Holy moly… I can’t believe it’s already been 24 days since I started this challenge!! Time seriously flies the older you get. I have so many good things to discuss that came from this challenge. But first, I wanted to share with you an example of the workouts I followed during the past 24 days.
I did a mixture of group classes at Lifetime Fitness, at home workouts with Tone It Up & Nike App, and running at White Rock Lake & Katy Trail. My goal was to work out at least 5 days a week, and I accomplished this goal. I prefer working out in the mornings because by the end of the day I’m exhausted. So it just works. Plus, my day starts on such a positive note whenever I do get my workout in first thing!
Here is a list of every single workout I completed (the numbers correspond with the day of the month):
- LTF Class – Barbell Strength
- LTF Class – Vinyasa Yoga
- At Home – TIU + Nike
- Rest
- LTF Class – TCX
- Run Katy Trail (4 Miles)
- Rest
- Run White Rock (2 Miles), 1 Hour Gym Sesh @ LTF
- Walk/Jog Katy Trail (3 Miles)
- Rest
- LTF Class – Barbell Strength
- LTF Class – Warrior Strength
- Run Katy Trail (3.5 Miles)
- Rest
- Run Katy Trail (3 Miles) + Intense Shopping (Burned 250 cals)
- LTF Class – Vinyasa Yoga
- Rest
- Rest
- LTF Class – Kickboxing
- LTF Class – Tabata
- Run Katy Trail (3 Miles)
- LTF Class – Barbell Strenth
- Walk to Knox Starbucks, then down to West Village/Errands/Shopping
- LTF Class – TCX
Pros vs Cons of the Challenge:
I can say I did learn some things from this challenge. The first is that I need to not put so much pressure on myself to be perfect all the time (or at least pretend to be perfect all the time). I definitely think this comes from wanting to prove to the world that just because I’m young, doesn’t mean that I can’t do a really good job at work and be a good person. Social media, people who aren’t nice and even my work does a number on me sometimes. Caring about these things isn’t the best trait of mine and this challenge made me realize that I do need to relax a little and worry less about others.
Pros:
- The workouts made me feel stronger and more confident
- Practicing control with alcohol
- Proving to myself that I can stick to something
- Learning how many calories are really in the foods I eat
- Learning how supplements can enhance your workouts/results
Cons:
- On some days, especially in the beginning, I got down on myself dwelling on the things I couldn’t have anymore (food/alcohol) and I focused too much on this instead of how it would pay off
- Feeling sick the first couple of days from either the new supplements or apple cider vinegar that I took wrong
- Not being able to drink (although I didn’t stick to this 100%)
- Not losing a bunch of weight
The other thing I wanted to point out was that a 3-week/24 day challenge is NOT a guarantee to lose a ton of weight. For some people, you do lose 10 pounds or so. For me, it was more of a test of my willpower and dedication. I lost about 3-4 pounds total. The consistent workouts (weights often included) may have resulted in an increase in muscle.
Honestly, I wanted to lose more pounds and in part I blame myself for not sticking to the diet on 3 specific occasions: Easter, the Big Taste in Fort Worth and the Little Black Dress charity event I went to with my mom. However, I don’t think it would’ve made a huge difference. Maybe 1 or 2 more pounds.
Overall, my goal was to accomplish two things: a stronger workout habit of intense workouts 4 to 5 times per week and learning to drink with intention (not like a bottomless pit).
Dallas is a hard place to stay sober, especially on the weekends. We don’t have the beautiful ocean or mountains, and we have tons of bougie brunches, bars, breweries and wineries. ALL of my friends drink and not being able to do so was rough. However, as a young adult that wants to be conscious of her weight, appearance, and well-being, I liked the idea of practicing more control. Especially in social situations. And this I did!
I plan to continue to work out 4-5 times per week and pursue an active lifestyle. Before this challenge, I worked out about 2-3 times per week. The increase in frequency truly did make me a happier and overall more positive person.
I also plan to continue to be more aware of the alcoholic beverages I consume both at home and in social situations.
Last but not least, I now am a big fan of the Advocare product line. Message me for more info on this if you’d like to learn more 🙂 Below is an outline of what I took:
Next week I will post some final thoughts on the challenge and include some photos of final results! Thanks for following along. Have a Happy Hump Day!