Whine & Cheese

I'm feeling a bit "under the weather" today. This is the 4th Day in Week 2 of our program and I'm at the point where you definitely feel worn out. Thus I have to make sure to up my sleep, take my vitamins, and drink lots of water. It's like clockwork, everytime I do a program there is always the moment when you feel like you're getting sick and it's my job to know the limits of which I can go. I'm pretty sure that if I do the right things, I should be able to push through this and come out on the other side the better for it. And speaking of the weather...it's horrible today in NYC. The weather is cold and rainy. I'm just not ready for Fall yet...what happened to Summer this year? Did we even have one? Guess that's why I'm dreaming about that Tropical Get-away...I can't wait, and I'm going to work sooo hard to get there.

Tonight is Masala Bhangra with my girls Bex & KV. I've been looking forward to this class for sometime now, and I can't wait to have my butt kicked Indian Style :) AND I totally forgot that I had RSVP'd for a book signing party tonight that starts at 6:30...SO, I'll have to hit class at 5:30 and at 6:30 do a quick clean up at the gym and basically jet to the party...hoping to be there by 7 (if my hair cooperates)...I think it's possible, seeing as how the gym and the party are both downtown. I don't know what to expect at this Book Signing, but I know it is supposed to be a wine, cheese kind of thing, and wine is off my diet at the moment (well drinking in general) so, I hope there are other things to sip while there. Water anyone?

I'm off to have some herbal tea and try to get things done before heading off to the gym. I'm currently enjoying these new challenges I'm facing, and it's nice to see what I can actually accomplish. Yay...go me...lol. What's your challenge? Are you facing them head on? Are you doing something good for YOU? Let's hit that motivation and keep it in stride.

Have a nice day,

-Bex

Week 2 Blues

Yesterday's cardio was a success. I made it through the Guerilla Cardio, even though I forgot my knee braces (not the best of ideas). I won't lie, I'm soooo tired. Week 2 is definitely kicking my butt, but I'll make it through. They say weeks 2-5 are the worst...why? Due to the sore muscles physically & the lack of seeing results mentally really. You always get a great 1st week that pushes you forward, but week 2 your body is trying to adapt, and you generally don't see actual results until weeks 6-8. It's week 8 that I personally see results. The weight just seems to melt off over night, and everyone seems to notice all of a sudden. I have to remember that and keep pushing myself forward... perseverance baby! I can't say enough how great it is to have my bgf (best girl friend) Rebecca on this journey with me...she really holds me accountable and helps me really go beyond where I'd go on my own. Thanks Bex...you're the best! .

Today I'm going to knock out my Lower Body Weight Training at lunch and then I have a voice lesson after work...then I'm "free" to do what ever it is I need and/or perhaps want to do. My friend Kristin V. is in town for the next 10 days and will be staying with me for a bit. I look forward to dragging her to the gym and beyond for some really great work-outs, she says she's pumped and ready for anything I throw at her! Muahahahahaha....I hope she knows what she's saying. Nah, I know she's up for it, she's always a delight to have around and game for just about anything.

This coming Thursday, Bex & I have plans to do Masala Bhangra, a Bollywood style Indian Dance class. She says it really gets the heart going and works the lower body...boy, after today's weight training, I bet I'm gonna be feeling it. If Kristin isn't already booked, maybe she'll join us for this fun new class (new to me & KV...but Bex has already been doing this for the past few months I believe).

I want to give a shout out to my girls, MizFit and Dietgirl on their new site and podcasts at Two Fit Chicks and a Microphone...I've always enjoyed reading their own personal blogs and I look forward to listening to their antics as well. Congrats ladies...I know this will be a fun and informative venture.

Ok...I'm off to my next meal...a frittata I made and is absolutely delish. It contains Spinach, roasted artichoke hearts and goatcheese. Here's the recipe if you'd like to try it, I just change up the ingredients to suit my tastes: Frittata (Breakfast Caserole)

Enjoy!

Have a great day,
-Bex

Working for it!

All's well in NYC. I've been eating ultra healthy and started a hardcore work-out regiment last Monday (week before Columbus Day). Thus I've had a week's worth of butt kicking moments at the gym. Thankfully, my actress friend Rebecca is doing it with me, which keeps me strong and accountable. Our training program consists of 6 days a week with ever changing work-outs. Here's an example of week 1 and what we've accomplished:

Monday: Lower Body Weight Training

Tuesday: Guerilla Cardio (HIIT)

Wednesday: Upper Body Weight Training

Thursday: Guerilla Cardio (HIIT) or Masala Bangra (Indian Dancing - Bollywood)

Friday: Lower Body Weight Training

Saturday: Cardio, or in our case Vinyasa Yoga

Sunday: Rest

Now we're on week 2 of our plan and we completed our Upper Body Weight Training Yesterday. Today will be more Guerilla Cardio, followed by Lower Body Weight Training on Wednesday, and so on and so on... I think you get the idea.

As for the eating, we're eating 5-6 times a day, small meals that consist of low carb, high protein....basically lean meats and veggies, or a nice greek yogurt with chopped raw almonds.

In one week, she's already dropped 7 lbs. and I've lost 5, but I'm thinking the actual scale loss will lessen as we build bone and muscle density...thus I'm gonna have to go off my goal jeans which I try on weekly. So far the goal jeans are still a bit tight, but they did slide over my thighs and hips, but it'll be a few more weeks before they actually snap together comfortably.

We each have goals as to why we're training so hard, mine is for my debut on International Television when I go and sing in Hungary in mid-November and then I play Musetta in mid-December, thus I need to be in top form for those events. Her goal is for her MFA audition at UT Austin in December, thus she too wants to be in top form (1st impressions are everything... especially in our industry). Then I created an even further challenge to keep us going after the holidays. I told her, when tax returns come around, and if we stick with the hard core training and eating right, that I'd treat us to a little tropical get away. What better motivation than knowing your going to be in a bikini on a beach somewhere? I know that'll keep my butt in the gym!

Another challenge is the fact that my friend Jake (the trainer) says that he'd be surprised if we even make it through week 2, thus, I'm out to prove him wrong...nothing fuels my fire like proving a point! I'm strong and I'll show him and myself that I can do this!..because hey, I can :)

What's your motivation? Why don't you join me, no time like the present right?

Have a great day.
-Bex