Exercising My Ass Off

After EMAO

2010-07-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

EMAO is over, and it is time report my final results and to upload my "After" pictures. For comparison, I recommend going to my Before EMAO post so you can see my "Before" photos. If you read my regular blog Pondering Happiness, Hope, and Wisdom, you might remember that I started EMAO as an experiment to see if I could blog about one subject for a specific length of time. I was inspired by author Julie Powell who blogged about cooking her way through Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. That blog led to a book deal, which led to a movie, which led to more book deals—you get the picture. Of all of the difficulties that I encountered while attempting EMAO, blogging every...

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Workout Report: Days 85 – 90

2010-07-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

WARNING: This week was sort of a joke. I don't know why I thought I would be able to exercise while I was packing for my trip, taking our pets to the vet, cleaning my house, traveling across the country, and attending reunion activities. Monday, June 21 I did not work out today. Tuesday, June 22 P90 X Cardio X 45 minutes, 32 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 131bpm 250 calories burned Wednesday, June 23 I spent most of today packing for my trip and cleaning the house for our pet/house sitter. Oh, I also saw my chiropractor, and our dog had an appointment with the vet. Thursday, June 24 Today, I left Burbank at 2pm, and after many delays, I arrived at the...

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112 Pounds—An Unrealistic Expectation

2010-06-22T15:02:00.000-07:00

Scary Back?When my husband Corey and my father realized that my target EMAO weight of 112 pounds was what I weighed at my wedding, they both balked. Dad said, "You were too skinny," and Corey commented, "Some people thought you were sick. Your back was scary." I remember a friend of mine told me that she had never seen my legs look that thin before, and the tone in her voice was of concern, not congratulations. Perhaps I should have been offended, but I liked how slim I was on my wedding day (9/9/06). The strange thing about the way I looked is that I never tried to lose weight. For some reason, the summer prior to my wedding, the pounds melted off. The year before I had suffered from...

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Workout Report: Days 78 – 84

2010-06-21T23:09:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 14 Jackie Warner's Power Circuit (Routine A=Chest/Quads/Triceps/Core) Workout Results: 58 minutes, 36.5 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 125bpm 310 calories burned I completed this workout two times, but I didn't do the 20-minute cardio. Tuesday, June 15 I did not work out today because our cat went to the vet; he continues to have health problems since his surgery. Wednesday, June 16 I did not work out today because after taking our cat to the vet yesterday, we ended up in the ER at 2am with our dog. Then we returned at 10am for our cat's appointment and again at 3pm for our dog's appointment (follow-up for the ER visit). That's four vet visits in 29...

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My five favorite beauty products

2010-06-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

Since there is more to attending a high school reunion than Exercising Your Ass Off, I thought I would share my current five favorite beauty products; all of which I will need to look beautiful on June 26. Sally Hansen Natural Beauty by Carmindy Luminizing Face Primer Although this face primer is overpriced online, it is worth the $9.99 you will pay for it at CVS. You can wear it alone or underneath foundation; either way, it brightens up your face. The velvety texture soothes dry skin, and it is easy to apply. My only complaint is that the pump becomes useless once the container is almost empty, but it is a small price to pay for a healthy, moisturized face. Moroccan Oil My...

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Workout Report: Days 71 – 77

2010-06-14T16:42:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 7 P90X Chest and Back + JW 20-minute cardio Workout Results: 67 minutes, 56 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 136bpm 415 calories burned Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: elbows, knees, shoulders Tuesday, June 8 I did not work out today. Wednesday, June 9 P90X Shoulders and Arms Workout Results: 49 minutes, 23 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 114bpm 220 calories burned Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: shoulders Thursday, June 10 Jackie Warner's 20-minute Cardio Workout Results: 28 minutes, 22 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 134bpm 165 calories burned Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: knees Friday, June...

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Hello Plateau

2010-06-13T00:54:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have discovered that I am burning fewer calories during my workouts. When I compared my recent results to last month, I realized that despite doing the same routine with maximum effort, my average heart rate is slightly lower, which results in fewer calories burned. Two weeks before my high school reunion, I am reaching a serious plateau in my EMAO experience. According to my research, most trainers agree that everyone is susceptible to hitting a plateau, a time when your body no longer responds to workouts in the same way because according to About Aerobics "your level of fitness has increased to the point that you need more challenges or difference exercises to increase the...

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Workout Report: Days 64 – 70

2010-06-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 31 P90X Chest, Shoulders, Triceps + JW 20-minute cardio Workout Results: 75 minutes, 55 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 129bpm 430 calories burned Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: ankles, hips, neck, shoulders Tuesday, June 1 P90X Plyometrics(i.e., jump training) Workout Results: 54 minutes, 43.5 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 131bpm 315 calories burned Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: hips I normally do not do this workout since it involves non-stop jumping, but I wanted to see if I could survive it. Wednesday, June 2 P90X Back and Biceps + Jackie Warner's 20-minute Cardio Workout Results: 66 minutes, 47...

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Give me some sugar!

2010-06-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

I used to be obsessed with avoiding fat in my food consumption. To cure my sweet tooth while sticking to a non-fat diet, I licked lollipops, ate licorice, or chewed gummy anything (e.g., bears, fish). I also sucked on Sour Patch Kids at the movie theater. These candies do not have fat, but they are all loaded with sugar, which I chose to ignore. This bizarre approach to "dieting" continued throughout my adolescence and adulthood. What I failed to realize is that we all need a certain amount of fat in our diets and that sugar—of any kind—can prevent you from losing weight. The tricky thing about eliminating sugar from your diet is that it has many pseudonyms: sucrose, dextrose, fructose,...

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Workout Report: Days 57 – 63

2010-06-01T16:12:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 24 Today, I danced in class, and I didn't get corrected for my "ballet" moves. Finally! Tuesday, May 25 Zumba Workout Results: 57 minutes, 41 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 126bpm 310 calories burned Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: none Wednesday, May 26 I did not work out today. Thursday, May 27 Jackie Warner's 20-minute Cardio Workout Results: 35 minutes, 32.5 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 142bpm 235 calories burned Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: none Friday, May 28 P90X Core Synergistics Workout Results: 57 minutes, 32 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 123bpm 285 calories burned Body parts...

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Zumba: Fast, Fun, and Fierce

2010-05-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

One of my readers suggested that I try a Zumba class as one of my EMAO workouts. Initially, I dismissed the idea because I don't know anything about Zumba (except for those late-night Zumba infomercials), and I didn't want to pay for a class that I may not like. However, my friend Sali came to my rescue. Sali has been taking Zumba classes at 24-Hour Fitness for the past year. As an Arts for LA instructor for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), she also teaches Zumba to her elementary school students. (Zumba is also taught in Florida public schools.) Sali offered to give me a free, private Zumba lesson in my home saying that it would give her a chance to receive feedback as...

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Workout Report: Days 50 – 56

2010-05-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 17 Today, I only danced in class. Our instructor once again chided me for my "ballet" moves. His exact words, "We're going to have to beat that [ballet technique] out of you." Apparently, I was doing développés instead of proper kicks with a flexed foot during the Charleston. Tuesday, May 18 P90X Cardio X Workout Results: 46 minutes, 26 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 122bpm 220 calories burned Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: ankles, hips, knees Wednesday, May 19 P90X Back and Biceps + Jackie Warner's 20-minute Cardio Workout Results: 73 minutes, 64 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 139bpm 475 calories burned Body parts that...

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Workout Report: Days 43 – 49

2010-05-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 10 P90X Chest and Back Workout + YBB Sculpt (Abs I/III) Results: 75 minutes, 32 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 115bpm 340 calories burned Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: ankles, elbows, knees I also danced in Lindy Hop class tonight. Tuesday, May 11 Advanced Taebo Workout Results: 56 minutes, 40 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 128bpm 315 calories burned Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: I forgot to write them down! Wednesday, May 12 I did not exercise today because I had a low-grade fever; I also have an ongoing bizarre bacterial infection. :( Thursday, May 13 See yesterday. Friday, May 14 P90X Shoulders and...

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The Chicken Wing Test

2010-05-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

The one thing I don't stress too much about with regard to my body are my arms. Unlike my stomach, my arms are the last place I gain weight. Even at my heaviest, I passed the Chicken Wing Test (CWT). The CWT contains two parts. First, extend your arms out as though you are an airplane. Then flap your arms up and down. Does your arm fat jiggle, or more specifically, do your triceps move? If so, how much? How defined are your triceps? Our First Lady shows off her fine arms because they are her most attractive physical feature; you will never see her in a super short skirt because I'm guessing her thighs are not as tight and toned are her triceps are. Smart woman. The second part of the...

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Workout Report: Days 36 – 42

2010-05-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 3 Today I didn't officially workout except for the Lindy Hop class that I'm taking with my husband. When we got home, Corey and I sweat our asses off as we practiced in our kitchen for over an hour so we definitely burned calories. Here's a funny note from a conversation between our teacher Doug Silton and me: Doug: "Flex your foot." Me: "Do you always flex your foot in Lindy Hop?" Doug: "No. But you should." You can take the girl out of ballet class, but you can't take ballet class out of the girl! Tuesday, May 4 P90X Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps Workout Results: 58 minutes, 39 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 123bpm 330 calories burned Body parts that...

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10-Day Acai Berry Easy-Cleanse

2010-05-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

If you follow health and diet trends, then I am sure you have heard about the latest craze—the Acai Berry cleanse. Although I believe cleanses are occasionally necessary, I am cautious when products promise to give me a "firm, flat stomach" or "dramatic weight loss." However, not all acai berry cleanses are the same so it is important to do your research. Dr. Tim Ramirez claims that his berry cleanse is "simple, successful, and doable." Looks make a strong first impression and judging by his website, he needs some help. I wouldn't buy a lottery ticket from this guy. At Best Acai Berry Cleanse, you can read reviews about a variety of berry cleanses, and Acai Berry Cleanse Reports...

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Workout Report: Days 29 – 35

2010-05-02T23:18:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 26 P90X Chest and Back Workout Results: 53 minutes, 40 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 129bpm 300 calories burned Soreness factor: 4 Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: elbows, feet, hips, knees Also participated in our weekly one-hour Lindy Hop class Tuesday, April 27 I didn't exercise today. Wednesday, April 28 P90X Shoulders and Arms Workout + Yoga Booty Ballet (Abs I and II) Results: 75 minutes, 28 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 117bpm 325 calories burned Soreness factor: 5 Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: elbows, hips, jaw, shoulders Thursday, April 29 I didn't exercise today. Too many deadlines. Friday,...

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Help me if you can I'm feeling down ...

2010-05-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

I am 34 days into this crazy experiment, and I am failing on several counts: I am not blogging every day. In fact, I have not posted in four days, which is my largest gap yet. I could give you an abundance of excuses, but I hate it when people do that to me. I have not shed one pound. Not one. Not even half of a pound. It is frustrating beyond belief. I appear to have lost almost 1/4 inch in my waist though I could be pulling the tape measure a bit tighter just to make myself feel better. I am not working out every day. A recent study showed that if a woman wants to maintain her weight, she needs to work out for an hour every day. Apparently, moderate exercise three times per...

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Red Wine: No sugar, no fat, no problem

2010-04-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

Although I am not "dieting" during my EMAO experiment, I am slowly changing some of my eating habits. As I explained in my Goodbye Girl Scout Cookies post, I threw away the sugary junk foods in our house. Since I used to refrain from drinking all alcohol four weeks prior to marathons (when I participated in them), I figured that I would have to do the same thing in order to gain the best possible EMAO results. I don't drink heavily, but I enjoy red wine and wine tasting at Vendome Wine and Spirits is one of my favorite activities to do with my husband and our friends. In fact, Costco is having a terrific sale right now on St. Francis RED, a consistent, solid, medium-bodied red blend, but I...

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Workout Report: Days 22 – 28

2010-04-25T23:37:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 19 Although it is not a difficult workout, my husband and I began a Lindy Hop class on Monday nights. I was going to wear my heart monitor, but then I realized how ridiculous I would look so I opted not to. I'm sure I didn't burn that many calories, but I did have a lot of fun! Tuesday, April 20 P90 Yoga X (Modified) Workout Results: 52 minutes, 16 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 109bpm 210 calories burned Soreness factor: 7 (arms=ouch!) Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: ankles, back, elbows, knees Focused on the first part of the program: Vinyasa flow Wednesday, April 21 I didn't exercise today. Thursday, April 22 I didn't exercise today...

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Numbers You Need to Know

2010-04-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

When you are embarking on an exercise and diet program, there are many numbers that you need to know in order to track your results. Yes, your weight matters, but it is not always an ideal record of your progress. For example, you should measure your bust, waist, hips, thighs, and arms before you begin because often you will lose inches before you lose pounds. Buy a tape measure and have a tailor show you how to measure yourself properly (most people don't know how). Other numbers to know include: Body Fat Fat Burning Zone Body Mass Index Daily Caloric Intake Your "Real Age" Body Fat Body fat can be measured a number of ways; the most accurate is by immersing yourself in a hydrostatic...

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Hitting the Wall

2010-04-22T21:56:00.000-07:00

In the world of marathon running, there is an expression called "hitting the wall." It is when you feel as though you cannot keep going; your body wants to quit because you have mentally and/or physically hit a wall. For some people it happens toward the end of the race. I didn't meet the brick beast many times when I was doing marathons, but when I did it, our introduction always took place between miles 14 – 18. I hate those four miles of a marathon ... just over halfway done, but nowhere near the end. I am on day 25 of my 90-day EMAO experiment, and I am hitting the wall. Wiped out. Exhausted. I'm so tired that I don't want to spend time with myself. I feel sorry for my husband...

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The Curse of the Blackwell Butt

2010-04-21T00:40:00.000-07:00

Oh, my, god. Becky, look at her butt. It is so big. *scoff* She looks like, one of those rap guys' girlfriends. But, you know, who understands those rap guys? *scoff* They only talk to her, because, she looks like a total prostitute, 'kay? I mean, her butt, is just so big. I can't believe it's just so round, it's like, out there, I mean—gross. – Sir Mix-A-Lot When I first started this blog, one of my MFs (not to be confused with MILFs), said that he didn't want me to "exercise my ass off" because it is perfect. I thanked him through my laughter because I know there is no way I will ever lose my round rear end completely. As I stated in my What is Your Body...

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Workout Report: Days 19 – 21

2010-04-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 16 P90X Legs and Back Results: 61 minutes, 45 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 132bpm 360 calories burned Soreness factor: 8 (I tweaked my lower back!) Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: elbows, knees Saturday, April 17 P90 X-Stretch Workout Results: 58 minutes, 0 minutes in target zone Average heart rate: 82bpm 110 calories burned Soreness factor: 3 (But I was still sore from the day before.) Body parts that snapped, cracked or popped: ankles, back, elbows, hips, knees, shoulders, toes Sunday, April 18 I didn't exercise today since my back was still hurting. Week 3 Results: April 12 – April 18 5 workout days 1310 calories...

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What is Your Body Type?

2010-04-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

I remember sitting in seventh grade health class when the teacher asked, "What is your body type?" She gestured to the pictures that she had displayed on the overhead projector. I glanced at the three female drawings: the muscle girl, the fat chick, and the stick figure (i.e., Mesomorph, Endomorph, and Ectomorph respectively). I knew which one I was even if I didn't know the technical term. I had larger calves than boys my own age did. I could lift people who weighed almost as much as I did. Even though I wasn't an athlete, the track coach was forever trying to convince me to join the team because I possessed strong legs. My father called me, "Stout." Yeah, I thought to myself, I am that...

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