Thursday, September 1, 2016

30 Days of Melina - Day 6


Favorite Super Hero

Wonder Woman has to be by far my favorite super hero.  For me she represents strength and empowerment.  I remember being a little girl wearing my Underoos around the house on Saturday morning watching Wonder Woman cartoons.  I would jump from the couch to the chair like I was her.  I wanted super powers too.  Growing up I realized that I may not have gained super speed or strength.  However, I did get my own super powers being a mom and a working woman.  Wonder Woman taught me to embrace these and use them for good.

Who is your favorite super hero?

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Saturday, August 27, 2016

Day 6 Gamma Focus T25



Day 6 Thoughts: Rip'T Up


Today was a lot easier than the first round.  I think that means I am starting to get stronger.  I am still hovering within my 10lb range that I have been stuck in for awhile.  Today I had an audience and I think having an audience makes you want to push harder.  I don't want people who know that I am trying to better myself physically watch as I stand and try to catch my breath through the difficult exercises instead of giving it my all.  Today I gave it my all.  Arms are burning and my body hurts like hell.  LOVE IT!



Friday, August 26, 2016

30 Days of Melina - Day 5

Favorite Vacation Spot



I love going to Las Vegas a couple times each year.  I am not a big spender when it comes to vacations.  I like traveling here because 1) It doesn't cost a lot.  Look up round trip plane ticket and hotel packages for 3-4 nights in Vegas... Tell me you don't wanna go now!  2) You can always see something different no matter how often you travel here.  3) There is a new hotel to stay at each trip.  I have never stayed at the same place twice.  The hotels are half the fun.  4) I don't gamble.  Which means I don't spend a lot of money when I go.  5) The shopping venues are out of this world!  At least nothing like we have here in Missouri or Illinois.  Versace anyone?  

I love to people watch.  Vegas is full of people.  I like the thought of getting exercise while on vacation.  One day I walked 12 miles while I was there.  I am sure I walked much more than that while there,however, I don't always count my steps.  You can always count on having a good time when you travel to Las Vegas.  Hands down my favorite "adult" vacation spot ever!   


Let's Connect



Day 5 Focus T25 Gamma


Today I am having a bad day.  I have tons of stuff to do and I don't want to do anything except crawl into bed and ignore the world.  However, I must "adult" today and staying in bed will not get me results.  I am really stressed out.  My mind won't stop running a mile a minute.  All these little things I am stressing about will not matter in 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years if I just let it all go.  If I keep holding on tight to my negative feelings I will have negative consequences that could affect me in the future.  I know what to do.  I just don't know how to do it.  

So what's a girl to do in this situation?  The only thing that takes my mind off my problems and focuses it in ways to better myself.  Cardio.  Yuck right?  I agree totally.  However, putting different thoughts into my head is the goal for this morning.  Cardio is definitely going to put different thoughts in my head.  Thoughts of a cool shower, a deep muscle massage, and getting done with the workout.  Maybe after I relieve some stress during my cardio I will feel better.  I missed yesterday's workout and was going to make it up on my rest day.  Naw!  I will make it up right now and keep my rest day thank you.  

Day 5 Thoughts: Speed 3.0     

Speed 3.0 was still just as hard today as the first time I did it.  They don't even show you any modified moves during the workout.  But let me tell you I MODIFY like crazy.  I wore the wrong sports bra for jumping today.  So I was not jumping around during cardio.  I basically just did what they did and didn't jump.  Speed 3.0 is officially my least favorite workout from Gamma but I still do it because it's necessary.

Do you workout multiple times a day?  Once a day?  Every other day?  Couple days a week?  How does that work for you and how did you decide your workout routine?


Let's Connect


Day 4 Focus T25 Gamma



So yesterday was an unscheduled rest day.  Stuff in our lives will always pop up unexpectedly and we need to be prepared to handle it.  This may mean missing a workout.  What I do is make that day a rest day and when my regular rest day was scheduled I am now doing the workout I missed to catch up.  This morning I had an unexpected wake-up and since I am up early I may as well workout.  I have residue from yesterday's day that still needs to be taken care of this morning and that may make for a long day again.  Time to make sure I take care of myself first.  


Day 5 Thoughts: The Pyramid 

I am not much on cardio.  However, this workout brings us cardio with weight training which is a good thing in my book.  I love getting sweaty and tired while working out and Shaun T delivers both with The Pyramid.  So far I have been impressed with the Gamma round of Focus T25.  Gamma really delivers a great full body workout!

What workout did you do today?

LET'S CONNECT


30 Days of Melina - Day 4

A Bad Habit


I have plenty of bad habits.  However, the WORST one ever is wanting to consume at least 20,000 sugary or fried food calories every evening between 6-9pm.  It is like this alternate person takes over my brain each night and says, "Melina, you NEED THIS FOOD!"  

It is pretty embarrassing actually.  Sitting next to your spouse, who knows you are in a weight loss battle with yourself, and consuming large amounts of food.

I am working on overcoming this.  I am not doing so good right now.  However, I know that with time and dedication I can fix my bad habit.  It's not about stopping the eating right now as it is changing what I put in my mouth.  If I was eating tons of celery each night you wouldn't hear me complaining and my waist line would thank me the next day.

All the work I put into losing weight each day I squash every evening.  YUCK!  


Have you had to overcome problems similar to this?  What did you do?


Let's Connect



Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Second Workout Today - Extreme Circuit Focus T25 Gamma


I feel super motivated today.  I know the only person that is going to change me is me.  Writing tomorrow's 30 Days Of Melina I really had a big wake up call.  I need to change.  I am going to change.  My diet is CRAP!  I feel like CRAP!  I need to stop eating great all day then munching at night on CRAP!  

This afternoon I feel super bloated and fat.  Therefore I am going to do my workout again.  Just gonna press play for the second time today and get my body moving.  You never regret a workout!  Because the next hour is going to go by no matter if I workout or not!  Extreme Circuit from Focus T25 Gamma is my drug of choice!  Let's get it!      

Day 3 Focus T25 Gamma


Day 3 Thoughts: Extreme Circuit

This is by far my most favorite workout from the Gamma series.  I have a hard time with floor still because my arms are weak and this workout has me using weights from the warm-up to the cool down.  This is great for my arms!  I may be sneaking this workout in on days I want to do two.

Speaking of two workouts I did my Hip Hop Abs Last Minute Ab workout as well.  I always have an extra 5 minutes to devote to myself.  Today I chose to use that time doing this workout.  

What workout did you do today?  Do you drink Shakeology?  I do.  Just wondering how many others out there did too.  

30 Days of Melina - Day 3

Meet My Dogs


All of my dogs have been with me since they were puppies.  Each one adds a different dynamic to the family.  We couldn't imagine life without them and are blessed they are such good dogs.  

Buzz


My husband got this dog when we first started dating.  Buzz was an adorably puppy back then and has turned into an even more adorable full grown dog.  His favorite things to do are: Take things out of the trash can.  Wrestle and play with the other dogs.  Sleep on bath towels.  

Ayla


The oldest of the bunch.  I got her when she was 6 weeks.  The cutest little white ball of fur you ever did see!  Her favorite things to do are: Push all the other dogs out of the dog beds and take them over for herself.  Sit outside for hours in a "people" chair on a sunny day.  Chase birds in the backyard.

Arya



Weighing in at 1 lb she is the bulldog of our little family and Ayla's daughter.  Funny little story about Arya is that she was born in my bed right next to me while I was sleeping.  I woke up to a little tiny tiny puppy being dropped on my chest by her mommy.  Needless to say I bought a new mattress and this little tiny puppy became a part of our family.  Her favorite things are: Sitting on your shoulder. Snuggling on your lap.  But please do not pet her because she gets scared.

Ebony


Our newest addition, Ebony.  My daughter got her for Christmas.  She is a little ball of energy.  This is a photo of her before we started getting her hair trimmed.  She was so fuzzy!  Ebony's favorite things are: Getting belly rubs.  Jumping higher than we ever thought possible.  Being the dare devil of the bunch. She loves Buzz more than anything and those two are best friends!  









Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Day 2 Gamma T25


This photo describes exactly how I felt this morning.  I had no motivation to get busy and start sweating.  However, I want to change more than I want to stay the same.  Therefore I pressed play on my DVD and had my morning date with Shaun T.  I logged my workout on my challenge tracker app and I am now feeling so much better about myself than I was when I first woke up.  It's crazy how exercise can do that to you.  I got up hating the fact that I needed to work out first thing.  Now after I am done I feel like a million dollars!

Second Day Thoughts:  Rip'T Up  

This workout was awesome actually!  I like weight training with minimal cardio.  Makes me feel great about myself when my muscles hurt the next day.  Cardio doesn't make me hurt, weight training does.  However, this workout still kicked my butt even without all the cardio and running/jumping.  I am still questioning myself as to why I decided to do Gamma first.  This may not have been the best decision.  I am going to stick with it for the next two weeks but I find myself doing some modification to make it through.  If you are starting T25 for the first time do yourself a favor and complete Alpha, Beta, and then follow those up with Gamma.

Next up this afternoon is Hip Hop Abs Last Minute Abs.  Who doesn't have 5 extra minutes to work on their abs each day!?!  I know I do.

What workout did you complete today?  Do you like to follow a workout plan or just do your own thing?     

30 Days of Melina - Day 2

The Meaning Behind My Blog Name


A long time ago I knew I wanted to share my story with the world.  Like so many others I dove head first into a journey of weight loss and creating a healthy lifestyle.  Therefore my blog was named Melina's Journey.  

On this journey I am going to share with you a piece of me.  I hope that you join me.  

Monday, August 22, 2016

Day 1 Gamma T25

What WHAT?  Starting with the Gamma round of T25?  Are you crazy?

Who?  Me crazy?  Okay, okay maybe just a little.

I have a two week interval in between my 21 Day Fix and my T25 challenge groups.  My T25 group begins on Sept 5, however, they are not including Gamma.  Only Alpha and Beta.  Therefore in these two weeks I am going to get my Gamma on!


First Day Thoughts:  Speed 3.0


WHEW I am out of shape!  Even after the 21 Day Fix I am still in need of an entire body overhaul.  This workout kicked my butt and made me sweat.  Speed 3.0 is no joke!  Starting with Gamma probably wasn't the best idea but I am committed to making it work.  Lots of jumping with Shaun T.  Gets my heart rate up and makes me hate jumping.  However, when I am done I feel so BAD ASS like I can take over the world!

I also did the Last Minute Abs from Hip Hop Abs.  I just cannot get enough of Shaun T!

What workout did you do today?  How do you stay motivated?

30 Days of Melina - Day 1

My Family 

12 Interesting Facts About Myself
  1. I am the mother to five children.  Four I gave birth to and then one bonus child when I got married.  Bonus is always good!
  2. I have my own YouTube channel, DIY Pinterest, where we take pins and recreate them to see how easy they are.  I film the project, edit the footage, and then make a little DIY vid showing you how to do it yourself.  
  3. We have 4 dogs and countless fish.  My favorite fish are the FlowerHorns.  Who doesn't like pink fish with big humps on their heads.
  4. I am a clean freak.  I never used to be this way but once I hit a certain age my OCD kicked in and now I love a clean house.
  5. I am addicted to everything Shaun T and BeachBody!
  6. Two of my children are boys, the boys are both in the military serving our country.  Which makes it hard for us all to be together at once anymore.  The other 3 kids are girls and each of them is still in school.  They all make me proud to be their mother every day.
  7. I like to visit Las Vegas at least once a year.  Sometimes I will go every 6 months.  Depends on how often mommy needs a break.  
  8. To pass my time I enjoy playing MMORPGs online.  I always played games as a kid and continue even to this day.  Which character do I play?  A healer of course!  
  9. I have a lot of tattoos and each one has a very special meaning.  Maybe one day I will tell you about them.  :)  I like to be written on.  I like people to read me.
  10. I enjoy being alone.  Like... a LOT!  Attention is okay once in a while but I enjoy doing nothing more than I enjoy doing something.
  11. My favorite color is Orange.  My car is Orange.  My bathroom is Orange.  Cheez-Its are Orange....   
  12. I don't have cable.  I don't watch TV.  I do have Netflix so my kids don't go crazy.  There is just so much other stuff to do besides watch television and I don't find the shows that interesting.  #honesty 

Getting Ready For Focus T25 - Equipment Needed

I am in a 2 week break right now between challenge groups with my most favorite coach of all times!  We just finished the 21 Day Fix and are going to start Focus T25 on Sept 5.  I am filling up these next few days until my challenge group starts with a little Gamma.  As far as I know my group is only doing Alpha and Beta.  However, I also own Gamma.  If you don't know me then all this BeachBody talk may be foreign to you.  I love BeachBody and I love Shaun T.  LOVE LOVE LOVE!  I do these programs because they work.  When you find something that actually works to lose weight it is hard not to share it with the world.

Now is also the time I need to be preparing for my Focus T25.  Making sure I have everything I will need to complete the program successfully.  Let's go over that and I will tell you what I use.

  • 3lb - 5lb - 8lb - 10lb  Weights
  • Resistance Bands (If I am not using weights)
  • 1lb Weighted Gloves (I just like wearing these during cardio)
  • Thick Yoga Mat
  • Heart Rate Monitor   


I try to follow the T25 diet as closely as possible.  However, I am a picky eater and substitute one healthy food for another quite often.  I normally buy healthy foods for myself and I am just going to follow that same grocery list I always use.  However, if you are going to follow the T25 diet exact then just look at the suggested calories per meal, choose which meals you will be having each day, and then go buy those things for the week.  You will be buying a lot of fresh foods.  I am normally at the grocery store every 3-4 days.

Nothing more is needed to complete Focus T25 besides determination and will power.  We all have an endless supply of those right?    

All About Melina

I, like a lot of you, struggle with my weight and health.  There is a constant battle within myself to do better and be better than I was yesterday so I know I can overcome this struggle.  Being a work at home mom is not the easiest thing when the kitchen, filled with goodies for the family, is only a few feet away from your office.  When I am feeling motivated enough I use that kitchen to my advantage and cook myself healthy snacks and lunches.  Then when I am in a time crunch or just lazy I do the grab n' go method of grabbing anything that looks great and tastes like sugary heaven then going to sit back down at my computer.  Nights are the worst.  I struggle with my urge to consume 20,000 calories between 6-10pm of nothing but terrible for you foods.

However, I am super eager to get this party started.  I want to look at myself in the mirror and go HOT DAMN WOMAN!  I started working out with someone who is one of my workout idols.  Doing the challenges she offers to the people who have her as a coach.  I LOVE BeachBody workouts.  Why?  Because they work!  I lost weight before using BeachBody and I will do it again.  I will lose this weight and keep it off for good.  I will lose even more than I did before.  I will tone my body.  I will gain self confidence and feel better about myself.  I will be able to run again and have the energy to do things I love because I am choosing to live a healthier lifestyle.  

Join me on my journey?