I went to my favorite killer class at the gym this morning and I’m SO GLAD I did!
We did 120 pushups (I did them all on my knees), a bunch of planks (I can’t do those, but I modified them pretty well), a bunch of killer squats, lunges and killed the entire upper body. Yes, it thoroughly kicked my can, but I loved it.
It was the perfect way to start out my Saturday morning. 😉
I haven’t been able to go to that class for the past 6 weeks or so for various (legitimate and valid) reasons. Sooooo, last night I was so happy when I realized I could go!
However, I quickly felt a little bit self-conscious and sheepish because I feel like a bloated blimp these days. 😉 Yes, I know I’m prego and have a pretty good reason for feeling like a giant blimp, but it’s still not very fun. 🙁
I also just want to mention that this class is very, very intimidating! It’s always jam-packed full of a bunch of super intense, dedicated, fit, INTIMIDATING people!
The thought crossed my mind that maybe I should skip my class and just go to the weight room and do my own thing. But, then I quickly thought, “Heck no! I just need to swallow the pride and get myself to that dang class!”
And that’s exactly what I did. 😉
I’ve learned that when it comes to health and fitness I need to be 100% dedicated to ME, MY goals and what helps ME to achieve those goals, regardless of how inadequate or self-conscious I feel. Yes, I know it’s selfish, but I also know it’s necessary.
For example;
- I always feel a little nervous to go to a new gym or a new class. It’s an unfamiliar place and I usually don’t know anyone. However, I’ve learned to just get in there and be brave.
- The weight room at the gym can be so intimidating! It’s usually full of a bunch of giant, grunting men (or women) who seem to know exactly what they’re doing. However, I’ve learned to be confident (or at least pretend to be) and get my workout done regardless.
- The machines at the gym can be very intimidating. I know how to use most of them, but if there’s a machine I don’t know how to use I just read the instructions (usually printed right on the machine), ask someone or look it up on the internet! Yes, I may feel like a dweeb, but again, I’ve learned to be brave. 😉
- It can be intimidating to go on a run around my neighborhood, especially when I feel giant and out of shape. I remember after having my last baby, I felt so “cute” running around in my huge t-shirt and baggy sweats, but I did it anyway.
- I know some people feel better about going to the gym or on a run if they go with other people. There’s definitely strength in numbers and I think that’s great. However, I’ve also learned to STILL go to a class/run even if I have to go all by my lonesome. In fact, I go by myself (or with Kev) most of the time. I sometimes think it’s easier because my schedule is so unpredictable.
Anyway, those are just a few “deep thoughts” I had about fitness goals. I’ve definitely learned to be tough and sometimes a little selfish. When it comes to fitness goals, I try not to let fear, uncertainly, pride or insecurities get in the way!
I hope that all made sense.
Healthy Eats
I grabbed this as I ran out the door to the gym this morning…
An apple and some unsalted mixed nuts (it was the end of the jar, so that’s why you see “nut dust” on my apples.”
This tasted SO GOOD to me! It was the perfect pre-workout meal.
When I got home from the gym, I made myself some protein pancakes and eggs, but I didn’t take a picture. I’ve taken a million pictures of protein pancakes lately, so I thought I would spare you guys. 😉
Later on, I made a VERY YUMMY protein shake! In fact, it was so good I forgot to take a pic until it was almost gone!
I didn’t measure anything, I just threw in a bunch of unsweetened almond milk, 1/2 scoop of MRM Chocolate Veggie protein, a spoonful of Stevia, a spoonful of cocoa, some chia seeds (probably 1/2 Tablespoon), a big blob of peanut butter (about a Tablespoon), a bunch of spinach and ice. YUM!
I usually don’t put peanut butter in my shakes because I would rather EAT my peanut butter, but it tasted so dang awesome in there! I’ll probably make the same shake tomorrow.
I had this for breakfast yesterday…
Leftover turkey bacon and scrambled eggs from dinner the night before + a slice of toasted Ezekiel bread topped with peanut butter. Awesome. Just so ya know, Costco carries the best Turkey bacon without added nitrites/nitrates. Love it.
I had this for lunch…
A strawberry Chobani yogurt mixed with light cottage cheese, strawberries, sliced almonds and chia seeds. YUM! FYI, I’ve decided I need to lay off the chocolate chips a bit, so I’ve been resisting the urge to add them to every single thing I eat. Hee hee.
I really haven’t missed them either. Yay.
Last, night Kev and I went out to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. I ordered an 8 oz. Sirloin steak, sweet potato and side salad.
This picture is not attractive, but I’m sharing it anyway…
Kev got a rib-eye steak topped with mushrooms with a side of veggies and a salad.
Here’s my salad. I didn’t eat any of the croutons even though they’re freaking amazing. I also only used a tiny bit of the Ranch.
We had a great date and the food was fabulous.
I also had this as a late night snack a couple nights ago…
Chocolate Protein Pudding topped with a little peanut butter and pecans. I love this snack! Once again, I resisted the urge to kill it with chocolate chips. Yay me.
Well, I need to wrap this up. The kids have all been asking to go to Wendy’s or McDonalds for dinner tonight. I’m trying to talk everyone into walking there and back so we can make it sorta kinda healthy.
However, not everyone is on board with my idea, so I need to go plead my case. Wish me luck! I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend!
I love that you went to the class even though it sounds super intense – you should be proud of how fit you are even at 24+ weeks!!!
I hope you convinced the family to walk to dinner – sounds like the best of everything – fresh air, a nice walk and fast food!
Thanks so much! Unfortunately, we opted to drive to dinner instead of walk. 🙁 We still had a fun night though and ended up going on a walk the next day!
I love those challenging classes where you leave feeling like you climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s so enpowering.
When I was looking for a gym to join, so many insecurities surfaced. I went to a gym where the men and women were in incredible shape, a lot of fitness models, bodybuilders and competitors. I thought, I don’t belong here. I love my gym now. It’s all female from all walks of life, sizes, fitness levels, and we are also so supportive of one another.
Your gym sounds amazing! I would love to go to an all female gym and feel so comfortable. Love it!
I think you are amazing and awesome and love that you are working out throughout your pregnancy.
Aww, thanks so much!
The very thought of a gym with all the sculpted bodies in there is very scary. It’s incredibly encouraging for other women to know that we are not alone in that fear, and even a fitness enthusiast like you could be intimidated!
I love that you and your hubby are able to get away for dinner occasionally, just the two of you. I’m glad you had “a great date!”
The gym can be a very scary place! I love, love, love going on dates with Kev. It really keeps me sane and I look forward to it most weekends!
I am always intimidated when I go to the weight room at the gym because I am afraid everyone is watching me or I’ll just stand there looking like an idiot because I can’t find the equipment I need.
Most of the apartment buildings here have gyms in them. A few years ago when I was in law school, I was home in the middle of the day and went to work out in the gym in my building. I took my laptop and a video to the gym because there was more space. A bunch of guys who worked for the building walked by, saw me and started pointing and laughing!!! Needless to say we were a little stingy with our Xmas tips that year!
That’s terrible! I can’t believe they would point and laugh at you! I’m glad you took it out of their Christmas tip though.
I think that you are totally amazing for going to that gym class! Especially with how intense it sounds that it is. I have always preferred working out at home, it is just more my style, but I know it’s not for everybody. You are one dedicated woman!
Thanks so much! It was tough, but I’m so glad I went! I love working out from home too, but it seems I always procrastinate, lol!
Wow, how awesome. I haven’t been to a gym in a long time…right now walking is all I can do. Someday I will get back. You look great!
Thanks so much! I’m definitely “hit and miss” right now, but I’ll just keep pluggin’ along!
I can totally relate about your fitness fears – I always think some of those same things, but you’re right, I do just need to suck it up and go for it!
You go girl!! Keep working hard. 🙂 I am super impressed with your drive to “get it done”!
I really need to make your protein pancakes. They look so good and I love the idea of freezing them. Also, topping with fruit! Yum. You recipes are delicious and actually doable, which is the best.
You’re looking great!!
Thanks so much! I really, really, really love protein pancakes (obviously) and hope you enjoy them too!
This was me reading this post:
– Good for Melanie. She did awesome going to that workout.
– Oh, that’s a yummy preworkout snack.
– Nice, a tasty protein shake!
– That breakfast looks awfully tempting.
– Oh my gosh, that lunch looks so amazing.
– I’m getting really hungry.
– Steak. delicious, delectable, grilled to perfection, juicy steak, (throws computer out window).
LOL. Thanks for the fun post. I hope you have a marvelous mother’s day!
All the best,
Laura
Awww, thanks so much! I love your comment! I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day as well. 😉
I felt the same way when I was pregnant but all I had to do was remember why I felt like I looked weird. OH BECAUSE ALL THE OTHER PREGNANT CHICKS WERE AT HOME ON THE COUCH! Damn right I was in the gym even the day before I went into labor. I felt like superwoman and never second guessed myself again! P.S. Try peanut butter on your sweet potato. It’s my new obsession…
I LOVE your insight! You are so right. I try not to let it stop me from working out. I’m so impressed you were in the gym the day before you went into labor. Rock star! I love PB, but I’ve never tried it on sweet potato. YUM!