Sworkit! My Next Step...and a Birthday Challenge

I've added a new resource to my workout bag...and it requires NO EQUIPMENT! I ran across this awesome app called Sworkit*. I currently utilize the free app and find it adequate at this point. Sworkit offers strength training, stretching, cardio and yoga exercises. You can use a pre-structured workout or you can customize your own. One of the best perks about this app is that it can link directly to my MyFitnessPal account and will sync any workouts I complete with a touch of the screen. It's super easy!!! I completed my first strength training circuit today and was surprised at how much I am already feeling it.

I've known that at some point I would need to begin adding in strength building exercises...and I decided today would be the day. I've also decided to set another challenge before myself. If you remember, I made a 30 before 30 bucket list a while back. I've been able to scratch several things off of that list, but one thing that will take time (and might I add that I'm half way there...) is losing 30lbs before I'm 30. Now in reality, this may have to be postponed if the Lord blesses us with another pregnancy (which I am WAY OKAY with!). However, until such time as we are blessed again, my goal is to lose those 30lbs...15 more to go! Sorry for the rabbit trail...the challenge I've set before myself is this...complete the At Home Crossfit Workout every other day. I have input the exercises into Sworkit and will be using it to help me complete this challenge. This challenge runs from today (March 9) to April 9 which will be my 29th birthday. I feel like it will take a bit more encouragement to complete this circuit training than it does to do my regular cardio...so this challenge plus my regular cardio, which is prepping me for my upcoming 5k, will hopefully result in some great change.

I'd love it if you'd join me. Check out the app and find motivation where you can. Here's to wishing everyone a safe and wonderful upcoming week!

*I was not compensated to promote any of the resources mentioned in this post.

Monthly Weight Loss Update with Pictures

Okay...here I go! This is my first ever weight loss blog post that includes pictures. I have always been super self conscious but I know that eventually these pictures will serve as motivation. I hope to some day look at these posts and think "I can't believe that was me!"

Eventually I hope to get to where I'm posting my weight, but until then I'll be posting the amount of pounds I've lost.

I began this journey on December 29th. This was spurred by a doctor's visit that resulted in post-pregnancy hypertension (crazy since up until my pregnancy I had never had blood pressure issues). Weight loss should help ease my high numbers, both blood pressure and BMI. This will also hopefully help as we begin thinking about adding another tiny human to our family. It has also been suggested that weight loss will help ease my PCOS symptoms. And if nothing else...I'll be able to fit into my clothes again...and hopefully add some fun, confident items to my wardrobe (I've been making a list)

Thanks to a lot of support from my hubby and close friends I'm making progress. I joined a January Fitness Minutes Challenge with SparkPeople (and have already signed up for the February challenge). I've also been faithfully tracking my food and exercise with the MyFitnessPal app. This has been almost painful at times as I see my food choices. It really helps me see what I'm eating. I've gained a much better grasp of portion control over the last few weeks. Weight loss is not easy but it can be done!

Okay. Enough. Here are this month's numbers...

From December 29-January 29 I have lost

January 2014

This was a picture of me in October 2013, 6 months postpartum. I know you can't tell by my face (or maybe you can) but those jeans were cutting off my oxygen. In fact, every pair of jeans I owned were really tight and uncomfortable. I could have lived in yoga pants. I'm proud to say that my jeans fit and button easily these days.

 

I've already encountered many difficult days that include some emotional eating (which I am also gaining control of) and some nights that I excused (made excuses for) myself from exercise. I find that when I am not constantly giving my portion control, contentment and exercise routine to the Lord that I quickly begin falling into old habits. Fortunately, God is always there to help me pick right back up...I hope that you too will look to Him for encouragement along whatever journey you may be traveling.

Five on Friday!

This is not a week I would personally want to relive...so I am glad to say that it's time for Five on Friday!

I've been doing a bit of reinventing, reorganizing, readjusting, etc. around here lately. With the intention of living a more purposeful life, I've been simplifying, de-cluttering, and embracing things within my control. I thought I'd share some of the things I've been utilizing to make these ambitions become reality.

[one]

I've been diligently working on ways to get into better health. This has not been easy since I've been struck down with sickness over the last couple of weeks. (I'm currently working through a sinus infection-blah.) It's as if my body is retaliating against my healthy choices. I will not be defeated! This week I ran across a blog that gave me great inspiration. I'd like to introduce you to Amy at Simply Amy! She and I have battled the life long haul of weight loss and good health. A lot of her story resonated with me and I felt instantly connected to her blog. I love the recipes she posts, her advice, and the positive outlook that she shares.

[two]

A few months after my daughter's birth, I attempted to get back on the weight loss wagon. I had only a couple baby-weight pounds left to go and really wanted to rid myself of them. The new routine and demands in my life threw me for a loop and I put myself pretty low on the priority list. At the start, I began using MyFitnessPal. It is an app that allows me to account for all of my nutrition, track exercise, set goals, etc. I love the Nutrition monitoring, especially since I have to be very aware of my sodium intake at this point.

[three]

Another resource that I've been using for a few years now is Spark People. I used to use it for the same purpose as MyFitnessPal but I now primarily use it to stay connected to the people I've met along my journey and it also has a wonderful recipe library.

[four]

My need for organization does not stop in the home. I've also been trying to keep a handle on my classroom. I've developed a pretty good system that allows me to stay ahead on lesson plans and copies. I've known for a while that I've needed to get together sufficient emergency sub plans. Honestly, after making my maternity plans last Spring, I was over sub plans. However, the reality is, an emergency could happen at any time and I need to have things in place for my students as well. I created a Sub Tub that now houses emergency lesson plans, procedures, and anything else necessary should I have an unexpected absence. I thought I had a picture...oops! I'll try to post one soon :)

[five]

Finally I wanted to share an update on my Plan.

1. Set goal-lose 10% body weight

2. Make a plan-eat more cleanly, focus on portion control, lean on my accountability partner, exercise 15-30 minutes 5 days a week.

3. Get to Work-as of today I am gaining a firm grasp on portion control and cleaner eating. I'm making more low sodium choices and putting more thought into my food choices. I'm working developing a plan for incorporating exercise into my week. I'm hoping to jump into this very soon (the knee is still on the mend and this sinus infection impacts my overall functionality.)

I hope to take Amy's idea of posting monthly on my weight loss accomplishments, no matter how big or small.

Happy Friday!

*I provided favorable recommendations for several products in this post...all of which were done without compensation.*