Three Years Later - Time to Lose the "Baby Weight"

 Great pic...Not me!

Well, I guess since my daughter is three I can no longer use the excuse that I just had a baby.  I was laughing a few weeks ago with my mom when she said she was still trying to lose the weight from me...UGH!  The superficial side (we all have one) of me is worried about the weight and of course the way I will look in a bathing suit this summer.  As a Physical Therapist, I want to have more energy and be more healthy.

I have tried a few diets on and off and have been to the gym on my own with minimal success and complaints of "just not enough time" - (the greatest excuse we all have).  When I talked with Tom from Sandbata and told him my goals, he suggested Super Max; a small group workout once a week with a plan to follow during the week to help me reach my goals.  He said I would not have to think about what to do next because it would all be planned out for me.   Perfect!

I am a Physical Therapist and will not train with just anyone...I have never even had a trainer before.  When I met Tom, I really trusted his knowledge and passion for fitness.  I also loved the fact that he told me I should be able to lose the 20lbs in 10 weeks.   I have decided to give it a try.  In order to help me keep my commitment, I am going to write about my experience for all of you! 

I even had my husband take before pictures, which are not pretty, but hopefully you will get to see them in a few weeks (with the after pics of course!)  I am also hoping to fit in my favorite jeans which I payed a fortune for on Newbury Street - don't tell!

March 15 -  4pm
I begin my quest to lose the final 20 lbs of my 3 year old today.  For some reason, I am nervous.  Maybe I have watched too much Biggest Loser or maybe I am afraid to fail.  It is not the 1st time I have tried to lose weight in the past few years.  As I was going around the house deciding what to wear, my husband was laughing at me.  "You are going to the gym, not on a date!!"  As I drove there, I was more excited than nervous.  I am ready to have my old younger body and energy back.  Wish me luck!!!!

Monday March 15th - 9PM
Well, I survived my 1st night with just a few bad words and I cant's.  I feel energized and proud of myself that I completed the workout, but know I will be sore tomorrow.  Believe it or not, I am actually going to try spinning tomorrow, since it will help me to loosen up the sore muscles.  It was also on my list of activities for the week from Tom.   I hope I can fit it in with work and my son's basketball game.  I am excited because I have a plan for the week.  It includes a trip to the spa for the weekend with my oldest friends and I even get a few days OFF!!!!  I will let you know how I feel in the morning. 
PS….Getting weighed, measured, and body fat tested….UGH - Hopefully, I will be more excited to have it done next time!

Tuesday March 16th
I am sore, but surprisingly not as badly as I thought.  I felt great all day and then went to spinning.  Felt ok after, but I almost fell down the stairs on the way out of the gym.  I was hurrying to pick up my daughter at daycare and went to run down the steps, except my legs were like jello.  A fall would have made this story more exciting!

Wednesday March 17th
Ouch!  I am sore...I am walking much slower and it is tough to get up from the couch!  I can see why I am supposed to do yoga today.  I am not a fan of yoga.  I have always thought it was quirky - maybe because I am not flexible and not the type to meditate.  After putting the kids to bed, I found Exercise TV on Cox.  I never knew, it but we have it FREE on Demand.  It is in the Health and Wellness Section. 

No more excuses...There are exercise classes for kids, Biggest Loser Classes, Pilates, Slim and Sexy workouts (with a class called Bootylicious!), and of course yoga.  I felt much better doing yoga in my living room, without all the meditation in the dark with people I do not know.  I can actually move my legs now.  Today I only did it because Tom wrote it in my plan, but I am looking forward to trying it again. 

Thursday March 18th
A day off!  It seems like forever since I have exercised three days in a row.  Even with work, kids, and a meeting, I fit it in and now feel bad taking a day off.  Hey, Tom wrote it in the plan...day off it is!!

Friday March 19th
Spa weekend with the girls!  My best friends from high school and I go away for a spa weekend every year.  We have been to some wonderful spas in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.  My favorite is the Wentworth Spa in New Hampshire, if you ever get a chance to go.  Every mom should plan one of these.  An overnight (or 2) with no kids, a day of pampering, and a night out of food, wine and fun with your friends.  I just need to complete Tom's workout before the extravaganza begins.  Believe it or not, I actually did half at the my gym and the other half at the hotel gym.  I did not have enough time at my gym because once again, I was trying to figure out what to pack and wear all weekend!  Hopefully next year I can wear those jeans!

Monday March 22nd
I had a blast (and one too many martinis) at the spa, now it is time to work.  Monday is my day to workout with Tom at Bridge to Fitness.  I love that I have to meet him on Monday nights, because that was the day I had always made a million excused not to exercise.  I leave home after dinner and homework.  My husband takes care of bed time, maybe I should go 5x per week!  When I got home, the kids were awake in their beds to say good night, and they were so excited to see me.   They are never this excited because I am usually there at bed time.  It made me feel better about having been away.  It actually feels good to know they've missed me. 

I almost forgot to tell you about my second workout with Tom!  It was tough, although Dave (one of the people in my group) said he actually saw me smile.  I don't think I swore either.  He said I was much better than last week.  Hopefully, Tom does not read this so he is not harder on me next week.  l love working with the group (Dave and another woman).  Even though we are working on different goals and exercises we all encourage each other to put in that extra bit of effort.  Tom suggested we have protein after the workout.  He said it is best within 15 minutes of completing it.  I had my first Muscle Milk.  I am not sure about it and may have to try a bar or yogurt next time. 

Tuesday March 23rd
I think Tuesday has become my new spinning day.  It fits in with my kids schedules and is a great workout....my legs did not buckle when I ran down the stairs today.   Even though it has only been a week, I am feeling better and more energetic already.  I can't wait to see how I feel in a few more weeks!

Wednesday March 24th
I finished work early, so instead of yoga in my living room, I decided to try 3-2-1 Shred, a class at Bridge to Fitness (I get to work out and take classes there during the time I am training with Tom).  I am not sure what she was shredding, but wow what a workout!  I was the least fit person in the class and I haven't sweat that much in a long time, but it felt great when I was through!  It is strange how suddenly I have found all this time to exercise.  I think my priorities are shifting. 

Thursday March 25th
Day off!!  Time to rest the muscles.  I actually feel guilty and wish I could exercise since I am enjoying it.   I have a lot to do anyway.  My daughter has swim class tonight and we need to study for a spelling test.

Friday March 26th
Did my "Day 1" workout designed by Tom.  It is set up in 30 secondintervals so it really never stops!  I have not sweat this much in a long time.  Feel great now that I am done.  I really hope this is all worth it.  I have to say I am getting stronger already.  I did an entire set of shoulder lifts with 5lb weights without stopping which I could not complete last week.  Tried the stairmill for the first time.  It is way different and harder than the stair master.  It is CRAZY hard!  I made it 12 minutes without falling off, then I was done!  

Saturday March 27th
Ok...I just put on a pair of jeans that had been tight and they went on without stretching or sucking anything in.  It may be because they were stretched a little because I wore them once but I am thinking this is starting to work....woohooo!   I am excited now to go do my "Day 2" workout that Tom designed. 

Monday March 29th
Rain, rain, go away!!!  Thank goodness I had an appointment with Tom because I would have stayed home tonight.  I think one of the best parts of having Tom and Sandbata behind me is that I am held accountable...I was really held accountable tonight.  I got in a little trouble with Tom over the weekend fun.  Tom and I never really talked about nutrition, but I guess I should have known that eating pizza twice on Sunday is not part of the 20lb weight loss plan.  In case you were wondering, wine is not part of the plan either!  I am clear now and no more pizza for me for a while.  I had 100% committed myself to the exercise but not really changed my weekend eating habits.  Tom told me I could gain all the weight back I had lost all week over the weekend.   

I had a great workout with Tom and Shirley, my workout partner (we missed Dave tonight who was "playing" in the water in his basement).  Apparently, my attitude was a little off with a few choice words, prayers and "I cant's,"  but thanks to the two of them we got it done!  I left with a great plan for the week.  I have measurements and weigh in on Monday - did it have to be the day after Easter!  Wish me luck.

Tuesday March 30th
It's still raining but I've got to get to the gym.  Tonight I got in my spinning class and 20 of the 30 minutes on the stair mill.  When did I suddenly have all this time?  I am definitely stronger, there was no buckling on the stairs tonight!

Wednesday March 31st
3-2-1 Shred - need I say more.  Did you know there is such a thing as a plank-jack?  I do now!  Mental note - do not do the elliptical until after such a high intensity class.  I finished both and I feel GREAT!  Tired but great.  I am looking forward to a day of rest tomorrow.

Thurday April 1st
April Fools!  The sun came out just in time for our family trip to Frosty Freeze.  I had a small Only 8 Yogurt soI am thinking it was ok.  I will let you know what Tom says when he reads this.  I am thinking I burned the 32 calories waiting in line. 

Friday-Sunday April 2nd-4th
Well, I made it a few weeks before missing a workout.  I made it for an afternoon workout on Friday, but went with my family to Boston on Saturday and never made it to the gym.  I guess I should have done my TV yoga, but I kind of forgot about that as an option.  Wow, do I feel guilty since I have Easter Brunch tomorrow.  Tom is right, there really is something every weekend to spoil all of the hard work we do during the week. 

Believe it or not the gym is open on Easter!  After a 6am egg hunt and a morning family brunch, I actually went and did my workout from Tom and my friend the stair mill.  What better way to work off a "few" pieces of bacon and chocolate eggs.  We will see...

Monday April 5th
Weigh in time.  I cannot believe I am supposed to get weighed the day after Easter.  I hope my workout helped.  Well, I thought today was the day Tom weighed and measured me but it is actually Friday.  Today we did a quick weight and the body fat machine and I am down 5lbs of pure FAT!!  Woohoo!  Cannot wait until Friday now. 

I worked out with Dave and Tom tonight.  I am not sure where Shirley is.  It has only been a few weeks but I was thinking of her.  It is amazing how much stronger and more endurance I have.  Tom immediately recognizes this and upgrades my program.  The benefit of having him as a trainer - my body does not have a chance to get used to the things.  This is Dave's last week.  I think he met his goals.  I am going to miss him being there.  Even though we are working on different things, the small group is really nice. 

Tuesday April 6th
Tom wants this to be a big week!  I did his workout and spinning...really tired but no knees buckling on the stairs.  I love it!

Wednesday April 7th
Is it summer?  With the sunny day and warm temps, I was the only person to show up for 3-2-1 Shred so it was cancelled.  I guess Tom is making me a die hard!  I was actually looking forward to it.  I ended up with 20 minutes on the stair mill, 10 running on the treadmill (so boring), and 30 with Jillian Michaels on my TV at 10PM.   Oh, I also had a ton of fun outside with the kids.  You actually can get a lot of exercise chasing after missed baseballs, bikes, and kids. 

Thursday April 8th
A day off to write a newsletter!  Wish me luck tomorrow!

Friday April 9th
Weigh in time!  Well, we have success so far!  Tom measured and weighed me.  I lost 6 pounds - a little less then my goal, but considering I had spa weekend, a pizza extravaganza, and Easter I am happy.  I lost two inches from my waist, an inch from my hips, and a half inch in the chest.  At least I am losing it in the right places!  Hopefully you will all be seeing the AFTER pictures soon!

Saturday April 10th
Well, I never made it to work out after my weigh in yesterday so I needed to do extra today.  I did Tom's workout and the stair mill.  I have never sweat like I do when I am on the stair mill.  It keeps going at a constant pace so you cannot really cheat.  You should definitely give it a try!

Side note:  Date night...on a side note we had date night tonight.  One of my favorite things to do.  If you hardly ever have a night out with your hubby, it is a must!  Call Nana or hire a babysitter, you will be glad you did!  We went to the Bit Players Improv Comedy at the Firehouse Theater.  We had a great time and it was fun and inexpensive.  The theater is small and on the older side, it seats about 70 and is different at first, but once the show starts you forget all about it.  It was BYOB so we brought a bottle of wine (don't tell Tom).  It was a great night out with a lot of laughs...and I got to wear a pair of jeans that used to be tight...but not my favorite ones yet!

Sunday April 11th
Since the kids slept over at my parents but we still can't sleep in, we went to the gym before they came home.  It is such a great feeling to have your workout over with and not hanging over your head all day.  It was such a beautiful day I think I got a second workout chasing the kids in the yard. 

Monday April 12th
No Tom :(  Tom was not available tonight so I had to work out on my own.  I did not realize how beneficial it was to have him there to push me harder than I would on my own.  Also, I missed him helping me come up with a plan for the week.  I guess we will see how I do without Sandbata.  I felt guilty about not pushing as hard as I should so I also did a 25 minute Yoga workout on the TV.

Tuesday April 13th
Could not wait for spinning so I did my Day 1 workout.  I can actually make it through now and can do 8 real push ups in a row.  I am feeling so much stronger and energetic at home. 

Wednesday April14th
Day Off!

Thursday April 15th
With work, swim lessons and a trip to Clements I was unable to get to the gym today so I am hoping to finish my weekly scoop so I can get in a workout from the TV.  Not as good as Tom's workouts but better than nothing!  I just realized it has been a month today since I started.  I need to stick with it now, unlike my New Years resolution. 
Note - Did yoga at midnight on the TV!!!

Friday - Sunday April 16-18th
Well, I started out with a great plan until one of my best friend from college came up from Florida.  I was able to manage workouts two of the three days, but really not as great without the plan from Tom.  And willpower...forget it...one glass of wine and willpower went out the door.  Great night with dinner and drinks but then an entire day of complaining about it after.  I wasted so much time complaining that I missed the day at the gym!!!  The complaining may have been a "little hangover" related too.  Just not 21 anymore, although I did get carded at a bar :)

Monday April 19th
Happy to be back with Sandbata at Bridge to Fitness!  Tom is was a little upset, "you have something every weekend!"  I wish I had talked to him about it before the extravaganza!  The next thing he said was "I am sorry in advance for this workout."  Apparently, I have moved into the second month and it is time to switch it up so my body does not get used to it.  Wow!  I cannot believe he planned this before I told him about my weekend.  I was just beginning to master the other workouts!  I guess that is the idea.  I know it will be worth it!  Tom is dedicated and I am super dedicated to the workouts.  Now I just need to focus on the food and wine end.  My real test is next weekend when I visit my mother in law who is the most amazing cook and tries to feed us non stop.  Wish me luck.

Side Note: Tom invited all of you to come and workout with me (free) on a Monday night.  I could definitely use the support and would love to meet some of you.  Email me if you would like to come.  Don't worry he will set up the workout for you no matter what your fitness level it will not be the same as mine.  You are also welcome to try Bridge to Fitness for Free - Click here to print the coupon. 

Tuesday April 20th
Tom's Day 1 workout and a battle with the stairmill.  Great workout!  On the way home, I picked up my son and his friend for a sleepover and pizza.  With four kids here I thought it would be easy.  Mental note - I LOVE PIZZA!  It is so hard not to eat it when it is in the house.  I need to only let them have it for school lunches from now on.

Wednesday April 21st
Tom's Day 2.  It really is a great workout.  It is remarkable how much standing around people do at a gym and how much you can really pack in to 50 minutes.  Since most of the workout is timed, it keeps me going and I do not waste much.  I think it helps to burn calories and fat this way too! 

Thursday April 22nd
Newsletter and a TV workout - not sure what it will be yet!  I will let you know.  I am flying first thing in the AM so I will fill you in when I get back!

Friday - Tuesday April 23rd-27th
Oh my!  Can my Italian mother in law, (not really but married her entire life to an Italian, so she thinks like one) cook!  From the moment we book plane tickets to Pittsburgh, she begins planning the meals and festivities.  She really is amazing!  She promised not to make my favorite dip but yet bought a similar one which was hard to resist.  I really enjoyed a weekend of homemade meals and fun.  I did make it to the gym three times!  I was very proud of myself.  Of course, I definitely ate and drank more then I exercised so now back to the grind, UGH! 

Will there ever be a weekend without an excuse to eat and drink.  I am glad I do not need to see Tom until next week, although I really need to buckle down to meet my goal!!!!!!  I just realized my college reunion is in one month!  Oh, we flew back home on Tuesday morning so Tuesday night I sat down with a salad to try to get back on track.  I had just finished when my parents came to bring my dog home with Caserta's Pizza...which is my absolute favorite.  I have not had it since I convinced my husband to bring it to Women and Infants when I had my daughter.  YUM!  OK I will start fresh on Wed.

Wednesday April 28th and Thursday April 29th
It actually felt great to be healthy today.  I tried to make up for the Caserta Pizza on the stair mill but almost passed out.  The lady next to me thought I was CRAZY.  She just kept looking over and shaking her head.  I was glad she was there in case I fell off!  I made it though.  I am taking tomorrow off for my newsletter but have big plans for a class called Blood Sweat and Tears on Friday AM.  Could they give it a less scary name?

Friday April 30th
It was not the name but I never made it to Blood, Sweat, and Tears...had to finish my newsletter for all of you!  Well, my advice to all of you is to find a way to make it no matter what.  I ended up at the gym at 8:30PM and left as they were shutting the lights off.  But I did go!  Yay!

Saturday May 1st
What a beautiful day.  To bad I have to work.  It is funny, as a physical therapist I exercise with people all week long and have trouble getting my own workouts in sometimes.  I wish I could workout with my patients sometimes!  After work I squeezed in a quick run around the neighborhood...quick because I cannot really run that far yet!  Better than nothing I guess.  My poor dog was finished for the day since this was her first run of the season...she spends most of the winter, well I guess most of every day, sleeping.  I had a great suggestion from a MomsTown Dad today.  He enjoys walking the cliff walk.  It is 7 miles and a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the beauty of Newport.  It will definitely be on my list of things to do next weekend!

Side note:  Thanks to my wonderful friends for thinking of me when we went to their house for apps and drinks.  They made sure to have healthy options and fruit to support my goals...to bad I was able to convince them to stop for pizza on the way home from a night of fun in Newport - what am I 21?????  It was a great try. 

Sunday May 2nd
I have to work one weekend every four months at my job and this was it.  Yes, I had to work again today.  I was exhausted from work and date night so I never made it to exercise.  Hopefully, Tom will not ask.

Monday May 3rd
Back to my training with Sandbata.  I was just starting to think I know what to do and can handle this.  Maybe I do not need Tom when suddenly he was pushing me harder than I new I could work.  I think it is the most I have sweat since the days of playing college sports.  I feel great not that it is over and definitely know how they feel on the biggest loser last chance workouts.  As hard as it is, I feel like I accomplished so much when I am through.  Can't wait until next week!

Tuesday May 4th
Does being up all night with a sick child count as exercise?  Poor baby has a 102 fever...of to the pediatrician in the AM. 

Side Note:  When I was reading the Mother's day poem I put on the homepage I was laughing when it said about being peed on.  It has been a long time since that happened to me.  Well, as I am sure it has happened to all of you.  I let my daughter stay in my bed night last beacause she was sick and woke up at 3AM to her crying beacause she had peed in the bed!  Fun, Fun, Fun!

Wednesday and Thursday May 5th and 6th
Well, this was the worst week since I started.  Between a sick child, work, and bringing my son to activities, I never found a minute for myself...even for yoga on the TV.  I really need to work on it and find time all weekend.  I really feel so much better when I exercise.  It is Mother's Day so I should be able to make some time for me right?

Friday May 7th
Did not make it to Blood, Sweat and Tears but did manage to complete Tom's #2 workout.  I can now do 10 real push-ups in a row!  Woohoo.  Hopefully I can get some time to myself this weekend for exercise since it is Mother's Day weekend.

Saturday May 8th
Had a great day with the family and some time to myself for a walk and a workout!  I think my weigh in and measuring is next week.  I am excited...maybe a little nervous too.  I tried on my favorite jeans today and I could get them on and button them...I still cannot wear them since I looked like the lady in the yogurt commercial wrestling to get them on and I cannot really sit down comfortably in them.  Maybe in a few more weeks.  Yipee!

Sunday May 9th
Mother's Day - I had an amazing day with my family, but why is it that all of the holidays revolve around food!  I haven't figured out how to handle that yet but I really need to.  Tom is right, there really is something ever weekend!!

Monday May 10th
I went from work, to my son's baseball game, to the gym.  Tom had to cancel because of a meeting at Salve (he is the strength and conditioning coach for the athletic teams there).  I did my workout on my own but realized although I work hard, it is not easy to push yourself as hard as he does.  I could really use him every day! 

Tuesday and Wednesday May 11th and 12th
Both days were a bust.  My husband was traveling for a work and I did not make a minute for myself.  I definitely need to work on that! 

 I will continue to update my report throughout the week....Check back often!