My Workout Routine, Un-Routine

     Getting ready to workout is a routine, the working out is a routine, what you do post workout is a routine.  That's why mixing things up, is so important.  This includes what I eat beforehand so I don't  lose steam mid lunge or tricep kickback, during, and after when my muscles have the j-e-ll-o feeling.

  I'm on a low carb, high protein, lots of water and pro-biotic diet.  I talk more in depth about my health and my diet reasons here.  I eat a lot of yogurt, sweet potatoes, rice cakes with peanut butter, chicken, greens, and without fail- some tomato.  I keep the carbs for morning/early afternoon meals so they are burn throughout the day, and only protein and vegetables for the evening. 

 

 

Kale and tomato egg white scramble & 1/2 avocado

     

     Before heading out, I like to make sure I set myself up for a successful "shed"!  I do that by making a cup of coffee or having an apple.  If coffee or fruit is not your preference, ETB has a great pre-workout formula that will give you the power to push through your limits.  Whatever you choose, be ready to sweat!   

Pre-work out food/drink options: 

- pre-work out

- coffee

- green juice (link to recipe)

- kale & blueberry smoothie (link)

- peanut butter on a rice cake & yogurt

- 1 microwaved sweet potato

- an apple

- granola bar

                                           

Yummy green juice

     

      For the most part, those who decide to make their life revolve around getting fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will eventually hit a plateau.  The beginning weeks are full of energy, excitement and regimented.  Then a couple months go by and the excitement dwindles and our bodies get bored with the workouts.  That means it's time to change it up!
     I am a believer in building your "Workout Arsenal".  Having workouts that are static, dynamic, functional, and therapeutic are good to have in your back pocket.  Or should I say, gym bag?  I usually run the workouts in my head beforehand.  If that day is all about using the machines, I make sure to have the next day be more dynamic (without machines) exercises using the kettle bell and resistance bands.
     Having a workout buddy is great, here is mine.  She is more of a static exerciser, and me the functional exerciser.  It's a good balance because we push each other to different limits and at the same time build our "Workout Arsenal".

     In addition to good fuel, I need good music to push me through!  While on the treadmill I like songs that have a build up to the chorus and believe it or not, country.  My playlist is sporadic.  And is constantly changing.   

Here are some songs I listen to:

- "Roller Coaster" Luke Bryan

- "Wake" Hillsong Young & Free

- "New Thang"-Redfoo

- "What You Do To Me" Dan+Shay

- "We Can't Stop" Miley Cyrus

- "Post To Be" Omarion ft. Chris Brown and Jhene Aiko

- "Somebody" Natalie La Rose

- "Return of the Mack" Mark Morrison

- "Set The World On Fire" Britt Nicole

- "Do It Again" Robyn

- "I'm So Excited" Anja Nissen

 

Stretches

     For both beginning and ends of my workout I do a yoga/stretching sequence.  It changes according to which body parts were worked that day.  Switch up the routines from standing to floor routines.  You'll be amazed at how much strength it takes to hold plank after a day of chest and arms.  Better yet, Downward Dog!  Challenge yourself.  The change in routine will bring the change in your body...and mind!

     To make sure my work outs don't go to waste I replenish my body with nutrients that repair muscle.  My workouts end around dinner and once I get home I have anything high in protein.

Post workout food/drink options:
- protein shake
- glass of almond milk
- spoon of peanut butter
- chicken breast & vegetables
- yogurt
- string cheese

 

My other workout buddy! 

     One thing that should NOT be changed is how much water you drink!!!  If you must, the ONLY change should be to drink MORE.  I drink at least a gallon a day.  I started this a week ago and my belly has never been flatter!  You will get tired of using the bathroom, but it is worth it.  Our body needs it.  If you're not fond if the tasteless drink, add flavoring to it...lemon, cucumber, fresh berries, herbs.  Aim for half your weight in ounces and work your way to a gallon or more!  

Small changes with big differences,

-Jeanine Faith

Don't Let Your Struggle Be Your Identity

 

 These were the three words that appeared to me in a jumble of other words and letters.  It was a post on Facebook and thought it was witty.  Just a little activity that makes you feel good about yourself.  Yes, all the words that could be found are positive and uplifting, and at the risk of sounding cliche or cheesy, these words were what I needed at the moment.  I'm betting that's the point.  This Post-It has been on my board since that time I scrolled down Facebook.  Thank you, person that posted it.   

 Make a wish!  

  

   

  My friends and family know I have been an occasional resident of the hospital.  (Wait does that make sense?  Oxymoron?)  I have a history of Small Bowel Obstructions due to a ruptured appendix when I was 12 years old.  Now I am 27 and have been through three major abdominal surgeries with scars to prove it.  They are my battle wounds, although they caused pain, I am proud of them.  Since I continue to live, my body will continue to produce scar tissue within me which causes my organs to get trapped in their webs.  Specifically speaking, my bowels.  I went through 6 years of thinking I was "out of the woods" then one night last year, pain struck.  I found myself in the Emergency Room, once again.  The words, "You have a bowel obstruction." released the flow of tears.  "God, why?  I cannot be going through this again!  I don't want the procedures!"  Then a hint of peace comes over me, "Jeanine you can do it, it won't last forever.  You've been through it before.  You are not alone." (Deuteronomy 31:8)

     As I type, I feel as if I am back in that ER bed with the doctor standing in front of me.  No, I was not alone.  God gave me someone who waited the long hours with me, family praying, and parents who, in the middle of the night drove 3 hours to be by my side.  If that's not God's goodness, I don't know what is.  

     Then 2 weeks ago, I felt the all too familiar pain...again.  I just came back from the gym and had a protein shake!  All good things for my body!  I slept off the pain but I couldn't hide from my concerned parents.  For the past 2 weeks I was the occasional resident on the 3rd floor.  Nurses, doctors, and phlebotomists knew me!  I had pizza parties in my room!  I could not eat anything, I just asked to smell the food.  Talk about self-control...or self-torture.  It's all good to me!  No pain no gain...ha ha ha. 

One breath, another wish!

 
 With age comes wisdom.  With experience comes discernment.  With God all things are possible.
There were dark moments, literally.  I was alone in the room(s), taking CT scans, X-Rays, getting poked, laying on exam tables, going to sleep.  Even when I was surrounded by loved ones, no one knew my pain- physically, mentally, and emotionally.  I can't even think about what it was doing to my parents.  God was the constant through it all,  He is the only one whose promises did not fail.  I found myself praying this verse:
                                     

 

  
     Man can only do so much.  God can do it all.  The creator of life knows my inner most being.  That's what I held onto then, it is what I hold onto now.  There is no cure for what I have.  I can watch what I eat, I can be a fitness guru, I can do everything to de-stress, I can lay in a hammock all my life and these adhesions (scar tissue) can pinch a bowel at anytime.  If it happens, it happens.  My trust does not lie in the universe and it's forces, it stands on the One who created the universe and who can change it's forces.  He controls everything and works everything for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  (Romans 8:28)

     There is now a joke about my situation, when it happens..."It's sh**ty."  If you hang out with me long enough you'll be able to come up with your own puns!  You might be thinking, "Why would she make fun of herself?"  Why not?!  Here's a secret: It's okay to laugh, especially if you can about yourself.  I'm in the midst of teaching myself to do that. 

     Hope in the things unseen. (Hebrews 11:1).  Someone helped me realize there is no reason to rush anything.  This world is full of pressures, and with that burdens arise.  She helped me see that I have so many blessings and choices at my door.  But instead of using it as a tool to focus in on a passion of mine, I allowed it to stress me out.  It still does at times, but I am slowly circling in on a vision I have in my heart and mind.  I do not need to know everything or have my ducks in a row.  I am not immune.  We are not immune.  

     For the longest time I thought, "If I could only do this, accomplish this, experience that, save up to buy this, hold onto that...I will have a good life."  It is at that moment, God steps in and does something to shake us.  To shake me.  He rearranged my ducks.  He took my shoulders and turned me, allowing me to see a different view.  The view of Him.  I forgot that my life is to serve Him, not merely just being a "good person" and using Him as a safety net, but by consciously living life to help others' shoulders turn.

 
     If you are still reading, thank you!  This is the first time I've been so open about what has shaped me for the past 15 years.  My hope and wish is to be mouthpiece used by God to help anyone going through the same thing I've experienced.  And hopefully learn from those who have endured more than me.  I just want to reach the world.  A simple girl, who wants to do big things.

  Love you guys, 

Jeanine Faith