First of all- Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to everyone! I am very fortunate to have so many people who care and support me. If not for you, life is just not the same- thank you!
2013 for me was a hard year. It was a test of my mental strength and dealing with many health issues but now I am growing stronger both emotionally and physically and I am ready to start 2014 getting my ass kicked and me kicking ass (at least I hope so!).
Last 2 blog articles - I talked about my trainer and how she played an important role in my transformation both physically and emotionally. Now, i want to dedicate this blog article to the studio, to the teachers, to the people at Arrichion Hot Yoga.
Three years ago, I was in a lot of pain when I went running. My legs: glutes, hams, shins, calves would hurt so bad. I would just endure it thinking if I keep running it would get better. Finally I did a search and found a massage therapist that deals with neuromuscular reprogramming. At this point, I was ready to try anything. I made an appt. to see Tim Hackett and after talking to me and did some muscle testing, he concluded that because of my knee surgery and other injuries, I was compensating muscle groups thereby causing a muscle imbalance. He said he will work with me on deep tissue work and trigger points massage and asked that I seek out a yoga studio preferrably in the heat. That is how I found Arrichion Hot Yoga - they had 45 mins, 60 mins classes which works better for me than 90 mins classes.
My first class there, I did the 10 for 10 not knowing what to expect. I was greeted by a very friendly instructor - and she helped me with placing my mat and explaining what to expect. The people in class were equally friendly. I remember my first class was Topaz - static poses. It was hard for me because I have attention and focus problems which I keep working on. Within 5 mins of class, I felt warm and limber and can go into the poses much easier than regular yoga classes. And above all, it felt pretty good.. My next class was Krystallos which is like yoga pilates - a core strength class. So I keep going to these 2 classes because the others intimated me and kept seeing my massage therapist and quickly became a member because I know it is helping. I went from running with pain for 1 mile to running 3 miles and then 7 miles.
In 2 months time, it was my half marathon. All I wanted to do is finish the race and hope not to stop too many times hurting and guess what? With the hot yoga and massage, I did not feel pain until mile 11 - this is a huge success for me. And also, my lower back did not hurt either.- that core strength truly helped
After my race, I continue with Hot Yoga as well as massage. I got more confident and started taking Bloodstone and Black Opal - very difficult classes that includes Abs and pushups. I met Quinn who is the owner of the studio along with her brother Ty. She is my idol. She encourages and I just love her with all my heart. Many poses til this day I cannot do but I will keep remembering what Quinn says "It's all a process" so maybe some day. Ty on the other hand is a man of a few words, but if he does say something, he really means it. He, too is very encouraging.
I also brave my soul to trying Warrior which is a 45 mins class. It was tough since I had no upper body strength and lower body was not much better. Slowly, I progressed to trying out Tiger's Eye which is half yoga and half circuit. Let me tell you , this class is like running a 5K. And most recent, I tried Sparta which is Olympic lifting. Oh sure, very intimated with this class but noone judges you, nothing but encouragement!
It is a one stop shop, no other studio has something like this. You can get strong and limber all in the same place!
I love Arrichion Hot Yoga because they have become my 2nd family - I am fortunate that they made their start in Raleigh, NC.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Thursday, December 19, 2013
My first testimonial of my trainer back in May of 2013. I figure if you need weight loss and training,she is the ultimate bestest!
Last blog article, I talked about my trainer and how it is going for me and what I have accomplish thus far. Words cannot express what she has done for me. There are many things I cannot do YET! Yes, it used to be I would give up, but no more.
So back in May, 2013, I was asked to put together a testimonial and I had started training with Jackie Jan, 2013. I am including the article here so even from day 1 - I knew I made the best decison in my life. There are many other people I need to thank as well and I will create a blog article as well, noted Arrichion Hot Yoga for encouraging and believing in me. They are my second family! I will soon have a third family in time.
Here goes:
So back in May, 2013, I was asked to put together a testimonial and I had started training with Jackie Jan, 2013. I am including the article here so even from day 1 - I knew I made the best decison in my life. There are many other people I need to thank as well and I will create a blog article as well, noted Arrichion Hot Yoga for encouraging and believing in me. They are my second family! I will soon have a third family in time.
Here goes:
Best Decision I
ever made in my life!
I must have
been on every diet and weight loss program on earth in my 50+ years of
existence. I would lose weight, gain it back and then some, it is a vicious
cycle that never ends. I thought that the only way that I would see
progress was through the numbers on the scale. Happily to say, I have
been wrong for a very long time..
I walked into
Fitness Connection thinking I wanted to use the treadmill lose weight.
Unfortunately, I developed a stressed fracture in my foot that did not help my
cause and I had to stop.
I started my
training with Jackie Adamo officially January, 2013. We meet a few times
in December to complete the assessment process. I still believe that this is
the best decision I ever made for my well-being. I realize now that weight
training is what I needed, what my body needed. When I first started my
training with Jackie, I was at 150+ lbs , 48% body fat. At 5' tall and at my
age...that is not good place to be and probably related to other
health issues.
The workouts
with Jackie are intense, high intensity, non-stop. The 30 minute workout Jackie
feels like 90 minutes.
The following
day(s) after a workout I was so sore that I debated whether I want to do this again.
My body and mind said to keep going, I came this far and I wanted to be
committed to my goals. Jackie is a great listener but also is a no nonsense
trainer. She does not take NO for an answer if she knows you can do it. She is
very encouraging and you really want to try hard because of her and you keep
going back. Now, I see her for 60 minute sessions which sometimes feel like 120
minutes, depending on what she has me do. Like I said, real intense!
My total body
feels a lot stronger. I know that my running will improve with the
strengthening of my legs. My upper body is stronger as well, therefore,
swimming is now less taxing (I actually sink now while swimming). The
transformation what I see within myself thus far is remarkable. I actually have
a waistline now.
My focus and
goals are to get stronger and leaner. I was advised not to look at the scale
anymore so I don't know how much I weigh and I have learned not to care.
Weight training
is not the only focus of my new venture, I have learn a great deal about proper
nutrition, what to eat and when, to eat. Eating Clean is key!
My stats then
and now?
Jan, 2013
150+lbs
5' tall
48% body fat
size 12 going
towards 14
felt sluggish,
tired, unhealthy and weak, fat and flabby, sick a lot
May 2013
??Don't know
how much I weigh
5'tall
last body fat
check was 3/15 at 32%
size 6, some
size 8
Felt a lot
healthier, stronger and more energy
My training
with Jackie is by far not done, there is still a lot of learning to be
done. When I reach my goal, I will want to continue my training with
Jackie to keep me on the right path.
So if you ever
looking for a trainer with experience and someone who really cares about your
success and working with you to meet your goals, you may want to meet Jackie.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
My trainer and how I became what I am now - Thank You!
If you read my profile, you will get a sense I have gone through many reiterations, trial and tribulations of myself , trying to change who I am, what I am. It has been a struggle for most of my life. My trainer asked how it all started and why now that the change is sinking in? I don't know there is not one answer to these questions. All I know is I am very fortunate to have met my trainer who works very hard to have me reach my goal and believes in me. She is not only my trainer but she has become my friend as well.
I had just finished my 5th or 6th half marathon and felt OK but something was missing. I did not feel good about myself. So I thought all I need is to focus on the running and joined a gym near work so I would have no excuse. The gym's main purpose is to get you to sign up and also try to get you into personal training which at that time I was not interested since I was not into weight training and it was costly but I went for the assessment. Boy, was I surprised to find that I gained a whole bunch of weight and my body fat was a startling 48%. That is so hard to fathom since I ran 50 miles per week.
The stressed fracture was the deciding factor for me to do personal training. I am not good about self motivation and plus I would not know what to do.
While talking to this other trainer, I did an eye glance to this trainer and I said "Dang, I would like her to be my trainer" The next day that trainer said I cannot train me but to introduce a different trainer and when I met her I said "Whoa" because she was the one I encounter the night before. How coincidental is that, so cosmic!
My first time with Jackie - it was only 20 mins. Oh man, I thought I was in shape. She beat me up. This is exactly what I needed for someone to push me. So I signed up and here I am. The sessions were real tough, at first it was totally high intensity to get my body moving and for me to go on that horrible stair master. I thought to myself, I am going to quit but I didn't. As the training continued, we talked about my diet, my other activities. I realize my macros were out of proportion, too many carbs, I adjusted that and was getting better results. Since I was also doing yoga, running and other activities. I was OK. She told me I am not allow to get on the scale because they lied and plus your weight would fluctuate and muscle weighs more. The last thing we talk and I have changed is EATING CLEAN, no processed foods, no bad stuff. I feel I am doing pretty good in this area since the food I make is trainer approved.
Besides my physical being changing, my emotional being is changing as well. 2013 has been a rough year for me emotionally. If it was not for my trainer, my friend, who is always there to listen, I would not know what to do. The things I used to do, I would do haphazardly but now I have a whole different mindset of trying harder, doing my best, put forth effort. So emotionally, I now feel a sense of self confidence and self esteem. I feel a lot better about myself. Thanks to Jackie! Are you listening Jackie?
Soon, it will be a year training with her. Those who know me I easily get totally bored but I think Jackie recognizes my ADHD and knows how to work it. Like I said I am so fortunate. I will continue in 2014.
I had just finished my 5th or 6th half marathon and felt OK but something was missing. I did not feel good about myself. So I thought all I need is to focus on the running and joined a gym near work so I would have no excuse. The gym's main purpose is to get you to sign up and also try to get you into personal training which at that time I was not interested since I was not into weight training and it was costly but I went for the assessment. Boy, was I surprised to find that I gained a whole bunch of weight and my body fat was a startling 48%. That is so hard to fathom since I ran 50 miles per week.
The stressed fracture was the deciding factor for me to do personal training. I am not good about self motivation and plus I would not know what to do.
While talking to this other trainer, I did an eye glance to this trainer and I said "Dang, I would like her to be my trainer" The next day that trainer said I cannot train me but to introduce a different trainer and when I met her I said "Whoa" because she was the one I encounter the night before. How coincidental is that, so cosmic!
My first time with Jackie - it was only 20 mins. Oh man, I thought I was in shape. She beat me up. This is exactly what I needed for someone to push me. So I signed up and here I am. The sessions were real tough, at first it was totally high intensity to get my body moving and for me to go on that horrible stair master. I thought to myself, I am going to quit but I didn't. As the training continued, we talked about my diet, my other activities. I realize my macros were out of proportion, too many carbs, I adjusted that and was getting better results. Since I was also doing yoga, running and other activities. I was OK. She told me I am not allow to get on the scale because they lied and plus your weight would fluctuate and muscle weighs more. The last thing we talk and I have changed is EATING CLEAN, no processed foods, no bad stuff. I feel I am doing pretty good in this area since the food I make is trainer approved.
Besides my physical being changing, my emotional being is changing as well. 2013 has been a rough year for me emotionally. If it was not for my trainer, my friend, who is always there to listen, I would not know what to do. The things I used to do, I would do haphazardly but now I have a whole different mindset of trying harder, doing my best, put forth effort. So emotionally, I now feel a sense of self confidence and self esteem. I feel a lot better about myself. Thanks to Jackie! Are you listening Jackie?
Soon, it will be a year training with her. Those who know me I easily get totally bored but I think Jackie recognizes my ADHD and knows how to work it. Like I said I am so fortunate. I will continue in 2014.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
A busy work week, back on schedule with training, and my anxiety attacks and recipes
For the past 2 cooking,I created 2 dishes that is totally new for me and a great challenge. My hopes is to create dishes that are healthy, nutritional, tasty and trainer approved. I am trying hard this year to stay on the path of eating clean. I always realize what I must do, it is just getting to do it. My trainer has taught me many things and I am very grateful and fortunate to have met her. She has physically and mentally transformed me. I am so feeling a sense of self confidence and higher self esteem that I never had. Thank You!
Of course, I have had major anxiety attacks when I have to go to gathering and parties. I believe it is from when I was growing up, I was left out of things, never got pick to be on a team, was outcast, was ridicule and make fun of. This is very hard for me but I am trying in baby steps how to deal with it.
I will have lots more to say how others have helped me but today I dedicated this blog write up to my trainer.
My 2 recipes was stuffed flounder and herb, walnut crushed salmon
The stuffing mix that i made was with crushed walnuts and gluten free bread - I can only remember I added cumin, coriander, cinnamon, crushed garlic, onions, ginger, salt pepper, parsley, and some nutritional yeast to it. As for the fish, I used an egg white wash that had rosemary , garlic, sesame oil , cooking wine and little soy sauce. With the salmon, I soak the fish in the egg wash and then added the walnut crush on top and then roll it in the gluten bread and pan fried for 2 mins on each side. Rest was put into the oven to bake for 5 mins and let cool to continue cooking on its own.
the stuffing for the flounder was similiar but I put in spinach from the garden, portebello mushrooms, omions, garlic all chopped up - stir fry in coconut oil and added the stuffing I made for the salmon, added some feta cheese and some sweetened soy sauce. Rolled the mixture between the flounder, pass it through some gluten free bread crumbs - Seared it for 2 mins and allowed to cool
I know this is much of recipes but they really are not recipes. Just condiments that I would throw in as I am cooking and creating. The side dishes is usually a vegetable such as sauteed spinach, roasted brussel sprouts with pecans, or stir fry asparagus.
This week I am going to do a pecan,walnut, crab meat stuffing with tilapia. Side dish will be boy choy and asparagus, maybe rice medley or sweet potatoes.
I am so tired this week and I got tons of laundry to do. Clothes for yoga, for warrior, for training, for HIIT sure pile up and I could not fit everything in the washer.
Also this week, well, one day, I went and did a 1m walk/jog and it was very hard - my legs were not tired but the glutes and hamstrings sure hurt - which is good because at least I know those are the proper muscles firing. I also think this long distance running is not really for me. So long term, I might just do shorter distance.
We will see!
Enjoy the writeup and if you need some ideas, let me know. I already helped someone with stuffed peppers, and how to cook swiss chard and they said it was pretty good. So I guess I did good too
Until next time, stay healthy and eat well
Sue
Of course, I have had major anxiety attacks when I have to go to gathering and parties. I believe it is from when I was growing up, I was left out of things, never got pick to be on a team, was outcast, was ridicule and make fun of. This is very hard for me but I am trying in baby steps how to deal with it.
I will have lots more to say how others have helped me but today I dedicated this blog write up to my trainer.
My 2 recipes was stuffed flounder and herb, walnut crushed salmon
The stuffing mix that i made was with crushed walnuts and gluten free bread - I can only remember I added cumin, coriander, cinnamon, crushed garlic, onions, ginger, salt pepper, parsley, and some nutritional yeast to it. As for the fish, I used an egg white wash that had rosemary , garlic, sesame oil , cooking wine and little soy sauce. With the salmon, I soak the fish in the egg wash and then added the walnut crush on top and then roll it in the gluten bread and pan fried for 2 mins on each side. Rest was put into the oven to bake for 5 mins and let cool to continue cooking on its own.
the stuffing for the flounder was similiar but I put in spinach from the garden, portebello mushrooms, omions, garlic all chopped up - stir fry in coconut oil and added the stuffing I made for the salmon, added some feta cheese and some sweetened soy sauce. Rolled the mixture between the flounder, pass it through some gluten free bread crumbs - Seared it for 2 mins and allowed to cool
I know this is much of recipes but they really are not recipes. Just condiments that I would throw in as I am cooking and creating. The side dishes is usually a vegetable such as sauteed spinach, roasted brussel sprouts with pecans, or stir fry asparagus.
This week I am going to do a pecan,walnut, crab meat stuffing with tilapia. Side dish will be boy choy and asparagus, maybe rice medley or sweet potatoes.
I am so tired this week and I got tons of laundry to do. Clothes for yoga, for warrior, for training, for HIIT sure pile up and I could not fit everything in the washer.
Also this week, well, one day, I went and did a 1m walk/jog and it was very hard - my legs were not tired but the glutes and hamstrings sure hurt - which is good because at least I know those are the proper muscles firing. I also think this long distance running is not really for me. So long term, I might just do shorter distance.
We will see!
Enjoy the writeup and if you need some ideas, let me know. I already helped someone with stuffed peppers, and how to cook swiss chard and they said it was pretty good. So I guess I did good too
Until next time, stay healthy and eat well
Sue
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