Fit Is The New Black

Food

I stayed in my apartment the majority of the day, and my meals just seemed to be completely based on one thing- hummus. Well, hummus, raisins, and kettle chips. I’m pretty sure I wrote this a long time ago, but I think I’m allergic to junk food. The last several times I had chips, chocolate, or anything unhealthy, my skin felt ichy, and I woke up the next day with something similar to a alcohol induced hangover. Weird!

So, I ate lots of hummus. And of course, the daily soy latte. As soon as I clean my blender I am going to make myself a smoothie or protein shake. I also have an avocado, mixed greens, and some canned beans-but frankly, I’m a bit sick of beans after all the hummus. I’m trying to become more conscious about my diet. A good diet, like exercise, is a habit. I just need to develop it more.

Workout

I did the usual cardio workout today, but I added my new training program, made by Taylor Ryan. To view, click here. As I type this, my whole body feels like jello, which I think is a good thing. You guys really need to give it ago. The video is a total of 8 minutes long, and half of it is Ryan explaining weight training, the body, and the difference between easy and hard gainers.

The most challenging part for me was the jumping lunges and scorpion push-ups. I had NEVER done any of these exercises before. I am admittedly prejudice against push-ups, as I injured my wrists a few years back by doing them. It’s not the push-ups fault, but mine, for taking a group weight lifting class, where the instructor had no time to help every person in the room with their form. Anyway, I steered clear of them ever since. That is, until today.

What I liked about them is that it sort of reminded me of doing a plank. I could feel my core being engaged, which is always a good thing. Lifting one leg, then dipping down into a push-up felt like it was some crazy Tae Kwon doe stuff, but I persevered. I only managed to do 3 each round (I repeated the workout 3 times), but that is way better than yesterday, when I refused to even do a regular push-up. I did them in front of a mirror, and if possible, I suggest you do the same. I found that it really helped me stabilize my form. I plan to do the video on Friday, and aim to get 6 perfect push-ups. From there I’ll just keep building. Remember, slow and steady wins the race…

The jumping lunges were crazy!! Have you tried them? I couldn’t quiet master them, but I commented to Taylor on Fit is the New Black, and I’m sure she’ll have some suggestions for how I can get into them smoothly.

As Taylor suggested, since I am definitely a beginner when it comes to the weights, I chose a very low number. I was more concerned with learning the moves and keeping up with the video. When you try the weighted crunches, make sure to keep the weight close to your chest, the way Taylor does. You really feel it when you do that. My back bones dug into my floor during the ab exercise, so I pulled out my Pilates mat, and one of my bedroom pillows to help cushion me. I highly recommend it if you don’t enjoy the feelings of your bones slamming on wood.

I’m completely exhausted now, but I feel really proud of myself. I may not be dead lifting like some people, but I’m totally fine with that. I’m just pumped I’m getting more serious about strength training. It’s so important for your bones, muscles, and overall health. I really encourage all of you to contact Taylor yourself if you need some help or advice. She runs a boot camp, and is an advocate of clean eating-totally cool. Most importantly, she’s a professional, and while I’m all for personal research and experience, there really is something to say about talking to people who’ve been certified and trained. It’s like working on an English paper. It’s totally cool to ask your smart friend on the symbolism in Moby Dick, but you’d also really benefit from scheduling some private time with your professor, who has a Ph.D, and wrote his thesis on Herman Melville. You dig?

Have you guys tried the video yet? Is there anything you want me to ask Taylor for you? Don’t forget to check out her sites, The Art of Weight Lifting, and Lifting Revolution. What do you think? Have you been a fan of weight training for awhile, or are you just starting out?