Slowing down = Awesome workout

Yesterday I learned that when I listen to what my body is telling me I get a better/longer workout.  I have this commitment with my sister - we workout twice a week every week.  The past couple of times we've been going to Planet Fitness (which I could write a blog on all by itself but for now I'm just going to say it's awesome).  We start off with doing some weights - the legs first - then we move to the arms - and finally we do 20 mins on the treadmill.

The 20 mins of cardio is what I'm talking about today.  The first time I went to PF with my sister she introduced me to the way she does her intervals.  Silly me.  I thought I was completely amazing.  I was at a run speed of 5 MPH - and a sprint speed of 7 MPH.  And then after what was about 2 mins later - I wanted to try and up my spring speed to 9 MPH.  Yep - dumb move.  I didn't fall off or anything I just didn't have enough stamina to last all 20 mins on the treadmill.  So I had to swallow my pride and walk for the rest of the time.  

This time I came in with a different mentality.  We got through the weights.  Did about 3 mins on the stairs machine (oh hannah!) and then got on the treadmill.  This time my "jog speed" was a nice walking speed for me.  My sprint speed was only 4 MPH.  I was able to go the entire 20 mins doing that....plus I got a good caloric burn.  It was amazing.  I didn't hurt when I got off but my muscles were tired.  It was awesome.

So I learned that I need to really slow myself down - recognize where I really am physically and not get down on myself because of where my mind thinks I should be.  I didn't put on this weight overnight and I need to learn that its not going to come off overnight.

Keep going - even if you feel discouraged.  Trust the process - change will come!  

Back at it

So after nursing an injury for a month (some days using it as an excuse) - I'm back at the battle of losing weight.  Since taking that time off I've gained all of my weight back plus some.  This tells me that I eat way way way too much food.  Something I seriously need to work on.  Join weight watchers??? Do a food journal??  I just don't know where to start.

A family member of mine said once that they were fat because they had reached a certain pound.  I've been thinking about this - my family member of mine is in NO WAY fat and I'm not just trying to be nice.  Other family members and I tried to teach them that it doesn't matter how much you weigh as long as your body is healthy.  As long as you keep your body in shape - the weight doesn't matter.  Not really.  It's a hard concept for this day and age.  So this is the last post that I will talk about how much I weigh.  From here on out - I'm going to talk about how my body feels and occasionally post a picture so you can see the process working.  I'm not going to see how much I weigh.  It doesn't matter.

This time - I've decided to do less impact exercises (in order to not hurt myself) such as biking (man those seats hurt) and playing at an adult playground.  This playground is completely amazing.  It is right next to a kids playground so the kids can play while the parents workout.  I'll have to get a picture of it and put it on here.  I think all playgrounds should have something like this.  Today I tried Yoga with my sister.  It was HARD! By the time the exercise was done I was dripping with sweat.  I wasn't glistening - it was a full on down pour.

I've mad a commitment to my sister.  We've decided to workout twice a week, every week with one another.  I can tell you that it has already helped me more than I think she realizes.  Not only do I AT LEAST get two workouts in a week - I get a chance to build a stronger relationship with my sister.  Its priceless.  My goal is it to be able to look at myself in the mirror and say "You did it today.  You are awesome."

So here's to me and everyone else - who decided to stand back up - to get back on the horse.  We can do it, one step at a time.