Z o r bl o g

I wrote this at 6 am for a 9 am presentation while still hung over with NyQuil from the night before. Heh heh!

Practice Makes Perfect

As no musician would perform without hours of dedicated practice, you should not attend an event where there will be food temptations without first taking the time to mentally prepare and visualize the steps you'll take to avoid these temptations. Will there be pushy diet saboteurs who say, "Oh, just one little bite won't hurt." "I made these brownies just for you, I'll be so sad if you don't try some!"? The key is to practice and practice again these three simple words: No thank you. It's the automatic answer. If you say it often and consistently people will eventually stop offering you junk food. Visualize yourself surveying the food layout and filling your plate with just the foods that will nourish and fuel your body: fresh veggies and fruit, lean meats, whole grains. Then, if you wish, select one small portion of a treat and savour each bite slowly. A healthy lifestyle is not about denying yourself constantly, but to enjoy yourself in moderation.

Eat Regularly

Meals and snacks spaced approximately 3 hours apart throughout the day keep blood sugar levels stable. When we go too long without food, blood sugar levels drop dramatically, often causing a mad dash for any food within reach. The most popular packaged snack foods are high in refined carbohydrates and sugars, which soon cause more fluctuations in blood sugar levels and more cravings...it's a vicious cycle!

Be Prepared

Ever been starving at 3pm at work and trying to ignore the siren song of the vending machine or the call of the donut box in the staff room? The key is to be prepared every single day with your own water and healthy pre-portioned snacks. Don't carry change for the vending machine and stay out of the work kitchen if possible. It also helps to think of the food in the kitchen as 'not yours' - you didn't buy it or bring it in, so helping yourself to this food is akin to stealing. All my personal trainer colleagues - the healthiest people I know - carry snacks with them every day to be prepared in any situation. If there is a family event where you know nothing healthy will be served, eat a full meal beforehand. Again, those magic words, "NO THANK YOU, I'm stuffed." will get you out of many sticky situations. I never worry about hurting someone's feelings by turning food down - your health is more important!

Posted by Zorbs at 12:46 PM | Permalink

Check it out here.

Posted by Zorbs at 1:33 PM | Permalink

I was headed to bed and then I wanted to write these thoughts down before they were forgotten.

To many people, especially my colleagues in the fitness community, completing a 5K might not seem like a big deal. My earliest memories of running/fitness were all bad - the dreaded 1 mile run around the hilly "terraces" in grades 4-5 at MUS where I'd always nearly be last, only faster than the fat kid; getting hit in the head during basketball and in the gut during dodgeball in grade 6-8. In grade 8 I raised the most money in the school for a 10K walk (which I completed) and when I got an award at the June assembly people were so surprised that I survived a 10K walk. There are people who know me from back in those days reading this - do you remember? I'll even mention when I was cast as a psychotic aerobics instructor in the grade 6 Christmas play and everyone laughed because, "Patty? The music geek? playing an exercise nut?!" Well, life imitates art.

I started out small. I remember my first official workout in late summer 2000. I lasted all of 30 seconds on the stairmaster before getting very dizzy, breaking out in a cold sweat and having to lie down (what on earth prompted me to choose such a challenging machine to start on, I'll never know). Eventually I joined a gym and started trying all sorts of classes, and enjoying it so much that I became certified in group fitness and then personal training.

In terms of running, I have improved so much in such a short time. Last May 2-4, Amanda and I tried to go for a jog but lasted maybe 5 minutes before slowing to a walk. In early July, I was huffing and puffing trying to keep up with the other trainers. I only made the decision to start running regularly about a month ago, and I have never failed to meet any health or fitness related goal that I set for myself in the past 7 years.

So, for those of you who have spent your whole lives active, I applaud your healthy choices because I wish I hadn't waited 22 years to start myself. Today I celebrate how far I have come from the girl wheezing through the 1 mile run. To anyone thinking about changing your lifestyle in the near future - if I can do it, so can you!

And that 10K walk I managed 15 years ago? I'm planning on running it next spring.

Posted by Zorbs at 11:29 PM | Permalink

I finished the Santa Shuffle in 31:42.
It was freezing, -7 C with wind. I'm the speck in black in the picture, taken with Greg's phone because my camera decided to run out of juice just as he tried to use it during the race. The speck in orange is Amber, whom I'm very grateful to for putting up with my snail paced plod through the race and early mornings!

New goals:

- improve 5K time to sub 30:00
- work towards 10K in spring 2008

Next race:
Sunday, December 9 - Jingle Bell 5K

Posted by Zorbs at 10:29 PM | Permalink

I am now a certified Agatsu kettlebell instructor!

More pictures from the certification are here.

Posted by Zorbs at 6:00 AM | Permalink

All running with the exception of a 2 minute walk on the way back when my HR was hitting 96% of max.

It makes me feel a little bit better about the 20 min. run on Couch to 5K that's coming up.

Posted by Zorbs at 8:23 PM | Permalink

Kettlebells are teh awesome. I've been doing the workouts in From Russia With Tough Love and in 2 weeks I can already see more shoulder definition and maybe just a teeny hint of ab lines.

Yesterday I had a training session with Cary Gordon, who is the only RKC in the neighbourhood. He fixed my form on a few basic exercises, hopefully I will not be sustaining any more major bruises. Cary will be running a 3 hour introductory KB workshop on July 14th in Oakville and I am looking forward to that.

My plan for the summer is to not touch a dumbell or barbell, with the exception of team training and teaching muscle classes at the gym (which I don't count as a workout anyways) and see how far kettlebells take me.

In the fall I plan on getting certified through Agatsu.

Posted by Zorbs at 9:37 AM | Permalink

"Being thin doesn't automatically mean you're not fat," said Dr. Jimmy Bell, a professor of molecular imaging at Imperial College, London, England. Without warning signals -- like a rounder middle -- doctors worry thin people may be lulled into falsely assuming that because they're not overweight, they're healthy. Even people with normal body mass index scores -- a standard obesity measure that divides your weight by the square of your height -- can have surprising levels of fat deposits inside.

Looking back, when I was 98 pounds and wearing a size 10 or 12, I was all kinds of unhealthy. Gawd, people, this should be obvious by now GET MOVING GET MOVING GET MOVING!

[full story]

Posted by Zorbs at 7:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Premier Fitness fined $30K

I wouldn't work there if they paid me $50 an hour!

Oh and update to my personal Premier hell:

I received the refund through my credit card company in a very timely fashion. :o)

Posted by Zorbs at 10:27 AM | Permalink

Got pokey nipples at the gym? Apparently Nippits will keep your pair of eyeball stabbers under control. If you're really self conscious about that kind of thing.

Posted by Zorbs at 5:51 PM | Permalink

I joined Premier Fitness early last year when I moved to Burlington. There was something about the gym that really weirded me out. To this day I cannot quite put my finger on it, I think it was a combination of several factors:

- unfriendly members - now I hate being all social while working out, but obviously some people like that and none of those people were at this gym. NO ONE ever talked to anyone else! Only deadly glances now and then.

- having a separate (smaller & crappier) women's only area. THIS IS A CONCEPT THAT REALLY DOESN'T WORK, PEOPLE! A gym has to be completely co-ed or completely women's only, otherwise, the men give the women this, "get back to your own area, bitch!" attitude.

- a locker room that smelled like ass.

- very few classes at bad times.

- they took my husband's info (because I listed him as emergency contact) and used the info to send him targeted advertising.

At any rate, my workouts dwindled to maybe 3x a week...and my lack of motivation was definitely showing, so I decided to cancel and get the hell out of there as soon as I could. I had signed up for a year but paid off the remainder ($500+) and got a receipt that you can see says cancel, paid in full, no more billing! all over it.

So imagine my shock when I get called up by their collections department and say they have charged my CC for $82.68 to pay for the first 2 months of 2007 because my account is in arrears.

I sent a fax of the above receipt, "sorry, the quality is crappy, can't read it." Then I sent that scan by email and they say they've forwarded to the email to the returns department. Several phone messages and 1 week later, no response. As per my messages, I have gone to my CC to dispute the charge since Premier refuses to cooperate with me.

Premier is by far the worst company I've ever dealt with. Hopefully my CC company can get me my money back soon!

GAH.

Posted by Zorbs at 6:22 PM | Permalink

New Sun Cookies

Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that are high in fibre, low in fat & sugar, made locally and are absolutely delicious. Sold!

Posted by Zorbs at 8:50 PM | Permalink

I finally bit the bullet and bought a 10-class package at quad spinning in Oakville. I was the only person in class today so I even got a pseudo PT spin session!

I also rented a pair of these funky shoes:

They are really nice and the stiff sole keeps my arches from hurting.

My goal for at least the next 10 days is to eat REALLY clean (P2 lite, SBD for those of you keeping score at home) and push myself to the limit with every workout. I say at least the next 10 days because you know I am not going to be one of those women who let themselves go after marriage and look like shit for the rest of their lives.

Posted by Zorbs at 5:00 PM | Permalink

Whenever I hear Toxic during spinning class, the beat doesn't inspire me to work harder, in fact, it makes me want to kick back on the La-Z-Boy with a giant bag of Cheetos and a case of Red Bull.

Posted by Zorbs at 3:09 PM | Permalink

What is up with guys lifting weights wearing Nike sandals? It would be a shame if someone dropped a 40 pound dumbbell on their bare hairy toes!

Posted by Zorbs at 12:34 PM | Permalink

After my phenomenal bodyfat% reading this morning, I have come to two conclusions:

1. Women really ARE too obsessed with the scale.
2. People do too much freakin cardio and not enough weights.

Posted by Zorbs at 10:41 PM | Permalink

I was a teeny bit concerned about a small weight gain. I kept telling myself that it was muscle, but I needed a bodyfat test to allay my fears. This morning during my annual physical, I grabbed the ol' bioelectric impedance machine and....

Continue reading "I laugh in the face of weight gain" »

Posted by Zorbs at 10:31 AM | Permalink

Posted by Zorbs at 8:30 PM | Permalink

The newest Can-Fit-Pro certified Personal Trainer Specialist! I shall celebrate by eating bloo chips.

Posted by Zorbs at 4:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

What's your Real Age?

Posted by Zorbs at 2:32 PM | Permalink

Susan Learner Barr, a dietitian and program director for Weight Watchers, says this is the perfect time to get in the kitchen and divvy up the leftovers. Freeze them in individual servings or give them away.

"Bring them into work, bring them to a thin neighbor," she said. "The idea is out of sight, out of mouth."

What Ms. Barr obviously has not realized is that thin people, like me, did not get that way and do not STAY that way by eating other people's crappy, fatty leftovers.

[read all the drivel here]

Posted by Zorbs at 10:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

As many fast-food chains introduce healthier fare amid fears of being sued, Hardee’s is serving up a hamburger with 1,420 calories and 107 grams of fat.

“Maybe this is a smart strategy because there are still folks out there who care about the taste and size of their sandwich, and less about their weight,” said Jerry McVety, president of the restaurant consulting firm McVety & Associates in Farmington Hills, Mich.

People who would consciously eat shit like that are not MY friends!

[full story]

Posted by Zorbs at 2:46 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (2)

OK maybe I didn't do so badly after all. I PASSED THE EXAM! 85.5%!

Not certified as a personal trainer yet - still have to pass the practical exam, which I have 6 months to complete.

Posted by Zorbs at 3:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Oh yeah, that personal trainer written exam. Did not go very well. I will keep my fingers crossed and you better as well.

Posted by Zorbs at 7:59 PM | Permalink

I teach aerobics in an upstairs room with a balcony that overlooks the main floor where the meatheads do 8 million bad-formed swinging bicep curls. The stability balls are in the corner of the room, right by the balcony edge. I do not place my ball nicely in the corner, but rather just toss it from the middle of the room. Someday, I am going to overthrow, the ball is going to go over the balcony and bonk one of the meatheads in mid-bicep swing. It's gonna happen, mark my words!

PS. I got that job at my gym. I teach a weights class on Tuesdays at 11:30am starting in November. I also get the Free Membership! By my calculations, it should take about 18 months of working there to earn back all the money I've spent on memberships there in the past 4 years. Rawk.

Posted by Zorbs at 9:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Is when I get certified as a Personal Trainer and start certification for Pilates. I need more fulfilling work like an addict needs crack. Jeebus.

Posted by Zorbs at 8:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

One week of fitness class teaching complete. = 3 classes.

Posted by Zorbs at 9:08 PM | Permalink

I bought Kathy Smith Step Workout DVD because I keep hearing about how incredibly easy the step classes at my gym are compared to out there. I didn't even do the workout...watching the first 5 minutes of each section (which are separated into beginner/intermediate/advanced workouts) nearly made me fall asleep. I mean, 5 minutes of basic for the beginner routine? She needs to give people some credit for having at least 2 brain cells to rub together - there's something to be said for KISS principle, but there's lots of other simple steps to liven things up.

The music SUCKS. Her cueing is bizarre. Of course I'm not the world's greatest cue-er either, but people aren't lining up to ask me to star in a step DVD, either. And everything was in the utterly nauseating colour scheme of purple, teal, fuchsia, and gray. How very 1991. Uck.

:spork/5

Posted by Zorbs at 10:19 AM | Permalink

How many out there seriously floss every day? (or at the very least, a few times a week?)

Posted by Zorbs at 3:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Who knew those buggers had such sharp little thorns?

My finger still hurts from the stab. No wonder they tell you to trim them off before eating.

Still, it's such a fun thing to try new fruits and veggies. I've tried more new things this year than I can count.

Posted by Zorbs at 4:29 PM | Permalink

As punishment for being such a pig to have drank an entire can of Pepsi at lunch today, I swear I will not drink cola again for a whole year.

Posted by Zorbs at 3:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

If treadmills looked like hamster wheels, things would be a lot more amusing at the gym.
Although treadmills technically are hamster wheels for humans.

Somebody please change my wood shavings!

Posted by Zorbs at 10:27 AM | Permalink

So I tried on this suit at Ye Olde Navy. It looked good, was in the right price range, and I thought I could wear the top with shorts.

Then, "I didn't kick my ass at the gym and lose weight to wear a fucking tankini!"

I bought this suit instead, from Garage. (the flower on the bottom is actually on the back)

Posted by Zorbs at 2:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Meredith and I are going to LifeFest tomorrow. Wouldn't it be ironic if the only food they had there was standard issue, concession stand junk food?

Posted by Zorbs at 2:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Overheard while shopping at lululemon (which, incidentally is probably my new favourite store):

"The best thing about being a personal trainer is that I get to write off the cost of workout clothing."

DUDE. After I finish my fitness instructor certification, I am so gonna get PT certification as well.

As if anyone could ignore getting more lulu clothes as an incentive!

Posted by Zorbs at 10:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Well, think again.

The damage in print:

• Fitday

good thing I don't eat like this often...but what else are you supposed to eat at a greasy spoon diner?

"I'll have multigrain toast please. And an egg white omelette."
"Multi-WHAT???? We have white bread. White and WHITER!!"

Posted by Zorbs at 9:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I was talking to the instructor before class today about the possibility of teaching part of the class at some time in the future and she said, "why wait? you can teach it today if you want!"

So I did. I was afraid of working everyone too hard (this will change, I'm not planning on being in this business to be a floofy wimp instructor) but I think it went all right for the first time! :crossfingers

Posted by Zorbs at 2:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I took the CPR/first aid course needed to become a fitness instructor and passed the exam with flying colours. The kicker: the instructor (extremely obese guy) asks the class how to prevent cardiovascular disease. I put up my hand.

"Eat a healthy diet consisting of lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, avoid processed and fried foods, and exercise."

Instructor: Yeah, eat rabbit food like you.

At lunch a lot of the class was over at Swiss Chalet. I had a quarter chicken white meat with salad and a dab of balsamic vinaigrette, the instructor had the chicken sandwich on a carb-loaded white bun, fries, and a large Coke.

And this guy has the NERVE to make fun of me for eating "rabbit food"? The instructor will have clogged arteries long before I will!

---
Here's a pic of Dan and me all dressed up:

Posted by Zorbs at 2:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

"In Asians, the respective BMI cut-off points should be set at between 22 and 25 for overweight, and 26 to 31 for obesity, the experts argue."

My current BMI is 21.2...only a hair below overweight. According to this "Asian BMI scale", my starting BMI would have put me at nearly obese. Lovely.

[full story]

Posted by Zorbs at 9:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Jail for 'diet doughnut' seller
An Illinois man begins a 15-month jail sentence on Tuesday - for misleading dieters into buying doughnuts.

[full story]

Posted by Zorbs at 11:18 AM | Permalink

So I've spent the last 2 days in London with Dan and his family...I did relax and have fun but I didn't slack on the healthy habits - except for one bad hour on Tuesday night when I consumed 5 gingerbread cookies. I even got to try a new class at the gym that totally kicked my ass - Dan's mom got me a guest pass to GoodLife and also a free copy of Living The Good Life just for listening to the sales pitch..."Thanks, but no thanks, you don't have a location in my town so I'll have to stick with my current gym.." I read the book on the bus ride home and quite enjoyed it.

I keep reading everywhere about how people should allow themselves a small treat of some special food that they eat only at Christmas. Well, my family has no such traditions - ours are all non-food related - therefore, holiday eating should be no different from any other day.

And what's up with the gym being closed on the 25th? I have nothing to do all day and I'd love nothing more than to pre-emptively burn off some calories before the disgusting family holiday feast in the evening where there will probably be no 'safe' foods on the table and I'll end up going hungry, because I would seriously rather die than regain the weight I've worked so hard to lose. I am aware that I sound totally obsessive, but here's the logic: A 5 pound gain is no big deal to some people, but I lost a TOTAL of 12 pounds. 5 pounds is almost half the weight that could be gained back in one meal!!! It's so not worth it!!!

That said...have a merry fucking Christmas, everyone!

Posted by Zorbs at 9:54 PM | Permalink

The bizarre oyster craving has been satiated. Dan and I went to Smokeless Joe's last night and it was great. I decided to be adventurous and tried a beer called Mort Subite Peche from Belgium and it was nummy, perfect to wash down Malpeque oysters with freshly grated horseradish and a dash of Tabasco. Too bad the beer was $7.95 a bottle! The oysters were a small snack after dining at Baton Rouge. I had the Louisiana BBQ chicken tits with a side of steamed broccoli and carrots that were lightly sprinkled with Parmesan. Who says the healthy food is bland?

I then proceeded to wreck a week of nearly perfect eating with a terrible craving for a dish that's found in Chinese greasy spoon diners - deep fried seafood (fish, shrimp, scallops, squid) over spaghetti in cream sauce and broiled. That's the Big Bad Three in one dish - grease, processed carbs and cream. Ooooh tasty death! But I ate the whole dish myself today at lunch. And I will ruthlessly burn off those calories tomorrow.

But ohhhh, what a treat for my taste buds! :drool

Posted by Zorbs at 10:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I was juuuuuuuuuuuuust about to write a post bitching about how the OFC said they were going to call this afternoon regarding my test results and hadn't yet.

And as I was firing up my ranting typing fingers, the phone rang.

I PASSED!!!!! :grin

Posted by Zorbs at 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

This article, point #3 especially, is pretty close to the mini-epiphany I had today at lunch. I'm pissed off about being unable to maintain my goal weight, then the proverbial light bulb went off in my head and I thought, "I work out on a regular basis, and I eat healthy about 85% of the time. That's probably better than about 90% of the North American population. Maybe I should just chill out."

I've been hearing that it's not all about the number on the scale for years, but perhaps it is starting to sink into my stubborn brain.

Posted by Zorbs at 12:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Bad News:

• Severe shin pain. So bad that I am limping around today. It sounds like shin splints. Doctor time.

The Good GREAT news:

• I weighed in at 115 pounds this morning...MY GOAL WEIGHT!!! :grin

Posted by Zorbs at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Unless you've been living under a rock, you'd know that childhood obesity is a huge problem affecting kids today. Tonight, I was out for dinner at a Japanese restaurant and at the table next to mine there was a young boy, no more than 6 years old who ate an entire bento box dinner, which included:

miso soup
salad
chicken teriyaki (crispy fried skin)
stir fried veggies
rice
gyoza (fried dumplings)
california rolls
tempura (deep fried)

This kid also drank a Coke. His dinner was probably well over 1000 calories with more processed carbs, fat and sugar than I'd care to consume in a day, much less in one meal.
Why are parents allowing their children to eat that way? The kid wasn't really overweight, but I'd hate to see what he looks like in a few years. I think by far the best things parents can do to help combat childhood obesity is to set a good example by exercising and eating healthily, and by not having junky shit food around the house. It's pretty common sense advice. Unfortunately, my parents are basically sedentary slugs but I choose to be different from them and have a much healthier lifestyle.

Posted by Zorbs at 9:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

I stepped on the scale after having not weighed myself for at least a week...

*drum roll*

118!!!!!!!

That's only 3 pounds from my goal weight...I headed off to the gym, worked my ass off, and was kind of rushed for lunch and was tempted to get a slice of Mediterranean pizza. Then my next thought was, "Do you want to gain back those 3 pounds that took you at least 6 months to lose?"

I went home and had a salad instead, and shit, it tasted good! :pleased

Posted by Zorbs at 9:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

I've signed up for courses in Basic Fitness Theory and Fitness Leader Certification Training!

This is by no means 'big time' like ACE or Canfit Pro but it is a start! I've been to so many classes where I've thought, "I can totally do a better job than this instructor," so it's about time I got certified!

The classes start in early November. I am really excited! I've been teaching music for my entire professional career and it's definitely time for something new.

The amusingly ironic thing about these classes is that some of them run all day Saturday, which will cause me to miss my usual morning workout on that day.

Posted by Zorbs at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Did you know that St. Catharines, Ontario is the fattest city in Canada? and London is right up there too...not surprising then, that I gained 30 pounds in the 3 years that I lived there...

• Canadian Obesity Statistics

Posted by Zorbs at 7:43 PM | Permalink

Today: Bathing Suit Hell

I tried on every single suit in the mall and nothing looked or fit right. In a size 12 all my fat rolls are just bursting at the seams. 120 just isn't good enough. Eating healthy isn't good enough. Exercising almost every day isn't good enough. I want to be skinny even if I have to starve to death to do it. You heard me. It's anorexia time, baby.

Posted by Zorbs at 2:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

I was in the mood for swimming today, since it was sunny and 25˚C out. The pool at my gym is in the basement, windowless, and just about the most dreary place imaginable. So I decided to go downtown to use the health club at the hotel where my dad works (5 star hotel) and catch some sun at the pool. (picture courtesy of infiltration.org)

So I did 20 minutes on the elliptical and 30 minutes of weights/cardio circuit as well and met up with Andy and Dan for lunch again, where I managed to resist eating any greasy fried junk and drinking pop, then drove home to teach a very pleasant lesson.

It was such a good day that it cancelled out the fact that I drove both ways in rush hour traffic.

It also totally reminded me of another day downtown with Vin the first summer he visited. Shopping, winning baseball game, perfect weather, drum guys on Yonge St. :wink

I'm all nice and relaxed and sunsleepy...mmmh :sleeping

Posted by Zorbs at 8:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I think I'm going to buy some diet pills today, I am controlling my eating to mostly low fat foods, fruit and veggies and exercising like crazy, and it's not working.

Typical week of exercise:

Tuesday: stability ball class with weights, 60 min
Wednesday: high-impact step, abs, yoga, 60 min
Thursday: bootcamp (high-impact step with strength training), yoga, 90 min
Saturday: step and sculpt, yoga, 120 min

...and long brisk walks whenever I can...

I feel SO fat and absolutely despise the way my gut hangs out of my pants and flaps around in the breeze. Did you know that even when I was 95 pounds I still had a flabby gut? I totally regret not getting into fitness back then, I might be in better shape today.

I MUST lose that gut flab...or else!

Current stats as of this morning: weight: 123 pounds, height: 5'2", BMI: 22.5, body fat: 29% (unacceptable) bust: 35", waist: 33", hips: 36"

Posted by Zorbs at 11:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

This morning I got up at 5:45 in order to go to my usual 6:30 step class. This woman, E, who comes occasionally, showed up about 20 minutes late, saying that she sat on the couch for awhile stewing about whether or not to come. That is a line of thinking that I do not comprehend.

Firstly, if I got up that early to work out, I'll be damned if I don't end up going.
Secondly, I want to know how can anyone not get motivated for working out? I simply can't think of an excuse not to go...If you like feeling tired, fat, and sluggish, stay on your couch or in front of the computer.

Posted by Zorbs at 1:21 PM | Permalink

I'm turning 25 in ten days and I'm still plagued by acne and oily skin. Obviously, I'm totally fed up with this and bought a Dr. Hauschka Daily Face Care Kit from The Big Carrot today. I'm also trying to drink more water and green tea and to eat less processed crap. It is really too bad that organic, natural foods cost so much more than greasy, artificial junk, because that's not the way things should work.

Here's my question:

For those of you who suffer from bad skin, which products work for you?

Posted by Zorbs at 10:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

I'm not doing WiW this week but still want to post about weight.

When I started exercising 3-5 times weekly back in September 2000, I weighed 130 pounds. That was my highest weight ever. I didn't lose a single ounce until November 2002. Now my weight fluctuates between 120-125 depending on time of day/what I've eaten, but it's officially on the lower end of that range, because I consistently weigh myself before breakfast.

For the past few months or so, about 10 people, including fitness instructors and other knowledgeable professionals, have commented that I look a lot thinner.

This is me, spring 2000. This is me today. This is me in 1996, weighing 95 pounds. (for comparison purposes) Do you see a difference? I sure don't.

FYI - I haven't changed vertically...always been 5'2".

Posted by Zorbs at 4:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I had a Thai Massage (Thai Yoga) yesterday, and oh, it was divine. :pleased

It's different from your typical (Swedish) massage treatment in that the therapist massages your muscles and puts you into yoga postures in order to stretch them further. It's like doing an intense, ideal yoga class, where you do all the poses perfectly.

My stomach started growling uncontrollably in the middle of the treatment even though I had just had a large breakfast, and the therapist said it was because of my organs starting to clear out and relax.

I do feel very relaxed still, over 24 hours after the treatment. At the same time, I feel energized. And I'm not sore like I'd be after the deep tissue prodding of a Swedish massage. Do you like feeling like you're floating on clouds?

Obviously, I give Thai Massage :spork :spork :spork :spork :spork/5

Posted by Zorbs at 12:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Previous to trying to lose weight/get fit has there ever been a time in your life when you felt really good about your body?

I've never been happy with my abs, but I was very proud in high school that I was skinnier than a pipe cleaner even though I ate like a pig and size 0's were big on me. Now, I'd rather have some meat on my bones and some curves. :boobies

Posted by Zorbs at 8:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Who do you look up to in regards to health and fitness issues?

Nobody, really. I find my own motivation, although I hope I can be someone's fitness role model.

Posted by Zorbs at 1:50 PM | Permalink

Do you belong to any other groups/forums/clubs [aside from WiW] that help you on your way?

Nope, but I read the articles on iVillage and the occasional weight-loss blog for inspiration.

"Oh help me if I ever get as fat as you!"

Posted by Zorbs at 12:17 PM | Permalink