Work Out, Twerk Out

The adventure continues...

As I mentioned in my last post about my goal of living a healthier lifestyle, it's not easy for me. I work out quite a bit, but I also enjoy food. I had just joined Weight Watchers in an attempt to get my snacking habits back under control.

Since then, it's been about three and a half weeks, and I've lost 8 pounds. This is fantastic news because it means that if I get my face out of the fridge for a couple weeks, I can get back to my 'normal' weight. That's all i wanted out of this: I wasn't trying to drop an unrealistic amount of weight in a month. My goal was to just get back to where I was. I am going to continue with the WW program, and hopefully, combined with my workout routine, I continue to see improvement, both physically, and more importantly, how I feel.

Lots of happy shout outs to my trainer, Tim, for keeping me on task and making sure I show up ready to work during our training sessions. I don't think doing WW alone would be making a difference. He's been awesome at keeping the workouts interesting, changing them up a little each time to ensure my muscles don't adapt preventing me from plateauing and getting the best workout I could.

I'll keep you guys posted on the progress!

Onto equally as exciting news...

New workout gear! I've mentioned before that I love Fabletics, and now I'll mention it again. I ordered two more pairs of workout capris, two sports bras, a sweater and a top. I've worn everything but the sweater so far, and can definitely say that I really like the pieces a lot. The Fabletics leggings that I got - the Lima Capris - have maximum compression which is super important when you're doing various cardio exercises at the gym. I have an issue with my spandex falling down (#FlatAssProblems) so the maximum compression helps combat that issue and keep them in place.

The two sports bras I got - the Vaasa Sports Bras - have medium-support. They're OK for working out with weights, but I wouldn't suggest going for a run with them.

Here's what I got...

First outfit: Gust

This outfit combo is called Gust. I purchased all three pieces. I love how
all the pieces go together, but can also be mixed & matched with other
workout clothing.

Austin Wrap

Vaasa Sports Bra

Lima Capri

Second outfit: Authority

This outfit is called Authority. I absolutely love the top and how it
shows off the pattern on the back of the sports bra.

I decided to get the top in cobalt blue to match a pair of my sneakers,
and add some color to the outfit

Switch Back Tee

I like that you can wear it backward or forward, and it's cute
with a cami under it.

Vaasa Sports Bra

Lima Capri

What do you think of the outfits? Would you wear any of those pieces? Fabletics has a bunch of other pieces you can mix and match as well, but I love how they put together outfit suggestions for you to make it easier.  Here's a link  to the Fabletics website... happy browsing :)

Until next time,
GJU

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