Workouts, Week 1

I'm finally back to working out again. My Bell's Palsy is pretty much resolved, I'm probably 99% back. I think there is still a small amount of assymetry in my face, probably not noticeable to anyone except me. I think my left eyebrow is still slightly lower than the right. But as far as my smile, it's back!! And I've recovered enough to be able to work out again. In the early stages of recovery, it's very important not to exercise, as this can put strain on the facial muscles, especially strength training. Which is what my sluggish (or, perhaps more accurately, very effective!) metabolism needs. It's very good at storing fat. So building lean muscle mass is very important for revving up the metabolism, since, as you all know, muscled burns 3X as many calories at rest as other kinds of tissue.

It's been a phenomenal first week. Here are the workouts I've been able to do:

Friday: Cathe Friedrich's Low-Intensity Step (from the 4 Day Split series), about 40 minutes. Very intense advanced level workout, I had to take frequent breaks to catch my breath and drink water
Saturday: Donna Richardson's Motown-themed party, Donna-mite (Hi-Low); 50 minutes; beginner/intermediate level;
Weights: upper body, abs and stretch from Cathe Friedrich's Step, Jump & Pump (Body Blast Series)
Sunday: 30 min. walk;
Weights: lower body (dead lifts, dead rows and barbell lunges), abs, and stretch from Cathe Friedrich's Step, Jump & Pump
Monday: Cathe Friedrich's Step Blast, combos 1 & 3 only (41 minutes) + stretch; advanced workout (again, many breaks)
Tuesday: Donna-mite (skipping 1 combo, about 40 min.);
Weights: Upper body, abs and stretch from SJP
Wednesday: 40 minutes of Christi Taylor's Still Jumpin' (Hi-Low);
Weights: Lower body (barbell squats, deadlifts, deadrows, barbell lunges), abs and stretch from SJP.
Thursday: 30 min. walk (while wrestling with 100 lb. dog)

During yesterday's lower body workout, I noticed significant strength gains already. I only had to take 1 break during the barbell lunge sequence, always one of the toughest exercises for me. Of course, I only had a measly 15 lbs. on the bar, but you gotta start somewhere!

Even today I have very little soreness. I attribute this to my high protein intake as well as my acupunture treatments, which have helped my whole body. I think the acupuncture has greatly strengthened my immune system and my body's ability to heal itself.

As some of you may have read on DomesticMuse, I am following a "clean eating" routine currently, eating no dairy, sugar, or processed foods, just whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. I don't know if I've lost any weight, since I don't own a scale and don't believe in weighing myself, but I certainly do feel better. My energy levels are much better and more stable through the day. I will move to a somewhat less stringent plan, that allows more complex carbs, tomorrow, but still requires clean eating.

I do hope to drop all the excess weight I've gained in the past year. I am ready to get back in my size 2 jeans!

Most of all, I'm ready to feel better!