Boot Camp Survivor

Today's survival picture!!

The first of May, a few coworkers and I joined a "boot camp" at a near by gym.  Oh, goodness....does "boot camp" put a whole new meaning to the word survivor!  We have this class on Mondays and Fridays at noon.  Today I asked the instructor, "Will we ever not hurt so bad after class?"  Her reply, "Nope...you are using different muscles all the time and most likely you will feel it!'

A few weeks ago, I had left the class in tears.  You see, I am the least fit of everyone in the class.  I am the one who struggles to keep up.  I am the one who comes in last with every set of exercises.  I also develped shin splints.  That day I ached all over and was frustrated my lack of ability. 

When I returned to work that day, I was sharing my frustration with a co-worker who doesn't exercise with us and she politely reminded me that my fellow boot campers hadn't experienced the cancer journey...and basically said, "You need to give yourself some grace."

So, that afternoon, I was having coffee with a dear friend.  I shared with her my frustration and exhaustion from boot camp, and shared with her the words used by my co-worker to encourage me.

My friend challenged me with her words.  She said, "Kim--what if you wouldn't have experienced your setbacks through your cancer treatment?  What is wrong with being the last one on the team?  Isn't it okay to just be who you are and where you are at?" 

Hmmmm...good questions...

So....I still am the slowest in our class....and I still struggle lots!  But, my frustration is gone, now replaced with embracing the moment and celebrating whenever we "survive" a day at boot camp!

Starting over...

The last four weeks I have either been traveling for work, or staying with my daughter and her family in Montana.  With all this travel, I fell off the track.

So, today when my boss asked us if we wanted to exercise on our lunch hour.  I was a little less than enthused. I tried the "It is so beautiful, maybe we should walk outside." Thinking to myself, "I know if we go to gym to exercise, my muscles will be hurting tomorrow.  Well, my boss replied, "You can walk if you would like, but I am ready for a serious work out."  My thoughts, "Really??"  Anyways, this is where peer pressure is a good thing. 

We compromised.

We did a "boot camp" workout at Sertoma Park and the beautiful Outdoor Campus.  The weather was absolutely beautiful. 

The whole time I was sweating and panting, I was thinking about this blog.  How perfect that today was Wellness Wednesday and I was experiencing a work out that didn't include a gym. 

We did sprints from tree to tree.

We did push ups.

We did crunches and abs. 

We did triceps dips.

We did stretching and tested our challenged our fear of heights.

So, once again, I am making another "first" step attempt to get back on the physical activity train.  Hmmm...wonder how far I will get this time??

Question:  Do you ever find yourself getting derailed on your walk to wellness?  Care to share any tips on how you stay on track??

Walking With Wellness Wednesday

Well, you know what they say about the road of good intentions??  When I started the "Walking with Wellness Wednesday," I thought...how hard can it be to have a regular weekly post?  The challenge for me, Wednesday's keep coming faster and faster. 

I am going to be honest...I ran out of time this weekend to do the research I needed so I could write an educated post on nutrition.  So, instead, how about I share an update on my physical activity and weight loss?

Since there hasn't been much weight loss, I'll discuss my exercise endeavors first.  You know how we all have different learning styles?  Well, did you know we can have different exercise styles, too?  For many years I would lay out the perfect exercise routing, only to quit the plan 2 days into it.  Guess what?  I was making the wrong type of plan for me.  I like people...so it only makes sense that going to the gym with someone would be a big motivator for me--and it has proven to be my ticket to sticking to my plan! 

During the work week, I have started "circuit training" with a few coworkers at a gym only a few blocks from our office.  The first few days of training I felt like a "geek" especially because of my deconditioning.  (They are both very athletic.)  Howvere, they were also encouraging.  We try and work out 3 to 4 days a week over our lunch hour.  (Good thing there are showers at the gym!) 

If you remember, I blogged awhile back about how my daughter convinced me to that we needed a membership to Avera Fitness.  Well, my hubby wasn't too excited about us taking on another gym membership, especially since we have tried gym memberships in the past--only to not use them.  After a few weeks of seeing our excitement, my hubby decided to check out Avera.  Guess what?  He loves it!  And now we are going to the gym together as a couple!  At the gym, he does his routine and I do  mine separately...but just going to the gym together is very motivating to me!

This past week I started training for the Avera Race Against Breast Cancer 5K.  Yes, yes, I know...I have tried training for this race the past two years and didn't succeed.  I am not sure this year will be different, but I am going to try.  I am doing the Couch to 5K program.  If you are interested you can find more information here: Couch to 5K

Okay...so now for the weight loss update.  It is slow...turtles walk faster! 
When I first started getting serious about trying to lose a few pounds, I would stand on the scale once or twice daily.  I would get so discouraged and frustrated when the number didn't move. BUT THEN...I found a really cool program called My Fitness Pal.  I have tried other online tracking programs, often finding them difficult to navigate.  My Fitness Pal is very user friendly. Since tracking my nutrition and physical activity, I am no longer obsessed with the scale.  I know that I am making nutritious, healthy eating choices and being physical activity.  I haven't stood on the scale since Sunday.  Tomorrow is weigh in day, I will keep you posted!

Well, for not having much to say--this is a really long blog.  If your still reading this post--many blessings to you!!

Walking With Wellness Wednesday

The word aerobics came about when the gym instructors got together and said, "If we're going to charge $10 an hour, we can't call it jumping up and down." ~Rita Rudner

Thank you all for your sharing some of your physical activity tips last week. So, now that we are two months into 2012—how are you doing with increasing your physical activity? Remember when you are increasing your physical activity…every minute counts.
  

Here is some interesting information from the CDC on physical activity to help motivate you:

1. Only a few lifestyle choices have as large an impact on your health as physical activity. People who are physically active for about 7 hours a week have a 40 percent lower risk of dying early than those who are active for less than 30 minutes a week.

2. You don't have to do high amounts of activity or vigorous-intensity activity to reduce your risk of premature death. You can put yourself at lower risk of dying early by doing at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity.

I have a story to share with you that has been a great motivator for me. Last week my brother took me out for lunch. He politely told me that I looked good. (Brothers can be so sweet, can’t they?) Anyways, I shared with him that despite working out, I haven't been very successful in my attempt at weight loss. To my amazement, he replied, “Kim, who cares if you have only lost a pound. You are here and alive—that is celebration!” Thanks, bro!

My weekly wellness challenge to you all—Move your body for ten minutes every day this week!

Go. Celebrate LIFE!!