Surviving The Hot Summer

The fans are going WILD!!!!!

No, I'm not at a sporting event or a concert.  I'm not even in the vicinity of those right now.  I'm sitting in my home office, at my computer, in a house with no air conditioning.  The only thing saving me right now is the desk fan my husband got for me, so I don't become delirious while trying to write.  (although I might come up with some VERY interesting stories that way!)

Our air conditioner bit the dust at the end of last summer.  We had it checked, and found out that the unit the builder used in our house (which is only 10 years old) is no longer being made - nor can we get parts for it.  So...that means we have to buy a whole new unit.  We didn't have the money to do it then, but thought we would by the time this summer rolled around. 

Well, we still don't have the funds.  Car repairs and other emergencies came up, and our budget is extremely tight.  So we're fighting our way through this especially hot summer, thankful for each time there is a break for a day or two from the intense temperatures.  Anytime a breeze blows through a window, I say a prayer to God thanking Him for it.  And the fans really are going wild - the one at my desk, plus the three others that we move around depending what room we are in at any given time.  Most days they help...unless the temperatures climb into the 90's when it just feels like hot air blowing around.

You know what it's like when the heat gets to you, especially if you are still overweight.  And that's the case for me.  Although I'm down over 35 pounds, I still have quite a bit to lose.  So it's uncomfortable.  But I also realize it would have been a lot worse if I hadn't lost any of the weight yet!

The real trick is getting my workouts done without passing out.  When I go to spin class it's fine, because the studio has plenty of air and fans to keep us sane.  It's working out at home that becomes challenging.  I'm so grateful that our finished basement is much cooler than the rest of the house, because I can do DVD workouts there.  Sometimes I still exercise on the first floor, using my step and kettlebells with a fan going.  But if it's in the mid-90's or above, I don't exert myself like that.  It gets to be too much for my body.  Then I try to just go for a light walk if I can to at least keep moving.

The other key is to stay hydrated.  I'm drinking cold water like it's going out of style, but it's necessary in this heat - before, during, and after exercise.  I've also been known to open the freezer door and stand in front of it for a quick cooldown. (And possibly get a little jealous of my frozen foods right now...)

The weight is still coming off...a little slower than before, but that's OK.  I'm doing my best with what I have, still moving forward.  I'm not just giving up and sitting around all the time because it's so hot; I won't give up on my progress just because of the heat. 

I will continue with my fitness no matter what.  It's something I can be proud of, and will push me to get stronger in the long run.  Will keep working on that hot body - and I don't mean overheated!

Spin Till You Win!

No, I'm not talking about a slot machine for all of you gamblers out there.  (Though I've been known to play that one on rare occasion...)  I'm talking Spinning class!

Many of you know how much I love spinning.  My budget only allows me to take a class once a week, maybe with an extra Friday class here or there - but I look forward to it each and every time.  And lately I love it even more.

Why?  Because I'm getting stronger and pushing myself harder...not only at the studio but at home with step and kettlebell workouts, Pilates, and Zumba.  All of the cross-training I do makes me better on the bike.

Last night I had my best spin EVER.  I could do a lot more work out of the saddle, while still pushing myself in the saddle and making attempts at some of the moves I didn't think I was strong enough to do in the past.  I discovered I could do it...and I DID!

I'll let you in on a little secret...before every spin class I say a prayer, asking God to help me have a great spin and do more than I did the last time.  Believe me, it works.  When you realize that you can do anything through His strength, it's empowering.  And the momentum only builds from there.

So I encourage you to give spinning a try...just remember to pray for that extra "push" from above!

Step It Up!

It's time to take things to the next level...sort of. I'm working out like crazy for the next few days, because I am having some minor surgery on Tuesday and I know this will slow me down for a little while. I sent a message to DJ, who is a Biggest Loser trainer...he has trained Tara Costa, Amy Parham, and Phil Parham when they were no longer on the ranch. He has given wonderful advice so far, so I asked him how I should handle this workout-wise. He told me to listen to my body, and when I feel up to it I should start with cardio. He also recommends that I ask my doctor how soon I can do certain exercises, which I am going to do. I'm sure I can still walk, and I will definitely keep eating healthy foods. I know I'll have a couple of days on pain meds, so I'll be a little sleepy.

The one thing I will not do is give up. I've had this type of surgery twice before (breast biopsy) and thank you to God that everything was fine. My doctor believes that I'll have the same results this time, but I have a family history of breast cancer so he wants to make sure I'm all right. Both of those other times, however, I took it WAY TOO EASY. I also didn't pay attention to what I was eating, so I gained weight during those times. That is not going to happen this time!

Yesterday I got to take my walk before it rained again. I felt like I needed to do more, so I pulled out my old workout step...the one my son has been using to sit on the floor and play solitaire. That's almost as bad as using your stationary bike for a clothes rack! My step workouts are all on video, and my VCR is not working. I have exercise DVD's, but none of them are step. I remembered a lot of the old step moves and made up my own workout. By the time 15 minutes had gone by I was completely dripping in sweat. I plan to do more stepping tonight, and hopefully soon I can grab a step DVD so I can challenge myself more.

All I know is...this surgery is just a minor roadblock to my goals. I will do whatever I can or am allowed to do right after the procedure. Then I will work my way up to full health once again! God is with me through it all, and he will lead me where I need to go. Please stay with me on this journey...I will still be posting everyday and reporting on what I am doing and how I'm feeling. I'm not the only one who experiences these temporary setbacks, so I hope this will help any of you who have your own issues or injuries to work through. Adjust whatever you have to, but don't let anything stop you. I know nothing is stopping me this time!

As for the next four days, I will be working my butt off...and telling you all about it!

Marie :o)