Week 16- bring on the weights

All is well over here... still going strong.  My total weight loss has been 9 lbs. Even though when I began I hoped to lose 1-2 lbs a week,I am still thrilled with my progress. Everybody and every body is different and I know I am working hard. I can see the results & I feel better overall. It takes time to make big changes.


I am reading the Female Body breakthrough by Rachel Cosgrove and am considering taking on the challenge of more serious weight lifting. For me keeping up with this new lifestyle is not so much about motivation but strategy. I like having a plan and a goal to work towards. The weight lifting plan urges one to forgo cardio... that is the only caveat I can find..i like cardio. So we will see how it goes. I need to finish the book before I begin. The fitness plan breakdown seems a little confusing at this point. I don't want to start until I have a good understanding of what I am doing.

I have noticed that I am relaxing a bit with my diet...still eating whole grains/salads/fruit.. but allowing   myself a small portion of treat foods as well... candy at the movies, a few tater tots, etc. I have not had any fast food in the past 4 months...and if I did go with Family- I got salad or something off the healthy menu choices. I know one splurge will not ruin me. I am accountable for everything I eat in my food journal and I am sometimes I actually eat my exercise calories back and still losing weight ( slowly).

I will keep you all posted on the book

Progress Pics

first pic taken 6/14/2012

second taken 8/31/2012

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Body Shape

So I was taking my measurements wrong, I was measuring my bust at the bra band and my waist at the smallest section. You are supposed to measure your bust at the fullest part??? who knew I have heard conflicting info on how to measure ones waist, one dress making you tube video I watched said to raise your arms & bend to the side.. wherever you crease is where you should measure. Another fitness video said to measure at the navel at the widest part of the waist, another said at the smallest part. I am definitely an apple shape...I have always gained in my waist and had slender hips & thighs... I often have to buy bigger pants to accommodate my waist, when the rest of my body could def fit into a smaller size. Can't really morph my body shape.. all I can do is try to get into the best shape for me.


 current measurements

Bust 38.5 at fullest part, 34 at bra line

waist- natural 35, navel 38

Hips 40.5

Bicep 12 1/4

I know I lost 1/2 inch in my natural waist, 2 inches in my bust/upper torso based on the way I measured it before.

Ouch

I have been kinda blindly weight lifting... just doing 12-15 reps, 1 set each. Focusing on exercises that I am familiar with from my years of doing the Firm. The Classic Firm is still my fav exercise video of all time..My vhs copy is very used and hardly works anymore.It's a dated w/o but oh so efficient. Isolation exercises.. with 5,10,15 lbs weights- bicep curls, tricep kick back, french press, pec flys,shoulder press, bent curls and the 15 lbs are for lat rows.. because lats can take heavy weight.


I feel like a need a little more direction in the weight lifting department. Goals and a plan.  I am waiting on a book from the library.. New rules of lifting for women. I have read a few blogs and reviews and basically it's more whole body movements w/ heavy  weights such as squats. I am trying to add weights 3 days a week now. I am not afraid of weights at all.. not worried about bulking up. I am all for embracing my muscles.

I used my new weight bench/weights on Monday...kicking it up a notch to 2 sets of 12-15 reps for each exercise... boy am I  feeling it today big time in my triceps.  I even tried upping my weight on some exercises from 10-15 lbs.. 15 is too heavy yet while 10 feel to easy.. maybe I need 12 lbs??. I tried my new kettle ball as well. Did some squats & swings. I need to print out more exercises as this is a new type of weight for me.

My husband is so funny.. because I work out with weights, he expects me to be able to carry a stove or some equally heavy object down the stairs.. he is all " well you lift weights dontcha?? "..... he won't ask a buddy for help. I say to him.. yes I workout.. but I'm not the hulk.

Do you use weights?


The killer move has my ab's so sore... no other workout in the past 16 weeks has worked my core like this one

Prone Jackknife


Grab a Swiss ball and get in pushup position with your shins resting on the ball and your palms flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart (A). Pull your knees toward your chest, allowing your hips to rise toward the ceiling and your head to tilt toward the floor. Stop when your toes are on the ball and most of your weight is on your hands (B). Straighten your legs to roll the ball back to start. That's 1 rep.


I find it difficult to get my shins on the ball with my arms on the floor.. they keep rolling to the side, so I just lay on the ball and roll myself forward.

New weight bench

weight bench that came with sets of  20lb, 15 lb, 8lb, dumbbells plus a 15 lb kettle-ball- $30

Getting  a super shapely upper body- priceless

John did not think this was a good deal.. I think it was an awesome deal... the kettle ball alone is $24.

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Rewards

a pedicure & lunch with my friend... my week 16 reward a little early - I am just wrapping up week 15. I allow myself a little splurge reward every 4 weeks.


week 4 - fit-bit

week 8 - workout clothing

week 12 - new top & jewelry

week 16 - Pedicure with my friend

Squee

celebrating every little pound.... woot!!!!