Day 31 - Last Chance Workout

I DID IT! I'm so proud of myself. I breezed through today's workout. Well, I feel confident and strong. This was a great way for me to get back into my exercise groove. I'm going back into the gym sometime next month. My workload is so heavy it is just easier for me to get in a workout here at home.

Next month I will be challenging myself to pay attention to what I'm eating. I hate journaling my food but this is exactly what I'm going to do for the month of August. I'm also going to continue my challenge to exercise every day.

Days 29 and 30 - Last Chance Workout

Both workouts done. For some reason, I was unable to sign in to post yesterday. I can't believe I have one day left. I'm so excited!

Day 28 - Last Chance Workout

Man, oh, man! I had sweat dripping on the mat today. I can really tell the difference in my workout based on the time of day and the amount of sleep I get. Three more days left!

Day 27 - Last Chance Workout

I wasn't able to complete today's workout. I'm not feeling well today. I didn't sleep at all last night. I haven't been sleeping well the past two nights.

I lasted about 15 minutes. If I have time later this evening, I will try to finish.

Day 26 - Last Chance Workout

So glad it's over. I don't know if I'll ever get used to sweating. Yuck!

My massage yesterday was absolutely wonderful!

Fitness Quote of the Week

There is nothing more powerful, beautiful or free than a woman who truly loves herself. ~Christine Arylo

Day 25 - Last Chance Workout

Woo Hoo! I'm done. I can see the finish line. Six more days until I achieve my goal of working out for the entire month! 31 days! I can hardly believe it.

Today as I was working out I had to laugh to myself. I don't know why I bother to turn on the DVD. I have all the workouts memorized .

I'm having a massage in exactly one hour. I'm so excited! I'm off to hydrate and shower. Yeah!

Day 24 - Last Chance Workout

Uneventful workout today. I cannot wait until my massage tomorrow!

Day 23 - Last Chance Workout

Today's workout can be described in two words -- hot and sweaty! It's 97 degrees outside and probably 107 degrees in here! Whew! I'm so glad I'm done.

Today I decided I am going to treat myself to a nice hour massage this weekend. I can't wait. I also need to find the time to go get an adjustment. I've been noticing a lot of snap, crackle, and pop while I'm stretching.

Now that I'm healed, I decided I should start drinking my green smoothies again. I tried one a couple of weeks after the hospital and didn't tolerate it too well. I think it was all the pain meds I was taking at the time. Today I had a triple berry, banana, and kale smoothie. Yummy!

Day 22 - Last Chance Workout

Yay! Another great workout for me! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm going to reach my goal!

I have one week left in my self-discovery course. Today my instructor invited me to consider mindful eating--what I'm eating, when I'm eating it, how much I'm eating, and what it does to the body. I kind of think this is what I've been doing. I'll have to research it a bit. I still think I'm leaning toward clean eating.

Day 21 - Last Chance Workout

Great workout today! I feel so much better. I spent some time this morning meditating and being grateful for life.

Today's workout was dedicated to my mother. Today is the 12th anniversary of my her transition. I didn't take it her illness and transition so well. This is when all my issues with food and weight started to magnify. I stuffed my emotions and managed the stress of taking care of her with food. Instead of grieving, I ate. I'm so grateful that I am no longer in that space.

My determination has really been put to the test. This has been a very stressful and emotional month for me. My very dear friend passed away suddenly. We are the same age. In fact, he was my first boyfriend. Two days ago, we decided to end 10-year relationship. This has been a long time coming. Although I feel some relief, there is a lot of anger and sadness. I've been channeling that energy into my workouts and releasing it through breathing meditation. Any other time I would have ran for a nice piece of yellow cake with chocolate frosting or a box of Crunch and Munch. In this moment on my journey, I am reaching out to friends for comfort and taking care of my mind, body, and spirit. I feel great!

Why Sheila is not losing weight?

I’ve been doing some research for my challenge next month to focus on a healthy eating plan. For whatever reason, I avoid blogging about my eating. I guess it’s because I was so focused on exercising. I've also been around the block to know that the very thing I've been avoiding is the thing I need to address. For total fitness I know I need to turn my attention to the eating part of the equation. So, this is what I learned so far:

How many calories do I need?

I have no idea! I don’t even know how many calories I consume now. I hear calories and there’s an automatic mental block. One thing I do know – my healthy choice/portion control approach is not working! One of the first things I need to do is find out how many calories I should be consuming in order to lose weight. I know there are plenty of online calculators that I can use when the time comes.

Am I as active as I think?

I already know the answer to this one is no. I spend 8+ hours a day in front of my computer. My body needs to move a lot more than it's getting with a 30 – 45 minute workout. I need to find creative ways to add more activity into my day.

Sleep and weight loss

Apparently, there evidence to show there is a direct link between sleep and weight. I already know I do not get enough sleep. I’m used to getting little sleep and I think my body is used to it. For instance, I went to bed a little early (for me) yesterday and I woke up at 4:30. I tossed and turned until it was time for me to get up at 7. This happens all the time. I know it going to take some persistent effort in this area.

I am looking forward to making the adjustments in my lifestyle and seeing some results.

Source: http://cleaneatingclub.com/fitness/why-am-i-not-losing-weight/

Day 20

Not much to report today. I'm done. Woo hoo!

Day 19 - Last Chance Workout

I had a very pleasant workout today. My instincts are right. I perform much better if I do my workouts in the afternoon or right after work. Waiting until 7 or 8, even if it's due to my tight schedule, does not work for me. This week I plan to do my best to schedule my work so I can exercise before 7.

Fitness Quote of the Week

If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one. ~Dolly Parton

July Challenge Check-in/Day 18 - Last Chance Workout

Okay, I have to admit I'm not happy right now! I just stepped off the scale. With all the exercising I've been doing, you would think I've lost some weight. Nada! I know it's my food intake. Although I am making healthy choices (sans the trip to Dairy Queen), I need to focus on portion control.

The truth is I resent the whole measuring and counting thing. I have a HUGE mental hang up about it. I judge myself as a pathetic loser with no self control. Unlike a number of individuals I've encountered on my weight loss journey, I have not been on a lot of diets. The only diet I've tried is Medifast. I had much success on Medifast. I tried it for a month and lost 25 pounds.

Anyhow, I do not want to diet! I really want to learn to simply make healthy choices and watch my portions. I know I am capable of doing so. I just need to do it on a more consistent basis until it becomes habit. This is why, intellectually, I know I need to find a healthy eating plan and stick with it.

I decided last night that this is going to be my challenge next month. I'm going to find some diet or healthy eating plan to follow.

Day 17 - Last Chance Workout

Great workout today! I'm half way to the finish line with my goal!

Day 16 - Last Chance Workout

Today's workout did not go so well. I was not able to finish the last circuit. I find it very hard to exercise late evening. I simply do not have that much energy at the end of the day.

I was very busy today I was able to workout during my lunch hour and I went out right after I was done working today. I didn't want to skip my workout because I'm determined to exercise every day this month.

I need to do a better job scheduling my workout into my day.

Day 15 - Last Chance Workout

Yippee! I've completed half of my goal. I'm so excited! Today's was a struggle. I had a stressful and tiring day. I really think I like doing my workout during my lunch hour instead of late evening.

Day 14 - Last Chance Workout

Whew! I'm done. I went back to Weeks 1 - 2. Mentally, I feel better being able to finish the entire workout. Since it's still challenging to me, I know I'm still getting a great workout.

I do have a confession to make. I had a Dairy Queen blizzard today. I went a whole 13 days without any junk food. Oh well, tomorrow is another day.

Disclaimer!

I do not normally blog about my jobs. This is because I have a professional online presence. In fact, I spend so much time online professionally I feel I do not devote as much time as I would like to this blog.

Anyhow, today we all received a "gentle reminder" that expressing our personal opinions on blogs and other social media outlets can be interpreted as representing the Company.

I wanted to post this disclaimer that I am expressing my personal opinion and not representing either of my employers on this blog.

Day 13 - Last Chance Workout

I'm done. I wasn't able to finish the workout. I think I'm going to go back to Weeks 1 and 2 Workout. I'm still very proud of myself for showing up every day.

***

I saw Geneen Roth on Oprah yesterday. Truthfully, I watched about 20 minutes. It was basically and Q & A session. I'm guessing the show didn't hold my interest because I haven't read the book.

Day 12 - Last Chance Workout

Good workout today. I struggled with keeping up. This workout is giving me a good opportunity to build stamina. I'm getting stronger (and more sore) each day.

Fitness Quote of the Week

People think I'm disciplined. It is not discipline. It is devotion. There is a great difference. ~Pavarotti

Day 11 - Last Chance Workout

Day 11 done! Just when I was getting used to the Week 1-2 workout, it's time to move out. I'm looking forward to the challenge of the Week 3-4 workout.

***

I saw a quick ad yesterday that Geneen Roth is going to be on Oprah tomorrow. I don't normally watch Oprah and I haven't started reading Roth's book, but I'm going to make an effort to watch the show.

Day Ten - Last Chance Workout

This is the first time I've finished Week Two!

I felt really good about today's workout. I was annoyed first thing this morning. During my workout, whenever I felt like I couldn't do another rep, I thought about what's been bugging me all day. It helped to deal with the stress and get through the workout. Now, I have that tingling "I just worked out" feeling.

Day Nine - Last Chance Workout

Great workout today. Lots of sweat and hard breathing. I have trouble doing those tricep dips. I'm determined to get those right before the end of the month.

I need to do better with getting up during the day and stretching. I am pretty glued to my chair during the day.

Day Eight - Last Chance Workout

Well, today's workout was really hard. I woke up about 4 am with bad stomach cramps. After two trips to the bathroom, I tossed and turned. I eventually went back to sleep only to discover it was time to get up. So, I've haven't had much energy today. Plus, it's 97 degrees out!

Work was very busy. The power went out for about an hour this evening. I took advantage of it and spent some time praying and meditating. I so wanted to blow off working out today but I didn't. There is no way I'm going to give up so quickly. Truth is I didn't complete the workout. I had to stop after 35 minutes. I'll try to go back and finish it. If not, I do feel good about giving it some effort.

Day Seven - Last Chance Workout

Done! I'm so proud of myself. Seven days straight! Today was a sweaty day. I'm meeting my friend Kelly for water aerobics later on this evening. It's been a while since I've been in the pool I'm so looking forward to it.

Day Six - Last Chance Workout

Just finished my workout. So proud of myself for sticking with it so far. Working during the day in my workout clothes helps. I also made a conscious effort to get up and stretch during the day.

Day Five - Last Chance Workout

Today was a good day. I enjoyed moving my body today. I put all the stress and anxiety I have been feeling into my workout. It felt great to release all that energy.

Day Four - Last Chance Workout

Today was rough. I had trouble completing some of the reps but I'm not beating myself up about it. I'm taking on the attitude of my quote of the week --at least I showed up.

Fitness Quote of the Week

Some workouts are measured less by the number of reps or miles you complete than by the mental muscle it takes simply to show up. ~ Betty S. Wong

Day Three - Last Chance Workout

I'm so glad to get today's workout done. I'm starting to feel a little sore. I pushed myself a little today. For the first time in a while, I wasn't afraid to sweat.

7 Habits of Highly Effective Exercisers

I was fipping through the latest issue of Fitness and came across an article titled, 7 Habits of Highly Effective Exercisers. Since I’ve read the book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I stopped and read this article hoping I could find some motivation to get me through this recent rut. Here’s what I learned:

1. Don’t put away the gear

I’m guilty. I usually keep my BOSU or aerobic step in my office. I put these items away before I went into the hospital. I have a little meditation room off my office and my brother was staying there during my recovery. I never take these items out once my recovery was over.

2. Turn your commute into a workout

This one is kind of challenge for me because I work from home. I also live in the boonies so it’s not like I can walk to a store. I realize I have stopped walking around the block or two for a break throughout my day.

3. Invest in more workout clothes

I don’t necessarily need to do this. I do recognize that I have gotten out of the habit of dressing like I’m about to go to the gym. Working in my workout gear mentally prepares me for exercise at the end of my day. There are some days I decide to exercise during my lunch break.

4. Log your workouts online

Okay, I can do this. I will start doing this today.

5. Involve your causes

The author of the article explained how she used StickK to help her stay committed to her goal. If she didn’t, she had to donate money to the libray of a former president she didn’t like.

I already have something similar on my to do list. I am planning to participate in Purple Stride Atlanta in November in memory of my mother. It’s organized by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

6. Make friends with class regular

I already do this. I took a plus size yoga class sometime last year and began friends with the instructor. She’s no longer teaching the class but we do water aerobics together occasionally. I also have a good network of “friends” through blogs and Twitter.

7. Create an exercise contest

Well, I just create one of these for myself a few days ago. My goal is to exercise every day this month. Reaching my goal is prize enough for me.

Three’s a Charm

A friend of mine sent this to me. I thought I share it here on my blog so readers could get to know a little more about me.



Three names I go by
1. Sheila
2. Sheila K.
3. SKS

Three jobs I have had in my life.
1. Residential Counselor
2. Teacher
3. Credit Analyst

Three places I have lived.
1. Ann Arbor, MI
2. Providence, RI
3. Somerset, MA

Three TV shows I watch.
1. The Sopranos
2. Morning Joe
3. Little House on the Praire

Three places I have been.
1. The Bahamas
2. Nigeria
3. Canada

People that e-mail me regularly
1. Crystal - my partner
2. Jennifer - my coworker and friend
3. Beth – my best friend

Three of my favorite foods.
1. cheese
2. salad
3. shrimp

Three things I would like to do.
1. visit Italy
2. write a book
3. run in a marathon

Hotter than July

It's time to turn up the heat on my healthy journey. I decided to stop making excuses about the heat and do something about my exercise plan. I'm still not too comfortable about getting back in the gym. I want to give it a few more weeks. I'm not sure if the reason is mental or physical. I still feel a little pain here and there. The doctor said I have a lot of scar tissue in my abdomen so I have to be careful. Whatever the reason, I have made a conscious decision to honor myself about working out in the gym for now.

Since I have a few exercise DVDs, there's no reason why I can't exercise. So, I pulled out my Biggest Loser - Last Chance Workout DVD. My goal is to do a workout every day this month. I've been very inspired by Kat. She has like 200+ consecutive days of exercise. I'm going to take it one day at a time and see what happens. Today is day two and I feel fine.

Now, I need to get my eating habits back in line. I realize it's emotional eating. Things aren't going so well in the relationship department. I have all the tools to manage my emotions. I just haven't been doing the work. Well, the pity party is over. I'm praying. I'm meditating. I'm journaling.

I also purchased Women, Food, and God by Geenen Roth on Amazon this week. I saw this book mentioned on Bella's blog. I'm looking forward to reading it.