Let’s Catch Up!

letscatchupIt’s been a busy few months! Not only have I started a new job, moved 1,100 miles, sold AND purchased homes since May, but I’m in the middle of a brand new fitness program! When I last posted about my fitness journey, I was following ChaLEAN Extreme’s Burn Phase calendar. I really loved ChaLEAN Extreme and will probably return to that program at some point in my journey. However, I decided that I needed a bigger challenge to help me burn off the stress in my life. When my coach expressed interest in trying Sagi Kalev’s Body Beast during her next challenge group, I figured – why not?!

We are now in the sixth week of Body Beast and I’ve learned a lot about myself over the past five weeks. First, I’m much stronger than I thought. I remember when I thought 8lb weights were heavy – now I’m lifting 15-25lb dumbbells for arm exercises and 20-45lb dumbbells during leg day. Second, making the shift from a “lose weight” mentality to a “get stronger” mentality has been rough on my self esteem. I’ve been trying to get the number on the scale to drop for so long that seeing that number stall was upsetting at first – but I’ve been steadily losing inches and getting smaller, so I cannot complain! Third, finding a group of supportive teammates who are on this fitness journey has been key to my success and my happiness. There’s a sense of fulfillment that comes from cheering others on that is unbeatable, and having a support system to fall back on during rough times keeps me on track. It’s difficult to spiral out of control when you have a group of fellow challengers asking how your day is, or wondering what you thought of that day’s workout.

Now that we are in November, I thought I’d extend the invitation to join me in December! Whether you want to challenge yourself and try a heavy-lifting program like Body Beast, start with a tried-and-true program like 21 Day Fix, or just have someone in your corner to keep you accountable, I am here to help you on your journey! I know how difficult it is to start, especially when you are doing it on your own. I’ve seen unparalleled success (and sustainability) since joining a challenge group – so if you want to ask me any questions or talk to me about your options, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m looking to make Finish Strong December a great month and I hope that you’re in this with me!

Your Fitmiss in Progress,
Jennie

Fitness Friday

Happy Friday, everyone! Today I will be taking some time to detail the workouts that I completed this week. Right now, I am aiming to complete the ChaLEAN Extreme 30 Day Burn Phase, so my strength training is focused on that program’s workouts. If you would like me to help you figure out what the best workout program would be for you, just let me know! May’s Challenge Group has already begun – but June is right around the corner. If you would like more information on how to join, please let me know either with a comment below or an email to fitmissjennie@gmail.com!  🙂

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Just a few screenshots from my Apple Watch this week!

Saturday
9:30AM – 35:58 min Burn Circuit 1 – I decided to try the first ChaLEAN Extreme workout before my official Challenge Start Date. I didn’t know what to expect – and this workout did not disappoint. Heavy weights + slow, controlled reps = serious burn! I made sure to write down the weights used, and especially admitted to myself when I could have used a heavier weight.
10:10AM- 32:38 min Indoor Cycle – 20 min Tabata Ride with Jessica King (from Monday 5/1/17 @ 2:30PM), plus extra time to get to 15 miles. Damn that woman makes me laugh. She’s so crazy, but in a fun way! 
Sunday
8:45AM – 45:07 min Indoor Cycle – 30 min HIIT Ride with Robin Arzon (from Wednesday 5/3/17 @ 1:30PM). Robin’s smile is infectious. I love her shorter rides. I finished this ride on my own with 15 minutes of speed work to get up to 20 miles. 
Monday
6:00AM – 38:20 min Burn Circuit 1. Monday was officially Day 1 of my second Challenge Group – and my first as a coach! I increased my weights per my “test workout” on Saturday. I need to work on slowing down my reps. 
Tuesday
6:00AM – 47:45 min Indoor Cycle. While Day 2 is a rest day on ChaLEAN Extreme, I love my Peloton classes. This one was a 45 minute Hip-Hop class with Ally Love (from Monday 5/8/17 @ 8:00AM). She is my favorite Peloton instructor, by far. She chooses the best music and her workouts always give me a high calorie burn. 20 miles complete!
Wednesday
6:00AM – 38:31 min Burn Circuit 2 – this one was harder, mentally, than Burn Circuit 1. Again, my primary goal moving forward will be slowing down my reps and avoiding swinging my weights to create momentum – that does not generate the resistance necessary to see Extreme results! 
Thursday
6:00AM – 46:54 min Burn Intervals. When Chalene said she was going to use 5lb weights, I laughed and thought…this is going to be too easy! Well, by the end of the workout I was sweating and wishing the weights were lighter. This is a great cardio-strength hybrid workout, and breaks the usual low rep pattern. 
Friday
6:00AM – 33:46 min Burn Circuit 3. I think this one was my least favorite of the Burn Circuits. I have to be super careful with lunges since I have a bad knee, so programs that are lunge-heavy tend to turn me off. I will say that I did a much better time slowing down and controlling my reps this time, so that’s a success!
6:00PM – 45:00 min Indoor Cycle

Highest calorie burn – Tuesday’s Peloton class with Ally Love (451 calories/103BPM)
Lowest calorie burn – Wednesday’s Burn Circuit 2 and Friday’s Burn Circuit 3 (both were 200 calories/~90BPM)
Favorite workout – Tuesday’s Peloton class with Ally Love 🙂
Least Favorite workout – Burn Circuit 2. I was tired and didn’t feel like workout out. I got through it, but not with perfect form.

Goals for Next Week
1. Take a rest day – a real rest day! I’ve been doing “something” every day, and I need to give my body a day to recover.
2. Work on slowing down my reps and controlling my form, especially with the heavy weight/low rep combination.
3. 3 indoor cycles – average 15 miles each.