Working Out - 40 Weeks Into My Fitness Journey

Another 4 weeks down, folks. 

I have now completed 40 weeks of my fitness journey. 

I've spent the same amount of time improving my mind and body as I have growing a baby in my uterus. 

Here's the recap on getting to 40 weeks COMPLETE.

Nothing overly exciting to report on for this week.

I received my 15lb dumbbells about a month ago and have been using those - mainly for shoulders, back, and leg workouts. 

I wish I could score more - but dude, spending $100 on one pair is just crazy.

When I stopped at my mom's house over the weekend, I tried out my sister's Olympic barbell with some plates.

I deadlifted 65lbs, which seemed relatively "easy" - I did 12 reps and could have done more. That indicates I can likely go heavier if I can do that many reps without really straining.

I mentioned to Steve how cool it was - and he literally said that his dad asked if I wanted one and that he'd get one for me! WHAT?

How amazing is that?

I mean, that is so incredibly thoughtful - to offer it up like that.

My sister got the barbell and a bunch of plates - for about $300. So that's the same that I'm going to get! 

I'm super excited to do hip thrusts! LOL. 

The most I hip thrust now is only 15lbs because of having to balance the dumbbell on my lap as I do it. Now I'll have the chance to go HEAVY. And build that booty!

Feb. 26, 2021

Feb. 26, 2021

Trying to show off back muscles is very hard! I'm starting to see more definition, I think.
Pic was taken on March 1, 2021.

I have been LAX with the diet. Not like "dieting" for weight loss, but as in whatever goes in my body for nutrition and fuel.

I've had cravings to cook lately.

Like rich, creamy, comfort foods.

Foods I should not be eating.

Like, homemade mac and cheese.

Or homemade biscuits and sausage gravy.

I made both over the weekend. 

I think the reason I'm being lazy is because of an upcoming procedure.

I won't be able to work out for probably 3-4 weeks and maybe I'm just being...I don't know. Distracted?Not motivated? I feel like after the time off, I'll want to come back and CRUSH it and work on cutting since we'll be like 10 weeks out from vacation.

I feel like this will be my personal "competition" you know?

I watch lots of IFBB Pros and they are always either cutting, bulking or maintaining. 

But, what I really should be doing is going into this procedure strong AF so that while I'm down, it won't be such a drag. 

So, help me stay motivated! 

The nicer weather has definitely helped.

Just gotta get back on the right nutrition again.

I tried to maintain over the weekend. I really did.

It seriously doesn't help when I go to Costco with my mom.

But, portion control. Instead of eating HALF the chicken pot pie, I'll only eat one piece.

Or the GIANT blueberry and chocolate muffins (a dozen of HUGE muffins) for $7.99! Like come ON, I have to buy that! 

To be fair, I froze half of them.

I'm being conscious of what I'm putting in my mouth and really trying to realize that it's OK TO EAT. OMG FOR FUCK'S SAKE. 

Your body needs food for fuel.

And recomposition is real.

5lbs of fat looks way different than 5lbs of muscle. 

So back at it. 

One thing that got me motivated?

Olympic barbell

This was fun! 

I have yet to get the plates inside the house, but I've done a few things with this 45lb BB.

A few back rows.

Some hip thrusts (I'm very much looking forward to this).

And some deadlifts.

I know I can deadlift at least 65lbs. I did 12 reps with that and could have done more. 

March 9, 2021. Arms are looking leaner!

Ok, you guys. 

I finally brought my plates down from the garage. With Steve's back, there was no way he was bringing them down.

A couple of things to note: first, I like having the option of the range of weights. From 5lb plates up to 45lb plates. I carried them downstairs to the basement and in doing that, I got the "feel" for them.

I did a few overhead shoulder presses with the 35lb plate and enjoyed that I could do it without struggling too badly. 

I put 50lb on the barbell (which is 45lb by itself) and did a few deadlifts. I was pretty impressed that I could do the 95lb a couple of times. Not great form though. 

Let's see how this goes. 

There are just so many opportunities to use these plates in different ways. I'm super pumped.

I did a "suitcase" walk around the basement with the 45lb (unilateral) and then did the other side. 

Trying to walk upright and not compensate for the weight in one arm is tough! Works the entire body. I love it when I can work my core without doing ab exercises. 

Closing in on 40 weeks complete! 

I'm super proud that I've been able to change my lifestyle for the better. I've now done this for long enough that it absolutely feels like my lifestyle. 

My most favorite part of the day besides working out is right after that. It's my "getting ready for the day" time that I'm loving. Hot shower and then putting make-up on while listening to my favorite YouTubers. 

Steve is usually still sleeping and so are the girls. 

It's quiet in the house and it's just me.

I'm feeling literally PUMPED from my workout and I'm in a really good mindset to start my workday. 

I cannot talk about how much working out how has helped me mentally. 

Don't get me wrong. I'm still a very anxious person and I'm still medicated for my anxiety. 

But I am never in a bad mood when I'm working out or after a workout. I feel sluggish if I don't work out. 

Now that I can be outside more, I'm very excited to increase my steps. I took a lovely walk during my lunch hour today and spent time with the girls pushing them on the swings. 

We are under 100 days till vacation! 

My weight is still pretty steady. Hovering between 111 and 114lbs on any given day. 

Pic taken March 20, 2021

I know that body recomposition can take years and years. I'm pretty proud of what I've been able to achieve in the 9 short months I've been doing this.

I'm excited to see how the next 9 months go, as I learn more. It's nice to have a healthy habit! 

I have to learn how to use the barbell and plates. I don't want to hurt myself and the only way to grow is to start lifting heavy and challenging myself.

Diet and nutrition are two things I need to really work on. I'm conscious of the food and I'm generally pretty good. But snacks? I love a good salty snack while watching TV in the evening with Steve. 

I did find these bean snacks and OMG they are amazing. Just the crunch I need and pretty healthy. 

100 calories and 7g of protein!

But then I also love all things gummy. I try not to limit myself too much because I don't want to live that lifestyle - of wanting things I can't have. 

But I have to remember "everything in moderation" - one or two gummies are ok, just not the whole bag :)