21 Days Down and Forming Healthy Routines

Joining this group has been the best decision I have made this year so far. I am committing 2013 to myself in ways that I have not done before. I am a giver but in that I also get taken for a lot. My health and happiness are the most important and I have to keep that in perspective. Seeing my fellow journeymen with the same goals in mind is beyond motivational but also inspiring. I feel so much appreciation for the positivity I get each class from Flo, the other coaches, and especially from Maia.

This week was a bit harder for me than the last few. I have an incredibly demanding schedule and if I don't go into the week overly-prepared, then it makes too much room for downfalls. I wasn't as prepared with meals going into last week after fighting a cold/bug. BUT, I am extremely proud of myself for still making it work and making good choices overall. During classes I do feel myself getting stronger and I am making progress, slowly but surely. As a person that is not a fan of cooking nor am I creative in the kitchen, I'm loving seeing these meal ideas and recipes on the Journey Group because they not only help me to stay focused but they give me ideas as well.

I had a few OH Yea moments this week. This week I noticed my upper body strength improving. Day 2 of the Journey I could barely do a push-up, even on my knees. Now I feel myself focusing on my form and this week I did a few the normal way without using my knees. I still have a ways to go but I see myself improving. The most exciting OH Yea of this week was Friday night. In the past, cold, rainy, snowy nights would've consisted of 'comfort / junk food' and laying around in bed watching TV. Although I got home late, I made time to make a healthy  meal, let it digest, and headed out to the gym....yes, 10:00PM! Going out, having drinks, or hitting a drive through was the furthest thing from my mind.

I find myself thinking past these 60 days, looking forward to continuing this routine. In class this weekend I felt great and accomplished. I love the energy that kickboxing brings. Flo told me I was in a zone the whole class and I truly felt that way. I let out all my aggression and pictured the unhealthy me as I punched it out to the NEW me. On Sunday, Latysha, Stella and I did circuits together. It was great to be in a group with fellow journeymen. The pull run was actually fun for me! We compromised having an odd number of people and pulled in a row of 3. Afterwards I felt strong, we all felt great, and actually got laughs out of it. Here's to another week of success!

Eye on the Prize...And the Prize is Health!

Many psychologists will say that it takes 21 days or more to develop habit forming behavior. While it's hard to believe we are moving into week 3, the pattern of tracking food/calories, getting to the WorX 4 times a week, and maintaining consistency feels like my normal routine...and I plan to keep it that way!

I was pleasantly surprised during measurement day on the progress I've made. I'm guilty of not remaining consistent and turning to food for emotional reasons, boredom, and to stay awake during certain tasks or actions (i.e. driving). Since the Journey has began, I've had to exercise extreme will-power over the factors in life that can have me falling off of the bandwagon...including doughnuts at work at least twice per week. As time progresses and I start to feel better about myself, it's easier to say no to those unhealthy choices. Don't get me wrong, I have a long way to go but I feel good about the progress made thus far and excited about the potential progress I'll make by the end of this Journey. Although these 60 days will come to a close, this is a lifestyle change I am committed to maintain. In the words of my coach...."There's no going back." Those words couldn't be more accurate...forward only!

Fighting with thyroid issues and complacency is always the hardest part of weight loss for me. But getting to know my fellow journey members, feeling the encouragement and push from coaches during class, and realizing my small victories has helped me to push the negativity to the background as I do the best I can. I have noticed that I am able to get through more of the warm-up without stopping or modifying...not as fast as I would like to get but it's getting there! Week one I could barely do a push up...not even on my knees. I still have to use my knees but I feel my upper body getting stronger. I may not have the best form but my goal is to be able to do a full push up and maybe even a plyo-pushup with the stability ball one day! I tried today and failed miserably but it put a smile on my face because I TRIED...3 weeks ago I would not have even attempted! I have also started to focus on engaging my core more since that is my biggest problem area. I feel the difference and will keep striving towards my goals.

I can't say that I look forward to working out. Especially when tired or stressed from a long day, but I feel amazing afterwards (thank goodness for the recovery drink lol)! I realize that every good food choice and every workout brings me one step closer to my ultimate goal.

Week 1 and Done!

B - Well week 1 was a tough one. I was sore most of the week but I have to say I do feel proud of myself for working out 6 days out of the week and not feeling the 'dread' of getting to classes or the gym. I set it as part of my daily routine and treated it just as I would going to work. I was also proud that the 7th day was only a rest day because work got in the way, not for lack of motivation. Overall I feel good, I feel accomplished, and even better, I feel much less bloated than I did when I started the Journey.

L - As it's been said, nothing that is easy in life is ever worth it....challenges are worthwhile experiences and pushing through them bring a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment more than anything else. I truly have to remind myself of this during every work out, during every healthy food choice, and through every thought of defeat. This lesson is also taught to me through my coach, friends that are also going through the journey, and new relationships I'm making along they way.

O-hhh Yea! I had a few of these moments this week surprisingly. I am confident in myself but I say 'surprisingly' since week 1 is always a challenge. For me, turning down pizza, not indulging past serving sizes, and staying committed to my workout routine has made me feel just as good as the post workout elation!

G - My goals for the weak are to increase my veggie intake and push myself just a little harder during my workouts. I feel myself getting stronger already...physically, emotionally, and mentally. Staying consistent has always been a challenge for me so my other goal will be to make this week just as good as last, if not even better.

S - My inspiration comes from many things. One would be to have a long and healthy lifestyle. The other would be from my coach. Flo is not only an inspiration but there is no better motivation than seeing someone who has already done this continue to be successful over a year later, encourage and motivate me to do the same. Her personality also makes me laugh and we have commonalities making it easy to speak openly and honestly. The third would be doing this along side of one of my very best friends. She and I have gone through a lot together. We motivate each other, support each other, and it has made this process even more rewarding.

I am looking forward to week 2 and seeing the results along the way!

The Journey is Just Beginning

Over the years I have been on varying levels of health. As time passes, work becomes more stressful, and life becomes more challenging, some of us (prime offender right here), use those as excuses or place them on a higher priority than the most basic benefit we are given as able-bodied humans....HEALTH. Many people are not able to enjoy the simplest tasks in life such as getting out of bed. This year more than ever I had to re-prioritize my goals, find the motivation that I once had, and remind myself that life is much too short to take it for granted. Having lost many family members to health related issues such as cancer and heart disease, I don't take this lightly. Sure, I should be fit knowing that fact but I have been guilty of defeating myself and becoming unhappy through complacency. This Journey could not have come at a better time. I have a surge of energy, motivation, and excitement as I am committing to reach my goals, not just for the next 60 days but for life. The past two days have lifted my spirits. Eating healthy, pushing myself through an intense yet satisfying workout, and doing this along side of friends and new acquaintances has me looking forward to the next 58 days and the accomplishments I can make. I am working towards a new ME, putting myself FIRST, and making sure I remember that nothing is impossible!