Week Six, Day One

Done!  Today’s workout was not the best.  I updated my playlist last night and it malfunctioned two minutes into my warm up. Ugh!  I’m not sure if it was the new playlist or the app.  I really don’t like working out without music but I didn’t want to stop to fiddling with it.  I didn’t wear my HRM so I didn’t have my watch so I moved my iTouch to a position where I could look at the time.  Luckily the voice prompts were still working so all I had to do is focus on my workout.  Ugh! Listening to myself huff and puff was not a good thing for me mentally.  I did my best to take my mind off my breathing and say mantras and affirmations to get me through.  I also thought about that first Saturday when I could barely make it through those 60-seconds runs and here I was running for nine minutes.  It worked!  I completed both 9-minute runs feeling like I could go a bit longer!  Monday I will be running for 20 minutes straight.  I really need to work on making sure my music plays correctly. 

Last Chance Workout!

Starting January 11th I will be participating in a 30-day Biggest Loser Last Chance Workout challenge. I have to admit I'm bit anxious about participating. I usually don't do well with videos. I find the pace in these things hard to maintain. I get discouraged and quit. The fact that I will be able to discuss the workout with others will probably help me get over this mental block.

I tried one of the workouts earlier today and I'm still feeling it. My shoulders and legs are a bit sore. I knew I was in trouble when I started sweating during the warm up. The HIIT (high intensity interval training) approach to the workouts reminds me of the workouts I've been doing with Kimberly for the past three weeks.

I like the fact that I can go from advance to beginning levels in the same work out. Some of the moves were a bit complicated for me. I know it's just a matter of getting used to them.

There's also a bonus download on the DVD. You get an entire playlist of upbeat workout music. I uploaded it onto one of my iPods. I plan to listen to it on the elliptical on Monday.

Week Six

I'm reading to begin a week. I'm feeling strong and confident.

Today was an off day. I spent some time stretching and doing some visualization.

I ate horribly today. Buffet brunch, popcorn and junk food while watching a movie. I also had two ice cream cupcakes. Did I mention I lost five pounds last week? Oh well....

Week Six's Workout Plan:

Mon - 30 mins.
Tues - 25 mins., 40 crunches, strength training
Wed - 35 mins.
Thurs - 25 mins., 45 crunches, strength training
Fri - off
Sat - 45 mins.
Sun - off

Strength Training:

Leg curls – 15 reps, 2x
Leg extensions – 15 reps, 2x
Flat Bench Press – 15 reps, 2x
Bicep Curls – 15 reps, 2x


Playlist:

Dead and Gone – T.I.
Say – John Mayer
Wrote This Song – Lori Perry
First Love – Kirk Franklin
You – Janet Jackson
Jesus is All – Fred Hammond

Week Five Playlist

Week Five's Playlist:

Janet Jackson – You
Jay-Z – Show Me What Got
Keep Your Head – Kirk Franklin
We’re Going To Make It – LL Cool J
Keep Your Head Up – Tupac
I’ll Follow You – Lori Perry
Bittersweet – Me’Shell Ndegeocello

Week Four – Playlist

Week Four's Playlist:

Motivation – T.I.
Good Life – Kanye West
We’re Gonna Make It – L.L. Cool J (with Mary Mary)
Jesus Walks – Kanye West
My Day – Canton Jones

I decided to change my weekly route this week. There is no way to avoid going up or down a hill near my house. I think these hills are putting too much strain on my knees and lower back. I'll revisit my neighborhood route next week.

Today should be fun. It's raining. Lol!

I'm out.


*****Update*****Okay, that was NOT cute. I was cold, wet, and snotty but I did it! I am so proud of myself for demonstrating my level of commitment. Truthfully, it was still a major, major challenge. So, I do not think those hills are the problem. I'm just out of shape. I just need to keep moving. I will get better and better one step at a time. I am reminded of the old James Cleveland song:

I don't feel no ways tired
come too far from where I started from
nobody told me the road would be easy
but I don't believe He brought me this far
to leave me.

I can do this!

Brutal! Awesome! I just returned from my walk. I feel so grateful right now. I can't believe I am really going to do this.

My playlist for this week:

Real - The Tommies
I was created to worship - Bishop Andrew Merritt
I want to know your ways - Fred Hammond
We're Blessed - Fred Hammond
There is a balm in Gilead - The Clark Sisters

Week Two Playlist

I’ve read that there’s a science to choosing an effective workout list. Since I purchased an iPod, I have to admit I enjoy working out to music. I’ve been reviewing workout playlists, but I really can’t get into all that BPM (Beats Per Minute) stuff.

I’ve been told my playlist is all over the place—gospel, rap. Lol! For the most part, Gospel music is my thing. I love Gospel. For the most part, I choose Gospel songs because it is what I like. Being someone who believes in multi-tasking, I figure I can worship and workout at the same time. Come to think of it, there are many who consider physical exercise and working out a spiritual practice. I’m beginning to feel the same way.

I choose my songs, first, based on the motivational messages I receive from them, and then the beat. My process may not be the textbook process but it works for me. I have to admit I’m digging the hip hop and rap songs I’m finding on others’playlists. They’re ostentatious, all about ego and self-confidence; it’s exactly what I need when working out.

My Week Two Playlist is as follows:

Golden – Jill Scott
Sexy Back – Justin Timberlake
Stronger – Myron Butler & Levi
How do you want it – Tupac
Keep Your Head – Kirk Franklin
First Love – Kirk Franklin

Let’s do this!

My Playlist – Week One

My Playlist – Week One


Can’t Give Up Now – Mary Mary

My Day – Canton Jones

Jesus Walks – Kanye West

Imagine Me – Kirk Franklin

Every Little Step - Bobby Brown

Show Me What You Got – Jay-Z


I'm going out for a test walk in a few hours.