Bikini Boot Camp-Swimsuit Sensational-An Update!

I wanted to give everyone a quick update on my bikini boot camp progress (yes, I know it has only been a day since I discussed this but I am a bit obsessed here). I have been doing the exercises (strength training) that Christopher Warden- a New York City fitness professional and my online personal trainer -recommended in my previous post in sets of two. Well, I must be some sort of woman (just kidding) because now I am doing them in sets of three. Christopher says that I need to challenge myself but not overdo it and I felt like I was ready to move on plus I get 48 hours in between for my body to rest so I imagine it won't be too bad (famous last words). I really want to convey here that I am just a health nut wannabe and a mom and I have not been exercising since I had my last daughter (she is two now and they aren't kidding about the terrible two's) so having someone guide me is key . I just never made time to exercise and would make up excuses. Having someone to be accountable to is a great motivator for me. I really thought that this strength training would not raise my heart rate and I would have to do it in addition to cardio but that is not the case at all (hurray for that). By the end of my sets I am almost at my challenge point, my heart rate is up and I feel like I have really worked out (keep in mind I'm just a beginner all you super exercise people). I used to (a hundred years ago it seems like) run, do aerobics and lots of cardio because I thought that was the way to go to tone up and lose weight. I can now see why this program with Christopher is much more effective-even after only a week. I really enjoy it much more than hiding in the back of an aerobics class (I can never get those moves right) with a red face, bumping into everyone. I can do these exercises at home or a gym like I said before and I can really feel the muscles being challenged (trust me-my booty can really feel it).

I am a complete newbie at strength training and this is so exciting to me! I really just wanted to pass on my excitement and results from just a week. Until I was lucky enough to find Christopher I had no idea about exactly what I needed to do to achieve the results I was looking for and was adrift in exercise oblivion. I highly recommend if you have any interest whatsoever in getting more toned, stronger or losing weight (he even helps you map out a diet-is there anything about health and nutrition this man doesn't know?) that you at the very least contact Christopher for a consultation (you can click on the widget on the right margin or here). I am still working on a more optimum diet with him since I am doing this strength training and not looking to lose weight (will do a post on that soon). I also made it very clear to Christopher that I did not want to get bigger or very muscular. I had the misconception that anything to do with weights or strength would equal a muscle woman-again I was wrong. I am amazed at how my exercise thinking and what I have been doing my entire life were really quite backwards.

In additon, I wanted to point out what changes I have made since starting this blog in March (only 2 months ago). Please see my previous posts if you have any questions on why I have done these things as it is all a direct result of the research and lifes lessons learned from this blog. It is startling and wonderful and my friends are still recovering from the shock.

** Gave up my microwave-I used to think people who did not use microwaves for health reasons were fruitcakes (okay, now I am one too and I like it).

**Quit drinking all diet sodas because of the dangerous aspartame (used to think it was jus a bunch of hype) and instead now drink, water, tea with stevia and Zevia all natural diet soda alternative that I LOVE. I used to drink 6-8 Diet Pepsi's a day (scary).

**Gave up my vitamins and take Whole Food supplements religiously and really can tell a difference.

**Try to buy as much organic as I can (even on a budget).

**Eat lots, and lots of berries, nuts, other fruits and vegetables and only whole grains.

**Really watch out for sugars (they make you age amongst other things) and processed foods.

**Made lots of great friends and read amazing blogs everyday.

**Am not too hard on myself and remember that every day is a step towards good health and know that once in awhile I am going to have that chocolate bar or cookie and that is okay.

**I am exercising again and love how I feel!

All these things (plus, I don't smoke, drink alcohol or eat animals) really equal a much happier Heidi! I feel better, I am nicer, I look better, I sleep better, I like myself more and I have more energy than I know what to do with. I just never realized what small everyday changes in my diet and life could do for me!! I want to thank all of you who read this and blog too, you inspire me.




Heidi




18 comments:

  1. Right on! I'm in the same mode. Even gave away my microwave last month. Must be something in the air, eh? Like summer?

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  2. Im all about the weight training.
    Ive found that I now enjoy that far more than the cardio (much to the chagrin of my rump :))

    check out my monday videos for some weight training rambles & THANKS for swinging by!


    MizFit

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  3. Rock on!

    I'm getting back into my running routine and now it's time to add strength training back in - you'll be my inspiration~

    I'm training for a 5k run on June 7th (Komen) and a marathon in October.

    I'll keep you posted on my progress.

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  4. Wow, Heidi, Congratulations!!!
    You are an inspiration, too. How I wish to emulate your regimen.

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  5. Hey! Stop by my blog - I tagged you in "Crazy Eights" if you're interested in participating :)

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  6. i wish i could go back to my 30 minute work out at home. haven't been exercising lately. :(

    re your comment on flax seeds: the ground seeds are really better than the oil. i used to take 2 tbsps of coconut oil and it's really yucky ;)

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  7. Thanks Heidi, for the kind words. Your blog is amazing. And I hope you won't mind me adding it to my blogroll.

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  8. Way to go Heidi sounds like you are doing great. You really have made lots of healthy changes and are reaping in the benefits. Doing three sets tells me that you have extra energy from all that good organ1ic food you are eating. Keep it up

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  9. Hi,
    I think it is great that you are getting your health back on track. I find your blog to be very interesting to read. I love the healthy information you are sharing with us. I can't seem to give up my microwave, it is so convenient to use. I hope your alternative is working out for you. Looking forward to the information on that in the future. Take care! :-)

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  10. Heidi,

    I'm extremely happy to see that you're changing your ways and coming over to the healthy side. I was shocked to hear you drank 6-8 diet pepsis a day.

    I love what you're doing and it seems like you're inspiring others. Keep up the good work and thanks for visiting my site... hopefully you've picked up some tips.

    John Fit

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  11. Hi there!

    Thanks for dropping by my blog and leaving your comment :) I'm a sugar addict, but I really have to stay away from sugar!

    Is microwave bad? I just bought one a couple of months ago :(

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  12. You go girl!
    Glad to see you discovered weight training - the #1 anti aging exercising.

    Your blog has been such fun to read and learn from - keep it up!

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  13. Will there be a Class Party at the end like a Beach Blanket Bingo with Girls in Bikinis + Jumping on Trampolines??

    I need some Inspiration here!!

    ;))

    It was interesting seeing the Various Squats + Stretches u mentioned - we did all those way back in High Skool + they still hold True today*

    Simple Resistance Repititions

    OK I start tomorrow!!

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  14. Billy what am I going to do with you? You are so ornery! Thanks for the comments!

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  15. This is such a upbeat post! One thing I learned is that most women won't bulk up. We'd have to darn near kill ourselves to do that. But, good for you for starting. I'm still "working exercise in" which means I haven't started yet. You're getting me motivated!

    When I'm focusing on my eating habits, I allow myself one or two diet pepsis a day (addict here). When I'm not, I can drink a 2 liter a day with no problem, if not more.

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  16. Hooray! I am so proud of you, and all that is so definitely true especially the very last paragraph. Nicely stated. I am so glad you are off diet pop. Please tell the person above me that they really need to get that poison out of their bodies now. Don't wait for it to be recalled. It may be too late.

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  17. You're doing so good... and what a motivation!
    I still don't enjoy working out, but I love it after I'm done! :-) My hubby has lifted weights religiously for more than 20 years and he was the one who put together a routine for me a couple years back. I've been a bit lazy over the winter... but I'm getting back into the routine too. I love it when I feel strong! Keep it up!

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  18. Congratulations to you!!! I just love your blog! It is always so motivating to me, and right this minute I am contacting Christopher, because I need help. I've tried doing it on my own, but I just want a little direction. Thank you for posting all your successes and tips, it really makes a difference. :)

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