FitVlog #44: Health Issues, My High BP & Partial Blindness

I debated about posting a vid on this topic for a minute or two.  Mostly because I don't like to complain when I have things go wrong.  Still, the issue is related to fitness and health, so had to be mentioned in a FitVlog.

There's been loads of stress in our household due to some serious financial issues that have come up.  We're dealing with them and should have things resolved soon.  I won't say more on that until everything is done.  We're optimistic that our lives will be back to some sort of normal in the coming months.

Even so, the stress has taken a toll, apparently.  For me personally, I've been eating tons of junk food to keep my mind off things.  Naturally, this did nothing positive for my health.  And I think I've re-activated the high blood pressure I had when my youngest children were born.  Which has left its mark on my eyesight!  Again.

I'd already suffered a "blank" spot in my vision from the preeclampsia.  I'd adjusted to it quite well, since it was only a sliver lost of my sight.  I could still see around it.  But now I'm experiencing patches of vision loss on the sides of both eyes.  And occasional blanking out of most of my vision. This is a problem.

Now, I've set about coming up with solutions to this development.  We aren't wealthy enough to see doctors about such things so I'll have to try fixing the problem on my own.  I've decided to get back to the healthy eating I had been doing months before all the tension started.  Also, the exercise.  I need more of it!  Luckily, the weather is getting warmer.  My favorite exercise happens outside.

Welp, that's the goings on for now.  I'll keep you posted!

Take care out there!  (^.^)v

FitVlog #42 Adventure Walk | Allen Station Park

There was at least one absolutely beautiful morning happening this week.  I decided to take a nice walk that morning and make it into a video!  A bit of adventure was to be had.

The walk ended up being an hour long, so the vid is the condensed version.  It's funny how time just flew.  I think the chatting along the way must have helped.

And, yes, that park can be creepy.  The whole family thinks so, though none of us can put our finger on the cause of it.  Maybe it's just weird that it's there, looking all spiffy, and hardly anyone is there to enjoy it.  Sort of like those fancy neighborhoods with their mountainous homes and not a soul in sight.  I've biked through those neighborhoods.  The sound of my bike changing gears echoed off the cold walls.  Sometimes, I heard the wind in my ears.  Where were all the people?  Maybe this is what the apocalypse would be like in the beginning.  You know, before the crumble of the mortar started.

The park, though, has some lovely spots.  Sadly, development has changed its appearance over the years.  I'm not sure where it's headed.  Is this progress?  We've lost loads of trees and natural spaces.  In the past, I'd be intensely angry about such destruction.  But I've been here a long time.  Maybe too long.  A person can become numb to consistent assault of the land.  Especially, when the majority seems to welcome the changes and sees little value in trees and green things where the animals dwell.  No doubt my opinion on such matters would be laughable to most.

This reminds me of arguments I've had over the years concerning nature and its value.  There are actually some who believe people are more important than any animal.  To the point where an animal's habitat is only valuable if it can be paved over and there's money to be earned from its destruction.  There are those who have the mentality that our "progress" is paramount, regardless the consequences of injecting poisons into the earth and waters.  I'd say there is no advancement if you stomp around childlike on the good things the earth already provides.  Now, learning to live with all the creatures of the earth in a sustainable and healthy way, that's progress.

Until such a state is achieved, I'll appreciate what's left around me.  The small strips of green where the birds sing.  And I'll do my best to preserve what I can.  This may involve slapping myself in the face to wake up from the uncomfortable numb.  ha!

Enjoy the vid! (^.^)v
        

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Video captured with GoPro Hero3 and Samsung Galaxy S5

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FitVlog #41 Getting Back to Fit & Nature!

Yeah, I get a little blue during the holiday season.  It's starting to show up in my vids.  Just keeping it real.  haha!

There's hope, yet, though.  I show how a nice walk lifted my spirits a bit.  It's the little things.  Oh, and there's some nature!  Bob Woodruff Park in Plano, Texas.  Nice place, that is.  My favorite part of the vid!

Enjoy! (^.^)v

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Video and stills captured using Samsung Galaxy S5.

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FitVlog #40 Updates & Fighting the Blues

This was the last FitVlog I posted to YouTube before Thanksgiving holiday.  In it, I'm clearly fighting the blues and general burnout. Ha!

Not much has changed, but I'll be resuming the INSANITY workout soon!  I'm determined to finish the program and move on to the next.  I'm not sure I'll record as much video of the next program I do.  I kind of think not many find the videos useful, though they do seem to help me see what progress I'm making or not making.  I'll be thinking on it.

In the meantime, enjoy the video, it may be the last of its kind!  (^.^)v

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Interested in Insanity or any other Beachbody product? Please, see my website for more details: http://beachbodycoach.com/sdchan

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Video captured on GoPro Hero3 Black and Samsung Galaxy S5

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FitVlogs #37-39!

Yep, I've been slacking off.  And not just here!

For some reason, probably just laziness  I've not moved on to the next Insanity workout.  It could be that it's over an hour long.  Something like 90 minutes long, I believe.  And I've just not had a lot of time these past few days.  I plan to get back to it tomorrow.  I really do.  There isn't quite as much going on the rest of the week, so there isn't much excuse!

In the meantime, here are the other FitVlogs I forgot to post!  You may notice I started to slack off on the last two.  The weather was supreme.  I just had to get out there and use it!  In the last vid, we played a bit of radio tag/hide 'n' seek.  In this game, we're all outfitted with a walkie talkie.  Some hiding happens with a little chatter on the radios, then a chase to the base.  Normally, we play before it gets as dark as it was in the vid.  Also, normally, we'd be in a much larger area, for optimal hiding to occur.  Still, a good time was had.  And, of course, I'm calling it a workout for that day!

Enjoy!  (^.^)v
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Interested in INSANITY! or other Beachbody products?  Check out my website for more details:
http://beachbodycoach.com/sdchan
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Video captured on GoPro Hero3 Black and Samsung Galaxy S5.
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FitVlogs #33-36! INSANITY Stuff!

The beat goes on~~
Enjoy! (^.^)v

Interested in INSANITY?  Find out more details on my website:
http://beachbodycoach.com/sdchan

Video captured with GoPro Hero3 Black and Samsung Galaxy S5.
Video edited with Movie Studio Platinum 13.0.

FitVlog #32--Max Cardio Conditioning~INSANITY!

More intense working out has been happening around here.  This is Thursday's workout!  It was actually a bit of fun.

Enjoy! (^.^)v

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Interested in Insanity?  Check out my website for more details!
http://beachbodycoach.com/sdchan

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Video capture with GoPro Hero3 Black and Samsung Galaxy S5

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FitVlog #31 The FUN Never Ends! Max Interval Plyo--INSANITY!

There might be a thing or two to say about this workout.  I'll just keep it simple, though.  Enjoy the vid! (^.^)v
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Interested in the Insanity workout program?  Check out my site for the details and more!
http://beachbodycoach.com/sdchan
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Video captured with GoPro Hero3 Black and Samsung Galaxy S5.
Video edited with Movie Studio Platinum 13.
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FitVlog #30--Max Interval Circuit--INSANITY!--OUCH!!

Well, this happened...

Now, I'm off to bed to prepare for tomorrow's workout!  (^.^)v
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Interested in INSANITY?  Check out my site for the details and more!  http://beachbodycoach.com/sdchan
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Video captured with GoPro Hero3 Black and Samsung Galaxy S5.
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FitVlog #29 INSANITY, The FitTest & Feeling Discouraged

Well, here we are again.  Plugging away at the Insanity program!

Yes, Recovery Week is over.  I enjoyed it!  But, I've missed the routine of the more intense workouts.  No doubt, this second month of Insanity will not disappoint.  In fact, I hope I make it through!

I've heard stories.  They aren't pretty.

And so, here's the video of the FitTest that I'm to do every couple of weeks.  I think I must have missed one!  In any case, in the video are the stats of one of the FitTests I did early on with today's stats.  Not much improvement was seen.  Perhaps, it's because I was in fairly decent shape to begin with.  Or maybe I'd better get a move on!

Today was an emotional one.  Doubts were filling my head that I'll ever finish this program.  And even if I do finish, will I be in good shape?  Somehow I pushed through the excuses and exhaustion.  It's difficult to give yourself a pep talk, sometimes, when you're working out alone.  I recommend finding a group to workout with.  Seriously.  Or talk to me.  :)  We can help each other!  I mean that.  Just some words of encouragement are great.

Enjoy the video!  (^.^)v
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If you are interested in the INSANITY program, or any other Beachbody program, please check out my website:  http://beachbodycoach.com/sdchan
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Video captured with GoPro Hero3 Black and Samsung Galaxy S5  

FitVlogs!! #19-#21

Okay.  This is crazy.  I know, I know.

I've resumed the Insanity workout program!  Not only that, I thought it'd be fun to vlog about it every day.  To keep myself accountable, that is.  What was I thinking?!

So far, so good.  But I know there will be something that trips me up.  haha!  It's inevitable.

As I'm typing, FitVlog #22 is uploading.  That'll have to be a separate post, I guess.  But for this post, since I've forgotten to put my latest vids here, I thought I'd cram a few of them all together.

I suppose there isn't much more to say about them.  Check them out if you like.  And thanks! :)

Coming soon is an unboxing vid.  Yep, I have, somehow, acquired an Alienware laptop!  This ought to be fun!

Take care out there!  (^.^)v
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Interested in trying Insanity or any other Beachbody program?  Or, want to be a coach?
Check out my website for more details:
http://beachbodycoach.com/sdchan

Interested in a YouTube partnership?
Click here to see if your channel qualifies for Maker Gen/Maker Studios:
http://awe.sm/iKYQR

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FitVlog #17!

Yeah, I know it's a little late for this FitVlog #17.  Nevertheless, here it is.  My last update on the exercise I've been (or not been) doing.  It's a good reminder to get back on track soon!

If you're interested in any of the workout programs we've been doing, check out my website to learn more:  http://beachbodycoach.com/sdchan
Thanks! :)

FitVlog #16--More Insanity!

I can't believe how late I am in posting this one!

At the moment, FitVlog #17 is being uploaded to YouTube as I'm typing.  It's pretty much more of the same Insanity.  haha!

I guess, I'll just let the video speak for itself.
Enjoy! (^.^)v

Oh, and if you're interested in Insanity or any other Beachbody product, check out my website
http://beachbodycoach.com/sdchan
Thanks!

This is INSANITY! FitVlog #15

I finally got around to starting Insanity!

In this, the 15th installment of FitVlog, you'll see a little sample of one of the most challenging Beachbody workouts I've done so far.  You might not be able to tell from my pitiful attempt at doing this program, but it is TOUGH!

So what is Insanity?

Let me tell you a little about it.  First, it's a 60 day program of intense cardio.  The workouts are about 40-60 minutes long, depending on where you are on the schedule.  Did I mention the cardio is intense?  The exercises are designed to work your whole body.  Trust me, you'll feel it!  The warm-up alone is just as difficult as the entire workout.  It's about 10 minutes long.  I've yet to make it all the way through the warm-up without stopping.  (O.o)

Stay tuned to see more videos of me attempting to complete each workout.  It's only going to take me a couple of months.  We'll see how it goes!

Oh!  If you're curious about Insanity and want to try it for yourself, check out my page here:
http://beachbodycoach.com/sdchan
Or click the banner below.    

Also, if you have any questions or comments, send me a message.  I'd love to hear from you! :)

Okay, as for the rest of what I'm doing to get myself back into some kind of shape...
The diet.  It needs a little tweak.

Yes, I'm a vegetarian.  But, that doesn't mean I'm fit and healthy.  You can be a vegetarian and still nosh on cookies, crackers and candy.  And if you do that, like I have been, you're probably not going to be at your healthiest.

Healthy alternatives?
My plan is to stock up on the fruit and veggies.  I don't plan on being a raw vegan, however.  The reason is, it's just too expensive!  And good fruit is hard to come by.  Instead, I'll incorporate some cooked rice, pasta and potatoes.  Also, I'll avoid having fats, dairy and too much salt.   All of these goodies will be enough to keep me full and energized.  Yep, no shortage of carbs for me.  I look forward to feeling even better than ever!

I hope my experience inspires and motivates you to take charge of your own health.  Eat better and move!
Take care out there! (^.^)v

FitVlog #14 Exercise is a Walk in the Park

At last, I got to swim!

Pretty much, I live to swim in the summer.  This year, the pool was ready early, so I'm getting a head start.

You'll see me giving the pool a little cleaning in the vid.  You'll also see little tidbits from a long morning walk.  Complete with pics of the park and some ducks!  Baby ducks!  Who can resist?  haha!

In effort to start off the week on a good foot, to head off some of the impending stress and that sort of thing, I crammed in lots of fun activities into a very short time.  Mostly swimming.  And a touch of lawn mowing.  Some walking.  And general goofing off.  Busy, but enjoyable.  The whole lot!

It's important to keep moving.  What good is it, though, if you're not having any fun?  So every now and again, I'll take a break from the scheduled programs, and just dance!

Take care out there!
(^.^)v    

FitVlog Update #13

Whirlwind week this has been!  Next week won't be much calmer!

And so, I thought it'd be a good idea to make a quick post about the fitness goings on, or lack thereof.

I've always told myself that fitness was a lifestyle--it has to be part of my life.  Even though I've been too busy to do the workout programs, I have managed to get some exercise in.  One thing being squats.  I can do them anytime I'm having to stand around waiting for something.  It doesn't sound like much, I know.  But have you done some squats, lately?  haha!

The big plan is to get through the craziness of next week's end-of-school parties and the big graduation ceremony.  And when I say big, I really mean it!  I think there are over 1,400 students in my daughter's graduating class.  It'll be pretty amazing, I'm sure!  I don't know when I'll get a decent amount of exercise with all the goings on, though I plan to get at least a bit.

Okee... The plan is to resume P90X3 and TurboFire.  Also, I want to introduce Insanity!!  I can't wait!

I feel like there was something else to mention... I just can't remember.  haha!  It's been that kinda week.  (^.~)

Oh, and since this is a short FitVlog, I thought it would be fun to mess around with the vid editor.  It makes me look bald and a lil strange.  Which is fine.  I've always been a tad odd!  hahaha!  I'm using Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 12 to create the, shall we say, "ambiance", by the way.

More later~~
Take care!
 (^.^)v

My (mini) FitVlog Update #12

It's going to get crazy this week!  So I thought I'd better post an update, just in case I run out of time later.

This is a short one.  I was in the parking lot at Macy's, about to buy a dress, and had a few minutes to say a thing or two.  I hate shopping!  Has that been mentioned before?  haha!

Anyhow, this Friday is an orchestra banquet.  My eldest daughter's last one, since she's graduating high school this June.  I've never been to one of these banquets.  It's a special occasion, needing special attire.  Finding a dress that fits the event and my backside is difficult.  Particularly, for me!  Oh, did I mention, I don't like shopping? (^.~)  Even so, I found a little something.  It's black (of course) and fairly simple.  I may need to sparkle it up with jewelry or some-such thing.  You'll see a blurry fine pic of it in the video. haha!  That's the best I could do with the iPhone~~because I was too lazy to get out the good camera.

As for the fitness aspect of the video, there are no workout clips this time.  We are doing the same stuff as last week.  However, it's worth noting, I am improving on the push ups.  I feel much stronger than I did on Day 1 of the P90X3 program.  The only thing I haven't noticed is very much weight loss.  I know I'm toning up, but I feel as though some additional cardio will be needed.  It may be time to bring out the mother of all cardio workouts~~ INSANITY!  (O.o)  It's just the thing to do.  I'll keep you posted.

Enjoy the video! (^.^)v        

My FitVlog #10

Yes, I've had to resort to numbering the FitVlogs.  I can't ever remember what day I'm on!  haha!

With that, here it is...

I should elaborate a bit, but I've been up all night and I may utter complete nonsense.
FAIR WARNING!

Alrighty, this vlog contains more speedy workout video done by me.  This time it's TurboFire, one of my absolute favorite programs.  It's been so long since I've been able to do this, what with the injury and all.

I also talk a bit about my new shoes.  The ASICS Gel-Craze TRs.  So far, they are the only sport shoes I've worn that seem to really support my feet, and part of the reason I'm able to get back to TurboFire.  They're snug, cushy, and stabilizing.  Love them!  Who knows?  I may even be able to go for a jog in them one day.

And there are other a few other things mentioned.  Pretty much, I'm trying to stay motivated and encouraged.  One way to do that is to not compare my fitness journey with the journeys of others, even though I certainly wish everyone success!  It seems, though, this time around I'm having a harder time achieving my goals.  It's a process, to be sure.  I'm still learning what my weaknesses are and how to overcome them.

Another struggle I have is watching myself in these FitVlogs.  I'm still trying to get used to seeing myself looking the way I do in the videos.  I don't feel like I look.  If that makes any sense.  I do realize the camera is a bit wonky.  It has a fish-eye distortion.  So my skinny ankles look even skinnier, and my feet look really tiny!  hahaha!  Unfortunately, the camera emphasizes my midsection in an unflattering way.  I should film using the Canon Vixia instead of the GoPro, I suppose.  It'll just be more difficult to see what I'm doing, since my filming space is so small.  Either the top or the bottom will be sacrificed.

First world problems.  I know.  It's ridiculous, really.

Moving on...

Enjoy the video! (^.^)v

 

 

Quick FitVlog Update--Week of April 7

This is FitVlog Update Day Something-ner-other!

I haven't looked at my fitness calendar, so I truly have no idea what day I'm on.  Maybe I should just start numbering the vlogs all cold-like, without feeling--"FitVlog #2" and so on.  It would be so much easier!

So, wherever I am on the journey, this particular video is very short.  I didn't include anything from our workouts, but that doesn't mean we haven't been doing them!  Actually, I do have some workout video.  I inadvertently put it on the external drive and forgot about it.  Maybe some of it will show up on the next update.  Though, like mentioned, there's nothing to see here.  Move along.  hahaha!

In other news... of the video-ing sort...
I'm still trying to figure out the best way to edit videos, so that posting can happen quickly and more frequently.  Loads of times, I've filmed a thing and neglected to post it, having missed the opportunity to get it out to the world in a timely manner.  So it may sit, untouched, on some dusty storage device, or get deleted and altogether forgotten.  Not to say every video I make has value, but still.

Today, there's a storm brewing.  The GoPro is charged and ready.  If I capture anything interesting, I'll practice efficient editing skills, maybe getting a new video posted by tomorrow morning?

We'll see!

    

FitVlog Day 42 Update!

Video from Day 42 of my fitness journey!

Things have been going along pretty well so far.  We've completed a week or so of P90X3, which I talk about in the vid.  Also, I show a super quick montage of some of the workouts we did.

Lately, we've been a bit busy with loads of other goings on, thus a couple of workout days have been sacrificed.  No worries...  We'll be back at it soon enough!

Along with the FitVlog vids, I'm currently working on a short tutorial of sorts.  This one is about a nail polish look inspired by the cosmos.  The polish is beautiful, though I don't think the video does it justice.  No matter, the tutorial is meant to be fun and lighthearted.  It's coming soon, I hope!

In the meantime, enjoy the FitVlog!
Take care! (^.^)v