Fitness

Link to My Trapeze Video!

2011-01-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

I had my trapeze performance just before the holidays. It went as wonderfully as it possibly could have. The whole show was a lot of fun, and it was exciting to show off Ariella to everyone there. People kept coming up after the show saying "Is this the baby! How adorable!" So, she stole the show. :-)

Here's the link to my trapeze video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CTpri3WVLw

I am going to continue trapeze lessons for the next session starting in January. In fact, the first class is tomorrow night! I'll be taking the Static Trapeze Level 3. This one will focus on learning new tricks/skill and increasing strength and fitness, so there won't be a performance at the end.

Update on Trapeze Progress

2010-11-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

So I've been going to trapeze class twice a week (once for the class and once for an open aerial session). This has really sped up the progress regarding strengthening my tricks and my endurance. At the last open aerial session (this past Sunday), I did my entire routine to my music 3 full times! And, then I did most of the routine for a 4th time.

My last class was really good, too. I was able to do my entire routine twice and then I got feedback on the end of my routine and the beginning of my routine. There was a scary part during the class, though. A girl was doing the end of her routine and she somehow got her feet in the wrong position trying to do an ankle hang (which I also have at the end of my routine). She had her feet like for a toe hang (where you hang upside down on the bar with the bar on the top part of your foot). Needless to say, she fell! It was quite scary. I was super impressed, though. She was able to tuck enough so that she landed on her back rather than her head, and she was ok (although I'm sure she was hurting the next day). But, it was a caution to me that this is real. There is danger, and I really have to remain cautious.

So, in the time I've been doing the trapeze, I've dropped 5 lbs (yay!). I'm also so much stronger than I was before I started. The bruising has gotten really bad, though. The back of my right leg especially (the 1 knee hang is really killing me) is just all black and blue. And, I have bruises on my left leg, my arms, the right side of my neck, etc. I'm going to have to stop going to the open aerial sessions. My body is just wrecked. I'm very comfortable with my progress, though. My routine should be in excellent shape by mid-December. Instead of doing the open aerial sessions on Sundays, I'm going to take 30 minutes and will hit the weights really hard. I also need to do some kind of weights on Tuesday nights, too. It's hard to fit it in, though. Extra strength will really help me with the Flag, Seahorse, and Iron Cross tricks. I think I've nixed the Shoulder Stand. I'm not sure there's enough time in the routine to fit it in even if I were able to do it comfortably.

But, I'm very happy with my progress, and I think this is going to be a routine worthy to be dedicated to Ariella!

Open Aerial Session

2010-10-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

At my trapeze lesson place, they offer open aerial sessions where you can come and practice for an hour and a half at various times during the week for $10. It's drop in, so no need to register or anything. You can just show up at as many or as few as you want. I realize that I have a LOT of work to do in order to get this routine to a performable state by December.

The open session was awesome! I did about 10-15 minutes of stretching and warming up. Then, I went right into my routine. I actually did all of the tricks (minus the shoulder stand) in sequence. Granted, it looked quite rough, but it's getting better. I've decided to take the amazon trick out. I don't feel comfortable enough to practice it on my own, and honestly, I don't think it adds all that much to the performance.

Then, the instructor on duty (who is the pilates instructor) was doing a pilates warm up with one of the people there. Another girl joined in, so I joined in, too. So, I got about 15 minutes worth of a pilates workout, which was very cool. Then, I did my entire routine (minus the shoulder stand) again. It wasn't as good as the first time. I struggled more on the Thread the Needle, and especially on the seahorse (the pulling up part, which requires strength). But, still, I was able to get through the whole thing.

After a brief rest (which I spent stretching a bit more), I went for a 3rd round. I did not get through the whole thing. I got all the way to the seahorse and was unable to pull up and over. I also skipped the standing tricks and skipped to the Straddle back balance. All in all, though, not bad. After that, I did 20 v-crunches, a little extra stretching, and then I left. I stayed a bit over an hour.

I have a strategy for getting the confidence to do the shoulder stand. I'm going to do the egg trick (which involved standing on the bar, then pulling up into a tuck so that you're holding your entire body weight in your hands on the rope). Hopefully this will give me the confidence to work up to the shoulder stand. Otherwise I'll need to come up with some other transition. I think I can do it, though. I'll just have to see. I feel quite a bit stronger already than when I started.

So, here's my routine:

Split under the bar
Mermaid under the bar
1 knee hang
1 knee roll-up
Layback Style (both sides)
Fetal balance
Free handed hammock
Double arm flag
Seahorse
Flag
Air Split
Thread the Needle
Iron Cross
Shoulder Stand (or some transition from stand to sit)
Straddle Back Balance
Birds Nest
Angel Sequence

Oh, and there's one part of the trapeze that I didn't miss at all that has returned - the bruises! My poor legs look so bad, especially this one near my right knee. Amazingly enough my hands haven't torn up like they did at the City Museum. I think it's a difference in the trapezes that she has here.

First Aerial Choreography Class

2010-10-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

I had my first aerial choreography class yesterday. It was good, but I have a lot of work to do. This was very different from my previous trapeze classes. For one thing, we didn't receive any spot the entire class. That limited the tricks we could practice to ones that we felt we wouldn't fall while doing. I was still able to practice quite a lot, though.

We started with introductions - there were about 6 ladies in the class total. 4 were going to be doing trapeze, 1 the rope, and 1 silks. We talked about what we hoped to get from the class, and then Joelle talked about different aspects of choreography, and posed numerous questions for us to think about regarding our routines. I realized that I'm ahead of the game in terms of my mental preparation regarding my routine. I know my character, theme, a basic order of tricks, music, and even costume. My physical preparation, though, I'm behind the rest of the students. They all have a lot more strength than I do. And, they seem more confident on their apparatus. I felt so thankful that I had done the private lesson last weekend. Otherwise, I would have been very uncomfortable.

After about 30 minutes of discussion, we did a brief warm-up and stretching. I was the only one who had the full split on both sides (and Joelle noticed and complimented me - yay). Not bad for a week or 2 of stretching. I still have a bit more to go with that, but I'm confident my flexibility will be more than sufficient by December. My strength/endurance... Not so sure about that. I was pleased that I didn't visibly look out of place. I think I appeared to be in the same fitness league as the other women. But, they did have a lot more strength.

After that, we each chose a trapeze/rope/silk, and Joelle played some music while we improvised. We were supposed to "play" and try to do something that fit the music. I did that a little bit, but I focused on practicing some of my tricks in sequence. I did some feet movements that seemed to fit (and Joelle even noticed and complimented some of that - yay me). But, mainly I was just trying not to look scared up there.

So, I started with this sequence:
Split Under the Bar
Mermaid
1 knee hang
1 knee roll-up
Lay back style (both sides)

Then, my sequence should have been fetal balance and free handed hammock, but I had no spot. I figured it was better not to chance it, so I did Double Arm Flag and then Flag and Air Split.

We did this kind of thing a couple of times. I also practiced my ending sequence - Straddle Back Balance, Bird's Nest, Angel Sequence. I practiced Flag and Double Arm Flag several times.

Then, at the end, we each had to choose 3 tricks and perform individually with everyone watching. The goal was to perform to some random music, and intersperse choreography. I originally chose Seahorse, Amazon, and Thread the Needle. But, when I got up there, I didn't feel confident about Amazon, so I did Iron Cross after Thread the Needle instead. I made a lot of progress with the Thread the Needle. I got it on my first attempt this time (although it was still quite cludgy). But, that was much better than last weekend. With the Iron Cross, I was able to do some feet things to the music, which Joelle liked. And, I was impressed that I was able to get the Seahorse on my own (although I have some work to do with it, too). I volunteered to go first, which I think was a good call. By going first, it seemed like everyone thought I did well. But, I think I was either the weakest or the 2nd to weakest. So, going first was definitely to my advantage. After each performance, everyone offered comments as to what they liked about it. I made sure to comment about something for everyone. I got a lot of good comments, too, so that was good.

We ran a bit late, so I had to rush out to get home. But, other than it being a rush to get there and a rush to leave, the actual class was pretty good. I was able to practice almost all of my tricks. I didn't do Amazon, Shoulder Stand, or Fetal Balance/Free Handed Hammock. But, not bad overall.

I'm going to need to go to some of the open aerial sessions, at least one per week in addition to my class if I'm going to want to be able to not look like a fool. The performance is tentatively Sat Dec 18th at 6pm.

Trapeze Private Lesson

2010-10-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

I had my private lesson on Saturday, and I was very glad that I went before the class started. It was kind of a mixed thing for me. I was able to do almost all of the tricks (which was great - there was the very real possibility that I might not have been able to do much of anything). I'm pretty confident that I'll be able to get a pretty routine together in honor of Ariella. Granted, I have a LOT of work to do in the 8 weeks. I might need to go to some of the open aerial sessions on Sunday afternoons to get additional practice. It's going to require quite a bit of endurance to be able to do an entire routine.

So, here's how the session went. I arrived a bit early, and Joelle and I talked for a bit, catching up. She led me through a short warm-up/stretching session, but she wanted most of the time to be on the trapeze (which was perfect). I had done a full stretching session at home about an hour or so before I left, so I was already pretty limber.

My first time up, I did the following:

Split under the bar
Mermaid under the bar
1 knee hang
1 knee roll-up
Fetal balance
Free handed hammock
Double arm flag
Seahorse
Amazon
Flag
Air Split

Everything went decently smoothly. On the 1 knee hang, I hooked with my 2nd leg, making it more secure. In past routines, I didn't need to do that. It would have felt way too unsteady, though, without the hook. Some people perform the trick that way anyway, though. So, it's not a huge deal either way. Also, I found that I wasn't able to hold any of the tricks for very long at all. That's something I'll definitely have to work on. Joelle was impressed that I was able to do so many in succession, though (as was I). And, I think all the preparation and mental review really helped.

For the seahorse, I learned that I don't have to do the whole setup for it that I did in my routine (the setup was the hardest part). So, that will help a lot. Also, I had been thinking that the Flag trick was called "Standing Flag". But, actually it's just called "Flag".

Then, after a little break (Joelle gave me lots of good tips while I was resting, so it wasn't wasted time), I went back up.

I did Thread the Needle and Iron Cross. Thread the Needle took several attempts, which kind of surprised me. I couldn't get my leg up and around the rope. It wasn't because I wasn't flexible enough. As it turned out, I needed to push my body out and away from the ropes to be able to get the angle to get my leg up. Joelle even had to go up on the other trapeze while I sat on mine so that I could see the angle she was talking about. After her demonstration, though, I did get it. Boy, that trick had never been difficult for me in the past. It was sort of a shock. The Iron Cross was also kind of a shock. The first time I did that trick, I was able to get to essentially perpendicular on the first try. I came no where near close to the fully open position. I guess that move really does take some strength. But, I got through that pretty uneventfully.

Then, I came down again for another break. I discussed how I was probably going to cut some of the difficulty out - that I wanted to have fun with it and be able to perform it well. Joelle said that sounded like a great idea. I said that I didn't even want to attempt the Crow's Nest or the Arabesque. So, she got up on the trapeze and showed me a couple of easier tricks that I might want to add in - Layback Style and the Twisting Layback Style. These are very pretty, graceful positions that are relatively easy. So, I'm going to put that in to replace some of the harder tricks.

Next time up:
Layback Style (both sides)
Twisting Layback Style (both sides)
Then, I thought about doing the shoulder stand but was too scared, so I skipped that one. I went straight to the Straddle Back Balance, Birds Nest, and Angel Sequence.

Then, on the ground, I did the beginning part of the Shoulder Stand (the part where you go upside down and wrap your legs) on the silks close to the ground rather than on the trapeze way up there.

Then, I went back up on the trapeze and was going to try the shoulder stand from a sitting position, but nope... So, I just did the Straddle Back Balance, Birds Nest, and Angel Sequence again.

And then, I tried the Ladybug (with heavy spot). There's no way I'm getting that at the end of a performance in 8 weeks, so I'm cutting that. But, it will be fine ending with the Angel Sequence.

So, here is my latest version of what I think the routine will be:
Split under the bar
Mermaid under the bar
1 knee hang
1 knee roll-up
Layback Style (both sides)
Fetal balance
Free handed hammock
Double arm flag
Seahorse
Amazon
Flag
Air Split
Thread the Needle
Iron Cross
Shoulder Stand
Straddle Back Balance
Birds Nest
Angel Sequence

I figure I may or may not have to hook my leg for the 1 knee hang. If not, great. But, if so, not a big deal. But, I need to get the Shoulder Stand. It's my transition from standing to back down for the end. I'm not sure why it was so difficult. It was probably mostly a mental/fear thing. I should be able to get it in a couple of weeks.

But, I really need to amp up my strength (and losing a few pounds wouldn't hurt either). I've realized that the trapeze required a lot of back and shoulder strength. I had been thinking it was mostly abs and arms. But, the sore muscles are definitely back and shoulders. So, I'll need to tailor my weight training to that. Joelle also showed me a couple of exercises to do at home - rolling to a balance with a rounded back (a pilates exercise), and holding onto someone's ankles, piking, rolling up, extending toes to the ceiling, and then rolling back down.

I was really struck with how scary the trapeze is! I don't remember it being that scary. I'm thinking it's because I started with a very gradual progression. This time I just threw myself back into the mix. I'm sure it will get better soon, but I just kept thinking "and I want Ariella to do this?!?" Lol! But, I'm definitely glad that I did this lesson rather than having my first time back up there be at a class of people, where we're all supposed to be "comfortable" with an aerial apparatus. I'm sure I can get this. It will be some work, though.

Quick Update

2010-10-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

It's been going pretty well so far. I've kept on track with my stretching for the most part. I did skip the night session last night, though. Boo. My poor body was just too worn out. It's much harder fitting everything in with a baby. I didn't do weights last night either, but I did do abdominal exercises (and it was a sorry state of affairs that my abs are in, they need a LOT of work).

This morning while Ariella watched her reading video, I did a brief upper body weights workout - Assisted Chins, Assisted Dips, Chest Press, and Bicep Curl. It was a start, but I'll definitely need to do better with this - more sets/reps/etc. Then, I came back upstairs and did an excellent stretching session (yay). I also had an IsoPure protein shake for breakfast.

One thing I didn't factor in is that it's a lot harder to exercise and build muscle when you don't get a full night's rest every night. This has gotten so much better than it had been, but I'm still up every morning around 5am. I used to sleep until 7am when I was training previously - and even later on weekends. Rest is critical for muscle recovery as well as to be able to give your all in exercise sessions. Unfortunately, I don't see this improving all that much. Weekends are the same. It's not like the baby will magically sleep in because I don't have to go to work.

Even though I haven't done all that much physically so far, I find myself pretty tired. It's a good thing that I'm not trying to add in running as well. I figure I get enough cardio with my walk at lunch with my friend 4 times a week. Plus, breastfeeding burns off calories like crazy.

Stretching Sessions

2010-10-12T13:31:00.001-07:00

I've been stretching now since Saturday night, and I'm already progressing quite well. This morning I was even able to fully get down into the front split with my right leg forward. Granted, it was not comfortable by any means, but that will come with time.

My sessions are around 12 minutes each, so that's 25 minutes - plus quick stretches periodically throughout the day. One thing, though, is that the stretching sessions are hard. I remembered them as being relaxing. This isn't the case now. It hurts to stretch! I guess this will get a lot easier once I can do my splits comfortably. Until then, I'll need to continue plugging away.

I have my trapeze private lesson scheduled for Saturday at 3pm. It will be very interesting to see what I can still do.

I'm going to need to do some weights tonight - or at the very least some abdominal exercises. My muscles are still a little sore, though, from the weekend. I'll have to see. I'm going to want to have my muscles completely recovered by Saturday, though, so maybe I'll just do 1 weights session this week. Then, once I get my regular Thursday trapeze schedule going, I can switch to weights on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Trapeze Routine for Ariella

2010-10-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

Since the focus of this class is building a trapeze routine, I've already decided that my routine is going to be a tribute to Ariella. I've already chosen the music for the routine - A Mother's Prayer by Carnie Wilson. It has very pretty lyrics about a mother's hopes and dreams for her baby, and the music is slow and flowing, which should make it easy to perform to. I also have a costume that seems appropriate (it was one of the ones left over from when I bought 5 costumes when figuring out my first trapeze routine). Amazingly, it still fits and looks decently flattering!

I have a rough list of tricks that might be good for the routine. I have them in what I think might be a decent order. Some of the ones in the middle might need to be rearranged. And, if some of them are too difficult for me now or if I don't quite have the endurance, I can always cut/water this down. But, I figure this gives me plenty enough material to work with. I think the basic flow is pretty good. It starts with under the bar tricks, then moves into tricks while sitting, then standing tricks, and then back under the bar.

Split under the bar
Mermaid under the bar
1 knee hang
1 knee roll-up
Fetal balance
Free handed hammock
Double arm flag
Seahorse
Amazon
Standing Flag
Air Split
Thread the Needle
Iron Cross
Crow's Nest
Arabesque
Shoulder Stand
Straddle Back Balance
Birds Nest
Angel Sequence
Ladybug

I'm trying to work out a private lesson for this coming weekend so that I'll be able to go through some of these tricks so that I can see where I am regarding trapeze skills. So, all of this might change if I get there and can't even do the simple tricks. But, I figure I should be able to do something by December. And, I'd rather do an easier routine that I can do well than something that's too difficult. I even have an idea for my entrance and exit. I'm going to talk with Joelle about it first, though, before sharing. This is all very exciting! I'm trying to keep my expectations realistic. It has been quite some time since I've last been on the trapeze.

I'm not particularly looking forward to all the bruising, etc, that will happen soon. All my caluses that were built up on my hands are long gone. That won't be fun either. But, I hope it comes together. This will be so cool to do. I can't wait for Ariella to see me perform this routine for her.

Starting Up Again Since the Birth of Ariella!

2010-10-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since I last posted. Ariella was born February 17th, 2010. Since then, I've been pretty sporadic regarding exercising. I've done what I've termed "baby exercises" where I do exercises such as pelvic lift, crunches, reverse crunches, shoulder presses while holding her. I've done a bare amount of stretching. I've done weights maybe 2-3 times. I've done running a few times, have gone swimming quite a bit, but a lot of times it was just me and Ariella (so, it wasn't so much of a workout). And, I walk most workdays at lunch with a friend for 30 minutes.

This past weekend, I helped a friend move. So, it was several hours of lifting and carrying things down stairs and onto the moving truck. It was an excellent workout! I did better endurance-wise than I had expected. The physical exertion really felt good. On that same day, a friend asked me if I was going to be getting back into trapeze. I had been thinking about it, but not too seriously. First of all, I'm no where near the fitness level I used to be when I did the trapeze. Secondly, I have a baby! It's hard to schedule in a hobby. Plus, since I'm breastfeeding, scheduling and such is even trickier. I remembered receiving an e-mail about new trapeze sessions starting up soon, and I figured I'd take a look just to see.

There was a class that seemed like it would fit into my schedule:
Aerial Choreography:
Want to take your aerial artistry to the next level? This class is for you! This fun and inventive class is designed to help students add creative flair to their aerial work as they learn about and are guided through the process of creating an aerial performance piece. These pieces will be presented before friends and family at the end of class. This class will help students develop a character, pick their music, apparatus, costume, and learn to move accordingly. Since this class focuses on choreography instead of "trick building" students must already be familiar and comfortable on at least one aerial apparatus in order to register for this class. Come prepared to get creative and have fun!

It's on Thursdays from 5pm - 6:30pm. So, I'll go into work a bit early, and I'll only wind up getting home a little late. It will probably require 1 extra bottle of pumped milk for Ariella, but I think it's definitely workable.

I'm no where near where I need to be fitness-wise, so I've come up with a strategy for that. I'm really going to have to watch it, though. If I work out too intensely or start losing weight too quickly, my milk supply might drop. So, that's something I'm going to have to pay attention to.

I'm going to do 2 stretching sessions per day (each about 10-15 minutes). I'm going to focus on flexibility moves rather than strength moves in my trapeze performance, so it will be key to get that back. I'm going to do 2 weight sessions per week for the upper body (only about 15 minutes each). I'm going to do abdominal exercises every other day. And, then I'll continue with my walking at work during lunch. Plus, I'll have the trapeze class on Thursday nights. And, I'll be starting swimming class with Ariella on Saturdays (although that probably won't be much exercise for me, since it's designed for her).

For nutrition, I'm going to add additional protein to my diet to support muscle building, and I'm going to reduce the amount of junk food. This should cut my calories just a bit, but I can't go too far with this because I don't want to mess up my milk supply.

So, wish me luck! I'm very excited.

Ballet and Jazz Classes

2009-06-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

I just started a 6-week session of Ballet and Jazz classes on Tuesday nights. I went to my first classes yesterday. They were fun, although hard on the feet. But, this will be a good activity for me for the beginning of the summer - not too intense, but a fun moderate/light exercise.

Link to Latest Trapeze Video!

2009-05-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

http://gallery.joannajackson.com/v/TrapezeLevel2Practice/Video/Level+2+Trapeze+Performance.flv.html

Trapeze Private Lesson

2009-05-20T06:02:00.000-07:00

I finally got the video of my trapeze routine that I wanted. On the performance night my costume got wrapped around the bar when I did my hip circle, so I was stuck for a few seconds before I could untangle myself. But, last night I went to a private lesson and hit my routine the way I had wanted. So, now I have video. My gallery site is also back online, so I was able to upload the pics from the performance. I'll get the video online asap. Here are the links to some new pics.

http://gallery.joannajackson.com/v/TrapezeFavorites/
http://gallery.joannajackson.com/v/TrapezeLevel2Practice/

Also, during the private lesson I did some tricks on the Spanish Web for the first time. Essentially, it is a thick rope. I caught on more quickly than I figured I would. It was a lot of fun. I learned 2 sequences that both left me twisted and hanging from the web - one with the rope wrapped around my thigh and the other with the rope wrapped around my waist. It was fun.

I also learned a few new trapeze tricks as well, and progressed with some tricks that I had done before. I learned Standing Flag, Split on the Ropes (which I learned won't work for me with my feet), Rogue Drop (really cool drop, but somewhat dangerous). And, then I practiced Fairy Pose and Toe Hangs.

So, I got a lot fit into the 60 minutes, and I can feel the workout my muscles got. I do have to say that I won't miss the feeling of doing the zip drop so often. That one was pretty hard on the body. It was very dramatic, though. I'm sure I'll do it again sometime, but just not every week.

This summer, there are 2 mini-sessions of classes, but my instructor is only teaching 1 of them because she's going to a 2 week aerial training camp (which sounded amazing!). So, I'll only get my trapeze fix for 4 weeks this summer. I'm definitely going to take the Aerial Combo class (combo of lyra, Spanish Web, Silks, and Single Point Trapeze). And, I might also take the Trapeze Level 2 class as well. Not sure, though. Twice a week might be too hard on my body. I need to decide soon, though.

Pics from My Trapeze Performance

2009-05-17T07:33:00.001-07:00

Thread the Needle Trapeze Picture

2009-05-10T12:34:00.000-07:00

Link to Trapeze Pics

2009-05-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to my trapeze pics from my private lesson this morning! It was a great practice. I ran through my routine 3 times. It's coming together really nicely, and the performance should be awesome on Friday night!

http://gallery.joannajackson.com/v/TrapezeLevel2Practice/
http://gallery.joannajackson.com/v/TrapezeFavorites/

P90X Week 1 in Review

2009-05-09T05:49:00.000-07:00

My first week doing P90X was a success. Even after just a week, I feel stronger and leaner. My favorite workouts were Plyometrics, Legs and Back, YogaX, KenpoX, and Ab RipperX. Plyometrics (jump training) is something I've never done before, and I think it really brings great results. The intensity is extremely challenging. But, it is well worth the effort and struggle.

The good thing about P90X is that the strength training workouts train different muscles that what I'm used to working. There are a lot of moves that utilize your own body weight, which is great since that's what I have to work with on the trapeze - my own body weight.

Week 2 is going to be a bit different, though, since I'm off to Dallas for work on Sunday. I'm bringing my P90X dvds with me and will do some of the workouts that don't require weights (Plyometrics here I come again!).

My main goal for Week 2 is to be fully prepared for my Trapeze performance next Friday. This is what I've been working towards for the past several months. I want to be at full strength and able to do my best.

Friday Post - Trapeze Class

2009-05-09T05:34:00.000-07:00

Friday morning, I actually slept in a bit (in comparison to Wed and Thurs where I did over an hour workout in the morning before work). So, that was pretty nice. All I did in the morning was some easy stretching. Plus, I had my Kashi Lean cereal for breakfast.

At work, after my lunch of leftover pork and veggies, I was still really hungry (which is fairly unusual for me). So, I figured I would listen to my body, and I had an 8oz bowl of black bean soup from the cafeteria at work. It was 150 calories and 8g of protein (they posted the nutrition info online). I figured the extra carbs would be good and would help sustain me for my trapeze class.

My trapeze class was good, but I was disappointed that we only got to run through our routines once. There were only 6 of us, with our routines being 4-5 minutes long. With a 90 minute class, we should have gotten to do it twice. But, that was not to be. I did ok on my run-through. I did the Wrapped Angel straight into the Bird's Nest. But, I had a bit of struggle getting into Amazon, and I had some struggle getting into the Zip Drop. I would not have been satisfied if that had been my performance routine. I had all these mental notes of what to change for the second time. But, that never came. It's a good thing I have the private lesson scheduled for Sunday. It's only 60 minutes, but I should be able to go through my routine 3 times. I did get to practice the zip drop once separately, though, and I got a feel for the correct way to wrap my feet. I just need more repetition with that. Hopefully, Sunday I'll be able to carry over the feel of it and do it right the first time.

We also spent a LOT of time rehearsing the curtain call. During the last session's performance, we did almost the same amount of rehearsal time on it, but most people forgot the hand motions. This curtain call was even more cheoreographed. So, it will be interesting to see if people remember.

We still don't know our performance order. In the last performance, I was first. That was a nice position to be in. This time around, I had assumed that the guy with the blindfolded routine would be last. But, my instructor said that his act wasn't a closing act because they want something to pump up the audience at the end. I don't quite understand how his act isn't a closer, but I'm certainly not an expert at trapeze shows. One guy in our class chimed in that my zip drop was a dramatic finale trick. I thought that was pretty nice of him. So, who knows. Maybe I'll be going last. I suppose it doesn't really matter. I would just prefer to NOT go right after the guy. Any other spot should be fine.

Thurs Post - Back and Legs Review P90X Week 1

2009-05-07T08:20:00.002-07:00

I had an awesome workout this morning - Back and Legs, and Ab RipperX. My worksheet was off for the Back and Legs dvd, though, so I had to cross out all the names of the exercises on the sheet and write in the correct things. It made the record keeping a bit more difficult (plus, I didn't know what was coming next). But, it will be easy next time since it's done.

I think I enjoyed this strength training P90X dvd the most so far. It had a variety of pull-up exercises, and lots of different leg exercises - many of which I hadn't done before. I also liked the fact that only a couple of the exercises were repeated. Almost everything was different, so it made the workout more interesting and fun.

Then, Ab RipperX came on, and I impressed myself in that I did everything without stopping the dvd even once! I still have room for improvement, though. There are harder versions of some of the exercises that I can do. And, I was behind on a couple of the moves (but I finished all my reps during the short break between exercises). And, I can always lift higher. So, still a lot of room left for improvement. But, this is definitely progress. And, it's only the 3rd time that I've done Ab RipperX.

After work I scheduled an hour long massage. The timing worked out perfectly. I'll go there straight from work. I think this will be perfect for my muscles. And, hopefully it will have me refreshed for trapeze tomorrow. I've really pushed myself this week. I'm not used to such long or so many strength training sessions. I think normally my weight sessions are 35-40 minutes. Hopefully I'm gaining endurance, too. I can't wait to see if there are improvements for the trapeze.

Bowling!

2009-05-07T08:20:00.001-07:00

I had a lot of fun bowling last night. We bowled 2 1/2 games. I did better than I've ever done before bowling, too. My first game I hit 99. I was soooo close to breaking 100 (which I've never done before), but my last frame I only hit 5 pins. Doh! Oh well. It was still good.

I got quite a few strikes and spares. That was extremely exciting.

I had to watch my wrist with bowling, though. Even though I supplement with glucosamine, my fingers and wrist were not super happy. But, this morning all was well.

I even found some food that I could eat there. I had a grilled chicken breast with grilled onions and lettuce. It was yummy. I also had 3 cups of diet soda (which was not so good, but better than beer). The soda (I think it was the soda) wreaked a little bit of havoc with my stomach. I am NOT used to drinking diet soda anymore.

Regardless, it was tons of fun and a great way to spend the evening after work.

Scheduling Dilemmas

2009-05-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

Since I didn't do YogaX today (Wed), I now have a dilemma as to what workout to do tomorrow (Thurs). Friday is my trapeze class, so my muscles need to be decently fresh for that. And, then I have my private trapeze lesson Sunday morning, where I'm going to have some picture and video taken of my routine. So, I really need to be fresh for that.

So, my options are as follows. According to the schedule, tomorrow I could do Legs and Back (And Ab Ripper X). But, then will I be able to do well on Friday? So far my leg muscles are already still somewhat sore from Plyometrics. Or, I could do YogaX instead. But, if I do YogaX, then I'm not sure that I'll get to do the Legs and Back dvd for a while. I don't think that I'll want to do it on Saturday, since I'll probably be sore from trapeze class (which is pretty decent strength training). And, I really need to be recovered on Sunday for the video and pictures during my private lesson.

I wonder how taxing the Legs and Back dvd is. Friday is not as important as Sunday to be at full strength. I noticed that the Legs and Back is also on the "Lean" version, so I think I definitely want to get that in.

So, my schedule:
Wed: KenpoX
Thurs: Legs and Back, Ab Ripper X
Fri: Trapeze
Sat: YogaX
Sun: Trapeze

Then, I'm off to Dallas. I'm brining my P90X dvds with me, but I won't have my dumb bells. I'm going to go off schedule for Week 2 because I want to be primed for my trapeze performance the next Friday. I'm thinking this will be my schedule:

Mon: Plyometrics
Tues: Full Upper Body Strength Training - using weights in the hotel gym
Wed: YogaX
Thurs: (morning) CardioX - flying home
Friday: (morning) Namaste Yoga/Stretching, Trapeze Performance
Sat: StretchX or Rest/Namaste Yoga/Stretching

Then, Sunday I'll get back on schedule for Week 3.

I think that's a good plan. Anyone have any other suggestions? After Week 3, I'll have to decide if I want to repeat the week (since I didn't really follow the schedule for Week 2) or if I'll want to keep moving on to the recovery week.

Wednesday Post - KenpoX Review - Week 1

2009-05-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

So, according to the P90X Classic schedule, I was supposed to do YogaX today. But, I had plans to go bowling tonight, so I figured I'd better get my workout done in the morning. But, I didn't figure that I had 90 minutes in the morning, so I decided to do KenpoX instead, which is just under and hour.

Granted, KenpoX is a different workout from YogaX, but I figured at least it was cardio and not more strength training. So, hopefully the substitution is ok.

KenpoX was a lot of fun. I worked up quite a sweat, which was good. But, my Tae Bo and Boxing Gym workouts in the past were good preparation, so I was able to keep up with the workout quite nicely. I even did all the cardio that they did - running in place, jumping rope without the rope, jumping jacks, and X jumps - during each "break". I knew how to do a lot of the moves, so the learning curve wasn't too bad. There were a lot of new moves, though, too.

I had my recovery drink during and after the workout, and then I went and got my shower. Then, I had some leftover Hibachi food for breakfast (salmon, veggies, and a few noodles). I figure I need to eat up all the leftover and such by Sunday before my husband and I go to Dallas (they're sending me to a 4 day training class for work, and my husband is coming along for a vacation).

Tonight should be a lot of fun. A friend invited us bowling. He won a bowling party with his work, so that should be fun. I haven't been bowling in years. It's good to get out and do different things. They are providing "snacks", though, so I'll need to watch out for that. I brought some extra food to work today, though (some leftover pork and veggies), so I'm going to eat that around 5pm, right before we leave to go bowling so that I won't be starving and eat bad things.

Tuesday Post - P90X Chest and Arms Review - Week 1

2009-05-06T08:06:00.001-07:00

Tuesday was a good day. My legs were still sore from plyometrics, and my back and chest were still sore as well. But, in a good way. I woke up and did my easy 25 minute Namaste Yoga program to get my body loosened up. I was really hungry in the morning, so I had my Kashi Lean cereal, but then at work they had a free breakfast buffet, so I had small portions of some of that as well (a little scrambled egg, a sausage patty that I blotted the grease off of, a little hashbrowns, and a little fruit). At lunch time I went for a leisurely 30 minute walk outside. It was such a beautiful day.

After work, my husband suggested going to a new restaurant for dinner - Oishi Sushi Bar and Steakhouse. We ate at the Hibachi grill side, since I don't like sushi. It was a spectacular show! The hibachi gill chef was awesome. At one point he even threw small pieces of chicken into everyone's mouths. I was amazed that I caught mine (after like 4 tries). My husband caught his on the first try. The food was so fresh, and everything tasted awesome - even the mushrooms that he grilled (normally I'm not a fan of mushrooms). But, it was good. So, I think that might be my new favorite restaurant. It was more like an experience than just dinner. We wrote the chef's name down so that we could request him the next time we go. There was a lot of food, but luckily they came out with boxes automatically. I guess they realize that no one could possibly eat it all.

After we got home, we watched American Idol. And, then I told my husband that I needed an hour to get my workout in. He seemed really surprised that I was working out after all that. It was pretty late, but I knew I needed to get it done. So, I popped in the Shoulders and Arms dvd.

It was a good workout - so much easier than plyometrics. It alternated between shoulder, bicep, and tricep strength training exercises. There were a lot of dumb bell moves. By the end, my muscles were worked out quite nicely. I think I might need to get 3 more dumbbell sizes, though - 7, 12, and 17 lb. That would make for a nice progression. But the 5, 10, and 15 lb ones worked well enough. But, I didn't sweat very much during it. The people in the video seemed to be sweating more. Maybe I need to up my intensity next time. It's tough to know what weights to use the first time doing each video, though. An hour is a long time for strength training, and I wanted to pace myself somewhat.

Then came Ab Ripper X. I think I only had to pause the dvd 3 times. So, I think I'm improving on that.

After exercising, I did some extra stretching on my own. Then, I got my husband and we watched Fringe while finishing my recovery drink. I've started adding in a bit of orange juice along with the IsoPure. It gives it a nice flavor. I fell asleep before the show was over, though, which was good. I knew I had to get up early to do my workout in the morning, since I had plans to go bowling after work.

Monday - Plyometrics - Week 1

2009-05-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

Plyometrics half killed me tonight. I think I came the closest to puking from exercise that I ever have. Luckily, I didn't hurl, though. But, when he said to take a water break, all I could do was collapse on the sofa for the 30 seconds. I was taking water at first, but then my stomach was not doing so well.

It was an intense, extreme workout. He got to one point where he said, ok, half way through. And, I was like, what?!?! But, I kept on going. Some of the moves were fun. I liked the lateral jumping ones the best. The worst one was "hot feet" where you're jumping on one foot. I could not do that for the 30 seconds and had to switch to the modified version. Of course this was towards the end of the workout. I need to build up more stamina. Oh yeah, and there was one where you run around in a circle. That one made me dizzy. Very different moves. And lots of them.

My workout setting was pretty ideal. I was in the theater room of the basement, and although the floor is cement, I had my cushioning gymnastics mat that I laid out. So, I was in good shape there. I had an area of about 8 feet by 4 feet. The ceiling was a bit low, but it wasn't really a problem.

But, it was a tough workout - in a good way, though. I'm happy that I stuck with it. I'm glad that's just once a week, though. I have a feeling my body will be hurting tomorrow.

Sunday Post and P90X Chest and Back review - Week 1

2009-05-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

It was a good day Sunday. I did my first ever P90X strength training dvd - Chest and Back. I hadn't really been sure of what to expect. I had my exercise worksheets to fill out as I went along, so I knew the names of all the exercises. But, I didn't know what all of them were.

There were about 12 different exercises in total, alternating between chest and back exercises. And, once I had finished one set of each, we went through the whole series a second time. I was happy that there was a warm-up and cool-down on the dvd, as well. There were 3 different grips of pull-up versions (wide grip palms out, close grip palms in, and close grip palms out), so that was pretty neat, I thought. When they started the pull-ups, I just paused the dvd, went into the other room where my assisted pull up machine is, and did mine on my own. So, that worked out fine.

There were a LOT of different push-up variations - normal, military, diamond, wide, under the fence, etc. I don't remember all of them. The diamond ones were the hardest for me because he said that the idea was to go all the way down so that your elbows actually touch the floor. He said that after I was almost done with mine, so I tried it. But, I couldn't actually get back up after going all the way down. So, the second round I did from my knees so that I could get the full range of motion on it.

And, there there were a couple of weight exercises for the back. I'm not sure that I was using the correct weights, though. I think I was too light on one but too heavy on another. I guess it will just take a while to figure out how to do everything correctly.

The people on the dvd did so many reps of the different exercises - even the female on the dvd. I felt wimpy. But, this was my first time, so I think I did pretty decently all things considered. A lot of these exercises I had never really done before. The session lasted almost an hour, and then Ab RipperX was on the same dvd right after it, so I did that too.

Ab Ripper X had about the same challenge to it as it did the first time. I wound up doing all the reps again, and I still had to pause the dvd a number of times throughout the session, although maybe not quite as many times. It's hard to keep track.

Aside from all the exercising, Sunday was a good nutrition day - lots of protein, low carbs, low fat. And, I got to have some fun, too. My husband and I went out to see X-Men Origins at the movie theater, which was a lot of fun.

Saturday Post and YogaX Review

2009-05-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

This morning I got up and did my run. 6.6mph for 30 minutes (so over 3.25miles total). Then, I did a full routine of stretching.

After a couple of hours I was ready to try my YogaX P90X dvd. It was 90 minutes of yoga, and it was definitely extreme. I had done a lot of the poses before, so it was easy for me to follow along. However, the first 40 minutes or so were extremely difficult. I found sweat pouring down my face, which is the first time that's happened in a yoga workout. I do have room to improve, though. There is the option to do a push up in between plank pose and down dog (which was done probably over 20 times total in the routine). I did push ups maybe 3 of the times, and then I stopped doing that. There were a lot of warrior poses, so lots of lower body strength moves. There was this one where you're in a warrior pose and you twist and clasp your hands around the back of your body. It required a lot of hip flexor strength (I think). I could not hold that pose very long at all. It started burning immediately.

After that long series, it went into a series of balance poses - tree pose, dancer, leg extension. Luckily I was in close quarters, so when I was about to topple, I was able to steady myself. Then, there was this one pose - Crane (I think), where you balance only on your hands. It was definitely extreme, and I'll have to work up to it.

Then, after that was a series of abdominal strength poses, which were tough.

After all that, there was some stretching and then relaxation for the last few minutes. Overall, I'd say it was the most intense yoga session I've ever had. I enjoyed it a lot, and I think it will help with overall conditioning, flexibility, and balance. So, definitely an awesome workout.

Getting Down to Business

2009-05-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

After a week of being fairly unfocused fitness-wise, I'm ready to get down to business. I have 2 weeks until my trapeze performance, so I need to really get my body into top shape. To that end, I'm planning out a schedule for the week which will also get me started with a lot of the P90X workouts. Here goes:

Saturday (today): Run in morning, YogaX in afternoon/night
Sunday: Ab Ripper X, Chest and Back
Monday: Namaste Yoga or Stretching in morning, Plyometrics after work
Tuesday: Ab Ripper X in morning, Shoulders and Arms after work
Wednesday: Namaste Yoga or Stretching in morning, YogaX/CardioX/KempoX or Running after work
Thursday: Namaste Yoga or Stretching in morning, CardioX/KempoX or Running after work
Friday: Namaste Yoga or Stretching in morning, Trapeze class after work

Saturday: Run in morning, YogaX/CardioX/KempoX in afternoon/night
Sunday: Trapeze private lesson at 8am - off to Dallas in afternoon for work

I'm going to Dallas for a training class for work - from Sunday night to Thursday. I'm going to bring my P90X dvds and will do the ones that don't require weights. Also, there will be a fitness room where I'll do strength training on Tuesday. Wednesday will be heavy cardio. Thursday will be mainly just stretching in the morning. And, then that brings me to the performance day on Friday.

Trapeze Class and Update

2009-05-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

Only 1 more official trapeze class (and 1 private lesson) before my performance. This trapeze class was good. I finally got from Wrapped Angel directly into Crow's Nest. It honestly wasn't that physically difficult. It was really more of a mental thing that I had to conquer. I didn't get it on my 1st run-through, but I decided on the 2nd one that I was going to do it, and I did. Also, I was able to complete the zip drop both times, which was good, although I still need some work on the setup for it. My hip circle was really good both times, as was my front pull-over. So, it's coming together.

One thing, though. After today's class, my performance is NOT going to be the best one in the show. The guy from my previous class is in this one, too. His performance is by far going to be the best - both in terms of physicality and in terms of artistry. He's doing his routine blindfolded. It absolutely blew me away. I've never seen anything like it. He's probably 90-95% there as well with getting it all perfected. He was essentially performance ready tonight.

But, luckily I'm female, and my performance is very different from his, so I'm still extremely excited about mine. I can't really compare mine to his. I'm more focused on doing mine as well as I can. I'm hoping to have a good next 2 weeks regarding fitness. I have a plan for this week regarding the P90X workouts, so hopefully that will go well. And, perhaps I can drop a bit more weight before the show to make everything easier. With 2 more practices, I should be ready for the performance. Granted, it may not be perfect, but I think I'll be happy with it. I'm very excited and think it's going to be an awesome show.

Trapeze Class, Weekend Trip, and Getting Sick

2009-04-29T06:38:00.001-07:00

So, it's been a little while since my last post. My trapeze class on Friday was good. I got my front pullover down, which was good. I did not get directly from the wrapped angel into the Crow's Nest. But, that's ok. I can still work on that for next week. I ran through my routine 3 times, and my endurance was much better this time. I was able to get through the entire routine each time. Definitely good progress. And, I think my performance quality is improving as well.

On Saturday morning, I got up early and did some running and then stretching. My performance was lower than I felt it should have been. My body seemed worn down. But, I figured it would be good to take it easy for the rest of the weekend. I was going to Branson, MO with my husband and our friend for my husband's birthday. It was an awesome trip. I splurged on some extra calories, but I didn't go crazy. It was just one night away, but it was such a nice trip. We also saw a Chinese Acrobatic show there, which was awesome. Sunday, I did a bit of stretching and walked the nature trail in the morning.

Then, once we got home I did my P90X StretchX dvd. It was interesting. It was almost an hour of different stretches. It did not include splits, though, so I had to do them separately. It did do a couple of contortionistic stretches, though, which I've never done before. So, perhaps that will help with my back flexibility. Overall, it was good, but it spent a lot of time on stretches that I don't really need to concentrate on for the trapeze. It will be good to do every so often. I suppose I was hoping for more from this dvd, though. I guess it's because I'm trying to achieve specific types of flexibility for the trapeze, though. For overall general flexibility, though, it's really good (although I think normal people could hurt themselves trying to do the 2 contortionistic stretches).

Sunday on the way home I could tell that I was getting sick. When I woke up on Monday morning, I was out for the count. So, I spent most of Monday sleeping or resting in bed. I did call in for a couple of meetings at work, though. Yesterday I was feeling better, although no where near 100%. I took some DayQuil and was good until around 5pm, at which time I was feeling really worn down. This morning I'm off from work on vacation, which is good. I slept late (for me), took some DayQuil, and am having some "To Life" teavanna tea. I'm hoping to do a little bit of strength training today. I'm thinking of trying my Abdominal P90X video and then maybe doing some upper body weights. I need some strength training for the week, but I don't want to push too hard while I'm sick. I need to be well for Friday's trapeze class.

Mid-Week Update

2009-04-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy, busy week for me regarding fitness so far this week. I had the day off from work on Wednesday, so I crammed the day will all kinds of fun things.

I started the day doing some yoga and taking the pups for a 25 minute walk. In the afternoon I decided to go to the rock climbing gym. It had been ages since I had last gone, and I had bought that 10 time pass, so I needed to start using it.

The rock climbing was awesome. After the first climb, my forearms started burning. I suppose I don't really work those specific muscles with anything other than climbing. I easily made it to the top. Of the 3 courses that had the auto-belay device, I was actually able to successfully complete all 3. In the past, I had only ever been able to make it to the top. I did 13 climbs total (all of them all the way to the top). It was a ton of fun, and it seemed a lot easier and faster to climb the routes than in the past. After the 13th climb, I decided to call it quits and head home. I didn't want to burn myself out. I definitely got a good workout.

Then, later in the day I did some interval running on the treadmill and had an awesome stretching session.

Yesterday my body felt pretty worn out, so I made it mostly a rest day. I did yoga in the morning, though, and stretching throughout the day. This morning, I did a quick run (only 1.5 miles) and then a thorough stretching session. I'm going to take a walk during lunch and will stretch some more. And, then tonight I have my trapeze class. I'm very excited to see how I can do. I know I've gained some more strength. And, I've lost some more fat. So, things are looking good. I'm hoping to have my front pull-over correct this time, and I might try to do the wrapped angel to Crow's Nest in one movement. But, I'll have to see. That might be over-ambitious. I brought my costume with me, though, so I hope it works well with my routine.

My trapeze performance is going to be Friday night, May 15th at 7pm. So, I only have 3 weeks to go until the performance. I've made excellent progress so far, and I should be ready by then.

P90X Fitness Test

2009-04-21T05:56:00.000-07:00

I ordered P90X from Beach Body yesterday, so hopefully it will arrive soon. Last night I did the fitness test before my upper body workout, and here are my results:

Resting Heart Rate: 72 (did that this morning, since you're supposed to do it first thing before getting out of bed)
1. Pull Ups (palms facing forward away from body, 2 fists wider than shoulders): 1.5
2. Vertical Leap: 13 inches
3. Push Ups: 23
4. Toe Touch: +9.75 inches (so, way beyond my toes)
5. Wall Squat: 2 min 25 sec (was a killer, quads were burning)
6. Bicep Curls: 12 reps w/ 15 lb dumbbells
7. In & Outs (abdominal): 40
8. Heart Rate Maximizer (jumping jacks for 2 minutes, last 30 seconds as fast as possible)
-Immediately After: 154
-After 1 Minute Rest: 132
-After 2 Minutes Rest: 104
-After 3 Minutes Rest: 96
-After 4 Minutes Rest: 86

Base Measurements (as of this morning - 4/21):
Weight: 116.2 lbs
Chest: 33 inches
Waist: 26.5 inches
Hips: 32.75 inches
Right Thigh: 20 inches
Left Thigh: 20 inches
Right Arm: 10.25 inches
Left Arm: 10.5 inches

So, I'm all set to start once my kit arrives. I'll do my before pictures on Day 1 to get a truly accurate idea of the change from the system. Granted, I probably took the fitness test too early, since I don't actually have the system yet, but it should be good enough.

I was pleased that I met all of the minimum requirements for the program. It's advertised as very advanced, but I think I'm up for the challenge. I hope to see the most improvement in my pull ups, push ups, bicep curls, and In and Outs (so, everything arms and abs).

Weekly Post (with Progress Update)

2009-04-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

It's been another good week for fitness for me. To recap, I had 2 trapeze lessons this past week (Tues and Friday). I concentrated more on strength training/endurance this week. On Sunday I did my lower body/abdominal strength training session, and today is upper body. I wanted to do my upper body strength training yesterday, but my muscles weren't recovered enough from the trapeze workout on Friday. I did my long run on Saturday, as well as other cardio/yoga throughout the week. My flexibility remains as good as it has ever been. I'm doing hyper splits at home now and am stretching at least 20 minutes per day (probably more).

As for results, I didn't lose much weight this week. I'm down to 117.8 lbs (for a loss of 0.2 lbs). But, I lost 0.5 inch from my waist, giving me a waist measurement of 26.5 inches. So, it looks like I've gained some muscle and lost some fat. Overall, I'm pleased with my progress.

This week I'm going to be going for some major strength training again. I want to build more muscle. I think that this will help me overall with my body's metabolism and it's ability to burn fat, which in turn will help me to lose the remaining weight. Also, I'm going to try to cut down a bit on carbs. I've been eating a lot of Fiber One Honey Clusters cereal this weekend when I discovered a box that is expiring in a few days. But, I figure that's probably not in my best interest. And, after seeing high fructose corn syrup as one of the ingredients, I decided to throw the expiring box of cereal away. So, now that pressure is off.

So, my tentative plan for the week is as follows:
Mon - Upper Body Weights
Tues - Speed Work Treadmill
Wed - Upper Body Weights/Rock Climbing, Abdominal
Thurs- 3.1 mile run 6.5mph
Fri - Trapeze
Sat - Long Run
Sun - ?

And, it goes without saying, I will do stretching every day.

Also, I just purchased Beach Body's P90X system. I might start that on Sunday, depending on when it arrives. It will be interesting to see how that will fit in with my trapeze schedule.

Adult Level 2 Trapeze Class

2009-04-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

My class today was awesome. I was able to build on what I learned in my private lesson to improve even more. The 2nd instructor gave me some really good ideas regarding my entrance. Rather than being timid and hesitant, I will be powerful and watchful. He showed me an awesome pose that was sort of martial arts like that really fits in with my Aikido roll. So, there's progress there. He and my regular instructor both gave me some good tips regarding my arm extensions in some of my tricks.

So, during class, I ran through my routine 3 times in total. I also worked several tricks in between, and I even did conditioning - as well as LOTS of stretching at the start and end of practice. I had an advantage over the other people because I know what I have to practice now, so it makes me really able to focus. I was really worn out by the end of the class, which was when my instructor asked me if I wanted to go through my routine again (this made the 3rd time). I said sure. I definitely wasn't going to turn down the opportunity. I did everything except I left off the zip drop at the end. I was worn out! It was a good practice.

My poor body, though. Two trapeze classes in one week makes for lots of bruises. My hands are torn up, and I have some massive bruises now. I think next week I'll wear long sleeves to protect my arms from the iron cross.

That's it for now!

Trapeze Private Lesson and Update

2009-04-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

This has been another pretty fabulous week for fitness for me. My flexibility is really coming along and is at a higher level than it was at the time of my first trapeze performance. I've been stretching in the morning, throughout the day, and then also at night. At my private trapeze lesson, my instructor had me doing hyper-splits! That means that one of my legs was positioned on a mat that was several inches off the ground, so I was actually splitting beyond even. My straddle split, though, is still not great. It never has been. I suppose my body isn't quite built as well for that type of flexibility. I will continue to work on it, though.

And, then finally, I really need to focus on the flexibility in my back. For the thread the needle trick in my routine, it's my back flexibility that is a hold up on that. But, my instructor showed me a way to stretch out my back (although it requires a partner). So, I'm going to have to recruit my husband for it. You actually get pretty close and personal.

Essentially the partner stands against a wall. I stand right in front of the partner and bend forward pushing my shoulder against the partner's chest/waist (depending on the height of the partner). Then, I lift my leg up into a split in the air (mimicing the trick). The partner grabs the leg in the air and pulls it up and towards him/her. The arch in the back is where the flexibility really comes into play for the stretch.

So, I didn't really have time to write about my private trapeze lesson from Tuesday. It was amazing. The progress I made in just a week and a half was incredible. I brought in my music and had an idea for my intro already, although I was hoping for some advice on it from my instructor. She gave me some great ideas regarding my first contact with the audience (coming out very hesitantly/cautiously at first). Also, she gave good suggestions regarding utilizing the entire spectrum of the audience (I was concentrating on the right side for some reason).

And, she liked my Aikido roll instead of the tumbleset roll. So, all of that was very helpful. My instructor loved my music as well as the concept of my intro. She also loved the fact that I had put so much thought into the routine. As we listened to the song, I pointed out parts in the song where I wanted to remain on track with the timing of the music.

After stretching, we discussed the plan for the session. I would attempt to run through the entire routine with the music. Then, we would work on individual tricks, and then I would attempt the entire routine to the music again.

The first run-through went better than I expected. I made it up on my own for the front pull-over (although I did the "cheating" that I used to do to make it over - but with a few more weeks of getting a better level of fitness, this will be no problem). I also made it on my own for the first time with the hip circle on the the trapeze that I'll use for the performance.

Previously, I had only been able to do it on the other bar. Granted, again, I have some work to do on it, but it is certainly within my grasp. The other tricks went pretty well, too. My amazon and sea horse tricks were much improved (I had sort of forgotten how to do them in past practices, so visualizing them really cemented what I had to do in my head. It made it much easier in person.). All the tricks under the bar were fine as well. And, then the zip drop finale trick was good. I was too low wrapping my feet, but I was able to complete the trick, and I took the full impact of the drop all on my own.

I think she and I both were impressed that I was able to make it through my routine so well the first time. One thing that I noticed was that the tricks took longer to do in actuality than they did in my head. I got behind in my music a bit and didn't hit the Iron Cross at the point in the music where I wanted. But, my instructor gave me some tips, and I think I will be able to hit it. Some things I'm going to do - mount the bar a tad bit earlier, only have 2 swings before the front pull over, when coming out of the wrapped angel skip standing on the bar but instead go up and kick my feet a bit dramatically and then head straight into the Crow's Nest (this will take some additional strength, but I think I can get there). She also gave me some tips regarding the hip circle, and we talked about the positioning of my body at the end of the zip drop. Then, I worked on the opening front pullover/hip circle sequence, the thread the needle, did the new back stretch and then the thread the needle again, the fall back angel, and the zip drop. After doing the back stretch, my thread the needle got pretty cool. She also recommended experimenting with pushing the ropes out to emphasize my split. I did that, and I'll have to experiment with it more. She showed me how to get more drama out of the fallback angel, and I definitely did - although it tinged my back a bit (although nothing serious). I'll have to be careful of that in the future. Also, she showed me a way to do my arms for the tricks in the angel sequence - running them along my body and then straight down dramatically. Then, we worked on the zip drop, and she showed me different options for my body position for the very end when the ropes are un-twisting.

After all that, I ran through the entire routine again. I made it through everything to the very end, but I ran out of gas on the zip drop and didn't make it anywhere near high enough. So, I wound up sliding down the ropes with my hands (although it didn't tear them up too bad as I would have expected) into a straddle back balance. So, I didn't quite complete the entire routine that second time, but I was exceptionally pleased with everything I accomplished during the lesson. It was miles and miles ahead of where I had been during the last class.

I can't wait until tomorrow night's trapeze class. Granted, I won't get as much one-on-one attention, but I should be able to work my routine at least once and then work some of my tricks on my own. I need to work coming out of the wrapped angel. I need to be able to come out of the wrap smoothly. Right now I'm sort of fumbling to get my feet/legs unwrapped. That makes me use up my upper body strength while I'm getting unwrapped, which requires the resting before going into Crow's Nest. But, if I can unwrap smoothly, then I won't waste my strength there, so I'll have it to be able to go straight into the Crow's Nest. Also, I need to work on my seahorse.

It's still a bit of a struggle pulling/wrapping up. But, again, extra upper body strength will help with that, too. So, there's a lot I can work on my own. My instructor said that she felt comfortable with me working all my tricks on my own. She felt like I wouldn't fall and injure myself. So, that was a good compliment.

She also questioned me about my feelings regarding actually performing versus what I had expected. So, I talked to her a bit about that. Then, she started to say something else, but then hesitated and said let me think about this. I got the impression that maybe she was going to think about adding me with this routine to some of the regular circus shows that they have. I don't know. I could be completely wrong, but there was definitely some motivation to the conversation that she didn't reveal. So, granted, I might be thinking more into this than there really is, but I think it's possible that this routine could be good enough to put into one of there real shows. I just have to get it performance ready first, which means quite a bit more work. It's exciting to think about, though, being a trapeze star! (Ok, perhaps a bit on the dramatic side.)

Regardless, everything is coming along really well. Once the motivation inside me clicked, it's been an awesome ride. I can't wait to be back into performance ready shape!

Traditional Styled Post

2009-04-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

Today I thought I'd get back to my roots and do a traditional styled post. I'm not going to do this every day, but I figured I would post this today to give a sense of my nutrition for the past week. As always, I'm going for high protein, controlled calories, low fat/sodium, and low carb at night. The main thing is a good balance.

Food:
Breakfast: 1/2 Kashi Lean (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4)
Snack: IsoPure (90/20), Pear (100/0)
Lunch: Pork/Red Pot/Veggies (220/21)
Snack: Fresh Spinach/Turkey (60/4)
Pre-Trapeze: South Beach bar (140/10)
Post-Trapeze: IsoPure (90/20)
Dinner: Barramundi fish/Shrimp/Veggies (300/25)
Dessert: Sweet Freedom bar (35/2)

Total: 1145 calories / 112.5 protein

Exercise:
Morning - 10 pushups, 20 4-point crunches, 30 min yoga
Lunch time - 30 minute walk/stairs
60 minute Trapeze private lesson

1st Week Fitness Kickoff Success

2009-04-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

I had an excellent fitness kickstart last week, and I am planning to continue my momentum this week as well. Because trapeze class was on break last Friday, I had scheduled a private lesson for Tuesday. And, then trapeze goes back to it's normal schedule on Friday. So, I have 2 trapeze sessions this week.

This morning I was down to 118 lbs (from over 121 last week), and my waist is 27 inches. Also, yesterday I was able to do 2 pull ups unassisted (which I had only been able to do 1 - 1.5 the past couple of weeks). I think my added strength training and healthier nutrition has been helping.

So, here's what's in store for this week:

Mon - interval speed running
Tues - trapeze private lesson
Wed - 30 minute tempo run (6.5mph)
Thurs - 30 minute tempo run (6.5mph)
Fri - trapeze class
Sat - 5 mile long run (6.2mph)
Sun - upper body, lower body, abdominal strength training

I'll also add in some yoga and lots of stretching (of course). And, I'll probably do some walks/stairs at lunch as well and some 4 point crunches or pushups in the morning.

Back on the Fitness Wagon

2009-04-11T05:09:00.000-07:00

Ever since Tuesday, I've been back focused on fitness. I think I'm finally re-motivated since I have my trapeze choreography and music. I want to be able to have an awesome performance at the end of May.

I had been hovering around 121 lbs, but as of this morning, I'm down to 118.2 lbs. I have about 6 weeks until my performance, so I'd like to be down to at least 112 lbs. During the last performance, I was down to 109 lbs on the performance day. So, I have a ways to go, but I'm on the right track.

Here's been my week:
Mon: Rest
Tues: Back/Bicep, 3.3mph tempo run 31 min, stretch, 30 min yoga, dog walk
Wed: 30 min Yoga, 3.4mph tempo run 31 min, stretch, dog walk
Thurs: Chest/Tricep, stretch
Fri: 30 min yoga, 30 min steps/walk, stretch throughout day

Plan for the weekend:
Sat: 5 mile long run (6.1mph), stretch, abdominal strength, lower body strength
Sun: Upper Body Strength, stretch, elliptical/treadmill (easy)

Thursday morning, my right knee was acting up again. I think I need to do some strength training for my legs to help strengthen my knees. So, I'm going to be adding some light lower body strength training once a week. Also, that's why I laid off the running Thurs and Friday.

I've also been extremely focused on my diet ever since Tuesday morning. I've been getting about 1150 calories/90+ protein per day (although last night I had the 8 oz renegade, salad, and broccoli from Long Horn, so I'm not really sure how much that is - but I wound up losing a pound since the morning before, so it obviously did well for me). I think the trick to restaurant eating is to cut out the unhealthy appetizer, go for high protein, and don't get any kind of mashed potatoes or fries. A steak, veggies, and dry salad is actually probably a good balance of protein and fat and is light on carbs. Carbohydrates are certainly necessary - especially when doing a lot of activity. But, it's best to have them in the morning/afternoon and go lighter on them in the evening (at least that's what I've found based on my previous research).

So, I'm extremely excited about fitness again. Next week will be awesome. I have a private trapeze lesson on Tuesday after work, and then I have my normal trapeze class on Friday after work. So, that will be 2 awesome strength training sessions. In between them, I'll have a lower body/abdominal strength training session on my own, and then I think from then on, I'll make Sunday and Tuesday my regular upper body strength training days.

I need to really focus on gaining strength and endurance. My flexibility is good, so I need to at least maintain that. And, then if I can drop some fat, I'll be golden for my performance.

5th Adult Trapeze Class Level 2

2009-04-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

This was the class where we started building our routines. I already knew what I wanted to do. I already had it written out, too. So, I just had to copy it over. The two instructors really seemed to like the tricks and the order that I came up with. They were even talking about it to themselves, and I caught the end of the conversation. So, that was kind of cool.

So, during class, I ran through all the tricks in my routine in order twice. I was able to do all of the tricks (although I have a LOT of improvement to do - it was really rough). But, I think it's going to be a good routine.

Front Pullover
Front Balance
Hip Circle
Catcher's Hang
Wrapped Angel - exit to stand

Crow's Nest
Thread the Needle
Iron Cross
Forward Roll

Amazon
Seahorse

Fallback Angel Sequence
Split Under the Bar
1 Knee Hang
1 Knee Roll-up

Zip Drop

So, that's my routine. I might add mermaid under the bar after the Angel Sequence, depending on the timing. But, I think it's mostly set.

On the way home, I heard a song that I think will fit perfectly with my routine - Stand My Ground by Within Temptation. I went through the song 3-4 times, each time envisioning my tricks along with the music, and it was perfect.

Next week is Easter break from trapeze. I'm going to see if I can set up a private lesson, but my instructor is going out of town. So, I'm not sure if that will happen. Regardless, I think this is going to be a really awesome routine. Now I just need to figure out my entrance and exit. My previous ideas for that have been nullified with the music change. So, I'll need to figure something out.

5K Training - Week 1 Recap

2009-03-29T07:01:00.000-07:00

My first week of training for the 5K race has gone well. Including today, I will have done 4 running sessions this week. I missed Thurday's tempo run, but still, it's a good first week training start. I did my speed work on Monday, a 2 mile run on Wednesday, and I did my long run (5 miles at 6mph - 50 minutes) yesterday. The long run half killed me. Maybe I ran too fast for my current cardiovascular ability. I think a lot of running involves mental discipline, though. Today, is my 30 minute easy run. It's supposed to be an active recovery day. So, that will wind down the week of training.

4th Adult Level 2 Trapeze Class

2009-03-27T18:27:00.000-07:00

Trapeze class was good tonight. Overall, it started off pretty slow, but I really got excited about the last trick and am going to use it to start off my performance.

Here's what we did:
1. Fairy Pose - did this twice, still not very good at this one.
2. Double knee roll-up - (twice) I'm getting pretty good at this one.
3. Sea Horse - When I did this, I turned the wrong way, which messed me up. I have to remember to turn into the wrap to wrap some more. Otherwise, this was good.
4. Amazon - (three times) sit sideways on the bar, left hand goes in the middle of the bar, right hand reaches up on the ropes, left hand is locked, lift hips off the bar and back, rope goes along the right side of the neck, let go with right hand
5. Shoulder Stand, Straddle back balance, bird's nest. - I did the first 2 in this sequence in my performance last time around, so this was no problem.
6. Front Pullover, Front Balance, Hip Circle into Catcher's Hang, Wrapped Angel, pulling out into a stand - (3 times), This is where I actually got excited about the class. I was able to do the hip circle pretty well this week. I did it successfully into the catcher's hang as well. I'm thinking this will be a good opening for my performance. It will be similar to the opening of the last performance, but it will be even more thrilling. The hip circle is a really cool trick. It's the one where I essentially hurl myself around the bar in a tucked position.

I also did quite a bit of conditioning. One of the worker's there recommended that I do my pushups with a close in hand position. It was much more difficult, as I typically have a wide position. It works different muscles. So, I'm going to try that for a while from now on. I definitely need to build up some more strength.

Hashbrowns

2009-03-23T18:51:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe that my mom used to make when I was little. Granted, my version is probably a bit different (smart balance instead of butter, salt sense instead of salt, and I use red potatoes - I don't remember what she used to use). But, the essence is the same. It's not even really hashbrowns, but that's what she used to call it. Also, she used to make it in the pan after cooking eggs, which added some additional flavor. But, enough of that history. Onto my version.

I chopped up 2 medium red potatoes into cubes. Sprayed a pan with non-stick pam spray. Added some smart balance. Set the heat on the stove to medium. Once the smart balance is melted, shake in some salt sense. Then, add the chopped up potatoes. Use a spoon to move the potatoes around so that they don't burn or stick to the pan. Heat until the potatoes are just a little crunchy. Then, serve.

It's a really tasty dish, and not bad health-wise. Red potatoes are very healthy. Plus, they're an excellent source of potassium (better than bananas for that). The smart balance gives it a good fatty acid omega 3 ratio, and the salt sense isn't too bad sodium wise. All in all, it's a great dish when you're in the mood for potatoes or comfort food.

5K Training

2009-03-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

I've decided to also focus on my running. I'm now starting to train for a 5K race on May 23rd, which gives me 9 weeks. I have an 8 week training schedule that I got online. So, I'll be following that. One of my friends is also training to do the 5K, too, so that will be awesome. My training has me running 5 days a week. Monday is speed work (speed intervals of .25 miles), Wed is a low mileage run day, Thursday is a tempo run day "running at a sustained comfortably hard pace". Saturday is the long run day. And Sunday is the easy run day. Each week builds extra mileage/speed, etc.

It looks like a good schedule. Plus, it gives me Tuesdays and Fridays off, which will let me do the gymnastics open gym if I want and the trapeze. Plus, on the Low mileage Wednesday day or the easy run Sunday, I can do strength training. I'm hoping to do more running outside, especially for Sundays, where I can run with my dogs, since it's a timed run rather than a distance run. I'll probably need to do some of my long runs outside as well. I'll need to look into finding a nice park to run at.

2nd and 3rd Adult Trapeze Level 2 Classes

2009-03-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

I missed posting about my 2nd class. Essentially it was just ok. My instructor was sick, so we had a substitute. We were told to work on combinations of tricks. I worked a sequence of Split Under the Bar, 1 knee roll-up, Straight Up and Down, and Thread the Needle. I also practiced the Angel Sequence, Back Balance, Double Arm Flag, and Free Handed Hammock. I learned 1 new trick - 1/2 Angel on the Ropes. I was on the trapeze 5 times. A lot of the other people were just sitting around, so there was a lot of trapeze time open. But, there was little instruction. I also did some conditioning. All in all, it was a fairly uninspired practice.

Last Friday (my 3rd class) actually had the feel of the lessons the first time around. Only 5 of us showed up, which was nice. My instructor was there as well (along with the 2nd instructor). It was a good class.

1) We started with a combination - Double knee roll-up, Pull to Stand, Iron Cross, and Forward Roll. I was at the trapeze with the 2nd instructor. He was very impressed with my Iron Cross. I actually was able to get my arms completely perpendicular to my body. Also, with the Forward Roll, I had complete control. It was a good sequence for me.

2) Then, we learned the Fairy Pose. It was a difficult one for me. I don't even know how to describe it. You're standing, with one hand higher on the ropes than the other. You pull yourself up, upside down and position one leg straight out (the one near your lower hand). The other hand pulls up, and you wind up in a position on the ropes. My position didn't quite look like it was supposed to, though. I tried it twice and didn't quite get it right either time.

3) Seahorse - This was one I had trouble with during my private lesson. It actually went quite well this time, though. Sit to the side, lay back, balance, switch your knee to the other side of the rope, reach up and pull up (twisting your body into the ropes, legs are in a 1/2 split position), head back against the ropes (back arched), balance, unroll, balance, switch knee back, reach up and sit. I think this will probably go into my act.

4) Double-wrapped angel - This one was one that I didn't try 2 weeks ago. I only did the single wrap then. However, I actually did the double wrap this time. Front balance into catcher's hang, reach up and pull body up, push body through and around (wrapping again), move the ropes to the inside, roll down and out twice into catcher's hang. My roll down was less than graceful. I sort of got stuck both times. But, I did it, which was something. It felt like an accomplishment.

5) Zip Drop - We actually got to do the zip drop this week. I was excited because I want to put this into my act. High straddle, wrap both legs in the ropes, cross ropes behind back, handstand, unhook legs at the knee and slide down (zip), hold the bar into position where legs meet body, unhook legs the rest of the way and push them through to a pike (which causes the drop), then the rope untwists, so you spin 1/2 way, you wind up hanging down from the ropes. This could make a good finale trick.

6) Hip Circle - Front pullover to front balance, hurl yourself forward into a ball, circling the bar and reach through. The trick is the hurling part. You need the momentum to make it all the way around. I actually did it the 2nd time (although it looked really ugly).

7) Heels and Toes - this was the first time I did these where I actually felt like there was hope for me to master them. I actually supported my entire weight with both for maybe 10 seconds each. Granted, I have a long way to go, but it was progress.

So, it was a good class, which got me pumped up again about doing the trapeze.

I also did some conditioning. I didn't do as much as I could have, though. I find that I do better on the trapeze if I don't use all my strength doing the conditioning. I can do pushups and such at home. I go to trapeze class to learn and practice the trapeze moves. So, I think I'm going to go light on the conditioning while in class so that I can do my best at the trapeze part. I'll have to make sure I get my conditioning and strength training in at home.

First Trapeze Adult Level 2 Class

2009-03-07T06:06:00.000-08:00

I went to my very first adult level 2 trapeze class. It was still down at the City Museum, but it's on Friday rather than Thursday night. The museum is open during the lesson, so that makes parking more of an issue, since we can't just park in the lot without paying $5, which would make my lessons significantly more expensive. They told me about a nearby parking lot, which we can park in for free. So, that's what I did. But, the walk to the lot from after the lesson was slightly intimidating. I kept a close eye out for shady looking people who might be looking to assault me or something. Other than that, though, the lesson was good.

There were a LOT of people in the class - probably almost 10 in total (I didn't count). The guy from my last class was there. And, I think a lady from the other adult level 1 class last time was there. I think I recognized her from the group performance. Other than that, though, I didn't really know anyone else in the class. There were a lot of younger people. I'm not sure of the minimum age to be in the adult class.

Onto the lesson. Because there were so many of us, my instructor had a co-instructor there with her. So, there were 2 trapeze bars open to practice/learn the skills. Also, she had a list of conditioning exercises for us to work on between our turns.

I'll talk about the trapeze skills first.
1. Around the World - You're sitting on the bar. Left hand is gripping the bar palm out. Right hand is gripping the rope near the left hand, gripping up high. Both arms are straight. You tuck your legs into your chest and pull up with your right hand. Your body revolves around the rope that you're holding onto. when fully around, your legs go over the bar, and you wind up sitting in the same position that you started in.

2. Ladybug - already knew this one, as it was the final trick in my performance.

3. Toe Hang and Heel Hang - Oowww, need I say more. I first did these at my private lesson. I did the Heels better than the toes this time and was actually able to hold most of my weight. Toes, I kept skipping off.

4. Wrapped Angel - Start off with the sequence from my routine - front pullover, front balance, catcher's hang. Then, reach up and grab the ropes. Then, pull yourself up so that you are wrapped in the ropes. There's another step where you go under and around again (double wrapped angel), but the ropes were really tight as is, so I just did the wrapped on this time. Better not to kill myself the first night back.

5. Iron Cross - From standing, wrap both arms around ropes, keep arms straight. Make sure the ropes are into your armpits tightly. Lift body off bar to make sure you can support your weight. Then, lift arms out to make the cross shape.

6. Thread the Needle - This is one I've been wanting to learn and will probably put it in my next performance. Stand, wrap your left leg around the rope (still standing), reach down and hold the opposite rope. Lift your right leg up and onto the rope (making a split). Walk your hands up the rope and arch your back into a nice position.

7. 1 Knee Rollup - we did a sequence into this, split under the bar, then arch your back into a deeper split, 1 knee hang, lock legs, reach up with arms, and then do the roll up (described in more detail in my post about the last private lesson)

So, that's it for the tricks for this week. For conditioning, I did 30 pushups, 3 sets of 20 V-crunches, 3 sets of 15 superman lifts, 3-4 climbs up the rope (don't remember), 3 30 second planks on each side, 3 sets of 15 dips, 3 sets of 15 shoulder shrugs, 1 set of 5 chins (assisted). On the list we were supposed to do 3 sets of 5 chins, 3 sets of 5 pull ups (different grip), and 10 climbs up the rope. So, I did most of it. I was working almost the entire 90 minutes, so I think I got farther with the conditioning than most of the people. I think the guy from my last class might have been the only one to get through everything. It was a lot of conditioning. But, it was good. Between the gymnastics and the trapeze, I'm going to get really strong.

Post-Gymnastics

2009-03-05T10:09:00.001-08:00

The morning after my gymnastics open gym, my muscles really weren't all that sore. I was actually quite surprised, given the level of intensity of the session.

Now I realize what happened. I woke up this morning (2 mornings after), and pretty much every single muscle in my body started screaming at me. Now, that was what I was expecting. I knew I probably had used muscles that I hadn't used in years. So, this definitely turned out to be one of the single best type of workout. I had tons of strength training, and I had some cardio on the trampoline.

I'm glad I have an extra day until my trapeze class. If it were tonight, I'd be in bad shape. So, today I might walk on the treadmill, but other than that my body needs to rest and recover.

Next time for the open gym session, I'm going to work on a trampoline routine. I had been working on one before I stopped doing gymnastics, and it would be fun to get back into more purposeful trampoline work. The only negative about the open gym session is that you have to be pro-active. There's no one to tell me what I need to do step by step. Of course, this also has its benefits in that you can tailor the intensity of the time to whatever you want.

Gymnastics Open Gym Recap

2009-03-03T20:36:00.000-08:00

I think I've just had the most intense workout I've possibly ever had. I did so much at the gymnastics open gym! I started off with stretching. Then, I warmed up with forward rolls, backwards rolls, handstands, handstand to forward rolls, cartwheels on both sides, round-offs, forward walk-overs, more handstands, more cartwheels, etc. Then, one of the coaches spotted me on my back handspring on a wedge mat. After doing a bunch of them, with the coach gradually lightening his spot, I started doing them without a spot. I don't think I had lost much progress on that at all. I did probably 20 back handsprings overall. That took me through the first 30 minutes. Then, the other side of the gym opened up.

I did 3 sessions on the trampoline. I did my tuck jumps, straddle jumps, pike jumps, seat drops, seat drops twisting for a chain of 5 of them, back drops, front drops, back drop into front drop, table drop. Then, I asked for a spot on my back tuck (back flip). I did quite well with that, and after a bunch of them, I was doing them without a spot - no problem. Like I said, I did trampoline 3 times, with easily over 20 back tucks total. I also did a little on the balance beam. I did some on the vault (jumping on the spring board and onto the vault table, then doing a handstand and kind of arching over onto a mat). And, I did some uneven bars work. I was still able to do a pull over. Then, the coach set me up with this attachment which helped me to train for a thing where you rotate backwards around the bar (with the bar touching the pelvis area the whole time - not swinging all the way around with your whole body extended, that's much more advanced and you need a grip thing). Then, I practiced my kip (pushing off the bar), and the coach spotted me to do the revolvy thing without the attachment. I have a ways to go on that one.

After all of that, I ended with some conditioning - pushups and 4 point crunches. And, finally I did a lot of stretching again. All in all, it was an hour and 20 minutes. And, I barely took any breaks. It was essentially non-stop action.

I am going to be sore tomorrow!

Adult Gymnastics Open Gym

2009-03-03T13:42:00.000-08:00

Tonight I'm going to an adult gymnastics open gym session in Maryland Heights. It's actually at the very first location where I took my first gymnastics class 4-6 years ago (not sure when exactly). It will be very interesting to see what I can still do.

The open gym sessions are on Tuesdays from 8:30 - 9:50pm (and you can go in to warm-up and stretch before 8:30). There is an instructor there to give tips and do spotting, but it is an unstructured session rather than a structured class. At least since I've done gymnastics before, there are a number of drills that I know that I can practice. So, it should be easy to have things to do for the whole time.

This should be good for me. It will be a fun way to exercise. Plus, the skills/strength-building will carry over with the static trapeze (of which I was able to rejoin the class, so I'll get to start back on Friday). I am a bit nervous, though. I'll just have to make sure that I ease into it and not take risks. Hopefully this instructor is good and safe. It will be strange not having my previous coach there. I trusted him when he was spotting me. With this new person, I'll have to rely on myself not to do anything risky.

I'm planning on mostly drilling with the basics tonight - forward and backwards rolls, hand stands, handstand to forward roll, cartwheels, round-offs. Also, I want to do some basic trampoline work. And, then depending on how I'm doing I might do my back tuck on the trampoline and then start working my standing back handspring again with spot. But, I might wait on those if I don't feel comfortable.

This gym also has all of the apparatus equipment - uneven bars, etc. Maybe I'll try to do some of that, too. I had been learning some very basic skills on the uneven bars - front pull-over. And, I was trying to learn the skill where you rotate around the bar. There are lots of possibilities. Hopefully I don't wind up looking really silly. I'll bet I'm the most novice person there. But, that's how I was when I was taking before, and it didn't bother me. As long as I'm working on improving what I can do, that's all I can ask for.

Sunday, Week 33 (with Progress Update)

2009-03-01T14:18:00.000-08:00

I'm exhausted today. I worked overnight last night until 4:45am. Then, I got up at 9:45am and started again. I'm really tired, but there is still so much to do... Here's my progress update from this morning. I needed a break from the coding, so I figured I'd post.

Stats:
Weight: 115lbs (goal weight 110-115)
Waist: 26.5 inches (goal 24 - 27)
Below Waist: 28.5 inches (goal 26 - 29)

Sunday, Week 32 (with Progress Update)

2009-02-22T06:02:00.000-08:00

So, here's my first progress update in a while. Like I said, I did have some back-sliding, but mostly I'm still within my maintenance ranges.

Stats:
Weight: 116.2lbs (goal weight 110-115)
Waist: 26.75 inches (goal 24 - 27)
Below Waist: 28.75 inches (goal 26 - 29)

Today my muscles are a tad sore - the first time in a while. So, that's a good thing. I need to start re-conditioning my body if I'm going to re-join the trapeze class. Perhaps that will really motivate me to get back into things.

I suppose there have been a few stumbling blocks for fitness lately. Obviously, the surgery is one. Exercise had been my main hobby and stress-relief. Cutting that out has been difficult mentally. Couple that with physical pain from surgery recovery, and it was a huge hit.

A second one is that work has become pretty crazy lately. I feel like I'm behind. I have 2 major projects, one of which is truly starting up this week. But, even the one that hasn't really started yet is behind in a sense. So, I've been putting in lots of extra hours. Also, with impending layoffs by the end of March at my company, I need to do everything possible to ensure that I can keep my job.

And, a third one is that I keep falling victim to comfort food for stress-relief. Now that I can start exercising a little again, though, perhaps this will be easier for me.

Today will be a decently active day. I have to go to PetSmart to buy food for my dogs. Also, I have to go to the grocery store to buy food for myself. So, that will be some walking around. I'll also get some other exercising in, too.

Exercise:
Stretching - comprehensive, also did splits
Treadmill: 2.5 miles, 28:45 (.5 mi warm-up, 1.5 mi running at 6mph, .5 mi cooldown)

Strategy for 2009

2009-02-21T10:56:00.000-08:00

I'll post my progress update tomorrow morning. I've had a bit of a back-slide since my trapeze performance, which I expected, but it's time to get back into health again.

I e-mailed my trapeze instructor, so I'll see if I can rejoin the trapeze class in March like she said I would be able to. That gives me an extra week over and above the 4 weeks, but I figured it was better to give myself the week, since otherwise I'd be at trapeze class at the exact 4 week mark. I want to make sure my ear is completely cleared.

Other goals for 2009 - I'd like to train for another 5K run in the Spring. This time I want to make it under the 30 minute mark. After that, maybe I can try a 10K run perhaps by mid-summer. So, running will be a big focus for my exercising. Since the weather is getting better, I'll start taking my dogs for runs outside to gain some outdoor running experience, too.

So, my training schedule will be weights, running on the treadmill, running outside, trapeze, stretching, and some exercise dvds (like Tae Bo and perhaps yoga). I'll have to come up with a training schedule once I've figured out when I'm going to do my 5K race.

Saturday, Week 31

2009-02-21T10:45:00.001-08:00

It's been a difficult week for me. My surgery recovery is going well, I suppose, but it's hard not being at 100%. Plus, work has been very demanding. I've been putting in a lot of extra hours, which has been tiring. My nutrition has been so-so. I've had a fair amount of fast food and far too many desserts. But, I've had some good nutrition moments, too - fruit, grilled chicken, yogurt, etc.

But, it's time to get back into things. This is my 3rd week since the surgery, so I'm easing back into exercising. I'm still restricted from lifting heavy weights and hard running. So, I'm starting back slowly.

Food:
Breakfast: Salmon burger (130/22) and wheat bun (80/4)
Lunch:
Snack:
Dinner:
Snack:
Total: Calories: , Protein:

Exercise:
For my exercise, I had 2 treadmill sessions, with some stretching and very light strength training in between. I also did stretching after the exercise session and throughout the day.
Treadmill: 26 minutes/2 miles total
Weights: 5 lb dumbells - Bicep Curls, Shoulder Work, 20 lb Chest Press and 20 lb Leg Extensions.

Saturday, Week 30

2009-02-14T07:08:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy week. My life has essentially become work and recovery rest. I have 2 projects at work, one of which is extremely demanding. Hopefully, the other won't hit full steam for a while so that I can finish up the first one.

But, that's not really fitness related. Regarding fitness, I'm still not allowed to exercise yet. I'll have my follow-up with my ear doctor on Tuesday, so that will be interesting. I'm not recovered yet. I have a continual ringing in my ear. And, then pain is better or worse, fluctuating throughout the day.

I've been doing decently with my diet - not perfect by any means, but not too horrible. I weighed in at 115.4 lbs this morning, which is not bad. Hopefully, I'm not losing too much muscle mass, though.

Overall, though, I'm just pretty fatigued, physically and mentally. But, it's good that I have a lot to do at work. My company is going to be doing another round of layoffs in April, which I should be safe from.

Sunday, Week 30

2009-02-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

I made it through the surgery alright. The doctor didn't find a cholesteatoma, which is good. He did find a lot of scar tissue, which he was able to remove. He thinks that was causing the pain. Hopefully, it will fix me.

I worked from home 1/2 days on Wed and Thurs and then went into the office on Friday. I've been working this weekend from home, too. There's a lot of work to catch up on. I'd rather be resting, as my head is killing me sometimes.

As for food, I've eaten mostly soups and cabbage this past week. Also, yogurt, clementines, and Kashi Lean Cereal. All easy to fix things. And, Eddy's Light ice cream. I've put on a little weight, but not too bad. I'll be glad when I'm finished recovering.

Surgery Day

2009-01-30T04:32:00.000-08:00

I'm about to head off to my ear surgery. I weighed in at 113.4 lbs this morning, so hopefully I won't gain more than 5 lbs in the 4 weeks.

I had my last round of upper body weights and abdominal strength session Wednesday. Also, I did some running. Last night I went to the grocery store, and then I cooked a pot of cabbage and a huge pot of leek soup (but I added turkey roast to it so that it can be full meals for me). I also bought about 6-7 bag meals. So, I won't have to be cooking for quite a while.

I'm thirsty (no food or water after midnight), and I'm a tad nervous. At least I slept decently, though, last night.

Wish me luck. I'll let you (if anyone is actually reading this) know how it goes.

Trapeze Private Lesson - Level 2

2009-01-27T12:19:00.001-08:00

I had my private trapeze lesson to start learning level 2 tricks last night. It started snowing, so the drive there and back wasn't all that great. But, it was well worth it. I did 12 new tricks!

I started out with stretching. My instructor said that now that I have my front splits, that I should try to do hyper-extended splits (putting a book or something under my front leg so that it stretches even more).

Then, we got right to the tricks!

1. Mermaid Under the Bar - this was a beautiful position. You have your 2 hands holding onto the bar. Then, you go into the split under the bar trick. From that, you twist your body so that one arm goes down the middle of your back. Your legs are one on each side of the arm and extend outward, parallel to the ground. So, you wind up looking like a mermaid. Your feet are together to make up the main fish part of the mermaid.

2. 1 Knee Roll-Up. This is a cool transition from underneath the bar to sitting. Again, you start from the split under the bar position. Then, you go into a 1 knee hang. You lock your free leg around the leg with the knee on the bar, and then you place your hands on the ropes so that the bar is in the crook of your elbows, with your arms extending up as high as you can, holding onto the ropes. Then, you unlock your free leg, swing it down to gain momentum. Then, you swing it up and around the bar. Your body remains tucked in a ball as much as possible. Also, you try to keep the bar at your knee rather than letting it slide down. You wind up on top of the bar. Then, you bring the free leg up and over so that you're fully sitting.

3. 2 Knee Roll-Up. This is just like the 1 knee roll-up except that both knees are on the bar when you roll up and around. It's harder in that you don't have the momentum from the swing like you do in the 1 knee roll up. But, it's easier in that it's easier to remain tucked. Also, it's easier to keep the bar in the position at your knees. Both are very cool transitions, though.

4. Forward Straddle Drop. This was extremely terrifying to try. However, once I did it, it actually was pretty easy. I just had to have faith in myself. Essentially, you sit on the trapeze bar, with your legs straddled wide in front of the bar. There's just enough room on the bar between your legs to grab on with both hands. You have to balance for a bit in this position until you go. Then, you fall forward, rolling over, and wind up hanging down from the bar by your 2 hands. The scary part is that it feels like you're going to fall forward, your hands will slip off the bar, and you'll fall face first onto the ground. My instructor had me do a countdown from 3. I said, 3...2...1... And, I sort of moved, but didn't go. Lol! Then, I counted again and took that leap of faith and just went. I actually controlled my descent down, and it wound up being pretty easy. All you have to do is make sure you control yourself and not just flop around. I did this trick again and had no problems with it. This one reminded me of the scare factor in the forward roll trick from my performance. It looks really cool, though, and is very dramatic. I can see putting this into my next performance.

5. Fall Back Angel. This is simply a dramatic way to get into the angel sequence. You start sitting on the bar. You grab the bar with your left hand, and spread your right leg open wide with your foot flexed. You fall backwards, letting the rope slide down your leg, catching on your flexed foot.

6 & 7. Scissor Roll-Up & Seahorse. These are tricks where you wrap your legs up in the ropes while doing a half split. Then, you roll up with the ropes rolling around you. It was actually quite difficult to do, and it was actually fairly painful where the ropes cut into your legs. I forgot how to exactly do them. The Seahorse was easier I think. In the scissor one, it was hard to get the bar along my butt crack so that I could roll up and around it to the 2nd half of the trick. These definitely look dramatic, though. So, I can see doing this in my next act. They will take some work, though, to perfect.

8. Zip Drop. This was my favorite trick. It starts like the shoulder stand (standing on the bar, doing a straddle upside down and wrapping my feet around the ropes). But, it's done higher up on the ropes. And, instead of sliding down the ropes to my shoulders, I had to criss cross the ropes behind my back and then have my hands down to the bar - like doing a hand stand. Then, I had to bring the bar up to just below my pelvis bones. So, I'm only hanging on by my legs. Then, I had to unwrap the part of my legs below the knee, so my toes are pointed towards each other with my knees bent. Then, I had to unwrap my legs the rest of the way, releasing me into the drop. I dropped a couple of feet before catching with the bar just below my pelvis bones. It actually makes a pretty loud noise, which is why I had my instructor reach up to my shoulders to slow my descent. From there, I unwrap my body and finally get right-side up. It's an awesome trick, although you're upside down for quite a while. I guess it won't take so long when I fully know what I'm doing. This was so cool.

9 & 10. Toe Hang & Heel Hang. These tricks are ridiculous. My instructor introduced me to them, although I can see these as tricks that I may not ever do. For one, they're painful, especially the toe hang. 2, They're extremely difficult and would be very easy to fall out of. 3. They're very dangerous in that if you fall, you're going to land right on your head. For the toe hang, you flex your feet and hang from the bar, with the bar at the part where your foot meets your leg. You have to try to bunch the skin up so that there's something to grip so that you don't slide. For the heel hang, you point your toes and hang from the back of your heels. Yeah. Crazy. She had me do them but with heavy spot. I was not holding my entire weight at all. It was an introduction to the tricks, though. They don't let you put that in a show until you can hold it for like 5 minutes and with swinging.

11. Back Balance. This was similar to my straddle back balance trick that I did in my performance (right after the shoulder stand). Only your legs aren't straddled on the ropes. So, it's more of a difficult balance. One leg is out straight, and the other is bent. The bent leg is where you can control your center of gravity to balance.

12. Straight Up and Down. This is a strength move that looks really cool. You're standing on the bar. You pull up into the egg position. Then, you extend your body fully straight, so that your whole body is in line with the ropes. It requires the strength to hold the position as well as the body control/balance to hold yourself upright in that straight line.

So, that was my lesson. I got through learning a LOT. I have some fun new bruises in places that I've never had before. But, I felt very accomplished. I can't wait to do a level 2 routine. It will be so much fun. This is it for the trapeze for me for at least 4 weeks, though. My surgery is in 3 days.

Sunday, Week 29

2009-01-25T06:27:00.000-08:00

This is my last weekend before my ear surgery. My ear has definitely felt worse these past several days. I'll be glad to get the surgery over and done. So, my fitness world will be coming to a screeching halt Friday morning. I'm hoping to get some decent exercise in this week before Friday, though. I did some light upper body strength training yesterday morning - not very strenuous, though. I'm not sore today.

Sun - not sure, maybe some cardio, maybe either a fitness dvd or the elliptical machine, nothing too intense
Mon - 1 hour Trapeze private lesson
Tues - Abdominal Strength training and Cardio
Wed - Upper Body Strength training
Thur - something not too strenuous

Friday - surgery, need to be at the hospital for 7:30am
No exercise for 4 weeks

Friday, Week 28

2009-01-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

I recruited 2 of my co-workers to go to Zumba with me during lunch! I'm really looking forward to that. It was a lot of fun last Friday. It's $6 for each drop-in class or $5 per class if you sign up for the whole session. But, with my ear surgery next week, I definitely can't sign up for any full sessions.

Last night was a doozy regarding my ear. It was one of the worst nights - definitely the worst one in a while. I'll be glad when the surgery is over and I'm finished with recouperating. It will be good to have this problem fixed. And, hopefully the tube that he puts in will keep this problem from recurring next year.

I've signed up for one final private trapeze lesson with my instructor for Monday at 6pm. So, I'll get a start with learning the level 2 tricks, and hopefully I won't get too behind while I'm out for the 4 weeks.

I received my packet from the ear doctor's office about my surgery, and it is 4 full weeks of no exercise - specifically no running, no lifting weights, no lifting anything more than 10-20 pounds at all, no sports, nothing to get myself out of breath or straining. Perhaps I'll be able to do some slow walking in the 3rd or 4th week, maybe something like that. The most important thing is that I'll need to try to maintain a positive outlook - and keep my stress level low.

Also, I can monitor my nutrition and keep that decent. I expect I'll put on a little weight in the 4 weeks, but that's ok. My goal is to keep my weight below 118lbs. And, maybe I won't really gain all that much. But, at least this goal should keep me in check with my nutrition and health. And, eating right might actually help my body recouperate faster.

Sunday, Week 28 (with Progress Update)

2009-01-18T09:58:00.000-08:00

It's been another good maintenance week. Even with a splurge last night of Chevy's food and spiced apples and light ice cream at home, my weight is at an awesome level. Here's my official weigh-in to kick off this week. Make sure to read about my trapeze performance below. It truly was a night to remember.

Progress:
Weight: 110.4lbs (goal weight 110-115)
Waist: 25.25 inches (goal 24 - 27)
Below Waist: 27.5 inches (goal (26 - 29)

Exercise:
Upper Body Weights
Stretching

Trapeze Picture

2009-01-18T06:29:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture of my Crow's Nest trick. You can see the rest of my trapeze pictures at my gallery site:

http://gallery.joannajackson.com/v/TrapezePerformanceAdultLevel1/

The Trapeze Perfromance!!!!!

2009-01-18T06:02:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to report that my trapeze performance was everything that I had hoped it could possibly be. From the moment I arrived at the City Museum, I started getting that jittery, excited feeling. I got dressed in my costume and put the finishing touches on my make-up. Then, I spent about 12-20 minutes stretching out with one of my fellow performers. The time backstage before the show just flew. Soon, our instructor had us take hands in a circle and was giving us a pep talk. She had us take 3 big deep breaths in and emphasized that we should enjoy the moment and have fun out there.

She went into the circus ring (as she was the announcer), and the show had begun. I was up first. I heard her call my name. The guy backstage pressed play on my music. I couldn't really hear my music at first. The crowd was cheering in the ring, and I was still backstage. So, I just went right on out. As I was doing my first style (a bow to the audience), I started to hear my music, so that was good. But, when I first stepped out from behind the curtains, I could hear the cheering, and I could see the audience. It was such a rush! There's nothing like it. It was so much different from practice.

I made my way to the bar and jumped and grabbed it. There's always a small part of me that is nervous that I'll miss the bar when jumping up at first, but my hands found it with no problem. When I did my front pull over onto the bar, I heard these "oooooohhhhs" from the audience, which energized me even more. Then, I went into my front balance, and people started clapping! Then, when I dropped into my catcher's hang, the audience went crazy. I suppose it is a dramatic trick, so the constant bruises from it each week were worth it. That was definitely a crowd pleaser.

I continued my routine, with the audience clapping at a lot of my tricks. Then, I got to the shoulder stand trick, and I realized that I was way ahead of my music. For just a second, I wondered if I had forgotten a trick! But, no, I must have just been going through my routine fast. It didn't feel like it, since I was pausing whenever the audience was clapping and such. But, I must have been going fast. So, I slowed it down from there on and made sure to hold my tricks longer.

Then, I came towards the end of the performance. It was time for my new Crow's Nest trick, the Arabesque, Forward Roll, and Ladybug - all my heavy hitter strength tricks. I got into the Crow's Nest with no problem. My feet found the correct position right away. I remebered my instructor had said to look around at the audience while in that trick, so I held it while I looked forward and then all the way to the opposite end of the audience. It was perfect. Then, I came down back to a stand and styled, giving my hands a brief respite. I went into my arabesque, making sure to have good extension, and then I came out of it and into the forward roll. Then, I did my lady bug, and dismounted the bar.

I wound up ending at a good place in my music - almost at the very end. So, I had succeeded in getting back to a normal pace once I realized that I was going too fast. All in all, I did as well as I could have possibly hoped for. I hit all my tricks. I smiled a lot. Granted, my music wasn't necessarily smiley music, but I think it worked well.

Once I was back stage, you couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I still felt a bundle of nerves - as if thinking, did this really happen? Did I actually do it? The time had passed in a blink of an eye.

It was a packed house. The stands were almost completely full. Plus, people were watching from outside the ring behind the glass, too. There were easily over 100 people in attendance. There were people of all ages - young kids to the elderly.

The rest of the show went by in the blink of an eye. The show was about a 1/2 hour long total, but it seemed even shorter than that. We were all talking about our experiences backstage, and we got to watch some of the performances through the side glass.

It was a night to remember. It's probably the most exciting thing that I've ever been a part of.

Saturday, Week 27 - Trapeze Performance Day!

2009-01-17T08:30:00.000-08:00

The day is finally here!

It's been a journey. When I started trapeze class back in September, I weighed about 125 lbs. This morning, I weighed in at 109.4 lbs. Plus, I've gained a ton of strength and stamina. I've push through being sick. I've pushed past my ear troubles. It's been a battle of mind and will over body. I'm so happy that I've made it this far.

I'm actually feeling really good today. My ear has been decent both yesterday and today. Maybe I'm getting well from it. It would be great to not have to have the surgery. Time will tell. I still have the hole in my ear drum. Maybe that's all that was needed to get it to drain. Better not get my hopes up, though. I can just be happy that I'm feeling good today. Not perfect, but so much better than some of the days.

Stay tuned. I'll definitely post about the performance tonight.

Food:
Breakfast: 3/4 Kashi (100/11), 3/4 Milk (60/6)
Snack: Clementine (55/1), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Chicken (150/27), Veggies (60/2)
Snack: Small Muscle Punch Smoothie (264/5), Salmon (130/23)
Pre-Trapeze Performance: South Beach Bar (140/10)
Post-Trapeze: IsoPure w/ Milk (100/20)
Dinner: Chevy's Mixed Grill (didn't eat it all) ?
Dessert: Spiced Apples and Light Vanilla Ice Cream

Total Calories: 1114 + ?
Total Protein: 110.5 + ?

Exercise:
20 minutes walking on treadmill
Stretching
Trapeze Performance!

Hair Appointment Set

2009-01-16T12:18:00.000-08:00

I'm all set with a hair appointment for tomorrow at 4pm. This will be nice to have something better than my standard pony tail for my trapeze performance tomorrow. Maybe I can go out tomorrow during the day to find some kind of hair ribbon or something to go in it. I'm terrible at doing hair, so I figured that this would be something good to splurge on. Hopefully, it will complete my trapeze look. At least I'm good with make-up. I can do my own for that.

I need to concentrate on the positives for tomorrow rather than the possibilities of people being sick and not being able to come watch. This should be a fun experience, not a stressful one. I think this hair appointment will help with getting me in the mood of this special day tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll get a hair-do that's elegant, yet very secure.

Friday, Week 27

2009-01-16T07:46:00.000-08:00

I still weighed in the morning at 111.2 lbs. So, that's excellent. Only one more day until my trapeze performance. I'm keeping it super low sodium today and tomorrow, as well as high protein. My muscles recovered from trapeze practice fairly decently. I want to keep it that way.

Food:
Breakfast: 3/4 Kashi (100/11), 3/4 Milk (60/6)
Snack: Clementine (55/1), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Chicken (150/27), Veggies (60/2)
Snack: Clementines (55/1), Soy Beans (100/8)
Snack: Choc IsoPure w/ milk (100/20)
Dinner: Salmon Filet (140/21), Red Potato (60/3), Veggies (60/2)
Snack: 3/4 Kashi (100/11), 3/4 Milk (60/6)

Total Calories: 1155
Total Protein: 124.5

Exercise:
50 min Free Zumba Class at work
Stretching

Final Trapeze Adult Level 1 Class!

2009-01-16T07:45:00.001-08:00

Last night was my final practice before the performance tomorrow night. Everyone wore their costumes, and we each ran through our performances twice. We also practiced the curtain call (what we do at the end after everyone has finished). We'll each come out and get a final bow.

It was a strange rehearsal. Everyone - except for the guy - seemed to have some problems with their first run through. Mine wasn't so terrible, but I made 2 fairly big errors. First, I wrapped my arms for the double arm flag. I was all set to do the trick when I realized that I was sitting rather than squatting. So, it was pretty awkward getting my legs up and behind the bar to do the trick. But, at least I made it work. So, that was the first problem. Then, the second problem was when I was about to do the Crow's Nest. I was upside down, all set to go. But, I wrapped my feet instead of just hooking them. So, I did some kind of trick, but it wasn't the Crow's Nest. But, at least I did something and then kept going and finished the routine. So, there were some problems. Also, at the beginning, when I was sliding down onto the bar for the fetal balance and free handed hammock trick, it felt like there was a ton of wobbling on the bar. It was less than graceful.

After that run through, my instructor showed me how to do the Crow's Nest again. I practiced it and got it right.

My second run through was much improved. There was less wobbling in the transition to the fetal balance/free handed hammock. I didn't mess up on the setup for the free handed hammock. And, I did the Crow's Nest correctly. So, it was much better. I still didn't get the arabesque into the forward roll without putting my foot down. But, I don't think that matters. It can just be 2 separate tricks.

Then, at the very end of practice, I practiced my Crow's Nest/Arabesque/Forward Roll sequence again and got it right.

So, overall it was a good rehearsal. It's troubling that my first run-through was so rough because we are NOT going to practice before the show. We'll be stretching only. So, I have to walk in there on Saturday ready to go and nail it the first time.

After the rehearsal, I was feeling pretty bad. My headache/ear ache was in full swing, and I was just beat. Then, when we got home we found out that my husband had 102 degree fever! He's out from work today. I'm really hoping I don't catch whatever it is that he has. I'm drinking lots of green tea and eating oranges and am taking my vitamins. This morning, his temperature was back to normal, but he's off from work today. I'm really hoping it doesn't go back up. So, hopefully he will still be able to watch me perform. But, if he's still sick, I can't see him going. The stands for the audience are packed really close together. It wouldn't be right for him to go there with a fever and contaminate everyone around him. I just have to stay well until after the show (well, not actually well - I still have this ear problem, but I have to not get sick with anything else). If he can't go, at least he'll be able to see the video. I wanted video and pictures, but I suppose we can get pictures off of the video. I really wanted a picture of the Crow's Nest trick, since that's the new one that I don't have pictures of. But, people don't always get everything they want. At least I will have pushed through. Tomorrow can't get here soon enough.

Thursday, Week 27

2009-01-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

I figured I would do an old school style post so that you can see that I've been keeping my diet relatively consistent with what I've done in the past to trim down. I still drink loads of green tea and water every day. And, I really only drink maybe 1-2 diet soft drinks per week, sometimes even less. I think I've lost the taste for them again. Regardless, I just haven't wanted it.

My performance is Saturday, so I'm keeping my diet clean until then. The only deviation that I might add is a glass of wine, depending on how my ear feels tonight. But, I'm low on calories anyway, so an extra hundred wouldn't be such a bad thing anyway. I weighed in at 111.2 lbs this morning, which is excellent. I just want to be below 113 for Saturday's performance. That weight level seems to be optimal for my being able to perform my tricks.

Tonight is my big test. It will be an indication of how Saturday will go. I'll be able to see if I can do this new Crow's Nest trick, along with the 2 strength ones that follow it. I'm optimistic. My energy levels have recovered to a decent level. So, I'm not anticipating any problems there. I've been slacking a bit regarding full stretching sessions because my hamstring muscle still hurts. It will be a relief to make it to the performance. I will have accomplished this huge goal. It's almost here. Just a few more days. Wish me luck!

Food:
Breakfast: 3/4 Kashi (100/11), 3/4 Milk (60/6)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Chicken (150/27), Spinach (100/6)
Snack: 2 Clementines (110/2)
Pre-Trapeze: South Beach Bar (140/10)
Post-Trapeze: Choc IsoPure w/ milk (100/20)
Dinner: Mesquite Grilled Chicken (170/30), Red Potato (60/3), Veggies (60/2), Wine (100/0)
Snack: Skinny Cow (100/4)

Total Calories: 1385
Total Protein: 126.5

Exercise:
90 minute Trapeze Class

Tuesday, Week 27

2009-01-13T08:28:00.000-08:00

I missed my weekly weigh in on Sunday, but I did a weigh in this morning, and I was at 112.4 lbs. So, I'm still right on track with my maintenance. I didn't take my measurements, but I'm sure they're about the same as well.

This is the week I've been waiting for! My trapeze performance is on Saturday. My last trapeze class is this Thursday. Everything's building up for this finale. I'm so excited about it.

This weekend was kind of strange. My energy levels plummeted. I think it was a combination of my ear troubles and female issues. Saturday night I went to sleep before 9pm and slept until 11am the next day! So, I got 14 hours of sleep. But, I was still fatigued. I spent almost the entire day in bed on Sunday. I think the rest did me some good. But, my energy is still very low. Pilates yesterday was brutal. It was 10 times harder than it's ever been (and I don't think the class changed - it was definitely a change in me). My diet has been pretty much the same as always - mostly clean eating, lots of protein, lots of fresh fruits and veggies. My female issues will be finishing up here in the next couple of days, though. So, I'm hoping that will fix my energy problems. I'm hoping it's not my ear. If I it my ear, I can always scale back my performance to take out the new Crow's nest trick and the arabesque. So, at least I do have a back up plan in case my endurance is just not up to par.

It's so strange. My body has become more unpredictable. My ear definitely still doesn't feel "normal", but I don't know. Is this something that surgery will be able to correct? It would stink to go through the pain and recovery of a surgery if it won't fix my problem. I'm more concerned about next winter more than anything else. My ear definitely seems to be vulnerable.

Oh well, I need to focus on the positive. I'm going to try to schedule a facial for Friday night. And, then I'm going to schedule an appointment to get my hair done on Saturday for my performance. I'm sure they can do something with it to make it look better than my plain pony tail. So, there are exciting times coming up this week!

12th Trapeze Class

2009-01-09T08:57:00.000-08:00

Trapeze class is winding to a finish. This was the 2nd to last class. So, there's only 1 more practice before the performance. My routine is really coming together well. But... My instructor added a new trick to my routine!!!

For the past several weeks she's been bothered by the fact that I needed more of a reason to have gone up to standing for my forward roll. That's one reason why she added in the arabesque for me during my private lessons. But, that still wasn't enough. So, now I'm doing what's called a Crow's Nest, which is another strength intensive trick.

In this .pdf, it's the "Bird's Nest (on ropes) trick, although the feet are slightly different than in the picture.
http://www.fedec.net/fr/manuel%201%20-%20part%202.pdf

It might be the most impressive looking trick in my routine, which is why I'm happy about adding it in at such a late time. I've done this trick 2 times total now. First, outside of my routine to learn it, which had a slightly shaky start. The first time I tried it, I was trying to wrap my legs around the ropes, which is wrong. The legs are not supporting any of the weight in this trick. It all rests on the hands. I did get it, though, on my second try of the trick. I think I'm able to make the position come out really well. Then, the second time I actually did the trick was inside my routine. I had no problems with getting into the trick - although I'm sure my facial expression was not exuding peace at that time. So, the trick went well. But, then after my arabesque, my hands felt unsure, so I had to re-adjust them before the forward roll. So, that didn't go smoothly. Hopefully I'll be able to fix these issues at the next (last) practice before the show.

After class, I felt absolutely horrible (ear-wise). But, at least I didn't have any issues during class.

I checked with my instructor regarding what to do about the next session of classes - because of my ear surgery. She talked to her manager. I can hold off on signing up for the level 2 session. Then, once I'm ready to come back, I can sign up then. And, they'll pro-rate the session for me so that I don't have to pay for the classes that I'll have missed. So, that's awesome news. Normally they don't do anything like this, but my instructor convinced her manager that this is a special circumstance. So, that's a relief! I'll be able to continue my lessons in the level 2 class. I'll probably have to miss either 3 or 4 classes, since the next session starts the first week in February. And, I can always do a couple of private lessons to catch up if I've gotten behind. So, I have plenty of incentive to eat right while I'm recovering. At least all my muscles will be totally recovered during my rest period after the surgery. So, that's good.

Trapeze Performance Order

2009-01-06T15:30:00.000-08:00

Who hoo! I just got the order of the performers for our trapeze show on Saturday Jan, 17th at 8pm. I'm going to perform first! This is excellent news for me, since 8pm is pretty late at night as it is. So, I'm very happy about that. Plus, there will be no one before me, so there will be no expectations or comparisons. People will just be able to enjoy what I do.

Link to Trapeze Pics

2009-01-05T15:56:00.001-08:00

Here is the link to my trapeze pictures! I'll post the link to the video once I get it online.

http://gallery.joannajackson.com/v/Trapeze/

Sunday, Week 26 (with Progress Update)

2009-01-04T07:12:00.000-08:00

It's been another decent maintenance week. I'm getting tired of having my endurance so low, though. My run earlier this week was only 2 miles. But, at least I got a little bit of everything in. I think I had 2 rest days this past week - due to ear problems. I did pilates, weights, running, Tae Bo, and Trapeze. So, all in all a good week.

Progress:
Weight: 112.4lbs (goal weight 110-115)
Waist: 25.5 inches (goal 24 - 27)
Below Waist: 26.75 inches (goal (26 - 29)

Trapeze Semi-Private Lesson

2009-01-04T06:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning I had my semi-private trapeze lesson. It was me and one other person (and my instructor of course). My husband and our friend came with me to do video and pictures. I felt like I had an entourage. It was pretty cool.

I had a pulled right hamstring, so stretching was particularly painful. Hopefully that will heal up soon. But, it didn't effect my performance.

I was able to do my routine 3 times. I think my instructor gave us a little extra time over the hour. I was still able to nail my Front Pullover, so I have truly learned that trick. And, I was able to put in my arabesque. At class on Thursday I'm going to try to go from my leg up in the arabesque straight into the forward roll. I didn't feel "ready" to roll from that position on Saturday, so I had to bring my leg back down. So, it was more like 2 separate tricks rather than one long one. But, my instructor said that it looked good anyway.

After I did my routine once, my instructor said that she could tell that I've been going over my routine in my head - which was a really nice compliment. Her main comments were regarding relaxing my facial expressions. The 3rd time around, I was really going for an exuding peace. Everything seemed to click with that routine. I really felt the music, too, rather than thinking about my tricks. Everyone saw the difference and said that this time was far better than any of the others. It was the intangible quality of the performance.

So, I got 3 videos from straight on. And, I got pictures from 3 different angles. I can't wait to see them. And, I'll get a link to everything as soon as they get put online.

Friday, Week 25

2009-01-02T06:45:00.000-08:00

It's been an interesting week so far. My weight has stayed within my range. It actually fluctuates quite a bit on a daily basis. Some morning weights have been 113.4, 110.8, 111.6, and then 112.4 today. So, all of this is good.

As for my nutrition, I've stopped tracking my exact calories. I eat a lot of my same healthy foods daily or almost daily - my unsweetened Teavana tea, salad with turkey, apple and yogurt, celery/carrots, Kashi Lean with Skim milk, IsoPure, Pear/Clementine, cabbage, broccoli, and I actually bought some Kiwis, too. I've been mixing that with lean meats. And, then I've been enjoying Eddy's Light Ice Cream. The Double Fudge Brownie ice cream is amazing.

So, I've been enjoying my food, but still eat healthy at least 90% of the time.

As for exercising, I've kept that up, too, although at a lesser intensity/duration due to the problems with my ear. This past week I've done Pilates, Upper Body Weights, the Treadmill, and lots of stretching. Yesterday was particularly hard on my ear-wise, so I took a break.

But, I'm still going strong with my maintenance phase. I have my semi-private trapeze lesson tomorrow morning, where I'm going to get more video and still pictures. Wish me luck!

Sunday, Week 25 (With Progress Update)

2008-12-28T05:01:00.000-08:00

This has been a decent fitness week overall for maintenance. Unfortunately, my ear infection or whatever it is has not healed yet. In fact, in a lot of ways it's gotten worse. Mornings are pretty good. Afternoons are ok. But by nighttime... It's no fun at all. Last night I just couldn't find a way to get some relief. I wound up munching a lot. Luckily, we didn't have anything really unhealthy in the house, but that's why my weigh-in was artificially high. But, 113.6 is still a good weight for me.

This past week I've kept up with most of my workouts. I did my pilates, running several days, and I did my trapeze class yesterday. Today I'm going to do a Tae Bo video. Weights the day after trapeze class is not a good idea. I'll do my weights probably on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Progress:
Weight: 113.6lbs (goal weight 110-115)
Waist: 25.5 inches (goal 24 - 27)
Below Waist: 27.25 inches (goal (26 - 29)

Trapeze Private Lesson

2008-12-27T10:39:00.000-08:00

I'm on such a high right now. My private lesson this morning was amazing! I was able to do my routine 3 times through, with my husband video taping it. Plus, my instructor taught me how to do my front pull-over trick correctly. I was missing pulling up with my arms. That combined with keeping my legs straight the whole time did the trick. She also taught me how to make a smooth transition sliding down the ropes into the free handed hammock trick. And, I learned a new trick - an Arabesque - that I'm adding right before my forward roll. I also got some good tips regarding my styles, and they improved as well.

The 3rd take was the best. We'll be posting the video soon. I have a semi-private lesson next Saturday morning. I'm going to have my husband do video again for me, and I'm going to see if another friend can come take still pictures.

Mornings are typically pretty good for me. I don't usually feel too bad until later in the day. Luckily, even with being upside down and everything, I didn't get light-headed. I really hope that I can beat this without surgery. I would love to continue on to the level 2 trapeze class. Time will tell, though.

Sunday, Week 24 (with Progress Update)

2008-12-21T05:18:00.000-08:00

This week has been a good transition into a maintenance phase. My body really has done well with the more reasonable range of calories. I will definitely continue the target of 1500-1800 calories/100+ grams of protein per day.

Regarding my ear troubles, it still hasn't gone away. Today is my last day of the steroids, but I still have like 4 more days of the antibiotics. Send me good vibes. I really need this infection to clear up.

Progress:
Weight: 111.2lbs (goal weight 110-115)
Waist: 25.25 inches (goal 24 - 27)
Below Waist: 27 inches (goal (26 - 29)

Food:
Breakfast: 3/4 Cup Egg Beater Omelet 130/22, Clementine (50/1)
Snack: 2 Oreo Cookies (160/2), 1 choc covered corn flakes (50/0)
Lunch: Turkey (150/28), Broccoli (60/2), Red Potato (60/6)
Snack: Leek Soup (105/4), Tilapia (100/21)
Dinner: Turkey (150/28), Veggies/Beans (90/5)
Dessert: Angel Food Cake (160/4), Vanilla Ice Cream (150/4.5)
Dessert2: Angel Food Cake (80/2), Vanilla Ice Cream (75/2)

Total Calories: 1570
Total Protein: 131.5

Exercise:
Upper Body Weights - lackluster, but at least I did it, low endurance

Saturday, Week 23

2008-12-20T07:35:00.000-08:00

I started off the morning with my run and then some stretching. I just had breakfast and my ear medicine, so I'm pretty worn out now. The antibiotic makes me tired. Unfortunately I have to go out to the bank now to take case of some loose ends. Then, I have a LOT of work to do. I have a deadline in the coming week, and there's still so much left to do for it. It's going to be a difficult weekend. I already don't feel good, and it's only 9:40am.

Food:
Breakfast: 1/2 Kashi (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Turkey (150/28), Broccoli (60/2), Red Potato (60/6)
Snack: Celery/Carrots (30/1), Choc IsoPure w/ milk (100/20)
Snack: 1/2 Kashi (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4)
Dinner: Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich (375/20), 1 wine (100/0)

Total Calories: 1230 (too low, meant to have dessert, but I fell asleep)
Total Protein: 103.5

Exercise:
Treadmill: 4.1 miles, 40 minutes
Stretching

Friday, Week 23

2008-12-19T14:01:00.000-08:00

Today has been good. Work has been busy. And, I still have a lot of work to do over the weekend, too.

The night was not so good. My ear and entire right side of my face was hurting. We got food from Chili's to go and ate at home. The glass of wine helped, though. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not.

Food:
Breakfast: 1/2 Cereal and Milk (110/10.5)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Chicken (150/27), Celery/Carrots (30/1)
Snack: Clementine (50/1), Salad w/ 2 turkey (45/9.5)
Dinner: Chili's Guiltless Grill Salmon (minus cheese and pico de galla) 460/52
Beverage: 1 wine (100/0)
Dessert: Angel Food Cake (160/4), Vanilla Ice Cream (180/2), Small Choc Corn Flakes (40/0)

Total Calories: 1460
Total Protein: 112.5

Exercise:
Rest Day

11th Trapeze Class

2008-12-19T12:30:00.000-08:00

My trapeze class went quite well. Although I was on my ear medicine, I was able to do my routine 3 times all the way through to my music. I also practiced my entrance and exit. My instructor gave me some really good ideas for that. Now, I just have to practice being graceful with it. I feel myself trying to force the gracefulness, but instead I think I'm stiff. It will come, though. This was only my first real attempt at it. I took ballet when I was much younger. Maybe I can remember the feel from that training a long time ago.

I'm definitely progressing with my routine. I'm not rushing the tricks quite as much as before, which actually makes them smoother and ironically faster overall. My transitions are much smoother and more graceful. I'm definitely getting the hang of moving my hands apart when I come out of the catcher's hang, too, which is something I had been struggling with. My music is actually a perfect length. I have plenty of time for a nice entrance and exit. Last time it seemed like my music was going to be too short. But, I suppose I was taking a longer time in my transitions - going from one trick to another.

The thing I need the most work on now (besides my entrance and exit) is the very first trick - the front pullover. I keep "cheating" by using my feet against the ropes to make sure I make it up and over the bar. I did get it correct once (during the 2nd time doing my routine). Unfortunately, that was the time I was practicing on my own. So, my instructor didn't see. I would have made it the 3rd time, too, except she pushed me to give me a bit more momentum - so I made it, but with her help. Then, I tried to do it again after I had finished my routine, but I was worn out.

I'm looking forward to my private lesson on the 27th. That should be a big help. Plus, while I'm resting, I can work on my entrance and exit. Also, I may do a semi-private lesson with one of my classmates - the ballet one, one of the days after New Year's. Then, I wouldn't be missing any of the weeks. It's great to know, though, that even when I'm not at my physical peak (worn down from the ear medication) that I can still do my trapeze routine. I'm determined to have an amazing night performing on Jan 17th.

Thursday, Week 23

2008-12-18T10:35:00.001-08:00

Today has been ok so far health-wise, although the antibiotic wiped me out this morning. I have my trapeze class tonight, so I'll have to see how I do while on these meds. The ear doctor said no activity restrictions, so I'll just have to be conservative and do only what I can do safely.

I weighed 111.6 lbs again this morning. I think my body is liking the extra calories. Who knew that adding Angel Food cake and vanilla ice cream could actually lower my weight level? (Just joking, sort of.) It is nice, though, to have some desserts.

Food:
Breakfast: 3/4 Kashi Cereal (110/10), 3/4 Milk (60/6)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: WW Thai Chicken and Rice Noodles (260/14), Celery/Carrots (30/1), Small Brownie (50/1)
Snack: Salad w/ 2 turkey (45/9.5), South Beach Bar (140/10)
Post-Trapeze: IsoPure (75/18.5), Brownie (100/1)
Dinner: Mesquitte Grilled Chicken (170/30), Veggies (60/2)
Dessert: Angel Food Cake (160/4), Vanilla Ice Cream (180/4), Small Choc Corn Flakes (40/0)

Total Calories: 1615
Total Protein: 118.5

Exercise:
90 minute trapeze class

Wednesday, Week 23

2008-12-17T09:49:00.002-08:00

Today has started out alright. The antibiotic that I took this morning is making me a bit drowsy. I didn't notice that side-effect last night. I even did my running after I had taken it. I think that my maintenance level calorie range of 1500-1800 is working out pretty well. Actually this morning my weight was the lowest it's been (111.6 lbs). And, the steroid for my ear is actually supposed to make me retain water (which would mean that my weight should go up for a while until I'm finished with them). It's nice to have some flexibility in my food now. I don't have to be quite so bare-bones with it. My body must have been starving at the calorie levels I had been doing. I'm actually going to have to add in some kind of snack to get me in range. 1410 is too low. I'll have to figure that out over the course of the day.

Food:
Breakfast: 1/2 Cereal and Milk (110/10.5), Yogurt and Apple (135/5.5)
Snack: Salad w/ 2 turkey (45/9.5)
Lunch: Chicken (150/27), Celery/Carrots (30/1)
Snack: Clementine (50/1), Small Brownie from Food Day (150,1)
Post-Cardio: Choc IsoPure w/ Milk (65/13.5)
Dinner: 2 Tilapia (200/42), Red Potato (60/4), Veggies (60/2)
Dessert: Angel Food Cake (220/2), Vanilla Ice Cream (200/4)

Total Calories: 1560
Total Protein: 121

Exercise:
Morning: 20 pushups, 20 V-Crunches, Light Stretching
Cardio: 32 minutes Elliptical to finish the Biggest Loser Finale

Tuesday, Week 23

2008-12-16T19:49:00.000-08:00

Today turned out to be a decent day. I got some hopeful news from the ear doctor. He said that I definitely have some fluid in my middle ear (so, I have a middle ear infection). He prescribed an antibiotic and a steroid for me to take. It's still certainly possible that there's more going on in there. I'll go back to see him on Jan 6th. If everything has cleared up, then that would be awesome. Otherwise, he'll want to go in and take a closer look (i.e. surgery), and he would probably put a tube in my ear as well during the surgery. Regardless, I should still be fine to do my trapeze performance on Jan 17th, since they wouldn't be able to schedule the surgery that fast anyway. One extra week or so wouldn't make a difference.

I started my medication after I got home from work, so I'm hoping it will start working soon.

Food:
Breakfast: Choc IsoPure w/ Milk (90/20), Yogurt and Apple (135/5.5)
Snack: Salad w/ 2 turkey (45/9.5)
Lunch: Chicken (150/27), Celery/Carrots (30/1)
Snack: Clementine (50/1)
Dinner: Subway Foot Long Chicken (710/52)
Dessert (post-run): Angel Food Cake (220/2), Vanilla Ice Cream (200/4)

Total Calories: 1630
Total Protein: 122

Exercise:
45 minute Yoga Class
Treadmill: 34 mins, 3.25 mi, with incline
Stretching

Sunday, Week 23 (With Progress Update)

2008-12-14T05:39:00.000-08:00

This week has been a good transition into maintenance. I've boosted my calories quite a bit and have allowed myself a number of splurges throughout the week. However, my weight remains stable (I actually weight less than last week). My goal is to remain between 112 - 115 lbs, with a waist of 25 - 27 inches, and below waist of 27 - 29 inches. I think these are all very healthy stats for me to try to maintain.

Progress:
Weight: 113.4lbs
Waist: 25.5 inches
Below Waist: 27.5 inches

Here are some of the fitness highlights from the past week:
Monday: 7 mile run in 67 minutes and upper body weights (all after my stomach had settled down)
Tuesday: Stair Climbing Challenge at work, Yoga class, and Last ice skating class
Wednesday: Stair Climbing Challenge at work, 4.57 mile run in 45 minutes
Thursday: Trapeze Class (did my entire routine twice)
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 4.05 mile run in 38 minutes

Here are some of the nutrition recaps from the past week:
-Yogurt and Apple every morning
-IsoPure Protein Supplementation every day
-Kashi Lean Cereal most mornings
-Raw Veggies (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery) cooked slightly in microwave
-Cabbage
-Subway Chicken Sandwich on whole wheat bread with provolone cheese, lettuce, spinach, and green pepper (awesome!) w/ Baked Lays Potato Chips
-BK Butterfinger Pie (awesome, 360/4, but loaded with fat - definitely a splurge)
-Wine in moderation
-Pork, 1/2 Sweet Potato, Veggies last night for dinner (I haven't had sweet potato in years - it was actually pretty good. I think my problems with them in the past were all the junk people cook it with. It was good plain - just microwaved.)
-Pear/Clementine/other fruit most days (in addition to the apple every day)
-Sole, Salmon, Tilapia
-Muscle Punch Smoothie from Smoothie King yesterday (these have gotten expensive, but I had a coupon for a free small if you buy a medium)

Mainly, I'm trying to allow for a bit more flexibility in my nutrition. I have a goal range of 1400 - 1800 calories per day, with 100+ grams of protein. I'm not looking to necessarily build more muscle, but I do want to preserve the muscle that I have. Likewise, I don't feel the need to lose additional fat. I think I'm at a good level now. But, I don't really want to gain more.

My ear problems have continued, and I'm glad that I have my doctor's appointment on Tuesday. It will be good to find out what's going on. If the cholesteatoma is growing back, I need to get it taken care of. Surgery is easier the sooner it's caught. Last time he had to reconstruct a lot of my middle ear. Hopefully, this time it will be less of a problem. If I do have to have surgery, I will be banned from all exercise for several weeks (any excess pressure could blow the ear packing). But, I'll try to keep on track with nutrition. It will be more difficult, though. There might be nausea, and I won't be able to cook as much especially during the initial recovery. At least things like my Kashi Cereal are easy. I won't even be able to shake up my protein drinks, though. I'll have to rely on hubby for that. It will really be no fun if that's the way it goes.

Today for exercise I'm going to do upper body weights. I'm going to change up my format to only 3 sets of each exercise to shorten the session. Later today I might do the elliptical machine or a Tae Bo DVD. And, as always stretching.

Celery

2008-12-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

We had leftovers from our work Christmas party yesterday. One thing that I discovered that I really liked is plain celery, microwaved for about a minute. This makes it warm and not quite so tough - but still a little crunchy. Try it if you get a chance. I'm going to buy a bunch of it this weekend at the grocery store for easy snacks to munch on.

Update

2008-12-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

Although I haven't been posting this week, that doesn't mean that I haven't been working. This week I've been trying to figure out how to transition into maintenance mode. I'm satisfied with my body composition. I think my fat level is low enough, and I have enough strength and endurance for my trapeze performance. My cardiovascular health is good, too. I've can even run 7 mile stretches now.

Currently, I'm working on figuring out how much I need to eat to simply maintain. I read online that even if I eat 1600 calories per day, I might still lose weight. So, I've been trying to up my calorie intake to get my body used to a metabolizing a more normal calorie level. I want to maintain a weight between 112 - 115 lbs. I think that's probably a very healthy level for me.

There has been a bit of potential bad news, though. My right ear has started acting up, and I've started getting headaches again. It's very possible that the cholesteatoma is growing back yet again. My ear and head feel the same as they did last time around. Way back in my first fitness post on this blog, I mentioned that recurring ear problems could be something that could derail my efforts. It's likely that this is happening. I have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday, so maybe I'll know more after that. I'll probably need to have another CT scan. And, I won't be surprised if I have to have surgery yet again.

I'm hoping that the potential surgery can wait until after my trapeze performance. Yesterday was a bad day regarding headaches and such, but I still went to trapeze class. I was still able to do my routine twice all the way through (although the performance quality was lack-luster, I'm sure). Regardless, if I do need to get the surgery sooner, I'm going to have my husband come to one of my practices - or possibly my private lesson on Dec 27th to tape me doing my routine. I can do it with the music and with my costume, so it would be like the real performance - just sooner and without an audience. But, hopefully my performance won't be impacted.

It's very frustrating to seemingly be doing everything right but yet have something out of your control come and block you. Hopefully, I'm just being paranoid and it's not really back. But, I've gotten pretty good at knowing my body - especially my ear. And, this feels exactly like it did a year ago.

Monday, Week 22

2008-12-08T06:23:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning and was feeling completely sick to my stomach. I'm assuming it's due to the pizza that I ate. I feel so ill that I'm working from home today. I have a feeling I'll be in the restroom off and on for a good portion of the day.

In case anyone is actually reading this, I'm going to take a break from blogging this week. I'll be back on Sunday for a progress update, and then I'll decide what to do with my blog after that.

Sunday, Week 22 (with Progress Update)

2008-12-07T05:55:00.000-08:00

I'm not thrilled with what I've eaten at night the past 2 nights. It definitely showed for the weigh in this morning. But, at least I can say that I did really well with exercising this past week, so at least that's something.

Progress:
Weight: 114.2lbs (137.8 baseline, 114.2 last week, same as last week)
Waist: 25.5 inches (31.5 baseline, 25.5 last week, same as last week)
Below Waist: 27.5 inches (33.25 baseline, 27.5 last same as last week)

Food:
Breakfast: Leek Soup (105/4)
Lunch: Qdoba Chicken Burrito (910/45)
Snack: Leek Soup (105/4)
Dinner: Pizza (?/?)

Total Calories: A Lot
Total Protein: ?

Exercise:
Skipped Ice Hockey Class, not feeling well

Saturday, Week 21

2008-12-06T05:27:00.000-08:00

I had a nice influx of calories yesterday, so my metabolism should be kicked up. Today I'm going to focus on cardio. Also, we're going to decorate the Christmas tree tonight, so I'm not sure exactly the whole plan for tonight. I'm going to go to the grocery store, and maybe I can make my leek soup. That would be nice to have.

Food:
Pre-Post Run: Choc IsoPure (80/18.75)
Breakfast: 1/2 Kashi Lean (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4), Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Turkey (170/25) w/ 1 Asiago Cheese (80/5), 1 Bread (45/3), Leek Soup (105/4)
Snack: Choc IsoPure (55/12.5)
Dinner: Thai Jasmine - Pad Broccoli w/ Chicken + broccoli cooked at home (350/28), 2 Wine (200/0)
Snack: BK Hershey Sundae Pie (300/3), MCD Hot Fudge Sundae (330/8)

Total Calories: 1960
Total Protein: 123.25

Exercise:
20 4-Point Crunches, 10 Obliques
Treadmill: 6.2 mi (10K!), 60 minutes - while watching the Secret Millionaire
Stretching
55 min Tae Bo Dedication DVD

10th Trapeze Class

2008-12-05T08:09:00.001-08:00

Getting back to the trapeze was awesome. After warming up and stretching a lot, we each ran through our routines to our music. I was able to do my entire routine - even the strength-intensive LadyBug trick at the end. Granted, I have a lot to improve upon, but I was able to do all the tricks in the proper order. Endurance and strength was absolutely no problem. My music is exactly the right length, and it looks like I'm going to use all 4:28 of it. If I run over, they'll just loop it, which wouldn't be ideal. But, hopefully as I get more used to the routine, it will flow well with the music.

One thing I need to think about is my entrance. We have to come out from behind the curtains and make our way over to the trapeze. So, I need to figure out what I'm going to do for that. Luckily, my music starts off in such a way that I should be able to come up with something good. I need to make it brief, though, since I need a lot of music for the trapeze routine.

So, during class, I ran through my routine twice with my instructor and once on my own (with another student reading out my list of tricks to me if I would forget what to do next). And, then I worked on the beginning of my routine on my own as well. The part I need to work on the most is coming out of the Catcher's Hang into the beat to move my hands apart. I need to figure out how to get both hands to slide apart at the same time in one movement. Only then will it look really graceful. So far, I've only been able to do 1 hand and then the other.

But, there is lots of progress. I feel completely comfortable with the shoulder stand and the Forward Roll, which are my most difficult tricks. And, I don't think that I'm going to fall off. So, now I really have to work on making everything flow together. Also, I need to get my routine memorized. Now that I've actually done the entire routine in a row a couple of times, I can start some mental visualization practice to help me memorize it. I should really do that every day. I think there was a study where they took a group of basketball players and made 1 group stop playing for a period of time. A second group practiced. And, then a 3rd group did mental visualization of practicing. After few weeks or so of the study were up they tested the players. The whole study was geared around free throws (so that's what they practiced and visualized). The first group had declined, but the 2nd and 3rd groups had both improved. So, I think there's something to it. Regardless, it will be the best way for me to memorize my routine.

Friday, Week 22

2008-12-05T07:35:00.001-08:00

It's been a good fitness week overall. Tonight, I'm hoping to relax and have some fun. The plan is to eat out at LongHorn for steak and then get Narnia - Prince Caspian and watch that at home. The only hiccup to the plan could be if my husband has to work late. If that happens, I'll just wind up eating at home, and maybe I'll even do some exercising. My muscles aren't too bad off from the trapeze class. So, there is some flex in the daily plan.

Food:
Breakfast: IsoPure (50/12.5) w/ Milk (10/1), 1/2 Kashi Lean (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Salad (25/0), 1 Turkey (20/4.25), Chicken (150/27)
Snack: Clementine (50/1), Soy Beans (100/8)
Dinner: LongHorn - Bites of Appetizer (100/4), Salad (50/0), 7 oz Sirloin (350/45), Broccoli (100/2), 1 red wine (100/0)
Snack: Oberweis Choc Marsh Ice Cream Double Scoop (800/10)

Total Calories: 2150
Total Protein: 130.75

Exercise:
Walk during lunch
Rest Day!

Trapeze Performance Date/Time Change!!!!

2008-12-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

Breaking News! My trapeze performance date/time has changed! It is now Saturday, January 17th at 8:00pm. There were too many performances on Friday, so my instructor broke out our class into our own show on Saturday night.

This is actually better for me. It will give a rest day in between the dress rehearsal on Thursday and the actual performance. Also, it's an hour earlier, so that's good. 9:00pm was a bit late.

Thursday, Week 21

2008-12-04T08:48:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was an even-keeled day. It got very busy at work from mid-day all the way through to the end of the day. At night, I was able to do a LOT on the treadmill while watching the Biggest Loser. Today my muscles feel great, and I'm all set for my trapeze class tonight!

Food:
Breakfast: Choc IsoPure (80/18.75) w/ Milk (10/1), 1/2 Kashi Lean (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Salad (25/0), 1 Turkey (20/4.25), Chicken (150/27)
Snack: Clementine (50/1), South Beach Bar (140/10)
Post-Trapeze: IsoPure (75/18.75)
Dinner: Salmon (140/23), Red Potato (60/3), Cabbage (70/1)
Snack: Pudding (60/2), Jello (10/1)

Total Calories: 1135
Total Protein: 126.75

Exercise:
90 minute Trapeze Class

Wednesday, Week 21

2008-12-03T07:24:00.001-08:00

While yesterday during the day was difficult temptation-wise at work, I avoided eating the Fun Size packs of M&Ms and Peanut M&Ms. Last night was busy. I got home just in time to head out to ice skating class, and then it was dinner time and then time to go to sleep a few hours later.

Today is starting off easier. I'm not craving anything, and my appetite seems more settled. I'm going to do another lighter calorie day, and then tomorrow I'll go a bit higher to sustain me through trapeze class. It seems like such a long time since I've been to trapeze class. The class was cancelled last week for Thanksgiving, but it seems longer than just 1 class missed. I can't wait to get back to it. I'm going to try to set up a private lesson over the Christmas/New Years week. Missing 2 weeks in a row would be bad, especially when it's getting so close to the performance.

Food:
Breakfast: IsoPure (50/12.5), 1/2 Kashi Lean (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Salad (25/0), 1 Turkey (20/4.25), Chicken (150/27)
Snack: Clementine (50/1), Pear (100/0)
Pre/Post-Cardio: Choc IsoPure (80/18.75) w/ Milk (20/2)
Dinner: Misquette Chicken (170/30), Broccoli (60/2), Cabbage (70/1)
Snack: Sweet Freedom Fudge Bar (35/2), 1/4 IsoPure (25/6.25)

Total Calories: 1100
Total Protein: 122.75

Exercise:
Treadmill - 60:00, 5.75mi, Cardio to the Biggest Loser
Stretching

Tuesday, Week 21

2008-12-02T07:28:00.001-08:00

Last night had the potential for disaster food-wise. We left work a bit late, and I wanted to get started on my homemade mashed potato creation. Plus, I knew the meat would take 30 minutes to cook, so I didn't want to be eating too late. So, I decided to eat before my run.

I was feeling like really relaxing and indulging during dinner, so I had a glass of wine with my meal. After that, I really felt like a rich dessert. Luckily, we don't really have anything like that in the house. Or, I thought about having more wine. But, I figured I would wait a bit and watch some tv. I wanted to catch up on Desperate Housewives. I made some Oolong tea (which helps with digestion), and had that while I watched tv. There was definitely a cross-roads last night. I barely had the motivation to get dressed to do my run. I went to see my husband, and he said that the was just finishing up his video game. He was thinking of going out to get dessert and then watch tv downstairs. That idea sounded absolutely perfect to me. And, I came so close to going that way. But, something clicked in my head that I was already off track for the day, but I didn't have to make it worse. I could get back on track right now. So, I went downstairs and did my run. After that, I didn't feel like having dessert or anything else to eat. Perhaps it was the endorphines kicking in. Or maybe it was psychological, seeing the number of calories burned on the treadmill. Regardless, it got me back on track for the night.

Today I'm going to go easy on the calories, and I'm going to eat cleanly - lots of veggies with dinner. Plus, I have my ice skating class, so that will get me out of the house, and I'll be less tempted.

Food:
Breakfast: IsoPure (50/12.5), 1/2 Kashi Lean (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Salad (25/0), 1 Turkey (20/4.25), Tyson's Beef Shoulder Filet (203/30.5)
Snack: Boca Burger (70/13), Clementine (50/1)
Pre/Post-Ice Skating: Choc IsoPure (55/12.5)
Dinner: Sole (90/21), Broccoli (60/2), Cabbage (70/1), 1 bite Subway Sandwich (20/0)
Snack: Fudge Bar (50/3)

Total Calories: 1008
Total Protein: 116.75

Exercise:
45 minute Yoga Class
30 minute Ice Skating Lesson

Homemade Mashed Potatoes

2008-12-02T07:26:00.000-08:00

The mashed potatoes definitely were an experience. They came out pretty tasty. My husband must have liked them because he had 3 helpings.

I made them as follows: 6 russet potatoes, heated in the microwave for 20 minutes. During that time, I made the other ingredients in a small pan (the one I normally use to make omelets) on the stove on low heat. I combined plain yogurt (I've read it's a decent substitute for heavy cream), skim milk, Smart Balance Butter, extra virgin olive oil, a bit of sour cream, and some spices (salt sense, black pepper, sage, tony cacherie's). Once the potatoes were finished cooking, I peeled them, cut them up, and put them in the blender. I started blending them for a bit, and then I added the other ingredients into the mix. The blender was doing a decent job, but then it started to show strain. Then, I smelled a bit of a burning small, heard a click, and then it stopped. So, I blew out the blender. I figured that was enough mixing of the potatoes, so I put the concoction back into the bowl and mixed it up a bit further. It was a bit thick, so I added some more milk and then some more pepper and salt sense.

Like I said, it came out pretty good. Definitely not your typical mashed potatoes, but it was tasty. I wound up eating more of it than I originally intended. And, my husband had 3 portions, so we wound up finishing it, which it's actually probably good that we don't have any leftovers.

Monday, Week 21

2008-12-01T07:41:00.000-08:00

It's back to a full work week. I'm targeting between 1100-1300 calories per day this week, although today I went over that.

Food:
Breakfast: Choc IsoPure (55/12.5), 1/2 Kashi Lean (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Salad (25/0), 1 Turkey (20/4.25), Chicken (150/27), Clementine (50/1)
Snack: Boca Burger (70/13), Pear (100/0)
Dinner: Tyson's Beef Shoulder Filet (203/30.5), Homemade Mashed Pot (300/8), 1/2 cup Creamed Spinach (60/1.5), 1 wine (100/0)

Total Calories: 1378
Total Protein: 112.75

Exercise:
50 minute Pilates Class
Treadmill - 2.5 mi, 25:00, .5 incline
Stretching

Strategy Update

2008-11-30T05:25:00.000-08:00

I think I'm done with the bulk of my weight loss. Perhaps I'll get down another few pounds, but the majority is done. I've finished my 4 weeks on the thermogenic supplement, so I'm done with that now. I think it did help me lean down quite a bit, although I'm sure I could have gotten here without it, albeit perhaps a bit slower.

My main goals for December are to maintain the gains that I've made and then secondarily to lose perhaps another pound or 2. The beginning of January I'm going to hit it hard in preparation for my trapeze performance on the 16th.

I think December is going to be a tricky month. I need to figure out indeed how many calories I can take in without gaining weight. Also, Christmas and New Years are coming up - both of which are wrought with food temptations. I have to admit, it felt so good eating that Banana's Foster. If you're going to splurge, it might as well be something really incredible. Unfortunately, I've done my share of splurging for a while, so I need to get back into the groove. It tends to be easier diet-wise during the work week. I have my nutrition schedule, and it's easy to stick to, since I don't have much free time. Then, after work, I'm usually pretty busy with exercising.

I'm also going to need to be thinking about what comes after January. Do I take another trapeze class? Or perhaps the Lyra (similar to a trapeze, but it's a hoop in the air that you do tricks on)? Or am I finished beating my body up with aerial acrobatics? I don't know.

Sunday, Week 21 (with Progress Update)

2008-11-30T04:52:00.000-08:00

My progress from this week has been unusual. I think I must have gained some muscle because although my weight went up, my measurements went down. I suspect the big dinner yesterday affected the weight in. Tomorrow, I'll bet my weight will be back down. It's been fluctuating quite a bit this week over the days.

Regardless, I don't look at this as a step back or anything. I do need to get my will power regarding eating cleanly under control a bit better again, though. This past week has seemed more of a struggle with that.

But, I have some interesting news to report. As I was preparing for my big night out, I got it in my head to try on some of my old dresses to see if they would fit. First, I tried on my wedding dress. It fit great! Then, I tried on my high school prom dress. It fit, too! Then, I tried on my 8th grade formal dress. Somehow, it fit as well - a bit tight to zip, but it fit. So, this means that I am back to the size that I was at least in high school. I had 2 big weight hover points back then 108 lbs and then 112 lbs - but I had much less muscle. I'll bet my body fat percentage is probably about the same as it was back then.

Progress:
Weight: 114.2lbs (137.8 baseline, 113.2 last week, up 1 from last week)
Waist: 25.5 inches (31.5 baseline, 25.75 last week, down .25 from last week!)
Below Waist: 27.5 inches (33.25 baseline, 27.75 last week, down .25 from last week!)

Food:
Breakfast: Egg Beater Omelet (100/16), Clementine (50/1)
Post Weights: IsoPure (75/18.75)
Lunch: Turkey (170/25) w/ 1/2 Asiago Cheese (40/2.5), Veggies (50/0), Salad (25/0)
Post-Run: IsoPure (50/12.5)
Snack: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Dinner: Tilapia (98/21), 1/2 Baked Pot (55/1.5), 1/2 cup Creamed Spinach (60/1.5)
Post-Ice Skating: Choc IsoPure (80/18.75)
Snack: Blue Bunny Sweet Freedom (35/2), Shared Pie (120/1)

Total Calories: 1143
Total Protein: 126.5

Exercise:
Weights: Full Upper Body
Warm Up - Joint Rotations, Light Stretching
Assisted Chin 2/0, 10/35, 8/35, 6/30, 5/30
Assisted Dip 10/40, 10/40, 8/35, 6/30, 6/35
Bicep Curl 10/25, 8/27.5, 6/27.5, 5/30, 8/27.5
Lat Pull Down 10/50, 8/50, 6/55, 6/60, 6/60
Shoulders OP 20/20, 12+8/20, FR 20/10, 16+4/10, LR 20/10, 20/10, P 20/25
Chest Press 10/45, 8/45, 8/50, 5/55, 6/55

Treadmill - Fun Run, Varying Speed to Buffy Music, 4 mi, 40:20
Stretching

45 minute Ice Hockey Class

Gold's Gym Synopsis

2008-11-29T09:29:00.002-08:00

I really enjoyed the 7-day pass at Gold's Gym. There were a lot of fun classes, and the gym has a lot to offer. I'm pretty sure I'm going to join.

My favorite cardio classes were the Body Step and Body Jam. The Spin class was excellent exercise, but it wasn't as much fun. The Zumba was lots of fun, but it wasn't as intense. So, the Step and the Jam were definitely my favorites.

I also enjoyed the mind/body classes - Yoga and Body Flow. They were low intensity classes, concentrating mostly on stretching and core strength. The music was relaxing, and I left the classes feeling loose and relaxed. But, these classes are not for high calorie burn. So, it all depends on what you're looking for. They're also helpful for improving balance and co-ordination.

As for the weights, I was most impressed with the abdominal and lower body weights. The upper body weights I have at home are just as good as the ones at the gym. (Granted, I have a really nice weight set.) But, the lower body and abdominal machines are far superior to what I have access to at home.

Swimming was really fun. I can definitely see doing that every week or so. The one drawback was the chlorine smell afterwards. Even after my bubble bath, I could still smell it on me. But, that's a small drawback. It was cool being able to see, though. This was my first time in a pool since my Lasik. I've been in ocean water but not pool water. Also, the hot tub jets gave an excellent water massage on my back, leg, and arm muscles.

Overall, I think Gold's Gym can provide me with lots of flexibility. You have to make sure to get to the classes early, though. They fill up quickly. I wouldn't NEED Gold's Gym to continue progressing with my fitness goals, but I think it will provide some fun variety to my workouts.

Saturday, Week 20

2008-11-29T08:56:00.000-08:00

This was my last day with the Gold's Gym 7 day free pass. I took my very first spin class. It was a very intense class (probably because of the effort I put in - you control the resistance level and speed that you go). I don't think that I would want to "spin" too often, but it was a good change. The cool part about the class is that she turned out the normal lights, and there was a black light. So, everyone glowed. I liked that part. Then, I did some abdominal exercise and heavy stretching.

Tonight is a special night. I'm getting all dressed up and am going out for a date night! Dinner downtown and then to see the musical Cats. I have lots of choices for dresses now, since I'll be able to fit into everything! I'm very excited.

Food:
Pre-Post Workout: IsoPure (75/18.75)
Breakfast: 1/2 Kashi Lean (70/6.5), 1/2 Milk (40/4)
Lunch: Salad (25/0), 1 turkey (20/4.25), Chicken (150/27), Broccoli (15/.5)
Dinner: Landry's - Shared Appetizer (Combo Shrimp and Mushroom Fondue/Spinach Artichoke Dip) (300/2), Salad (dry, as usual) (10/0), Braised Pork (215/32) w/ Asparagus (40/1) and Corn Grits (145/3.5), 1 Glass Zinfandel wine (100/0), Shared Banana's Foster (500/4) = 1310/42.5 (Rough estimates, could be way off.)

Total Calories: 395 + dinner = 1705?
Total Protein: 61 + dinner = 103.5?

Exercise:
60 minute Spin Class
Abdominal Weights:
Torso Twist: 30/10, 30/10
Abdominal: 50/10, 55/10, 60/20
Heavy Stretching

Friday, Week 20

2008-11-28T05:51:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving at our house was a success. It was a small, intimate gathering. Everyone seemed to have a good day, and it was stress free. I probably ate a lot less than I normally would have. I definitely drank much less (which is good). But, I did splurge some and even had some pie. But, today it's back to the routine. In fact, I'm going to go lower calorie today (targeting around 1000). Some of the estimates from yesterday could have easily been low, so I want to balance things out.

Going to the gym with my friend yesterday was a lot of fun. We even went swimming! It was more of a cardio workout than I had remembered. The gym had a lap pool with 3 long laps. Luckily, it wasn't crowded, so we were each able to get our own laps. I did all the strokes I could remember - normal, breast, butterfly, and the 2 back strokes (not sure of the names). I know there are more, but I never had much formal swimming training, so I don't know them. I might research on the internet.

Today, I'm going do the Body Jam class. I'm hoping it's a fun cardio workout. I rounded out blasting my back and bicep muscles yesterday, so it's definitely a cardio day. The only strength training I could see doing is abs. But, I'll probably wait for tomorrow on that.

Food:
Pre-Post Workout: Chocolate IsoPure (55/12.5)
Breakfast: Salad (25/0), Turkey (170/25)
Snack: IsoPure (50/12.5), Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Lunch: Tyson's Beef Shoulder Filet (203/30.5), Clementine (50/1)
Dinner: Turkey (170/25) w/ 1/2 Asiago Cheese (40/2.5), Veggies (50/0), Broccoli (30/1)
Snack: Sweet Freedom Fudge Bar (35/2), Chocolate IsoPure (55/12.5)

Total Calories: 1068
Total Protein: 130

Exercise:
10 min Air Max Cardio Machine
Stretching
60 min Body Jam Cardio Class
60 min Body Flow Class
30 min dog walk
Treadmill - 25 min, 2.2 mi

The Body Jam Class was awesome. It was a great workout. Plus, it was fun. I was lucky to have someone who knew all the routines right in front of me, so I was able to catch on and really give it my all. Then, a lot of the people were going right into the Body Flow class, so I did that too. It was a good stretching/cool-down (although there were some intense pilates moves in there for the core, too).

Thursday, Week 20

2008-11-27T05:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! It should be a good day. My mother-in-law is coming over with a turkey and cranberry sauce. And, one of our friends is over, too. So, it will be 4 of us. I'm making many side dishes - creamed spinach, broccoli, stove top stuffing, salad, and a ham puff pastery appetizer. I also have 2 dessert options - lemon marangue pie and 100 calorie apple crisp. I'm not going to go crazy with food today, though. I'm going to stay within my normal calorie range for the day, with a few splurges mid-day.

Ugh, I think I might be getting sick. My voice is hoarse, and I have some congestion. That won't keep me down, though.

Our friend over is the one who convinced me to try out Gold's Gym, so we're going to go work out this morning. Back/biceps is my target and then we're going to swim some laps. I might try to get in a run later today downstairs. My calves are still blitzed, but my quads are still strong. This is the first time it has ever happened that way. I suppose it's from all the pilates and yoga.

Food:
Breakfast: Apple (80/0), Yogurt (55/5.5)
Pre-Post Workout: IsoPure (100/25)
Snack: Salad (25/0), 1 turkey (20/4.25)
Lunch: Thanksgiving Dinner - Turkey (150/25), 1/2 cup Creamed Spinach (60/1.5), Broccoli (30/1), Wine (100/0), 1/4 cup Stuffing (80/1.5)
Dessert: Apple Crisp (100/1)
Snack: Choc IsoPure (55/12.5)
Dinner: Turkey (150/25), Broccoli (30/1), 1/2 cup Creamed Spinach (60/1.5), Veggies (50/0), 1/2 wine (50/0)
Snack: Lemon Pie (200/0)

Total Calories: 1395
Total Protein: 104.75

Exercise:
13 min Air Max Cardio Warm-up

Back and Biceps Weights
Assisted Chin: 0/1, 40/10, 46/8, 52/5
Arm Curl: 30/10, 15/10, 30/8
Incline Pull: 50/10, 65/10, 75/10, 90/8
Back Extension: 50/10, 70/10
Biceps Curl: 30/10

30 minutes Swimming, minor stretching in pool after

Treadmill - 26 min, 2 mi