DATE: 08/23/2008 03:36:45 / MOOD: in love

Well, today's workout was definitely the most challenging work-out I think I have ever had in a gym, weight-training wise anyway. I asked a friend who has 15 years bodybuilding experience to join me and show me around some of the machines and techniques. Well, it worked, I learned some new ways of doing weights and was able to push myself with the amount of weight I was using. I was at least tripling the amount of weight, and I found that I could actually do it with some focus. At times I found myself straining my face so much that it hurt...lol. Although, today was also my most painful day when it came to prior-injuries. my left knee and right shoulder were acting up quite horribly. I woke myself up last night every time I would stretch out my left leg, because a very sharp pain would come from the inside of my knee joint. I believe it has finally started due to the gym workouts and cardio activity I have been doing everyday. I knew it would arise eventually, and am sad to say it is already here. My goal is to condition both my legs and shoulders so that these joints are supported and will hopefully result in no more joint weakness or injuries. But we will see, I have had a personal trainer tell me to stop whatever activity I am doing at the first moment I feel pain, but this happens so quickly...and I don't see how the joints will become stronger without ploughing through some pain and building muscle. But I think I will consult another PT, or the prior Pers. Train. that gave me that information. It was slightly bad before the workout, and now it is quite bad, so we will see how it is in the morning. So far I have had one day off from the gym, as I am told a rest day is beneficial for your body while you are training. I have gone to the gym a few times without my ipod and I have definitely found it harder to stay motivated, those Nike Interval Running Albums are gold for my motivation. I highly recommend them. As for the worst part of my wieght loss journey, the restricted diet seems to be slipping, I am finding it extremely difficult to not succumb to my sweet tooth cravings. I have decided that it should be most beneficial to plan and cook meals for the next three days, so that I am never without a meal, and have that time to wait for a snack or tidbit. Muesli and oatmeal I believe are my best options for breakfast, and either lunch or dinner with a healthy fish or lean chicken as the protein portion. Salad with at least one meal as well. Also, my water intake has to increase considerably as well, but one step at a time, I don't want to introduce immediate restrictions all at once. I stepped on the scale today and one half of a kilo was gone, but I know that women fluctuate quite a bit during the day, but my hopes are that the weight that disappears is gone for good. Well, I am off to bed, I am completlely wiped out after that two hour workout....so ciao!

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DATE: 08/18/2008 17:46:17 / MOOD: other

August 19, 2008So, its my first time for doing a lot of things…my first time starting a weight loss diary for one, I figure that if I can share my story it becomes another motivation to keep going. There are a few reasons why I want to do this, yes I want to loss some extra weight, but I also want to accomplish something that I haven’t before, and also I want to have the knowledge that I am strong enough to do it. I don’t have a lot of weight to lose, maximum 20-25 pounds, in order to stay within my advised BMI. I am 23 years old and have been putting on a few pounds a year  since that dreaded summer when I spent two weeks at my grandmothers house. That was the start of it all, my grandmother is Slovenian, so lets just say two to three bricks of lard in a baked turkey pan is normal, along with the apple strudel that comes out soaking in grease. She continued to buy me whatever food I wanted, and let me tell you, after her Lucky Charm cereal had every marshmallow gone, my body decided to react….because I didn‘t care! So…. I deserve it, but now I definitely have to face up to the challenge of losing these extra pounds, without  apple strudel, or those Lucky Charm marshmallows. Today is day five since I activated my new gym membership, and I have had a great workout everyday since. A hour of cardio, and some extra weight-training afterwards makes me feel great, it is unfortunate that I am not able to see results already, but I am relying on seeing something in about three weeks. It is definitely hard to say no to those cream muffins, or slices of banana bread…..but I have to be stronger! I keep making excuses that the one hour of cardio will deal with those added sweets, but it is just pulling me further away. So, my head needs to be up and focused on the goal….sweets have to become my enemy. If I could I would go get my sweet tooth pulled out, but hey…now that I can at least admit  I have one, I think I can start limiting its control. Right…?? …right.! On my second day my husband and I both did our measurements, and I wasn’t overly impressed.  Even since about two to three months ago, I have added a few inches to my body…that is sad! But another reason to keep going! Here are my measurements:Waist: 29”Hips: 34”Quads: 20” Ribcage: 30.75”Chest:  35”Butt: 36.5” I have made comments about wanting to lose a bit of weight around some people and they just lose it and say that I am skinny enough and that I shouldn’t have to worry about it. But, I think that yes, I am within my recommended BMI, but I also know that I am in my ‘prime’ right now and that I can and should be in the best shape of my life, and  most importantly that I have the ability to do it. I want to excel at sports, and  with my muscle and joint problems they deter me, so why not get rid of those problems by building muscles and cardio strength? I am not saying I want to be medically underweight, but just right. And believe me, if I was to become medically underweight I am sure my family would send my grandmother and here bricks of lard to my doorstep. J Anyway, I have to head out to the gym now, so give me a high five! I am going to do at least 45 minutes of cardio, then go along to a Les Mills Body Balance class, it is another new thing for me. I would like to keep my workout boredom at bay, so trying out some new classes or exercises is just what I need!Ousta Lavista!

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