Row, Row, Row Your Boat

 

Yesterday I used the rowing machine for the first time. I have been wanting to mix up my cardio while at the gym. So my plan was to use the elliptical for 15 minutes, do my arm workout, then "cool down" on the rowing machine for about 15 minutes. Boy was I wrong about the "cool down" part. I was dripping sweat and huffing and puffing within the first 3 minutes. I only did 10 minutes and thought I was dying! How have I never used this wonderful cardio machine??

Reasons Why I Loved the Rowing Machine: 

•  Great Aerobic Workout- though I didn't have a heart rate monitor on, I could tell my heart rate was increased. 
• Fast Calorie Burner- Again, I didn't have a heart rate monitor but according to the machine for the 10 minutes I was on there, I burned 124 calories!! 
• Upper body/back workout- Not only is it great cardio but I can really feel that it worked my upper back this morning! 
• Lower body workout- Since the seat on the rowing machine slides you are constantly bending and straightening your legs as you row! Giving your quads a great workout!
• Low impact- I love finding cardio options that are low impact and counter balance running! 

I can't wait to start using the rowing machine more often and increasing the time spent on it!
  Even found some workouts on pinterest!

Any of y'all use the rowing machine?? I would love for some tips or to hear your success stories!

Catch ya later,
B

Happy Anniversary!

 Yesterday was actually me and the boyfriend's two year anniversary but due to Memorial Day, we chose to celebrate today. In honor of our anniversary, my day two of 100 Days of Happy goes to him. He has been such a supporter through everything! He wipes my tears when I am frustrated with my weight and reminds me that I am beautiful every single day. I honestly don't know what I would do with out him!






 When it came time to get dressed, I became depressed because nothing I wanted to wear fit. I wanted to wear jeans or a pair of cute shorts but they were all to tight. I ended up going with a flowy dress but once my makeup and hair was done I felt great and decided to make my disappointment of not being able to fit into those bottoms my motivation for the next couple of weeks. My goal is to fit into those pants by the end of summer!!







 Since we were going on a date tonight to an Italian restaurant at that I knew I better get my workout in today and it better be a good one! And I did! I killed Leg day today. I got in my run. Worked legs. Then ended with a 15 minute incline walk! It felt great! Day two of #workitout100 is complete.

   

Until tomorrow, 

B

#TransformationTuesday

#TransformationTuesday for the worst. Most of these are used to show amazing weight loss results or even changes from awkward middle school years to the present. But mine today is different. Mine is a motivation for myself to lose the weight I have put on through college. The left is at the beach after high school graduation and the right is before my pinning ceremony last week. When I was in high school, I was in the best shape of my life. I played basketball and was on the track team. I could eat whatever I wanted because I exercised so much. When I came to college, the weight began to pack on. From drinking alcohol to having a buffet cafeteria to the only exercise I got was dancing at the club the number on the scale just continued to climb. I tried many time lose weight but these tries would only be short lived only a couple of days, a week at most! Between my freshman year and start of nursing school I gained roughly 25 pounds. Then when nursing school started I gained an ADDITIONAL 35 pounds. As I start a new step in my life (working in the real world), I want to begin a new lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle! I value any comments, support, stories, or questions along the way! 

Until next time, 

B