So here’s where I lay it all out in public view – I figure the best way to stay on track is to build in some motivation and accountability is to make a public confession.
Vivian was born and I quickly signed the book deal for Backyard Farming on an Acre (More or Less) – before I was even cleared for exercise. Then before I had even finished the book, I went through the awful hospitalization and surgery on my gall bladder. Since that time my back pain has flared up often – triggered I am sure by the lack of muscle tone in my body now.
So I am taking action! To strengthen my body, pursue a healthier level of exercise and living overall. I was sent a fabulous exercise journal that is more than just a typical exercise log – called “Believe” – and love it. I am using the monthly workout section to track my progress and I am going to share the report with you now. (Here is where I practice vulnerability a la Brene Brown.)
My measurements:
- Waist – 33 1/2 inches
- Hips – 41 inches
- Bust – 37 inches
My weight:
I don’t actually have a current weight but last time I weighed myself I was 147 pounds.
See? I am not overweight per se – but not as strong as a should be. Especially with three boys to keep up with!
My strength test results:
- Chest Press – 16 reps
- Biceps – 21 reps
- Hamstrings – 19 reps
- Crunches – 15 reps
I have been testing the TRX Home Training system since I do not have space for free weights. The strength test is above is a way to track your progress by doing as many repetitions of each exercise as you can in one minute, with a one minute rest in between.
I have to be careful about doing push-ups because they hurt my back right now but I believe as I become stronger that will no longer be the case. Right now, I am alternating between the strength training routines of the TRX Home Training System and Lisa Johnson’s new DVD set Modern Pilates and Body Physica.
You can read my full reviews on Amazon but I will summarize what I like best about each of these and how I use them together.
TRX Home Training System with Door Anchor
Being able to anchor this right in the doorway means I can do free-weight style exercises using my own body weight without using any extra space at all. With our small home, and many kids, that is a huge bonus. I LOVE being able to access the training videos right on my iPad so I can do the workouts anywhere without having to be within view of the TV. The brilliance of this is that I can do them while my kids are still AWAKE. *gasp* I know…it feels revolutionary to me too.
Modern Pilates and Body Physica DVDs by Lisa Johnson
I really like pilates in general so was excited to review the modern pilates DVD by Lisa. When she sent along the Body Physica it was an added bonus. The cuing in Modern Pilates is lovely because while Lisa verbally cues the intermediate level there are both beginner and advanced levels demonstrating. Body Physica has more intensive workouts included and I adore the Ballet segment in particular. Lisa herself is adorable and encouraging throughout all the workouts and you feel like you’re working out with a friend.
My Plan of Attack
So I’m going to alternate using the TRX and DVDs each day and if I can get 4 or 5 days in every week I will consider it a success. Once a month I will measure and do the TRX Strength Test to see how I improve those numbers. I anticipate being able to improve as I grow stronger – for example Sidney was able to do 32 of the crunches in one minute and that was with Vivian trying to “help” him.
So – once a month I will report back either here or in the newsletter my progress. And if I don’t you have my permission to harass me about it. 🙂
Best of luck!
Thanks! I know it’s just going to take some time after the fifth-baby-plus-surgery abuse but it’s hard not to feel frustrated sometimes. 🙂
You are brave, Angela. I would never post my stats publicly. Just reading yours made me blush! Just a thought about your back pain — have you tried magnesium oil (saturated solution of magnesium chloride and water) or Epsom soaks? I noticed a definite decrease in back pain from magnesium and the best way for your body to absorb it is via the skin.
Chris
I do regular epsom salt baths and usually have a blend of essential oils stirred in as well. When I was 17 I was side-swiped by a semi truck which totalled the car. An orthopedic surgeon wanted to do surgery but I refused and it was through chiropractic + massage therapy + Pilates/strength training that I was able to eliminate daily back pain. It is what flairs up when I’m not in balance and healthy. So with each pregnancy my back pain grew worse. Vivian and Adam were fairly close together and so it was much worse with Vivian’s pregnancy and hasn’t really ever become 100% postpartum. She’s 14 months old now and I’m not where I should be – partly due to time on the book, partly due to time after surgery and partly just lack of motivation postpartum. It was time to kick myself in the butt and get going. I HAVE to be stronger to keep my back healthy, that’s all there is to it.
And yes! It was super scary to post all that in public. Super.
You go! We’ve got your back.
Thanks! I’m gonna need it. It’s frustrating to not be able to do all the conditioning routines I used to do coaching gymnastics all the time – I have to remember to do what I can do NOW and not try to do what I used to do when I was coaching 15 hours a week. Lol!
You are very brave, Angela, but we’ve always known that to be true! I admire your determination. I have similar injuries from a car accident and also use the epsom salt baths with essential oils, blends I make each night depending on the current need–stress, pain, etc. Since I practiced yoga from the time I was a teenager, I chose to continue with the yoga practice to help heal my injuries, but I added the assistance of a yoga therapist. The hardest times are when I am sick with something like the flu. I slow down my routine and it’s so challenging to start it back up again!
I will be cheering you on in your quest for good health!
Thats it exactly! I got set back while I was out with baby/book/gall bladder and am finding it very challenging to get started back up again.
In December of 2009, I had lost 107 pounds with Weight Watchers. Also in December of 2009, I was diagnosed with both uterine and ovarian cancer. Now, post surgery and chemo, I find myself not only much weaker but also with a solid 65 pound gain (steroids and inability to exercise..yoga has always been my first choice). Getting yourself back in shape is hard work…kudos to you! I am working on it myself! Feels GREAT!
In Sept 2011, my doc’s PA recommended a low-carb diet, not just for weight loss, but also for other issues, like low energy. I’ve either worked out in a swimming pool or at a gym with the station machines for the ten plus years, so I know I’ve been getting good exercise.
I’ve lost more than 30 pounds — I’m now at 162 — that says it all on the weight issue. I can’t get in the pool during the winter, so I use light weights and walk …. walk….walk. That’s in addition to cutting wood, working in garden area preparing for spring garden, hauling wood, and this winter I’ve been learning to cut down trees. I can hardly wait to get back to the pool for “easy” exercise.
As a writer and editor, it would be so easy to just sit in my chair all day. It takes effort to get up every 45 minutes or so to move and walk. (This you know, Ang).
I feel so much better getting the weight down and staying in shape.
It sounds like you and I are in the same boat. I am 44, and was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease, long name I know, but basically I have symptoms of arthritis, lupus, joint disease….I too have to watch what I eat, and I do follow a lower carb diet, because it helps reduce the inflammation. I have recently been working out with the X-Box 360 with Kinnect. I love to dance, but I decided to try the Shape 2012, because it records your progress for you. So far. I love it!! It has weight training, kick boxing, yoga, and so much more. It also teaches you to use correct body alignment, which is important for all of us. I know that you will do well, because we all know when it’s time to make a change in our lives. Please keep us informed of your journey, I look forward to seeing your success.