It’s day eight and I have 152 days to go. It’s kind of exciting when you think of it that way. Like, I will be in the shape I want to be in in 152 short days. I am sticking to the plan mostly. Sometimes, I do two workouts instead of three. Or, sometimes I have three glasses of wine instead of one. But, usually, I do as I said I would and stick to the meal plan and the workout routines. I have been pretty tired by ten o’clock at night. I think that my body is adjusting to all of this new physical activity. I find that it isn’t that difficult to get the workouts in throughout the day. I wake up earlier to accomodate them. I feel more energized and optimistic. Although, my jeans are tight. I keep in my mind how much work I am doing to lessen bulginess. I have a picture of some Victoria’s Secret model hanging up and keep telling myself I will have that body by the 4th of July. Dream big, right? Yesterday I went to the doctor for a physical and learned I have gained 9 pounds since May of last year. So, I am so happy to be doing this right now to stop that weight gain from continuing.

Okay, these are the workout videos I am using.

Morning workout: yoga

Here are the dvds I choose from each morning.

Kaballah Yoga: This dvd takes 45 minutes to complete. It is called obtainable advanced. There is also a beginner’s version. I like this dvd because it is easy to follow. You can easily modify the poses. The music is a nice mellow way to begin the day. Some of the poses are difficult, but you go at your own pace.

Ashtanga Yoga: This dvd takes 60 minutes to complete. It is a very good beginner’s lesson to ashtanga yoga. I think it will take me a long time to move on the the intermediate level. It works out every part of your body. It’s not as relaxing as the Kaballah and a bit more intense. But, it is good.

Long and Lean Yoga: Baorn Baptiste teaches this class designed for trainers. However, it works great for everyone. It takes about 60 minutes to complete. It seems like the moves in this series will make me very strong. I also love his personality and voice. It’s a nice way to start the day.

Midday workout: abs

Jeanette Jenkins Core and Stretch: This takes 30 minutes to complete. I have been religiously following this dvd daily since I began my challenge. It is such an incredible ab workout. I love Jeanette. She is so uplifting and fun. She has the best personality. It doesn’t take long to do. If I can’t fit it in midday with my schedule, I do it just before my evening workout. I have only had time once so far to add on the stretch portion of the dvd, but it was well worth it.

Evening workout: cardio/circuit

Elle-Glam Fitness: This dvd takes 45 minutes to complete. I had the wrong impression that it was going to be an easy goofy dvd with a bunch of models moving around. Not. This dvd is really difficult and makes you sweat. But, it is really fun and worth it. I still feel a bit foolish doing some of the moves…things have changed in aerobics since the 90s. But, I am determined to get those sexy moves down. Soon, I will be grooving like those beautiful ladies.

Total Body Circuit Workout: This is Jeanette Jenkins again. This workout takes 45 minutes to complete. You need a set of five pound weights and a strap. However, I don’t find the need for the strap. She combines weights with reps along with cardio in between to keep your heart rate up. It’s a fun class.

I know it seems like a lot of time (45-60 minutes in the morning, 30 minutes midday, 45 minutes in the evening), but you will find, it’s not that difficult to do if you put your mind to it. Sometimes I feel too tired to do the evening workout and force myself to do it anyway. I feel so much better afterwards. I even feel more awake. The best part is to reward yourself with a hot bubble bath at the end of the evening with some secented candles and dimmed lights.

Part of my meal plan is to have a fresh salad every day for lunch. This is the dressing I have been using and it is so tasty.

Vinegarette Dressing:

1/4 C. olive oil

1 Tbsp white wine vinegar or lemon juice

dash of salt and pepper

1/4 tsp. dry thyme

1/4 tsp. Emeril’s essence

wisk all ingredients together in a small bowl and drizzle over your salad.