The resolutions have begun, the weight loss promises are in full affect, and the gym memberships have been purchased. The new year gets everyone in the mood to be the best them, just hoping it lasts longer than two weeks!

My New Years Resolution is to continue to work on taking everything with a grain of salt, as well as, working on the best version of me as a daughter, sister, friend, trainer, and teacher. Maybe 2016 is the year to patch up loose ends and find happiness in the cracks of accomplishments.

Two friends have agreed to participate in my 90-day fitness challenge. If you read above, Stefanie did this challenge three years ago and had great success. I hope the same for them! Jessica and Tracey will take you on their journey in their blog above. They will tell you the ins and outs, except this 90-day challenge will be slightly different. It will be an online training program. Cold winters keep us in but they will not be an excuse of why we can not workout. Through Skype, phone calls, text messages, and this blog we will travel together to reach the goals that they have set for themselves. 

Rules for the 90-NoBadDays Challenge!
- they must blog everyday
- they must do my workouts three times a week
- two workouts a week must be done on their own
- measurements and pictures must be posted along the way
- two cheat meals a week are allowed but nothing too extreme as a "cheat meal"
- no fastfood!
- no beer or soda
- food should consist of anything without a food label
- no food should be consumed if the shelf life is longer than your age
- if they do not understand the listed ingredients in any food, it should not be eaten
- no supplements

I think I have covered all of the guidelines. They are in charge of how they want the results to go, I am here for guidance, support, and motivation.

Good luck ladies!

Until next time...
Stay Healthy!

 

I do not fit into the stereotype of what a woman "should" look like. I know what they "should" look like because society has showed me, so notice I am speaking from facts and research. I was never skinny, not fat either. Never flabby, nor could you see my bones. I always had this athletic build which is why I could be mistaken for a lesbian... Yeah? I am just as confused as you are. Since I workout or have a muscular build then I must be more masculine than feminine. My body type only fits a certain mans likings because most men are "intimidated" by a woman who workouts...once again, just as confused as you are. 

Then there is the famous four words that I hear ALL the time that make me cringe with each syllable, thank God there's only one. FLEX. Here's a recap- Society has made me feel weird in my own skin, I have always felt different, I would compare myself to every girl walking by noticing how beautiful they were and how strong I was, and I would constantly turn compliments into ridicule. I finally realized why I have struggled with the way I have looked for so long. It initially began over the years from comments of people who may think they're giving a compliment but they are really making me feel uncomfortable, out of place, and most of all- strange.

As mentioned before, there is always one questions that tops the charts every time-
Can you flex? Just flex one time for me. Come on just once. Please!

Unfortunately, my circus days are done. I am not here to entertain you. No, I will not flex for you so please stop treating me like a circus act. If you want to see what a flexed muscle looks like, Google is the answer or walk your tail into the gym and see what you find. It is awkward and it makes me extremely uncomfortable. With that being said, you are one of the people who has caused me to be extremely self-conscious about how different I looked for a very long time. I do not workout for the reaction effect, I workout for me. 

We may need to start a therapy group for this issue...I wonder if anyone else has ever felt this way...

Until next time,
Stay Healthy!

I had a conversation yesterday that went something like the following, "Good morning Stacy". "Good morning", I said with a large bag hung over my shoulder, folders in one hand, a box in the other, as I try to balance my cup of tea on top of it all. "I hate you, as I watch you walk up the stairs." I smile awkwardly. "One day you will be fat and I will make sure I get to witness it!" she says with a smile and then proceeds to laugh. "Don't jinx me", I reply.

She was not the only person to say this to me in this lifetime.

Well... your dreams have come true! 

Today is the day I lost my superpowers. My superpower being - my ability to workout, exercise, and make healthy choices as I select what to eat...

I woke up today with swelling in my ankles, thankful that I had eaten chicken with broccoli from the Chinese restaurant just minutes before I fell asleep last night. It seems like an abundant amount of salt has a beautiful way of singing a lullaby before bedtime. It also left me with pleasant dreams of walking through a pile of wet cement and my swollen salty ankles plowing my way through to safety. I awoke with a smile across my face and my first meal already teasing the tastebuds on the tip of my tongue. A bagel with bacon, egg, and cheese, throwing away the white of the egg for health reasons and just going after the gold! The decision to pick out what to wear is always pretty simple, stretchy black pants with a long black shirt because black is always the most flattering color and today seems like a good day to turn heads. The day got even better when I realized I did not have to tie my shoes because my salty sausages and swollen ankles made the shoe somewhat snug already, what a relief! Also, I would have had to sit down since I can not reach my foot from a standing position...pulling out a chair, sitting down, leaning over to tie, and standing back up sounds like too much exercise all in one day! I packed my lunch with a bag of potato chips (which I will not share), a sandwich, and a Milky Way candy bar (studies  prove that chocolate releases stress and my job could get stressful!). I got into my car, pulling back my seat all the way until situated and then pushing the steering wheel down until it nearly reaches the top roll of my stomach. Ready to drive to work! 

I am happy it is not too hot outside today, you would think the flapping of arm fat would be a personal fanning system but it seems to conduct electricity instead and increases sweat loss. I arrived at work on time and parked, took a scenic walk from my car to the building with frequent rests to allow my breathing to catch up to my lungs. It was like a game of tag, except my breath was never able to physically tag my lungs but the game was exciting while it lasted, gambling with the thoughts of passing out or counting down the steps till I sit down. Finally getting into the building after the thirty step count, I took a trip to the vending machine for a sugar rush and caffeine fix. I saw a co-worker as I was walking and my conversation proceeded something like this- "Good morning Stacy". "Good morning", I said with a large bag hung over my shoulder, folders in one hand, a box in the other, as I try to balance my can of soda on top of it all. Hardly breathing as we continue the conversation, she asks me how my year is going. I respond, and with a smile on her face we walk in separate directions. As I approach the finish line which is the top of the second flight of stairs, I enter my classroom. I can not wait to eat that Milky Way, I guess half now, half later would be fair. I mean I wouldn't want it to melt or just sit around and have to wait for me. Also, after a morning like this, I need something to ease my stress.

Clearly, I can carry this story on and on forever, possibly we can make a part two and you can anticipate the excitement to come. Being healthy is not a choice to resent or banter. Notice, that same coworker would never walk up to my super-powerless self and say "I hate you, as I watch you struggle up the stairs, barely breathing because the fat in your body is weighing too heavily on your organs for them to function correctly." Nope, can't say that, that's rude. News flash- as mom always says "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." 

People that are in shape work hard for it, as we all know there is no magic pill. And NO I am not strange because I workout and NO will I not flex for you, I'll save that topic for my next blog.

Until then...
Stay Healthy!

I have just came back from Albany and there is something about the trees, lack of people, and grass in the neighbors front yards that makes coming back to the city a struggle. As soon as I began to see signs for my exit, a weight crept up on my shoulders and perched itself heavily across my back. Maybe that is why I have muscles, it is a constant workout living here, just trying to keep up with the business that the city has to offer. It felt as if I drove through this bubble of stress and as soon as I reached the perimeter it just latched on and tangled thoughts that made perfect sense just a few hours back.

A three hour drive makes you realize certain things. For one, maybe three out of the three hundred people I have drove next to know how to drive. Also, a drive away from the city more often may be a great way to clear the mind and soul. I felt like I was redirected and have refocused from the drive and the burrito on the way home. Not sure how long it will last but since the aroma is in the air for now, I should take advantage. I definitely could use the boost of motivation after last week. It is time I become more serious and goal oriented. Find an idea and do everything in my power to form that idea into reality. I bragged about being a dreamer, but I am finding that my dreams diminish over time from the fear of failure. Without trying at all, I have already deemed myself a failure so it is probably best I try and fail. That may land me my biggest success. 

But just how do you find that one idea/ goal/ plan that you can then and want to carry out? How do you know when to quit your current situation to dive in head first and indulge yourself deeply into your idea? How do you know this current passion will last? Commitment and risk, the two most difficult words to accept. So what is it we are exactly wanting to go after? How do we find out?

This is much over due.

Here is a list of how to appropriately behave in the gym so no one will hate you. Please read this prior to going out and buying all new "cute" gym clothes.

1. Every part of the gym is for men and women, neither sex claim an area- explore and use!
2. If you do not know how to squat, STOP squatting.
3. If you are squatting, you probably should not wear those shorts.
4. Actually, if you're questioning number 3, reread number 2 and follow it whether or not you know how to squat.
5. If someone is working out and can see themselves in the mirror...then you gracefully walk over and plant yourself in front of the mirror...if the person that was originally there can no longer see themselves in the mirror, and all you see now is your body with two extra arms and legs attached--you're an ass and move out of the way!
6. Stop wearing those clothes you thought were "cute" and focus on actually breaking a sweat.
7. If you can read a magazine on a cardio machine, go home, you are wasting you're time.
8. If you are moaning during a workout louder than you would while having sex, get yourself on match.com and leave the noise at home--the sound of an orgasm does not motivate the people around you. SHUT UP.
9. If you are going to stare at someone at the gym and get caught- Smile (It's a lot less creepy)- maybe even make conversation, it may help in the long run for number 8.
10. If you are having a conversation on your phone, talking or texting, leave the gym. You're bothering us and you're probably texting while sitting on a machine that you can't possibly be using.
11. Just because you showed up to the gym and stayed for 45 minutes, does not necessarily mean you worked out and now you CAN NOT leave and eat whatever you want.
12. If you can't lift the weight, don't...no one is impressed when your legs start doing the two step in mid air.
13. Yes, real women notice guys legs. Work them out! 
14. Talk low...no one cares.
15. Drop the weights and die!
16. Strength is beautiful, functional, and your future self will thank you when you don't look like the rest of the old bags your age. 
17. A woman who works out will NEVER loose her femininity. 

18. Do not look at me like that because I know how to correctly do a push-up...it's awkward.
19. Yes, I am a woman. No, I am not a lesbian. Yes, clearly I workout. No, I don't care what you did today at the gym. 
20. If you are overweight, STOP lifting weights! I'm pretty sure you are not training to be a sumo wrestler. Get your ass on a cardio machine and get your heart rate up! Loose before you build.
21. Selfies at the gym to show progression- GREAT. Selfies at the gym to show you walked in the door- KICK ROCKS!
22. Yes, breasts are fat. If you work out really, really hard your breasts will turn into muscle. If you are concerned about this, you will probably do not workout that hard so you have nothing to worry about. Now, learn how to do a push-up.

This list will probably continue to grow so keep looking back, it will save you in the gym and maybe people will actually appreciate you being there. If you have not memorized this list, DO NOT go to the gym, you are not welcome!

#NoBadDays

Stacy Adams

Regardless of how many years I have been working out, I still am human and like everyone else I get bored of the same routines, same faces, and same equipment. I began working outside this summer and have been using the bars as my stomping ground to give myself an even better workout. It has worked exactly as planned. In the video above, my routine consists of 5 pushups on the highest bar, 5 pushups on the lowest bar, and 5 pushups on the ground. From there I do 5 chin-ups, doing my best to prevent my body from swinging which means I have to engage my core as I pull up. Then I finish with a short cardio exercise which is 10 jumps back and forth over the bar. I did these workouts 4 times. 

The workout still wasn't finished, I ended my workout with a few shoulder exercises and spent the rest of the time messing around on the dip bar to try and build my upper body strength and balance. I have noticed that fear prevents me from reaching my highest potential on the bars because banging my face isn't my ideal workout. I will post another video to show the shoulder workouts!

-It's a lifestyle :)

The Spartan race was awesome! It was really difficult but a great workout. This year the route seemed to be broken down into muscle groups and each workout was tiring out the same muscles over and over again. I had also worked out the two days before the race so I don't know if that is why I struggled more this time around but everything seemed to take a lot more out of me. Possibly I had become significantly weaker from my hand breaking and being completely off of it for two months. I'm not sure... But I did finish the race!

Last year there were a lot more walls and I was able to get over all of them by myself. This year I needed assistance with a couple of them and then hoisted myself the rest of the way. I climbed the rope last year with a slight struggle, this year it took me about 35 minutes to get up it. I was just resting at each knot, trying to convince myself that I could make it the rest of the way. I tried to get myself up and reach for the bell and I missed. I wanted to give up but I waited another 5 minutes, looked at my brother cheering for me from the stands (he finished in 49 minutes) and climb up a little more, stretched my arm as far as it can go and finally hit the bell. Part of me wanted to cry because it was such a struggle but I wouldn't allow myself to give up. I couldn't fathom after all that, not making it and having to do 30 burpees (30 burpees are done for any workouts that weren't completed).

All in all, I finished the race in an hour and 15 minutes. I had to do 2 sets of burpees. One set was because I fell off the monkey bars that were different heights and different distances from each other. The 2nd set of burpees was due to me missing the target during the javelin through (who really knows how to throw those?!?). The race was great! We got awesome shirts and medals.

Now I have been working with a new toy PARALLETTE BARS which are awesome. I am going to try to get into more of a bars routine. I was able to workout with someone who is absolutely amazing on the bars and gymnast rings and I have become obsessed. I want to learn, I want to get better, and they are all about lifting your own body weight which is awesome. Here's a preview of some things I am working on but there's endless possibilities with these workouts.

New routines are great!! I am going to try my best to start posting more videos and pictures on my blog of my workouts. Check them out!!

My hand is finally all healed and I am getting back into harder workouts. I graduated from college (earned my masters degree) –HALLELUJAH! and gave in my tenure portfolio so it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. Now I can focus on hobbies and activities I am really interested in. Hours on the computer writing papers and freaking out about that binder was no fun at all and definitely did not get me into shape. I feel like all that stress shocked my body, I was getting sick more often, not eating well, and I could not sleep for the life of me. Getting back into the routine of a normal life is already feeling awesome and it has only been one week.

 

On top of that, today was my last day of work ---HELLO SPRING BREAK! I had an awesome workout at the park and the best part was at the end, kids started working out next to us and copying the exercises. It was awesome! Between dodging running kids and trying to do pushups without crushing any kids we managed to do 8 minutes straight with a minute break as many reps as possible, then 6minutes, and 4 minutes. We finished the workout with squats and an ab exercise 3 sets of 10. My hands are killing me from the bars and not wearing any gloves, my body’s shaking, so overall I think the workout was great. 

It’s not real unless it hurts!




Tomorrow is the Spartan Race. I’m psyched. It may kill me though. I hope my injuries are healed enough and this damn cold goes away by then. I am definitely going to try my best to get through every workout without doing 30 burpees (killer). Last year, I missed the javelin = 30 burpees and I didn’t finish the rowing machine in under two minutes = 30 burpees. I don’t have hope for the javelin but the rowing machine…I better get. Yeah I guess this is becoming my pep talk for tomorrows race to get my head into it.  Hope this helps!

 

It may be a total shit show tomorrow but at least I get the pep talk in!! I’ll update on the race in the next blog! If anyone else is doing it…GOOD LUCK! And if you see me with a yellow bandana on, dying, maybe offer me a piggy back ride or something :) 

 

Thanks!

 

 

Get it right, get it tight!

These past two weeks I have felt my life was similar to a 25cent machine. From the outside the colors and the options of what you may get once you insert your quarter looks awesome and exciting, however, after you fish through your pocket and finally find the quarter to place into the coin slot, you receive nothing more than a ten second muse and a quarter poorer. As if my outside looks in tack and I seem like I have it all together but inside I'm hurting. I'm hurting for reasons that I can not even talk about because writing or talking about them just reopens freshly weaved scabs. 

After New Years I felt like I had the world at the palm of my hands and I still might be touching it unconsciously with the tip of my finger but it has become much larger than I and has started rolling over my heart like a cement truck. I feel out of control of everything around me, I feel lost, most of all...I feel broken. Last Tuesday I broke my hand. With a lot on my mind and pain in my heart, my strength was not being taken into consideration (not that I am saying I am very strong, I just mean...ehhh I don't know what I mean) well whatever, I broke my hand and I regret it because through the pain, the emptiness, the hurt, and the sadness I have no outlet. I can not go to the gym and workout my stress because...because I am too busy spending my time feeling sorry for myself. This is why I put myself finally on this blog. Two weeks later I convinced myself I couldn't type...

Like I said before I broke my hand two weeks ago on a Tuesday and after going to the emergency room and the excitement of all of that, three days later I got it casted. The pictures below are right before the doctor put the cast on. If I get hurt, I get hurt... no scraped knees here! 

This blog may have made absolutely no sense to anyone who is reading it but it was a way for me to vent since I have not worked out. It was a way for me to express these emotions that I can not wait to be over but currently they are weighing heavy on me. And yes, as seen in the pictures above it could be worse! Right now, not only my hand but my heart is hurting... I am struggling with negative emotions and I am working on finding my strength to move forward. I have succeeded through these hard times before and there is no doubt I will do it again but it will take time. I am rebuilding my foundation and I will work my way up, creating a stronger structure than my last that will withstand a little more than it once could. I need to stay positive, stay busy, and see all the wonderful things that I have lost sight of. Remind myself that everything happens for a reason, that my past is not the direction I want to walk back to, and time heals all wounds. Time will heal me even though right now I feel I am being beat down by my own thoughts and emotions...it will stop soon and happiness will outshine the feelings of regret and hurt...but it will take time...

"On particularly rough days when I'm sure I can't possibly endure, I like to remind myself that my track record for getting through bad days so far is 100%, and that's pretty good".