Week 30 for Jess

Sun-Mon: nothing
Tues: Biggest Winner Maximize: Back in Action
Wed: 30 Day Shred, Level 3
Thurs: walked around Knott's Berry Farm all day
Fri: 30 Day Shred, Level 1
Sat: yoga class with Emiy - so fun!


12/28 note - It feels so good to get back to basics!

12/31 note - first week in a long time that I worked out all week. It feels so good; I missed working out so much. I think if I get sick again, I'm going to work out anyway - maybe just walking, but something, because I feel so much better when I exercise.

-Jess

Emily's week 16

Saturday - nothing (Christmas Eve!)
Sunday - nothing (Christmas!)
Monday - restorative yoga (about 15 minutes, just to loosen me up a bit)
Tuesday - restorative yoga (60 minutes)
Wednesday - nothing
Thursday - nothing
Friday - nothing

Weeks 25-28: nothing, because I was sick.

Week 29:
Sunday-Tues: nothing
Wednesday: "Biggest Winner: Maximize: Back In Action" - longest DVD title ever (I could have added "Jillian Michaels'", but a nice, short, intense workout. A good first one back.)
Thursday: "Biggest Winner: Maximize: Full Frontal" (another Jillian Michaels - matching DVD to the one I did yesterday)
Fri-Sat: nothing

Back to it!

-Jess

Emily's week 15

Saturday - restorative yoga (60 minutes)
Sunday - nothing
Monday - nothing
Tuesday - restorative yoga (60 minutes)
Wednesday - nothing
Thursday - vinyasa yoga (60 minutes)
Friday - nothing

With Jonathan on vacation, I was able to get to an extra class this week (8am classes don't work when I have to take him to school at that time!) Katie Peckham and I traded babysitting today so I could go to yoga at 8am and then she went to the gym at 9:30. It worked out beautifully, and we're going to do it again next week!

spinning plates and low expectations

I've loved the conversation (and honesty) on here about what to choose. Someone once told me that you do each day what is the most important to you. So at the end of the day I can see a visual of my true priorities...it may be indications that I need to re-evaluate what is important to me but what I want and what I accomplish never (NEVER) line up. Right now in this season for our family (Daniel is 5 weeks old) we are adjusting to very little sleep and the busyness of four five and under. On top of life we are selling everything we have, preparing to move out of our home (in several months) and into my parents and raising our support in preparation to depart for Sudan. Let's just say between this and homeschooling I have found great success in setting really low expectations.
I tend to set expectations way too high and then feel discouraged, so for this season I have three each day clean laundry, no dishes in the sink, and time with God to set the tone for our home. These are my priorities and I find my day is successful when I have completed them. I have other things I try and get done but don't allow myself to get overly discouraged when the sun goes down and they are left incomplete. This, for this time, has allowed me to focus on my kids and their needs more then I would normally be able to and just cherish moments instead of being caught up in to dos.

Thanks for encouraging me gals I've loved reading your post and being challenged to exercise even though I am a silent participant :-)

Emily's week 14

Saturday - yoga class (75 minutes)
Sunday - nothing
Monday - nothing
Tuesday - nothing
Wednesday - nothing
Thursday - nothing
Friday - nothing

Thank you, everyone! It is encouraging to hear that I'm not the only one who can't keep all the plates spinning all the time. :)

I especially liked what Yolanda said here:

"But it can be a challenge to keep my priorities in check and avoid stressing about all the other items on the to do list that have to fall by the wayside."

This is exactly my problem: I think that everything is (or should be) a priority, and get frustrated when that (obviously) doesn't work.

Kelly, your goal of something for the family and something for you each day made me think more clearly about what I actually do during the day. For the family, dinner and/or laundry tend to be my priorities. For me it is usually an orderly house (I get really stressed by visual messes) and/or reading for pleasure. And once I really thought about it, I realized that exercise just doesn't have the same importance to me as either of those. Hmm. Now to decide if it should, or if I should just quit internalizing the culture's stick-thin expectations...!

Jess, your comment about it not being sloth, but rather "triage" made me laugh, and I think you're absolutely right! My whole life is one big triage room right now. :) Thinking about it that way is helpful.

So again, thank you for your encouragement and wise counsel. I'm blessed to know you girls!

dropping plates

Um, yes, something always gets dropped.  Always.

Ironically, I, one of the more regular exercisers here, dropped exercising off for this last month due to health issues and I still had to drop housework on top of that because of other circumstances!!!

So my approach (and this may not be the wisest), but I mark two goals each day as the 'must-have' goals: one is the must-have for my happiness (exercise is usually this. Sometimes sewing.  Sometimes a nap); the second is the must be done for the happiness of the family (usually this is dinner.  If I luck out and there are enough leftovers, then it becomes another chore.  Sometimes it is doing an art project with the kids and then we have cereal for dinner or smthg equally easy and silly.)

In other words, our household is always running a bit behind somewhere and I have come to terms that this just happens when you have small children.  I think our memories of our parents households having it together have a lot to do with us being teenagers helping out with the chores!!!

I think that this season of our lives is more about training than anything else.  We are training ourselves to be disciplined and training our children (not just in character, but in helping out around the house).  And I think this means that things get done less as a result now for the purpose of being taken care of in the future, if that makes sense.

I'm not saying that I don't get annoyed with the seemingly continual chaos, messes and lack of accomplishments, but I realize that what is more important is my attitude than anything else.  And, that brings me back to the main reason I exercise: my mental health.

The Mystical Magical Art of Plate Spinning

Emily, I have no idea to keep all the plates going at once.

Case in point: my exercise schedule for the last several weeks.

Week before Thanksgiving: 4 exercise sessions (the most I've done in a long time!)

Week of: One exercise Class

Week after Thanksgiving: 2 exercise classes

First full week in December: 3 exercise classes (back on track!)

This week: 1 class, if I'm lucky, in addition to my feeble attempts to squeeze some kind of activity into my daily schedule.

I wish I was better about exercising regularly. After all, it is important to maintaining good health - and sanity! But when I add in all my other responsibilities - husband, 2 year old son, full time job - and the other related facets of these responsibilities (maintaining a home and family budget, finals followed by a 10 day minimester, job applications, and other professional responsibilities), I find that I just can't put my all into everything. So I try to prioritize and understand what is most important for the week I am in. This week, it was class prep and job applications. Next week, it will job applications and holiday prep. I will get my exercise in when I can by doing a few simple exercises while my son naps and attending the Saturday morning exercise classes, but I beyond that, I can't worry about what I can't do.

As long as I keep my priority list for the week relatively short (1 to 3 items), I can usually achieve my goals and feel like I've accomplished something each week. But it can be a challenge to keep my priorities in check and avoid stressing about all the other items on the to do list that have to fall by the wayside.

a bye week

Emily - I've been thinking about your last post, and I think the way that I handle it is that I let each category of things have a "bye week". I mean, this month, the kids' school schedule is bizarre and there's tons of holiday prep, and so I'm not pressing myself to get my writing done. Right now, my writing has a bye week. Some days I think, "today is all about writing" and the housework is what slides. Other times I know the kids really need some intensive one-on-one time and I prioritize that and something else gets neglected.

I think you're right: we can't do it all. At least not all the time.  So I cycle things. I attend to one thing and get that plate spinning, then leave it to continue on with its momentum, and turn to the next thing and get it spinning faster, and so on.

I think you have to be okay with saying, "this part of my life isn't stellar right now" but only if you're ending that sentence with "because there is something else more important that I'm attending to". So, not sloth, just triage.

I'm guessing that you never reach a point of life where this isn't necessary, and our dissatisfaction comes with assuming that we will reach that point, and so we get angry that we're not there yet. But I don't think there's any "there" there. Or rather, no "there" here. There is certainly a rest to come for God's people. And He gives to his beloved sleep, even here on earth.

But I do think that part of wisdom is the ability to say, "this now, and not this". And then not to get stuck in that evaluation when the situation changes.

Which it always does.

I hate change. I'm just saying. Golly, everything should stay the same forever and I should just be allowed to sit on the couch reading and drinking coffee.

(Okay, that last bit was my thirty-something angst, not my ideal self. Heh.)

-Jess

Emily's week 13

Saturday - yoga class (75 minutes)
Sunday - nothing
Monday - nothing
Tuesday - nothing
Wednesday - nothing
Thursday - nothing
Friday - nothing

Phooey. This is not going as planned.

Ok, girls, I want to know if the rest of you have the same problem I have. Namely that something always gets dropped each week. Every week I'm aiming for a clean house, clean laundry, healthy meals, quality kid time (reading, preschool, park, play, etc.) and exercise. (And church work and doula work and getting-ready-for Christmas, of course.) Every week something gets dropped. If I'm exercising, it is a good bet that my house isn't clean or I'm not paying enough attention to the kids. Rationally, it doesn't seem like it should be this way, but practically that does seem to be how it plays out.

Is this just me? How do you manage to keep all the plates spinning at once?

Emily's week 12

Saturday - yoga class (75 minutes)
Sunday - yoga class (75 minutes)
Monday - nothing
Tuesday - nothing
Wednesday - nothing
Thursday - nothing
Friday - nothing

Well gee, I'm glad I went to those classes on the weekend! ;)

taking a step back

blood work came back good!  Seems the heartburn was totally unrelated (doc thought it might be a thyroid issue) and am treating it as it's own separate thing now.  I was left with the reminder, though, to "Take it easy.  Remember--nursing a baby takes a LOT out of you."

That is true and, in hindsight, I do think I was pushing my body to hard.  I plan on starting exercising again next week, but I am going to just plan on simple workouts and I will add more on a day to day basis only if I have the energy and not because I feel compelled to.  Yes, it may not keep the panic attacks completely at bay, but, my body doesn't have the energy to do otherwise right now.  And, honestly, it is okay if I need to rely on people once in a while to help me when my hormones get out of control.  I don't always need to be completely self-sufficient.

In other news, I am in my favorite pre-preg pants again!!!  I ironically lost more weight in the last couple weeks after I stopped exercising.

another week off

The anemia was making my workouts too hard and I've been experiencing chronic heartburn since my last period (my third in six weeks due to that brief spell on the mini-pill totally screwing up my hormones).  I'm going to the Dr today to get checked out and see if it is okay to workout while trying to re-establish healthy iron levels and to see if the heartburn is related to the anemia or another issue altogether.

Darn my body!

11 Holiday Dessert Recipes You'll Love: self.com

Because I'm always in the market for healthier desserts (yes, I know that is an oxymoron), I thought you might enjoy these recipes too.

11 Holiday Dessert Recipes You'll Love: self.com

Emily's week 11

Saturday - nothing
Sunday - nothing
Monday - walking stairs at the park (about 20 minutes)
Tuesday - nothing
Wednesday - running/walking/carrying heavy objects (45 minutes)
Thursday - nothing
Friday - heavy yard work (1 hour and 45 minutes)

This week has been about fitting things in (I've been extra busy, trying to catch up after the birth last week and then getting ready for Thanksgiving). Also about resting my wrist, which is hurting consistently. So my workouts were kind of creative. :) But they sure raised my heart rate, and I'm proud of myself for doing something, and not letting busy-ness and pain be an excuse not to try.

Also, here is my winterized garden!

Before (look at the size of that plant!!)



After:

Weeks 23 & 24 for Jess

Not much for week 23 - I got sick. Yes, again. Yes, I am tired of this pattern. Oh well.

Week 24:
Sunday: nothing
Monday: nothing
Tuesday: 27/40 minutes of Personal Training with Jackie DVD
Wednesday: nothing
Thursday: No More Trouble Zones DVD
Friday: nothing
Saturday: nothing

Hey! I worked out twice! I'm still sick, but not working out was starting to make me feel crappy, so I worked out a couple of times anyway.

If I was really smart, I might sleep at least 8 hours a night too . . .

-Jess

Emily's week 10

Saturday - yoga zone dvd (45 minutes)

Sunday - nothing
Monday - yoga zone dvd (22 minutes)
Tuesday - yoga at the park (about 20 minutes while the kids played!)
Wednesday - nothing (resting my wrist which has been hurting)
Thursday - birth support
Friday - birth support

Well, this is a fabulous week. Good for me. :)

I am SO SORE from the birth! Counter-pressure, and leaning over a bed at odd angles, and supporting a "limp and loose" mama who is leaning all her weight on you, and squatting in front of her as she sits on a birth ball (not to mention staying up all night...) that is some workout!

Break

After a two mile jog on Monday, I took the rest of the week off.  I just needed a break and I am glad I did (and glad that it was during a time of the month I could manage emotionally!).  The craziness of family visiting last week plus my anemia struggles just had me worn out.

I am really annoyed I'm anemic now (especially since I'm pretty certain it was that brief episode on the mini-pill that started it.  It totally messed up my cycle).  I just wish I had pushed myself to exercising 40 minutes first without trying the pill as a cop out! Anyhow, since starting floradix a couple days ago, I'm already feeling  little better.  

Good Week

I have been loving Bob Harper's Pure Strength DVD (except for some of the silly "hardcore" camera shots, etc..). There is a beginner 20 min workout and a one hour knock your socks off hard sort of work out. I had been trying to do the hour long workout, but I was seriously sore for an entire week. When I am lifting a baby and wrestling a toddler all week too, it is just not practical for me to be that sore. So, I am contenting myself with the beginner. That combined with walks, my bike, and some good old yard work is giving me plenty of variation to stay motivated.

I can't remember what day was what (still coming out of the sick/baby fog from last month), but my goal was to do Bob 3x, walk at least 5 days, and the bike 2x, with a smattering of yard work. I missed a day on the bike, and didn't as long of walks in as I wanted everyday, but pretty much met the goal.

Yay!

Week 22 for Jess

Sunday: nothing
Monday: 30 Day Shred, Level 1
Tuesday: nothing
Wednesday: Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism
Thursday: Dancing with the Stars: Cardio Dance (jive section)
Friday: Personal Training with Jackie (40 min. circuit)
Saturday: nothing

This was a great week. And I had extra incentive: I bet my brother $10 that I could lose 10 lbs. before he could (which might be a bit nuts, considering how much taller than me he is!) and we're going to be weighing in once a week. If we both hit the 10 lb. mark at the same time, we're gonna go spend the money together. (thanks to Yolanda for the inspiration!)

It's totally fun - nothing like a little competition to get things moving!

-Jess

Week 21 for Jess

Nada y nada por nada.

I'm blaming my pulled tooth; I just hurt all week.

But, back at it today, so hopefully this will be the week-of-getting-back-to-normal.

-Jess

Last week

Got to the gym on Tues, Thurs, AND Sat. Determined to at least try to meet the 10 lb weight loss challenge I signed up for (besides, I want my $10 back!). Will see if I've made any progress on Thursday of this week.

If anything, I'm trying to be more careful about what I eat in addition to working out more (goodbye chocolate candy snacks - for the most part . . .). If I can keep this up for a month, I know these will turn into good everyday habits for me. Here's to healthy success!

recap

M-3 miles
T and Th--45 min pilates, light weights and yoga
W-4 miles
F-2 miles

Emily's week 9

We'll just skip this week, shall we? :)

Recap of Last Week

I am back in the groove, having returned to my 2x/week exercise classes. I also signed up for a 10 lb weight loss challenge at my gym. My aerobics instructor is monitoring the participants, who have all paid $10 to join the challenge. The gist: try to lose 10 lbs in 4 weeks (right through Thanksgiving!). When you lose your 10 lbs, you get your $10 back.

I don't actually think I will lose 10 lbs that quickly, but the challenge has motivated me to be more careful about what I eat and will get me in the gym on Saturday mornings. Other bonus: if I actually do lose the weight, I will expand my wardrobe again (my pre-pregnancy clothes are still too small, but I nearly fit into a lot of them).

Katie, I have all the ingredients to make your muffins, but I haven't baked them yet! Between my hubby's law school applications, my job applications, and student essays, my free time is quickly disappearing.

recap (not so much)

So, we went to my parents for a long weekend this last week.  I exercised but can't remember what I did for the first half of the week.  Oh, well!

I did enjoy a break from running for a few days and used my parents' exercise bike.  Although I prefer running, I have found that every so often its nice to give my muscles a break and alter things up a bit.

The increased cardio continues to help with my hormonal imbalance.  No real problems the last couple weeks.

Week 20 for Jessica

Sunday - Power Yoga with Rodney Yee (60 min.)
Monday - 30 Day Shred, Level 1

And then that's it. Because I got sick AGAIN. Argh! I'm so sick of being sick. I'm hoping this is the end of it.

-Jess

Emily's week 8

Saturday - yoga class (75 minutes)
Sunday - nothing
Monday - nothing
Tuesday - nothing
Wednesday - yoga, my pace (30 minutes)
Thursday - nothing, sick
Friday - nothing, sick

Hopefully I'll feel better in time for the yoga class tomorrow morning!

Crazy Weeks All Around

No exercise for me last week. Was dealing with a sick child. He had a pretty high fever, and our AC went out the same day he developed it. No fun for anyone.

This week, it's time to get back on track. I'm going to try out your bran muffin recipe, Katie, get back in the gym, and try to add a Saturday exercise class (assuming we don't head down to the Homecoming parade that morning). Wish me luck.

BTW, Self.com has daily tips for snacking smarter. Thought you might appreciate this one: http://www.self.com/tips/healthy-snacks/02-100-calorie-snacks

Weeks 18 & 19 for Jessica

On Monday of Week 18, I did Ripped in 30, Level 1.

On Monday of Week 18, I did the 30 Day Shred, Level 1.


And that's it! the first week, it was because I got caught up in writing. This last week, it was because 5 of the 6 of us got sick (including me).

So, you know, back to the drawing board!
-Jess

recap

Okay, so I tried doubling my workout time this week (from 20 min-40ish) and it has done the trick in helping me feel myself again.   It's been awhile since I've felt so good!  However, it has been a very tiring week with all the extra exercise and I am going have to re-format my days off next week because 5 days in a row of 40 min exercise was way too much.    I just couldn't do it today despite my best intentions!!!

sa/su--rest
mon--4 miles
tues--4 miles
wed--2 miles, 20 minutes pilates
thurs--4 miles
fri-1 mile speed run.  8 min 10 seconds.  my record pre-preg was 7 min 30 seconds.

Emily's week 7

Saturday - nothing
Sunday - nothing
Monday - nothing
Tuesday - nothing
Wednesday - nothing
Thursday - No OM dvd (15 minutes)
Friday - dance party with the boys (10 minutes), yoga at my own pace (20 minutes)

It has been a nutty week. Hopefully I'll get back on track now.

snacks and water tip

I cannot help with recipes as I refuse to bake unless it involves lots of fat and butter.  (:

However, my quick go-to snack is a rice cake with peanut butter and honey on top.  Simple, easy and quick.  I also like to snack on pickles and beef jerky.  Ok.  I guess I realize now this isn't helpful because none of these are really satisfying for a sweet tooth.

One GREAT tip, though, I got from my midwife: when you drink your water, squeeze a slice of lemon into it and add a little honey and a pinch of salt.  It makes the water more tasty and instead of the water working to flush out the nutrients in your body, your body absorbs the nutrients in the water!!!!

My biggest tip is the more water you drink the less stuff you crave.  I really mean it.  Every time I have a craving, I first drink at least two glasses of water and I usually find that the craving has diminished.

Last week

Just body shaping on T/Th once again for me. I had planned on adding a Saturday morning class to the routine, but Little Ted developed a fever on Friday morning and is still battling it. His illness is going to affect this week's workout as well - no class for me tomorrow so my hubby and I can take him to the dentist and *hopefully* get to the bottom of this not-so-pleasant infection.

Thanks for the great recipes. I have been in a baking mood lately, and these are much healthier options than the chocolate croissants I made over the weekend. Will report back once I try them out - after our A/C is fixed. It went out the same day Little Ted's fever started. *Sigh* When it rains, it pours!

Bran Muffins

I posted this recipe on my own blog, but thought you all might like it too:

http://making-room.blogspot.com/2011/10/bran-muffins.html

I literally eat these with milk or coffee/milk everyday. They are high fiber and low in calories and contain only fruit and honey to sweeten them. Enjoy!

Oh, and last week I walked and did Bob's pure strength workout again (1/2 one day and 1/2 the next). I still feel it today and have to break up the strength training with the walks. It is perfect for someone like me who has hip troubles, but is otherwise in good shape. Often after a workout with Jillian, the jumping and cardio segments would set off my bursitis.

Emily's week 6

Saturday - No OM yoga dvd (15 minutes)
Sunday - nothing
Monday - No OM yoga dvd (30 minutes)
Tuesday - nothing
Wednesday - No OM yoga dvd (15 minutes)
Thursday - nothing - dang it, I totally had time and actually FORGOT!
Friday - more dental work :(

My right wrist and shoulder are acting up again. This appears to be my permanent nemesis, and may necessitate a visit to a physical therapist.

Because of the wrist and shoulder, I'm mostly doing core and lower body yoga with the No OM dvd. My favorite is the lower body workout, although I find that I wish she would do the same flow of movements in twice as much time. While I get the reason for the 15 minute segments (heck, that's what attracted me in the first place!) I feel rushed through the poses. Maybe I'll work on memorizing the flow, and then aim to complete it in 30 minutes instead of 15? Something to think about.

week recap

Wow.  This week was exciting.  The mini-pill caused me to have migraine aura and I learned that migraine aura symptoms are very similar to stroke symptoms and that is why you are supposed to rush to the doctor if you have those symptoms while on the pill.

Exciting.

But, needless to say, I have stopped taking the pill and am now back to square one with figuring out how to self-regulate my hormones.  The next attempt, which is probably the most effective, is to step up my cardio to 40-45 minutes a day.  I have been aiming primarily for just 20-30 these days.  I've been doing that W/Th/F and feeling great.

Sa/Sun-rest
Mon-2.5 miles
Tues-rest
Wed,Thurs, Fri--4 miles

Granola bar recipe

I posted this as a comment to Yolanda, but thought others might miss it in the comments. For anyone who'd like to try them, here is the granola bar "cookie" recipe:

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup WW pastry flour
1/4 cup sucanat (or brown sugar)
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 t salt
1 t cinnamon
1/2 cup melted coconut oil (or butter)
1/3 cup honey
2 eggs
2 t vanilla
approx. 1 cup add ins (I use about 1 T. chia seeds, maybe 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, and fill the rest of the cup with well chopped walnuts.)

Preheat the oven to 350 deg. Line a 9x13 pan with foil or parchment paper and coat with a little oil. Combine the dry ingredients, then combine the wet ingredients separately (I usually just use my 2 cup glass measuring cup) Pour the wet into the dry and stir until well blended. Press evenly into a pan - I find a piece of parchment paper makes this a lot easier!

Bake 25 to 30 minutes - it is done when it is starting to turn golden. It usually takes 25 min in my oven. Let cool completely then turn out onto a cutting board. Cut into bars or squares and store in an airtight container.

Last week's workouts

Su - nothing

M - nothing

T - body shaping

W - nothing

Th - body shaping

F - nothing

Sa - nothing

I thinking I've been in this aerobics class long enough that my body has gotten used to the exercise. I don't feel wiped out at the end of the class and can keep up with the exercises better now.

Goals for next week: add a day of working out (I need more movement to get the weight loss going again)

Find more healthy snacks (Halloween candy & cookies aren't helping me with my goals - any suggestions for healthy replacements?)

kelly recap

sat-rest
sun-3 miles. 20 minutes pilates
mon-2 miles, 20 min pilates
tues-2 miles, 25 min pilates
wed-4 miles
thurs-2 miles
fri-2 miles

Emily, week 5

Saturday - nothing
Sunday - nothing
Monday - No OM yoga dvd (30 minutes)
Tuesday - nothing
Wednesday - nothing
Thursday - No OM yoga dvd (15 minutes)
Friday - nothing


I'm not thrilled with the way this week went. We had car repairs to deal with (boy, do those ever mess up the daily plans!) and I've also been feeling really sick for the past 10 days or so. Nothing new; the familiar fatigue and headaches have just gotten a lot worse. As of Thursday I'm following my doctor's suggestion to remove gluten from my diet. She says that if I do that for 30 days, it should become very obvious if that is the problem or not. I can't decide if I hope it IS the problem (at least then I'd know what is wrong) or if it ISN'T (at least then I wouldn't have to completely change the way I eat).

I hope you don't mind if I include a little nutrition in my posts, since this is kind of all part of getting healthy for me right now. And honestly, I'm very discouraged and could use some prayer and accountability for both exercise AND nutrition right about now.

Week 17 for Jessica

Sunday: nothing

Monday: 30 Day Shred, Level 3

Tuesday: 30 Day Shred, Level 2

. . . . aaaaaaand then, nothing, not for the rest of the week. I'm sorry, it was over 100 degrees, and that's just not RIGHT in October. I made a conscious decision to wait for cooler weather. So, an unproductive week, work-out-wise, but not a bad one health-wise.

-Jess

Nothing/Something

I missed out on exercise two weeks ago :( because Little Ted was having some serious sleep issues. He's now happily settled in a toddler bed, and I was back in the gym last week as a result. Definitely was more sore after Tuesday's class due to one week break. Thursday's body shaping class was taught by the fitness director at my gym. Let me tell you, this woman is hardcore, but I was able to keep up for the most part and worked off Tuesday's soreness.

For this week, I plan on adding a day in the gym - I've plateaued on the weight loss front and need to push myself more physically to see results again.

Week 16 for Jessica

Sunday: walking around the Huntington (not a lot - just a bit of wandering)

Monday: Ripped in 30, Level 4 (easier than Level 3 - what is it with Jillian's videos saving the hardest workout for the middle?)

Tuesday: nothing

Wednesday: Ripped in 30, Level 1

Thursday: nothing

Friday: Ripped in 30, Level 2

Saturday: Ripped in 30, Level 3

A good week!

-Jess

Emily's week 4

Saturday - vinyasa yoga class (75 minutes)
Sunday - restorative yoga class (90 minutes)
Monday - Yoga Prayer dvd (20 minutes)
Tuesday - nothing
Wednesday - nothing
Thursday - Yoga Prayer dvd (15 minutes)
Friday -nothing

I really wanted to get a little more exercise in today, but started my period and that was the end of that idea. I haven't been eating properly lately, which is stupid, because when I don't I have miserable periods. :( Still my goal was 4-5 days a week and I've met it, so I'm happy. :) I'll take the weekend off and probably be back at it on Monday.

Kelly Week 12

Sat-rest
Sun-4 mile hill run.  My favorite route and I did it!  Of course, I had to stop a few times to catch my breath and drink some water but I ran the whole thing!
Mon-rest
Tues-2 mile and 20 minute pilates
Wed-2 mile
Thurs-2 mile
Fri-2 mile

For whatever reason, I seem incapable of doing Pilates consistently.  I think it is because it is hard to exercise for me first thing in the morning (I've been running at 7 a.m. on the weekdays) and between that and the chaos of getting the kids ready for school as soon as I return, I've lost my mojo before I have a chance to do Pilates.  I'll keep trying.

In other news, I learned at the doctors that I only have 4.5 lbs to lose!  I suspected that much, but it is nice to have a number sometimes (I don't own a scale).  This is definitely a record as it took me 3 years to lose my baby weight from Edmund!

Week 1

Saturday - 2 mile walk
Sunday - 2 mile walk
Monday - 2 mile walk
Tuesday - 2 mile walk
Wednesday - 20 minutes bike, Bob's "Pure Burn, Super Strength" 20 minute beginner workout
Thursday - 2 mile walk, Bob's "Pure Burn, Super Strength" harder workout (only 30 minutes)
Friday - 2 mile walk
Saturday- sick, but still walked outside out of necessity (3 year olds do not understand when mommy is sick. Energy still must be burned or Luke will drive me insane!)

Emily's week 3

Saturday - nothing
Sunday - nothing
Monday - nothing
Tuesday - No OM yoga dvd
Wednesday - No OM yoga dvd
Thursday - nothing
Friday - 75 minute vinyasa yoga class

Week 11 recap

Sat/Sun--rest
M-jog 2 miles, 10 minutes pilates
T-jog 3 miles
W-jog 2 miles, 10 minutes pilates
Th-rest
Fri-jog 2 miles

Took it easier this week because I was just so dang tired and stressed from hormone issues.  Next week should be better.

Week 15 for Jessica

Sunday: nothing

Monday: 30 Day Shred, Level 1

Tuesday: Ripped in 30, Level 3 (may I say: this one gave me a taste of the exercise-induced nausea I used to get in high school track! didn't puke, but did have a bit of that, "oh man, I'm getting light-headed here!" sensation in the last cardio circuit!)

- and that was it for the week, as I caught my kids' cold and just felt kind of crappy the rest of the week.

-Jess

Week 14 for Jessica

Mon: 30 Day Shred, Level 3

Tues: nothing

Wed: Ripped in 30, Level 1

Thurs: Ripped in 30, Level 2

Fri: nothing

Saturday: Bob Harper Cardio Conditioning DVD - 60 min. section

yoga, week 2

Monday: yoga dvd
Tuesday: yoga dvd
Wednesday: yoga dvd
Thursday: rest (my shoulders were hurting)
Friday: root canal - spent most of the day in bed from novocaine reaction and pain once it wore off. :(

Hopefully I'll be back to normal and back on the wagon on Monday!

The Past 5 Weeks

School started about a month ago, which explains why I haven't posted much. Since that time, I've gotten back into a gym exercise routine.

• Week 1: confused circuit around the gym; ran on treadmill and did machine weights
• Week 2: started body shaping aerobics class 1x/wk - intense hour of cardio and weight training. Highly recommend it
• Week 3: body shaping
• Week 4: body shaping 2x/wk
• Week 5: same

Was definitely sore the first 2 weeks after starting the class, less so on the 3rd week, so I started using heavier weights. Back to being sore this week.

Don't think I've lost any weight since getting back into an exercise routine, but I'm not worried. I can see that I'm less flabby, and some of my work clothes that didn't fit at all I can squeeze into now - hopefully they'll fit comfortably in a couple of months.

Week 10 recap

Sa-3 mile run
Su-rest
Mo-2 mile run
Tues- 2 mile walk
Wed-3 mile run, 2 mile walk
Thurs-2 mile run, 2 mile walk
Fri-3 mile run

Having a hard time being motivated to do pilates these days.  I need to work on that for the sake of my poor back.

week 13 for Jessica

Mon: 30 Day Shred DVD, Level 1

Tues: 30 Day Shred DVD, Level 2

Wed: nothing

Thurs: nothing

Fri: No More Trouble Zones DVD + some jumping jacks

Sat: Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism DVD

Yay! I'm exercising again. I didn't think I'd missed it that much (because I didn't feel like exercising), but once I started, I felt so much better.

-Jess

Week 9 recap

My ninth week of postpartum exercise marked two milestones: 1) My first 3 mile run postpartum and 2) My achievement of a weight-loss goal 3 months early!  I now fit into my clothes from England before I started exercising like mad.  I also can now zip up my favorite pre-preg pants!  They are a bit tight, but I could get away with wearing them if I wanted to.

So, basically, my metabolism seems to have kicked up a notch a couple weeks ago and the weight is starting to fly off, and I actually think I might be my pre-preg size again by Christmas; maybe even earlier!  I am very pleased, of course, as that is 6 months before I expected to.

Sat: ran 3 miles
Sun: break
Mon: ran 2 miles; 10 minutes pilates
Tues: ran 3 miles
Wed: ran 2 miles, walked 2 miles
Thurs: walked 2 miles
Fri: ran 2 miles

Walking

I still can't seem to get organized enough to write down what I am doing everyday, but I have been walking a lot- probably about 2-3 miles a day about 5 days a week. Because of the heat and humidity and tiny baby (which don't mix well :) ), I have walked in malls, outside early in the morning, or just around with Rebekah in the baby bjorn. I don't know how it is in CA, but here we have a lot of mall walkers! I saw a lot of moms and strollers too! Maybe I'll make a friend?

Also, I vaccumed and felt really good to have mopped my floor this week. I was really proud of that-It has been awhile :{

She's back?

Maybe? I keep trying, anyway. This time I have a new schedule, and hopefully a better plan to make yoga happen. I'm thinking I'll try posting weekly updates, like Jess and Kelly do, and hopefully that will help keep me on track.

So for the past week:

Thursday: yoga dvd, core
Candlelight Yoga (75 minute class)
Friday: yoga dvd, lower body

The goal is 4-5 days of dvd yoga each week, plus one class as long as I can afford it.

weeks 11 & 12 for Jessica

I think I did a round of the 30 Day Shred at the beginning of week 11, but then I got the bright idea to write my husband a novel for his birthday, and all my exercise time disappeared. Totally worth it, but boy I'm gonna have a time of it this next week as I start working out again!

-Jess

recap

m/t/w--2 mile run
th--2 mile run plus 2 mile walk

the weight is going quicker than I expected (which is encouraging).  however, my hormones are unfortunately out of control again due to my cycle returning and I am struggling with panic attacks again.  I am going to try running 3 miles tomorrow and see if 'up'-ing the exercising helps.  I'm also drinking soy milk again to help. Hopefully that works.  In the past, my hormones didn't regulate till around month 7 or 8 postpartum.

challenging week

Sorry if this is tmi, but  I started my first postpartum period this week (just 3 months!  So not fair!).  This made exercising a bit more challenging as I was extra fatigued, crampy and was having panic attacks again due to the hormone surge.  Ah! However, I still managed to exercise although the workouts weren't as long or intense as last week (I basically scrapped pilates and ran one day less).

Jesse and the girls also started school this week and I'm having to get up and run at 7 before Jesse takes them to school (they start at 8:15).  I am not a morning person, so this has led to some humorous running episodes (like me falling asleep while running).  Ah, well.  I'm sure I 'll adjust with time.

S--ran 2 miles
M--ran 2 miles, 20 minutes Pilates
T/W--walked 2 miles
TH/F--ran 2 miles

Weeks 9 & 10 for Jess

At the beginning of week 9 I did an hour-long Bob Harper DVD, and then I went roller-skating for half an hour the next day, and then basically did nothing for two weeks.

I ate well though, so I didn't gain any weight.

The heat's finally hit here, so exercising in the late afternoon, as I normally do, is now pretty miserable. So I'm working waking up earlier (which I have to do anyway for the school year) and exercising in the morning. Worked today!

-Jess

week 6

MWF-  2 mile run and 20 minutes pilates
T/TH- 2 mile run and 10 minutes pilates

Last Week

I walked 2-5 miles a day five of seven days and felt great. Now we are back in the heat and humidity-we'll see how much I can do.... :(

Week 5

Sa: Day Off
Su: Ran 2 miles
M: Ran 1 mile, 20 minutes Pilates
T: Ran 2 miles
W: 20 minutes Pilates
Th: Ran 2 miles, walked 2 miles
F: 20 minutes Pilates

This week I hit a bit of the "I'd rather be doing something else" mental struggles and remembered from the past that the key to maintaining routine is to NOT entertain those thoughts until I've started exercising.  It worked!  Once I started exercising, I was instantly happy that I forced myself to.

Week 8 for Jess

Just have to say: it's lovely to see more activity on here these days! :D

Here's my summary for last week:

8/7- Sunday
8/8
8/9 - Ripped in 30 DVD, Level 1. Also, 14 minutes of rollerskating.
8/10 - 24 min. of alternating walking and jogging; 1.8 miles. (with my brother! so fun!)
8/11 - Xtreme Timesaver Training DVD
8/12
8/13 - Bob Harper Cardio Conditioning DVD - 60 min. section

And yesterday I went rollerskating for over half an hour. I passed a runner who told me that I was "cheating" and I'm still not sure if he's referring to the fact that I was skating instead of running or that I was using the grassy verge to brake. :D (I suck at breaking, and I've had enough experience with broken bones to be cautious on my skates - much as I love going fast.)

-Jess

Had to Post

I just finished an hour long walk with Luke, Rebekah and my in-laws. Southern CA is so beautiful right now. Rebekah was in the baby bjorn and Luke was treated to a wagon ride care of Papa. :)

Week 4 recap

Today marked a month of exercising regularly!  Yay! I also did not have any panic attacks this week despite dealing with some high stress.

Sa/Su-took a break
M- ran 1 mile, 20 minutes Pilates
T-ran 1 mile
W-ran 1 mile
Th-ran 2 miles
Fri-ran 1 mile, 20 minutes Pilates

My plan was to do Pilates M/W/F and run 2 miles on T/Th, but I caught another cold on Tuesday and that slowed me down for a couple days.

Starting Up Post Baby

Well, we had heat advisories almost everyday in Houston, so there has not been much outside activity. Luke hates for me to do exercise videos inside and does not nap any longer, so that has been out too.

Fortunately we got a great deal on some plane tickets and got the chance to come out to CA for two weeks. 65 degrees this morning? In August? Awesome. Today I began walking with purpose again. Luke was in the stroller and baby Rebekah was taking a nap in her favorite place- the baby bjorn. We walked for 1.5-2 miles I think. It was a route I am not too familiar with. I plan on doing that with some of these that I found at Marshalls today for $20. I love them- I think that they are the most comfortable toning shoes around.

I am going to try to exercise as much as I can while in temperate weather and to help my postpartum anxiety troubles. As far as weight goes, I am sorry to say this Kelly, but I am already back to my pre-preg weight- actually 5 lbs less. But then, I was thinking about it and my ore-preg weight was not very low to begin with. Also, I don't have the muscle that I did before the baby either. I think I found a weight that my body is happy with, and so it is easy to get back to it. If I wanted to be thin again like in high school, I would need to drop another 20lbs. I think though that I have given up on size 4. :)

It is fun to see everyone posting again!

Today

Just finished my first workout for the week, which puts me a little behind where I would like to be. 15 mins of yoga on the Wii Fit, followed by 3 of the arm exercises you see in the video below - I could only do about half because I can't find my 2 lb weights. Guess that means it's probably time to clean . . .

I like them because they work more than just the arms - in fact, my legs are more tired than anything else right now.

Back again

Greetings all! Finished my diss and could use some accountability, so I'll be checking in here more often. Ted and I got gym memberships in May, and I lost about 10 lbs. before I had to give up exercise for a month (thanks to gallbladder surgery). That month is now up, and I need to get back to it! Haven't gotten back to the gym next, but I do have a subscription to Self magazine, which has some great exercises. Will try to do three days of weight workouts this week.

Week 7 for Jess

8/1
8/2 - swimming & walking, plus 300 jumping jacks, 60 squats, 60 lunges, 60 bicycle crunches, & 30 push-ups
8/3 - swimming, plus 300 jumping jacks, 60 squats, 60 lunges, 60 bicycle crunches, & 30 push-ups
8/4
8/5 - swimming, plus plus 300 jumping jacks, 60 squats, 60 lunges, 60 bicycle crunches, & 30 push-ups

8/6

Hi ladies! The weird-looking workouts are because we were camping in the Sierras all week. But I didn't want to get that awful bump-on-a-log feeling you can get on vacation sometimes, so I did calisthenics. Plus some of the more normal swimming and hiking activities that come with being in the mountains.

Hope you all are well!

week's recap

S--1 mile jog
M--1 mile plus 10 minutes pilates
T--1 mile plus 50 crunches
W--2 miles
Th--1.5 miles
F--1 mile

I'm feeling pretty good about things.  I've lost a few pounds already.  Still don't fit into many clothes, but I can now zip up a couple of my larger size 8 pants.  My guess is I still have about 10-12 lbs to lose at this point.  But, given that I lost a few pounds just after a couple weeks of running, I'm feeling fairly optimistic. My goal is to be a solid size 8 by Christmas (my size before I started exercising regularly two years ago) and back to my pre-preg 6 by next summer.  I think those are fairly reasonable (if not generous) time frames.

This week, I'm going to try to do Pilates more regularly to build up my abdominal muscles to help my back out.

Weeks 5 & 6 for Jessica

7/17 - Sunday - 40 minute walk
7/18
7/19 - No More Trouble Zones DVD
7/20
7/21
7/22
7/23
7/24 - Sunday
7/25 - Jackie Warner Xtreme Timesaver Training DVD
7/26
7/27
7/28
7/29
7/30 - Personal Training with Jackie DVD & 30 min. walk

recap

ran 5 times this week.  pretty good considering i've been battling a cold!  panic attacks are greatly diminished already and i am feeling my strength slowly returning.

it's funny...being postpartum again.  i forgot how after i initially give birth, i hang on to whatever weight is leftover for a few months before i start losing weight.  depressing, but true.  trying to deal mentally and emotionally with that.  i have 15 lbs to lose and although it is the least amount i've ever had to deal with postpartum, it has been the hardest.  i think because i was in such good shape before and i miss not just the thinness of my body but the strength.  i miss running long and hard.

good week

Ran a mile every day except Thursday.  I even managed to do crunches and pilates 3 times this week!

Week 4 for Jess

7/11 - Jackie Warner Xtreme Timesaver Training DVD
7/12 - Ripped in 30 DVD, Level 2
7/13
7/14 - Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism DVD
7/15
7/16

starting up again

Just got back from a mile run.  Ran a mile yesterday too.  My thrush has healed up so my boobs thankfully don't hurt anymore.  However, my panic attacks have been happening a lot more (at least once a day).  So, Jesse and I decided yesterday that I have to run a mile every day and try to nap every day to get under control again...hopefully we'll see results before he leaves for Chicago next Sunday (he'll be gone a week). I'm not looking forward to that.

yoga, take three hundred seven

Hey, at least I keep trying, right? :)

We're on a new schedule here - Josiah changed his nap and Jonathan will be starting a school schedule in a couple of months - between the two my entire routine got shaken up. Generally I don't like drastic changes to my routine (ok, I always, always, always hate them) but this time there was a silver lining: I found a new place to put yoga.

I'm trying out The No OM Zone, which is a hand-me-down from Jess. She didn't like it, but I do! It certainly isn't high intensity (which probably explains why Jess didn't like it). It IS nicely paced, with just enough instruction to be helpful, and no weird spirituality (hence the name).

I'm aiming for 3-4 times a week, starting AFTER our upcoming vbs week. :)

Week 3 for Jes

7/3 -
7/4 - Ripped in 30 DVD, Level 4
7/5 - 30 Day Shred DVD, Level 3
7/6 - Ripped in 30 DVD, Level 1
7/7
7/8
7/9 - 30 Day Shred DVD, Level 2

Week 52, and Year 2, Weeks 1 & 2

Hey, glad to see some activity - and Kelly, way to go with starting up again, even if it's start-and-stop. That's the way it always is, it seems (just look at my example below!)

Year 2, everybody!

6/12 - Sunday

6/13 - Jackie Warner Xtreme Timesaver Training DVD
6/14
6/15
6/16
6/17
6/18
6/19 - Sunday - 35 min. run (3 miles)
6/20 - 30 min walk
6/21 - Personal Training With Jackie DVD
6/22
6/23
6/24
6/25 - 3-4 hours backpacking w/ about 25 lbs. pack
6/26 - Sunday - 3-4 hours backpacking w/ about 25 lbs. pack
6/27
6/28
6/29 - 20 min. circuit-training workout from Shape mag. 5/11

6/30

7/1 - Ripped in 30 DVD, Level 3

7/2 -

taking a break already

Things were going great but last night I was feeling weak after my run and then got a bad case of the chills a few hours later.  Mastitis!!!  Now I know why I had a headache off and on the last few days.

Anyhow, needless to say, I am taking a break.  This is my very first ever case (and thankfully, it seems mild).  It is probably the result of trying to do too much too fast.  So, I think when I get better, I'll just do walking as my exercise and some light pilates and ease into cardio more slowly.  Ah, well.

Exercise Plan

Although I wasn't planning on running yet (still spotting lightly), yesterday, my panic was starting to get out of control and so I went on my first run to battle it.  I jogged a very slow mile, but felt IMMENSELY better afterward.  No bad side effects (as in no extra bleeding).  So I think I can safely start working myself into a routine again.

Here is my plan, we'll see how it works:
M,W, F: One mile walk in the morning with kids.  One mile jog in afternoon by myself!
T, TH: Two mile walk with kiddos (did this on Thurs and it was quite nice.  Tired the kids out in a good way).
Weekends:  Play by here.  Exercise if opportunity allows, but take a break if needed too.

We'll let you know next week how I fare!

Weeks 50 & 51 for Jess

Before I post these, I was wondering: does anyone else want to continue this blog? I'm happy to keep blogging with you all if you're still interested - it's nice to have company - but if not, I can just shift my fitness blogging to my normal blog. Since we're coming up on exactly one year (week 52 next week!), it seemed like a good time to ask.

Here's the last two weeks:

5/29 - Sunday
5/30 - Body Rev Cardio Conditioning DVD (Bob Harper) - 60 min. section
5/31 -
6/1 - No More Trouble Zones DVD
6/2
6/3 - 20 minute hike
6/4 - 20 minute hike
6/5 - Sunday
6/6 - Ripped in 30 DVD - Level 1
6/7 - Ripped in 30 DVD - Level 2
6/8
6/9
6/10 - 60 minute walk
6/11 - 30 minute walk

Week 49 for Jess

5/22 - Sunday
5/23 - Ripped in 30, Level 2
5/24 - Ripped in 30, Level 3
5/25
5/26 - Ripped in 30, Level 4
5/27

5/28 - Pure Burn Super Strength DVD - 60 min. section

137 min. total <- I'm trying to get up to 150 min./week, regularly.

Ripped in 30, btw, is awesome, workout-wise. Jillian is more annoying and crass in it, though. But the actual workout is like the 30 Day Shred, only this time it's levels 4, 5, 6, & 7.

-Jess

Weeks 47 & 48 for Jess, plus some health news

5/8 - Sunday
5/9 - 30 Day Shred DVD, Level 1
5/10
5/11 - Shred It with Weights DVD - Level 1
5/12
5/13 - Biggest Winner Cardio Kickbox DVD
5/14 - 1/2 hour yard work (digging and wood chopping)
5/15 - Sunday
5/16 - Shred It with Weights DVD - Level 2
5/17
5/18 - 30 Day Shred, Level 3
5/19 - 30 Day Shred, Level 2
5/20

5/21 - Ripped in 30, Level 1

A couple of fairly good weeks, but I learned recently that I need to step up my game, because I've been diagnosed with high cholesterol. It's not much of a shock, because it runs on both sides of my family. I was kind of expecting it actually, and now that I'm thirty and my doctor's testing me for it, surprise! there it is.

So, now I have a medical reason to work out not just a few times a week, but almost every day. And now instead of just eating to keep my weight normal (which I've done successfully for the past two years), I need to eat to keep my weight normal and I need to eat for heart health. Bye-bye oh luscious buttered popcorn that I used to save my calories for! :D

Seriously, it's not so bad. In fact, it's kind of nice not to wonder exactly how much eating healthily and working out should matter to me. Or what method exactly I should be embracing. Now I know, and it's pretty cut-and-dried. And, honestly, there are worse things than clarity.

And, hey, now those ten pounds I've thought about losing for the past two years? They're not vanity pounds anymore! They're I-don't-want-to-take-drugs-unless-I-absolutely-have-to pounds.

So, we'll see. Hopefully the uber-clean-eating-and-sufficient-exercise works. If not, at least, by God's grace, we have good health insurance.

-Jess

Weeks 44, 45, & 46 Summaries for Jess

Week 44:

4/17 - Sunday
4/18 - Personal Training with Jackie DVD
4/19
4/20 - No More Trouble Zones DVD
4/21
4/22 - Jackie Warner Xtreme Timesaver Training DVD
4/23

Week 45 - nada. I took Bright Week off. Wish I hadn't, in retrospect, because it turns out that I feel terrible when I don't exercise.

Week 46:

5/1 - Sunday - 2 hour walk.

5/2 - 30 Day Shred DVD, Level 2
5/3 - 30 Day Shred DVD, Level 3
5/4
5/5 - Jackie Warner Xtreme Timesaver Training DVD
5/6

5/7 - 20 minutes of jumping rope, jumping jacks, & step-ups

Anyone else still going out there?

Jess

Weeks 42 & 43 Summaries for Jess

A lame-ish couple of weeks, but I'm finding my pace again. Just in time for Easter!

/3 - Sunday
4/4 - 30 Day Shred DVD, Level 1 & a walk
4/5
4/6
4/7
4/8
4/9 - 40 min. walking with 45 lb. backpack
4/10 - Sunday
4/11 - "Lose More Fat!" workout from April 2011 Fitness
4/12 - 13 min. "Burn It Off!" workout from Fitness, +7 min. jump-rope & jumping jack
4/13
4/14 - 22 min. circuit training
4/15
4/16

twice now

Just ran another mile.  My goal is to run a third on Friday.  I figure getting out 3 times a week is good now.

Weeks 40 & 41 Summaries for Jess

Hm. Well, I got sick again. So my workouts looked like this:

3/20 - Sunday
3/21 - Bob Harper Cardio Conditioning DVD - 60 min. section
3/22 - No Om Zone DVD
3/23 - sick
3/24 - sick
3/25 - sick
3/26 - sick
3/27 - Sunday
3/28 - sick
3/29 - sick
3/30 - sick
3/31 - sick

4/1 - sick
4/2 - half hour walk

Isn't that thrilling? :) But I did the 30 Day Shred this morning, so I'm back to normal, I think. I'm glad working out is enough of a habit that it doesn't disappear after a bout with illness.

-Jess

moved my butt today!

The nice weather we're having has totally uplifted my mood and I actually wanted to go running today.  So I did!  Ran a mile. It felt really good.

done?

So I am starting to think that exercise might just be done for me for now.  We drove to S Cal for a weekend to attend a wedding the first week of March and I just have been sufferings a series of discomforts since then.  Restless leg syndrome, pressure headaches that make me slightly dizzy if I don't lay down, and extremely uncomfortable/mildly painful pelvic pressure that makes walking and standing very uncomfortable.  Going grocery shopping tires me so much now that I have to put my feet up for an hour afterward!

Anyhow, I have given up on exercise for now because I just can't summon the energy and the physical strength/comfort at this time.  Maybe that'll change, but right now, I am taking it easy.

Weekly Summary

M: 2 mile walk with Luke
T: nothing
W: 1 hour yard work- pruning the crepe myrtle
Th: 2 mile walk, 1 hour yard work- raking
F: 1 hour yard work- chopping out crepe myrtle into small enough pieces for the garbage men to take away
S: 1 mile walk
S: 2 mile walk alone

Grandpa was in town this week, so I was privileged enough to take 2 walks by myself. I was feeling better too, so I got some much needed Spring yard cleaning work done.

Week 39 Summary for Jessica

3/13 - Sunday
3/14 - Bob Harper Pure Burn Super Strength DVD, 60 min. section
3/15 - Tae Bo Turbo Fat Burner DVD
3/16
3/17
3/18 - Jackie Warner Xtreme Timesaver Training DVD

3/19 - Dancing with the Stars DVD - Jive section

This week was weird, because I really had to force myself to exercise. I kept wanting to crochet instead! But not a bad week. Maybe I'll manage to do the Bob Harper 60 min. cardio DVD tomorrow. I haven't done that one for awhile, and I want to.

How's everyone else doing?

-Jess

Week 38 Summary for Jessica

3/6 - nothing
3/7 - Jackie Warner Xtreme Timesaver Training DVD
3/8 - nothing
3/9 - Crunch Boot Camp DVD
3/10 - Dance of the Inches: Hip-Hop Party - 2/3 sections
3/11 - Ultimate Tae Bo (hee, hee - this was way too corny and fun)

3/12 - nothing

Yay! Nice to be back to 4x/week. It's very good not to be sick anymore.

Katie - thanks for the comment on my last week's post. But I think I'd die if I tried to do everything all in one day!

-Jess

Yesterday

Yesterday's walk and yard work were a no-go. First, I forgot that we had a Lenten retreat all day, and second I felt faint again when I got home from the retreat. The midwives were not too concerned, but I think I'll call this week if the faint feeling keeps up. I just can't seem to get anything done when it happens. Sometimes that is most of the day!

I did manage my walk today and was feeling better.

Feeling Better

M: Yard work for 1 hour
T: 2 mile walk with Luke, yard work
W: 2 mile walk alone
Th: Bike riding 20 mins
F: Bike riding 45 mins
S: Bike riding 45 mins (planned) + yard work
S: 2 mile walk alone (planned)

This week Nathan came home and I got a lot of energy back! I think I was just emotionally worn out last week. Also, saw the Dr. and baby is doing well, weight gain is on track, etc...

Hope you all had a good week!

Week 37 Summary for Jessica

Well, after getting over the flu, I got a nasty cold. So, all I have to report for last week is two 35 minute walks. Hopefully this next week I'll be able to get back into a regular exercise schedule. I really miss it!

-Jess

On the mend a bit

So, I think I just needed a 'blah' week.  I had an encouraging midwife appt this last week.  Encouraging in that she said, "Yes, that is normal!"  Basically, this pregnancy has felt like the 3rd trimester in many ways for a while.  The feeling of carrying a bowling ball resting between your legs and fairly intense and regular Braxton Hicks have been a regular part of my life.  I just feel so much more uncomfortable with this one than the others and it is just my multiple pregnancies finally taking effect.

I did a light weight, pilates workout on Monday and ran 2 miles on Tuesday.  The rest of the week was shot because of preparing to travel and then traveling down to So. Cal for a wedding.  However, I feel encouraged and motivated again, and that is what matters.

Katie, like you, I have to take a break the day after (even if I walk or go to church).  Any activities that involve me being on my feet for a considerable amount of time greatly intensify the above symptoms for me.  But a day of rest helps minimize things again.

Working and Resting

For the past few weeks, I have had to slow down a little. I am struggling with feeling faint at times (not while exercising, just at times throughout the day). I can do a good workout one day, and then nothing at all the next. When I was pregnant with Luke, I experienced something similar. I apparently have low blood pressure that gets lower when I am pregnant and often causes me to feel weak and faint. So, when I feel like that, I usually nix any great exercise feats for the day.

The other reason that I have been tired is because of all the yard work that has had to be done- pulling weeds, planting, raking (bags and bags!). It is Spring here in Houston!

So here is what the past two weeks looked like as best as I can remember:

M: Prevention DVD + yard work for 1 hour
T: Nothing
W: 1 hour yard work
Th: Nothing
F: Prevention DVD
S: Bike riding 30 mins
S: 2 mile walk alone

M: 2 mile walk pushing Luke
T: Nothing
W: Walked around the Houston Rodeo with Luke for nearly 4 hours (too much)
Th: Nothing!
F: Bike for 30 minutes
S: Plan to bike
S: Plan to bike

Week 37 Summary for Jessica

2/20 Sunday - Dancing with the Stars: Cardio Dance DVD
2/21 - Dance with Julianne: Cardio Ballroom DVD - Cha-Cha & Jive sections
2/22
2/23 - No More Trouble Zones DVD
2/24
2/25

2/26 - 35 minute walk

-Jess

ZERO motivation right now

So, the burnout continues and I just don't feel like exercising.  Period.  I did run a mile on Mon and Tues because Jesse encouraged me too, but left on my own, I will not move a limb.  I didn't exercise yesterday, and today I am housebound due to weather and husband being gone till after the kids are in bed, and the thought of turning on a Pilates DVD now sounds akin to getting a tooth pulled right.

Anyhow, I am not certain how to deal with this: Do I take a week off and just hope that my attitude will change?  Or do I push through it?

Part of me is just struggling a lot with the limitations my body is having with this pregnancy.  Running a mile 3 times a week seemed very significant when I was pregnant with Edmund because I wasn't really in shape at the time.  Now, that seems like nothing to me and I get annoyed with myself for not being able to push myself further.

I'm also just sick of my boring, bland diet and how easily I get nauseous if I cheat even the littlest bit.  My appetite has been a lot lower the last couple weeks because I am honestly just sick of the same food all the time (which, obviously, is probably contributing to the low energy).  I suppose in general, I'm just struggling with pregnancy blahs and needed to rant a little bit.

However, the good news is I am nearly in my third trimester (just two weeks!)

Week 36 Summary for Jessica

2/13 Sunday - nothing

2/14 - 30 Day Shred DVD, Level 2

2/15 - 30 Day Shred DVD, Level 3
2/16 - Dancing with the Stars: Dance Off the Pounds DVD, Swing and Jive sections
2/17 - Jackie Warner Xtreme Timesaver Training DVD
2/18 - nothing

2/19 - Personal Training with Jackie DVD

It was great to start working out again this week, after two weeks of flu. I still have a head cold, but it's nothing compared to how things were going in our house.

I'm experimenting with working out in the early morning again, instead of the afternoon. It's almost impossible to get up before the kids, even if I'm up at 5:30, but I realized that I'd rather work out while the kids are up and write while they're down (i.e., in the afternoon, during quiet time/naptime) than try to do it the other way around. So far, so good.

It means I have to do shorter workouts rather than longer ones though, but that's okay.

-Jess

recovery week

I've been feeling burnt-out post an in-law visit and this week has turned into somewhat of a recovery week (partly forced by the rain and a pinched nerve for the day).  Anyhow, no running, but 20 minutes pilates Mon and Wed and, hopefully, today too.  I think it has been good to take it easy as a bit of my energy seems to be recovering.

Two Weeks

I can't remember last week too well, but this week was a lot like last week- a combo of my Prevention DVD, walking, biking, and yard work. The yardwork is going to get more intense over the next few weeks as I try to combat the leaves, attempt to help our grass regrow in some areas, and get my garden plan in order. I may just do a patio garden because of baby #2. Are you all planting anything this year? I was thinking tomatoes, herbs and some peppers.

M: Prevention DVD + yard work for 1 hour
T: Prevention DVD
W: Walk with Luke 1 mile
Th: Bike for 30 minutes and walk around the zoo for 2 hours (I took a nap after)
F: Bike for 45 minutes
S: Plan to bike
S: Plan to walk at Luke's nap time

Jessica- I hope that you feel better soon!

daily yoga?

Well, that's the theory. :) I have a dvd called Yoga Prayer, by Father Tom Ryan. He's a Catholic priest and a yoga practitioner/teacher, and thus far I really, really like it. You can play it in instructional mode (very helpful for a beginner!) and when you're more comfortable with the poses, switch to the music mode.* Each "yoga prayer" is set to an arrangement of a hymn, and Fr. Ryan has created it such that the poses flow smoothly and they also match the text and spirit of the music. I love that.

The whole dvd is 50 minutes long, which is too much for me to manage before the kids get up (I'm trying to do some bible reading before starting it, too). But I'm finding that if I leave out the section in the middle that hurts my knees, and sometimes cut off the end, it works out pretty well. Yesterday Jonathan got up before I was done and we worked on dancer pose together. :)

If you enjoy yoga, this might be a good dvd to get. As a martial artist (another practice that is often frowned upon by Christians) I appreciate the way Fr. Ryan is working to claim a beautiful and healthful physical practice for the worship of Jesus.

*I do have to note that as much as I enjoy the dvd, there are some serious bugs in the title menu programming.

just fyi

per request, I blocked our follower.

-Jess

Jillian Getz Results

I've long since moved on to Level 2 of The 30-day Shred, and am definitely seeing results. My core is much stronger, as are my arms, and even my legs. My back hurts much less. I have been trying to work out every day, but have missed a few days here and there. Honestly, though, I feel that if I work out 5 times a week I still reap all the benefits cardiovascular and muscle-building benefits of The Shred. Psychologically I need the freedom to skip working out some days.

But, by and large, my greater commitment to exercising has been good for me--physically and emotionally. So I'm trying to keep it up.

Weeks 34 & 35 Summary for Jess

Basically, I was sick for two weeks. On Feb. 2, I did Level 1 of the Shred, and then I didn't work out for almost two weeks, till this morning, when I did Level 2. :)

But the end is in sight, I think. I'm not quite well, but I'm well enough that I don't start feeling sick till the evening (i.e., when I'm worn out). We did have six straight days of at-least-one-kid-per-night vomiting, then a break, and then it started again last night, but at least 2 out of the four are well now.

I'm glad to be working out again (I missed it), but man, I did not enjoy it this morning. The first one back is never fun.

-Jess

exercise this week

I'm assuming I won't exercise tomorrow.

M and W-20 minutes pilates plus about 5 minutes upper arm light weight workout.
T and Th-2 mile run

Feeling good, though I will say that there comes a point in pregnancy that you lose all sense of judgment concerning your body.  In other words, even though I know I am probably still pretty fit, my body just looks strange and swollen to me and I exercise based on hope and not results!!!

followers?

next question is, can we block followers?  'cause that same guy is following this blog.

do we care about keeping this private?

Freezing in the South

With the exception of Monday, this week was all about working out indoors. We had 4 nights of hard freezes (unusual for Southeast Texas!) and a couple of days that it didn't get above freezing. But, with my trusty bike and a good DVD, I managed 6/7 days.

M: Walk with Luke (2 miles
T: Prevention DVD
W: Bike for 40 minutes
Th: Bike for 1 hour- about 17 miles!
F: Bike for 30 minutes
S: Prevention DVD, Bike for 35 minutes
S: I will probably walk 2 miles tomorrow

Monday is my next Dr's appt. and sonogram. I honestly think it is a girl, but acknowledge that it is only a guess. Maybe it is because I can only think of girl's names this time around.

comment deletion

I think only jessica can do this because she's the blog moderator.  Go to that post, click on the comments for that post.  a trash can should be next to the guy's comment.  click on that and voila!  deleted.

on another note, just got 3 days of official exercise in this week.  but yesterday, walked around the zoo and will be walking for my grocery shopping today.

Katie, during my first two pregnancies, I practiced karate. During my second and third, I walked. That was about it for me. I didn't really get into exercising at home until after my third pregnancy.

And I'm not sure how to delete that comment now that it's there. The only way I know of on blogger to get rid of unwanted comments is to prevent them by enabling comment moderation.

And I, ugh, am still sick. Thought I was done with it, but I'm not. One workout so far this week, just because I've got the dizzy-nauseous-tired-achy flue blues. Ick, ick, ick.

-Jess

yoga

I went to a yoga class last night and remembered why I like it so much. I think I'll go again. This is beginner, beginner yoga. Everyone but me (and the instructor) is middle aged or elderly. Although the class has been ongoing for four years, I don't think they're advancing much, in terms of skill.

That's ok.

It was peaceful. It was restful.

I won't lose an ounce doing this kind of yoga...but I think I'll feel wonderful.



I do really enjoy some of the more challenging poses, as well, and if anyone hears of a reasonably priced teacher I'd love the recommendation. But I sure did enjoy the class last night!

Blog Management

Can we delete a comment? I don't know who Steve Finell is (see comment on my last post). Thanks!

Week 33 Summary for Jessica

1/23 - Sunday - Dancing with the Stars: Dance Off the Pounds DVD
1/24
1/25
1/26
1/27 - Personal Training with Jackie DVD
1/28

1/29

That's it! Just twice. In my defense, I got sick over the weekend, and working out was just not on the cards (laying in bed was). But it looks like the rest of you are doing wonderfully!

-Jess

Phew

All right, yesterday I did 20 minutes of Pilates plus upper arm workout with weights.  Just ran 2 miles this morning.

But, what I am really blogging about is my relief over my last weight gain.  I was so afraid it would be another ridiculously scary number but it wasn't!  Only 2 lbs this last month.  And while I wouldn't have cared if it was 4, I am very thankful it wasn't 14.

It is so nice exercising again.  I will be quite frank and say that it is a mental battle each time because pregnancy fatigue does not go away when you have more than one child, but I am very glad after I exercise.  Those short bursts of endorphins can go a long way to over all productiveness over time.  Man, hey, maybe the bathroom will finally get cleaned today!

The thing I am most liking about exercising while pregnant is feeling (and I know this isn't really a feeling but I don't know how else to express it), so feeling as though I have SOME control over my body.  Yes, I cannot push myself very hard, but there is something about the act of routine exercise that makes me remember:

"Yes, this is my body.  Yes, I can make it do things I want it to do still (even if those things are not sleep when I want to sleep, pee at acceptable intervals or be energetic when I need it to be)."

But I can still make you hurt and sweat all by myself.

Weekly Post

M: Nothing- I did 1 hour on the bike last Sunday and my morning sickness returned (overdid it)
T: Prevention DVD
W: 2 mile walk pushing Luke
Th: Bike for 35 minutes, yard work
F: Bike for 40 minutes
S: Prevention DVD, 1 1/2 mile walk
S: Nothing

It was a good week. I keep thinking that my $100 investment in the exercise bike is one of the best I ever made. Right now, I am mostly reading the Lord of the Rings series while riding. I have actually never read the books before, so I am having a lot of fun! Luke likes to have me ride too- he says, "Stay on bike Mommy, stay on!" in his forceful two-year-old way. :)

Emily- I honestly do NOT like exercising either. But, I love the way it makes me feel and how it helps me control other things in my life (like diet mainly). I have found over time that I like certain things more than others. Maybe the Shred is not the right thing for you? You found a great way to eat after a lot of experimenting. :)

Kelly-It is so good to hear that you are able to get some exercise in these days! We are praying for a healthy baby and mommy everyday.

Jessica- Did you work out much with your pregnancies? Obviously the twins were different, but were there things that you particularly like to stay in shape?

exercise updates and thoughts (re: Emily)

So, last week, I only ended up working out Thurs (ran two miles), but that made 4 days of working out.  This week:
M: 10 minutes thigh pilates, ran 1 mile
T: ran 2 miles
W: quick 20 minutes hike with kiddos
Th: 20 minutes pilates plus 6 minute upper body light weight lifting (from a video)
F: chased kids over zoo for 2+ hours

Today: I should get about a 1 1/2 miles of walking in.

Re: exercise thoughts

I used to hate exercise.  Absolutely hate it.  Part of it was viewing its benefits only in terms of losing weight.  My parents put me on strange diets all through high school because they thought I was too plump (though, in retrospect, although I felt that way, I realize now that I wasn't fat at all.  I wasn't thin, but I wasn't fat).  Anyhow, I cannot stand diets because of that and, for awhile, couldn't stand exercise.

I exercised lightly off and on after having babies simply because I was feeling really insecure about my body and would rather exercise a little than diet.

The turning point for me was when a retired psychologist told me that exercise was the best long-term cure for my panic attacks.  It gave me a reason to exercise and the initial benefits (mental and emotional) were of such great value to me that I started exercising more for those reasons than for the sake of 'looking good'.  I did lose weight in the process and became the happiest with my body than I have ever been.  But my happiness wasn't in my thinness but in the strength of my body.  I felt healthy.  Healthy mentally, emotionally and physically.  And that helps me to be a better mother, wife and friend.

So, for me, that is why I exercise.  To feel 'healthy' in a well-rounded way.

Honesty

I just did level 1 of Jillian's Shred for the first time in I don't remember how long. Probably last summer! And I have to admit that Anita was NOT "carrying me through it"...she was kicking my butt!

Anyway, what I remembered (after about the first three minutes) is how very much I do not like working out. Jess, I am so not you. :) I don't like sweating, I don't like hurting, and I don't like giving up even half an hour of precious time to sweat and hurt.

Two years ago I did this consistently because I was really unhappy with myself and my body. I hadn't yet found an eating pattern that worked, and I wasn't taking an antidepressant either. Now I do feel good about my eating, and the meds have taken away the anxiety that was driving most of my life.

I have this thought that it would be nice to lose 10 lbs, but honestly I no longer find it super compelling. (This is a FANTASTIC place for me to be!)

I also have a thought that it would be a good idea to stay in shape so that I'll be more healthy as I get older (Jess, you've written about that before) and that is more intellectually compelling but tends to lack force in the midst of day to day life.

I don't really have any insights or conclusions right now. I'd love to hear your thoughts, exercise buddies. :)

I exercise...sporadically.

Last night Gabe and I listened to the President's address. And because I had temporarily run out of laundry to fold, and because I tend to despise sitting still and watching a screen for over 30 minutes...I picked up my weights. :)

Thanks to Jillian and all the shred I did (long, long ago...) I actually have some good, basic weight lifting in my head. So I cycled through what I could remember, and I am sore today, so I must have done something right.

In in that frustrating spot right now of feeling that I ought to be exercising (especially to keep my knees from hurting) but just not finding a place for it in my life. It does not work with the kids underfoot, and by the time they're having quiet time the LAST thing that I have energy for is working out. And besides, there is laundry to fold.

I'm sure you all know the struggle. I just haven't found a good solution for this particular life stage.

I do exercise

Hi, ladies! Although I've read the blog on and off, I've not posted until now. I do exercise, but until recently it couldn't be a top priority. Now Evan and I are both doing Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred every day. Jillian, ah, you are a strange woman with your wild eyes and flaring nose, but you're right, you do get results. My arm, back, and leg muscles are much stronger already. I'm almost two weeks into it, and Level 1 has become fairly easy, so Evan and I will move to Level 2 tomorrow or the next day.

I'll try to keep our results posted.

--Bethany

Week 32 Summary for Jess

1/16 - Sunday - Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism DVD
1/17 - Bob Harper Cardio Conditioning DVD - 60 min. section
1/18 -
1/19 - Dancing with the Stars: Dance Off the Pounds DVD - swing and jive sections
1/20
1/21 - Jackie Warner Xtreme Timesaver Training DVD

1/22 - Bob Harper Super Strength DVD - 60 min. section (minus last 10 min. - ran out of time)

Yippee! Now that's more like it. 5 days this week!

I've been favoring doing strength training interspersed with dance DVDs, and so next week I'm planning on changing it up and doing Jillian's circuit training DVDs (the Shred and the Biggest Winner) five days in a row. Of course, I'm not sure I'll make it, but I feel like challenging myself with something different. And then, I think, back to strength and dance, because I really, really like them. :)

-Jess

Good Week

Monday: Prevention DVD
Tuesday: 2 mile walk with stroller
Wednesday: Bike ride- 30 minutes, about 8 miles
Thursday: vaccumed the house (yes, I am counting that right now :) )
Friday: Prevention DVD, squatting against a wall, and dancing with Luke

I am feeling good and beginning slowly to bring in light weights to the Prevention DVD. I also discovered this week that I can actually still do a few full push-ups. Yay for Jillian!

This weekend may not be the best- Nathan is very sick and I am mostly trying to take the extra share of Luke care. Who knows though, we may do a walk or something.

Hope you all are doing well out there!

Whoophee!

So the end of last week, I started realizing that it was sugar causing my nausea to continue.  Just the littlest bit in any form (juice, one cookie, cereal, etc).  I also figured out eating pasta was a problem too.  Anyhow, since stopping eating those foods, my nausea is gone.  It comes back if I cheat, but doesn't bother me if I'm strict with my diet. Yeah!  I feel as much myself as I can be now, considering my body is inhabited by an alien right now.

That means, I am exercising again! Regularly!!!!

Monday: 10 minutes hip Pilates, ran 1 mile
Tuesday: ran 2 miles
Wednesday: 10 minutes hip Pilates, 10 minutes thigh Pilates

I plan on exercising the next two days too.  I am already feeling the benefits of regular exercise again.  I am sleeping better and more energetic throughout the day.  I am so glad to find my nausea turned out to be a simple food problem and can be controlled!

Week 31 Summary for Jess

1/9 - Sunday
1/10 - 20 min. walk
1/11
1/12 - Jackie Warner Xtreme Timesaver Training DVD
1/13 - Dance with Julianne: Cardio Ballroom DVD - cha-cha and jive sections
1/14 - No More Trouble Zones DVD + 10 mins. alternating jumping rope & jumping jacks

1/15 - 3 hours walking around botanical gardens, often while carrying a child. :)

The beginning of this week was hard; I was in a funk, and the only exercise I got was a short walk to the park with my sister and our kids. But the end of the week picked up, and given how the week started, I'm pretty happy with the amount of exercise I got.

Today I did the Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism DVD with my husband. It's the only exercise DVD of mine that he really likes (it's got a far amount of kickboxing stuff in it), and it's fun to get to work out with him. (He stays in shape the rest of the time commuting to work by unicycle and teaching karate.)

Kelly and Katie, I'm glad that you're getting to work out again! And Kelly, I think your workouts with the kids sound really cool. I'll have to try to work something like that into our homeschooling eventually. The only thing we really do that's like that is dancing - when I put on upbeat music to do jumping jacks and jump-rope to, the girls often join in with bouncy dancing, which is really fun. But I think it's neat you're teaching your kids such a valuable life skill/health habit/healthy coping mechanism so early.

-Jess

Yay!

I did nearly all of my Prevention DVD today (sans the ab work on the floor- for obvious reasons). I am very excited!

establishing a new routine

Although I haven't yet figured out how my regular, personalized exercise will go just yet (still waiting for Jesse to nail down his schedule for the term), I have started a new routine with the kids that benefits me too.

Before school each morning, we now to do morning stretches together and Pilates moves for 10-15 minutes.  Then we do math and history.  After that, we all run around the block (about a 1/3 of a mile) and then we have reading and grammar lessons.  It's been working great.

The idea was actually for Mary's sake.  She sometimes struggles with focusing and having pent-up energy, and I also think she might struggle with panic a bit too (though at her age, it comes across as "the crazies").  So the exercise routine was initially initiated simply for her sake.  But it is benefitting us all.  Even if I do get in a 'real' exercise, I am getting a light work out that takes up about 20 minutes of my day Monday-Friday.  Given that I have been nothing, this is definitely a step up!

I also am hoping that helping my kids identify exercise routines now might be beneficial when they are older.  Exercise will hopefully already be a normal part of their day and not an 'extra' to be squeezed in.

Weak

Well, we are back in Houston after a month-long sojourn through CA. It was a great trip and I got some good long walks in (thanks to grandparents!), but we are certainly glad to be home.

The office that my midwives use is in a high rise building in downtown Houston. When I was leaving my appointment and walking back up the stairs to my car, I was shocked at how weak I felt. Climbing 6 flights of stairs, I almost had to stop part way up.

I am not really sad about this or anything, it's just that I used to think that walking was enough to get fit. Though I have still been walking and doing other little things, I have learned how much different it is to do a really difficult workout tape, or just any significant amount of weight lifting/push-ups/squats etc...

Hopefully I can resume some more vigorous exercise, but for right now, I am still working on getting through each day. My morning sickness returned with a vengeance after flying home solo with Luke. Traveling for 8 hours with a 2-year old and a 25lb backpack left me totally spent.

Week 30 Summary for Jess

1/2 - Sunday - Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism DVD
1/3 - Bob Harper Super Strength DVD - 60 min. section
1/4
1/5 - Dance with Julianne: Just Dance! DVD - first and last sections
1/6 - Jackie Warner Xtreme Timesaver Training DVD
1/7 - Dance Off the Inches: Fat-Burning Belly Dance DVD

1/8

Five! Yay, I'm happy.

btw, that new Jackie Warner DVD? So painful. Harder than anything I've tried yet. I don't know if I'll EVER be able to get through it without stopping. It's all compound movies (like a deep curtsy-squat up into a side kick with a punch WITH weights) and the killer is that you do each for an entire minute straight. On each side. Ow, ow, ow . . .

But I'm going to keep trying!

I'm also really enjoying my dancing DVDs these days. They're just fun. It's very nice to do something that's simply enjoyable in between all those painful weights-circuits DVDs.

Hope your ultrasound goes well, Kelly!

-Jess

A bit annoyed, frustrated, confused

Okay.  Beginning with the good news, I tried running today.  After the bike incident, Jesse suggested that maybe the problem was the style of exercise I was trying as it was not what I was used to.  So, I went jogging today.  I intended to do a small one mile loop but felt so invigorated in the beginning that I set off on my 2 mile loop.  I made it and felt GOOD!!!  Granted, I did not run the whole way, but I ran about a mile and a half of it and that is good.    The endorphins definitely helped!  I did have to nap later in the day, but on the whole, I do feel more energetic.

On another note, I gained 14 lbs this last month.  How?  I have no clue as I did not do any holiday binging (the nausea prevented that!) and I still fit into all my pre-pregnancy clothes with the help of a belly band and my pants are not tight.  I do have a belly but the 14 lbs is really confusing me as the baby certainly doesn't weight that much!  My midwife didn't seem concerned and was actually glad I gained that much weight (she thought I was underweight), but given that the weight didn't distribute itself around my body like it normally does when I gain weight, I am not satisfied with the answer.  Not.at.all.  I was really depressed after finding out I gained that much and I want an answer!  Unfortunately it is alluding me.

It does make me suspect twins more.  I'll find out on Monday.  If it is not twins, then the weight gain will be even more perplexing.  Did any of you gain weight like that in a pregnancy?  The most I ever gained in a month was 7 lbs (granted I would do quite a few months in a row of that, but that's beside the point).

Week 29 Summary for Jess

12/26 -
12/27 - Bob Harper Cardio Conditioning DVD - 20 min. section + 7 min. alternating jump-rope and jumping jacks
12/28 - Bob Harper Super Strength DVD - 60 min. section - but only half of it! :) (so, 30 min.)
12/29 - Dancing with the Stars: Dance, Body, Tone
12/30

12/31 - Jackie Warner Xtreme (I know! the spelling!) Timesaver Training DVD

1/1 - Dancing with the Stars: Dance Off the Pounds DVD - swing and jive sections

The Jackie Warner Xtreme might be my new favorite DVD. It's intense. Every move is weights plus a large muscle movement, to make it aerobic. I love it. I'm sore. :)

And, Kelly, you get full points for effort from me!

-Jess