Tag Archives: exercise

Hell Week/Month Completed! (or I Need To Find Some Motivation For Me)

Posted on November 2, 2020 | Comments Off on Hell Week/Month Completed! (or I Need To Find Some Motivation For Me)

I’m officially a Hell Week Survivor! I’ve accomplished this every year I’ve been going to Orangetheory, but it always means a lot to me that I can do this. This year, Hell Week was anything but routine for me. Not only was it spread out over the entire month, but I had to do all the workouts at home. Even though I have almost been doing this for 8 months now (I still can’t believe how long I’ve been doing this), it doesn’t feel normal to me yet. And I think Hell Week made me miss my studio even more than normal.

But even though it felt weird, I am glad that I earned my Hell Week shirt! I don’t have it yet, but I did get a message that we should be getting instructions on how to pick them up soon. I can’t wait to have the new shirt to add to my collection!

All the workouts this past week for Orangetheory at Home were Hell Week ones. Technically, my Friday workout wasn’t an official Hell Week one since I did it over Zoom with my coach. But still, all 4 workouts were tough and I worked hard to get through them all. I was sweating like crazy and sore most days. But it did feel good to push myself and I can only hope that I did something close to what I would have done in the studios.

But even with working hard and wanting to complete my Hell Week workouts, it’s becoming more and more of a struggle for me to get my workouts in. I know I’m not as motivated as I normally am. I notice myself doing my workouts a bit later in the day, which I don’t like too much. I want to be able to do them in the morning so they are done. I don’t want to put them off. But the motivation just isn’t there for me like I know it can be. And this is a struggle I’ve been dealing with since we started having to work out at home. It comes in waves with how much or little motivation I have, but I know that overall my motivation is down much lower than it is when I go to the studio.

I’m hoping that if I’m able to do the outdoor workouts in another week or two that it will help fix this problem a bit. I think the isolation, in general, is tough, but the isolation with workouts when it’s always been a social thing for me is even harder. It was hard for me to find a workout that I loved. I tried so many different things. And with the workouts I enjoyed, it’s always been because of the people around me and coaching me. Even the workouts I didn’t stick with that I enjoyed were about the people. And Orangetheory was the first place that combined the social aspect with a workout that I loved. And I crave getting that back.

I’m not going to give up doing my workouts at home, but I need to find new ways to feel better about doing them. Even if I start going to the outdoor classes, I don’t know if I’d be doing that for all my workouts. So I need to be good at doing the workouts at home.

Having challenges like Hell Week do help with the motivation a bit because I am super competitive and I wouldn’t let something get in the way of me accomplishing it. But I can’t rely on just those challenges to keep me going. I don’t know how long it will be before I can go to my workouts in person for all my classes (either outdoors or in the studio). I’m trying to mentally prepare myself for several more months of this. And it’s not easy. But I know I have to do it. My mental health depends on it. I can’t imagine how much worse I would feel if I didn’t have my workouts as a part of my weekly routine.

But while I do want to focus on improving myself and making things better, I need to remember to celebrate any victories that I can. And for now, I need to celebrate being a Hell Week Survivor during the most hellish year I’ve ever experienced!

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Workouts Feeling Familiar And Strange (or Still Adjusting To Using Real Weights)

Posted on September 14, 2020 | Comments Off on Workouts Feeling Familiar And Strange (or Still Adjusting To Using Real Weights)

I’ve been able to use my new weights for my workouts for several workouts now, and it’s really hitting me hard with how different my strength is right now. It was so easy to trick myself when I wasn’t able to use real weights that things weren’t that different. But now, it’s very clear what I’m able to do and not do.

A lot of the workouts have parts of it that I’m very used to doing when I had workouts in the studios. I like those familiar exercises because I know how to have good form when I’m doing them and if they are things I need to modify I know those too. It also does make me happy to have something that feels so familiar and like I’m doing the workouts that I’m so used to.

But at the same time, I’m very familiar with the weights that I could use for those exercises before and it’s shocking when I can’t even come close to that. There were some things I was using 25-pound weights before and now it’s a struggle to use 15-pound weights. And it’s so hard to not feel down when I realize how far down I have slipped. I’m trying to see it from a different perspective and look at it as a challenge to get back to where I was. I also am motivated by knowing I can get there again because I was there before.

Just like all the other weeks since I started doing Zoom workouts, the Zoom workout was the hardest one of the week. It also ended up being the workout where I was the most nauseous, which added another level of it being difficult. I tried to work through the nausea as much as I could, but it got very overwhelming at times. I also think I took my anti-nausea meds a bit too late that morning so they didn’t really kick in until after the workout. That’s a problem I’m used to having when I was doing in-studio workouts because of the limited time between waking up and working out, but I hadn’t had that issue since doing the home workouts. But it was a good reminder to be a bit better about timing medications.

I really wanted to get back to using my jump rope this past week, but I didn’t think about it as the week that I would have issues with being nauseous. So that plan didn’t go how I wanted it to and now it will be another week or so before I can try using it. But I hope that I will be able to get back to it then and that I won’t struggle too much when I use it again.

This week of workouts will likely be a tough one for me. I’m getting myself mentally prepared for the struggle and to know that it’s ok if I have to go easy on myself. I think I will always have a hard time being easy on myself, but I guess it’s good that I’m forced to do that by things that happen in my life.

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Finally Spinning Again (or It’s Been A Long Time To Be Sick)

Posted on February 10, 2014 | Comments Off on Finally Spinning Again (or It’s Been A Long Time To Be Sick)

That nasty cold that I had right before the end of my job did quite a number on me. I haven’t felt sick in a while, but I’ve been horribly congested. So congested that until a few days ago, I still couldn’t completely breathe through my nose.

And I know that if I can’t breathe through my nose, there’s no way I can do a crazy workout. So I’ve been taking a break from spinning (which sucked).

But finally, at the end of last week, my nose cleared up. So I looked at the schedule at who was teaching over the next few days. Now that I don’t have my job anymore, I can go to classes when I used to work.

And I found out that Heather was teaching on Saturday around noon. And my favorite bike (pretty much the only one I like to ride on) was available. So of course I signed up and got ready for my return to spin.

I wasn’t too nervous because I knew that I wasn’t going to do as well as I did 3 weeks ago before I was sick. But I was going back and that’s what’s important to me. I also made myself get the heavier weights for the arms workout.

The class went pretty well. When Heather saw me in class, she got pretty excited that I was there. And she gave lots of encouragement to me throughout the class (I’m so grateful that she knows how to push me even though I still am unable to do the standing up moves on the bike).

While I did get more tired than usual in class, I finished and worked hard, and I’m proud of myself for not getting frustrated giving up when it got tough for me.

While leaving the studio, I noticed some of the new cute tops that they had for sale. And one top in particular caught my eye.

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I’ve never purchased anything from SoulCycle in the past because I figured nothing was in my size. The largest size they have is a large, and I don’t wear large shirts (in straight size clothing, like Old Navy, I’m wearing either a XXL or XL top). But I decided to try it anyway.

And guess what? It fits!

Of course, I bought it. It’s a nice comfortable sweater. It’s designed to be pretty high cut (almost a crop top) in front so I’m definitely wearing a tank top underneath. But now I can go out and about sharing my love for SoulCycle with the world.

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Posted in Fitness, Fun Stuff, Shopping

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400 Posts (or Wow, That’s A Lot Of Writing!)

Posted on January 24, 2014 | Comments Off on 400 Posts (or Wow, That’s A Lot Of Writing!)

Today marks my 400th post on Finding My Inner Bombshell! I remember when I started writing I wondered how long I could keep doing this. Now, it’s a part of my day that I look forward to!

I’ve mentioned in the past how this blog is almost like therapy for me. I’ve gotten so much out of it that I would probably still do this even if nobody read it (but please keep reading it because I love the feedback and stories I hear from you all!). Writing on here has also helped my relationship with my family and friends. There have been many things that I never would have the courage to share with them if I had to say it out loud. But writing it helps to disconnect it from me and make it seem less personal.

In the last 400 posts, I’ve done a lot of things. So I thought I’d share some of the highlights of my first 399 posts.

The scariest (and best) thing I’ve ever put on here was in the beginning when I wrote about my eating disorder and credit card debt. I was so terrified to put that out into the world. I’ve hidden both of those things for many years and even some of my close family had no idea (or if they did, it’s because they guessed it and not because I ever told them). But after writing that post, it was like there was a weight lifted off my shoulders. And people started sharing their stories about money issues or eating disorders. I had no idea so many people had the same problems as me. By sharing my story, I discovered I wasn’t alone.

Another tough post to write was when I wrote about my mom being diagnosed with breast cancer. I knew about the cancer for a few weeks before I was allowed to share her story. I felt like I was faking it on the blog because I couldn’t be completely honest. But sharing that story again has made me feel less alone. Many people have shared their stories with family members dealing with cancer. When my mom was diagnosed, I started to research joining a support group. I never found one that I connected with. Then once I shared on here, I realized that my support group was on the blog. And I hope that I can support others in the future who are going through the same thing. And just to update you on my mom, she’s still kicking butt and only has 1 more chemo treatment to go before starting radiation (the final treatment step)!

The most positive thing that has happened since starting the blog was discovering SoulCycle. I never thought I would connect with exercise this way. But it’s happened and I’m definitely obsessed (this entire list is totally true for me). Celebrating a year doing the same exercise is a first for me, and I’m already looking forward to my next SoulCycle milestone (maybe taking 50 classes?).

I wish I could make some predictions to what the next 400 posts will bring. But honestly, when I started this 400 posts ago, I had no idea that it would become what it is today.

Thank you all for reading and following my journey so far. I just know that the journey will only continue to get better and there are amazing things ahead for me.

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Posted in Celebrations, Fitness, Food, Fun Stuff, Health, Saving, Tough Stuff, Weight Loss

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Another SoulCycle Day (or Maybe I Really Have Found My Workout Addiction)

Posted on January 15, 2013 | 6 comments

I seriously had an amazing time when I went to SoulCycle for the first time last week. As soon as I left that class, I wanted to go back for more.

I’ve almost never felt this way about working out before. Maybe at Richard Simmons’ class, but even there I had some hesitation at times because the room was so crowded (and I have a tendency to get a bit claustrophobic).

I’ve been stalking the SoulCycle website for a couple of days now. I’ve also googled a couple of reviews on the place. And surprisingly, many reviews were negative. They complained about the price, crowds, bad customer service, and not feeling like they are getting a good workout.

I have to completely disagree with those reviews. I might not be the best judge of what is a good workout or not, but my friend who goes with me has run marathons and thinks it is, so I trust her.

With all my obsession with SoulCycle, I took the plunge and purchased a 5 class package (I have 45 days to use it). I also signed up for another class yesterday since I had the day off.

This class was very different from the first one, but just as enjoyable. First of all, the other class was full. Not an empty bike in sight. The second class only had 7 students when you include me. We all rode in the first row facing the instructor. I would never want to sit there if there are people behind me, but as long as there isn’t, I’m ok with it.

Also, we had a different instructor this time. His name is Sal, and I think he was a great teacher. Super motivating, always mentioning proper form (very good info for a newbie like me), and he emphasized making sure that you are doing what you can do but still pushing yourself.

I wasn’t able to do many of the standing moves again. When I do, I feel the bones in my right hip grinding and my left hip catching a little (which is a sign that the cartilage has begun to tear and I might need surgery sooner than I’d like). I can stand up for maybe 30-60 seconds at a time, but then I have to ride back in the seat.

After class, I went up to Sal to say thank you and ask him his advice on what I should do so I can do all the moves in class. He reminded me that getting to that point is my journey, and even if it takes me longer than most people to get there, the important thing is to work towards that.

That was exactly what I needed to hear. Even though I know that I should be comparing myself to myself and not to other people, it’s hard to do that when there are only 6 other students in the room.

I left that class wonderfully sweaty again, but I’m seeing that as a badge of honor.

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It proves that I made it through class and I’m getting stronger (and hopefully lighter) every day.

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My First Spin Class (or How HBO Might Have Helped Me Find My Perfect Workout)

Posted on January 10, 2013 | 12 comments

I was pursing twitter the other day when I saw something that a friend of mine retweeted. HBO was giving out free spin classes at SoulCycle to help promote the second season of “Girls”.

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I decided that I should check out the free spin class (I was a little mad when I found out the week prior, HBO was giving out free blow outs at Dry Bar) and found a friend who wanted to come too. I’ve been on the lookout for a form of exercise that I love. Walking is great, but the calorie burn is not what I need and due to my hip issues, I can’t run. The only workout class I’ve loved in the past was Richard Simmons, but due to the schedule I have at work, I can’t attend any classes. I might take a night off so I can go again, but it can’t be a regular workout for me now.

I got to SoulCycle about 20 minutes early. I wanted to have time to get everything settled and fill out any forms that I needed to do. And I have to say that the people who worked at SoulCycle Santa Monica are amazing. Lizzie was the girl who helped me get checked in. After filling out my form, she got me my rental bike shoes (yes Dad, I wore click in bike shoes!), and showed me how to use the passcode on the free locker. Lizzie also took this pretty funny “before” picture of me.

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There are no phones allowed in the spin studio, so I don’t have any photos of the set up inside. But I have to say that I lucked out on the bike that I reserved. There are three long rows facing the instructor’s bike, and on the sides there are 3 short rows on each side facing the side of the instructor’s bike. I was on one of the sides in the back and in the corner. That way, nobody was looking at me unless they turned to look at me. That made me feel way less self-conscious in class.

And what a tough class it was! I wasn’t able to do a lot of the standing up or other movements on the bike, but I never stopped pedaling (except when we did the weights since I’m not that coordinated yet). At first, the time seemed to go by slowly, but after one song, the time flew by. I was dripping sweat, but so was the instructor (whose name is Ben) so I didn’t feel weird about that.

My favorite moment of class was about halfway through when Ben mentioned that 3 people had already left the class, but the rest of us were kicking butt! I couldn’t believe that I outlasted 3 people. I was by far the biggest person there, and I was able to do more than 3 people. That kept me going and I was able to do faster pedaling and some of the standing after that.

And just because I did a “before” picture, here’s my wonderfully sweaty “after” picture.

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I’m still on such a high from that class. It is so high energy and supportive. I will totally be back! My only concern is the cost (it’s $25 a class). But I’m going to figure out a way to pay for them. I’d like to try to go 2-3 times a month to get the boost in my motivation that I’m feeling right now!

Thank you HBO for helping me discover a workout that I think will actually work for me! And SoulCycle, I’ll hopefully be back very very soon!

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Trying to Gain The Fitness Bug (or I Wish I Was More Motivated)

Posted on November 28, 2012 | 6 comments

I’m not doing too shabby on eating better. I eat breakfast every day (normally some toast with peanut butter and some fruit) and I’ve been pretty good about trying to bring my lunch to work. Dinner is still a bit tough because I never want to cook when I get home after leaving work at 9pm, but my parents just bought me a slow cooker, so hopefully that will change soon.

Where I’m struggling is working out. I like to go hiking, but with my current schedule, it’s tough to find time to go. Maybe that could change when I’m unemployed for a few months. I’ve tried yoga, and while it’s fun, I don’t think I’ll continue on a regular basis after my Living Social deal is done. It’s pretty expensive. I like doing 5Ks, and I’m signed up for another one next year already, but I need something to do on a regular basis.

I have a fitness bike in my house that I really like. It’s right in front of my tv so I can catch up on my shows while I work out. I try to get on it 3 days a week, but lately that’s been tough. Part of it was my travel schedule and trying to fit everything in before I went home for Thanksgiving. I find it easiest to workout on the days where my shift starts at noon. I can work out when I wake up and have time to shower before heading to work. Since it’s in my house, I don’t have to worry about driving to a gym or if I have gym clothes without holes.

I’m pretty steady in my bike workouts, but I want to push myself more. It’s hard to self motivate, especially when you are working out alone in your house. I started by wanting to add more minutes to my workout. But now, I want to try to increase the resistance. I’m going to try to go slow (that’s what worked for increasing the time), but I wish it was easier.

I know plenty of people who are essentially addicted to exercise. They crave it every day. I want to be one of them. I just don’t know how to get there.

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Posted in Fitness, Tough Stuff, Weight Loss

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