Weigh up, Size down

Alright, for the past few weeks I have been measuring my waist, hips, thighs and arms. I am fairly certain my calves will stay the same as they have always been.

Starting point (almost 2 months ago): 42in hips, 29 in waist, 25ish thighs. I only know how much the size was due to finding a measuring tape at work on the weekend when I was looking for a sharpie. I have ADD like a squirrel.

Now, I have 37.5 inch hips--all measurements are taken at my meatiest points-- 27 inch waist, and 11 inch arms. Arms didn't really do much of a difference except for a little more meat I suppose.

On the overall scheme, I have stayed the same weight, fluctuating between 135lbs and 139lbs. I don't really care about how much I weigh so long as I never break 140 ever again. Well, if I get preggers ever in my life, that will be the only exception. To me, it is about my size, shape, and strength. I don't want to be rail thin and weak, I don't want to be completely ripped, no soft curves, I want to be fit. I am doing alright so far...I think.

Good luck readers and stay strong. Don't expect to look like someone else. You will be you, no matter what size or how much you weigh.

'Piderman, 'Piderman...

So, today is the day. Yep. I am seriously cleaning the floors this time. I decided to stay home for some personal time where I don't have to fend off intruders on a machine or set of weights or the mat. Meanwhile, I was thinking it would be a great idea to try out Spiderman Crawl. Yeah. Hurts on tile floor. But, I soon noticed the horrid state my floor is in.


Throwing back to my childhood I thought I could throw down 100 jumps in jumproping a set, however, my ability is far from what it once was. Not exactly Rocky Balboa over here.
I then proceeded to utilizing my new resistance bands. I did squats, a pilates' weak girl version of deadman lift(have no bar so had to use something), some arm exercises with the resistance bands and some front kick to side kick sets. All in all, with a one minute break between sessions, I did 20 minutes (15 minutes first round, 5 minutes second). Not exactly sure on the calorie burn but it definitely puts me over 300 calories for overall today.
I was a bad girl and ate some tortellini alfredo for lunch. Nothing really healthy at all about that, but hey, it tasted DELICIOUS. All in all, I am under 1500 calories for intake today, but tomorrow I shall eat more. More healthy and more calories. YUMS, calories....

23 Feb-ulous

Yesterday was yet another day at the gym. I burned 200 calories on the cybex machine after doing 30 minutes of calisthenics and 12 minute kettle bell circuits. Wednesday wasn't the longest time I spent at the gym, but I daresay I pushed myself pretty well for the time I allotted.

Listening while Cardio-ing

Today, I am just going to yoga it up. I didn't get to eat much today, so I am having to slowly cram food into my stomach that isn't snack food full of delicious, tasty fatsuh...

Listening while Yogafiying

All in all, remaining under 1700 calories and burning at least 400 every day I work out. Which happens to be almost every fricking wonderful day :) Stay classy readers...

Weeble Wobble & Yet I Still Fall Down

Yesterday's attempt at working out at the gym is a definite success. Here's what I have done thus far:
12 minute circuit using kettle bells
*Shoulder Press
*Kettle bell Swings
*Kettle bell Bicep curl
*Clean & Press
*Halos
*Deadlift
---This exercise required 50 second session on each set and repeated twice with a 10 second break in between.

Took a break for 20 minutes by doing cardio on the Cybex. I loathed the Cybex, but just like with any torture device so far, I begin to love it.
Went to the back extension bench and upped up my weight/reps by doing the following for lower back/glutes: 0 pounds for 25 reps, 10 pounds for 20 reps, 25 pounds for 15 reps, and 10 pounds for 10 reps.
Afterwards, I kept the same 25 pound plate to do 30 reps on each side for the obliques but for two sets instead of the usual three.
Abduction 50 pounds to 110 pounds in four sets and Adduction 50lbs to 80lbs for four sets. This exercise allowed me to realize my absolute weakness--inner thigh muscles.
All in all, this exercise was meant for abs, core, and legs. I was excited since I got the go ahead to work on my legs again. However, this break from lower body exercises allowed me to focus a ton on my core and my back/arms.

Because I finally got to work out my legs, it seems like half the time I am about to fall down. My legs are jello. Can't wait to go back to the gym to do more...

Deadweight...No. Deadlifts.

Page 49 in the February issue of Runner's World magazine starts with the "Monster Moves" to help boost power and endurance for long distance running. Essentially, it is using cross-fit techniques to better your running time and breathing. Since I didn't get my run in yet this afternoon, I have decided to do some research on this cross-fit regimen. Today, I am going to ease myself back into working out my legs after an okay from the medical side. Here's what I will start off with:

I will also be doing what is called Kettlebell swings. It's exactly what it is called except it involves squats.Oh, the sweet blessed squats. Alright, alright, I know. This is only how I feel after my workouts, but watching these clips definitely help motivate me to push myself. Here's the actual tutorial on a proper kettlebell swing. Well, off to the gym in twenty more minutes, but I will be getting some last minute watering in before I go...good luck ya'll!!!

Gym and No Air

Here's my exercises for the 17th of February (420 calories):
****Keep in mind, this isn't in order, I just didn't have enough space on my workout journal page, so they are written in random spots****
~Obliques on Back extension bar
~Back Extensions on bench
~Overhead Lift
~Compound Row
~Elliptical
~Cybex
~Abdominal
~Back Extension Machine
~Lateral Pull-down

For the  20th,  it is as follows (No more than 325 calories burned):
~Calesthenics:
   Tri-press, Bi-curls, Lat Pulldown, Abdominal machine, Back extension bench for obliques and lower back,
   Chinups and Dips on Gravitron+ machine
~Cardio:
  Cybex machine for 14 minutes burning 201 calories

All in all for Monday this week, I tried REALLY hard to keep myself motivated without a functioning AC unit in the gym. Seems like every other day their air conditioning system is on the fritz.  Well, it was smelling of hot, sweaty, @$$ and I did the best I could not to vomit--Hayley I am pretty sure almost did multiple times, poor lady.

This afternoon, that machine better be working, otherwise, it is a few laps around base housing for me. The sun is shining, the wind isn't more than 20mph, and it is a nice temp too.  Time for some pics too!!!!

I'm Back...

Listening to Ladytron

That's right, today was my first time back at the gym in three days. Yeah, I know doesn't seem like much, but for me, that's like a crack addict going through withrdrawals.  I am all scratching at myself going into convulsions.

Since I am practically forbidden to exercise my legs (with the exception of low impact, minimal bending exercises), I have decided today would be the day I work my core and back.  Here's the layout:

CYBEX
~45 resistance 20 minutes for 290 calories

**STRETCH FOR 5 MINUTES**

ABDOMINALS
~50lb 20 reps all three sides
~65lb 15 reps  ""
~80lb 10 reps ""

BACK EXTENSION
~150lbs 20 reps
~170lbs 20 reps
~190lbs 20 reps
~110lbs 40 reps

OBLIQUES (25lb plate side drop)
~20 reps on left and right 2 sets

BACK EXTENSION BENCH
~25 rep (no weight)
~20 rep (10lb plate)
~25 rep (no weight)
~20 rep (10lb plate)

25lb plate

LAT PULLDOWN
~45lb 25 reps
~55lb 20 reps
~65lb 15 reps







Here's some more machines/doodads I used today:

This week thus far.

Okay, so what, today's Valentine's Day. Woopydiidaaaa doo.

Here's an update so far of my workout plan.

Saturday:  Tour Day!

Sunday: Circuit/Cardio Day

*Cybex: 20 minutes @ 40 resistance--261 calories
*Yoga/Stretch for 5 minutes
*Incline Press
~20lb @ 20 rep
~35lb @ 15 rep
~40lb @12 rep
*Overhead Press
~20lb @ 20 rep
~25lb @ 20 rep
~30lb @ 15 rep
*Gravitron Dips
~125lb @ 20 rep
~110lb @ 15 rep
~95lb @ 10 rep
*Gravitron Chinups
~125lb @ 20
~110lb @ 15
~95lb @ 10
*Circuit Training
~1st Session 20 minutes
~2nd Session 10 minutes

Monday: Rest Day!

Later on today I will be going to the gym, but I will be resting my legs as much as possible.  That doesn't mean I shouldn't avoid working out all together. I have to keep this pace up.  Can't miss more than two workout sessions a week. Won't. I refuse.

Good luck lads and ladies!

EDIT:  I realize I am currently only posting my workout information and now what the exercises are and what they look like per-say.  I will be working on setting up a decent description of each workout and why I do them and hopefully I can get some pictures in.  It's really difficult to take a picture of yourself in yoga let alone planking...just saying...lol.

Taste of the Northern Coast

This is a tour given by the Outdoor Recreation office in Lajes AB, Azores. Essentially, it allows you to get smashed, stuffed, and bemused for a few hours a day while you look on to beautiful scenery.

Wine Museum of Biscoitos, Terceira, Portugal

We first went to a "local" carpenter and had a chance to look at his crafts created.  They were interesting and useful, but I don't think I need a spear to kill a wild bull anytime soon.

Alas, we ventured forth to the museum of wine.  Not only do they have hundreds of years old wine making equipment, but they also still currently run the vineyard and distillery.  We went into their bar barn and began tasting some wonderful local wine.

My fresh flower, my hubby and his goofy faces, a kewl keg of wine, the wall of wine for sale, and the bottling system.

We managed to receive a free bottle of wine per person.  The ladies of the group were able to bring home some wonderful flowers freshly cut.  The taste of the white wines were truly amazing.

After visiting the museum, we were able to visit this old sage of a man.  He truly creates these fiery, maddening potions of wine, liquor, and moonshine.  Let me just tell you, he almost set the whole place on fire just testing out the potency of his bottled rage via fire.

Let's just say Mylynn's expression best describes the taste...

We then proceeded to the restaurant with a nice buzz feeling and a distinct desire to purge my stomach of such fluids.  I had a delish grilled salmon dish to cleanse the pallet as well as some tasty table wine.  And, we also had plenty of bread and butter. Oh was there butter...

We ventured forth to this cathedral and it was pretty.  It was built in 1542.  Though, it was very intimidating seeing a patron saint statue showing some leg through his garb.

And this concludes the tour.  It was quite amusing to have hangover issues after an hour power nap, but was quickly rid of for our not so healthy grill night.  Needless to say, many a cow had fed us all wonderfully.

Be Wary of Overdoing It

Currently I am experiencing pain going along the outside of my leg.  Found out through the internet and through my Runner's magazine what this could POSSIBLY be...  Here's some links:
~~Iliotibial Band Syndrome     
~~Testorerone Nation blog on pain while squatting down has a couple of good home remedies for this issue.
I will undoubtedly be making that appointment for the Physical Therapy office on base.

Granted, this isn't a major issue of life and death, but I know someone out there will be freaking out about this horrible pain on the outside of their leg and wants to know what is going on.  Well, have you been running improperly or pushing yourself extremely hard?  Have you been stretching properly afterwards? Did you squat improperly?

I am sharing this injury with you folks so you don't have to go through this yourself.  Do not ever forget to stretch properly. Moreso, do not over extend or stretch beyond what is comfortable.  The pain is not worth it. It keeps you from doing your workouts properly and gaining the best results.


On another note, I decided to be a dandy idiot and work out my arms immediately after receiving a flu shot. Little did I know that it can cause inflammation in the shot area.  Yesterday I had a wonderful hornet sting like area around the place of the injection.

So, sage advice for today is DO NOT FOLLOW MY LEAD.  Don't work out after getting your vaccinations, don't overuse, overextend and forget to stretch after working out. 

On This Day

**Update for 10 February 2012**

Without vehicular transportation, I was able to walk for 25 minutes. That allowed me to burn 152 calories. I am not talking, sweet and blissful flat roads, I am talking horrid, awkward inclines.  All in all, it is easy for me since I train to walk every day at such crazy inclines. Helps with the glutes. ANYWAYS, here's the gym workout. I didn't do much, but considering my swollen shot area on my deltoid and this really weird leg pain/spasm I get, I still felt I achieved a good bit.

Situps:  Various awkward not military correct situps that worked sides.
Planks: 1st rep was 30 seconds, 2nd 45 seconds, 3rd was 30 seconds, and 4th was 45 seconds
Crunches:  Did 10 reps for 2 sets.  Didn't really understand them. I didn't like how I couldn't go all the way up.
Hand under back crunches: These were better, since you had you hands resting under the middle of your back. Easy Peasy.
^^^38 calories^^^
Cybex:  15 min at avg 40 resistance burned 217 calories
Situps: 100 reps in one set burned 20 calories
Calisthenics: 8 minutes worth burned 52 calories

~~470 calories burned for the day.

Wasn't having the best, most wonderful day yesterday.  Thankfully I have amazing friends Hayley and Mylynn to thank for going out to eat at La Barca's. Had amazing food, carbs and BUTTER. Oh yes, butter.  The thing is, that meal still kept me under 1500 calories. It's becoming hard to eat healthy and still get over 1200 calories in your system--Aside from that, they lifted my mood and I got to enjoy talking with real human beings face to face.  It's hard to find people you aren't related to by blood that you can feel comfortable being yourself and trusting that much.  These two girls I adore completely.  They have the two most unique personalities and are so much fun.  I like how people can call you out on your ish not because they can't stand you, but because they respect you enough to be honest with you. That's what you have with these chikas.

Attacking the Gym!!!!

Listening to Attack Attack discography during the workout...

Alright, here is the update for what I did the past two days at the gym:
~~08 FEB 2012~~
*Treadmill 17 minutes at 3.0 incline 5.5mph--187 calories
*Abdominal machine
**50lb for 20reps on the three sides; 65lb 15reps per side; 80 lb 10 reps per side
*Dips on Gravitron 125lb 20 reps, 110lb for 15 reps, 95 for 10 reps
             ^^Calethinics 64 calories (No breaks in reps, straight into next set)
*Cycling 20 min medium resistance--151 calories
             Walked outside for 15 minutes & that burns 52 calories (including distance, incline &   speed)

 The burning total is 454 calories.  I checked and calculated and did all that I have done to make sure I did the specific calculations right, and this is what I came up with.  They say don't trust the reader on the machines, so just double, triple check if you are paranoid like me.  All in all 450 calories is very nice. 

~~09 FEB 2012~~
CYBEX machine for 15 minutes at 38 resistance--205 calories
Reverse sit ups
**25 reps 0 weight
**20 reps 10lb weight
**15 reps 25lb weight
Incline situps
**45 reps 0lbs weight
**40 reps 10lb weight
Side dips
**20reps 2 sets on left and right
Lat Pulldown190
**30 reps at 50 lb; 25 reps at 65lb; 15 reps at 80lb
^^^^^Calesthenics 62 calories^^^^^
Cycling
**High medium resistance for 15 minutes--124 calories
Arm Press machine thingy 20lb 15 micro sets
Shoulder cross
**left 10lbs 15 reps
**right 10lbs 15 reps
Bicep press thingy
**20 @ 20 reps
**25@ 15 reps
**30 @ 10 reps
Back extension
**165lb @ 15rep
**180 @ 15 rep
**190 @ 12 rep
**200 @ 12 rep
Pullover machine
**50lb @ 20 rep
**65lb @ 15 rep
**89lb @ 10 rep
^^^^Calisthenics 74 calories^^^^
Treadmill 3.6mph 15% incline for 15min--182 calories

All I know is I burned over 500 calories at the gym. My mind stopped counting as soon as this monster tuna sandwich hit my mouth.

Yoga Meditation--my way

I am not all about the soundwaves of whales and indian flute players piping away....UNLESS DUBSTEPPED. However, I tend to like trip hop type music when yoga'ing out.

 

Musical Chairs for Cardio??!!!

LMFAO Sexy and I Know It has a hilarity to it that can beat the mental drain focusing on those last few minutes of running, but overall I like to stick to my guns....all 36GB of them.

I don't lift weights with the same music as cardio simply because I do not want my whole body to explode and create a rapture at the gym. My cardio regimen has to be set at a heavier, faster beat than my weightlifting and circuit training and yoga. Just try to do Yoga listening to DMX, it just doesn't turn out right...


Cardio:

Three Days Grace

Static X

Five Finger Death Punch

Killswitch Engage

Chevelle

Nightwish   
I have also recently found out that listening to Ladytron discography definitely keeps me mentally amused while my body is going under self destruction on the elliptical.

Yeah, I made this.

Baked Tortellin--not healthy.  Made this last month before the diet revamping.

To make this meal healthy, perhaps I should use spinach ravioli instead.  And, I should use correct portions.  Adding fresh onions and garlic instead of the powder could probably add a bit better umph to the texture of the meal. 

Zuppa Tuscana minus the Kale. They don't sell kale here....

Made with Italian turkey sausage, vegetable broth with low sodium, red potatoes scalloped, and about a cup of skim milk.  Herbs used: Oregano, parsley, basil, crushed peppercorn, and pepper. 

Tuna Salad wrap with whole wheat tortilla

I used some wonderful smart balance mayo.  Seriously, this stuff is better than most condiments out there. I love the taste. ANYWAY, I used about a tablespoon for one pack of tuna. I used paprika and pepper for seasoning.  I then tossed some salad a viola, a tuna wrap.

Curried Chicken wrap

Used boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this one.  I used Oregano, curry powder, tarragon, marjoram, garlic powder, and onion powder.  To sweeten it slightly I sprinkled a pinch of sugar on the raw over the meat.  I cooked it in olive oil. If you want to make a sauce, I used sour cream (reduced fat). 

 Properly portioned granola for in between meal snacking

For this I used Bear Naked Granola.  I then measured the serving size times 2 for each container. I then labeled with a dry erase marker the amount of calories in snack.

What Have I DONE??!!

Yo peeps, brosephs, chikabees, how's it going?

Okay, enough of that.  Here's some updates on what I have been doing today. 

Today I ate some tuna salad wraps using lettuce, a black bean and salsa wrap, some pancakes, some carrots, some salad and a protein shake which tallies all up to 1670 calories for today.
However, I managed to burn over 500 calories at the gym.  My cardio workout alone busted out 480 calories, then I did circuits for 10 min and core workout as well.  Twas a hard evening at the gym, that's for sure.
Aside from managing, editing, and planning out the blog, I have decided to branch out and make interactive motivation boards.  I have some extra cardboard, construction paper and old work out mags...so why not go to town??

I figured I have kept you folks waiting for FAR TOO LONG and all are in dire need of a Shooglenifty fix.  Well, here ya go and enjoy!!!  Try not to jig out of your chair.  It tends to happen.

Ehhh, why don't we do this at home...

 Well, there are just some days when I do not want to walk to the gym or just don't have the time/transportation to enter a fitness facility.  However, many things can be done in between household chores.  Whilst battling the dust bunnies with your magical fuzzy stick, you can dance.  If you want to feel less awkward, try taking a break for 20 minutes and do yoga.  OR, you can do some circuit training.

At Home:

Yoga (Namaste Season 1) = 25 min

Circuit training= 20 min or longer, depending on reps
     All movements should be in a 20 second frame, and push yourself to do as many as you can. Take note on how many you can do.

Squat Thrust (aka Burpees)
    Rest-10sec
High Knees (or Front kick left/right, Side kick left/right)
   Rest-10sec
Jumping Jacks (Jump Lunges)
   Rest-10sec
Mountain Climbers
   Rest-10sec

~~~~You can switch out how you want to do High knees with kicks and the jumping jacks so that the reps don't get too boring~~~~

So, there's this gym...

Okay, I am stationed overseas and there is no wonderful malls, fabulous shopping centers, or circuses. That's right, NO CIRCUS!!!! Happy as hell, I am. However, we do have this gym on base and I have to say, it's amazing. I am not talking about the wonderful equipment they have there...no. I am not talking about the nice massage therapy sessions they have. NOPE. I am not talking about the FREE FRICKING CLASSES EITHER. I am simply going to tell you that the view alone is AHMAZING. The only reason I would want to go. There's nothing like being on that bike or treadmill and looking through this HUGE wall of window to make you feel like you are about to run across the ocean like JESUS.

Anyway, here's what I do there so far:

Cardio (includes core workout) at Gym:

Treadmill @ max incline for 3.8 mph for 10 min = 120 cal (I like to go up to 20min when alone)
    Optional: Run starting at 5.5 and increase 7.0 or 7.5mph at incline 2.0

Abdominal Machine Sets broken down as 20, 15, 10 each on right, left, and front
    Optional: 100 situps on mat

Bike for minimum 10min (I like the Cycling class's bikes with no timer, just a resistance knob)
    Optional: Stairmaster on the fatburner at lvl 12 for 10min

Lower Back Machine sets broken down as 20, 15, 10.
    Optional: Reverse bench and increase with free weights

Row machine for 2.5k meters at highest resistance

Treadmill for 10min cooldown

Stretch

Just Want...I Just Want to Dance...

Yeah, I bet you can see a pattern here, DANCING. Not "shake your booty you ho" but sultry, seductive, latiny, delicious dancing. Of course, a couple are from Strictly Ballroom. If you haven't watched it, you must. Only because I said so.

Anyway, this is what I wish I could learn. Dancing is healthy, and it can put you in a lovely mood.

By the way, Baz Luhrmann is a FRICKIN MOVIE MAKING GENIUS.



I just love the belting of the voice of Ewan Megregor. That guy has some pipes, man.



Vivir con miedo, es como vivir a medias!



A life lived in fear is a life half lived.



AND THAT'S HOW ANTONIO BANDERAS IMPREGNATES WOMEN.



So, though Take the Lead is not the greatest movie of all time, I love Moulin Rouge and Strictly Ballroom. I also enjoy every other Luhrmann movie out there, but not all of them revolve around Salsa, Tango, Paso Doble, or Merengue.


With all that said, I would LOVE for Shakira to teach me how to dance:

Well Ain't That Just DANDY...

Yeah, so I work out everyday, attempt to walk more to where I need to go, and eat under 900 calories a day--and for what?  Nothing. 

I binged yesterday night on soda, chips, cheetos, at a lightning fast speed. 

As if that wasn't a "Hey, maybe I should just eat more calories, even with the good stuff..."  my friend Hayley stopped using the Ipod app Lose It.  I was like, "WHY???!!!!"  Now I know. 

Just because the application asks you a few basic questions about what height, weight, and gender you are, doesn't necessarily mean it is tailored to fit YOU.  There are plenty of girls out there in the same weight range, with the same height, and so on.  That doesn't mean that your activities and eating habits and attitudes are the same.

So, I have come to learn that eating when you are hungry is okay.  Eating whatever comes your way is not.  It's okay to go above 1000 calories.  ESPECIALLY when you work out like a beastlord--or beastladybeast.  It's wonderful to eat many vegetables that are fresh and not out of the can (due to sodium levels).  Heck, eat the meatzuhs.  You know you want to....

Anyway, learning from Undressed Skeleton, I am going to attempt to not beat myself up over this splurging. Move on, and keep working.  Just eat more, and eat right. 

Despite my upset with Lose It, it is still a great application to use when monitoring the general calories each workout you do burns.  It can also help you estimate how many calories you ingest according to measuring of food intake and what kinds.  It's easy. Simple.  But, it can fool you and make you starve yourself when you shouldn't have to.

Here's some linkage to the app: Itunes - LoseIt!
                                      Android - LoseIt!

Just Starting

Here's the deal with this BRAND NEW BLOG.....

This is my--Cristina--first attempt to catalog and record things I do with my life.  All thanks to a couple friends of mine, I feel that openly sharing my thoughts, stories and ideas with others will allow the readers to feel that they are not alone...

Recently, I have decided to take a serious effort in doing better for myself.  I am a married woman with no real career and a strong desire to do a lot things.  So, the first step in taking care of myself is to gain superior HEALTH.  Like, not just +10 to stamina, but full on SEXEH woman-beast.

Expect the next few posts to be about meals, their calories, the exercises I do, where I do them, and I will even post pictures of where I run, what I eat, where I yoga, so everyone can be happily jelly with all the wonderful nature front available to me. 

Granted I am just starting hardcore with my "diet" and exercise, so this is to help with accountability and show real time progression so that the readers such as your self can see what to expect.

Now, I am 136/7 pounds depending on the food I ate and the craps I took.  My goal is 120 pounds. I came here this year at 145 pounds and thanks to an Airman named Straw and another named Hicks, I was able to shed most of that weight off.  However, they will not always be here or everywhere I am, so it is time to take the action into my own hands.