Update 8 - Getting Whipped into Shape

Well, the new body fat calculations are in.  Although I did not meet my weight loss goal of a pound a week, at least the fat percentages were lower.

Andrea and I agreed on a course of action to achieve better results. 

First, cardio will be increased to 5 times a week for 1 hour each session. 

Second, I will eat an early dinner at the office just before coming home.  I have a serious night time over-eating issue. The only way to prevent it may be to come home full and not take that first destructive bite.

On the positive side, I do feel better over all.  Stamina has increased, muscles are coming alive, and I can't remember the last time my skin has felt so soft.

Andrea's Tips for a Successful Start to a Healthy New Year

I asked Andrea to share some tips for a sensible approach to setting fitness goals in the New Year.  She had quite a few!

Andrea is a RealRyder spin instructor at 501SP1N.  She is also an award winning master personal trainer (we started working together in November, 2010), certified through The National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Personal Trainer and is a certified group fitness instructor teaching 3 master classes weekly.  She holds recognition as a top personal trainer, titles in the National Physique Committee Figure Competitions (NPC), and currently sits as a judge for the NPC Regional Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Competitions. Contact Andrea for a totally free no obligation in personal consult.

Update 7 - Getting Whipped into Shape

For the three days leading up to Christmas Eve I weighed in at a new low weight. I knew when I stepped on the scale Christmas morning that would not be the case, and it wasn't.  Same goes for this morning.  But, with Andrea taking new body fat measurements in 5 days I have the incentive to kick butt this week. Cardio or weights every day, lots of water, and hopefully no encounters with cake, pie, cookies, candy, ice cream, whipped cream, hot chocolate, and other delicious sugar and fat concoctions... 

Stay Tuned for More Getting Healthy Success Stories in 2011!

On New Year's Eve I'll be meeting another of Andrea Austin's clients who will relate their improved health success story. 

Also, 501SP1N owner Dawn Doll will be sharing a "Workout Buddies" series, showing how important it is to have a support group keep you on track in meeting your workout goals.

Update 6 - Getting Whipped into Shape

Well, after 2 Holiday parties, I once again hang my head in shame over my total lack of self control.  According to the scale, I haven't lost too much ground, but who knows when the honey ham and Russian Tea Cakes will kick in...

My abs are still a tad sore from a funky move Andrea had me do on Friday, but oddly enough her sadistic lunge routine did not leave me semi-immobile like after our very first work out session.

Cardio endurance has increased noticeably.  During our first session I thought my chest would explode after one minute of a very slow jog.  Now I can do three minutes at a faster pace and not feel that pain.

Because Christmas Eve falls on what would have been my 6-week fat check, I've caught a break and have an extra week to make a difference in the outcome.  Assuming, of course, I can refrain from going overboard at this week's office Holiday lunch (Pizza Luce' - YUM!) and Christmas Eve dinner.

Update 5 - Getting Whipped into Shape

Week 5 already, and I'm on the high side of the roller coaster - with several positive things to report! 

I've noticed my skin is much softer since I've been making Andrea's smoothies for breakfast.  Considering we're now firmly into winter, that's amazing.  I'm pretty sure the ground flaxseed has something to do with the softer skin, in conjunction with cutting back on coffee. 

Also, I no longer have lower back pain.  That has been replaced with sore muscles from Andrea's workouts.

Finally, this past week I finally broke a weight threshold.  And while I immediately celebrated with a bag of RAISINETS, it was the psychological boost I needed to envision a lower number next week.

One more week before taking new measurements and body fat calculations.  :0

Leaving the Past Behind to Get Healthy Now - A Fitness Success Story

This is the third in an ongoing series of personal health and fitness success stories, brought to us by Mill City Times Fitness Expert, Andrea Austin.

A lot of us can relate to Brad's story.  If you're pushed to do something that doesn't interest you as a child, chances are you will not continue that activity as an adult.  In Brads case it was sports - but as he discovered, the metabolism of youth is fleeting and weight is going to pack on if unchecked.

Below,  Brad demonstrates how the RealRyder cycle used in the 5pm Friday Happy Hour spin class at 501SP1N allows you to move from side to side.  It's a feature that makes this class a more challenging workout. 

Email Andrea andrea@tweakmyworkout.com if you'd like to try a complimentary RealRyder spin class, or if you have a fitness or nutrition question. 

Update 4 - Getting Whipped into Shape

Heading into week four. It has been a struggle. I have faithfully stuck to the exercise routine, but eating totally healthy continues to be an issue. The scale has become my enemy, yet I am drawn to it like a magnet.

In two weeks Andrea will take the 6-week measurements and body fat calculations. I suppose wearing a girdle would be cheating?