30 Day Shred - Day 3

30 January 2012

Does it get easier? No.

Harder? Definitely, because I'm motivated to push harder.

What do I want to achieve from the
30 DS?

While the program promises a possible weight loss of up to 20 pounds in 30 days, I'm not aiming for that.

See, it's not that I'm not ambitious or that I'm lazy or lack the guts to reveal some big goal in public. I'm just happy the way things have turned out and who I am.

The way I see it, I am a mother of two boys under three years old. I got pregnant with my second child less than a year after the birth of my first. I do not have supermodel genes or the money or time for a personal trainer. The fact that I can already fit into my size 27 jeans with room to spare is reason to rejoice.

Yes, I have a loose tummy and an overall wider girth. But my arms have gotten strong from carrying my children. I don't hope to regain my pre-children figure again, only to tone up and tighten the body I am in now. I'm no longer the same person so why should I look the same? I think there is a beauty to every stage we're in in life. Even if I have more curves, more tired eyes, a waning memory, I hope I have gained more kindness, love, patience and can unabashedly wear my heart on my sleeve when it comes to my family. No shame in that. No shame at all.

Yes, I want to keep improving, but for the right reasons, for reasons that matter to me, not because of societal expectations. Idungivasheet.

Check out the quote about stretch marks. *sniff sniff*

30 Day Shred - Day 2

28 January 2012

My muscles started to ache this morning, just enough to keep me motivated for day 2.

It felt good to workout again but this time, my legs and arms started trembling. That's good isn't it? Hahah

30 Day Shred - Day 1

27 January 2012

Woke up at 2 am to use the toilet, and saw that the 30 Day Shred had arrived, so I changed and began. No, i'm not mad. Was interrupted midway to nurse Chris, but completed it after. I definitely need to do this during the day, when my helper can play with Chris for say 30 minutes. Also, I'm gonna say that even though the workout is supposed to be done continuously for 30 days, I won't be able to do it on Sundays. So I'll be aiming real hard to do it from Monday to Saturday every week. On days where I have appointments during the day, then I guess I'll have to workout after Chris goes to sleep. I've just got to work around the limited available time I have to myself.

Definitely feel my muscles burning but the first day may be too early to tell. Oh yes, i remember now...muscles usually start getting sore the following day.

The exercises are not new to me, but they are definitely still challenging, especially after taking a 3 year break from exercise. Lunges, jumping jacks, back kicks, squats, bicep and tricep curls, chest presses, crunches... These aren't new, but the combination of cardio and strength and the sequencing of the exercises are supposed to optimize the workout.

I like that it's only a 20 minute thing per day and I like that the workouts are short, alternating bursts of cardio and strength training, so that you get a switch (i.e. break, well, kind of, or maybe just a distraction) just before you keel over in exhaustion.

On to day 2! Tomorrow's will probably be a middle of the night workout again, because I've got an appointment in the afternoon. Sigh!

Ground Zero

An acquaintance I once knew used to tell me that he starts every new year at ground zero. He forgets all that he's accomplished, including his promotions at work. He starts out as if he were a new joiner who needs to work from the ground up. No airs, just an open mind and heart and sheer passion for whatever the year has set out for him. Inspiring.

So for 2012, I'm starting at ground zero. Not bothered by unnecessary expectations by both family or by social norms.

You see, even at ground zero, where I pretend I have no money, no room for luxury, no proven talents, nothing.. I've still got three people who love me and who I love in return. I am honestly, extremely proud to say that when I strip my life of all its peripherals, I've still got a strong web of support standing. I know too many people who don't have this and I know I am truly blessed.

1 month gone. 11 left. The clock's ticking away. So much to learn, so much to do! 2012, I've awoken from my slumber, so here I come :)

2012 Resolutions

Here's my list, very crudely:

1. Be more carefree

2. Where it is not possible to be carefree because I'm annoyed, ignore situations completely and zone out :)

3. Complete the 30 day shred once the DVD arrives

4. Get on the Bodyrocker program

5. Do more of what I want / enjoy in terms of work

6. Wear heels more often

7. Breastfeed Chris until he's at least a year old (6 months more! Too soon)

8. Find more hope in my faith

9. Get more foot massages

10. Play harder with my boys (all three)

11. Smile more, enjoy many many more belly laughs

12. Take a short trip with my three boys

All these should make me a happier person at the end of 2012.

Review and enjoy more in 2013.