No Pain, No Gain. Oh, Not This Pain!

Workout finished.  Not exactly the way I wanted it to.  I hurt my lower back.  Excruciating pain.  No idea how it started.  It did not happen during my workout, but right after.  Maybe while I was putting away weights, steps or risers…who knows.  (I heard that)…it has nothing to do with my getting older! 🙂

Having low threshold for pain, I immediately hit the websites –  read, and read on lower back pain. Started treatment.  Iced the affected area, then used heat.  Alternated that for a good couple of days.  Took ibuprofen as well.  Consulted my dear websites, again.  Next step – added some stretch exercises.   (I heard that, too)…I’m not going to the doctor!  And, stop telling me what to do!

After two days, I felt well enough to try my Body Pump class.  Using my body weight for squats and lunges; and low weight (about 5 lbs) for the rest of the class; I finished the one hour class.  For the rest of the week – I kept low weight and focused on my form.  The week ended well. Pain level, in control!  (Heard that)…Awe, that’s sweet!  Thank you for believing in my research and treatment. 🙂

Source of my back pain – who knows!  But I do know that nursing that pain, helped.  I’m happy now –  that much I definitely know.

…thank you for visiting my blog…until next time 🙂

 

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Weight(less)

My friend and I were nearing the end of our moderate rated (on scale of difficulty), 4-mile trail, on a nice cool day.   These rock steps were the last hike.  Climbing against gravity to conclude our trail was a heavily weighted challenge.  Here, my friend is reaching the end.  Keep going friend, few more to go … you can do it!  (She did do it.)

Today’s Workout!

I have, recently, realized that I motivate people at my workout.  And, I didn’t even know about it, until now. My workouts have been mainly for me.  I do have to push myself!  Every workout that I complete motivates me for the next one. I self-talk; I do that a lot.  And, that helps me get to the gym, 99.9% of the time!  I have become, what you would call, a “Regular” at the gym. And, that has motivated some gym goers. They have come up to me to tell me that. That really feels good.

Reasons I workout… It just feels great all around! I am able to deal with the demands of the day so much better.

This brings me to the next step, which I think involves my wanting to help others get motivated. Motivate them to not only workout, but create a sustainable routine for a healthy lifestyle.

My goal:  To get certified in workout/healthy lifestyle field. I am writing this on my blog because I think this will keep me motivated to remain focused in achieving my goal.

My ultimate goal:  To help make a positive change in people’s lives, who need a little push in the direction of leading a healthy lifestyle.

….thank you for visiting my blog…until next time 🙂

Doggy Photo Shoot Day #23

“I’m a good boy…you said so…may I please have my treat,” Sir Thomas speaking to me through his eyes.

…thank you for visiting my blog…until next time 🙂

Doggy Photo Shoot Day #22

“What in the world do you think you are doing?” Sir Thomas is perplexed watching Dixie, our pit bull, attempting to catch her own tail. She chases it, and goes round and round in circles.

…thank you for visiting my blog…until next time:)

Healthier and Happier – Working to be Fit Everyday!

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My cheat sheet:) I love it.

My one page note!  My little helper:)

Small consistent changes to eating healthier and living an active lifestyle is what I did to get the results that I wanted.  And, I am still doing it.  I’ve been doing this for almost 15 years now.  I still motivate myself and do lots of self talk.  It has led me to live a healthier and happier life for me, my family and my friends.

Walking in nature is a great exercise. Here my husband is walking our dog Dixie. I walk with our other dog, Sir Thomas, as you may know him.

People ask me if I can help them.  But I don’t have any certification.  I do, however, know how I did it! My little note certainly helped.  I would love to help others, I’m thinking of getting certification in Personal Training so that I can help others.  In the meantime, I still wanted to share  my little photo-note in this post:)

I made this yummy meal! It was filling and healthy, too.

I am regularly reading and learning from different websites.  I educate myself and filter information to fit my body and my given genes.  I fight and beat a few bad genes on a daily basis; but the rest I accept, and continue to move forward.  I, recently, read a good article on fighting bad genes titled, “6 Ways to Beat Your Bad Genes.”  You can read it on, http://www.prevention.com/fitness/fitness-tips/how-your-genes-impact-your-physical-fitness

Can’t emphasize enough – Being consistent and patient is what worked for me!  Small consistent changes to eating healthier and living an active lifestyle is what I did to get the results that I wanted.  And, I will continue doing it!

…thank you for visiting my blog…until next time:)

Doggy Photo Shoot Day #21

Oh, Sir Thomas, you are in deep, deep thoughts. I wish you could tell me what’s on your mind. I do love you lots.

 

…thank you for visiting my blog…until next time:)

Attitude – A simple truth!

I have read this quote hundreds of times. One reason, it sits on my kitchen counter:) Lot of friends have wanted a copy. I have enjoyed sharing this one with them. Now, I’m sharing this with my blog-world friends.

…thank you for visiting my blog…until next time:)

Boundaries

“I have been calm.  Calmly sitting and watching Sir Thomas.  What’s he doing?  I want to get to where he is………nope…….no luck!” Dixie thinking and planning hard to figure out this situation:)

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Boundaries.”

…thank you for visiting my blog…until next time:)

Freeze Banana Slices for Smoothie – 5 Easy Steps

 When bananas start to have brown spots like the ones you see in the picture below, you are left with two options:  1) Eat them as soon as possible, or 2) Freeze them.  Many people never think of freezing bananas, but I do it all the time.  Frozen bananas make the best smoothies.  Better freeze than throw away a good-looking banana:)

1.  I peel the banana and cut them into 8 slices.   I, then, arrange them flat side up in a single layer on the cutting board.  You can use a cookie sheet also.  

2.  I place them in the freezer for about 45 minutes.  They freeze nicely.

3.  Next, I place each individually frozen banana slices into a sandwich bag.    Freezing them individually, and then storing them in a bag keep these slices from sticking to each other.  

4.  Then I place the sandwich bag with frozen banana slices into another bag, a storage bag or freezer bag.   Just for extra protection!  I do this so that these banana slices won’t get freezer burn.  

5.  And, that’s it!  I just throw in 2 to 3 frozen banana slices into the blender when I’m making my delicious smoothie.  Yum!

…thank you for visiting my blog…until next time:)