Progress with Primal Strength Systems

As you know I've been doing a fitness class called Primal Strength Systems. I'm in my fourth week now and loving (and sometimes hating) every minute of it. I decided to do a video post since it's been a while.

I've made a lot of progress over the last month and I've proved to myself that I am capable of so much more! I've had some personal bests that have really encouraged me in my journey. Tonight I was able to hold up my own body weight on that damn gym rope. It was only for a short time and only a couple of inches off the ground, but I DID IT!

I'm actually holding up my own weight!

Well, I'm off. I just had to share my excitement and progress with you tonight while it's still fresh and while I can still type without muscle pain!

And in case you missed it and you're wondering what kind of equipment we've been using here's a demo video.

Everything is Awesome....

Today, just for a moment everything is awesome! I am awesome! This morning was my sixth class with Primal Strength Systems and today I kicked ass!

It's getting easier to lift the 75 lbs bag. (I said easier not easy.) I also surprised myself with my improved ability to pull myself up from the ground using the thick rope. (You know the dreaded rope you had to climb in gym class as a kid) We did this one the first class and I could barely lift myself off the ground. Now I can go hand over hand and pull my body up and back down again (my feet stay on the ground). One of these days I'll get someone to take a video or a pic of it to show you.

It's amazing what I've accomplished in three short weeks. I feel like everyone should be able to tell just by looking at me, but there's no obvious physical changes. (I checked. I took pictures to compare. It's only minute changes that I can see.) That will come in time, I just have to be patient and persistent. I am quite proud of myself for what I have accomplished. I continue to amaze myself. Seeing the things that my body is capable of just makes me want to do more and more amazing things!

It's funny on my way home I had so much to say and now I'm drawing a blank. So, I guess I'll keep it short and sweet today!

Have a great weekend!

I Once Was Blind....

As you know I've been following the Isagenix program and I've lost some weight. I've lost 35 lbs to be exact! The thing is I haven't felt like I've really lost that much. That is until I came across some pictures from my birthday last November.

I guess being so big for so long I still see myself as 35 lbs heavier even though I know I've lost this weight. And a big part of that is also because I've struggled along the way. I have to constantly remind myself that I didn't gain an extra 100 lbs overnight by creating good habits. It's going to take time for me to develop better habits. I made it this far and haven't included regular exercise (although it's always on my to do list).

I've decided to show you what I can finally see. Although, I admit that this is really difficult for me to put out to the vast interweb. I feel like I need to. I need to show you the progress I've made. If only to record this moment in time for myself.

I've still got a long way to go, but I'm going to give myself this moment in time to just be proud of myself for getting this far.

Way to go me! 

Birthday pictures from November 2013 compared to Progress pictures June 2014

This is what I've accomplished in 3 months. My next three months my focus will be more on getting fit. I've signed up for some super intense training. I'm really excited and completely terrified, but I'll share more about my new fitness regime soon! 

Progress!!!!

Well it's workout #5/12 and I'm still feeling really good. I'm not sure if I mentioned the beginner program is only 4 weeks long (12 workouts). I'll decide in week 3 which Beautiful Badass program I'll move on to next.

Before I continue I just want to send a shout out to my lil sis from another momma. Today is her 25th birthday! Sending her lots of love - MUAH! 

  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DRE!!!!!!

After my workout, I decided to get my husband to take a progress pic since it's been a while. Since August 2010 I've lost 18 lbs. I've probably lost 100 lbs by now but it's the same 5-10 lbs I kept gaining and re-losing. I've had quite a few people tell me I look like I've lost weight, but I honestly didn't believe them - until now. Even I can see a difference now after looking at my progress pics (below). I look forward to posting even more dramatic progress pics. I'll post my next progress pic in week 4. 

Today's workout:


Reverse Barbell Lunge: 1 set of 60 lbs x 6 reps and 4 sets of 45 lbs x 6 reps
NOTE: So, I confused myself, forgot what I was doing and added the heavier weights to the barbell. I was halfway through the first set on my second leg when I realized I was supposed to be lifting 45 lbs. I switched back to 45 lbs but I felt empowered to know I could lift 60 lbs at least for 1 set.


Push-up: 5 sets of 6 reps (knee push-ups)

Inverted Row: 5 sets of 6
NOTE: I took a pic of how I'm able to do the inverted row. I lean my back on the end of the bench, prop my feet on the table and lift myself up about an inch off the bench.


Side Plank: 3 x 15 seconds per side
NOTE: I was able to increase my time by 5 seconds.


I just want to take a moment to talk about something that's been bothering me. People assume I'm lazy or that I'm not trying very hard because I can only plank for 15 seconds, do girlie push-ups or come up with some odd way to be able to do the inverted row. It's taken me years to finally accept the fact that it's not because I'm lazy or not trying, it's because I'm lifting my body weight. MY body weight is a lot heavier than those people who've made comments. I'm lifting 230 lbs which is a lot harder to lift up off the ground or suspend in the air than someone who weighs 160 lbs. The important thing is I'm trying! I'm finding ways to do the exercises required, instead of giving up and saying I can't do them at all. When I get better equipment I'll be using resistance bands to make it easier until I'm able to hold up my own body weight. I may only be able to hold myself up for 15-20 seconds or lift myself an inch off the bench, but dammit I'm DOING it. Can others say the same?


Okay, I'm done, for now. =) Have a great night! I'll be back on Saturday.