Thursday, March 31, 2011

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

1 More day of 30 Day Shred, then on to Ripped in 30!

Tomorrow is my last JM 30 Day Shred Workout. SOO HAPPY!!!

I have seen SIGNIFICANT CHANGE in my waist, as well as toned up legs and bottom. My upper body is O-K, probably better than 8 weeks ago when I started, but I still need work.." (my cousin Courtney put me to shame when she busted out a set of push-ups when we did the video in PA)

With my first video, I set the goal of doing 30 workouts in 5-6 weeks. That turned out to be extremely difficult, probably because I was tired and hurting for much of it, so it was hard to be motivated. Plus, I was coming off of essentially NO fitness routine, so I had a hard time diving in. Now that I've done the workout most of the last week, I'm feeling better about pain management and endurance, as well as fitting the workout into my schedule (since my hair it not the kind that I can just wash and go with, and I generally HAVE to wash my hair after this workout). And, looking back on the last 8 weeks, I realize that I am in better shape than I've been in for a few years, and am patting myself on the back for working out at least 3 days a week for the last two months.

But, now, I am setting a new, much more ambitious goal! I start "Ripped in 30" on Friday, April 1st. My goal is to finish the video by May 4th! (why May 4th? Because I'll be in Washington D.C. for four days in the middle of April, and want to take a rest, not to mention the fact that when you visit D.C., you're on your feet most of the day anyway). (UPDATE 4/1: end date is now April 30, as I can do 24 workouts in that period of time, with an extended break for DC, which works well b/c I can then start the 6-week six pack on May 1st)

This video has 4 levels, with one level for each week. Jillian wants you to take a day off each week for each level, so I might set the goal at 24-27 workouts, instead of 30, but we'll see. (Now that I've done the first workout, I see that she wants you to do 5-6 workouts each week, so I am aiming to do 6 workouts for each week/level) To get me motivated right away, my goal is to finish week 1 and 2, level 1 and 2, before I go on my trip, which essentially means that I will have only 1 day off in 13 days. We'll see how it goes. (The first day was not easy, but not impossible either, at least as compared to how hard it would have been in February. Week one for six days straight should be fine)

Thursday, March 24, 2011

April 2011 - The month of fun

April is shaping up to be good - and it better be, since the three months after that will be finals and the Bar...
3/31: Wicked at OC performing arts center
4/8: Law Prom (not for sure going but thinking about it)
4/13: Turrentine Reception (honoring students who received clerkships...more about that later ;-)
4/14-17: Trip to DC w/ Juls to see Tracy (super exciting - I love visiting that city)
3/22: 3L Gala
3/24: Easter (my favorite holiday)
3/27: Order my cap and gown!!!

Of course, I have papers to write and finals to study for, but that's all secondary :-)

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Workout Update

As I said here - my goal was to do 30 workouts of the 30-Day Shred Video. I tracked my progress both on the sidebar of this blog, and on the whiteboard on the refrigerator (I'll post a picture when I finish). I have 8 more workouts to go before it is over.  I wish it could have gone faster, but it goes to show how hard it can be to be motivated to workout, and I can see that the end is near!

I just took my longest break to date, but I got back on it today and did Level 3 from beginning to end for the first time. I hope that the new level will give me enough mental stimulation to keep me going to the end, because I could feel the boredom set in on Level 2, and my body was getting used the movements.

Level 3 is no joke. Most of the movements have modifications to make the move easier, and I had to use those modifications for at least a quarter of the movements. But in doing Level 3, I also saw that my cardio is SO MUCH BETTER than when I started, it's amazing. I just wasn't dying like I was when I started Level 2.  So, there was much to be happy about, and much that will present a challenge as I finish this DVD.

The good thing is I was smart enough to realize that I would get sick of the 30-Day shred, so I already have two more Jillian Michaels DVDs to try: The 6-Week 6 Pack, and her brand-new video - "Ripped in 30." My next goal is to do "Ripped in 30" in 30-40 days, and I hope the fact that it's 4 levels instead of 3 will help. 

The real exciting thing for me, is how much I've seen results. The fact is, my stomach is much smaller and flatter than when I started. I can feel my abs, and my butt is more toned. Level 3 has a lot of movements that will work my quads and hamstrings so I'm excited to see some more tone in that region.  And, I just feel fit, more able to move around, and more healthy. Walking around NYC was so easy last week, and I know that is because of this fitness plan.  I hope to focus more on weight loss when I start "Ripped in 30," which comes with a meal plan (because, lets be honest, I have a significant amount to lose), but I am making progress in converting fat to muscle which improves my metabolism, so all things considered, progress has been made :-).

After I finish the 30 Day Shred, it's doubtful that I'll want to look at it again for awhile. My mom has a copy of it as well, so if anyone wants to try it, let me know and I'd be happy to send it to you! It's also available at Wal-Mart, Target, and on Amazon for a good price. All you need is 3 lb weights, and it's only 30 minutes. I think it's extremely effective and encourage anyone to try it.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Phone is missing...

If you're trying to reach me on my cell phone, bad news: it's missing. I know I had it in the car on the way from the airport last night, but we stopped at Togos and at CVS before we got to the apartment so it might have been dropped somewhere. Luckily it was locked (always lock your smartphone!) and I was able to easily disable it via the ATT website. But, I am without my electronic BFF.

Curtis is letting me use his since he also has a blackberry, so if you're trying to reach me, call his phone, or email me.

Will update once I either A) find my phone, or B) find my old iPhone and take it into ATT to be activated (because that one is also missing, since I didn't really care what happened to it after I got the iPhone 4...)

And, look for pictures from our trip, likely to be on the other blog.

UPDATE: I reactivated my old iPhone so my number is now back in service. Haven't completely given up hope that my iPhone 4 will turn up, but it was time to move on... :-) 

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Me and a Baby

As opposed to, "Me, having a baby"

Me and Miss Amelia, born in mid-January. Thank you Aunt Adelyn for taking a picture of us!