[Celestialmom]

Originally Posted by CherylWriter

Okey-dokey...I've officially begun, even though I haven't managed to post pics yet. I'll figure that out by the deadline, though!

About me: I'm 39 yo and work from home as a part-time freelance writer and full-time mom. (Is there any other way to be a mom?)

I started a lifting program last spring, got sidetracked, and then gave up exercising pretty much entirely from October through the end of 2008 in order to spend ALL my extra time writing. I got the book finished (a children's book requested by an agent, sent out only two weeks ago; now I'm anxiously waiting to hear from him...) but I also gained about ten pounds, lost muscle, and my energy plummeted. Not a good long-term strategy!

I visited my sister, Celestialmom , over Christmas and got very inspired. Man, she's in shape! But the coolest thing isn't how she looks, it's the way her energy and mood have both jumped up a few notches. I'm stoked to start anew and get myself strong and healthy.

Fitness Goals for 2009:

1. Follow the NROLFW plans and MAKE TIME to lift 2-3 times a week.
2. Walk 90 min/week. (The dogs voted for this one!)
3. Track what I eat as the first step toward moving toward a healthier, more balanced diet.
4. Keep a positive mindset: instead restricting calories or foods (triggers for unhealthy eating habits for me), focus on feeding myself nutritious and delicious foods for better energy, health, and satisfaction.

~Cheryl

Cheryl, you are too sweet! You know, I was going to post that you gave me the best compliment yet when you told me that my energy had increased. Yes, of course, I want to look good, but it really isn't all about how we look. Anyway, your goals look very good--both challenging and attainable, and #4 is most wise, oh sage one.

Originally Posted by CherylWriter

Passed my first exercise hurdle today--I was tremendously reluctant to re-enter the weight area of my local gym. Not sure why, but I always feel really self-conscious there. But I repeated my mantra--no one's looking at me, and if they are, who cares?--and got over it and lifted. And it went great!

Here's my workout (straight from the book):

A: Barbell squats, 10 lb, 2 x 15

B1: Pushups, 45 degree angle, 2 x 15

B2: Seated row, 40 lb, 2 x 15

C1: Step-up, 2 7.5 lb dumbbells, 2 x 15

C2: Jackknife on balance ball, 2 x 8

I rested 60 seconds between each set.

I definitely could have done more weight on the squats and seated row and, midway through my second set, I realized that I was doing the jackknife with incorrect form (which might be why they were so easy!) but I still feel like this was a successful workout. My purposes were 1) to find an approx. weight for each exercise, 2) to figure out how long the whole process (travel, exercise, and shower) takes, and 3) to get myself past the mental hurdle of feeling silly in the weight room. (Anyone else deal with this?)

So...not an impressive workout, but a successful one!

I think the most impressive thing is just making time, getting out of your comfort zone, and getting a workout in. So great job, I'm excited to see how you like it!