I'm moving to London in May!!!
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Winding Down & Gearing Up
We wrapped up our week of Kajukenbo seminars last night. It was a great experience. I learned a lot, and it just fueled my passion and enthusiasm to train harder, learn more, and keep practicing.
Just a few pix from last night's closing ceremony plus the previous day's outdoor training -- and then, stay tuned for some big news coming up in the next few days.
Just a few pix from last night's closing ceremony plus the previous day's outdoor training -- and then, stay tuned for some big news coming up in the next few days.
Team photo on the day of our beach training (Feb. 12, 2014) - this is actually the beach that's part of my regular gym
Gotta keep practicing those kicks! (Feb. 12, 2014)
The Grand Masters and I (Feb. 14, 2014)
My Coach - Sifu Ahmad & I
Trust your coach & trust yourself -- and you'll be unstoppable.
Feb. 14, 2014
Learning a bit about Sambo during our outdoor training session on Feb. 13, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Kajukenbo Seminar
This whole week we've got Grand Masters visiting from Hawaii and holding a Kajukenbo seminar. My days have been LONG - and they're not over yet.
Up and out of the house to hit the gym at 6:30 a.m.
Straight to work.
Home to eat a little and rest before heading out to the seminar around 3 p.m. and getting home around 10:30/11 p.m.
I'm tired, but it's all been great. A few pix of what I've been up to.
I finally got to learn how to do an ankle lock!! I've been wanting to learn this for ages! It's very effective :)
Up and out of the house to hit the gym at 6:30 a.m.
Straight to work.
Home to eat a little and rest before heading out to the seminar around 3 p.m. and getting home around 10:30/11 p.m.
I'm tired, but it's all been great. A few pix of what I've been up to.
I finally got to learn how to do an ankle lock!! I've been wanting to learn this for ages! It's very effective :)
Morning MMA training -- blood and bruises are part of the process.
Kajukenbo Ohana Kuwait
February 2014 Group Photo
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Update
Things have been going really well, and time is passing quickly - especially once the work week begins.
Last Saturday I went to the doctor to get my wrist checked. The good news is that it is healing well. Staying off it has been paying off. It's not back to 100% yet, but I have been given permission to start using it ... a little. I can get back to weights, but I have to restrict my movement to static movements. The main thing is that I shouldn't flex or twist my wrist. So, no front squats, no clean and press, nothing that carries a chance of having that cartilage tear some more. That kinda sucks, but I understand. At least there are plenty of exercises that I can do. I have to start with very light weights, as even the movement of getting into position can be risky. He recommends that I have someone hand me/position the weights to avoid that extra strain. I will also probably be using some of the weight machines. As much as I don't like them, at least it'll be something. Plus it'll be safe.
I still can't put any downward pressure on my wrist, so no push ups or anything that requires wrist stability. If I can do things on my forearms, then that's fine, but nothing on my wrist.
I'll go back and see him in 4-6 weeks and see how I'm progressing. In any case, I'll have to still be very, very careful over the next 3 months. We'll see how it goes after that.
Other than that, nothing too new going on. I've been hitting the gym every morning - cardio/weights, and doing my MMA training in the afternoons. I've been working with a client so occasionally I'll get in another workout (mild).
I've been doing really well with my food journal lately; however, I think I need to get back to actually tracking calories. My weight is hardly moving. I need to figure out how I can tweak my plan.
Last Saturday I went to the doctor to get my wrist checked. The good news is that it is healing well. Staying off it has been paying off. It's not back to 100% yet, but I have been given permission to start using it ... a little. I can get back to weights, but I have to restrict my movement to static movements. The main thing is that I shouldn't flex or twist my wrist. So, no front squats, no clean and press, nothing that carries a chance of having that cartilage tear some more. That kinda sucks, but I understand. At least there are plenty of exercises that I can do. I have to start with very light weights, as even the movement of getting into position can be risky. He recommends that I have someone hand me/position the weights to avoid that extra strain. I will also probably be using some of the weight machines. As much as I don't like them, at least it'll be something. Plus it'll be safe.
I still can't put any downward pressure on my wrist, so no push ups or anything that requires wrist stability. If I can do things on my forearms, then that's fine, but nothing on my wrist.
I'll go back and see him in 4-6 weeks and see how I'm progressing. In any case, I'll have to still be very, very careful over the next 3 months. We'll see how it goes after that.
Other than that, nothing too new going on. I've been hitting the gym every morning - cardio/weights, and doing my MMA training in the afternoons. I've been working with a client so occasionally I'll get in another workout (mild).
I've been doing really well with my food journal lately; however, I think I need to get back to actually tracking calories. My weight is hardly moving. I need to figure out how I can tweak my plan.
One of my recent workouts involved the Bosu ball, my speed jumprope (finally back to practicing double unders), steps, and weights -- it was so much fun!!
Saturday, February 1, 2014
February 2014
Can you believe the first month of 2014 is gone already? How are you all doing in terms of your fitness/health goals? Have you recovered from 2013's holiday season? Have you been sticking to the plans that you set out for yourself at the beginning of the year? One month is already gone -- make the most of each day!
January 2013 was pretty good for me. Starting on the Whole Life Challenge soon after the year began has been an excellent way for me to shed those unfortunate holiday pounds and stay focused the bigger picture -- my health, getting fit, and losing these last few stubborn kilos.
With travel, family stuff, and getting back into work, January was not without stresses, but overall it went well. I didn't waste time wondering about what to do at the gym - I just went to the gym and did something. Bit by bit my overall plan started to come together and I've started February with a strategy in mind.
The first thing I did to start of the month right was to get back to my Saturday morning yoga on the beach sessions. It was really tough because I still can't put pressure on my wrist. I spent most of the session on my elbows/forearms -- boy was I sore afterwards! It was very challenging for me, but it was totally worth going. I know the only way to get my flexibility back is to keep on practicing.
I attempted a headstand after class. The last time I came to yoga, I was able to hold the headstand on my own. This time, however, it wasn't the same and I needed help. I was a bit sad to see how much of my core stability I had lost, but again - bit by bit I'll regain it. I just gotta keep trying.
The weekend is over here in Kuwait -- I've got a new (busy) week ahead of me.
January 2013 was pretty good for me. Starting on the Whole Life Challenge soon after the year began has been an excellent way for me to shed those unfortunate holiday pounds and stay focused the bigger picture -- my health, getting fit, and losing these last few stubborn kilos.
With travel, family stuff, and getting back into work, January was not without stresses, but overall it went well. I didn't waste time wondering about what to do at the gym - I just went to the gym and did something. Bit by bit my overall plan started to come together and I've started February with a strategy in mind.
The first thing I did to start of the month right was to get back to my Saturday morning yoga on the beach sessions. It was really tough because I still can't put pressure on my wrist. I spent most of the session on my elbows/forearms -- boy was I sore afterwards! It was very challenging for me, but it was totally worth going. I know the only way to get my flexibility back is to keep on practicing.
I attempted a headstand after class. The last time I came to yoga, I was able to hold the headstand on my own. This time, however, it wasn't the same and I needed help. I was a bit sad to see how much of my core stability I had lost, but again - bit by bit I'll regain it. I just gotta keep trying.
The weekend is over here in Kuwait -- I've got a new (busy) week ahead of me.
Back to yoga on the beach -- assisting with some partner poses, being assisted with a headstand, and enjoying the nice cool sand on my feet
Friday, January 31, 2014
Fitness Fun
A friend of mine posted this on Instagram and it made me laugh! (By the way, I'm PlumPetalsFit on Instagram -- look me up if you're on it too!)
I practiced with Mikey today -- the latest member of the family :) He took the ground and pound like a champ! ;)
My Fitness name turns out to be Hot Ass -- Hmmm not yet, but I'm definitely workin' on it ;)
I practiced with Mikey today -- the latest member of the family :) He took the ground and pound like a champ! ;)
Ya, it was a pink training day today.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Morning Workout Mishaps
I love working out in the mornings. I usually have the gym all to myself, or at the very least, there are only a handful of people around. I like the 'me' time before I get thrown into my day. I liked the idea of getting my workout over and done with just in case something else comes up during the day or I start to feel lazy. It's all good stuff.
A few things that I need to work on:
1. Have my gym bag, work clothes, and work bag plus post-workout food ready the night before. I've been good at having most of my stuff ready. However, most just doesn't cut it. I don't like being frantic and rushed before leaving the house. I really need to have it all prepared beforehand to avoid the morning chaos.
2. When it comes to work clothes, I need to make sure I have all the necessary components to my outfit, because if I've forgotten something, I'm outta luck. A couple examples of things that happened to me this week:
- the pair of shoes I chose for my outfit matched perfectly -- but somehow were too big on my feet! I was slipping and sliding in them and ended up stuffing Kleenex in the toes to help me stay in place.
- the early morning haze turned into stormy clouds and I got caught in a downpour of rain while wearing a silk dress and sandals! Had I been home, I would have definitely opted for warmer clothing and my Hunter boots!
3. Since I'm not having dairy or processed foods during the WLC, my post-workout meal hasn't been the easiest to decide. I want something easy to carry, easy to eat, and filling. So far I've either been having my eggs and avocado mix or chicken with mixed vegetables. I eat half of it while I'm in the locker room and the other half after my class. The food would taste better warm, but right now I'm just eating it cold. It's all I have the time/facilities for. I'd like to think of something a little more enjoyable. For right now though, 'food is fuel' is my mantra.
4. I need to have my routine set. Since my time is limited, I really don't have the luxury of coming up with an impromptu workout plan. I think this will be better from next week. This week was all about testing out my timing and my energy. I now know what time I need to end my workouts by in order to have enough time to shower, change, eat, and drive to work in time for my office hours/class. I also feel a lot better since I've incorporated my sprint/HIIT training with the C25K program. I also think I'm doing alright for my weights -- I'll know more after my doctor's appointment on Saturday (wish me luck).
All in all, this first week of getting back to my gym routine followed by heading to work has been good. I definitely feel energetic after my morning workout, though I also feel really hungry throughout the day. I need to be careful of exactly how much I'm eating and make sure that I really am using food for fuel and not consuming unnecessary calories.
The empty gym at 6:45 a.m.
1. Have my gym bag, work clothes, and work bag plus post-workout food ready the night before. I've been good at having most of my stuff ready. However, most just doesn't cut it. I don't like being frantic and rushed before leaving the house. I really need to have it all prepared beforehand to avoid the morning chaos.
My morning prep
Yes, it bugs me that my gym bag is not a shade of green to go with the gym outfit.
2. When it comes to work clothes, I need to make sure I have all the necessary components to my outfit, because if I've forgotten something, I'm outta luck. A couple examples of things that happened to me this week:
- the pair of shoes I chose for my outfit matched perfectly -- but somehow were too big on my feet! I was slipping and sliding in them and ended up stuffing Kleenex in the toes to help me stay in place.
- the early morning haze turned into stormy clouds and I got caught in a downpour of rain while wearing a silk dress and sandals! Had I been home, I would have definitely opted for warmer clothing and my Hunter boots!
Tuesday's shoes -- love them, though after 6 hours of being on my feet - following 'leg day' at the gym, I was more than ready to kick them off!
I may keep a spare more comfortable pair in my office at work.
3. Since I'm not having dairy or processed foods during the WLC, my post-workout meal hasn't been the easiest to decide. I want something easy to carry, easy to eat, and filling. So far I've either been having my eggs and avocado mix or chicken with mixed vegetables. I eat half of it while I'm in the locker room and the other half after my class. The food would taste better warm, but right now I'm just eating it cold. It's all I have the time/facilities for. I'd like to think of something a little more enjoyable. For right now though, 'food is fuel' is my mantra.
Standing and Eating - A terrible habit of mine, but one I've been engaging in a lot lately.
4. I need to have my routine set. Since my time is limited, I really don't have the luxury of coming up with an impromptu workout plan. I think this will be better from next week. This week was all about testing out my timing and my energy. I now know what time I need to end my workouts by in order to have enough time to shower, change, eat, and drive to work in time for my office hours/class. I also feel a lot better since I've incorporated my sprint/HIIT training with the C25K program. I also think I'm doing alright for my weights -- I'll know more after my doctor's appointment on Saturday (wish me luck).
All in all, this first week of getting back to my gym routine followed by heading to work has been good. I definitely feel energetic after my morning workout, though I also feel really hungry throughout the day. I need to be careful of exactly how much I'm eating and make sure that I really am using food for fuel and not consuming unnecessary calories.
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