Day 22

This is the beginning of a different kind of week.  After three weeks of the same order, Week 4 is supposed to be a time of giving my body a break.  There is still something every day, but not as much with lifting weights and doing pull-ups, etc. 

Today I was supposed to do Yoga.  I had the ideal time for when I was going to do it in the midst of an already busy day.  However, my little girl had pain in both ears and stayed home from school.  This is what my day looked like...

Abby home all day, cooking and baking all morning for two families that I said I would take meals to, fed Noah lunch, hurried out the door with both kids and two meals to deliver, delivered meals, hurried back to my carpool friend's home to pick up Caleb, all three kids home, two of which did not want to nap, took all three to Abby's doctor's appointment, stopped at the store to pick up her medicine for her ear infections, got home with dinner already in the oven (love that start time setting), ate, gave baths, Nick came home just in time to say good night to them, day over.

Now how I was supposed to fit a 90 minute Yoga work-out in there is beyond me.  I'll try again tomorrow.

Day 21

Today was Rest/Stretch.  I intended to stretch, but by the time we went to church, attended small group and dealt with a little girl with painful ears, the day was over quickly.  Obviously, I stuck with "Rest."  And it felt lovely.

Day 20

Yes, back on schedule. 

In the midst of a busy Saturday (one kid pooping in his underwear because of diarrhea and another pooping up his back), I managed to complete Kenpo.  It helped that this is my favorite work-out.

I did have some trouble with the warm-up, since I had skipped two days and my back was a bit sore, but eventually I stretched through it and felt okay.  I think tomorrow's stretch day will help a lot.

This coming week is supposed to be a rest time.  Rest, really?  With two days of Yoga?  That is hilarious.

Day 19

Even with the best of intentions, I failed again today.

I had a plan for when I was going to work out today.  I had just enough time between running my errands this morning to when Caleb would be dropped off from school, before going to clean a friend's house in the afternoon.  Then, my carpool fell through so I basically had to be out for the entire day. 

Yes, I know I should have used the five minutes I had at home before Nick and Abby got home, but I opted to cuddle with my tired boys on the couch instead.  And it was worth it.

And yes, I know I should have worked out after Abby's dance practice and dinner and the bedtime routine with the kids, but I opted to hang out with my husband, watching television.  And it was worth it.

Considering I cleaned a house for three hours and never sat down the entire day (except to drive the van), I think I did okay.

Day 18

My first failure. 

(If you don't count when I first started this and got sick and had to give up.)

I was supposed to do Yoga today.  However, my sweet girl stayed home from school today and changed my plans.  She only has a cold, but it kept her up a bit last night and she was the crabbiest child this morning (not like her), with rings under her eyes and redness under her nose.  Considering she was missing "Red, White and Blue" clothing day (big deal for kids who wear uniforms to school), yet still wanted to stay home, I knew she needed the day off.

Her first request was to watch Anne of Green Gables.  I could have put the Yoga disc in the computer while she controlled the television, but watching a girl movie with my favorite girl was time better spent.  By the time that was over, I did not have 90 minutes to work out before Noah would need to eat again.  Add on Caleb coming home and the normal house stuff and there went my day.

I did manage to clean out Abby's closet with her so I feel somewhat accomplished.  I carried my four piles (one for our future yard sale, one for Once Upon a Child, one for Half Price Books and one for a friend) down the stairs so that was somewhat of a work-out, right?

Oh well, I will make it up for it tomorrow...working out and cleaning a friend's house. 

That reminds me, I need to go to bed now.

Day 17

So, Noah has been fun, lately.

My sweet boy who has been sleeping from 7-7 decided to wake up and want to eat around 5 am the last few mornings.  By the time I nursed him this morning, it was not worth going back to sleep for such a short time, so I decided to work out instead.

Actually, I would prefer to get up before everyone else and get it over with and have time to take a shower BY MYSELF and not with a baby in his chair, waiting for me.  But, while nursing, you moms know that you need that first feeding of the day to not feel sore.

It felt great to get the Legs and Back done before breakfast.  I did not get to finish the additional Ab Ripper because I ran out of time.  I planned on doing it later, but I got into my daily routine and eventually just gave up.  It figures-the part of my body that I want to work on the most is the part that I keep ignoring.

Oh well-still sweated and built some muscle so I am happy.

Day 16

Noah has been waking up the past couple of nights, when he normally sleeps 7-7.  So, after taking the kids to school this morning, I was really tempted to nap when he napped.  I even went as far as falling into bed and almost pulled the covers over myself.  But, as I laid there, my thoughts flashed forward to the day ahead of me and I knew that if I did not work out at that moment, I never would.

After finishing Cardio X, I was glad I did it.  I had a bit of renewed energy (not a lot, considering the three children who run my life) and I was thankful to have it over with, instead of it hanging over my head all day.

Day 15

On to week three.  Had to work out with all three kids again.  I am a bit ready for this four-day weekend to be over.

Core Synergistics went well.  I like that I am starting to remember what is coming next and getting into a routine.  Part of me wished I had stretched on Sunday, since I felt a bit sore this morning, but I felt a lot better by the time I finished.

School starts again tomorrow and so does my freedom during the morning nap!

Day 14

Today was Rest or Stretch.  I opted for the Rest.

Actually, I did intend on stretching at some point, but after taking the kids to the Aquarium, standing in line for an hour just to get into the building, walking around with all three children (Noah attached to my chest) and not getting home until late, I decided I had enough of a work-out today.

After all, Sunday is the day of rest and who am I to argue with that?

Day 13

I really enjoy Kenpo.  I have so much more motivation to do this than anything else.  Not only am I working my arms without realizing it (until the next day!), I am learning some great self defense!

It was challenging to find the time to work out today and I was tempted to just skip it, but I thought about it in the long run and knew I would regret it if I put it off.  It is kind of hard to work out when all three kids are home and I am the only parent.  I want to be a good mom and not ignore my children for an hour (don't worry-they don't let me), but I also want to be in good health.  I have found that I have a better attitude when I am able to exercise.

Tomorrow is rest or stretch-yippee!

Day 12

There was no school today.  Made for an interesting work-out day.  Also made me thankful that I am doing this 90 day thing during school months and not in the summer when everyone is home.

I completed Legs and Back again in the midst of Caleb setting up a race track near my feet and Abby running back and forth from the sink to her princess kitchen to make some water "cake."

Three bedrooms, a loft, two bathrooms upstairs, a kitchen, and a dinning room and where do they all play?  Within two feet of where I am standing.

I eventually finished, pausing at one point to pick up a fussy Noah.  He actually filled in nicely during my squats-not much difference between him and my free weights.  He enjoyed being bounced up and down while I was able to cuddle with my baby boy.

Due to all of the kids being home and the amazing warm breeze blowing in from outside (seriously, is it still February?) I did not have time to do the additional Ab Ripper, shower and play outside.  So, I opted to postpone it for later today.

Well, once I finally got everyone to bed by myself (Nick is leading a retreat all weekend), I knew there would be no ripping of the abs today.  However, I did manage to shower and blow dry my hair.  And, more importantly, I was able to spend time outside with the kids. 

Day 11

I was watching Noah roll around on the floor today.  He struggled to get where he wanted to be and looked pretty silly in some of his positions.

He looked a lot like me doing Yoga.

I actually dreaded the work-out today because I dislike Yoga so much.  Sure, it is good for me, but 90 minutes?  Really?

I started as soon as Noah went down for a nap, knowing that if I waited until later, I would never do it.  Thankfully he took a dream of a nap and I was able to get done in plenty of time.

Honestly, the second half of the work-out is not as bad.  The first half is what kicks my butt.  It seems it will never end and the only somewhat relief is while waiting in the downward dog position before stretching every muscle in my body again.

I will say this week was better, probably because I knew what to expect.  And it does feel great to get it accomplished!

Day 10

After a day of being with the kids and Nick got getting home until almost midnight, I was not exactly full of energy this morning.  Wednesdays are my mornings to take the kids to school because Nick has to be there early, so by the time I got home from dropping them off, I put Noah down for a nap and decided to enjoy the quiet time. 

Well, as much quiet time as one can get when a usually good napper is still grumpy from his shots.

I finally got back on schedule in the afternoon during nap time for the boys (i.e. Noah still grumpy and Caleb goofing off in his room).  I completed Shoulder and Arms today, this time opting for using free weights instead of the bands.  I only have 8 lb weights in the house, so for a few of the sets it was not as hard as it should be.  But, for many of them, I felt the burn.  I think for next week I will switch between the two and see what is more challenging.

The Ab Ripper was just as fun as ever.  I remember those days at the gym after each baby and the first few days were always the worst until finally, my stomach muscles started working again.  I am still waiting for them to work.  Any day now.

Day 9

Cardio X went well today.  It was hard to find the time to work out, since Noah had his four month check-up this morning.  Add to the fact that Abby stayed home from school because she could not put any pressure on her ankle, and it was an interesting day. 

(Considering when I was finally able to work out, Abby tried to join in, her ankle is fine now.)

So, in the midst of a complaining daughter, a grumpy baby who just had shots, and a four-year old home from preschool, I still managed to do my cardio.  I could have waited until they all went to bed, but who am I kidding?  As soon as they are all upstairs, my motivation shuts down, I put my legs up and reach for the remote.

Day 8

Today I was back to Core Synergistics.  It is amazing how I forgot how difficult this disc was after all of the other things I have completed this past week.  I kept thinking about how hard the Yoga was so that I forgot about this one. 

It did not take long to freshen my memory. 

Halfway through the work-out, I got a text from Nick telling me that Caleb's Valentine's party at school was at 10:00 a.m.  Crap.  I kept going and did not cool down as much as I should have.  Tip of the day (if you have ever worked out to this program, that phrase will sound familiar)-do not skip the cool down phase.  As I type this, sitting down for the first time today, I am feeling every muscle ache.  I have a feeling I will be paying for this tomorrow.

On the bright side, I was able to button a pair of my former pants on Sunday morning.  They were too tight to wear to church, but the point being that I could keep them closed without a button shooting out and hitting someone in the eye.

Baby steps.

Day 7

On the schedule for today-Rest or Stretching.  Oh, sweet relief.

I enjoyed my resting so much that I put off stretching until the evening.  I did not realize it was an hour!  Who stretches for an hour?  It felt great, though, and I am glad that I did it.

Tomorrow it starts all over again, but at least I know what to expect.  Has it really only been a week?

Day 6

I really enjoyed today's work-out.  Yes, I am telling the truth.

The disc is called Kenpo and it was basically a lot of kick-boxing with cardio in between.  I would much rather sweat out some cardio than do yoga for 90 minutes.  I know both work-outs are effective, but it just feels good to do some cardio, especially in the middle of winter. 

As for how I am feeling after yesterday's work-out...actually felt pretty good until I went to Run Jump N Play with Abby.  As I threw myself into the inflatable maze, I felt the muscles that I worked yesterday pull in pain.  But, it was worth it to see Abby smile in delight at her mom flinging herself down the slide.

Tomorrow is rest/stretch day.  Ahh.

Day 5

Today was grocery day so I did not get to work out in the morning.  By the time I got home with all of the goods and a crabby baby, made lunch for Caleb who came home from school around the same time, and got some housework done, I had a feeling that I just might skip the work out today.

Then I got to thinking that if I skipped one day, that I most likely would skip another day.  I cannot allow excuses to build up and make all of the work I have already done worthless.

So, with both boys awake and Abby on her way home from school, I began the Legs and Back routine.  Honestly, after Yoga, this one was not so bad.  Of course, if I actually did real pull-ups and chin-ups on the bar like I was supposed to, I might be singing a different tune.  My goodness-I have not done those since high school and that was many pounds ago.  I did my best and worked really hard on all of the other tasks.

Out of all of the things they had me do, would you believe the one I am going to feel tomorrow is when I had to stand on my toes and keep flexing my feet?  So simple, yet so effective.  Goes to show you that you do not need a gym to get a great work-out.

I barely got done in time to take Abby to dance practice (my apologies to any parents who stood next to me in that tiny hallway-I probably could have smelled better), so I had to skip the additional Ab Ripper.  I planned on doing it when I got home and got the kids to bed, but that was such a laughable idea.  My tired butt immediately hit the couch and I relaxed to my recorded Thursday night shows, waiting for Nick to come home. 

This tired mom does not feel one bit guilty.

Day 4

The other day, Nick asked why everyone thought yoga was so hard.  He really did not understand why something so slow moving could be tiring.

Clearly, he had yet to reach the yoga disc on his work-out routine.

I never expected Yoga X to be the hardest to complete.  Wow.  Forget all the rumors about feeling the zen and breathing in deep-it is a true butt kicker.

First of all, it is over an hour.  As soon as I saw the clock on the bottom, I thought, "Great, there goes my 'sitting on my butt relaxing afterward' time."  I felt like it took forever to even reach the "only an hour" mark.  I just kept thinking that it was impossible for them to introduce more moves since my muscles were screaming in pain-why did they look so peaceful? 

I am proud of myself in that I completed almost everything.  I may not have looked as graceful (or happy) as the pros, but I worked hard.

Now, for the whole "clear your mind" thing...are they kidding?  I am supposed to clear my mind of stuff that happened that morning, of things that I have to do later and any noise?  That is hilarious.  I tried my best to ignore Noah when he randomly started crying in the middle of his nap, but I eventually did have to be a parent and check on him.  I hit the pause button to run upstairs and make sure everything was okay.

Oh, who am I kidding?  I did not hit pause, I let them continue on so I could give myself a break as I limped up the stairs.

I must say that my favorite part was the cool down.  When I got to the point where I could just lay on my back in silence, I thought I was in Heaven.  They really should have a disc that just lets you take a nap as a reward.  One burns calories while sleeping, right?

Day 3

Completed the Shoulders and Arms, plus the Ab Ripper.  By completed, I mean attempted to keep up and had to laugh at myself for trying.

The Shoulders and Arms were not too bad.  However, I decided to use the stretch bands instead of free weights since I did not know what to expect.  I think if I had used the free weights, I would not have the strength in my arms to type this right now.  As for the bands, I started light and realized I was having too much of an easy time, so I went to another level.  I think for next time, I will double the bands to get more resistance.

The Ab Ripper was exactly what is sounds like.  I managed to keep up half the time, and then did simpler moves while they continued to "rip."  I know I can handle it the more I work-out, but for the first time, it totally kicked my butt.  Being pregnant for nine months will leave a very flabby ab to rip.

Time to nurse Noah, pick up Caleb from school, watch my carpool friend's child for the afternoon, pick up Abby from school, make dinner, put the kids to bed and pass out. 

And I thought the Ab Ripper was hard.

Day 2 (For Real!)

I finally made it to the second disc!  It only took me a few weeks, but I made it!

Because I am on the Lean Program, today I did Cardio X.  I actually really enjoyed it.  Seriously.  The warm-up yoga kicked my butt, which surprised me given how strong my arms are from carrying Noah around in his seat.  But, the cardio was great.  Don't get me wrong, I am completely exhausted, but in a good way.

Today's work-out was a bit challenging in another way-I had to do it with all three kids home.  You would think that with all the other rooms in the house, they would go find something else to do.  Nope.  The small space I had given myself in the living room is exactly where they wanted to be.

Abby joined in from time to time, until she realized that it was fast and hard to do-then she used my chair (for leg kicks) to sit on and observe until the energy striked her to rejoin.  Caleb, coming up with his own work-out, ran around the room throwing and kicking a ball at me.  I guess I shouldn't complain-it was more of a challenge to run, jump and stretch with the fear of being hit at any point.  And, of course, Noah...he sat with his toys and looked at me like I was crazy. 

He is probably right.  My insanity will continue tomorrow.

Day 1 Again

Who knew my slight illness would turn into weeks of coughing (still have a few fits every now and then), fevers, and all around soreness?  My goodness.  I am so thankful to finally feel better and have the energy to start this again.

(Well, I am still nursing and chasing my three children around-energy is not quite the word I should use.  Perhaps the phrase "motivation to button my normal pants" is the more accurate reason.)

Since I had such a long break, I decided to start with the same disc to keep on schedule.  Having some idea of what to expect helped a bit.  I was not as awkward with some of the laughable positions I found myself in.  For those of you who have done this work-out, the shouts of "Banana!  Superman!" should ring a bell. 

I must say, sweating it out a bit and losing my breath does not bother me-it actually feels great to know I am burning some calories.  What is frustrating are two things-my back and my chest.

I injured my back years ago (something to do with falling off a cliff while sledding with youth group kids and then being carried out on a makeshift stretcher-I was such a cool youth leader) so some of these moves are not the most comfortable.  I know I need to be careful so as not to make it worse.

As for my chest-thanks to just being pregnant and currently nursing, they are really in my way.  I am used to years of being on the smaller side and being at ease with exercise.  This current size is really quite annoying.  I have no idea how women who are normally this size can ever go for a run without holding on for dear life!

So, here we go again.  I am looking forward to making it to a real Day 2 this time.