Update: Vacations, gym time and food

I just realized I have been MIA from this blog for a bit. So much has been going on I completely failed to post anything. So in a nutshell, this is what I've been up to...

I was hell-bent on getting ready for my Arizona trip with my man, so I practically lived in the gym. I even bought new cute clothes to keep my motivation going. In the process of gym-clothes shopping, I came to realize I am officially a size Medium in about 80% of my new clothes! --- Even in most sports bras!!!!! (I know most women won't understand my excitement for smaller boobs, but trust me when you have what feels like kettle bells in your bra all your life, going down a size feels AMAZING)

And then, out of nowhere, our AZ vacation was upon us, and it was glorious. We were good little paleo cavemen and did a major whole foods shop before the trip - to make sure we didnt cheat too much on our vacay... just take a look at our road trip snacks:

Amazing right? 

Breakfast of champions!! Paleo turkey chili with bell peppers and onions in an avocado.

And then came the poolside shenanigans.... we pretty much laid around all day.

and then I realized that our resort had one of the most amazing Fitness Centers I had ever seen. I was in heaven.... my poor boyfriend wasn't all too thrilled with the idea of working out, but he joined me out of support. sweet thing.

I just loved it there... even though it was a sweltering 100+ degrees... 

it was a lovely vacation free of guilt, thanks to good planning and staying on track with my goals - all while enjoying myself in some relaxation and sunshine. I think I may have even lost a little weight while I was there. I am so proud of myself for what I accomplished on this trip. It reminds me of a long ago post about how I wished I could have that kind of motivation... and now I do. It's a beautiful thing when you reach a goal you've been trying for. But this was only one of many.... on to the next accomplishment... and the next.... and the next.  :)

Workout of the Day

I've been doing a lot of research online, on youtube, Pinterest and Popsugar Fitness, and found a few new moves that really make you sweat.

The first video I watched was a sweet pyramid workout. Of course I upped the weight from 5 lbs to 10 lb weights, but everyone is different.

Next, I tried the Shredmill. It is indeed as horrific as it sounds, but it keeps it's promise. I can barely move because of these new moves (especially the first and last one). Note to self: Get some workout gloves. The treadmill belt is pretty rough on the hands.

Todays workout was a BEAST:

Run 1 mile on Treadmill for warm-up

Set treadmill to 1.0 speed, do plank walks on treadmill for 30 seconds, 20 seconds rest
{repeat 5 times}

50 mountain climbers
{i did them the old fashioned way instead, I'm still unsure about using the treadmill for them}

Set treadmill to an 11 incline {as high as it will go} and to a 6.0 speed
run\sprint uphill for 30 seconds, 20 seconds rest
{repeat 5 times}

Pyramid workout with 10 lb weights

{repeat 3 times}

12 jumping lunges

{repeat 2 times}

Weight machines - Rows @ 80 lbs - 10 reps

{repeat 3 times}

30 second plank

{repeat 3 times}

10 full situps

{repeat 3 times}

stretch.

done.

On weight training....

A few months ago I started lifting weights. I found a video online that shows you different weight lifts that give you serious muscle definition - and a good burn in the shoulders the following day.

I've been doing this routine two to three times a week, three reps of all 7 lift types, with slightly heavier weights - 5lb weights. (everybody is different and I don't recommend that everyone uses 5lb, heck, you might even want 8 lbs if you're stronger... I just felt like 5lb suited my needs to start). I've also been doing bench press pyramids starting with 30lbs, working my way up slowly 10lbs at a time to 60lbs and back down.... so ten reps of 30lbs, 40lbs, 50lbs, 60lbs, 50lbs, 40lbs, 30lbs.

Whoa, the muscle definition is definitely starting to show. 

That right there is a little bit of muscle definition peeking through. 

Huh, weights really do work.

I'm very impressed with the results so far, and I'm proud to admit, I am starting to graduate toward heavier weights. I noticed myself going thru 12-15 reps of each lift rather than my initial 10. So, out of sheer curiosity, I grabbed two 10lb weights and did 10 reps with difficulty, but I finished them. 

Should I officially move up to the 10lb weights? 

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. 

I will admit in the beginning I was worried about getting "too bulky" from lifting heavy weights. You know, that lame excuse we women use to just plain avoid lifting anything and sticking to the cardio corner of the gym?

Pssshhh!!!

I read this article and saw it for myself. A woman who lifts just as much (if not more) than men do, and she looks amazing. Not bulky in the least bit. This is what a strong woman looks like. That is exactly what I am trying to achieve... ok maybe not to be able to lift as much as her, but you get my drift.