Shed, Shred and Body Recomposition

[Nightg0ddess]

15 July: Monday - Day 3 Total Abs + & Power Squats Challenge Day 15

16 July: Tuesday - Day 3 HIIT Advanced + & Power Squats Challenge Day 16

17 July: Wednesday - Card 3 Avatar Upgrade + Power Squats Challenge Day 17

This week has been good so far. Monday and Tuesday I did not have much issues with my workout, but today was really hard for me. It was lower body focus, so lunges, hook kicks, combo kicks, side kicks and although it wasn't hard, my legs and body just really got fatigued really quickly today. I suppose I'm more unfit than I would like to admit!

I think Avatar Upgrade will be the death of me... it's quite a program.

Tomorrow is a public holiday, so it will be a long weekend here. Finished everything early, although I don't really care about the day of the week since I'm always at home! I still try to get excited about public holidays, just to make my life feel a little bit more "normal".

Saw there is an upcoming Alien (like the movies) series coming next year - well the first half of 2025 at least. Timothy Oliphant was the only familiar actor they mentioned, did not recognize the female lead. That will be quite something to look forward to.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

18 July: Thursday - Day 3 Ironheart + Power Squats Challenge Day 18

19 July: Friday - Day 3 Military Fit plus + Power Squats Challenge Day 19

20 July: Saturday - Day 3 The Gauntlet + Power Squats Challenge Day 20

This is one of the coldest weeks of the year possibly for me personally. I still love winter!

I enjoyed Ironheart and The Gauntlet although it was challenging to start. Military Fit+ was harder. Not as bad as Avatar Upgrade earlier this week!

Ironheart was side and back leg raises, and arm circles and arm hold. Sometimes I appreciate the less complex exercises.

Military Fit+ I used only 5kg dumbbells. I did all 5 sets. I think the cold also made it more difficult yesterday, or maybe it was simply just me not being very enthusiastic about exercising!

The Gauntlet this morning was okay, it was 11C when I started, so it was challenging. Yet I liked the sitting twists and uneven plank hold.

Before I liked 10, 20 different shorter exercises. Now I prefer 4 or so exercises in one workout. To keep it simple. And shorter!

Health wise I feel quite good. Even when I wake up in the mornings I have no stiffness, aches nor pains. That itself is a fantastic feeling.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

21 July: Sunday - Day 3 Power Cardio + Power Squats Challenge Day 21

It is a cold day again, 14C. But still pleasant enough.

I added Bicep Express additional recommended workout to my Power Cardio day. It was a gruesome workout. Climbers, push-ups and dumbbells too. I saw my life flash before my eyes even prior to my workout!




Right now the squirrel is in the garden. Eating bird seeds. He isn't touching the avocado tree. So I can still tolerate him.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

Sleeping? He is taunting me?! Trying to act all adorable so I don't hunt him!!! Crazy! 🐿

 

[Nightg0ddess]

22 July: Monday - Day 4 Total Abs + Power Squats Challenge Day 22

23 July: Tuesday - Day 4 HIIT Advanced + Power Squats Challenge Day 23

24 July: Wednesday - Card 4 Avatar Upgrade + Power Squats Challenge Day 24

The week went okay so far. I had no issues in Monday and today. Although I felt a little fatigued this morning. Yesterday was hard. HIIT Advanced was very hard!

I am not eating clean and healthy this week. I'm avoiding cheese, pizza and pasta - not giving in to those foods. But there is a lot of rice involved this week, with warm hot (oily, buttery) sauces and vegetables. And a glass of sherry in the cold evenings. I am still eating smaller portions, so I don't feel too bad about my food choices. I do have a craving for veal schnitzel... something I haven't had in probably a decade! I doubt I will make it any time soon.

I've been healthy and well otherwise. No issues yet. I was happy that Avatar Upgrade wasn't bad today. I was concerned about the program. Now I feel a bit more relaxed after getting an easier workout.

I might just go an lay in bed early tonight, under a warm blanket and watch a movie or series. I don't know why I feel so tired all of a sudden.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

25 July: Thursday - Day 4 Ironheart + Power Squats Challenge Day 25

It was the first decent sunny day in a while. I was able to do my washing (which I prefer to hang outside). It was a pleasant day outside. Also cleaned the kitchen tiles properly, since they take ages to dry in winter. The next cold front will start tomorrow again.

Ironheart was a joy too. It was upperbody focus with Bicep curls, renegade rows, tricep extensions and deadlifts. I used 5kg dumbbells. Wasn't quite sure which weight to use. The Bicep curls was the hardest for me personally.

The whole day was just blissful. I wish more days would be like this.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

26 July: Friday - Day 4 Military Fit Plus + Power Squats Challenge Day 26


27 July: Saturday - Day 4 The Gauntlet + Power Squats Challenge Day 27


28 July: Sunday - Day 4 Power Cardio + Power Squats Challenge Day 28



I am trying hard not to complain or say anything negative about my above days.... I think it's quite obvious how difficult it was! Maybe it was slightly better doing this in winter, cold weather. I think in summer I might have had no energy nor motivation to start! Despite not wanting to start... I simply just tell myself daily: "if I exercise, I will be warm in no time". It is currently 10C. It was 7C when I did the 100 burpees. I did the burpees in sets, with increasing rest times... 20-16-13-12-10-10-10-9. I have to admit it wasn't pretty. I did finish it!!!

I still feel healthy. I still won't quit. So week 4 was still an epic win.

I saw the new program, Soma40+, and I might include this next month as an add on. I will still decide what to do. Military Fit+ and Power Cardio is still the 2 most challenging days of the week.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

29 July: Monday - Day 5 Total Abs + Power Squats Challenge Day 29

30 July: Tuesday - Day 5 HIIT Advanced + Power Squats Challenge Day 30

Power Squats Challenge


Well, my fears came true. Someone....
*hint below*

... decided to eat my largest avocados at the top of the tree.




I didn't have issues with both days doing my exercises. Today was burpees. I feel okay. My upper arms is little sore. I think it is related to my magnesium deficiency, not the burpees itself.

July was cold, wet, just unpleasant. As much as I love winter, I am over winter now. The weather feels as if there is snow close by. Yet, the ovasive squirrel boy's nuts won't freeze to the ground!!!

 

[Fremen]

Congrats

 

[MadamMeow]

Congrats for Power Squats!

 

[Nightg0ddess]

Thank you @Fremen @MadamMeow



31 July: Wednesday
Card 5 Avatar Upgrade (5 sets)
Day 1 Soma40+
Day 1 Upperbody Blast Challenge

I added some additional exercises today, not sure this was a good idea. Avatar Upgrade was my top priority. I did a little less sets, just had less energy with the climbers and sit-outs. Otherwise the rest went well. Not sure if I will continue the Soma40 and Upperbody Blast Challenge tomorrow too. I'm still deciding what to include for August.

I feel like I stay busy. There is not enough hours in day. I need a day to just do something else, to drive somewhere and simply to relax a little. I feel tired of the repetitive days.

This afternoon I fed the birds and.....

.....


The avocado stripper is back. When there is bird seeds he avoids the avocado tree. I gave him 3 portions of bird seeds today. He is a greedy eater! I really need to trap and release him somewhere else.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

1 August: Thursday
Day 5 Ironheart
Day 2 Soma40+
Day 2 Upperbody Blast Challenge

2 August: Friday
Day 5 Military Fit plus
Day 3 Soma40+
Day 3 Upperbody Blast Challenge

Today I wanted to start something new.... I suddenly just felt overwhelmed with my week. I think it's the harder programs getting to me. I still didn't give up!

Ironheart was fine yesterday. It was lowerbody focus. But Military Fit+ was just too much today. I am not enjoying the program as much as I thought I would. Which is a pity. I looked forward to Military Fit the most. I'm sure the rest of the weekend will be good. Maybe my mood was just a little low.

This evening I nearly cried. Caught the squirrel red handed in my avocado tree. There is less than 40 avocados left. Only the smallest ones. All the big ones is gone. Where the heck does he take them to!? They simply just vanish. Maybe my neighbors have a pile of half eaten ones! He did drop this one when I caught him in the tree!!




I decided to distract myself a little tomorrow. Just go for a drive, and relax a little somewhere.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

3 August: Saturday
Day 5 The Gauntlet
Day 4 Soma40+
Day 4 Upperbody Blast Challenge

I didn't exercise this morning, only in the late afternoon. Went for a drive for over 200km. Didn't take much photos, just focused on taking my mind off some things. Saw a couple of baboons. Drove through two coastal towns I dream of moving to. Had a few stop and go roadworks, but it went quite smoothly since all had hardly any waiting time. The road between the mountain and ocean gave way on many places due to recent storms and heavy rain. There is also plenty of potholes in roads that can mess up cars quite seriously. Fortunately I had no issues. It felt relaxing just to go out a little bit today.




I also did put in "padkos" for my road trip.(Padkos is the South African word for food you eat when travelling long distances... basically picnic food on a road trip!) I had hardboiled eggs, a slice of cheese, gerkins, carrots, 6 rice balls (jasmine rice which I added a little bit of cheddar cheese while it was still hot, and sushi vinegar for flavour, rolled them into hazelnut sized balls - just a nice once bite size), and lettice. It is winter, but it was a warmer 19C. Very pleasant in the car.

Also got a 6kg box of sweet potatoes on my way home. I call this my "takeaway", since I never buy fast food when I go out. Guess what I will be eating for a while!! There is 30 in a box. I thought this was a great find. Made 2 for dinner.




Well, the Gauntlet felt harder. Was it endurance day? Soma40+ was only stretches, so I decided to also do a 45 minute fast walk on a machine. The machine is close to the indoors barbecue, in the same room, so I could prepare dinner while exercising! Felt that worked out quite conveniently. For some reason my core really hurts after finishing my exercises and Challenge prior to me walking.

I feel exhausted tonight.

Ps. On those photos... that mountain photos don't do the road justice where I drove. It is a 20km drive approximately on a narrow road with roadworks and a few cyclists.

Not my photos of the missing road:


Where the road gave way some time ago in one of several places. It was scary to see the drop down without much railing on some places. It's many meters down, just rock and ocean. Scary sight without railing on the side. This road will take months to repair. Maybe they might have to make some sort of bridge here. Or take away some of the mountain.

Maybe my drive wasn't entirely relaxing!!!

 

[Nightg0ddess]

4 August: Sunday
Day 5 Power Cardio (high burn)
Day 5 Soma40+ (Strength)
Day 5 Upperbody Blast Challenge

5 August: Monday
Day 6 Total Abs (Stand & deliver)
Day 6 Soma40+ (HIIT)
Day 6 Upperbody Blast Challenge

Yesterday was particularly difficult. I feel tired. My body isn't at a good place today (related to hormonal issues). I don't have overwhelming issues, simply a little fatigue, and my mood is strange. Yet it is affecting me overall. I (suddenly) hate exercising.

Yesterday I did Soma40+ in the morning, with my Challenge. And only late afternoon I finished Power Cardio. I managed to do 5 sets. I couldn't do more. I slept well, but forced myself to get up very early. It was cold. Finished both Soma40+ and Total Abs. It was also hard for me, not as difficult as Power Cardio yesterday, but I feel fatigued. I can work and do chores and all that and feel good, but HIIT, high burn exercises and endurance exercises suddenly feel too much for me!

I am not sure if I should change my workouts or what to do. I do know know my body is going through changes, but I'm not quite sure what is best for me. To continue with what I'm doing, or should I make it more "fun".

 

[graoumia]

it is so easy to find what is best for us sometimes.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

6 August: Tuesday
Day 6 HIIT Advanced
Day 7 Soma40+
Day 7 Upperbody Blast Challenge

I had tremendous lower belly pain since last night - the type women would understand. Slept like a baby. No hot flushes. Food allergies and bad hives on my neck - which might be a vitamin B related issue. No night sweats. Maybe a slight morning sweat at 7am. Felt terrible this morning *stomach ache and bladder pain*. Had my first cup of strong black coffee (no way I am skipping coffee, even when I'm sick!). Saw the squirrel eat bird seeds, then took off with an avocado......... (little a'hole!!!!) Picked the last golf ball sized 30 small avocados the squirrel haven't ate yet, and left 23 of the top larger ones on the tree which I couldn't reach. There was more avocados than I thought. The squirrel will love the final large ones!!! Saw he ate at least 12 more avocado's since Friday.... maybe he has 3 per day (morning, lunch and dinner!). Felt fine after 13pm no stamach ache or any issues. Did my HIIT after 13:30pm. No issues. March steps, jumping jacks, step jacks and high knees. Hated them, and loved them at the same time! Trimmed my peach tree, my strawberry guava and fig tree. Replanted a second avocado tree this afternoon, it's around 2 years old and a meter high. Epson salt, coffee grounds residue, earthworms, and talked to the baby avocado tree for a while. Watched a skink sunbathe 1,2 meters high in a jasmine bush... adorable. Got bitten by the skink when I tried to touch him!!!! (Gummed, not bitten to be honest! Funny not sore! Maybe my ego was slightly bruised.) Made a large wood fire in the winter sun afternoon outside, and made 2 sweet potatoes and a regular potato for dinner. Only ate 1 sweet potato. Didn't have much of an appetite today. Feel healthy this evening. Clicking stream frog just woke up (18:30pm now). Going to watch a movie or an episode or 2 of a series and just relax for the rest of the evening. The day didn't end to bad.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

7 August: Wednesday
Card 6 Avatar Upgrade
Day 8 Soma40+
Day 8 Upperbody Blast Challenge

8 August: Thursday
Day 6 Ironheart
Day 9 Soma40+
Day 9 Upperbody Blast Challenge

9 August: Friday
Day 6 Military Fit plus
Day 10 Soma40+
Day 10 Upperbody Blast Challenge

It's been a hard week for me. Ironheart was the only easy one. Military Fit+ was okay, but Avatar Upgrade was extra difficult. My arms is quite sore this week. Soma40+ was fine. No issues with the new program. My energy levels is getting better again. I still went on with the programs, despite feeling a little blue the last few days. I'm hoping my attitude towards the programs is just temporary and I will start enjoying it again soon.

I discovered I have bought an expensive yogurt, which is supposed to be better than other brands. I forgot about it, and it's 2 weeks over the expiry date. Only 2 weeks. Usually the cheaper brands lasts ages over the expiry date but this yogurt taste strange, almost the same as oil that has gone off. I feel so angry with myself to not noticed this earlier. I hate food waste. Maybe it's edible!? Good bacteria!? It wasn't cheap.

I had grated cabbage without the yogurt. What a disappointment! And I had a slice of fritata (broccoli, onion, garlic, ricotta and eggs). My appetite is still a bit low. I don't even want to drink coffee. My mom gave me 4 cupcakes, but I might freeze them. There was maybe one day this week where my appetite was "normal". Can't figure out what is wrong. All seems normal otherwise.

I'm so happy it's almost evening. I want to watch a Japanese series I've watched before, called Love Last Forever (or aslo, An Incurable Case of Love/Koi wa Tsuzuku yo doko made mo). I recently read the manga. It's quite funny.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

10 August: Saturday
Day 6 The Gauntlet
Day 11 Soma40+
Day 11 Upperbody Blast Challenge

11 August: Sunday
Day 6 Power Cardio (Abs)
Day 12 Soma40+
Day 12 Upperbody Blast Challenge

12 August: Monday
Day 7 Total Abs (Rocky abs)
Day 13 Soma40+
Day 13 Upperbody Blast Challenge

13 August: Tuesday
Day 7 HIIT Advanced (Ab work - 5 sets)
Day 14 Soma40+
Day 14 Upperbody Blast Challenge

It didn't feel too bad the last few days. I felt okay. Especially after the weekend, yesterday and today, I felt quite good. My energy levels is much better again. Sadly, it's icy again... the weather has been quite bad here. They say we have had the most rain here since 1956 (if I recall correctly, I might be a year off!!!). I didn't have any issues.

My appetite is like a yo-yo. Up and down. Today is the first day in ages where I suddenly have a craving to eat, while I had no appetite a few days ago. Today I made bean soup. I've been hungry the past 3 or 4 hours. But I can't rush the soup!!!

I've had some issues with my skin. And hiccups. Could it be food allergies or hormonal issues!? It's hard to tell. Maybe both! Sigh.

It's nearly time to go watch the new Alien movie starting soon (this weekend?)... I'm as excited as a kid!!!! I can't wait!!!

 

[GentleOx]

Looking forward to your impressions of Romulus!

 

[Nightg0ddess]

14 August: Wednesday
Card 7 Avatar Upgrade (Abs & legs)
Day 15 Soma40+
Day 15 Upperbody Blast Challenge

15 August: Thursday
Day 7 Ironheart (Upperbody)
Day 16 Soma40+
Day 16 Upperbody Blast Challenge


I enjoyed both programs. I was happy with the types of exercises. The jump squats and jump knee tucks was the hardest, with Avatar Upgrade. Otherwise I had no issues. Soma40+ was also fine.

Today was a little warmer. Warmer days, very cold nights still. I saw a snake.... common slug eater. He been on the same place since 25 July. At least he is predictable and small.

Snake on a plane ️
Snake on a train ️
Snake on a tree ️




He crawls into the lower bark of a palm tree. I took off the old dry pieces of the palm and then he was there. And he crawled back to a new part of the tree. At least he is calm and don't bite. I won't touch him if I don't have to.

Saw a dress from around 2008 which I really wish I could replicate or make. But I have nowhere to wear it to. I loved the white version of this dress because the bottom was even nicer than the black. I love the beads and chains. The white version was worn by Eliza Dushku in the first opening scene of Dollhouse series.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

16 August: Friday
Day 7 Military Fit plus
Day 17 Soma40+
Day 17 Upperbody Blast Challenge

17 August: Saturday
Day 7 The Gauntlet
Day 18 Soma40+
Day 18 Upperbody Blast Challenge

18 August: Sunday
Day 7 Power Cardio
Day 19 Soma40+
Day 19 Upperbody Blast Challenge

I struggled tremendously with Military Fit+. On Saturday morning I still felt my body wasn't ready for a kettlebell. Oh boy, it was hell and beyond. I kept imagining the sandbag was a large dog I had to pick up and carry. "I can't drop my dog!" (Felt like a Saint Bernard which I was lifting!!!!!!!!!) It did the trick! The bag was 18,4kg which I used. No handles since it was a garden bag filled with sand and pebbles. The Squats and Snatch was hard to do with my specific handle-free sandbag. I don't know if it was wrong to pick it up the way I did.... anyway, what done, is done. I feel okay today. No injuries!! I'm alive, barely! But... then came burpees, burpees, push-ups more push-ups and all the rest today. I died all over again. My arms, my shoulders, my back, my legs... everything hurts. I even have a headache. And I am done! So badly done that I feel like quitting, done! It was simply too much. Yeah... I now know why I always quit level 4 and 5 programs. They crush my soul.

I am back on "should I reconsider my exercises".... but tomorrow is Abs, and then short HIIT on Tuesday, so I might feel "oh, how great this week is starting" and by next weekend I'd be cursing again! History repeats itself every week! And it's getting harder, I swear!

-----‐-----------------‐----------------------------------------

On Friday I watched Alien:Romulus. (A little surprise for myself!) I'd say it was a good. It fitted right into the first 2 movies. I did actually took a while to get into it. The first 15 mins I couldn't quite decide what to make of the movie. The next 15 I struggled to decide what to make of the actors. Then at around 30 mins I felt comfortable with the movie. It got better and better with a good ending. I thought they did plan this movie in great detail. The magnitude of even attempting a new installation, and pulling it off was amazing! Yet, in my opinion I would have wanted more from the characters. Like more character growth, a stronger female lead, less one-liners. BUT I think instead of making it a 119 mins movie, why did they not make a 4 to 8 part mini series? It would have been the BEST mini series ever! I do appreciate what they created. Of all 7 of the Alien movies, this one was probably 3rd best overall. I'd recommend this movie for Alien fans. And sci-fi fans.

*Are they now going to make a new Alien VS Predator movie again??? Was there a hint!? (The year 1904 timeline is still open to make another AvP installment!!)


Sorry if I didn't give a detailed explanation of the movie itself. I am so tired, I might give away spoilers if I write more.

... Gosh I am tired and sore. I need a hot bath or pampering now.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

I need to take a moment ... I got rid of one squirrel (lol don't ask any questions!), only to find a new squirrel today. I nearly cried out of frustration. I planted 3 more new trees! I'd at least get 600 avocados a year.... and the single squirrels seem to eat 2 to 4 daily between July and onwards. So hopefully I will get a few when they all start to have fruit in the next 4 or 5 years from now... gosh. RIP to my first tree this year. RIP to my avo cravings. There might be a few odd ones left... if the new squirrel don't strip it completely.


19 August: Monday
Day 8 Total Abs
Day 20 Soma40+
Day 20 Upperbody Blast Challenge

20 August: Tuesday
Day 8 HIIT Advanced
Day 21 Soma40+
Day 21 Upperbody Blast Challenge

I had a very busy day. So busy that I nearly forgot to be sore! Like predicted, it felt okay doing exercises the last 2 days. Although I didn't have fun. I think the squirrel, work, life and everything going on in my life has just reached a point where I feel overwhelmed with everything. So it's a challenge to exercise. I also don't feel like cleaning, cooking, I just feel tired of everything and wish I could climb in bed and sleep - which isn't a luxury I can afford to do. Unfortunately. I'm still going..... let's hope things get more positive the rest of the week.

 

[MadamMeow]

That really is a bummer, but I like you planted more trees to eventually solve the problem.

Just wow.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

21 August: Wednesday
Card 8 Avatar Upgrade
Day 22 Soma40+
Day 22 Upperbody Blast Challenge

22 August: Thursday
Day 8 Ironheart
Day 23 Soma40+
Day 23 Upperbody Blast Challenge

Avatar Upgrade was flexibility, so I enjoyed it. Ironheart was lower body so also pleasant. It's a good week. Not sure how the rest of the week will be with Military Fit and Power Cardio... looking up to them to be honest.

I am in good health, although I had a brief issue this morning with the old sciatica pain. Like an under-buttock pain. It didn't last long. It wasn't a sharp pain like in the past, more just hurting for a few minutes then went away by itself. I'm surprised that I got it now and not weeks ago when we were at the peak of the cold winter. I always assumed it was worse in cold weather. Not sure why I randomly had this today. My whole leg felt slightly weaker than my left leg for about an hour. No pain, just simply weaker. I always just had the sciatica pain in my right leg after I bumped my knee once a few years ago. I haven't had any issues for many, many months. When I did my exercises it went away completely. My health seems good otherwise. No complaints.

I've been worried about my sleeping pattern. I've been sleeping more and longer. I need to get into a habit to sleep a little less, and get up a little earlier. The mornings is still cold.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

23 August: Friday
Day 8 Military Fit+
Day 24 Soma40+
Day 24 Upperbody Blast Challenge

I slept well, but had a "squirrel nightmare" of a tree full of half eaten avocados. Gosh. That is new! Was a mediocre morning. Woke up after 5am. Was awake for an hour, then fell asleep for a short while. Felt so hard to get out of bed! The clapping push-ups was not very successful. I face planked a few times. Fortunately, I didn't lose any teeth!! The exercises was so-so. Didn't love them, didn't hate them today. I just felt a bit annoyed with this day. Decided to end it with mashed banana, a massive teaspoon of peanut butter (might have been a large tablespoon full... well, as much as a teaspoon can carry, it was a somewhat stiff peanut butter). And I also added cacao powder. Liked some whipped chocolate dessert. It was really a pleasant way to end my day. Watching a movie tonight in bed. I just feel tired. But I might only sleep at around 23pm. It might start to rain about that time. Until Tuesday next week, we might not have pleasant weather. My body feels fine otherwise. No issues.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

24 August: Saturday
Day 8 The Gauntlet
Day 25 Soma40+
Day 25 Upperbody Blast Challenge

25 August: Sunday
Day 8 Power Cardio
Day 26 Soma40+
Day 26 Upperbody Blast Challenge

26 August: Monday
Day 9 Total Abs
Day 27 Soma40+
Day 27 Upperbody Blast Challenge

27 August: Tuesday
Day 9 HIIT Advanced
Day 28 Soma40+
Day 28 Upperbody Blast Challenge

28 August: Wednesday
Card 9 Avatar Upgrade
Day 29 Soma40+
Day 29 Upperbody Blast Challenge

29 August: Thursday
Day 9 Ironheart
Day 30 Soma40+
Day 30 Upperbody Blast Challenge

I haven't posted in ages. I can't really say much about the past week. I've had no real issues. Power Cardio was 200 climbers, which was a rough one. Avatar Upgrade was also hard, since it was really cold and I just struggled to warm up prior to exercising. There was jump squats and push-ups to failure which I just found terrible to do in the cold weather. On top of that it was 5C when I realized I had to go shower and never switched on the hot water to heat it up prior to showering. So I had to shower in the coldest shower in my entire life. A cold shower for me is like a flat hot beer, or soggy vegetables. Or a squirrel stripping your avocado tree. Will take a good 3 weeks to recover from my cold shower trauma!


I also managed to finish Soma40+ and my Upperbody Blast Challenge.

I am somewhat tired of my exercise routine. I might decide to change it from 1 September or so. 9 Weeks is good. I have no regrets. I can't see myself keep doing this for another 21 weeks! Nothing wrong with the programs. It's purely just me who need change. And fast!! I have zero ideas what to do instead. I just need to make it a bit more fun for myself.

 

[Fremen]

Congrats

 

[graoumia]

Congrats

 

[Maegaranthelas]

Happy Double Badge Day

 

[MadamMeow]

Congrats for Soma 40 & Upper Body Blast!

Hope you find some more fun things that you can incorporate to mix it up.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

Where do I start... not much happened since I last posted.

I do exercise, but I am not consistent. On most days I do the EoTD. Occasionally the WoTD. I do walk often, or try to move a lot. I impulsively decided to do random exercises at any given time of the morning, daytime or evening - but not daily. I lost only 1kg the past 2 months. So it's been a "win" for me since it is important for me to not gain any weight.

I've come to a conclusion that after going off birth control medication, that my weight is more stable. No drastic gain or loss anymore. Yet, I'm not near my fitness goals I've set for myself in the beginning of the year. I also had some flu during September, and a persistent cough. Only around mid October my body felt "normal" again.

I've been pondering about starting a new program, but I honestly feel lost which program to pick. A cardio program and an abs add-on program makes the most sense. I find it very hard not to have someone in my life who has the same fitness/health goals as me, to be there for me. It's been a struggle, but I'm doing good under the circumstances.

My favorite animal sanctuary, Fallen Angels Pet Rescue has had the most unfortunate luck. Our city decided they can't stay on the premises where they have been situated with 300+ animals, and have to move within 90 days.



I assume someone just want to get their filthy hands on that farm... sick world we live in! Especially when the whole world has issues regarding animals being neglected and abandoned as their humans falls on hard times. To find a space for 300+ animals, to actually sell their current farm and purchase a new property won't take only 3 months!!! Sigh.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

It's been a tough morning. I've had some pelvic pains on my right side, the past 3 days. Now its moving to my hip and lower buttocks. Nothing too serious. An old sciatica injury. Years ago I bumped my right knee against a cement brick wall. Freak little accident. The pain eventually went away for the past 2 years or more, but earlier this year it appeared for a day. And now it's been quite persistent the past 3 days. It helps to keep moving (to keep my muscles warm I suppose). It's not too painful. Just annoying when it's a sudden jolt of shooting (dull) pain.

The best to do is 20-30 reps of side leg raises, squats, lunges, anything where I can move my legs or hips. The best is to simply do a few exercises every 30 minutes or so. I haven't had the pain for 4 hours by continuing this.

Today, I am not doing anything specific, like a fixed program. Did a few stretches/Yoga, and random exercises 20-30 reps every half hour. And also did the EoTD. I will probably do more stretches and Yoga for the rest of today. Nothing major. Just keeping my lower body "warmed up".




The weather is perfect. Cloudy, and mild (around 23 or 24C). Our summer feels as if it's coming late this year. I don't mind. I like the cooler weather. There was some snow in my country a few days ago. It's the first time in 85 years that my country had snow in November! Also saw large hail and hectic weather in our country. They call it "Snowvember" here.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

I had no issues with my sciatica issue today. I did have cravings for anything unhealthy.

It took all my might not to stuff my face with (dough, battered, fried) food. I opted for a gerkin. At least I love them!

I still have cravings. It is not even 18pm... so just to hold on like 65 minutes more. I know I won't at all be tempted to eat anything after 19pm... Then I'd be fine.


I went for yoga/stretching again. Did EoTD. And also did a few random exercises earlier.

30 Donkey Kicks
40 Fire Hydrants
50 Side Kicks
40 Sitting Twists
40 Sit-ups
40 Reverse Crunches
24 Knee walk to Squat
12 Borrowers Squats
2 mins Plank (morphed into an Elbow plank!)

I didn't sit down much today. I feel a little tired. It was around 27C. The afternoon became quite hot. Had a green salad with tomatoes and pawpaw, boiled potato, hard boiled egg and some butternut (which was cooked "in" a wood fire yesterday) for dinner. Things I had to eat. Tomorrow I will buy new fruit and veggies for the rest of the week. I still have some spinach in the garden. The bugs is starting to accumulate for summer. So I have to pick all my spinach tomorrow.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

I didn't have issues today. No cravings either. Did eat the weirdest and worse food combinations today - minced meat and potato salad for a late breakfast. I had peanuts and dates as a snack. And I made a spicy Indian spinach recipe (Just a more chunky and healthier version!) with fresh pineapple on the side for dinner.

Again, just did the most random exercises.

Started with Yoga and stretches.


And I also did one for my back.

Other exercises was:

40 Side Lunges
~40 Corkscrew
30 Up and Down Planks
~40 Bicycle Crunch
30 3-way V-ups
40 Plie Squats
40 Leg Scissors
20 Reptiles
20 Planking Bunny Hops
~20 Reptiles Plank Jacks
20 Floor Taps
~60 Seal Jacks
~120 punches
50 Jumping Jacks
30 Box Jumps (41cm, almost too high)
30 Incline Push-ups (also 41cm)

I might have lost track of counting today. So it was ~ more or less around that number. Lol I don't think I did less than that.


I had a tremendous amount of energy today, just wanted to do more exercises. Tonight I actually feel tired! Lol

 

[Nightg0ddess]

Yesterday and today I decided to do random days of random programs.

Yesterday:
Am:
Cassey Ho 8 minutes of Stretch Revolution. (Multiple Yoga poses)
11am:
Total Abs program - Day 4 Lower Back
30 Days of HIIT Advanced - Day 8 Cardio HIIT
14pm:
Machine, 35 minutes walking

I felt a little fatigued. One day I am full of energy and the next I'm done! I had a banana for breakfast, a fruit salad for lunch. And I made some sardine curry with brown rice for dinner.

Today:
Am:
Cassey Ho 8 minutes Journey to the Splits (Multiple stretches)
Noon:
Military Fit plus - Day 16 Power Circuit (used a garden bag of 16,09kg)

Yeah... clearly no much thought went into this attempt. It sort of worked. Let's not speak about my form, and the fact that the bag is filled with pebbles. And the amount of bruises I might have tomorrow. What is done, is done.


I treated myself with a salad and homemade gnocchi today. It's basically twice boiled mashed potatoes for me. This morning I had oats soaked in freshly squeezed orange juice. I like my raw oats. I feel okay right now. The day was fine.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

I found it hard to fall asleep last night. I was sleepy, but it took a few hours before I finally dozed off. Woke up early, and it was hard to get up. Or to physically get out of bed. I could have done with another hour napping. I had 2 cups of black coffee and I felt fine.

At around 14pm I realized I never had breakfast.

What is happening!? How could I even forget to eat!? Crazy! I just ate an apple. And had an early dinner at around 16pm.

Am:
10 minutes of stretches/Yoga.
35 minutes very light jogging.
14pm:
Chapter 1 of Age of Pandora.
18pm:
Day 1 Express Tone.

VERY random workout again.

Hopefully I will sleep well tonight. I feel exhausted.

 

[WolfDreamer]

I was sleepy, but it took a few hours before I finally dozed off.

Ugh. I know this feeling. My body wants sleep, but my mind won't stop.

Hopefully I will sleep well tonight.

I hope that for you, as well.

 

[NancyTree]

 

[neilarey]

Happy Birthday @Nightg0ddess

 

[Mamatigerj]

 

[Fremen]

Happy Birthday

 

[Maegaranthelas]

 

[FlowersandPetals]

Happy birthday!

 

[Laura Rainbow Dragon]

Happy Birthday @Nightg0ddess !

 

[Montserrat]

!

 

[Nightg0ddess]

Thank you @NancyTree, @neilarey, @Mamatigerj, @Fremen, @Maegaranthelas, @FlowersandPetals, @Laura Rainbow Dragon and @Montserrat

Had a good day so far. Nothing fancy, just me and my parents.



Had a plate of unhealthy vs healthy things. And have a plate of dessert to come later.



Yeah... that is for 3 people. Ask no questions, hear no lies!!!

I lost another kilogram, unintentionally. So I figured I won't count calories or consider a balanced plate. I had a slice of whole wheat bread and an egg for breakfast. A cup of black strong coffee. This was my dinner. I had 2 glasses of alcohol, around 180ml white wine and 200ml of champagne. I didn't eat my dessert yet. I might eat a little later than I normally stop eating in the evening. Today is a little different. 45 is not an easy number to disgest.

I didn't exercise much. Did 16 minutes of yoga and stretches. Walked in our neighborhood for 80 minutes - steap uphill and downhill. And just did another 20 minutes of yoga and stretches later.

By the way.... @WolfDreamer ... I slept for less than 2 hours, then woke up. Was awake from just after 1am to just before 4am. We had the strongest wind that kept me awake, and 2 cats caterwauling. I didn't leave them food.... they have families!!! Lol. I woke up just before 6am again. I am so tired and sleepy now. My body really need sleep.

The whole day was pleasant. I might eat my dessert tomorrow.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

I ended up skipping 1 of the 2 desserts. The one didn't set completely. Decided to rather eat it today.

I struggled to fall asleep again. Eventually I got to a point where I dozed off after 1am, and only got up at 8am (Did wake up around 6am but forced myself to keep laying in bed!). I still feel sleep deprived, to be honest. Probably because it's been a few nights where I struggled. If this isn't perimenopause I don't know what the heck this is!?

I did some Yoga and stretches again, around 7 minutes only this morning. I felt a little fatigued (that time of the month) so decided to just do more slower and easier workouts around 10h30am.



I will probably not do anything more today. And I will probably keep it simple tomorrow too.

I really want to focus on my arms and back soon.

 

[MadamMeow]

Happy belated birthday!

 

[Nightg0ddess]

Thank you @MadamMeow


I got enough sleep at last!

The internet (fibre) went out in our area - at least 3 or 4 neighborhoods. It's very frustrating. The back up wifi is very sluggish. I hope the issue will be resolved quickly.

I'm going to keep this short. AM 7:15 - yoga and stretches (around 13 minutes). 11am - more Yoga and stretches (mainly back, Abs and leg focus). And at 14pm I walked on a machine for an hour. Nothing hectic.

 

[Nightg0ddess]

Still no fibre.
And a power failure twice - duration about 1 minute.

The new, or should I say the extended new road, is nearly completed (in African time it could take another 3 months!!) I assume all these issues is directly related to the road. They installed new street lights, and a few traffic lights (not all) too.

My day was rather uneventful. I had a bad case of vertigo. I had a terrible case of munchies too. I can't say what I crave. Simply just to eat! I am not starving, but the more coffee or water I drink, the more I need solid food! Had some mushrooms, a beetroot and a sandwich earlier. I'm having veggie spaghetti for dinner. (Zucchini, mushroom, bell pepper, onion and tomato). If the bananas weren't so green I'd probably eat that too!


Did yoga for 20 minutes this morning. And more stretches and Yoga at around noon. (Another 20 minutes or little more). I might not do more. I just feel too dizzy. I am sure by tomorrow or Thursday I should be my old self. Then I can do some Cardio or something fun again.