Week 2...DONE!

I am already thru 2 weeks!!! Wow this has gone by fast!

I am still sticking to my outlined weightlifting routine and familiarizing myself with that type of plan.  I am learning how to intensify the intervals so that I am getting my heart rate up and breaking a sweat.  My workout yesterday actually had me dripping sweat so obviously I was pretty stoked!!! I wasn't scheduled to workout yesterday but I joined Lane in one of his circuit workouts and we definitely had our butt kicked!

Yesterday also had me really think about all of the different ways my body can be "worked" aside from a scheduled set of intervals.  There are so many ways to generate physical activity (inappropriate thoughts aside).  Yesterday Lane and I worked outside all day, soaking up Vit D, hauling big tubs and pieces of wood all around and organizing our garage.  Obviously that type of physical activity doesnt compare to a 5 mile run or a gym session, but it was continuous activity which helps keep heart rate up and calories burning.  The cool thing was that Lane and I worked outside as a team, just as we are attacking this 'challenge' as a team.  We are 'team building' in many ways due to this challenge and I will consider that the greatest reward of all.

My body is DEFINITELY adapting to my constant eating routine.  In the beginning of this challenge all I did was feel full.....forcing myself to shovel in my next scheduled meal.  Now, I wake up hungry and feel myself getting hungry more often in the day.  I am no expert, but I imagine that is because my metabolism is working harder than before and not storing all the food that I consume. 

Oh....and....one more thing....I have lost 3lbs....WOOOHOOOOOO!!!

I am somewhat of a scale 'whore' and definitely weigh myself too much!!!! That has caused me to feel discouraged in the past, constantly seeing the same number because I am weighing myself multiple times a day, and sadly I passed on that horrible habit to Lane.  BUT.....my amazing amiga Karrin layed the smack down and had us promise that we would only weigh ourselves on Fridays.  So....stay tuned, I am hoping that this coming Friday I will be down a few more pounds. 

HAPPY DAY 1 OF WEEK 3!

Menu For Week #3

Here is a brief overview of this weeks menu... Not as much details as the two weeks prior but its the same guideline till get I get to week 5 of phase #2.

MORNING- within an Hour of Rising
5 egg whites
1 serving of starch (see starch list) Mid-morning- 2 turkey or chicken muffins (see recipe), homemade protein bars (4 squares OR Small meal option (see list) Lunch-
fish like tilapia and orange roughy, boiled shrimp, egg whites)
1 serving of starch (see starch list)
Unlimited salad and vegetables (see list) 6 ounces of lean meat (chicken breast, white meat turkey; white Mid-afternoon-
1 serving of starch (see starch list)
Unlimited salad and vegetables (see list) 6 ounces of lean meat (see above) Dinner-
homemade protein bars (4 squares OR
Small meal option (see list) 2 turkey or chicken muffins (see recipe), Evening-
Unlimited vegetables (see list) 5-6 egg whites** ** No carbs (starch) after 7:00 PM (or about 3 hours before bedtime). Limit fruit to twice daily: berries first thing in the morning and then a half a citrus serving or banana after a workout with your protein shake. Carry a small apple in your gym bag at all times in case an energy slump hits!

If anyone wants to use this cool interactive menu guide to help you pick the right starches and proteins Jamie Eason has an awesome one....
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-eason-livefit-trainer-approved-foods-list.html#veggie

Days 10 & 11- Lovin It

Days 10 & 11 were AWESOME because neither of them were rest days....YEAAAHHHHH!

Day 10 workout targeted my arms so I was able to do my workout at home.  I am learning to adapt to different environments and channeling my inner biotch so I can kick my own booty.  I realize how important it is to be self motivating and be able to push my own limits and not give up, even when nobody is watching me.  I had my workout already outlined for me so the only thing I had to focus on was doing it! I kept a quick moving pace and didnt lag and even though I am sure I didnt push as hard as if Karrin was in my face yelling a t me, I think I had a pretty good garage gym session.

Day 11 KICKED MY BOOTY!!!! I met up with Karrin at the gym to work legs/ butt and boyyyyyyyy did we! There are some things that I just can't do without gym access and Karrin does a really good job of taking complete advantage of what the gym has to offer.  We have a similar workout style and a really cool partnership which helps us drive eachother to push harder.  Yesterday was killer and I am feeling it today!

 I really challenged my class last night and each one of the "athletes" that came to my class owned the workout!  No one gave up and they all pushed thru the pain.  Since I am doing my own workouts now rather than just participating in my own class, I have the opportunity to truly appreciate how hard the RSF members are working and it is magical to watch.  I am so proud to have the opportunity to be training people and truly honored to be someone that these people look to for guidance and motivation.  Keep on KILLIN IT RSF!!!!! I am so proud!

Little blooper pic of me when Lane was teasing me about taking pics during a workout for my blog :)

Day 9..WOOT WOOT

The Pressure of an Audience....YIKES!

The cool thing about publicizing this experience is that I am getting a lot of support....the bad thing is that people are looking at me for results and I would imagine, they are feeling discouraged because nothing is evident at this point.  Not that I think anyone is judging me negatively, it is just natural for people to expect some quick changes in me because of the intensity of this challenge.  Or....maybe this is another mental game for me and these are my own insecurities...who knows.  But for the record, I have not lost any pounds, but I feel and see small changes in my body which is motivating.

Workout:
Still beefin up with some heavier weights than I have ever used...I am really beginning to enjoy weight training.  Possibly because my mindset has changed about the positive effects that weight training can bring; and I am no longer shaming this program because it does not incorporate cardio.  I got my limits pushed today with some "Super Sets" and this definitely got my heart rate up.  I am learning more about weight training and different exercises for targeting a specific muscle group.  Karrin also treated me to some "sprint" activity so that had me pretty stoked.  Overall a great day!

What motivates me.....

Okay, so yesterday was a "Rest Day" which is mega lame....so I really have nothing to blog about workout wise.  But...during all my free time, I really starting thinking about this process and how amazing people have been with their comments and positive feedback and telling me that by me sharing my experience, I am motivating them...that really has touched me.  It also got me to sit down and really reflect on what and who motivates me, and thats what I would like to share in this blog....

Well, first and foremost...GOD and my family are my biggest motivators and supporters...so..Amen to them!!!

I am very blessed to have many people that help me grow, teach me lessons and keep me on a positive path....and I definitely dont want to downplay what those people mean to me in my life, but I want to focus on one special motivator.....Let's call him "Mr. Burch"

I have become somewhat of an open book with my struggles regarding my body and workouts...but the behind the scenes person that really inspires me is my husband.  A mega hottie for sure, but has also struggled with losing weight for a long time.  Since he is a guy, he obviously has that irritating ability to stop drinking soda for a day and drop 8 lbs...but as far as a consistent weight loss/management program, he hasnt had much success.  He is DEFINITELY a hard worker....he has come such a long way with the help of RSF and has even learned the skills to push his own limits while working out on his own...I am mega jealous!  But he still hasnt been able to achieve the results that he has been fighting for.  For personal reasons, just before I began this challenge, Lane and I decided to stop drinking.  WOOHOOOOO!!!! If you know us, you know that is quite the challenge....not like we are alcoholics or anything, but we enjoy our glass of wine or couple beers during a football game.  However, this year we are really focusing on the priorities in our life and getting healthy in order to embrace our blessings.  Lane also, by default, committed himself to the same type of strict meal plan that I am following in my transformation challenge......what a trooper he is.  Lane, unlike myself, has stayed positive thru his trials and that is what truly motivates and inspires me.  He seeks guidance rather than throwing in the towel and giving up.....which is exactly what he did this last weekend.  He realized the current plan he was on was not working and asked for help.....asked for direction and a new plan. 

Well, yesterday was Day 1 of his new "plan" and it couldnt have started on a better day....my "Rest" day, because I had the privilege to just watch him and embrace what a dedicated hard worker he is. 
I am sure he didnt like the fact that "Trainer Jill" came out and all I was doing was yelling at him to do more reps and making him stop and pose for my pictures.....but I am sure thankful I got to witness him fight thru the pain because of his dedication to try something new.

So.....Here's to you honey...I am so proud of you! And yes of course I HAD to post your pics.

Week #2 Meal Plan. ... YUM!

Here is my game plan for this weeks meals! Few different recipes I am excited about!



Week 2 Menu.....Monday ~
#1- 5 egg whites and two corn tortillas with salsa
#2- Yogurt with berries
#3- 5oz Turkey Meat with Garden salad and kindey beans
#4- Tukey Muffins YUM!
#5- 5 oz Chicken , Rice, veggie medlie.
(crock pot chicken--- Chicken breasts, salsa , brown rice-- let cook in crock pot all day)
Tuesday~
#1- 5 eggs whites and 1 cup oatmeal
#2- Ezekial Pita Bread with 3 oz turkey meat stuffed inside
#3- 5oz Chicken, Brown Rice, Veggie
#4- Turkey Muffins - 2
#5- 5 oz Talapia. Aspargus. (bake in oven, put talapia and aspargus in tin foil with spices)
#6- 4 egg whites or protein shake(lowcal)
Wed ~
#1- 5 egg whites and cream of wheat
#2- Yogurt with berries
#3- Talapia, Aspargus, brown rice
#4- Tuna with 2 rice cakes
#5- Stuffed Peppers... Turkey meat stuffed inside peppers!! YUMM!
#6- Celery and carrots
Thursday ~
#1- Eggs whites, peppers and salsa
#2- Homemade Protien BAR
#3- Turkey meat. Peppers. Rice
#4- Ezekial Pita bread with 3 oz chicken
#5- London broil with Broccoli
(crock pot all day with low sugar bbq sauce small amount and water)
#6- 4 eggs or Celery with 1 tbs peanutbutter
Friday ~
#1- Egg whites. 1 Cup applesauce
#2- Carrot cake protein bar- 2 pieces
#3- London Broil- - 2 corn tortillas - salsa
#4- Turkey muffins- 2
#5- CHK , wheat pasta , salsa
#6- egg whites
Saturday~
#1- 1 cup oatmeal, swirl of jam in it. 4 egg whites
#2- yogurt , beriies
#3- taco salad, grounf turkey meat in taco seasoning, olives. salsa
#4- grapefruit , 15 almonds
#5- Shakeology, peanutbutter, almond milk
#6- egg white
Sundays ~
#1- egg whites and grapefruit
#20 yogurt
#3- 4 oz chicken, brown rice, veggie
#4- Turkey Muffins- 2
#5- pork chops, sweet pots, green beans
#6- celery and peanutbutter (natural)


Carrot Cake Protein Bars
Calories: 94
Fats: 1.25 grams
Carbs: 10 grams
Protein: 10 grams
Ingredients:
1 cup oat flour
2 scoops vanilla whey protein
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp allspice
1/8 tsp nutmeg
4 egg whites
3/4 cup Splenda, Truvia, or Ideal
8 oz baby food carrots
4 oz water
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix flour, whey protein, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, baking soda and salt together in a bowl.
Mix egg whites, Splenda, baby food carrots and water (optional) in a bowl.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix together.
Spray glass pyrex dish with non-stick butter spray.
Pour ingredients into dish.
Bake 20-30 minutes.
Makes 16 squares, 2 squares per serving

Gettin Thru the Weekend

I was definitely nervous to approach the weekend.  Two days where I would excuse myself from counting calories, relax with a few cocktails, and often times enjoy a nice Winco pizza while watching football....NOT THIS WEEKEND!

Workout-
Saturday was a scheduled rest day so that totally sucked! It's funny because in my regular weekly routine I would always take at least one rest day and it was no big deal....I think now that I am being told to take 'mandatory' rest days it is totally messing with me.  Another example of how this is a total mental challenge along with a physical one.  I was actually supposed to take Sat and Sun off but come on....what do you expect. haha.  I picked my Shoulder and Abs workout for today and I am super excited to say that I pushed my own limits (yes I did this without Karrin or Thiriza) and I increased an exercise by 5lbs.  I am sure that my form suffered and my face looked like I was being physically tortured...but I was sure proud at the conclusion of each set.  I am really enjoying the weight training that Phase 1 focuses on..I am just hoping that Week 2 will bring me with a little weight loss! FINGERS CROSSED! I dont want to end this thing lookin like China!!!

Meals-
I have been able to stay on track with my meal plan.  The oatmeal and eggwhites for breakfast are definitely getting easier and I am netting more calories each day which is a pretty big improvement for me.  I did have a moment of weakness the other night and was craving something sweet so I snuck a finger full of Nutella...mmmmm....hit the spot.  Now I will spend the rest of my Sunday preparing for Week 2.  I am adding some homemade protein bars this week and I am sure they will be amazing.

I am very proud and motivated after completing week 1 because it felt like it totally flew by.  I know that is because of this blog....This is a really cool experience for me and a total bonus knowing that some of my friends are interested enough in me to take a few minutes and read about whats going on in my life.  Thank you so much and I am ready to dominate Week 2!!!

Leg Day

Partners keepin me pushin.... Workout- Today was leg day and there was only person who could push me to my limits....Mini JamieEason herself....Thiriza. I have always had strong legs so I was prepared to use some pretty heavy weights for this workout but had no idea that this tiny little bad ass would get me sweatin as much as she did. Since I got to the gym before Thiriza did I took an opportunity to jump on the big stairs for a little warmup...... Obviously i was pretty stoked that I snuck about 15 minutes of cardio..... I couldn't resist!!!! Haha. Then Thiriza led me thru an extremely intense leg circuit. We did lunges and squats with much more weight than I would have used if I was on my own, once again proving why it's so important for me to workout with a partner. The best thing about this workout was that I had the opportunity to pick her brain. Thiriza is on week 3 of the same program I am doing and she has a ton of knowledge. She really inspired me to stay with the program because not only does she look incredible, but she has also developed some tricks for changing up the routine yet staying within the guidelines. Her and her husband are having tremendous success with this and her stories were exactly what I need to prepare for my second week which is quickly approaching. Thiriza is a very knowledgeable weight trainer and also taught me some things that I didn't know. My worry has been that I will get bigger using heavy weights that are outlined in this program. But what I learned is that with weight training and pushing my limits, my body will continue to burn calories hours after my workout is over. That is amazing!!! I definitely want that! Thiriza really inspired me and also kicked my booty so I consider my workout today a huge success. Meals- Today I definitely felt different than the earlier days of the week with regard to my eating. I felt hungry in the morning and eager to eat breakfast. A much different feeling than I have ever felt. Typically I wouldn't eat for the first time until about 10 in the morning. Now, wi my eating schedule I find myself hungrier sooner and more often but also fulfilled with much less food. I hope that means my body is positively reacting to my new eating schedule and my metabolism is increasing.

Day 4- Rest Days are LAME!

Day 4-Rest Days are LAME!!!!

Yep...today was my scheduled rest day which meant no workout...just stuffing my face.  I am sure everyone can guess how I felt about that! Really...what do people do with themselves getting home by 5:30???? Imagine me sitting in a corner looking around wondering what in the world I was supposed to do with so much time in the evening available to me?!? Hehe....well thank goodness I am not that lame and actually made good use of my extra time.  But it was obviously difficult to know that my Thursday class of ATHLETES were sweatin to the oldies without me.  I suppose a rest day is good because I will be amped and ready to dominate my next scheduled workout!!!!


Meals:
On Day 4 I consumed more food than I have in a really long time.  Since I didnt workout, I netted a little over 1200 calories in one day....and guess what....I didnt have a bulging pudgy tummy at the end of the day.  That is what I am really diggin about this meal plan.  Although I am constantly stuffing my face, it doesnt really show in my belly.  I dont look or feel bloated or suffer from a food coma...haha.  I am definitely learning to adapt to eating a large breakfast early in the morning and eating constantly throughout the day.  I am feeling more energized throughout the day and realized that I am also drinking less coffee than my body normally required in order to get going in the morning.  I am seeing subtle changes in my body which is beginning to excite me. 

When I saw that pasta was on the menu for dinner though...i cringed.  How was I going to be healthy when preparing a pasta dish???  Well.....let me share with you what I did because not only was it super healthy but also filling and delicious.  Whole wheat pasta...the swirly pig tail kind because you know...that pasta is just fun! I baked some chicken and green bell peppers in the oven with a little pepper and garlic powder.  I cut up the chicken and bell peppers, threw it over my pasta and then added a large spoonfull of fresh salso...YUM!!!!  Even Lane liked it :)  Well, actually he told me mid meal that he was imagining he was eating Mac N Cheese...but still, he finished his bowl.  Definitely a recipe I will use again and reccomend to everyone. 

3 Down....81 To Go!

The POWER of a PARTNER!

Workout:  I am not capable of pushing my physical limits when working out by myself…..

There were no environmental differences between my workouts on Tuesday and Wednesday, I had no additional weights or stations available to use, I had no additional power supplements and I was not wearing my SUPERWOMAN suit at either workout…..only one thing was different….last night I had a partner who pushed my limits.  A partner who pushed me to grab those 15lbs and JUST DO IT….rather than stick with the 8lbs that I was accustomed to.  A partner who constantly reminded me that I could do it…I could finish this set.  A partner who encouraged me to fight thru the pain because I was powerful and I was strong! What a difference this made in my workouts from Tuesday to Wednesday.  There were still similarities between the two workouts that I had complained about previously, the workout was short, I didn’t sweat, and I couldn’t incorporate cardio.  However, the encouraging nudge that was constant last night made the workout worth it and that is what really matters to me. 

Thanks PATNAAAA!!!

Meals:

With my meals today I attempted pushing my own limits rather than just whining like a baby…haha.  Since what my body needs is so clearly outlined in a variety of forums (ie  Guidelines of this challenge and Fitness Pal) I decided that I needed to woman up and quit my bitchin!   And…..I must say, it wasn’t that bad.  I ate exactly what was outlined for me and completed my Daily Food Journal netting more calories than the day before.  Although I was still short by about 500, I had improved.  That is what I truly want to focus on.  I want to change my mindset to focus on the positive outcomes and results rather than still find paths to negativity and my shortfalls. 

Day 2 of 84

ROUGH!!!!

Exercise Routine:  My workout regimen continued with arms.  Obviously focusing on different muscle groups but since I was sore from the day before it involved a little more teeth grinding and grunting by yours truly ;)  I was able to get my workout done before I taught class…..and that’s where the “ROUGH” began.  As I have mentioned previously, during Phase 1 of this challenge I am instructed to avoid cardio….and obviously, since I LOVE cardio, I incorporate a lot of it into my classes.  Yesterday was the first time I was restricted during my class, not able to fully participate and merely be a director and a spectator….like I said IT WAS ROUGH! I found myself jumping into the exercises without any thought at all and luckily I have a great team of supporters that were quick to “YELL” at me that I wasn’t supposed to be doing cardio.  For some people it may sound nice to be the trainer and just have to watch people sweat and be tortured, for me… I was tortured last night.  I felt like I was being deprived of a good workout because so far I don’t feel like this program has presented me with one.  I am definitely being challenged mentally and I can’t help but feel down.  I know its only been 2 days… I mean sheesh, that’s nothing….but my mindset is really suffering right now.  So, my challenge continues.  To be able to alter my body and mind to adapt with new programs.  Day 3 here I come!

My Meals:  Another difficult part of this program for me is the meal plan.  I am having trouble consuming the amount of food specified in the meal plan, and today I found myself just skipping some of the items.  Well…that resulted in me only consuming a NET total of 643 calories after entering my calories burned from a workout.  Fitness Pal gave me an alert that I was not consuming enough and that my body may go into starvation mode and hold on to my calories, therefore causing me to not lose weight which is a goal of mine.  I will have to really focus on eating the exact amount that I am instructed to no matter how difficult it is for me.  I am happy with the meal planning that I am doing even though it is causing me to go thru 10+ Tupperware containers a day for Lane and I…it is definitely worth it and keeps me from reaching for the nearest bag of chips or heading out for a drive thru meal. 

So….I know it may seem that I am being pretty harsh but I committed to being honest in this blog.  In no way am I discouraging anyone from trying to challenge nor am I discrediting the success that this challenge can bring, merely expressing my thoughts as I go thru this process.  Typically there is only one person who hears my frustrations with my daily “health” struggles….and who knows maybe she is the only one reading this so she has to continue to be the person I vent to LOL, but at least we are saving on text messages.  (smile)  I am encouraged each time I read my own blogs and when I see that my page has been viewed or I receive a positive text or comment from a friend motivating me.  Like I committed to, I will continue to be honest and fingers crossed…my honesty will soon be shouting “LOOK AT HOW FIT I AM!!!!” 

First day of 84 !! Here we go!

DAY 1 RECAP

I think for many people, they are most motivated on Day 1.  A new challenge is fresh in their mind and they are ready to DOMINATE! For me, Day 1 is very motivating, however I seek immediate results in many areas of my life, including exercise.  Although I am very motivated, I will honestly say that even Day 1 was challenging for me. 

Diet and eating schedule: HOLY CRAP DID I HAVE TO EAT ALOT! I am not used to eating so frequently and so much as this diet instructs.  So obviously this was a challenge in itself.  I maintained a content feeling all day and never felt hungry or super stuffed which is a good thing.  I am used to my body telling me when it is time to eat (hunger pains) but I have learned t hat is not the best thing.  It is possible that I have deprived myself of nutrients and therefore my body has clung to all that I have given it.....possibly the reason I have been unable to lose weight.  So....obviously I am not going to give up afte one day....haha, at least not now that I am being monitored.  I will just have to adapt and hope that my body reacts the way I want it to so that I see results and stay motivated! I am pre-planning every meal and snack which makes for a lot of tupperware usage but I know it is what I need to do in order t o stay on schedule.

Workout:  Ummm....Cardio...I MISS YOU! Yesterday my workout consisted on only strength training.  I used heavier weights than I have ever used before for the exercises outlined in my schedule and I definitely struggled.  I was sore within an hour of completion of the workout which felt awesome! Even though the workout didnt consist of any cardio (except for a 5 min warmup...what a tease!) we didnt stop at all which kept my heart rate up.  The workout was complete in about 30 minutes.  Hmmmm.....how do I feel about this....a little discouraged.  Obviously I know that this is meant to be a different routine for me and that is going to be the most challenging thing of all.  I am a creature of habit....anyone who knows me knows that to be very true.  I get set in my ways and find it difficult to steer away.  But that is the purpose of this physical and mental challenge for me.  Triggering my mind and body to venture out and try new things. 

Todays workout:
Today is chest and triceps... This is still so crazy in my own little head that I will be hitting the gym and not going up stairs to the magical cardio room ! But... I am in it to win it and ready to LIFT!!

I will be doing 3 sets of 12 reps of the following excercises. Main objective is to lift heavier then I normally would but not to heavy where I can't keep my form. 
So.. If you are following along with me on this transformation station here you go!

Chest/Triceps:

• 

  Wide Pushups

  3 sets of 12 reps
  1 min rest
• 

  Dumbbell Bench Press

  3 sets of 12 reps
  1 min rest
• 

  Flat Bench Cable Flyes

  3 sets of 12 reps
  1 min rest
• 

  Narrow Pushups

  3 sets of 12 reps
  1 min rest
  Standard or on knees
• 

  Standing Dumbbell Triceps Extension

  3 sets of 12 reps
  1 min rest
• 

  Triceps Pushdown

  3 sets of 12 reps
  1 min rest

Where I Come From...

My name is Jillian and I LOVE working out!!! I have always been an active person….played sports when I was younger, danced and cheered thru highschool and then “adult hood” hit.  No longer was I making time for being active or making healthy food choices.  Honestly….I let myself go.  The crazy thing was….I DIDN’T EVEN REALIZE HOW MUCH I HAD LET MYSELF GO!  I will never forget the day that I was randomly looking thru old pictures on MySpace…yep myspace…this was a few years ago; and I came across a picture that blew my mind! I WAS FAT! I was stunned at the person I was looking at because honestly that wasn’t who I saw in the mirror every day.  I was devastated and upset with myself for letting other things in my life become priorities and letting my health get away from me.  So….who did I turn to…Ms Sarah Karrin herself! Yep! My go to girl for workout and diet guidelines and motivation.  So….a couple years pass and here we are with ROCK SOLID FITNESS!  She is still motivating me…but also has the biggest group of followers and has inspired so many to become HAPPY AND HEALTHY…including me.  Now, I am actively involved in RSF and get to be a part of the training team!  It is truly a new found love of mine and I am so inspired every time I have a group of amazing “athletes” gathered in a room looking at me to lead them in a workout.  Since I began training, my classes somehow developed the name “Jill Kills”.  Well….I LOVE my cardio! I love creating a workout on paper and then watching it develop into an insane, sweaty, gut wrenching, AMAZING hour of workout.  Watching people get stronger and build endurance is beyond encouraging…..reflecting on the new workouts and movements that people weren’t able to do months before yet dominate now just takes my breath away.  The only problem was that I was no longer having those moments.  So….now we go into why I am entering a new challenge.  I have not been able to lose even 1lb in over a year.  My body has seemed to plateau…..and NOT because I look like Jillian Michaels and am completely flawless, but probably because my body has become used to the workouts that I do.  Even though I am constantly trying to push myself….it is not triggering my body to react.  Starting Monday I will begin a 12 week extremely intense strength training regiment which will also include a very strict diet.  The scary part, this 12 week program does NOT focus on cardio much at all and I will attempt to turn my focus to weights…..I really don’t know what I am going to do!   I will be honest…I am nervous.  I am used to creating the classes, picking the exercises and leading the group.  This time I am being led.  12 weeks is a really long time and I could easily see myself bailing on the deal after week 2….thats where the blog comes in J  If I give up after week 2, you will know about it.  I DEFINITELY DON’T WANT THAT! I will be logging each difficult moment, each sweat dripping workout and each time I feel weak.  However, this will allow me to also track the unbelievable moments of power and happiness I anticipate feeling every time I say to myself “another week down”.  I am hoping for some amazing physical results but mostly want to be patting myself on the back after week 12 being proud that I accomplished my goal.  So….if you wanna witness my struggles and conquers…then keep checkin out my blog.  I know if you are reading this then you are supportive of me and that means so much.  This time….its “KILLIN JILL!!!!” 

                            2005                                                                        2010