Fitness and Lifestyle Update

As you guys know, I've been trying to move toward living a healthier lifestyle. I've amped up my activity level by working out 2-3 times a week with my wonderful (and very patient) trainer, Tim. I've also been trying to keep better track of what I'm eating.

At this point, I am feeling much stronger. I've noticed slightly more definition in my arms, and when I really suck it in tighten my stomach, I can see that I've firmed up a little there as well.

As far as weight: I've gained 3 more pounds. I weigh more than I have in years.

At first this really upset me. I felt extremely defeated. I've put in so much effort at the gym, and I've made better food choices than I have in the past (generally). But this feeling of disappointment quickly diminished over the last weekend.

On Sunday, I participated in the Race for the Cure. I was determined to run the entire 5k race (3.1 miles) in under 40 minutes. I'm not a runner, nor do I run on the treadmill at the gym, so I thought giving myself a 10-12 minute per mile average speed was the most realistic. (Let's be honest: a six minute mile wasn't gonna happen!)

Drum roll please... Not only did I run the majority of the race, I completed the 5k in 37 minutes. I stopped to walk for about five minutes because my hip was bothering me, but other than that, I was running the whole time. That's a little over 10 minutes per mile, and I am damn proud of myself for it.

Had I not been training with Tim over the last several months, completing the race in 37 minutes would not have been possible. The hard work and sweat I put in at the gym and the better food choices - though not resulting in many visible physical changes/weight loss so far - resulted in me being able to accomplish something that otherwise wouldn't have been in the realm of possibility for me.

Before the run: showing our spirit in these pink tutus!

This was taken right when I completed the race -  so happy to have finished it in 37 mis!

Happy we ran for a good cause and raised money for breast cancer research!

Regarding the weight gain: some of it is muscle mass. Tim has me doing lots of strength training exercises, as well as lifting weights. I am gaining muscles that I didn't have before I started working with him. Also, though I've made better food choices (choosing an apple instead of chips), I am still having issues regulating my portions. I am hungrier these days because I am exerting so much more energy each day during my workouts, and I have a hard time staying within reasonable portions. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I am a snacker. I've yet to be able to get that back on track. Additionally, I have issues with my thyroid, resulting in difficulty regulating my metabolism. Because of that, it's an added level of complexity and difficulty when I try to lose weight.

So, I've decided to do Weight Watchers for a couple months just to get my portion control back on track. Doing that, and keeping up with my workouts, should jump start my metabolism and hopefully I will start to see those results. It's not all about the number on the scale, but I do realize that I am eating more than I should be. With a little more conscience decision making when it comes to meals, I am hoping it will get me get me back on the path to a healthier lifestyle!

Side note: have you tried Weight Watchers? I am open to any recipe suggestions!

Until Next Time,
GJU

p.s. In the Baltimore area and looking for a trainer? You're in luck. Tim is currently accepting new trainees! I'd love to work out with you. Shoot me an email and I'll put you in touch! getjessedup(at)gmail(dot)com

Working on my Fitness

I figured it's time for an update regarding my new found desire to work out and be more healthy.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I'm working with a trainer to get myself back on track and hopefully on a path to a healthier lifestyle. My trainer, Tim, has an eclectic approach to training sessions. Some days we do circuits, some days we do mostly weights, and some days are primarily cardio. 

Over the last couple weeks of training, Tim's been able to capture some photos of me working out so that I could share some of the exercises on my blog. Though I used to be an athlete when I was still in school, my body today is nowhere even close to being in the shape it was then. The exercises Tim has me do at the gym are not only accessible for anyone to do (at their own pace), but also they are all exercises that can be done at any strength level (and as you get stronger, you can add on weights, etc.).

Here are some of my favorites:

Walking squats. Any one can do this, and it's a great workout for your legs and tush!

Want to step up your squats? Hold a medicine ball or weights. Don't have weights?
Get creative... bags of groceries, your pet... 

Step Ups. Up with the right, then left. Down with the right, then left. Next, reverse it
by going up first with your left. Do this for a minute and trust me, you'll feel it! Weights
can also be added to this exercise.

If you have a resistance band, loop it around a pole/bench and wa-la! Many exercises in one!
Loop it down and pull up for biceps. Loop it high and pull down for triceps. 

These next videos are exercises that require you to be at the gym, or a facility that has a sled and heavy ropes.

This first video is me pushing a sled with 135 Lbs. on top. Pushing it from the longer/taller end gives me more leverage to push a little faster. In the next video, I am pushing the weight from the lower end which is much more difficult. This exercise works out everything: Arms, core, legs. And the best part is, although it sucks while you're doing it, it's actually kind of fun (I feel like a badass when I'm done).

This last video is of me using the battle ropes. Tim has me whip the ropes in an alternating fashion, producing waves in the ropes. Other exercises including moving the ropes up and down at the same time producing one large wave, doing lunges while moving the ropes, and moving side to side. The battle ropes are great for gaining arm strength, and also for stabilizing the core and strengthening legs. I have a hard time remembering to look up and keep my butt down, but overall, I can definitely see an improvement in how long I can keep the ropes going without giving up.

What exercises do you like to do at home or at the gym? I'd love some suggestions for things to do at home one the days I don't make it in to see Tim!

Until then, keep working it out.

-Jess

The weight is over...

... and I mean that in a couple of ways.

1) Thanks for waiting for me, and being so patient with me as a I took a moth off from blogging to get my life in order. I have an update! I am now in grad school pursuing a Masters of Education in School Counseling. I've always wanted to work with kids in this kind of setting, and I am so excited to have finally gotten to this point. I am in school full time now, and still working part time, leaving me very little time to sit down on blog. However, now, I have something new to blog about.

2) My weight has been a struggle for me the last couple of years, but recently it's been stuck on the up train. I'm blaming no one but myself for this. Admittedly, I'm a big snacker, and in the last 2.5 year I've been the gym (maybe) 4 times. I am not saying that I am fat, but I am definitely out of shape, and as I like say: soft. It's time for me to get back on track and start living a healthier lifestyle. It's not about losing weight anymore. It's about being more active in my every day life, and making better choices when it comes to food and snacking.

In an effort to jumpstart my lifestyle change, I've enlisted the help of a trainer. Over the new couple of weeks, I'll be working out with the help and guidance of Tim Rider at the MAC in Harbor East (Pssst.... Baltimore peeps-- check him out! He's a fabulous trainer!). During that time, I'll document any progress and share with you tips and tidbits that I pick up along the way. My hope is that, if nothing else, this blog motivates me to keep going and holds me accountable for choices I make. If I can inspire you to make healthy choices, that's great too!

This is not to say that I won't be enjoying my summer. Let's be honest. I love eating out, going to BBQs, and enjoying all the fruity, umbrella drinks the summer has to offer! It does mean, though, that I'll be combating that with keeping an active, healthier lifestyle, and making better food choices overall as best I can. I'm thinking of it as a lifestyle change rather than a diet. I suck at diets.

My first weigh in and measurement with Tim (last Sunday) left me feeling a little anxious. Here's where we're starting:

Weight:
Weight: 155.2 lbs.
Body fat: 34.0% (Yikes. This should be closer to the mid-20's)
Fat mass: 52.81 lbs. (what this means is that 52 lbs of my body is fat mass)
Lean mass: 102.41 lbs.
TBW (total body water): 75.01 lbs. (what this means is that 75 lbs of my body is water weight)

Admission: I weighed myself two days into meeting with Tim and it had risen to 157 lbs. This was after Tim told me to hide my scale and forget that I even own it. He told me that my body composition is going to be changing, and my weight is going to fluctuate as I build muscle. He also said I'm going to feel hungrier now that I am working out and my body will need different kinds/amounts of nourishment. Though I was discouraged that my weight had gone up even more, I took Tim's advice, and have since removed the scale from my apartment.

Measurements:
Chest: 34.5"
Waist: 31.75"
Hips: 41.74"
Thighs: 25.5"
Arms (Bicep): 11.25"

It's not easy to throw this information out there. I feel exposed a little bit. But I am hoping that feeling of exposure motivates me. My goal isn't just to lose weight. That would definitely be a bonus, but ultimately, I'd like to build lean muscle and tone/firm my stomach, thighs, and arms. If at the end of the day I weight the same but I'm a hell of a lot stronger and leaner, then I have succeeded.

I've had 4 personal training sessions since I started last Sunday, and although I feel like nothing's happened yet (except for the 2 lb. weight gain UGH), I know that I am making positive changes for the better. I'll keep you posted on my progress!

Any work out tips or recipe ideas? Please share them with me!

P.S. I just went shopping and got some cute workout gear! Next post topic? Probably!

P.P.S. Here's a pre-work out selfie... keep in mind, I am sucking it in with all of the internal force that I can. Walking around in 100% spandex is a new adjustment for me. I found work out pants with wider bands at the waist to hold me in a little better...

Abby Talks Active Wear

Hi guys!

You know my friend Abby knows her accessories, but this month, she's sharing her favorite athletic gear and gym essentials... perfect timing for your New Year's resolution!
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With 2013 resolutions right around the corner, it’s inevitable most of us will be hitting the gym more often than usual.  (Side note: I hate the term hitting the gym, it makes no sense to me.) That being said, it may be a good time to update the workout wardrobe. Here are my faves for the gym essentials:

Tops

Back Burner Tank: If your workout makes you super sweaty, this is the perfect top to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Cardio Party Tank: By far the best material to work out in. Super soft. They rotate their clothing frequently, and this is currently my favorite tank.

Bottoms

gFast Leggings: These accentuate your legs in a totally flattering manner, and they dry very quickly.

InTouch Premium Yoga Capris: These are made to support your hips, which can unexpectedly become very sore after working out frequently.

Undergarments

Antigravity Bra: If you have large breasts, this is the best thing that will ever happen to you. They’re not going anywhere in this bra.

Foxy Lulu Thong: Keeps everything comfortable. Enough said.

InTouch Premium Yoga Capris, Athletica, $69

Foxy Lulu Thong, Lululemon, $12

Antigravity Bra, MICHI, $80

gFast Leggings, Gapfit, $55

SoulCycle Tank, SoulCycle, $44

Back Burner Tank, Lululemon, $58

Ladies, what other workout gear do you recommend? Tweet me @AbbyDraper