Weigh in Wednesday

Last night it felt so weird to be at Weight Watchers and NOT weigh in.  I have gone every week (but didn't stay for the 12/23 meeting) of this journey.  I only get a week "off" this time since next week is the first meeting of March that I'll attend.  Weighing myself this morning it looks like I'm still on the right track.

Week of Workouts

Thursday I worked my arms.

Friday I worked my shoulders.

Saturday I knew that in order to be able to make it to the library I couldn't wait for Benny to get up to shovel the driveway.  So I did it ALL BY MYSELF!  I had Austin come out and work on the leftovers but that didn't last long.  At least he stayed outside with me and off his tablet!  It took me about 2 hours to get it all done.

Surprisingly I was never really sore after all that shoveling but I still went ahead and did yoga on Sunday.

Monday I worked my arms again.

Yesterday I wrapped up Body Beast doing Cardio & Abs.

I have no program set up to go to next and have no idea what I want to do EEK!

Body Merry

I was given the opportunity to try out Body Merry's Stretch Marks & Scars Defense Cream as well as the Age Defense Eye Cream in exchange for my review. 

Along with eliminating my wingsuit it would be nice to clear up some of those stretch marks from my skin stretching all these years. 

Body Merry’s Stretch Marks & Scars Defense Cream is a natural and organic formula consisting of organic cocoa butter and shea butter, alongside lots of pure plant oils and vitamins. This cream provides intense moisturization and nourishes your skin to help visibly reduce the appearance of existing marks and scars, whatever be the cause. Not only that, it effectively prevents the formation of new ones.  Like all our products, it is free from harsh chemicals such as parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

My arm and stomach before applying Body Merry's Stretch Marks & Scars Defense Cream

I haven't used cocoa butter in years but smelled it immediately when I opened the jar.  I could probably sniff it all day LOL!  I applied the Stretch Marks & Scars Defense Cream on my upper arms (aka wings) and my stomach twice a day for a couple of weeks.  I personally can't see any difference in either area.  Cocoa butter is supposed to work wonders for this but perhaps because it's been too long or that my skin is too loose I can't see the effects.  I would like to use this cream again once my skin is tighter to see if it makes a difference.

I didn't know what to expect with Body Merry's Age Defense Eye Cream.  There is a slight scent to this cream, although I can't identify what it is.  I used this once a day for a couple of weeks.  Not even a full pump was enough to cover both eyes (a little dab'll do ya).  I dabbed a towel on my eyes to pick up any excess so it wouldn't get into my eyes.  I noticed the skin around my eyes feels a little smoother than before and maybe a little less puffy.

(I tried to take current pictures this morning but Benny interrupted me and I didn't get it done.)

Order your own Body Merry creams on Amazon

Don't forget to sign up to guest post for the BODYpeace series!

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Welcome to Lifetime

Apparently there was an error in the posting that listed the Organic Chia Seed opportunity as a review and a giveaway.  It was only supposed to be a review.  I want to thank the winner, Kimberly Job of Sublime Reflection for being a good sport about it!

I weighed in last night down 1.4 lbs and signed up for the Lifetime Membership at Weight Watchers.  As a Lifetime Member I'm considered a permanent part of the family!  As a Lifetime Member you receive a charm, membership card, free eTools subscription, and unlimited meetings (although I don't see the need to attend more than once a week but some feel it necessary).  Since I only need to weigh in monthly now I'd like to know what you'd like to see instead.

Do I take a picture of my scale before my Wednesday workout like this?

Or do I have something else here?  Please leave your ideas in the comments.

Week of Workouts

Thursday it was Cardio & Abs.

Saturday was Build: Chest/Tris before heading to Comic Con.

Monday I began week 12 with Bulk: Back.

Yesterday was leg day.

Today I did Bulk: Chest.

Wizard World Comic Con

On the Indiana Women's Blogger Facebook Group I was given 3 passes to Comic Con earlier in the week then on Thursday I got a notice that I won two more (never got used by anyone).  Neither Benny nor Austin seemed too thrilled to go, especially with the high prices for autographs and photo opportunities.  I finally got them convinced to attend but boy was it COLD!

We didn't go until late because of Benny so I missed out on some of the panels.  We popped in William Shatner's talk but left about halfway through; Benny said it wasn't what he expected.  Did you know that Shatner owns horses and comes to the Indiana State Fairgrounds in September for some kind of horse race?  He also mentioned that he helped design a motorcycle and will be driving it from Chicago to Los Angeles this summer.  It's quite an interesting looking bike!

After that we walked around the exhibit floor.  There were so many cool looking things displayed and for sale.  Austin and Benny went into the zombie shooting range and took home their targets.  We ran into Spock manning a booth.  Don't know if I startled the guy or what but my picture came out blurry when he took it.

We popped into the concert by the Critical Hit Band (leader is the guy who writes the music for World of Warcraft) while waiting for the costume contest.  The lady in the middle was playing an instrument I don't recognize.  It had the neck of a cello but a tiny body.  (lights too bright so I couldn't get a good picture)

There were many interesting costumes that entered the contest (as individuals or groups).  Winners included costumes from Spaceballs, Aladdin, Labyrinth, and Star Wars.  Some spent months and probably a lot of money putting their costumes together.  It put my Halloween costumes to shame!

I couldn't imagine being there all day but I would've liked to go to the talks or panels.  I would like to go to another one in costume and hang out with other cosplayers.

For those of you that have gone to a ComicCon or GenCon, what did you enjoy the most?

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Back to Beast Mode

I weighed in last night down 1.4 lbs...back in my goal window.  The Weight Watchers leader said last night that next week I'll receive my Lifetime key charm!  So if anyone's interested in seeing what it's all about you can come for free Tuesday night at 6 PM (they offer 1 free meeting to everyone).

WEIGHT WATCHERS STORE CENTRE EAST

10537 E WASHINGTON ST STE E

INDIANAPOLIS , IN 46229

Giveaways

Don't forget I have two giveaways going on now.

Microbiome Probiotics - 5 Winners, Ends 2/14 @ 1 AM EST

Organic Chia Seeds - 1 Winner, Ends 2/16 @ 1 AM EST

Week of Workouts

Thursday I did Jillian Michaels' Shred It with Weights Level 2.

I was so exited to get Body Beast again so I can wrap up this program.  If it hadn't snowed I would've picked it up at the library Wednesday night.  Instead I got it Thursday night.

Friday I returned to Body Beast with Bulk: Shoulders.

Saturday I did Cardio & Abs.

Sunday was Build: Back/Bis.

Monday was leg day.

Tuesday I wasn't feeling it.  I don't know how to describe.  I ended up just doing Cardio without the Abs.

Everything was back to normal today for me to do Bulk: Shoulders.

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Maintenance Week 2

I weighed in last night up another 2.8 lbs.  This puts me above the goal window so I thought that meant the 6 weeks would restart once I got back to goal.  We were giving our Weight Watchers success stories again last night and were asked where we are on our journeys.  When I said I hit goal but was over this time the leader still said I had only 4 weeks left.  So I guess you just have 6 weeks no matter whether you're over, under, or right where you need to be.  Works for me!

Week of Workouts

Thursday was Cardio & Abs.

Friday was a welcomed rest day.

Saturday I wrapped up week 9 with Build: Chest/Tris.

Sunday was another rest day; it felt weird with two rest days so close together.

Monday was Bulk: Back.

Tuesday was Build: Legs.

Today was Bulk: Chest.

I kept trying to renew the Body Beast DVDs but had no luck this time around; I have to bring them back to the library today.  I'm 8th on the request list but hope I don't have to wait long.  I plan to pick up where I left off whenever I get the DVDs back.  In the meantime I have plenty of other workouts still checked out that I can do.

Physical Therapy Update

The PT has been working on the Alexander Technique with me, trying to get me to not be using muscles when they're not needed.  I've checked out some books from the library on the subject and will be reading up on it some more.  Have you tried this technique before?

Yesterday I had sneezed while getting ready to leave work to head to therapy so I had a headache when I arrived.  The PT gave me some more exercises to strengthen my C-Spine so I can reduce the impact of my hard sneezes.

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First Week of Maintenance

On this first week of maintenance I weighed in up 1.8 lbs but I'm still in my goal range!  I didn't do many adjustments because it was also TOM week so I already expected some gain.  This is the week to see what I need to do.

Week of Workouts

Thursday was cardio and abs.

Friday I worked my back.  The picture I took for Instagram looks like I'm flapping wings as fast as a hummingbird! LOL

Ready for takeoff! #BodyBeast #FFCheckin #Fitfluential #happydoyear Created with Photo Collage Maker. http://goo.gl/RpSVMx

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Jan 9, 2015 at 4:10am PST

Saturday I wrapped up week 8 pulling double duty working my arms and shoulders.

This final 4 week phase of Body Beast has a mix of phase 1 and 2.  Sunday was one of the workouts from phase 1 - Build: Back/Bis.

Monday was Bulk: Legs.

Yesterday was Cardio & Abs again.  Thursday will be the same so it's like 3 leg days in week 9!

This morning was Build: Shoulders.

Probiotics-a-Plenty

I've been given the opportunity to review two different probiotics.  I didn't expect to get them at the same time so I'm not sure how to handle this.  Any recommendations?  I'm thinking about alternating weeks between the two.  What is your favorite type of probiotic?

First up is the LiviaOne Daily Liquid Probiotics.  This is my first liquid supplement so it will be a different experience for me.  The bottle arrived Monday so I started it yesterday.

The second one is the 3 Microbiome Plus+ GI Probiotic which arrived yesterday.  I will be doing a giveaway for this one with 5 winners!

 

 



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Beast Mode, Turkeys, & Teens - Oh, My!

Last night I weighed in down 2.4 lbs!  That leaves 1.8 lbs until we evaluate whether or not I should change my goal weight of 130 lbs.  Whether we make any changes at that point or not I'm considering using whatever I weigh on January 6th as reaching goal.  Will see how I progress in Beast Mode before I make anything official since I won't be done with Body Beast until February.

Week of Workouts

Friday was Build: Legs again.

Saturday was Build: Back/Bis.  I have never been able to do a pull-up or chin-up.  This adds some complication to the workout.  My doorway is too big for a pull-up/chin-up bar.  There's also no door so I couldn't do a resistance band with a door attachment.  So I used my Slim in 6 resistance band and wrapped it around my feet.  I held my feet up against the side of the couch.  This kind of worked but would like to try something different this Saturday.  Any suggestions?

I played around with a few different poses to see if there are any changes from week to week.  This is what I came up with.  I asked Austin if there were other poses I should do.  He said how would he know and I replied that he's a boy! LOL  No response after that.  Should I add any others for week 2?

Sunday was back to Build: Chest/Tris.  I'm guessing it's because I did this the day after Back/Bis but this workout was more difficult this time around.

Monday I woke up with a double sinus and tension headache so I didn't complete a workout.  The sinus headache went away (and returns) but the tension one just doesn't want to let up.

Back to the grind on Tuesday with Cardio & Abs.

This morning was Build: Shoulders.

Thanksgiving & Austin's Birthday

I picked up the 13 lb or so turkey Monday night.  We'll have mashed potatoes and gravy.  Benny will have his asparagus and red cabbage (can't stand the smell of the stuff).  Not sure what veggies I'll do for myself.  I never plan, fix or buy a dessert but I kind of want one.  What's on your menu?

Austin will turn 13 Friday and I have everything to make our version of a Pokeball cake.  Keep an eye out on Instagram for pictures!

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Entering Beast Mode

Background Image Courtesy of mapichai | FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I found this background removing tool at https://www.bonanza.com/background_burner .... While it's not perfect it does a heck of a lot better than me trying to hold my hand steady and trace around a picture of me with the mouse!

I weighed in last night up .4 lbs.  Not really surprised with this little gain because of the soreness from being in Beast Mode.

Week of Workouts

Thursday I couldn't decide what to do so I ended up with Rockin' Body Party Express.

Friday I designed my own workout from Kathy Smith's Lift Weights to Lose Weight 2.  I did the squats then upper body standing and floor routines.



The original Body Beast Lean Schedule (with my color coding for times) from the auto scheduler in WOWY.

Saturday I rested up to prepare to begin Body Beast on Sunday.  First up was Build: Chest/Tris.  The decline pushups seemed easier than regular ones...I guess because I didn't have to worry about my legs.  I sure could feel this workout in my shoulders!



The modifications I made to fit my availability

Monday I was still feeling tenderness in my shoulders so I was glad that it was Build: Legs day.  One of the exercises is seated calf raises.  Umm...I felt nothing with them.  Do I have to have super heavy weights sitting on my legs to feel like I did anything?  What's up with that Sagi?

Yesterday I still felt tenderness in my shoulders but could feel it going away.  I felt kinda pooped doing Beast: Cardio & Abs.  I was more into it this workout than I was last Sunday.

This morning was Build: Shoulders.  Dumbbell shrugs are another one where I felt nothing...even with 11 lbs.  I struggle so much with lifting focusing on the shoulder muscles that I pretty much stuck with the 3 lb dumbbells for most of the workout.

So for the first three weeks Thursdays will be my rest day.  The following five weeks I switched it to Sunday but it could also be Saturday, depending on how I feel.  You can take a look here to view the schedules in Google Docs.

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Lifting Queen?

I weighed in last night down 1.4 lbs, making up all but .8 lbs of the gain from the past two weeks!

Week of Workouts

Wednesday's Olympic lifting resulted in Olympic pain and stiffness in my upper thigh/hip joints so I took a rest day Thursday instead of Sunday.

Friday I did the second workout from Kelly Coffey-Meyer's 30 Minutes to Fitness Lift in Full Throttle - Powersculpting.  My legs still hurt so I did this one slower than I normally would've.

Saturday's yoga DVD was super long - over an hour and a half.  The intro to Mark Blanchard's Progressive Power Yoga said something about 3 sections so I expected it to be broken up.  I don't know where the other sections were...

Sunday I tried out the Body Beast Cardio workout.  Apparently I was still in slo mo because I had low burn for a cardio workout.

Sunday was also our 6th anniversary.  I had gone to Dollar General with Austin after the library Saturday but they had a sucky anniversary card selection so I had to buy stuff to make my own card.  Benny didn't snooze long enough Saturday so I had to wait until Sunday morning to make the card.  This is what I came up with.

And my 6 roses with card from Benny...the other half of the dozen are in the front room where I workout.

Monday I did Kelly Coffey-Meyer's 30 Minutes to Fitness Split Sessions Workout One - Upper Body.  I managed to use the 8 lb weights almost the whole workout but I did get lightheaded for some reason towards the end.

Tuesday I did three of Zuzka Light's videos on YouTube.  They're all short so you have to combine them to make a worthwhile workout.  I didn't like the combinations the YouTube app offered me on our Blu-ray.  Too disorganized of a workout for me to do this regularly.

This morning I did Kelly Coffey-Meyer's 30 Minutes to Fitness Split Sessions Workout Two - Lower Body.  My HRM crapped out on me halfway through and stopped reading my heartbeat.  So I don't know how accurate the total from the two readings is accurate for this workout.

What's Next?

I am starting Body Beast next week.  I copied the schedule and re-arranged it to something that should work for me.  You can see the original and my schedules here following the Lean plan.  For any ladies who have done Body Beast, do you have any tips?

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