I can finally say, Bunchy's got her groove back. I'm back into the routine of going to the gym every day and feeling icky when I don't!!! WOOT HOOT! I am out of the rut.
I've been avoiding strength training. If for no other reason, my neck and shoulder pain are a challenge for sure. I've had an injection in the neck and now one in the shoulder. Numerous chiropractor visits and some time with my massage therapist. The headache on Friday was so bad I decided to forgo the ice the experts insist on and purchased a heating pad. I woke up on Saturday with no headache. I was dancing around the house. After spending 24 hours in pain, I was overcome with joy that it was gone. I'm hoping to add strength back in soon. In the meantime, I've been doing cardio for 45-60 minutes at a time. Yesterday, I had my sweat on for sure.
My friend Belinda has been walking on the treadmill sideways. I decided this is something I need to try. I did not enter into this decision quickly. I had great concern for my physical well being. I had seen Belinda doing this and she had told me how great it was for the outer thighs. Folks, my outer thighs could use some work for sure. Last week I asked Belinda for a lesson. I was scared to let go, but I did it. Yesterday I tried it on my own and didn't even hold on once I got going. Please know, I'm doing this at a slow speed. No need for rushing myself right off the treadmill. In regard to all of the cardio I've been doing, it's an amazing feeling to get your heart rate up and keep it up in that 80% range and know that you are doing your body some good.
I was watching a special episode of Biggest Loser for Thanksgiving. Bob Harper talked about a key in weight loss. The key is if you feel you have been successful you are more likely to keep the weight off than if you don't feel like you've accomplished something. I think in the past my thinking has been something like this "I lost 20 pounds. That was hard. At least I'm 20 pounds lighter. I'm still fat." That was it. I didn't feel success with the loss. I wasn't necessarily even proud. I still felt fat. In this journey I feel successful. I'm losing weight and keeping it off. I'm going to the gym and liking it. (I haven't forgotten the lapse. However, it is huge that I never gave up on going altogether.)Most importantly I feel good about what I am doing for my body.
Another little inspiration from Bob Harper ~
"I tell people to start off small and not change everything all at once. Realize that you are making a "lifestyle change" and not looking for a quick fix. When you begin to make small changes, you start to feel the difference and then you can grow from there. I really do think that if you try to do too much too soon, you can set yourself up for failure. Remember, today is the first day of the rest of your life and, most of all, you are worth it!!!"
Yes I am worth it. That means I'll take that treadmill facing forward or sideways. Whatever it takes!
