Week 3

Week three is in full swing. My pants are a little looser, my tush is a little smaller, and my legs are a little less sore. Hooray!
My biggest challenge this week has been finding time to go through a real workout. I have gone to the gym twice this week, and it's only half over. That puts my goal of going three times a week well within reach. But, both times I've gone I've been crunched for time. On Monday I spent 30 minutes on the elliptical, and bolted out the door to get to my first class on time. This morning, i only got through about 20 minutes of cardio before I had to jet. I'd like to do a little work with weights, and core workouts, and other things you're supposed to do to really make the gym a healthy habit, but I'm already giving up showers, sleep, and my morning cup o' joe for the part I can do now. That being said, I want to do it anyway! Does anyone have any good tricks for light strength training at home? I don't have any equipment, but I have lots of space to move around.

Starting Over Week 1

So, I'm starting over. My life took some crazy turns in August, but now it's September. School has started. I have a workout partner. I have a routine. I have a new environment. I'ma get this done!

My week 1 was very successful. I went to to the gym three times. I did lots of cardio. I did an ab workout twice. I did some light upper body weight lifting once. I spent about an hour at the gym each day.

Part of my being able to motivate myself to go to the gym has been my lovely friend Liz. Liz is a very encouraging person. She and I are very different in our physical abilities and shape, but she's a phenomenal workout friend. We're helping each other overcome our dislikes and fears. I dislike exercise, and she's afraid of the gym. We both know a few things here and there about how to use the weights, how long to keep our heart rate up, and some exercises for the abs, so we're not quite the blind leading the blind. More like the needs glasses leading the blind. We're learning together as we go, and that helps. Sometimes it's frustrating to surround yourself with people who are better than you. Liz is my gym-going equal.

The benefit of this week of work is that I'm already noticing a difference. Not just in my waistline, though those results were encouraging, but in my outlook. I forgot I was hot! Plus, I can't say no to a good post workout high. I feel fantastic for a few hours after I work out, gooey muscles, sweaty face and all.

As I start week two, my goal is simply to keep going. It often takes two or three weeks to make a habit. This week, I just need to keep up my good work, and go to the gym. After this next few weeks, working out will become routine. Then I can focus on diet, and other factors.

TO THE GYM!!!!