Tonight's Workout

I made sure it was quick and simple because I was so busy CLEANING house all day. (Yeah, that is a major workout for a pregnant person! Ha ha!)

Here's what I did:
* Modified Push Ups- 2 sets of 10
* Plies- 3 sets of 15
* Squats- 2 sets of 20
* Standing Leg Extension- 2 sets of 15 on ea. leg
* ABC's w/ toes- 1x ea leg
* Leg Adbuctors- 2 sets of 25 on ea. leg

I'm going to go and take a nice relaxing shower and then stretch for about ten minutes before climbing between my nice, clean bedsheets. Ohhh... nice.

PS- I've got a doctor appointment in the morning! I'll have to see if I gained the right amount of weight over the last 2 weeks.

Fun & Relaxing Day

So, as I've gotten bigger with this pregnancy, exercise has gotten harder. I lose my breath or get tired legs for a few seconds after climbing a flight of stairs longer than the ones in my house. It is awkward to bend down and I avoid doing so as much as I can (which doesn't make for a clean house sometimes... ha ha). I am achy or sore without even 'working out'.

Tonight I was able to get in some dancing- cha-cha-style- via a belated Valentine's party. My husband got all into it and was so cute to watch. He can make everyone laugh and I ADORE that about him. It wasn't too much of a work-out, especially when I think of what I'm capable of doing 'un-pregnant'.

My husband and I also went and walked around the mall and people-watched today (our main intent to go to the mall was  for a free pretzel offer). That was fun, but oh-boy, my feet hurt after we left.

So, what am I supposed to do with a body that isn't what it used to be? I am going to pause and come up with a few answers for myself.

1. Regular Walks

(Not in heels, a dress, and with a purse obviously.)

My midwife advised against me running/jogging anymore in my pregnancy at about the beginning of month 7. (My last walk/jog was at about 6.5 months along for the record.) I get too sore afterwards where I pulled my muscle at month three. I'll have to stick with walking. NOW... here's the thing with walking. I am not a walker. It takes so long and I get jealous when I see people running around me. I don't get my adrenaline rush. I DO get Braxton Hicks Contractions (BHC's) though. That just means I have to slow it down even more or stop. Boo! I try to carry my weights (1# wrist bands or 3 or 5 pounds dumbbells) when I remember to increase my heart rate. Those tend to bring on the BHC's even quicker. Boo again! But, I have no other choice, so I will continue with my walks. I do about 2 miles 2-4x a week. (I'm hoping to increase it now that I'm COMPLETELY done with school.)

2. Strength Training

 I have a few exercises that I do regularly. This pelvis/wall-squat like thing (I can explain it in further detail if anyone wants) that my midwife taught me. It helps to strengthen the back and core muscles to help with labor and help prevent so much back pain. It actually feels amazing and relaxing to do. 

I also try and work out my arms regularly, but we only have 3 & 5 pound weights. (I also incorporate arm exercises w/ weights into my walks when I remember.) I figure this will all help me as I'm picking up and carrying around a little baby in a few short months... woah...

I also love glute, leg, and lower body exercises in general. I have been told that I'm getting 'curvy' and 'filling out' all over (meaning my butt since my arms are the same size)... Thanks Mom. So, I try and do squats or wall squats, lying leg ad/ab-ductors, calf raises, and hamstring exercises. (Again, if anyone wants further descriptions on what any of these are, lemme' know.) I'm trying to keep the dimples off my lower cheeks... not that I have any on my face to start with though.

3. Stretching

Oh yoga, how I love thee... I haven't done yoga since about my 24th week though. I was doing it about once a week before then. I definitely need to start this again. I am sure that there are a few good websites for prenatal yoga and there are LOADS of DVD's at my local library I could check out too. I just need to do it. I know that this will help in relieving those aches and pains, tight ligaments and muscles, and everything. I always wanted to be one of those cute prego-yoga-moms... here's my chance and I'm letting it slip by! Now that I actually look pregnant I haven't been doing it. Time to change that.

SOOOO..... 

In conclusion, I've decided that it's time to step it up a notch. I want to be in prime labor & delivery condition. It will only benefit my baby and me in the long run. I have nothing holding me back anymore. (I'm referring to no  more school/homework/studying.) My husband and I have a desire to be fit and healthy examples together. He's doing so much better and I need to kick it up so as soon as I'm able, I can catch up with him. I don't have any specific numbers or goals other than to exercise daily. Even if it is just stretching and a few strength training exercises. No excuses! 

Here goes to a healthy finish to this race I'm in... or whatever... ha ha!

PS- I weighed in this morning and although I'm not positive what it was... I'm thinking it was 154.8lbs. This means an even 20 lbs that I've gained. Yesterday was my week 33 mark... not to shabby. I'll be right on the money if I keep gaining as I should. My goal was between 25-35lbs, but keeping closer to about 28lbs if I am able. :)

Today's Exercise Notes

I was feeling just crappy all-around. So, I did something about it. 

I went power walking (it kills me not to be able to run anymore) and carried 5 pound weights in each hand for the first 1.25 miles. Felt okay, but I'll feel it tomorrow I KNOW! I only did about 2 miles too. I tend to get tight/crampy abs when I do too much (my midwife said they're Braxton Hicks contractions) so, I have to be careful and take it easy. 

I also did some strength training exercises last night and tonight. I'm gonna' tone up my arms, butt, and legs as much as I can. That way I'll just have my core muscles to re-shape once this little girl is here. That's my goal at least. We'll see what really happens. 

I'd better go drink my protein shake... that's another thing I have to do since my hair started falling out due to lack of protein in my diet. Oh the joys/sacrifices. It's not too bad though... flabbiness, hair falling out for a few weeks, and heartburn are my only complaints. The flabbiness is my fault though, not this baby's. Same with the dang pulled muscle that haunts me still when I do too much. I'll have to make some changes I guess.

Today's Weigh-in

I'm 30 weeks and 3 days along today. Only 9.5 more weeks to go.

This morning's weigh-in: 151.6 lbs.
Starting weight: 134.8 lbs.

Total weight gain so far: 16.8 lbs.

I've been consistent with weighing myself in the mornings wearing the same clothes. My weight increases each week, and it's hard, but I know that it's a good thing. I'm probably going to gain about a pound a week from here on out. Which will leave me around a total weight gain of 26-27 pounds. Chances are I'll gain a couple more at the end when my little girl really starts putting on the weight (plus I have a feeling I'm going to go past my due date) so I'm aiming for around 30 lbs. This is healthy and smack dab in the middle of my goal. (Which was to gain 25-35lbs throughout this pregnancy.)

I haven't been able to run, but I've been trying to walk 2-3 miles, several times a week. I've used some hand weights here and there when I walk to help get my heart rate up, but sometimes it's brought on Braxton Hicks contractions (at least my midwife told me that's what they were). So, I was told to try and take it easier to not induce those. I do some minor strength training at home 1-3x a week. (Modified push-ups, bicep curls, wall squats, cat-cow exercises for my pelvis, calf raises, etc.) It's hard not to be able to do what I used to, but I'm trying my best to maintain. My strength, endurance, and everything is so different than what it used to be. I bet it doesn't help that I've got a uterus growing up under my ribcage and taking my lung space up. Oh well. I do enjoy it, and it's only a short time I'll get to experience this.

I need to keep up though since this will help me so much when I deliver. My goal is to deliver naturally without any pain medications. I can do this!

Just for fun... here's a prego pic (that doesn't even make my belly look as big as some others did) from January 28th (a day short of 30 weeks) that my husband took of me.

Reminiscing...

So... in looking at pictures I have from before I was prego... I miss that body. Mind you I love why my body is changing right now, but I worry about after this pregnancy and how long it will take me to get back. I want to be able to feel sexy again. I don't think I've once felt "sexy" since being pregnant. Beautiful, yes... sexy, no. I look at this picture of my hubby and I on the beach in Maui and the tone in my legs and butt and skinny waistline... I'm jealous of my old self. Ha ha.

My body is going to be different after giving birth I know. I try to stay positive, but it gets hard with so many changes. I can't run anymore-as of about 2 weeks ago (due to too much strain on the muscle I pulled at 3 months along). It's hard. I sound selfish... I know.

This is difficult when I look at myself naked in the mirror or have people comment on how big I'm getting. It is a blessing to know that I am growing a little girl inside me though. One that I will devote my life to. She will change my life and probably my perspective on so many things. She will teach me. I know I'll be a different person spiritually and emotionally after she is finally here.

Until then, I'm just going to get bigger and bigger by the week. 

A New Year

This morning I weighed in at 146.2lbs.
So far a weight gain of about 11.4 pounds. Not a lot, but still on the right track. :)

This year I plan to gain more weight and then lose it quickly. (Obviously after our little girl is born!) I also plan to be intentionally active. This means doing exercise on purpose and not just counting 'nesting' as exercise. I'll be a bit lenient when I go into labor and a day or two after though depending on how things go. Ha ha!

So far I'm feeling great. Both my husband and I are aiming to increase our fruit and vegetable intake (love, love, love 'em) and to be move active together. This year I will be moving to a new state and will be having new experiences. I'm anxious and nervous all at the same time, but more than anything I'm excited for the change!

I don't know everything that the year holds in store for me, but I do want to be the best me I can! This year is going to be amazing... I can feel it already! :)

Update

So... wow...
Time is really flying!
Just a few small things to mention.

I've gained about 10-12lbs so far and am in week 25 right now. I started out at 134.8lbs and yesterday when I weighed in I was at 145.6lbs, but it varies from day to day. Feeling healthy and great nonetheless. I was reading about weight gain during pregnancy this morning. One point it made that stuck out was that mothers who gain 20lbs or less tend to have low birth weight babies. As a therapist (I can say that now since I'm done with my Masters degree!), I know that low birth weight has a high correlation with other issues down the road physically, sensory, and socially. I don't want to take that risk, so I'm going to aim for 25-30lbs of healthy weight gain still.

I can't believe in less than 15 weeks our little baby could be here! We found out a while back that we are having a baby girl! So excited!

Since I pulled my muscle in my crotch/low abdomen area I really have had a difficult time running. I was able to go a few days ago and it felt great to relieve my stress and just push 2 miles out. I was sore that night and the next day or two, but that's much less than it has been in the past. I may need to start picking up a light run again. My mile-pace isn't super fast anymore, but it's the movement my body craves. I'll speed up again after baby comes, I'm sure. My body just can't seem to function without running for some reason! :)

My husband did get me a nice vintage beach cruiser! I love it! I went on a nice long ride today while he ran (I can't keep up with him anymore) for about 50 minutes! (Yes,... he ran that long! See what motivation I have to be fit and healthy! I love it!) I was a little sore after, but was fine a few hours later. I am so happy to have a new outlet for exercising. I don't have access to a pool and it's too chilly to swim right now, so biking, running, walking, and whatever else I can think of are my options.

I did do a meager 9 strength training exercises that only took about 15-20 minutes today too. Sad part about it... my legs started cramping up when I went to transition to my last exercise (I was in a kneel sit). I couldn't help but laugh at how pathetic that is for me. I don't realize what doing squats and cleans (not power cleans) with dumbbells can do with the added weight from pregnancy. Ha ha! Oh what things I have to learn. My goal is to continue with various strength training exercises daily combined with some form of cardio (even if it is just some heavy duty cleaning... i.e. nesting... on some days). I realized today that I truly need to work if I want to maintain what I have.

Well, it was supposed to be short, but it wasn't... oh well. Maybe I'll just post my workouts on here so I can track daily what I'm doing for my fitness throughout this pregnancy! We'll see! ;)

Just a midweek goal check!

I've been drinking a gallon a day (abt 128oz) of water!
I've worked out every day for at least 20 minutes!
I've been tracking my calories!

I've only ran once. My body can only take so much running at a time now. It takes about two days to recuperate after a run and that's with trying to make the run easier. I think I'm just going to have to implement more walking into my lighter days (NOT Tuesday or Wednesday for sure...) and see if I can catch up with my mileage goal. So far I'm only at 3.2mi. That's only from one day though. (I've done yoga or prenatal exercise videos the other days.)

I'm very pleased with my goals nonetheless. I like marking them down (on my little list on the fridge) daily. It just helps me feel as though I accomplished more. It also helps me to focus on one week at a time versus longer periods of time. I can do this!

I feel charged and ready to go. My belly feels bigger than ever and I will NEED to take another picture to update it. I definitely popped out more this week and am starting to really look pregnant instead of just chubby. I'm 20 weeks (1/2 way done baking this baby) on Friday of this week! WOW... time is flying by!

Here's to a great rest of the week! 

From SUNDAY 11/15 (GOALS for week 11/15-11/21)

I feel like I've been letting things slide lately because of how swamped I've been with my clinical rotations. I've only got 5 more weeks of my rotations though and then my excuse will be gone. I want to have some good habits developed by then though! (That will be 24 weeks prego!)

So, here are my goals for this week. I'm hoping to check in at least to log my calories daily, so maybe I'll be able to post a few mid-week updates.

1. Track Calories Consumed daily. (I want to be eating more fresh & raw fruits and veggies!!)
2. Drink 120 oz a day!
3. Work out 5x this week! Whether it's a walk, run, prenatal exercise video or whatever... do it!
4. Walk/Run 15 miles

I think I'll start with those goals. I can do it. I need to hydrate my body more and just be chugging water constantly. I have been HORRIBLE at drinking enough fluids for my body lately! I'm counting today. I've been drinking my water and have already logged my calories. I wrote my goals down and they are posted on my fridge now as my reminder. I've been feeling really frumpy, gross, unattractive, plump and who knows what else this week.

Note to self. I started this pregnancy around 134.8lbs (not as low as I wanted, but oh well... that was my most current weigh-in prior). This morning I weighed in at 139.2lbs which means a gain of 4.4lbs so far. I'm already at week 19 and 2 days so I'm feeling pretty good about that. I need to make sure I'm doing the things to keep my insides healthy and my muscles toned though. It will help me feel better all around I bet.

Here is to a great week! 

FYI....

I'm pregnant & due April 10, 2010! We couldn't be happier and are so excited for all the fun and exciting changes going on in our lives! I'm feeling great so far and keeping up with my diet and exercise. I'm about 4 months along and have only gained about 5 pounds so far (depending on the day). I feel great though and am trying to take care of my body as best as I can so that I can drop right back down to my pre-prego weight quickly. We'll see how the second half of this pregnancy goes though. :) If you want more details, feel free to ask for an invite to my personal blog. Just leave your e-mail  below. :) Thanks for all the support!

I feel HUGE!

I'm really really just mad right now.

This is my last month:
* No energy.
* Out of breath, weak, and tired oh-so-easily when I run or do anything. {If you know me... this is not like me!}
* I'll call it "24-hr bloated-ness"
* No longer fit into my regular jeans 'cuz I'm too big.
* My "fat pants" are getting really tight on me.
* Headaches that really bug me more often than I'm used to.

I seriously just want to cry...

I need someone to kick me.

If I could afford to get a personal trainer to just yell at me and keep me on track I would, but there is no way I could afford that.

I'm having a really frustrating time with this if you can't tell.

I have never felt out of shape more in my life. Even when I weighed 15-20lbs heavier I was still able to run easier and had more energy than I do now. What is my problem?

I need help. Please!

Happy Birthday to ME!!

Yay!

So, my birthday present to myself is my health. I feel amazing so far and just plan on continuing my journey to better health.

Start Weight Loss Goal: 17.6lbs
Previous weight to go: 14.2lbs
This morning: 13.2lbs

Woo-hoo! I know that the first few pounds usually come off faster than the last ones. I'm liking how this is going so far though! Yes, I intentionally weighed-in the morning of my birthday versus the day after because I do plan on enjoying my birthday dinner a bit!

Yesterday I went on a run. First one in a while. HOT & HARD. It's amazing what not running for a few weeks can do to your physical fitness levels! I was able to bust out about 2.33 miles still, but it was difficult. I had to start walking when I felt my head begin to pound from a headache. I've been doing a few strength training exercises at home, but I don't think they are enough to make a huge difference just yet.

I was at the library w/ my DH yesterday evening and tried looking up information regarding female strength training. What I found is that almost every book designed for women was "fluffed" up and simplified. The books designated for males were loaded with so much more beneficial information and exercises that were more challenging. That's what I'm looking for. The problem is that the strength training plan designed for the men focused on the chest, shoulders, and butt. I would rather focus on my legs, butt, abs, and arms. I don't want my chest to shrink anymore! Ha ha!

I'm excited to implement the exercises though and write-up my own strength training, stretching, and cardio routine that will follow my goals and hopefully prove successful!

I'll let you know how it goes!

For now, I'm going to go and enjoy the rest of my Birthday!
(Down 1# was a nice birthday gift to myself I'll have to admit!)

Progress Already!

I weighed myself on Monday morning instead. Honestly, I wanted to see a "difference". Ha ha... I'm bad I know. BUT.....

I saw a difference. Initially I had 17.6lbs.
I only have 14.2 more lbs to go now!
That's down 3.4lbs!

Of course that does include the difference between weigh-in times. I'll be doing my weigh-ins in the morning now to maintain consistency.

I've been strictly monitoring my calories. I've been making sure that I'm getting the adequate amount of calories from protein to help build muscle. Only problem is that I haven't done much in the working-out arena lately.

I'm sure once I start doing that I'll be able to see greater improvements in my tone. I'll get on that...

This is basically going to be my journal for my "journey to fitness" (or weight-loss).

PS- Tomorrow is my birthday! I've already planned a yummy healthy low-cal dinner. (My mom makes whatever we want for dinner on our birthday. Yum!)

PSS- It definitely won't be this! ;)

Starting fresh

This morning I was able to get up and work w/ a client. It felt good to get back into the swing of things. I love working w/ other people because it is just motivating. I've gone walking (w/ neighbors) the last few days and again this morning. I'll probably do a run later today because it is just beautiful, overcast, and asking me to.

I'm hoping that the scale will be happy with me on Sunday. I've been drinking loads of water yesterday and today. (As noted by my hundreds of trips to the restroom.) I honestly think I've already drank OVER 50oz of water this morning alone.

I haven't been tracking my calories strictly, but I have been eating a lot of fresh and/or homemade food. Yummy... Gotta' keep pressing forward.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
A lack of exercise can cause fatigue, weakness, and lethargy. It all makes sense, but it's so hard to get out of a funk once you're there. Just get up and go for a walk. Don't worry about putting on work-out clothes or anything, just go. Just get up and do some jumping jacks. Right now! And then, go for a walk, do some lunges, and come back and feel much better about yourself. You'll also have just increased your energy expenditure which will mean you should have a bit more energy to expend tomorrow. Happy exercising!

Grrr.....

So. I've taken a big step backwards.

I now weigh 1**lbs! I have been wanting to get down to my goal weight and now I'm almost 18lbs from it! I want to do this though! This is for me! I can do it!

I suffer so much mentally, physically (obviously), and spiritually when I don't take care of myself. I really need to focus on eating better and being more active REGULARLY! I am definitely an active person, but I'm not consistent with it. I can do better though. This is a new start. My birthday is next week. I want to give myself the gift of health. I want to maintain it for many birthdays to come! I know I have to start now. This is for me! This is for my family (so I can better serve them). This is for my future. Here goes.

So... starting weight loss goal: 17.6lbs.
Next weigh-in: Sunday evening. Yes, evening...

PS-I made a TON of homemade & delicious granola today! Yeah... that's some heavy food... literally, it is just weighing me down! The end.

Apologize

Dear friends and blog-stalkers,
{haha, yeah right. Blog-stalkers... this blog?}

I am so sorry that I've slacked in blogging. Oh well... life goes on.

1st- One of my New Year's resolutions is to exercise 3x/wk to maintain more consistency in my routine. SO far, so good. even if I have to just do a few strength workouts before bed to make it count... it still counts!

2nd- I'm thinking about starting up the fitness classes again on Tuesday and Thursday nights. If I'm going to do it two nights a week, there will be a small (and I mean super-small) fee just to help keep me motivated to continue the classes. Once a week I'd probably be more willing to do free, but the second class will require a super-minimal fee. I mean, I technically am a personal trainer, so this is a gi-normous deal for you! I just love working out with friends and helping people fall in love with themselves again!

3rd- I think I'm going to try and post more regular fitness facts or answers to questions. What kind of questions do you have? Please comment and leave them and I will answer all of them! It will also help me to be more regular with blogging.

4th- I've still maintained my weight at a happy medium. The "contest" has kinda' dissolved (we totally just forgot about it) but at least I haven't gained anything! That's a plus! {C'mon, gotta' be positive!}

5th- No, there's not really anything else to say. I just wanted to post another number 'cuz 5 sounds like a nice round number of points.... or whatever. :P

So, post your questions and tell me if you want to do the class and what day/time would be best for you. Depending on the interest we might be able to do more classes throughout the week. I don't mind one bit as long as it fits into my schedule! I love all those who came and love making more friends always, always, always!

Hope to hear from you soon!

Your friend and trainer,

Coach Karisa

A Little Competition Never Hurt...

So... two of our friends challenged us to see who could reach our fitness goals. We weigh-in once a week, did starting measurements, and plan on doing ending measurements. So far, us "wives" both got a bit closer to our goal, but the "husbands" just stayed the same. In order to better motivate ourselves we are encouraging ourselves with prizes and rewards for reaching our goal. I'm more motivated. I've got another 11 weeks or so of this competition and we'll see how it turns out. I'm so excited and pleased with myself!

Yay for a little competition!

Friends

My husband and I have combined with two of our friends to reach our goals and encourage each other. Last night we all weighed ourselves (yup... after Thanksgiving weekend!) and I took everyone's measurements. We are so excited to get working on this and I'm excited to see what really ends up happening. I love that FRIENDS really can help to be so motivating though! Here we go!

Updates & Urging

First:
Go and VOTE today!
This is my "urging" for you...

Second:
Fitness Class. My House. 6-7pm. Tonight.
Be there, or be... round?


Third:
I am back to working out regularly. My goal is simply to do SOMETHING 6 days a week. Even if it is just a 20 minute walk.

Last night I did a Stretch & Tone class at the YMCA and love, love, loved it! I forgot how much I enjoy doing classes and yoga (which was incorporated lots).

Fit and healthy body, here I come!

Do it where you are!

This past weekend my hubby & I went out of town to NM.
We were able to take advantage of the beautiful weather and amazing trails that lead throughout the city.
We went running two of the 3 mornings that we were there. {The 3rd day was Sunday & my rest day.)
I didn't specifically watch my calories, but I didn't binge one bit either. I felt so on top of it all weekend. {Minus the massive amounts of green chili we consumed that seemed to burn a hole through our stomachs!}
I felt fit, healthy, and happy. I did come home 2 lbs heavier, but I'm attributing that to the sedentary-ness of the drive home. {Now that I think about it I ate a lot Sunday night too when we got home; no specific reason why other than I just felt hungry, hungry, hungry.}
So, back on track and back to it! Thanks Leah for re-awakening the spirit w/in me!