Leading Up Lofty - Sunday 26 August

Sunday was exciting.  I meet up for coffee with some new people starting on their 12wbt journey and then some friends who we keep in contact with on facebook.  After coffee I took 3 Lofty Virgin's up to conquer the mountain!!!

I still remember the very first time that I did it and had someone by my side step by step although we had only just met at the bottom of the mountain it was great to have someone there.  The same was true when my friend Cheryl took me up last week she walked at my pace so my time was my time and didn't push me and let me set the pace so I promised myself that if i ever got the chance to walk with someone else and it was their first time then I would pay it forward and show them that respect.

For me it also gave me some confidence that I wasn't even looking for.  Me the person who is always the last to get picked for team sports. Me the person who managed to get out of every sports day at high school by being in 'other place's', and Me the person who would drive their car to the letterbox if I could.  Me the person 'fit' enough to lead 3 people up a mountain.  I was only a step or two at most ahead of them but they set their own pace. 

I'm really proud of myself that I had the confidence to take them up there and was actually really looking forward to sharing their adventure.  On the way back down they waved me to go ahead so I did it at quite a quick pace with another girl and I managed a PB of 46 mins so I was sooo happy with that!!!!!  Smashed nearly 10 minutes of the first time that I did! 

Now I'm really excited to go back and do Lofty again in week 4, week 8 and week 12 to increase my time, my fitness, my strength, my mind set and my confidence.

Zumba Masterclass & Master 'BANG' - Fri 24 Aug

THURSDAY

Another Zumba Master Class!!! OMG sooo good!!!! Michael Thomas is amazing!!!!! Apparently he use to be a back up dance for Kylie and maybe Madonna but either way he was fantastic and he's going to be my Zumba trainer - woo hoo!

I burnt through 732 calories which I was happy with as it's really hard following a lot of the moves if you are new and even though he did do some songs which I knew he changed bits of it not that it matters but to show respect you like to copy them while they do what they do!

Thursday for me was a long day - took my son to swimming therapy, he is so good at swimming and floating I'm so proud of him and all he has achieved some weeks have a few screams I sit outside so he can't look at me and cry 'help me' he knows I am just outside and some weeks I hear it and just want to turn the music on to block it out but he's over it as soon as he's out the pool and then next week is all brand new again.

He had a fantastic lesson which was brilliant as the last two weeks have been horrible with him saying I don't want to come here anymore and he was so upset he wouldn't settle into his school day and had to come home.  So I was looking forward to a great day at school... that was until I got a phone call at 11.55 ... come and get him ... sigh ... he got upset again over some work.  He's now got a holiday from school for Friday too.

I tell you there's 'Plan B' and then there's plan C,D,E.... good thing there is 26 letters in the alphabet!!!  I'm learning to have back up plans it's going to be my new rule for Round 3.

FRIDAY

Today it has been raining, raining, raining, if it wasn't so cold I'd go outside for free swimming lessons.... LOL.  I'm glad I don't do group fitness outside I can imagine mud wrestling....

Off to the usual Zumba this morning and did 610 calories which I was really happy with I was sweating sooo much! So a little surprised that I didn't burn as many as usual but I guess getting fitter does that to you.  The second to last song I saw a girl go over on her ankle and my heart sunk.  She is brand new to the gym and a bigger girl and she just started crying I felt for her so much.  I had a chat to her at the end as she was really embarrased - I said hey I'm up the front of the class and 8 weeks ago that was me!  Trust me EVERYONE saw and even to this day people say 'how's your ankle' ....

This afternoon I got a little pampering treatment.  A very good friend who I have met here in Adelaide works at a Salon which has 'Formostar' it's a warm body wrap to help with tired, sore muscles (yeah we all have a few of those from 12wbt I tell you) and also meant to help with calorie burn.  I just wanted it for the infrared work on the muscles.  It was so nice!!! I'm the kind of girl who puts her electric blanket on full blast for nearly 2 hours before I even get into bed so it's hot hot hot when I get in there so this wasn't much hotter than that so it was good but the last 10 minutes was hot hot hot and I was sweating up a storm!  I drank nearly 750mls of water while I was in there and then the same within the next hour walking around at the shops!

Then I decided to go to the gym after dropping my daughter at her youth group I didn't realise that they closed at 8pm and I got there at 7.30pm so I did as much as I could in the time I could it was for toning so although I only managed to get out 27 minutes and only burn 198 - to that I think this quote is appropriate .....

Probably the only thing I regret is not having enough 'omph' to do the fence jumps and am VERY happy that they aren't barbed wire cause my shin hit the side half way through and now I have a lovely 'egg' which will bruise tomorrow - but it's all good!!! (hence the title of this being the master BANG)!!!!

Busy Busy Busy weekend ahead but no rest for the wicked....

Ding Ding - Round Over ~ Wed 22nd Aug

Ding Ding, Ring the bell, round up the cattle, we are done and dusted. 

Today marks the finish of 12 weeks - Round 2 of the 12wbt.  What a rollercoaster it has been!

Down's

I didn't achieve my weight los goals however wondering if they were unreasonable

Up's

I did loose 9.4kgs 

I did loose 10% of my body weight

I can fit into my zumba pants

I have hip bones

I can see a nice curve and starting to develop that 'hour glass' figure

People are telling me that I look really good

The friendships I have made

The workouts I have survived (thank god)

The cms's lost 39cms smaller  

I did not record a gain EVER this round

So I can definately say that it doesn't look like a traditional roller coaster and I'm really proud of everything I have achieved!  When I look at my two lists I see that it's not worth focusing on the numbers on the scales when I have surpassed all of my other goals.  As they say 'the numbers on the scales don't tell the full story'  I choose to believe that I have lean muscle mass developing and so of course that's going to be included in my weight!

Today I am SUPER sore.  Yesterday I did a toning workout which comprised of squats and lunges and today the legs are telling me they are there.  I just told some girlfriends I might wake up without my legs tomorrow as I'm sure in my sleep my body will decide to leave them LOL.  It's all good what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger that's hopefully if you can 'physically' move....

I think the things I have learnt from this round is to be organised - I mostly did that but in the last few weeks as you know I've had quite a few issues with my son and his behaviour at school.  He has special needs and it's very hard when he's in a mainstream school with little funding to support him in a learning capacity that he needs.  

So I haven't always had Plan B because I haven't felt that I have needed it so now I'm going to work that into my plan!  It's hard to come up with a Plan B 'on the spot' so to speak.  Although there are 26 letter's in the alphabet I hope I don't need to use them all!

Also I've struggled a little with the meals this round just with being so busy with life and also with my son so next round I will be doing the big cook ups and so I can always have something to grab and go.

I am going to be continuting on and doing another round of 12wbt.  Round 3 for my final weight loss and toning up.  I have some specific goals which I have set to help improve my fitness and some personal goals too.  I'm really excited for what this round will bring!

I'm so looking forward to the FINALE in Perth especially the workout and the party but also as I'm going to be catching up with two very special friends that I haven't seen for a long time.  I've never been to Perth so it's very exciting!!!

Mt Lofty - Round 2 ~ Monday 20th Aug

Yesterday I did something which I haven't done in a VERY long time and that was to go back to climb Mt Lofty!  I actually had a slight giggle re-reading the post I did it last time.  So full of determination to do it and yet completely dead by the end of it!

I did decide about 2 weeks ago that I would like to do it again as a bit of an end of round finale and at some stupid late night facebook chat publically in the adelaide 12wbt group I said I would go with 1 girl.  Then of course I panicked and spent a week thinking how I could get out of it because I honestly didn't feel that I could go through with it.

Then hubby and I were going to do it on the weekend but we weren't able to organise baby sitter's and I figured it was nearly now or never so I contacted my friend and off we went.  Luckily it wasn't until 11.30am on a Sunday because I'm really not too much of a morning person.

The trip up was actually a lot easier than I expected and we only stopped twice quickly so I could take off my jacket and grab my water from my bag.  There were quite a lot of people there too the weather was fairly cold and luckily the rain held off.

We made it up to the top 1 hour 6 mins and 58 seconds woo hoo!  Completely better than my 2 hours 19 mins and whatever seconds!  When I was getting nearly the top I suddenly went 'oh I can hear something' as I could hear some little kids I looked up and saw the corner of the cafe building and so I started running the last little bit to get to the top.  Did a total WOO HOO Rocky moment with both hands up in the air and jumping up and down! I made it!!!!

We stopped for a hot chocolate in the cafe as a little reward - well I did come all that way!  It was packed in there!  Then headed back down.  That took about 56 mins and it was quite cold at the beginning.  Coming down I found it quite hard with the angles that it is and I had to learn how to 'walk' down and not bounce as it was starting to hurt my legs.  When we were up the top there's a great look out - It was so foggy up the top too and it was so great to be able to look out over the city or at least try between the fog.

I smashed out 1214 calories for the whole trip which was exciting!  I'm going to be going back again next weekend with a friend taking her up as I always promised that I would want to take someone else up one day - they supported me the whole time and I want to be there for something else!

I'm surprised that I'm not too sore either which actually I'm SUPER happy about! 

I also found this picture that I wanted to post - the first lofty and the second!

A Done 'DEAL' ~ Sun 19th Aug

Yesterday I think I made a 'deal' with the devil.....

On Saturday's we do our SSS (Super Saturday Session) and I thought I'd go with some 'friend's' who I've met from 12wbt and do our SSS.  Yesterday's was quite an interesting SSS involving a 'deck' of cards.  Each suit represented an exercise and the number was how many reps.  The 'Royal's' were everyone's love to hate exercise of Burpee's...

Sadly two of the group couldn't make it so it was just another and I but still I got the workout of a lifetime.  I've never done this card workout before as I use to do double back to back classes at the gym to get my 1000+ cals burnt for the day.

We took it in turns to each turn over a card and I must have been channeling one friend who couldn't be there who we have affectionately called 'Demon Ninja' because EVERY time it was my turn to turn over a card I turned over a ROAYL - J,Q,K,A .... OMG ... who invited me.... I'm never going to be allowed back again ..... LOL

Burpee's are an interesting concept I think probably because it sounds better than 'vomit's' because I'm sure once your head goes lower than your stomach your in for a world of hurt and unpleasantness.  How Hoffy managed to do so many is beyond me.  It's all about technique too you really need to get a good rhythm going.  It's something I will get better with in time but it's not like it's going to be my work of passion to get a 'perfect routine'.

This morning the legs are a litle stiff but moveable and I can feel it in my upper back.  A mixture of squats, burpee's, push ups, lunges, single leg squats and over the fence jumps have done their job.

So because I felt that I wasn't punished enough yesterday today I have decided to re hit Lofty - so if I don't post again it was nice knowing you .... I am sure I can beat my time of 2 hours and 19 minutes going up that mountain!!! I'm a little terrified but also excited to know that I am on my way to being the best version of me I can be!

Weigh In, Weeping, WINNER!!! ~ Thurs 16 Aug

Yesterday has been an emotional day!!!

Firstly I woke up to many inbox messages from my sisters on the 12wbt facebook page with so much love and encouragement I had a few tears of joy.  They have really been my family, my rock this round and I wouldn't have made it through without them!  

I also had a lot of emails in reply to my post on the forums of people saying wow your so busy I don't know how you juggle it all and seriously at times I don't know how either!!! I guess I do take on a lot but I've never known any better all of nothing just about!

I have been coping alright having my son as home but haven't been able to go too hard compared with normal as he's meant to be home doing school work!  My husband also stayed home from work on Wednesday so I could still go to the gym for my regular Zumba class that was amazing, thank you hubby xoxo.

Also I'm a WINNER.  Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner.... (yum).... I won a 12WBT weekly award tell us your fav way to smash through 1000 calories! You all know what I wrote about!!!! Zumba!!!! Well after all I am the Zumba Queen!!!!  I also put a picture of my HRM showing 1900 calories and a picture of my mate David at Clubstyle!  So I've won a running belt and a photography package.  What a pitty the photography place is in Melbourne I'll just have to go one day.  I'm thinking that's going to be my goal weight prize to myself!!!

Today I got to have my Chiro visit which was great.  It's so funny how you only go for one thing but end up telling them your life story!  My last chiro who I miss very much was so great but I still chat to her on facebook and will see her from time to time.  I actually was a bit nervous about going to the chiro today as I hadn't really been feeling any pain which is probably a good thing but I also wondered if it meant that I was so 'tight' that I didn't know any difference.

Also (without giving too much info) I had an interesting chat with my Chrio about hormone levels (being a woman) and how they might be changing (for the better) now that I'm not carrying so much weight / fat.  They say that excess weight is a natural barrier for contracepetion not that I'm ever having any more children but it's something interesting to consider.  I've had a VERY full week of bloating and emotions up and down, especially dealing with my son and I've felt a little weepy at times.

I've also noticed too with loosing the weight and staying active if I still work out every day then I am not having any real cramps or back pain.  I use to always take at least a day to play the 'pitty' me card and bum on the couch all day but now I'm finding that I don't need it at all which is a nice surprise although I guess really it does mean 'no excuses'.

Lastly I forgot to say that this week's weigh in I stayed the same which is a welcome relief although I've been ontrack with my food I haven't been able to smash it out as much as I normally would and so didn't get that 'last chance training in there' so to speak.  I'm hoping to be able to make it to 83.8 next week so I can make it a round number of 20kgs to make one more of my mini goals.  But I'm really struggling so we will see how we go!!!  Cross all your fingers and toes for me!!!

Frustrated! So Blogging NOT eating!!! ~ Tues 14th August

I certainly have had a very up and down day!  Today my son -master 9 as I call him - got expelled from school for punching a teacher.  My son has mild autism and there was a misunderstanding at school and he got upset and lately has been taking to being violent.  He has been sent home numerous times before but today I guess was the last straw.

The school called today at 9.15am and I saw my whole day flash before my eye's.  I was meant to work today on my business in a local shopping centre which I was really looking forward to.  I was meant to be there yesterday too but my son had a meltdown at school so had to come home before 10am.  

So now he is suspended for 3 days.  I went to the school once my husband had brought him home and I went to collect some work for him to keep him busy at home as he will now have no tv or computer or fun stuff.  So I need to have things that he can work on.  It's an interesting challenge as I have always thought that I would never be strong enough to 'home school'.  Today's work wasn't too bad but I don't think I could do it all the time.

How does this affect me emotionally / 12wbt / generally.... 

Today is accelerator day which means low carbs / no simple cabs because tomorrow is weigh in day!  I honestly think this is one of the biggest reasons why I haven't turned to food today and chocolate probably because I know emotionally & mentally I wouldn't have the energy to be burning it all off - a tim tam isn't worth that much energy LOL.

Also I do believe that after doing 2 rounds of 12wbt now I have learnt that food is not the issue for solving problems.  I also have NO food in the cupboard or fridge that interests me and absolutely NO energy to go to the shops to get anything LOL.

It also goes to show the importance of food planning I had my daily meals and snacks all laid out and I just ate when exactly that when I needed it so there's no added guilt ontop of today's issues.

I also found out that some of the possible 'silver' light we had hoped for my son's future education looks like it's not going to be a possible avenue which makes us a little upset.

I still went to Zumba as this was my exercise for the day and as always something I enjoy which really does help.  I had to laugh when I looked at my HRM and it had '666' showing - oh dear ... an omen??? LOL

I have talked to a few people about what to do while my son is home and they all say to continue on with my days so he will be following me to the gym as there is a small area he can sit in where I can see him the whole time while I workout and also he's in the same room as Zumba.

I said to a few people I guess things like today are what make people go outside and want to bang their heads against the wall LOL.  So I found this picture and I thought it so fitting to the post!

So at the end of the day I'm just tired and worn out feel like I have been running full pelt all day.  Tomorrow is however another day, always onwards and upwards.  I am VERY grateful for the fact that my husband works to allow me to have the best job in the world of being a mum and that I can do it freely while dealing with issues such as these.  Early bed time tonight I have no doubt I will be asleep before my head hits the pillow!

I am really proud of the journey I have taken so far and I guess another road block to clumisly tumble over as you keep going on the wonky road which is life as we know it!  It's never boring in this house!!!! Always something that happens which you just deal with, learn from and then chalk down as more experience! 

JFDI / Robot Mode / Slight Panic Mode ~ Friday 10 August

I have had a bit of a JFDI (Just Friggen Do It - (c) Michelle Bridges) over the past two days!

My son had a slight issue at swimming on thursday morning so it took a lot of effort to get him out of the pool and then changed and then something happened as I was trying to settle him at school so I had to take him away with me as the school would have only just called me 10 minutes later to say he wasn't settled so I would need to come back and take him home.  It can be VERY upsetting when that call comes!

So I take him back to the car which has just chewed up a lot of time and now I'm running out of time fast to keep my day moving.  I have to take my hubby to work which is a good 10 minute drive in the opposite direction of where I need to go.  So I do that and think in my head 'Oh well I'll miss out on Zumba so I will go to the gym and hit the tready and some toning work' but once hubby gets out of the car I think BUGGER IT - JFDI i'm going to give it a go.  I didn't speed although I was on edge for the whole drive there!  10 minutes in the other direction. Luckily the 11am zumba doesn't start till about 11.05am!!!

The whole drive there I'm thinking bugger I'm not dressed for zumba although all my bag is packed ready to go.  I race in the door and get changed and run onto the floor only loosing about 45 seconds of the first warm up song so I'm super happy with my effort!  Although I only managed to smash through 634 calories I am still happy that it's still some under my belt!!!

Then I get a txt from my training buddy she needs to move forward our session so I then race up the hilll (15 minutes in another direction now LOL) and do my workout with her.  My son is still with me but he is able to wait in the reception area where there are computers and tv's for older children.  I can see him the whole time during my session.

Last week my son had a 'perfect' week at school with NO phone calls so we bought him a lego toy!  I was proud of him and I said to him it's just getting up every day and giving it a go.  It made me feel a little inspired too because I thought with all of his struggles if he can just 'get up and give it a go' then I can too!  I also do contribute his PERFECT week to the fact that I lost 1.4kgs because I didn't have that stress although I didn't really train any more I just feel over all I was a lot calmer.

I took this picture a few weeks ago when I was out shopping as my son gets tired easy so I need to carry him and I noticed today just how easy it was to pick him up I wasn't puffing as much as I use to not that I have carried him for a while.  I weighed him and he is 27 kgs so now I'm scared that I can't pick up that much on a barbell but I am supporting him with my back too.  

So if I ever want to do a good workout I just need to piggy back him around with me!  I had to do this on Thursday when I picked him up and that was also going up a flight of stairs and down again so the legs got another good workout! Hmmm cheap workout ideas are coming my way....

"Wow" Weigh in ~ Wed 8th August

Wednesday how do you come around so fast each week???? LOL The weekend is here and then it seems as if BANG time to weigh in!!!! This week I'm super proud as I lost 1.4kgs bringing my total to 9.2kgs so far and a grand total since Feb of 19.2kgs.  I am really happy with how far I have come!

This past week I have actually stepped it up with some of the toning work I have done which I really feel has been the difference.  I have been completely exhausted after each session which is a good thing because now I know what it takes to 'empty' the tank with toning.  I am really feeling it in my shoulders and pecs as we did a lot of push ups on Tuesday and then sumo squats so feeling that in the glutes.... Oh dear sitting is actually quite sore I wonder if I should get a pillow to sit on!!!!

Monday was really good for me as I was able to get to the gym by 9.15am which is a miracle so I got to do a Straight & Strong class so I feel it probably ramped up the metabolism for the day.  Did some walking on the treadmill at the end too just to help stretch out the hammies.

Once I got home had to go to the shops so decided to walk as it would only be 15mins at the most.  I'm really proud of the 'active' things I am choosing to do without the car.  

Monday also was my LAST visit with the Physio which was nearly a little sad but I got the ALL CLEAR!!! Now to just keep strengthening my ankle and NOT doing any more damage!!! I also asked her about ab work as I've felt for a long time that I might have seperation from having children but she said I don't so there should be no reason for me not to be able to tone down a bit more and start developing that 6 pack.

I took this picture of myself as I was impressed with some of the weight I have lost around my wasit area which is important in a lot of Zumba clothes as they are quite 'tight' and not very forgiving when it comes to showing all those 'bulges' tee hee.

There are two girls from the gym that I am becoming friends with and they saw me taking a picture and commented on how well I am doing they say that they see my every week and think wow a bit more gone well done!  So nice to get some feedback!!! (of course I want the good feedback - tee hee)!!!

Stalking Celebrities .... ~ Sunday 5th August

I love meeting various celebrities and getting photo's.  I have an album on my facebook page named '15 seconds of fame'. Previously I have met Michelle Bridges, Shannon Ponton, Tiffany Hall (all trainers from the biggest loser - yet to meet the commando - eek would I want to.... LOL).  Also various radio presenters and of course Margie & Alex from the biggest loser!  This week I got to meet Simon from the biggest loser.  A good old Adelaide boy.  

Simon was at Westfield Marion helping to promote the local Aquatic Centre and the gym that is there.  I saw him once before the biggest loser finale as we use to be at the same gym (and he was looking really good) but he recently moved to be at the same one where his mum attend - ah what a nice son!

I had a great chat with him, he is so friendly.  Naturally I asked so much about his time in the Biggest Loser House and what's life like now that he's home and how has he been going.  He was so keen to chat which was so lovely.  He has kept off the weight that he lost and still has some more to go but is detemined!

I asked 'what is your biggest piece of advice' - he said 'be consistent' WOW hmmm I do believe this is the same message that our Mish drills into us all the time! LOL.  So good to know that everyone is sensible!

I also got to meet some paraolympics not that I got to chat to them too much but they were also really lovely!  I'm feeling inspired to keep going!  Simon said before I left to make sure I let him know how I am going!  What a nice guy!!!

A bit sore .... ~ Saturday 4th August

A bit sore today - feeling the toning work I did today!  I didn't feel like I had done enough or heavy enough weights on Friday when I attempted my toning so I did it again today and oh boy I think I hit the spot LOL.  I also don't fair well with massages so poor hubby who tries to help me just makes me squish my body up even more!!! Oh dear.....

Thursday I did Zumba as usual and then drove up quickly to the gym to do Aqua Aerobics.  Sad that I only did 300 cals in that class but it was a really easy class to be honest and it was also really hard to push myself as I had the most sorest legs.

On Wednesday I did a lot of squats with and without weights as part of the leg workout and OMG I think I need to learn to pee standing up I'm sure of it!!!

Thursday night instead of going to another zumba class we had some family time and went to IKEA for dinner - a family favourite!  I ordered the meatballs as it's hard to believe it's been 12 weeks since I have had any so was really ready for the taste and they still tasted as good as I expected!  The surprise I got however was when I found out how many calories are in the meatballs! OMG I said to hubby I better start walking home!!!!

FRIDAY

A good day at the gym with another Zumba and then I did the first bit of my arm toning which I talked about.  I only did 171 cals with my arms but I noticed on my HRM that it had 50% fat burnt so it goes to show that toning is really good for the body.  I desperately want to start toning my arms up!  I can tell that I am getting increased confidence with getting fitter too because I am wearing a lot of tank tops and not covering up my arms so much also because I just get too hot!!!

A coffee catch up with an old friend at Friday lunch time and she said to me I was going well with my weight loss so that was great to hear from her!

Then I picked up my son from school and because he has been a PERFECT student (said the principal) all week with NO phone calls and NO coming home visits then we take him to the shops to get a special lego toy!  I made sure I droped in home to grab a protein shake and refill my water bottle as I knew I would be starving by the time we hit the shops and didn't want to be tempted.  I'm on a mission this week!!!

Then back to the gym in the evening for the brand new Straight & Strong class basically just a hyped up aerobics class which was great I burnt through 541 and was happy that I was able to bring a fair amount of energy even if my thighs were still absolutely killing me!!!! And trust me I felt them with every hamstring curl and then with the toning track of squats OMG....

SATURDAY

 

Today was a nice Zumba class however I sweated so much as there's a big issue with the air with people wanting it on and other's not so we get some air on but not aircon so I get really hot and sometimes I feel that I can't push through so much being that hot.  Next week I am thinking that I might move to the middle of the class to see if that helps just so I can feel some breeze!

Oh and I had to work on the day 2 & 3 of the August Leg & Butt challenge so now I'm only 1 day behind which I think I will give my body a rest tomorrow - sunday and then do another double on Monday to play catch up.  I asked the girl today what to do about feeling ready to vomit and she said just break up the crunches a bit then LOL... there are no vomit buckets in the PT room so I didn't want to make an idiot of myself (or a mess)....

I had a lady ask me today how I was going because she saw me go over on my ankle a while ago and just hadn't had time to grab me to see how I was going.  It was so lovely that she cares.  She tell's me that I have a lovely style and obviously love Zumba!  Those are the type of comments that make my day!!!

Wednesday Weigh In - Wed 1st August

Pinch and a punch for the first day of the month!!! No returns!!!

Well no returns from here we are on the home stretch of this 12 week body transformation!  This is week 9 weight in with only 3 more weigh in's to go! Eek!

I am pulling out all stops this week making sure that I do put in my toning days as previously I have been lacking as I have been so focused on Zumba and cardio and to begin with it was helping but I find now that I just need something more as I'm seeing my weightloss slowing down.  I need to start building up that lean muscle mass so I can burn more.

Today weight in I am down 500gms so half a kilo thank you - even though my weigh in's have been small it's still been a loss every week and slowly but surely down, down, down I go.  It's just like getting up everyday and repeating it all over again it's where you really need your robot mode in place especially if you don't ever feel like doing a workout.

I am also on tender hooks because last week nearly every day I would have a phone call from school to come and get my son so this week so far fingers crossed I haven't had a phone call and although it's playing on my mind that the phone can ring at any time I am pushing on to get as much done as I can before the 'call'.

Tuesday we had a meeting at school about the direction for my son and it went a little longer than I expected but in flying form I quickly drove my husband to work and then flew down to make it in time for Zumba! Got to have my Zumba fix!!! Yes I know I'm crazy!!!  I also got to do a solo Mr Saxobeat on stage so totally worth it!!!!!  

I also have decided to start a new challenge which I found online which is a Leg & Butt challenge there are sets of exercises each day for the whole month of August an example is

50 crunches

10 leg lifts

10 butt lifts

10 squats

10 second wall sit

These are increased every day I dare look ahead to see what is expected by the end of the month but I will attempt to build up to it like any other.  I'd really love to help shape my butt & legs LOL.  As I was a bit stiff and sore tonight I didn't do day 1 so will be doing a double tomorrow at the gym - god help me!!!

Onto a new week I am really dedicated this week to smash it out of the park!!!

The weekend ...& Zumba sweat!!! ~ Tuesday 31st July

I swear Zumba is going to kill me one day I do love it but just when I don't think I can give any more then I find that little bit extra.

At glitz Shaun will pull various people up on stage to do a few dances with him and there is one day which literally takes my breath away on the floor and a few times now he's pulled me up on stage to do it.  I honestly feel like I'm going to have a heart attack.  I looked and my HR was 210.  It was super hard to catch my breath at the end but I did it and hopefully with a smile cause I know I just fried my brain LOL.  It's true you do work harder when your up there because people are watching you.

For the total of the night I smashed through 809 calories which I was really happy with because I work so hard when I'm at glitz probably because I'm a lot more anal about technique and how to excute some of the moves also Shaun does a lot of visual cue's which makes me either stand up straighter or pull up tighter and push harder!

Tuesday at Glitz was really good I got to go up on stage and do Mr Saxobeat all by myself I know that song inside and out and back to front and just love it so to go up and do it - ah wonderful!!!

I got to do some of it last week too and there was a slight joke I said (as there are only about 8 of us attending class) we could all get up and do 1 song each Shaun said what a good plan however don't say it too loud as noone might come LOL.  I feel that I am getting better with direction I watch the instructors closely on how they direct with plenty of warning, even though I swear I know a lot of songs I still need some signals at times.  

Oh quickly - the weekend that was .... I babysat my mum & stepdads house on the weekend as they were away for a party and that house is like Willy Wonka central.  You could want for nothing in that house and as a child I have never really wanted for anything.  My mum has always been one with lollies and food rewards however I don't feel that this is why I'm overweight it's just that as an adult you realise you can do what you want and so you do without realising the effects it will have.

My children are always well pampered when they go to nana & noel's the house is filled with much love!!! Of course when we arrived we were left money to get take away and there were treats all around for the children.  I had taken my protein in the arvo so I didn't eat until dinner time and even then I choose the healthiest thing for take away.  I had a small icecream that was left for me in the house and then drank water for the night.

The next morning I had a bowl of fruit for breakfast and when nana & noel got home they wouldn't let me leave without a good lunch so I had a bacon and egg sandwhich.  It was so yummy but probably a bit naughty but I take it as they offer it with love and figure it's only '1' meal.

We are sent home with more lollies and chips OMG they are going to work with my husband they are not staying in this house LOL and a box of chocolates to say thank you for looking after the puppies!  Ok I will need to be strong and not eat those chocolates for a while!!!

Going to have to smash it out the next two days just to make sure that I am ontrack and heading down, down, down! LOL

Going Down Still - Thurs 26th July

Yesterday was weigh in day and another 400gms down I will take that thank you very much!  I have been working hard this week.  I have trained every day this week and  have smashed through 11698 calories including clubstyle.  I thought that I might have had a bit more of weight loss but I had a few treats last wednesday and thursday so I guess I had some ground to cover.  I also don't know if I have been eating enough so this is probably playing with the numbers!

Although we are taught that weight loss is not all about numbers on the scales there are other factors to bring into account.  We did our measurements last week which I forgot to talk about - sorry about that and I am down another 12cms all over so that's really good.  I am hoping to be able to loose more around my stomach as my Zumba pants are still really tight so if I can get a bit more loose movement then that would be great!  The legs of my pants are quite bulky but I had to get that size to fit around my tummy and it's the biggest they go.  My pants are quite tight if I sit down with them too so I don't do that very often LOL.  Probably why I didn't sit down much as clubstyle tee hee!!!

Tuesday I had a busy as day!!!!  I went to the gym to do some toning and half way through got a call to come and collect my son as he's having a bad day at school so that's ok.  I'm feeling very frustrated that we are having problems and I'm not sure what I can do about it!!! We are having a meeting at school next week so hopefully something from there.

So with my son in hand we wizzed down to a special op shop that was having a 50% off clothing sale and I picked up 2 new tops and a dress which was a size 14 - Autograph so that's great.  Even thought I know Autograph are a larger ladies store a 14 is the smallest they have so soon I hope to not be able to fit into any of their clothes but I will miss them! LOL

Then double Zumba as usual.  At the gym 605 calories and then raced down to meet up with Karen for 655 calories.  I expected to a bit more with her but it's hard when I don't know a  lot of the routines so can't give it my all but happy that I did all I could regardless!

Wednesday - I got to re-meet up with a gf who I haven't seen for two years as her hubby is in the Army and they moved to QLD.  It was so good to see her before she goes back home.  We had lunch at Cafe Primo and I ordered a Pasta dish which proabbly breaks all of the rules as it was a creamy based thing but I'm claiming it as my 'treat meal' and now I have a whole week to burnt it off tee hee!!!

Thursday - I am surprised I can barely type ... I've just done a Zumba toning with Karen and oh boy are my arms a bit sore... I'm expecting my legs to be sore tomorrow!!!

Bokwa - Monday 23rd July

A new thing for me to try which I have been waiting for so long!  There has been a few 'free' come and try but I've been sick or injured each time so I went along yesterday to Karen's class it cost me $12 but I also paid some extra and got a weekly pass so I could attend some of her other classes which will push me along for the calorie burn this week!  Mean's being organised - hmm a challenge I can see it now ... tee hee

Bokwa is pretty easy as I have said before but I noticed that Karen didn't do as many hand signals as the girl at the clubstyle did but at least I knew the basics so I only had to stop a few times to pick it up.  

Karen also had pictures up of the movemements we were doing a bit like a cheat card so at least you could look up and see what was going on.

Sunday I only burnt 500 calories as my inside shins were getting quite sore and I actually had stopped jumping for the last 10 minutes of it or so.

Monday I went back as Karen is going to the US in a week's time so this was her last class and I thought well while it's fresh in my mind I will go back and give it a go!  This time I burnt 655 calories and we did a few more new moves so it certainly was good.

I noticed too that my HR was fairly balanced throughout this you seem to stay on the same HR which I wonder would that be better for fat burning as you don't seem to peak and drop as much as you do in Zumba.  Hmmm I feel another class I might need because I didn't look at it enough on my HRM.

Zumba Clubstyle ~ Friday 20th July

I LOVE Zumba Clubstyle.  They have a big variety of instructors and a dance floor so if you want to go on the floor and follow you do or dance to the side like a lot of others do.  

I took my best friend Anne with me this time and she had a great time.  I barely left the dance floor the whole time and smashed through 1900 calories so a PB for that event. 

It didn't start till about 7.15pm and finished about 10.15 I know I was dancing for at least 2 hours and probably another 20 mins ontop of that.  I just love it some of the dances I know and some I don't so it gives us a great chance to dance.

Here is a photo of me and Dave - we have become good mates!!!

 

I can't wait till I'm an instructor as I'd like to be up on stage and either shadow an instructor or do a dance on my own!  Woo big goal but I know I can do it!!!

Something also good about this event is that I FINALLY got a taste of Bokwa and what it is all about it's very repeatitive and I seemed to have picked it up fairly easier so I wouldn't mind giving it another go I didn't see the calories burnt with that just on it's own but I can see how your legs can get really sore by the end of it.

They have professional photographers at the event who take 100+ photos which is SO lovely because then you get to look at them all and relive the night all over again! Also you get to see some very funny pictures!  I look like I'm about to do a teapot dance here..... tee hee