Friends Make Fitness Fun Challenge!

I was the winner of the "Friends Make Fitness Fun"challenge this week! This is a challenge I started with Shannon and now am participating with Joy. Do you want in on the challenge? It is simple! Just keep up with your fitness minutes from Monday- Saturday and post it on Sunday. The person with the most fitness minutes wins and gets to put the fun banner on their blog for the week!  Let me know if you want in...and keep up with your minutes this week!

Weigh In and Workout Summary

Today's Weight: 194.
Last Week's Weight: 194.5 Change: -.5
Previous Low Weight: 190
Lbs from Short Term Goal: 19

Weight Refection: 
Down Half a pound. Very happy with this since I traveled mid-week and it threw off my eating a bit (had to eat out.)
 
Workout Summary:

Monday: Total 75 Minutes
30 Minute Strength Class
45 Minute Zumba Class

Tuesday: Total 45 Minutes
45 minutes Cycling (Hotel Fitness Room)

Wednesday: 55 Minutes (Hotel Pool)
30 Minutes Pool Jogging
25 Minutes Lap Swimming 

Thursday: Total 60 mins
60 mins Zumba

Friday:Total 40 mins
 40 Mins Zumba  (This class is supposed to be 45 mins, but when I checked my time it was only 40 mins)

Saturday:Rest Day

Weekly Total: 4 hrs  35mins   (275  mins)

 Work Out Reflection
I am very proud of this week considering two days I worked out at the hotel. I enjoyed two new Zumba classes(Same Teacher).

Work Out Goals for This Week:
This week I really want to get some running in! I also missed Spinning Class on Wednesday...so I want to get that in for sure this week!

Three Things Thursday

1. You know what I hate....when I write an awesome comment on someone's blog...and don't realize you have to do the word verification...and click out of it...and they never get the comment. I do that all the time! Drives me crazy! I need to slow down :)

2.  Tommy and I had a good time on our little trip. Food wasn't awesome...but it was decen...moderation is the key when you don't have alot of healthy choices. And lots of great exercise. I also got some new jeans at the Old Navy outlet...CHEAP! YAY!  I am super tired from the quick trip....looking forward to a peaceful weekend!

3.  I NEED to start running again. I LOVE Zumba and Spinning...and I know when I start running again I will love it again too...I think I just got burnt out on the treadmill. I just wish it would cool down so I could run outside!

A little extra workout!

Yesterday I got more of a workout than I had bargained for...and loved it! As I was finishing up my workout (strength class), my gym's manager, Katie, asked me if I would like to go/felt like going to a ZUMBA class. There was a class taking place in the next town, and she is considering hiring that instructor to do an extra class at our gym, but she wanted someone to go over and try out her class first. I called Tommy to make sure he didn't mind me being late (again), and he said to go have fun since I was going to be missing tonight's class. I rushed over and made it just in time to start the class. Katie had called the manager there and told him I would be coming. The studio area was VERY small, and there were several of us taking the class. It was alot of fun, but very different from the two instructors I have had so far...I have actually had three instructors, but one was a sub, and I didn't like her class at all. Last night's instructor did alot more belly dancing moves...and quite a bit of high jumping. It was different but fun...and I am glad I got in an extra class. She also mentioned Aqua-Zumba. Have any of you tried this? I think it would be a blast, but there is only one more class before the pool closes.

This afternoon, Tommy and I are heading out of town...it is a short trip, but I am a bit nervous about overeating. I have to remember I AM IN CONTROL!

Thought I would leave you guys with a few pics from Mel's Wedding from earlier this month :)

Me with the beautiful Bride...

With the boys...they are so big now!

Before heading down the aisle...

Weigh In and Workout Summary

Today's Weight: 194.5
Last Week's Weight: 195.5
Change: -1
Previous Low Weight: 190
Lbs from Short Term Goal: 19.5

Weight Refection: 
One pound down is BIG for me! I was thrilled with this.
 
Workout Summary:

Monday: Total 45
Spin Class 35 min
Upper Body Strength 10 mins

Tuesday: Total 110 mins
25 mins Treadmill
25 mins Elliptical
60 min Zumba Class

Wednesday: Total 0
 Rest Day

Thursday: Total 60 mins
60 mins Zumba

Friday:Total 30 mins
30 Min Treadmill

Saturday:Rest Day

Weekly Total: 4 hrs 5mins   (245  mins)

 Work Out Reflection
I took an extra Rest Day on Wednesday. I was feeling very fatigued and my arm was VERY sore from the tetanus shot on Tuesday. My plan was to make up the workout on Saturday at a fitness studio near my house. I had a free zumba class coupon, but when I got there Saturday morning they told me the instructor was out of town (I had just looked online for the class, but did not call). I didn't want to drive to town to go to my gym...and had a busy day. I should have done something, but chose not to. My goal this week was 45 mins of activity 5 days. Because of the extra rest day...and having to leave the gym a bit early on Friday I didn't make this goal, but I still have a very active week.

Work Out Goals for This Week:
I will be out of town two days this coming week, but I still want to stay active. I am sad that I will be missing Zumba class on Tuesday. My goals this week are at least 30 mins of activity 5 days and try to hit the Zumba class at the studio near my house on Saturday morning (call first).

Three Things Thursday...Rest Day, Soup, and Crockpot!

1. I took an early Rest Day this week. I usually try to save them for the weekend, but yesterday my arm was really hurting from Tuesday's tetanus shot, so I headed on in, ate supper, and hit the sack early. It is still sore today, but not nearly as bad as yesterday...and I can't miss Zumba :)

2. Does anyone know the calorie count for House soup from a Chinese restaurant? I don't think the count would be too high...just clear broth, shrimp, chicken, and veggies. I've looked around online with no luck.It has been my go to meal lately on Thursday night. It is a quick pick up on the way home from a late Zumba night when it's too late to cook.

3.  Speaking of too late to cook, do any of you have awesome crock pot recipes to share? I do pot roast and chilli in the crock pot (especially in the Fall and Winter), but I need more ideas. With having two late nights at the gym now (Zumba class starts at 7...we get out at 8...and it is almost 9 when I get home on Tuesdays...starts at 6:15 and almost 8 getting home on Thursdays) I need something I can throw in the crockpot for Tommy so he can eat instead of having to wait for me...or picking up food on his way home.

What's Up Doc? Part 2

My appointment with the new doctor was today at 1:30. This morning, I  triple checked that my insurance card was in my wallet, threw my meds in my purse, and headed to work. I have to admit, I was a bit antsy all morning. I left the library at 12:30 to give myself plenty of time to find the office, and had no problems at all. I filled out my paperwork and was sent straight to the lab for blood work and urinalysis. Then I was shown to my room. I waited less than five minutes before the nurse came in to do my vitals and go over my paperwork and medical history. Then she did an EKG and sent me to get chest X-Rays. She assured me that this was all normal with their new patients. After the X-Ray, I was sent back to my room, and in less than five minutes the doctor was in introducing himself to me. He went over my EKG and chest X-Rays and told me they looked great!!! No signs of tachycardia. My BP and pulse were a bit elevated, but he said that could be from nerves. We talked about my thyroid symptoms...and I told him about my exercise routines. We talked about my difficulty losing weight, and he said we would know more after getting back my blood work...and then went to grab it from the lab. When he came back in he said...well I have good news and bad news. And I said to give me the bad news first. He said, "Your bloodwork came back great! and that is only bad news because your symptoms are still present." The good news was also that my bloodwork came back great. He went over every detail of the labwork...explaining everything. The only number that was a little off was my T4 of the thyroid...and he said that it could partly explain the symptoms, but with that being the only number off he really didn't want to change my meds because that could cause other issues. He told me to keep doing everything that I am doing because overall, I am very healthy (RELIEF!) He said if the thyroid symptoms continue and/or I start gaining weight there would be a possibility of needing to see a specialist in Nashville.

Overall, this was an amazing experience for me! I go back in three months for another EKG to check the tachycardia...and to check BP. If those things are normal I could possibly come off my heart medicine! YAY! It was awesome having a doctor that really listened and explained what was going on....so happy I made that appointment back in June!

What's Up Doc?

Tomorrow I have an appointment with a new Doctor. I have been waiting on the appointment since June, so I am excited....but, nervous. I have heard wonderful things about him. A girl that I work with started seeing him in the Spring, so she has assured me that he is a great listener (something my current previous doctor was awful with). Recently, I have been feeling like my thyroid levels were off again, so I'm going to be sure to have him check that.

I will let you guys know how it goes.

I hate that I am this nervous about the appointment!

Weigh In and Workout Summary

Today's Weight: 195.5
Last Week's Weight: 196
Change: -.5
Previous Low Weight: 190
Lbs from Short Term Goal: 20.5

Weight Refection:
Down half a pound. It is something...

Workout Summary:

Monday: Total 35 mins
Elliptical 35 mins

Tuesday: Total 112 mins
30 mins Strength Training Class
22 mins Elliptical
60 min Zumba Class

Wednesday: Total 35 mins
35 min Spin Class

Thursday: Total 100 mins
20 min treadmill
20 min Cycling
60 mins Zumba


Friday:Total 30 mins
30 Min Treadmill

Saturday:Rest Day



Sunday: Tubing the Creek  (Not counting as structured exercise, but activity)


Weekly Total: 5 hrs 12 mins   (312  mins)


 Workout Reflection:
Met this week's goal of 5 hours. Enjoyed both days of Zumba class.
Next week my goal will be at  least 45 mins/5 days

Three Things Thursday

1. Tomorrow my best friend (and my Maid of Honor)  is getting MARRIED! It will be a small simple wedding...(she called me last Friday to tell me the wedding would be tomorrow!) Tonight I am making our bouquets :) I am so excited for her!  I am taking off work tomorrow and we are having a girl's afternoon! FUN!

A picture of us from my Wedding!

2.  Today has been CRAZY! I walked out of my house this morning with my lunch box on the table!!! It contained my breakfast and lunch! I stopped at McDonalds and got a fruit and yogurt parfait minus the granola....and hoping to meet a friend for lunch. The craziest part....I remembered that I had forgotten to pack a fork, went back in the house...grabbed a fork, put it in my purse...and then when I was 15 mins on my way to work realized I didn't have my lunch box. Sheesh....I am crazy!

3.  They are starting a second ZUMBA class tonight at the gym....it is at 6:15 so will get me home a bit earlier than the Tuesday classes (but I am going to keep going to them, too!) The instructor used to dance on Soul Train!...hope I can keep up!

Blenders and Tuesdays

I love reading all about the smoothies you guys make! They look so yummy! I am in the market for a new blender...I bought the blender I have now about 8 years ago...cheap...on vacation. And now it is time (past time) for a new one. I noticed they have the NINJA blender at Sams Club for a decent price...so I may invest now...or ask for it for Christmas. Do you have a blender that you love?? Do any of you own the NINJA?

I am so excited that today is Tuesday! What is so exciting about Tuesdays? ZUMBA! I can't wait!

Hope you are all having a great day!

Weekly Workout Summary and Weigh In

Today's Weight: 196
Last Week's Weight: 196
Previous Low Weight: 190
Lbs from Short Term Goal: 21

Weight Refection:
I stayed the same this week. I feel like I did the things I needed to do to lose weight this week, but it didn't happen. I tried to stay between 1400-1600 calories all week. Next week, I am going to tweak my diet and continue to do that until I see a lost.

Workout Summary:

Monday: Total 60 mins
Cycling + Yoga stretches at the gym 30 mins
Walk/Run intervals outside 30 mins

Tuesday: Total 110 mins
50 min cycling
60 min Zumba Class

Wednesday: Total 45 mins
30 min elliptical
15 minute cycling

Thursday: Total 30 mins
30 min walking outside

Friday: Rest Day

Saturday: Total 35 mins
Spinning Class 35 mins

Weekly Total: 4 hrs 40 mins   (280 mins)


 Workout Reflection:
I think it was a great week. I am really proud about taking my first official Zumba class on Tuesday. I discussed it with Tommy and we agreed that I will continue taking the class even though it make for a long day (leaving home at 7AM returning around 9PM). So I am excited!
Next week my goal will be a total of 5 hours of workout!

Do you Spin?

I discovered Spinning sometime after the beginning of the New Year. I remember the excitement I felt when I finished my first Spin Class (similar to the feeling I felt when I ran my first mile without stopping.) Honestly, spinning was my only saving grace during the summer during my running burnout. I felt obligated to meet my spinning buddy for class...plus it was fun and I felt great when I finished.

Jess over at Run with Jess is doing a spinning challenge complete with prizes, so if you love to spin you should definitely check it out. She even has an option for new spinners :)

This morning I hit up a 35 minute spin class...I usually spin in the evenings, but this morning was Great!  I was soaked with sweat when I finished the class (just the way I like it!)

Three Things Thursday

1. I am feeling very good about this week. I have exercised everyday and food has been in check. I hope this focus pays off on the scale.

2. I have been contemplating doing Couch to 5k again...just to get me going with my running again. I have done walk/run intervals this week and felt good with the running.  Should I take the time to go through the entire C25k again? Or just start trying to build up my running each day? What do you guys think?

3.  Do any of your guys use the Bolthouse Farms products? This week, I grabbed a bottle of the Green Goodness at Aldi and really liked it. It is a bit high in calories, but full of fruits and veggies. I wish I could find single servings of it, because I can't trust myself to measure it out after a hot workout. Do you have any suggestions for their other products?

Zumba!!!

Last night I went to my first official Zumba class!And Loved it! I had taken a trial class last year that was hosted at my library, but just couldn't justify the expense of joining the Zumba studio and keeping my regular gym membership. I was thrilled when I walked into the gym Monday(first time in a week because of vacation) and saw a sign on the door advertising the first class.
I am SOO uncoordinated, but the instructor said to try your best and just have fun, and that is what I did!
The class met at 7:00, which could be a bit hard for my schedule...I get off at 5, and home is 40 mins away. I decided to work about half an hour over, then grabbed a smoothie, and hit the gym. I did 50 minutes of cycling before the class started, then stretched a bit...participated in the class, and then made it home a little before 9.  I ate a small salad, watched some tv...and then went to bed. I usually don't like to eat that late, but I was starving when I got home! Tommy was very supportive about me taking the class, but I did miss him since I only saw him for about an hour all day yesterday.
After the class ended, they asked us to answer a few questions including what would be the best times would be best for us...so hopefully they will offer one a bit earlier too.
I am excited about taking the class on a regular basis!
Tonight....Spinning :)

Aug. 1 Weigh In-

Aug. 1 Weight: 196
Previous Low Weight: 190
Lbs from Short Term Goal: 21

I am up six pounds from the beginning of June. I know where I am, and now it is time to get focused!