November & December Update

Blog Update: December 26, 2010:

Sorry for the delay in entries for the past month or so!!! Even though I have not been very consistent posting entries on the blog, I have been working out regularly. I’ve fallen into more of a maintenance workout routine but would still like to lose 5-10 more pounds. What I’m really focused on now are two things: 1- maintaining and keeping the weigh off and 2- lowering my body fat percentage. I thought it would be good to give an update of each of areas I’ve been focused on at the club over the last month or so.

TRX:

For the past four weeks I’ve been attending two TRX classes a week, the regular class and the circuit class. These classes take place at the Wellness Center across the parking lot from the main building. One difference in taking TRX classes is that you need to sign up online for the classes. The system is really easy to use and what I really like is that you get sent reminder emails before the class. Each week there have been more and more people taking each class and most continue once they experience TRX. Classes last 45 minutes and go by quickly. One of the things I like best is that you get a whole body workout without putting a lot of stress on your joints. I’ve worn my heart rate monitor for each of the classes and according to t I’ve burned 350-450 calories depending on the class. So you definitely can burn some fat!! Both instructors, Amber and Jill, are upbeat, positive, and knowledgeable of TRX. I’ve also heard positive comments about the other instructors who teach.

Regular- This class focuses on all the major muscle groups and your core.

Circuit- This class spends time going through a series of different muscle groups and then you do a several cardio activities to raise your heart rate and then it’s back to the TRX for another series.

Harbor Weight Loss Institute Nutritionist:

Over the past six weeks I was able to meet with Nancy G., the Harbor Weight Loss Nutritionist. Both sessions were informative and encouraging. Nancy was great at addressing all of my questions in a supportive and non-intimidating way. The first appointment I had with her was prior to Thanksgiving. Lots of the advice she gave me was strategies to get through the Holidays without totally blowing my diet. The second session was helpful in evaluating how things had gone and looking at other long range eating/ nutrition strategies. I’m hoping to continue to check in with Nancy every six to eight weeks throughout the winter in order to keep me accountable.

GForce Bootcamp:

Although the instructors for this class continue to rotate, it is still one of my favorites. I enjoy the variety of different activities in a large group with loud pumping music. This class is offered twice per week and is the core of my weekly routine. There is usually 10-20 other members who take part in this class, so you definitely have motivation from the other participants. But like many of the group exercise classes you can still go at your own pace.

Turn Leaf Running Program:

I know that I’ve talked about this program before but I can’t say enough about the positive aspects of it. The Turn Leaf program is based on your VO2 Max testing that is a service HAC offers. At the original time of the testing I had expressed to Sara Johnson, the HAC trainer conducting the test that I wanted to run 2 or 3 times a week. She created two programs for me and since mid-November I’ve been using the three times a week plan. I’m in the last three weeks of the a 12 week plan and during the last week I’ll get re-tested.

Well, hopefully this gets you a little up-to-date on what I’ve been up to. I’m waiting a few more weeks until I post my before and after pictures, but I promise, they’re coming! In my next entry I’ll hope to tell you a bit about my first several experiences taking some of the spinning classes that are offered through HAC and my goals for 2011.