2017 Recap

Hello! It’s been a while. But now I can finally write this….

I AM A COLLEGE GRADUATE!

I officially graduated (got my diploma) December 20, 2017. A 100 pound burden has been lifted off my shoulders. Let me tell you the last 8 weeks prior to that were rough.  I lost a lot of sleep, was stressed to the max and it a toll on my body. Although I wasn’t sick sick (you know cold or flu *knocks wood*) but I had a lot anxiety which caused my stomach to hurt or gave me diarrhea (TMI)  plus endless headaches. I often felt light headed too which scared me so I tried to sit as much as I could since I have a history of fainting. Luckily I managed to get through all my very hard trails and came out the other side.

My instructor tried to get to balance my life out with a schedule on an excel spread sheet which I am not a fan of digital media for something like that. She was trying to get me to plan my life down to a T which really bothered me.  I like to plan but I felt I was over planning you know?

I haven’t been to the gym only to work on my internship but not on my own. I tried to during that time but I just couldn’t force myself to do it. I chose sleep more often than going because I needed it more. I am all about self care. My instructor again wanted to know details of EVERYTHING about me going to the gym which again bothered me. I know there are some obstacles to overcome but I feel my progress is for me and me only.

So I am ending 2017 probably at my heaviest that I have been since I originally lost all my weight I haven’t weighed in since October but I am okay with that.

2018 is going to be my year (more on that later) I am excited! I will be back to blogging a bit more soon too. Doing my weekly check ins and weigh ins.

Stay tuned and have a Happy New Year!

~Mags

Big News!!

Hello all!

I haven’t felt like updating because really there hasn’t been anything exciting to share until as of yesterday.  Let me back track first:

As some of you know, I am studying to be a personal trainer which has not been an easy feat for me let me tell you a 34 year old that is a 2nd time college student, while juggling a full time job overnights I might add. I have experienced so many hiccups, that I have almost wanted to throw in the towel several times. The last few semesters have been straight up rough too especially  with the last summer semester.

Anyways one of the set backs was my completion date originally it was slotted for December 2017, then it was pushed back to next April 2018, well I found out yesterday that I will be indeed done by December 2017 as per my original plans.  My school sadly will be closing it’s doors at the end of 2017. Which means the personal training program will be no longer be around either (the school itself Herzing University will be just non existent in Omaha). My plan was to get my associates degree in Exercise Science but now it has been reduced down to a diploma. Which I am 100% okay with but that means all students who are supposed to finish in December graduate NEXT Friday (September 15th)!! So yes yours truly will walk at graduation!

At first when my graduation date had changed I was told I would not be allowed to walk at all (with the school closing and all) so I filed it in the back of my mind and just continued to move forward. But it did bother me that I wouldn’t get the chance to walk across the stage, wear the ridiculous cap and gown, and get my diploma. Corny I know but even this is my 3rd graduation and my 2nd as a college student to me it’s a big deal!!! Some people don’t think so and not even show up to the ceremony but hello you paid for that!! So to be able to walk next week is a huge deal for me in fact, I wasn’t planning on even going at all but this changes everything!!

Just goes to show you that you must never ever give up!!

Have a great weekend!

~Mags

 

August Bullet Journal

I can’t believe it’s August already!!  Where did July go?

As you know, I’ve been doing somewhat of a bullet journal which I incorporated with my regular journal. I used to be a big journaling but now with everything online I’ve shied away from it. I still write in it but not as often as I should be.  So what I have been doing is drawing out a calendar/tracker to monitor certain things that I’ve chosen and also my monthly goals. This is way I open my journal more and re-read my goals etc so I don’t forget them.

I do have a regular planner too but I use that for everything else including keeping track of my homework.

I have been bullet journaling since April and I shared June’s but not July’s only because I got busy with vacation, the start of the new semester, etc.  It wasn’t that great of a month anyways so it’s a new month a clean slate and new goals!

Here’s August’s bullet journal (I think my best one yet!)

 

I had for July’s jumped ahead a few pages in my journal and drew it out but I didn’t use all those pages for my thoughts (I have almost caught up) so I did August’s page after July’s it took me a while to it get just right. I did black sharpie over my boxes this time so it’s stands out a bit more

For my tracker I did it a bit different: I am going to track my water instead of how often I drink a pop (which I had before) I think I got discouraged with that so I figured to get rid of it altogether and just highlight the good which is drinking more water. I will still track my workouts like before and when I weigh in (Which I have yet to do but plan to after work).

August goals:

One of things I want to do is enter a pin up pageant happening in September! I missed my chance last year so I am going early to register! I want to get out of my comfort zone and meet more people in the pinup community

Loose 5 pounds. Yes I’ve written this before and I have been half assed about it. But I really need to get back on track!

Do well in school. This is my last semester on campus before my internship, and before I go online for Gen Ed’s for the next year. So it is important that I still work hard and be the best me I can be.

More water less pop. July was not a good month for me. I am really going to try this month!

Workout 3x’s a week/walk more. I need to get back into my routine. With me having to take a group exercise class each week has given a bit of a push to go to the gym again I just need to make the commitment again and the Y will be closing coming up for the week (for cleaning) so that means going to the other gym that I go to for school (Prairie Life in Omaha) to attend classes and actually workout there for reals on my own. That’s a big step for me. Also that the weather is starting to cool down a bit (well sort of) I need to start walking again too.

Be more positive. This is hard one for me. I tend to be dwell on certain things but I need to move forward and I’ve done more self talk as well that I can give myself that “push” I need to keep moving forward.

Last but not least I have a pin up shoot at the end of August. This will be my 3rd shoot and I am really excited for it. I haven’t been feeling like myself lately so I think getting glammed up and feeling pretty might help.

And I wrote my goals on a different page instead of my calendar since sharpies bleed through thinner paper. I like this set up I think. Still a work in progress!

Have a great month! I’ll be back soon with some more meal prep ideas!

~Mags

 

I can’t do a push-up

Real talk here peeps.

I am currently taking a “group exercise class” for my requirements for my personal training certificate. It requires me to go to various group exercise classes at the Y or the local gym in Omaha. I have to observe the class while participating, along with attending “lab” or actual class room time once a week for discussion, then after we take an hour to go to the gym and we take turns “training” a group exercise class consisting of ourselves, some outside people, and a few teachers from school.

We did this workout which was as many reps that we can do in an certain amount  of time all with a kettle bell:

We did sqauts

Upright rows

Push Ups

Squats into an overhead extension

Then run 1 lap around the track (I so don’t run I walk it)

And repeat.

Fun right? (Total ass kicker by the way and I plan to do it on my own)

But I can’t do push ups.

My form is all wrong etc, etc. It was embarrassing that I, a 34-year old personal training student can’t do a damn push-up. I never could do them, even on my knees apparently I don’t do them right. Worse that two older women in my group can actually do them on their knees and I can’t. I wound up using a bar that held mats to do them standing. Don’t get me started with planks I am lucky I do those right (sometimes).

This is not the first time I’ve been embarrassed by lack of knowledge and form. I am learning but it’s upsetting to me when I can’t do anything right. I snuck a peek at my instructors notebook after our workout and all over I saw (Maggie form) it felt like a kick in the stomach.

To be honest I have only worked out on my own under no guidance no trainer (I’m cheap ha) so I’ve learned as I go (which is how I roll) plus visually. That’s one of the disadvantages of an accelerated program like mine not everything is going to be included in our scope of practice. It means that I have to do more on my own.

As of late, I’ve had some struggles, stress and anxiety which has prevented me from going to the gym as regularly as I should or I would like. Since now it’s a requirement for me to do group classes once a week as part of my assignments plus weekly training sessions as a class has been helping me ease back into the habit.

Hopefully, as time goes on I can learn how to do push-ups correctly. I just have to practice, practice, practice. Even if I have to use a stability ball that I got from school. I will do it.

Is there any exercise you struggle with?
~Mags

 

Update!

Hi guys!

It’s a been a minute since I’ve done any kind of updating. But let me get you up to speed on has been going on:

I was supposed to go on Internship this summer. But unfortunately my instructor/advisor did not think I was “ready” training wise to go, I also had a place in mind but that was also turned down. I was really feeling devastated and a failure because I had been trying so hard to find a place that would be an ideal fit for me. It straight up depressed me. I had taken all this time off from work to do this (because I had a break from school as well) but I realized with the time I could do a ton of self care and refocus on my life. So that’s what I did. I probably should have gone to workout but I spent most of my time at home. I finally cleaned my studio which was most needed, I spent time with friends and family.

I started my new semester three weeks ago. I only go one day a week but I have two classes in one day. I have to do a group exercise class which requires training a small group of people including my classmates after that for an hour we have to meet to go over certification prep-y’all! It’s happening!!! That means I can do my certification test anytime after I finish in the fall. I will be done with the personal training portion of my degree by October I will being doing my internship in September then after that I will be online to finish my gen eds for my associates! I am trying to remain positive even it has been SO hard because I have numerous set backs.

Also along with my classes I am training a fellow staff member from my school on Wednesdays the next couple of weeks, and I also have to go to 7 different group exercises classes too! I’ve gone to Body Pump, and Yogilates so far and today I am trying HIIT/Tabata.  I am slowly getting back into the swing of things.

Two weeks ago I did my 3rd Color Run which wasn’t too bad but I was really worn out afterwards due to the heat and I did Body Pump the day before so my body was not happy with me.

I did it with my friends and our goal next year is to at least jog it!!

I haven’t weighed in awhile either I think May was my last official weigh in. I plan to at the end of this month to see where I am at and where I need to go from here. I think maybe once I am officially done with campus classes, I can re-focus myself and my goals.

I’ll be back soon!

XO,

Mags

 

 

 

 

Monthly Update

May is almost over and I know there is 4 days left of the month but I decided to still share an update. The rockiness of life I think is starting to fade so I am slowly trying to get back into a routine of some kind.

I’ve only gotten in four workouts in this month (I plan to walk this morning) but I am hoping to finish the month out with two more workouts/walks.

I’ve had pop 4 times this month which was the same as April which isn’t terrible

I weighed in early because I had read an article about Wednesday is the best day to weigh in so I think I will hold off weighing in until June 1st (a Wednesday) I had lost four pounds at that time and my goal for May was 5 so I will see if I made it.

I started bullet journaling in my regular journal where I draw out a calendar for the month, then I keep track of my workouts, not drinking pop, etc. Then I write out my goals for the month. I’ve been doing it for 2 months now and I will share a post on how I do it.

School is going ok, I am trying to find a place to go for my internship which starts at the end of June. It’s been a process. The place I really wanted to go which would be right in my neighborhood turned me down which bummed me out.

I am planning on doing the Color Run in July which will be my first and only run this year. I am okay with that and my goal for next year will be to do Trek up the Tower and 5K the Hard Way.

Last but not least I signed up to do a Pin Up photo shoot at the end of August which will help motivate me back into working out 🙂

I will be back with my June goals!!

Have a great weekend!

Mags

Fork in the road

Wow.  I don’t even know where to begin. I really thought 2017 was going to be my year.  I was going to STRIVE for success. So far it has not we’re already four months in and I want a divorce from 2017.

I have tried to be optimistic

I have tried to be positive

I tried to STRIVE forward

BUT……

I’ve felt nothing but stagnant. School hasn’t gotten any easier since I started back in January. In fact it has not gotten any better. Last week I was slammed with news not once but twice. My instructor even came down on me pretty hard the week before that I cried the whole 45 minute drive on the way home.

My job has been stressful since the start of the New Year too, I’ve had to put in numerous days of OT when I’m not at school which has added to the stress load.

The gym has taken a backseat I haven’t been since maybe January? Meal planning has been a hit and a miss. I’ve cheated way more than I should have and I have put on 30 pounds. Clothes aren’t fitting again. I am not proud of that.

I think part of the problem is I don’t have any real goals set. I decided not to do Trek up the Tower this year because prior to that when I had planned to train, I had an rather painful injury where I had pulled my quad muscles severely so I took two weeks off in order to recover. I thought about 5K the Hardway again but I don’t know my schedule past May, so I can’t even schedule the Color Run either it’s been frustrating so I have been saying no to any commitments like them.

What’s a girl to do?

To be honest, I am not sure what the answer is. Usually I am so sure of myself but my confidence has taken a backseat as well.

Here’s the BUT again…..

Sunday morning, I cleaned out my cupboards and my fridge. I went grocery shopping Monday after work. I stuck to my list and only bought said items on there which I rarely do. I did add a few things that I had forgotten but I didn’t buy any sweets. I made myself a smoothie for breakfast then I drove out to Johnson Lake and walked around 1 time. I also did some upright push ups on the benches along the way (I need to figure out how many benches they are total so I could do the math on how many reps I do on each one) The wind was pretty strong (love Nebraska) is why I only made it around 1 time plus I can tell I am out of shape! I came home and cooked lunch:

I got some pork chops but I cut it in half and bought some broccoli and cheese tater tots ( I had a coupon) they tasted really good! I did some meal prepping too this week. I have been back to drinking tons of water.

It’s a start. My birthday is this week. I may have a cheat day and I am going to try to make it to the gym this week as well since the weather looks ify the rest of the week so I may not be able to get out and walk.

I have my final today then I start back up with classes next week!

I’ll try to update when I can.

Mags

 

 

 

 

 

Monthly update

I wish I was writing a happier post but alas that’s not reality. I decided not to weigh in this month because it has been a horrible month.

Work has been very stressful we’re down to three original staff members the rest have retired or quit. I had to put in overtime last week so no gym at all. Which I didn’t go at all this entire month I am ashamed to admit I didn’t even make it to the Cross fit class like I mentioned. My eating has been poor I’ve stressed eaten way too much and drank pop pretty regularly.

Plus school on top of it which the last two weeks I’ve had a big assignment due that needed my attention more. Today is my last day of the 1st semester next semester (which starts next Monday) is nutrition!!! I am little anxious to start that because I know mine isn’t as great. *sighs*

But it can only get better from here! I am going to take charge again better my eating I even got some unflavored protein powder so I am going to try my first shake with some of it, I also got kale! (I found a great recipe for dressing that I will share after I try it). Plus back to no pop. It’s my downfall but I need to do better with it.

As for getting back into a workout routine, I just need to do it. Tomorrow I plan go back to the Y. I think I will start maybe with some walking at the track then maybe swim, I want to ease myself back into it. I am hoping by the end of the week I can go back to Jazzercise too. That is my goals for the week.

I will check back with you in a week!!

~Mags

 

 

 

Trying new things

Hi!

A fellow vintage/fashion lover I follow on Instagram Hayley Angell has done a series on YouTube called Look Fabulous Feel Fabulous  where she has done various different workouts in the UK she’s done everything from Hula Hooping, pole dancing, belly dancing, curling (the last video) and even Roller Fitsco! (Why can’t that be a thing here??). I love her motivation to try new fun fit things it’s motivated me to to STRIVE (my word for 2017 remember?) to try some new workouts!

If I am going to be a personal trainer in 10 months I need to be well rounded in fitness. Unfortunately my down fall lately has been lack of workouts. My stress level and anxiety have hit an all time high and I find myself wanting to retreat to the comforts of my home instead of the gym. I need to break out of my comfort shell (which has been hard AF) so I thought it would take on Hayley’s challenge myself and learn something new! I’ve been scouring the inter-webs and I will be doing Cross Fit!  Which is next Saturday February 18th!

I wanted to do Barre 3 free class but it was already full (I am hoping to attempt this one later!) so I am hoping at least once a month along with my check ins, I will be sharing a post from a new workout class! I am really excited to be expanding my knowledge!

Stay tuned!!

~Mags

Monthly check in

Starting weight: 188 (this was my starting weight for 2017)

Current Weight: 186.5

Lost 1.5 pounds

Hello! I am posting my check in a tad early. I weighed in I thought on the New Year last month but it was a few days after that. I had plans to weigh in February 1st but since that falls on a school day I decided I’d weigh in earlier just to see if I had made any progress and if I hadn’t I would keep working the additional two weeks and reschedule my weigh in for February 7th and if I had made progress I would record it and then see how things go towards the end of February since it’s a shorter month. As you can see I made some small progress! It isn’t much but I will take it!!

It has been a week since I last had a pop (or a soda depending on where you are from) so far the transition has been ok a few slight headaches (which is a given) so I have upped my water game a ton, and I have done fairly well with my meal prep/sticking to my plan. I had only two cheat meals this week. As you know, I like to shoot for 1-2 cheat meals a week.

The only thing that is not on point yet is my workouts. I am still not consistent but I am working towards improving that. School is going I am in week 4 already. I have been in the main building of campus instead of the Annex (the building across the street) which I can’t believe I am saying this I miss the other building because that’s where a chunk of my classes have been the past year.

I have to finish my review on Motivational Water Bottles so that should be up this week!

Have a great month!

~Mags