Moments D461: Squeeze in that workout!

I've been lazy.  It's partially due to the fact that I have two very bruised ankles.  It's partially due to the fact that I've been trying to cram in consulting time for a startup and also catching up with school work.  And it's partially because I haven't been getting to bed on time.  There have simply been too many things to cram into a day and my workouts were trimmed from the schedule.  (On the bright side my ankles are getting better, even though my right still hurts quite a bit!)

Today, as my study break, I decided I was going to squeeze in a workout.  In the end, it was a 90 minute workout.  Surprisingly it wasn't nearly as challenging as I was prepared for after being out of the game (so to speak) for nearly two weeks.  Don't get me wrong.  I struggled.  I cursed.  And I pushed through it with my heavier weights.  I dug deep to push through the pain.  But it wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be.

Now my body has a nice buzz and I feel invigorated to cram in a few more ideas into my head before bed. I also know I will sleep like the dead when my head hits the pillow tonight.

So I'm a little stronger, a little smarter and ready for whatever comes tomorrow.

Moments to pause and invest time in your health.

Moments feeling strong.

Moments D334: A great workout

Today was another day focused on my homework and my coming assignment. Fortunately it was a productive day, which I needed. While there is yet much to do before my deadline, I am that much closer to being finished! Yes that brings a smile of accomplishment to my face, but that isn’t today’s moment - that’s just something I always expect of myself. When it comes down to crunch time, I get it done, no matter what.

Today’s moment is about the fact that I hit the pause button on my homework and spent nearly two hours working on me. I had a 90 minute workout, followed by a luxuriously long, hot shower and a tasty lunch. (Yesterday I don’t I had lunch!) I combined one of my favourite The Firm workouts with one of their newer videos that I have not had the opportunity to try yet - Cardio Party Express. Combined they were a perfect mix of strength training and extra cardio. By the time I was done I was ready to tackle the next 6 hours of homework time.

Even after homework, I felt great instead of drained and I’m sure I will sleep like the dead.

Moments to hit pause and do something good for your health.

Moments D261: Push harder

Tonight I took some time for myself. All by myself. It was productive and lazy and quiet and absolutely what I needed. My moment today stems from being in this place of me. I was home alone and unplugged from the world and I was perfectly content to be in that space.

The first thing I decided to do was get a workout in. I’ve been bad/lazy as of late. Too many gatherings, outings and distractions for me to keep any real schedule. I realized it’s time to get back to something, lest I find myself 40lbs heavier again. And so, I put in one of my favourite workout DVDs and off I went.

And not 10 minutes into the program I realized I have been too lazy. Too lazy indeed. I was already feeling it! It reminded me that when we get lax about things, pieces of what you’ve worked towards fall to the wayside. This is not what I wanted. No way! And so, I pushed a little harder through the pain. With every step, with every lunge, I promised myself I would get back into shape and into a routine to maintain that.

Moments for self.

Moments for health and fitness.

Moments D233: Inspired

Those that know me, know that I’m not very good at taking compliments. In fact I can be quite awkward and uncomfortable with them.

Today I was completely caught off guard with a compliment. It’s been nearly two years now since I dropped 45lbs and have managed to get myself into the best shape I think I’ve ever been in. (Of course, that being said, I’ve put 8lbs back on, but I’m still in better shape than ever!)

Tonight, one of my co-workers and I were discussing the merits of exercise and eating habits. The lifestyle change and the commitment to it. For me, it was pretty simple. Calories in had to be less than calories out. I worked out daily (even if I was tired, I still dragged myself out of bed and did Yoga on those mornings) for many months, I monitored what I was eating and tried to choose more healthy ways to enjoy food. But I never restricted myself. If I ate a Big Mac (one of my favourite bad treats), then I just made sure I worked that much harder in my workout the next day and cut back on the calories that day.

For me, it worked. I feel better than ever before. I’m less regimented now (thus the 8lbs back), but I’m also feeling as though I’ve settled into a new healthier lifestyle. (too much of anything can be a bad thing!)

Near the end of our conversation I was told that I was an inspiration to others. That there were people in the office that talked about me and my journey to a more fit, healthy me. That this story of mine was inspiring to others to take steps to take better care of themselves. WOW. Who knew. I was pretty surprised to hear this news and it made me smile. What an incredible feeling that gave me. Of course it made me smile.

BONUS here? I think I managed to be less awkward with the compliment too.

Moments to share stories and challenges.

Moments to graciously receive compliments.