Day 12 of Challenge!

I must say that even though I have hundreds (if not thousands) of fitness videos online to browse through, I have yet again settled on Ballet Beautiful. Maybe because I like Mary Helen Bower's body type. Or because I have tried her workouts before and really felt like they targeted my trouble areas. Or perhaps it is because I did Part 1 of her Thigh and Butt workout, but never did Part 2.

So, today I did Part 2.

It's killer, People! 

It really attacked the Saddlebag area and bum. As I was doing the workout, I was thinking to myself, "Fat be gone! See ya, Cellulite!" And it helped because the moves were killer!

Since my legs were warmed up from doing that, I decided to work my splits again. And right then my baby woke up from her nap so I had her sit in her little bumbo seat and watch! She was cooing and cheering me on the whole time. :)

7 Steps to splits

I stumbled upon another popular fitness channel- Autumn Fitness. Autumn has quite a few videos to get you in shape and has a decent following. I tried her 7 Tricks To Get You Into the Splits and I liked a couple of her tips. For one thing, she said to stay in each pose for 30 seconds. That can feel like a long time, but it is much more effective. And second, she uses pillows in between her legs while in a split to slowly ease into them. Once you become more flexible you can remove one or both pillows all together.

After these two things, my workout time was over because baby comes first!

Bring on Day 13!

Day 11 of Challenge!

I had every intention of working out early in the day, but there were errands to run and other miscellaneous things to do, so it wasn't until 6:30PM that I finally got down on my yoga mat to tone up.

I know I worked on my abs yesterday, but after having my baby 3 months ago, it seems like I can't do enough in that department.  So I did Ballet Beautiful's Ab Series.

Working the core.

As I was working out, I remembered when I was younger that I would do 100 situps before bed every night. I was religious about it to the point that when I had a friend or two stay the night, I would have them get on the ground and do it with me! Ha ha!

Now that my stomach has been stretched to the limit, it will take a little longer to get everything settled in again, but I am in this for the long haul. :)

8 Months and stretching!

Well that is all for tonight, Folks! Bring on Day 12!

Day 10 of Challenge!

It feels pretty great to be in the double digits already! Time flies when you're having fun. ;) And it has been pretty good for the most part. I mean, sometimes I have been in a state of discomfort, but it's for a good cause!

So, today I decided to bring out an older DVD that I already owned. Pure Barre. The growing workout dynasty made up of pilates and ballet. I did only the thigh and butt workout, but I really do enjoy the subtle movements and minimal use of equipment.

A great workout!

However, there are NO free videos of Pure Barre on Youtube. Like none. So, you will either have to try it out by going to a class or buying a DVD.

The little red ball...

After working my lower half, I decided to do abs again and found a site that has some really professional looking videos. I enjoyed my quick 8 minutes of abs and will definitely be returning for more!

I like how it showed exactly what the workouts were!

All in all I would say today was a success except I do not think I drank enough water. :( I will make sure I fill my water bottle and drink it down before I do anything else!

Bring on Day 11!

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Day 9 of Challenge!

Remember yesterday's post where I said I loved ballet? Well, today I did not have the same fuzzy feelings! I decided to incorporate some more Mary Helen Bowers because I felt that my workout yesterday was so effective.

It.hurt.so.much.

I did Sexy Swan Arms, like from the dancers of Swan Lake. You should have seen me flapping and flapping my "wings." My arms started getting so heavy and tired that I looked more like the Dying Swan.

I wish you could see the sweat on my face!

Then right after that I moved onto working the big muscle group. The butt. It was just as hard and I found I had to close my eyes at times and focus to get me through the 15 minutes without stopping or breaking out of the different positions.

Leg up doing an "attitude!"

While I was in my studio/nursery trying to tone up, I had this thought that getting fit is sooo beneficial, but is so hard. It's hard to find the motivation to work out without being forced to. It's hard to endure pain to burn fat. It's hard to flap my wings for 15 minutes straight. It is much easier to sit comfortably on the couch eating left over birthday cake.

But cake isn't going to help me reach my goals. I really want to lose the flabbiness I sustained while pregnant. I want to be healthy and feel good physically. It is a journey and I am looking forward to it. I hope you are too!

Bring on Day 10!

Day 8 of Challenge!

Ballet.

Something that looks sooo graceful, but requires such strength and stamina. Not to mention flexibility and muscle tone! I didn't have to search around for today's workout video, it actually found me. I clicked on over to Youtube and I saw a ballet workout for the thighs and bum right in my feed.

I loved it.

The workouts I did today were the first two videos in the above picture. I did not realize that Mary Helen Bowers was the woman who trained Natalie Portman in the Black Swan (where have I been?). But I felt a burn throughout each section.

However, seeing a body like Mary's makes me tempted to kind of feel like the hippo doing ballet in Disney's Fantasia.

But then I realized it is feelings like that that make women want to give up all together. Which brings me back to the "mission" of this challenge. It is to get fit in an affordable way so I can be my best self. Not compare my body type to anyone elses! So, I will press on!

And speaking of pressing on, my splits need a LOT of work. I used to be able to touch my foot to my head! So, I need to keep working on these!

Flexibility takes time. And pain!

Overall, I am feeling really good. My abs are sore from yesterday and know I will be sore in my upper thighs after today! Bring on Day 9!

See my video as I get ready to work out! 

 
And here I am 10 minutes later.... Crying... LOL!

Day 7 of Challenge!

I am officially one week into my 30 Day challenge and I thought it would be appropriate to weigh in and check for any outward progress. I feel a little more toned around my midsection, but that doesn't mean anyone else can tell!

So, lets go back a week...

 

Day 1 and no flexing!

And no tucking in either!

And here I am today on Day 7...

I think there is progress!

And the side...

I am really happy with the comparison photos! I see subtle changes and that is really motivating for me. I knew from the beginning that I did not want to bite off more than I could chew, so I have taken one day at a time and have been content with just a 15 minute work out video, like I did today.

I thought my abs were needing another hit so I found a video dedicated to doing just that and liked the intensity of the workout. I think it could have been a little harder, but it was enough to wake up my muscles for another day!

Ab time!

I have to say, there are a LOT of people out there dedicated to fitness and so eager to share their knowledge with the world. The options are endless and I have so much fun shaking up my workouts every day. So, thank you Youtube instructors for all of your hard work!

Bring on Day 8!

Day 6 of Challenge!

I am no expert, but I think when every single muscle group is sore from working out for 5 days straight, it is time for a rest day! So for Day 6 of of my challenge, I decided to stretch everything out.

And while I was surfing the internet for the perfect stretch, I learned something about myself... I do not like videos that take a while to get into. I think I tried 4 different videos before settling on one. It was like Goldie Locks and the Three Bears. One was too slow, one was too boring, one was too... breathy. Then there was one that was just right.

The "porridge" that was just right.

As you can see from the picture, I just typed in The Perfect Split Stretch.  I am not sure where the "Russian" came from, except that there are so many Russian gymnasts and ballerinas and I thought I could find a great instructor that way. Ha ha! The instruction was straightforward and I liked the different moves.

And it actually felt soooo good on my muscles to just simply stretch everything out. I used to do the splits no problem before I got pregnant, but I stopped working on them when I was around 6 or 7 months because my belly was getting in the way. So, this video kind of rekindled my desire to get them back again. I will post my progress with that, but for fun here is a picture of me before getting pregnant doing the splits in the snow!

Trying to be graceful in a snowsuit...

Overall, what a relaxing, but effective Day 6 of my challenge. I am already looking forward to my workout tomorrow and can't wait to really start seeing results, but I am doing this slow and steady. I want to win the race! So, here's to Day 7! Well, don't go yet, I couldn't close this post without a little video... See below :)

Day 5 of Challenge!

Hello Sore Legs!

I woke up this morning and my thighs and bum were sooo sore that it took me an extra step to get out of bed! I am really glad I stretched after my workout yesterday or I am pretty sure I wouldn't be able to walk today. Haha!

Knowing how sore my lower half was, I decided to do only arms today. I used to be afraid that if I did push ups or used weights, I would get bulky man-arms and that really isn't the look I am going for. But,  I have since found that I would have to be doing serious lifting for that to happen and as you saw from Day 3, I am only using teeny weeny 2 pound weights.

Me and my 2 pound weight.

Now, nothing screams "fit body" like a Victoria's Secret Angel and seeing that Pop Pilates had a VSA video for arms, I thought I might as well try it as not. ;)

VSA Workout!

And for fun I uploaded a video of me during the workout so that you can see a little bit of how it was!

I enjoyed the fact that I felt a burn in my arms, but it wasn't super long. And even though I have the "Power of the Pause" button available, I try to never use it unless my baby needed me or something big like that. But just because it hurts? No way! I treat every workout as if I were in a class setting. Maybe it's the Home Schooler in me? :)

Bring on Day 6!

Day 4 of Challenge!

Wow am I on an exercise high right now! I decided to give the whole pilates thing a little break and try something a little more hardcore. I had heard of, but never tried, bodyrock.tv so I thought today would be the day.

The video I chose was titled, "Real Time Challenge- Legs, A**, Inner & Outer Thighs." And I thought it would be perfect since I haven't done a work out that focused on these areas specifically.

Do you see how long it is?? I missed that part when I decided on the video!

The workout started out difficult, but I thought I could totally handle it since it was only like 17 minutes anyway. I mean, 3 months ago I had a 24 hour labor that was med-free (that story will be in another post), so I could squat and lunge for 17 minutes!

The format was 30 seconds of one challenging move, and then 30 seconds of jump rope. Repeat.
Uh, I am in a nursery and the ceiling isn't super high, but I gave the rope a go as you can see here!

Well, I failed. Haha. So, I ran in place every time the instructor jumped rope to keep my heart rate up. And I noticed that I was working up a sweat, which was great because I haven't really done much cardio since I found out I was pregnant last March.

After I had been going for a while, I realized it had been longer than 17 minutes, so I quickly checked the video and sure it enough, it had been 25! The video was 43:58 seconds long! How did I miss that? I knew I wanted to bring the level of my workouts up, but not that quickly! Ha But I decided to finish it because I already felt committed and did not want to let any of you down. :)

Let me just say I will be feeling the work in my lower region over the next few days!

I felt so full of energy afterwards that I quickly whipped up some Asian style noodles for lunch. I definitely try to cook from scratch as much as possible and usually do not use a recipe, just try and see if things work together (learned that from my mother!), and it was actually really good and felt light on my stomach.

Chicken, fresh vegetables, and vermicelli noodles. Yum!

So, overall another successful day of my challenge! My husband has been very helpful with our daughter while I worked out the past few days, but I know that I will continue to carve out some time to exercise even if I have to incorporate my baby in my squats!

Bring on Day 5!

Day 3 of Challenge!

It was a wonderful feeling waking up this morning feeling sore in my abdomen! It actually encouraged me that yesterday's little 17 minute Muffin Top video actually did some damage in my "trouble" areas. I couldn't help but enjoy the fact that I didn't have to drive 20 minutes somewhere to exercise, sweat with strangers and then drive 20 minutes back. Not that it isn't effective, but I am really trying to maximize my time and finances wisely for my family and 3 days into my challenge, I am feeling good about things.

Following yesterday's routine, I was back in my nursery/studio as soon as daughter was down for her mid-morning nap. And instead of searching for a video online, I decided to try out a DVD that I stumbled upon while at the library the other day. The title caught my eye, "10 Minute Solutions: Pilates Perfect Body." It seemed like a nice DVD and it was free.

Score! 

Getting toned 10 minutes at a time!

The DVD is broken into five 10 minute videos targeting different areas. Since I already knew I wanted my work out to be longer today, I decided on 3: belly, buns & thighs, and arms.
I was really looking forward to arms because I have noticed they are needing some loving attention. :)

Thankfully I had some 2 pound dumb bells that I picked up randomly from Walmart a while back. It just made me feel a little more invested. Haha  Even though two bottles of water would have worked just as well!

They may be 2 pounds, but they get heavy after a while!

The level of difficulty was perfect for where I am at right now and I found that 30 minutes flew by. So, I will definitely be trying this DVD again before the 30 days are over!

Before I leave today, I thought it would be appropriate to do a #tbt to share where I have been and where I am at presently. I chose this photo because I was wearing my favorite pair of fun, little pink jeans, that I cannot zip up anymore! Don't you hate that??

Introducing my favorite pink jeans.

And here they are today...

Will the button and hole ever meet again?

I hope to fit comfortably in my jeans again, but am not expecting overnight success. Every day I do what I can to improve myself and I know that hard work does pay off. I am still letting myself have a couple spoons of my husband's Cookies N Cream ice cream and do not feel one bit sorry for it.

Bring on Day 4!

Day 2 of Challenge!

I woke up this morning excited for Day 2 of my challenge, knowing I wanted to get started a bit sooner than the day before. So, right after some much needed coffee for me, and play time for Baby, I was off to the nursery again.

This time I typed "Pilates Advanced" into Youtube's search engine. Right away I found a 29 minute full body workout that claimed to be advanced. The instructor even had an Australian accent so I figured it was legit. ;)

Maybe I will try again another day...

I knew there would be a few "how-to's" on proper breathing technique, so I skipped a minute into the video. Then I got down on the floor,  ready to work!

Here are my legs and water bottle. It holds 1.5 liters of water that I fill a few times a day!

Except, the video wasn't very advanced. There were a lot of starts and stops with plenty of rests, while I was revving to move! The instructor definitely has a great body and knows what she is doing, but after about 7 minutes, I was so bored that I said, "Enough!" in my best Aussie accent and went back to browse other instructors. I ended up back at Pop Pilates, but I really enjoyed the work out! It was something about killing the muffin top.

Her life lesson in this video was about doing the impossible...

 My obliques are one area that I really want to focus on after having my baby. I feel like I spread out a bit and want to bring that back in! So, I was very happy to hone in on this area. Afterwards I gave my abs a good stretch and then went into the kitchen for my post workout snack. I eat this pretty much every day. It consists of yogurt, blueberries, chopped pecans, and chia seeds.

Lots of protein and fiber. Win!

 All in all, it felt great to spend even 20 minutes focusing on my body today. Sometimes as busy mothers and career women, that is all we can do, but it is something. And I noticed that because of my workout this morning, I kept my abs tight throughout the day! Here's to a flatter stomach! Bring on day 3!

Day 1 of Challenge!

Welcome to Day 1 of my "30 days of FREE work outs challenge!" All day I thought about getting my first workout in as I ran to a meeting, a coffee date with my husband and child, and then finally a much needed library book return (I really do not like paying overdue charges!). Then it was home for a late lunch and time to put our baby down for her 4PM nap. 
Finally, I was able to get down to business! First step was taking a picture of my post baby body. Let me tell you that was not easy. But, if I am going to be logging my results, I need to have a starting point. So, here I am at almost 3 months PP...

I made sure it was late in the day so I did not have a "morning belly" and did NOT tuck in my stomach, even though I was very tempted to! Ha

And a side view.

 Now, to some people I might not look like I need a lot of work, and to others, well, they might disagree, but I am working out to be my BEST self. Not to be the skinniest, or try to be perfect, but to be the best I can be with the body God gave me. Can I get an Amen? :)

Then it was off to my workout studio slash nursery for my first session. 

My studio generously donated for the afternoon by my 3 month old.

I have to let you know that I did nothing crazy. No 1 hour boot camp for me. I simply went onto Youtube and typed in "Pop Pilates." I had heard someone mention it and knew it was free so I decided to check out.
The video on the top of the list was labeled, "Crazy Abs, Butt, and Legs Workout." And it was 12:36 seconds long.

Bingo!

Bubbly Cassey talks a lot, but I felt a burn!

The instructor was Cassey Ho and she seems to have quite the following on Youtube. Her style is super outgoing, chatting through the camera lens like she is a friend that is working out right along side you. I found the pilates moves slightly challenging, and even noticed a slight burn during the seat work section. Yay!
However, she does like to teach life lessons mid workout, which I found slightly awkward, but still an overall good time. :) I finished with a quick stretch and a post workout drink from Suja. It was my first time trying it and I feel REALLY healthy after just one glass. Haha

There is only green healthiness here!

Overall, I feel really good about Day 1. I put no high expectations on myself, my workout was short and sweet, and it was all in the comfort of my own home and did not cost me a penny!
Bring on Day 2!

Time For A Challenge

At the start of 2014, I would say I was pretty fit. But I had to be, I mean I was getting married at the end of January! It didn't help that while I was at the wedding dress boutique being fitted, I kept telling the seamstress, "Tighter! Make it tighter!"

I was motivated. And it paid off. I felt amazing on my wedding day and was confident in my bathing suit on our honeymoon.

My recipe for success was simple: I ate great. Meaning, minimal sugar and minimal fat, with a lot of vegetables and protein. And I did Pure Barre. I loved the work outs. I felt like they worked every muscle group, even though I would hate the LTB (lift, tone, and burn) while I was in the heat of the work out, but results are results!

Then in mid March I found out I was PREGNANT. What? So soon? Anyway, the Husband and I were excited. It was a brand new chapter in our young married lives. Bring it on!

But then I slowed down. Like waaay down. I got morning sickness really badly and did not want to get off the couch. I eventually started doing water aerobics for exercise and did my best to have a fit, healthy pregnancy for my baby and for myself.

On my way to an outing at 13 weeks pregnant.

And here I am again at 8 months. 

Finally, on November 19th, our beautiful baby girl was born and it was THE happiest day of my life. I was thrilled to be a mother and thankful to no longer be pregnant. I mean, I could finally sleep again. Um. Yeah, right. That was my pre-baby, ignorant self talking! Yes, I could finally sleep on my back again, but it would be short, short sleep! But not only would there be "sleep," but I was quickly losing the 35 pounds I gained. After only 3 weeks postpartum, 30 pounds came off. I was going places!

Yes, I was going back UP the scale. Somehow Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and nursing each took their hit and suddenly I was no longer 132 pounds, but 137. How could I be gaining when the hard task of growing a baby in my body was over?

Here I am on my one year wedding anniversary and 2 months PP trying to feel nice.

 So, as soon as I was healed (and I had a stupid complication that placed me in the ER, but more on that in another post), I signed up for another month at the Barre. I needed to get things back on track. But the work outs did not bring the peace and success they once did. I was stuck on something completely different. First, I missed my daughter EVERY TIME. And second, the price was bloody annoying me. $175 for one month? Was this the only way?

And that is the very reason for this post. I went home and hit up good ol' YouTube. Sure enough, there were a plethora of fitness videos that I could look at for FREE. And that made me wonder...

Could I really get the body I want? The abs I want, without paying anything? Could I have a "personal" trainer, nutritionist, and stretching coach for FREE?

So here is my challenge... I am going to spend the next 30 days working out, using only online sources that are free of charge to see how I can sculpt my body. I will be logging which work outs I use and any other form of exercise I do. Of course, nutrition is a key factor in weight loss, so I will be posting what I do about that.

I am inviting you to follow along on my fitness journey! Every one feels more motivated with a fitness buddy!