Bar Method

I started The Bar Method this week in Boulder.  Bar Method is a mix of ballet moves and pilates.  All the movements are tiny.  For example, it's always raise your arm "an inch" or pulse your legs "one inch".  So, these small isometric movements, are supposed to produce big results.  Honestly, it is THE HARDEST work out class I have gone to.  Afterwards, I LOVE IT.  During, I cuss myself out for having signed up for some allowable form of torture.  Nothing has made my legs and arms burn that badly since I was doing hardcore gymnastics conditioning.  Literally, during the leg and thigh segment, your legs either shake so bad, or burn so badly that I get goosebumps all up and down my arms and feel like I'm going to poop myself.  It's wonderful and horrible at the same time.  I keep going back though.  I've gone to three classes, three days in a row, and tomorrow will be my fourth in as many days.  I'm so glad I signed up to do it.  It keeps me busy and it's a new way to get in a good calorie burn without plugging away on cardio equipment.  Plus, it does not irritate my foot as the instructors are great about getting to know you.  I have had all three instructors that work there and they all know that I had foot surgery so they give me modifications in class without me having to ask.  I still can't hold the leg or arm segments for the entire time so I look forward to improving.  I'm excited to go back tomorrow morning even though I am going to be in class wondering why the hell I signed up to come in and work out at 8 am on a Saturday. 

My energy and annoyingly positive outlook on life are also improving as my workouts and fitness levels improve.  It's so funny how the two are directly connected.  It makes no sense that exertion in a work out gives you energy later on but it truly does.  I bop around the ER all day and don't really get tired like I used to.  I can also stay in a good mood even when we are extremely busy and I hardly have time to breathe.  I also make sure I eat though.  I am trying to be conscious of what and how much I consume but also how often I eat.  I don't want to tank my metabolism.  It's certainly an effort but it's an effort that is well worth it.  Confidence for me comes with how I look and feel about myself.  Continuing to work out and shape up is doing great things for my mental health and confidence.  I know it's only been three weeks but I feel an improvement.  I may even strut a little more.  haha  Regardless, working out and improving myself not just physically but mentally as well makes me happy.

I also found a really great peanut butter and banana shake.  Here is the recipe:

1 banana sliced up
1 cup milk (I use unsweetened almond milk. Less calories and almost no fat)
1/2 cup non fat plain greek yogurt
2 tbsp all natural peanut butter

I blend the milk and banana first and then add the yogurt and peanut butter.  It's really easy, really tasty, and keeps you full for awhile.  Oh yea, I also had a little squirt of agave nectar to sweeten it just a touch.  I could drink like four or five of these but really even 8 ounces is too much, so I drink about 4 ounces which is a solid 320-ish calories which is great for a breakfast.

I had a bad day last week.  It was a "hungry day" where I just could not seem to get full off of anything I ate.  This is embarrassing but I literally ate two weight watchers ice cream treats, some skittles and starburst left over from halloween (yes! Halloween from 6 months ago! ugh!) I also ate skittles at work.  OH yea, I also ate premade cookie dough.  It was a BAD day.  I've been really good since that day but I sort of exploding with wanting sweets.  I blame it on my period.  Anyway, I've recouped nicely and try not to be too hard on myself about it.  I'm at 134.2.  Almost 8 pounds down.  I bought shorts that are a size 6 from American Eagle that are actually a little bit too big.  The 4's were too tight on my thighs though (no shocker there).  Anyway, it makes me quite happy because I have not work a size 6 from AE since I was in high school!

Let the improving continue!  I'm on my way to the gym to try out a few new workouts that should help strengthen back up my weak leg and foot.