No more leisurely thursdays

Hey reader. Things have continued to go well since I've last posted. I have continued to work out as planned, and am even enjoying it. I'm even getting used to the "new format" my gym class is in.  See, due to a scheduling error two classes of students (about 25-30 people) are in our relatively small weight training room at once, resulting in about a 30 sec. limit for each machine. As much as it sucked in the beginning, we're all starting to get the hang of it.

The real reason of this post was to report in a MAJOR change in our school's P.E. policy. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday should be (and are) days that my class spends in the weight room, and Tuesday and Thursday we our "cardio" days. Traditionally Tuesday is always really intense like some sort of cardio circuit, or more often some  kind of track running. The following Thursday would then be much less strenuous. My gym teachers called it "options day" as we were able to play volley ball, basketball, frisbee, and things like that. As we were also given the option to walk the track I referred to these days as "leisurely walk Thursdays". It was my favorite day of the week, but we are now doing intense cardio days twice a week now (they haven rescheduled the walks).

At first when I realized my walks were becoming a thing of the past, I wasn't thrilled. I liked when I could just talk to my friends while walking at a pleasant pace. I'm now starting to actually appreciate them. My cardio conditioning has improved much faster than it would have otherwise, and I can still hold up a conversation with my friends while jogging. It's actually taken some pressure off my busy schedule, allowing me to just take the day off after school, and letting me get other things done.

So with the passing of one of my beloved high school traditions, I see it's for the best. Until next time, maybe you should reevaluate your routine.

Feel like a Health Rockstar

Hey reader. Today was an absolutely magnificent day! I went to the doctor today to get a refill on the last prescription I take, and some back up inhalers (because mine keep expiring :) ). As I mentioned that I have stopped taking my inhaled steroids, he recommended I take a breathing test. It's kind of that time a year for it anyway. For the first time ever (off steroids mind you) I have average, even quality lung function. I took a breathing treatment and took the test agin, to see of there could be improvement and the second test came out exactly the same. We're all very proud.

I have been battling my health, mostly my breathing, most of my life. I finally have proof that all the work I've been doing to better myself is paying off.  They asked mw what I've been doing, but the only response I can come up with is "I've changed everything". (raw honey has been a lifesaver though)

My doctors are actually incredibly pleased with me. We're kind of close, from how sick I was as a kid, and they just have seen me progress from my worst to where I am now. Every time I go, we usually talk about how much time I have to go before I can go to school to be on the road to becoming a nutritionist, and every time they remind me that I am welcome and encouraged to do my internships with them. I'm just so lucky how everything is working out, I don't like to use this phrase much, but I really do feel blessed, and I just can't wait to help others go through the journey I am.

I don't usually brag, but this is what this blog is for, and darn it, I've earned it! I rock! I have also been told that I might appear in his blog www.livewellthy.org at some time in the future.  (the post is called another success story)

Until next time, you can let things be curses of blessings, choose wisely.

Victory and Chia

Hey reader. I would consider this past week to be a success. I have accomplished all of the workouts I set out to do, and my partner is just as enthusiastic as I am to continue.

Granted so far out workouts haven't been especially intense so far, the important thing is that they were accomplished. I have been extremely tired while adjusting to my new school routine, so we usually just lifted, walked, and jogged a bit. Either way I'm a bit sore, so I know I'm doing something. I almost can't wait until next week!

I have also just purchased a bag of chia seed. For those of you who don't know, it's a small seed that has the ability to absorb a massive amount of water, and is a quality source of energy, and a plethora of other things. I recommend googling it in a spare moment.

Today is my first day with the chia seed, so I chose to try a traditional chia fresca. It's a really simple recipe:

1 Tbs. dry chia seed
1 c. water
2 Tbs. lemon juice
honey to taste (I did 1 Tbs.)

combine ingredients and allow to sit for 10-15 min.

It was pretty tasty. The seeds themselves don't taste like anything, and it tasted sort of like lemonade.

So that's my story for the week, and I wish the best for you out there trying to accomplish your fitness goals. "Don't dream it, be it!"-Rocky Horror Picture Show

Back to School Workout Time

Hey reader. I've been back to school for a few days, and I'm finally ready to get back to my old workout routines. I still want to do Insanity at some point, but I don't have the funds, or the ability at this point, so I'm using the mean time to save up and train for it.

If all goes well, my old workout partner will be going with me as well. I hope so, she gives me a real boost when running.

So starting this week I will be lifting every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and cardio every day after school on these days. On Tuesday and Thursday I do cardio during school, so I will either be taking these days off, or trying a yoga instructional DVD. I've never done yoga, but I've added to the long list of things I've always wanted to do.

Well, that's the plan, and now that I've posted about it I'll feel twice as motivated to actually go. I'm also aware I keep forgetting to weigh myself for the sake of tracking it here, but I promise I'll post it soon.

Until next time, get going.

Proper Playlist

Hi reader. I just made myself a new playlist for work and my workouts. I can't stress enough how big a difference music can make to the quality of your workout. Plus it makes whatever you're doing much more fun.

Speaking of fun, I thought I'd share my new list with you.

1. East Bound and Down (Smokey and the Bandit soundtrack)
2. Here It Goes Again (ok go)
3. White Knuckles (ok go)
4. One Last Hope (Hercules soundtrack)
5. All Star (smash mouth)
6. Come On, Come On (smash mouth)
7. I'll Make a Man out of You (Mulan soundtrack)
8. Touch the Sky (brave soundtrack)
9. Defying Gravity (wicked soundtrack)
10. Back in the Saddle (Aerosmith)
11. Back in the U.S.S.R. (the Beatles)
12. Save Tonight (eagle-eye cherry)
13. Come Dancing (the kinks)
14. Sexy and I Know It (LMFAO)
15. (oh) Pretty Woman (van halen)
16. Welcome to My World (Mavin)
17. Danger Zone (kenny loggins)
18. Jump In the Line (harry belafonte)
19. Supernatural (daughtry)
20. Boys Wanna Be Her (peaches)

Yes, I know there is a fair amount of movie soundtrack songs, but don't knock them till you try them. I hope that gave you some ideas. Enjoy your next workout, and don't forget they're supposed to be fun.

Fake ice cream for the win!

Hello reader. As you may know, ice cream is my absolute favorite junk food. This summer I really have been indulging in it a bit more than I would like to have done, but I finally found my answer. BANANA ICE CREAM! It's awesome, all you have to do is cut a banana into small pieces, freeze them, and throw them in a blender. I just use one banana and a little peanut butter, and it comes out smooth and sweet. One large banana makes enough "ice cream" to fill my bowl more than I would with regular ice cream.

I'm actually eating it as I write this. There are Klondike bars in the freezer, and I don't even want them anymore.

I have two more sandwich bags of banana pieces in the freezer, and I think for my next batch I'm going to try dark chocolate (85% cocoa) chip and fresh strawberry. I'm also getting cones next time I go to the store.

As you can tell, I highly recommend this. My only warning is beware it can be kind of hard on your blender blades over time.

Well, what are you waiting for? Go try it!

Insanity Workout

Hi reader. I just came back from another summer trip. Where I was staying, there was only the most basic of television plans, and I ended up watching quite a bit of paid programing. Among the many products I was almost certain I needed, I was very intrigued by the Insanity Workout (by Beachbody I think). 

After I watched the infomercial I was starting to believe (like most infomercial products) that it was too good to be true, so I started doing research. I'm pleasantly surprised by the number of people that swear it changed their life. I'm just about convinced enough to get it. 

As it is a bit pricy, I think this will have to be a Christmas time purchase, but I'm beginning to look forward to it, and it comes with a meal plan, etc. so I think this could work out.

I'm going to my doctor soon anyway, so I might as well get her opinion on this too. I know all health things say to check with your  doctor before use (not that most of us have), but I think for how hard core this program is, perhaps I should get a professional opinion of my heart's condition. I'm impressed by the people who were in much worse shape than me, getting better results than I'm expecting. 

So I know I probably can't start this until about January, but I'm optimistic that it will go well. Plus then I get to be ripped (more) for part of my senior year, and should have the body of a greek god by the time college starts at the latest. 

That's my plan (long term anyway), and if you have any opinions on the Insanity Workout (that you have tried, please) feel free to comment and share.