Week 1

Ok so it's been a week. Week 1 consisted of 5 TA days, 2 rest days. Not bad.

This time around I have found out it is much more difficult now to find time to actually write and report on my progress. Sometimes throughout the days I walk around and have the thoughts and phrases for a new post form in my mind... But then I never get the chance to actually do it. I will try to update as much as I can, but let's see how successful I am. I still have posts about my measurements (and progress) and food on my to-do list, so I hope to get there at some point. :)

To sum up this week. It was hard. Starting (again) is hard. But I found it quite easy to find the motivation for the sport itself. I am again doing the FintessPal app, and it gives a big pleasure to see your calorie intake, your exercise and the difference. And when you see that, you feel good. And if by the evening I don't have any calories for dinner, I feel really motivated to work out :D :D :D Haha.

No but seriously, I do have the motivation. I just hope not to be too busy... I work out mostly in the evenings, as that's when I have time after Button is asleep. In the morning I wake up around 6-6:30, get my daughter up at 7-7:30 (or whenever she wakes up) and take her to daycare by 8:30 the latest, so that I can start work at 9. I then have time only till 15:00 - that's when I go to pick up Button. I add another hour or two in the evening most days to stay on track. It's so good to be an academic to be honest - I can be flexible. Between 15:30 and 19:00 is my time with the little one. It is not so much and so I do want to make the most of it. We go for walks (and play in the snow these days), play at home, read books, then have dinner, a shower or bath and off to bed our pumpkin goes. That happens around 19 on work days (and 20 on weekends simply because she sleeps better at home than in daycare, hence is earlier tired on weekdays). After that I have a couple hours - to have dinner, workout, work, rest and go to bed. I very often leave grading essays or reading for the evening - I cuddle on a sofa with some nice soft music with a hot cup of tea. And this past week I did it after a workout and a shower - and it feels wonderful. I already forgot what a great feeling it is to workout and then go to bed feeling all of your muscles tired and lazy a bit. Wonderful relaxation. :) I sleep really well after workouts.

I just wish I could do cardio in the morning. I think I might try next week or so to get up 30 min earlier.

A bit of summary.

DC. My body remembers moves before my brain does. It's kinda funny. I sometimes start the move without even realising I remember it. I started off easy - doing 10 minutes only. But managed to raise it to 15. Next week challenge is to raise it to 20-22 or so. :)

MS. I still can't go through all the moves. I have to stop and take breathers. I also do slightly less reps, and it is a celebration if in moves 3-4 I can go 10 consecutive times without stopping. I also notice that the way Tracy does the moves on the two legs differs a bit, but I stick to one way and do both legs that way one day, and the other way the next day. I also remembered the good advice of switching the starting leg. Good stuff.

Yesterday (Sunday) I managed to strain my back when putting Button to sleep for a nap, and am still in a bit of pain, so it was another rest day today unfortunately. Hope I'll feel well enough tomorrow.

Now I'm off to sleep. Need to get my rest.

Meta Level 1 Day 1

So I started it yesterday, the 18th January! That's the hardest part I guess. And for me finding time is also a very very very difficult task. I wake up early as it is, and as my daughter is still not sleeping completely through the night (after Christmas travelling), I really can't get up any earlier. So instead of working out in the morning like I used to do in the beginning of Meta last time, I work out in the evenings, when Button is asleep already. Today it was quite late - 9 pm. After I put the little pumpkin to sleep at 7pm, I had to clean up and do some work, and finally got around to the workout by 9.

DC. So let me tell you, while I don't remember it, my body DOES!!! I could only remember that DC is crazy jumping. But then the moves start - and here I go, remember even the counts!!! Wow. I decided to start off easy not to overdo it. So, 10 minutes or so, and it was approximately at the limit of my ability for now. I did 11 minutes, and then crawled dead and sweaty to drink some water.

MS. This is tough and easy at the same time. While my body does remember it, the moves are hard to repeat at times. I had to take breaks, and I couldn't to all the reps. But then again, I don't want to overdo it, I need to get into it slowly. So it's fine. One thing I remembered I did the last time is switching legs between days, because after the first section, you are already completely dead, and the second leg doesn't get as thorough a workout. Standing abs is still my favourite part, besides the very last 10-20 seconds - when everything is finished and you know - YEY, I'M DONE!

I'm also adding 3 more things in the end of MS. First, a plank. I started with 20 seconds and will add 5 seconds every three days. When I used to workout pre-pregnancy, I used to be able to do 1.5 minutes. Now 20s was hard... That says a LOT. Second, I added some simple exercises for the back, because it hurts and I need to strengthen it. And third, I am adding as last time some cool-down section with stretching.

EATING. I'm not so happy with my eating yet, but I will get there. I will post later about how and what I eat. :) Also to come - my initial measurements, day-by-day reports (or as often as I can), tracking sheets that I prepared which are more convenient for me.

Off to have a lovely long day with my Button and at work. :)

I am BAAAAACK! :)

C 1.1.6

Day: 2

Hey there! :) I am a little back. Not for long. I might disappear again for some time. Or may be not. Right now I can't really say. But I decided to write a little update.

I have been a very bad girl. After my last post I haven't much exercised. I basically had a month-long break from working out. It is not good, but I could not help it. And it is really hard now too.

First my sweetheart took me to Seuchelles for Christmas. It was a wonderful and great holiday. The beauty of that place is amazing, and only the story of sharks made me uneasy. The food was great and oh how I loved the fresh fish. We once went for a trip on a little yacht and the owner would catch fish right in front of us, and we would then eat it for lunch. A M A Z I N G! I have never had such good food. Generally though the Creole cuisine is pretty strange - lots of influences from Africa, India, a bit from France of course. But if you are a fan of seafood - it is for you. We had lobster for Christmas dinner, and it was my first lobster, I have to say I didn't much like it. All in all, you can imagine, I ate too much and didn't have time or opportunity to exercise - seriously if you have only 7 days in a pradise like this, you would not workout!

As you can see, I did add some weight, but not too much and I still fit everything. Back to workout damn it!

Next we flew back to Germany and I head out to Russia to visit my parents for the New Year's celebration. Stayed there for two weeks and in all festivities I again overate like crazy. Both me and my sister were nearly crying from all the yummy foods. But it was good to be back with the family - not too short, not too long, just enough. Obviously, when you don't have enough space, there is no way you can workout - even though I had my Continuity DVD's with me... But I simply never got around to doing it.

Well, after all the travels and going from +30C to -30C I got a flu or cold. And was sick for one more week. And so here I am - this was a fast-forward of my workout-empty life - on the 22 January 2013 (seriously???? when did THIS happen???), Tuesday, and I have restarted workout on 21 January.

I have decided to slowly go back into DC - started with 10 minutes yesterday and will try to get up to the full 30 in about 20 days: I will go by 5 minutes up every fifth workout till I reach 30 minutes again. I think the main thing is to take it easy. Also, if I don't feel like DC, I would do something else for the same time + 5 min.

MS. Instead of repeating anything (after all I was off exercise for a MONTH!), I decided to continue. This decision was made for several reasons. First I was feeling if I go back and start with for instance Continuity again, I would get completely stuck and be completely unmotivated. And for me right now it is really hard to keep the motivation up. Second, I didn't find the level 6 too hard, so I decided to give it a try and see if I can manage. Tracy says in that level that we have to come to ALL the reps in that level as soon as possible. BOY! I realised I sometimes didn't come to all the reps in the previous levels!!! Even by the end of them! So I decided to work really hard. And after 5th day add weights for the second half of each level.

So, level 6 is hard, but to be honest - not undoable. Really. Even after a month break I could do it. Yes, I was sore the next day and doing MS the today was a true torture, but I managed - both times. It is similar to the levels where there is no real standing abs and no weights in the arms section (from level 4). So in the end of the day, it is not horribly bad. The moves are good, and I have to say most of them even enjoyable. Except for one - which is done in plank position. And boy - it is HARD! I only manage to do like 10 out of 20 reps, so beware! :)

Well, I'll keep you posted how it goes, and I really hope to get going with it better than before.

Crazy scientist in action......

Level: C1.1.2

Day: 6

Every morning I get up and try to put the pieces of my life together. I try to find a balance. And sometimes I succeed. But very often I don't succeed. I procrastinate a lot and get little done. Or then when I reach the times of lots of deadlines, I get lots and lots done, but get completely exhausted. I sleep 6 hours a day, I stay in the office till 10-11 in the evening. Even on Sunday. And this is sad. Very sad. A person who does that has no personal life. Or at least in my case - personal life which is now on the other side of the globe... And I have not worked out in the past two days.

Today though I woke up and decided - the hell with work, with all the presentations, students, papers waiting for me... with all the emails hanging there in my mailbox to be answered... I decided to work out - even if at least for half an hour. And I did. I did 15 minutes of DC and full MS. Day 6 of level 2 today. It was good, and I feel like I am back on track. 

Tomorrow I have a meeting and a workshop (which I am giving, not taking), I still have to finish preparation for it, so will get up early, but will try to squeeze the workout in - even if only MS and in the evening.

But couple of updates about some of my goals.

1. I have not had any alcohol at all for the past 3 weeks. And to be honest, I was not even tempted. Strangely enough - considering how much I love wine and beer. But my sweetheart is coming back soon, so we will have a nice glass of wine somewhere nice. Mmmmm can't wait!

2. I GOT MY DRIVING LICENSE!!!! I know it is a bit late to do it in my age - but better late than never. It took me 5 long months, 30 hours of theory in German, 60 hours of driving and 2000 Euros... Not the fastest, nor cheapest way, but at least I am with a driving license now - so the goal reached. I still need to have a drink for it ;)

3. I have had no problem eating no red meat recently. But the thing is that I rarely have time to eat at all. That's not good. I survive on salads I get on the way to the office... I buy some tuna steaks, salmon or chicken and at lunch time simply cook them in the microwave (it takes like 2 minutes!) and through together with the salad. No time for cooking, and I have not been eating extremely healthy. But I buy lots of fruit and veg, and eat them all every day. :) I lost a kilo more since I started Continuity, and am now at my lowest low... Last time I was this light I was 16 or something. But really, as soon as my bf will come back and there will be someone to take care of me - the crazy scientist - I will get that kilo back :) So I'm not worried. :)

This is how small I am these days.... Freaky actually :)

That's it for now. Nearly midnight on my side of the globe... I'm exhausted and there is a long day ahead of me tomorrow. In the end of the week I am traveling to Hanover for a conference, so will disappear again for a while. But I am alive, folks :))) Just waaaay too busy.

Ups and dooowns...

Today was a hard day. It still is. First, it's hot. It is 35C (which is about 95F) and you might laugh at me, but I come from the place it rarely goes over 25... At 30 my head starts spinning, at 35 I have to restart the system, 40 can cause a permanent damage... Hey but honestly - jokes aside - it is hard for me! This is one of the BIG reasons I love Bremen so much: it rarely is above 20 in the summer and almost never below -10 in winter... Perfect 30 degrees range I (and my skin) can tolerate (and I don't give a damn about rains). And even still, I will have to shock some people, but sometimes I might prefer -30C to +30C. Of course when I am in a swimming pool or sea, +30C is kinda better... But anyway, 35C today - with little or no breeze, no air-conditioning, no sea, in basically a city... I find that mind-blowing. 

I woke up pretty early in the morning when it was still sort of fresh, but by 11 I had a pounding headache... I did DC, but every jump caused violent attacks on my brain, so I stopped after 15 minutes - and being completely exhausted (mind you I was doing it in nearly sauna!) I did MS, and that went better, but still hard. My thighs and butt were screaming to stop - they were on fire really. But I made it through AND I made a little discovery for myself today. I finally noticed that Omni is actually Omni, i.e. working on everything! Previously I never noticed how much other parts of the body work during leg lifts. Today - I was pretty surprised! I felt them in my legs, butt, abs, arms, back... Perfect!

I actually feel drained, exhausted and sticky the whole day. I do need some rest, hence I am happy just from the thought I will have my rest day tomorrow. I think my headaches are only getting worse from all the work on the computer, but what can I do?! I did work for at least 4 hours today in my favourite place so far - the old fire-station, very spacey and airy, love it!  

And I will have to do 2 more now, but at least I am at home, and not in the heat of the day. And I will go to bed early today - need some sleep. Talking of sleep, I found this great iPhone app - Azumio Sleep Time. It apparently trakcs your movement while you sleep to determine when your sleep is light, deep or REM. You can set it up to wake you in a half hour range in the best time, i.e. when you are in a light phase of sleep - this will help you wake up easier, be more full of energy and not abuse your snooze!!! I tried it today - and you know what, it worked! I even forgot to turn on the sound, so it woke me up just with the vibration - and you have to know I am a very deep sleeper, I rarely hear a very loud alarm. I was surprised! Gonna try it again tonight, and will try to get at least 8-9 hours of sleep. Everyone, very recommended app! (I guess though it is only for those who sleep alone LOL, cos otherwise it would track both people's movements... >_< One positive thing about sleeping alone!)

Day 100: it is never easy...

These are the sunny, hot days of the end of the summer...

... and it is so so so hard to workout or work for that matter. I'm trying to concentrate, but it's hard. I work out in the very early morning and then late evening. I simply can not come to working out during the day... At the university we don't have conditioner, so I'm sitting in my office in shorts and T-shirt and sweating like crazy. It's not necessarily bad, but not very pleasant either to be honest...

Level: C1.1.1

Day: 10

So, day 100 today. Yes. Just thought about it. If Meta had 90 days, and I'm finishing the first level of Continuity, then I'm on day 100 now. Reason for a small celebration I think! (Well, to my mind, there is always a reason for a celebration - or at least as often as possible!) The first level was not difficult really. You get used to the balancing moves after 2-3 days, and I have done the MS starting with day 7 with ankle- and wrist-weights. 

I am quite honestly dreading level 2 though... I have not previewed it yet, but will do in the evening. But I heard the first level lets you get used to the new DC and take a breather after level 9, and then the challenges start again. We'll see though won't we?

I still like the DC. More than the Meta one, but then again - it might be because I did Meta DC for much longer. 

As regards to the rest of the things. Hmmm. I am sticking to my anti-alcohol diet. It is actually easy. Sometimes I have a non-alcoholic beer, but that's all. My work is sometimes something like this: 

Laptop, non-alcoholic beer, coffee and sunshine... What else do you need?!

It takes a lot of time, but I am trying hard. Had a few downs in the past couple of weeks in terms of work, but I am not giving up. I know I CAN do it! I am still working on Chapters 5 and 6, but I might be able to finish 5 soon.

I have also been pretty OK with waking up early, but I still procrastinate a lot. I have no idea how to get rid of that. Any ideas? I simply spend hours online, googling things, reading articles - something completely NON-essential for my PhD... But I LOVE the workouts - they give me energy and I feel much better after them.

So level 2 of Continuity tomorrow!

PS Sorry for may be not being as cheerful as I normally am... I am pretty upset today. It was the day when Pussy Riot - if you haven't heard about it check out some info here (btw, I am impressed how fast this was updated by Wiki - the sentence was there already half an hour after its announcement!!! efficient) - were sentenced to two years each for singing in the church punk-protest... I mean, it might have been crossing the border a little bit, but did NOT deserve 2 years in jail for goodness sake!!! May be 2 months public service or a fine... But 2 years??!! in jail??!!

Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis GRAND results: before and after pictures

It is nearly 6 months since I started TAM now. I started in February with a little bit of DC and mat DVD. Then I started Meta on 20th of February. I finished it on July 28th. Yes, it took me waaaay longer than 3 months. 5 to be precise. So Meta took me longer to finish. But I did in the end. I am now on to Continuity, but that is all a different story.

Today I wanted to share with you some of my Meta results. Long promised. Long awaited. As I mentioned before, I was a bit reluctant to post anything, as - well truth be told - I was not eating my best in the past 2 months of Meta. Don't get me wrong, it was mostly healthy (with very very very rare food binges), but it was not really a diet - i.e. it was quite a lot of food in the end. But then, I am addicted to good food. I love it. I cherish it. I can't live without it. So being in Switzerland for a month, I just could NOT not eat cheese cheese and cheese. All the raclettes, fondues, cheese platters... Plus my bf was taking care of me - which he did absolutely amazing, anyone can envy me - but it meant we ate a little more than i normally eat. And he also spoils me like crazy - so I had M&M's and Raffaellos almost every day. Sigh. 

So... well. Bottom line - diet was NOT the best last 2 months. But then it all showed me how much the Meta workouts can do for me to keep up with what I achieved. So obviously I did not lose any weight in the past 2 months (which is fine with me - I already reached the upper boundary of my goal weight). I also think I became less skiny. But then, I also feel I became more shapely in the right places, muscley - also in the right places, but not bulky at all. You can't really see the muscle, but I - I can feel it! Yeay! :) 

All in all, great good Meta did to me. I did not stress too much about missing days at times, and repeating levels when necessary. Meta made me more organised, and hell - now I know I can do it. The first 2 weeks kilos were running away from me - honestly! The energy, the strength, the confidence that I feel now are so great, that even if I did not lose any kilos, I would have still loved it. :) But I did, and I am happy. I also lost at least 1 size in clothes - I'm wearing confident 34 now, and very tight 32. Before it was 36-38. People notice that I lost weight, and tell me so, even though I didn't really need to lose so much. And I think the biggest change happened somewhere mid-way (even though I was already off diet), because even the least observant people noticed the change in me - the main reason for that was that finally my face caught up with the weight loss, and became a bit less round. :)

I love the way i look in a bikini. I bought TONS of new clothes - and what a pleasure it is to buy closes smaller and see them fit you well and nice! I love the new dresses I bought - and coming soon the dirndl! Will show you the pretty little thing I bought for the Oktoberfest I am going to in September. 

So pictures are bellow. :) I am so proud of myself, I can't stop beaming. And today the workout was great, I added wrist and ankle weights for MS, what a pleasure!

The love handles became so much smaller, and now they are kinda cute... Not hanging, but sexy. :) My butt has never looked like that - it is round and out there. I never had a round butt! I'm honest. I thought I would live my life with a flat butt. And here you go: a cute round butt!

All in all I lost around 9 cm in the waist and hips (each), 2 - in arms, around 10 in bikini area, and 8 in thighs. It might not be so visible, but I did have to buy new jeans - all the old ones were hanging on me! I love that I am toned, but not over-muscley. The only thing that I still want to work on is the thigh area,esp inner-thighs. :) Omni Continuity it is :)

Good luck to everyone who are only starting or in the middle and not getting results - you will! I love how TAM works, and am going for now to continue doing it. :)

Day 91 or a new beginning!

Level: C 1.1.1

Day: 1

Today I started Continuity - finally! 

It took me a week to get back, sort out some administrative issues back in Bremen - like visas, work, meetings, and I finally did the driving theory exam! Passed it right away from first attempt, and now am really really afraid of the practical part - but everything comes in time, so I won't worry about it now.

Continuity. Ah, where do I start?!

1. I LOVE the new DC! There are many good and a few still negative things. Starting with the positives, first, it has a warm-up. The Meta DC was criticized sometimes because in it you just start jumping - off, there you go! Now the DC has a short stretching and warming up and starts with a lower-intensity jumps and moves on to higher intensity, and slows down by the end again.  Second, it has much more interesting moves and actually something similar to simple choreography. So I can now say jump-dancing, not just jumping :) But really, DC in Meta had little to do with dance - it was more of jumping with some movements. Lots of jumping jacks and so on. Now it actually has some hip movement and dancy moves - so important for a woman's body! 

See what I mean? Lots of dancing :) 

Third, I found that at least for me Tracy gave encouragement in exactly the right moments... When I needed it - here she comes and says something along the lines "Just jam with it, girl!" It feels really encouraging. Fourth, it simply is more exciting and I guess - new. By the time you get to Continuity, you are so tired of Meta DC you want to vomit :) Now I am happy about some change. That said, the DC still doesn't have the cool-down in the end (though moving slowly into MS after that provides a little bit of a sort of cool-down). Besides, I found the video montage in places badly done - the movement changes and your screen is focusing on feet and not arms, so you don't know what you are SUPPOSED to do with arms. I mostly improvised and did something, but I think this should not happen in a DC - you have to be able to see all moves. 

I mean there is a lot of legs in this one!!!!

But nonetheless, I love the DC! Wohoo!

2. I love the plain white background in Continuity (like above). I mean the design with day-light and sofa and large windows in Meta was cool. But then the moves are so much more visible on the simple white background. And it doesn't distract your mind - you concentrate on Tracy and her moves. Perfection in simplicity!

3. The MS is challenging, and I love getting back into it. It does feel a little bit easier that level 9 of Meta, though the balancing exercises are a killer!!! I am falling mostly while doing those instead of doing them actually :) But I think it will come. Also because of all the balancing you have to do, you feel that all your muscles are engaged. Amazing!

I mean how on earth are you supposed to balance on a weight... with one hand??!!

All in all, I loved my first day of Continuity. It feels good to be back on the train. :) My body was hungry for exercise, and felt so good to start moving again - finally! 

As I mentioned before, I decided to change the schedule of workouts to 3+1 instead of 6+1. This means I will workout for three days in a row and rest one day. This would mean that I will still work out 5-6 times a week at least, but I won't have one specific day for a rest day - it will rotate around the week. It will also be psychologically easier (one of the tricks for the laziness inside us - I will write more about the tricks soon), as you don't have to go on for 5 days in a row, but just 3. Easy-peasy! For this purpose I also created a new tracking calendar (follow the link to a pdf file) - which is convenient, because it starts with first workout day of the 3, and finishes with the rest day, so you can start with the next sheet with no days' skipping and so on, it will just logically flow from one to another. This was something that annoyed me in the tracker on TAM website: it has 5 workout days in the end of the page and then you have to start again with the 6... You know what I mean? Now I don't have such problem (yes, I know I am a bit of a nerd...):

You can use this if you would also like to do 3+1 schedule! Just download and use :)

As to the rest of the goals I set earlier... I am still drinking from time to time - meeting a friend today for instance for a beer. But will quit as promised on the 6th of August. I am still procrastinating... Damn it. But I am one step closer to the driving license - I passed the theory test yesterday. I didn't have any soda, I woke up at 7 several days in the row except for today - after all it is Saturday and I simply can't not rest just a little bit... I haven't gotten too far with my work, but I will tomorrow! Yey! :) I love the energy that the exercise gives me!

Day 83 of Meta!!! Ah, so close!

Guess what am I doing?!!! 

HA HA - I'm doing dance cardio!!! :) How does Tracy manage to look so elegant when she is doing it? :)

Today I asked my bf to take some pics while I was jumping DC. And to be honest, I was a little shocked. :) I look sooooo funny. God, couldn't stop laughing. I don't look like I am working out, I look like I'm a child jumping on a trampoline... being silly too... And then look at the video.... OMG!

So, all in all, I have to say, I look ridiculous... And it is on day 83 of Meta - so I am supposed to be quite good in DC by now... But I still look like a little hippopotamus in training leggins jumping away :) Funny. :) But still, you have to agree - the view behind is breathtaking! 

Enough of making fun on my account... Let's get serious :) After overall three classes of tennis, I finally was able to return to every-day TA work outs. My muscles are still sore a little, but not too bad really. Tennis was fun, but returning to Meta feels good. I think I will try to combine it all now - I just needed my muscles to stop aching so much after every time playing tennis.

The MS in level 9 still kills me. I actually found arms quite hard - can't say I had that feeling ever since level 2 or 3... So, that is still a surprise: day 3 of level 9 and I still can hardly do the arms, and start screaming by the end. At the same time, abs seem quite doable - easier than in level 7 or 8. But the legs section. BOY!!!! 

The very first exercise, which started in this position

... and then you have to kick your leg up...

So, my working leg actually didn't feel too much - but the supporting leg on the mat was killing me after 5 reps already!!!! I was shocked!!! C'mon - first exercise and in level 9 and it kills me?? Grrrr!

The rest of MS feels more doable - tough, but doable at least... 

Off to work now again. Sigh.

Day 80 of Meta!!! And how tennis killed me...

Today I finally finished level 8. It just is like this with some levels: they take ages. I guess it also happens very often that right around level 6 you start losing interest and motivation, it gets harder and harder to keep going. Gets harder to keep yourself motivated and inspired, gets harder to reason with your laziness: the results (at least for me) don't come fast, or come only slightly visually - which are the hardest to notice. The numbers don't move much anymore. And the visuals very often depend on how the pictures are taken, what is the lightning, what are the positions... So, what I judge my progress by is how I feel every day, how I like my pics from the beach holiday and how my boyfriend likes the way I look :) (Though to be honest, he is never objective... :) )

I have to be honest: I like myself in a bikini these days. Still a lot to work on
(my inner-thighs are particularly stubborn), but I'm getting there! 

 

Yesterday I didn't manage to do the workout. Yesterday I played tennis. Well, I tried. Lets say, I started learning. I guess it is like skiing: easier to learn when you are a kid. But I never did learn either of the things, so I think it is never too late to start. I had my first tennis class - privately one-on-one with the trainer. And here is another thing TA didn't prepare me for: tennis. My right arm and wrist were killing me - or rather they were both quite dead till the very night. I had weakness in my body all over (even had to take a nap!!!), which transformed into painfully strong muscle ache in my thighs, arms, back and butt in the morning. I didn't expect that - that's for sure! All the tennis players look so effortless, and gracious... And here I am feeling like an old lady: it hurts to sit, it hurts to get up, it hurts to go up and down the stairs, it hurts to simply move. But after all, I love this pain. I love love LOVE the muscle pain! I don't remember last time I was SO dead after exercise. And I think I should definitely continue! And I will try. Now I started looking at some tennis skirts online - if I am doing it, I'm going to do it in full attire!

My first class. Technique is horrible, but at least I don't miss the ball - well not too often :) I'm also a little shocked with a little too bulky shoulders of mine... I look really trained... Hmmm. Not sure I like it and dunno how to make it less.

Today I worked out alright. And believe me - it was NOT easy. My butt muscles were killing me! MS was so tough, I thought I would need to stop in the middle (and it was freaken level 8 - which I know by heart now and was able to do with ankle and wrist weights!!!) - it was literally hard to lift my left leg behind me. I'm honest. Who would have thought that tennis would do that to someone? :) But I pushed through it - cos I know muscles need to work out to feel better. So I am working them out. My right arm is still really weak, but the exercise actually helped. I also took long relaxing baths after tennis yesterday and TA workout today. And needed naps both days too. But I was happy to note that DC was actually relieving for muscles - it has lots of stretching and light muscle work, so I felt really good doing it and after it as well. Back muscle ache is nearly gone after it.

And so now I am happy to announce: I am done with level 8!!!! Done! Done! Done! Hurray!!!! Off to level 9 tomorrow - and I hope my muscles will feel better by tomorrow, as I heard a lot about level 9 - that it is indeed challenging. So I am excited and nervous a little. But excitement overtakes :)))

Have a good day everyone! I'm off to bed, hoping that tomorrow will wake up fresh and muscles feeling OK. Fingers crossed!

Day 79 of Metamorphosis

Today was a particularly hot sunny morning. In the mountains you never know what to expect... Yesterday we woke up to a thick fog - I couldn't see beyond our garden nearly. By the evening it was raining... In general it was a humid rainy day. Today it is crispy hot and sunny. And believe it or not, it is nearly impossible to do DC in the heat. I survived for about 20 minutes. After that panting and sweating, barely able to say a word, I moved into the house, where I found just enough space for the MS. Ah. But after the sun-sauna of DC, MS was really challenging. I was still exhausted, but I pushed through it. It was a great feeling to go through it. And my sweetheart is really taking care of me - by the time I finish shower, the breakfast is ready. Ah. I envy myself to be honest :))))

My breakfast: eggs, some ham and some bread (yeah, yeah, I know, but it is sooo good),
fresh juice, coffee and some fruit

Great day here in the Swiss Alps today, work is moving along, but not as fast and productive I was hoping for... Oh well. I only can do the best I can. :) Just have to make sure I actually do it. Having problems with not beating myself up, so try to stay reasonable.

Just our view for a little inspiration...

Just one more day and I'm moving to level 9! And then just another 10 workouts, and I will gloriously finish Meta! I have to be honest and say that I have never thought I would be writing it when I started... Yes, I wanted to succeed, but I was not at all sure. What a great feeling it gives. And also gives me strength in my PhD: if I can do Meta, I can do almost anything!!!!

Have a good day everyone! 

Day 77 of Metamorphosis

Today the workout was easier. It was not too sunny. And at some point it started even raining – just small tiny little drops, but they were welcome and refreshing. :) I did full DC today on full speed and with all the energy (even though I didn’t feel like it in the beginning) – and it was pleasant and enjoyable when the sun is not shining right into your face. I noticed that it does make a great deal of difference on your feet what floor you do your DC. The best for me were so far parquet, laminate and linoleum (they are soft but not too soft, so are easy on your feet), but here I have some garden tiles to jump on. And my shoes - they are great really, and never gave me any pains or anything, but today I managed to get an aching blister. I hope that a) it will disappear till tomorrow and b) I will be able to jump again tomorrow!

During the MS a little rain started, so I took my laptop inside and continued legs exercises by memory : I have been so long on level 8, I remember it by heart now. It took a little longer, as the video was not “pushing” me a little forward, but then I really did all reps required and may be even a bit more. Tomorrow I am going to start doing MS with ankle weights: can’t wait to get even better results! But working out outside on fresh air is absolutely fabulous!

The view from our garden and my work out place

It gives me inspiration and peace of mind. I am doing MS almost meditatively, relaxed and enjoying every moment. Try it! If it is not too hot, try to work out in a park nearby (who cares about the on-lookers!!!! show your sexy bum!) or your back yard! It is absolutely great! So far I am loving it - as long as it doesn't shower right? :) 

OK, back to work. After all I am here in Nendaz to work on writing up my PhD, so have to get going. 3 more days till the end of level 8, beginning of level 9 and some results - finally!!! Tale of Italy is still coming soon! :)

Day 76 of Metamorphosis

Aaaand I am back on the wagon again – and back online too! I will post later where I have been in the past two weeks (it was FUUUN!!!), but right now just a little update.

Today is day 76 of Meta for me and I can’t wait to finish level 8. Honestly. It’s been too long already.

Yesterday we finally reached our little hide-out in Switzerland – yes in the Swiss Alps… (told you, the story will be interesting, and with lots of pics :) ) It’s breathtaking! Really!

The Swiss Alps! On the way to the town Nendaz

We have a little chalet in a little village in Nendaz with an extremely picturesque view towards the villages resting on the mountain sides and the high picks with still some snow. Beautiful. But as villages go, there isn’t much to do: there is one restaurant about half an hour walk from here, and a café. We don’t have internet (I am writing this in an “off-line mode” and will publish it when I do have access to Internet), we have to stack our fridge with yummy and healthy things, we have had some arguments about it too. I can’t imagine how those of you who live with husbands and kids manage to diet! Living on your own means you just have to fight your own vices, with people around it means you also have to jungle the family food and not get tempted to eat more than strictly necessary. And to be honest, I can’t even imagine following the TA dynamic eating plan when you have a family!!! Respect to you all!

The chalet we have is pretty small (just a kitchen-living room downstairs, bedroom, bathroom and a tiny extra room upstairs – and I mean everything is really small, so don’t snort when you hear about all those rooms), so there isn’t much space for me to work out. MS might be possible to fit somewhere when some furniture is moved out of the way, but DC? Forget it! So what do you think I did? :) I worked out outside!!! Yes, I am dependent on the weather and if it rains I’m kinda screwed. But how often do you have a chance to work out in the fresh mountain air, have a breathtaking inspiring view – and so simple, you just need to walk out of the back door. I am totally enjoying it! But weather is indeed a factor: I started my workout around 10am, and it was already sunny and warm. And believe it or not, after 5 minutes of DC I was sweating and breathless, hot and sticky. I don’t know if that is because of the break I had in DC (perhaps, partially), but I think it is mostly because of the sun. The workout gets extremely challenging in the sun!!! I managed to do 20 minutes DC, and then moved the MS to the shadow of a little bush. :) But I did it!

I felt great! Finally getting back to the daily workouts is great. I love it. I woke up with a smile and was sooooo looking forward to the workout. May be some breaks are sometimes necessary for us to start feeling better about the workouts? :)

Coming soon: our wonderful holiday in Italy and the different type of workout you can get there, lots and lots of pics, and soon soon soon some new results! (I have my measuring tape, my camera and new bikini – wohoo!) Stay tuned!

Day 73 of Metamorphosis

Note: Wrote this post couple days ago, but only now got to Internet. :)

Today I am travelling to Prague – yes, again. In the morning I overslept a little, so could only do 20 minutes of the DC, then had to finish packing, get ready and run for the train. Literally. With two suitcases. And a laptop bag… To tell you the truth, that is not fun – not fun at all! But, strong as I am (extra exercise right?!), I managed to get to the station on time, dashing into the train panting and somewhat sweaty – but on time!

Nearly forgot my little hand weights in Bremen, but threw them in one of the suitcases in the very last moment. So now I am all set: I have one small suitcase of clothes (shorts, jeans, skirts, dresses, bikini, hoddies…) and work papers; and one small suitcase with foot wear, cosmetics, matters of hygiene, all for manicure, jewellery and bijou… The problem is that I am going away for 5 weeks, and not only to Prague, but to various destinations and with various climates so to say (or rather various forecasts). In two days we are going to the south of Italy for just 4 days for a little rest and holiday (which means hot beach holiday). Though to be honest, with all the touristy things I have been doing in the past weeks (and no work whatsoever), I don’t deserve a holiday. But it was planned for a long time, and I am actually excited to the extreme: first I get to go with my sweetheart, and second I absolutely LOVE Italian food!!! So the diet a bit forgotten, I will be trying Italian wines and eating the real Italian pizza, pasta, mozzarella and drinking the spicy bitter Italian coffee. So expect some (=lots of) food pics. Tempting, tempting!

After Italy we are heading to the Swiss Alps (and one never knows what the weather will exactly be like in the mountains), where we found a nice cute chalet – a place for me to work and write up my PhD. I find that escape from normal surroundings help in finding inspiration, which is so important for writing! So, my laptop, my working papers, my sports shoes, Reebok cute leggings, sport bra, couple t-shirts and weights are all tucked in safely in my luggage, disks are waiting in the laptop bag and I am ready for work, workout and rest. Right now I can’t wait to move on to level 9 of Meta, but I still have lots to do in level 8 – which I like, but it is just already a bit boring. It is fairly manageable, and I think of using ankle weights starting from today or tomorrow – I just can’t wait for even better results for my butt and thighs. I noticed that after the 10 days fall-out, my body is actually rested, and it feels it is easier to do the cardio and the MS. So, resting is good, I made a mental note for myself not to miss rest days and not to beat myself up if I have 2 rest days a week. Actually I am contemplating working out 5 days a week or slipping into the schedule of 3+1 (3 consecutive days of workouts, 1 rest day and so on), so some weeks will be 6, some weeks will be 5 workouts, but that would give my body regular rest. But I think to switch into a new schedule with Continuity. Have any of you experimented with the schedule and worked out less than 5-6 times a week? I wonder if that is enough for maintaining for some people? Though at this point I still want to get into a more shapely muscular self before I start simply maintaining and keeping it up.

Already on way to Italy (the post came out a little late...)

Day 72 of Metamorphosis (again)

Aaaaand I am back!!!!

It took me some time, but I restarted level 8. I figured I didn't miss TOO much, so simply started from level 8. After all, the most important thing is the exercise itself. I don't beat myself up for not working out for ... 10 (!!!) days! Truly, I feel relaxed and OK about it, because I know, when I have time I will jump right back on the train of my working out routine, and it will all be good. People, don't beat yourself up for not being able to squeeze in a work out. Sometimes it is just summer: busy, busy, busy. Either you are on holiday, or busy looking after kids who are on holiday, or working over-time as holidays season is in full speed. I had visits, I have a lot to do at work, I really need to get down to my PhD. I don't beat myself up. I had a wonderful time with my boyfriend and my mum, I discovered so much about the city I am living in (isn't it always like that: you see the city where you live only when you have visitors??!!), I tried to eat healthy at the same time discovering the local cuisine... Damn, I had a GREAT week! Even though I didn't workout a single one time. 

And then yesterday I crossed out the earlier planned dates for level 8 on my tracker, took a new sheet out and proudly wrote "Level 8 - restart", stood on the weights, and hey - surprise of surprises - I actually didn't gain a gram, if not lost some in the past 10 days!!! My last measure was at 53 kilos, yesterday and today it was 51.5... It might be the muscle going off a little, might be moving and walking a lot (tourism you know!) or eating healthy - or all, but the result is evident: I didn't gain anything.

I started DC and my body fell into the dance right away, it still remembered the moves, it remembered the jumps and turns, and the energy. It loved it. I remembered how great it felt to jump the DC and then take a shower, and feel so great about the day and myself. Simply perfect. The day is so different without workout in the morning - it truly is my morning coffee :) I forgot how good it feels.

In the evening we watched some football (soccer for those in Americas): there is Euro 2012 going on right now and yesterday Germany was playing, so I met couple friends to watch it and say a little bye (I am leaving tomorrow for more than a month to go to Italy and then Switzerland... I know, I know, it seems I never stop travelling...) And I did my MS then - late in the evening. But boy I enjoyed it!

Today is the day of packing, trying not to forget anything. It seems like it is going to be a long night... :) I always always always do everything in the last moment... :) But I am taking my discs with me, will start Continuity on my trip! Hurray! I can't wait to share some of the final pics with you all. :)

Day 68 of Metamorphosis!!! WOW!

Holly-molly! Day 68???!!! Already!!!??? I'm on disk 3 and I just have two new MS workouts left in Meta... Wait... WHAT??? I still can't believe it...

So anyway, today was the day like many others. I was tired, couldn't get up at 6 am, woke up around 8. By the time I did my DC, had a shower, ate my yummy breakfast, got ready - it was already 11... So, I was in office only by midday, and then a friend dropped by my office for coffee... And you know how it goes... So started work much later than I hoped for... But - when my colleague walked into the office, she stopped and asked "Wait, did you lose more weight?" And no, I did not, but I guess I toned more, and she said that I look so much more toned and slimmer. 

Then I went to salsa – finally after not being there for about a month. And I was really shocked and surprised. Because Wally (our trainer) started saying from the minute I walked in “Wow, Liuba, you are so skinny!” And then everyone was talking at the same time on the same topic... And several of my friends who came in – even those who have not heard this conversation with Wally – were saying that I lost weight. So, the secret is to be away for a long time, and then people are surprised. :) But hey – I don’t even notice if I am smaller than I used to be or not anymore. I simply get used to being how I am at the moment, and then I stop being surprised… Ah, that all made my day today.

And you know, the best feeling throughout all those conversations, remarks and questions (i.e. “How did you DO it??”) was that I actually achieved it. Yes, it is great I actually weigh less now and I love the feel of my body when I am stretching in bed in the morning – it feels lean, strong, small, and simultaneously soft and muscular. But the best thing about people noticing is that I set the goal 3 months ago (holly molly! Has it been already 3 months??!!), I told people about it and I stubbornly went forth to achieve it. I didn’t give up on the way – not once. I did have bumps on the way (I still do), I do overeat sometimes, I am lazy sometimes and it is hard to start the workout, I procrastinate (something that I have to deal with seriously from now on), I sometimes don’t have time even for 30 minutes cardio, but I put in as much as I can – even if it is just 10 minutes… I did it all myself! I am strong enough and disciplined enough for that! This gives an amazing feeling. Now I have to be just as strong and disciplined in writing my PhD...

As the workouts go, I am definitely not in love with level 7. I heard I’m not the only one… It is hard and… well just hard. Super hard. It has lots of exercises in plunk-push-up position – and I do not like those. I feel like my arms are still not strong enough to hold me in plunk position… If it is not plunks, then it is a lot about balance. Try to balance on left knee and right elbow, while doing some stuff with right leg and left arm… Honestly, this almost feels like some kind of torture! I feel it in my ass, and my abs, and my thighs… I feel it everywhere. I actually am sore from time to time during this level. And feel like I need more sleep. But anyway, as soon as I could do all the reps, I added the ankle weights. And boy that took me back to 25-30 reps again (instead of 40…) Wow.

On the bright side, I had a bit of a breakthrough with DC I think. Not that I like it more than before. No. I am of course used to it by now and my body knows it well. But these past two weeks I tried to really make myself perform. And well surprise surprise… It was not that hard actually… You know, I am naturally a performer I think. I like to be cute and shiny on stage. I used to for ages – ever since I got over my childhood shyness I guess (and having one pretty embarrassing stage appearance, which I will never forget, but which probably changed me and challenged the performer in me), I have loved stage. I wish I could sing… But I tried acting, poetry reading, now dancing… When I was performing salsa last year, my trainers asked other more experienced and advanced dancers to come and look at me… They used to stop us (we were performing in a team of 3 couples) and tell the others “Liuba is outshining you all, you have to start performing, and not just going through the dance routine desperately trying to remember the steps”. And thinking about it, I was constantly wondering why was it so hard to perform DC for me?.. Well – duh! Cos there is no audience! No one to smile and flirt with, but then we did train dancing in empty rooms too. So I started imagining there IS an audience in front of me, started smiling and flirting… For a laugh sometimes I would put my little stuffed animals in front and do the DC “for them” :) Or turn on the camera and film my "performance" (no, not a soul is going to see it...)… This changed my DC completely. And I know now what the difference is between performing and just doing the DC. After each time I actually performed, I was sweating like CRAZY. Really – I don’t even know how to explain it. I drank half a litre of water after that in one go and was feeling like I perhaps ran a marathon, but definitely not a half hour workout… But the most surprising thing – I tend to check my heart rate from time to time… Throughout the performing workout my average was 150-158!!! Compare it to 120-130 of when I’m just doing it on a moderate speed. I am not ever sure it is actually healthy to have such a high heart rate… But the difference is obvious. After such a workout, I take some protein shake – cause I feel like I might start shaking from exhaustion. And only then proceed to MS.

So, all in all, I loved my workouts and am getting closer to level 8!!! I’m amazed! And only one thing pressing and stressing me and making me down – is my PhD, which is not going so well. But I still hope I will find strength – also from my workout and healthy lifestyle successes – to be more disciplined and work more.

Day 56 of Metamorphosis

Level 6 is definitely going to be faster and easier to finish than level 5… I mean I practically have only several days till the end! But to start with I am not travelling as much as in the last level – or rather not taking long weekends off, which are not very encouraging for working out. I have to say, I really do admire people who go on vacation and continue workout!!! I mean, I can imagine the workouts in the form of walks, jogging, playing badminton and tennis, swimming, cycling… But real cardio and muscle work??!! Hmmm… Well I still haven’t reached that point I guess.

I did travel though – but not for just a weekend. I am now staying at my sweetheart’s in Prague for two weeks. We are living our normal everyday lives and enjoy working in the evenings together and finally have our little dinners together… I might get used to this too much I have to say! It is so different to practically live together, and then see each other over distance. Sigh. But I went off topic.

So, level 6. It still surprises me to a very high extent! And it is not only the different rotations, vectors, the weird moves… It is also about the after-effects. So the last time I had sore muscles was – well, let me try to remember … - in level 1 suppose. Yes, I only had sore muscles in the very first few days of Meta – when the body experienced its initial shock. Then it seemed my muscles had adjusted to workouts pretty fast and knew what they were doing… And imagine my surprise when I woke up on day 52 with my butt hurting!!! I though “Wow, how peculiar! This level rocks! I have the sore muscles again!” And off I went to do the next workout, being particularly thorough on my leg lifts and angles for butt – thinking “Yey, smaller butt, smaller butt, smaller butt!” Well, then imagine my – no not a surprise anymore – more like a shock, when I woke up on day 53 and felt my ABS hurting!!! I thought “What the hell?! How is that possible? I am doing the SAME exercises! Nothing changed since yesterday!” Ah, dear reader, still more to come… Because the next day I woke up with sore muscles in my arms… Then I stopped getting surprised, just accepted it as inevitable and I love to wake up to new sensations in my body, to feel slightly differently, a little more and more alive each day… Because if muscles are sore, it means they are working right? It means they are really really alive… It means I am alive! Hurray to level 6!!! 

(Anyone had the same experience? On Omni or any other Meta type?)

DC is getting more routine-like, but I don’t have patience or very often time to do it in full. So I do as much as I can. So, if I have 50 minutes, I prefer to do the full MS and 20 minutes of DC. Yes, I don’t do full 30 minutes from time to time… Well, the main thing is that I keep to it right? And despite all odds, I do fit in at least 45-50 minutes of workout ever day.

I also started doing DC in the morning just after I wake up, and MS in the evening. DC feels better in the morning, because I still have empty stomach and now it became my substitution for a coffee. Really. I won’t wake up properly if I don’t have a workout: I feel sleepy and lacking energy completely! But I also like to do MS in late-ish evening, because it makes me feel that after eating the whole day I do some exercise still. And I love to sweat and then take a relaxing shower before bed. I complement MS with a nice and relaxed 15-minute stretching, and after that I feel like I am definitely relaxed after the whole day. It works for me, and it is hard to find enough time in the morning to workout for an hour. But I am satisfied with how it works this way.

Oh and one more improvement! We have a juicer here in Prague, so I started having a nice juice each morning. I didn’t find kale or spinach here (what a surprise…), but I am having some apples, carrots and oranges in the juice. Yum. I tried different combinations, and love to add some random fruits and veggies from the fridge. They are all good right?! :) Generally, I have slightly more food than is outlined by the Meta eating plan, but hey - I am keeping it healthy and just right amount of calories... I think. :) I don't go hungry - EVER, and I don't overeat. It is great!

Fresh juice (orange, apple, tomato, celery, carrot) and breakfast (two eggs, little tomatoes, 2 slices of cheese and cucumber). Very filling, and energetic! No coffee needed!

What do you have for breakfast people?

Day 48 of Metamorphosis... and the bumps along the way

Yes, it sounds crazy that I am - still - on level 5, but I had to restart the level, as I had too many interruptions. Now, however I am delighted to finish it tomorrow (if all goes well, and it should), and start level 6! Wohoo!

MS

Don't get me wrong, it was my own decision to restart level 5, but oh boy I am tired of it. I am simply getting bored. I know every single exercise of the MS, and well now can do it in full reps (though it takes me a little longer than Tracy). This hasn't happened with previous levels. But in true, I have done it like 15 times by now! So I am happy to move on. It is true that you get bored of the same thing, and when you are doing one of the MS longer than supposed to, it also loses some touch of excitement. I was always excited thinking "Just 10 workouts like that - get the most out of it!" Now I am thinking "Oh I wish it was day 50 already!!!" So it definitely is time to move on for good.

DC

Dance cardio is indeed getting boring. But I have to say I know it by now (which is only logical after doing it for around 50 times...), and sometimes I simply turn it on and start jumping automatically - before I manage to convince myself that I don't need to do it. And then the automatic jumps get more energy and I enjoy it. Sweat is the magic powder after all! ;) I also catch myself that while I concentrate a lot on MS, I tend to drift a little bit on DC nowadays - cos my body and mind know by now what I am doing, and I am not working out the specific muscles, I am jumping and dancing to get the heart beat up and loose some calories in the process. But I nevertheless enjoy it. Why? It makes me feel good. As simple as that. I feel great when I finish it - physically and mentally. I love it.

Food

In terms of diet, I went off Tracy's diet. Sigh. Well, I was going to follow it for around 30 days anyway, and I did it longer. But simply when those Body Reset repetitive Weeks finished, I could not deal with the ones "with diversity any more (starting Week ??? the BRW become diverse, which involves more recipes, and hence more time for cooking...). My PhD taking most of my time (and this is the biggest reason why I actually disappeared for so long). I sometimes work till 8-9, and then drag my feet home (still have to take a train to get home and all) and drop nearly dead. My driving school also continues... And with being busy and not having enough time for anything, I simply could not follow all the recipes of TA Dynamic Eating Plan any longer. But I keep eating healthy and fresh (mostly). I got into a good routine with food, I already calculate or estimate my calories without needing to really calculate them. I eat lots of salads, lots of fruit, add some fish, poultry or meat on top of that, sometimes I have one of those protein bars and protein shakes to keep me up on protein. Eggs, cheese, quinoa, nuts and just a little bit of chocolate are also in my diet. I also sometimes make soups - really with only veggies and not too fat. Yum!

Little bit of smoked trout and some yummy rucola-tomato-cucumber salad. I love food! Mmmm.

My feelings overall

To be honest, I was feeling a little guilty - for going off the diet, for missing some days (4 days for salsa festival and 4 more days for a wonderful weekend in Monaco), for not eating too healthy all the time (I confess to having an addiction to chocolate as of late and I simply can't do anything about it...), for missing the DC sometimes - that's really naughty of me! Monaco has set me off a little bit, as French cuisine offers a lot of temptations! I gained 2 kilos there, but by now they all went off - without even a big effort on my side. So after all I decided to not feel guilty. I am working out, and Meta has my back. I am doing my best, I am not pushing it, but enjoying every single workout. I don't want to suddenly feel so tired I would not want to workout at all. I LOVE the workouts, I feel great after them - both physically and mentally (after all, I never stop to fight my weaknesses, and every little victory is oh so sweet!) I still eat well and healthy, even if I allow myself to eat some bread sometimes. But generally I keep it better than ever before in my life. So why on Earth should I feel guilty??!! I should feel proud and delighted, satisfied and really glad with myself. I am working on myself and doing the best I have ever done! What can be more pleasing???!!!

So, the advice is: be realistic. No, one should not give up at every difficulty saying "It is realistic: I can't do it" I say "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can" and I move forward. But instead of beating myself up, I praise myself and motivate myself to go on, to keep up to the healthy food, to the workouts - to the better and transformed lifestyle. Cos this is my end goal: A better and healthier lifestyle.

And if on the way I look in the mirror and see the beautiful abs and tiny ass - hell, I won't say no! 

Day 42 of Metamorphosis

Yes, I started level 5 yesterday… I think on April 13 I will celebrate the half-done Meta… I am so proud of myself and am a little surprised all the same with how much I managed to achieve so far. Tomorrow I have a rest day (yes, I missed some days here and there, so my rest day moved a little too), but then I am going to continue rocking it.

I find DC getting easier and easier. I mean, it should, right? After 40 or so times doing it?! And I keep changing music, sometimes returning to Tracy’s list, sometimes choosing my own. But the MS in level 5 is a killer. I know, I say that about every level, but honestly, this time I realise what a “killer” actually means – before those were just rehearsals… Really, even level 2 is nothing compared to this. Somehow throughout arms I keep finding myself wondering: “Just how on Earth can she move so fast – with weights in her hands too??!!” I mean, I sometimes feel that if I go faster, my arms will fall off – as I still have to use a little bit of momentum to go that fast… So I decided to slow down just a little… My muscles were not sore since week 1, and here I was today in the morning: my arms and thighs were in amazingly satisfactory pain. Abs also got harder – with all the “both-legs-lifts” – I feel like giving up in the middle (but I don’t!). Legs… well legs… Plunks are back (only one exercise though), and then the weird lunges and extending leg to the side… At some point I feel a LOT of muscle pain and find myself gritting my teeth and swearing aloud. I cannot do all the reps, I am slowly doing about 10-15 less than Tracy does, but it’s OK, I think. As long as I am doing my best.

So, beware all Omnis – level 5 is no joke! :)

Just to share a little thing I am proud of: I finished off the first page of the calendar.... I am using the TA calendars from the community, as I just feel horrible writing on glossy paper and all. Besides, it gives you an incredible feeling of achievement, when you finish each page!!!

The change of the direction of crossing out of each date is the change in level. Half-crossed day is a day, where only half the workout was done, on this sheet it was always DC that suffered from being neglected. Missed DC: 5, missed days: 1. Not proud, but it is how it is. :) I also notice, how much my weight fluctuates... sometimes by 2 kilos over two consecutive days... I guess it is partially the process of fast weight loss.

Day 39 of Metamorphosis

Or level 4 day 9. One day to the end of level 4. Just one. Again, how could this happen?

If you read my post on level 3, you remember, I was really shocked when it was over. Well, no less I am shocked that level 4 is over. I don’t know if it is the busy life, or the fact that workouts become more “normal” and every-day for me, rather than anything special. Don’t get me wrong, I still have to have a battle with my laziness every day to start the workout, and sometimes it is more painful, but I also reached the point, when it also is enjoyable at times. All the same, the fact is, the levels fly by, melt away. Just around the time I start to “get” the MS, I have to change it. It is a little unfair I think. But then again, it is good for the muscles right? That is the whole point of MS and changing it every 10 workouts.

Level 4 was and – thankfully still is – wonderful! It has a lot on balance, and, with an exception of planks, I was looking forward to every single move. I loved the standing abs – but then again I love them always. This level however, I could finally see the pattern in them, notice the details, and not just go from side-to-side. Arms were really kicking and I was feeling like lowering them down so many times – especially after the DC. Today, by the way, I rocked the DC - seriously. Was jumping like crazy, and even bumped into a sofa. Oops.

And I have a huge huge huge revelation… I started loving abs. I don’t mean standing abs… Just normal abs. I never ever liked them – I was always feeling nauseous when doing them, and when I started Meta, I had to take a breather and a water break after them, and honestly, it was painfully nauseous. Now I absolutely love them. I love to feel my abs working. And hey – the great motivation is to see the abs forming. The lean, flat stomach, with nice lean muscles… no 6 pack, just feminine flat stomach with some definition. You just HAVE to love that!

I had a lovely dinner today – backed some chicken with peas and onions, added a bit of salad. Turned out to be quite a lot of food, but then again, I haven’t eaten most of the day, so I think it’s ok. And there was no oils or frying, or carbs or anything unhealthy. Just protein and veg. Yum-yum.

Chicken breast, some cheese, peas, onions, and cucumber-tomato-celery salad. Some garlic, basil, parsley, dill to spice it up. Truly great!

Today was a bit of a slow day, but hey – HAPPY EASTER everyone! Whole Germany is closed – I mean shops and all, and I do hope they open tomorrow, as I am running out of food, and have no money at all for eating out – kinda broke from the beginning of the month. :) I have been shopping lately quite a lot – got some new outfits with my sweetheart for the spring (just when will it come to Germany??!!), some accessories, a new bikini (that all makes a reason for a different post!), jeans and more jeans (to be honest - I love the way I look, so started obsessively checking out which size I can already fit...).

So have a great day everyone and a great weekend to y’all!