Fallen off the Fitness Wagon

Man, I've fallen off the fitness bandwagon.  I can't get myself out of bed in the morning for my usual workout and it's been like this for months.  I don't know if it's the cold, or the fact that I don't like my gym or that I dread going to the office.  Whatever it is I've got to get over it.  Goals aren't helping.  I'm using a journal to track my workouts and set goals, which I never keep.  And I'm planning on hiking the Grand Canyon in April, and that's just looming out there.  Maybe if I start blogging on a regular basis, that will help.  We'll see.  

So far this week:

2/23 - went to the gym at lunch.  Did 45 minutes stairclimber and 15 minutes weights: back/biceps

I also taught a Yoga Basics class.

2/24 - slept in... went to Ashtanga Yoga at 7:30 pm.  Was a wreck in class.  Had no energy.  

I packed my bag for today to get up early and go to the gym, but didn't get out of bed when the alarm went off at 5:20.  I did get up at 6:40 telling myself that I'd go at lunch.  But here I sit, eating my soup and blogging about not working out.  And telling myself I'll go tonight after work.  For Sure!

WorkOut Update 12/4/07

Saturday
I attended my regular Ashtanga Yoga class. The 90 minute class kick's my butt and Saturday was not different. I missed the previous Saturday's class and found my hip flexors to be really tight. Had a hard time with some of the poses. But my headstand was stronger.

Sunday
Really didn't do much. Went outside only two times.

Monday
Hit the gym at 6:45 and completed a 45 minute ride on the bike and my chest weigh routine. It's been a while since I lifted so I found that I didn't have the strength to do as many reps as in the past.

Tuesday
Slept in with a sore throat. Bummer.

New Resolutions

It's been a while since my last post. My life has been a virtual roller coaster since February. Now in Chicago, adapting to a longer drive to work in the morning. And the cold. All the changes have taken a toll on my committment to my fitness level and making my work out in the morning.

But something changed for me today. I woke up when my alarm went off. And didn't really snooze all that long. Got out of bed. Made my bed. That really made me feel good. Then once I got in the car, I realized that I was feelling good. It helped that my drive was short, not a ton of traffic.

When I got to the gym, I started thinking about my morning workouts. My current level of fitness is low. My moods of late have been really rocky. I've been really moody, and tired. I attribute it to the fact that I'm not working out consistently. So I've decided to re-dedicate myself to my fitness. Especially since I just celebrated a birthday. I just turned (gasp) 39. I've got a short 11 months to get my self into a physical state that will make my 40th birthday a proud birthday to celebrate. It's not that I'm overweight or really that out of shape. But I can see a difference. In my arms and legs.

So today is the first of many posts to recap my work out for the day and document how I'm feeling. I'm also going to work on keeping a food diary of sorts. Maybe if I have to post it here, I won't be apt to eat crap.

Friday 11/30 Workout
45 minutes cardio on the Elyptical
Leg work out
lower ab crunches

I'm going to start carrying a notebook at work to document my routine and see if I can increase my strength and endurance.

As far as my eating for the day, I've already started out poor.
Pre-Workout meal
Banana
10 oz coffee + 2 splendas + cream

Breakfast
1/2 sundried tomatoe bagel with cream cheese
1 6oz cup coffee + 2 splendas + cream

Lurkers vs. Lookers

As a woman when you go to the gym, you'll notice two types of men. Lookers or Lurkers.

Most men will fall into the Looker category. Lookers are men, who while working out, will be checking you out or other women in the gym area. These are the guys who can do squats or flys or curls, keep perfect form and still keep their eye on a girl in the gym. For the most part I have no problem with the Lookers.

It's the Lurkers that I have a problem with. These are men who will sit down on a piece of equipment and stare. They make no effort at pretense or feigning a workout. No, they just sit there staring at you or other women as we go about our business trying to get a workout in. It's pretty offensive in my mind. If they want to get their jollies, they should be at home and work it out with a magazine or the internet. Some are so bold as to follow women around the gym, just staring. This to me is very scary.

I recently encountered a situation with a Lurker, he was staring at me and at another woman who was working out with her husband. Ironically, there was a trainer right in the area and no one noticed this Lurker.

Gym Review

Read my latest gym review: Gym Review - 24 Hour Fitness Mission Valley Mall

Six Weeks to an Early Morning Workout - Part 4

On the Road Again ! Sunrise 1-30-07 a.k.a Red Light Ahead
Originally uploaded by ehpien.

Ok, you've now worked up to waking up 30 minutes earlier than you did three weeks ago. That's fantastic! Today we'll add an additional 10 minutes to that!

So, before you go to bed earlier than usual tonight, don't forget to set your alarm clock. Also, put out your work out clothes and gym shoes. You'll follow last weeks routine, but this time you'll be able to walk for 30 minutes total if you get ready in 10 minutes. If you have additional time, spend it stretching or doing sit-ups.

If it is too cold to go out, check out Blockbuster or Netflix for a fitness DVD to rent. You can now get a 30 to 40 minute work out in.

Through out your day, take some time to register how you are feeling. Do you have more energy? Are you sleeping better? These are all positive side-affects to working out regularly.

Next week, an additional 10 minutes.

Music To Move To

If you are looking for one album to listen to for the duration of your workout that is great danceable music, try Fergie's The Duchess. I'm a big fan of the song Glamorous. It's got a great hook and makes me want to dance.