Les Mills Pump Phase 1 .... PART 2

Let me start with an apology.  I planned to complete this last night but truthfully after class, getting the kiddos showered and into bed ... well ... I'll admit to being tired.  And I just didn't feel like doing it!  And the thought of sharing some of these pics is just down right scary!  Truthfully!  No one out there can say that I don't "put it all out there".  Really.  And for the whole world to see.  But you know what I accepted my body a long time ago.  It is strong.  It is mine.  I have never said that I'm a little girl.  And I work every day to make it the perfect little home for me!  Hey and if sharing my story makes just one person out there more comfortable in their own skin .. guess what .. it is a win for me! 

So after Phase 1 of Les Mills Pump, I'm not going to lie!  Truthfully, I feel different.  Now some of what I say may not make sense but to me it does.  I feel a little longer and leaner.  My legs definitely feel stronger.  And my core ... well ... it hurts almost daily from the ab workouts.  Which once you see the pics you'll understand I need core work!  So, I'll stop dilly dallying around and get right to it!

I'll list my results, show pics, and then give some thoughts about it all ..............................

                             April 9, 2012                                   May 20, 2012

Chest                     43                                                        41 1/2
R. Arm                  14 3/4                                                  14 1/4
L. Arm                  14 1/2                                                  14
Waist                     38                                                        37
Hips                       41 1/2                                                 40 1/2
R. Thigh                25                                                        24 1/2
L. Thigh                24 1/2                                                  24
Weight                  190                                                      191

OMG!  4-12-2012 ... why doesn't someone stop me from doing this?! 

5-22-2012  The other shorts are MIA....I can not find them!  At least there is not "do-rag".  Hey, I wear some thing on my head almost all the times that I exercise.  NICE FARMERS TAN!   

Yes, I do go out in the sun!  Believe it or not! 

I don't know what I was looking at. 

You have to give me some credit for putting it all out there!  Can't believe I am going on vacation for two weeks and PASSED on the tanning bed.  Nothing wrong with being pale.  But seriously, from my calculations that is down 5 1/2 total inches and up one pound.  And the biggest difference is in my chest!  My chest!  I don't really have much as it is.  It doesn't need to go anywhere!  BUT, I look at it all as being subjective.  I had cheated a week ago and did some measurements ... my waist measured at a 36 1/4 and my weight was at 185.  So, I am completely aware that it is all relative.  My body really seems to like the 185 to 190 range.  I struggle to keep it below 185. 

My hubby is amazed that it is only 5 1/2 inches gone.  To us it looks much different.  Clothes fit differently.  He is beginning to hate that.  It always costs him money.  My Momma was amazed that it was only 5 1/2 inches.  She has told me more than once that I am looking much trimmer.  And the best thing she said was tighter!  Overall for the first phase, I would grade myself as a 85% nutritionally and 90% movement wise.  

I have already taken steps to "wrangle" in my nutrition and bring it up into the 90% or higher range.  And we're working on upping the weights on the movement side.  I'm really looking forward to what this next phase will bring.  This is starting to become a little fun.  Boy does that sound sadistic!  I love torturing myself.  LOL! 

So overall at this point, I would recommend Les Mills Pump.  You may need to do some tweaking here and there to make it your own but don't you with every program out there!  So are you coming along this month?  Are you ready to see what this next phase will bring? 

I am! 

Come on!  Lets' Go!     

And one thing I have learned from doing this blog over the past several months... I really need to smile more often!  No wonder people think I'm irritated most of the time!   

Les Mills Pump Phase 1 complete ... PART 1

Good afternoon everyone out there in "blogland"!  Today marks the official end to my Pump phase 1.  My journey was extended by a 5 to 7 days because of illness.  I don't know about you but when I have a fever, congestion, uncontrollable cough, and the list could go on ... no workouts are done!  Now as you can tell from the title of todays blog this is a two part-er!  I know.  Don't you just hate two part-ers?!  I do.  Especially on TV or in reviews!  (Aware part-er is not a word .. don't care!)   

For those that don't know Les Mills Pump is brought to us by Beachbody.  Yes.  The makers/distributors of Insanity, TurboFire, P90X, and the list could go on.  I've realized over the past few years you are either a lover or hater of Beachbody.  Myself ... lover!  I don't know whether it is the  workouts.  Personalities.  Music.  Variety.  Really, I don't know.  But they work for me.  And one must remember not everyone is psyched to workout in their living room in front of the TV.  And I look at it like anything else workout wise ... if it gets you to move, motivates you to come back again, and lets you work your way to a healthy, happy, and wonderful you ... HOW CAN IT BE BAD! 

Each Beachbody product .. at least those that I own .. come with a preset workout "sequence".  Recommending the order in which you do the workouts.  Now you don't have to follow them.  But I opted to follow by the day!  My thought was they are set out in that manner for a reason.  Now, I have mentioned in other blogs that I like the padded bar.  It is too short for my liking but I have "gotten used" to it.  And the "basic" set comes with only 30 lbs. in weights (2 10 lbs. and 2 5 lbs.).   

You quickly realize that the bar and weights that you are using do not match the bar and weights that are used on the workouts.  The weights are configured different ... only two "holes" instead of the three shown which can make the hand held exercise interesting.  I can only imagine if you have small hands.  Luckily like everything else on me ... hands are not little!  And the bar appears longer with the padding being different.  Once I got the rhythm of the workouts down, I was quickly using the max of 30 lbs. for the entire workout.  Not everyone may be doing that ... I'm a weight "lover" and have been lifting for some time.  I know they offer larger weights for sale but I will not be purchasing them.  As I have my own bar and plates "laying" around here. 

Now anyone that knows Beachbody.  Has looked at their website.  Or has read anything by one of their representatives has heard of SHAKEOLOGY.  Don't worry .. this isn't a sales pitch!  When I purchased Pump ... let's just say ... there were some reservations about it.  I had tried a sample before.  Just as is.  Nothing added.  BLEAK!  BLAH!  PHLLT!  Just wasn't my thing.  But I have struggled with consuming enough calories in the day.  See I'm not a protein bar, power bar, protein powder, etc. lover.  I know people who eat bars for breakfast every day.  Or lunch.  Or for snacks.  I like actual food.  When I do eat it is quantity and quality over easy access.  But for some reason when I exercise a good bit .. my desire to eat goes out the door.  So I looked at SHAKEOLOGY as a easy way to get calories and protein while not having to eat anything.  Does that sound bad?!   

I told myself and my banker (hubby) that I would get it for three months.  The duration of the Pump.  For me over the past month .. it has worked.  I'm a fan of adding a tablespoon of Natural Peanut Butter and a Banana to my chocolate shakeology.  Yummy!  It is filling.  With the additions it tastes good.  Thinking about trying to freeze it like pudding pops.  Hey!  Why not?!  I've tried a lot of other things that didn't work.  I've started trying other "concoctions" but none of them can compare yet.  Yeah.  Yes it is expensive.  Sorry but that is my true feeling.  It costs like $120.00 a month.  I spend about $150.00 to $200.00 a month on our monthly food budget.  So for me it really is expensive.  Plus, I'm cheap.  Really and truly.  I want the absolute most out of my money. 

I know what you your thinking ... RESULTS!  WHERE ARE THE FREAKING RESULTS?!  I did the measurements.  I did the pictures.  I did the poses.  I pulled out the scale.  I did the weigh in.  Who am I kidding!  I just want the shirt you get at the end for sending in your pics.  Heck.  Honestly.  It would be kinda nice.  To maybe.  Maybe.  Maybe make a flyer or commercial.  Trust me!  The realistic side of me is here now.  That isn't going to happen!  But I will rock that shirt!

So at the end of Phase 1 the measurements honestly show that I have lost a total of .... ddddrrrruuuummmm rrrroooollll .... you will just have to check in tomorrow to see!  Come on you had to see that coming!  Really!  It had to be done.  Tomorrow will include before pics, measurements, and weights ... sometimes I do SHARE entirely too much!  Along with todays pics, weight, and smaller measurements.  I'm giving you a full day to prepare for the blinding whiteness of my stomach!  Truly!  Not many things are whiter! 

Check in with me tomorrow .................  

A little art appreciation...........

Where to begin!  Over the past several years, it has come to my attention that both of my children are artistically talented.  In different ways.  One is a little more "see it as it is" and the other is more "abstract".  Well this evening was the United Elementary 2nd Annual Art Show.  The show is open to all.  And apparently the art teacher is the one that selects who, what, and where things are shown.

 
I had mentioned this little show on my own personal Facebook page but that was all.  We didn't let anyone else know about it because we weren't really sure if our kids were showing anything.  In the two weeks leading up to this we have heard it all ... I didn't have any thing in the show or What are you talking about! or Well, I can make it at home and take it in.  WHAT!  So we thought best to go it alone this evening.  Just in case!  We ended up finding out that BOTH of our children had "art work" shown!

Our first "art" of the evening ... a picture of us three!  I have thousands of pics with the kids and my hubby.  If people looked at our pics they would think I didn't exist!  And he is not a photographer!  I seriously think about getting him some lessons!   

Right inside the door of the show!  Killers picture of her favorite food.  John thought it would be a good idea to hold her up.  As you can see neither was really into it.  Right after this picture was taken....he nicely dropped her on her head and her dress went flying up exposing her underwear to the entire room.  Why?  That is just how us Breretons' roll!      

Here is another good look at her favorite food?  Can you guess what it is?  Come on!  Take a guess! 

Don't feel bad.  We had to ask.  John thought it looked like a TV dinner.  Which we found hilarious considering they have never seen a TV dinner!  Then a big block of cheese was mentioned.  Maybe a weird piece of pizza?!  No.  All wrong!  That there my friends is a cheeseburger!  Don't you see it.  I'm thinking it is a little heavy on the cheese.  ?!  Remember, I mentioned one is more on the "abstract" side.  Take a guess at which one!  She told me this looks exactly like a cheeseburger to her.  I don't know whether to be happy or worried........................HHHHMMMMMMM! 

Now for Muscles artwork!  His paper playground was chosen.  Not to second guess the art teacher but I have a kick ass self portrait hanging in the hallway!  I felt bad that we perused and over looked this at first.  They were only marked in the far corner of each paper.  Then I talked to Muscles and he didn't even know it was on the table.  And to think I felt guilty!

Can you tell he was really enthused about getting his picture taken? 

Yes!  I was given the ... MOM, YOU GET ONE PICTURE SPEECH!  And he was promptly given the ... I'll take as many as I want speech!  There was face painting.....................................................

Here is a self portrait drawn by my cousins daughter ... Second Grader Ms. Hannah Wood. 






Way to go Hannah!  And a little artwork by Muscles best buddy ...................................................

Go young Mr. Dickens!  And the following I just thought were totally cool.  These were done by the Fifth Graders.  Yarn self portraits.  I loved them all!  They were so interesting to look at.   

All in all a great and enjoyable evening!  There are a number of talented artists in the making at United.  The yard art was neat.  And the clay figurines that the molded, fired, and painted were all excellent.  It makes me really happy to know that art is important at their school.  Unfortunately, in a lot of schools art and music take a back seat.  Good job United Elementary students!

Why do they grow up?

Some days you just have to ask yourself ... why do they have to grow up?  Just about every single day, at some point, I feel as though pulling my hair out sounds fun.  Hey!  All kids know how to work their parents over.  Really!  I don't sugar coat things.  I love my kids.  I love them dearly.  But I will admit that parenthood is not always "rainbows, sunshine, and sugar cookies".  And I'm no even talking about vomit,  poop, and endless nights awake. 

But no matter what .... there comes a time .... when you just want .... to ask .... Why do they need to grow up?  We had the pleasure of going to the United Local Elementary Kindergarten program this evening.  It was a 1/2 hour program filled with Rock n' Roll songs about letters.  My daughter, Killer, was in it.  I've listened to her talk about this for the past two months.  You see this is right up her alley.  She is great for one liners, dancing the chicken wing or water sprinkler or cabbage patch, and just being her wonderful goofy little self. 

But tonight's program also signifies some thing else.  The end of Kindergarten.  The beginning of first grade.  Big girl school.  No more rest time in the afternoon ... they actually stopped that a few weeks ago to acclimate them.  No more early release.  Sitting here weeping .... I could go on and on and on. 

But I sat there this evening just wondering where the time went. 

How did this happen .......

September 2008 ... her first trip to Kennywood. 

The Hadley that I know and love every single day! 

Her favorite "purple sparkly prom dress"! 

Today before her Rock n' Roll music program. 

Do you think "binding" really works?  Who am I kidding she would still get older! 

You do not blend.  You do not follow.  You already walk on your own line.  I hope that you stay the unique and special person that you are forever. 

I LOVE YOU KILLER!       

 

Fear

Fear .....

1.  a feeling of distress, apprehension, or alarm caused by impending danger, pain, etc.
2.  a cause of this feeling
3.  concern; anxiety
4.  to be afraid


Do you fear?  Really?  Of course, we all fear certain things.  Some of the time that fear can be all consuming.  Some of the time it can be irrational.  Some of the time it is legitimate.  Some of the time it is truly justified. 

Some fear snakes.  

Some fear heights.  

Some fear spiders. 

Some fear other people.

Some fear change.   

Some fear failure. 

Some just fear life. 

I can justify most of those.  Snakes  - really should some thing with no legs be able to climb a tree?  I think not!  Heights - if you fall from three stories it isn't going to be like jumping on a trampoline!  Spiders - furry little beady eyed creatures.  Other people - they can be judgemental and opinionated.  Change - every day is familiar whether liked or disliked you know what to expect.  Failure - looking the fool, feeling disappointed in ones self, letting other down.  Life - wouldn't it be easy to hide. 

I may have a DISLIKE of snakes (especially in my laundry room), spiders (in the wood pile in the fall), and heights (it is a long way down and won't be pleasant hitting) but I don't fear them.  I don't fear other people.  I do get the impression in many instances that others fear me.  What will she say?  What will she do?  Now what?  Oh well, they just need to get used to it!

And I decided a long time ago to embrace change!  Change is good!  Change is great!  Without change there can be no growth.  I try and roll with the punches.  On occasion, I do get down because I have a serious dislike for "same".  The "same" conversation.  The "same" eye rolls.  The "same" questions.  The "same" food.  The "same" familiar thing over and over and over and over and over and over ... you get the idea! 

Failure is a scary thing.  Right now I'm dealing with a little fear of failure.  I have a 10K coming up on June 2, 2012.  I have a complete fear of being last.  Really who wants to be last?!  I have this sense of impending doom.  A knot in my stomach.  A feeling of nausea.  Do you understand?  Have you ever had that feeling?  I could explain why but it will sound really, really, really bad. 

When it comes right down to it .. failure is a part of life.  And I don't fear life.  I want to live each day like it is my last.  I want to experience every minute of every day.  I want to make memories whenever I can.  Some would say "Hey, it was only $18.00.  Just skip it.  Really who is going to know!"  I will.  Deep down ... deep down ... deep down ... everything will be okay.  No matter when I cross that line ... it will be a success!  It will be a memory!  It will be an experience! 

So, are you willing to step out of your comfort zone?  Are you willing to make a memory?  Are you willing to go that extra step to make every day an experience?  Make a list.  Pick one item.  Decide that tomorrow morning you will start working on it.  Banish fear.....................................     

Here I am in week six......

Six weeks ago....well not really!  I started the two hundred squat challenge five weeks ago.  The goal is to work up to being able to complete 200 body weight squats in a row.  If you are a follower on Facebook, I started on week two because of the number completed on the initial test.  Over the past several weeks, I have completed endless amounts of squats! 

This is not my first go around doing this challenge.  In the past....a little boredom set in.  I'm feeling it now also.  BUT the end is in site.  The boredom doesn't come from doing the challenge.  But from .. how do I put this .. just standing there counting!  When you get to around 100 in a row ... my mind ... well  ... wonders ... I kinda ... birds flying by ... is that an ant on the floor ... what number was that ... Crap!  I need to count ... you get the idea.  Sunday was my week five progress test.  I really wanted over 150.  In my humble opinion, I'm thinking that it should be over 150.  I set out on my test.  I completed 152 good quality body weight squats. 

I could have squeaked out more.  But trust me the quality would not have been there.  No pushing yourself up when tired.  No swinging the arms.  A lot of sweating.  Even more grunting.  All in all, I'm happy with that for a week 5 progress test.  I'm giving myself a little "leigh way" because I am also doing Pump.  And lets' face it ... that is a good portion of squats with weights.  I will plug away for the remainder of the week.  My goal is Sunday to complete 200 good quality body weight squats!  I can't wait!  Maybe .. if I can figure it out .. I'll video it!  Just for proof.  If I do not reach my goal on Sunday ... I'll continue on until I do.  There is no plan on giving up! 

Next challenge .... 150 chair dips! 

Why not?  I completed the 1,000 push ups in a week ... actually completed 1,350 that week.  Working on the 200 squat challenge.  And I've got my ever present ... 3,500 push ups in May going on.  Now the question is ... does any one out there want to join me on this challenge?  Think about them triceps.  The definition.  The way your arms will look in a tank top.  Heck throw in a massive amount of push ups and everyone will be envious! 

Who is in?  ANYONE?  ANYONE? 

I can give you the information for the website.  Come on.  Push yourself.  Follow the schedule.  Work along at your own pace.  We can do it together.  You never truly know what you are capable of until you try! 

Whos' serve is it?!

Today was family tennis.  Well family minus one.  My hubby was working at our property.  The remaining three played tennis, fueled our bodies with lunch, and then went to help him.  The "Three Stooges" headed off to our local tennis court.  Just a little public park and playground about 2 miles up the road.  The tennis court needs a little TLC.  But all in all, it works for us.  We travel to a few different parks to play.  They wanted this one today! 

Muscles and Killer! 

Killer with her own racket.  I had to give in a purchase the child's racket.  The others were just to heavy for her!  She loves it! 

Muscles couldn't be left out!  He has the intermediate racket.  Just right.  Adult ones are a little to top heavy.  This racket is a little shorter and more stoudt.  It works well for him. 

They wanted a shot of us three.  Do you know how hard that is?  And trust me ... there is never anyone at this park to ask for help. 

You have to hit the playground!  Yeppers, she is getting a little big for it.  But she doesn't care. 

Don't mind me Mom!  I'm allowed to dig a hole here!  He just loves this thing.  Heck for that matter so does she.  But it is heavy and hard to maneuver for her. 

Best monkey impression!  She wanted to do pull-ups.  Who is she kidding?!  Daddy is the only one in this house that can do more than two.  I would love to do 5 quality pull-ups!  I just asked him to get me set up in the garage.  NEW GOAL! 

BAD PICK ALERT!  I was hot and tired.  No apologies!  Hope everyone else got out there and enjoyed the beautiful day.  We had a blast!  And I look at this day as a big success!  My family went to Dairy Quenn after all our hard work was done and over with.........I had a water!  Yep.  Nothing else.  It was great.  Didn't feel deprieved in the least! 

Now what did you accomplish today?  Anything you are proud of and want to share? 

What can a year do? Part 4

Here we are in May already!  May 1st to be exact.  Can you believe it?  If I remember correctly, my last post in this ongoing saga was not necessarily the most positive.  But I'm just going by memory.  I set out to "own" April.  In some ways, I've succeeded.  And in other, I've failed.  But I am accepting both with open arms.  On April 9th, I started Les Mills Pump from Beachbody.  So, I have a few more weeks to go in completing the first round of it.  To date, I'm liking it.  At first it seemed a little remedial.  It went over proper lifting, etc.  I know the purpose behind it but it wasn't some thing that I needed. 

The goal was and is to follow the 90 day plan and nutrition plan.  I was sidelined for 5 days due to a serious "cold".  You know fever, chills, coughing, can not breath type thing!  One thing everyone should know is that when I'm sick....food goes out the window.  I normally have a hard time eating enough calories.  When I'm sick it isn't an issue.  I have no desire to consume any single thing with nutritional value.  It is the strangest thing.  I will hardly consume any thing but it will be crap.  I have started using Shakeology by Beachbody.  It has really helped me get in my "calories".  And I must admit that I'm beginning to like it.  It is costly.  But I agreed, with myself, that it would be purchased for 3 months. 

If I have to rate myself this month, percentage wise, I would give myself a 85% on the workout side.  I've really pushed through some things BUT my running has taken a serious nose dive!  To rectify that I've signed up for a mileage challenge in May.  I'm shooting for 80 miles.  From about maybe 15 last month to 80 this month.  WTH was I thinking?  Don't worry about me.  It will make me push myself.  And I have found that to be a good thing!  On the nutrition side, I'll go with about 80%.  I could have been better.  And will be this month.  When I get stressed about one aspect in my life ... I eat.  The plan this month is to workout.  Have you heard of the "Deck of Death"?  Well it may resurface many times.  Or my little routine.  Or maybe just numerous push ups, crunches, chair dips, etc.  What ever to make myself not eat! 

Also, I've really been trying to log into myfitnesspal daily.  Logging the workouts bugs me.  I don't know how to list some of them.  But it has pushed me to pay attention to my nutritional intake.  The weekends might not see me visit at every meal.  Hey!  That is family time.  But I plan to check in at least 28 days out of 31 in May.  You see I have a plan for May......

No!  I'm not going to think about David Beckham all sweaty.  I'm gonna make May my bitch.  Can you believe I just said that.  OMG!  There is a reason that I want May to shine.  You see May 31, 2012 is my 39th birthday!  I wanna check in on that day and just blow myself away!  Now down to the nitty gritty details.........

Here are my measurements last month and this month.......

3-29-12                                                   5-1-12
Neck 14 5/8                                            15
Waist  38 1/2                                          37
Calf  both 16 1/2                                     R 15 1/2  L 15 1/4
Thigh  R 24 3/4 L 24 1/4                        R 24 L 24 1/2
Arm R 15 L 14 3/4                                 R 15 3/8 L 15
Weight ... I didn't write it down!            I can't find the scale!  SERIOUSLY! 

My hubby thinks he left it in the garage.  I will 100% add them in my blog tomorrow night.  PROMISE!  Do you want to see pics?  Must warn you that the "horrible photographer" was in charge again.  One plus is I did go look at new cameras.  Maybe that will help him out.  Doubt it! 

Full on!  Hey.  At least I don't have a "do rag" or hat on this month?  LOL! 

Needless to say, I'm a little happy with the results of the crunches and nutritional side.  Just imagine if it was 100%.  We will see at the end of the month. 

No.  I do not like my butt.  But my photographer always takes pics of it.  So I have a pretty good little picture diary. 

Sorry!  You have to love those.  I love calf muscles.  Love.  Love.  Love.  Can't wait to see what is in store! 

I'm telling you....it is THERE!  Damn it!  The massive push-ups this month have really added to the definition of my arms, shoulders, triceps, etc.  They are 100% staying in the routine!  I highly recommend them. 

So you can't really tell in this pic but the definition is really getting there.  My hubby grabbed my arm and proclaimed "Momma is getting all muscular on me.  You will be my protector!"  Yes honey.  I will protect you till the end as I have in the past.  That is a story for another day.  I should note that these pics were taken in my front yard.  I live about 30 yards off a main road.  No one is surprised by any thing they see here any more! 

Anyone out there want to make May their bitch?!  Come on.  Join me.  Let's make sure this month rocks!  How about a mileage challenge?  You can walk, jog, run, bike, crawl, hike, skate, whatever!  Pick a distance.  Post it to LoveLaughSweatFuel tomorrow and lets' get this party started!  Also, anyone up for a 3,500 push-up challenge?  Yep.  I mean 3,500 push-ups in 30 days.  That averages out to like 117 a day.  That is off the top of my head.  If you don't think that is attainable, just push yourself.  Like never before.  See how many you can do.  I would like to say full out push-ups but if you need your knees bent.  Or even from the counter/wall to start....I'll take it.  You had to think when I came up with a challenge it was gonna be kinda big.  I do like the saying ... GO BIG or GO HOME! 

So let's get this party started!  Come on!  Follow me on this killer roller coaster ride through May!