Embracing Change

Change…it’s such a hard thing to grasp sometimes.  I mean, why do things have to change?  Can’t things just remain the same?  I don’t always think this way, but this has come into play fairly recently on many different levels.

This week, my hubby left for work in Alberta, Canada, which is about 3,000 miles and 3 time zones away.  We knew this was coming, and waiting for the call for a new job, but the reality setting in was a different story.  At first, I was just numb.  I didn’t know WHAT to feel.  It’s  not like this was something new.  This has been my life for the past 7 years.  What made it different was he’d been home for the past 14 months or so.  While our finances took a hit, something else happened…we were a family.  The boys got to know their Dad and he got to know them.  We were a unit and it almost felt normal.  So, when we had to watch him get on a plane Monday morning, it was a little surreal.  Hearing and watching Elijah, our oldest, break down begging for his Dad to stay home was a whole new level of “whoa.”

It’s amazing how one person or one event can have such an impact on your life.  We know it’s for the greater good, and at least he’ll be home every two weeks, but transitioning back to single mother duties is going to be a challenge.  It already has been a challenge.  The emotions, the adjustments, EVERYTHING has shifted.  We’ve all had to make some changes and it’s been a little rough.  Day 3 of Operation Single Mom has commenced, and so far, 80, no 70, no 60% of the kinks have been worked out.  This is going to be a process.

Change has happened in other areas of my life as well.  I’ve embarked on a fitness lifestyle since 2010, and it’s been going great.  So far, my favorite instructor is Chalene Johnson.  I’ve done 3 rounds of TurboFire, and finished ChaLEAN Extreme in December.  This month, I started RevAbs, and as I posted in one of my fitness groups, I was not feeling it.  Here’s what I posted:
“Hey Fitness Pals, so I’ve been doing the RevAbs program now for 17 days, and wasn’t really feeling it (hence the addition of TF here and there.) Then it dawned on me. The reason why I haven’t been getting into it is because I haven’t ALLOWED myself to accept the new workout. I’ve been so used to Chalene Johnson’s technique that I kind of compared the two. I wasn’t open to the change. We all know how we tend to react to change, right? So, this morning when I popped the Power Intervals DVD in for class today, I made a mental note to myself to let go and embrace the workout. Wow, what a difference it made. By changing my mindset just a tiny bit, allowed me to not only have a great workout (I finally did a couple of the full-on Squat Thrusts) but I actually had FUN!!! So, there’s my thought for the day. Embrace change, because it’s what will get you to where you want to go. Take care, and be well, my friends.”

This post is actually what inspired me to write this blog.  Change is hard; change is tough; change forces us to, well, CHANGE!!!  And sometimes we just don’t want to.  But when we are willing to let go, embrace change, and allow what happens to happen, we may be pleasantly surprised at what we find on the other side.

We’re 23 days into 2013, and I vowed this would be a year of change.  I am currently redoing Chalene Johnson’s 30 Day Challenge, which has totally given me a new found energy and drive to tackle my goals.  I have noticed my confidence level coming back; I have more posture and I am handling my tasks with a go-get ’em attitude.  It’s still a process, and by no means am I where I want to be.  But this challenge has given me to push I need to get back on the saddle, re-evaluate my priorities and do the things that will give me the results I seek.

As far as my business goes, I have my goals in place, and doing the right activities that will lead me to my goals.  Many will disagree, many will argue.  Those who catch the vision and see what I see will partner with me and I will help them reach their goals. 

So, while change may be scary, uncomfortable and downright awful to swallow, EMBRACE it!!!  This is a new year to make your dreams come true.  So, decide what you want, seek the information to get you there and put a plan in place to make it happen.

Take care, be well, and until we meet again, never stop dreaming!!!  Here’s to achieving our goals. 

TurboFire – My New Exercise Journey

Today, I started a new workout regime – TurboFire!!!  After having so much success with Power 90, I wanted to take it up a notch, and I have found it with TurboFire.  I’ve completed one day, and man oh man was it intense!!!  Non stop cardio, fast paced, moving to the beat, lots of sweat, but most of all, a GREAT time.  Yes, it’s a workout, but it’s also a party.  Chalene Johnson, the same one who ran the 30 Day Challenge, is the mastermind behind TurboFire.  

Today’s classes included Fire 30 and Stretch 10.  The music is amazing, like you’re at the club or dance hall, and it’s like a bunch of friends getting together to have fun.  It was a great workout, and if all the other workouts are like this, I am in for a treat.  A word of caution – this is an INTENSE cardio workout.  Your heart rate will increase, and you shouldn’t do this workout routine if you a)can’t do a full month of 30 minute intense cardio 3 times a week; b) don’t have a healthy heart or c) have knee or joint problems.  

I do love the fact that there’s the “New to Class” option that takes you through some of the routines step by step and gives you a chance to become familiar with the workouts.  I thought I was going to be too good for the “New to Class” but I’m glad I did it.  I was stumbling on some of the routines, but I picked it up and got back into it.

Tomorrow’s class is HIIT 15 and Stretch 10. It should be another great workout.  I might not post every day, but I will report on my progress.

Until next time, be well.

Power 90 Graduate

On Saturday, December 11, 2010, I completed my Power 90 Exercise Boot Camp.  What an amazing adventure!!!  I lost a total of 8.75 inches total.  Breaking that down, that’s 3″ off my chest; 1″ off my right arm; .75″ off my left arm; 1 1/2″ off my waist; an inch off my hips; 1 1/2″ off my right thigh and my left thigh stayed the same.  I actually gained weight.  My starting weight was 104 lbs and I went up to 105.5 lbs.  Like I said when I originally started this journey, I wasn’t doing this to lose wight.  I’m pretty small as it is.  I was looking to tone up and gain muscle, and boy did that happen. 

How Have I Changed Since Power 90?

For starters, my energy level has increased.  I honestly thought that just running around the house chasing the boys was a workout in itself, but now I definitely notice my endurance level has increased by leaps and bounds.  Add to the fact that I have been very good about taking my Oligo Vitamins and doing my best to eat as healthy as possible, these have all been contributing factors to me being able to stay focused, committed and really push myself each and every day.

My water intake has increased.  I was never really a fan of water, but after this journey, I realized just how important it is to stay hydrated and to put all of that back into your body in a healthy way.  I actually LIKE drinking water now, and I have practically eliminated soda from my diet.   I’ve also cut down on the frozen drinks and have become a big label reader about everything.  It’s so important to know exactly WHAT is in your food and drink and what you’re putting into your body.

“Well that’s all great and everything, but how do you LOOK?”

I’m sure lots of you have been wondering this for a while and you will get to SEE my results, but, first, I’ve got to talk about them.  First off, I have ABS.  Now, I’m not talking about a major six-pack or anything like that, but I’ve got some abs and definition in my tummy area.  Sometimes I do a double, sometimes triple, take in the mirror and am so amazed that my stomach is practically GONE!!!  Now, there’s still some sagging – let’s get real, I wasn’t expecting to get rid of all of the bulge in 90 days, but this is a huge start – and NO SURGERY WAS INVOLVED!!!  But you would hardly believe that I am a mom of 3 boys with this bad boy of a tummy.  Woo-hoo!!!

I’ve got muscles where I never thought possible.  I always had definition in my arms, but, man oh man, it’s like BAM, check out my guns!!!  My chest, arms, back look really great.  On my best day, I was able to do 59 push ups in 60 seconds.  That’s practically a push up a second.  Push ups were never really my best friend, but after this journey, I love, no like doing push ups.  I can do ab work and not cry too much.  On my best day, I was able to complete 195 out of 200 ab reps, and believe me, those reps are HARD!!!

What has this journey taught me?

To be honest, I really didn’t think I was going to finish the whole thing.  I mean, I had started other workout routines in the past, and got some results, but I was never really consistent with them.  What I really love about the Power 90 Boot Camp was that it’s not really that difficult.  Each day, you’re encouraged to go at your own pace and push yourself when you feel you are ready.  I felt the words were genuine and the support is AMAZING!!!  It was so great to have so many others cheering me on every day, encouraging me and telling me that I could do it.  Even my boys cheered me on.  Each time I completed a workout, I got a high five and “Good job, Mom.”  There would be times when they would participate with me.

Well, this is my accountability story and I know it’s a little late, but, I hope you enjoyed reading it.  My next journey will take me to TurboFire and then I will tackle P90X.  Be on the lookout for my stories and results.  Until then, take care, be well and thanks so much for taking an interest in my story.  I hope it’s inspired you to tackle something you’ve been meaning to do but were afraid to.  You’ve got it in you to do whatever you want to do.  Always remember that.  Thanks again.

Dionne

 Day 1

Day 30

Day 60

Day 90

Day 80

Happy December!!!  My goodness, 2010 has gone by very fast.  It’s been literally 20 days since my last post.  Life has been crazy these past 20 days, but in a good way.  Wow, I am only 10 days from completing my Power 90 boot camp, and I am sooo very proud of myself.  Today was Sculpt 3-4 Circuit and I have been kicking butt in my Circuit training.  Monday was a great day for me, in that I rocked on all the push-up routines.  Today was a successful workout as well.  I did 18 Decline push-ups, 30 Wide-Tri-Die push-up sequences and 48 Max push-ups in 50 seconds!!! Woo-hoo!!!  My guns are BLAZING!!!

I am amazed at how much I have accomplished during this journey.  I’ve been pretty fit and I’m fairly skinny, but my endurance and stamina are through the roof.  I can’t wait to see how much I have improved since Day 1 when I take my Day 90 photos and measurements.  Whatever the outcome, I know that I have accomplished a lot and no one can take that from me.  My family has been very supportive and my sons are my biggest fans.  They are constantly cheering me on, adding more resistance to my workouts and ready to offer high fives after I complete each workout.  What more could I ask for?

Now, with all this working out, I assure you I will not become one of those crazy workout freaks.  I do, however, plan to continue incorporating some form of exercise into my daily routine.  Believe me, I am a very busy mom, but when you have a drive and determination, you can accomplish ANYTHING, if you put your mind to it.


I plan to be more diligent in my posts for the next 10 days.  After my journey is complete, I will post pics.  Hope everyone has a great day.  Take care and be well.

Day 60

Wow, I can’t believe I have been 60 days into the Power 90 Workout.  Today was Sweat 3-4, Cardio/Abs and it felt like a major turning point in this journey.  I had a great workout this morning, pushed myself a little bit just to see if I could do it, and I did pretty well.  I really got into each workout routine as if this were the end.  I still have yet to do the full 200 abs.  Today I barely did 190 out of 200.  Those full body crunches are a killer.  I can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel and the journey has been so amazing.

Today was also my measurement day and there have definitely been some changes since I started 60 days ago.  I have toned up in the tummy area, lost inches on my waist, hips, thighs and chest :o( – [kidding] and my arms are looking FIERCE!!!  I am so proud of myself for doing this and knowing that all this hard work is yielding some great results.

The best part about this whole experience is how I have incorporated exercising in my daily routine, and believe me, I have a lot on my plate as it is.  It just goes to show that it doesn’t matter how busy or hectic your life may be.  If you have the determination, drive and dedication, you can and will achieve anything.

Until next time, be well and take care.

Just 30 days left…

Day 59

Another early morning wake up call, thanks to Isaac.  I’m actually finding these 5am wake ups to be okay.  What is the point of whining and complaining?  Instead, I’ve decided to use this time to workout.  Today was Sculpt 3-4 Circuit training.  I alternated between the weights and the resistance bands and did really well with my push ups once again.  For my Max push-ups and Squats, I did 35 for both in 45 seconds.  I thought I’d be able to do more, but the arms and legs were not having it.

The boys love to create challenges for me, as usual.  Today was no different.  Isaac decided my arms would make a tasty snack while I was attempting my push-ups.  I don’t know how I managed to get through all of them, but I did.  Justus, as usual did the stretches and attempted the decline push-ups and Elijah was my mini Tony Horton :o)

Hopefully the boys will sleep tonight and we shall see what tomorrow brings.  Until next time, take care and be well.

Day 58

This morning, the boys decided 5:30 was the time to wake up this morning.  At first, I have to admit, I was not happy about it.  Seriously, guys, 5:30?!?!?!?  Well, I decided to make the most of the early morning wake up call and after I fed them, got right into my Sweat 3-4 Cardio workout.  I’m not sure if it was because it was so early in the morning or my adrenaline was pumping because it was so early in the morning, or because I was a little upset that they woke me up so early, but I had a GREAT workout this morning!!!  I really upped the ante this morning and really brought it.  Even my leg exercises were more on point.

As always, I had fun with the punches.  I think each time I do the punches, I think about all those who have done me wrong, or feel the need to treat me and my family and friends badly.  It really is a great way to release some tension, aggravation and anger.  I’ve got my target in my sights and I let ‘er rip!!!

I did about 185 out of 200 Ab reps this morning.  Today, all three boys decided to add some resistance to the routine, with a twist.  They each decided it would be a good idea to tickle me or give me extra raspberries while doing my sit-ups.  It was too much and they had me on a laugh fest.  It was all good, and I’m not really complaining.  I’m just so happy that they are so understanding, supportive and my biggest supporters during this amazing journey.

My weigh-in, measurements and photos are in two days and to say that I’m excited is an understatement.  At this point, some of my clothes are hanging and my upper body is really toned.  I don’t need to lose any weight.  I’m mainly working on toning and firming up those problem areas.

Until next time, be safe and be well.

Day 57

Today was Sculpt 3-4 Circuit training, and it was a great workout.  My push-ups are getting stronger each routine and I am able to do more during each segment.  The toughest ones have been the decline push-ups.  Your legs are on the chair and you’re on an angle.  Those are tough, and to do 15 off the bat was not an easy feat.  These past 2 workouts, I’ve done 15 reps of the decline push-ups without too much strain, but they still need some work.

I love working with weights and I’ve also gotten over my “fear” per se of the resistance bands and incorporated them into my workouts.  They work great for the biceps and with the endurance workouts, but for my other workouts, I like using the weights.  I might even be so bold as to say my 5lb weights are starting to feel a little light and I may have to shop for heavier weights.

My favorite workouts are still the lunges and Max push-ups and squats.  I’m still at 35 push-ups in 45 seconds and 34 squats in 45 seconds.  This is really nothing to be upset about, because when I think about it, throughout the entire workout, I’m doing lots of squats and push-ups.

This week will be the 60 day mark…more pictures, weigh-in and measurements.  I’m excited and can’t wait to see how much I’ve improved since Day 30.  Tomorrow is Cardio/Abs – my favorite.  Until next time, be well and take care.

Day 55

I completed day 55 of my Power 90 workout – Sweat 3-4 Cardio.  There is something about doing Cardio that I really, really love.  If you want to release some tension, or if someone’s pissed you off to no end, Cardio is the way to go.  It’s 45 minutes of stretching, power yoga, leg work, jumping jacks, kicking, punching and ab work.  I have definitely improved since Day 1.  Before, I could barely get through the ab work, now I’m doing 190-195 ab reps out of 200.  My favorite routine by far are the punches.  Jabs/Cross, Hook Uppercuts, Body Blows – oh man, talk about a rush.  My stretching and Power Yoga have improved as well.  I’m gaining flexibility again and it feels really great.

There’s still room for improvement.  I need to work on my leg work.  I start out great, but by Round 3, I’ve lost steam.  The boys have been really good about allowing me to workout as well.  Most of the time, they want to participate, which is an added bonus.  The help add to my ab work, especially, Isaac, my youngest.  He likes to lie across my stomach or chest while I’m doing my crunches (or give me raspberries.)  If I don’t get a good laugh out of it, it’s not a successful ab routine.

Tomorrow is a rest day and this coming week will be another photo/weigh in/measurement day.  It’ll be interesting to see how much I’ve improved on Day 60.

Until next time, be safe and enjoy your day.

My Power 90 Adventures

I never said I was great at blogging, but I am going to try…

I’ve done many workout routines before.  In fact, I was doing really well with my Windsor Pilates, except it finally gave out.  I’d seen infomercials about P90X and Tony Horton, and it looked interesting, but I wasn’t ready for that kind of commitment.  So, with the help of my friend, Suzanne Rogers she suggested I start with Power 90.

On Monday, September 13, I began my Power 90 journey, and I won’t go into too much detail about my past workouts, but I will say this – I am seeing results and the results are great.  Power 90 is a 90-day workout boot camp.  Throughout your journey, you track your progress and on days 1, 30, 60 and 90, you take photos and document your measurements.  You workout 6 days a week and rest for one day.  Each day is alternated between Sculpt/Circuit training, which includes weights, push-ups and squats.  The alternate day is Sweat/Cardio training, which includes lots of leg work, jumping jacks, kicking, punching and Ab work.

Power 90 is broken up into Phases.  Phase 1-2 introduces you to the routines and gets you and your body used to the workouts.  The routines last about 45 minutes and you go at your own pace.   You transition into Phase 3-4 on Day 30 and the routines are a little more intense, you go at a faster pace and they last between 35 and 50 minutes.  

The one thing you need to remember with the Power 90 workouts is you go at your own pace and always listen to your body.  I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve worked out in the past, but what’s great about the Power 90 boot camp is that I have incorporated my workouts into my daily routine.  I like to workout in the mornings anywhere between 6 and 10 am.  The boys are great motivators and my Mini-Tony coaches.  They love to encourage me and do some of the routines with me.  It’s a family thing.


Today was Day 54 of my Power 90 Boot camp, and I finished Sculpt 3-4.  My favorite routines in this workout are the Max Push-ups and Max Squats.  My best so far have been 40 push-ups in 45 seconds and 35 squats in 45 seconds.  I am definitely seeing results in my arms, abs and my endurance level has improved.  With that said, these results are NOT only due to the workouts.  I take my Oligo vitamins daily, my eating has improved, and I have made changes in my lifestyle to compliment these changes.  All these things put together have contributed to me feeling healthier, less tired and able to get through my day.


I’m not posting pictures until I complete the Power 90 Boot Camp.  I don’t want to get too cocky and think that because I’ve made progress  that I can slack off.  I will also do my best to post each day after completing my workout routine.


Until then, be well, and stop by soon.