Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend!

They say diamonds are a girls best friend. And for all intensive purposes, this motto is true. That is, if you can squeeze your diamond onto your "I still haven't lost all my baby weight" finger. Yes, almost four long years ago, I quit wearing my wedding ring. Or rather, the wedding ring was not able to contain my swollen fingers. Don't laugh. Swollen fingers are a natural part of a woman's pregnancy. BUT, usually 6-12 months after the pregnancy ends, one is usually able to reunite with their wedding ring.

I, however, could not reunite with my beloved diamond. I was determined to lose the weight. However, time continued to march on and my fingers seemed to have a mind of their own. I began to think that my fingers would never be able to accommodate my previous ring size. And time continued to march on. Oh, the dilemma...to get the ring sized or not to get it sized.

Frankly, I just wanted to lose the weight and be thin again. But, that proved to be a difficult task. Months would pass by and I would give myself a new deadline. Then, I would decide it was hopeless again and decide to have my ring re-sized. The cycle would continue.

A few months ago, I tried my ring on. It actually went on my finger with no more than a slight (okay a forceful) shove. It then proceeded to turn my finger purple. No amount of lotion could get it off and I began to panick. My entire arm was throbbing from the pain. I seriously thought I might have to go to the Liberty Hospital and have someone saw it off. It was either the ring....or my finger. After 10 minutes of panic, pain, and the near dislocation of my finger, I decided that enough was enough...I would re-size my wedding ring after all! It had been 3 1/2 long years since I had worn it and I was not going to be foolish any longer. I decided that next time I remembered, I would take it with me to the jeweler and have it taken care of.

So, a few days ago, I got my ring out and started hunting for the box to take it for sizing. I glared at it with my super x-ray vision and willed it to fit on my finger. Actually, I decided to give it one more try since I have been going to Michael's Fitness for 2 months now. I spoke softly to it and pleaded in hushed tones to "please fit this time" and lo and behold.......it slid on with ease.

No purple finger. No magic tricks. Just two months at Michael's Fitness and some hard work paid off. Thanks Michael!

Turkey Remorse

First, I would just like to say that I am stuffed. Put a fork in me; I'm done! I must admit, despite my inability to consume wheat products, I sadly gobbled down three Thanksgiving meals with ease.   Did anyone else eat like there was no tomorrow over Thanksgiving? :0 
I hope you had more self control than I did!  If I had to sum it up in one sentence it would be:

"Oh crab dip, you shall be my demise!" 

And it was...really...it was without a shadow of a doubt the unraveling of Jessica Kirkland. 

However, I could spend this time crying in my cornbread or beating myself up with a leftover turkey drumstick, but instead I'll just move on.  Actually, I think I'll get moving!  
The good news? If you have turkey remorse similar to me, then here's how we can resolve our problems together:

This week at Michaels Fitness, we are pre-registering people for our January & February night class.

60 day program
Tuesday & Thursday nights
7pm-8pm
Night 1 - step aerobics to music (beginner level)
Night 2 - strength training
$150 dollars for the entire program.

Anytime this week, you can come in and sign up for the program or buy someone you know a gift card. Nothing like giving the gift of "health" for Christmas. Open from 8-7pm.

There are only 20 spots available due to our limited space. Don't miss out! 

Here's to starting out the New Year right!  (this is when we toast our V8 drinks and sign up together).  

Michael's Fitness is located @:
1409 Suite B, Hwy 90 Liberty, Texas 77575 
Michael: 832-514-9862 cell
Jessica: 936-581-3944 cell

'Til Next Time,

Jessica Kirkland

With a Twinkle in His Eye

Today I watched a young boy look at his mom from across the gym and excitedly mouth his new weight to her.  With a twinkle in his eye that would have put Santa to shame, he quietly mouthed and counted out his new weight with his fingers.  It was fun to watch.  Michael had temporarily stopped to speak with a client and take her measurements, while the boy was working out with some arm weights.  He finished his reps, jumped on the scale, and then immediately started trying to get his mom's attention.  Whereas he could have stopped and waited around for Michael to come back to him, he did not. He could have grabbed some water, stopped to stretch, or just rested for a moment; he did not.  He immediately clicked the weights up a notch and went to work.  I watched him load up his weights for squats, twinkle and all. 

 I was so busy thinking about his accomplishment, that I had one of my own; 40 painless sit-ups in a row.  Forty?  I realize that might not be many to some, but considering that ten were a struggle one month ago, forty is QUITE the accomplishment for me.  I had been instructed to do sit-ups (20) is what my goal had been, and before I knew it, I was counting out 40.  Good form too, if I must say so myself.  :)

Have you lost the twinkle in your eye?  Sometimes, we lose our twinkle.  We get discouraged with our appearance and we get mad at ourselves.  I think the best lesson learned from our twinkle-eyed boy today is that progress is a reflection of what you do when no one else is watching.  No one may be able to see your midnight snack, or that you did 10 reps when you should have done 20, but the tape measure never lies.  The scale never lies.  And to be quite frank with you, the twinkle in your eye or lack thereof is also an indication of your dedication.  Although I have not personally met my goals yet; I am inching closer to them each day.  I am getting my twinkle back.  No pain; no gain, right?

'Til Next Time,

Jessica Kirkland

Three for Three

Three inches.  Three weeks.  The spare tire is deflating a bit.  I am pleased.  I do tend to do things in three's it seems.  One pregnancy.  Three children at once. Three children who happen to be three years old.  But, today, I celebrate three inches gone from my waistline in just three weeks!  When I remember, I will give Michael three-high fives to commemorate the occasion (okay I probably won't do that really...I won't).

I am pleased.

Two pounds down according to my weigh in Thursday afternoon.  However, I am going to claim three on that too.  I weighed this morning (as I wanted to weigh on an empty stomach and hope that I would be lighter than my afternoon weigh-in the day prior).  I was right.  I showed three pounds down on that.  So, I am claiming three.  I do things in three's, what can I say?  

I am pleased.

On task for this week is to do things in 5's.  No, I am not going to add twins to my trio (never fear; it's much simpler than an instant family).  This week, I am going to focus on eating 5 small meals a day.  As I mentioned before, I do things in three's (to a fault at times).  I need to be eating 5 small, 300 calorie meals a day.  Now, this is what I am allotted for my height and body type (your allowance is probably not the same as mine so find out for yourself what yours should be).  I tend to be a three-meal gal, which is not good for keeping your metabolism going.  I tend to eat three large meals a day and no snacks in between.  This week, I must abandon my natural inclination towards the number three and try to eat my five meals.  But, nonetheless, I am pleased with my results.  

And just for kicks, I was playing with my trio outside today and thought I saw a wolf (yes I know we don't have wolves here).  I yelled, "Oh my gosh! It is a wolf, run!"  So, I started dragging my trio up to the house and all one of them could do was scream "My shoes! Mommy! You are leaving my shoes!"  Three year olds have no concept for the words "It's a wolf, run!" and apparently their mommy cannot see at dusk.  

It was the (no joking here) family of 'triplet' deer that my dad feeds in his backyard.  We have been feeding them since they were little baby trips! See, I told you I was not lying about the three thing!  

'Til Next Time,

Jessica Kirkland

Spoiled and Pampered

I hope you took last night's post with a proverbial grain of salt.  Sarcastic salt it was nonetheless.  I tend to be a bit overdramatic.  I come from a long line of overdramatic women (but don't tell them I said that)!  Oh, there I go again!  The truth is, at Michael's Fitness, I am indeed:

But, it's not just me that Michael spoils.  He treats each client with respect and care.  It's what keeps clients motivated and encouraged to come back on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th day.  Many people see personal trainers as a carbon copy of the trainers from the TV show The Biggest Loser.  The "MORE CARDIO"  kind of trainers that beat the motivation out of their clients.  And although I may joke of such times, at Michael's Fitness, the environment is quite the contrary.  And to be quite honest with you, the...

is....

I am actually quite ...

So, if you are feeling the need to be *spoiled* and *pampered* while partnering with Michael to help you reach your goals, give us a call!  

Michael's Fitness

832-514-9862

Solitary Confinement

I was cut off today.  No water.  No treadmill talk with my friend Judy.  Everything I have known to be true thus far, has been stripped from me.  Can you hear the sound of the whip cracking?  Listen with me for a second...okay I only said a second.  

I was cut off today.  A wise crack gone wrong.  A thought that I verbalized (I shall not repeat this mistake twice).  A realization.  

Technically, by default....this face, this person. ME! I am the "under construction" project that Michael's Fitness has accidentally acquired as his poster child.  

An epiphany of thought that I must be thin.  I have to be a success!  The name of Michael's Fitness is now tied to the appearance of his number one project: me?  

The pressure is great.  I am wiping my brow as I type this.  Sweat is pouring from my face as we speak (okay actually I am lounging in my favorite recliner watching Million Dollar Listing), but still!  So, as I verbalized my epiphany to Michael today, he answered me with his typical LOL.  

LOL?  Can we be serious for a second. Everything your business claims to be true rides on your ability to make me a fit and fiery mom of triplets!  I tried to read his response and had no luck in determining his perspective.  Until....

I was cut off.  I even think I might have seen him set the clock back 20 minutes at one point.  He shut down my usual banter and told me to do MORE CARDIO!  MORE MORE MORE! He demanded more reps with ruthless persistence.  "NO TALKING!" he scolded as I innocently took a water break near my friend Judy on the treadmill (while showing/attempting to show her some pictures of my adorable (yes I'm partial) children).  

I was cut off.  To solitary confinement I went just as Mrs. Jumbo did on Dumbo as she spanked the onlookers who teased her poor Dumbo's very enormous ears.  Solitary confinement is my new home at Michael's Fitness.  Because although his looks can be deceiving, Michael must have heeded my warning.  I am his poster child.  And there's no turning back.  He's stuck with this Mrs. Jumbo and his success partially depends on his ability to mold me into perfection.  

'Lonely and Disciplined Brutally,

Jessica Kirkland

Baby Steps

Right after my children were born, I joined a fitness place in Atascocita.  Determined to lose the near 70 pounds I had gained while pregnant with my triplets, I set out into the vast world of treadmills, weight machines, and "pretty people."  One step into this massive gym and I could feel the fear washing over me.  "I do not know how to operate these machines!" I remember telling myself silently.  I was intimidated by the complexity of the equipment as well as the appearance of the golden men and women strutting around in the gym.  Hmmm...where are the overweight people like me?  I wondered often.  I had joined with a friend and after two weeks, the friend quit.  After two more weeks, my fear got the best of me, and I had lost money and self confidence.  

That element of fear is one major problem that does not exist for me at Michael's Fitness.  Michael walks me through my work-outs step by step.  Using simple principles and techniques, I am getting results and instruction presented to me in a way that is not intimidating or scary.  My kids and I paid Michael a visit today after I picked them up from school (it was Cowboy/wear your hat to school day mind you).  

Some people find getting into a new exercise routine very emotionally challenging.  But, I'm here to tell you, at Michael's Fitness, it's as easy as 1-2-3.  Remember yesterday's challenge:  do one small thing.  Baby steps.  

'Til Next Time,

Jessica Kirkland

Imagine Your Life

...different.  How many times have you looked in the mirror and wanted things to be different?  Oftentimes, we are so overwhelmed by the big picture, that instead of doing something, we do nothing.  So, today, I challenge you to do something.  

Addicted to cokes?  Kick them.

Too much sugar?  Go without.

Chips n salsa addict?  Oh wait, that's probably just me.  Sorry. 

Do something small.  If you have not exercised since high school P.E., do something. Go buy a step counter from Wal-Mart ($5) and try to reach 10,000 steps a day.  Start small and for 60 days do that one thing.  After 60 days, tackle the next problem area.  And slowly, but surely,

things will come together.  Rome wasn't built in a day.  And if Rome was an overweight mother of triplets, then she would probably cut herself some slack instead of being jealous of the other women who do not look like they have inflated an innertube around their tummies.  Oh sorry, more self dialogue.  I'll try to stay on track.  

'Til Next Time,

Jessica Kirkland

Love/Hate

I am not sure how I feel about this machine (exhibited below).  We have a love/hate relationship so far.  Simply put; this machine tells me how thin :0 or how "not so thin" I am each week.  We will continue to work on our love/hate relationship.  I will let you know next Monday how we are doing.  

This machine helps to generate this report (below).  See, I did not lie when I said my body fat went down 1%.  Actually, it was a lie, because it actually went down 1.5%.  Don't worry only my personal records will be going up here for the world to see.  I find that public humiliation or the fear of public scorn keeps me motivated!

'Til Next Time,

Jessica Kirkland

Cracker Fairy

I speak the truth when I say that a gluten free fairy must have visited my pantry today.  It is has been 8 months since I started eating gluten free.  Gluten is a protein of wheat.  And many people, like myself, are allergic to gluten.  Consumption for me leads to violent consequences of an unbloggable nature.  Trust me.  For once, I will spare you the details.  My family says I have no boundaries.  I hug customers, talk about private matters with acquaintances, and have been known to use pregnancy terms out of turn.  Let's just say they would be extremely proud of my "lack" of sharing for once.  Moving on.

I returned home from my workout tonight and needed food!  I have to admit, working out every day has made me less hungry.  Usually, I would be counting down the seconds until my next meal, but since I have made my workouts a daily priority, I am more satisfied between meals (even though I am eating less as well).  Oh the beauty of God's creation!  So, I rummaged through the drawer and found some low fat cheese and this wonderful invention called Turkey Pepperoni made by Hormel.  Thank you to the mind behind those (and the turkey who gave his life for me to consume them)!  I waltzed to the gluten free cabinet (yes I have one in my home) and was looking for something additional.  And there, shining through the darkness was a lone box of Glutino crackers?  You can imagine my confusion!  Crackers that are gluten free?  Not made with wheat?  I did not recall buying such a thing, and yet we stared at each other face to face for a few brief moments.  Then, the novelty soon turned to doubt as I recalled all the "other" gluten free crackers I have tried over the past 8 months.  Some met a gruesome death and ended up in the trash can.  Some were not even that lucky.  

Reluctantly, I removed the Glutino "cheese" crackers from the shelf and opened them carefully.  Some gluten free products have a certain smell; but these smelled as close to Ritz as one could get.  I saw a little pixie dust fall to the ground as I put one up to my mouth.  

Sweet, glorious cracker!  These crackers do indeed taste like a cracker, not cardboard as some of their predecessors.  So, tonight, I would like to give a shout out to the cracker fairy and give a thumbs up to Glutino for mastering the art of the cracker (without wheat).  

'Til Next Time,

Jessica Kirkland

Two Week Anniversary

After two weeks of training with Michael I have learned a few things.  And in keeping with a spirit of sharing, I thought I would share these little life lessons learned right behind the donut shop.  

First, thou shalt not weigh thyself on thine own scale.  Unfortunate for my self-esteem I have learned that the "Michael's Fitness" scale is a whopping SIX POUNDS heavier than "thine."  After I went into the tanning room and cried my eyes out (yes folks Michael's Fitness also has tanning beds) I was emphatically threatened by Michael himself for weighing daily.  FINE!  Maybe it is not such a good idea to weigh daily.  Besides the added dose of discouragement, "thine own scale," does not matter anymore.  Throw it out if you choose, because the trainers scale is all that matters (even if it sends you into hysterics in the tanning room).  :)

Second, resistance and weights are a must if you want to replace fat with muscle.  At weigh in this past Friday, I was exactly the same weight.  However, my dimensions were smaller almost every place he measured plus I went down 1 full % in body fat.  This means, that although my weight did not change, I replaced fat with muscle.  This phenomenon resulted in some very odd behavior by Michael as well.  Some whooping and high fiving may have scared a few customers enjoying their donut at the delectable AM Donuts in the front of our property.  

Third, even if you cringe at the thought of someone strapping a tape measure around your waste, it is a necessary beginning to get a necessary result.  Even if you are participating with us at home, you need to get your STATS written down.  You want to be able to see your beginning stats so you will know how to adjust to attain your goals.  So, get out your tape measure and keep a journal.  Plus, there is nothing more encouraging than seeing those stats inch closer toward your overall goal.  

Oh yes, some things I learned about me.  If my form is poor on the treadmill, and yes form can even be poor with the setting as low as 3.5, one risks bashing one's hand on the treadmill grips.  I am apparently uncoordinated.  Every time I get on treadmill #1, I inevitably bruise the top part of my hand.  I am literally walking around with bruises on both hands (yes these typing hands are also battered beyond belief).  But, that's sacrifice isn't it?  I thought you would agree.  Some people sacrifice their daily dessert, others sacrifice beverages, I throw my hands to the wind and let the treadmill assault them.  

Another thing I have learned is that laughing and weightlifting are not a complimentary duo.  Laugh while lifting a bar over your head and you just might get to know that bar a little more intimately than you would like.  Never fear, Liberty's hospital is open in case things were to get out of hand.  We are equipped for such disasters.  And I will try to compose my laughter while participating in SERIOUS training sessions.  

'Til Next Time,

Jessica Kirkland

Blog Launch

We are very excited here at Michael's Fitness because today marks day 1 of our blog launch.  Michaels' Fitness is located in Liberty, Texas behind AM Donuts on Hwy. 90. Can you appreciate the irony of our location with me for a moment?  Donut Shop.  Fitness Center.

 Hmmm...

Oftentimes, breaking bad habits can seem a bit overwhelming.  Whether you simply have a poor diet, inconsistent exercise habits, or chronic health problems that keep you disappointed with your appearance, the disdain for a dressing room mirror is enough to keep anyone's spirits low.  Michael Cook has been a personal trainer for over 12 years.  He has trained people from professional athletes to children with special needs.  I am your systems administrator (and a client of course).  I am a business owner myself and a mother of three.  

Almost four years ago, I got a dream "decree" from my doctor.  Hold on to your hats..are you ready?  She told me to go home and eat.  Eat icecream, eat seconds, eat like there ain't no tomorrow!  I was having triplets and I was on a schedule.  Gain as much weight as fast as I could!  Oh the exhiliration of it all...everyday my family brought me elaborate meals of meats, casseroles, and desserts laid out in colorful rows and delivered via a Winnie The Pooh tray my mom picked up for me at Wal-Mart.  I loved this new sentence!  EAT-EAT-EAT!  And I did.  I was instructed to gain twenty pounds in 6 weeks, and then another twenty pounds in the 60 days to follow.  What seemed like an impossible feat soon proved to be quite attainable.  Seventy pounds and seven months later- I delivered three, healthy three-pound babies.  

For the last 3 1/2 years I have struggled to REVERSE the damage brought on by my sinister Winnie The Pooh tray!  Let's just say time marches on rather slowly when you revert to behavior such as dodging family pictures and bathroom mirrors.  It is an exhausting existence to look at what God created with disdain and distrust.  Who is this person that I have become?  

Are you there with me today?  Not only am I the site administrator for Michael's Fitness, I am also a client.  In less than two weeks, Michael helped me lose a full 1% of my body fat.  No more Pooh Trays, no more excuses!  

'Til Next Time,

Jessica Kirkland 

Welcome!

Welcome to Michael's Fitness!  Whether you are a mom struggling to lose that extra baby weight or an athlete looking to hone your skills, you've come to the right place.  Come try us out in person and don't forget to stop by our site frequently to get tips on healthy living.