HSOrlandos 2013 Journal: Being vegan in a non vegan world

[John V]

I bet you do well.

[hsorlando]

Thanks veganmomma, and John V.

This course through ISCA is more of a beginners course, but it is very thorough. Today we went over anatomy, muscles, strength training, free weights, machines, flexibility, and practised a bit by training each other. Tomorrow we'll do cardio, practical test with weights, machines, and flexibility. Then later go over other little stuff, and then there's a written test. I guess I'll know if I have my certification by this time tomorrow.

[hsorlando]

Well, the practical exam went well. I passed! But the written test sucked! I'm scared to death that I messed upon too many answers, because they were kind of tricky. The good news is that it only costs 50 bucks to retake the test, but I hope I pased this time. For the practical we were pairedup, and each person had to train their client on a free weight exercise, a machine, and a stretch. I picked shoulder press, then I had to name the major muscle group it worked, and tell the person the proper startingposition, and then how to do the move. We also had to mention precautions, show how to spot, and give the person a modification. There were three scores: proficient, acceptable, and needs work. I got proficent on my free weight exercise, and I guess I at least got acceptable on the others or I wouldn't have pased the practical. I hope I passed the written part, I really don't want to take the test again!

[hsorlando]

Still waiting for the results from my written test. I have so much support from everyone at work. I'll be mortified if I don't pass the test. I have been waiting for this day, to get my certification for such a long time. Before I left work today I almost started to cry when the exercise director told me that he was proud of me for doing this, and that I'd come a long way so far.

Later today I'm going to do a full body workout, and take a new class. It's a dance class called, "Hip Hop Hustle", should be absolutely hilarious!

[hsorlando]

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!! I passed the written test! It's not official yet, because I haven't gotten my certification papers from ISCA. When I went in for my workout my manger motioned forme to come over to her, and I was scared to death. But then she gave me a big hug, and told me I passed the written exam. She also told me I got the third highest score!

Hip Hop Hustle was quite interesting to say the least!

I'm just glad it concentrated more on moving to the music than moving your hips all the time. I still have no rhythm, but it was fun. Several YMCA employees besides me took the class, and some poked their heads in and just checked it out. I don't know if I'll make it a regular thing but it might be fun once in a while. I must be losing weight, or getting more definedbecause I had two more people mention that it looked like I was losing. One of the people was one of our toughest trainers too! So I'm going to take this as quite a compliment.

[Octopussoir]

CONGRATS!!! Once you start training people for a living it gets easier. The more people that are different in fitness ability the better cause it gets you prepared for anything and everything. Also, dont worry about text book stuff as much either. Itll all come together with practice. Once again, congrats.

[hsorlando]

I just wanted to start by thanking everyone for their support here on vbf. Couldn't have done it without you, well maybe I could.

No workout Tuesday because my feet were hurting a lot, and the thought of running made me want to cry.

Yesterday I took Cardio Jump at 4:30pm, then waited an hour for Body Pump at 6:30pm. Did pretty good at C.J., but every time I finish this class I really don't like the trainer that teaches it, lol. Didn't have the best Body Pump workout because I'm not eating enough. I can just tell sometimes, because all of a sudden I just get tired, and it's usually extremely difficult to continue the workout. But I at least persisted and got through it, boy it was tough though.

Tonight I'm just running. Probably will run about 3 miles. I don't think we're having the group run tonight, so I'll run by myself. Tomorrow I'm off, but I'll be testing out a new kickboxing class. The instructor says you can burn off 1000 calories in this class.

Also have to come up with a training plan, and train one of the managers so they can see if I'm any good. They don't need any trainers right now, but I still want to show them I know my way around a gym. Probably go with a total body workout, and use dumbbells for everything. If it takes time, getting my foot in the training door, that's fine, at least I'm on my way now!

[hsorlando]

Ok, for now on I'm not going to post beforehand what I plan to do,because it always changes.

Didn't run, because rain was coming down hard! I wasn't sure what I'd do, but then thank goodness the group director showed up to sub a step class. So I took that! It was actually a step/strength class. My glutes are so sore, I could barely step, haha. The strength part also didn't help my already sore muscles, from Body Pump. But I really enjoyed the class. I seem to go through times when I really am addicted to group classes, and I guess this is one of those times. I only used 5, and 7 pound weights but after the workout yesterday, it was enough. Before I did anything, I was sitting down talking to my mom, and my manager came by. From what she said I don't think I need to worry about getting a position there as a trainer. I think I'm going to step back,and just let things unfold, and not continually try to figure out what I have to do.

[hsorlando]

I tried two new group classes tonight. For some reason I've done a lot of classes this week, and pretty much nothing else!

The first class was Cardio Dance, and the second was Turbokick.

Cardio Dance was fun, but I can't dance, so I'm sure it was quite entertaining, lol. Turbokick wasn't exactly what I thought it would be like. It was more choreography with lots of punching moves, but very far from kickboxing. There was a guy there that used to like kickboxing, so maybe we should start a petition to bring it back. Tomorrow I'm running because I absolutely have to run because I miss it. Then I work the rest of the weekend, so no workouts until Monday.

[vivalasvegans]

Congratulations Hayley!

 

Ever think of moving to Portland so you can train the vegan mafia up here?

[hsorlando]

Too cold! Just ask Robert, I froze there in mid July, I don't think I'd last through the winter. But then again, my family plans on moving to the LA, California area, and that's a lot closer to Portland, so you never know.

[veganmomma]

Too cold! Just ask Robert, I froze there in mid July, I don't think I'd last through the winter. But then again, my family plans on moving to the LA, California area, and that's a lot closer to Portland, so you never know.

When does your family plan on moving to CA.? I'd love to live in southern Cali but I could never afford to buy a home there.

[hsorlando]

Not soon, probably late next year at the earliest. My brother just hates Orlando, and thinks LA is where he wants to be. I just want to get rid of him, lol. I'm tired of having things made fun of that I love, like my gym, my exercise schedule, and Orlando to name a few. Of course I've been told I'm more than welcome to go with them, but I don't even know why they'd ask because I love Orlando,and things are happening for me here. Well that's enough venting, back to my workout.

Today I ran 3 miles. I'm glad I could. because I've taken 9 days off from running, and today was pretty hot. But the run went fairly well, I only had to stop at like 3 intersections, not 10.

[hsorlando]

Did not get in my workout, because I just lost all motivation as the day went on. Pretty much sat around the apartment and waited for my brother to get up, because he had to sleep after his 12 hour third shift at work. So finally at 2 he got up, but by then I wanted to wait a while to go to the gym. So of course I didn't go! But I did go to a vegan restaurant with my mom, and we had a nice visit. We don't get many opportunities to visit anymore, but after tonight we're both motivated to eat better, and exercise more. Lately my diet has been terrible, but not for long. The only things I need to completely banish from my diet are diet soda, oreos,and chips. Other than that I don't do that badly. I'll also limit my bread intake, and processed foods.

[hsorlando]

Had a fairly decent workout tonight! Did one set of resistance machines, and then ran for 2 miles. We're doing something a bit different now with the running group. We will now have two trainers, they're sisters, and that way one person won't have to run back and forth all the time. After our runs we'll also implement some core work. Had to miss the ab work though because my ride was leaving. I did pretty well on the 2 mile run, and I'm thinking it may be time for me to start with the regular group on Tuesdays. This is also a beginners group, but they are more advanced, and run 4 miles, and at a faster pace too. Speaking of running this weekend there is a 5 mile race at a college, and a lot of people from the runners group are doing it, so if I can afford it I might go too.

[hsorlando]

Cardio Jump was a bit different tonight. I'm not sure if that's good or bad yet, it'll depend on how sore I get! The regular instructor was sick, so there was a substitute.

Started with a warmup to get blood flow going, then five minutes of jump roping. Five stations, a minute at each one, then 5 more minutes of jump roping. Another circuit of stations, and another 5 minutes of jump rope. Then one more round of stations but it was shorter, and then three minutes of jump roping. Inbetween we also did some squat jumps, emphasizing our calves, ouch, and some plyometric lunges.

First station: jumping onto high step landing in squat-touching hands to step and jumping down-repeat

2nd: balance on bosu ball and jump into quarter turn, or jump around 180 degrees

3: jump sideways over hurdles, then jump or run across hurdles, then run between cones first forward then backward

4:barbell squats slow down quick up

5: with medicine ball reach towards ceiling jumping, then land in a squat and touch ball to floor

I didn't do anything after this class.I was quite exhausted!

[hsorlando]

On Thursday I had an awesome Body Pump workout at noon. It was supposed to only be 45 minutes, but it was the full time. I haven't taken a BP class in some time now, like 2 weeks or more. But it felt so good!!!! My legs were a bit tired from jump the day before, but I still used a 45 lb barbell for squats.

Then at 6pm I was waiting for my running group,they never showed, I think it was cancelled, so I ran by myself. I made the mistake of eating too much too soon beforemy run, so I only ran a couple of miles. It wasn't a great run, but heck I still ran.

 

After the Body Pump class I stayed for a meeting for the personal trainers, and I learned quite a bit. Mostly just administrative stuff, but still good to know. The managers just switched offices around and things are quite hectic, there's a new senior director coming onboard. Most of us haven't been introduced yet though. Not much else going on. Today I took a rest day because my calves are super sore. It must be from the squat jumps emphasizing our calves. And the running probably didn't help. Today I walked a bit though.I had to cash my paycheck, get dinner, and then instead of backtracking to the bus stop, I just walked home. I was carrying one heavy bag though, and I was quite spent by the time I got home. I think it was probably 2 or more miles. I hope that the walk might havehelped stretch my calves a bit, as I am looking to do a Step class tomorrow.

[hsorlando]

I don't know how people can get through cardio without eating!

They must be insane. All I had before Step class was a banana, and it wasn't enough. I didn't run after because as I found out during step, my left calf muscle is still extremely tight, and sore. I figure I'll take off from running until Tuesday, but tomorrow I'm doing another step class, and Body Pump. I wonder how the squat, and lunge track will effect my calves.

I'm not working out on Monday as it'smy birthday,and I plan on going to a rally that Barack Obama,and Hilary Clinton will be at. it's free, so I haveno idea if I'll even get inside, but it would be so cool if people asked what I did on my birthday. Especially if he becomes our next President.

[John V]

Happy 1500th post!

Happy Birthday! May this year bring you only health, wealth and pleasure.

[LocalBrada]

Happy Birthday!

[hsorlando]

It's not until Monday, but thanks!

[hsorlando]

Only did Step today, because I was asked to stay and work for a few hours. I need all the hours I can get, so this was a good thing. Will not be working out tomorrow because I've got a packed day. Actually this whole week looks like it's gonna be quite busy.

[hsorlando]

Ok, I'm having a bit of an off week. Yesterday I went to the early voting rally . A lot of walking around the arena, and down streets, but no workout. Today also no workout because I was on my feet for over six hours for the rally, and my feet are sore. Hopefully I'll get in a decent workout tomorrow!

[Alychef]

Hell's Bells!!! I've been reading your blog...from the beginning! Talk about committment, how do you fit it all in? An inspiration for other women I'd say. I'm just at the start of my journey, but I really hope to be able to keep it up. It's often difficult for me to get to the gym....

 

BTW do you happen to know how to get a photo of yourself up on the side of your posts. I've looked in editting my profile, but can't seem to find it.

 

Bye for now, Aly

[hsorlando]

Thanks Aly. All I can say is that I love the way I feel when I work out, and that is what generally keeps me going. Even when I have off weeks, like this week, I just bear with it, and keep at it. There should be a thread in the intro section about posting avatars. If I remember correctly you go to tinypic.com, find the pic you want, hit the upload button,and then select which size you want. Then copy and paste.

 

Today I was desperate for a good workout, so I did Cardio Jump. It was plain torture, and I loved every minute of it!

Started with jumping rope, then went through stations, I think they were 1 minute each. It's back to two circuits, with 4 stations at each one.

1st station: football drill- running down row of steps with feet going on and off

2: plyometric pushups

3:used ladder on floor & basically did whatever we wanted to the end I did variations of feet in, feet out, high knee running, and other stuff

4: barbell squats

inbetween circuits we used the jump rope, and also did lunges, frog hops with a jumping jack and then into pushup position, and a few other things that we all hated the instructor for, lol

2nd station

1: run/jump/hop over hurdles

2: jump onto step into squat position, jump down

3: suicides to one cone, bacxk, all the way down and repeat

4: squats with medicine ball, at up position hold ball overhead, in squat position bounce ball on floor using forceful motion

Got through each station twice, put away equipment, and then did abs, and stretched