Long time since writing - From land to "sea" I went

It wasn't that I didn't have anything to write about, per say, but when you do the same type of workout week after week, you tend to not have anything else to add.

On Wednesday, August 16th, I noticed that my Achilles heel was sore. I really didn't think to much of it and just skipped Thursday morning's Pound Pro. We had switched the workout schedule a little bit and for the last two weeks had been working out Monday thru Friday, while taking off the weekends for recovery. After that weekend my heel was still slightly sore, so this past Wednesday I finally thought that I would have to cut out all high impact land classes. I am still going to Yoga, Pilates, Core and More and the weight room.

Wednesday night was the first night that I got into the pool at the YMCA. The class is called "H2cardiO".

First, I found that working out in a pool is better in the following ways:

More resistance than air.
Nifty foam weights and pool noddles
No sweat! (That's not to say you don't sweat, just the water kind of washes it away and you stay cool!)

I went to an AquaDANCE class on Thursday and with a friend of mine and we both had a blast!

On Friday, I went to a class called Deep Water Toning. This is in the deep end of the pool and we used the foam weights and paddles.

Today I went to AquaZumba! Chris is amazing, doesn't matter if he is on land or near/in the water! You can burn up to 700 calories doing the hour long class and you continue burning calories a few hours after you get out of the water.  

I have also learned of this thing called, "immersion diuresis". Basically, when you get into water that is colder then your body, you cool off and you become buoyant. Your body responds to this by sending all the blood to the center of your body. Your body thinks that you have too much fluid in your body so it makes your kidneys start working harder. It basically means you have to go to the bathroom more or by the time I am done with a class (especially on the deep end!) I really gotta go!

Here is a better explanation:
Cold Immersion Diuresis

I didn't do an update on the 21st, but that is for a specific reason. I also started something called Health & Nutrition at the YMCA. Becki is who I see and I had one meeting with her and did a weight check and found out I weighed 172 as of August 7th. Normally I would see her on a weekly basis and do a weight check, but she has been sick. (SAD FACE!) She will be coming back after Labor Day though! I was excited because normally she does some of the aqua classes, but now the pool is being cleaned until Sept 4th. Pool will reopen on Sept 5th.

Getting it done!

Just been working out!

In Core and More I was told by the instructor that she can tell I am getting stronger.

I was able to hold a plank for some time on a ball and not be all over the place.

Today my knees are a bit sore.

I started a new class on Monday's called, "Hardbodies". Angie is TOUGH!!!

I certainly sweat!

July YMCA Check Ins!

I checked in a total of 38 times!

Kicking some serious butt on the exercise department.

The incredible shrinking me!

Shorts I could not get near being able to be button and zipped up three weeks ago now actually zip up today!

Over the last three days I have done the following workouts -

Wednesday - Yoga & Pound Pro and Zumba
Thursday - Pound Pro & Pilates and Zumba
Friday - (Today) Zumba and HIIT

We had a high intensity HIIT class today, but it was AWESOME!!!

Update with new picture coming soon!!

Weight and working out

So, I said I wasn't going to weigh myself again, but then I had to reinstall this fitness app where I can track all my meals and see the nutritional value and they have to have my weight.

I am still at 178. (This time I didn't cry for a half an hour.)

Now, yeah, I get that you can replace muscle with fat and all that, but after logging my meals for the last four days I have found that I am eating way less calories then I should be for how much I am working out. It makes ZERO sense that I would not be losing weight.  One day the app actually "yelled" at me and said I wasn't getting enough calories.

The weight should be coming off soon!

Monday I took the morning Yoga off, but I did Core and More and HIIT later that night.

This morning I did Pound Pro and Pilates. Must be the after effect of adding in the HIIT workout but I found it a little harder to get through those classes today.

Tonight will be  Fat Blast Cardio. Look forward to it!

Wed - Fri (Yoga - Pound Pro - Zumba - Pilates - HIIT)

Wednesday I did Yoga in the morning and Pound Pro and Zumba at night.

Thursday I did Pound Pro and Pilate sin the morning and Zumba at night.

This morning did Zumba and HIIT.

This week I learned why most women I see at the gym also have black on for bottom wear.

Sweat marks!

This week has been good so far. My right hammy isn't as sore as it was last week. It really isn't sore at all.

I feel much better this week with the new add ins.

I felt better after I went and worked out one day!

Yoga - Core - HIIT - Pound Pro - Fat Blast Cardio

Monday was the usual and one add on.

Yoga - Love stretching after a day off.

Core - Great work out with weights and ball.

HIIT - This is new for me. It is a half an hour class. We do five different exercises. One minute each and 30 seconds rest in between. Every class is different. Like last Friday I learned they did abs. Our class was leg and butt. It does make me sweat a lot!

This morning I went in and did Pound Pro and Pilates.

Pound Pro is really a great class and I recommend it to everyone. It is fun, great music and a way of exercising that I have never done before, with the "drum" stix.

Today at Pilates one of the class member talked to us about posture. Now I am trying to remember to add it to my daily life.

Pound Pro - Pilates - Lots of Zumba!

Yesterday I did my first morning class - Pound Pro. Sara is the instructor and is incredible! Glad I joined her classes.

Afterwards I did Pilates like always! In one of the moves (shoulder bridge) I was able to kick my feet for the first time. Small progressive steps are so great!

I did the 7 PM Zumba last night with Chris. First time for everything - He asked me to come up and help lead a song. So sad he will be leaving us for another job soon. Hopefully not till January!

Instead of taking the day off like we usually do on Friday's we went in at 8:45 am and I went to Zumba with Kiersten. Fantastic and with a bunch of people I know already. Really had me sweating!

Yoga and Pound Pro

Went and did yoga this morning. Needed the stretching because my legs are so tense!

I can feel a slight strain in my right hamstring, but was able to do Pound Pro without any issues.

I was able to hit the sticks on the ground on some of the moves, so I am improving!!

Zumba was cancelled because Chris is in New York. I really wish they had a sub for the class.

Hopefully they will be Zumba tomorrow night.

How many times I checked in the YMCA in June

Almost forgot to post this!

(drum roll!)

32 times!

Only one workout in three days!

Sunday is our usual day off and yesterday we had a bunch of errands to run so we didn't get to do Yoga.

Did do the core and more class last night! We did a mix of cardio and abs and core.

Today is the 4th of July, so nothing is open. We are going to go for a walk on the bike path instead.

Any one have any ideas for helping flexibility?

My leg muscles seem to tight all the time.

Weight room and Zumba

Went at 9:30 AM and did some arm and ab work with the weights in the weight room.

I was a little disappointed that the arm curl machine is getting it's pad fixed, I love doing curls!

Zumba was fantastic as always.

Tomorrow is another day off and Monday starts the new schedule!

Pilates and Zumba

Went to Pilates this morning and Mike did more weight work. Was a big class today and we had a wonderful sub - Mary Kay. Excellent job done.

Earlier this evening I went to Zumba. They did a live Facebook video, but I can't find it on their Facebook page. Don't know if they didn't like it and deleted it or something. We will be trying a mannequin pose next Thursday. Sweating workout ensued!

I have decided to add some classes in the morning. So next week my schedule will look like this:

Monday - 9 AM/Basic Step -  10AM/Yoga - 6 PM/Core and More
Tuesday- 9 AM/Pound Pro - 10 AM/Pilates - 5:30/Weight Room - 6 PM/Fat Blast Cardio
Wednesday- 10 AM/Yoga - 5 PM/Pound Pro - 6 PM/Zumba
Thursday- 9 AM/Pound Pro - 10 AM/Pilates - 7 PM/Zumba
Friday- OFF
Saturday- 9:30AM/Weight room - 10 AM /Zumba
Sunday - OFF

Thirteen hours of exercise a week!

Tuesday and Wednesday

Tuesday night I went alone because Mike had to do a colonoscopy prep. (Everything looks good!)

I just went and did fat blast cardio. Fantastic as usual!

Today Mike and I both missed yoga due to his having the above mentioned. Mike did go and do some weight work. Felt fine.

I did Pound Pro and Zumba. Pound Pro is getting easier to do each time, but I still have some trouble with some of the fast moves. I suppose it'll come soon enough. Chris was really late so we went past 7 PM. Always a good workout.

When I got home I went up the stairs and my knee hurt a little.

I didn't seem to have as much peep as I usually do today either. Not sure if it is my shoes. My feet were more sore.

Onward to tomorrow!

Yoga - Gave Blood - No night exercise

Mike and I went to Yoga this morning. It was great to stretch after painting the bathroom for two days.

Later in the afternoon my son and I went and donated blood to the Red Cross.

I got a bit dizzy and when I got home I was a bit dizzy after I did some housework, so I decided tonight's core and more would have to be missed.

Will be doing my normal day tomorrow. Pilates and Cardio!

Pilates and Zumba

Went and did morning Pilates and night Zumba, while Mike worked out in the weight room both times.

Mike had a doctors appointment and blood work done.

The good news: His bad cholesterol went from 132 to 116!
The not so good news: His red blood count when from 15 million to 13 million.

This has promoted a double procedure next week. A colonoscopy and an endoscopy to make sure there isn't bleeding going on in his stomach or colon. He takes NSAIDs for his osteoporosis and that may be causing it. Or it could be nothing.

Not much else to update on. Have a wonderful day!

Discouragement, but better now

I did the monthly weigh in and found that I haven't lost a single pound. Seriously.

Since late March.

Yes, yes, yes...I know. I have lost inches and I have dropped 3 pant sizes.

I know it'll happen sometime here in the near furture.

But it didn't stop me from crying for about a half an hour.

Then Mike and I went to Yoga.

International Yoga Day!

Core & More - Arms - Update Wednesday!

Didn't get to go and do Yoga this morning as we had other errands to run.

Went to the weight room and did some ab and arm work before going to Core and more!

We do these leg workouts with "sliders". When I first started doing the class for weeks I didn't use them because they are hard to use when you are not in better shape. I am told that I am using them more now, so that's a great thing!!!

Wednesday is my monthly update. A new picture will be posted along with weight and inches.

It has been so hard to not step on the scale and I am excited to see what my weight is now.

Saturday Workout

So the ending to the PLUS class came to be. Jewel this morning wasn't feeling very well and decided to cancel anyway, but it gave me the chance to let her know that I wouldn't be going to any more classes. She decided to make it a once every three month type of class.

I went to the weight room and did 30 minutes of abs and arm work.

And off to the morning Zumba class with Chris.
(Chris got a new job, by the way, and I am sad, because he won't be leading the class in August, at the soonest, but January, at the latest. )

:(

PS - I have found a third pair of pants that are size 12 and fit. Still don't fit in the size 14 shorts. LOL

Thursday and Friday

Thursday was my normal day of morning Pilates and a night time of Zumba!

Mike hurt his knee when he was outside watering, but it seems better today.

Today I will not be going to PLUS, but will be going a little later and do some weights and Zumba.

Clothing Size Differences

I know I said a few days again that I got a new pair of jeans and how they are a size 12.

Well, today I found some shorts and another pair of size 12 jeans.

The size 12 jeans fit, but for some reason I have more than one pair of shorts that are a size 14 and they do not fit.

Weird.

Maybe some kind of universal up one size thing? Who knows!

Early workout day

Today I went to Zumba Gold and Yoga.

Have to miss tonight's Pound Pro and Zumba because a good friend that is going to be moving to Hawaii is having a BBQ.

Plus, it is Mike's birthday today!!

Someone says there is a t-shirt and I think it will become my mantra in the future:

The short version of it is:

I WORKOUT BECAUSE I LOVE FOOD!

Workouts and an E-mail

I went in earlier today for Pilates. Love that class. Little mixture of everything, including weights.

Went to Fat Blast Cardio. Did lots of ladder work and jumping jacks. (So many jumping jacks!)

Doing weight work with the huge balls is getting easier.

<Detour: I haven't been posting what we are eating. Once I had an app that allowed me to put in everything I ate. It kept pretty detailed records on what nutrients was in all the items I ate and logged. I found out from it that in general I eat around 1800 calories a day. I am pretty good with my sugar grams and getting more vegetables and protein in our meals>.

When I got back home and after we ate dinner I checked my email and there was a very encouraging email there. It was pretty cool of them! It says:

Hi Mary,

Can you hear us cheering for you? We think you deserve a shout-out for your commitment to healthy living. Every time you check in at the Ashtabula County YMCA, you're creating positive change in your life. As your biggest fans, we can't wait to see what you'll accomplish next!

Monday morning yoga and night core

Went this morning and did yoga. Was the usual wonderful job done by Jorga.

I still have some issues balancing in some warrior poses, but things are getting easier to do and to do correctly.

Tonight both Mike and I went to the weight room and I did some ab work. Took it up to 90 lbs on that!

Did some arm work also. I tried to do a pull up and found out I can't do one yet. Something to strive for.

After the arm workout I walked on the treadmill for about 10 minutes and then went to "Core and More" with Amanda.

We used the huge balls and did lots of good core work with weights and sliders.

Sliders are interestingly cool, but more difficult to do for me right now. I find I have to not use them and do it the modified way. It's okay though, I'll get there!

My knees are a little more sour then usual, but I will take a Tylenol and be going to bed soon.

Have a good night!

First cleaning out of my closet and a hike

Today I put some pants on and noted that it felt like I was wearing a parachute on my legs and extra space in the waistband.

This prompted me to do the first of many, "Closet Clean Outs"! (Think of saying that like the Muppets saying, "Pigs in Space." )

Now, I don't have a big, "closet" and I actually do not have a lot of clothing. Just not a person that feels like I need hundreds of shirts and pants.

All of the pants and shorts I got rid of were size large and one extra large. More large then extra large. I got rid (I am donating them.) of 7 pair. Or about 1/3 of my total pants.

Guess it leave more room for new medium sized pants!

Mike and I took a walk down the Indian path which is by the river. Nice shade but still was sweating by the time we were done. Nice little workout for our day off.

Talk to you all tomorrow!

Saturday's Workout

Went to another PLUS class at 9 AM. Was only Jewel and I again.

I am actually thinking that I may not continue this class in the future. Not that Jewel isn't wonderful and the class is great, but I already don't feel very "plus" anymore and I think it would be better use of my time to work my abs and arms in the weight room. (They are what needs the most work anyways.)

After that went to the Saturday Zumba class. HUGE class today and we had so much fun!

Chris is an awesome instructor!

A little sore, but not to terribly bad!

See ya Monday as tomorrow is that second day off.

Thursday - Pilates and Zumba

Went to the 10 AM Pilates class this morning.

After we did the entire thing and I went to go home I realized that I might of slightly pulled right shoulder blade. Put some Icy Hot on it and took a Tylenol.

My legs are fine now, my hammy and right below that was slightly twinged, but it is okay today.

By the time I hit Zumba my shoulder blade was fine and nothing hurt. I am attributing the shoulder blade to the weight exercises I did the day before yesterday. It was a lot of arms work.

Today I wore a Nike branded t-shirt that says:

Such a cool t-shirt to work out in!

Wednesday Pound Pro & Zumba

Today was two hours worth of cardio exercising.

Started with Pound Pro.

It was easier to do the moves and my legs hurt less after I did some of the floor parts of the routine.

It is a great group fitness program!

After that we did an hour of Zumba!

Chris, Zumba and other people taking the class have to be the highlights of my weekly workouts.

It is such an awesome class!

Sweating like usual!

Tomorrow is Pilates and Zumba.

I am amazed! Sort of a mid month update

Today I went to a clothing bank and found a pair of jeans that fit me. :)

Now the funny thing about me getting jeans is that I have a problem finding ones that:

1) Fit my waist

2) Are not too long!

I am short, remember, and at 5'2" I find that most jeans are way to long and I end up stepping on them! I have to find petite jeans or just ones that are short enough for me to wear them.

The amazing thing is that these jeans are a size 12 and I can button them up!

THEY FIT ME!!!!! WOW

In a few weeks they will fit better. Still working on the belly pudgy!

How many times I checked into the YMCA in May

The Y has this online account thing and within that it tells you when you last checked in and how many times you checked in the previous month.

Now, remember that I started working out on May 8th thru the end of the month. That was a total of 23 days.

I checked in:

22 times! I do take two days off a week so that is amazing!

Will update next month with the June total!

Tuesday night - Fat Blast Cardio!

I went in about 30 minutes before class and I did a lot of weight rep work with my arms and abs.

Today when I did the abs I could feel it. Something must be working, eh? I worked a lot on my triceps and biceps also.

After that I went to the Fat Blast Cardio with Amanda!

There were five of us in class today and it was fantastic!

Lots of leg work today with squats and running.

We took the medicine ball and pivoted and tossed it to each other in a line.

I really started sweating after that part.

It does give us a whole new meaning to "sweaty balls" though. LOL

Hello Amanda!! (She has the link to the blog now, so I have to actually say hello!)

Monday Evening

Went and did ab reps in the equipment weight room. 80 lbs and did plenty of reps.

Then went to core and more with Amanda! Love her classes cause they work you out!!!

I am learning that the correct form is very helpful.

You would think things like squats and such are just squats and such, but when you do them the correct way you can really feel it and it makes a HUGE difference.

Mike did his usual reps on a ton of machines in the weight room. The he does some laps. (27 laps is a mile!)

Tomorrow will be Pilates and Fat Blast Cardio with Amanda again!

Monday morning

We woke up late and had to basically get dressed and go to Simply Yoga!

Mike too!

Yesterday some time I put a little tweak into my hamstring on my right leg.

It isn't exactly sore, but I can just feel it. I went ahead with Yoga and was fine.

Tonight will be going to core and more!

I noticed yesterday that the work out shorts I normally wear are hanging loose on me. They used to hug my thighs.

More evidence of my toning up and turning fat into muscle.


Happy day!

Still have not weighed myself. Am trying to just wait until our next monthly update on June 21st.

Saturday Disappointment

I went to my normal class at 9 AM. The PLUS class and there were four of us in the class. We spent a lot of the time talking, which is good, cause we need that kind of support.

We did get in some arm work though!

I went downstairs to do my Zumba class and it was cancelled!

Slightly annoying as I was looking forward to working out.

Instead I went in and did a few leg lifts with the weights and then I did ab work. I had to take it up to 60 pounds to be able to feel it.

Tomorrow is a day off and then we will continue Monday like usual!

Have a fantastic weekend!

MyFitnessPal

So, about three days ago I joined some website called myfittnesspal.

I made a few posts and then I introduced myself and put the link to this blog in that introduction, because even though they have a blog feature, I have this blog. I don't want to use that blog. I have no way of transferring all the blog posts here to there anyways, without messing up the dates.

My post got deleted. This site is in no way, shape or form a way to gain profit. I just deleted my account.

So much for help and encouragement from this place!!!!

I suggest no one join!

Friday - Day Off

I have realized that after a few weeks of doing a full schedule of working out that I really need to take Fridays off for rest, every single week. With everything I do Monday thru Thursday I definitely have to!

Mike says he may have pulled something in his upper chest, but it feels better today.

Haven't weighed myself and am trying really hard not to until the next actual "weigh in"  June 21st.

That's all for today! Have a good night and weekend!

Thursday

I did Pilates this morning. There was a move we did, Teaser and we added a twist to it. I could really feel that on my sides.

Zumba was great as usual! Going to do the 9 AM Zumba class tomorrow too.

Mike did his usual in the exercise weight room. He did say that he did a leg press at 230 pounds. The max he did before was 180. He can tell he is getting muscle tone back!

Wednesday's Workouts

Yesterday I was so tired and sore when I got home I forgot to write!

We actually got like 10 hours of sleep last night too.

Exercise really does help with insomnia!

I tried Pound Pro for the first time yesterday. Pound Pro is described as:

"A pair of Ripstix,(drum sticks!) fun upbeat music, and great choreography make this workout one you won't want to miss out on!"

We do a lot of squatting and lunges during the entire class so it really works your legs, thighs and core. You keep pace with the music by striking the ripstix together.It keeps you at the right place.

It is kind of nice because another instructor is learning how to instruct, but it isn't that difficult to pick up.

After that I did Zumba with Chris. Sweat ensued! Good class as always.

Will update later on about today's classes!

Edit to add:

I forgot we also did our Deep Stretch Yoga last night. And got disappointing news.

Once a month the YMCA puts out a new group exercise schedule. They got rid of the deep stretch yoga! I am mostly disappointed because that's the one class that Mike and I take together.  The instructor is going to have new classes, but they are really early in the morning. (Too early!) Mike says we have to figure out another class to take together though. Not sure which one!

Pilates and Fat Blast Cardio/Weight vs Inches

Did the usual Pilates in the morning and Fat Blast Cardio last night. We did go in a little early so I could get some ab work done in the exercise weight room. Cardio was fantastic though!

Rounded out the night by making a flounder fish dinner that had near 50 grams of protein in it.

Now I mentioned weight. A lot of people tend to say that weight is just a number on a scale.

It is, but it also determines your BMI.

If you didn't know, your BMI is calculated off of your height and weight.

Right now my BMI puts me at Obese. To bring it to normal I have to lose another 42 pounds.

Yes, it is fantastic that I am losing inches, but unless that number starts moving DOWN my BMI is going to be obese and my doctor, nor I, will be happy. Just seems like I have been stuck at 178. And for weeks that I have been doing lots of exercising it seems like it would be going down a little bit. 

I have read that it is actually a good thing that I have. The inches being lost vs weight being lost. It means I am doing something right, because my body is turning fat into muscle.

It is still rather disheartening.

Maybe someone could come along and #sharetheirstory and reassure me.

I never thought I'd.....and GOALS!

actually find myself waking up at 6:30 AM to go exercise.

But I did!

It started with Angie, who is a great instructor, doing 30 minutes of cycling.

Now, I know I said that I felt some muscle definition in my legs already, but cycling is a whole new ball of wax with my legs. I have decided to pick up a weekly cycling class because I obviously need it! Left the classroom sweating.

We went from the bikes to the downstairs where we did 30 minutes of boot camp. Basically a lot of push ups and jumping jacks and weights. Was still sweating.

Then we did a 30 minute yoga. Now, I never did yoga after doing cycling and cardio. WHEW!!
It was hard to hold some of the moves. It was nice thought to cool down. I didn't wjn the lottery tree, but congrats to the guy who did!

I might try to find a 1K fun run/walk this summer. Next summer I want to run a 3K or 5K. Move to a 10K after that and then eventually do a full marathon. Within 3 years for everything.

I used to run cross country in 7th grade (Newbury, OH) Go Knights! I do believe I can get back to that and I have a separate goal of being able to run a mile in 8 minutes or less.

Memorial Day

The YMCA has special hours tomorrow (7AM to 11 AM) and they are having something called the..

"Memorial Day Mega-Workout" - "Hustle for the Muscle"

It starts at 8 AM and has the following:

30 minutes of cycling
30 minutes of "boot camp"
30 minutes of yoga


I am going to go and do it since there won't be the normal classes later on.

They are also having a drawing for a fund raiser and I bought one single ticket.

The prize is a $125 worth of lottery tickets via a lottery tree.

Here is to hoping!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day and I will probably update tomorrow to let you all know how it goes.

I had a wonderful snack today. Apple slices dipped in honey...YUM!

Another Day Off

We did more house work yesterday. Patching of some drywall.

Today, however, we are going to take it easy.

Morning PLUS and Zumba

Went and did PLUS with Jewel. She says her blog is in maintenance, so as soon as it is back up I will post a link. We did mostly arms and a little run back and forth. Core work. Hopefully there will be more girls there next week! I am sort of afraid that I won't be in the class for too much longer as I am slimming down quite fast.

Went to Zumba afterwards. Charlotte was instructing the class again....so a wonderful workout ensued. Got me sweating! Welcome to Burlesque (It's a Cher song we use it in part of the Zumba routine.)

Things I have noticed:

I am not as red in the face when I am done with a good workout.

I am sweating a little less.

I am told this means I am gaining endurance.

This is great!

I do have a goal of one day running a full marathon.

Mike went into the free weight room and did a few hours worth of ab/back.leg and arm workout. I can see his muscles getting bigger!

My calves

You know, that lower part of your legs, right above the ankles. In the back only.

They have always given me issue.

When I was in 7th grade I ran cross country and obviously after running for so long they stopped bothering me, but what's my best bet to help them get through this sore phase?

By the time someone answers I may be feeling better and they may be doing better.

But I'll ask anyways!

I am SO sore!

That I am taking today off.

Normally I would do a 9 AM Zumba class, but I think my aching muscles would be perfectly happy to putter around the house.


Will hit the gym tomorrow morning with PLUS and Zumba.

Wednesday/Meal and part of today

Yesterday was a crazy day. We did a lot of work around the house. Because I did so much I decided to not go to Pound Pro. I'll check it out next week.

I did go to Zumba and then did Deep Stretch Yoga. Zumba had me sweating and Yoga cooled me down. Mike went and did the usual in the exercise weight room.

Last night right before we went to bed I noticed something in my left leg.  Muscle definition!

Today I did Pilates and I noted that I could do the rolling like a ball and seal much easier. I can't do the roll up and don't really expect to for at least a minimum of six months from now. Double leg stretch is also difficult. And teasers! I am sure after awhile I will be able to get them and I will be happy and proud when I do.

Yesterday I didn't really eat breakfast. I ate lunch later. Left over chicken enchiladas. 

Today so far I had a banana for breakfast and Mike had a bowl of cereal. For lunch we ate rice with tomato sauce and hamburger with cabbage. Green beans and vanilla pudding. For dinner we had spinach and herb and garlic tilapia.  (Farm raised in Mexico.)

I will be going to Zumba in about an hour and Mike will hit that weight room.

Mike had a funny yesterday. He said he wanted to use the exercise machine bicycle. But he sat down on it and couldn't figure out how to use it. I am sure there are some buttons to press to get it going. We will figure it out later.

Til later!

Tuesday night - Fat Blast Cardio & Meals

Went in about 30 minutes before class started and did some weights on the machines. Mostly with my arms, because my arms are weak! I could only do 15 to 20 pounds on some of them. I can press 80 pounds with my legs. We all start some where!!

Mike stayed in the weight lifting room and I went to class where we worked with those large balls and weights. Did some step work also. Ran through the ladder on the ground.

It was a great class!

Onward to tomorrow!

Breakfast: Mary - Rye Bagel with butter and a banana. Water
                      Mike - Banana and a bowl of cocoa rice cereal. Milk

Lunch: Mary and Mike - Tuna noodle cassaorle, carrots and a choclate cake dessert. Orange Juice.

Dinner: Mary and Mike - Chicken enchiladas with green sauce and cheese on flour tortillas. Multi Grain chips with hummus (Green Olive) (Ended up not having any chips) Probably a cookie for desert.


YUM!

Body Shaming

So, I wanted to spend a minute to talk about body shaming.

Seems there are people out there who don't really care to see what you are doing to better yourself, they only seem to want to shame the fact that you are a little bigger then you are supposed to be, right now!

Yes, my boobs are big...actually they are not that big, but they will start to recede the longer I work out. They will maybe one day go back to a B-cup. (They are only a C cup right now.) Whatever happened to "boob" men anyways? LOL

I would love to see pictures of these people or hear what they are doing to get themselves into shape.

Love the above image!

I forgot Pilates

For some reason I thought today was Wednesday and I forgot to go to the 10 AM Pilates class.

Sorry Rebeca, I will be there Thursday.

Instead we went out in the yard and replanted some hardy hibiscus. They are beautiful when they flower! Also replanted another bush in our front yard. I forget what it is called but it gets blueberry looking fruits on them that all the birds love.

Off to a soup kitchen to eat lunch! (The Dream Center)

Core and More and what we ate today

I decided that the yoga simply wasn't enough exercise for today, so I went to a later class called 'Core and more'. It is taught by Amanda, who really works you!

We used those huge balls to exercise using weights, small balls and these stretch things that make it a more workout for your feet (or arms). The class only lasts about 30 minutes, but wow, could I feel it in my lower abs, stomach and upper thighs.

Another woman who goes to a lot of the same class I go to now said that there is a class tomorrow night before Zumba called Pound Pro. She says it is a lot of fun, so I am going to tweak my schedule tomorrow and not go to the AM Zumba Gold.

Mike went this morning and went to the weight room. He did 200 pounds as a max for his legs and did reps at 185 pounds. Ab and arms and other leg machines were also done and he does reps of about 50 to 60 pounds.

Today's Menu was as follows:

Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs, Applesauce with cinnamon and 3 slices of turkey bacon. Water to drink.

Lunch: (We usually eat lunch at a soup kitchen) Today we ate at the Armory on State Road. They had macaroni salad, deviled eggs, small sandwich with cheese and roast beef (I didn't eat the bread) rigatoni with sauce and lemonade to drink.

Dinner: Mac N Cheese with hot dog pieces, Salad and Cheese crackers. A cookie for dessert and I had a glass of chocolate milk.

Simply Yoga

Today I did Simply Yoga with Jorga. It is a full class with lots of people.

Since I have been doing the Deep Stretch Yoga once a week I was familiar with some of the moves we did. I did have to modify some of them but I can tell this class will work my core and balance.

There was a wonderful visualization done at the end of the class. So relaxing at that point.

Most of the lights were dimmed and off at the end.

Will be keeping this class in my weekly workout!

Walked today

Instead of totally taking the day off we decided to do some walking down that path.

We walked a total of SEVEN miles!

Both of our feet have little sores that are almost blisters, but not quite.

Suppose they will be fine tomorrow.

Only doing yoga tomorrow.

:)

No Pain...No Gain!!!

I have heard this saying through out my life.

Every time I stand up or sit down I find my self repeating this phrase....

Because my legs are sore. Good sore though.

My arms are too, but to a less extent. 

Look forward to only doing a light class of yoga tomorrow.

Have a fantastic rest of your Sunday!

"Diet" - (I dislike that word!)

Of course I had to say a little something about "diet". You can work out all you want, but if you continue to eat unhealthy, it isn't going to be as good of an experience.

Now, as I said, I don't like the word diet. It reminds me of removing something and maybe you like that something.  Most of the time if you remove something you like, say, chocolate, you end up craving it. Which is why I don't remove everything from what I eat.

Mike and I stopped drinking pop (Coke for you southern people and soda for you out west!) about two months ago. Sugar addiction is a hard thing to beat. You crave it all the time. Mike has more of an issue with this then I do. I stopped drinking coffee recently because of the sugar. I am sticking to water with lemon in it and maybe a few servings of milk with Carnation Instant Breakfast in it.

We took out pork, with the exception of some ham for sandwiches. We went way down in our meals with hamburger in them. We started buying and eating more chicken and fish. Fruits and vegetable for sides. Still eat rice. All the bread we buy is whole wheat. Still eat Mayo and butter. Real butter.

My First Few Weeks of Exercising (May 8th thru today)

I first joined the YMCA on May 3rd of this year. Mike joined a little earlier. They have a sliding scale membership and it took a few weeks to get my membership going, but I only have to pay a little over $11 a month to have a membership.

If you don't think you can afford a gym membership please check at your local YMCA.

Don't let the fact that they are a religious institution sway you from joining. I am not religious, but have a god of my understanding and not one person has ever struck up a conversation about religion inside.

We had decided on the YMCA because of the vast amount of programs and facility features they have for a gym. From separate locker rooms for everyone, (Adult/Children/Family changing/locker rooms) a pool, sauna and weight lifting machines to group classes, they have everything for everyone.

I am trying not to sound like an advertisement and even yesterday when I was leaving there were some people taking a tour and when I scooted past them I had to say, "It's awesome!!!!!" It's because they are awesome!!!

I know I said I joined on May 3rd, but hubby and I went camping that weekend so we didn't start working out until the following Tuesday.

May 9th - My very first class taken at the Y was called Fat Blast Cardio and is with a wonderful instructor named Amanda.  It was a great class that had me sweating.

May 10th - Wednesday morning I tried Zumba Gold. It is for beginners and seniors and helped me get down some of the steps as well as got me sweating. Bonnie was the instructor and she is very zesty! She is also the Fitness Director for the facility.

May 11th - Did a class called Deep Stretch Yoga with Leah. My stomach got very upset and I ended up throwing up in class. We figured it had something to do with the fact that I ate a tuna fish sandwich within an hour of class. I will never do that again.

May 12th - Took the day off as I still felt sick from the night before. I also learned about how in yoga toxins are being pulled out of your body, so now I believe it was a combo of eating and the toxins.

May 13th - 14th - Took these days off also.

May 15th - Morning Basic Step class. Again with Bonnie. I grabbed a higher step than I normally would because I knew I wouldn't remember all the steps and I wanted a better workout. It worked out really well and I sweated a lot.

May 16th - Fat Blast Cardio. I went a little early and walked the treadmill to warm up a little. (Mike does Tia Chi when I am doing this class and we warmed up together.) Amanda was sick, but the sub, Lisa was GREAT! Sweat City!!!

May 17th - Zumba Gold with Bonnie. This time another member I recently met (Her name is Marie!) was talking to me before class started and asked if I had taken the regular Zumba class yet. She said the instructor, Chris, was "hot". Hmmmm, well, who can turn down the opportunity to watch some hot guy teach you how to Zumba and exercise? I went to Zumba that night for the first time. WOW! What an incredible work out that was! He is hot, by the way. :)

May 18th - My first Pilates class with Rebecca. She says it is an intermediate class, but it is a really good class that helps your core. I even sweated in there. That night I went to my second Zumba class taught by Chris. You know they say you can lose over 800 calories per hour with Zumba? They are not kidding. WHEW..More sweat!!!

May 19th - Morning Zumba class. The instructor wasn't there and there was a sub named Charlotte. Okay, she could be my grandmother, but this does not stop the woman! Really fantastic instructor. Chris was there, taking the class and taught a few songs. More Sweat!

May 20th - I went to a morning class called PLUS - It is a supportive class for women who are shy about the gym and want support from other women who are trying to loss weight. I met Jewel for the first time, who runs the class. (She has a blog also and as soon as I get a link I will share.) It was only us, but she explained that she had recently taken a month off and I mentioned that since I had now started coming maybe others would. It is a slower paced class where we start by talking about our week and then we do circuit training. It got me warmed up for....yep....Zumba with Chris! Seemed like I sweated less in this class. Not sure if it was because I tried to take the class in my bare feet, but it was still an excellent class.

May 21 - Day Off!!

After doing this workout for the week I think I finally have my weekly schedule down.

MON- Simply Yoga
TUES - Pilates and Fat Blast Cardio
WED - Zumba Gold and Zumba and Deep stretch Yoga
THURS - Pilates and Zumba
FRI - Zumba and machine weight work
SAT - PLUS and Zumba
SUN - DAY OFF

We will see what gets added in or removed as time goes on.

Thank for reading!

Welcome to our Blog! Click here to learn all about the Exercise Couple.

Hi and welcome to our blog!

We are Mike and Mary. We have been married for 22 1/2 years  and have two grown sons. (And other children from first marriages, etc.) All of our children are now adults and we really wanted to get into better shape. We both have extremely different needs in our weight journey. Mike wants to gain weight and I want to lose weight.

I thought it would be interesting to blog our journey together.

I wanted to add in what I do as a side service. I recently started, but hope things will pick up soon.

My service is called:

Minister Mary - An Ohio Wedding Officiant <---Click it to go to my services Facebook page. 
(I can marry couples in Ohio!)

Mike has his blog page and I have one also. (I can't promise Mike will post a lot, you now how men are....still love you though!) I'll post quite often.

When we started this at the end of March 2017, we just started walking a local walking path called the, "Western Reserve Greenway Trail". It is a very long path in which a lot of locals walk and bicycle. After we had walked the path for about a month and up to 5 miles we decided we should just get a gym membership. Mike is older then 60 so he gets a membership through his insurance. It's called Silver Sneakers and if you have someone who is older or disabled they should get a gym membership too!

We have more than one gym we could have gotten a membership at and looked at all of them before deciding that our good old YMCA (This is our local one!) would be the best place for us both.

Here are our starting stats:

Mike: Height - 6'6" - Weight - 170 lbs (32/34 pants)
Mary: Height - 5'2"(in shoes) - Weight - 190 lbs (XL - Size 16/18)

Our Weight (Gain/Lose) Goals!

Mike - Weight - 200 -210 pounds or Gain 30 to 40 pounds
Mary - Weight -  125-130 pounds or Lose 60 to 65 pounds

Will update images in our pages later today.
That is also where updates will be on how much weight we have gained and lost.


Our starting pictures: