Wednesdays are my hell day at work. The culmination of the entire week is in the balance on Wednesday. If I'm behind on Wednesday there is no way to catch up - so I couldn't possibly make it to yoga today.
Instead, I started my work day late because I visited my chiropractor this morning.
Oh how I love her!
I feel so. much. better.
Still much improvement neccessary but such a relief to have some relief you know?
Even better because my chiropractor and I are the same personality type so we really enjoy our visits. (too bad I have to pay for them then huh?) She even rejoiced in my news of obtaining a job - and I don't think it was because I can now afford to see her!!
She even told me that she was baffled at my previous discussions of the struggle of looking for work because she sees me as a very sharp person, and people should be begging to hire me. Funny how it doesn't work that way!
TRS accountability: Tuesday, January 13 one hour yoga
TRS accountability: Wednesday, January 14 chiropractic treatment - praise God!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
My Second Official Weigh-In
Still haven't exercised since the last time we "spoke," but did want to give the world an update on my second weigh-in.
I had expected to break even between only exercising once and being sick. Not so. I lost 2.3 pounds! That means I'm at -2.3. It's encouraging to have some weight loss, even though I know that it's primarily because of the sickness...
I had expected to break even between only exercising once and being sick. Not so. I lost 2.3 pounds! That means I'm at -2.3. It's encouraging to have some weight loss, even though I know that it's primarily because of the sickness...
Monday, January 12, 2009
Getting More People on the Bandwagon
After missing 3 days of yoga in a row - I went in and bought my first month of unlimited visits. Better make the most of it. Of course, being the Queen of Justification, I tell myself that the cost of yoga is comparable to the cost of chiropractic and massages that I need without it.
I went to class tonight and found more stiff spots. Sheesh! I think it's time to get some help from my chiropractor - there's no way I can loosen that stuff up on my own. I'm hoping she can get the tough stuff and then I can go from there.
Also, it's funny how you can feel progress one day - then suddenly it's hard again - but something that was hard last week is now doable. The body is a funny, fickle thing.
There is an adorable older lady at my job who told me she is interested in trying yoga. She's in her 50s or 60s and recently bought a yoga DVD, but hasn't tried it yet. I advised her to use the modifications if the full pose is too hard. And don't feel like you have to hold it for as long as the instructor. You gotta work your way up sometimes.
Then I suggested that she go to the free classes (the studio is very close to work) so that the instructors can correct her form, and she can ask questions so that she's more comfortable with the DVD at home. She's so cute - I offered to go to her first class with her and she said, "Oh please do!" She's a little bummed that she has to buy yoga clothes and a mat. But she doesn't want to expose herself during Down Dog either! Nothing is cheap she says. (there I advised her to go to TJMaxx or Ross and get all she needs for under $50)
I'm going to hook her up with a week of free classes. Plus, by sending new people to the studio - I get bonus credit on my account there.
AND... another woman at work caught me changing into yoga clothes - and wants to start going again - so we'll have a whole crew there eventually! (maybe we can get the corporate discount going!!)
TRS accountability: One hour yoga and excessive moaning.
I went to class tonight and found more stiff spots. Sheesh! I think it's time to get some help from my chiropractor - there's no way I can loosen that stuff up on my own. I'm hoping she can get the tough stuff and then I can go from there.
Also, it's funny how you can feel progress one day - then suddenly it's hard again - but something that was hard last week is now doable. The body is a funny, fickle thing.
There is an adorable older lady at my job who told me she is interested in trying yoga. She's in her 50s or 60s and recently bought a yoga DVD, but hasn't tried it yet. I advised her to use the modifications if the full pose is too hard. And don't feel like you have to hold it for as long as the instructor. You gotta work your way up sometimes.
Then I suggested that she go to the free classes (the studio is very close to work) so that the instructors can correct her form, and she can ask questions so that she's more comfortable with the DVD at home. She's so cute - I offered to go to her first class with her and she said, "Oh please do!" She's a little bummed that she has to buy yoga clothes and a mat. But she doesn't want to expose herself during Down Dog either! Nothing is cheap she says. (there I advised her to go to TJMaxx or Ross and get all she needs for under $50)
I'm going to hook her up with a week of free classes. Plus, by sending new people to the studio - I get bonus credit on my account there.
AND... another woman at work caught me changing into yoga clothes - and wants to start going again - so we'll have a whole crew there eventually! (maybe we can get the corporate discount going!!)
TRS accountability: One hour yoga and excessive moaning.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
It Expands and Contracts
One day off from yoga, I was back tonight.
After feeling so good, I am now starting to notice some muscles that just don't want to yield. Yet. I need my chiropractor. I need deep tissue massage. Like every day of my life!
Breathing seems to be harder too. I just can't get enough air in. Maybe I'm congested.
When the instructor tells us to... "breathe deep, filling your belly." I am reminded that I never could do that. I can rarely get enough air to fill past my esophagus - much less all the way down to my belly. I would have to take another breathe before I could finish.
Mental note to share this with my allergy doctor.
When we moved into one stretch, the muscles in my back would not loosen up. They pulled against the direction I was pulling and I made a squeak before I even knew it!
The rest of the time I just wanted to peel my workout clothes off. It's just so hot in there. And I'm not going to the hot yoga class. I tried to think of what fabric, and what length would make the ideal yoga pant!
After class, I apologized to the guy next to me for disturbing him with my squeak.
We chatted for a little while as we rolled up our mats then parted to find our shoes and coats. He found me again at the front of the studio/shop where I was feeling the weight of the yoga pants they had for sale. He inquired and I told him I was looking for something lightweight, and sort of joked that I really only wanted to wear a swimsuit in there it's so hot!
I said that I noticed everyone else was in yoga pants, would it be okay to wear shorts? He described a pair of 'boy shorts' that he saw another girl wearing, suggesting they would be cool enough.
"Hmm." I thought aloud. "I have a pair of those but I need to get my legs firmer before I would wear them in public. "
To which he responded. "Man. You're such a girl!"
The lesson here is - we as women can be so self-conscious about things other people - especially men - don't even notice. Men are much more forgiving of our bodies than we are.
Lighten up on yourself. That's my lesson for the day.
TRS Accountability: One hour yoga
After feeling so good, I am now starting to notice some muscles that just don't want to yield. Yet. I need my chiropractor. I need deep tissue massage. Like every day of my life!
Breathing seems to be harder too. I just can't get enough air in. Maybe I'm congested.
When the instructor tells us to... "breathe deep, filling your belly." I am reminded that I never could do that. I can rarely get enough air to fill past my esophagus - much less all the way down to my belly. I would have to take another breathe before I could finish.
Mental note to share this with my allergy doctor.
When we moved into one stretch, the muscles in my back would not loosen up. They pulled against the direction I was pulling and I made a squeak before I even knew it!
The rest of the time I just wanted to peel my workout clothes off. It's just so hot in there. And I'm not going to the hot yoga class. I tried to think of what fabric, and what length would make the ideal yoga pant!
After class, I apologized to the guy next to me for disturbing him with my squeak.
We chatted for a little while as we rolled up our mats then parted to find our shoes and coats. He found me again at the front of the studio/shop where I was feeling the weight of the yoga pants they had for sale. He inquired and I told him I was looking for something lightweight, and sort of joked that I really only wanted to wear a swimsuit in there it's so hot!
I said that I noticed everyone else was in yoga pants, would it be okay to wear shorts? He described a pair of 'boy shorts' that he saw another girl wearing, suggesting they would be cool enough.
"Hmm." I thought aloud. "I have a pair of those but I need to get my legs firmer before I would wear them in public. "
To which he responded. "Man. You're such a girl!"
The lesson here is - we as women can be so self-conscious about things other people - especially men - don't even notice. Men are much more forgiving of our bodies than we are.
Lighten up on yourself. That's my lesson for the day.
TRS Accountability: One hour yoga
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Instant Results
Okay, okay. So I've been to the pool once; it's not yet time to talk about what a difference it's made in my life. But it has (though the twice daily stretching could also be the cause, or both). I have regained movement that I have lost when I injured my back in September.
In the interest of full disclosure, I figured this out when I went to wipe my butt just now. (DID I JUST ADMIT THAT FOR THE WORLD TO SEE???) It's been a difficult move with stiffness in my lower back, but just now it was much easier. I thought back to several other everyday tasks I've done today, and they too have been easier than they have been for some time.
Anyway, I'm actually cooped up with a cold right now. I started having symptoms after coming home from the pool last night, so I'm glad I went. It'll be a bummer not to get in my last 2 exercise times this very first week, but I hadn't planned on doing them until at least Friday anyway. I do have to be able to breathe out of my nose to swim, but assuming I'm no worse off than I am right now, I'll at least get in a walk or two.
Anyway, I know that my movement will continue to improve as I actually lose some weight and continue to gain flexibility and muscle. That's kinda my point!
Too funny! I was going to post on the same topic! Suppose I should just add to it here.
Seriously people! After only four days of just one hour of moderate yoga a day - I notice such a difference. That is very satisfying when most of us expect the results of our exercise to take months to show up!
What have I noticed, you ask?
For starters, I am a little lady with very tight muscles. The muscles in my shoulders and back have been tight for as long as I can remember. If someone offers to rub my shoulders - it is followed by an exclamation like "Holy Cow! You are full of knots!"
Combine that with the fact that I've been too poor for chiropractic visits or deep tissue massage and I assure you that I am a mess!
After just one hour of yoga on Saturday, my shoulders felt practically loose! After 4 days - I'm feeling movement in a lot of muscles. Yes, I'm a little sore, but that's preferable to a constant ache.
And since Ronnica got personal about wiping her butt - I'll get personal about my little boobies.
I am a flat-chested girl. You know what they say about a handful - well that's all there is.
In my younger years my itty bitty's were at least nice and firm and round and perky - but after 5 years of pathetic exercise efforts - let me tell you they have less substance than Jello. And I'll add, no longer round. It's embarrassing.
That was a major part of my incentive to get my muscle tone back. I'm back in the dating pool after all - and someday - God willing, I'll need those little girls to hold up a wedding gown!
Imagine my delight when after just four days of yoga - seriously, nothing else - not even a 2lb dumbbell - there is some muscle in my pectorals! Whoo hoo! What a surprise.
A real surprise to me because the last time I made a commitment to exercise, I was already a muscular girl, I was just maintaining - so I never really saw progress.
Now that I'm a pile of mush - it's easier to see progress. There is even some shape coming back!! Oh, and I spotted some shape in my arms - that dip right below my bicep. 4 days.
Now that's incentive!
TRS Accountability: zero - I missed yoga because I worked late, but I suppose I've earned 1 day off exercise.
In the interest of full disclosure, I figured this out when I went to wipe my butt just now. (DID I JUST ADMIT THAT FOR THE WORLD TO SEE???) It's been a difficult move with stiffness in my lower back, but just now it was much easier. I thought back to several other everyday tasks I've done today, and they too have been easier than they have been for some time.
Anyway, I'm actually cooped up with a cold right now. I started having symptoms after coming home from the pool last night, so I'm glad I went. It'll be a bummer not to get in my last 2 exercise times this very first week, but I hadn't planned on doing them until at least Friday anyway. I do have to be able to breathe out of my nose to swim, but assuming I'm no worse off than I am right now, I'll at least get in a walk or two.
Anyway, I know that my movement will continue to improve as I actually lose some weight and continue to gain flexibility and muscle. That's kinda my point!
Too funny! I was going to post on the same topic! Suppose I should just add to it here.
Seriously people! After only four days of just one hour of moderate yoga a day - I notice such a difference. That is very satisfying when most of us expect the results of our exercise to take months to show up!
What have I noticed, you ask?
For starters, I am a little lady with very tight muscles. The muscles in my shoulders and back have been tight for as long as I can remember. If someone offers to rub my shoulders - it is followed by an exclamation like "Holy Cow! You are full of knots!"
Combine that with the fact that I've been too poor for chiropractic visits or deep tissue massage and I assure you that I am a mess!
After just one hour of yoga on Saturday, my shoulders felt practically loose! After 4 days - I'm feeling movement in a lot of muscles. Yes, I'm a little sore, but that's preferable to a constant ache.
And since Ronnica got personal about wiping her butt - I'll get personal about my little boobies.
I am a flat-chested girl. You know what they say about a handful - well that's all there is.
In my younger years my itty bitty's were at least nice and firm and round and perky - but after 5 years of pathetic exercise efforts - let me tell you they have less substance than Jello. And I'll add, no longer round. It's embarrassing.
That was a major part of my incentive to get my muscle tone back. I'm back in the dating pool after all - and someday - God willing, I'll need those little girls to hold up a wedding gown!
Imagine my delight when after just four days of yoga - seriously, nothing else - not even a 2lb dumbbell - there is some muscle in my pectorals! Whoo hoo! What a surprise.
A real surprise to me because the last time I made a commitment to exercise, I was already a muscular girl, I was just maintaining - so I never really saw progress.
Now that I'm a pile of mush - it's easier to see progress. There is even some shape coming back!! Oh, and I spotted some shape in my arms - that dip right below my bicep. 4 days.
Now that's incentive!
TRS Accountability: zero - I missed yoga because I worked late, but I suppose I've earned 1 day off exercise.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
My Soggy Bottom
Ronnica, reporting for duty, with a soggy bottom, ma'am.
Oh my, I wonder what kinda searches could lead here with that title?
Okay, so my bottom isn't soggy; I actually change at the pool before I leave. But I went! And swam laps! And actually got exercise! And pushed through the "I'm going to die" feeling!
I've found that the first 4 laps of swimming is muy dificil, but once I push through them I really enjoy it. I went 4 laps tonight, and it was still difficult. I wasn't sure I was going to make it to 10 laps (my absolute minimum), let alone more. Fortunately, it only took 1 more lap before that feeling was gone.
I don't feel as spaghetti as I normally do after swimming, so I probably will need to push myself harder next time. How I've done it in the past, and I'll do it in the future, is each time I go I swim one more lap (capping at one mile, which is 32 laps...I've only done that once, though).
Ronnica accountability: 30 minutes swimming (15 laps)
TRS accountability: 1 hour yoga (I'm nothing if not consistent!)
Oh my, I wonder what kinda searches could lead here with that title?
Okay, so my bottom isn't soggy; I actually change at the pool before I leave. But I went! And swam laps! And actually got exercise! And pushed through the "I'm going to die" feeling!
I've found that the first 4 laps of swimming is muy dificil, but once I push through them I really enjoy it. I went 4 laps tonight, and it was still difficult. I wasn't sure I was going to make it to 10 laps (my absolute minimum), let alone more. Fortunately, it only took 1 more lap before that feeling was gone.
I don't feel as spaghetti as I normally do after swimming, so I probably will need to push myself harder next time. How I've done it in the past, and I'll do it in the future, is each time I go I swim one more lap (capping at one mile, which is 32 laps...I've only done that once, though).
Ronnica accountability: 30 minutes swimming (15 laps)
TRS accountability: 1 hour yoga (I'm nothing if not consistent!)
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