A personal training & food journal. Read about our weight loss progress at Train With Ron in Chicago, our nutritional habits and the life changes we're making to get in shape and stay healthy!

	March Madness Week 3 Wrap Up
	Posted by Monika Arturi | Comments

Here we go, one week, only 4 days actually, and we’re off to Hawaii. My workouts this week will be on consecutive days. I had previously only set up 3 days but after talking to a friend at the gym Saturday, I changed it to 4. She’s been going 5 consecutive days so I figured I can handle 4. And hey, I’ll get plenty of rest in Hawaii. Am I right?

Last week I had a pretty awesome workout week. I got a chance to workout with DB, Ron and Matt and got four fantastic morning sessions. My personal trainers are really in tune with where I’m at and how much I can handle. The levels of difficulty increase nicely over time and the next thing I know I look down and I’m knocking out 50 sit ups in a row. I’m taking one break in between 25 reps instead of 3. I’m running up 4 flights of stairs 3 times in a row and I’m running all the way through. Do I pant like a puppy on a hot day? Yes, but still … amazing leaps and bounds. Just this week I was doing some squats and realized Hey, my knees don’t hurt! It’s been something that I’ve just learned to workout through hoping my knees would get stronger and the pain would go away. And, now it’s gone. That’s going to open me up to be able to push a  little harder now. I always let my trainers know how I’m feeling, if I have some aches and pains, they adjust my workout as necessary. It’s important to take care of aches and pains.

There is a new picture of me from last week rotating in the My March Madness banner on the right I’ll take one more next week before we leave for our trip. Also, as Dan mentioned, we’ll post an entry from Hawaii to share how we’re working in some activities and keeping up with the nutrition. He’s got 3 days of golf booked and I plan to play some tennis and do some swimming. I love swimming! I think this will be a great test to see how we handle ourselves away from the conveniences of home, trapped by succulent surroundings.

My weight loss this week was again minimal at just a little bit over a pound but I have lost size around my hips and waist. I went clothes shopping today and noticed that I dropped another dress size. Such a great feeling!

There is such a  supportive group of people at the gym. It’s great to be able to motivate others around me and then get that same level of enthusiasm and positivity returned. I don’t see how anyone would not be able to reach their fitness  goals working out with these personal trainers and this group of members. I am so happy and thankful for my progress so far and am already anxious to get started on part two once I return. Not sure if I will continue with the mornings or switch back to afternoons but either way, we’re kickin’ some butt!

	It’s Better in the Morning
	Posted by Monika Arturi | Comments

That’s it! I’m officially switching to morning classes. I switched my evening class today to the morning and have also been there the past two Wednesday mornings. I have a lot more energy. I was flying up those stairs today even after the 3rd round and usually that drains me a lot in the evenings. Dan and I will still work out together on Saturdays but these mornings were just too productive to give up. Plus I’m home by 8:30am and ready to go. I meet new people in the morning than in the afternoon and I really like that. It also ads a 2 mile walk/run to the workout since I hike it up there by myself. So it’s all good stuff. Hawaii coming up around the corner and I’m looking forward to the relaxing and fruity drinks. The place we’re going to, has tennis courts so I will definitely be taking advantage of that. Maybe while Dan plays golf I can trouble someone for a lesson Overall my body is doing good, no soreness just a boat load of energy. Feels good!!

You should pick the time that fits your schedule and where you feel that you have the most energy so that you can give it your all! Try working out in the early morning, then in the afternoon and evening and see the difference you feel between them.