100 Days & Counting

I woke up on Friday, and it was an interesting feeling knowing that I had an actual choice to workout.  The 100 Days of Fitness challenge was complete, and through the thing I told myself that I would take day 101 off. When I got there though, I didn't want to take a day off. For the last 100 days I've told myself that there would be no excuses not to workout, so as day 101 approached I found that I've conditioned myself to that mindset.  I still don't have excuses, so I'm still going strong.

What does that mean now?  I am not limiting myself to any number of days, I'm just going to keep going.  As for the videos, I'm not going to be posting daily because it is really kind of a hassle, especially when I'm in the gym on my own.  But when I do cool/different things, I'll definitely be posting, but probably more on Snapchat than any other outlet - so follow me @JennileaL if you don't already!

Now, the moment you've all been waiting for...my results:

I didn't take measurements the day I started, which is a bummer! The only measurements I have are from about 8 weeks ago, so I know I've lost more than what I have documented, but here is what I have from that point:
Weight Loss:  19 lbs
Inches from 8 weeks ago to now:
Hips: -3 inches
Thighs: -2 inches on each side
Arms: -1 inch off of each arm
Chest: - 1 inch
Glutes: - 2 inches
Calves: -.75 inches on each side.

The photo on the lefts side was taken in September of last year. From the time that photo was taken to the beginning of my 100 day challenge, I had gained about 6 lbs - so I was actually in worse shape by then.

Today, I am confident and so incredibly proud of the changes I've made, the new habits I've formed, and the "no excuses" mentality I've adapted to.  My new motto is definitely that "discipline always wins over motivation," which is something my trainer Jamie has instilled in me.  It's completely true too!  There were several days where I didn't have the motivation to go, but the discipline from this challenge was enough to get me off the couch and into the gym!  This challenge has been completely life-changing for me.

Thanks for following my journey!  I'll be sure to keep updating you along the way as I continue to make changes!  If you're looking to see some results, start the challenge.  It may feel impossible, but I promise it can be done...and it's completely worth it. :)

-jennilea

100 Days of Fitness: Part 2

58 days later...
Brian and I are still going strong on our workouts!  Unfortunately, it hasn't always been on the same schedule though as our work hours are wild, but we're both still putting the work in!

Noticeable changes:
>>I'm down 14 lbs.  Brian is down 22 lbs!
>>I feel more energy.  As soon as my alarm clock goes off, I don't hit snooze anymore!  I'm up and ready to go.  Although I'm sure part of that is the simple fact that I've also been focusing more on getting some good rest in.
>>I suddenly have the best immune system ever.  Seriously, everyone around me has been hit with the plague and I've somehow managed to avoid it.  My trainer Jamie hasn't been sick in years, and she credits it to taking her vitamins and maintaining a healthy level of activity.  I guess she was right!

Overall, I'm feeling 100% better during the day - and whenever I walk by a mirror.

Most of my workouts are done at The Dungeon, and when I can't make it in there for the night Jamie will send me stuff to do at home.  From time to time, I'll also take part in workouts from Kaelin Tuell.

I've been able to step into a few new classes during these weeks too:
>>Water Aerobics: My cousin Bri and I decided we would swim laps one day - and ended up walking in on a water aerobics.  Naturally we just jumped right in and decided to take the class.  It was harder than I thought it would be, but didn't feel nearly as tough as what I normally do.  Nice little break though - and I had a blast.
>>Boxing:  Boxing is on Thursdays, and it has to be my absolute favorite class.  Jamie's husband Josh teaches it and he kicks my butt every time!  I'm noticing that I'm getting stronger, faster, and my stamina is holding up much better from when I first started this class.  Each week, we only get better!

Some things I've loved most during this challenge include trying new things, feeling awesome, and hearing from you guys!  I've had a few friends reach out and say they are taking the 100 Days of Fitness challenge now too which only encourages me to keep pushing!  Congrats on the start of all of your journeys.  I'm really excited to follow your progress and to see how you get creative with your 100 days.

42 days left in this challenge.  I can't wait to see where we are at the end of it!
If you want to follow along in our journey, add me on Facebook or Instagram @JennileaChristine, or follow me on Snapchat @JennileaL.

-jennilea

100 Days Of Fitness Challenge

I find that I'm the best version of me when I'm working on some sort of project - so here is the latest one:

Last week, Brian and I started a challenge called 100 Days Of Fitness.  Our goal is to workout for 100 days straight.  We are posting about it daily and documenting our journey on social media for a few reasons:

>>Progress:  How exciting is it going to be to see our progress 100 days from now?  I can only imagine the new PRs we will be hitting, and how much our bodies will be changing.
>>Accountability:  We've announced it to the world - so we can't stop, right?
>>To Inspire:  We hope that in posting our journey, we will inspire others to be active and hit their own goals as well.

We are 5 days in, and I'm loving this.  Overall, we are both feeling more energized and less tempted to eat unhealthy food so we don't waste all of that hard work,

My favorite thing though, is that we are taking the opportunity to try new things!  In addition to working out with Jamie at The Dungeon, we've been able to experiment with different classes to keep things interesting.  This week, I tried a HIIT class, which kicked my butt, and an Aerial Yoga class - which I feel completely in love with.  Check out a clip of my favorite "trick" here.

So far, I'm pretty obsessed with this challenge, and I'm going to try my best to post about it on here as often as I can.  Feel free to subscribe to this blog or follow my complete journey on social media when you subscribe to one of the platforms on the right (or below if you're on a mobile device).

Only 95 days to go!  Comment below to let me know if you're taking the challenge too!

-jennilea

Decorating. Travel. Fitness.

I've been in my new home for 1 month now - and it's incredible!  Brian surprised me with some awesome decorations for my wall, which we hung up yesterday, so I am all set now.

Everything feels warm and happy - I couldn't imagine a more perfect place to be.

1 week ago, Yessica and I bought our tickets to Italy when prices took a HUGE dip!  We are leaving in just over 5 months - wow!  Flying into Rome, and exploring as much of Italy as possible.  My family has a ton of history there, so I am looking forward to seeing and learning more about that.

I'm also on my fitness like crazy!  Brian and I are on this journey together, so we started our own wee fitstagram:  @Brilea_fit - Yes, couples IG accounts are a little lame, but this helps keep both of us accountable, and motivated - so we are lame together.  haha.  I switched from doing online training at The Dungeon because I found I was just making excuse after excuse to not go in - so this is my first week back to normal in-gym training and I haven't missed a session yet!  Even more exciting, is that I am seeing some major changes in my body - and still getting stronger.  A few months ago, we started assisted muscle-ups using a false grip and resistance bands to help get up there.  One of the resistance bands I had been using broke during another session - leaving two instead of three.  I thought that would be it until Jamie brought in another one - but she had other plans.  Instead of stopping there, she had me try with the 2 bands.  I couldn't even kind of get up there.  Haha.  I was failed time after time and it all felt completely pointless - until one time, when I was finally able to get my arm up.  Within 2 weeks, I got my other arm up - and was finally able to start pulling myself up!  I'm not lifting myself all the way up at this point, but I am closer than I ever have been before.  I feel strong - and I feel confident.

So - here is to adventures and major changes!  I am declaring right here that I've remembered why I started this journey, and I am determined to make the next 8 weeks incredible as I fight my way towards the fitness level I'd like to be at.  Going from this to being healthy is just that; it's a fight. - It is a decision each day to prep my meals, drink a gallon of water, say no to the thing I am craving - unless it's a cheat meal - and to make each scheduled workout!

With the huge amount of support and love from my trainer - Jamie, Team Dungeon, my fantastic boyfriend, and from amazing friends like Kaite (seriously follow her on IG @fromchubba2hubba), Juanita, Toni, and my giiiirl Jessica - I know that I can rock this out - exactly as I have in the past.

I look forward to checking in with you guys each week to let you know how I'm doing as well.

I'd also like to thank all of you for following my journey over the past few years.  Life has changed a ton - but it is so incredibly beautiful. <3

In other news - blue whales are so enormous that a human being could swim through their largest veins. (Check out more cool facts here).

-jennilea

2 More Things and a Familiar Feeling

I have completed a photo album for Jadelynn!  It is 20 pages long, and I used MyPublisher to do so. The program was easy to use, and the book turned out very nice!

Next, I have also completed my belly dancing goal!  The Dungeon has a Bhangra dance class for a few weeks, but unfortunately it did not stay open because we couldn't get enough people to commit to coming to class.  I was pretty sad, because the class was fantastic!  On our last day, Elizabeth let us request a few things, so I requested belly dancing, as it is on my list!  She showed us a few moves, and it is harder than I thought it would be.  Needless to say, I look very silly practicing in the mirror, but I will get the few moves I learned down!

Let's talk a bit more about The Dungeon.  I know a lot of my posts are about this place, but it truly has changed my life in every positive way.  Jamie has gotten to know me so well that, as soon as I step into the gym, she can tell if I am down.  She let's me punch out my frustrations and climb the rope, or do other things that make me feel good about myself.  More than anything, she pushes me to the breaking point.

That familiar feeling where I don't think I can go on any further or do any more reps, but she won't let me stop.  As I sat on the leg extension, doing reps on the heaviest weight I have ever used, she began to push down, using her body weight to add on.  I had to do 20 seconds, and I just started crying.  I didn't think I would be able to get through it, especially after over 2 hours of the most intense leg day that I have ever done.  I tried, but failed at least two times.  Jamie finally said to me, "Come on!  You are stronger than your bad day!  Don't let it beat you down!" I held it up, and pushed harder than ever before.  I felt that I was at the point of not being able to hold up anymore, but then I heard the magic words, "5 more seconds!" (which I am sure is longer, if you count like a normal person).

I have worked with other trainers before, and they are great, but nothing can compare to Jamie.  She cares about you, as a person, and genuinely wants to see you succeed.  She is obsessed with our results and wants to see us meet our goals and love ourselves.  She pushes up hard because she knows that we can do it, even more than we do.  I always say Jamie knows my strength even more than I do, which is really weird to think of.  It is true, though!  Those moments when I feel like I can't push any further and that I need to give in, she absolutely refuses to allow it.  She will push me to the breaking point and to success.

My experiences and changes in The Dungeon have been like none other.  If you are really wanting to make a huge change in your life, I challenge you to look into it!  You can contact Jamie through Facebook at In An Athletes Soul.

Stay tuned for my next post.  It will contain the ultimate before and current photos.  :]]

-jennilea