Checking In

Hello all,

There hasn’t been much to talk about lately. I did get a new car two weeks ago so that’s been good. I did weigh in tonight for curiosity sake which I haven’t since March 25th (2 months) which it has stayed the same with just 5 ounces so my current weight:

216.5

I really need to get back into things. It has been a constant struggle for me for a lot of reasons. Mainly I have been trying to focus on my mental health and sleep because I have not been sleeping super well at all.  As much as I love summer my apartment gets majorly hot (I have only window a.cs.) and the window a.c. is LOUD in my room so I have to figure out a way to silence it without turning it down and dying of heat stroke. I did put cardboard around them but they might need something else. We’ll see. I do use ear plugs which has helped.

Anyways I bought a skirt for an upcoming “dapper day” at my local zoo in two weeks and when I tried it on (it was 3x) I got stuck in it which was totally embarrassing and I couldn’t get it unzipped. I knew it was a sign that I really (truly) need to get my act together.

I know I’ve said it before but I truly want to set a goal and accomplish it. I want to lose at least 5 pounds in 2 weeks. That means no more pop, starting walking/exercising (I hope to get back into Jazzercise this week) and really watching what I eat. I think my downfall has been is not exercising, drinking more pop, and doing more cheat meals then I’m allowed. I have to be a bit stricter on myself this time around.

I have until June 9th so wish me luck!

~Mags

Something different

Hello!

This isn’t much of an update because I didn’t weigh like I had said. I had another lousy week. I did see the dermatologist on Tuesday was given a prescription but it was never called into the pharmacy! Talk about frustrating!! So needless to say I am still itchy and miserable and I see them again in a week.

The mercury retrograde/weather have really taken it’s toll on me last week along with other emotional crap (yay me) so I spent more time focusing on self care.

I have decided to try a bit of Keto into my diet which I had thought about doing in the past but didn’t stick to it in the past. A summary of Keto is basically reverting back to caveman habits. Lots of meat come into play along with certain veggies/fruit. You do have to cut out a lot of stuff including carbs, peanut butter (eeek) milk, and starchy foods. I am not sure how well I am going to do on this but I am going to give it the old college try as they say.  I don’t think I can give up milk peruse but I am willing to give up pasta and bread for a while.

I am giving myself two weeks which is when I will go grocery shopping again to give it an honest effort as much as I can. Plus I am hoping to make it back to the gym this week! I promise! There won’t be any updates until then unless something Earth shattering happens!

I’ll see you in two weeks!

~Mags

Let’s talk about goals

One thing I had to learn as I became a personal trainer is client goals and since this is a New Year and fitness is usually #1 on people’s goal/resolution lists I wanted to talk about it on here.

When you think of a goal what comes to my mind (I sort of have a trainer’s mind) is it a SMART goal?

Is this goal

Specific?

Measurable?

Action oriented? Or I like to say is it achievable?

Realistic?

Time oriented?

Keep that in mind when you plan your goals.

Let’s look back at my original weight loss goal that I had done 5 years ago. My goal was to lose 50 pounds by my birthday of April 27th. I made this rather insane goal because I typically in the past would only stay on task for a month then would fall back into my habits. Looking at this now it wasn’t a very SMART goal. Because in hindsight it wasn’t realistic or measurable. I possibly could have lost 50 pounds by April but I had made it to about 30 pounds which still is really good but I didn’t make the end goal until December that year (2012).

Now as I am starting my journey over, you’re probably wondering what my goals are? I don’t have a specific weight loss goal set  I want to be able to fit into this skirt that I got last year and it was my original goal a year ago but I never got around to it:

 

 

Which the skirt is an extra large, I need to take my waist measurements to figure out how many inches I will need to loose for sure.

I am also doing Trek up the Tower next month and my goal is to beat my time from two years ago which was 22 minutes. I also plan to do 5K the Hardway in June. Basically I just to become healthier again.

I will keep you up to speed each week on my workouts, weight, etc.

What are your goals for 2018?

~Mags

 

Real Talk

I wasn’t sure how to title this post or exactly how to write it. But it’s been on my mind so I wanted to share with y’all about this.  This is real talk here I am laying it out all on the line.

As you know, I am studying to become a personal trainer. It just basically happened on accident. I was applying to another school to be something totally different when I was struggling to pass the “required” exam and I lost steam on the idea. A lot of people suggested it because of my success in weight loss and motivating others. Next thing you know a year later I am starting my 2nd year of the program with completing by next December of 2017. Also, it hasn’t been anything but easy more like a roller coaster of stress, and emotions. I’ve been so close to walking away from the program completely but then where would I be?

This fall semester has been quite a roller coaster too. In September, I learned how to design and program workouts. I applied those workouts to the newer training students who were my position one year ago. It was quite an emotional time for me because I don’t take criticism well (who doesn’t) and most days I left the gym in tears.

I have a love/hate relationship with my current instructor. This is the same instructor I had for a year now. He taught me both times in kinesiology, also in my testing and prescription class and these last two classes I’ve had in the fall. Last Tuesday, he, myself and, my two classmates (who I’ve known since March and they will be done soon since they are just getting certified) had a sit down. My instructor wanted us to talk positives/negatives about one another. This is a hard topic for me because:

1. I hate to tell anyone their faults because I want people to like me (total Taurus thing)
2. I don’t take criticism well especially negative ones

My instructor told me out of all his years of teaching the program, he’s never met anyone who is so uncomfortable in the program than me. Needless to say I was shocked. One of the things my instructor had said in the last class: That I am uncomfortable in the gym. It was a total slap in the face. It really hurt too. I’ve mentioned it causally on this blog.

I never thought I was uncomfortable in the gym. I had Jazzercised more than going to the gym (YMCA) but apparently it’s relevant. Maybe it’s because the gym I go to for school is different than the Y maybe that’s why I am uncomfortable? Worse part was hearing that I am not educated in workouts. I felt like saying “duh” on that one. Why do you think I am going to school? I’ve learned by watching and pinterest. I really wished my school had a class on exercise. But it’s disheartening to hear constantly: “You’re uncomfortable, You don’t know exercises” How is that helping me? If anything it makes me question my abilities and I feel defeated. I also with certain exercises that I used to do but when put on the spot I get flustered and embarrassed.  I think that’s part of the reason why I have been avoiding the gym/Jazzercise. I’ve lost my confidence.

Here’s the thing. My instructor needs to do both the positive and the negative. You can’t have one without the other. In my opinion, tell me what I did wrong but soften the blow by telling me what I did good. He even said it’s a sandwich Positive with a Negative followed by a Positive.  He fails to do that.  I understand I need to grow and be comfortable as a trainer but I need positive reinforcement too. Otherwise I am going to fall back into the shadows.

Now I have a whole new understanding of why a lot of people avoid the gym altogether. I was one of those as well, and have fallen back into that fear. I need to overcome it again and start over to find what I have lost so I can be the best damn trainer I can be.

One step at a time One day at a time.

~Mags

 

 

Taking care of you

Before I start this post, I want to write a little disclaimer: I am not a NPC bikini competitor but I am a fit person soon to be personal trainer that is concerned with the health and well being of anyone who is involved in prep for competitions.

I follow a few bikini competitors on social media (mainly Instagram) because they are fit, they share great workout tips and video, new products (like Fit Crunch bars), and they have the most epic food porn (ha ha) but like anyone else they struggle.  They have their bad days too. It’s nice to know that we’re all in this together. One of my classmates, is a former competitor herself so it’s nice to know an actual one IRL as opposed to having numerous Insta crushes. Also my cousin competed once long time ago too.

So on Monday, I noticed a post from one of the fellow fit chicks that a competitor had died over the weekend before NPC USA happened. I couldn’t find much article wise just a bunch of  jumping to conclusion (*sighs*) YouTube videos.

Here’s the thing. We don’t know how she died. It could be a numerous different reasons. You’ve heard time and time again, that people have mysterious diseases or out of the blue heart attacks-etc then suddenly die it happens more often than we think. Our bodies can be a mystery. So it’s hard to say what exactly happen to her. But that doesn’t mean we can “assume” anything that isn’t fair.

When I started my weight loss journey, 3 and half years ago, I was accused of starving myself. Which was far from the truth. It was very hurtful that some people would actually think that. I was angry because they didn’t know what I was eating and making assumptions that I wasn’t taking care of myself. I was losing the right amount of weight which is about 1-2 pounds a week safely. I wasn’t pushing myself at the gym. I listened to my body. If something was not right my body would say “hey this hurts or hey this doesn’t feel right, let’s take it easy” I would stop. If I was hungry I would eat just made healthier choices and I did not over eat that’s just as bad. I have a bum knee, so a lot of times I go easy on myself, especially at Jazzercise. The instructors all encourage not go intense unless you know it’s okay to do so. It’s why they limit us to two classes a day especially when there is attendance games because we had people overdoing it. That isn’t safe.

As a future personal trainer, first and foremost the most important thing for my future clients is SAFETY. It is why we do ICC (Initial Client Consultations) because we need to know about your medical history any injuries, heart troubles, diabetes, etc because we don’t want you passing out on the gym floor or making a past injury worse. Also that is why sometimes you might need a doctor’s okay to workout. I’ve been down that road before as I always say “Better safe than sorry”.

So what does this all mean? (my instructors favorite question!) Well, bodybuilding is not entirely healthy sport (my cousin says it all the time) it can be dangerous to the point where it could leave negative effects on your body and overall health.  In fact, the fit chick I follow who did the write up about the other competitor dying, admitted that when she first prepped that she “took it too far” that she pushed her body beyond it limits but she realized it and promised herself never to do it again. She said “Listen to your body treat it well”.  Not trophy or plastic is worth it. Does that mean you shouldn’t become a competitor or continues to compete? No. You know yourself better than anyone

With that said, my deepest condolences to the family who is mourning a loss of a mother, daughter, wife, sister and friend.

 

You got to know your limits. Once is enough but you got to learn. A little caution never hurt anyone. A good woodsman has only one scar on him. No more, no less. ~Haruki Murkami

Take care!

~Mags

 

Is fasting safe?

*Note this post is completely 100% my opinion please do your research before attempting to fast and make sure you have your doctors okay to do so!*

I follow a few people’s weight loss journey’s on Facebook. To protect their identity, I won’t say who this person is but they had just made a post that they were on vacation and enjoying themselves not to mention enjoying vacation foods that went along with it, plus alcohol. Which I say you’re on vacation enjoy yourself! I’m one of the biggest rebels there are in the fit world because I still enjoy carbs, and sweets once in awhile however I still try for some healthy options more on that later.

The person had started to do a keto diet (I used bodybuilding.com) which means they are cutting out carbs *insert sigh* to help aid in weight loss. It’s a lot like Adkins but they eat more protein. I like carbs just like any other person however I use them in (my favorite word!) moderation.  I don’t eat them everyday More on that later too.

Anyways back to this person when they got home they weighed in and gained about 4 pounds. Which of course is bound to happen I admire them for not being too upset about it. They’re plan of attack was to FAST. I immediately thought WHAT THE FRENCH TOAST?? Okay not my exact words but you know.  They said they planned to fast for 24 hours and just drink water.

Before I give my opinion on the matter, to answer the basic questions:

Is fasting safe? The first answer when I googled this was in a box: NO it is not safe by any means. Especially people who are diabetic, women who are pregnant/breast feeding, anyone with a chronic disease, and the elderly.

I 100% agree with this logic. I know fasting is sometimes necessary for a blood draw for certain tests then a “suggested” fast is for 12 hours in which you are allowed water and to take any medications.

As I did more research, it’s not good to do fasting. Which I found here

One thing I learned on this weight loss journey is to NOT STARVE yourself. I can’t tell you how many times I was accused of that during my own weight loss journey. It was downright insulting and I was angry at people for thinking so.  For some people, you can become dizzy if you don’t eat. When I fainted both times that was the first question I was asked “Did you eat?” Especially before my workout I put something in my stomach. Because you can become dizzy. It’s the same as hydration.

This person did mention when they ate carbs on vacation they felt lousy. Which I can relate to because I once had nothing but junk and soda at a party I wound up feeling lousy. Because your body becomes used to the fuel you are feeding it so if you give up certain foods, then if you suddenly eat them after not eating them you can feel off.

In case you’re wondering,  I did not comment on the person’s post because it’s not my place to. Yes, I could have been the voice the reason however, it’s their decision. I may not agree with it but I don’t want to hurt their feelings either. #beentheredonethat

However, if you consider a fast please do your homework first! This is from prevention.com  I don’t recommend doing it because it’s not for me.

Remember be safe as always!

~Mags

How to stay on task for the holidays

So. Thanksgiving is Thursday. And you’re probably wondering how in the heck do I behave? Honestly it can be a cheat day if you so desire. Which is my plan. My job starts a “Maintain Don’t gain” holiday challenge this week that leads up until the New Year. I usually partake in that to help me throughout the holidays it’s an excellent way to stay on task when it’s very tempting to stray.

Here is some no nonsense tips to get your through the holidays and Thanksgiving.

*Workout on Thanksgiving and after!. Some gyms are actually open on Thanksgiving for a couple hours. Jazzercise has one class it happens to be at 7am which happens to be when I’m off work (le sigh) but the YMCA Wellness center will be open that day so I will go there. If your gym is not open take a quick walk (weather permitting) or you can find simple workouts via Pinterest or YouTube. Just move! Even if it’s for 30 minutes do squats while the turkey is cooking 🙂 Skip black Friday Shopping  (I usually do) but if you are a shopper do it before or after you’re crazy adventures!

* Stay on task prior to and after Thanksgiving. If you meal plan, still do your workouts etc it will help

* Eat breakfast before you have your meal. Still have a good breakfast before you eat the big meal that way your stomach is full and you’re less likely to snack before the meal (see the next one below)

*No snacking while cooking! My bad habit is sticking stuff into my mouth while I cook. If you really need to snack make it a healthy choice like fruits or  veggies. Or chew gum to keep your mouth occupied while preparing.

*Don’t veg out in front of the TV! Thanksgiving can be a lazy day with the parade and football games on the TV, you can became a lump all day which can lead to snacking (see above) because you’re bored. Perhaps go outside after the meal and walk (remember exercise!).

*Drink water! Simple don’t turn to sugary sodas while you eat your meal. Besides water keeps you hydrated and flushes out your system anyways.

*Don’t overeat most importantly don’t have seconds. Enough said.

*Use a smaller plate. That way your plate is fuller and you’ll eat less too.

*Don’t be afraid to leave food your plate. Seriously if you’ll know when you’ve had enough. That leads to overeating.

*Make smart choices. One thing for sure if you attend a function there are plenty of food options! Some people have food allergies, etc so usually there’s plenty to chose from.

*Bring a healthy dish. Again if you’re attending a function and you have to bring a dish to share find or make something healthy. Like a veggie tray or a healthy salad. Or be creative and make the same usual Thanksgiving dish but make it healthier!

*Go easy with the carbs! I am a carb freak it’s easy to go overboard with them again if it’s you’re weak spot then skip it.

*Don’t eat dessert right away or skip it altogether! I love pie as much as the next person but you can wait until after your stomach settles or take a piece home to have later.

* Don’t be afraid to say no. Seriously it’s okay to turn something down and don’t feel guilty about it! Especially if it’s taking leftovers home.

One of the other things is I don’t bake holiday goodies so less temptation there.

However, it’s okay to indulge too just be mindful in your choices. I would recommend if you make Thanksgiving your cheat day, don’t cheat on the weekend go back to your normal routine.

Last but not least if you screw up, it’s okay! Nobody is perfect! Just remember you’re human and continue to work hard!

Happy Thanksgiving!

~Mags

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear It Works Representative

Recently a channel I follow on YouTube posted a video:

I have an Instagram that’s private and once in awhile I do get follow requests from It Works Representatives or Shake-logy. Truth be told they don’t like any of my pictures they may comment on one and that’s it. But they don’t interact with me because I don’t with them.

Here’s the thing. I understand that you’re trying to get an income there’s nothing wrong with that or you are a stay at home mom needing a little extra cash that’s great.  I used to sell to be a representative for a company but I couldn’t hack it so I gave it up. Simply because I couldn’t keep harassing my friends to order stuff they didn’t want or to host a party all the time. I have several friends that are Thirty-One, and Scentsy reps and the nice thing is they don’t harass you to buy their products. I support them when I can.

But why push a product that really doesn’t work?

I lost weight the old fashion way: Diet and Exercise. I didn’t use any product whatsoever to do it. Because I knew truthfully that it was affordable for me and I got results. I will admit, when I joined Curves years ago, I did use their protein shakes and vitamins but I realized I wasting my money so I gave that up. I’m not perfect but this last time I just put in the hard work.

As a future personal trainer I’m not going to push my clients into something that they don’t want. It’s not what they’re paying me for. They are paying me to get fit.

We talked about that in class Tuesday. One of the students said he used protein shakes. The look on my instructors face!! She was explaining about reading labels on products and he admitted some of the ingredients he had no idea what they were.

I still have a stomach I’m not going to lie but why would I shrink it with a ridiculously priced wrap? It’s like my whole post on using a waist cinchers Seriously I could use saran wrap if I wanted to shrink my stomach at half the cost. Kidding. I would NEVER use that either. I worked very hard to get where I am and I’m studying to help others do it the right way. It’s hard when my friends on Facebook host wrap parties or are trying to sell it but I don’t say anything or attend (mainly because they fall on my work weekends or I’m busy anyways) plus I don’t want to be the B and make the comments saying that it doesn’t work. They’re not pushing me so I have to respect them.

I got to thinking why am I even following these people? Like I said they never like any of my pictures, they don’t care about anything I post anyways (for the record I post way too many pictures of my cat) and again they really haven’t tried to push their products on me so I really can’t complain. However why follow me? So I unfriended all of them. And no this isn’t a post to complain about them I just want to shine a little truth like The BIG (Body Image Guru) said It doesn’t work.

Remember just eat right, exercise, drink plenty of water and you will succeed!!

~M