Friday Five - An Unusual Week

This week was a bit strange in terms of both my eating and my workouts.

First of all, I didn't workout as much as I usually do. I've had a niggling pain in my left knee as well as one in my right shoulder. I know that both these joints are extra-sensitive ones from previous injuries/accidents. So, with that in mind I wanted to take it kinda easy.

I didn't do any of my afternoon workout classes (RPM or CrossFit) and though I missed them dearly, I also enjoyed having a bit of extra time at home to take care of other things and relax a bit. On some days I worked out at home - mainly doing Body Combat practice.

In terms of eating, I don't think I ate more than usual, but I definitely ate differently, especially given that I've just come off the Whole Life Challenge. I enjoyed everything I ate, but I also realized that eating all those different foods (e.g. curry) was not something I missed. They are definitely not part of my regular eating regime, and I'm happy with that. I feel like I am extremely happy eating clean 95-98% of the time, which means that the other 2-5% of the time that I may eat something I don't normally eat (e.g. rice or something that has potato in it) that it's ok. I've found that eating those foods doesn't act as a trigger to eat more junk/carbs/sweets. I eat. I enjoy. I move on.

That said, I have also realized that being so close to goal weight means that I really need to watch what I'm doing and what I'm eating. I don't want to get careless or sloppy. As one trainer said - this is the time to turn it up a notch because it will get more difficult to lose weight. Difficult, but not impossible ... and turning it up a notch is a challenge that I look forward to!

So, a few highlights of my week.

1. I'm loving studying the choreography for Body Combat. It is challenging! First of all, learning the moves, the putting it to the music, then trying to do the moves & explain them -- wow! It's quite intimidating, but I've been practicing almost everyday.

2. I got several new books this week related to training and MMA fighting. I've already finished reading the one on dynamic stretching and I've got a few new stretches that I'll be adding to my regular routine.

3. During one of my weight training sessions this week I realized how far I've come in terms of strength. There was a time when lifting a 2.5 kg (5 lb) dumbbell to do a shoulder press was a huge struggle for me. That day I warmed up using 12.5 kg (27.5 lb) dumbbells. I was so proud.

4. I know I probably didn't need a new pair of sneakers, as I have several pairs ... but I couldn't resist. I'll admit it, I like having my gym outfits coordinated. I know some people see that as shallow or unnecessary or even a sign that the person is not committed to working out, but come on, I don't think you can say that about me! Just coz' my shoes match my top and they both match my gym bag doesn't mean I don't give it 100% at the gym!

5. I went to a new MMA store that's opened recently in Kuwait. It's actually the first store of its kind that I've visited here (I don't know of any others). It was alright. They had lots of clothing, but none for girls!! That sucked. My favorite part, the boxing bags and the cage they had up ... hmmmm wouldn't mind one of those in my place if I had the space :)

One thing is definitely clear -- my life has changed. Almost everything in my life now revolves around health and fitness. I enjoy it with an enormous amount of passion. I still do other things - I still hang out with friends, go shopping, veg in front of the TV, etc., but I know that the one thing that really, really makes me happy is fitness. I could tell that things have really changed for me when I sat down one afternoon and started my Personal Trainer studies. It's been AGES since I sat down and read a research article, but this -- I didn't give it a second thought. It was quite a revelation!