BEAST MODE

BEAST MODE is when you are eating healthy, working out, not drinking every night and working hard! - Rob Kardashian

Ever since I've been on holiday, I've been so busy with friends and the holiday season that I didn't have time to go to the gym. It was like a rotation for me - I would meet up with a different person almost every night after work to either shop, eat or lay around and do nothing. It was so hectic! And it was quite ironic because I promised myself that I would go to the gym everyday after work to work out no matter what, not thinking that i also had to squeeze in one-on-one time with my friends whom I disapeared from since I started school again. Damn.
However - and there is a "however" - I have dedicated this week to work out. and I absolutely need it. Especially after Russell's family's annual feast (his family makes a ton of food for xmas AND new years every year. There are tons of food! lots of selection! and you just eat because you just wanna try everything type of deal! && what's worst is that they feed like 20 ppl 3times a day for like 2 days and there would still be food leftover! lol so you can imagine how much food there is on 2 occasions!)
I know that a lot of people out there have "work out" (or some sort) on their new year's resolution's list and I have to admit, it's hard sometimes. But with this, I think it's key to keep in mind that you have a goal to achieve, not just for a year but for the rest of your life. Sometimes, people say that they would have to lose an x amount of weight. Once they achieve it, it's like they stop and gain it back again.. and the cycle just goes on for another year. Well this is what I say to all y'all (lol yes, I used y'all! lol) out there who has this goal in mind:

IT'S USELESS!

yes it is! It's pointless to think about the amount of weight you want to burn off because if you're weight training - in which I highly recommend - you will probably gain some weight due to toning and gaining muscle. And no ladies, I don't mean gain muscle weight like being the friggin' hulk or something... I mean toning your muscles to boost your metabolism... and at the same time, you lose the same amount of calories compared to cardio. Even though people say that cardio is the number 1 thing you do to lose weight, (unless you are 100+ over your average weight/height), cardio doesn't make your body look athletically toned - you're just gonna be bone skinny like anorexic skinny. disgusting!
I started weight training (hardcore) in August (I think). I kept looking at the scale to see if I lost weight. And even now, I haven't seen a pound lost since August but I know my body is slimmer and I fit into my jeans a lot better. Not to mention, a lot of people have complimented that I lost weight, contrary to the scale.
Sometimes people make unrealistic goals that's just ridiculous! working out takes patience and a lot of time! Trust me! Just because you don't see results in like a week, don't be discouraged! Just as long as you keep up with your scheduled work out YOU CAN DO IT!!!
I realized that I'm rambling one. To make it easy on your eyes, I'll give you a tip list to make your "new year's resolution" easier:

1. Eat Healthy. This is key! You can be working out hard at the gym but if you're still eating junk food, there's not point! And no, don't go on one of those crash diets to try to "eat healthy." Those diets don't work especially if you do lose weight and try to go back to eating normally, you'll probably gain the weight back again. Try to start with baby steps, like not going out to eat often, snacking on fruits or veggies if you have the munchies, or even switching to more wholesome choices like choosing whole grain breads rather than white breads.
2. Make the time. to go work out. Don't put it on your to do list unless you know you're gonna actually do it! Make it a priority, put it in your "busy" schedule, make a routine. Make it so that it fits in your schedule. And hey, if you can't go to the gym that day, work out at home. (I'll blog about exercising at home some other time)
3. Keep a food diary. It helps. I know this sounds friggin' crazy... and quite anal but sometimes you need to write things down to see how much calories you've obtained during the day in order to calculate how much you gotta burn off. There are tons of online calculators that can help you achieve this. If you have an iphone, there are tons of apps out there where you can input what you ate and what kinds of work out you did for that day to calculate where you on.
4. Find your motivator. Motivate yourself to work out if you have a buddy to go with. Set a time and place for you guys to meet up. For me, my motivation is the hot guy in my weight training class ;)
5. Find something you like to do. The gym isn't for everyone. For example, my friend Rico hates the gym - he can't stand weight training or cardio - but he still finds the time to stay fit by being on a basketball league. Just because you don't have a gym membership, doesn't mean that you can't work out.
6. Switch it up. After a while, your body gets used to your work out routine so find little things to switch it up. Perhaps it's time to increase your weights or instead of going on the elyptical, go biking. This way, you won't get bored of what you're doing.
7. Weight Train. I say this all the time. Weight training is as important as cardio. To me, it's better!
8. Small steps. Instead of taking the elevator, maybe try the stairs. Do little things that you help you keep a low activity that can definately fit into your everyday routine.
9. Mind over Matter! Sometimes, I feel sluggish during a work out... If you're working out alone, keep a short term goal like... do 3 sets of 10 crunches - keep in mind (but don't over work yourself!) that once you achieve it, you'll feel like a friggin' champion. If your in a class, keep with what your instructor does! Don't stop to rest - not only will it slow down your work out, it'll be harder the next time as well! Your body can endure a lot if you push it!

Remember, keep focused! It's the new year, new decade - new life. Be positive and you will achieve what you want!!!!!