15 January 2012

The Taming of the Arse - Week 2

Week two is done and I'm feelin' fine.  Still exercising regularly and eating healthy homemade meals.

This week, besides walking on the treadmill, I tossed in some yoga and stair climbing.

I forgot how helpful yoga can be in easing my lower back pain (ah, sciatica, you lovely little creature!).  All of that controlled stretching is just wonderful, so I will be adding more yoga to my future work out schedule.

As for the stair climbing, on Friday I got into work early and decided to walk and climb the stairs for 20 minutes.  It's a really great work out - talk about burning butt and thigh muscles the next day!

Besides feeling stronger and healthier due to all of the above, it also added up to some weight loss.  I have now lost a total of four pounds since January 1st.  I truly cannot believe how well I am doing.  I never lose weight this fast, but I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth. 

I think I am doing well because I have amazing support at home, at work and here online.  It is always easier to do something difficult if you have a cheering section!  And in conjunction with this outside encouragement, I have instituted another form of motivation.  If I stay on track, I get positive reinforcement in the form of cold, hard cash:
  • For every hour I spend exercising (walking on the treadmill, taking a walk with Hartley, lifting weights, stretching, doing yoga, climbing stairs, etc), I earn $10.00.  
  •  For every healthy meal I prepare at home, I earn $1.00.  
  •  For every pound I lose and keep off, I earn $20.00.
I have really been enjoying watching the dollars adding up every time I log some exercise or a home-cooked meal.  I'm thinking I will eventually buy myself a new Babylock serger with my windfall.  I can almost smell the automatic threading already...

18 comments:

Lisette M said...

Good for you! Keep it up!

Sheila said...

Happy week two. The 2nd week was a challenge, but I did it. I switched between 2 of the slim in 6 dvds, one day I did "start it up", the next day "burn it up" and so forth., However I did not do well food wise. As for pounds lost, if any... I don't know. I gauge weight lost by how my clothes fit and right now they are still snug. Looking forward to doing better in week 3...

until then, stay motivated..

Teddylyn said...

Way to go! Stair climbing is great for the whole body!

Maryissewfast said...

Good job! I like your reward system. Cold hard cash is a great motivator!

Trumbelina said...

I like your "cash as a motivator" idea. I may be adopting it!

Ellen said...

Great motivator idea! My week 2 was not quite as successful. 0.6 pounds lost, but a loss is a loss. Not quite as much exercising and more family stress. Ugh! Also, at home support would be really appreciated. Eating still on track though, and I could have easily eaten way more chocolate/ice cream then I did.

Nancy K said...

Keep up the good work! Yoga may not burn many calories but I agree, it makes my whole body including my back feel better.

gMarie said...

Yea you! I managed to lose 2# on my first official week - my week ends on Thursday, really poor planning on my part. This week I have not been as good about my food or exercise but I have not gone overboard and for that I'm happy.

g

pdiddly said...

well done on your weight loss - the reward system is also a great idea too.

Linda L said...

You are dong great. Your commitment is paying offM

The Hojnackes said...

4 lbs this year is great! I did a 3 day cleanse that just ended (for my gallbladder troubles) which resulted in 4 lbs lost. That was not my intention, but I'll take it! I will be eating a raw diet for the next week and a half as follow up. I am instituting a quart of green smoothie a day. I will also training for a 5K at the end of February starting tomorrow. It is so nice to see everyone's progress.

Kay said...

I did days of working out this week!

I like your incentive system! I tried to do something like that last year, but my incentive was really small and couldn't be bothered to get off my butt. But yours look enticing enough to start working out. Hmmmmm!

a little sewing said...

Way to go!
I know what you mean about having support. It helps a lot! I have come down a couple pounds this month, too. yippeeee.

Mary-Michael said...

Wow! Congratulations. The money motivator sounds like a great idea which I will have to try as I've managed to pack on a few thanks to my fabulous desk job! Appreciate you sharing your success and tips.

Clio said...

Ooh! What will you spend all your reward money on? I'd spend it all on fabric and shoes!

Janice said...

I never thought about paying myself to exercise, but that's a great incentive!

Vicki said...

Good idea to pay yourself! I think I will pay myself with spa treatements/massages. I have only started this week so will wait until Monday for my first weigh in.

sewsy said...

You go, girl! Thanks for the update, I need the encouragement of positive outcome!