Going Down

THURSDAY I was worn out with Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Workout 8.

FRIDAY I got into a new-to-me pose in Yoga with Adriene.

SATURDAY I did Workout 9.  I was lightheaded so some moves felt like I was flying!  I ran into one of the ladies from Weight Watchers at the Chinese restaurant.  We both said "see you Tuesday" so I kinda felt obligated to go to the meeting next week.

MONDAY I did some more Yoga with Adriene.  I shared a set of transformation pictures on Instagram, showing how different I looked from when I first started exercising to now.

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Apr 4, 2016 at 6:38am PDT

After work I drove down to the southside YMCA to register for the Heartsaver CPR/AED certification class on the 21st.  That place is packed so I'll have to leave work extra early to be able to find a parking spot!

YESTERDAY it was tough during Workout 10.  About 10 minutes in I had to pause the DVD to catch my breath!

I went to the Weight Watchers meeting and was down 1 lb!  I still had to pay the meeting fee since I wasn't down further.  I'd seen their campaign about sharing your Glowment but didn't hear about these cute Glowboxes.  I immediately bought one!  The selfie button paired with my phone but wouldn't take a picture (just like selfie sticks).

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Apr 5, 2016 at 3:15pm PDT

TODAY was HOLY COW with Cardio 3!  Way too much plyo for me so I tried to modify a lot of the exercises.

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

#MotivateMe Monday with Fitness Cheerleader, Running Rachel, & Run Mommy Run

Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup with Marathons & Motivation & IlkasBlog

I Passed!

I'd been so nervous about taking the Group Exercise Instructor exam that I could've psyched myself out.  This was my first exam since 2005 so I hadn't a clue how to study or anything.  I think that's funny because I never had a problem before!

I arrived at the IvyTech campus on the south side of the beautiful Fort Harrison yesterday afternoon.  I hadn't been up there in years so I'd forgotten how peaceful it was.  The room numbers were a little weird walking down the hall (with completely empty/stripped rooms on the way).  I found the testing room and got all checked in.  They have you do a practice test to accommodate yourself with the program.  Man, those questions were hard since they were on completely random topics and I knew nothing about several of them!

You're allotted 2 hours to take the exam from the time you click the button to start.  The timer ticked away in the top left of the screen; that was a bit distracting to me.  You could mark the questions you weren't sure about and go back at any time.  I completed all 120 questions in just under an hour.  When I got back out to the car I shared a picture of the exam passed letter across social media.

I was strongest in domains 3 & 4 which I think is very appropriate for Wellness Coaching since I'm not planning on actually teaching any fitness classes.  Coaches need to be strong in engagement and leadership of their clients and be savvy in all the administrative and legal stuff.  Next up is getting my CPR certification before they'll send me the actual GEX certificate.  The Red Cross offers the classes with exam several times a month so I can schedule that any time.

Have you ever surprised yourself on an exam?

THURSDAY I did Jillian Michael's Body Revolution Phase 2 Workout 5.

FRIDAY I did Yoga with Adriane Yoga Camp Day 4 - I Awaken.

SATURDAY I did Phase 2 Workout 6.

MONDAY I did Yoga Camp Day 5 - I Am Alive.  I was alive with anticipation for the GEX exam.

YESTERDAY I did Phase 2 Workout 7.

When I went to Weight Watchers last night I had to pay for the first time EVER.  I was the same weight as the beginning of the month but over the system goal weight of 150 lbs.  I see no way that I'm going to lose 4.6 lbs over the next week to prevent me from having to pay another $15 next week so I might not be returning for a while.  I was on a high from passing the exam that I didn't tell anyone this at the meeting.

TODAY I did Cardio 2.

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

#MotivateMe Monday with Fitness Cheerleader, Running Rachel, & Run Mommy Run

Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup with Marathons & Motivation & IlkasBlog

Cat Scratches and a Broken Shower

THURSDAY I did Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Phase 1 Workout 2.  I'd gone to bed forgetting to set the alarm.  Benny woke me up at 6:30A and I still got it done!  On top of that I was scratched up by the cat.  She was asleep next to me on the couch Wednesday and I moved to get up.  She must've been sound asleep and my movement scared the crap out of her.  She clawed my finger, arm, and bottom lip.  Where the scratch was on my finger made it difficult to grip things.

FRIDAY I had one of my sinus pressure/headache combos so I didn't workout.  These times don't go well with Jillian.

SATURDAY I did Phase 1 Workout 3.  This day marks the beginning of the 3rd year of my journey.

On March 19, 2013, I went to my first @WeightWatchers meeting. Since then I have lost 110 lbs, started eating more fruits & veggies, manage my portions, started exercising, and discovered my passion & purpose. #healthyliving #healthyeating #portioncontrol #exercise #wellnesscoach #WeightWatchers #weightlossjourney #LAWRTW #LongAndWindingRoad #LongAndWindingRoadToWellness #IndyCoach

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Mar 19, 2016 at 1:51pm PDT

MONDAY I was still sleepy so I did some Yoga with Adriene.

I tried to take a shower but the water pressure wasn't there.  Benny checked the sink in our bathroom and the shower and sink in the other bathroom, all were normal.  So we determined it's the diverter (the thing that mixes the hot & cold).  I called the home warranty company so we could get our plumber in to fix it.  The plumber said it'd be $300 to make the repairs ($50 deductible & $250 for the work).

YESTERDAY was a big leg day with Phase 1 Workout 4.  I remember when I first did surrenders; I was sore for days afterwards.  This morning my legs were still feeling the surrenders but they weren't sore!

Benny had to move everything away from the wall in the living room so the plumbers would have access to the shower.

TODAY I did Cardio 2.  I feel so much slower than what Jillian does (besides not doing much plyo) but it works for me.

The plumber arrived around noon and were finished in two hours.  They left to take care of another client and will return later today to patch the drywall.  Friday they'll be back to sand and paint.

Tuesday is the big day - the Group Exercise Certification Exam.  I'm getting nervous!

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

#MotivateMe Monday with Fitness Cheerleader, Running Rachel, & Run Mommy Run

Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup with Marathons & Motivation & IlkasBlog

Weighing in with Some Muffins

I remember posting this picture when the muffin pan arrived at the beginning of February with a note wondering what I'd make for Valentine's Day.  I have scoured my Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook posts but just can't find that post anywhere!  Has it been lost in cyberspace or have I lost my mind?  I received the Premium 12-Cup Silicone Muffin & Cupcake Baking Pan for free in exchange for my honest review.  The set comes with the pan, liners, spatula, and brush.

Because Austin hung out at his friend's house Valentine's weekend I didn't bake anything.  The following weekend I made German Chocolate cupcakes (no icing because Benny didn't want it) using applesauce instead of vegetable oil.  The cake mix box didn't have any instructions as to how long to bake the cupcakes for using silicon, only glass or metal.  So I had to guess.  Two batches were made since the box says 24 cupcakes, with Dove dark chocolate hearts in the second batch.

Funny Looking German Chocolate Cupcakes

The cupcakes were super moist but I still don't know if I baked them enough.  They passed the toothpick test so I assumed they were done.  They remained super moist, enough so the bottoms molded through the bottom of the liner paper onto the cupcakes.  We had to throw the rest away last weekend.  That was different since Austin's birthday cake lasts for weeks.

What I liked about using a silicone pan is that the cupcakes didn't burn!  In the metal pans when I'd use a liner whatever I'd make would be over baked, slightly burning all along the paper.  So I had to switch to using the flour baking spray whenever I made anything.  I'd love to continue with silicone so I can use those cute liners again and to see if everything comes out moist once I figure out the bake time difference.

Should you want to experience the joys of baking with the Premium 12-Cup Silicone Muffin & Cupcake Baking Pan you can pick one up on Amazon.

THURSDAY I did Kelly Coffey-Meyer's Split Sessions Lower Body Workout.  I started reading through the GEX practical skills booklet.

FRIDAY I completed the final P90X3 makeup session with Dynamix.  I read more of the practical skills.

SATURDAY I did Split Sessions Full Body Timesaver.

MONDAY I started a Killer week to March in like a lion with Jillian Michaels Killer Buns & Thighs Level 1.  I answered the test questions from the practical skills booklet.

YESTERDAY I did Killer Body Upper Body, sticking with the 8 lb dumbbells.  Benny asked to see the GEX materials but I don't think he looked at anything after I went to bed as they were still sitting where I left them on the table when I left this morning.

I weighed in last night up 7.2 lbs, back up to 156.6 lbs.  I don't think this is all muscle so I'm going to have to go back to tracking my food again to see what's going on.  Besides all the gassiness (which only seems to happen at home so I don't know what's up with that either) my pants are tighter at my hips and thighs.

TODAY I did Killer Body Core.  The core-focused workouts I've done before were 15 minutes max.  This was different working my core for 30 minutes.  Right now I'm not feeling it but my arms are aching a bit from yesterday.  What's your longest core-focused workout?

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

Jebbica for Food & Fitness Friday

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

#MotivateMe Monday with Fitness Cheerleader, Running Rachel, & Run Mommy Run

Blog Hop Spotlight Day

Welcome everyone visiting from Kristy's Grow Your Blog Hop!

I always seem to blank on what to say about me (my over-analytical mind in action) so here are 9 facts that you may or may not know:

• I'm a mom of a teenage boy who will be starting high school in the fall. EEK!
• My ex-husband and I had an amicable divorce without using lawyers.
• My current husband is a native German who became a US Citizen in September 2013.
• Next month marks the beginning of my 3rd year on the journey to improve my overall health and wellness.
• I got started on this journey because of a diabetes prevention study in conjunction with Weight Watchers and have stuck with everything.
• My journey led me to discover my passion and purpose for living - to be a Wellness Coach and help those 40+ who are new to their own journeys or are returning after a long hiatus.
• My degree's in French (which I've forgotten since I never get to use it).
• I've always held an office job, except for the year or so I also worked at Office Depot.
• I'm currently studying for the Group Exercise Certification exam from NETA so that I can get their Wellness Coach certification by the end of June.

Each Wednesday I wrap up what I've done over the past week.  I've kept it as Weigh in Wednesday even though all the linkups this was for have gone away because Tuesday nights are my Weight Watchers meetings.  Since I reached Lifetime last year I typically only weigh in once a month.

THURSDAY I did P90X3 Pilates X.  I read Chapter 19 - Flexibility Programming.

FRIDAY I did X3 Yoga.  I read Chapters 20-22 - Teaching Skills, Group Exercise Class Structure and Formats, and Injury Management & Emergency Response.

Benny told me thinks the certifications are a waste but it's OK to do them.  I must've been so giddy over the weekend as he'd asked what was with me LOL.  Now I no longer have to do this behind his back!

SATURDAY I did Dynamix, wrapping up P90X3.

MONDAY I did The Warrior for the first makeup workout.  I read Chapter 23 - Medical Conditions & Special Populations.  I'm stuck here on the exercise precautions and recommendations related to common medical conditions.  How do I distinguish which are precautions vs. recommendations?  I called NETA to get the approval for the test-only option for the GEX exam so now I just need to wait for whatever they send me to get that scheduled.  The Comira testing center is at Ivy Tech and they just need a 24-hour notice to sign up.

YESTERDAY I did Kelly Coffey-Meyer's Split Sessions Upper Body workout.  I had Austin's IEP conference in the morning.  My ex wants to drop him from the program as he feels like Austin doesn't need it anymore.  I went to the meeting (without my ex) with the intention of having a re-evaluation.  Austin's only real remaining problem associated with his ADHD and IEP coverage is missing work (not just homework but in-class too which I wasn't aware of).

He's smart and does well on the tests (over course work and standardized testing) so we know Austin understands what he's learning but just doesn't turn in the work for some reason.  Has anyone found a solution for their child that gets him/her to turn in assignments?  We are going to try something different with the reduced support on his IEP - only checking in at the grade times (instead of weekly/biweekly).  The special ed teacher will take an average of what he scores on assignments and do a side by side comparison to show Austin the possibilities if he completes all his work.

The principal explained to me that if it's deemed that he doesn't qualify or if we drop him from the program Austin's no longer protected by law for any incidents.  This protection is found in the Indiana State Board of Education Special Education Rules, Title 511, Article 7, Rule 44 - Discipline Procedures.  (I just received a copy of this document this morning so I haven't had a chance to read through it yet.)  I told my ex about this and that we should keep Austin's IEP, just at the bare minimum.

TODAY I did MMX for the second makeup workout.  I'll be reading Chapter 24 - Risk Management for Fitness Professionals - and perhaps the final chapter (25) - Documentation & Record Keeping.

So I will essentially have all of March to review everything and do the practical skills. Is anyone else taking a GEX certification exam in March?  Even though we may be going through a different certifying organization the material has to be about the same.  We could be study buddies!

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

Jebbica for Food & Fitness Friday

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

A Love Letter to Myself

THURSDAY I did P90X3 Pilates X.  I read Chapter 12 - Initial Intake & Pre-Participation Screening.  Austin texted me asking if he could spend Saturday at his friend's house and his friend was spending the night Friday (assumed at his dad's).  I said OK.

FRIDAY I did Decelerator.  During lunch I had an awesome call with Nicole Liolia to help me get things going with making money in this coaching business.

To start off I'm looking for 5 people to speak with for 30 minutes about their wellness goals and to help them with a tip or strategy to help them make progress over the next week.  If you're interested in this FREE strategy session please email me to set up a time.

Austin texted me saying I had to drop him off at his friend's house 10 minutes after he got to my house.  I was so confused and it was sounding like he was trying to get around his dad knowing he was going over there.  We finally got it all figured out and his friend's dad picked him up at the ex's house.

SATURDAY I did CVX in a silent house.  Austin texted me asking if he could stay at his friend's house again because they were having so much fun playing RockBand.  My ex said he didn't need to spend the whole weekend at a friend's house.  Benny said it was OK because it was too cold to do anything anyway.

I went to the library and hung out for longer than I normally do with Austin.  I got on one of the computers and attempted to do some work but didn't get very far.  Before I left I made a couple of origami heart bookmarks, one for me and one for Austin.  From there I went to a couple of stores and shopped.  It was nice being out of the house alone going wherever I wanted for about 4 hours!

SUNDAY Austin texted to pick him up at his friend's house around 3pm.  The snow wasn't bad at that time so I was like no big deal.  However, by the time it was almost 3pm the snow was much heavier and hard to see outside our windows.  I was ready to go when Benny said that I couldn't because my tires were too low.  So I had to wait around for him to air them up.  Then I wiggled my way on the slick, snow covered roads (and over 2 bridges) with my heart pounding both ways.  With an elevated heart rate that was like another workout, right? LOL

MONDAY I began the last week of P90X3 with Dynamix.  It was a good stretch because I was tired and my back was stiff (probably leftover from being terrified driving).  I did a lot more reading (chapter wise only LOL) at lunch:  Chapter 13 - Health Screening Assessments, Chapter 14 - Postural Analysis, and Chapter 16 - Physical Activity & Health.

YESTERDAY I did Isometrix.  I read Chapter 17 - Cardiorespiratory Fitness Programming.

TODAY I did Accelerator.  I'll start reading Chapter 18 - Programming for Muscular Fitness and will finish it up tomorrow.

This week's Weight Watcher's theme continues on the concept on choosing self love, giving yourself the attention, care, and acceptance you deserve.  I've filled in the blanks for myself as an example.  What I fill in may vary upon the day.  I did struggle with coming up with a self destructive action/thought that I have since it's not something I continually think of.

Will you join me and write one for yourself?

Linking up with

Jill for Fitness Health & Happiness

Jebbica for Food & Fitness Friday

MississippiPiddlin & HoHo Runs

Happy Halloween

I'd asked Austin a few months ago whether he still wanted to Trick-or-Treat or give out candy (with him being 14 in a month).  At that point he wasn't sure what he wanted to do.  Then suddenly he started talking about a couple of costume ideas from anime and online cartoony things.  He finally settled on Eyeless Jack from Creepypasta.(don't ask because I don't know and don't get it LOL).

One of this weekend's projects...Austin's #eyelessjack mask for his #halloween #costume

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Oct 12, 2015 at 4:07am PDT

I finally got everything for my Wonder Woman costume (except a lasso).  Not sure if I'm going to play with makeup or anything special with my hair (like hairspray).  It's been so cold the past several years I hope I can stay warm this time!

Halloween 2012-2015

Do you still dress up to give out candy, take your kids trick-or-treating, or a party?

I'm in this week's Weight Watchers Weekly!

I knew this was coming but not when.  Ever since they asked for my picture I'd immediately look for my comment in the Weekly.

Next week I'll be one of the featured bloggers on Kristy of the Runaway Bridal Planner's Grow Your Blog Hop.  That means possibly 38 new faces will be checking out this blog (and I need to have my post up by Midnight LOL).  It's also my monthly weigh in so that'll be in the post.  Is there anything that you'd like to know about me or you'd like to see/read?  I'll put everything I can in the post.



<a href="http://aintnodramamama.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://imageshack.com/a/img537/4720/M6Nql0.png" alt="Weigh-in Wednesday!">
THURSDAY I did Episode 3 Adventure 2.  For whatever reason my mid/lower back kept spazzing during the front squats.

SATURDAY I did Adventure 3 using the 10 lb dumbbells for Circuit A and 15 lb dumbbells for Circuit B.

MONDAY nights Benny and I have been having Torc sessions on our abs.  You're supposed to do these in conjunction with proper diet and exercise (neither of which Benny does).  I attempted to get a shot of the procedure but it's difficult to hold my phone still while being squeezed.

A photo posted by Cassandra Schmigotzki (@longandwindingroadtowellness) on Oct 26, 2015 at 4:26pm PDT

TUESDAY I did Adventure 4 Circuit A with the 15 lb dumbbells.  On the 3rd set of right leg deadlifts I apparently forgot to press start on the timer so it skewed my stats. LOL

Today it's too rainy to walk for the last farmer's market of the season.

Linking up with

#MotivateMe Monday Linkup with Fitness Cheerleader & Running Rachel

Farmer's Market Season Begins

Well, I'm up again this week.  I've just been SOO hungry lately.  Not sure if it's stress or weightlifting; I've heard you're hungrier when you lift.  But I don't know if my lighter weights would make that much of a difference.

At this week's Weight Watchers meeting we finally received our Spring Promo charms this week for attending 5 weeks (I think it was).  Isn't it a cute little thing!

Week of Workouts

I'm rocking ChaLEAN Extreme (at least I think I am).  Whomever's monitoring their Facebook page has been liking and commenting on my posts!

THURSDAY:  Burn Circuit 1
FRIDAY:  Yoga
SATURDAY:  Burn Intervals & Ab Burner

Austin and I lay outside on a blanket Saturday and Sunday afternoon reading.  I'm loving this weather!

SUNDAY:  Burn It Off! & Recharge
MONDAY:  You would've thought with all that relaxing over the weekend I would've popped right up and been ready to workout.  I just was too tired so I swapped Monday and Tuesday, making this a rest day.
TUESDAY:  Burn Circuit 2
WEDNESDAY:  Burn Circuit 3 in the morning and walking during lunch.  I went a little overboard in how long I took.

THURSDAY:  Burn Circuit 1.  I realized this morning that I'd switched from using the 5 lb to the 8 lb dumbbells doing the flyes (or flies or however it's spelled...seen it more than one way by different trainers).  IMPROVEMENT!

Farmer's Market Season Begins

This was the first week of the farmer's market downtown.  I was kinda bummed at first because there weren't many fresh veggies out there but I guess it's a lil too early for the farmers.  My favorite one wasn't there yet either; I hope they'll show up later in the season.  Instead there were a ton of starter plants you could buy for your own garden.  I had to pick one to try....something completely new to me.  I'm hoping that this will be fruitful and multiply LOL

I stopped inside the market and bought a PB & Awesome Smoothie (peanut butter, banana, almond milk, & nutella) from Twenty Two.  It was OK...I'll just say it wasn't worth the $6 they charge.  The ones I make at home taste better.

What do you like to pick up in the early part of farmer's market season?

Linking up with

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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