I survived the first four days of my gym challenge. Only 26 more to go…

Today is the fifth day since I started my 30-day gym challenge. It’s been six days since I got back to work, seven since I got back from vacation after a 24-hour trip. I’m jet lagged, sleep deprived, and exhausted, but I love it. For the first time in forever, I’m actually motivated to exercise and do something about my health and body. It’s only been five days, I get it, but this is my weekly check-in, and I’ve shown up and participated for four straight days. Today will be no exception. Yeah, kinda proud of myself.

Let me tell you, it hasn’t been easy. I’ve been running on very low energy, plus I have zero endurance. The temptation to stay on the couch binge watching Netflix is ever so present, but I’ve pushed through. Here’s a recap of how my week went.

Day 1 – My friend D almost cancelled our gym date, but I didn’t let her. Yay me! When her keys to her apartment complex went missing, she came over to mine. I was still tired from my trip, so asked that we focus on cardio and our arms and shoulders. I went to bed right after.

Day 2 – I’m tired and bit sore, but nothing too bad. D found her keys, so I went over to her place. Thank you baby Jesus, all the cardio machines have a TV with cable. I didn’t bring my headphones, so I march on to muted scenes of Grey’s Anatomy. Lexi was still alive and had just gone blond. We work on our legs right after. The balance ball is now my new best friend as I slowly slide up and down the wall during my mild squat session.

Day 3 – Early morning: I open my eyes and immediately know it’s going to hurt like a bitch to get out of bed. I walk to the bathroom and let myself fall on the toilet, because I can’t get my thighs to work properly. I’m painfully aware of every single muscle in my thighs, my butt, and my belly. This is supposed to be good, it seems to mean that the exercise is working. I still look oh so far from skinny in the mirror, and the scale tells me I’m a pound heavier. What a wonderful world.

Day 3 – Early evening: I go over to my friend’s and we work on our arms and shoulders once again. I think I do well, but I have absolutely no strength in my lower abdomen to lift my legs and do leg crunches. Not to worry, though! My trusty balance ball comes to the rescue. I successfully complete my workout. Yay me! I head home to have some dinner and this is when it happens. Out of nowhere, before I finish my meal, I have to stop and RUN like a mad woman to the bathroom. I have the messiest, most bewildering, unexplicable, explosive and painful case of the runs. I take a shower, finish my meal, and got to bed.

Day 4 – It’s finally Saturday. I slept well last night, and should feel rested, but I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. Twice. As soon as I get out of bed, I realize I still have some left-over runny gunk in me. I let it go, go, go down the toilet and call my friend to get ready for our daily routine. I’ve decided that, since there won’t be any rest days in this 30 day challenge, Saturdays and Sundays will be cardio only days. We finish our cardio session and then proceed to give each other DIY versions of lymphatic drainage massages, Colombian style.

Now, whoever’s had a lymphatic drainage massage done in the US knows it can be a bit painful from time to time. If you’ve had it done in Latin America to get rid of cellulite and body fat, then you KNOW it can be a bitch. I used to have them done professionally at a spa in Puerto Rico, back in 2008, and they were not only amazingly relaxing afterwards, but they actually worked! My skin looked smoother and the appearance of cellulite on my thighs and butt was significantly reduced*.

The plan – Phase 1

• Starting September 7, 2016, I will go to the gym and exercise for at least one hour for 30 days straight. I will also commit to donating $5 to charity for each day I don’t exercise during those 30 days. This plan may be extended for a longer period of time. UPDATE: In progress. Total given to charity $0.
• I will seek education opportunities to help me grow into a healthier lifestyle, including the way I eat. UPDATE: Still pending. 😦
• I will document my progress on this blog on a weekly basis. UPDATE: Week 1, check!
• NEW: I will drink 100oz of water per day. According to HealthHype.com, one of the possible causes of exercise-related diarrhea is dehydration. So, drink up!
• NEW: I will start taking a vitamin supplement to boost my energy levels.

The stats

• Height: 5’6″
• Age: 36
• Weight: current 204.8lbs. Goal 150lbs. Variation: +.8lbs
• Pants/dress size: current 14/goal 8. Variation: n/a
• According to 40plusstyle.com, I’m STILL Obese Clas I.

I definitely have a long way to go. I don’t hear you cheering!

MA

*This is in no way a recommendation to try this at home. Please consult a certified professional before undergoing any treatment.