I set my own goal on February 4th… to get stronger and fitter by my 30th birthday (Today March 9th). When I asked myself why I wanted to get stronger, the answer was for “myself.” Not for anyone else. I haven’t shared this with anyone, not even Marc. So there you go Marc. There’s my goal and my secret

I asked myself WHY?? Why do I want to get stronger? My main reason was that I wanted to prove to myself that I could finish this program. I know I probably sound super corny when I say this but I was excited for this challenge!!! Every time I began one of the beachbody programs in the past, something happened (injury/pregnancy). I kind of felt like I was jinx.

For the first time in 4 years I have been able to kick my own A$$ without an injury or a pregnancy sidelining me. If you are curious what went on in the past few years, here goes: 4 years ago I had hip surgery… it took a full year to recover. Even after I recovered and I was cleared for everything, I was afraid to push 100% because I was scared of re-injury. Then I got pregnant, and although I exercised I didn’t do intense exercise. 8 weeks after I had Ava I broke my collar-bone. That was a little over a year ago and you know what?? I am the strongest I have been in 5 years. I am so happy I can say that out loud.

In the last month I have seen progress in my core strength and I can see changes in my arms, specifically my triceps. This took all my guts to post these pictures. I am a pretty private person. Yes I have a blog but the purpose of my blog is to help people and motivate people to be healthy besides that, I am shy, reserved and I keep to myself. So basically thank you for letting me share this with you!! I don’t know if you can see the change but I sure do and I feel it.

To be able to share with you my progress is sort of like a weight lifted off of my shoulders because I put myself out there to better myself and to let you know its okay to be vulnerable. It actually feels good.

I’ve reached my 30th Bday today and seeing physical changes and strength gains was ALL I needed to keep pushing forward. I am mentally in this and it feels good. Being a part of a challenge has helped me stay on track and has given me a positive energy that I can’t really explain. You will know the energy I am talking about when you are 100% committed to something.

Sure there have been days when I didn’t want to work out or my energy was low but I looked over some motivational quotes and they helped me to push through and work hard. Even trainers/instructors need a little kick start every once in a while. I think back on the past month and there were several days where I didn’t work out (I was sick or my body said NO and I listened)  but then there were good days when I worked 110% and even did a double workout! I will thank my fitness classes for the doubles!

I have to thank Shakeology for curbing my sweet tooth on numerous occasions. My diet was on point I’d say 90-95% of the time. I treated myself here and there with wine, lava cakes, 1/2 cup of ice cream, or a slice of pizza but I think I have found a great balance! 

You have to enjoy life too right?!??!

What is something about your body you want to change and WHY?

 What can you do to change your mind to focus?

Can we first talk about how the temperature is 0 degrees out right now? This is the second time this week that it’s been 0!! I can’t say I’m looking forward to heading outside at all today.

On Day 4 with the challenge (yesterday) I had some carb cravings. Around my morning snack time at 10:00am my body wanted carbs and lots of carbs. I was in a rush to go to teach a class but I quickly through a packet of plain instant oatmeal with almond milk in the microwave. I had a scoop of peanut butter (1 tsp)… and BAM my craving was satisfied. I was so close to grabbing a granola bar and heading out the door but I kept my challengers in mind and didn’t give in!

I felt so happy with my decision because my belly was satisfied and I felt great. I have realized that I love being part of a group. Whether its teaching a class or hosting a challenge.. when you have people supporting you and holding you accountable you don’t want to let them down!! I really truly believe that this group helped me make it to Day 5!!

The good news is that I won’t stop just because its Day 5! When I first tried the challenge a couple of weeks ago I felt so good that I continued, so I guess this is really my Day 16. I had a couple treats here and there (Valentine’s Day Lava cakes & Red Wine) and this challenged helped me learn that you can treat yourself… but NOT EVERY day.

Besides that I was pretty clean! Most of my meals were balanced like this.

After 5 days of clean eating, I weighed myself this morning (I technically should’ve waited until tomorrow but I won’t be posting tomorrow so I figured I would share today) I was down 1 lb. I wasn’t trying to lose more then a 1lb so I am happy with that. I also feel like my stomach is less bloated and more flat then before I began doing this and my energy was up all week. This has to do with a combination of diet and exercise. I have been busting my butt with workouts this week and it was worth it.

All in all it has been a great week and now it’s time for the weekend!! I missed Grey’s Anatomy last night so I’m keeping my fingers crossed I can find it on demand tonight and catch up.. don’t tell me what happened.

I’m sure there’s other fun things I will do this weekend besides watch a TV episode but I have nothing set in stone which is pretty awesome. I am keeping my fingers crossed that there’s NO snow in the forecast!

Have a great weekend!

Do you ever have random cravings for carbs or protein, etc?

Have you ever set a goal or participated in a challenge but you weren’t focused or mentally committed?

]]> http://thefitskool.com/?feed=rss2&p=5691 2 http://thefitskool.com/?p=5208 http://thefitskool.com/?p=5208#comments Thu, 15 Jan 2015 14:04:15 +0000 http://thefitskool.com/?p=5208 Continue reading →]]> I will start off with saying; I’m not really sure how this blog post will turn out. You may like it, or then again you may not. It may be a little different than what your used to reading on thefitskool.com, but hopefully it will be a good thing in the long run. I can assure you that it will definitely give you a different view point, and in turn maybe yourself or someone you know will be able to relate. This is in fact the idea behind this whole thing.

3-4 months ago “this idea” came up, but nothing ever happened. Then WE discussed doing this about 1 month ago. I made excuses why the timing didn’t work. With Ava’s 1st Birthday party and the holiday season to follow, I put it off. I was trying to buy myself some time (I admit I am a procrastinator.)

Well, with the New Year upon us and resolutions to be made, I had no excuses. I was much more on-board and figured its time I give this blogging a try. Thanks to the support, knowledge and enthusiasm of my super talented wife, this will be my first, of hopefully, many “guest” blog posts.

Oh sorry. Did I forget to mention, this is Marc, not Kelly!

I will leave the trainer tips, the healthy recipes, and Ava & Cooper stories to Kelly. I will more or less recount my own adventures back into the gym while working full time. My hope is to just get back into a regular workout routine and I do not have any specific goal in mind. However, knowing myself, I’m sure it won’t be long before I am challenging myself in one way or another.

Check back Saturday for an update of where I am 2 weeks into the New Year!

We didn’t have a wild & crazy New Year’s Eve.. it was very low key which is what we wanted after a short but busy work week.

Don’t I look sleepy??

I can’t believe I got this New Year’s eve kiss picture with Cooper. I honestly don’t think I have a picture with me kissing Cooper and he’s 2 and 1/2 yrs old. If I do have one, this is way better. He actually cooperated for the picture.

I was pretty excited about this.

SO….I’m sure like everyone else you are thinking about making BIG changes this month or maybe this year.

It is only natural to think that way. I have decided to take it day by day. I am going to focus on eating healthy and being happy.

I will leave you with this picture.

 This was too funny not to share with you!!

Happy New Years!

What did you do for New Year’s Eve?

Any good resolutions?

Trainer Tip Tuesday #7: Get more out of your group fitness class

Here are some tips to make the most out of your group fitness class:

1. Introduce yourself to the instructor. If you are new to the class let the instructor know. They can demonstrate any new exercises to you, as well as keep an eye on your form through-out the workout.
2. Listen to the instructor’s cues. I can’t stress this one enough. Some of us are visual learners, but it is important to listen to what your instructor is saying. Those little tips will improve your form, strength, and will motivate you to finish your workout.
3. Ask questions. Don’t hold back, if you are confused about something or are unsure if you are performing the exercise right, ASK! That is what the instructor is there for.
4. Don’t hold back! if you partner or neighbor isn’t as quick or strong as you, don’t go at their pace. Push and challenge yourself to get stronger. If you are taking a strength training class, listen to your body.. if something is too easy try increasing the weights or repetitions so you get stronger!
5. Make your fitness class a priority. If you love your class, make sure to keep it on your schedule so that it becomes part of your daily routine. Going to a class 1x per week is not enough!

What is your favorite Group fitness class to take or teach?

Do you prefer an instructor that is in your face or one who is educational but motivating? 

For more of my Trainer Tips check our my previous posts:

Trainer Tip #6  Choose exercise that you enjoy doing

Trainer Tip #5 Quality vs Quantity

Trainer Tip #4 Lift a little heavier

Trainer Tip #3 A short workout is better then no workout

Trainer Tip #2 Exercising outdoors

Trainer Tip Tuesday #1: If you don’t like an exercise, start doing it!

I did an elliptical interval and the whole time I was thinking about jumping rope and other ways I should’ve been doing my cardio. I rarely ever hop on a machine so I stuck with it, but now I realize why I usually choose other forms of cardiovascular exercise!

Trainer Tip Tuesday #5: Chose workouts that you enjoy doing!!

If you aren’t enjoying your workouts you most likely won’t stick with them. When I am not teaching classes, I enjoy doing bodyweight circuits, kettlebell circuits, agility ladder work, Insanity or T-25 workouts.

I also love practicing Push-ups.

My Tricep Pushup is finally bacK!

It took me a long time to build up my Tricep Pushup strength since my shoulder injury, but now I can complete multiple sets!

Here are 5 tips for finding an exercise you enjoy:

1. Choose an exercise activity that works for your health. Make sure you are cleared for exercise by your doctor and they approve of the activities you want to participate in.
2. Join a class. Classes keep you motivated and they usually have the same class times each week which makes it easier to have it set in your schedule. Classes also have great music and a set workout plan.
3. Choose exercise that works with your schedule. Does your class fit in with your work schedule? If you don’t have time to get to the gym, find a workout that you can do at home with minimal equipment, or get outside and go for a run before work if you like being outside.
4. Choose exercise that trains all aspects of physical fitness. I am a huge fan of boot camp class because we work on balance, cardio, & strength. Some classes only focus on strength training or only cardio so you will need to find other days to fit in the exercises you aren’t training.
5. Workout with a friend. Having a friend or family member to work out with holds you accountable and will help to keep you motivated to stay on track!

Do you have any tips for finding exercise that you enjoy? 

What is your favorite type of exercise? How about your least favorite!?

Do you have any fitness tips? 

Have you ever injured yourself exercising? How did you overcome your injury?

Does your trainer or instructor correct your form or give you cues on proper technique?

I hear it all the time. From people around the gym, sometimes from clients, from friends and family. Every once in awhile it even crosses my mind…

“I’m working out, but my body isn’t changing”

In its simplest form, if you want to see changes in your body, you have to make changes in your workout. Doing the same thing every day or lifting the same weights will most definitely keep you fit, but you may be looking for more. I myself am a very big advocate for incorporating many different forms of exercise into my workouts. Not only does it keep it from getting boring but by confusing your muscles you will get faster, more noticeable results. I am a huge fan of boot camp workouts. They constantly challenge my muscles!!

For those of you who are in a fitness rut try this: instead of lifting the same weights every time you exercise switch it up. Grab a set of dumbells a little bit heavier than usual and do a few less reps with them. See how you feel and listen to your body. The last couple of reps should be difficult.

Please excuse my weird faces!

I CAN RELATE  to those of you who have felt that your body wasn’t responding to exercise. With a shoulder injury earlier in the year I was super limited on lifting heavy with my upper body.. it just wasn’t an option. I am at the point where I am increasing weights, and I am finally starting to see the strength gains and changes that I have been waiting for.

I have expanded the number of exercises I can do and I keep my body guessing which has helped me see those changes!

YOUR TURN….

Have you ever been frustrated from not seeing results with your workouts? Did you try switching up your routine? Did you notice physical changes in your body?

** I am a Certified Personal Trainer, however you should always consult your Doctor or Physician before beginning a new exercise program or making changes to your fitness routines**

When I look into my drawer full of workout tops and I see one of these shirts, it definitely gets me excited to throw on a shirt and exercise.

“Love Fitness” When I look at this top I immediately think of my strong passion for fitness. You have to love the workout you are doing or else it is not fun. Choose exercises and classes that you love doing and you will enjoy fitness

“Sore Today Strong Tomorrow” I wrote a blog post on this inspirational phrase.  When we are sore we are getting stronger so keep working hard!

“Strong Is Beautiful” This was my first motivational workout top. I bought it when I was pregnant because I wanted to be strong throughout my pregnancy. Working out made me feel good on the inside and kept me happy throughout my 9 month journey.

“I don’t Sweat I Sparkle” It is OKAY to sweat. In fact I love to sweat… I definitely don’t sparkle. I more or less look like I ran through a rain storm after I workout but hey it’s cute & girly and sometimes I need that.

Do you have any motivational workout tops? I know you all have the I HEART BURPEES T-shirt right?

Here are some new tops I would love to get, and if you find them feel free to buy me one:

• Learn 2 Love the Burn
• Don’t make excuses
• Your Workout Is My Warm Up

I am doing well with my resolutions! Miss Ava has been sleeping better for us and it couldn’t make me happier. I am enjoying her middle of the night feeding more. I have been keeping calm, relaxed and not focusing on the fact that I am up from 230-330am has helped make getting up at the wee hours part of my routine. I get very excited when she gives us a long stretch of sleep!

Ava’s getting more alert! and love’s the mobiles

My buddy Cooper keeps us company even through the WEE hours

My health resolution of eating healthy is going great. I am always conscious of what I eat, but since I am taking care of Ava and feeding her, my nutrition needs to be on point. We have been eating lots of salmon, avocado (healthy fats), along with tons of veggies, lean meats and as much fruit as I can handle. I have been pretty bummed because berries aren’t that cheap anymore. This means I have been eating the fruit that is on sale like clementines, bananas, apples and pineapple. I need to start using my frozen berries that I have stored in the fridge, I might just make a berry smoothie for you this week. Buying produce that is in season keeps the grocery bill lower and I try to do that. It keeps variety in my diet!

As far as my fitness resolution.. I will be easing back into exercise this week and I couldn’t be more pumped! As much as I have enjoyed resting and relaxing at home with Ava, I am CRAVING some exercise endorphins. Don’t you feel good after exercise? I need that energy boost and it starts with BOOT CAMP TONIGHT!! Woohoo, I can’t wait to see my class.

So now that it is almost 1 week into the New Year.. if you feel like you might have slipped up on your resolutions, don’t quit just yet.. try starting over. There’s nothing saying that January 1st is the only time you can start a new resolution or a new goal.

RESOLUTION TIPS:

**If you are dieting or changing eating habits, don’t use the words CHEAT DAY. Allow yourself the foods you want in moderation. No one likes to be told not to eat something, so don’t think of it as cheating if you eat something that you think is “BAD.” Take these sweet potato fries for example.. they are baked and not fried so are they bad just because it’s called french fries????? Make your bad foods healthier..

**If you are focusing on exercising more, or increasing strength why don’t you try a new workout. Keep your body guessing and don’t do the same routine over and over. That is why I love boot camp, the workouts constantly change.. I don’t get bored and I am using different muscles each class.