So, when you skip weight lifting for 3 weeks

and you go back again

Guess what?!?!?!

You get sore as crap!!!!!!

OMG....I so did not want to get up this morning.  My chest, my shoulders.....I'm starting to feel it in my tricepts.....ugh!

I'm going to have to go to the Power class on Saturday morning just so I can stretch and work those muscles again.

The plan was this week to do the Power class Tuesday night, but they had a special 2-hour Cardio Tease thing going on instead and I didn't want to go to that.  So, I tried to use the machines while waiting for belly dance to start....It's about impossible to get to any machines, or even most of the free weights between 5 and 8pm.  It used to not be so bad, but now, it's nuts.

Sometimes I wich the gym in my town wasn't so ghetto.  It's full of teenage testosterone and you can't really work out becuase they have so little.

Which means, I belong to a huge chain gym in Greensboro where I work.

Don't get me wrong....I LOVE it....the trainers (well, some of them) are awesome, the classes rock (especially Zumba and Power), and it's just a great atmosphere.

It's just super busy between 5 and 8 :( .

Which is why I started doing the classes.  I got tired of the elliptical and treamill and machines and needed something different.

I don't think they give enought recognition to the group leaders.  They are always bragging on the individual trainers, but never say anything about them.  Granted, most of them are trainers too, but when you are like me and are poor (wait....we're not poor, just frugal....there is a difference), you go the "free" route and do classes.  Plus the atmosphere in the classes - you get to know the people that go week after week and you cheer each other on.  It's a huge lift when others start noticing your weight loss and say something!!!

Like last night....Adrianna (belly dance and core instructor) told me she could tell I have lost since we started.  That made me feel so good - because everyone else sees me every day and they don't see much movement until I've lost a lot more.

12 weeks and counting .... let's keep em coming!!!

Meeting days are LONG...

Yes, yes they are. 

I have been in meetings since 9am. I have one more to go at 4:15, then I will be here until about 6pm, then off to the gym for my weight lifting class and belly dance class!

Oh how I love lifting weights!!

Is it hard...sometimes. 

Is it worth it??  Y.E.S.

I have been lifting for about 6 months now.  You want to lose body fat?  Lift weights.  You want to gain strength and endurance?  Lift weights. 

And the belly dance class right after is the perfect stretch after lifting.  Trust me, it's a workout in itself!

After a day like today, I need it too.  I am severely stressed....no, I'm not eating a pound of chocolate.  I did eat about 3oz of nuts, but I'm not real worried about it.  I also ate my celery and mango chutney.  Was I hungry?  No, but I stuck to what I brought and didn't buy any of the candy bars that are sitting on the counter for sale either.  I'm not going to get to my cottage cheese this afternoon. 

My favorite recipe of the moment that I got from the Runs for Cookies blog - Check her out!!  This is a variation of her Tortellini and Sausage Soup.  I made tiny meatballs with the sausage.  7 Weight Watchers Points plus per 2 cups.  Very Very filling.

Then for dinner yesterday, I made bacon wrapped chicken breast, shrimp and sauteed spinach, squash, zuchini, garlic and mushrooms



I work in regulatory affairs at a food flavoring company.  Know all those additives in foods you can't pronounce?  I work with those every day.  If you have eaten anything....you've had one of our products.  We are in evertything from doughnuts to soft drinks to fish bait...yes, fish bait.

I love my job and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  It just gets very very hectic at times.

More later....