Moving Forward

Okay, just a little more than last week, but I’m not at all surprised.  I’m still making progress overall, as I’ve bumped-up my time on the elliptical to a full hour and I can definitely tell that my heart rate takes much less time to recover.  Also, I can tell that my total energy level through the day stays more constant.  All in all, I must say that I’m feeling better than I have in years!  I look forward to all that I can achieve, even with a set-back now and then….

I can’t believe I’ve done it.  One week behind me and still wanting more.  Yesterday was also weigh-in day, which I knew would likely bring mixed feelings.  I had cheated and had weighed two days before and that had been a disappointment, as I had actually showed to be heavier than when I started.  So yesterday, I was preparing myself for more of the same.  

I stood at my locker after my workout, staring-down the scales as I peeled off my sweaty clothes.  Then, as if I was trying to take the scales by surprise, I stepped onto them…  Wow!  4.5 lbs lighter!!! 

I realize that since I am also incorporating muscle building into my routine that I will have weeks that I don’t show losses in body weight, but this was a good first-week weigh in treat.

I have to admit, I LOVE my calves.  They’re not natural.  I love working them out and showing them off.  Today, I indulged, and worked them out harder than I ever have and do believe I got my first experience with having a ‘pump’?.  

Today, I’m elated.  If I thought yesterday was an accomplishment, I’m even happier to say I did even more today.  Same amount of time on the eliptical, but I burned an entire 100 more calories than yesterday in the same amount of time.  My new goal for the eliptical is to work up to burning-off 1000 cal. each time.  Today my total was 750, so not too lofty a goal… besides, we all know it’s also the calories burned throughout the day after those hard cardio sessions that make an even bigger impact. 

Today was another milestone.  45 minutes on the eliptical, and at varying inclines, difficulties, and speeds.  Of course, my heartrate still goes off the charts, but with consistency, I’ll have it down to where it should be.  45min, 3.7 miles, and 650 calories burned… not bad (for a beginner).  Also did some tricep extensions (3/15) and preacher curls (3/15).

Never thought it’d ever happen…  but it has.  I spent a total of 27 minutes on the eliptical, 5 on the rowing machine, and a good 10 minute cool-down walk around the track.  Wow, motivation really can have an impact.  The time spent on those machines were hard earned, too.  I have taken J.T.’s words to heart (she’s the trainer from yesterday’s Bootcamp Express class), when she said to never let your body just go through the motions of the machine… instead, be in control of the machine and always… Always try and push yourself.  Well,  I believe that I have, and proof in point today was a good hour long nap around 4:00. 

 Taking a nap has just never happened to me w/o a good reason. 

It amazes me how exhausted I am after being worked hard by trainer T.J. today, but yet I don’t think I’ve felt as good in a very long time!

One year, two months and two days.  That is how long until I celebrate my 40th birthday, and tis also the amount of time I have on hand to transform my 6′2", 287 lb. body into what I would like.  This is also Day6 of Cold Turkey for me!  Smoking no longer stands in my way of accomplishing my goals.

Today was my first day at my new gym.  Hot Springs Health and Fitness.  A wonderful facility.

Although my body is in no way ‘pumped’… my mood and outlook certainly are!