Saturday, January 31, 2009

Exercise Tape Addiction

Today is going to be a busy day.  And I'm pretty pumped about it.  Here's the schedule:

Quiet Time

Exercise

Shower/Get ready

Finish baking bread (the last minute entry for January's Treat of the Month Club...which is our homemade version of a Christmas gift for Andy's dad)

Head to Indy

Late lunch with Mariah and Kory

Pick up my pre-ordered copy of Fireproof

Perhaps scope out the H-L.  Figure out if A has any plans for my birthday gift.  If not, see if we can get it at the H-L.  (Totally joking...it would probably be better for me not to go to Hobby Lobby)

Hang out with Andy's parents

Head home

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I'm majorly excited about today.  But I think I have a problem, and I need to share it.  I'm becoming addicted to exercise tapes.  I told Andy that this week the only weekday  I didn't exercise was Tuesday.  It turns out, I'm kind of liking the feeling of sweating and getting my butt kicked.  I like feeling my muscles burn.  More than that, I like feeling like there's a change in my body.  There may not really be one yet, but I like to think there is.  So far, I think my back feels stronger, and looks a little better, and I'm starting to see my abs tighten up a little. 

Last winter, after exercising twice a week to Leslie Sansone's Walk at Home program, I saw some changes.  It was probably a few months in, but I was getting compliments from some of the ladies at church, and I was really enjoying it.  Then the summer hit, and I slowed down.  To like once a week.  Then the school year started, and I stopped.  And started eating more.  I ballooned a bit.  Gained about 15 pounds before Christmas.  It was bad news. 

So, since Christmas break, I've been slowly working to change my habits again.  I got my new Jillian tape, which still makes me feel like every inch of my body is on fire.  I dusted off my Leslie tapes, and I've been trying to eliminate bad foods...focusing on high fiber, vegetables, fruits, and lean meats.  It's sort of working.  I've lost about 6 pounds this month, which isn't terrible.  Especially since I've had no real structure or routine to this month...just sort of going at it when I feel like it.  I started to meet with some ladies at the church again, but we've only done that three times...and my heart hasn't been in it really.

But, this week, things changed.  I was off for snow and ice after Monday.  And something in me clicked.  I started to really WANT to do my exercise tapes.  So I have.  I did my 20 minute tape with Jillian on Wednesday and Thursday.  When I thought my arms couldn't handle any more pushups and needed a break, I pulled out a 3 mile fat burning Walk Away the Pounds DVD, and realized it was more intense than I had remembered.  Then I followed it up with the Fast Firming sculpting video.  Today, my arms are sore, and it feels good.  I ordered a few new exercises, so I can change things up.  I get bored if I do the same things over and over again.  So I ordered a Pilates DVD and a Hip Hop Dance video from 10 minute solutions.  They have 5 ten minute workouts on each...so if I know that I'll have a busy day, I can get a quick ten minutes in before school.  And two "The Biggest Loser" DVDs--the Cardio Max and Power Sculpt.  And last night, I discovered some new additions to the Leslie Sansone collection that I would love to have.  Perhaps after Frugal February?  The "Walk Away Your Hips and Thighs Kit" (because I'd love to send them south for good...the hips and thighs...thanks Mom and Grandma, really) and the 5 Mile Fat Burning Walk ( I watched a short clip of this one on her website...it looked fast and good), and the 5 mile slim down....where one friendly Amazon reviewer noted that she's seeing a change in her obliques from focusing on them in the ab targeted mile.  I'd love to see a change in my obliques. 

So there you have it...my newest addiction.  Here's to hoping it keeps up.  I'd love to build up my strength and endurance this winter...and then start jogging in the spring.  I told Andy that my goal is to be able to go for jogs with him and keep up this summer.  Instead of him stopping every 30 seconds for me...which is what happened the last time we jogged together.  So, it's time for me to hit the living room for my morning exercise :)

1 comment:

Angie Seaman said...

Ashley,
Thank you so much for introducing yourself on my blog yesterday. It is always great to hear from other Indiana Hoosiers. Ironically, we probably aren't far from your inlaws. We are about 10 minutes away from the fashion mall. We live over in the West Carmel area. What a small world, eh? Anywho, hope you got to try out HOLY COW CUPCAKES yesterday. Small lil' shop with tons of goodness inside. :)

In the meantime, keep in touch. Thanks again for stopping by.
Big hugs,
Angie Seaman
www.angelicagracedesigns.com/blog/
www.angieseamanphotography.blogspot.com/
www.agdprayerblog.blogspot.com/