Day 27: Abs & Speed 1.0 = double workout Thursday

Day 27: Abs & Speed 1.0 = double workout Thursday.  Two workouts --- not what I wanted to do, but just what I needed.  It took my mind off things and I was in the zone!  I was in too much of a hurry to get going and once I was done I forgot to take any photos, so this T25 photo will need to do :)

It's been a long week, and I'm SO glad tomorrow is FRIDAY!!  Too bad I'm on call for the week-end, but I'm still looking forward to it.  Tomorrow we're going to Pollock to see my nephews, I'm super excited to see everyone and see those little fellas all dressed up for Halloween.

This post is short, I'm back on the early shift tomorrow and I need to finish a few things & get my bum to bed!  

Day 26: Total Body Circuit.

Day 26: Total Body Circuit. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again....these one-armed shoulder touch things are TERRIBLE!  I mean really, holding yourself up with one arm, while balancing on your toes, and trying to use your core to successfully touch your shoulder with your other arm without toppling over...who thinks of this stuff ha!  BUT...yes there is always a but....I LOVE how it works my arms and core!

Today was my Groundhog day...was just about as terrible as yesterday BUT (see there it is again), I did a better job of keeping my attitude in check and getting over what was bothering me.  Tomorrow is a new day and I'm hopeful for a better day :)

With that said, I need to eat some supper, do the dishes and finish some work.  Happy Hump Day Friends!

Day 25: Lower Focus

Day 25: Lower Focus.  Holy geez my lower body is feeling it! 

I had a terrible day at work, it was one thing after another.  But I'm trying this new thing where when something bad (or annoying) happens, I do my best to think of a positive and move on.  Well that did not work at all this morning, but by the afternoon I put my positive foot forward, and got back to it!

With that said, I really didn't want to workout when I got home --- tough workday, crummy day outside, long drive home and all I could think about was how I'd like to lay on the couch and be lazy.  Well I again, got over it.  I got home and first thing I did was put my workout clothes on and push play.  And once again, I did not regret it.  It was slow going, but after a few minutes I got my focus on and finished my workout strong!

Well I need to go get supper going --- have a good evening friends! #TheQuestContinues

Day 23 (Sunday) Cardio & Day 24 (Monday/Today) Total Body Circuit: Yesterday got so busy, I didn't get a chance to do my Cardio post so I'm including it in today!

Both days of workouts were tough - but in a good way. I love how T25 is ...consistently pushing me and making me work. This bod isn't going to get into shape by sitting around...I mean that's what got me out of shape in the first place.

Today is a day off from work and for the first time in a long time I'm actually NOT doing any work. I do need to later for about 15 minutes but other than that, and checking my email once earlier I'm NOT doing anything work-related and it feels great. Sometimes you really just do need to take a real day off and focus on anything but work.

I slept in today...which was amazing but it came with a sore back - not sure when I got so old that laying in bed for more than 7 hours becomes a problem ha! But minus the sore back it felt great! I was a bit lazy after getting up but then got my bum in gear. I'm almost done with the laundry, my workout is done, next I'm going to clean up our mess outside from putting the window in over the week-end and then I think I'm going to carve me a pumpkin. Yes, my name is Jessica, I'm 30 years old, and I'm going to carve me a pumpkin Other than carving one for a work thing to raise some money, I haven't carved a pumpkin in years. It's the little things in life that keep it fun!

Well I best finish my to-do list so I can relax before getting back into work-mode for the rest of the week. Happy Monday friends!

Meal Prep

If you want to be successful, I've learned you need to plan and prep.  

Today I made a plan for our meals this week.  Then I went to this store & then came home and prepped the meals I needed to. 

Once the crockpots are done, all I need to do is dish up the food in containers - so easy and it took me less than 2 hours 😃

It's been a busy Friday and Saturday so far!! 

Yesterday in my challenge group was flex Friday, so I just had to share my flex pix...finally a little muscle peeking out!  Also yesterday, we went to an amazing concert: Cassidy Pope, Randy Houser (LOVE him), and Dierks Bentley (new found LOVE for him).  They put on a hell of a show and I had a great time 😊

Today was busy but soon it will be fun.  We got another window in at the house so I'm glad that's done and the mess is cleaned up. This afternoon, since the weather is amazing out again, we're going on a Ranger Run.  Good friends and good times - going to be a fun day!

Day 19: It's Thursday so that means DOUBLE workouts! Total Body Circuit & Abs today. It was a tough workout, but that just means I have the next two days break from T25, woot!

It's been a long work week and I'm ready for the a long week-end and to not be on call any longer. Even better, tomorrow night is concert night - SO excited to see Randy Houser & Dierks Bentley :)

This girl is exhausted and is checking out early tonight. Happy Thursday friends!

Day 18: C-A-R-D-I-O.

 

Seriously I have a major love/hate relationship with this 25 minute workout.  I like cardio....the kind where I'm running and enjoying a change of scenery.  Don't get my wrong, during T25 Cardio you're working and moving but I just can seem to enjoy myself during this one. What keeps me going is knowing I'm burning those calories and how I feel afterwards, which is AMAZING! 

 

Today was one of those days where I was SUPER busy at work, but I didn't feel like I got anything accomplished until about 1/2 hour before I left.  Do you ever have days like that?  It seemed to be just as I was focusing on something and getting a good run at it, the phone would ring, or someone would come over to my desk, ect. Oh well, I know even though it doesn't feel like it I did get a lot done - so I guess I'll take that as a successful hump day in the books!

 

Supper is just about ready so I'm off to enjoy that and a little well earned relaxation!

 

PS: There should be an app to amplify how sweaty one is after these workouts...that after photo doesn't do any justice #justsaying

Day 17: Lower Focus.  My legs are a'burning!!  This workout has two burnout rounds and it makes you earn a fit lower body for sure.  It's only 25 minutes, but those burnout rounds make you give just a little more and doing it twice wore this girl out!

 

I like this particular workout, as I'm all about getting one's lower torso in to shape.  One workout I've enjoyed are the 1 leg calf raises --- I've always neglected my calves so I'm digging this move. 

 

I know this post is short, but I have some work to do tonight - so I best get to it!  #TheQuestContinues

Day 16: Speed 1.0. Today's workout felt GREAT!  I was super excited I was able to keep up the entire time except a bit toward the end.  The last few weeks it's been touch and go, so it's SO awesome to know I'm improving :) 

 

Beings yesterday was treat day and we went out for supper last night, I didn't have any leftover for lunch today.  I had errands to run today, so had to grab lunch.  Before that would have been fast food, chips, gas station foods...so junk ha!  Well today I got some chips and dip - health style!  Carrot chips and hummus and it was so, so good.  It filled me up and I was good to go until snack time. 

 

For a Monday today wasn't too bad of a day, and with that I'm off to enjoy supper! 

Day 15: Total Body Circuit. Oh man I needed this workout today.  I'm oncall for work and it's been steady busy so I squeezed my workout in but didn't have time to take some fun photos. So today's picture is to document the AWESOME weather we're having today. Middle of October in ND and I have the windows open and flip flops on...I could get used to this but know it is short lived, so I'm enjoying it! 

Today is my treat day and so we're going out for supper!  Not sure what I want to splurge on yet but I know I'll find something.  Happy Sunday friends 😃 

Where do you stand when it comes to scales???  Do you determine your progress on them OR do you look to a combination of measurements, how your clothes fit, and how you feel overall? 

 

I used to be 100% set on the scale, as in it would not only be what would determine my progress, but was also ALWAYS seem to derail what I was trying to accomplish.  I was too focused on a STUPID number, seriously it’s SO stupid.  In my mind I thought: well if I weigh 120 pounds, then I’ll be skinny and happy.  Um ya that number on the scale doesn’t determine your happiness, nor determines if you’re skinny or not.  Everyone comes in different shapes and sizes, that’s just how we work.  If I didn’t see that number go down (mind you I weighed myself every chance I got) I would resort to starving myself which only led to ridiculous over-eating and being even more miserable.  And here comes in my derailment of my progress --- well the number isn’t going down or it isn’t going down fast enough so I’m quitting.

 

So to not ramble on about my dislike for scales, a few years ago I did the best thing ever…I beat that scale with a hammer and tossed it in the trash.  Talk about freeing!  I would still be tempted to weigh myself at the gym, but as with any bad habit the more I didn’t do it the easier it got to not want/need to do it.  I made a choice to determine my progress to be based on my measurements, how my clothes fit, and how I was feeling both mentally and physically.  Best.choice.ever!

 

I’d say about a year ago I did go out and buy a scale and only use it for the following reasons.  Each time I start a new fitness program I take my before photos, measurements, and weight & then when I finish the program I take my after photo along with measurements and weight.  You need to know where you’re starting so you can determine if what you’re doing is working or not.  With that said, if there is anything I hope you get from this is that you take a chance and base your progress in your journey anything but your weight (especially if you are like I used to be and are constantly weighing yourself).  I challenge you to try this for one month: weigh yourself, take measurement, and your before photos.  Then use that month to base your progress on fitting into something you haven’t worn for a long time, how you feel, inches you’ve lost, increase in your energy, you can run faster, you can do more reps, etc --- this list could go on and on.  Then at the end of those 30 days, then take your after photos, your weight, and measurements.  I can almost bet that you’ll feel better, look better, and have a new way of thinking about how to determine you’re progress. 

 

Point of my story here, would be my most recent victory that has to do with this photo. Two years ago I bought the shirt I’m wearing, it’s a spandex-type material so it’s not forgiving it what it shows.  I was able to wear it for about 6 months and then I didn’t feel comfortable in it any longer as it showed everything I was trying to hid under my clothes.  So at that point it went to the back of the closet...you know out of sight, out of mind type thing.  Well this morning I was looking for something to wear and happened to see it.  Thinking it wouldn’t fit yet, but I was curious, I grabbed it along with one of my go-to Friday casual work shirts.  Well I put it on and BAM, fits…and even better, it’s loose 😊 I don’t have to hid anything or suck anything in all day either.  It fits so nice and I’m 100% comfortable in it and super excited to be wearing it again.  It’s the small victories in life that last a lifetime, and I hope you can find them too!  Happy Friday friends!

Day 11: Cardio....and today I felt like Amy when I read I had to do cardio tonight. Ever since I stopped running (reference my Fox run-in), cardio is LAME ha!  But I still do it....every day Shaun T makes me :)  PS Best part it's only 25 minutes, love it!
Tomorrow should be my 1st rest day, but because I wasn't able to workout Tuesday, tomorrow shall be double workout Friday!  I'm on call for work all week-end so I may as well start it off with some amazing workouts.
Well I'm off to make supper and enjoy my night #TheQuestContinues

Day 10: Speed 1.0.  I missed day 9, that thing called life happened.  I got home much later than planned and with my commute each morning, I needed to get my tail to bed.  So I used yesterday as one of my rest days and am shifting my workouts one day.  So, today was day 9's workout. 

I'm so sore after this workout, it's just amazing!  It's all about speed and stretching.  That 25 minutes flew by, but I was so ready to be done with it. 

 

I've had a semi-productive evening: I worked out, did the pile of dishes waiting for me and after my post here its off shower.  Even better, it's leftover night at our house...NO way i'm cooking after doing all those d*mn dishes LOL!  So I'll be raiding the fridge after my shower and relaxing in for the evening.

 

We made it over the hump friends, bring on Thursday!

Day 8: Total Body Circuit.  This workout is NUTS!  You're up down and all over the place, but time flies by...so I like it ha!  I was so sweaty when I got done, it was crazy.  Today was a LONG Monday, so this girl is going to eat some supper and relax until bedtime. I will say that my workout cured my stress and I'm looking forward to my evening now.  #TheQuestContinues

Day 7: T25 Cardio...ya, that was zero fun today ha!  Yesterday was ND Pheasant opener and we walked for 3+ hours and this girl was hurting.  It was like this cardio workout but instead of 25 minutes it was 3+ hours.  My legs are still sore, but it was a great experience and added workout for my rest day! 
This morning we went out and hunted a bit, but otherwise it's been a pretty lazy day.  I am excited for the pheasant and rice that's cooking in the crockpot!  We also went to town and rented a movie, so our lazy day shall continue. #TheQuestContinues

***Last call***  There is still time to join our FREE 7-Day group.  It's all about doing Just One Thing each day for seven days to being a healthier Y-O-U!  Contact me today and I'll get you set up to start the group tomorrow. I'll be in the group as well, and doing this right along with you - I'd love for you to be a part of it! 

Days 4 & 5:  Sorry for no post last night after my workout, but we got home late and when I got done I needed to go to bed.  Today's workout was a double since I have the next two days off.  So it's great I get a two day rest BUT I had to workout twice as hard today.  Cardio was first, followed by Lower Focus...I really don't know how I got up off the floor after my workout.  I laid now to relax & cool off....and well it wasn't easy getting back up haha!  My legs and abs are killing me, but I'm loving it as I know I worked the last two days!  I can't believe it's already Thursday, this week was long and stressful and I don't' know about you all but I'm ready for the week-end.  Pheasant opener Saturday --- look out birds we're coming for ya!  Happy Thursday all!

T25 Day 3: Total Body Circuit. Yup total body it was!  I was up down and all around with this workout, it was crazy and time flew by - LOVE it when that happens. I'm sweating and my body is feeling it.  Have I mentioned how much I love this program?  I'm only in day three and I can't wait for the next day to do another workout.  Ya, never thought I'd say that about working out...but it's true!  I love my new normal and the way it's pushing me and my body.  Day three in the books and I'm off to make supper and do the dishes, YUCK!  Did you make time for you today and get some activity in??  Let me know what you did for Y-O-U today :)

Day 2: Speed 1.0 was filled with another day of moving along with some awesome stretches.  I'm loving how this program is pushing me and making me WORK!  What I love even more is there is 'nada' equipment needed...how great is it to just be able to use nothing more than yourself to get an AWESOME workout in!  By the way, I think doing Piyo prior to T25 was a grand plan!  My core is super strong, I have fantastic strength and flexibility too --- this is all coming in hand with these workouts.  I've been able to start out strong and keep up with about all the moves!  We made it through another Monday friends, cheers!

T25 Day 1: Hello Cardio!!!  Now I see why they call they put the word FOCUS in the name of this T25 program.  You need to focus otherwise you're not going to make it through this 25 minute workout!  I had to catch my breath more than once today (a painful reminder that I haven't run since my outdoor run vs. coyote incident....#rurallifeprobs).  I'm so glad there are many elements of cardio throughout this program, this girl NEEDS it!  I can already tell these next 90 days will be no joke, but working out shouldn't be easy. It should always challenge you and make you work - that way you appreciate being FIT even more.  Day 1 was a huge success, but you can see below I'm SO sweaty ha!  With that I say, bring it day 2!

Last day o'Piyo!  I cannot believe I just did my last Piyo workout...I must say you have to work extra hard to finish as the last workout is Drench.  45 minute of WORK but it was great.  I've had a stressful day and I'm feeling so much better now. In the last 60 days I've lost 10 pounds and 14 inches...AMAZEBALLS!  I had great days and bad days with both workouts and my nutrition. Regardless, I kept doing it day after day and when I missed a day, I went harder the next day.  Dedication, hard work, and determination will always pay off.  All it took was all of those combined with Piyo & my yummy Shaekology and I have the photos along with a slimmer bod to prove it :)  I'll be taking the next few days off to prep for my next challenge group, go on a little mini-vacay with Todd, and then come Sunday this girl starts T25!!  So I hope you'll stick around and follow along for Phase two of the quest for a FIT Jessica!  I'm super excited to start that crazy fun workout for the next 90 days.  And FYI, I am planning to follow it up with Piyo to trim, tone and sculpt!  #TheQuestContinues

Only one more day...wow!  This has been an amazing journey and I loved Piyo SO much I've already scheduled it to go through it again after my next workout, T25. I know it'll be just what I need after :) Today I was having on of those 'can anything else go wrong' kind of days.  With that said I'm going to call it an early evening and get some much needed sleep.  I didn't get any last night and am soooooo looking forward to my bed tonight!  Happy hump day friends!