Skipping my way into shape

I have to be honest. The whole running thing I promised to get back to is just not working for me. I tried it, I really did (hmm, does 5 times count as trying?). I don't know why I can spend the whole day walking in the mall but cannot for the life of me go running around the park 5 times. ;p

But I want to get back into shape. People who know me say I don't need to lose weight, I look fine as is. But let me give you the background story. Luckily, I've been thin all my life. My weight before I had kids was always around 100 lbs. Actually, there was a time I was so thin, it didn't look good anymore. Blame it on my super fast metabolism when I was younger that allowed me to eat all the rice I wanted without gaining weight.

Now, after 2 kids, I'm about 120 lbs. That's actually a good weight for me but the problem is I've developed flabs from just sitting around all day at home and eating a LOT. My super fast metabolism has also slowed down I think. What I want to do is tone my body, get a nice butt, lose the fat in my arms, and of course tighten my stomach. Basically, to get back to my pre-pregnancy body, only better. I'm attending a friend's wedding in Boracay this November so I'm really motivated to look good in a bikini by that time!

Since the running thing hasn't worked out, I'm now trying a new exercise routine... skipping rope! I loved doing this when I was a kid. In fact, I'm pretty good at it!

According to this article, jumping rope improves cardiovascular fitness while toning muscle at the same time. Its a great calorie-burner, strengthens the upper and lower body, and is good for the heart. It also says that you'd have to run an eight-minute mile to work off more calories than you'd burn jumping rope (yey!).

Hopefully this works out for me. I'll keep you guys updated on my progress and if it does improve my body. Fingers crossed! =)

My first yoga experience

My mother-in-law invited me to try a bikram yoga class last week. Actually, to be honest, I've never even been remotely interested in yoga before. Not even when all my friends started going to classes and raving about it. But since one of my resoultions for this year include trying out new things, I gamely said yes. =)

here I am waiting for the class to start...

The class was held inside our village (the yoga instructor had a studio in her house), so I felt that the experience was cozier and much more intimate. We were 10 in the class (9 girls and 1 guy) with ages ranging from 20 to 50+. I used to imagine that bikram yoga was only done by people with toned and perfect bodies who wore practically nothing so it was great to see a diverse group with different body types in the class. It made it less intimidating for a first timer like me.

The studio was heated (which helps with the stretching) so we were all sweating buckets 10 minutes into the class. At first, we wanted to stay in the back of the room (shy kasi haha) but then the instructor moved us into the front since the heaters were in the back and it might be too hot for us beginners. Well, it was a 90 minute class but I barely felt it since I enjoyed it so much! I was surprised that I could really keep up and do the poses. I even loved the heat since I felt like I was really cleansing my body from all the toxins. It was funny though since I actually brought Gatorade to drink, and at the end of the class the instructor told me that drinking Gatorade was a major no-no (only water please)! Anyway, I thought that after doing the class I'd be so tired, but it was actually the opposite. I felt so energized and refreshed!

I'm really happy I did try this out. Now I know why so many people are getting into yoga. For sure, I'm definitely coming back. =)

War Runner

Congratulations to Vins for finishing his first ever full marathon last Sunday at the Condura Skyway run! He ran the 42k course at around 5+ hours. According to him, that was the hardest thing he ever did (hmmm, try niya kaya manganak? joke!). I wanted to come and see him at the finish line just like what we did last year, but the race this year started at 12 midnight (exag!). I couldn't sleep the entire time though. I woke up at around 5am and waited for Vins to call and update me about his run. Anyway, we just took pics when  he got home hehe!

GOOD JOB!!!

HUGE MEDAL! Vins will wear this daw for 1 year (sige lang ha!)

Sabe, the future triathlete. He'll start training when he turns 3 daw... good luck!

patay gutom Sabe! He really will eat ANYTHING!

We just spent the whole day at home with Vins sleeping and recuperating. As a treat, we ordered Papa John's pizza in the afternoon while watching War Horse (which I LOVED!). The movie was very fitting to what Vins endured during the marathon, haha! ;p

Anyway, I'm so proud of Vins for finally doing this. He's been training so hard despite his busy schedule and I'm glad it paid off. He has a couple of triathlon races lined up this year, but the next biggest one is the Ironman 70.3 in Cebu this August. So good luck and more training for him!