NEW PROGRAM: lose 8lbs

Today I weighed myself. Currently at 164lbs. Which means no weight loss at all.

i have steadily held a fitness routine for a few weeks. But then I slipped off the bandwagon. What i REALLY need to focus on is the balance of fitness with eating. I also need to focus on inspiring myself and finding daily motivation..so that i don't slip off..and if I do..I can get back on a lot faster than 2 weeks of nothing. Today, I signed up for the SELF: lose 8lbs in a month program.

The truth is... it is healthier and more efficient if you do not speed up your weight loss. Gradual loss is the key to keeping your body healthy and keeping the weight off---at least thats what the experts say!

If I could keep a steady 5-8lb loss each month..how long would it take me to reach my goal? About 5 months! This is a slow and steady journey. By January 2012, I should be coming up to my goal...atleast around 130lbs.

This week, i started back on the fitness regime. And what i learned from my last workout is to focus on each day and each new healthy decision for that specific day. Too often, in my workouts..i'm focused on the day that is 5 months from now. When I have the body I've always imagined. Sometimes its motivating. Sometimes it does the complete opposite. Treating each day on its own and cherishing what that workout is doing for that day is better.

Find your Figure Challenge Ends..

The challenge ended this past Fri. November 20th. The night of my Bending Threads performance---> which by the way was a success!

My find your figure challenge was a reason to get back in the exercise game and start working on my weight control. Today I weighed myself and it was 155.6. A whole 1 lb more. This made me a little frustrated..For the most part, i think i did well during this challenge....especially in the exercise department, but I know i didn't completely follow the rules.... I simply took classes..Core Fusion Fusion classes... www.exhalespa.com. But technically.. I didn't follow the challenge very well... lets go over the rules real quickly... they were...

Rules.
#1 Take two pictures on day #1 of figure--Didn't do it.

#2 Weigh yourself and then throw the scale away. You check your weight and then do not weigh yourself until challenge end day.--Did it.
#3 Find inspiration. In pictures of your favorite stars, or buy that new outfit that you can't wait to fit into or watch a show that'll keep you motivated..like Biggest Loser!--Did it!
#4 Get rid of soda and sugary juices. (Allowed 1x per week pass)--didn't do it.
#5 Water Water Water! atleast 6 glasses a day.--didn't do it.

#6 Get serious about food. Food journal everyday.---didn't do it.
#7 Add more fruits and vegetables to everyday meals and snacks.--- for the most part did it. #8 Work-out 4x a week --yes yes yes! i did it!


The reason I can take this with a grain of salt is because
1. Its just so much harder for me to follow a fitness challenge than a hair challenge.
2. My commitment to the body sculpting classes really surprised me.. I was really working out people!
3. I'm no longer strung over the numbers on the scale..they are important..but they will not affect the way that I feel about myself over this progress.

So in the end..I had a different result in this challenge. I feel great about myself for continuing the exercise classes and being very committed. But I need to work harder. The next challenge will be coming soon!

Find Your Figure: Update

FIND YOUR FIGURE CHALLENGE UPDATE: MIND TRICKS

When I first begun working at the spa I was intrigued by these Core Fusion Classes. Indeed I am able to take them for free! And with them being as expensive as $35 per class, I had to take up this incredible offer!

These Core Fusion Classes are full body sculpting classes.. i would say a full resistance training class. The women who take these classes are mainly Upper Class/Upper East Side or West side residents..because they can afford it! Their bodies are ripped. The class targest your muscles in controlled movements..and then uses stretches in between to create a long, lengthy figure. And even though I have had access to these classes all summer...

My mind would often tell me not to do it!

Let me explain further...

I've been on a quest to lose weight since like the age of 9.

Ever since then I've always been just a little over weight. And as I've gotten older..my weight has fluctuated..but usually ends with me gaining more than I had attempted to lose. Most recently, I have been obsessed with achieving the ultimate Figure 8 body.

In my ideal world.. I would have the most gorgeous hips, thighs, and booty, with a slim torso--Yes, I know very specific. And the thought of my slimming my booty down to nothing scared the living ish outta me!---I mean I already barely have cushioning there!

But I sucked it up. And approached one of the African American teachers and confronted her about my "concerns". She smiled and simply put.." I know exactly what your concerns are. And these classes are going to help you lift what you got and round it out..!"

Hahaha..okay. So now that I've got expertise..I've started the classes. Boy they are tough. But I have been taking them on average 2x a week and I'm very proud of myself. I'm doing well and I feel myself getting stronger everytime..and I even feel a little muscle definition! How exciting!

Along with the classes, I'm taking Dance lessons at the BDC studio. With the mix of the two classes I am working out 3-4x a week.

In conclusion, I'm doing well in the work-out area of this challenge. I may want to add some lunge sets from my exercise vids in due time.. Just to make sure that booty is getting shaped properly. :)

Lesson learned..it goes to show how your mind cannot always be trusted. Sometimes your insecurities will surface and keep you from reaching your real goals. Just to think that I wouldn't take these awesome body sculpting classes just because i WAS afraid of losing my butt!

***

So those are my accomplishments thus far on the challenge. And I'm really proud of myself.

What I do need to focus more on is my food intake. This part is not so progressive. I find myself eating maybe two meals a day and they usually consist of cheeseburgers or pizza..and maybe a side of mixed veggies. --Just not good enough. I'd like to focus on adding breakfast every day this week as well as a generous amount of fruits and veggies in each meal.

Until Next Time.