Working It Out

Monday, March 18, 2013

So, like you may already know, last week I jumped back on the workout wagon! I've been feeling like garbage all winter long, and I'm determined to get fit for summer! I've had some questions about what I'm doing to work out, so I thought I would share it with you!

I really want to focus on strength training, and so that's been a big part of it. I'm not doing any super heavy lifting or anything, and I will probably have to up my weights/intensity at some point, but for now, this is what I'm doing.





Source: youtube.com via Amy on Pinterest





Some of these probably look familiar, huh? Yes, I had them as a part of my Oh, How Pinteresting a couple weeks ago. I've been doing them on Wednesdays and Saturdays. I also do more for my ab set, usually a lot of boats and planks (normal and side), until I really feel it! I also throw in some more for my lower body, like some extra sets of squats and lunges, and some more arm work with weights. I've been adding a little bit each week, because I don't want things start getting too much easier.

I have some at home dvds too, that I can do if I want to switch things up. I'm a really big fan of the Biggest Loser workouts. I have a Bob Harper yoga, and Jillian Michaels last chance. They are both good ones for strength training! I also have the Supreme 90 Day System set of dvds. I've never done P90X, but I think these are similar, at least in idea. They are very intense intervals of weights and fast cardio movements. I tried to follow the system last summer and then quit after two weeks, but they are great to split up and use as my upper or lower body workouts!






Even though my main goal is to get really toned, I still have to do cardio to lose some of this fat! As some of you know, I'm training for my third 5k run. I sign up for the same one every year, and it seems to be the only thing that really motivates me to get running! Or working out at all. At least this year, that seems to be the case. So the program I've been following is from Fitness magazine, and you can find it here.

I end up training three days a week, doing a combination of walking and walking/jogging intervals. (Let me just say that it is a whole lot easier than the training program I followed for my ten mile run last year!) Then, I have my two days of cross training (my strength training days) and two rest days. I do my ab workout everyday except rest days. It's a pretty easy program to follow, and I'm really liking it so far.

Food wise, I've been doing a low carb diet/lifestyle change. I'm not following anything specific, I'm just trying to follow the "no white" rule. It usually seems to work pretty well for me, and I would love to be able to stick to it for good! Or at least only have those white foods on occasion. The biggest benefit I get from eating this way, is the fact that I have to replace the starches in my meals with fruits and vegetables, and that makes such a difference in how I feel! I'm really liking it, and I hope it's something I can continue to do long term.

I'm also currently in the middle of a No Dessert March challenge!



Source: snuzzy.com via Amy on Pinterest
WHAT?? NO DESSERT??



It really hasn't been too hard, and I think it's been totally worth it. Sugar is just not my friend, both in weight-loss terms, and in how I feel physically.

Right at first, I felt like I was doing everything right, but it I wasn't seeing a lot of results! The scale just wasn't budging, and I didn't notice any of my clothes fitting better either. I was starting to get a little discouraged. There's nothing worse than busting your backside, and having nothing to show for it!

The last few days though, I've started to notice some changes! Like my arms being more toned, some ab definition, and the scale finally starting to move! I'm pretty happy about it, and even though it doesn't seem like much, I'll go for the small victories. I hope to start seeing more of a change in how my clothes fit soon. I bought those pink skinnies I've been wanting, but they are a little too tight for me to be comfortable wearing them in public. I don't care as much about the scale, as I do getting into those pants! Ha!

So there you have it, my workouts and how I'm eating. I hope it was informative, and inspiring to some of you to get your own workout on! If you're anything like me, and the diet always "starts on Monday" then hopefully this will get you active today!

Have a great week everybody, and a special thank you to all of my new followers! I'm glad to have you all reading along!

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10 comments

  1. I used to be very "I'll start on Monday" or whatever, about my goals, but I've definitely learned that there is no time like the present, and it never hurts to try today! Good for you for working out and switching up your diet, whatever your motivation. I hope you can stick with it, and GOOD LUCK! Also, don't know if you'd seen this yet, but you'll want to: http://www.moorea-seal.com/2013/03/1000-shopping-spree-giveaway.html

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    1. Thanks :) and yes, I did see that! It's awesome, probably one of the best giveaways I've see so far!

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  2. I know what you're feeling. I feel like after I lost around 18-20lbs I hit a plateau. I'm trying to mix it up a little and see if that helps - like I don't know working out harder!? hahah It's really frustrating when you work and don't see results but we just have to keep one another motivated! It's great that you're so honest it will help you hold yourself accountable!

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    1. Yeah, I've pretty much figured myself out at this point! I think mixing it up might be the key, and I'm hoping that the strength training will work for me. I've always been a cardio junkie when it comes to working out, but I've yo-yo'd back and forth between the same 10-15 lbs the last couple of years, and I'm over it! I'm ready to be in one spot, and to maintain! :)

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  3. Yay! Keep at it - sounds like you're doing great! I love that Tracy Anderson arm workout - it's so much harder than you think it'll be from just watching it! I'm trying to get some upper body strength for the first time in my life (haha) and push-ups have seemed to work wonders for me!

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    1. Oh yes it is! I love it too :)
      And yeah, I'm trying to get the arms back that I had when I played sports in high school! I totally took them for granted when I had them!
      Push-ups are great, and I've actually been thinking that I need to add more of them into my workouts :)

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  4. Hi Amy.
    I'm exercising lover and happy massage hula hoop owner :) You doing great! Wish You success in everything !

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  5. Great job!!! I hope it's not just an exercise wagon but a lifestyle :)
    Enjoy your small victories!! Reward yourself (no sugar like you said haha) :)

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    1. I hope so too :) and thanks, I'm trying! Maybe I'll buy myself some new nail polishes or something!

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