Day 39: Yoga and Bootcamp




Yoga

           I went to the lunch time yoga class for an hour today.  It was good but I wasn't accustomed to the instructor's teaching style.  He kept mentioning yoga terms which I've never heard of and he kept using the kidney as the point of reference to do a certain pose.  Honestly, I know it's near my stomach but I don't exactly know where it is especially if I have to think about what side my arms and legs should be.  I still got good stretches and it was a great way to surprise my body with another form of exercise.  The instructor at least walked around to correct body postures once in a while.
         The total body workout at bootcamp was quite a challenge but I still made it through the entire thing.  The high intensity training surely works every part of my body and wakes up muscles I never knew I had. Those burpies kill me each time but I do what I can.  If not for bootcamp, I don't think I would have tried a lot of the exercises on my own.  The 10 minutes of yoga that Maia did at the end felt so good to stretch out the muscles we've been using!

Day 40: Rest

Day 38: Bootcamp 1st Year Anniversary

Sharing what KZX Bootcamp means to me...

           My KZX Bootcamp experience has been a surprisingly wonderful journey thus far! Before signing up for the 60-day challenge, I thought bootcamp was only for the hardcore bodybuilding fanatics or those who are already in great shape. Boy, was I wrong, and I’ve never been happier about it. I signed up for the 60-day challenge for several reasons but mostly to be the healthiest that I can be in order to be a good role model for my son and others.
          I was nervous about going to class during the first week and didn’t really know what to expect. With Maia and the coaches’ encouragement and support every class, I have been able to do some things I never thought I could do physically and mentally. Just by going to Bootcamp class four times a week, running three times a week, and eating healthier, I’ve seen significant improvements that probably would have taken me six times longer if I didn’t join the program. I’ve lost weight, greatly reduced the belly fat from pregnancy, gained some muscles (ever-so-slightly) I’ve never had before, ate healthier meals, and learned how to cook within over a month.
          My family, friends, and co-workers have been complimenting me on such tremendous developments I’ve made thus far. I still have more to work on but I feel great about making lifestyle changes which were prompted by the Bootcamp Challenge! I consider it to be one of the greatest and most meaningful challenges I’ve ever taken.
          Without the KZX Bootcamp, I wouldn’t have pushed myself to do more physically nor would I have discovered just how strong I really am. I’m that much closer to reaching my goals, some of which others may say are just too lofty. Then again, bootcamp has proven to me that anything is possible with dedication, hard work, persistence, and faith.
            I’m grateful for having the opportunity to be a part of this journey with such great and inspiring group of individuals. Thank you wholeheartedly for everything that you all do to change lives by empowering everyone to find inner and outer strength.

Day 37: Legs



Running around the WH Ellipse

           I ran during lunch today and felt really good about it.  It's the perfect way for me to break away from work demands and spend my break productively.  I'm proud to say that it has been one of the good habits which I picked up again as a result of this challenge.  I also did more leg work at the Bootcamp class when we focused on plyo lyegs.  Those exercises burn my legs but I like how they push me to do more than I thought I could do.            I observed that I'm developing better physical and nutritional habits since I started.  I'm aware that I may not always see the immediate results outside but I'm certain that my internal body parts are functioning better.
          There are times when I feel guilty for taking time for myself instead of focusing that time with my son but I have to get past that.  I'm doing something positive for myself and ultimately for him as well.  I'm lessening the health risks associated with being overweight.  I'm developing a better lifestyle for both of us, and this is another example I can share with him that anything is possible if you put your heart and mind into it.  

Day 36: Why am I doing this?

          After being together on this journey with Bootcamp Testgroup members for over five weeks, we've all bonded and gotten to know each other a bit better.  Today, we found out each other's main reasons for doing this.  Ultimately, we are altogether on this fitness journey and support each other's goals.
          Listening to other members share why they are doing this was a very powerful and meaningful experience.  We are doing this not just for aesthetic reasons but more importantly, to make important lifestyle changes.  Throwing away our list of excuses was a symbolic way of getting rid of the reasons which may prevent us from reaching our goals.
          It was a great way for me to re-evaluate my goals and why I wanted to do it in the first place.  It was also a time to evaluate my accomplishments since the day I signed up.  I celebrate over the healthier lifestyle changes at this point, friendships which I've gained from this journey, inspiration from the coaches, and the courage to do some things I never would have done. 

Day 35: Small Miracle

Teriyaki salmon and veggies

         I went to the grocery store and planned our meals for the upcoming week.  I decided to cook one of my favorite foods for dinner.  I cooked salmon marinated with paradise pineapple teriyaki and veggies for dinner.  It turned out well and I even packed the left-over foods for my lunch tomorrow.  I previously said that I would consider it a miracle if I learn how to cook during the 60 day challenge. To me, this is a small miracle worth celebrating since I never thought it would be possible.  Oh the things we can do if we just try! 

Day 34: Stepping Outside my Comfort Zone

           With the cold and rainy weather, I decided to get some rest today.  I have so many things to catch up on at home so it was a good day to stay in.  As I was organizing my closet, however, my box of Halloween costumes caught my eye and figured it’s time to start planning my outfit this year.  I bought Padme Amidala’s white midriff and pants costume last year but never felt comfortable in it.  I wore it once and covered up with a long sweater so it wasn’t noticeable at all.  I wanted to wear the costume to a couple of events since then but still didn’t feel comfortable especially since the costume was made out of thin materials.

           When I tried it on today, I was THRILLED to find out that I finally feel comfortable with the way it fits!  It seemed like I just won the lottery as I ran and shared the good news with my son.  Oh, the little things that make me happy : )  I plan to wear it at the Air & Space Halloween event since they will feature Star Wars characters.  My son can pick one of his several Star Wars costume so we can go together as a team.           

Bison and veggies for lunch

I was inspired to take another challenge - cooking bison patties and veggies for lunch.  The bison patties turned out perfectly (by my standards anyway).  My son enjoyed the fuller and sweeter taste than the regular beef burger.  Who knew I’d ever be able to get to this stage?  I was surprised how easy it was to cook this time around.  Just like with everything else, I have to start slowly but surely and then add other things as I get comfortable.  I love how the 60-day challenge has inspired me to step outside my comfort zone in many aspects of my life!