Went walking with Melinda today, in the heat of the day, to the pharmacy and the library. I was pretty out of breath and she had to slow down for me. But it gives me the desire to commit again.

Jen's week 4

Monday- nothing, I had an early doctors appointment
Tuesday- jog 3 miles
Wednesday- turbo jam
Thursday- jog 3 miles
Friday- jog 2.25 miles on treadmill

It was a good week!  I already have a start on week 5. 

Jen's week 3

I almost forgot to post for last week! 
Monday- jog 3 miles
Tuesday- pilates
Wednesday- jog 3 miles
Thursday- turbo jam
Friday- jog 3 miles. 

Hopefully I can keep going 4-5 days a week! 

Ellen's Efforts

Because my foot had been hurting, I decided to give up walking for a while and go with riding the exercise bike. I also started doing some weight lifting, roughly following the Body for Life program. So, on Monday three weeks ago I worked on upper body, on Wednesday I did lower body, and on Friday I did upper body again. Plus, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday I rode the bike for 20 minutes each day. Then the second week I did lower body on Monday, upper body on Wednesday, and lower body on Friday. Repeat with the bike. Third week, same as the first. Now I've started the fourth week, and I need a little umph in me. Didn't ride the bike this morning, but Melinda encouraged me to go for a walk with her and Oceana. I was surprised at how out-of-breath and tired I was. I appreciate Melinda's encouragement! We walked to the post office and the library, so I guess we walked for over 20 minutes. Even though BFL says you only have to do aerobics for 20 minutes a day, I've recognized that I need to increase that time. And I still prefer walking over biking, so hopefully I can start doing that some more. In fact, Julie reminded me about the Freedom Festival's Fun Run on July 4, and I've entered the 1-mile event with her and Olivia. I'm excited to participate!

Jen's week #2

I wanted to try to exercise 4 times this week, but only made it 3.  On Monday, I jogged 2 miles on the treadmill, on Tuesday i did pilates, and today I jogged for 2 miles on the treadmill.  Now, keep in mind that when i say jog, its a jog/walk.  I jog for a quarter if a mile, then walk for a quarter.  Hopefully ill be in more shape soon enough that when i say jogged for 2 miles, it will be the full 2 miles I jogged.  My friend got back from California last night, so i plan to exercise with her 4 days next week.  I hope I can get up on time! 

Jen's week

first post on this blog...  Okay, on Tuesday and Wednesday, I jogged for 3 miles.  Today I did turbo jam fat blaster.  I'm feeling good!

walking

I got a battery for my pedometer and it has encouraged me to get out and walk! I have done 12,000 steps yesterday and today. My goal was 10,000 steps a day, so I am feeling good!!!

Friday's Walk

On Friday I walked over an hour delivering fliers to homes in our ward. Tomorrow I start a daily walking program.

Back in action!

Since I thought I was going back to Bastrop last week I didn't actually get to go to jazzercise. Today I went back and I got a little worn out! I gotta get back in the groove!

Well, even though I didn't go a week I still lost another pound. Yay!

In four weeks when we go back to Bastrop I will get my measurements done there and I can see how many pounds and inches I have officially lost since starting! (we did pre measurements when I first started going) I can't wait!

Walked and Walked and...

Yesterday I went for a walk for 42 minutes. Not fast or hard. At the head of the pond I heard a rustling noise and looked up, and a herd of deer were running across the field and up the hill at the top of the pond. Today I walked for 35 minutes, doing the four laps around the Knoll park again. My heart rate was higher today than yesterday. I've had a cold for a few days, so maybe it's because my heart had to work harder to get oxygen through my blood. Or maybe it's because I'm getting over the cold and was able to go faster. Not sure, but it felt good to get out, even though I'm tired now.

Just Danced for 30 min.

That's it. I finally managed a little workout. It wasn't much but it worked up a little sweat and increased heart rate for me. I'll try to do more this week.

Walked Laps

This morning I walked around the walking path at Knoll Park 4 times. Wednesday when I walked around it once, the goose hissed at me, and I didn't do it again. But today the goose and other fowl, i.e., ducks, just sat, each on its own leg with its head tucked under its wing, and paid me no mind. It was a beautiful day for a walk, and the pond was especially pretty.

30 minute walk

I knew I needed to do something today, so I made myself step outside the door and go for a walk. Along the way I visited with Louise Fausett, and then Christine Weight. So it wasn't anything like unto a workout. But I did get out, and it felt good. I appreciate the continued encouragement and support from all of us.

Week something or other

Monday, Keegan, John, Oceana and I went back to urban air. John wanted to check it out. He jumped for a few minutes and then gave me the wrist band so I could jump. I probably jumped 30 ish minutes. And I got in a game of dodgeball :)

John has been getting himself and Brenda motivated to eat better and loose some weight. He went to the gym with Keegan and swam a quarter mile on Monday (7 laps), and then swam 10 today, so cool!

On Monday I also did 20 minutes of the P90X yoga video. I used to be able to do the full hour and a half! I was busy with errands yesterday but today I made jazzercise.

I lost half a pound from last week, yay! My goal is to lose 1/2 pound to 1 pound a week.

I didn't do so great over the weekend on my diet (still a lot better than I used to do), but I'm getting more veggies today and will be back on track!

Last week

I finished out the week with jazzercise on Friday, and an hour of jumping in the trampoline at a place called urban air that I was lucky enough to discover. I got it set up so me, Keegan and Kadin got to go and it was a blast!!

15 minutes, almost

Today I did the exercise video for almost 15 minutes: the warm-up, the first aerobic interval, and the toning up to but not including the triceps chair presses and the push-ups.

Jazzercise 4.3

Went there and did that. Weighed in and compared to the scale in Bastrop I've lost two pounds. I know, I know, you're supposed to weigh in on the same scale but since I can't right now, I'll be happy with my possibly two pounds.

I've been tracking my calories for three days now and it's been a great tool! It even has an option for me to add my own recipes for quick reference later on. I love it!

Jazzercise 4.2

I went to jazzercise today and I did a couple of things different. First, I made sure I was on time. Second, I was happy about it. Those two things made it so I had an amazing workout. I kept up with the whole routine and was pouring sweat. I guess attitude and full commitment go a long way!

Back at it! Jazzercise 4.1

I did my jazzercise yesterday. I guess while I was gone they switched the whole routine so I had to learn all new moves. Because of this I don't feel like I really worked out all that much. I'm actually getting really discouraged with jazzercise. I don't feel like I'm coordinated enough to do it properly enough to get the full benefits but we already paid for the whole pass up until May! So I feel like I need to keep doing it to get our money's worth.

In other news, I have been trying to eat better things and proper portions and I found a great tool that I want to share. You may be interested. myfitnesspal.com is a free website that allows you to track your caloric intake for the day. First you start out giving them info, like height, weight, fitness goal etc and they give you a recommended caloric intake to meet for the day based on that. It's really simple to input your info each day because they have a huge database of foods to choose from! I was able to find kroger brand granola, olive garden food, a specific brand of protein shake, hidden valley ranch, spring mix salad, etc. They have EVERYTHING in EVERY BRAND so you can get as close to accurate results as possible. You can also input your exercise for the day, which will factor into your calories for the day. And at the bottom it will tell you how many carbs, fats, and proteins you are getting for the day. It's simple.

For those of you who have smart phones, you can get the app for it and that is free as well. It has a 5 star rating, which is better than any of the apps that you have to pay for.

Another great benefit is that it's like a social networking thing. If you make a profile and find me, we can be encouragment buddies and help track each other's progress.

I encourage all of you to at least try it, for a week or two, if only just for informations sake for yourself. It'll help you get an exact idea of what and how much you are consuming and, just as importantly, HOW MUCH.

myfitnesspal.com

my username is goose626, find me!

Today's Walk

I went for a walk today, again, not hard, and not really long, either. Forty minutes. Picked up a few more cans. It snowed on Sunday, and today it's overcast with a light drizzly rain that is washing some of the snow away. It's a nice day for a walk!

Week 3 Day 1

I did the video this morning. I did 10 push-ups. I've noticed that on those leg-lift things, I am better able to do them. It used to be that every time I pulled my leg in or bent my knee, I would feel a sort of a catch in the back of my upper leg. But I don't feel that anymore, and it is easier to do those. For the arms, I used the 5-pound weights, because I haven't gone and bought 3-pounders, and it was a killer. I'm going to be feeling that tomorrow, I think! But I did it, and felt invigorated for it, even though I was losing my form on those last shoulder-raises.

My goal this week is to do the video two more times--either Wednesday or Thursday, and again on Saturday--and to go walking twice--Tuesday and either Wednesday or Thursday. Friday will be my rest day this week, as we have our day planned from early morning till evening-time. (I'm going to a conference with Dad at the U of U that morning, and then we're going to the Salt Lake temple that afternoon with Grandpa and Glenda to do sealings, and then to Mike & Jen's that evening. It will be a good day, I think!)

Week 3, 3 days of video, one vigorous walk

I had hoped to do my video 4 times this week but didn't quite make it. I did get a good walk in on my missed day though so I am satisfied. Today I didn't actually do the whole video either, I pooped out after the second aerobics circuit.

My plan for next week: Do my video 3 days doing all of the strength training and aerobics segments on all three days. I haven't done that yet, but if I only do it three days I should be able to fit it in. On the other two days I plan to walk or just dance or do some yoga depending on how I'm feeling.

Week 2 Day 3

I did the video this morning. Did only 8 push-ups and 12 bench triceps presses. My favorite part is the stretches at the end. Like Josie, I am getting a bit more flexible. So I've completed two weeks of the three-week challenge. I think next week I will increase my weights. Maybe I'll buy some 3-pound weights, because the next size I have is 5-pounds and I'm not sure I'm ready for that. We'll see.

A nice long walk and some Yoga

Tonight I went on about a 30 minute long walk walking pretty fast. I went up steep hills and when I was almost done I decided to do some more. It felt good to exercise outside, thanks for the idea Mom. I was surprised that I went so long and so far and didn't really even get out of breath. I really am getting more stamina! After I get the kids to bed I will be doing 15-20 min of Yoga.

And as for my plan for everyone else, my plan is for you guys to get your own plans! Just kidding. I hope to keep exercising and I hope you all will too and we can keep helping each other. I hope you all get feeling better and I hope I don't get sick! And reading over that again, that sure is a lot of hopes.

Walking

Went for another walk today. Forgot to bring a bag. Picked up cans and couldn't carry them all, so left two different piles to go back for. Went to the pharmacy and picked up my prescriptions, asked for a grocery bag, and went back for the cans. Turned into an hour and a half long walk. Nothing fast or hard, just long and good.

p.s.

Melinda, a little bird told me that you've got a sore throat and aren't feeling real well right now. Just want you to know that it's okay to rest when you need to, and when you're ready to do it again, we'll be right here for you.

You too, Brooke and Jen!! We love you girls!!!

Week 2 Day 2

I did it! It took me till this afternoon to get around to doing it, but I've done the video twice now so far this week. When it got to the chair triceps press (which I don't like!), I skipped it and rested and then went for the push-ups, doing all 16 of them!!! Then, after doing the triceps with the weights, I felt stronger like I could do those chair presses after all. So at the end of the video, while the music was playing, I did 16 chair triceps presses.

This is so good for me to have you girls encouraging and doing it with me. "When I'm discouraged and think I cannot try,"... I think of how you girls are doing it, too, with your little ones underfoot, and I just know that "I will go, I will do!"

Thank you!!!!

Week 3: Day 2

Yep, I did it again this week. I'm getting more flexible and can barely reach my toes when doing a hamstring stretch. I don't remember the last time I could do that. 2 more days this week and I will have met my three week goal and everyone better be telling me I look amazing! Actually though I don't think I look any different at all.

2nd day of goal

I did it. I was planning on putting Nathan down for a nap and I did. He just wouldn't fall asleep. So he chased me again. Not as bad as last time. It felt good to exercise toady. I really had to push myself to start, but once I got going it was feeling good. I can feel the muscles that I worked.

Walk

I got my walk for the week done today. I walked down 450 West (Sheen Road, that leads to the freeway) to 400 North (where the walking path is) then up Main Street and back to the highway and home. It took me 42 minutes. I didn't push myself, and my 'high' heart rate was about where my 'average' heart rate is when I do the aerobics videos. I picked up several aluminum cans along the way, and I plan to donate them to James' and Julie's Disneyland fund. I'll have to start carrying a bag with me from now on. The weather has been sunny, no snow, and the afternoons are perfect for walking.

Week 3: Day 1

I want to thank you all for your motivation. If you all weren't here cheering me on I think I would give up this week because this last Sunday threw me for a loop and I do not feel like exercising anymore. However, I made a three week goal so I am going to stick to it. I did my video today and I feel pretty good. Yesterday I did a couple songs on just dance. I hope to do my exercise video 3 more times this week. Great job to all of you!!!

1st day of goal

I did it! I did the Karen Voight video and it was lots of fun. I ended moving more than the ladies in the video cause Nathan was chasing me...

Week 2 Day 1

I did the video today. More energy than last time. Was able to do 10 of the 16 pushups and 10 of the 14 chair triceps presses. I'm going to track what I eat today too.

Goal for next week

I am writing this here so that I can have some accountability. I am going to do an exercise video 3 times next....

Week 2: 4 Days

I made it through 4 days of exercise this week. I feel great! I lost another pound too so now I'm about back to the weight that I'm comfortable with and feel good about. Today I did not want to exercise but I forced myself to because of my 4 day a week goal. I don't have as much energy when I don't get much sleep.

So next week my goal is another 4 days!

Third Time

I did the video for the third time today, so I met my goal. Just want to share a recap of how it went for me this week. Both Monday and today I didn't have much energy, and it showed in my lower heart rate on each of those days. Plus, Wednesday's workout, when I had more energy, affected my abdominal muscle. I heard once that when you do crunches or an ab workout, the muscle that's working is actually quite a small one that sits right below the diaphragm. Well, that's where I felt some soreness for the past two days. It's amazing that that little muscle can lift my whole upper body. So it was good to rest for two days instead of one; at least, that's my justification for not working out yesterday.

Next week's goal: do the video three times again, plus go for a walk one other day.

Change 3.4

Today I took a break from jazzercise and instead did interval jogging/walking with Oceana for 20 min. I had to push myself but the running I did do came easier to me than I expected. I came home and did 20 sit ups and 20 push ups after. I feel better today than yesterday.

Jazzercise 3.3

I did my jazzercise yesterday and I really didn't feel that great after. My sciatic nerve was hurting and I didn't really have much energy during and after.

Still Going Strong and Feeling Great!!!

I'm on week two of my challenge and I've done my aerobics video 2 times this week. Mon. and today. Yesterday my neck and back were a little sore so I just did some gentle yoga and stretching. I"m excited because I feel good and I've lost 2 pounds! I'm also trying to eat healthy and snack on nuts and fruits and veggies instead of granola bars and bean brownies.

The hardest thing for me is finding the right time to do the workout. My schedule changes so much by the day that I end up squeezing my workout in whenever I can and that doesn't always go well with the kids. Any ideas for how to entertain them for 40 min. while I clock in my time?

I did it

I did the Karen Voight-Elle MacPherson video today. That's two for two so far this week. One more to go. I had more energy than I did two days ago. And I remembered Melinda's advice to smile and pretend that I'm the one giving encouragement to others. It helps a lot to think that way.

Also, Talena, Jen, and Josie, Melinda let me an administrator for this blog, because I wanted to change a few things up a bit. One of things I did is added your email addresses so you would receive these posts. (If you want me to take you off, let me know and I will.) Another thing I did was change the color of the font on the date so it would stand out from the background more clearly. Anyway, I appreciate the opportunity to help motivate each other. I think y'all rock!!

Jazzercise 3.2

I went to jazzercise today and I got an awesome workout! Those old ladies kick my bootie! Our instructor is 61 and goin strong! I hope to be like her when I'm 61.

Addendum

Because I was So late to jazzercise I came home and did 24 lunges and 20 squats before feeding Oceana. I'm feeding her now and Once she's asleep I plan on doing an ab routine.

Jazzercise 3.1

Yesterday, instead of working out, I got caught up in a conversation with Brenda. Jazzercise is a 9 every day and I know there are other classes later I could have gone to but 9 works out great with Oshi and I. And I was lazy. And that laziness stayed with me all day. Basically, I didn't work out Saturday, Sunday or Monday.

I went to jazzercise today but ended up being 15 minutes late and my moves were uncoordinated, clumsy and not a complete effort. I realized that in order to keep myself motivated and working out I need to do something every day. Mon-fri I'm planning on jazzercise. Saturday I'll either go jogging or an exercise video. Sunday I'll take 20-30 minutes to stretch. Sunday isn't really going to be a work out so much as just keeping a routine. I need this routine because after a weekend of relaxation, I don't feel like going on Monday and on Tuesday I'm trying to get back into the groove of things so my workout isn't nearly as coordinated or intense as Friday, after I've been doing it all week. I hope that makes sense. :)

Basically, 9 am, every day, I will be doing something to benefit my physical well being.

Aerobics Video

I did the Karen Voight-Elle MacPherson video today. 40 minutes of it. Not much energy, and I didn't finish the whole thing, but it's a start.

I'm Inspired

Dear Melinda and Josie,

Thank you for exercising, and for blogging about it. It helps me want to do the same. Josie, I'm going to join you in your Karen Voight/Elle McPherson video experiment. This coming week I plan to do that video 3 times. Melinda, I'm proud of you for going to the Jazzercize class. Keep it up!

You Go, Girls!

Love, Mom

4 Days

I did my Karen Voight and Elle Macpherson video 4 days this week! Mon, Wed, Thur, and Sat. I feel...tired. But Kind of good. My goal is 4 days next week too and to feel awesome by the end of next week!

Jazzercise, week 2

This week we have been up in the fort worth area. I was able to find jazzercise up here and went to if Tuesday, Thursday and today. Monday I didn't have a car and was just plain lazy. Wednesday there was flash flooding going on and I didn't want to risk driving in it.

At first I thought jazzercise was an ok workout but I had a feeling I would have to do other things on the side to feel complete--I stand corrected. The better I learn the moves and do them correctly, the more intense it gets!

This jazzercise has been so great in many different ways. I'm working out, with a group that keeps me motivated. They watch Oceana for me, which is good for both of us! She's getting more and more attached to me, so its good. :)

Day 3

Another Jazzercise class today! I'm still learning the moves but I think once I do I will be able to feel more of a burn. Not that I don't already, but I wasn't as sore as I would have liked to be yesterday from the first class. Either way, though, I know I'm burning fat because I know my heart rate goes into the fat burning zone and stays there the whole hour. yay! Jazzercise is more aerobic than anaerobic and I think that's also why I haven't got as sore as I would have expected to. I'm used to working out to feel painfully sore, but only being slightly sore and knowing I got a great workout is quite nice.

Day 2

My friend, Tracey, and I went walking yesterday at the park with our little babinos. She has a 4 month old, Eli. I didn't time the walk but I'm guessing around 20 minutes. We were talking a lot too, so I think that burns extra calories. ;)

Jazzercise

Hey, I'm doing Jazzercise now. There are fifteen weeks until the first of May, when we leave, so I bought a prorated pass until then. I did my first day of class today and it was so much fun! I did get tired, but I can't wait to do more!