Looks like I made it back just in time. I didn't get to see even one resolutioner. Just the regulars doing their regular things regularly. This time around I'm incorporating more cardio in the beginning stages. Even though it's not the most efficient way to build muscle, I am more than eager to be rid of the belly pooch. Cardio makes me feel less fatty and everyone knows what a vacation followed by the holidays can do to a pooch.

So I'm off to hit shoulders and abs day followed by a light jog on the treadmill. The gym has been my one true love over the past couple months so I gotta show it some love on V-day. XO

I shuffled into the gym thinking they would throw kettlebells at me for betraying them and being gone for a month, but on the contrary. It was like I never left. Phew! Home again. I'm out of protein though so that's a problem. To the store!

Whoa, whoa, whoa!

I haven't disappeared. I just got a fortune cookie at the beginning of the month that said it would be an "eventful" one and it has so I've been caught up with living and laughing and loving and all that good stuff.

First of all, Vegas. I am still alive, and that is all that needs to be said. And also the streets are paved with magic.

Second of all, fitness. I apologize, mostly to myself, but I have gotten too comfortable under blankets and with food items covered in cheese this winter to keep up with my routine. My prized muscles gains have pretty much dissolved into skinny-fat. I know it will be easier getting ripped this time around because I know what I have to do and where to do it and how to do it. I'm counting on muscle memory to fast-forward me back into pre-Vegas shape.

The best part about next week is that it's the start of a new month and I'll be in prime condition to begin at...ugh...day one.

I'm curious to see how the gym environment will have changed post New Year's Resolutioners. Either way it's time to get toned and primed just in time for warm weather fashion. Here we go!

Packing up and taking off for Vegas soon! I'm excited. I'm not excited to see how difficult it's going to be to keep up with fitness and nutrition in Sin City. The thought of it makes my head numb.

Thankfully I'll have a few swolemates along for the ride to keep me on track. Here goes nothing!

Ok! It's been over 30 days and I am addicted to exercise. I somehow find myself in the gym most days of the week and I like it. I like how toned I'm getting and how I sweat pretty much every day and how I don't get that sore anymore (is that normal?) and how strong I'm getting. I try something new each time and it's pretty terrifying and I do it anyway and I don't die. I'm not looking forward to waking up before 5am tomorrow so I can squeeze in a workout before work. Nobody said decreasing your own body fat to see your abs was easy. Especially when your coworkers are amazing bakers.

Anyway my fitness prize du jour will be new training sneakers because the hole-in-the-front-toe look is not cute. Goodbye old Nikes, you did well, but I'm pulling you out of the game. Hopefully for something pink.

Almost out of week four and I got myself fuchsia-lined lifting gloves. Happy early Thanksgivukkah to me! My hands will be happy about this. I feel like I'm getting a little stronger and my long-lost triceps are reforming. Hallelujah! The protein shakes taste surprisingly delicious and it's super filling so I don't have to binge eat eggs all day.

I'm getting my routine down. Even on days when it's a pain to get up in the morning to work out because it's gross out or I feel gross, I still go. It makes me feel like I did something worthwhile for myself that day. I do scary things like lift barbells on my back without a spotter. And then I feel brave.

Vegas is slowly approaching and I basically feel like a balloon filled with water and protein. I'm terrified of next week when medium intensity cardio comes into all of this, but at least I'll get to cut some of this bloat.

We'll get there soon, baby!

Getting through the past week has been insane! I don't know how people who are busy all the time find the energy or focus to work out. Things at my job got really busy so I had to reorganize my schedule a few times. Working out after work is a) exhausting and b) wicked annoying because it's absolutely packed. Not for me. I'll wake up at 5am instead.

I made it though! Past the 3 week point so I rewarded myself with 2 pounds of 100% vanilla whey protein and a pink blender bottle. That should last me for eons of time.

Just the essentials. 

Yoga Sunday was good today. We stayed in downward dog for longer than 10 seconds this time and she even threw in a few planks. I walked out feel pretty relaxed and was happy to find a radio station playing New Orleans style jazz on the drive home which just felt right on a bright Sunday morning.