Exercise Recap Week 3.

So, this week was a little complicated in my exercise world:

So that sucked.  Me + new shoes with leather soles + freshly waxed floors at work = DISASTER.  My ankle/foot was xrayed and while there was no break, it was sprained which everyone keeps telling me is SO MUCH WORSE THAN A BREAK.  Okay, I don't really agree, but it does hurt and it will take a while to fully heal.  It's been somewhat bothersome all week- they gave me a gel cast to put on, but it was more painful than the sprain, so I just bought a nice Ace wrap at Walgreen's and wore flip flops or flats to work the rest of the week.  Because nothing says Serious Lawyer like J. Crew wedge flip flops (they hurt less than flats).  

Anyway, not one to be deterred and not wanting to break my workout streak, like the crazy person I am, I went to the gym on Monday night (sprain was Monday morning).  I did a 15 minute abs class and then did an hour of cardio.  YES.  I DID AN HOUR OF CARDIO ON A SPRAIN.  Because I am a tough bitch.  I started out on the bike, which didn't hurt at all, and then managed to find a few other low intensity things to work on.  My sprain actually felt much better with the movement.  I also did some strength training.  When I came home, I iced and elevated my ankle and didn't experience any swelling.  It was definitely tender in the morning, but not any worse than the day before. I hobbled my way through work- it seems to hurt worst from 8-12, and once it loosens up, the afternoons aren't bad.  Anyway, I did skip Tabata- there is a lot of jumping, and I may be crazy, but I'm not insane.

Tuesday- did Pure Barre.  There were a few exercises that involved standing on my right ankle and I just didn't really do them.  It didn't hurt.

Wednesday- I did another hour of cardio on various machines, along with strength training.  

Thursday- Took the day off.  Finally decided to give my foot a rest, plus I was tired and had evening plans with some of my favorite people.  

Friday- Another day off.

Saturday- Hour of cardio plus strength training.  Was able to do most machines this day without any pain.

Sunday- Pure Barre.  Foot felt great all day.

Until this morning, when it was suddenly pretty ouchy for the early hours of the day.  It felt fine in the afternoon and evening, but it kind of hurt earlier.  

I know some of you are like "YOU ARE SO CRAZY AND DUMB.  YOUR FOOT WILL NEVER HEAL."  Well, whatever.  I am just really not the kind of person that can quit once I'm in the middle of some big change like this.  I cannot afford to lose momentum, and really, this is not a serious injury.  It is an annoyance, nothing more.  

All this has made me realize that I am pretty darn tough when I want to be.  Once I get going, I have a lot of endurance and I get strong very quickly.  I noticed this especially at Pure Barre (and at Tabata this evening- yes I went).  This week I made some pretty big leaps in what I was able to do, and my ability to push through the VIOLENTLY SHAKING muscles.  As Kate said in her post, Pure Barre is the kind of work out where one second, you are thinking you have it made and the class is so easy.  30 seconds later, your legs are wobbling so badly you are afraid you  might topple over.  During the first few classes I would stop when that happened.  Now I'm standing there, shakily, but I'm standing there doing the repetitions.  And I can see the changes.

This also made me think a lot about excuse making.  I see so much of it online when people start diets/workout routines.  I see people constantly tweeting about how they can't wait to empty out the DVR tonight because its too cold to go to the gym.  No, it isn't.  I went when there was ice and snow.  I did videos when I couldn't get out of my apartment.  It is one thing to say "I choose not to work out.  I choose to eat poorly."  If that is your choice, and you are owning up to it, FINE.  I make choices other people might not (BABIES ANYONE?), but I respect your decision to say "I'd rather do X with my time."  I do not, however, respect the choice to not work hard, or not eat right, and then continue to bitch and gripe about your situation.  You can do anything you want to.  I know I have good fortunes not everyone has- I have financial resources, and gym memberships, and I do not have to worry about child care.  I understand the time you might have to devote to something may be less than I have.  But it drives me crazy to see people who CAN make the time actively choosing not to, all the while actively complaining and griping.

This also makes me have some MAJOR respect for Jennie from She Likes Purple.  Girl has a husband, a child, a career, a LONG ASS commute, and has managed to not only participate in her own plan to get healthy, but started a blogging challenge which she is managing for over 100 people.  I get that not everyone may make that choice, or think it is possible for them because they don't have the support to do it, but damn.  Jennie is pretty amazing.  I really think if she can find time to do all of that, then everyone can find some time, even if it isn't the optimal amount, to make changes and devote themselves to living a better life.

Anyway, I'll jump off my soapbox now.  How did everyone else do this week?

Scenes From an Elevator: Valentine's Day Ed.

Scene:  Slynnro, female co-worker (carrying case of Valentine's Day cupcakes) and random dude are riding in the elevator at Slynnro's workplace.

Random Dude:  (Boasting.  Out of nowhere.) I didn't get my wife anything for Valentine's Day this year.

Slynnro:  (pretends to be really interested in the file she is carrying).

Co-Worker:  Oh really.

Random Dude:  You know why.....(YELLING)  IT'S A BULLSHIT HOLIDAY!

Slynnro: (to self:  Oh, that's an original line of thought.  And in no way an excuse to be a lazy dickhead.)

Co-Worker:  (politely smiles)

Random Dude:  Well, IT IS.  I got her Christmas, her birthday, anniversaries.  ENOUGH ALREADY.

Random Dude:  You think that'll put me in the doghouse?  

Co-Worker:  (smiles politely)

Random Dude:  So you do, think that will put me in the doghouse.

Yes, dude.  You are in the doghouse.  And not because you decided not to participate in Valentine's Day.  But instead, because you are the kind of man who felt the need to tell two random girls in the elevator that you decided not to participate in this bullshit holiday, and I'm quite certain act like that kind of man every day of your marriage.

This Week in Exercise.

Monday- 15 minute abs class and Tabata.  I'm amazed at how much my endurance has improved since the first class.  Still love this workout!  A lot of people have asked about Tabata- its a class that is divided up into intervals.  For each exercise, you do 8 20 second intervals that are separated with 10 seconds of rest.  It's tough.  Some interval examples- Burpees (hate that word!), jumping jacks with a medicine ball, ski jumps, and all sorts of high intensity cardio things.  It will up your endurance fast, and according to the instructor, it raises your metabolism for 48 hours.  I have definitely lost weight since starting (I don't weigh myself, but I can tell) and my shape has changed.  I love this workout.

Tuesday- Pure Barre.  I was planning on doing this on Wednesday, but the class was full.  Note to self- schedule early.

A few people have inquired as to how I like Pure Barre.  I LOVE it.  Kate has a really good review of Pure Barre here, and I basically echo everything she says.  Especially the advice about what to wear- I would NOT wear shorts.  I wear these pants to every class with this top or something similar.  Relatedly, I am in love with everything I own from the Gap Body Fit line- fits well, very flattering.  And every piece I own was procured on sale, but you have to be patient and dig through the racks at your local Gap.

Anyway, back to PB- I've gone to I think 8 classes so far, and I can definitely see a difference in my appearance.  I have ab muscles now and the cellulite situation is much improved (though this probably wouldn't have happened without the inclusion of cardio as well).  I am much stronger and can make it through most of the class without stopping to rest too many times.  It burns.  I also like that while there is equipment used in the class, its not confusing (more on that coming up).  Also, the class really has nothing to do with dance.  No dance experience required.

Wednesday- Ice day.  Did nothing.  Couldn't get out of house and was tired.

Thursday- 55 minutes of cardio at Equinox.

Friday- Off day, should have used this to make up for Wednesday.  But uh, didn't.

Saturday- Well.  Saturday.  So this was going to be the first time I went to a second Tabata class for the week, but it did not turn out as planned.  First, I took the 15 minute abs class, which was taught by Monday's Tabata teacher, whom I really like.  He is encouraging and motivating without being annoying or mean.  The Saturday Tabata was taught by someone else, and well, she's just not my style.  Nothing wrong with her really, but she yells a lot during the class (motivational stuff, but its distracting and annoying).  Her class is VERY DIFFERENT than Monday's class.  It involves usage of a step and a LOT of resistance bands.  Me and resistance bands are NOT friends and it just didn't work out.  I don't like classes that revolve around too much usage of equipment, especially that kind of equipment.

The class was way over full, I had no room, the only resistance band left was one fit for a body builder, and I just didn't like the exercises she chose.  So after about 20 minutes, I walked out and did 45 minutes of cardio and then some strength training. I was very frustrated.

Sunday- Pure Barre.

So, next week's plan calls for a change to make up for the fact that I will not be doing Saturday Tabata.  My gym has a pretty large selection of classes, and I know that I like the Monday Tabata guy and another female instructor, so I want to take one of their classes.  I think this week I'm going to do Wednesday's 8 Pack Abs and then Shock, which is described as follows:

A high-intensity cross-training workout that that keeps your body guessing! 

Each class offers a wide array of different exercises that challenge the body’s 

ability to adapt. Since no two classes are ever the same, your workouts are 

always fresh – innovative – and challenging.

I guess we'll see!

What about you- how did you do on your fitness goals this week!

Casa De Slynnro.

YES, a mere 7 months after moving in, I'm finally posting some photos.  After all, it took 7 months for us to hire a professional to come clean the place.  This was only reasonable.  I really like the place, although I have to say in photos it looks really plain.  I don't feel that way at all, but I guess that's just how white walls come across in poorly taken pictures.  Anyway, here goes....

The living room- all of the rooms have the same floor to ceiling windows, but only the living room has sliding doors:

The intention is to paint the accent wall green.  We'll see....

Note:  WE DO NOT NORMALLY HAVE TOWEL SWANS!

That is my DIY fabric wall art.  Quilt is from Anthropologie, bed is from Room and Board:

Side tables and dresser are the Crate and Barrel Durham collection.  The lamp is Ikea- I keep intending to buy some of those decorative spheres to put inside, but FUCK are those things expensive!  It is our intention to paint the accent wall blue.  Again, we'll see....

These shelves are from Target, on this side we intend to put a chair next to the dresser.  I'm thinking about this one from World Market.  I refuse to spend more than $300, since it won't exactly be a sitting chair.

The kitchen, which is my favorite:

This is the desk built in.  I really like it, and it has a good location between the kitchen and living room.  The plates on the wall are from Anthropologie and the chair is from World Market.  The duck is a gift for a friend's child that somehow never got out of the house...

 The gallery wall, which leads to the guest bedroom:

Waxy's bathroom, which is across from the gallery wall (yes, there's a shower, you just can't see it):

The guest bedroom:

 MY PRIZED BATHROOM!  Tis like living in a fancy hotel!  Also, it is why the rent is so damn high.

Prints are from Target:

View from the balcony:

And that's it!  I have a long way to go in terms of having any sense of home decor style, but since this is still a temporary living space, albeit a likely longish term one (maybe 1-3 years) I don't want to get TOO invested in home decor that may not work when we (IN THE FAR FUTURE) buy a home.  Still, its the first place I've lived in that has felt like a home since I lived in my parents' house.

You Probably Won't Care About This Post.

But I'm posting it anyway, for my own personal record-keeping.  

I'm going to try and keep track at the end of the week what I've been doing fitness wise so in a few months when I've (hopefully) kept this up, I can have some sort of record of what I've been doing.

SO.

Monday-or, the Day Before The Ice Came.  I went to Tabata and also took a 15 minute abs class at Equinox.  This time I was smart and did 10 minutes of cardio on an elliptical to get warmed up before such intense cardio.  I'm proud to say that after last week's 6 Days of Agony, I wasn't sore at all, except for a little tightness in my calves.

Tuesday- I woke up at about 4 am to the sound of sleet and ice slamming against my windows.  So there wasn't going to be much leaving the house this day.  Luckily, my building has a (shitty) gym, so I did 30 minutes on the treadmill, 10 on the elliptical and 10 on the stationary bike.  I also did the Slynnro Leg Workout.

Wednesday- Day Two of Ice Entrapment.  I was unable to go to my planned Pure Barre class, and it was just so miserable.  I did nothing.  FAIL.

Thursday- On Thursday I was actually able to get out of the house, and after work I went straight to the gym. I did 55 minutes of cardio divided amongst treadmill, elliptical, arc trainer and bike.  I also did leg and arm weights.

Friday- We had several inches of snow, on top of the ice accumulation on Friday.  This was supposed to be my off day, but since I missed Wednesday's Pure Barre, I had to make up for it.  I did the 30 Day Shred, which compared to Tabata was a piece of cake.  Usually, after I do the Shred for the first time after taking a (few months long) break, I get super sore.  No soreness at all, which I attribute to Tabata.  After the Shred, I still had energy and did 20 minutes on the stationary bike at the apartment gym.

Saturday- I was unable to go to Tabata because I had an early afternoon baby shower, which ended up eating up almost all of my afternoon.  Because everyone had been snow bound, running errands took forever and wasn't able to make it to the gym before dinner reservations.

Sunday- Since I had to make up for Saturday's missed workout, I got up and did 55 minutes of cardio amongst many machines and then was FINALLY able to make it to Pure Barre in the afternoon.

I did pretty good eating wise this week, especially considering that I was cooped up in the house all week.  However, my sugar intake went a little crazy this weekend.  So I think I'm going to try and make next week dessert free.  I may try and alternate that permanently, at least on weekdays.  I'm not going to miss my nice dinner dessert opportunities on the weekend.

In Case You Missed It.

In last weeks NO BABIES post, Mr. A left some hilarious hypothetical responses to the WHEN ARE YOU PROCREATING question:


"I can't have biological children on account of the shark attack."  
 
""Mother says I can't have children, lest I pass on the family madness."  
 
 "My wife is a man."  
 
"OUR CATS ARE OUR PERFECT PRECIOUS BABIES!" (this one would have to be yelled for full effect)  


"I just haven't found that special lady." (this is funny cuz I am MARRIED)  
 
 "I am afraid it would eventually grow powerful enough to kill me and usurp the throne."  


"I always thought I wanted children. Then I found out it makes your wife get TOTALLY fat. I was all like, No Thank You."

"Nah. Children would just slow me down when the zombie apocalyspe comes. I intend to travel light and fast."

"HELLO, have you not read Hunger Games? Seriously."  


AND THEN.


I made my favorites into Xtra Normal Movies (i.e. they are NOT among those listed above).  Enjoy.