Affirmations and My Schwetty's Gym :))

FIRST of all, I apologize for how large the new picture is on the right. When I check the box to make the image fit the screen it is like an inch tall so I figured either an inch tall or 12 inches tall so I went with the 12 inches. ;) I do love the picture because it was my first contest and I got first and I couldn't stop smiling. And I was waving at my hubby. Love that guy. I do.

I'm having a great workout week. It's like once I let go of what I thought I HAD to do, it is coming so easily for me. I took yesterday off because my hubby was sick and I wanted to spend some QT with my hubby. And I was really sore from jumping back into it as well. Today was my third AM cardio day this week and it has been a LONG time since I have done cardio so often in the mornings. I am so excited to see how my body reacts. That is one of my favorite things about working out - that feeling of your body changing and improving.

So, I posted on Visionquester's blog on a comment about my daily affirmation cards and I wanted to share some with you. Yes, this is a cheesy way for me to put a picture on my blog because I have been slacking but watch out, I have more pics to come! :)

My affirmation cards are just on 3.5 x 5 inch note cards and I have the following statements on them:

• I love my body.
• I am healthy and my immune system is strong.
• My abs are lean and toned.
• My lower body is lean and toned.
• Exercise comes first in my life.
• My body fat is 16%.
• I am sexy and confident.
  

Now, I read these while I am doing my morning cardio. I focus on each card and then I visualize each of the affirmations. And I know some of you may think affirmations are silly but I think they are key to success. If you don't believe that you are the things you want to be, you will never get there. I like them so much that I am going to make a second set and keep at work. I have other cards that have other, non-fitness related affirmations but when I read them I literally get happier and feel better. You should try it. And speak in the affirmative - the active - NOT the passive. So instead of saying "I will be 16% body fat" say "My body fat IS 16%." Try it. Believe it. Visualize it. See it.

I also wanted each of you to see my workout room. These pics are tough because it is hard to take a picture since the room is small and it is hard to get a good vantage point to take the picture. But, as you can see, I have a pretty good gym set up. The Body Solid gym we have has an olympic bar and a smith rack (which I LOVE for legs). I also have attachments for leg extension and hamstring curls. And I also have a preacher curl attachment. LOVE IT. I have a trainer for my road bike so that is how I do cycling cardio at home. The ONLY additional gym equipment I would want it a step mill cause it is my favorite cardio equipment.

This is the Body Solid gym we have. My treadmill is over in the corner on the right (it is a space saver and is currently in space saving position).

These are just my dumbbells, medicine ball and ab wheel. Above the bookcase is a TV.

As I mentioned earlier in the week, I am experimenting with food/exercise software to track food and workouts. I may do the fitday log online like Visionquester but I also am testing this Weighmainia software (google it) because I can keep it on my Treo and then it all links together. The key is for me to log it in.

But for now, I am going to post my daily meals for today so you can get an idea of my food:

• 7am: Protein shake w/6oz. Enhanced Soy Milk (4 carbs); Vanilla protein powder; 1 scoop super food, 1TBS flax seed oil.
• 10am: 4 egg whites, 1 whole egg; 2 oz ground turkey w/taco seasoning, 1 TBS low fat ricotta cheese mixed together.
• 1pm: 1 piece of canadian bacon pizza (work meeting) w/side salad and light Italian dressing. 4pm: Egg white waffle - 3 egg whites, 1 whole egg; 1TBS milled flax seed; 1tsp cinnamon; 1/2 scoop vanilla protein.
• 6:30pm: 1 small apple, 1TBS Naturally More PB w/1/2 scoop protein powder mixed together for dipping.
• 9pm: 1/2 banana, 4 egg whites and salad with vinaigrette.
  

So far, that is it. I am doing legs tonight and 1/2 hour of cardio after. I will have some of fast digesting protein after (probably egg whites) along with a salad and some veggies.

Would love to hear everyone's thoughts. Will post my leg workout later. :)) Have a great week and visualize, visualize, visualize. Eventually what you visualize will happen.
Jess