From the Begining

WOW!  Have you ever taken a look at all the new workout trends there are?  I have been looking after my experience with Bikram Yoga and, to be honest, am a little overwhelmed.  What is the best?  Why are they so gosh darn expensive?  Is it better to go to the gym and do a work out on my own (ya know, some cardio, some weights) or to be told what to do and play a game of "follow the leader".  How do I keep myself interested and engaged, so I choose to go work out, rather than go home, see my Boo and sit on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn (which is what I opted to do this evening).

2011 is almost upon us- CRAZY- and it's going to be a BIG year for me. 
1.  I turn 30
2.  Im getting married

I want to look  AWESOME for my wedding.  In preparing for my wedding, I have been pulling out alot of old photographs.  Looking at high school picutres of me...damn, I was skinny....my back was flawless, pure muscle, no flaws- now I cant wear a bra without muffin topping out of it in the back- gross. 

Now, just in case you all think Im crazy- my goal is NOT to get back to high school weight....(I have things now that I didnt have in highschool--namely breasts....I like them, Scott likes them, we don't want them to go away).  Also, I am NOT doing this for anyone but myself.  I have gotten so busy with work, wedding planning, volunteering, etc that I have not taken time for myself!  I have let myself go in the way I eat, the amount of time spent outside or working out, and just relaxing.  I have gotten to a point where I feel "unproductive" if I am just sitting on the couch and not doing something else (bloggins, checking email, writing up the wedding website, etc). 

So, for the next 4 months I am going to start focusing on ME, and a specific focus on my health.  I am challenging myself to do 4 different workouts in 4 months.  1 workout focus per month.  Each sunday I will blog on my experience---and most importantly, my measurements.  I will work out 5 days per week.  To ensure consistancy in my "experiment for the best workout", I will be consuming roughly the same amount of calories per day (1400) with a focus on fiber and protien.  my "months" will consist of 28 days or 4 weeks (thank you February).

The schedule will be as follows (note- this may change- I dont think it will, but I reserve that right)
January- I am going to continue my Bikram Yoga- I still have about 10 classes left, so I wont need to purchase very many more...and I am really starting to like it and make it through the classes!

February- The Bar Method- This is a new "trendy" workout that is sweeping Chicago by storm.  It is based loosly on ballet principles- I was never very graceful so this should be interesting

March- Jillian Michael 60 minute shred video's- this I can do from home, will be the most cost effeciant.  (my personal hypothesis is that I will also lose the most inches in this workout.)

April- good old running and weights- I will be training for a 10 mile race the end of May, so I need to start somewhere.  I should be doing around 15 miles a week and will finish it up with some free weights.  Again, not costing any money...and Ill be able to get some good outside time during the spring (oh Spring, I can't wait for you go get here.

I greatly appreciate your support as I move through this journey!  I am excited to see how this goes and to see where I have my falls.  Having a supportive blogger network to hear out my struggles will help get me through it (and ensure i am committed).

So, I will see you all on 1/2 with my first measurements (yikes!!!!)