Well, last week was a good week with good progress. I continued doing the Pilates Abs video all week long, minus Saturday and Sunday (as I was feeling like crap from my sinuses). I went to bed super-early last night and got a lot of sleep. I feel MUCH better and decided today to check back in on the scale.
Now, full disclosure, I weigh myself every day (and sometimes more often if I'm feeling particularly self-conscious). When I started this two weeks ago I was right on the edge of 160. Yeah, I know, that's about 15 pounds above my fighting weight of 145 (where I settled last summer and where I liked it), but the winter was particularly poor for me.
But, hey, my clothes still fit. They were just tight which meant that it was time to cut back. I'm down to 152 as of this morning and I'm in shouting distance of 145. I don't plan to stop at 145, because I'm setting my sights on the ultimate goal: The elimination of that sad sack of loose skin. I'm going to hit it as hard as I can but not in terms of exercise. That plays a part, yes, but I'll be employing other methods.
First and foremost, let's get to today's workout: The 100 Waist Whittlers. This is A LOT harder than it looks as each repetition just wears you out more. I made it halfway through the video using the advanced movements before I was sprawled out on the floor, done. It'll kick you, it'll get your pulse up and it will make it so everything hurts. My shoulders, my abs, my chest, my back, my legs ... all were feeling it.
I didn't like that I couldn't finish the video, so I went back and did my Abs video (still my favorite video of hers) and did half of that before I was spent. I think I'll be doing the Whittlers every other day and continue to focus on the Abs video, which I still haven't mastered (the Cheerleader Ls continue to be my wall).
I ate well today (I managed a small breakfast and some lunch), and I'm done on that front.
But the continued efforts to eliminate the loose skin are about to get a major boost. I used my rather meager tax return to order some stuff from Amazon that, over the last two years, I've been researching. I don't like that I had to order it (because that's an admittance of failure on my part), as I was hoping that I wouldn't have to use these methods to fix this.
But, I'm doing it. First, I'm investing in Dry Brushing. If you're unaware of what it is, basically it's a way to brush off the loose skin and cleanse your lymphatic system. It's been shown to help make your skin look better and to also help heal damaged skin. That latter part is the reason why I'm investing in a dry brush, as according to the research I've done, the people who employ this method have seen benefits.
Now, is this going to be a quick fix? According to the research, it's going to take about 30 days to see the first results. I'm hoping it doesn't take that long but we'll see. That said, this will likely take months to make any noticeable difference but it's a painless procedure, so I'll give it a shot.
Next, I'm investing in salt baths. This sounds pretty much exactly what it is: A bath with salt. People across multiple sites have claimed that that Salt Baths help detoxify the skin and make their skin look better. Whether this is true or not is unknown as there are multiple claims for and against this across the Internet, BUT any good scientist worth their salt (PUN!) would have to try this out for themselves. So, I am. I didn't buy a large quantity of it but I bought enough to give it a decent test run. We'll see it it helps any as it's only recommended to be done twice weekly.
Finally, I'm investing in Alfalfa. These also have body cleansing properties and boast an impressive list of vitamins. I'm giving these a shot, too, to see if (combined with everything else) I can make a dent in this loose skin. If I've calculated correctly, the supplies I've ordered should last me a few months into the summer and should allow me to test whether or not the loose skin is a permanent part of me (likely) or if it can be reduced/possibly eliminated.
We'll see. But as far as this week goes, I look forward to getting back into the 140s and I'm setting my sights on the 130s (and the mythological 14 percent body fat). Overly ambitious? Perhaps ... but to be honest I have my sights set further than that if I can keep a decent pace. May is a good month and a half away, that gives me plenty of time.
Time to do work.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
The Summer Commeth ... Week Two
It's been a week and results are decent. Last week I jumped back into Pilates in full swing but wore myself out that first day; I didn't watch another Pilates video all week. Instead, I focused on doing the beginner exercises during the week while also taking care to watch what I eat. It's Lent season and so I've sworn off the comfort foods for Lent, which will not only help in my goals concerning that, but also my goals concerning this.
I'm down a little over three pounds since last week, a good start and a nice pace. In the past, I would have been upset at such a small mark but seeing as I have till May before I put on a swimsuit (you won't be seeing me in one before that: if you do, God help us all) I can take my time. Plus, if I do this well enough, I might be able to get into the 130s. The last time I did that was nearly two years ago and I had little muscle mass, so it looked freaky.
I definitely have muscle mass this time around and I'd like to give the 130s another go, but we'll see. The first goal is to drop that ten pounds.
Today, a new Blogilates video popped up on my newsfeed and it was focusing on my focus: Abs. The video was about the five best ab exercises and I only actually knew the first one, the Double Leg Lift. Cassey makes a very good point that our body reflects mostly what we eat and that exercise/genetics play a role in the rest. That's a good thing to remember for me and others, especially during this time of year when the summer (*dramatic music*) approaches.
So, I started with the Double Leg Lifts and found them a bit of a challenge, though I accomplished them easily enough. The workouts from last week have helped bring me closer into Pilates shape so the first exercise didn't take too much out of me.
Next, though, was the Reverse Crunch. This thing is a BEAST. It kills me every time because it blends the movement with balance (not a strong suit of mine). Lifting the legs in the air is fine for me, but bringing them back down slowly is difficult and trying not to fall backwards or over on the initial movement is also difficult. I like this move, though, don't get me wrong but it's a like that's resentful. I'd never say it to this move's face.
After that, my pulse was racing and I could feel my abs starting to hurt. Next move after that was the Heel Clicks. The hardest part of this move was keeping my legs up. Other than that, the strain was minimal and the break was nice.
The Cheerleader Ls followed. Brutality. This is the one that killed my abs. Up to this point I had managed to reserve some stamina, I knew a tough one was coming, but this one was tough. Holding the leg up and my shoulders up like that, while maintaining balance without my hands on the floor ... it was a very tall order. My heartrate spiked here and I was straining. Towards the end of this exercise I just had to lay down (which was allowed but really for beginners, which I'm so not).
She followed that up with the Rocket, which I was barely able to do. I didn't do them well.
At the end, abs were hurting. I was feeling it. Mission accomplished.
Now, all that said, the next week will prove to be an interesting one. I can make some big progress this week if I really push it, though whether I do or not is another question. I really don't want to push too hard because I feel like if I hit a wall I'll go for the ice cream in the freezer (which I realize I shouldn't have bought but it's my least favorite flavor, so the temptation isn't great). Slow and steady is what I'm aiming for ... but if I can be down that first ten or so pounds to my fighting weight (145) and then go into the 130s by the end of the month, I'd be really pleased.
We'll see. I have a tendency to be overly ambitious and hate myself when I don't meet said goals.
Anyways, this week will be about taking advantage of the nice-ish weather (sunny and in the 50s) while also maintaining good eating habits (key) as well as being productive in other areas of my life (writing). I think I've managed that, to some degree, today as I did go for a nice morning walk (two miles roundtrip), ate a pretty decent lunch (ham and cheese) and did write some.
Overall, the first week has gone well. We'll see what week two holds and whether or not I can minimize the sad sack of loose skin before swimsuit time hits. Thanks for reading, folks.
I'm down a little over three pounds since last week, a good start and a nice pace. In the past, I would have been upset at such a small mark but seeing as I have till May before I put on a swimsuit (you won't be seeing me in one before that: if you do, God help us all) I can take my time. Plus, if I do this well enough, I might be able to get into the 130s. The last time I did that was nearly two years ago and I had little muscle mass, so it looked freaky.
I definitely have muscle mass this time around and I'd like to give the 130s another go, but we'll see. The first goal is to drop that ten pounds.
Today, a new Blogilates video popped up on my newsfeed and it was focusing on my focus: Abs. The video was about the five best ab exercises and I only actually knew the first one, the Double Leg Lift. Cassey makes a very good point that our body reflects mostly what we eat and that exercise/genetics play a role in the rest. That's a good thing to remember for me and others, especially during this time of year when the summer (*dramatic music*) approaches.
So, I started with the Double Leg Lifts and found them a bit of a challenge, though I accomplished them easily enough. The workouts from last week have helped bring me closer into Pilates shape so the first exercise didn't take too much out of me.
Next, though, was the Reverse Crunch. This thing is a BEAST. It kills me every time because it blends the movement with balance (not a strong suit of mine). Lifting the legs in the air is fine for me, but bringing them back down slowly is difficult and trying not to fall backwards or over on the initial movement is also difficult. I like this move, though, don't get me wrong but it's a like that's resentful. I'd never say it to this move's face.
After that, my pulse was racing and I could feel my abs starting to hurt. Next move after that was the Heel Clicks. The hardest part of this move was keeping my legs up. Other than that, the strain was minimal and the break was nice.
The Cheerleader Ls followed. Brutality. This is the one that killed my abs. Up to this point I had managed to reserve some stamina, I knew a tough one was coming, but this one was tough. Holding the leg up and my shoulders up like that, while maintaining balance without my hands on the floor ... it was a very tall order. My heartrate spiked here and I was straining. Towards the end of this exercise I just had to lay down (which was allowed but really for beginners, which I'm so not).
She followed that up with the Rocket, which I was barely able to do. I didn't do them well.
At the end, abs were hurting. I was feeling it. Mission accomplished.
Now, all that said, the next week will prove to be an interesting one. I can make some big progress this week if I really push it, though whether I do or not is another question. I really don't want to push too hard because I feel like if I hit a wall I'll go for the ice cream in the freezer (which I realize I shouldn't have bought but it's my least favorite flavor, so the temptation isn't great). Slow and steady is what I'm aiming for ... but if I can be down that first ten or so pounds to my fighting weight (145) and then go into the 130s by the end of the month, I'd be really pleased.
We'll see. I have a tendency to be overly ambitious and hate myself when I don't meet said goals.
Anyways, this week will be about taking advantage of the nice-ish weather (sunny and in the 50s) while also maintaining good eating habits (key) as well as being productive in other areas of my life (writing). I think I've managed that, to some degree, today as I did go for a nice morning walk (two miles roundtrip), ate a pretty decent lunch (ham and cheese) and did write some.
Overall, the first week has gone well. We'll see what week two holds and whether or not I can minimize the sad sack of loose skin before swimsuit time hits. Thanks for reading, folks.
Monday, March 3, 2014
The Summer Cometh ... Week One
Well, it's been awhile since I posted here and that's because I've been slacking. The scale proves that in large numbers. I'm about ten pounds over where I want to be (at least) before the summer starts. You know the summer is nearly here, right? It doesn't seem that way with snow still falling in March but the summer will be here before you know it.
You know what else is coming when the summer arrives? Beach bodies. Girls in bikinis, dudes showing off their mighty six-packs. I know for a fact that girls worry about how other (often times younger) girls look in their bikini's, but (and I can only speak for myself here) as a fella I worry about how I look without my shirt. I was not kind to my body for many years and the damage shows. I do not compare favorable to the dudes with abs. Not at all.
The sad sack of loose skin still remains, still as ever stubborn as ever to get rid of. The stretch marks are still there. The blemishes are still there. I will be judged accordingly when it comes time to don a swimsuit. At least in the past I could get away with wearing a shirt (often times I didn't because I was 'proud' of who I was, laughable as that seems now) because no one wants to see the fat guy. It's an unspoken beach rule but one some choose to acknowledge.
I have no such excuse now. I can hide under a shirt but I have no reason to other than how I'm uncomfortable with showing off something so sad/horrible looking. But that's my penance for being the glutton in a past life.
That doesn't mean I'm giving up on it. I have, roughly, two months to trim down those ten pounds (which I can do in two weeks to a month, easily) and try to minimize the loose skin that still remains. Pilates is my method of choice.
Why? Simply put, results. Because of Pilates I fit into clothes I couldn't before and I have core strength. I have abs, but they're not visible sadly. But they're there and I use them every day and I hope to continue to develop them as I go along in life.
So, today, Blogilates (the Pilates I do via YouTube) posted a new workout calender for March. Focusing on Bikini Bodies, of course. I hit up the workout page for today and picked one I thought looked applicable to me. I picked video number three and was promptly taken back into the heat of things.
Sure, I could have stuck with the beginner calender but I've been doing that plenty. I remember most of the exercises I did there and have, from time to time, done them when I felt like it. I figured this would make this video less challenging, but I was wrong. Three minutes in and I was already feeling my pulse race. Then this shows up.
What kind of torture is that? That was the one that took the most out of me. Butt Pikes. The name isn't flattering but the burn? The burn is real. The rest of the video was a struggle, a mighty one at that, as I was thrown further and further into more ab-centric workouts. Which is exactly what I asked for, though I totally overestimated my ability to deal with it.
By the end, I was glad it was over and I'm totally willing to lay in bed and veg for the rest of the day. I will not but I'm willing to. Personally, I have will today to do workout things and I'm probably going to do some more. Maybe even outside (in the negative degree weather because ... well, because I can?).
But this video kicked my butt. Holy hell, did it ever hurt. You want some intense workout, do this video.
As for me, I'm gonna worry about the beach and nurse my wounded pride. Thanks for reading folks.
You know what else is coming when the summer arrives? Beach bodies. Girls in bikinis, dudes showing off their mighty six-packs. I know for a fact that girls worry about how other (often times younger) girls look in their bikini's, but (and I can only speak for myself here) as a fella I worry about how I look without my shirt. I was not kind to my body for many years and the damage shows. I do not compare favorable to the dudes with abs. Not at all.
The sad sack of loose skin still remains, still as ever stubborn as ever to get rid of. The stretch marks are still there. The blemishes are still there. I will be judged accordingly when it comes time to don a swimsuit. At least in the past I could get away with wearing a shirt (often times I didn't because I was 'proud' of who I was, laughable as that seems now) because no one wants to see the fat guy. It's an unspoken beach rule but one some choose to acknowledge.
I have no such excuse now. I can hide under a shirt but I have no reason to other than how I'm uncomfortable with showing off something so sad/horrible looking. But that's my penance for being the glutton in a past life.
That doesn't mean I'm giving up on it. I have, roughly, two months to trim down those ten pounds (which I can do in two weeks to a month, easily) and try to minimize the loose skin that still remains. Pilates is my method of choice.
Why? Simply put, results. Because of Pilates I fit into clothes I couldn't before and I have core strength. I have abs, but they're not visible sadly. But they're there and I use them every day and I hope to continue to develop them as I go along in life.
So, today, Blogilates (the Pilates I do via YouTube) posted a new workout calender for March. Focusing on Bikini Bodies, of course. I hit up the workout page for today and picked one I thought looked applicable to me. I picked video number three and was promptly taken back into the heat of things.
Sure, I could have stuck with the beginner calender but I've been doing that plenty. I remember most of the exercises I did there and have, from time to time, done them when I felt like it. I figured this would make this video less challenging, but I was wrong. Three minutes in and I was already feeling my pulse race. Then this shows up.
What kind of torture is that? That was the one that took the most out of me. Butt Pikes. The name isn't flattering but the burn? The burn is real. The rest of the video was a struggle, a mighty one at that, as I was thrown further and further into more ab-centric workouts. Which is exactly what I asked for, though I totally overestimated my ability to deal with it.
By the end, I was glad it was over and I'm totally willing to lay in bed and veg for the rest of the day. I will not but I'm willing to. Personally, I have will today to do workout things and I'm probably going to do some more. Maybe even outside (in the negative degree weather because ... well, because I can?).
But this video kicked my butt. Holy hell, did it ever hurt. You want some intense workout, do this video.
As for me, I'm gonna worry about the beach and nurse my wounded pride. Thanks for reading folks.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Day Twenty-Five: Breakroom Breakdown
So, yesterday during my lunch break I decided to throw decorum to the wind and bust out some Pilates right there on the breakroom floor. The not-so-clean, rather crummy breakroom floor. I managed to put aside my squeamishness and promptly tossed off my work shirt, unloaded my pockets of my keys and wallet, kicked off my shoes and went into a Pilates position.
I decided not to do a video this time around since I didn't have a lot of time to sit there and watch one. I could have, my phone is more than capable, but I didn't. I wanted to do this from memory and see if I could get the same feeling.
I started off with a couple of roll-ups (the one that is equal to six crunches) and then progressed to some 100s. It was different doing it on the break floor and I was surprised to find myself limber. I suppose working a few hours on my feet and lugging stuff around made me easier to pull it off, but things came easy.
It still felt good, though. After the 100s I did some cobras and then went into leg work with some triangles. I finished up with a few more roll-ups and then did some stretching afterwards to keep me loose. Overall, the workout took about fifteen minutes and I came away feeling quite good.
I was concerned that someone would walk in on me, but I suppose this is risk that I'm going to have to endure. I love the lunch break Pilates ... it's fast, it's quick, it gives me a chance to refocus for the rest of my shift, and it leaves me feeling good. I had wanted to work my way up to actually being brave enough to pull this off in the gym, so starting in my breakroom is just a way of getting there I guess.
I awoke this morning pleased with the results (a bit of soreness, favorable numbers on the scale) and that's adding in the five hours of baking cookies (that includes clean-up). That baking also includes a few cookies sneaked in (I'm bad). But the way the day went and everything, I was majorly pleased.
So, I'm going to standardize lunch break Pilates during my work-days and file a blog post after the fact.
I'll catch you folks later for Day Twenty-Six. Thanks for reading.
I decided not to do a video this time around since I didn't have a lot of time to sit there and watch one. I could have, my phone is more than capable, but I didn't. I wanted to do this from memory and see if I could get the same feeling.
I started off with a couple of roll-ups (the one that is equal to six crunches) and then progressed to some 100s. It was different doing it on the break floor and I was surprised to find myself limber. I suppose working a few hours on my feet and lugging stuff around made me easier to pull it off, but things came easy.
It still felt good, though. After the 100s I did some cobras and then went into leg work with some triangles. I finished up with a few more roll-ups and then did some stretching afterwards to keep me loose. Overall, the workout took about fifteen minutes and I came away feeling quite good.
I was concerned that someone would walk in on me, but I suppose this is risk that I'm going to have to endure. I love the lunch break Pilates ... it's fast, it's quick, it gives me a chance to refocus for the rest of my shift, and it leaves me feeling good. I had wanted to work my way up to actually being brave enough to pull this off in the gym, so starting in my breakroom is just a way of getting there I guess.
I awoke this morning pleased with the results (a bit of soreness, favorable numbers on the scale) and that's adding in the five hours of baking cookies (that includes clean-up). That baking also includes a few cookies sneaked in (I'm bad). But the way the day went and everything, I was majorly pleased.
So, I'm going to standardize lunch break Pilates during my work-days and file a blog post after the fact.
I'll catch you folks later for Day Twenty-Six. Thanks for reading.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Day Twenty-Four: Cracking Backs and Accountability
So, I jumped back into Pilates once more today. I've been feeling run down pretty much all week, physically and mentally, just from the constantly changing weather. It's gone from warm to cold to rainy and tomorrow it's supposed to be snowy. My allergies are taking a toll on me and I'm not feeling particularly atop my game, but I decided I needed some Pilates.
I hit the Beginner's Workout video and I managed to do it all. Breathing was difficult this time around with all the gunk in my nose, and I struggled to keep proper form as I struggled to breathe, but I managed. I was able to do something I haven't been able to do before -- I was able to tap fully behind my heel this time around while doing the triangles.
Now, this isn't a a super impressive thing, but I've never been able to fully do it before. I was only able to sorta halfway do it before. I was quite pleased with that. More so, I was very pleased with the multiple times in the video where I could hear my back crack and feel my muscles stretch.
Oh, it felt good. You never realize how scrunched up your spine becomes doing daily tasks (like sitting in front of the computer) until you hear your back crack as loudly as mine did. Between the back cracking, the muscle stretching, and the feeling of my abs working (hey, abs, you still exist!) I came away from this workout pleased.
Admittedly, that feeling is a good one and one I want to last, but I've been having some serious accountability issues of late as far as my workouts go. I somehow manage to talk myself out of them because I don't "feel" like it. That's a weak sauce excuse and I've been justifying it for too long. I'm not suffering too negatively but I don't feel as well off as I did during the summer when I hit Pilates on a near daily basis.
Thusly, I'm just gonna set aside a time of day to do Pilates automatically, probably after work. I work better on a set schedule. Yes, I do have a gym membership now so I'll be doing the Pilates in addition to the gym stuff. This will allow me to get back to feeling good and in-shape. Sure, I technically pass for in-shape but I don't feel it anymore.
I've felt bleh a lot of days this week. As the holiday season approaches, maintaining good habits will be crucial in fighting off the dreaded holiday backslide. I don't want any part of it this year. I was able to minimize it last year, I failed utterly the year before, but this year I want to completely eliminate it (or at least get really close). The holiday season is rife with easy routes to bad decisions.
I aim to do my best not to make bad choices. So in order to do that, I need to make good choices and Pilates is one of those.
I think keeping on a regular schedule will also help keep me more accountable. I'll admit, it's harder to find motivation now than it was when I first started Pilates (or even when I first started working out in general). Before it was about weight loss and making myself more flexible. Now, it's about maintaining that and maintenance is comparatively boring. It doesn't hold my attention nearly as well and it doesn't inspire a sense of "working towards the greater good" like weight loss or increasing my flexibility did.
I am a goal-oriented person so without those two, tangible goals sitting there I find myself at a loss. The goal for the next two months or so is to avoid backsliding. That's more abstract than I'd like but I have plenty of horrible pictures of myself that I'd rather burn than look at ... so maybe I'll look at those to remind myself what the holiday season can do to a person.
Fear doesn't seem to be a good motivator in the long-term but for a few months it might work.
Whatever the case, today was a good workout. I sweated. I was tested. I come away feeling better than I did.
See you folks for Day Twenty-Five.
I hit the Beginner's Workout video and I managed to do it all. Breathing was difficult this time around with all the gunk in my nose, and I struggled to keep proper form as I struggled to breathe, but I managed. I was able to do something I haven't been able to do before -- I was able to tap fully behind my heel this time around while doing the triangles.
Now, this isn't a a super impressive thing, but I've never been able to fully do it before. I was only able to sorta halfway do it before. I was quite pleased with that. More so, I was very pleased with the multiple times in the video where I could hear my back crack and feel my muscles stretch.
Oh, it felt good. You never realize how scrunched up your spine becomes doing daily tasks (like sitting in front of the computer) until you hear your back crack as loudly as mine did. Between the back cracking, the muscle stretching, and the feeling of my abs working (hey, abs, you still exist!) I came away from this workout pleased.
Admittedly, that feeling is a good one and one I want to last, but I've been having some serious accountability issues of late as far as my workouts go. I somehow manage to talk myself out of them because I don't "feel" like it. That's a weak sauce excuse and I've been justifying it for too long. I'm not suffering too negatively but I don't feel as well off as I did during the summer when I hit Pilates on a near daily basis.
Thusly, I'm just gonna set aside a time of day to do Pilates automatically, probably after work. I work better on a set schedule. Yes, I do have a gym membership now so I'll be doing the Pilates in addition to the gym stuff. This will allow me to get back to feeling good and in-shape. Sure, I technically pass for in-shape but I don't feel it anymore.
I've felt bleh a lot of days this week. As the holiday season approaches, maintaining good habits will be crucial in fighting off the dreaded holiday backslide. I don't want any part of it this year. I was able to minimize it last year, I failed utterly the year before, but this year I want to completely eliminate it (or at least get really close). The holiday season is rife with easy routes to bad decisions.
I aim to do my best not to make bad choices. So in order to do that, I need to make good choices and Pilates is one of those.
I think keeping on a regular schedule will also help keep me more accountable. I'll admit, it's harder to find motivation now than it was when I first started Pilates (or even when I first started working out in general). Before it was about weight loss and making myself more flexible. Now, it's about maintaining that and maintenance is comparatively boring. It doesn't hold my attention nearly as well and it doesn't inspire a sense of "working towards the greater good" like weight loss or increasing my flexibility did.
I am a goal-oriented person so without those two, tangible goals sitting there I find myself at a loss. The goal for the next two months or so is to avoid backsliding. That's more abstract than I'd like but I have plenty of horrible pictures of myself that I'd rather burn than look at ... so maybe I'll look at those to remind myself what the holiday season can do to a person.
Fear doesn't seem to be a good motivator in the long-term but for a few months it might work.
Whatever the case, today was a good workout. I sweated. I was tested. I come away feeling better than I did.
See you folks for Day Twenty-Five.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Day Twenty-Three: Back to Pilates
Well, two months later and I have returned. It's been busy. From moving, to finding a new job, to getting settled, and more, there has been little time for Pilates. I must say, I missed it. It seems to be the common theme when I go without Pilates.
Today I set forth to do it after work. I had the closing shift so I didn't get out of there till 10 o'clock at night, and I had a busy day. My job in retail is full of variety and labor, and I run all over the store. Literally. I'm the only one who does but I can cover distances faster that way. Plus, it's a decent workout.
So, I was pretty tired when I came back this night. I thought I'd pass on it and wait, but I had made a commitment to myself to do it. Hell or high water, I was going to at least try. So I tuned back into the Beginner's Workout video and expected to get nailed.
The first few minutes were a good refresher course on what I needed to do properly, namely my breathing, and then the real work started. And after the first set of 100s, I was back in it. It was a struggle at first, I'll admit, but I was pleasantly surprised to find my form was in decent shape. I can only attest this to the fact that I've practiced her breathing techniques and some of her exercises for a few minutes during my lunch breaks.
That and sucking in my belly button during the course of the days kept me in decent enough shape to tackle this video. I found my form and I proceeded to do the video well. I felt the burn, mind you, and it felt good. I missed the feeling of ... well, feeling my muscles work. Shaking from the strain and concentrating on getting to the end of the movement.
I thought for sure I was going to get blasted by this video but instead I found myself not dying. Which felt awesome.
Today, in general, has been one of feeling pretty good. My mood has been good all day and I think having Pilates to look forward to really helped with that. Furthermore, now that I'm in Ohio, I think I'll search out a real Pilates class. There's a nearby gym that might have one, but I want to go ahead and show up in public. Sure, it's probably not going to be pretty, but I'm ready I think.
I can fit into teenage boy clothes thanks to Pilates. I find that a success worthy of sharing. ;)
I'll be hitting up Pilates on an every-other day basis I think until I work myself back into everyday shape, but I'm very pleased with tonight's effort. Once again, I highly recommend this to anyone. Just thirty minutes a day and you can see some definable benefits after a month or so.
At the very least, it'll make you feel good about yourself and that can't be undersold.
Thanks for reading, folks. See you for Day Twenty-Four.
Today I set forth to do it after work. I had the closing shift so I didn't get out of there till 10 o'clock at night, and I had a busy day. My job in retail is full of variety and labor, and I run all over the store. Literally. I'm the only one who does but I can cover distances faster that way. Plus, it's a decent workout.
So, I was pretty tired when I came back this night. I thought I'd pass on it and wait, but I had made a commitment to myself to do it. Hell or high water, I was going to at least try. So I tuned back into the Beginner's Workout video and expected to get nailed.
The first few minutes were a good refresher course on what I needed to do properly, namely my breathing, and then the real work started. And after the first set of 100s, I was back in it. It was a struggle at first, I'll admit, but I was pleasantly surprised to find my form was in decent shape. I can only attest this to the fact that I've practiced her breathing techniques and some of her exercises for a few minutes during my lunch breaks.
That and sucking in my belly button during the course of the days kept me in decent enough shape to tackle this video. I found my form and I proceeded to do the video well. I felt the burn, mind you, and it felt good. I missed the feeling of ... well, feeling my muscles work. Shaking from the strain and concentrating on getting to the end of the movement.
I thought for sure I was going to get blasted by this video but instead I found myself not dying. Which felt awesome.
Today, in general, has been one of feeling pretty good. My mood has been good all day and I think having Pilates to look forward to really helped with that. Furthermore, now that I'm in Ohio, I think I'll search out a real Pilates class. There's a nearby gym that might have one, but I want to go ahead and show up in public. Sure, it's probably not going to be pretty, but I'm ready I think.
I can fit into teenage boy clothes thanks to Pilates. I find that a success worthy of sharing. ;)
I'll be hitting up Pilates on an every-other day basis I think until I work myself back into everyday shape, but I'm very pleased with tonight's effort. Once again, I highly recommend this to anyone. Just thirty minutes a day and you can see some definable benefits after a month or so.
At the very least, it'll make you feel good about yourself and that can't be undersold.
Thanks for reading, folks. See you for Day Twenty-Four.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Day Twenty-Two: I Have Endured
So, I took nearly a week off from Pilates and not on purpose, mind. Last week I got super busy and just lost track of it all. I was gonna try and do some on Saturday, but decided to be a major bum and do some writing. Yesterday, I set forth on doing some major cleaning.
I cleaned an entire basement. Organized, swept, vacuumed, washed, and more. I'm proud of the work. It looks good to me and it was quite a workout.
But today was the day to get back onto Pilates because, holy mess, was I ever sore this morning when I woke and sore for most of the day. I missed Pilates fiercely and I was looking forward to it today even though I anticipated sucking it up big time.
The first video was just a nice cardio warmup. These types of videos don't present an issue to me and I gladly did it. I needed the warmup as the last two days have been rainy and cruddy, which means I barely got any outside time in because I hate dealing with rainy and cruddy.
The second video was one focused on slimmer calves and thighs. My calves, I've been told, look good. I mean, they're huge, and that's to do with all the walking/running I did previously in my weight loss regiment. I wish they weren't so huge but they are. My thighs are large, too, and I would very much like to see them slimmer but they don't touch anymore. Back when I was in the 200s, they would touch all the time. I destroyed a lot of jeans thanks to those thighs.
So, the focus of this video was a focus I'm all for. But this video was a challenge and not a cakewalk, not at all. Majorly important for this video (and all Pilates videos) was proper breathing technique. I was out of practice early in the video but I managed to find my form.
Once I did, this video became a lot easier. I kept my breathing and my form, I kept my pace, and I felt it working. I know this video so well now that I can close my eyes and just listen to what she says, as I've committed the movements to memory.
Cassey is easy on the eyes but often distracting ... at least for me, a male.
I was able to do a lot of this with my eyes closed and I found that much more relaxing than usual. I peeked every once and awhile to make sure I was doing things right, but overall my eyes were closed as I felt the burn.
Did I ever feel it. I was close to cramping up a few times but my breathing kept me from getting to that point. I was on the edge of it, but I wasn't there.
Once I got done with the video I exclaimed, "God, I missed Pilates." And I did. My body loves this and I share its sentiments, the Pilates have been a real good thing for me.
But then the third video arrived. I anticipated this being harder than the last time I encountered this video. This time I upped the weights in the bags by five pounds, getting me close to 15 pounds in each bag. Last time was too easy. I needed to feel it this time.
I felt it. Oh, did I felt it. My calves and my legs were in agony after the first minute of the movement. Things were tense and I was shaking from my waist down. Standing on the balls of your feet for such an extended period and pulsing on those same feet is difficult. It was hard.
But I got through the video.
My endurance has really picked up thanks to Pilates and not just for Pilates things either. Yesterday's clean-a-thon in the basement was a testament to that, as well as the previous weekend's house work.
Hell, I may just be brave enough to do these in a class. I'm nearly done with the beginners videos and, seeing as I'm moving to Ohio this week, finding a legit Pilates class (that doesn't charge preferably) would be fun.
...
Maybe.
At any rate, the benefits are so good with this that I won't be quitting. Pilates is awesome and even on days when I'm tired and sore (today) I can still summon the energy to do it.
Thanks for reading folks and I'll see you for Day Twenty-Three.
I cleaned an entire basement. Organized, swept, vacuumed, washed, and more. I'm proud of the work. It looks good to me and it was quite a workout.
But today was the day to get back onto Pilates because, holy mess, was I ever sore this morning when I woke and sore for most of the day. I missed Pilates fiercely and I was looking forward to it today even though I anticipated sucking it up big time.
The first video was just a nice cardio warmup. These types of videos don't present an issue to me and I gladly did it. I needed the warmup as the last two days have been rainy and cruddy, which means I barely got any outside time in because I hate dealing with rainy and cruddy.
The second video was one focused on slimmer calves and thighs. My calves, I've been told, look good. I mean, they're huge, and that's to do with all the walking/running I did previously in my weight loss regiment. I wish they weren't so huge but they are. My thighs are large, too, and I would very much like to see them slimmer but they don't touch anymore. Back when I was in the 200s, they would touch all the time. I destroyed a lot of jeans thanks to those thighs.
So, the focus of this video was a focus I'm all for. But this video was a challenge and not a cakewalk, not at all. Majorly important for this video (and all Pilates videos) was proper breathing technique. I was out of practice early in the video but I managed to find my form.
Once I did, this video became a lot easier. I kept my breathing and my form, I kept my pace, and I felt it working. I know this video so well now that I can close my eyes and just listen to what she says, as I've committed the movements to memory.
Cassey is easy on the eyes but often distracting ... at least for me, a male.
I was able to do a lot of this with my eyes closed and I found that much more relaxing than usual. I peeked every once and awhile to make sure I was doing things right, but overall my eyes were closed as I felt the burn.
Did I ever feel it. I was close to cramping up a few times but my breathing kept me from getting to that point. I was on the edge of it, but I wasn't there.
Once I got done with the video I exclaimed, "God, I missed Pilates." And I did. My body loves this and I share its sentiments, the Pilates have been a real good thing for me.
But then the third video arrived. I anticipated this being harder than the last time I encountered this video. This time I upped the weights in the bags by five pounds, getting me close to 15 pounds in each bag. Last time was too easy. I needed to feel it this time.
I felt it. Oh, did I felt it. My calves and my legs were in agony after the first minute of the movement. Things were tense and I was shaking from my waist down. Standing on the balls of your feet for such an extended period and pulsing on those same feet is difficult. It was hard.
But I got through the video.
My endurance has really picked up thanks to Pilates and not just for Pilates things either. Yesterday's clean-a-thon in the basement was a testament to that, as well as the previous weekend's house work.
Hell, I may just be brave enough to do these in a class. I'm nearly done with the beginners videos and, seeing as I'm moving to Ohio this week, finding a legit Pilates class (that doesn't charge preferably) would be fun.
...
Maybe.
At any rate, the benefits are so good with this that I won't be quitting. Pilates is awesome and even on days when I'm tired and sore (today) I can still summon the energy to do it.
Thanks for reading folks and I'll see you for Day Twenty-Three.
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