Friday Inspiration

Got that morning workout in and feeling dandy. Followed it up with a protein shake. I'm glad I bought two canisters of Designer Whey on Amazon. It's convenient to keep one at my desk and buy milk as need be. I don't have to wait until I get home and eat my dinner too close after. And  the taste isn't bad at all!

I should be getting my new Define in the mail today :) :) :). Super excited. How will I hide this from hubby, though? I am a super sleuth...I guess I will find a way.

Here's an inspirational video to start your day.
It's true.
You are awesome.
Don't forget it.

Um, also, I caved and bought the Ebb to Street pants in my real size. I just want to see if they will look good in my regular size. And if they don't, I'm returning them, pronto!

An Eventful Day with a Lululemon Store Review!

Started today Lithe Method.

We arrived in the city kind of late and I took a brisk walk (about a mile) , hoping to get there in time. I passed Lululemon on the way and briefly considered skipping the workout and just shopping without interruption bahahahha. Then shook myself out of that lapse in judgment and continued walking.

 I would have been five minutes early were it not for the snails pace of the THREE elevators, all stuck on floors 19, 25 and 15. I must have waited for five minutes at least. And no, I'm not taking the stairs four flights LOL. That's child's play!

The space is as I imagined it. Very similar to Barre 3 in it's clean, peaceful vibe, but only housing one actual studio, with a common area and locker space with showers and the prerequisite Method soaps (fresh mint, love and need this hand soap). I guess the lack of studio space is to keep the classes exclusive and the early sign-ups coming, as I imagine that having one class an hour makes everything fill up quickly. I can pick up what they are putting down.

I signed a waiver and had to fill out a maddeningly long survey about myself (hi, I'm Julia, i'm out of shape but I've done A LOT of Pilates over the past few months, please like me!) I don't think anyone will be able to read my survey as I was scribbling frantically with only a minute or two to spare. After a locked up all my things, I headed to a mat. I noticed the resistance bands hanging from the ceiling and got super excited.  I do find the studio kind of...cramped? But it is light and zen in there, and, I don't know if this is my imagination or I am just really toning up, but I looked seriously GREAT in the mirrors. They must be trick mirrors. They MUST.

It's definitely an interesting and innovative workout.
Our instructor was literally lithe. A toned blonde tall drink of water. I was super jealous. She explained some of the basic principles, like breathing (check) and good posture (check-ish?). She explained that a lot of moves require tucking the tailbone (a.k.a.clenching the butt) and that seemed easy enough. We started with an ab sequence using three pound weights and a squishy ball between our knees to help with form, just like in Pilates. This series was pretty tough, and we moved through everything without rest, so even more challenging. We then did some arm work while still crunching our abs, and I was reminded of Barre 3, as the weights are very light, but the movements make them feel like they weigh a million pounds. I know that all the literature states to lift heavy, and I do, but I think there is something to low reps, too. Shouldn't be part of a gym routine, but definitely useful to get a full body workout in a barre class.

We continued on into the push-up series, and the goal was to do ten of an interesting and unique pushup. You position your knees at the ends of the mat (left and right) so your toes point inward, and you also tuck your tail bone, which goes against the natural pushup as your back is no longer neutral. You keep your eyes pointed forward as well, unlike pushups where you turn your gaze downward (well, at least I do that haha). You can do this on your knees or toes as well. From there you go into to what I heard as "sea salt" but was probably "see-saw" series. In this move, you hover your foot over the other in a pushup start position, than lift that leg high up and keep your arms as straight as possible, kind of like a yoga pose. Oh, and you do this in "stiletto" which means the toe with the weight on it should be pointing as if on...a stiletto! This was a pretty tough move! The next move was a tricep pushup where the arms come closer together and the elbows are supposed to head towards the back of the room. I was generally no bueno in this move. Then another set of pushups.

Finally, we started with the bands, and I was super confident that I would rock that shit out. Even though she said gloves were required for band classes with 101's the only exclusion to this rule, I figured that since I have been lifting, I would be just fine. NO. Not just fine. LOL.

This is the set of bands and the way she (the creator of Lithe) is holding them is with a thumb and finger grib, not with all of the fingers.

This makes it SERIOUSLY tough.

The instructor warned that the hands might cramp up without gloves, but again, I was positive I would be fine. My hands cramped up within maybe three minutes. It was insane.

We did some moves in squat positions with tailbones tucked and untucked (this looks obscene LOL) and then some cardio cheer moves with jumping and moving our arms. I actually loved the cheer parts and think they would be a great way to get the blood pumping. But gloves are definitely a must for that. It is also sometimes hard to follow and welll...I am no cheerleader, although it is fun to pretend.

We finished out the class at the barre, and I positioned myself next to an unnaturally endowed redhead for some crazy leg lift work as well as lunges and squats. This kind of class would probably kill me, but be very effective.

Overall, I think it's a step up from Barre 3. More high paced, a cooler vibe and probably addicting. I was certainly sweating but pleased at the end.  I'm kind of glad the commute makes regular classes impossible, but I wouldn't mind taking a class every other week, although they encourage three classes a week (they would lol). 

Oh, and the location is pretty awesome and close to Walnut Street, which I love to visit. 

I jetted over to Lululemon while my husband finished up some business. I wanted to find as many things on my "maybe" list as possible before he got there. My goal was to not reveal to him exactly how much I was bringing into the dressing room. I succeeded! 

The first thing I beelined for were the Ebb to Street pants. There were a few people congregating by them already and that does not surprise me--they are mostly sold out completely online.  They were absolutely gorgeous in plum and inkwell, but my size was not available so I sized down to the second size I can wear. 

I walked by the Scuba hoodies which I had never seen in person. They had the midnight iris print and the angel wing slalom stripe, both sold out online. I was not impressed. They felt kind of cheap and rigid. I will probably be passing on Scubas indefinitely which is ok. One less thing to desire is good with me. They kind of remind me of something sold in a Billabong or Pac-Sun. Youngish somehow. No offense to those who love them of course. I prefer the Nice Asana, although they are rather basic zip-ups. Forme still wins over all.

Made my way around the store, overwhelmed with all the stuff I was finally seeing in person! It was nice to get that hand feel. Some things I had loved online, I did not love so much in person. The midnight iris print, especially. Some of the pieces in MI are just so...shiny. 

I didn't find or remember to look for the Trouser Pants, but did come across the CYB, the CRB (angel and hyper stripe black) and Wunder Under Power Luxtreme crops.  I also picked up the Scoop Neck in a ziggy print, the Skinny Wills in herringbone (everyone wants these) and ziggy and...I think that's it. I didn't find the Run for your Life in plum, or the "superhero" pants as my hubby calls them. Also asked about the newly marked down Liberate tank in fresh teal, which they didn't have either. Didn't remember to check out the Formes in person. Probably for the best!

Now for the results: I thankfully passed on mostly everything!  The Skinny Wills looked terrible on me, as expected. I didn't even bother to try on the herringbone. Sure, they are comfortable, but the fabric is just not for me. Patterns on my lower half are especially not for me.

The Wunder Under power luxtremes are actually really wonderful, but since I just bought a pair of Speed tights, Run Inspires and a used pair of Yoga Smoga crops, I figured I was stocked up for at least half a year. Really nice though, and not at all see through. Fit about the same as my Yoga Smogas actually, with a nicer material. Sorry yoga smoga hahahah. I just love typing that brand name.

The C.Y.B. was also a pass. Back fat as expected, sadly. The color was pretty but washed me out. This is still a goal top of mine. Would love to be able to wear this and show of a back with no fat.

   

The CRB's....Ok. I do get it. The have a nice feel to them. A great length. Simple, classic and to the point. They apparently hold up quite well, so I can see this top being a staple in all kinds of seasons. I just can't commit to them for now. I loved the colors I tried on, and even layered both. Looked cute enough. Maybe someday.

The Scoop Neck was also not as matronly as I thought, I just got it in the wrong size as the built in bra was very tight in my ribs. I think it would have been a keeper in a size up. I do love the print. This kind of flattened my boobs too, but again, might have been a sizing issue. I almost walked out with this one, truth be told, but the fabric was kind of light and not compressive. That's not terrible but for a tight tank top, I like a little compression or for it to be slightly flared and more skimming. 

    

 Credit goes to lulumum.blogspot.ca! 

Eventually my husband showed up and started pacing outside the dressing room, asking me if I was done. I had one last top to try on, and I considered ignoring it and changing back into my clothes. But, it called to me. It was a beautiful light color, and something I really admired online. 

What did I walk out with at the last minute?

The No Limit Tank in blue moon/ ziggy. I LOVE it. So flattering!

  

I'm in love with a tank top!

I'm so glad I didn't love anything else. Praise be to fat thighs!

We enjoyed the beautiful day with a nice walk and had a wonderful lunch at Morimoto. I splurged on my own order of rock shrimp tempura that comes with amazing aioli sauce and we shared some delicious sauteed mushrooms. In the past, I would have added two rolls of sushi to my lunch, but not this time. We finished off with pumpkin ice cream with marshmallow swirl. The first bite was shockingly pumpkin-y. Almost as if eating a canned pumpkin pie filling. But with each bite, I fell more in lust with this ice cream. It was a sexy situation.

We got back to the office to find our second entrance door locked, keeping us from getting inside. I tried to kick in the door as they do on TV. I guess my legs aren't strong enough :(. But, my husband tried as well and no go either, so..TV IS A LIE. He began chipping away at the door frame with two screwdrivers (!!!) and making a terrible amount of noise. I decided to look up how to unlock a door on the internet in the meanwhile and found a credit card jimmy trick with illustrations. Pulled out an old T.J. Maxx card and went to down, wiggling the door handle around while my husband discouraged my efforts. Finally, I felt the door jab give.

It worked! I felt like a super spy. And I left my husband scratching his head, too. He insisted he had helped with his technique, but I truly feel we would have been there forever had I not been so damn practical.

 Just call me Bond. Julia Bond.

Klutz Mode

I have been a mess all day.

You might remember my very recent mishap with a bag of takeout Chipotle salads. The chicken juice from this very salad (my husband's salad, not mine, I'm sure) ended up on the seat of my quite beautiful burgundy American Eagle leggings.

It hasn't even been a week since that fiasco and today...again. Another leaking incident. This time, the terayaki sauce from my Asian chicken salad ended up all over...everything. I bit on the inside of my canvas bag, a LOT on the bottom of my free Lululemon lunch bag (I threw it out because...I just can't bother with it) and a tiny smidge, somehow, on my left sleeve. Ugh. I also sprayed orange juice all over my screen while peeling an orange. Just can't win.

My workout this morning was awesome. I went up five pounds in the overhead press and the goblet squat. Was sweating like a beast. Feeling sore now, but the good kind of sore. Makes me think of this:

After looking at my growing workout gear list yesterday, I realized that everything I have bought is really an investment, so I'm not going to continue to feel bad. I'm a grown woman and I make my own money and if I choose to be frivolous with my hard earned cash well....that's my choice. I pay my credit card statement every month and I am knock on wood O.K. for now.

And, also, it's O.K. to look at all the new gear and all the sale stuff too. Because I said so LOL.

Today I browsed the oGorgeous page, brought to the internet by the founder of #blogilates. Cassie seems so effervescent and fun. I love her style and her personality really pops. So it goes without saying, all the stuff she designs matches that bright and spunky vibe she has going. Here are some things I am loving from her page:

Love her color choices, don't you? I don't know if I would actually wear any of this to the gym, but it certainly would be comfortable to lounge in.

Tomorrow, i'm heading to my first Lithe Method class and VERY EXCITED.

Lithe is a company that originated in Philadelphia, created by a former cheerleader who wanted to kick up pilates with some cardio and cheer moves.

This company has a huge cult following in Philadelphia. Women go every day and take different classes aimed at different body parts, like legs and arms. It has become a lifestyle, and is even coming to New York City.

Last year they posted a deal on Living Social and I scooped it up, but became lazy and never took advantage, even though I worked ten blocks away. For $39, I got a 101 style class and 5 other fitness classes, along with a free juice/smoothie (they sell their own brand). Keep in mind that each class is $15-20 dollars (I think $20) so that was a STEAL.

Unfortunately, the offer has expired but they will still honor the price I paid for the deal itself, meaning I can take a class (and a half).

In addition, they are offering a free 101 class in the month of October, so I scheduled mine for tomorrow! I have been wanting to go for ages and now I'll see what the cult is all about. Pray for me.

I'll be in the Rittenhouse Square area, which also is home to a Lululemon! This is bad news bears, of course. But I'm going to take my new speed tights with me. If I run across anything that I must have, I'm going to do an exchange. I have the best intentions to follow through with this!!

I regret not jumping on this pair of pants:

They have been receiving crazy good reviews, but none were to be found at the time of upload, so it was a risk given that the cropped option has a solid reputation of being sheer. These just look amazing and so comfortable. I hope they have them in my size as they are now sold out in it online in every beautiful color (black, inkwell/navy, and plum).

I'm also curious about a few other things, including the Trouser Pant:

These are VERY avant garde, but I saw them in a street style photo (below) and I think they are just styled wrong wrong wrong on the website.

Of course this lady has tons of Swagu so she could probably rock anything. I'm just saying. I'm not going to discount these pants before I try them on! haha.

Also loving the No Limit Tank:

The new colors are beautiful and the No Limits Tank is  truly the best. Truly. So breathable, flattering and easily maintained.  I'd rather have it in that angel blue color I just purchased in my Define jacket, but can't find a used one anywhere.

I'm also really curious about the fan favorite, the Skinny Will pant. Bitches be wildin' over these pants, I'm telling you!

They are supposed to be heavenly and super comfortable. I'm really wondering how they would look on me. Probably a disaster.

And finally, I really want to see what all the fuss is about re: CRB's, lululemon speak for Cool Racerback tanks. They are a staple in every lulu lover's wardrobe and to me, they just look like regular tank tops. At $42 dollars, they better sing my favorite songs.

Also really wanting to investigate the C.Y.B. top (does it reveal my back fat?), the scoop neck in a color that matches my sneakers (will it be as flattering as they say or look kind of mumsy like it does on the website), if they have a Forme limited edition ruffle in white, and....everything else I guess!

But I'm NOT buying anything. I'm NOT!

A Very Bad Day for my Wallet

Sixth months ago, you could have told me I would be obsessed with workout gear and I would have laughed in your face. It would have been harsh and annoying and you probably would have punched me, but it's the truth.

Now, a day does not go by where I am not looking for that perfect something to expand my gym wardrobe. This was probably fine up until two weeks ago, when I pretty much started COLLECTING and/or hoarding everything remotely cute in my size. I'm doing this for myself, and I will probably vomit all over my keyboard, but here is a list of my now abundant collection of SHTUF:

Lululemon Voyage Hoodie, cool breeze
Lululemon Forme Jacket, cool breeze
Lululemon Forme Jacket, fresh teal
Lululemon Define Jacket, black
Lululemon Urbanite Blazer, black
**Lululemon Define Jacket, angel blue/tonka (on the way from Canada,eek)

(It's just so cute guys. I mean. It's just perfection. Really!)

Lululemon No Limits Tank, black
Lululemon Amped Tank, black
Lululemon Work it out tank, black/mint
Lululemon Swiftly tank, cool breeze
Lululemon Ebb to Street tank, plum
Lululemon Full Tilt Long Sleeve, angel stripe
**Lululemon Full Tilt Long Sleeve, plum hyperstripe (bought this today)
**Lulemon Practice Freely tank, lilac (cheap ebay purchase)
Ellie Black Widow tank, black
Ellie Ace of Spades racerback, black
Ellie Truth or Dare tank, carbon
Ellie After Dark tank, black/blue

Lululemon Ebb to Street bra, heathered black

Lululemon Inspire II Crops, black
Lululemon Speed Tights, black
Lululemon Run a Marathon crops, black
YogaShmoga Run,Jump, Play crops, black (got these used, they are great)
**Lululemon Inpsire II Crops, wee are from space print (just ordered these today)

That should be it.....
Wow.

I'm disgusting and terrible human being and I must be stopped.

It's just that....they upload NEW THINGS. Every week! New! Shiny! Pwetty!
If this was a collection I had acquired in a year, ok. That's fine. But I've done all this shopping over the past three months and I'm a little sick to my stomach thinking about all this MONEY.

I'm considering selling a few of these things in the wake of my spree. It's just that every time I think about it, I get very possessive and stop myself. Other than my sneakers and boots purchases, I haven't really bought any big ticket items for fall. And my wardrobe has definitely become more casual and comfort based, so these aren't necessarily silly items to purchase.

I really do need to cut off all of the spending though. I don't want to get into a bind with money and I should really start saving for....some important things. Ugh.

In other news, I did three full pushups yesterday, so I deserve all of this!! HAHA.

Not really, but, a girl can dream.
I can't say I am not egged on by other ladies spending mucho dinero on beautiful Lulu wardrobes. It does make me a little jealous and competitive. Shouldn't I have these things? Shouldn't I be able to buy a new piece every week, too. I know this is a crazy way to think and completely idiotic but there you go.

I am cutting myself off from checking out any new items unless I sell off something, be it a pair of Louboutins or whatever. I'm mortified right now, and I feel badly for my husband too, lol.

The newest offenders (on my wallet):

The only salvation of any of this is that I could turn around and sell anything that's lightly used for about retail or if I really wanted to get rid of it, a little below and it would disappear out of my hands and I would recoup everything. So there is that.

Ugh.

Day 8: Build on Your Success

Happy Monday.

Day 8 in the Drop 2 Sizes Road Map states:

"Action: Build on your success.
Last week I asked you to pick one thing to change that will get you closer to your goals.  What was that one thing? How did you do last week? Were you successful? If you were successful, then keep it up and today choose another change you want to work or improve on.  Small changes each week will lead to success. Have a great workout!"

My goal for last week was to stick to the food plan as closely as possible. By trial and error all summer, I was realizing before I started this book that something is off in my diet. As I get older, my metabolism has slowed as well, which doesn't help things. Getting to that perfect macro nutrient split is quite a challenge, especially when you work 500 feet away from a Wawa. And just being a human being with cravings for deliciousness can veer you off course if you let it.  So, I was determined to not veer off course.

Looking through my log during the week, I stuck pretty closely to the plan. One night I had fajitas (homemade) instead of a turkey burger with sweet potato. I still passed on the tortilla, which makes me feel triumphant LOL. Friday morning, I didn't make time for breakfast before my workout. If it's something I can grab or toast really quick, it is easier, so egg breakfasts need to be planned ahead. Friday evening, I did a pretty good job not noshing on superfluous things at Shabbat dinner. I stuck with Mediterranean salad and some meat. I got most of my protein goal in, and I think that is a vast change from my diet leading up to this.

My first splurge on the weekend was Chipotle for lunch as mentioned in the last post.
Saturday evening was a fiasco. I hadn't had time to have my egg-omelet dinner (played Candy Crush for about an hour LOL), so was starving by the time we went to the movies. Indulged in a lot of popcorn, about 15 pieces of my kryptonite, Sour Patch Watermelons, and couldn't stop at five pretzel bites with cheese. Probably had around ten. Comparatively, in the past I would have probably had more candy and pretzels. I just wish I had went with two splurges instead of all three.  And two splurge meals in ONE day is probably NOT the best idea.

Sunday was supposed to be my only official planned splurge (up to three in a week) meal with a friend at P.F. Changs. We noshed on chicken lettuce wraps (not terrible nutrient wise) and our usual dynamite shrimp and crisp green beans. Both of those are fried, but P.F. Changs has significantly cut down their serving size of the shrimp, so there was less to eat, which is great haha. The green beans were so delicious paired with spicy sauce. It was hard to stop, and this particular portion was larger than in the past. I think I had about a quarter of the plate, and there was about half left when we finished, so that would make sense.

We went a little shoe crazy at DSW and I walked out with two pairs. Some booties I had had my eyes on, and a sexy opened toe shoe I could not resist. I've had my eyes on the Zannotti version for awhile, so this price was palatable enough.

I made a DELICIOUS flank steak for dinner. Honestly, the best protein I have ever made, probably.  It was nicely spiced, with a bit of a dijon flavor, and cooked to the perfect medium rare temperature. Toot, toot!

So, when I look back on the week as a whole, I think I WAS successful for the most part. I got my Vitamin D and Omega 3 in every day and added my multivitamin mid-week. I stuck to the food plan about 80% of the time.

Things to work on: 
I need to have a protein shake every day to hit that macro nutrient goal.
I must control my splurge meals.
I need to make the egg breakfasts a priority. In general, breakfast must be a priority.

In other news, I happened to come across a usable step outside of the step class! Today I performed step ups and they were exhausting. I also figured out the correct way to do reverse lunges with rows. It certainly was not the way I did it last time haha. This time, I only used one hand, and when I powered up from the lunge, I had to squeeze my arm back to get that row motion in. And I had to do it pretty speedily. Definitely felt it this time!

Now, to make the rest of the day a good one.

xoxo.

Day 6

Another morning workout down. Feeling happy!

This one is the first metabolic workout and the replacement for all cardio-bunny work. Essentially, you get your heart rate up with bursts of work for a shorter period of time. There are studies that show this is the way to really train. I'm on board, because there is nothing more boring than spinning like on a gerbil on a wheel on the treadmill or elliptical!

 The workout consists of five exercises (speed squat, squat thrust, reverse lunge, prone touch and kettlebell swing) done for 30 seconds each (as many reps as possible) with a 30 second rest between each one. After you do all five with rest, you take a three minute breather, then repeat two more times. 

I loved pushing myself in this workout and did it to the best of my abilities.

 I was slightly annoyed that a huge gym like L.A. Fitness doesn't have kettlebells for the swing, as the tiny one I used to go to has a full set (plus those darned steps I need). I made do with a 12 pound dumbbell but I don't know if it's kosher. I definitely felt it, so I assume for now it's ok. It didn't fly toward the mirror or hit me in the face and I didn't lose my grip, so...A+!

Squat thrust was another back challenge for me. I've tried doing burpees in the past and all is ok until I have to jump back in from the plank position. I get a sharp pain in my back right away, without fail. I decided to the the squat thrusts (basically, the tail end of a burpee) with a Bosu ball round side up. A suggestion to make this exercise easier in the book is a step or a bench and I didn't feel like completing the workout downstairs, so I used the Bosu that was upstairs. I don't know if this made it more or less or equally challenging. I do know that it definitely got my heart rate up as intended!

One caveat is keeping a tight watch on the time. I have been using the Nike+ app on my nano to monitor, as most people on the Facebook group page recommended just using a phone or iPod. But it is kind of annoying to hold it and watch it (almost distracting in a way) and when I stuff it in my tank, I can't see it and have to guesstimate if I'm done. And forget about the squat thrust! The nano fell out of my shirt almost right away. Luckily it didn't take my headphones with it.

 I'm considering the interval timer,Gymboss. I've seen instructors on bodyrock.tv use this device and you basically set it to buzz at every interval. It's hands free and you just clip it on and don't have to monitor anything.

It seems super convenient and it's about $20 bucks, which isn't terrible. I might invest in it before my next timed metabolic.

The first time you do the timed metabolic workout, you only go through everything three times. The next time bumps up to a total of six. I can't imagine it as I was sweaty and exhausted after, but I'm sure by the time it's here (in another two weeks) I'll be ready.

I wore my new Lulu Ebb to Flow/Street (it's confusing because the tag says Flow and the website says Street) tank with Run: Inspire II crops and my new sneakers. I love these sneakers and am so glad I kept them. I'm also a pretty big fan of the tank, although I am a chronic shirt puller and it does stretch out a little from this habit. It provides great chest support, though, and makes the girls look good. I also LOVE the color and the simple style. If I get another color, I might just go a size down for a little more compression.

Afterwards, we stopped by Chipotle and I indulged in a chicken salad with medium spicy salsa, grilled veggies and a little guacamole (the book calls for grilled chicken salad and I figured it was close enough). My husband drove us to work and as I hoped out of the car, I realized the bag had leaked ALL OVER the passenger seat and onto my American Eagle leggings. Soaked the bottom COMPLETELY. Thank goodness I had changed at the gym. If this chicken juice had spilled all over my crops I would have been distraught haha! It looked like I had had a terrible accident and for a moment I wondered if I had lost control of my bladder since my husband insisted it hadn't come from the bag. But there was no denying that savory Mexican food smell. Ugh.Oh well. 

Tonight we might be seeing Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs II. Must not eat pretzels, candy, soda and all the things lolll.  I'm supposed to have an omelet for dinner as well which I'm pretty pleased with. Sometimes breakfast for dinner just hits the spot!

Tomorrow I have a Pilates class and am meeting up with a friend for lunch at P.F. Changs. I'll try to keep it healthy with some lettuce wraps or something. Luckily, T is similarly health-conscious so she won't mind ordering something less greasy and fried.

  Anyway, I'm off to barrel through the rest of the weekend. Before I know it, it will be Monday :(.

Day 5

Good morning!

I'm part of a number of groups on Facebook (mostly Lululemon selling groups, whoops!) and monitor a local "fitness" board filled with in shape women who work out All. The. Time.  I used to think these women were crazy, but their enthusiasm kind of rubbed off on me over time.

It was there that I found out about my pilates studio and some other new local businesses, like Barre 3. All in all, although they annoy the shit out of me with all their free time and bragging on most days, they are, I admit, very inspirational.

Yesterday, one of the girls posted a really cool video that got the wheels in my brain turning and totally motivated me.

I am NOT a morning person. Not in the sense that I am miserable or anything. I'm pleasant enough (ask my mom) and can engage in normal conversation.  I just don't function at my best LOL. But this video inspired me to strive to make a morning workout (although, I am not waking up at dawn and you can't make me nosiree) part of my habits.

This morning, we did just that and I feel fantastic. Strength #1, Workout 2 in the books!
I felt my form was better this go round as I am more comfortable in the gym at this point. And my lateral lunges with contraload, even though I dropped them to 5 pounds, didn't give me back pain. The t-stabilizations still stink, especially after last night's evening pilates class, but I still executed all 32. And dare I say I am a fan of the finisher at the end, the squat? I feel so accomplished after that last speedy squat. It's unreal.

I again did not have time to make breakfast, so took the egg patty, bacon and cheese off a Wawa Sizzli and went to down on that. LOL. I'm sure the macros are off slightly but I find bacon to be a great replacement for half an avocado, don't you?

Snack today is a Greek yogurt with berries and since I forgot my yogurt at home, I picked up a non-fat Chobani with blueberries. A little more sugar than I would like but, at least it's somewhat similiar.

Lunch today is left over fajita chicken and baby carrots with Ak-Mak crackers. My husband says these crackers look like cardboard (they do) but I am hoping they are as delicious as Cheetos (they will not be).

Protein shake for another snack (and I've decided to keep a canister of the protein here to mix in with milk from Wawa) and then Shabbat dinner, where I'll aim for 5 oz of meat and some healthy carbs with salad.

My challenge going into the weekend will probably be Sunday lunch with a friend, but I figure I haven't had a cheat meal all week and one is ok. Even Rachel Cosgrove says so! Haha.

Off to try and win a Lululemon  Daily Yoga jacket for cheap on Lululemon Bidding Battles on Facebook LOL. Looks like it might go for way more than I want to buy it for, though. Thank goodness, I guess.