Gym is Open (Monday 2/11)

Monday certainly got here in a hurry, didn't it? The gym is open! What did you do to move your body today? Kix

Didn't we just have a Monday???  Sheese, why do the weekends go so fast, and the weeks drag on forever.  Didn't help that one of my girlfriends, who works in a preschool, got the day off since most of our schools are closed (it's about 6 degrees here, feels like negative 15 with the wind chill).  So I felt cheated that I had to bundle up and trundle out into the cold, cruel world while she got to snuggle under the warm covers and go back to sleep.  Life isn't fair.... Okay, whine-fest is (temporarily) over.  As for my exercise plan for the day, I'm hoping for a 2-a-day.  Strength training and core work at lunch, then cardio at the end of the day.  I parked my car at the other end of campus today, which is by the gym, so I have to walk past the gym to get to my car.  Increases the odds that, on a cold, blustery day like today, that I'll actually go to the gym again at the end of the day.   I really want to get down in the 170s, so I've been pushing myself pretty hard in terms of exercise, plus trying to keep my calories around 2000/day.  I can almost taste 179.9 on the scale (saw a 185.8 over the weekend, but dinner at Red Lobster brought that back up), and I'm working hard to get there.  Wish me luck -  Kellie

In one of the many books I read regarding exercise/weight loss, I recall reading that doing cardio at the beginning of the day provides a better benefit because it cranks up one's metabolism and keeps the metabolism cranked up for several hours post-exercise.  I'm trying to get into the habit of doing my cardio earlier than noon. I also use little "incentives" to keep me on the exercise path.  Otherwise, there are days I'd talk myself into driving right past the gym.  Bad Kix! We had decent weather today, but the weather dude says six inches of snow Thursday.  Kix

I've honestly tried to become a morning exerciser, but it's just not in my genes.  I've never been a morning person, and the thought of rolling out of bed and going to the gym -- well, the only thing I can think is "ugh."  But kudos to you for working on making that part of your morning routine.  I wonder if the carry-over bump up in the metabolism explains why I get hungry again around 9-9:30 p.m.?  I eat dinner right away when I get home from the gym, but I'm physically hungry again about 1 1/2 hours later....   I love workout incentives!  In the old days, incentives were always food related.  Today, I'll buy new clothes, or a CD, or go to a movie, or buy some new workout clothes, etc.  I'm definitely motivated by the dangling carrot Weather here is still cold - 13 degrees according to my car's thermometer.  Bbbrrr.  Thank goodness I do not work outdoors!!! Kellie

Today was arm day (well, upper body day) at the gym.  I break up my strength training and do upper one day, lower the next.  Lather, rinse, repeat. I did around 45 minutes on the killer treadmill (including warmup and cooldown), burning 275 calories.  I did another 30ish (maybe as long as 40) minutes of upper body work.  I upped my reps this week on some of the machines, so my arms are tired today.  I also tried a calf machine today and now my arches are sore.  Arches!  Who knew arches could be exercised? I do quad work and abs every day, so I did these as well (part of my 30ish/40 minutes) of work. Tomorrow is lower body day, along with killer treadmill.  It's also aquacise, and I'm hoping for the terrific substitute teacher (our regular, noninspiring teacher is off this week) who works us half to death but in a good way. Kix

Good evening Kix, I spent most of the day at doctors offices with  my father in law, and for myself -- I had a check up. This evening, I taught an intense water aerobics class.  It felt good.  I bought new bathing suits at Sam's Club and Costco - size 10.   All in all, it was a good day!

Size 10!  How exciting!  I saw those suits at Costco, but they only go up to an 18, and I'm still in the lower plus size category. How did your one-year checkup go? Kix