I was watching the Biggest Loser the other day and came across this: StreetStrider.

It looks really cool!!
I especially love the whole idea of taking elliptical machine outside, as I almost always use elliptical at the gym and get tired of it.  StreetStrider looks great to me right now, after I came back from the gym this morning, feeling a little burnout…

Anyway, I wish I could see and try this equipment.  But the closest dealer from where we live is about 9 hours drive (one way) away Another road trip, anybody?

Now I returned home and I’m sitting in front of my laptop, really drugging my feet to write this post.  Don’t get me wrong, we had a fun road trip.  But I just don’t think I did a good job on following through my expectation.  And since this is a blog where I write down how I keep with my exercise & weight loss every day, I feel like I have failed.

This feeling doesn’t seem to go away anytime soon and I need to sit with it for a while.

Anyway….other than that, like I mentioned, the trip was fun!  On the first day, we stopped at Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C., where we spent a night.  We actually got a nice walk there   My husband mapped the route we walked in three different versions:

And here’s the distance we walked:
Although we did early morning walking during our family visit, this walking in Washington D.C. was the longest one.  It was also the prettiest one, because all the cherry blossoms were in full bloom!!
Click to view slideshow.
We are going back to our regular schedule starting tomorrow!  I hope I can get my groove back soon

A great resistance band workout video!  We can do it on a road trip, as we’re bringing our resistance bands

We couldn’t really sleep last night, because of the water pump going on/off in the basement and it was just SO LOUD   But, we’re so glad that it was working really well to keep all the rain water out of our house, so no complain!  Today is the last day we can go to the gym until we return home from our road trip.  “Chop, chop, chop!!” – my husband and I kept saying to give ourselves extra push to hit the gym

My workout this morning included:

Upper Body Workout (Focus On Chest):
•    Cable Chest Press   #35 3×12
•    Cable Back Row   #35 3×12
•    Dumbbell Bench Press   #12 3×12
•    Dumbbell Pec Fly   #12 3×12
•    Dumbbell Kick-Backs   8# 3×10

Lower Body Workout (Focus On Quads):
•    One Leg Squat   3×10
•    Straight Leg Press   #25 3×12
•    Calf Raises   #25 3×12
•    Leg Extension   #20 3×12 1 together, 2 alt, 3 my choice
•    Thrust Sit Ups   3×12
•    Ab Pull-Ups   3×12

I cut down on exercises from Monday and changed the whole thing up a little bit.  They all fit within 60 minutes and I was still able to get good cardio:
•    20 minute intervals on rowing machine
•    20 minute intervals on bike

Between my strength conditioning training, I was showing my husband how to do bicep curls on a cable machine.  We both noticed many people at the gym were watching us and some of them approached us curiously by saying, “so, I see you got a new trainer!” or “shame on you!” (jokingly & friendly to my husband).  They were totally teasing him (with affection, of course)!  I was amused how people were responding to what we’re doing, not in a bad way.  I was rather flattered I was proud that I could show my husband how much I’ve learned through my personal training & workshops   I wasn’t sure how my husband was taking people’s interesting responses at first, but he soon told me, “it’s great!!  You should train me more, I think people like watching us work out together!!” He was enjoying all the attention!!  Boy, we’ve known each other 6 years now, but he still amuses me every so often.

After our workouts, we came home & had post-workout snack.  We have a busy day ahead of us to get ready for our road trip!!

But rain or shine, my husband and I are on the same workout schedule!  We had morning yoga class today and my husband was very excited to use his new yoga mat: YogaRat   After 30 minutes of cardio at the gym, we headed to the yoga calss.  My husband was working real hard during the class I know some of the poses were really tricky, but I’m so proud that he was trying out everything

Overall, here’s my husband’s review on YogaRat Mat: “it’s pretty good and I like it.  It’s comfortable, durable, and sticks to my feet really good!”  And of course, everyone in the class was very intrigued by the skeleton engaging in different poses on the mat, including our yoga instructor.  She even checked it out a little bit and she liked the stickiness of the mat.  He’ll be taking the mat on the road trip this week

By the way, I just found this video here: Yoga Poses You Can Do Anywhere, Anytime.  This will be great for us to do on the road trip!!

Even if you don’t have hours to spend in a studio each week, you can still get the benefits of yoga practice. In our video below, yoga expert Tara Stiles demonstrates five easy poses that can be done anywhere to soothe tense muscles and…

I wanted to try something different today, which I do upper & lower strength training all at once for 60 minutes.  I have been doing 45-60 minutes of upper & lower body training 2 times a week for each part.  It has been challenging for me to do that much on top of yoga class (2 times a week) and cardio workouts.  So I thought I could do upper & lower body workouts 3 times a week for shorter duration.  In my head, I figured: 30 minutes each for upper & lower body strength conditioning trainings + 30-40 minutes cardio workouts.

With that said, today’s workout included:

Upper Body Workout (Focus On Chest):
•    Dumbbell Bench Press   #10 3×12
•    Bent Knee Push-Up   3×12
•    Dumbbell Pec Fly   #12 3×12
•    Lying Dumbbell Pullovers   12# 3×12
•    Dumbbell Kick-Backs   8# 3×10
•    Bosu Push-Ups   3×10
•    Stability Ball Dumbbell Press 5# 3×12

Lower Body Workout (Focus On Quads):
•    Leg Extension   #20 3×12 1 together, 2 alt, 3 my choice
•    One Leg Squat 3×10
•    Step-Ups   #10 3×16
•    Walking Lunges   #10 3×16
•    Stability Ball Pikes   3×10
•    Stability Ball Sit-Ups/Crunches   3×20
•    ”Bicycle” – Oblique   15 per side
•    Crunches with Twist   3×12

•    20 minute intervals on treadmill

I didn’t have enough time for cardio workouts   I think I can squeeze 30 minutes of cardio, if I do my ab exercises at home.  I’ll try it again on Wednesday

By the way, we’re going to be on a road trip starting this Thursday.  It’s going to be about 7 days and I’m already anxious about how the heck we’re going to get everything ready!  What about food, clothes, places to stay – oh, how about getting exercise during the trip??  I’ve been collecting ideas of exercises without or minimal equipments, so my husband and I can somewhat keep up with our workout even when we’re on the road.  One exercise that I’ll be definitely practicing in the car (while I’m not driving) is this:

I need to dig out some summer clothes, since we’re heading to south

“Based in Santa Monica, California, YogaRat is a new company started by yoga students out to answer a few simple questions…
Why can’t a yoga mat be eco friendly but also fun?
Why is it so hard to find a recyclable and biodegradable yoga mat that doesn’t smell like an old tire?
Can a yoga mat be made out of delicious cheese, like the moon?
We at YogaRat strive to create not only the most eco conscious yoga mats out there, but also the most design conscious….” (go to their website to read more: YogaRat ~Abut Us~)

My husband fell in love with bunch of skeletons engaging different yoga poses – including the ones that he has learned the other day   What a cool mat and he cannot wait to try it during the class on Tuesday!!

My husband dressed in layers for walking in the park with his friend.  He was very excited to wear his brand new New Balance 740!  Last night, we went out for shoe shopping after my former personal trainer suggested him to get a new pair of workout shoes.  My husband has been having achilles tendon pain for the past two weeks and my former personal trainer suspected that his old pair of no-longer-cushioning shoes had to do with it.  We went to a couple of stores, spent a few hours to find my husband’s ideal fit   And here’s what we found:

His size: 12 2 E
They fit him like dream

My husband was very happy to pick up his new shoes and also glad to find out that New Balance is a local company in Boston.  I love the fact that New Balance has some association with our gym organization as well : “The “Trackster” was given a big boost through the YMCA programs where it became the unofficial shoe of the program.” Who knew!!

By the way, these are wonderful resources in ‘finding the right shoes”:

• Find Your Sole Mate: SELF
• If the Shoe Fits: dailySpark
• Getting the Best Fit: dailySpark
• 85% of Us Are Wearing the Wrong Workout Shoes — Are You Among Them?: dailySpark

So, my husband excitedly went out for walking and I went to different location of my gym once again   I love doing this for change and I look forward to it every weekend.  Just by driving to different location, seeing different people & working out on different equipments, it breaks up ‘boredom’ and I get instant reset.  My weekend workout included:

• 40 minute intervals on elliptical
• 30 minute interavls on ellipitical crosstrainers
• 50 minute intervals on Cybex Arc Trainer

After I got home, I thought my husband would be there already, but he wasn’t.  He came home about 20 minutes later and he was very excited to tell me about their over 2 1/2 hours of walking He also raved about his new shoes: “they were great!! they’re the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever had!  I could still keep going after 2 1/2 hrs!!”  I was very impressed.  I was even more impressed after my husband showed me what he was wearing in addition:
Go Fit Ankle Weights 10 LB Pair
Oh boy…!!  What’s got into him!!!????  He’s on a roll!!  I better keep up with him!

• Personal Trainers Make House Calls: That’s Fit
• How I Found My Passion: dailySpark
• Gear Review: G2 Yoga Trainer Mat: FitSugar
• We Tried It: G2 Lifestyles TRAINERmat: That’s Fit
• Does Your Spouse Hate That You Workout?: No More Bacon
• Tracking Your Numbers: dailySpark
• 20 Minutes to a Beautiful Back: Mind, Body + Spirit Fitness
• 5K Races: examiner.com/Boston
• Confession of a Yoga Dropout: dailySpark

Yey, it’s Friday!!  I’m so glad it’s Friday even it’s rainy, and SNOWY.  My workout this morning included:

• 5 minute warm-up
• Cable Biceps Curls   3×12 #20
• Cable Back Rows   3×12 #20
• Dumbbells Biceps Curls   3×10 #12
• Dumbbells Alternate Hammer Curls   3×13 #12
• Dumbbells Back Rows   3×10 #12
• Dumbbells Bench Reverse Fly   3×16 #12
• Dumbbells Side Raises   3×12 #5
• Dumbbells Front + Side Raises   3×12 #5
• Dumbbells Rear Raises   3×12 #5
• Straight Leg Press   #25 3×12
• Calf Raises (on the leg press)   #20 3×12
• Leg Curls   #35 3×12
• Dumbbell Straight-Back Deadlift   #12 3×12
• One Legged Deadlift on Stability Ball #8 2×10
• Stability Ball Hamstring Curl 3×12
• Bent-Knee Sit-Up 3×12

I wanted to squeeze all the upper & lower body free weight & strength conditioning exercises this morning.  I was exhausted after the workout, but at the same time, it felt good

As my husband and I were leaving the gym, one of the workers greeted us and told my husband, “hey, you’ve been working hard and it shows!”  How nice and sweet!!  I love random people come up to him/me/us to tell us something positive…something that happens a lot at our gym   Last night, my husband told me how he’s been really enjoying going to the gym lately.  He has increased the duration and frequency of his workout and he’s been feeling good!  He also just started yoga and walking with a friend at park on weekends.  Boy, he spiced up his exercise routine a lot How exciting!! It’s so motivating for me to work out beside him every day and I hope I can do the same to him

After we got 20 minute intervals on elliptical, we headed to the yoga class.  Everyone in the class cheered and welcomed my husband, how sweet   I think the yoga instructor was happy to see him too!  My husband borrowed two sheets of yoga mattress (since each one was really really thin) from the yoga instructor, and set them up next to me.  I could kinda feel that he was a little nervous, but I was as nervous as he was, perhaps.  I was just hoping that he would find it interesting and enjoy a few movements by the end of the class.  We started from doing Sun Salutation and before we knew it…it was over

Over all, my husband was amused how hard it was.  It’s not that he thought yoga was easy, he just didn’t expect how it all worked, how challenging to his mind & body.  Most importantly, he said, “I’ll go again!”  I was SO proud of him!!  He has never gone to any class with me and this is really the first group exercise class he tried at the gym.  I’m thrilled that he started his yet another new journey to reach healthy goals.

By the way, we think my husband needs his own yoga mat

Finally, this morning, he said: “I’ll go to yoga class with you tomorrow!” He claims that he recruited enough new people who have never done yoga, so he feels somewhat more comfortable going.  He also added, “oh, it’s not just that!  I’m going because you’ll be there too!”  Yeah, sure….

No really, I’m very excited that he decided to go to the yoga class tomorrow!!  I’m really thrilled that my husband made up his mind to try something new which he doesn’t totally feel comfortable He probably hasn’t felt that way ever since he and I decided to go to the gym.

We’ll wear our matched t-shirt and we’ll have a great time

My husband and I headed to the gym first thing in the morning.  My workout this morning included:

• 7 minute warm-up
• Straight Leg Press   #20 3×12
• Calf Raises (on the leg press)   #20 3×12
• Leg Curls   #35 3×12
• Calf Raises on Steps   3×16
• 1 Leg Squats   3×12
• Dumbbell Straight-Back Deadlift   #12 3×12
• Dumbbell Lunges   #10 3×16
• One Legged Deadlift on Stability Ball #8 2×10
• Stability Ball Hamstring Curl 3×12
• Bent-Knee Sit-Up 3×12
• 20 minute intervals on treadmill
• 15 minute intervals on elliptical

I’m in the process of collecting exercises that we can do on a upcoming road trip I don’t think we’ll have any access to the gym until we get to the destination, so I would like us to have a bunch of exercise ideas which we can do anywhere, anytime.  One Legged Deadlift on Stability Ball and Stability Ball Hamstring Curl are new exercises I tried today.  One Legged Deadlift was really tricky for me to get in the foam.  Once I was able to start the exercise, I felt it was really, really, really working on my hamstrings HARD Hamstring Curl felt good too!  It was challenging and at the same time, it was precisely targeting my hams   These two are keeper!!

I love finding & visiting different bloggers, who share their knowledge & joy of fitness & health I have been visiting MizFitOnline.Com for about a month now and I look forward to reading her post every day!  Today, she posted a video, which is packed with great tips & ideas of what we can do on the road!!

Miz Fit’s Muscles in Minutes (THE VIDEO!)

In this mix, I put 2 cups of uncooked sticky rice, 2 cups of water, 3 carrots (chopped) and 1 1/2 cups of frozen edamame.  I set the rice cooker just like when I cook 2 cups of rice and left it until it went off.  After about 20 minutes, ta-dah~   Easy right??  I love my rice cooker, which I purchased when I first came to this country.  I still use it almost every day

Edamame is, according to PEERtrainer: “Edamame is a complete protein containing all the eseential Amino Acids.  Great source of protein, fiber, essential fatty acids, and isoflavones (found only in Soy).”

It sounds like there’re lots of good reasons to enjoy our edamame rice tonight

After the class, I went back to my car to see my husband, who was working out for 90 minutes at the gym.  He was talking about how his legs were sore and could not jog on treadmill as much as he wanted to   He stopped jogging after 2 minutes, listening to his body carefully.  I’m glad he took it easy, because once he has injury/aggravates the pain, it may take a long time to heal.  I learned this in a very hard way recently from my lower back injury.  After I injured my lower back, I could not get back to my regular workout routines until recently.  Doing all the free weights on straight/inclined bench, not being able to use stairmaster, not being able to work on abs, etc….everything about having back injury wasn’t fun at all

But I must say, I learned a lot from the whole experience.  I learned that it’s important to take it easy on your injury and not to stress over it.  I learned some modified ways to get free weight workout and incorporate the other strength conditioning training.  I learned to enjoy yoga , which has been great for my lower back pain and strengthening my core.  This also means yoga has been helping me prevent back injury after my back healed.

Speaking of strengthening core, I’m still sitting on a ball at work today My yoga instructor, who is also a certified pilate instructor, suggested a couple of ideas that I can try while I’m sitting on the ball.  One of them is to sit on the ball without my feet touching the floor.  It works on my balance and core.  It sounds simple, but it’s not that easy I practiced a little while, but it was wicked hard at first and I couldn’t keep my feet up any longer than 3 seconds.  So I asked my husband if he would try it.  He tried it for the first time, and he was able to keep his feet up for…..as long as he wanted!! Aghhhh, what am I doing wrong????  He grinned and said, “I got strong core “  I know, but I think I got pretty decent one by now!!

I practiced every 5-10 minutes in the afternoon and by the time we’re done with our work, I made some improvement I still cannot let my feet go as long as my husband can, but the duration definitely got increased!  I’ll work on it some more tomorrow…practice, practice, practice.

So I quickly decided to use my stability ball at my desk I immediately noticed that I have to constantly balance myself by using my core muscles.  Plus it’s fun to bounce on it once a while I think I’ll give this a try for a little while.

During our regular workout time, we went to the gym for 90 minutes.  My workout this morning included:

• 5 minute warm-up
• Cable Biceps Curls   3×12 #20
• Cable Back Rows   3×12 #20
• Dumbbells Biceps Curls   3×10 #12
• Dumbbells Alternate Hammer Curls   3×13 #12
• Dumbbells Back Rows   3×10 #12
• Dumbbells Triceps Kick Backs   3×10 #8
• Dumbbells Bench Fly   3×16 #12
• Dumbbells Bench Reverse Fly   3×16 #12
• Bench V’s Ab   3×20 #5
• Dumbbells Side Raises   3×12 #5
• Dumbbells Front + Side Raises   3×12 #5
• Dumbbells Rear Raises   3×12 #5
• 30 minute intervals on a bike

• 30 minute intervals on elliptical
• 30 minute interavls on ellipitical crosstrainers
• 50 minute intervals on Cybex Arc Trainer

It felt so good afterward

I just received this DVD in the mail: Yoga Shsakti with Shiva Rea.  I’m so excited and cannot wait to try it out!!

• 7 minute warm-up
• Biceps Curls   3×10 #12
• Dumbbell Lateral Side Raises   3×16 #10
• Dumbbell Triceps Kickbacks   3×12 #10
• Knee Push-Ups   3×12
• Cable  Chest Press   3×10 #30
• Cable Tri’s Overhead   3×12 #40
• Chest Flies   3×16 #12
• Cable Biceps Curls   3×12 #20

• Barbell Squats   3×12 #10
• Leg Extensions 3×10 #15
• Step Ups   3×16
• Lunges   3×16
• Plie Squats + Dumbells   3×12 #10
• Ab Crunches   3×20

I did upper & lower body strength exercises all at once today.  Whether my husband gets his work done early today or not, I wanted to be prepared to do some possible cardio workout by the end of the day

Baby’s been craving for nice walk under the sun!  She had a long walk in the front & back yard in the afternoon.
I think she did lots of sitting and hanging out, rather than walking
And that’s just fine   I know what to do meanwhile.  After half an hour, my husband brought me a glass of white wine for a treat!  Good call

We left home before 5am and we saw the beautiful sunrise on the road.  It was gorgeous!  I hope I can get my workout before the sun goes down

My husband wasn’t feeling too great today.  He told me that he worked out for an hour and went home a little while, then came back to the gym to pick me up   I felt bad for him, but I’m glad he didn’t push himself too much this morning.

In the afternoon, I walked my cat in the backyard.  Baby has been begging for a nice walk since this morning.  She’s such a sun lover….when the weather is nice outside, she knows   By the way, everyone knows that cats don’t walk like dogs do.  Baby is not the exception.  She does a whole lot of sitting, wondering, chewing grass, and rolling on the dirt.  So walking her is very slow and mellow.  I definitely don’t get good cardio workout by walking with her, but I get to do something special – practice some yoga moves.  Like today, while Baby was dozing off on the grass, I practiced reverse prayer I can do some balance work like tree and eagle as well.  There’s always lots of possibilities of exercise anytime & everywhere!

• 10 minute warm-up
• Biceps Curls   3×10 #12
• Dumbbell Side Raises   3×16 #5
• Dumbbell Lateral Side Raises   3×16 #10
• Dumbbell Triceps Kickbacks   3×12 #10
• Knee Push-Ups   3×12
• Cable  Chest Press   3×10 #30
• Cable Tri’s Overhead   3×12 #40
• Chest Flies   3×16 #12
• Cable Biceps Curls   3×12 #20
• Back Extensions on Stability Ball   3×12
• Push-Ups on Stability Ball   3×12

Once again, it’s beautiful outside!  Everyone at the gym seemed to be so happy for a hint of spring in the air

By the way, while I was in the yoga class, I saw a set-up for TRX!  There were 2 sets of TRX MultiMount on the wall for TRX Suspension Trainers.  I guess it’s really coming soon!!

In the evening after work & dinner, we went upstairs to relax and watch the sunset.

This weekend we had to set the clock for the daylight saving time.  The spring is really coming, it’s hard to believe in this weather, but it is coming!!  It was a little harder to wake up this morning because of the time change and water pump in the basement kept going off for pumping water out of the house.  We did it though, we woke up at 4am We had breakfast and hit the gym at 5:30!!  We worked out for 90 minutes this morning and my workout included:

• 5 minute warm-up
• Barbell Squats   3×12 #10
• Leg Extensnions 3×10 #15
• Step Ups   3×16
• Lunges   3×16
• Plie Squats + Dumbells   3×12 #10
• Ab Crunches   3×20
• 45 minute intervals on elliptical (including 3 minutes to cool down)

We had to drive around the south shore for work today and we saw a lot of flood sites:
This car isn’t going anywhere…

I miss the warm sun and the blue sky!!

• green beans from our vegetable garden
• thinly sliced carrots
• lotus roots
• rice vinegar
• sweet rice wine
• soy sauce
• cooked white rice

Is it because I used dark soy sauce??  My sushi doesn’t usually turn brown like this…  But my husband tasted and approved it
For my record, my chirashi-zushi usually looks like this:
It tasted good though, just like when I made the last batch

Now I live in the suburb, but when I used to live in Boston and commute to the south shore, finding time to exercise was really tricky.  I didn’t drive back then, so I used public transportation everywhere, which restricted my schedule even more.  I carried my gym bag and wore my jogging shoes everywhere, so I was always ready to exercise.  Often times, the last thing I wanted to do after a long day of work and commuting, was to hit the gym   But I also knew that I always felt refreshed and slept better after my exercise, so I kept motivating myself.  For a while, it was working somewhat….but that was until I met my husband.

When we started dating, finding time to exercise became almost impossible.  We often went out for meals and that really added pounds to my body…and my husband’s.  Eventually, I moved in with him, where he owned a house (which is where we live now) outside of the city.  Like I said, I never drove a car then, so my husband took me everywhere by his car.  This was a big change I never expected.  When I lived in Boston, I walked everywhere.  Even when I used public transportation, I often stood inside of bus/train.  I often got off bus/train a few stops away, so I could get extra walk.  I went from 1hr – 2hrs walking per day to almost nothing.  I gained so much weight during the few years of the relationship.

We joined the gym 5 years ago – the very same gym where we go every morning now.  When we just joined the gym, we had good intentions to go, but we basically dragged our feet.  When I didn’t want to go, I tried to convince him not to go, and vice versa.  It happened so often that we sometimes ended up not going to the gym for a few months at a time.

3 years later, something hit us.  For my husband, not to be able to fit in the airplane seat whenever we visit our families and not having enough energy to stay active when were on vacation, really got him.  All the vacation time that we worked extremely hard for, we could not fully enjoy.  For me, not to be able to fit in the clothes that my husband wanted to pick up, really really really made me feel sad   For a long time, we thought we would hurt each other’s feeling by talking about our weight and exercise level, but it was way over due.  One day, we sat down and took time to talk about it.  We decided to go to the gym consistently, eat healthier, and encourage each other.

In the beginning, it was challenging, but we no longer made excuses for one another.  As we started going to the gym 3-5 days a week, one of the people at the gym started cheering us – it was my yoga instructor, who was also one of the gym staff at the front desk.  She was very friendly, but also very firm with the consistency in exercise schedule and kicked our butts when we didn’t show up for no reasons During the first & 2nd year, we went to the gym for 30-60 minutes 1-4 times a week.  During the last year, we went to the gym for 60 minutes per day 3-5 times a week.  This year, we go to the gym for 60-100 minutes per day 5-6 times a week.  We lost our weight slowly but surely.

To me, the last summer was one of the turning points in my life, when I started working with my (ex) personal trainer .  Lynne, a certified personal trainer, completely changed my perspective in free weights and nurtured my interests in strength training.  I became more enthusiastic about fitness during the time I worked with her   I also learned to lose the scale and focus on my cloth size as a weight loss measurement.

Meanwhile, other members at the gym started noticing our weight loss.  A few of them complimented how hard they think we were working at the gym.  That made us so proud and we began to look forward to going to the gym, where people encourage each other to work hard for healthier life.  It’s a fantastic community to be in!!

3 years later, my husband is 50 lbs, I am 40 lbs lighter, and we feel great.  My husband has great energy level almost all the time and fit in any commercial airline seat   His cloth size went down by 2-3 sizes.  I enjoy shopping now – especially the fitness clothing shopping Every item of clothing that my husband wishes to get for me, I can try it out.  I used to be in tears, not being able to fit & feeling embarrassed to come out from fitting room.  I was size 14-16 before I started working out regularly.  Now I wear 8-10.

It has been a long journey filled with tears, sweats, so many struggles, obstacles, & challenges.  But at the same time, it’s been extremely rewarding.  Our mind and body are much stronger and healthier.  We are so much happier

I just hope my husband’s friend can get on a healthier journey soon.  My husband understands how hard it is to get it going and he’s hoping to be a good supporter of his friend.  He and his friend got up early in the morning on Saturday to walk in the park in our neighborhood.  They got about 2 miles walk.  My husband told me after he came home that his friend had lots of questions about what kind of food we eat and what we do at the gym.  My husband was so excited to share his thoughts and experiences with him and I was so proud that he became a motivator to his friend   My husband is planning on going out for walk once again on next weekend!

So my husband is still on a roll and after he came back from the park, he wanted to go to the gym with me We worked out for 90 minutes.  My workouts included:

• 5 minutes warm-up
• Bicep Curls Full Range   12# 3×12
• Bicep 1/2 Way Up Curls 12# 3×10
• Tri Overhead Extensions   12# 3×16
• Tri KickBacks   10# 3×12
• Flat Bench Chest Press   12# 3×12
• V Sits   3×20
• Flat Bench Back Rows   12# 3×12
• Hip Raises   3×16
• Cable Rear Delts   25# 3×12
• Planks   3×30 seconds
• Abs Med Ball   3×12
• Back Extensions on a  Stability Ball   3×12
• 20 minute intervals on treadmill
• 20 minute intervals on stepmaster
• 3 minute cool down

And that’s a wrap!!

• 5 minutes warm-up
• Leg Press   25# 3×12
• Calf Raise  25# 3×12
• Leg Extensions   15# 3×12
• Leg Curls   30# 3×12
• One Leg Squat   3×12
• Dead Lift   10# 3×14
• Ab Crunch 3×25
• 20 minute intervals on treadmill
• 20 minute intervals on bike

I saw one of the personal trainers at the gym working with a couple and she was using TRX Suspension Training.  I know this personal trainer has been raving about TRX for months now and she even mentioned it on my husband’s birthday card My yoga instructor at the gym also has told me that our gym is offering TRX class pretty soon.  TRX Suspension Training is according to their website: “Born in the U.S. Navy SEALs and developed by Fitness Anywhere^®, Suspension Training^® is a revolutionary method of leveraged bodyweight exercise. Easily set up the portable TRX^® Suspension Trainer™ and you’re in control.  Safely perform hundreds of exercises that build power, strength, flexibility, balance, mobility, and prevent injuries, all at the intensity you choose.” You can get more information on their website: TRX Suspension Training.

It sounds great, right??  I cannot wait to see this in action at my gym!!  I know one of the branches already offers classes, but these classes are for the members at the specific branch.  I guess I can wait a little longer Meanwhile, my husband contacted (via email) one of his family members who’s in the service.  We’re just curious if this family member knows about TRX and how he thinks of it

“Excuse me, it’s way past my afternoon walk time.  Please take me outside ” Baby the cat

The sky is covered with clouds and it’s a little wet today, but the day breaks up a little earlier day by day   It give me hope for spring and it’s so exciting!  I love this time of the year.  My workout this morning included:

• 25 minute intervals on treadmill
• Yoga class (60 minutes)

Once again, my yoga instructor threw in a bunch of pilate routines using stability ball and weights, which was awesome!!  I can do those at home (I still need to buy dumbbells, but hey!) when the gym is closed for holidays or anytime I cannot make it there.  While I was in the yoga class, my husband was working out SO HARD for 100 minutes!  He’s really kicking up his workout load Good for him!!

In the early afternoon, since I was done with my portion of work early, I went back to the gym.  I wanted to get extra cardio workouts My workouts included:

• 30 minute intervals on ellipitical
• 30 minute walking intervals on treadmill
• 30 minute intervals on bike

As this week is getting closer to the weekend, I realize that I couldn’t squeeze spinning class anywhere   I tried, but it didn’t happen.  I just need to keep on trying….HARDER.

• 5 minutes warm-up
• Bicep Curls Full Range   12# 3×12
• Bicep 1/2 Way Up Curls 12# 3×10
• Tri Overhead Extensions   12# 3×16
• Tri KickBacks   10# 3×12
• Flat Bench Chest Press   12# 3×12
• V Sits   3×20
• Flat Bench Back Rows   12# 3×12
• Hip Raises   3×16
• Cable Rear Delts   25# 3×12
• Planks   3×30 seconds
• Abs Med Ball   3×12
• Back Extensions on a  Stability Ball   3×12
• 34 minute intervals on bike
• 3 minutes cool-down

It felt really good!  I haven’t been using a straight chair during the weights, which I was until last week for my lower back support.  Since my lower back seems to be doing much better, I wanted to try my workouts without it this week (but still going easy on the intensity).  It’s so nice to be able to stand up and do the whole free weight routine

It’s Wonderful Weather Wednesday!!  Baby took a nice afternoon walk in our backyard
Mmmm, the sun feels good!!

It has been an amazing week and I hope we can keep the warm sun a little longer

Today’s morning workout included:

• 5 minutes warm-up
• Leg Press   20# 3×12
• Calf Raise  20# 3×12
• Leg Extensions   15# 3×12
• Leg Curls   30# 3×12
• Yoga Class (60 minutes)

• 10 minutes warm-up
• Bicep Curls Full Range   12# 3×12
• Bicep 1/2 Way Up Curls 12# 3×10
• Tri Overhead Extensions   12# 3×16
• Tri KickBacks   10# 3×12
• Flat Bench Chest Press   12# 3×12
• V Sits   3×20
• Cable Rear Delts   30# 3×16
• Planks   3×30 seconds
• 30 minute intervals on bike
• 3 minute cool-down

People at the gym signed a birthday card for my husband and sang “Happy Birthday” for him!  He was a little embarrassed, but so happy for their kindness
I made about 100 of origami cranes as birthday favors for people to take.  Crane is a symbol of a long life, prosperity and good health in Japan, which fits in goals that everyone at the gym is working hard for   Once again, we feel so lucky to have a great community at our gym and very grateful for our friends’ thoughtfulness.

After our workout, we had breakfast & morning coffee and off to work!

It’s a great day for Baby to take a walk outside.  I took a little break in the afternoon to take a walk with her.
I was laughed at by a group of highschool girls for walking a cat   Well, I know it’s unusual to walk a cat, but my cat really walks with me and she loves it!! 

• 45 minute intervals on elliptical
• 40 minute intervals on bike

Same old thing….boring, boring, boring….   But my husband uploaded some tv shows on my iPhone, so that really helped me stay on the machines!!

It’s really a beautiful today where we live   Lots of sunshine and big blue sky!!  It’s just gorgeous.

In the afternoon, we went to our good friends’ house for ‘dinner,’ which was actually a surprise birthday party for my husband
A cup cake on steroid from Shipyard Galley!!  It was so dense, rich, and delicious!!
My husband was so happy and had a great time at the party   It wasn’t easy for me to keep everything secret from my husband during the past month Not only we live in the same house, we work together.  We even go to the same gym and work out together!  Every time he got a little suspicious, it  made my heart jump!!  I didn’t want to ruin it for him.  But after all, I think he was really grateful for our friends’ kindness whatever was going on before the party.

Happy birthday, honey!!

It was snowing when we drove to the gym this morning, but it finally stopped after we were done with our workouts My workout this morning included:

• 30 minute intervals on elliptical
• 15 minute strength training on inner & outer thighs (used hip adductor & abductor machines)
• 45 minute intervals on bike

I don’t know if it’s because of this rather long gloomy days, but I’ve been feeling unmotivated to workout….or maybe bored.  I know I should change up my cardio workouts a bit….I’ve been repeating the same thing over and over.  I cannot really go back to Zumba or cardio kick yet, since they both involve ‘twist’ motions that impact my lower back.  I always wanted to try spinning class…maybe I can somehow squeeze one class into my schedule??  Hopefully I can make it work next week!

• Platform Calf Raises   3×20
• Leg Extensions   10# 2×14
• Leg Curls   20# 2×14
• H.S. Calf Raises   10# 2×16

Then, I went to the morning yoga class!  My yoga instructor threw in some pilate core routines and that really challenged me (in a good way).  Meanwhile, my husband faithfully worked out for 90 minutes by himself as usual.  We drove home together after we’re all done, had our breakfast, and off to work!

I had some break time in the early afternoon, so I decided to go back to the gym for cardio workouts:

• 30 minute intervals on elliptical
• 30 minute intervals on bike

My quads started feeling sore and I experienced a sharp pain in my left ankle while I was on the bike.  After I lowered the intensity, I felt ok and I was able to finish the workout.  I probably should go easy on my legs tomorrow.

• 5 minute warm-up
• Bicep Hammer Curls + Curls   10# 3×12
• Tri’s Overhead   12# 3×16
• Chest Press (slight angle)   10# 3×12
• Back Rows   10# 3×16
• Shoulders – Side & Front Raises   5# 3×16
• Ab Crunches  on LF machine   40# 2×20
• Back Extension on LF machine   60# 2×20
• 5 minute stretches
• 30 minute intervals on bike + 3 minute cool down

which is exactly the same as Monday’s workout.  I got this really good burning feeling in my upper body after the strength training

It’s an another snowy day where we live.  Luckily, we did not have to be on the road too much today and we were able to come back to our office around lunch time.  We got some work to do, but since there was no rush to get anything done, we kinda took it easy.

I enjoyed some reading:

• Food Review: Progresso Light Soups (Calorie Count)
• 7 Reasons to Strength Train (FitSugar)
• Deepak Chopra’s Authentic Yoga iPhone App Review (DietsinReview)
• Can Exercise Protect Against Yo-Yo Dieting? (that’sFit)
• The Secrets of Success: Don’t Skimp on Strength Training (dailySpark)

It’s getting really windy outside.  I heard that the snow will continue to fall throughout the night until tomorrow morning.   I hope we can safely make it to the gym tomorrow morning!

I decided that I would try yoga class this morning, which was something new in my schedule.  I wanted to squeeze some lower body strength training before the class:

• Platform Calf Raises   3×20
• Leg Extensions   10# 2×14
• Leg Curls   20# 2×14
• H.S. Calf Raises   10# 2×16

When I went to the yoga class room, the lights were on, music was playing quietly, but no one was there yet.  So I figured I could squeeze a little more strength training:

• Side Legs on Mat   2×20
• Exercise Ball Wall Squats 2×18
• Exercise Ball Wall Plie Squats   2×18

Still, no one came…..  It was 6:10am and the class was supposed to start at 6:00.  I already saw my yoga instructor while I was doing my first portion of workout….she should be here.  So I started looking for my yoga teacher, carrying my yoga mat and water bottle…..  Gahhh!!  I was in the wrong room!!  Morning yoga class was already taking place in a different room.  My yoga instructor actually said, “I was about to start looking for you!  I wasn’t sure if you knew where we are.”  I’m glad I found them!  Thankfully, the class just started and there were only 2 other people in the class.  I quickly set up and joined the group.

Overall, I enjoyed yoga class in the morning very much   What a nice way to start a day!  I think I’ll try one more class during the same time on Thursday.  I know where I should be next time

Today is a little slow day at work, which is nice considering I spent the whole weekend for the workshops.  My husband had to go out for his side business and I decided to hit the gym again before noon!  I wanted to get some good cardio workouts:

• 5 minute warm up
• 30 minute intervals on elliptical
• 30 minute intervals on bike
• 5 minute cool down

It felt really good!
When I came home, our “Baby” the cat was really eager to take a walk outside.  So right after I ate some lunch (tuna sandwich today!), I took her out for nice long walk:
It smells like spring is here!

Whenever Baby finds a pile of dirt on the street, she wants to roll over…..  It’s gross, I know….
Squirrel!!!!!!?????

Baby spent about half hour outside and soaked up the warm sun   She really loves walking outside on a nice day.  She wasn’t too happy though when I had to wash her paws and fur that’s covered with dirt

My husband came back right after Baby’s walk and it’s time for me to get back to work!

Good morning!  We got up nice & early at 4 am, took time to wake up & had some before work-out snack, and hit the gym.  My workout this morning included:

• 10 minute warm-up
• Bicep Hammer Curls + Curls   10# 3×12
• Tri’s Overhead   12# 3×16
• Chest Press (slight angle)   10# 3×12
• Back Rows   10# 3×16
• Shoulders – Side & Front Raises   5# 3×16
• Ab Crunches  on LF machine   40# 2×20
• Back Extension on LF machine   60# 2×20
• 5 minute stretches
• 30 minute intervals on bike + 3 minute cool down

It really felt good to workout this morning, after the workshops!  I also had ‘craving’ for getting a nice workout, which I don’t feel too often   During the weekend workshops,  a concept of “people come back to our gym because of a sense of community” was emphasized and I was reassured that the kind of sense is always in our gym.  That’s why we want to be there every morning, be a part of “healthy life style community.”

After my husband and I came home, we were greeted by our “Baby” the cat, who was in a very playful mode   I am usually the one to play with her and I think she really missed her ‘play time’ with me over this weekend.  I’ve decided to spend some quality time with Baby today.  She really likes catching mouse toys.  Baby doesn’t quite fetch them, so I have to run to bring each one back, after I throw it.  It’s a good cardio exercise for me too

Speaking of everything that this workshop has given me…  Snacks and Lunches were included and they were SO GOOD!!  Super healthy and so delicious!!
My husband was very happy to hear how much I loved the workshop, after I came home.  He asked me smiling, “so what now?  Are you going to teach people?”  I don’t know.  I think I have SO MUCH MORE to learn…

My husband made a huge delicious baked ziti for supper   It was already cooking in the oven before I came home, so the entire house was smelling sooo good.  It’s only a little before 5pm and the baked ziti is still in the oven, but I’m starving.  I hope the baked ziti will be ready soon

I cannot wait to go back to the gym tomorrow and workout!  After these workshops, I’m so motivated to apply things that I learned to my workouts.  I’m very excited

The baked ziti is done!
Mmmm, I’m so hungry!

We’re going to have a movie night over the baked ziti   I just want to relax and have some quiet time, so I can process all the great things I got to take in throughout the weekend!

P.S. I got 100 % on the test!!

Overall, the 4 hour workshop just flew by.  It provided great information about their philosophy, history, and program.  One of the activities that we did was to draw a picture of “our ideal instructor.”  The speaker divided us into 4 groups and here’s what my group came up with:

A big smiley face with big ears and eyes that are looking directly at you!  We talked about an ideal instructor is someone who listens, smiles, makes eye contacts with clients, attentive, genuine, and caring – it doesn’t matter how he/she looks like.  So we decided not to draw a body or any of physical features that express gender.  Cool, right?

I was the only “general member” among these people at the workshop.  I felt really privileged to be a part of learning opportunity among these experienced & knowledgeable professionals.  I have to say I couldn’t help feeling a little intimidated, but at the same time, I felt the speaker’s great intention to open the door to everyone   The kind of flow was consistent throughout the afternoon and helped me feel more comfortable.

I have one more workshop on Saturday and Sunday!  I don’t know what the workshop will bring and how I’m going to do….I guess I’ll find out!

• 10 minutes warm-up
• Platform Calf Raises   3×20
• Side Legs on Mat   2×20
• Leg Extensions   10# 2×14
• Leg Curls   20# 2×14
• H.S. Calf Raises   10# 2×16
• Exercise Ball Wall Squats 2×18
• Exercise Ball Wall Plie Squats   2×18
• Stretches
• 45 Minute Intervals On Bike
• 5 Minutes cool-down

I am attending a workshop this afternoon!  This is one of the two workshops that I’m attending this weekend….  I saw a fitness director and my yoga instructor briefly at the parking lot as my husband and I were leaving.  They cheered me, “good luck and have fun!!”  I’m hoping that I can just loosen up a little, meet people, focus during the workshop, and have a great time with learning new stuff!  I’ll keep telling myself today: “breathe & relax”

• 10 minute warm-up
• Bicep Hammer Curls + Curls   10# 3×12
• Tri’s Overhead   12# 3×16
• Chest Press (slight angle)   10# 3×12
• Back Rows   12# 3×16
• Shoulders – Side & Front Raises   #5-8 3×16
• Ab Crunches  on a LF machine
• 5 minute stretches
• 30 minute intervals on elliptical+ 5 minute cool down

* use a straight chair for the lower back support.

I could not make it to the yoga class last night.  Between doing work, study, and house projects, I just couldn’t do it   It’s actually becoming trickier & trickier every week to go back to the gym in the morning and in the evening again.  Wednesday’s evening yoga class starts at 6:30 pm.  Whenever I prepare supper for my husband before the class, I try not to eat too much, especially 60-90 minutes before yoga class.  I just don’t like the feeling that there’s some food in my stomach during yoga.  Also I get picky about what to eat before yoga….I don’t want to eat any spicy food, which my husband like, or don’t want to eat any food that contains lots of fiber….etc.  All these little things have been so challenging…..  It was stressing me out a little bit and I don’t want that when I want to really enjoy yoga.

So, I thought about switching my schedule starting next week.  There are morning yoga classes on Tuesdays & Thursdays between 6-7am.  On those days, my husband and I can go to the gym at 5:30 as usual and I can go to yoga class after I warm-up a little.  Meanwhile my husband can get nice long 90 minute workouts!  I have been doing strength trainings 4 days a week…Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Instead of four days, I can do 3 days: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  That way, I can go to yoga class and still maintain a good frequency of strength training.  I just need to be creative about squeezing my cardio workouts somewhere….  Hmmm…  I’ll think some more….

My morning workout included:

• 30 minute intervals on elliptical
• 40 minute intervals on bike

I worked out really hard on the bike today.  Overall, my lower back felt fine today and I got really nice workout!

By the way, I was using these flash cards during my workouts to learn lots of fitness terminologies:
I made them from the book I’ve been reading.  My husband wanted me to show the cards to my yoga instructor, so I did.  She must have thought I was crazy lol.  She kindly advised me that I should just look forward to the learning opportunity and having fun at the workshops this weekend.  I know, I know….I just can’t help thinking that everyone there’s going to be fitness pros and I wouldn’t understand any of what’s going to be presented.  I’m also thinking that I can maximize my learning experience at the workshops, if I knew some of these terminologies.

Anyway…. we have to get going and get some work done, before the weather gets really horrible!

• 10 minutes warm-up
• Platform Calf Raises   3×20
• Side Legs on Mat   2×20
• Leg Extensions   10# 2×14
• H.S. Calf Raises   10# 2×16
• Exercise Ball Wall Squats 2×18
• Exercise Ball Wall Plie Squats   2×18
• Stretches
• 20 Minute Intervals On Elliptical
• 30 Minute Intervals On Bike
• 5 Minutes cool-down

I felt a little pain in my lower back while I was on the bike, so I dropped the intensity and continued.  It felt fine at the end of the workout.  I’m successfully done with today’s workout at the gym, no regrets today!!

After I got home, my husband kindly prepared my breakfast   He’s on a roll this week!!  He prepared a blood orange, slices of an apple, Trader Joe’s Organic Apple Yogurt, and a nice cup of coffee.
It was so creamy, fruity, and delicious!

The weather is supposed to be a little bit tricky today…..snow & rain   I’ll be working and studying and doing some house projects.  I guess it’s a good day to be productive inside of the house.

Anyway, after work and study, my husband offered that he would cook tonight’s supper for us!  He decided to try this recipe: Tomato Pork Loin Chops.  He didn’t quite stick with the recipe exactly, since we didn’t have all the ingredients.  In stead of using tomato sauce, he used Progresso Vegetable Classics Hearty Tomato Soup + left-over chunky vegetable pasta sauce from the other night.  We also spiced the pork up with Trader Joe’s Everyday Seasoning.  There are sea salt, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, coriander, onion, garlic, paprika, and chilli pepper in the blend.

The container has a grinder and works pretty good!  It added zing! to our meal, just like it claims that it would

My husband followed the rest of the recipe including using worcestershire sauce (except he didn’t use any measurement).  I did my part: microwaving the Hannaford’s Steam-in-Bag Harvest Vegetable Mix!!

After about 30 minutes, the supper was served!!
It looked great and tasted wonderful as well!!  My husband cooked some angel hair pasta, sprinkled a little bit of bread crumbs & parmesan cheese.  Pork came out so tender and the tomato sauce was a great match!!  Sweet & tangy & a little kick from Everyday Seasoning….it tasted devine   I thanked my husband very much for this sweet treat.  It was a wonderful supper.

Okay, so we talked about strategies for my tomorrow workout.  We’ll go to the gym together, but take separate cars.  My husband will work out for 60 minutes and go home for his work, I will stay there for another 30 minutes for cardio workouts.  This way, I will have no excuse not to get any cardio workout tomorrow!  No backing out!!

The very same book that I borrowed from my yoga instructor, which I ordered last Wednesday, finally came!  I have to read & study the book some more whenever I can by Friday.  I’m attending workshops this weekend to learn more about fitness.  I made the decision a couple of months ago, but now I’m a little nervous about being there, as much as I’m excited about it.  What if all the attendees were so much more advanced??  Would I feel like I’m out of place??  After all, I’m only a beginner in this field.

Oh well.  They know my level.  I was still able to registrar for the workshops.  I’m going to be there with my mind open to learn and hoping that I can get tools to apply logic to my workouts.  Then, maybe, to others.  But first to my husband’s

Back to work!

• 10 minute warm-up
• Bicep Hammer Curls + Curls   10# 3×12
• Tri’s Overhead   10# 3×16
• Chest Press (slight angle)   10# 3×12
• Back Rows   12# 3×16
• Shoulders – Side & Front Raises   #5-8 3×16
• Ab Crunches  on a LF machine & ball  3×16
• 5 minute stretches

* use a straight chair for the lower back support.

I’m repeating the same upper body exercise with a straight chair (except I added the ab crunches today).  I want to do this to take care of my lower back.  I tend to get stressed out easily and rush to go back to regular routines or increase the intensity, but I realized that that’s not gonna help my lower back.  Patience, patience, patience.

After our morning workout, my husband and I went to grocery stores to pick up a few things.  As soon as we got home, we prepared some post workout snack.  We had some peanut butter & fluff sandwich before workout, so we just needed a little snack.  My husband had an orange and I had a blood orange.
They were so sweet and juicy!  I also had Activia Light Strawberry.
We enjoyed a cup of coffee as well   It’s sunny, beautiful morning outside!  What a great treat to start off the week.  Here we go, off to work!

It’s a little after 8pm now and I finally finished the book….my brain cannot process any more information today, it’s full.  I’ll go to bed early and try to get good night sleep for tomorrow.

My morning workout included:

• 20 minute elliptical intervals
• 20 minute stair machine intervals
• 20 minute bike intervals

I got pretty sweaty after these nice interval workouts and I felt pretty good!
When we got home from workout, we made coffee in our travel mugs for our ride to Boston!  Our first destinations were Micro Center and Trader Joe’s in Cambridge.  I used to live in this area for my school & work and also met with my husband   So we still often come back this area for shopping + dining.  Micro Center is my techy husband’s favorite place and Trader Joe’s is our paradise!!

They have such unique products to suffice almost everyone’s taste buds!!  I used to walk here from my school or my old apartment in Jamaica Plain to seek for new products
After fun, fun shopping at Micro Center and Trader Joe’s, we drove along Charles River & Mass Ave.

Our next stop was Super 88.  I had the biggest craving for tofu!!  When we arrived at the store, we saw “lion dance” was taking place for a part of Chinese New Year celebration.
What a HUGE drum!!  It sounded really good.
After we enjoyed the lion dance, we quickly walked throughout the store and grabbed everything we need.
Our third destination was IKEA.

We wanted to find some blinds for our windows, but we couldn’t find what we like   But my husband found something for his sweet tooth
Pasta!?

No, they’re candies!

My husband claims that IKEA is the only place he can find 4 color Swedish Fish.  I don’t know if it’s true….

Oh, we also had some snacks/lunch at IKEA.
They tasted okay   Great cost performance (all that for a little over $4).

After we left IKEA, my husband wanted to pick up some lumber at a hardware store and that was our last stop before we finally got home.  Boy, we felt like we had an another round of workout by doing this all these errands!!

Our cat “Baby” wanted to go out for a walk when we got home   She must have felt the warm sun today, even when she was inside of the house.  It was just such a beautiful day today!!  There were some snow on the ground, but Baby was so eager to explore the “hint of spring.”

She was so excited and her tail was all the way up

After Baby’s short walk, my husband and I got to review our groceries.  Here are stuff from Trader Joe’s:
I had to put these “Blood Oranges” in my basket at Trader Joe’s.  My sister-in-law in Japan served me Blood Orange Juice before and I remember the color being darker red & the flavor being so sweet, yet tangy.  I liked it very much.
We had to taste one of them   The juice truly look like blood, but don’t be afraid!  The fruit tasted sweet & sooo juicy, like navel orange.  Mmmm, so good!!

Here are stuff from Super 88:
Mmmm, tofu….
I was intrigued by this and I couldn’t pass it up.  “Green Tea Soy Milk” from Kikkoman.  Being a Japanese, I always new that Kikkoman is famous for making soy sauce, but not soy milk.  Never mind the green tea flavor…, I have never seen any soy milk product in Japan that’s made by Kikkoman.  I need to try this.

What a great day we had!!  The weather was just splendid and we had such a productive day.  The beautiful sun kept us going, going, and going.  It was such a great treat today during snowy winter and I don’t know who to thank

• 10 minute warm-up
• Bicep Hammer Curls + Curls   10# 3×12
• Tri’s Overhead   10# 3×16
• Chest Press (slight angle)   10# 3×12
• Back Rows   12# 3×16
• Shoulders – Side & Front Raises   #5-8 3×16
• Bicep 1/2 Way Curls  8# 3×8
• 40 minute intervals on bike
• 5 minute cool-down

My husband couldn’t make it to the gym because of his work, so I hit the gym by myself.  I thought of him when the “smiley gym guy” welcomed me at the parking lot   We had to stay up late last night for work, so it was a little tough for me to get through the workouts, but I did it!  Before I left the gym, I saw my (ex) personal trainer at the gym today!  She looked great as usual and it was so nice to see her there   She just started her own blog, which is really exciting.

As I’m writing this blog in the evening, I’m remembering how beautiful it was outside today.  It felt like an early spring time!  Speaking of spring time, my husband and I bought lots of flower & vegetable seeds the other day.  We had great success last year in our very first vegetable garden on our back yard and we want to try it again this year

Here are some photos from last year.

We had so much fun with our vegetable garden!  During the whole summer, we didn’t have to buy almost any vegetable at grocery stores.  Instead, we just went to our backyard and picked what we could find.  It was just a blast!!  As the summer was ending, we chopped up lots of vegetables like peppers, onions, peas, beans, and ziplock-bagged them to store in the freezer.
We still eat them these days.  I actually used some of these vegetables in chunky vegetable sauce over whole wheat tortellini the other night.  Mmmm, they make us long for beautiful spring and summer!!

• 10 minutes warm-up
• Platform Calf Raises   3×20
• Side Legs on Mat   3×20
• Leg Extensions   10# 3×14
• H.S. Calf Raises   10# 3×16
• Exercise Ball Wall Squats 3×18
• Exercise Ball Wall Plie Squats   3×18
• Stretches
• 30 Minute Intervals On Elliptical + cool-down

My husband and I hit the gym 5:30am, bright and early, which we like.  My husband stayed until 6:30 and I stayed there for another extra 30 minutes.  I was supposed to meet up with a friend to work out together, but I guess things just didn’t work out

This is random, but my husband has been saying that he sees a “smiley face” on a parking lot gate machine at our gym.  He finally took a picture on my phone to show and prove it.  So here’s the “smiley gym guy.”
“Welcome to the Gym!”

Miso soup with lots of lots of sea weeds, carrots, and tofu was my dinner before I went to yoga class   Chunky vegetable sauce with whole wheat pasta was my husband’s.  I love my miso soup… I always use miso paste, which I buy from Japanese or Chinese grocery stores.  Kam Man Market (Quincy, MA), Super88, and Ebisuya Market are great places to go for asian products.  My husband and I even drive to Mitsuwa Market Place in NJ sometimes.  It sounds crazy, but the place is worth driving, if you love Japanese stuff!  Not only there is a great grocery store, there’s also Japanese food court, bookstore, stationary & kitchen goods store, bakery, and etc…  Every time we go there, we feel like we’re in Japan   Thinking about the place makes me want to drive down there again soon.

After dinner and clean-up the dishes, I went to my yoga class (I rest my stomach for 90 minutes).  I usually get some extra cardio before yoga, but I didn’t do it today for my lower back pain recovery.  I got sweaty like crazy during yoga today!  After Sun Salutation, I had to quickly grab my towel.  It felt sooo good after 60 minutes class.  I love the relaxation & meditation time toward the end of the class….I always feel my blood smoothly circulating throughout the body.  I can almost hear it.

I look forward to going to bed every time after I go to yoga class, because I always sleep like a baby

Between doing work, I made Banana Oat Breakfast Cookie.  It’s a recipe from Heart Healthy Living: Banana Oat Breakfast Cookie.  Our oven does not work perfectly right now and making cookies was a little daring and tricky, but this recipe was nice and easy.  Best of all, it’s a great recipe and these cookies are delicious!

The recipe should make 12 cookies, but I made each cookie smaller and ended up with 24 of them.  I also substituted dry milk powder with protein powder, because I simply didn’t have dry milk powder!

I made them for my husband who got a sweet tooth for some sweet stuff   He liked them and already had 4 or 5 of them!  I had one to test it and it was so good!  I’ll have 1 or 2 more before I go to yoga tonight.  I think they’re good for breakfast or snack.

I’m very happy with this new recipe.  Without cooking oil, butter, shortening, white sugar, or chocolate chips, these cookies are one of our biggest hit!

• 30 minute intervals on elliptical
• 15 minute intervals on stairmaster
• 15 minute intervals on bike

Last night’s supper was a success for me and my husband.  So just for our record, I took photos of it.  We call it ‘success’ because it turned out great for how quickly we were able to serve it, yet still tasted good.  It was somewhat healthy and looked really colorful too!  Mostly I was glad to find my new favorite frozen vegetables, while we are still under kitchen renovation and we  cannot  really cook much right now.  I highly recommend frozen veges from Hannaford   They are priced right, good quality, and nutritious (in my opinion).  Overall great cost performance!  We also got brown rice from Birds Eye and that was a perfect match with other items on the plate.  You can just pop these bags in the microwave and they cook beautifully!  No peeling, cutting, chopping, or even poking the bags with folk.
From preparation to the table only took under 15 minutes.  I cannot wait for our new kitchen, but meanwhile, it’s cool to find new items at grocery stores and explore them!

But I didn’t know if other people have been counting on me!  Oh, this girl really touched me…how sweet of her.  She also told me she and her partner have been training for 5K!  Good for them!!  She came to tell me that I motivate her, but she ended up motivating me!!

When my husband and I were about to leave the gym after our workout, one of the other dedicated people came to me and said, “you’re doing such a great job! You look great!!”  Oh, right back at you!!   I don’t know what it is about today.  I believe that I belong to a gym where people are so kind and wonderful.  What a gift.

I have been feeling a little discouraged by my lower back pain, but what happened this morning really lifted me up   I’m gonna have to keep going strong, there are people who are counting on me!

• Bicep Hammer Curls + Curls   10# 3×12
• Tri’s Overhead   10# 3×16
• Chest Press (slight angle)   10# 3×12
• Back Rows   10# 3×16
• Shoulders – Side & Front Raises   #5-8 3×16

I’m getting CPR training right after my morning workout.  Grab some coffee, fruits & snacks and off I go!

It’s like a soft cookie, but not so sweet.  Just the way I like.
We had some Nature’s Place Whole Wheat Tortellini with chunky vegetable sauce for supper.  Tortellinis were so tender and delicious!

We had some more painting to do upstairs after the meal.  I like the day that we keep moving & moving.  We’ll work on painting the second coat tomorrow night

Around mid-morning, we decided to have some pre-workout snacks.  We had some “Wheat Thins Toasted Chips: North End Parmesan & Herb” and Vita Coco with pineapple.  The chips were light, crisp, and tasty   Gave me a good satisfaction/fuel for morning workout.  The chips are on a disposable plate, because we packed everything away for kitchen renovation.  We cannot do too much in the kitchen right now, because we only have so many things available!

Vita Coco with pineapple was great too.  I love the fact that it’s 100 % pure coconut water

45 minutes after the snack time, we hit the gym.  My morning workouts (focus on calfs) included:

• 10 minutes warm-up
• Platform Calf Raises   3×20
• Side Legs on Mat   3×20
• Leg Extensions   10# 3×14
• H.S. Calf Raises   10# 3×16
• Exercise Ball Wall Squats 3×18
• Exercise Ball Wall Plie Squats   3×18
• Stretches
• 15 Minute Workout On Elliptical

I wanted to make sure that I go easy on my lower back, which I did.

I have been reading “fitness Mind, Body + Spirit” and “Diet 2010” magazines during the breaks.  There are so many helpful information and I’m already learning a lot.  I put “flags” on the pages that I want to come back to later.  I love reat healthy recipes & tips, and exercise routines…I cannot wait to try them.  Oh, cute yoga and fitness clothes info too!  I liked these quick substitution tips:  Quick & Healthy Recipe Substitutions from Heart Healthy Living.  They also have a “Substitutions for your fridge!” chart (you can download a PDF chart).  I have been substituting sour cream with tofu + lemon.  It works great with lasagna and baked ziti recipes.

We had a really nice evening yesterday…  We went to outside mall for window shopping and a book store to browse some new books & magazines.  On a way to the book store, we bumped into our “family” friends   That was such a pleasant surprise!!  We chat a little bit in front of the book store, until one of our friends started feeling freezing!  Before our friends left though, they told me about a spinning class that they’re involved in (one of them teaches it and the other one is the mechanic!)…and I said, “Oooo, can I come???”   I have been looking for good spinning class (something new!!) and if these friends are involved in, the class got to be a blast!!  Both of them are great athletes.  Oh, it was really really exciting last night!  So good to see them.

At the book store, I wanted to look though the magazine section, to see if I can find fitness related magazine.  I want to learn more about fitness, workout, etc…  I picked “fitness Mind, Body + Spirit,” since it came with “Diet 2010: Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest” magazine.  Then my husband and I went to Whole Foods Market to pick up some sushi & snacks.  The Whole Foods has Genji Sushi and I love their sushi!!  Brown rice spicy shrimp tempura roll was my choice.  I also got a Vita Coco with peach & mango.  Great source of Vitamin C & potassium.

We’ve been working on getting ready to paint a room on our second floor since this morning.  Around the noon time, we decided to take a lunch break.  My husband treated himself to pizza.  I had Genji sushi and Vita Coco   They’re so dilicious   I love the texture of brown rice.

While we’re eating our lunch, we became so curious about the sushi package.  It looked like made out of recycled paper, yet it said “no tree” on the package??  So I went to Genji’s website and found out that the container is made by Be Green Packaging LLC.  Very cool and interesting!  The package is made out of bulrush which grows in wild.

After lunch, my husband had to finish some of his work and I did some blogging.  We’ll get back to work after we digest our food!

Once we arrived at the gym, we saw newer models of cardio equipments and totally new equipments that I have never used.  Most of the equipments are iPod & iPhone ready (sweet!!).  New people to meet and greet, new TV & headsets to figure out how to connect   Oh, they were all so exciting!

One of the new equipments to me was this: Arc Trainers.  It felt like between using stairclimber & elliptical.  I tried it for a minute to see how my back would feel.  It doesn’t put a lot of impact on my lower body including my back and I felt just fine.  I got nice workout on the machine for 30 minutes.  I stepped on a newer model of elliptical machine and got nice 30 minute interval workout.  It felt great!

After our workout, my husband and I quickly checked out this branch’s new pool.  When we saw the pool, all we could say was, “we should come back for this pool !!”  It’s a beautiful, brand-new, olympic-size pool!  We definitely have to come back to this branch for swimming!!

iPhone has so many great apps for diet & exercise.  FitSugar has a great list of iPhone apps and you can check them out here: FitSugar: Healthy iPhone Apps.

• Apple Pie Yogurt: read “Afternoon Snack: Apple Pie … Yogurt” from Glamour magazine
• 9 Healthy Predinner Snacks: from REAL SIMPLE
• Guiltless Gourmet Tortilla Chips
• Banana Nut VitaTops from: Vital & Delicious

So my husband and I decided to hit the gym around lunch time today, assuming that my back will be much better by then.  I do not want to totally skip my workout, unless it’s a recovery day.  Do you (if anyone out there) work out when you don’t feel good?

• 1: Cable Side Raises 10#   3×12
• SS: Front Side – Overhead Press 5-8#   3×12
• SS: Rear Delts  – Dumbell Side Raises 5-8# 3×12
• SS: Chest Flies – Backrows 15#   3×12
• SS Abs Med Ball – Stability Ball   3×12

3. 5 minutes stretches

So, about 6 inches of snow was on the ground when we woke up in the morning.  Luckly, we were able to drive over all the snow with my husband’s truck and hit the gym!  There were almost NOBODY at the gym though!  It’s usually fairly packed with regular morning crews, but not this morning   Anyway, I did my upper body weights and my husband did a good 60 minute cardio workouts.

We chat with my yoga teacher briefly and talked about Zumba class tonight.  My gym offers Zumba class 2 times a week.  I went several times and I loved it!!  But when I hurt my  lower back a few weeks ago, I decided to take a break, until it heals.  I also had to give up Cardio-Kick class (offered 3 times a week) as well.  The Cardio-Kick class at my gym is great and the instructor is just so wonderful (yeah, I love my gym very much)!!  He’s tough but he’s got great heart.  He reminds me of my former teachers in my childhood, who were really really really tough, have high expectations, and push you to your highest potential.

Zumba & Cardio-Kick classes are offered back to back 2 times a week and I used to go both of them for a few weeks.  That was a blast!  It turned out though, I was doing way too much to my body.  So,  I have been thinking when I’ll go back to these classes, I’m going to decrease the frequency.  I won’t do back-to-back class anymore.  Just one class per day.  Since I was starting to feel better during the past few days, I thought I may be able to go back to Zumba tonight…I was wrong.

My lower-back pain came back, when I was getting our trash ready.  I just bent over to tie trash bag, then piercing pain suddenly went through my lower back!  I put Tiger Balm and ice pack immediately.  Let’s see if I feel better….

We were supposed to be hammered by huge snow storm by this afternoon.  It’s a little after 3pm now, but no snow here!  It’s just cold rain and windy wind. I was looking forward to shoveling snow…  By the way, ever wondered how many calories you can burn while shoveling snow?  You can calculate it here.

1. 10 minutes warm-up on a treadmill
2. 45 minutes free weights

• 1 Leg squats on step 1 riser
• Stepups – squeeze back   3×16

• Leg curls – 35#
• Dumbell squats – 10#   3×10-12

• Dumbell wide deadlifts – 10#
• Dumbell squat lift back – 10#   3×10-12

• Calf raises – 20#
• Straight press – 20#   3×12

• Leg extension – 20# 3×12

3. 5 minutes stretches

When my husband and I arrived at the gym, my yoga instructor (she is wonderful!!) told me about potential HUGE snow storm tomorrow.  And she’ll probably cancel the evening yoga class….   It makes me feel a little sad to miss yoga class, but safety first!

I just started going to this yoga instructor’s class at my gym every Wednesday evening.  It was a little intimidating to begin, just like when I started going to the gym or working with my personal trainer.  I’m not so flexible or don’t have a great sense of balance.  Besides something about getting on the mat made me feel so vulnerable…(don’t know why).  But my yoga instructor, Jeanne, was so gracious and had lots of compassion to accept me into her class.  There are usually diverse mix of people in her class.  Some are advanced, some are intermediate, the others are beginner like myself   I don’t know how Jeanne does it, but she tailors each class to fit us all!  It works beautifully every time.  With her careful and gentle instructions for several weeks, I gradually became more comfortable week after week.  Through breathing, stretching, and focusing on my body, I’m slowly becoming more flexible and balanced.  Now I feel very relaxed and peaceful toward the end of the class and sleep like a baby after I get home!  I love going to my yoga class!

I love it so much that my husband got me a yoga mat to go to the class.  I love my yoga mat…
Yoga outfits are fun to shop too!  My favorite store is Lucy!  Athleta‘s lineup looks great too.

But at first, I was really reluctant to start personal training sessions.  My husband surprised me with “12 personal training sessions packet” on my birthday.  I was a little upset with him for doing this, because I thought it was so expensive and I didn’t think I would like it.  It was the summer 2009, when after long years of repeating yo-yo diets, going to the gym became finally a habit for me and my husband.  Going to the gym had been intimidating enough for both of us, and now I have to work with a personal trainer….  I didn’t even know how it worked…  I thought, I already know how to use treadmills, stairmaster, and elliptical machine, what else do I need to know??

I was wrong, I didn’t know anything about fitness and I got to learn A LOT from Lynne.  She introduced me to free weights and I became to enjoy it!  My arms, shoulders, back, quads, hams, and abs  became so much more toned and I could flex those muscles!  My cloth size dropped from 14 to 10-8.  Through free weights, I also learned to focus and listen to my body, which is probably the greatest lesson Lynne taught me.  When you engage in free weights, you have nothing to depend on but yourself.  You attention needs to be directing to your body.  This was so different and challenging for me for a long time, because I used to only use machines for weight lifting and cardio workouts.  It was so easy to zone out and lose focus.  When I do free weights, that cannot happen.

Ultimately, the lesson of focusing on and listen to my body really helps me choose healthier choices every day.  When a scale hit 190lbs, clearly I did not care about myself.  Now I listen to myself

Lynne has lots of great tips and offer free resources.  You can check out her website here: REAL PEOPLE-REAL FITNESS.

I think it’s important to make sure your personal trainer is certified.  You can look for a log like below.

• 10 minutes warm-up on treadmills
• 45 minutes free weights
• 5 minutes stretches