30 Thriving Challenge Completed

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Three months ago I decided I was tired of just talking about getting into shape. Turning 30 was a big wake up call that I had lived a good 20 years out of shape and eating things that were easy rather than good for me. I asked Mountainside Fitness to help me with my challenge, and they gladly gave me a three month trial and a couple sessions with a trainer so that I can learn my way around the gym.

Three months later I still weigh the same 124 pounds, but my BMI has gone from 22% to 20%. I'm toned and fit. I also look forward to the gym every week and miss it when I'm not able to go as often as I would like. Who would have thought I would become a gym rat three months later.

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The biggest excuse I used for not going to the gym was not having enough time and not having someone to watch Elle. Well, the truth was that I wasn't making time for it. There are some gyms out there where I didn't feel comfortable putting Elle in the kids program. I knew I would feel better at a more family friendly gym like Mountainside. Sure enough Elle looks forward to going there every time. I drive 25 minutes each way to go to the gym, but it's worth it.

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I have officially become a Mountainside Fitness member, and I'm looking forward to being there for years to come.

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These photos that you see were created by Liz Evans. She loves celebrating the female form. She wanted to celebrate my accomplishment and my birthday by photographing my body after the challenge. I'm so thankful for these photos. They really help me see the confidence I have gained and the muscle I have gained throughout this process. Go check her out if you're in need of a really encouraging experience.

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My dear friend and talented makeup artist, Stephanie Neiheisel, also wanted to be a part of this special moment. She created a gorgeous navy smokey eye with bronzed skin and a nude lip. LOVE LOVE LOVE. This makeup look is perfect for fall.

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My Fitness Program

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Today marks one month of working out with Mountainside Fitness. WOOHOO! I'm still alive! Actually, I feel more alive than ever before. I have more energy, I have a desire to be active and I am already seeing results (less jello jiggle all around). When I had my initial assessment (read about it here), I could only hold a plank for 30 seconds, my legs would shake after one set of lunges and I would get winded after five minutes of running. Now, I can hold a plank for a whole minute and quickly go into a side plank for another minute. My core is stronger than ever, and my endurance is much improved. I can run intervals for 30 minutes and keep going.

So, what is my current workout? Well, the trainers at Mountainside Fitness have me going to the gym 4-5 days a week to burn fat and build muscle. To do that, I do the following.

DAY #1

  • Stretching
  • 10-15 minutes of cardio to warm up
  • 3 sets of planks (normal positions and both side positions)
  • 3 sets of 15 pelvic thrusts from floor holding for 3 seconds at a time
  • 3 sets of 15 lunges
  • 3 sets of 10 squats with 20 lbs
  • 3 sets of  10 step-ups bring my knee to my chest
  • 3 set of 15 calf raises
  • Stretching

DAY #2

  • Stretching
  • 45-1 hour of cardio (usually do 45)
  • Stretching

DAY #3

  • Stretching
  • 10-15 minutes of cardio to warm up
  • 3 sets of planks (all positions)
  • 3 sets of 10 bicep curls using 10 lbs. while balancing on a ball
  • 3 sets of 12 lateral lifts with 5lbs
  • 3 sets of 12 arm presses with 10 lbs while lying on a ball
  • 3 sets of 10 arm pull-backs with 8 lbs while balancing on a ball
  • Stretching

DAY #4

  • Stretching
  • 45-1 hour of cardio
  • Stretching

Day #5

  • Free day to choose how I want to be active.

Image via Pinterest

Beginnings - 30 Thriving Challenge

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For the past five days it has been SO painful to walk, to sit, to even have Elle hold onto my leg. Going into this fitness challenge I wasn't surprised I was out of shape, but I definitely had forgotten what it felt like to workout and be sore the next day. Mountainside Fitness trainers took me through an assessment that not only consisted of questions about my current diet and lifestyle, but strength and endurance tests as well. I haven't been graded on something in a very long time. Hearing the words, "poor and needs improvement" took me back to math class. haha. We did squats, lunges, planks, assisted pull-ups, leg presses and walking fast on an incline for 30 minutes.

I have my work cut out for me, but I'm excited to ace my test in three months time. I already feel different about myself just by following through with my commitment to my health. Cheers to new a lifestyle! #30ThrivingChallenge

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