I'm Sore...

... & I am happy about it.

Since my last post, I've kept up a pretty decent work out routine. I've also been eating A LOT healthier. After putting so much effort (and sweat) into working out, it definitely makes me think twice about what I eat (or drink). I decided if I was really going to put 110% into this that I'd need to cut out soda completely. My goal is one month, and then I'll see where I'm at after that, and maybe keep it up but allow myself one a week. Giving up soda is really difficult for me, I just love it way too much.

Like I mentioned in my last post, I started desiring a healthier lifestyle recently because I've been observing a few of my close friends really commit to getting healthy. This is one bandwagon I am glad I jumped on! I also signed up for a free account with My Fitness Pal (it's also an app!). You're able to document what you eat and also your exercise for the day. It will give you a set calorie goal amount for the day determined by your age, height and weight. The best part is that you can add friends and you're able to comment on each other's pages and stuff. Pretty neat, especially if you're looking for accountability. It's also teaching me a lot about the foods I eat. I've never been one to pay attention to calories, or nutrition facts. I am amazed and how many calories are some foods!!

My work out routine is 2 days on, 1 day off, 3 days on, 1 day off. So far it's been going really great! I will say, I am looking forward to tomorrow being my day off. I am pretty worn out.

Today was super special, because I was able to spend the majority of today with Jamey. We went and sat on the rocks in Dana Point and just talked about life, and our life together. I absolutely love that about our relationship. We are able to talk about anything, and I love how much I walk away being so encouraged and excited too! Afterwards, we came back to my place and watched Dirty Dancing (he'd never seen it before), then my sister made us all turkey burgers (so good!) and then after that I said I wanted to work out. I didn't expect that he'd come with me, but he did! That is why today was so special. He is much healthier than I am, which I like, because he motivates me. He's come a long way with his health and so he is able to encourage me in this time. He is also eating better and working out more too! I loved working out with him. It felt silly at times, but it was definitely the push I needed to get through it.

 

He's my favorite.

Enjoying our view & our time together on the rocks

Working hard my with my love!
(We did not plan to match, haha)

Here is a peek into some of the artists that I listen to while working out:
Jimmy Eat World
Thrice
Local Natives
Underoath

& that about sums up the last couple of days! I hope you're all enjoying this week! If you have any healthy tips or advice, please send them my way!

XO

Brenda

Physical Health: 2012

At the beginning of this year, I talked about a four "goals" for this year, all having to do with my health. Spiritual, Emotional, Physical and Financial Health are my aim and focus for 2012. Today I had a sudden motivation to work out. Now, if you don't know me, let me tell you - I never work out. In fact, I don't even remember the last time I ran, or even walked quickly... anywhere. Yes, it's that bad. Needless to say, I'm really out of shape.

A friend of mine told me that you can go online and get a free 3 day pass to work out at any 24 Hour Fitness gym. I signed up online today, and dusted off my work out clothes (it's funny to me that I even own these), got a towel and water bottle and headed for the local gym! I had to get a pep talk from my friend prior to going to the gym. I am clueless when it comes to working out. She gave me good advice on what to do and what not to do. I walked into the gym and instantly felt like everyone was staring at me. I'm sure they weren't, but I will be honest, I felt sightly insecure. Being in a foreign place, and not really knowing how things work, and what to do, it can be pretty threatening. But, I stuck it out! 

I started by warming up on the treadmill, just to get my heart rate up and my body warmed up. That in and of itself was difficult for me. After that I stretched, then did crunches, and proceeded to work out my arms and legs. I spent some time on the elliptical and then felt like I should go out with a bang: cardio time on the treadmill. I knew I would need to run a good amount, at a good speed to get an actual efficient work out. So, thankfully I had a sweet playlist made up, and I just knocked it. I covered the machine with a towel so that I wouldn't be discouraged or distracted. This definitely came in handy! I ended up running 2 miles at a pretty decent speed and didn't stop (I did intentionally slow down every few minutes so that I could keep up my endurance).

All of this to say, I am pretty proud of myself. I went into this work out discouraged and fearful, but I left feeling so much better about myself! This is not for anyone else, just me. I am responsible for my own health, no one else. I currently can't afford a gym membership, but I do have access to the outdoors, so it's my hope to be more active. Feel free to hold me accountable for this ;)

Just a glimpse into my awesome playlist.
Music definitely motivated me during my work out!

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What about you? Do you work out regularly? Do you have any work out tips?

XO

Brenda