Getting my life back

I have officially been on Jillian Michael's fitness program for 2 weeks now. I have seen some amazing results already - not necessarily all on the scale, but more importantly in my outlook and feeling of self.

When I first started out, it was really difficult to get through her workouts. They are intense, and my exercise tolerance has been low for years and years. For quite a long time I had some health issues which caused my body to be less than fit. I had no exercise tolerance because of some deficiencies and to make matters worse, I didn't sweat - like at all. You know those people you hear about that spontaneously combust...yeah, that could have been me. For real. So exercise was difficult to manage to say the least.

This time last year, I took steps to put my body back on track which included surgery. After recovery and a few months to get my body's stuff regulated, I finally felt like doing things. One of the biggest accomplishements of the year was going to Wales and England for 10 days of vigorous hiking this summer. I never would have gotten through this in the condition I was in prior to the surgery. I did it even though my exercise tolerance still hadn't completely come back. This was a huge leap for me though - just making it through the trip!!

Now, at close to a year post-op, I am doing this very intense workout plan (for me!!) and actually getting through it! Not only am I making it through, but I feel great afterwards! And the extra bonus? I am finally sweating again! I know, I know...who would be excited about that? Well, try getting your heart rate up to 150 without sweating and see how you feel! You feel like you are going to explode, that's how you feel.

So...back to Jillian Kicking my ass - I'm celebrating 2 weeks on her program and I feel great! My confidence is soaring, I feel like I look better (not necessarily saying thinner - because that's not the end-all goal here) and I just feel Good! I have energy, I look forward to my workouts and I am eating good, whole, organic foods.

I have also (in the last 3 days) started using GNC's WellBEing line of vitamins and supplements for women. The jury is still out on those, but so far, they seem to be making a difference. I decided to go with the combo pack which includes the multi-vitamin and supplements for beauty (skin, nails, hair heatlh), flexibility and a few others. They aren't cheap, but I am worth it. :)

Today is my rest day on the workout schedule - so it seemed a perfect day to blog... =] Happy Tuesday!!

Getting on the path to wellness

What does wellness look like?

This is a question I have been asking myself. I am rededicated to this elusive notion of wellness, but I can't seem to define what it is for me. I am able to define some of the components or maybe the vehicles to this - but the end result still eludes me.

These things I know:

1. I need to eat whole foods whenever possible. These should be organic as much as possible also and local if possible. The meat I want to consume is harvested by my hunter-husband or bought from a responsible farm with free range chickens and grass-fed beef. I know this is good for my body, mind and spirit and the body, mind and spirit of others I feed.
2. I need to be aware of what and how much food I am putting in to my body. I need to count calories at first until I get a sense of what my body actually Needs for fuel. Then, I know that as long as I stay Aware of my food choices, my intuition will kick in on portions and food groups after I have made it a habit. I know this is good for my body, mind and spirit.
3. I need to exercise. My body needs conditioned. For far too long, I was handcuffed by a malfunctioning system. I have taken steps to correct that and there is no reason for me to Not get adequate exercise now that my body will tolerate it. Exercise is good for my body, mind and spirit.
4. I know that the weight I am currently at is not the healthy weight for me. I am uncomfortable doing regular tasks - and especially some exercises. I am not conditioned well and I know that part of the reason is excess weight. Being at a healthy weight will be good for my body, mind and spirit.
5. I need to have a daily spiritual practice. This is crucial in supporting the other things I have to do. Making time for my meditations and other spiritual work is as important as fuel and exercise for my body. When I have good daily spiritual practice, I am in balance and this is good for my body, mind and spirit.
6. I need a support system. I need buddies to hold me accountable. I need to share my battles won and lost, the steps forward and the setbacks. This is good for my body, mind and spirit.
7. I need adequate down time. All repair, healing and adjustment takes place in periods of rest. Rest is good for my body, mind and spirit.

As these things all become habit, I believe I will approach the Wellness I seek. Until then, I will just have to trust that it is out there - waiting for me.