Just Heather
6
Mamavation Monday: Boot Camp Bargain
Sep 26, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

I am now halfway through my Indy Boots Camp session—the numbers aren’t showing any changes yet, but I’m feeling pretty good. I am feeling stronger these days, plus I managed to kick a cold & sore throat faster than I ever have before. As sick as I felt when I woke up last Tuesday, I expected to wallow in bed for a few days and struggle all week.

Instead, I drank tons of water, kept up on my normal workload and felt well enough to continue exercising. I did not, however, feel well enough to stick with my Couch to 5K training. It’s easy to get off track now & then, but it’s a problem this time around since I’m running Wine at the Line on Saturday. I just don’t think I’m up to the level I need to be able to run the whole thing, but it should still be a fun time.

I’m going to jump back into the C25K next week, and pick another race. There’s a group of local Twitter friends who are the considering Jingle Bell Run in December—having another race on the calendar, with a support system around me, should be just what I need to finally cross “run a full 5K” off my list. At least boot camp is going well!

While I wouldn’t say I love tabatas, I do love how strong I feel when I leave boot camp. I need a lot of serious work on my core, though. I can handle bosu ball situps okay (when I’m not hitting my head on the pullup bar behind me), but I may or may not have fallen off the stability ball today. With only a week and a half left in the session, I was already planning to take up the $5 Saturday morning classes.

It wouldn’t be quite the kick that twice a week classes are, but it fits a little better into my current budget. So, I’m super excited about today’s Living Social deal for a month of fitness classes at only $40! Hopefully, another month of boot camp will give me the strength I need to finally conquer that stupid stability ball. Not to mention, the last 15 pounds I seem to be hanging onto.

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
This Week’s Weigh-In: 173 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 2.5 pounds
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 22 pounds
BMI: 24.8

Sistahood Question: Where are you planning for your feet to take you before 2011 ends? Any races or training plans?

This post is sponsored by Omron Fitness and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation—a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women. I have also received a free month of fitness boot camp from Indy Boot Camps to facilitate a series of posts on my weight loss journey. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine.

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41
Mamavation Monday: Time to Tone (Plus Earth Shoe Giveaway)
Sep 20, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

Last week was not a good nutrition week. I knew I would gain weight during this particular week as such is the nature of being a girl. But, it wasn’t just that. I was so unbelievably hungry all week—I think it was partly timing and partly the increased calorie burn from boot camp.

Plus, I just totally caved into the cravings. There was chocolate and chips and buttery popcorn. On the plus side, there was no soda! I’m so glad to have kicked that habit. It makes it so much easier to just shake off a bad week and lose the weight again.

I suppose it could have been worse, but I managed to work a lot of it off. Between fitness boot camp, EA Sports Active and the Couch to 5K program, at least I’m getting the fitness part right. My poor body was so sore last week—and, yesterday’s upper body workout slayed my arms.

I missed boot camp, due to another eye doctor appointment, so I threw in an extra Wii workout. And, my triceps are very angry about it. Which blows my mind since a year ago I could never have told you where they were. Now that I’ve lost the majority of the weight, I’m ready to start targeting specific areas.

I just can’t worry about a pound here or there anymore, since it’s going to fluctuate as I build muscle anyway. I want to concentrate on the flabby arms and chunky thighs. I also want to have abs. Real and actual abs. It’s going to be all about toning from here on out—even with my daily mileage!

I won a pair of Kalso Earth Shoes in the Mamavation Move It Lose It competition earlier this year—how cute are these? But, they’re not just a pretty face. The negative heel improves posture and encourages whole-body wellness. I can actually feel my booty toning as I walk. True story.

Plus, I’m excited to give away a pair to one of my readers! You all have supported me through this weight loss journey for the last 6 months, and now I have the chance to give back in a big way.

To enter for your chance to win the above pair of shoes (we can match!), leave a comment here and tell me your next goals! You can earn additional entries by:

For your extra entries to be counted, be sure to leave an additional comment directing me to your entry. Only one additional entry per method (i.e. While multiple tweets are appreciated it, only one will count as a drawing entry.) The contest runs until September 26th at 11:59pm est. One winner will be notified by email on September 27th and receive a pair of Kalso Earth Shoes. Winner will have 48 hours to complete the claim form or a new winner will be chosen.

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
This Week’s Weigh-In: 175.5 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 2.5 pound gain
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 19.5 pounds
BMI: 25.2

Disclosure: I received a pair of Kalso Earth Shoes, for my participation in the Mamavation campaign. I have also received a free month of fitness boot camp from Indy Boot Camps to facilitate a series of posts on my weight loss journey. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine.

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5
Mamavation Monday: Indulgence = Boot Camp Time
Sep 12, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

I took last week off of blogging my weight loss journey. Mostly because there was no weight loss. At least, that’s what I’m assuming—I took a week off from the scale, too! I just didn’t want to see that number, after an indulgent family weekend.

I spent Labor Day weekend at my parents’ and decided that I wouldn’t stress over foods & miss out on my hometown favorites. We had Procopio’s pizza, Charlie’s chocolates, movie theater popcorn, two (yes, two!) birthday parties with cupcakes & ice cream and plenty of homemade family favorites.

And, I allowed myself to enjoy it all! I made good choices when they were available—fruit, salads, water and veggies—but mostly I just ate what looked good. Basically? That meant a whole lot of carbs. The good news is, I didn’t overeat!

A year ago at these family events, I would have eaten whatever I wanted, skipped the veggies, grabbed a soda, then gone back for more. This year? I didn’t even want seconds—my body is too aware of proper portions & fullness cues to overeat.

I also stayed active—I did jump squats all weekend, on Gruntstyle’s orders. Plus, we played a pretty active game of kickball with the whole family on Monday. I’m thrilled to be in better shape so I was able to take part in it. We had so much fun!

This week, I’m back to following my meal plan. Plus, I was offered the opportunity to join a fitness boot camp this month, and it seemed like the perfect time to try it out. We started earlier today—whew! I thought I had been getting myself in pretty decent shape, but this worked muscles that I didn’t even know existed.

I started out doing pretty well—setting off at a good clip for the warmup walk and leading the pack during our run. Many of the exercises were familiar(ish), but this time? I had a trainer keeping an eye on me, making sure I did everything right and pushing me to go further. It was a fun, relaxed environment where we’re encouraged to push harder but given the freedom to set our own pace.

I was dripping sweat halfway through the hour and out of water before we finished. By the end, I was fading and feeling it pretty good! I hope to have a little more endurance for Wednesday’s workout, now that I have a better idea of what to expect. (Note to self: bring a towel and a larger water bottle!)

This should be an interesting month. My muscles were feeling it so much on the drive home that I took new measurements. I’ve lost another 3 inches since completing the Knockout the Fat program, but I’m hoping to firm up my arms & abs, especially. I’ll also take new “after” photos at the end of boot camp.

I can’t wait to see the results for myself!

Updated Measurements:

Bust: 35″ (-1.5″)
Waist: 29″ (-8″)
Hips: 37.5″ (-4.5″)
Thigh: 20″ (-3.5″ each)
Arm: 11″ (-1.5″ each)


Total Inches Lost: 24″


Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
This Week’s Weigh-In: 173 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 1.5 pounds
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 22 pounds
BMI: 24.8

Disclosure: I have received a free month of fitness boot camp from Indy Boot Camps to facilitate a series of posts on my weight loss journey. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine.

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