Weights Up!

Public holiday today! Will be going to a missionary's place in late morning. We are going to try a new recipe for chicken. Yum yum.... if it turns out good, I'll use it for my meals over the next few weeks.

Went training last night. Gave the Christmas presents to everyone. Not everyone turned up though. So I left some with Derek and told him to help give out the remainder, heheh.
Last nite was my third day of consecutive training. He advice not to do that. Ok... but actually the workout are not tiring enough not to come 3 days straight. I can still manage. Did the deadlift, lunges, rows, and kettlebell swing. I like the deadlift. Besides the lunges, which he knows is my favorite. I hate the overhead press or something. It's a killer. My weights are increased sooner than I thought...

My weight went up by 0.5kg this week!!!! Edwin says it's muscle. Humph. I don't like to see extra numbers. But well what really counts is the measurement. Will record another set tomorrow or on Saturday.

1 Day Count Down to Retreat!!!! YAY!

109 Burpees!!!

Last nite had training. This morning training too. Wanted to shift to evening slot, but it's full. But good thing about morning is that there's less of us. Only Emily and I today.
My thighs not as sore but can still feel the tightness. Did front squats, chinups, pushups and benchpress. 5 min of burpees!!!! Hey I broke my record today. Total of 109 in 5 min!!!! YAY!
*Happy dance*

Will be back tomorrow night for final training this week. Thur is public holiday and Fri is TWR Retreat cum Christmas BBQ. Gonna be awesome fun! Yikes, and gotta watch my calories too. There's gonna be buffet lunch and dinner!!!!!!!!!!!!! *shudders*

Guess what? I left my purse at home today! Thank God I've some coins left in my ezlink pouch... can you imagine having no money to pay for a coffee????? Phew!

But my ezlink is down to the last dollar too. Shoots, everything seem to go down altogether.

I'll have to borrow some cash from my colleague for transport. Won't have problems with lunch since I cook in office and the stuff I need are in the fridge already.

Tonight will be training night. Should be with Edwin/Derek? Not sure how many coaches there are actually, lol. I hope to get some interval training done at technopark during lunch. There aren't many people who use the gym which is good. I won't want people watching me pant while I do my burpees!

Something to be thankful for. Over the last couple of days, people who havn't seen me in a week have been commenting that I look smaller( ie lost weight). My churchmate thought it's because I had diarrhoea (eaten bad 'laksa') the last couple of weeks, haha. The few things I notice about the last couple of weeks:

1) Slimmer neck. (Still big la, but can tell it's slightly less fat)

2) Smaller calves. (And I thought cycling would make them grow bigger! What an idiot I've been)

3) Smaller face. (Flesh around the jaw area is shrinking).

With previous experience, I think my weightloss is more evident when I reach 62kg. That's when the changes really take place. But now since I am doing weights more than steady state cardio, the results are faster and more evident. I can't wait to get down to 56kg and pig out for my first cheatmeal! Coach's aim is to get me down to 50kg with lean muscle mass. But yikes, I still think it's heavy. We shall see how it goes. Here's me before training started at 78kg:

I would love to do this with my kids when I become a mum! Awesome kids!



Yikes.... I had bubble tea after the course yesterday. Anyway, reached home and went onto the elliptical machine for some fast interval workout. It feels a little like cycling, just that I am not seated. I can go harder on this than on the bike. Great that when it rains and I can't go to the park, this machine is here in my room! No chance of excuses and saying "It's inconvenient". Hahaha. I feel like getting one punch bag/man. There's space for one more machine. Hahaha. I don't need much walking space in my room. Just need a path from door to bed and that's enough!

Also need to think of my books! Too many... Will pass some on to the office library and then see if anyone is interested in the remaining. Let me know if you want. I'll try to come up with a list over the week.

Today, it'll be elliptical interval again. Tomorrow back to training. (I've to get hold of Edwin's email/hp since Jon will be overseas. Then any questions I have can be answered soonest). I feel embarrassed about asking so many questions but well there's so much to absorb for the sake of a better health and living. I know there'll be no regrets.

My rest was on Thur I think. Mind was too clouded that day to do anything. All's fine now... continue to focus and celebrate life! SMILE! May the joy of the Lord be your strength.

Morning Cardio, Ending it

Just a quick log before heading for my website development course.
20 min on elliptical machine (no cycle today because I am at home). Did the same interval timing. It's so tiring! WOOT! Burn baby fat burn!

Ending It
6pm - Yes, it's official. I've let go of the relationship. I believe when God brings two persons together, it'll be to love, support and walk each other down the path of eternity, united to honor Him and serve Him. And we'll be a team. Enough said. Time to move on. I know God will bring someone of the same value system and vision as my lifetime partner. I'm not worried.

Will not let this destroy the journey I've embarked on. The last thing I should do is pig out on potato chips, chocolate and ice cream.

Encouragement

Update 1.30pm : Not going to coach's gym today. Did cycling interval during lunchtime in technopark (15 min) and modified kettlebell swing for 5 min. Used a dumbell instead and it works! Fat blasting workout manz! YAY! But I chose a lower weight though because I cannot get injured/too sore during this season.

Received a pleasant email from a friend this morning. It was from a sermon that was preached long ago but yet the message hit home once again. The beauty of the Word....

God Will Bring You Through!
"There arose against [us]... Euroclydon." Acts 27:14
Euroclydon! It's the only storm named in Scripture. It means "typhoon," and Paul had to sail through it to reach his destiny. Observe:
(1) To reach your goal you'll have to go through storms. "When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved" (Acts 27:20 NIV). There will be days when you'll wonder how you're going to make it. But by God's grace you will!
(2) Storms reveal how well you know God. "Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul,'" (Acts 27:23-24 NIV). It's the tough times that reveal the strength of your God-connection.
(3) God can make a success out of a shipwreck. Notice some important things in this story:
(a) Sometimes you'll have to throw stuff overboard (See Acts 27:18).
(b) In spite of your best efforts you'll occasionally run aground (See Acts 27:26).
(c) You must remember what God told you and stand on it (See Acts 27:25).
(4) Often the worst thing that could have happened turns out for the best. God used this shipwreck to reach Malta with the Gospel. And notice what happened to Paul and his traveling companions as they left that island: "They honored us...and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed" (Acts 28:10 NIV).

Stop worrying, God will provide what you need in ways that amaze you. If you're His child you're not the victim of circumstances. Your future is not in the hands of people, it's in the hands of God. And what He owns, He takes care of!

Yesterday, another colleague commented I have lost weight. This is good. Hopefully can get to healthy BMI by CNY. Pressing on! Yah and squatting on too.... heheh.

Motivated!

I am logged in now because I know it'll be very late when I get home tonight. Here I am 7:47am in the office, getting ready for the office devotions. Today will be a long day, I've a prayer meeting tonight and thereafter chill out with some cell members.

Feeling good today. Not much sores/aches. I don't think coach pushed me too hard last night. Probably he doesn't want me to overdo it. Anyway, I won't be going to the gym till Monday. So the bike will be my buddy this 2 days!

Guess what? I was away from this keyboard for 3 min as the sweet cleaning auntie wanted to vacuum my work area. She started to comment that I seemed to have lost weight during the holidays (I was clearing leave). Woohoot! Somebody notices! Spent about 1 min showing her the various moves I did during training. I feel so motivated for the day already!!!! Thank You Lord!

I am amazed the way my scale numbers are dropping. Wish I had gone to the coach earlier! I had cut down to 57kg twice but after months of plateauing, got disheartened and put on 10kg!!!! Really glad to see some positive changes. I am starting to really enjoy training. Hmm.... still trying out how to smile after all those killing weights. To smile, you have to activate muscles too ok! For now, I'll just let my heart do the smiling.... Who cares if you see me smile, I am happy anyway hahaha! Never judge according to appearance, lol.

Here's some pics of my food stuff. A healthy lunch for me while my colleagues tuck into sinful wanton noodles, a fridge full of foochow fishballs (thanks to Mum!), the personal collection of spices and seasonings I keep in the office for my cooking, and my fav mushroom fish soup!

Have a blessed day, everyone! Stay healthy!

Zealous!

Suddenly realised I am very 'siao onz' about this healthy lifestyle. I wouldn't have realised till my coach said 4x in a row is not good. I was wondering if I should go tomorrow and then rest till Monday. The advice: "Cycle tomorrow." Ok... In my mind I am already thinking of doing it in morning and then evening again. Oops. Am I overzealous over this? Reminds me of the earlier days in Cali where I'll pop in every night for some workout.

Today I didn't feel much soreness. Probably my body has gotten used to the continuous weights and squats. I don't feel I've worked out hard enough tonight. Think the weights are too easy, like Jon said. But I certainly don't want to have another episode of not being able to walk down the stairs properly. That's too 'ouch-ful' to endure. Tried something new today. Errr....forgot what it's called, haha. The bar was against my neck and on my shoulders and I had to do a front squat. Coach thinks I am bouncing around too much. Him: Stop bouncing! Me thinking: Hey that's what happens when you have too much fats ok.... Btw, he's got sharp ears so I've learnt not to mutter anything negative under my breath, lol. He did caught me muttering 'evilish', oops.

I think I was not focusing during training today. Was my first day back at work after a week rest and was in 'screen saver' mode when I reached gym. I'll be more focused tomorrow for the bike and give my best.

Colleagues at work are aware I am back to healthy eating mode. Lunchtime approaches and someone would pop by and ask "Eating in?" Haha.... after a few days, it became more like a greeting rather than a question. I had a few noses coming into the pantry just now as I was cooking my garlic florentine fish. The aroma was just too tempting for them lol. Here's a sample pic of my lunch today. Looks good yea? Maybe I should open a cafe, heheh.

Beautiful in God's Eyes

Today's training went well. Was having sore shoulders but thanks to a miraculous tennis ball and socks (that's clean), I didn't feel as sore after. Amazing, the things I've learnt over the past 3 weeks. Somehow I think Dr JJ is gonna miss me alot from now onwards, haha.

Anyway, on a more serious note I am currently reading a book titled "Beautiful in God's Eyes" by Elizabeth George. It is about becoming a reflection of God's portrait of a woman's loveliness in Proverbs 31. I like the part where the author mentions that God's idea of beauty is far different from the world's. Power of mind (moral principles & attitudes) makes up the image, and power of body (potency and effectiveness) makes up the other. A Proverbs 31 woman possesses loads of internal qualities that enable her to manage everything well. She has a powerful body to do all that God desires of her. To work, to nurse the needy, to watch over and build her home. God shows her mental strength in a composite of the internal qualities that keep her from giving up, giving in, dropping out, or quitting short of the goal to be and do what God desires. Her love for God's praise outweighs those given by man.

I subject my body to hard work and discipline so that I can be a blessing to my family, my wonderful lovely niece and my friends. External beauty can't beat health in body and spirit. I can be totally shallow to say that I'll lose weight for the sake of winning the heart of my future husband. Or be completely submissive to God and building a better body as it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. For His sake, I'll keep up with the gym work, the discipline to cook my nutritious meal (with lots of spice!!!), and subject myself only to cheat meal once a month. (Ok, make that twice this month since it's Christmas and my birthday coming too!)

A fabulous Christian video inspired me to go through the pain and discipline in this journey to better health. "Facing the Giants." Nothing is impossible with God. He is able to spur me on to endure and go through all the challenges in this fight. Thank God for a coach too, for being such an affirming and fabulous guy. Just like the player in the movie, I'll move inch by inch closer to my goal! It is not difficult! So kettlebells and weights, be very afraid of me!!! *evil grin*
Enjoy this clip, everyone! And be inspired.

Start of a Fabulous Journey

Here I am, determined to commit to a life-changing journey (again). This blog shall be about my journey to a healthier and fitter lifestyle.

Clean diet started again on 29 Nov 07 and training, 4 Dec 07. Restarted because after cutting down from 83kg to 67kg, I've been plateauing for months. Gave up trying and went into bad eating habits (what to do... I've a busy social life lol) With professional advice and training, I've no doubt the scale will start inching downwards again!!! In fact, my weight as of today is 63kg. That's due to additional and frequent meals, with right workouts. I miss doing steady state cardio though... but I guess it is true that is only good till a certain point. Now, weights training does the job pretty well and fast too. I am still getting used to getting out of the gym so quickly.

Can't say I like my coach very much though, he's good at giving out killer workouts. Lord have mercy!!! My thighs are so sore each time after training. Was not able to walk down the stairs last weekend without 'ouching'! Thank God I was on course the whole day, so I don't have to move much. But the pain is worthwhile, considering the amount of fats I am losing and will lose.

Sidenote to coach: So yes, I'll continue showing up in your gym coach! (I would feel more motivated if there are more cute guys around though!) U are going to be so pestered by me in the days ahead, hohoho. =D

My measurements (in cm) as of 4 Dec are:

Arm: L36, R35

Thigh: L55.3, R58.4

Waist: 88

Hips: 105

Shoulders: 44

I've decided to take photos every fortnight and so the next set will be taken on 18 Dec. Hopefully will be able to spot some positive changes. All those squats and burpees has got to be worth it! Becos I am worth it... (sounds familiar? Heheh)

To end off today's log, here are my 83kg photos (don't faint pls...):