What I think about gyms

What I think about gyms...I have been going to the gym basically every week day morning... and I have found out a lot.  I see the hard work and dedication, and the strength and building of confidences and muscles.  I see positivity and people bettering themselves... but then there is this:  the gossip, the drama, and the snickers and dirty looks.

I love going to the gym.  It has been a part of my routine for a few months now and it is a great start to my day (along with my decaf coffee!) With my back still trying to get back to "normal", I alternate between the elliptical and treadmill, but if I am "hurting", it is hard for me just to walk on the treadmill... especially because I never have enough time in the morning! But what I have found is... push hard and you will get results.  When I say "push hard" I don't mean push through injuries - definitely not! Push hard by reaching your limits, and then doing a little bit more - that "little bit more" will make a difference between getting faster results, feeling proud of yourself, and feeling stronger.  And don't forget to stretch!

When my back does start feeling better.. I cannot wait to start taking fitness classes again.  If you have fitness classes offered at your gym, please do yourself a favor and try some out! They definitely push you hard to where you never thought you could do that many push ups or that many kicks and jumps... did I mention the amazing trainers and fitness instructors? They help keep me going, they really do.  I thank them for believing in me and even their smiles help me stay motivated! [Thank you Arleen and Holly]

So, what I think about gyms...
I like them.  For the most part! What surprised me was the negativity.  How dare someone have the audacity to judge someone else for being heavier than them - I never thought I would hear that out loud, but I did.  It made me look at MYSELF and say "do I look bad?" - well, that did not last long.  It doesn't matter what they think.  I am a pretty sensitive gal, but no one is going to ruin my work outs for me.  People announcing that others cannot keep up with them in classes or that it is too crowded? THEN LEAVE.  I am getting my workout on.

What do I think of gyms?
I think that there are a lot of different kinds of people in this world.  It's hard to know what people are going through to make them react the way they do and treat people like they do, but I understand that we do not know everyone's circumstances.  I was brought up to always be respectful and kind and find the good in people, but I cannot expect others to do this - like I said, every person is unique. 

I am here to tell you... that there are "different' people in this world - and yes, they are at gyms.  I have seen and heard the terrible looks and remarks... but I never want you to let that stop you.  I will NEVER let someone ruin a good thing I have going at my gym... I am not skinny and I don't look good in tight clothing (so I try not to wear it!) but I am at the gym for me.  If I let the negativity bother me I wouldn't be hurting anyone but myself.

 So you go ladies and gents - and you get your gym on.  Don't let anyone make you feel like you "shouldn't" be there... stand up for yourself.  And do what's best for YOU.  :) We only get one life... and it's precious. 

So what do I think of gyms?
I think they are a fabulous outlet for you to get fit, strong, and happy!

I believe in YOU!

Getting back on track

Good afternoon! How is everyone's February going?  Cold? That's definitely mine.. I just got back from South Florida and even though I only got to stay a couple days, I realize now why people want to move to Florida..so beautiful.  Anyways, I was on a little vacation, and I definitely indulged  a little bit with my food - I came home, and only gained about a pound, but it's not about weight loss - it's about how I feel and look as well. I walked around a lot which helped keep my muscle tone, but I need to make sure I keep going to the gym like I was... I went today and it felt great to get my heart moving.

I wanted to share with you a great protein bar that I can eat (no nuts!) and one of the only one's I have found out there not to have any nuts at all in it.  The brand is PowerCrunch and the flavor is French vanilla creme - tastes almost like a vanilla wafer and same consistency.  This one does have a little bit of sugar in it (which is why it's great to taste) but I am just happy I could find a protein energy bar that doesn't have a lot of ingredients I am allergic to :) I am sold!

 I also enjoyed an Asian salad today for lunch later on.  You can make one easily at home with your choice of lettuce/spinach, mandarin oranges, chicken, wonton strips, and some ginger dressing. Yum!

 I have to keep going! Spring and summer are just around the corner, and I want to wear something that I will be comfortable in when the warmer weather hits!

 

KEEP GOING!

And if you ever want to get into a Challenge group on Facebook to hold you accountable and have a support system, please let me know! :) I am currently in a great group right now
with my Team Indigo. I even created this workout to do while I have been in the group and wanted to share it - challenge yourself and see if you can do it!

Perspective, Positivity, Power, and Pinterest

I wanted to share with you a couple things that have helped keep me on my positive journey to a healthier me :)

First and foremost, I have to share with you the one tool I have used to help me lose weight over the past year (and even before this past year, but then I sadly stopped) - MyFitnessPal.  Some people have mixed feelings about MyFitnessPal... that calories aren't everything.  Well, I completely agree that if you are only counting calories and not looking at any of the nutritional value of your food, then you could run into trouble and deficiencies.  MyFitnessPal holds me accountable each and every day for every piece of food I eat.  I use it as an overall reflection of how well I ate that day, and how balanced my protein, vegetables, carbs, and fat was for the day.  If I want to splurge and go all out on (for example) an ice cream sundae - I force myself to write down every single topping, scoop, and portion. After a while, I think about it.. and it's not worth it to me. 

So what do you have to lose?  MyFitnessPal is a FREE app and after you log in a food choice, MyFitnessPal saves that information and can remember it for next time - talk about easy.  And there are many foods, restaurants, and brands that you can search for.  If you need a buddy to encourage you as you go, you can add me - my user name is "TeacherLaura" - I am here for you!

I have to admit, that my weight loss journey seems very slow and steady... but that's what it should be.  Exactly that.  And I log in my progress here and there on MyFitnessPal, and what seemed like no progress at all, I have lost 5 pounds exactly one month ago.  Wait.. that's about a pound a week.  Perfect for me :) Perspective.  Positivity.  Power.

For fun recipes, inspiring quotes, and some great workouts, feel free to follow my "Healthier Me" board on Pinterest.  There are so many great pins out there to keep me motivated and staying on track. Thank goodness for Pinterest :)

Keep going on your journey.  You have a bad day? So what.. tomorrow is another day.  You don't gain 10, 20, 30 pounds in a day, you aren't going to lose it in a day either.  Consistency is key... and I know it's tough.  Trust me... but even making small changes will make a difference.