Fitness is a Journey

“The individual who says it is not possible should move out of the way of those doing it.” 

― Tricia Cunningham

I am now six weeks into Beach Body's T25 workout. This is actually the first time I've been able to stick with an exercise regiment schedule consistently for a month. When I examine why I am bent on getting fit, its really hard to pinpoint. I think life is pretty chaotic and unpredictable as is. My health is something I know I can control, and if I can have mastery over the habits and routines that I set about my body, this keystone habit affects other things: energy level, concentration, confidence, you name it.

In the past I've tried p90x, I had to stop after 3 weeks due to exercise burnout (actually advised by my family physician at this time when I started to feel fatigued, saw decrease in performance, etc.); and Jillian Michaels Body Revolution,  I completed, but the 90-day exercise program took me 6 months since I only completed it sporadically rather than following a set schedule.

So what was different this time? Well, I actually made the effort to establish a "habit" of exercise. I found it really difficult to exercise consistently just based on motivation only. Sometimes I don't always have the willpower to exercise. So I set out to do a couple of things:

• Switched my exercise routines to the morning: This freed up my evenings, and I no longer spent the entire day dreading my exercise routine once I got home,  and was tired from work and my commute. I just got up and exercised, and this routine became so automatic I didn't have to think about or "talk" myself into it. I've done this consistently for the past 6 weeks (x36 days), usually after a month of doing something everyday, its pretty solidified as a habit.
• Tracked my food intake using a calorie-tracking app: Simple, but calorie-tracking also forces me to be conscious of what I eat. I remember seeing a fitspo quote on Instagram about how its easy to exercise for 30 minutes a day, whats harder is controlling what goes into your mouth the other 23.5 hours. I actually find both very hard.
• Eating less quantity, more quality: I've only recently started calorie tracking (two weeks ago) and I've noticed that I'm eating less quantity, but more quality, nutrient-rich foods. I'm opting for healthier alternatives for junk foods. If I find myself craving something sugary, I stop by the grocery store and pick up 1 pint of fresh raspberries, and just munch on those like chips. A healthy alternative that doesn't make you feel as sluggish.
• I've budgeted in a "cheat day": My contingency plan for days I go out with friends, or if I go to a family reunion and there's a lot of "Food pushing" that happens, is that I have a "cheat day". Now I don't consciously go out and seek bad food. I allow myself one day a week where I might eat more than I normally budget for during the week. And thats okay, 6 out of 7 days a week I'm eating healthy anyway. No guilt. 

T25 reflection 2 weeks in: My biggest workout obstacle

T25 at the end of 25 minutes

Before T25

It was p90x - I really enjoyed the results I had with p90x, although I personally found it difficult to keep up with because the workouts were often too long and I didn't have as much motivation. Within the two weeks that I had kept up with the 90 day program I saw the biggest transformations: better energy, I lost inches off my waist line, toned out everywhere and I felt athletic - keeping up with the "strong guys" during team sports exercises like beach volleyball. It was liberating and empowering.

Race #2: Toronto International Dragonboat Festival at Centre Island

We had our big race of the Dragonboat season this past weekend. 200 teams descended upon Centre Island in Toronto to compete. There were tons of races, festivities, booths, food trucks and tons of spectators! We were lucky to have beautiful sunny weather for both days!

What really bummed me out about the first race we had in Pickering a few weeks back was that I didn't bring my SLR camera. So I was sure to bring it along this time and took a lot of team pictures and candid photos. 

Up on stage collecting our medals! I am in the middle holding the award frame/certificate.

We took home two medals, placing third in two divisions: Recreational and Non-profit. Our last race was VERY close the top three teams had the same time but only differed by milliseconds.

Jillian Michaels: Body Revolution (its done!)

I did it. I just finished Jillian Michael's 90 day weight loss program Body Revolution.

I didn't use this program solely for weight loss:

1. A simple exercise program that would increase in intensity over time. I wanted to get back into exercise, gently.
2. I wanted an exercise program that was 30 minutes or less, so I could fit into my busy schedule.
3. I wanted something fun and motivational. That inspired me to be better.
4. I wanted something that would allow me to stay well conditioned and in shape while I did other sports

Our First Dragonboat Race!

We had our first dragon boat race in Pickering, Ontario! We've been training since fall of last year, building up our cardio, core, upper body and lower body strength doing circuit training. We recently started water training at at Sunnyside Paddling Club by the Toronto Harbourfront area. 

These training sessions are grueling 2 hour practices of just continuos padding. On race day, however, the races last about 2.5 minutes, and we have a couple of hours rest between races.  It as actually fun!

Dragonboat Update - Pool Practice

I joined a Dragon boat team sometime in Fall 2013 to help me reach my fitness goals. In the fall/winter season its "off-season" training, so we focus on strengthening, endurance, flexibility and core exercises. With an extended long-winter season, many of us have been eager to hit the pool to practice our paddling technique. 

Dragonboat Practice Entry #4: Circuit training and Upper Body Strength

Since the new year the dragon boat team has been commencing its practices on a weekly basis for two hours on Sundays. I liken it to a bootcamp that occurs once a week. I have been trying to keep up with my own fitness workouts during the week (half an hour each day), and I'm realizing its not quite at the intensity I need to keep up with the dragon boat "bootcamp" practices. 

How it works is we usually do three circuits focusing on upper body, abs, core, back and some legs. We move from one circuit to the next in order to build up strength in the different areas. 

Entry #3: 2014 fitness goals and inspirational quotes

Everyone is hitting the gym to start on their New Year's Resolutions, I am continuing with workout regimen with Jillian Michaels. I am currently on week 7 and 8 and have approximately 5 weeks to go on the program before I start on a new one (I am thinking p90x).

Over the Christmas Break I worked out almost everyday (even on Christmas day) and although leading up to the time I start working out I feel like procrastinating like mad, I end up glad at the end of the day that I went through it.

My 2014 Fitness Goals

1. Workout six out of seven days per week consistently (one day rest).

2. Continue with the dragon boat until its completion in the summer term.

3. Follow a healthy diet along with working out. 

4. Reduce the amount of body fat and increase muscle tone. 

5. Blog frequently about my fitness goals progress.

Inspirational Quotes

I've created a few quotes images of a few inspirational quotes to get you going:

 
 
 

Here's to working towards my fitness goals. Starting a workout program was never a problem for me, however, keeping up with it on a daily basis and ensuring I eat a diet that compliments my workout regiment proves to be more challenging. 

Cheers!
 

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Jillian Michaels Body Revolution #2: Keeping up in Winter

I am currently half way through Jillian Michaels Body Revolution the second time around. I began in May 2013 and have had good results with weight loss and toning. Everything was put on pause when I moved to my new place in August. I have also been joining a lot of new activities including salsa classes, a small stint with hip hop which meant keeping up with a regular workout schedule was less realistic.

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Dragonboat Practice Entry #3 - Off Season Training

I've joined a Dragonboat team which starts its training during Fall/Winter aiming for summer season 2014. After doing a series of core, upperbody and lowerbody training several weeks in a row, today was the fit test to set a baseline to go from at future fitness tests.

When I set out to try new things, my goal was primarily to have new experiences. What I realized through all of this was actually the new people I met and the friends I met. Meeting friends once I finished school was extremely challenging, but by partaking in these different activities, you get exposed to new networks of people outside of your friends (and even friends of friends).

Dragon Practice Entry #1 - First Day

So I went to my first dragonboat trial practice ever. The practice location was all the way at Scarborough; and I have to travel from Union Station. The entire commute was 1 hour and 15 minutes.

I joined the dragonboat tryout through a friend at Salsa, who is part of a Chinese Youth Group (I'm not Chinese, but thats okay, I can still participate). 21 people came to the practice and there are 20 people on a boat, with a minimum of 8 girls that are required on the boat.

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I am excited to do this for a couple of reasons: I'll have a goal to work towards and I'll get the opportunity to meet new people and new friends.

Fit: Staying Motivated

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