My 30 day Fitness Count Down with Fitness Together

Monday marked the 30 day count down to my 43rd birthday. That’s right folks, I know, I know I don’t look it, right. Right? Ok, yes, I’m starting to look it and I’m not the type of person that takes this kind of thing sitting down.

Many of you may not know that the feminine, ladylike, jersey “girl” wearing that stunning tomato dress, has actually been lifting weights for twenty years. Her favorite day of the week is the day she gets to hit a heavy bag in her boxing class for an hour. I’ve never been the yoga type. I was lifting weights before it was cool or recommended really. With that said, I am also a cook and restaurant reviewer, and the pounds are not easily kept at bay in my line of work. So, to get ready for my 43rd, and since I am going to fight the fortyish frumpies with every last freaking fiber of my being, I contacted my former workout partner, Susan Keenan, and her husband, Michael, who own Fitness Together in Manasquan and Lake Como.

I’m not planning on giving up great food, don’t get that idea. I just want to learn how to maximize my efforts, workout wise and nutritionally, so that I can keep in shape AND enjoy all the wonderful food out there. It turns out, after my consulation with Mike, there was quite a bit I was doing wrong.

My evaluation included a series of tests. The old body fat evaluation which required a pinch on the back of my arm, my stomach and my thigh. I also had to do box step ups for three minutes, situps and pushups and finally a flexibility evaluation (which I bombed).

In the end, I got a 15 page report on the findings of my evaluation. Good news is, I rank above average on my body fat score and all of my active tests like the sit ups, etc. Mike explained that my Body Mass Index will never be better than average because I weigh more than average due to the years of weight lifting and my bone structure. Even when I am at optimal weight, I will weigh more than the recommended standard for my height. (I think that’s what he meant, and no, you will not be getting my weight here.) Truth be told, I don’t even own a scale. I have always weighed more than people guessed. My Ex used to say I was dense. Not sure what he meant by that.

After all the testing was done, Susan put together a recommended calorie intake and nutrient guideline through Intrafitt . A big part of my problem is diet (shocker.) I wasn’t eating too much really, just too much of the wrong things and the wrong combination of things. Believe it or not, my recommended daily calorie intake for each meal is 450 calories. These calories must come from a very specific ratio of Carbs, Proteins and Fats. As you can see, this was my first breakfast. 3 egg whites, 1 whole large egg, 1 ounce of lite Cabot cheese, 6 ounces of grapes and 1 ounce of oatmeal. (that’s much more than 1 ounce in the picture. I didn’t eat all that.) That’s a lot of food.

After my hearty breakfast, I had my first workout session with Susan yesterday. We worked lats, shoulders, biceps and abs. Yep, that’s me there. It was so nice to work with a partner and trained professional for a change. It’s always nice to learn new exercises and have someone keeping an eye on your form and technique. I’m in a lot of pain today, but it comes with the territory.

Today, my assignment was an hour and a half on the treadmill, uphill at a slow and steady pace keeping my heart rate between 105 and 125. I am told, this is what burns body fat. I spent the time catching up on news and the latest fashion trends.

Tomorrow, I am attending an all day seminar conducted by Will Smith (no not the actor) International Body Building Champion and former American Gladiator (oh yeah, I’ll get a picture, don’t you worry.) The seminar is on “re-programming your body to be fit, lean and tone for the rest of your life.” Sounds good to me. I’ll be sure to share any juicy tidbits with you. I’m hoping I’ll be able to provide you and the patrons of Fitness Together with some great tasting, perfectly balanced meals in the future. Each Monday from now until my birthday, we will be bringing you “Motivational Monday.” I’ll be reporting my progress, goals for the week, and some healthy meal suggestions. I hope you’ll check in, leave your comments and suggestions or just a “you go girl” would be nice as I am killing myself here.

And, don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you won’t get your doses of macaroni and cheese or baby back ribs. All in moderation my friends, all in moderation.

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If you would like to attend the seminar tomorrow or a free consultation contact Mike.

Fitness Together
150 Main street
Manasquan, NJ 08736 – Map

Mike Keenan
Phone: 732-292-1333