. :-) Saturday I went to Damir's kickboxing class and ended up working one on one with him for the entire time. I am very glad that he gave me quite a few little breaks a long the way - cause by the end of it, I think my face was purple and today I am sporting a few bruises on my legs and my elbows...but I love it. I know for a fact, that I couldn't keep up like that two years ago - I feel great about it...I feel like a warrior...and in a sense I am! I've battled so many "things" the past couple of years - I've battled my thoughts, my insecurities, prescription meds and the anxiety...and I'm going to keep battling to get where I want to be...I'm 75.5 lbs down now...100 lbs down is in my reach - I'm getting excited...
Bring it on!
Have a great week everyone! Stay strong!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Goodbye Negative Thoughts!
This blog entry has taken me about 90 mins just to figure out what I want to type. I've got so much "stuff" in my head that I want to say, but it's mostly in fragments. I apologize in advance if it's all over the place!
Well - I'm happy to say I have "recovered" from last week's post. Work has seemed to get a bit better, along with other aspects in my life. I did stress about a few stupid things, but quickly caught myself and put a stop to it. One thing I've been noticing and it's quite obvious to me is, while my body is losing weight, and feeling good, my brain has not quite caught up with it. I keep getting this negative voice in my head that keeps telling me I'm not worth it, I'm gross, and I'm useless - now I know this is entirely not true - I know in my heart that being hard on myself like this is not going to help my weight loss...but I keep doing it. I've been working with Veronica (my therapist) for quite a while on this - about six months in fact and the "homework" she had me do this past month, was to "confront" this negative voice - to actually talk to it OUTLOUD and tell it it had no business being in my head and talking to me that way - and I had to do this whenever and wherever the thought would come up. I'm smiling right now as I type because I'm remembering me sitting on the bus and heading to work and this happening - and the looks that I got...oh well - whatever - at least I fit in with the rest of them! Anybody that rides Calgary Transit knows what I am talking about!
This week had me thinking a lot about how I even began my lap-band journey. I think about that evening last June when we got home from the gym and finding that letter from the Weight Management Program - I remember reading through it, rolling my eyes and throwing it in the garbage! Then I remember telling Ben about it and him encouraging me to "go for it" and that this could only help me along my weight loss journey. Ultimately yes, it was my decision to make and I thought long and hard about it and I'm so glad I decided to do it. I've also been thinking about a couple of my physical "breakthroughs" last summer. I started tapering down on this drug called Seroquel that I was on to help me relax and sleep. I was on as much as 150 mgs of the stuff - while I was going through withdrawl all summer long as I was tapering off the stuff, I would come to my workouts either dizzy, nauseated, or having the shakes - and the most amazing thing was that Ben did not lose patience with me - I don't think there are many (if any) personal trainers out there that would take the time to be patient when it comes to stuff like this. Whenever I would feel like giving up, he was there to guide me back on track - to help me see the bigger picture. Both he and Holly have been very important in my life - by both going above and beyond to help me stay focused to reach my goal. Kendra has also helped me a great deal - at the start of the summer last year, she had me kickboxing up and down the parking lot at ALIVE. She pushed me beyond what I thought in my head that I was capable of. She helped me to believe that I can do anything I set my heart out to do - and finish it.
So, I know that with more determination, self-reliance and strength inside and out, I will be able to reach my goals that I set out for myself back on my birthday in February. The only person I am up against is ME. I am going keep challenging my negative thoughts and quash them. I will not let them control me...anymore.
I am in the driver's seat.
Well - I'm happy to say I have "recovered" from last week's post. Work has seemed to get a bit better, along with other aspects in my life. I did stress about a few stupid things, but quickly caught myself and put a stop to it. One thing I've been noticing and it's quite obvious to me is, while my body is losing weight, and feeling good, my brain has not quite caught up with it. I keep getting this negative voice in my head that keeps telling me I'm not worth it, I'm gross, and I'm useless - now I know this is entirely not true - I know in my heart that being hard on myself like this is not going to help my weight loss...but I keep doing it. I've been working with Veronica (my therapist) for quite a while on this - about six months in fact and the "homework" she had me do this past month, was to "confront" this negative voice - to actually talk to it OUTLOUD and tell it it had no business being in my head and talking to me that way - and I had to do this whenever and wherever the thought would come up. I'm smiling right now as I type because I'm remembering me sitting on the bus and heading to work and this happening - and the looks that I got...oh well - whatever - at least I fit in with the rest of them! Anybody that rides Calgary Transit knows what I am talking about!
This week had me thinking a lot about how I even began my lap-band journey. I think about that evening last June when we got home from the gym and finding that letter from the Weight Management Program - I remember reading through it, rolling my eyes and throwing it in the garbage! Then I remember telling Ben about it and him encouraging me to "go for it" and that this could only help me along my weight loss journey. Ultimately yes, it was my decision to make and I thought long and hard about it and I'm so glad I decided to do it. I've also been thinking about a couple of my physical "breakthroughs" last summer. I started tapering down on this drug called Seroquel that I was on to help me relax and sleep. I was on as much as 150 mgs of the stuff - while I was going through withdrawl all summer long as I was tapering off the stuff, I would come to my workouts either dizzy, nauseated, or having the shakes - and the most amazing thing was that Ben did not lose patience with me - I don't think there are many (if any) personal trainers out there that would take the time to be patient when it comes to stuff like this. Whenever I would feel like giving up, he was there to guide me back on track - to help me see the bigger picture. Both he and Holly have been very important in my life - by both going above and beyond to help me stay focused to reach my goal. Kendra has also helped me a great deal - at the start of the summer last year, she had me kickboxing up and down the parking lot at ALIVE. She pushed me beyond what I thought in my head that I was capable of. She helped me to believe that I can do anything I set my heart out to do - and finish it.
So, I know that with more determination, self-reliance and strength inside and out, I will be able to reach my goals that I set out for myself back on my birthday in February. The only person I am up against is ME. I am going keep challenging my negative thoughts and quash them. I will not let them control me...anymore.
I am in the driver's seat.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
My Comfort Zone
The title for my blog this week is appropriate for me as I find I have become almost addicted to routine and find it hard to go outside my comfort zone. Monday started out great - work was stable, and I headed to a new temporary gym for my workout with Ben. On Tuesday I went back to the same place and did a great workout on the treadmill - did some jogging intervals too, which I hardly ever do - it was nice to push myself - I haven't been doing that enough lately.
On Tuesday, I went for my first dietician visit with Wania (pronounced Vonia). She was impressed with my determination and drive...she told me in the five years that she has been in the Weight Management Program she has never seen anyone as determined and driven when it comes to my eating habits and especially my exercise program. Then she asked me something that is still resonating in my head... "Kristy - what do you do for FUN?" I just looked at her blankly...I said "I have fun...I go to the gym...I go to movies." We continued to go through my menu plan with a fine toothed comb - she got to the end of it and looked up at me... "Kristy - I want you to pick a day out of the whole week and eat whatever you want." I looked at her - she was staring at me - almost seemed like she was glaring - then it came... the tears...again...it seems that I've been doing that a lot lately and at the stupidest things..."But Wania - I can't do that...I just can't...THAT'S how I got so huge in the first place...please don't ask me to do that." By the end of the conversation we settled on a small dark chocolate bar - I just wanted her to stop asking me! The best part came at the end of my appointment...she weighed me and I was down to 290lbs!! I am now down 37.5 lbs since my pre-op weight of 327.9 lbs...I've almost hit 40lbs since January 20th...can't wait to hit that - I'm hoping this week I do.
Wednesday I did Damir's kickboxing class and LOVED it...it was great to get back into it - and it felt great to get a wicked sweat on. I slept like a baby that night...lol
Thursday wasn't so great...I got word from Ben that things didn't work out with the temporary gym we were using - but he was on the hunt for a new place. So after work I went to the Canyon Meadows Fitness Centre...it felt weird to go to a different place after all the time that I have spent at ALIVE - but I wanted to make sure I kept up my exercise routine...so I went on the treadmill for a while and did some weights - it wasn't the same, but I did it...and by myself! I left feeling okay - but proud of myself because I had gone out of my comfort zone - something I rarely do. By the time I got home, I had found out from Ben that he had secured a new temporary gym called U-Thrive - downtown and fairly close to the ALIVE location. I was relieved...and excited about my workout for the next day...
Friday was great - one of the best days out of the week for sure - work was great and then followed up by a great workout - it felt like old times...like time had stood still...the next day I participated in Ben's Bootcamp and that was awesome too - it was great to see a few of the other members from ALIVE and catch up a bit! I also saw my doctor yesterday and he checked my blood pressure - for those of you that don't know - I've struggled a bit in terms of that - had borderline hypertension with a BP of 140/96 a year or so ago - it's now down to 120/70!! He told me that I no longer have to get it checked...as long as I'm keeping up with my exercise and weight loss.
I'm looking forward to this week ahead...I want to be 40 lbs down by the end of it...I want to go hard in the gym and try to go outside my comfort zone...
We'll see...
On Tuesday, I went for my first dietician visit with Wania (pronounced Vonia). She was impressed with my determination and drive...she told me in the five years that she has been in the Weight Management Program she has never seen anyone as determined and driven when it comes to my eating habits and especially my exercise program. Then she asked me something that is still resonating in my head... "Kristy - what do you do for FUN?" I just looked at her blankly...I said "I have fun...I go to the gym...I go to movies." We continued to go through my menu plan with a fine toothed comb - she got to the end of it and looked up at me... "Kristy - I want you to pick a day out of the whole week and eat whatever you want." I looked at her - she was staring at me - almost seemed like she was glaring - then it came... the tears...again...it seems that I've been doing that a lot lately and at the stupidest things..."But Wania - I can't do that...I just can't...THAT'S how I got so huge in the first place...please don't ask me to do that." By the end of the conversation we settled on a small dark chocolate bar - I just wanted her to stop asking me! The best part came at the end of my appointment...she weighed me and I was down to 290lbs!! I am now down 37.5 lbs since my pre-op weight of 327.9 lbs...I've almost hit 40lbs since January 20th...can't wait to hit that - I'm hoping this week I do.
Wednesday I did Damir's kickboxing class and LOVED it...it was great to get back into it - and it felt great to get a wicked sweat on. I slept like a baby that night...lol
Thursday wasn't so great...I got word from Ben that things didn't work out with the temporary gym we were using - but he was on the hunt for a new place. So after work I went to the Canyon Meadows Fitness Centre...it felt weird to go to a different place after all the time that I have spent at ALIVE - but I wanted to make sure I kept up my exercise routine...so I went on the treadmill for a while and did some weights - it wasn't the same, but I did it...and by myself! I left feeling okay - but proud of myself because I had gone out of my comfort zone - something I rarely do. By the time I got home, I had found out from Ben that he had secured a new temporary gym called U-Thrive - downtown and fairly close to the ALIVE location. I was relieved...and excited about my workout for the next day...
Friday was great - one of the best days out of the week for sure - work was great and then followed up by a great workout - it felt like old times...like time had stood still...the next day I participated in Ben's Bootcamp and that was awesome too - it was great to see a few of the other members from ALIVE and catch up a bit! I also saw my doctor yesterday and he checked my blood pressure - for those of you that don't know - I've struggled a bit in terms of that - had borderline hypertension with a BP of 140/96 a year or so ago - it's now down to 120/70!! He told me that I no longer have to get it checked...as long as I'm keeping up with my exercise and weight loss.
I'm looking forward to this week ahead...I want to be 40 lbs down by the end of it...I want to go hard in the gym and try to go outside my comfort zone...
We'll see...
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Finding Strength Within
Ok - I'm not going to sugar-coat this blog entry...this week has been stressful and challenging for me. I was afraid of blogging a negative entry, but that wouldn't be truthful - and if you know me - you know that I'm blunt and to the point. This week was my first week back at work - and things were RETARDED - I didn't get to chance to hardly breathe, nevermind work.
I have some head stuff that I need to work through - most of it is mild and petty...I know that only I can control how I feel and react to the situation. I was told by my surgeon, my dietician and a few of my fellow bandsters that my third week post op would be one of the most difficult weeks...I wish I had listened to them...lol Difficult was an understatement. Why is this a difficult time you ask? Well at this point post op, I am allowed to eat solid foods and I have no restriction in my band yet - I just have to be careful and make good choices. I have made great choices so far, but by Tuesday I started to get freaked out - trying to figure out what I could eat...I didn't want to go back to the way I was eating before my pre op diet - then when I thought I figured out what I could eat, I was afraid to eat it, either worried about it being caught in my band or being afraid that it was too high in calories or fat. I had someone even suggest that I eat tuna salad with fat free mayonnaise...which is a great suggestion - but I was afraid to put the mayo on it - I kept saying out loud to myself that THAT is the kind of thing that got me fat in the first place! No mayonnaise...I don't care if it's fat free...
So by Thursday, other than my oatmeal in the morning and my protein shake at the gym in the evening, I was eating very little during the day and had a huge headache and I was afraid to eat. I've never been afraid to eat! I kept trying to tell myself to smarten up and eat whatever I could...and I did - it was just very little.
I was so glad when Friday came - I got to see my therapist who I see once a month...it was quite the session...the thing I find amusing is that she knew I would be feeling this way and was prepared before I even got there. I promised her before I left that I would NOT stop eating again and to call her if I was having issues again.
It has also been challenging for me with regards to my workouts - they are basically non-existent. I have been listening to my surgeon's advice and not lifted anything for four weeks and just done cardio - either on the bike or treadmill...but it's SO boring...I want to get back into it so badly, but I know I need to just be patient - just one more week...actually it's less than a week now! You know you are addicted to something when...lol Oh well - I would rather be addicted to exercise than things I used to be addicted to like sugar and fatty foods and crap like that...
I did have some flickers of satisfaction and self-fulfillment this week though - I managed to turn down cake at a meeting at work on Thursday - and I actually didn't miss it! That's a sign that I'm kicking my sugar addiction for good! Then yesterday on the treadmill, I was doing running intervals at 6.0. I haven't done that in over a year...my knee however, is paying for it today - guess it's back to the bike for me for the next few days. I see my surgeon on Wednesday for my first post op visit - I am hoping he will let me go to kickboxing on Thursday - which would be one day shy of my four week of no lifting, no strength training etc. I hope the workout gods will be with me! lol...
So this week I've decided - will be more positive...I will be in more control of myself...I will dig deep and find my strength within.
I have some head stuff that I need to work through - most of it is mild and petty...I know that only I can control how I feel and react to the situation. I was told by my surgeon, my dietician and a few of my fellow bandsters that my third week post op would be one of the most difficult weeks...I wish I had listened to them...lol Difficult was an understatement. Why is this a difficult time you ask? Well at this point post op, I am allowed to eat solid foods and I have no restriction in my band yet - I just have to be careful and make good choices. I have made great choices so far, but by Tuesday I started to get freaked out - trying to figure out what I could eat...I didn't want to go back to the way I was eating before my pre op diet - then when I thought I figured out what I could eat, I was afraid to eat it, either worried about it being caught in my band or being afraid that it was too high in calories or fat. I had someone even suggest that I eat tuna salad with fat free mayonnaise...which is a great suggestion - but I was afraid to put the mayo on it - I kept saying out loud to myself that THAT is the kind of thing that got me fat in the first place! No mayonnaise...I don't care if it's fat free...
So by Thursday, other than my oatmeal in the morning and my protein shake at the gym in the evening, I was eating very little during the day and had a huge headache and I was afraid to eat. I've never been afraid to eat! I kept trying to tell myself to smarten up and eat whatever I could...and I did - it was just very little.
I was so glad when Friday came - I got to see my therapist who I see once a month...it was quite the session...the thing I find amusing is that she knew I would be feeling this way and was prepared before I even got there. I promised her before I left that I would NOT stop eating again and to call her if I was having issues again.
It has also been challenging for me with regards to my workouts - they are basically non-existent. I have been listening to my surgeon's advice and not lifted anything for four weeks and just done cardio - either on the bike or treadmill...but it's SO boring...I want to get back into it so badly, but I know I need to just be patient - just one more week...actually it's less than a week now! You know you are addicted to something when...lol Oh well - I would rather be addicted to exercise than things I used to be addicted to like sugar and fatty foods and crap like that...
I did have some flickers of satisfaction and self-fulfillment this week though - I managed to turn down cake at a meeting at work on Thursday - and I actually didn't miss it! That's a sign that I'm kicking my sugar addiction for good! Then yesterday on the treadmill, I was doing running intervals at 6.0. I haven't done that in over a year...my knee however, is paying for it today - guess it's back to the bike for me for the next few days. I see my surgeon on Wednesday for my first post op visit - I am hoping he will let me go to kickboxing on Thursday - which would be one day shy of my four week of no lifting, no strength training etc. I hope the workout gods will be with me! lol...
So this week I've decided - will be more positive...I will be in more control of myself...I will dig deep and find my strength within.
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