Category Archives: working out

Pushing Myself Is Worth It

Ugh, sometimes I am completely drop-dead exhausted by the time I put C to bed at 7pm.  The last thing I want to do is wash his bottles, and I certainly don’t have the energy for P90X.  Last night was one of those nights.  I melted into the couch and watched The Bachelor, my Monday night trash TV of choice.  By the time that was over, it was 9pm and I just felt like cruising Twitter or flipping TV channels.

But I pushed myself.  I popped in the 60-minute Legs & Back workout and got to work.  I was cursing Tony Horton during the millionth lunge, but by the time it was over I felt so awesome.  I felt energized, empowered and accomplished.  My muscles felt stronger and looser.  I physically felt less stressed.  It was wonderful.  Now I know that I need to push myself on those nights, because the end result is so worth it.

When Did I Get So Old?!

I sprained my hip.  That’s right – my hip.  With that information, you might be led to believe that I’m sitting over here with a wrinkly body and white hair.  No, I didn’t turn 90 with Betty White this month.  I’m 24.

*sigh*

I can’t believe that years of athletics and kickboxing didn’t cause me any injury, but I do ONE yoga workout and I hurt myself.  I’m officially swearing off yoga.  No offense to yogis; it’s just not for me.  Give me a kickboxing workout any day of the week, but yoga?  Never again!

We’re Taking the P90X Challenge!

Hubster and I have decided to take the P90X challenge!  Okay, so the truth is that I’m excited about it and he’s begrudgingly going along with it.  I’ve been curious about this extreme 90-day fitness program for quite some time, but was always too scared to try.  One 5k and three Mamavation Two-Week Challenges later, I feel more confident in my abilities.

We’re doing the lean version (more cardio-based) to work into it.  I think I’ll try the classic version after we finish this.  We did the first workout last night, Core Synergistics, and I felt awesome afterward!  I’m still feeling awesome today, which makes me really excited for what is to come.  I know it will be challenging and we’ll probably get pretty sore, but I’m beyond excited to see the results we’ll get.

Have you ever tried P90X?  What did you think of it?

My Son Killed My Mid-Section

I was excited to notice how loose the jeans are that I’ve been wearing since having C.  So, I thought I’d test my luck and try on all of my old jeans.  Um…yeah, that was a bad idea.

My pre-C jeans fit perfectly everywhere except the waist.  C killed my mid-section!  Ugh.  It’s terrible.  I need to lose probably another 2-3 inches on my waist before I can fit into those old jeans.  Somehow I’ve managed to shrink my thighs and butt back to their pre-C level, but that ol’ waist is hanging tough.  C stretched it to the max and I hope it’ll someday shrink back up.

I’ve been doing a TON of cardio – elliptical, biking, running.  What worked for you?  I’m particularly interested in hearing from any fellow c-section mamas out there.  Thank you!

30-Day Shred

Have you tried the 30-Day Shred workout DVD by Jillian Michaels?  I first tried it before my wedding and it definitely delivers.  I figured that since I’m in much worse shape post-baby and c-section, I might as well give it a shot.

I completed day two of level one today and my muscles are screaming for mercy!  My ab muscles have never burned so much during a workout.  I find myself cursing my c-section during every ab-focused portion.  Argh.  I’m glad that I’ve done this before, because I remember that days two and three are the most difficult.

Here’s to whipping myself into shape!

First Post-Baby Workout at the Gym

If you’ve been reading my posts for a while, you’ll know how excited I was to start working out again.  It was pretty much a standard answer to the “What are you looking forward to” question in my weekly updates.  :)  Well…this week, I signed up for a 7-day pass to a 24-hour gym in my town and decided that I will join.  When I was given the tour, I was practically drooling over the exercise machines.  I was so excited.

Last night, I had the opportunity to go for the first time.  OMG, my 30-minute workout on the elliptical was t.o.u.g.h.  Basically every surface of my body was sweating and saying, “Huh?!”  But it was delightful.  I slept like a rock last night and this morning, I have so much more energy.  Granted, I still have that new-parent, could-sleep-for-days feeling; but, considering that is never a legitimate option, I feel fantastic.

Now for my gym vent:

At every gym I’ve ever attended, there’s always the same type of men.  You know, the ones that hang out by the weights, lift twice, then stand around puffing out their chests for 10 minutes like they’re so tough and strong.  Repeat.  Last night there were about 10 of these guys and it was driving me bananas.  While the rest of us were having a legit workout, these guys were walking around like they owned the place.  I would’ve loved to say – hey you with the Powerade, bet you can’t run for 30 minutes like that real man up front.  Lame-o-nade.

Vent over.

Prenatal Workouts

A while back, I purchased three prenatal workout DVDs with the intention of working out daily to stay fit and keep my muscles loose.  I did them for a while, but once I hit my third trimester, it has been very difficult to work up the energy to work out.  I often put on my workout attire and then end up sitting on the couch for a while, unable to work up enough energy.  Eventually, I give up and take a shower.

Has this happened to any of you?  How do you get enough energy to work out?

Working Out

I can’t believe how difficult it can be to try to work out while pregnant.  I started doing 20-30 minutes of prenatal pilates each day.  It feels great afterward, when my muscles are all stretched and loose.  Yesterday, however, I thought I was going to pass out after only 10 minutes – my belly felt SO heavy.  I’m hoping the extra exhaustion is not a sign of what is to come once I’m technically in my 3rd trimester in just a few short days.

It’s also strange thinking of working out as being a way to keep muscles loose and toned instead of as a means to lose weight.  I’m trying to think of it as a means to an easier labor, delivery and recovery.

A review of 10-minute solution Prenatal Pilates is on its way….I have tried 4 out of the 5 workouts thus far :)

Weekly Update

27 weeks, 0 days

Size of baby: Cucumber (15 in., 2.2 lbs)

Newly craved food: Grapefruit, alfredo sauce

Food aversions: Beef, fried foods

What do you miss: Not necessarily what I miss, but I really, really would love to go on a vacation!

What are you looking forward to: Trying my other pregnancy workouts – tried prenatal pilates thus far and it was great.

What was the BEST part of last week? THE PACKERS ARE GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL!!!!!  Need I say more? ;)

What was the WORST part of last week? I’m not sure…probably being kicked in the ribs…

Weekly Update

26 weeks

Size of baby: Cucumber (approx. 15 in., 2.2 lbs)

Newly craved food: I indulged in some Cold Stone this week and it was fantastic!

Food aversions: Beef, fried foods

What do you miss: This week I started to miss working in a full-time job, mostly because of the constant social interactions that come along with it.  It’s weird being home all of the time, and I’m looking forward to having our baby to keep me busy!

What are you looking forward to: My three pregnancy workout DVDs just arrived and I am excited to try them out!  Look for reviews in the upcoming weeks ;)

What was the BEST part of last week? We moved around our furniture in our living room and bedroom.  The pack and play is now set up in the bedroom, which is nice but also a little strange since the baby won’t be coming until April!  Our living room rearrangement provides for some more floor space and we’re enjoying how much bigger it feels now.

What was the WORST part of last week? Even since taking this picture on Tuesday, I feel like my belly has taken on a life of its own because it looks so huge now.  My belly feels so heavy by the end of the day and I am becoming more and more aware of how much my lap is starting to disappear.  It’s so strange!  But I suppose that may be the reason for my discomfort the past several days.

Wii Fit

I think that Wii Fit should have an “I’m pregnant” option in order to save the self esteem of pregnant women everywhere.  Tonight I started my body test and it first asked me if I’ve noticed my stomach getting firm!  Now that part was pretty hilarious, but the next part…not so much.  It proceeded to ask me why I’ve gained weight, even though I set my goal to gain weight.  Then it reminded me of my ideal weight, which is extremely unattainable at this point.  It broke my lil pregnant heart.