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 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.

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! ;)

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!

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! ;)

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.

Update!

This past Saturday my husband and I went trail running.
We got a late start (10:30am) and got worn out quickly from the heat. I'm glad I have a husband to run with though, because he keeps me going and vice-versa {I don't think I really pushed him too much though}. We finished our run about 11:40am.
It was one fun, but difficult run. Next time we go, we definitely need to go out earlier. The whole heat thing just sucked the energy out of me. I'm guessing we did about 3.5-4 miles total. (I walked some, we did lots of small hills and one really big one, and stopped to get stuff out of shoes once or twice.) I think my husband called the trail "Bobcat" trail although I never saw a sign that said "Bobcat" trail anywhere. That's another reason I am glad he came... navigation.

***************

I'm going to be doing a training class on Tuesday nights at my house/yard (initially). Tomorrow's will begin at 6pm and end at 7pm promptly. If you want to come and do a weekly weigh-in, arrive a few minutes early so we can get started on-time and make the most of our full hour. I plan on working ya good! Text, e-mail, or message me if you want to come and/or need directions. This is a free class for the time being as well! :) Just come ready to push yourself and do your personal best.

****************

Thanks for the encouragement I get from everyone and for checking up on me. I do enjoy the verbal affirmations I hear, even though the rest of the blogging world doesn't hear it. Thank you family, friends, and visitors for keeping me heading in the right direction.

Personal Weigh-In: 133.6lbs.
(Not much change so far... pretty consistent still. I need to get a move on with it!)

I'm still HERE!!!

Yes, I'm still here. I've been having a hard time with the stress of school lately. {See: HERE}

I HAVE completed the full first week of P90X!
I'll do more of a write-up about it later though.

I weighed-in this morning.

Current weight: 132.4lbs.

Not much of a great weight loss, but it's something.
Also, I did a lot of stress eating yesterday and some on Saturday. {Not binging, but a lot of munching...} That probably influenced it.

I have my measurements from last week too. I wrote them up on my bathroom mirror with a white-board marker and that is where they have remained since. I'll transfer the information into a blog as soon as I get the chance.

I'm excited for the improvements I'm seeing though. I was sore all day yesterday and stretched out some this morning. {I haven't done my workout yet due to studying till 2am last night.}

I did Legs & Back and Ab Ripper X on Friday.
Cals Consumed: 1211 cals
Cals Burned: Don't remember exactly... somewhere in the 800's though.

I did Kenpo on Saturday.
Cals Consumed: 1687 cals
Cals Burned: 702 cals

Sunday was my Rest/Stretch day.

I feel so happy that I've completed a week thus far. I know that there are more people who check this blog out that just those who've commented... I've had some people e-mail me, talk to me face-to-face about it, etc. Let me know what you're doing though. It doesn't have to be what I'm doing, I just want to know that this is encouraging others to get moving.

Okay,... back to school now.
I'll post later tonight after my work-out.

Day 1

Today was Day #1 of my P90X Self-Challenge.
I got up at 5:30am after a horrible nights sleep {4 horrible hours} because I promised myself today I was going to start.

I did Core Synergystics.
{I'm doing the lean routine or whatever it's called}
I thought I was going to die! {or vomit, pass out, etc}
I thought I was in shape until today.

I'll post my exact measurements later.
Currently: 5 foot 5.5 inches and weight 134-ish lbs.

Calories Consumed: 1144 (Low I know, but I went to bed fairly early and was super busy all day)
Calories Burned: 592

I am doing this to tone, get healthy, and feel healthy.
If I lose weight and jiggle along the way... well, that's part of my goal too.

One day down....
only 89 more to go!