Category Archives: working out with a trainer

VISITING WITH ALEXANDRIA HOUSE TONIGHT

Meagan and I at Seasons 52, on the way to deliver toys to Alexandria House December 23. We are returning tonight with Valentine’s Day sweets and to join our new friends for dinner. 



Good Morning to all on this beautiful Wednesday on the west coast. I feel for everyone else in the country who is dealing with frigid weather. I woke up to a stunning sunrise over the trees beyond my kitchen window. I love the sunrises and sunsets of Southern California, they have hues of magenta, indigo, purple, and gold. Makes me happy to be alive. Last night at the park the sunset was equally mesmerizing, it is enough to make me never want to move from this place ever.

Yesterday was my workout with my trainer Mike at the park. I am really now stepping up my hard work. I told him yesterday the last seven months were just a warm up for me, now the real work begins. We jogged, did the TRX, did stairs with free weights, and some other exercises that are new to me. We did this thing with ropes, you snap the ropes and drop in a semi burpee and jump back up and snap the ropes again. Yea, I was sore hours later, not a day but hours. I know I am working hard when the soreness comes on so soon. My flexibility is really starting to come along. 

After my workout, I had a quick bite and a hello to my hubby James and I went for a walk to the local grocery store to buy sweets for my visit to Alexandria House tonight to share some Valentine’s Day cheer. I thought I would have time to bake, but instead I bought a beautiful three layer cake and some Valentine’s Day cupcakes. Monica, Chef Jessica, Chef Roni, Chef Lee, Ishbak, Laura, Shane;  my management staff of Seasons 52 in Century City are donating their mini indulgences for our visit. Meagan my friend and co-worker is coming with me, and we are staying for dinner. Should be a lovely visit and evening with our new friends.  I really look forward to it. I have decided to do little things of service to the community as I wait, (no pun intended), for my next ten pound weight loss. 

Off for now, I must do some morning stretches before getting ready for my day. Tonight after my visit to Alexandria House I will do my 25 burpees and get on the treadmill for a bit. It will be a hectic day but I can do all of that later when I get home in the early evening. Yesterday I called an Uber Car to take me home from the grocery store since I could not walk with the cake, we love Uber. I told my driver all about my project and he was inspired and in return inspired me. I am so blessed  to be able to do all I am doing, these last seven months have been amazing and I look forward to the next seven months. I have changed so much, and I am very proud of that. I have met the most amazing people along the way, and I am moved beyond belief. Life is so precious, every moment and person a gift. I am incredibly grateful to all who have graced my life.

Love and Light,
Namaste’
Rose

FOCUS ON FITNESS

Spanky and Rascal, this is what I wake up to. Precious kitties are finally sleeping together.

Good Morning to all, and Happy Tuesday. I am up and raring to go, even though my adorable Siamese kitties hate when we leave. I am so happy to see them sleeping together for the first time since we adopted Spanky last April. This made me so happy, it is the little things. Well, that and morning coffee. On that note I have decided to only have one cup a day, I am watching my caffeine from here on out.

This week I am focusing on my fitness even more, and less on the scale. I am still weighing in every Saturday and I am not doing anything different except not stressing about the scale. I am stepping up all of my workouts, focusing on becoming stronger and improving in my movements, exercises, flexibility and lastly but not least health. I am a Sagitarrius, the centaur and my bow and arrow is focused directly on my prize. What I want, I set my sights to.

I did my cardio exercise yesterday, I walked outside because the Santa Ana Winds created this amazing warm breeze and I had to be a part of it. Nothing like working out with a warm wind wafting through my hair. I believe exercise in the outdoors feeds all of your senses. I love the gym and classes too, but there is a unique feeling you get while exercising outside, an alive feeling as you improve your fitness and practice mobile meditation being one with nature.

I did my 25 burpees. Today is the second day of my 25 burpee a day challenge. It was not an easy feat to do those yesterday, and I admit my form needs work but I am practicing. Everything of value is worth the work. Tonight I am working out with my trainer Mike at the park, and I will do my 25 burpees when I get home after my workouts. I am also focusing on my yoga and flexibility, and getting my quads to open up.

Off for the day, the kitties would like me to play hookie and I wish I could, they are the best distraction. Happy Tuesday and remember to focus and never give up.

Love and Light, Namaste’
Rose

TUESDAY WORK OUT

I am obsessed with this yogi tree in Beverly Hills



Good morning, love and light to all. It is pretty chilly here in Southern California, I know nothing compared to the east coast but definitely lite jacket weather. I am working out tonight with my trainer Mike, and he has decided to still work out in the park. It may be a little chilly, but I love breathing in the fresh air. It would be amazing to find an outdoor yoga class. Nothing like breathing in the clean air and practicing mobile meditation in the lovely scenery of a park surrounded by trees.

I have found a new product I love. Jiff makes a whipped peanut butter. It is just whipped with air, and lower in fat and calories than regular peanut butter. Two tablespoons is 140 calories and 4 points plus if you follow weight watchers. I love the fact that is is easy to spread on an apple or banana, and you can refrigerate it and it is just as light and smooth. I am  little obsessed.

I have decided the first thing I will do on my fitness bucket list. Inspired by my amazing yogi friend Tracy Gittens who has a studio in San Diego called Galaxy Lifestyle and Fitness.

https://www.facebook.com/GalaxyLifestyle

It is just a matter of signing up with my friend who is a former gymnast. Jessica and I are taking a class at the Cirque’ school here in Hollywood, and we are both just over our heads about it. I found something on groupon, so soon we will be signing up. Our Mondays will never be the same again.

http://cirqueschoolla.com/

Off for now, I must get a work day in and then head home and to the park. I am really working on opening up my back and getting my quads to loosen up. This is my goal this month.
Love and Light to all.
Happy Tuesday
Namaste’
Rose

PEACEFUL EASY FEELING



Sometimes you hear a phrase in a particular setting that can have relevance in life. I work out with my trainer Mike and he taught me to breath into it when I am stretching. It is similar to what Nicole my wonderful yoga teacher taught me about the difference between pain and sensation. I think the phrase “Breath Into It” can have an impact in all arenas of life. Having a bad day? Slow down, breath into it, catch yourself before you fall. It can make all the difference in the world when you get out of your body and into your heart. I would say get into your head but unfortunately sometimes our minds move all too quickly and it may be hard to breath when your thoughts are racing. Find your heart center, and breath into it. Everything is will be fine if you just breath.

I am excited beyond measure, James and I are attending The Eagles concert tonight at the re-opening of the Forum Theater in Los Angeles. ironically enough this concert will leave me breathless, but in a good kind of way. I am moved easily and the Eagles are such an Iconic Band. They traveled to Joshua Tree State Park in California to get inspiration, and their cover photo of one of their albums was shot there. If you listen to the lyrics of Peaceful Easy Feeling you can get a sense that the inspiration came from that moment in the desert. I cannot wait for tonight. Hotel California here we come.

                                                     Peaceful Easy Feeling”

I like the way your sparkling earrings lay,
Against your skin, it’s so brown.
And I wanna sleep with you in the desert tonight
With a billion stars all around.

‘Cause I got a peaceful easy feeling,
And I know you won’t let me down
’cause I’m already standing on the ground.

And I found out a long time ago
What a woman can do to your soul.
Oh, but she can’t take you anyway,
You don’t already know how to go.

And I got a peaceful easy feeling,
And I know you won’t let me down
’cause I’m already standing on the ground.

I get this feeling I may know you as a lover and a friend.
But this voice keeps whispering in my other ear,
Tells me I may never see you again.

’cause I get a peaceful easy feeling
And I know you won’t let me down
’cause I’m already standing…
I’m already standing…
Yes, I’m already standing on the ground
Oh, oh
                                                                  The Eagles



GOOD MORNING MONDAY

Flowers make me smile.



Good Morning to all on this Monday morning. I am happy the weather is going to go up to the 80’s tomorrow. I work out outside and it is nice when I do not need a jacket. I am a little sleepy today, but my week will start strong. Today I will get a workout in on my own. On Tuesday’s and Thursdays I will be working out with my trainer Mike and maybe Iyengar yoga after. I have a few personal errands I need to do today to get ready for my big weekend coming up.

Coffee now, I am sleepier than usual. I am so happy this week I lost 4 pounds, and I can really start to see my body returning slowly but surely to my once smaller self. It is an amazing feeling. I am now 175 lbs. I was 207 a year ago, and 197 when I started My Change For A Ten last late July. I have a work out shirt I bought that never felt like it fit right, and now it is perfect and hot pink.

Wishing everyone a Happy Monday. Love and light.
Namaste’
Rose

SATURDAY WEIGH IN

This is where I go walking/running on my own.



Good Morning and happy weekend to all. I am in great spirits, I had two amazing workouts this week with my trainer Mike and I am back on track. This coming week will be a full week of workouts with Mike twice a week, plus workouts on my own and lots of yoga. I am slowly but surely getting back to my Monday-Friday routine.  Mike and I may change it to three days a week eventually but for now this works. I am sore this morning, and I  also worked six days so I decided to to stay in this morning and not attend a class at Slimmons. It is my one day to sleep in since I am going hiking Sunday Morning with a friend here in Hollywood. I just needed a day to sleep in til 10 am and hang out with my hubby and the kitties. I will attend another Saturday class in two weeks, since I will be in Santa Barbara next weekend which means updated photos. 

Today is my first weigh in on Weight Watchers online and I lost 4 lbs. I am so excited, I am now at my lowest weight since I began late July 2013, I now weigh 175 pounds. I am going to be getting my measurements done soon, and I regret skipping it in the beginning but I can still track my inches lost from this point on.

Today I am going to go walking and running and spend the day with James. I am working on my poetry book and just laying low and enjoying the simple moments of life. I often am told I am so spirited, I would like to give that credit to my amazing Mother Shirley. She is still I fireball and I adore that about her.

Happy Weekend,
Namaste’
Rose

BACK AT IT

Running path in Beverly Hills



Good morning to all.  I am a little tired but I feel great. I am happy to be back to my workouts with my trainer Mike on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Yesterdays workout was a quick recap to get be back in the swing of things so to speak. Mike is a wonderful trainer and he is now building a following. I will have photos of our training sessions in the future. The park was cool but I was still able to work out without a jacket. I forget how spoiled we are here in Southern California. It makes getting fit much easier. 

This morning I woke up, and made sure I did some stretches before my morning coffee. I have worked hard the first five months in 2013 and I am proud of that, but I am ready to step it up a notch or two.

Tonight I am going to go running and walking and maybe take a yoga class. I will see how much time I have, but I am getting back to my yoga 3-5 times a week. I love the holidays but I can say I am happy we are back to our routine. Routine and consistency are what I need to be successful. My plan is in the process for 2014.

Off to have a bit of coffee. My weigh in is Saturday and I am excited. So much work to be done and I love challenges.
Oh, and I have a Facebook page that links this blog. Please like if you are so inclined.
https://www.facebook.com/MyChangeForATen
Happy Day
Namaste’
Rose

TUESDAY THURSDAY WORKOUTS

I will bend but I will not break.


Good morning to all. I am looking forward to working out with my trainer and friend Mike again later today.  It has been about 3 weeks or since we have worked out because of the holidays. We are now going to work out Tuesdays and Thursdays. I of course will be doing cardio and yoga on the other days and one Richard Simmons class a week. I also want to start a ballet class soon, I need to look at Align Ballet Method’s schedule.


I am on my fourth day of Weight Watchers Online and I am loving the control I feel. I also love that all the points are calculated online. I cannot tell you the freedom I feel doing this program, all the obsessive thoughts about food are out the window. Now I am eating healthy but not overly strict. I had reached a plateau so this is perfect to jump start my weight loss again. I can do no wrong, or that is how I feel today.

Much love and light and lots of warmth to much of the country. Remember to breathe in positive feelings and love, and breathe out all of the remainder toxic emotions. Then you can manifest your destiny from thoughts into actions. We are human, so sometimes we just need to slow down a moment and catch our breathe.

Namaste’
Love and Light
Rose

HANGING IN THERE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Yesterday I went to buy tuna and some healthy vegetables at Trader Joe’s and everything there is decked out for Christmas. The temptations are endless. I am splurging at Christmas but it is not easy. The holidays are such a weak spot, but I am staying strong and not giving in. They have these delicious Christmas cookies I want to buy, and I am hoping they are not sold out right before Christmas because I am holding off. Bring on the New Year and a drop in the scale.

Tuesday I did my workout with my friend and trainer Mike, and today I am feeling the after affects.  I am so sore. It is good though, I know I need to be a little sore, and move new muscles. It was a great workout, challenging. I got a little cocky on one of the exercises and Mike could see it was just to easy and he nipped my cockiness in the bud by making it harder on a higher bench. There I was, awkward moves and all. I always say you can be humbled in a second, and in my case it was through exercise. Mike is leaving to visit family until after the New Year so I need to be up on my workouts, and make sure I do what he has taught me so I do not get soft. Motivation, and the holidays but I will hang in there and make it happen, with maybe a cookie or two.

I have not posted in two days, my allergies are bothering me and I slept in too late. This weekend I will do a post about my 20 lb charity. I am really excited.

Off for now, I am in dire need of coffee today. Love and light to all.
Namaste’
Rose

RUN IN THE PARK



Good morning to all, I have been so busy and I really want to write a post about all of the things that are flitting through my mind. Thanksgiving, and what it means to be grateful. I will have to wait for downtime tonight and tomorrow to write the way I wish to write, for now just a quick update for the week.

Yesterday at work Gigi from the Richard Simmons video was having lunch at Seasons 52, it was such a surprise when my co-worker Ryan told me I think these ladies know you. I also met her lovely friend Dawn who happens to be best friends with one of my amazing friends Jami. I love the way the universe dishes out inspiration. I promised to attend another Richard Simmons class Saturday Morning with them. It made my day and talking with Dawn gave me some wonderful ideas for charities, more to come on that note soon. My mind is spinning a bit out of control.

I worked out with Mike, my trainer and friend last night at the park. We are going to take some photos in the near future so I can share them here. We ran, and I was so proud to say I ran twice around the track at the park. I am not sure how far that is but it was the first time I ran that far without stopping. I was shocked, excited and surprised but of course Mike said he knew I could do it and I did. My anxiety about running was in my head. So onward, training for a 5k in March with the crew and management from Seasons 52. I think we are doing the Bad Prom Run, and even though it is a theme run I convinced Mike to do it with us, he is my trainer after all and it will be tons of fun.

After we ran we did the most creative workout to date. The park in the autumn after 5 pm is perfect for that, there are not a lot of people so you can really utilize all of the options there. We actually went into the children’s playground and he came up with exercises there. The artist in him comes out in his unique workout ideas. I did stairs on the kiddie stairs and did some other moves too, some a little more awkward than others. I do think sometimes your mind holds you back, so I am working on correcting that. We had a lot of fun and by the end we sprinted for a short time, and I ran pretty fast if I do say so myself. I told him I was not delicate and kind of disagreed with me, but really I am not delicate. I will prove myself and I am a work in progress. I am beyond grateful to him and happy to have made such a new and wonderful friend in the process.  Working out with Mike at the park makes me feel like a ten year old kid, getting dirty and not caring a lick what people think. It is a lesson in life, never letting go of the child inside. 

Like I said, my mind has so much going on at the moment, and I wish I had time to really write, to delve deep into the emotions and thoughts that ramble through my muddled mind. I was thinking about all of the wonderful souls that have crossed my path since I started this last July, people I would have never met. I am so grateful for all the people in my life. More on that later. For now, I am off to work, then shopping for some last minute items for Thanksgiving. Later in the evening I will be baking, cleaning, and hopefully I can sneak in a run and some writing time. Whew, I am just tired writing all of that.
I wish you a beautiful day full of sunshine and smiles.
Namaste’
Rose