True Meaningful Health Begins...

"True, lasting, meaningful health begins in God's word. It doesn't start in the gym, a new book or some high-intensity training scheme. Not easy for any of us, but true for all of us. Fact is, it doesn't matter if we "build the temple" if our heart isn't a sanctuary. Less sculpture, more clay. Mold us, Lord. This is what we pray." ~ Jimmy Peña

50 Body Weight Exercises

Are you lamenting your lack of a gym and wishing you knew how to exercise without the equipment and classes the gym offers...well check out this link ~ 50 Body Weight Exercises and get in shape!

Weight Training and Cardio

Today my friend, Melissa and I met with a trainer to show us the weight machines and how to properly use them. I used them before I was pregnant, but haven't since... Well today, I found that I was using improper form on several of the machines when I used them in the past.

Doing an hour of weight training is definitely more challenging than doing an hour of cardio. I left feeling energized, but weak if that makes any sense.

Our new plan is to do 15-20 minutes of cardio followed by the complete weight circut on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Then on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday doing just 1 hour of cardio. We will see how that goes... Wish me luck :)

Treadmill and Reading

I went to the gym solo today, since Melissa was busy. I fell into my old habit of reading on the treadmill. I'm still not back to my normal pace. Today I walked about 3.25 miles and rode the bike about the same - at least it was better than nothing. When Melissa joins me I push myself harder because I need extra motivation to get on the elliptical machine which she loves. I don't like it because its harder work than the treadmill, but my doctor and a physical therapists have told me that I shouldn't run on a treadmill and that the elliptical would be best for me.

Workouts

I've been going to the gym with my friend, Melissa each day. It's great to have a workout partner. I've been told by doctor's and physical therapist that I shouldn't run on the treadmill because of my back issues and that I should use the elliptical machine - problem is - I greatly dislike the elliptical machine. The great thing is Melissa LOVES the elliptical and she motivates me to use it instead of running on the treadmill AMA. We went to the gym six days last week - Yippee! We went yesterday and did 45 minutes on the elliptical and 20 on the treadmill. This morning I had to take the baby in for her eight week check up and my older daughter got her flu shot, so we spent most of the morning out. Then by the time we got home Melissa had to leave for her doctor's visits which means no gym time today.

We got our first snow today - the kids were so excited.

On My Way Back...

I got my phone call from the gym today that they were re-instating my membership effective February first, but I could start back today if I wanted to...if you know me you know I've been anxious to get back. I got into my gym clothes, nursed the baby and headed out the door. I decided to take it slow, since I haven't been to the gym since mid-June when I fell. I walked on the treadmill for 45 minutes on the Forestwalk program at a maximum speed of 4.0 mph and a maximum incline of 3.0. I walked for 2.75 miles today - it leaves lots of room for improvement. I can feel in my muscles that I did something - and to think I used to do between 4-6 miles 6 days a week without feeling much except for when I was pushing myself at the gym. I'm planning to do the Les Mills Body Flow class on Friday in addition to about 30 minutes of cardio. I'm going to switch things up as much as I can, so my body doesn't get used to my workout too quickly. Weight training will be done with my friend, Melissa on alternate days. My plan is to do cardio six days a week again, but having a newborn I may have to be more flexible. I'm not planning on leaving her in the childcare room at the gym until she is a year old - too many germs.

Now for the yucky stuff... measurements - having a baby did a number on my body this time. At seven weeks post-partum I still can't fit into any of my clothing. With my first child almost 9 years ago I was back into my pre-pregnancy clothes two weeks post-partum. With my son almost 3 years later it took a little longer, but I know it happened before my 6 week check-up - but I still had about 15 pounds to lose to get back to my normal weight. This time its a whole new ball game. I have weight and inches to lose... I'm just going to deal with inches because that is what really matters most...

I felt really good after coming home from the gym and I didn't even want the snacks that I made yesterday because I didn't want to counteract my exercise.

Cleared for Take-Off...

but since it's so cold outside I'm delaying my flight to the gym until at least Monday. Seriously now, my doctor gave me the go ahead to get back to exercising after giving birth to my newest blessing. I called my gym to re-instate my membership, but the manager was out. I'm hoping to be good to go by Monday. Wish me luck as I attempt to get back into my pre-pregnancy clothes...