#MyBootcamp Update: Month One
It’s been a month since I embarked on redefining my life from the inside out – getting healthy and fit – with Grant Hill.
One month since I’ve been getting up at 5 am every day (well, every weekday, I sometimes sleep in a little on the weekends) to get my butt kicked in what is aptly called #mybootcamp.
Those of you who were kind enough to comment and cheer me on (thank you!) wanted an update.
First, the bare numbers. In one month, I have:
- Dropped 10 lbs
- Dropped a total of 7.25″ (never mind from where but trust me, they’re all the right places)
- Seen my BMI go from 25.2 (officially overweight) to 23.5 (towards the high end of the ‘normal’ range, both according to this NHLBI BMI calculator.
I could say I’d “lost” weight and inches, but that would imply I wanted to find them. Good riddance as far as I’m concerned!
But over and above that?
- My clothes are fitting better (some are even starting to fall off!)
- I’m eating better (Grant asked me to read The Primal Blueprint and Why We Get Fat; I particularly enjoyed the second one, you should read it, it’s fascinating, and no, I’m not starving myself)
- I’ve started feeling drawn to exercise when I’m stressed, instead of a glass of wine or crap fried munchies
- I’m sleeping better
- I have more energy
- I’m getting stronger – I can actually do the fire hose exercises with some “kapow” now
- I’m more focused when I work
- I’m starting to like the way I look.
I still don’t particularly like running, which Grant makes me do every now and then, as well as to warm up, but oh, well. One can’t have everything.
The birth of a community
When I told you a month ago that I was doing this, I found out about quite a few people who were embarking on similar life-changing plans. And I say “life-changing” with purpose; because for me, this isn’t a diet, or a fad. I’ve been on enough of those in the past.
It’s re-learning how to live my life on my terms.
Some things I have no control over. But I do have control over what I ingest and how I take care of myself. If I don’t, I’m doing a huge disservice to my husband, my family, my friends, my work, my clients, and you.
So when I heard about other people’s determination and efforts in the same direction, I asked if they’d want to set up some kind of support group on Facebook. They did, so I did. And Bootcamp Buddies was born.
I’ve never been involved with support groups before. But I can’t tell you how much this group helps me and, I believe, those who’ve joined.
There are no hard and fast rules; just to be committed to our chosen wellness plans, and share our goals as truthfully as we’re willing to do. That’s the only way we can help each other, and keep each other motivated.
No one makes fun of anyone else, and there’s no commitment to post regularly. But I’ve seen firsthand how it keeps me going, and it’s become a wonderful part of my day to check in with my BBs, as I call them.
And we’re learning so much about each other, including the kind of stuff you often don’t get to know about people unless you’ve known them for years and years. We’re uncovering the remarkable about each other, and it’s quite special.
So that’s my one month update. Let’s see how the second month goes; when I say “let’s see,” I don’t mean “will I stick with it,” but rather, how the numbers continue to move.
Oh, and if you’re on a similar path and think you’d like to become a BB, just ping me on Facebook.
Thank you again for all the encouragement. It means more to me than I can say.
Shonali Congrats on the achievements! Your results are fantastic and the program seems to suit you! I love what you said stick to the wellness plan you choose. I did P90X for 6 weeks but it was not enough cardio for me so then I regrouped and only really use the Ab workout from P90x as it was not what I needed. Cardio is what revs my metabolism and gets my endorphins to kick in. But, I mix it up with strength training through yoga, budukon, kick boxing and bootcamp workouts. All done at home and when I am in the mode all at 5 am (only time to get it in!) Good luck and keep it going (after your recovery!) Take care, Rajka
ExpatDoctorMom I'm hoping to get back to bootcamp next month - keep your fingers crossed for me! That's exactly it, don't you think - we all have to do what works for us. No two people are alike, so why on earth should the same exercise program work for everyone?!
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Good luck with getting back. Since my return from the summer, I can't seem to make 5 am. Can't get to the workout til 6:30AM when I should be focused on the kids. I am experimenting with tapes and online yoga videos. Just did Barry's Bootcamp Extreme 1000 caloried workout.... It was top rated online but, I give it 3 1/2 stars. It is 10 excercises done 100 times (A bit boring!) and Barry does not have a great persona (the most politically correct way to say this!) I may use it here and there... Again good luck. Shonali
ExpatDoctorMom have you discovered Http://www.yogaglo.com/ ? I found it yesterday and took my first yoga class. I've been practicing yoga for close to 20 years? Sheesh. and I thought it was excellent.
I have the same problem as you; I can't work out early in the morning. I commute between Idaho and Chicago. In Chicago, I have access to great weight training classes. I'm trying to find online options for when I'm in Idaho. Shonali
I just found it yesterday as well! It was recommended off a yoga site on my FB page (yama yoga, a studio here in qatar). I posted to ask about peoples favorite yoga dvd's and this is what came up!
Ok, so will have to try it $18/mos is not bad if it is good! I have done years worth of yoga but in several different forms: bikram to ashtanga and now vinyasa flow. So excited it is excellent.
ExpatDoctorMom Seriously? What a coincidence!!!! agreed, I pay way more than $18/month for yoga.
I know very coincidental. One of the women wrote in to say they liked the follow instructors on yogalo: My favorites teacher is Dice Iida-Klein, kathryn Budig and Noah Maze etc.
Here is the link to the thread on facebook, scroll down to Sunday: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yamayogastudios/?i... under my post on yoga DVD's Lisa Gerber
Lisa Gerber I saw you posted about YogaGlo on FB and was going to check it out! ExpatDoctorMom
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Congratulations Shonali ! Keep up the amazing work :)
Wow! Congratulations, Shonali. As soon as I am able after giving birth, I will definitely follow in your footsteps. Oh, in fact, I may just follow you on your healthy eating diet now. My doctor has admonished me not to put on any more pounds except the ones that will be brought on by the baby. I am very much overweight now. Standing at only 5 feet and one inch, I shouldn't weigh 135lbs even with an almost 3-month old fetus growing inside me. :( So, aside from the reading materials you mentioned, do you have any tips to share with me?
KimDavies You must be so excited about your baby - congrats!
Well, I'm not a doctor or nutritionist, obviously, but I'm really enjoying eating "primal," which basically means cutting out all non-nutritious carbs, i.e. most processed foods, fruits and vegetables that are particularly high in sugar, and then... sugar in any form. That is also something I've seen work for my body/type in the past. The good thing is that I don't really have a sweet tooth, so the sugar part is easy for me. My downfall is that I love fried, crunchy, salty snacks. But honestly - once I started eating right, I haven't felt the urge to have any of those.
Given that you're pregnant, you'll probably want to check with your doc how far you can go while still providing your baby the nutrition s/he needs. But my guess is that you could do without a lot of the processed stuff, and give your baby the nutrition s/he needs (and you, of course!) from good meats, dairy, vegetables, etc.
Keep us posted, Kim, and congrats again!
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Shonali Thanks for the felicitations and the advice, Shonali. The sad thing is I have a sweet tooth and ice cream is one of the foods I am craving for now. Add that to lasagna and you know what that means, instant weight gain. I wish I do have your strong will right now.
Keep pushing. You should be proud of yourself. New habits lead to good things.
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TheJackB Thank you! How ironic is this - the very day I post this update (feeling on top of the world in the morning) - I start feeling not so good in the evening... and now I have to have surgery today (Saturday)... which means no bootcamp for a while. Aaaargh!
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Shonali Ah, sorry to hear that. Well I will wish you a speedy recovery and hope you are up and at 'em again ASAP.
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ShonaliTheJackB Oh, so sad to hear that. What is your surgery for?
ShonaliTheJackB Hey Shonali, what's this all about? Did I miss something on BB? I'm sending you lots of positive vibes, well wishes and sunshine, my friend, for a speedy recovery:)
Congrats that's SO cool! You must feel amazing!
The diet alone makes you feel a million times better I'm sure!
Well done you!
Ameena Falchetto Thank you! Yes, eating "right" helps HUGELY. Honestly, when I see people sharing pix of gooey cake & stuff I feel nauseous. I never thought that would happen.
I do feel so much better, and it's like John Falchetto said... if I skip a day, I feel terrible (not just guilty, but I feel sluggish) - so I get back to it as soon as I can. Haven't skipped too many days, though; I think 3 altogether this past month, when I wasn't feeling too well. I figured it was better to let my body rest than push it when it didn't need it.
Shonali, wow. So proud of you and what you are doing. sorry, I have not been contributing to the BB's or working out very consistently either. As I have shared with you before, getting the biz up and running this last month has kept me extremely busy. I know, there is a balance and you have found it. I will too. Keep up the great work, as you are inspiring and motivating a lot of people. Thanks again for taking on this "life changing" exercise and including me in the BB's. You are Awesome !
Al
Al Smith Thanks! Hey - I know you're going through a crazy time, and congrats again on getting the biz up. But you KNOW that you have to have a healthy body in order to keep it going, right...? So you will find your balance, I know, and in the meantime, it's good to have you in the group (and everywhere else!).
Congrats, thats awesome!!!!
I am not in bootcamp perse, but hubby & I are doing the Couch to 5k program! We are on week 8! Basically went from couch potatoes to runners in 9 weeks! Its more running than I have ever done in my life. Seeing some results, but know I need to step up my game.
My goal like you is to do this not only for myself, but for my husband & kids. Like you said its something we actually do have control of. And, I want to set a good example!
Keep going, Shonali!!
sydcon_mktg That is GREAT - congrats! I'm slowly getting my husband involved as well... starting off with the *right* kind of eating. I think even he is stunned at how I'm sticking with this and how good I feel. I sometimes literally bounce off the walls, LOL.
So glad to hear C25k is working for you... if you'd like to join our Facebook group, just let me know!
sydcon_mktg That's fab Jennifer!
Rock on, Shonali -- I've been at the regular workout regime for about 10 years. I weigh 20 lbs less than I did in high school, and feel great. I still enjoy my wines, but the food side has been terrific for years. As @howiespm and ginidietrich say here, once you get into it, you never want to stop. I do 4-6 days per week for 30-60 minutes depending on the day. And, we walk, hike, bike, do yard work, etc., in addition to the basement gym. Congrats on finding a program that works for you!
commammo I remember you telling me about your weight when we met last year and I couldn't believe it. It's crazy how good this makes you feel, no? Oh - we should work out together the next time we see each other! Congrats on keeping it going for so long, Sean! HowieSPM
Wow Shonali always the inspiration!I must say it is harder to start exercising than to keep exercising. And it is that fear that keeps me running and exercising. Sadly I have a sweet tooth for food in general LOL
Tell me when I should talk to my agent about getting you some UFC match ups.
HowieSPM That is true. That's why I always ended up quitting the gym when I'd sign up, after a couple of weeks. Ugh, what a waste of money that was. With this, though, I can't avoid it; granthillfit comes right to my doorstep, so I can't get away, LOL. And I don't want to; last night, for example, I was really tired (finishing up grading my papers), but the boost I got from today's workout was great.
UFC match ups? Oh my... what do you think I am, Wonder Woman?! ;)
I do have a complaint for you, Howie. Stop posting those darn Chunk-n-Chip cookie pics on Facebook. I don't have a sweet tooth, but even I am tempted!
HowieSPM My motto is 'I eat, therefore I run'...............
Shonali! This is awesome! I'm so happy and proud of you! Boot camp sounds awesome and as a runner I think it would be very cool to try. Thanks for sharing your update and for encouraging others to take care of themselves!
rachaelseda Thank you! You know, you should just move close to me, and then we could do #mybootcamp together... just sayin'...
From one BB to another...CONGRATULATIONS! You are doing such an awesome job, and our little BB group has been such a support to all of us on the journey of health. My 5K run is on Monday (if I can do it, you can do it KenMueller ), I'm going to participate in a few more 5Ks this fall, then start training for a 10K with my running club. Can't say as I get the "runner's high" that others talk about...my knees are definitely feeling it...but it feels so good to have a goal(s) and achieve it!
Bravo to you Shonali! Cheers! Kaarina
KDillabough Thank you - and I can't wait to hear about your 5K on Monday. And yes, KenMueller can do it, I completely agree with you. You are great in keeping the BB group going too.
So guess what, Kaarina? Today I actually felt like I *might* be able to do this running thing! I was picking up my feet faster, and while I didn't actually *love* it, I got a tiny adrenalin spurt when I did it. So there might be running hope for me yet, ha!
ShonaliKenMueller I'm not sure that I'll ever "love" running, but I do love the accomplishment of goals, and the way that regular exercise makes me feel...other than the knees, haha! I say...do what works for you, whatever that may be. Cheers! Kaarina
KDillaboughKenMueller Way to go on your upcoming 5k!! We are doing a couch to 5k program here & are on week 8 of 9 so we are looking for a 5k for October!! I have run more in the last 8 weeks than in my entire life! And KenMueller If I can do it, so can you!! The app for couch to 5k is a great tool!
Cant wait to hear all about your 5k Kaarina! Best of luck!
sydcon_mktgKenMueller Thanks Jennifer. I think the couch to 5K program is similar to the "back to running" program I started 10 weeks ago. Did a solid run this morning, so I'm feeling GOOD:) Thanks for the well wishes. Cheers! Kaarina
Oh butter chicken, where art thou?
This is fantastic and hopefully it a lifestyle that becomes habit and easy to maintain. If you don't have your health, you really don't have anything; regardless of how much money you have.
Thanks for sharing and can't wait for the bikini poses..............:)
bdorman264 Ha, the butter chicken will come... when you visit. :) Don't know about the bikini poses, though, LOL.
I very much hope I do maintain this. The thing is, I am really enjoying it. I'm enjoying becoming this "new me." So when one enjoys something, one is more likely to stick with it, no? At least, that's what I hope. Thank you, Bill!
Woot! Congrats Shonali, it's addictive also. Taubes is one of my favorite authors, he goes against a lot of the current dogma about carbs, fats and food.
I couldn't agree mor with ginidietrich and Lisa Gerber it's a lifestyle. Not a diet, not just for one month. You change the way you look at your body, and what you put into it.
Well done, Bravo :)
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John Falchetto It IS addictive! And I love Taube's writing; he does go against so much conventional wisdom, but the way he breaks it down is killer. After I read WWGF, I felt like the scales had dropped from my eyes.
Thank you for your support, my friend. It means a lot.
Nothing beats that feeling, huh? dropping inches, clothes fitting, self-esteem better.... I'm very excited for you. AND, it's true - you start to get cranky when you miss a day of exercise. It is truly amazing what a good run, (or for me - a yoga, mountain bike ride, run in the woods. for you - fill in the blank) can do to change your entire mindset in one hour. It helps you problem solve in a more rational and sane manner, and it makes you all around more productive. I used to have that written right into my bio my website; that I might be out on the trail or enjoying some powder, but trust me, it still benefits the client.
Now I'm headed over to join your FB group. :)
Lisa Gerber Nope, it's incredible. I even did better on the running today, and you've seen me complaining about how much I hate that. And it really does make you more rational and productive! I'm considering adding in yoga or pilates this month or next... we'll see.
And I'm so happy to have you in the FB group!
You are my hero!
heatherhuhman Aw, that's so sweet. I felt really good today; I was proud of myself!
Thanks for this, Shonali. As you know I'm about to embark on a much less ambitious, but still daunting path as I try to get a bit more in shape. I'm going to start the Couch to 5k program TOMORROW morning (was supposed to be today but...it was a rough morning after a rough night!).
So I'll report back. Good idea to set some benchmarks and measurement at the start and see where I go!
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KenMueller I wouldn't call it less ambitious! We each have our own personal goals; so if I want to drop 35 lbs, that doesn't mean you have to, right? I'm SO glad you're starting C25K... I really really REALLY think you should join our FB group, right KDillabough ?
Definitely do the benchmarking - it's a great boost. I have a little spreadsheet I set up, and every week I track my weight and inches. I even got Mr. B involved, LOL. He's a little behind me on the exercise plan, but has joined in on the eating, and so far even he has lost 4 lbs (in 2 weeks).
You can do it, Ken. I know you can.
I did this about 10 years ago. I'd never exercised a day in my life and I weighed 135 pounds (which is a lot for my little 5'3" frame). It's the best decision I've ever made, but you're right, you're changing your life. Eating well and exercising is a lifestyle. It's not a diet. It's not something you do to lose 10 pounds and 7.25" (good girl!). It's something you do to lose it and keep it off. And, I'll tell you what, when you are in the habit of exercising and eating well and then you miss a few days or eat some junk, you'll feel terrible. You'll still want the glass of wine and fried foods, but it will be less and less. People always ask me when I sleep. I sleep like a freaking baby because I exercise. That whole insomnia thing only hits me when I haven't been riding (usually in the dead of winter). Overall, you're more healthy and happy. I'm so happy to read this and SO VERY PROUD of you!
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ginidietrich That was incredible of you to share your earlier weight - so many of us don't want to do that. We do in the FB group, though... well, some of us, I understand if it's not for everyone. But having seen you, I cannot BELIEVE you were overweight!
Thank you, Gini! I used to sleep well until a couple of years ago. The change in the past month has been amazing. Also, and this is funny, the days I don't do #mybootcamp, I take at least one of our dogs out for a walk, so we invariably meet people from the 'hood. The other day, Mr. B & I took all three, and there were at least 5 people who waved at me. I could only recognize 2 of them. Mr. B looked at me and asked if I'd suddenly been crowned the neighborhood queen. The only thing I could think of was that they're seeing me more often... and our outdoor gym is sparking quite a bit of curiosity!
[...] still wreaking havoc on my body; so much so that on Thursday evening (ironically the day I shared how one month of #mybootcamp has gone), I was doubled over in pain as the irregular bleeding I’ve been dealing with for years was [...]
[...] to focus on myself, specifically my weight. I was inspired by Shonali’s post about her 30 day boot camp challenge and decided that 16 months on I don’t have an excuse to be carrying what’s left of my [...]