Category: Uncategorized

Oh yes, today was one of those days where it was just a little chillier outside of the blankets than my sleepy body/mind could overcome.  The snooze button maxed out this morning and I slid out of bed early enough for the mere fact that I needed to relieve myself.  I turned on the heater on my way to the bathroom, so by the time I got back to the room – I was able to start my exercises without a robe on.  Push-ups and squats were completed relatively easily, just a small soreness in my left knee towards the 12th squat and beyond.  Then, it was time for the planks and my poor body was not ready for these this morning! They were just really difficult for one reason or another, quite possibly due to my extended amount these past two days.

I believe I already mentioned that I follow some health, fitness, nutrition, etc. pages on my social media accounts.  There are actually quite a few of them that are friends, prior colleagues, or classmates of mine – but I digress… One woman who has a fitness business with her husband posted a reminder that for women, it can be very detrimental to weigh yourself and stay in the mirror for the first 30-45 days of any new diet / exercise regimen.  Simply for the fact that with cycles, bloating, and recent post-partum bodies, they fluctuate like CRAZY.  You will drive yourself mad when you do not see the type of results that you either feel (you feel better, more energized, stronger, etc.), or feel like you should have earned / gained by now.  Not to mention, you may have lost excess fat – but also gained more muscle, doing something of a balancing act on the scales.  In addition, every woman’s body is soooo different, so areas you may be focused on trying to lose the weight, it may have shed elsewhere.  

I share this because (maybe I am just delusional these days…) but I seem to recall being able to gain “definition” much more quickly in my early adulthood.  I mean, I used to exercise incessantly, but if I had an off couple of weeks due to finals, sickness, (insert other crazy event living as a young woman in l.a. with no car here…) I feel like after 2 workout sessions, my abs and calves were crispy again.  These days, as I look at myself in the mirror, or just look “down” – it seems to be taking much longer than I recall.  Now thankfully, I smile and move on with my day, happy that I am finally doing something about it. But as a woman, an ex-athlete, a petite framed individual – I have to constantly remind myself that I essentially took close to three years off, I co-created a human life, and I am in my thirties now.  The air looks different up here & so does my body, lol.

I am challenging myself daily to remember I am doing this to be healthy & physically feel better and stronger each day, more than how I look externally.  Outward appearances will come as it comes in the way my unique body expresses optimum health AND that this unique expression may not be the ideal promoted through mainstream.  

But here I am, day #11 down & early awaiting the next 88 🙂

Day#11 was a success!  1.25.18 = Complete

Most Difficult:  Planks # 8-10, I was seriously struggling on these last few!  Currently Feeling: Pretty good, my back has been acting right for the most part today, only a tiny bit of left knee pain with this cold weather.  No headache and I am feeling energized!

Totals for day 11/99:

120 push-ups (+2 for the “Level up)

120 squats

65 plank rotations

65 seconds holding yoga pose (Tittibhasana)

55 minutes of deep breathing

>>Respectfully submitted & Always thankful<<    ~Mai

Solidifying the Habit!

According to this app that I recently started using (Fabulous I think…) it speaks about making something a habit by completing the activity three days in a row.  I am very pleased to have had a successful third day at this challenge.  What’s even better, my family is right there alongside me (shoutout to Chelsea really staying on top of it!).  No but for real, the support & accountability is life changing.

Not only did I complete my #igot5onit99 challenge, I was able to finish off the last day of my free 1 week gym pass by destroying my legs.  To add insult to injury, you exit the building and have to travel DOWNSTAIRS to the parking lot.  When I tell you that jelly does nothing to describe the state of my legs, hopefully it is a better picture of where my body is at right now.  I think what put it over the top was the 4 sets of squat holds I did, but with a 10-15 lb medicine ball. Why?  Then, I also had to use the restroom, but why does this matter?  Oh right, because I squat & do not sit on public toilets.  So, in short – I feel accomplished & scared at the same time, will I be able to walk tomorrow? 

I think a huge trial for me is going to be maintaining my daily challenge this weekend when I am out of town.  If anyone has any tips, I would LOVE to hear them.  Leaving out right outta work on Friday 🙂

Today’s Workout:

I started with several minutes of biking as hard as I could pedal, then I did 4 sets of 8 reps on the machines pictured below.  I ended with the weighted wall squats (above) & deep stretching.

Another trend I have been noticing on the social media platform is this push towards not following people that make you feel less than, deflated, unmotivated, etc.  It is very curious how this seems to be trending (at least around my small bubble & close connections), because it is such a good opportunity to look at balance.  On one hand, no – you do not want to be obsessive about the next person, or rather, anyone outside of yourself and what is going on in their lives.  This is especially true when you realize that many people only post their “bests.”  Their best photo out of the 60+ they took.  The best meals they decided to make/eat that week.  The best time they had at a specific location / vacation.  But in reality, you do not know the “L’s” they took to get to that “best,” or even how truthful that “best” is.  Additionally, basing your feelings and actions on your perception of another’s facade (more often than not), is unhealthy and illogical. 

Alternatively, it is always good to find healthy ways to motivate yourself, and sometimes, for some people – seeing others push themselves can be turned into motivation while they work on that intrinsic drive. It can serve as a reminder about what you could or should be doing.  It may make you want to tap into that thing you said you were going to do yesterday, last month, last year even.  Other times, it reminds you to reach out to them or provide a few words to motivate them, and in return, they may do the same for you when you need it. 

For me, I think I have been able to strike a good balance these days.  I have started to follow a few pages based on vegan / plant based nutrition, fitness pages, spirituality focused individuals, and truly following the growth of a few friends and family members whose stories, strength, and resolve motivate me.  I have also recruited a few people to join me & through this we are motivating one another with nutrition, fitness, and finances (nod to you Lahrell!).  I am far from my “best” and will keep my head down as I strive to seek it out.  

Progress | 1.17.18 = Completed!

Biggest struggle: Trying to focus on being present in the activity instead of thinking about all of the things I needed to do before leaving to work.  I am feeling: Awesome, supported, motivated!

Totals after day 3/99:

1. 30 push-ups
2. 30 squats
3. 15 plank rotations
4. 15 seconds holding the firefly (Tittibhasana) pose
5. 15 minutes of deep breathing

Respectfully submitted & Always thankful<<   ~Mai