Spinning Class from Hell

Yesterday, Ashley and I, attended our first spinning class. The only information we were equipped with was from the gym website which instructed us to bring a towel and water bottle. Right before we left the house we were told by a friend on Facebook to bring a gel seat or wear shorts with a chamois. Thinking spantz would provide the same comfort, we headed for the gym. We arrived early to ensure we got two bikes together IN THE BACK. We both fumbled with our bikes pretending to know what we were doing and jumped on. We patiently peddled in gear 1 (no need to wear ourselves out before the workout) waiting for the instructor. Let me tell you, this workout is not for weak. It was one hour of grueling pain. Afterward, Ashley told me that in the first half of the class she actually thought about leaving! For me the beginning wasn't the bad part. I do remember thinking that my legs might fall off, but the thought must have vanished quickly because at the halfway mark my (sorry guys) vagaga, NOT BUM, hurt so bad! Now I was actually contemplating quitting early! Probably due to our competitive nature and not wanting to show one another weakness we both stuck it out. Can you believe that there is actually a two hour spinning class!!! After the class we spoke to the instructor to see what we could improve on. The list is long! Turns out, Ashley's bike was set-up all wrong which more than likely contributed to her miserable experience. Here is what we learned: 1. Towel optional 2. Water bottle a must (3 water bottles between two people... a little much!) 3. Bike in the back = a good idea 4. Biking shorts a must!! Never step into the room without these!! 5. Underwear... leave them at the door 6. Learning how to properly set-up your bike is key to a good experience Happy Spinning!

Report from a Treadmill

This morning's workout involved running on the treadmill followed by some much needed stretching. For some strange reason I was actually looking forward to running on the treadmill. I think I was pumped to listen to my new workout play list and also to see how far I could run. Well the running didn't go so well... I have no idea why, but I chose to do an interval program. I realized very quickly that I am not ready for such intense inclines. Multiple times I found myself frantically pressing the speed button to change the pace to a fast walk!! The positive of all this is I lasted on the treadmill for 35 minutes! I burned 288 calories while on the treadmill (treadmill reported that I burned 309). I even got my calorie burn up to 8.1 per minute. The great thing about working out (and having the Bodybugg to prove it) is that you are still burning a high number of calories after the workout! Tomorrow, Ashley and I are going to a spinning class. We are both extremely nervous and will be getting bikes in the back!

Supplements for Women

I thought I would share with everyone the supplements I am taking to compliment my workouts and healthy eating. Honestly I do not know very much about supplements so I decided to start with Beachbody and Arbonne products. Beachbody P90X Results & Recovery Formula - I take this right after each workout. - It helps reduce muscle soreness. - Provides building blocks for muscle repair and growth. - A small amount of Creatine to boost performance without adding bulk. Arbonne Go Easy! Protein Shake - More than 20 essential vitamins an minerals, plus flaxseed. - Helps you feel fuller longer with three sources of protein. - Helps increase energy. - Contains no saturated or trans fats, cholesterol, artificial sweeteners or colors. Arbonne Daily Power Pack for Women Vitamins - 6 supplements for morning and night. - 1 MultiVitamin Tablet: core vitamins - 1 MultiMineral Tablet: core essential minerals - 2 Calcium Tablets: for critical bone support - 1 Digestive Enzyme Capsule: for optimal digestion - 1 Super Food Antioxidant Tablet: for antioxidant protection, combines whole fruit and vegetable concentrates and extracts that provide beneficial phytonutrients.

New Measurements

Ashley and I met with a trainer at the gym today. One of the things we did was take measurements, calculate body fat and BMI percentages. Here are my starting numbers. We are going to meet with the trainer again in April and take half way measurements. I originally set a goal to get down to 14% body fat, but after seeing the numbers below I am changing this number to 16%. Measurements 1/10/2010

Shoulders	41.5
Chest	33
Arms	10
Waist	30
Hips	36
Thigh Hi	22
Thigh Lo	18.5
Calf	13

Current Weight	128
Body Fat %	22.5
BMI %	22.7
Lean Tissue	99.35
Body Fat in lbs	28.65
To get to 20% Body Fat	-4 lbs total
To get to 18% Body Fat	-7 lbs total
To lose 16% Body Fat	-10 lbs total

After reviewing the measurements I took back in November, in which I weighed 130lbs, I lost 2 inches in my waist, 1.5 inches in my arm and .5 inches in my thigh. My body fat also went down 4.2%.

Day 5 Update

This morning I really killed it in my workout. I did the P90X Plyometrics workout at the gym. I had the entire fitness classroom to myself with mirrors surrounding me. It was amazing! Tomorrow is Friday... MY REST DAY! Along with taking two rest days I am also going to allow myself one cheat day. In most cases I will probably save this day for the weekend when I am more tempted to eat unhealthy foods. This week I have done an amazing job eating healthy. Here are some pictures of Zone meals that I have made. Freshly stocked vege drawer Chicken Salad Mexicana Chili

Chicken Stir-Fry

2 Weeks... Do or Fail

I just recently became a paying gym "member". I am one of the millions who joined a gym in January to achieve a New Year's Resolutions. Let's just hope I am not one of the millions who quit by February! Obviously a major benefit of P90X is that it is a workout program that you can do from home, that actually works. But to achieve my goal to compete in a triathlon I need to have access to a pool. Much to my amazement, and many others, I have gotten up at 6am everyday this week to head to the gym. The first morning (Monday) was the hardest. I sat in bed for 5 minutes asking myself why in the world am I doing this? I am not a morning person, or at least so I thought! But each morning has gotten easier and I am starting to get into a routine. It makes more sense to get ready for work at the gym so I have to skillfully plan out my cloths, meals and workouts the night before. This morning I forgot to pack a bra!! I cannot tell you how much more energized I am at work and at home. I feel like I have tapped into a hidden reserve of energy! I am having a hard time finding a triathlon training schedule that I like. Right now I am either swimming, biking or running on a treadmill one day and then doing a P90X workout the next day. Right now this schedule seems to be working plus I still get to do P90X. To compliment my workouts, I have committed to eating healthy. In my mind this means going on The Zone diet. This diet consist of eating a certain number of "blocks" of protein, carbohydrates and fats. Mr. Zone Guy believes you must eat fat to burn fat. I have had success on this diet in the past and it is easy to follow. I have no idea where my sudden focus and determine has come from, but I am loving it! For those who know me, I love to start new things but I am not the best at finishing them. I read somewhere that it only takes two weeks to form a habit. So the countdown has officially begun! I am 10 days away from reaching the two week mark. Wish me luck!!

Life Goals... 2010

I love the beginning of each new year.I become extremely focused in organizing my life by setting new short term and long term goals. Below are my personal priorities, resolutions and goals for 2010. Priorities 1. Marriage/Family/Friends 2. Debt Free 3. Health/Fitness 4. Hobbies 5. Vacation Resolutions 1. Train and compete in a triathlon 2. Eat Healthy 3. Organize House 4. Schedule doctors appointments 5. Work on Beachbody Business 6. Blog 7. Be more involved in finances 8. Stay focused on goals January Goals 1. Start diet on 1/4/10 and stay on diet until 1/21/10 2. Plan out meals every Sunday 3. Join a gym to train for triathlon 4. Plan out triathlon schedule 5. Workout 5 days a week until Las Vegas 6. Blog once a week 7. Organize house 8. Pick up poop in backyard 9. Clean garage 10. Change Preston's life insurance 11. Set-up and manage personal finance spreadsheet 3 Month Goals 1. Train for triathlon 5-6 days per week 2. Incorporate P90X workout into triathlon training schedule 3. Eat Healthy 4. Contribute to HSA 5. Have scheduled doctors appointments 6. Be debt free (except for the house) 7. Contribute to emergency fund 8. Contribute to Roth IRAs 9. Have house organized 1 Year Goals 1. Have competed in a triathlon 2. Be in great shape= 14% body fat 3. Have expanded Beachbody business 4. Be on track to fully fund Roths for 2010 5. Have 1/3 of goal in emergency fund 6. Have money in HSA 7. Have gone rafting 8. Have gone indoor rock climbing It is extremely important to write down your goals! "Written goals clarify thinking, objectify their potential, and reinforce commitment" (http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pius_Ephenus). What are your goals? Write them down and share them with someone to keep you accountable. Review them often and adjusted them as needed. One last thought, people who DREAM BIG ACHIEVE MORE!