Day 9: Back to Class

The KZX Bootcamp Challenge is the first time I ever really pushed myself to physically do more than I can.  After running the Army 10-mile run for three consecutive years without any training in the past, I’m aware that I’m physically strong and capable of doing more.  I’m constantly learning about how much my body can take by exerting a little more effort each time.  Perhaps, I just didn’t have the courage and motivation to find out just how far I can go until now. 

After Kazaxe class

  I decided to attend the Kazaxe class for my morning workout today.  Oh, it was so much fun! I still enjoyed all the dance moves and sweat out a lot.  Maia even encouraged me to go up on-stage, which I did, but felt a bit conscious.  Nonetheless, it was a great experience for just one segment. 

I was excited to go back to the bootcamp class today too especially since my body was well-rested after several days.  I suppose my body has gotten used to the rigorous work-outs so after a while, I crave for it no matter how intense it may be at times.  Instead of just raising up my heels on some exercises, I took it a step further by jumping up and surprised that I could do it.  Those breakthrough moments just make me want to try even harder next time.  

It was also really nice to see everyone with so much motivation in class.  Even though we may be at different stages with various strengths/weaknesses, we are all working towards fulfilling our visions by overcoming  the obstacles along the way.  With the support of the Bootcamp Coaches, we’ve already made some very positive changes, all of which will help us get through the 60-day challenge and beyond... 

Day 8: Family Holiday Meals



Holiday meal with the family

I love having a big family especially when we have the Labor Day Barbecue at my mom’s home.  She prepared salmon with veggies, my brothers grilled baby back ribs and steak, my sister prepared banana nut bread, and my youngest sister prepared lumpia and fresh mango salsa.  Then they asked, “What’s your contribution?”  I thought for a moment and replied, “I chilled the beverage!”  I’m different from them like that, and fortunately, they still love me.

Everything was delicious but I only opted to eat two strips of the baby back ribs, lumpia, salmon with savory veggies, mango salsa, rice, and mango mochi.  I didn’t go back for seconds either. 



Sweating out to Pilates & Yoga Blend

I did the “Crunch Super Slimdown:  Pilates & Yoga Blend” in the evening.  I worked on my core for 45 minutes by following the more challenging positions; thus, making me sweat a lot.  My body felt great after completing the workout. 

So far, I’ve worked out every day (sometimes even twice a day) since the bootcamp challenge started.  I feel better and empowered every day.  Others have also commented how happy I am with my progress and development on my physical fitness! 

Day 7: My "Pouch"

            Since I had an emergency C-section when my son was born 9 years ago, things have never been the same especially since I gained a whopping 50 pounds during my pregnancy (20 pounds of which I still have today).  Though I joke about my fondly called “pouch,” I don’t regret it because it is a reminder that I nurtured the biggest blessing in my life before he was even born. To keep things in perspective, I always tell him, “Thank you for being in my life.  I love you.” 

            I know that I have to work extra hard on my abs to strengthen and tighten my muscles in that area.  It wasn’t until recently that I noticed a change on my pouch.  My dresses no longer look as bulgy in the front and I’m rejoicing over it no matter how slight the difference may be.  I struggle with the belly/abs work-out the most but I’ve been able to do more in the past week with the help of the coaches who give that extra push and encouragement.         

Much needed
Tummy Trimmers

            Today, I decided to do 40 minutes of abs work-out at home.  Nobody instructed me to do it and nobody was there to see me but I did it for myself.  They were still hard for me but I noticed an improvement on my strength level.  I did 10 minutes of the standing abs, 10 minutes of the core abs, 10 minutes of the boot camp abs, and 10 minutes on the stability ball.  I kept envisioning a tighter and stronger mid-section while working out.   

            As for nutrition, I’ve been keeping within the 1200 calories count through portion control.  I successfully prepared breakfast again this morning – hard boiled eggs and a banana.  For lunch, I had chicken and spinach manicotta.  For dinner, my mom prepared something yummy - ground beef mixed with minced potatoes and rice.  However, I found it hard to drink 8 glasses of water when I’m not in the office because it throws off my entire schedule. 

            I learned that part of the battle is knowing what works and what doesn’t work for me.  My body is finally accustomed to working out every day so the challenges will come from variety and intensity, and that’s exactly why KZX Bootcamp is great for me!  I’m still learning about nutrition every day but I know that I will get better as time goes by, hopefully before my son goes to college.     

Day 6: Keep Moving



Presentation counts too : )

     Yay! I successfully prepared breakfast without burning it.  I had 2 hard boiled eggs and  fresh strawberries.  Most of you are probably wondering how anyone could screw up hard boiled eggs but a cooking novice (may even be an overstatement for my level) like me has   burnt  it  before  because  I apparently didn't put enough water.  For a moment, my kitchen became a  battle zone with shells flying everywhere while I used the pot cover as a shield.  True story.  Thankfully, I've learned from experience and it has never happened again. 

     I did the Bar Method DVD for 45 minutes in the morning and then did the Latin Cardio Dance for an hour in the evening.  I liked exercises focusing on the legs and butt in the Bar Method DVD.  I didn't break a sweat until 25 minutes into the cardio dance but I thought the 15 min toning segment was good.  My body feels great after working out!

      My action plan is to make time to workout everyday until we go back to Bootcamp on Tuesday.  It doesn't matter if I do something high-intensity or low-intensity as long as I do something good for my body.  I also would like to try cooking more.  Keeping my visions in mind, taking it one day at a time, and always grateful!

PM Workout: Dancing with
the Stars Latin Cardio Dance

 

AM Workout:  Bar Method







Day 5: Celebrations and Cheerleaders

The Respicio Family celebrating
mama's birthday

         I spent most of my day by recovering and giving my body a rest especially since I feel like I'm coming down with a cold/head sinus.  Must start taking shakeology or vitamins everyday to strengthen my immune system.  I didn't eat much for breakfast and lunch - only 527 calories combined.  It was probably a good thing since it was my mom's birthday and we had a family dinner at Maggiano's.
         Our family gatherings/celebrations almost always involve eating (as illustrated by most of our photos in restaurants or at home) so I was conscious about the food portions.  I had 2 slices of bread dipped in olive oil; small portions of salad, calamari, stuffed mushroom (my fave tonight), chicken & spinach manicotti, sausage; and a half slice of lemon cake. 


After the Hard Body
Bootcamp for the Dallas
Cowboys Cheerleaders



          Dinner was delicious but I didn't want to blow off everything I've worked hard for this week so I decided to workout when we got home.  I figured it's better to do anything rather than nothing at all.  Every move counts.  To make things interesting, I chose to do the "Hard Body Bootcamp" for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.  Yes, you read it right.  Once in a while, my curiosity gets the best of me and I end up doing something amusing.
         Well, if you've survived week 1 of bootcamp (which all of us did!), I guarantee that you can do the cheerleaders' bootcamp without a problem.  I did 30 minutes of the lower body/upper body/core, 10 minutes of abs, and another 10 minutes of arms.  I did the arms section with 2 lbs weights.  The abs workout was the most helpful and challenging part for me.  I think I'll do that section again during the week.
          I'm still learning a lot about proper nutrition but at least I like exercising now.  Looking forward to working out again tomorrow to burn off more calories : )
           

Day 4: Empowered and terrific after the 1st week

        I was off from work today but hardly felt like it since I was always on the go.   Nevertheless, I made it a priority to make time for a morning workout. I attended the KZX Yoga class for the first time and felt good about surprising my body with another type of exercise.  I didn't have to consume as much water as I usually do but some of those yoga poses definitely made me sweat.

Bootcamp at home:
Moving fast to get my heart rate up

         It's somewhat strange to me that I haven't been too concerned about the amount of weight I'm losing.  I do it now primarily because it makes me feel better.  I even did all of the bootcamp exercises that Maia listed for me to do at home so that I can complete the 4 days of bootcamp this week.  I may have pushed myself too hard when my son  remarked how worried he was about my breathing so I took it down a notch.  It was more difficult to do since I was a bit sore from doing bootcamp in 4 consecutive days but I feel empowered and terrific for getting through the first week!
          Actually, a friend whom I haven't seen nor talked to since July saw me at my son's school Open House this afternoon.  She looked at me from head to toe and said, "You're looking slim!"  I thanked her kind words and said that I'm working hard on it. 
          I'm looking forward to working out again tomorrow.  It still amazes me that I can say that now.  I used to drag myself to the gym and bribed myself with cute matching workout outfits (that's not such a bad reward, right?) but now, I do it with a smile.

Day 3: Cooking and Core Challenges

Oatmeal - what's left of it anyway

     One of my goals for the Bootcamp Challenge is to eat healthier and include more veggies to my meals.  I'm unfortunately cooking-impaired.  It's not because I don't try.  I actually try but it just doesn't turn out right.  I couldn't even prepare my oatmeal correctly this morning and that's with the use of a microwave! It kept overflowing so I only had half of what I was supposed to have. I've known all along that this is something I had to work on. I hope that I'll learn to cook healthier meals through my coaches' suggestions and with the help of an easy-to-use technology.    
     As for today's bootcamp class, I enjoyed the cardio burst, leg exercises (my fave), and yoga stretching. Sweat kept dripping on my mat just ten minutes after we started. I'm also really glad that we focused on the core area in various ways since it is my biggest problem. I should really do more of the core exercises everyday (even for just 10 minutes in the morning) to gain strength.
     Through it all, I'm grateful for having the chance to improve my health/physical fitness today with the help of the Bootcamp coaches who keep encouraging us, the smiling faces from everyone who is in the same journey with me right now, and the positive words from family and friends.  Thank you, and have a well-deserved good night rest!