Category Archives: focus on fitness

TRAIN LIKE YOU MEAN IT

I am beginning again with my fitness journey, and I have a few experts helping me along my way. My inspiration is always my best friend Melissa at #benderfitness. I always turn to her videos, for workouts, yoga especially. She always helps me and gives me amazing advice. If you love home workouts you can find her here. She’s a total professional.

http://www.benderfitness.com/


I also realized need someone in person to motivate and kick my but. When I began this blog back in July  2013 I worked out with my friend and trainer Mike, and it made all the difference. Sometimes we need someone in person to push us to be our very best. I got extremely stagnant over the Pandemic, and I’m really back at square one.  I knew I had to make a change. I posted in a local group and luckily I found the perfect person. 

Introducing my NASM certified personal trainer Kristi Burr Blount. Kristi started training me a few weeks ago, before my return to this blog. I can’t express how thrilled I am to be working with her, TRX, weights, functional training etc.  Our sessions have been amazing and challenging, and she knows when to make a session more difficult than the last. She really takes care to insure you do not get injured and that you are using proper form in your movements. This is just the beginning. I’m absolutely thrilled to be training with her.

You can find her here.

 

https://m.facebook.com/KBLifestyleandFitness/

As I go forward I will be sharing everything I’m doing, to help others as they start over. It’s not easy to begin again, but it’s so much better than staying stagnant.
Here’s to brand new beginnings.
love and light,

Rose

 

 



Starting over Fitness after injury

Happy Wednesday to all. Yesterday I got moving for the first time since my injury, and even though I don’t know the extent of the damage, I’ve continued to go to work on it. I had an X-ray ( no breaks or fractures) and an ultrasound. I did not have an mri and I may need one at some point. My knee is still swollen but I’m starting to be more mobile. So I decided to begin cardio again.

Yesterday I was able to walk 1.5 miles. I wanted to start slowly. Today I plan on doing the same and listening to my body, letting pain be my guide. My gait feels a little heavy but I’m out there moving my body, and that’s what matters. Baby steps and healing thoughts. I’m manifesting fitness, health and healing. Today I plan on matching my 1.5 miles, plus starting to stretch again.

It’s incredibly humbling to get hurt and not be in the same fitness league you once were, than you remember that you are able to walk. Everyone has their own journey and their own timetable. Don’t ever compare your journey to someone else. We can cheer on as we chase after our dreams. I know I’m cheering all of you on. Nothing but love and light.
With Gratitude,

Rose

 

Injury and Weigh in Update

It’s been a minute and a day since I’ve posted. I’m in the process of healing from an injury to my knee that’s taking much longer to heal than I expected. It’s a bit easier to walk on but it’s still pretty swollen. Today is the first day I’m going to try to do some cardio and see how I feel.

My weight has been fluctuating, I’m now 176. I was 174 a few weeks ago but I also stopped taking a diuretic I was on for years, so I’m not upset over a 2 lb gain. It’s incredibly humbling to backtrack from fitness and weight loss, but even more humbling to get hurt and have to stop all together. I never had an mri, just an ultrasound and an X-ray, so I really don’t know exactly what I did to my leg. I’m listening to my body and I’m going to go slow with cardio and see how I feel. My mind tells me if I can walk all night at work I can try to start getting fit again.

My vegan lifestyle is a lifestyle and not a diet, so that will never change. I’m eating mostly whole foods and plant based with low salt, sugar and oils. I do have an occasional boca burger without a bun on days I’m in a rush. I’m balancing my food, meal prepping and having a kale/ fruit smoothie every day; with chia, flax seeds and coconut water. Eating healthy is easy, the weight stalling has everything to do with the fact I haven’t worked out since I injured myself last November. Even though my knee is swollen I’m ready to begin again starting today. I was featured in two issues of VegWorld magazine and I’m really chasing all of my goals. I haven’t given up even when challenged. My sweet husband James said I’m beautiful but I’m stronger then people expect. He said I’m tough as nails. I don’t know about that but I try to never ever give up.

I admit the injury left me depressed, but I’m coming out of it with a positive mindset, and meditation. Controlling negative thoughts is key as is living for the present. I’m just going to get out there and move my body. I’m not going to begin with running or try to move too fast while walking. My goal is to move a little more each day, try the rower, and stretch my body. My first goal is to move to heal and get better, each day getting stronger and stronger. I have a long term goal to get in the best shape of my life, but for now I’m taking baby steps. Day one is today and my goal is to just move. I would like to try for 30/45 minutes but I’m going to listen to my body and let pain be my guide. Update tomorrow!!

Love and light and healing to all who need it.
With Gratitude,

Rose 

 

 

NON SCALE VICTORIES

Happy Friday. I’m celebrating small nsv’s, that means non-scale victories. It’s week three of my #benderfitness workouts and I’m going strong and getting stronger. I’m working out 5-6 days a week, and I can see improvement in my strength. My push ups are a little bit lower, I’m holding my planks a little bit longer. My lunges are not as scary or as difficult. My flexibility is improving and my joints are no longer aching. A body in motion stays in motion, a body at rest stays at rest. Newton’s law. I’m doing these workouts for either six weeks or 12 weeks, and later I will switch it up.

To me this is the beginning of success, the little improvements and the commitment to put in the hard work day after day, despite the struggles and disappointments of life. As humans we tend to only view success in the grand accomplishments. Money, cars, awards, followers; material gains and huge accolades are often looked upon as more important than the non material and smaller wins. We tend to congratulate someone without knowing the background of the blood, sweat and tears that got them there. It takes hard work to accomplish dreams and goals, but that hard work in the beginning should never be looked upon as insignificant. When someone who’s never exercised in their life finally walks a block, that’s success to me. It’s getting the guts to get up and go, to jump hurdles and leap over anything that gets in your way; and a lot of time we are tripping over our own two feet. Our insecurities hold us back, our perception of what others think holds us back. Don’t do that.

My life right now has issues, but I’m not letting that hold me back, and I understand that’s life for all of us. There is fear, uncertainty and some sadness; but through it all I’m a survivor who loves life and is grateful for another day. So each day, no matter what’s going on I will commit to my small daily goals because that’s how I’m getting to where I’m going. Small goals one day will become big accomplishments. No one is clapping when I hold my plank 1 minute at 1 am in the morning, but I’m giving my commitment to making it happen a standing ovation. That’s all the accolades I need, the satisfaction of showing up and getting it done despite what comes my way. In one year I will look back at this moment with immense pride because I refused to give up.

Do you believe in coming back after failure? Do you believe in second and third chances to get something right after falling on your face multiples times? I find it really inspiring when someone makes a come back after failure after failure. After all failure is just a word we created, and we don’t have to let that word define us. Every brand new day is a chance to try again, and get it right. Let’s get it right, let’s work hard and show ourselves we can and will do it. Let’s define and rewrite our definition of success. Most important point to remember is to remember to make time for others when you are out in the world trying to make a name for yourself. No one is an island. Kindness and giving should always be a given in the sequence of chasing success. We all are here for one another. Let’s chase success together and rise each other up. Everyone who tries deserves thunderous applause. Show up and give yourself a standing ovation. 

Love and light,
 Rose 

 

 

 

 

BMI GOALS

Happy Saturday. It’s coffee time, and a moment to reflect on long term weight goals. My BMI went back up in the obese range when I gained half my weight back. So I did a chart to see what weight I need to be to transition to overweight BMI, and finally to a normal BMI number. I’m not in any hurry to get there. I’m trying to really focus on overall health, fitness, strength and flexibility; as well as building up my stamina. I understand I am not a number, but at the same time I need to have a healthy weight I’m working towards. It’s a guideline for me. My short term goal is 169 lbs and the next short term goal is 159 lbs. My ultimate goal is 141 lbs.

This week concludes my second week of consistent #benderfitness workouts, and cardio. I’m definitely feeling slightly stronger this week. I’ve noticed some improvements in the way I perform the exercises. Friday’s workout was the best so far, I was super energized and my planks were on point. I’m taking on day, one meal, one workout, and one weigh in at a time. I hope you are crushing your goals, no matter what your level is. Starting is half the battle. I’m proud that I’m continuing on despite challenges that may come my way. I’m on the road to being an after.
Happy Weekend love and light Rose

 

NOVEMBER ALREADY

Happy November, is it really November already? Today is also World Vegan Day. Let me start out this post by saying going vegan is my most proud thing I’ve done, I’m living my most authentic life. Happy World Vegan.

Are you team Thanksgiving or are you the type to fast track to Christmas? I’m a little of both, we love the whole time from October to January, it’s so festive. The weather here is a little cooler which adds to the ambience.

The Holiday season is not the easiest time to make a weight loss journey a success, but I’m going to get through it working out daily and with weight loss. Yesterday was Halloween, so I enjoyed a little treat within reason. Like I mentioned a few weeks ago when I began blogging on the regular again that I would be balanced in my approach. No more craziness and unhealthy ways to lose. That’s disordered eating and not part of my plan.

I began my day with avocado toast, topped with nuts, cherry tomatoes and Siracha sauce. In the past if I knew I was having a vegan splurge I would have skipped all meals, but not anymore. I know how important nutrition is, so no skipping for this gal.

My splurge was a lettuce and tomato sub, topped with Tofurky, vegan provolone and potato chips. I chose to drink sparkling water and I had a bit of dark chocolate. A lot of people would say that’s not a splurge, but for me it is. I’m eating cleaner whole plant based foods with minimum sodium, and the vegan turkey and cheese is high in sodium which makes it a occasional treat for me. We had a great Halloween and I don’t feel like my Journey has been derailed. I’m in this for the long haul.

My next splurge will be Thanksgiving. Tonight I work late and after work I will do my #benderfitness workout. The late night workouts are really working out for my schedule. I didn’t meal plan enough which makes my weekend a challenge but I will get through it. I realized I really love the convenience of vegan protein bars with my coffee. I’m a complete zombie when I awaken. Maybe I should make protein balls to have with my coffee. Well I’m off for the day, coffee is calling and I’m going to have quiet time before work with some kitty cuddles. Perhaps a sneak peak at the Hallmark Channel. 

Happy November, let’s crush some goals during this holiday season, and do it with gratitude.
Love and light, Rose

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY WISDOM

Happy Wednesday to all. I am here to say I have not missed a workout since I started brand new last week, and my food is on point. Last night my hubby James and I went to a movie and when we got home he decided he was taking a rest day. It was tempting to blow off one workout, but I declined and followed through with my commitment. That’s the theme of this new journey, following through with commitments.

I took before photos last week and I’m thinking about when I should take my next round of photos to chart progress. I’m thinking three months. That would be the end of January. What do you think? Do you feel three months can show progress?

Tomorrow is Halloween and I’m having a vegan cheat meal, a Tofurky sub and some potato chips. It’s my first cheat meal in two weeks, but I’m not going to call it a cheat meal any longer; it’s a splurge. I’m using my extra WW points so I’m not going off track, it’s just not completely clean vegan and that’s ok with me. I’m going to enjoy my vegan sub and chips, and have a little dark chocolate too.

I’m living life happy as I lose weight and get fit. It’s all about achieving a healthy mind, body and spirit. To get that you need balance. I will post a photo of my sub on Halloween. I’m eating fun foods and spending the day with my hubby, but I’m not skipping my Thursday workout. Back to the importance of commitments and building a solid routine, keeping that momentum going strong.

Do you love Halloween? We love the time between September and January, it really is festive. We hung orange lights and everything at home is illuminated. Yesterday our building had trick or treaters, it was so cute to leave out candy and see the smiles on the kiddies faces!!  No matter what you are going through, making others smile is definitely healing.

Off to work for the day, my food is packed for tonight I’m doing my Wednesday #benderfitness workout after I get home. No more excuses. Please give me your thoughts about the next time I should take full body photos to chart my progress. Have a wonderful Halloween Eve.
With Gratitude, Rose

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY

Today is weigh in Monday and week two of my #benderfitness workouts. I weighed in at 176  and lost 1 lb. I’m focusing on clean eating (vegan) and also balanced eating. What does balanced eating mean? For me it’s eating a 80/20 diet or 90/20. In other words the bulk of my meals are Whole Foods plant-based, using minimal oils and lower salts and sugars, always counting my WW points. It’s my WW points that help me stay balanced when I eat something that’s more processed or a treat. I’m getting my vegan nutrition in and I don’t feel deprived. It’s truly balanced eating and I feel great after my week one. Focusing also on my workouts is important too, I’m refusing to be a slave to the scale. I lost one true pound, I didn’t cut water or skip meals yesterday like I have in the past to get a better number on the scale. I am in it to win it and not taking shortcuts to get there.

Lots to do today, so that’s it for now. It’s my day off but also the first day of my second week of Melissa Bender Fitness workouts. I started my day with a vegan Vega protein bar and one cup of delicious coffee with my Silk vegan creamer, lots of water and fruit.

I hope you are having a Happy Monday and chasing all of your goals no matter what happens. Last week felt like the lowest week we experienced in a long time but I didn’t quit. I’m committed and I’m climbing over all obstacles that come my way. Happy Motivational Monday to all. Love and Light, Rose

 

 

WEEK ONE RECAP

Happy Sunday to all.  It’s been a long time since I’ve been this consistent, probably since May 2017. I followed through with Monday/Friday #benderfitness workouts and cardio. I’ve been eating really clean vegan, but counting my points to be accountable. I took a rest day Saturday, my calves were cramping a bit and I chose to listen to my body. My hubby picked me up and bought me an Impossible Whopper and onion rings Saturday night, so I chose to eat half the vegan whopper and a few onion rings. This plan has to be livable, a healthy vegan plant based lifestyle with balance. I counted the half vegan whopper and stayed within my daily points. For the first time in forever I felt satisfied and guilt free. All week my food choices were on point, I meal prepped and packed food for work. I set my week up for success.

Tonight I’m working out after work, cardio and yoga tonight. I get out at ten. Everyone’s lifestyle is different, and if you are looking to make changes do so within your own unique personal lifestyle. I work late and I come home with high energy, so it makes sense I work out after work and not before. This week had some disappointments for both my hubby James and myself, but I didn’t let those challenges get in the way of my commitments. I followed through, and that’s going to be the one change that’s going to get me to all of my goals, following through. Week one was a success in my eyes. I may not be as strong as I once was, but it’s really exciting to know I will get there. You will too if you believe you can achieve any commit to do the hard work, nothing of worth is ever easy. Happy Sunday to all, remember lifestyle changes take one meal at a time, and one workout at a time. It doesn’t happen overnight, it didn’t for me the first time in 2013 and it won’t this time. I’m not expecting quick fixes. This is a marathon and not a sprint.

Love and light, Rose

 

 

 

Weekly Workout Schedule

Monday/Wednesday/Friday

Tuesday/Thursday

Happy Friday, I made it to day five of week one. I am on it not no matter what comes my way. I got some bad news this week, not health bad news but the kind of bad news that can stop you in your tracks and derail all of your goals. I’m telling you now that’s not happening this time. I’m on the road to being an after, no matter what life throws at me. I will duck and dodge those pesky curveballs. I will follow through with all my commitments and I will do it with a smile.  I’m planning to visit the horse sanctuary soon and do everything I can to give back. I won’t let life’s disappointments get in my way or take my joy.

It all starts with this blog, my health and gratitude to be able to focus on my goals. I’m alive and able. My workout schedule Monday through Friday is two rounds of my scheduled Melissa Bender Workouts plus 30 minutes of cardio, finishing off with the rowing machine. On Saturday and Sunday it’s yoga ( ten sun salutations) and cardio on Saturday. This is my plan going forward and I will not falter. The plan is to switch it up as I get stronger.  I’m just speed walking for my cardio for now but eventually I will add running. Another commitment is to post Monday through Friday and stay on top of all of my goals, including Monday weigh in. I  admit I’m sore but I’m actually so excited about this new journey.

I’m meal prepping and eating healthy vegan food, counting  my WW points and staying away from vegan junk most of the time, especially on my work days. Are you with me? What obstacles get in your way?  Let’s stop letting that happen. Week one is a success and week one sets the bar for week two! We can choose to be happy, healthy and fit. Midnight workouts make me happy.
Love and light, Rose

Midnight workouts. Get it done on your schedule.