Day 34: Challenge Groups

It's hard to believe that it's been a little over a month since I started this program, but it just goes to show that being in a challenge group really helps to keep me going! This group of women that I'm in this journey with are completely amazing! We post daily, give each other pep talks, keep each other motivated and accountable. If I were doing this alone, I don't know if I would still be keeping up or would have found some excuse to stop (no time, too stressed, missed a workout...oh and another, too tired, etc).

I've been in challenge groups before, however this one is different. We are like a group of Marines and don't leave anyone behind. This week was a key example on how much we care about each other (and most of us have only met through this online group)! You know the saying, when it rains, it pours? Well, that definitely rang true for our group this week. It seemed that week 5 was the week to hit a wall for us as there was a roller coaster of emotions coming from most. However the amazing thing was how we all helped each other get through the week, stay on track, and keep pushing forward. No matter what anyone says in the group, there is no negative remarks made by anyone to another person in the group. It's quite refreshing from posts you see elsewhere within social media, it's nice to see positivity and genuine caring for others. We truly have bonded as friends and consider each other as family.

If you've been struggling to keep up with a fitness program, eating healthy, etc., I highly encourage you to find an accountability partner, coach, or group to help keep you motivated. If you need help or need a coach, just let me know!

Perspective

Between yesterday and today, one theme seemed to ring in my head...perspective. Yesterday I woke up on Day 8, beginning of Week 2 to check on my progress and found that I had gained weight from last week. What, how the hell is that possible? I did the workouts, I ate fairly well, what gives? I started to think about it and instead of the old me saying 'Forget this, this program doesn't work' and give up, I thought about where I might have gone wrong and what I can improve. Yes, I did get all 6 of my workouts in...ok. Did I really do as well with eating...ehhh, no. Remember date night Friday? The glass of wine, oh and the cappuccino and chocolate lava cake for dessert...hmmm, yes that could be. And brunch on Sunday wasn't oatmeal and fruit. Those 3 mimosas and chocolate waffle for dessert didn't help. Now we're getting somewhere...see, perspective. Not to mention that at the beginning of a new habit, workout program the body goes into a bit of shock and it is normal to gain weight at first until the body calms down. Plus I'm retaining a bit of water (yeah, water...keep drinking it no matter how many trips to the bathroom you have to take!).

So, what have I changed this week? For starters, I joined a 5-day clean eating challenge...SCORE, accountability to keep the food in check. I'm on the second day and already feel the difference. I just need to get back into my rhythm, and I'll be set. Just need to stay focused and keep my eye on the prize. As long as I stay consistent, I know I will see results...it just takes time (and let's face it, patience was never my strong suit...but I'm learning).

Today on my way home from work was torrential rain, windshield wipers can't keep up type of downpour. As we're slugging along, I watch a tree fall onto the road...and oh by the way, this happened 2 cars in front of me! It was like watching a movie in slow motion with how this all transpired. The tree fell and miraculously no one was injured! There were no fender benders, we all kind of stopped for a second and went around. The tree did come down on a couple of cars, but luckily everyone was okay. The heavier, thicker part of the trunk missed both cars. I truly believe there were quite a few guardian angels working hard to keep everyone on that interstate safe tonight. After I caught my breath and talked to the State Police dispatch notifying them of a tree blocking 2 lanes, I thought about how much this puts certain things into perspective. The things like stress with work or traffic or something stupid like feeling guilty for wanting to be lazy for a night/day are not the important things in life. Because at the end of the day, what's truly important are loved ones, being happy and healthy, how you lived your life and how your life impacted others. XOXO

Weekend Wrap-Up

I made it through Week 1 and am still excited about working through this program. So many times I have started and stopped and started and stopped for one reason or other (got out of the groove, no motivation, no accountability, etc). Not this time though, going to keep moving through and finish strong!

So what makes this time different? This time I'm doing it for me and not trying to impress other people. In addition, I've found an amazing support system, which makes a world of difference! When you have other like-minded individuals pushing, supporting, motivating and trying to achieve similar goals it makes you not want to give up.

What all went on this weekend? Friday was a rest day and after a long week, a dinner out with my love at one of our favorite Italian restaurants was just what was needed. Yes, I had a glass of wine and dessert, but that's okay not anything to beat myself up about. What I've learned over the past few months is that it's okay to indulge every now and again...as long as I come back to center.

Saturday and Sunday's workouts were a second round of Define Lower and Upper Body. I'm getting better, but still have a way's to go. The fun part of my workouts are my furry obstacle Jasmine, she loves walking under me trying to throw me off balance or make me laugh. The photo below shows her walking under me in Downward Dog.

The best part of Sunday's workout was that Chris joined me for the first time. It's so much more fun working out with someone else and even more amazing when it's your significant other. :-)

So looking forward to Week 2 and becoming more flexible and getting my leg higher and form better with some of the movements, like the Warrior 1 and Warrior 3 poses noted below.

Day 4: Sweat Did Not Disappoint

Sooo...what did Chalene have in store for the Day 4 workout? A little hint...the title of today's workout was Sweat. And that's exactly what I did! Wow, talk about your heart pounding, muscles shaking, strength building, work for it workouts! Within the first few minutes, the sweat started and just kept pouring on throughout the remainder of the workout. Every time we sat back into Child's Pose, I was saying 'Thank You'. I had no idea a low impact workout would kick my butt as much as it does! I just love how I don't have to beat my body up and still get an amazing workout.

So let's talk water, shall we? We all know we're supposed to drink a minimum of 6-8 glasses of water a day or half of your body weight in ounces. So going with the body weight I should be drinking 88 oz of water (176/2 = 88). And today I realized that I am not drinking nearly enough water...I know I wasn't hitting my mark, but didn't realize how negligent I've been. What was my great revelation? On my way home from work today I noticed that my fingers were pruney. Normally not something to worry about after swimming or taking a shower...however in the car, not so much. Fingers, hands, feet or toes being pruney when you haven't been in the water means you are dehydrated. Wake up call and I'm definitely making a more conscious effort in my water consumption.