Commitment to Yourself

Pat Riley is a smart, smart man. Some of you may not know who he is, but if you have watched a Miami Heat game you have seen him. He is the mob-looking, clean-cut man swaggin' in his suit with his legs crossed and hand resting on his chin. He was a former NBA coach, now president of the Heat.

He's saying..."Haters, be patient. Shh...I have so
much more for you to be mad about. Just wait." LOL

So anyway...this blog is about ME, not him. (haha...ha...ha...) I came across a quote from him that is rather fitting for my new journey.

"There are only two options regarding commitment; you're either in or you're out. There's no such thing as life in-between."

A-MEN, Pat....Amen. That is throwing the "no pain, no gain" mentality out of the window. You shouldn't always be in pain (unless, of course, you are crying over turning down Dairy Queen). Listen to your body. But you should always be committed to yourself. If you don't know your level of self-worth, self-discipline, commitment, how do you suppose anyone else will??

Workout of the day: The Ninety-Nine. I never said I liked it, people. Okay...I actually did. PJ will be kicking my butt later today too. 

Now...as far as my feet are concerned. My jumping jacks are more like squat jacks since I am more comfortable with my feet flat on the ground versus light feet in a jumping jack. It isn't easier, but I have to make due. Push ups are on my knees again for the tip-toe issues. The leg lifts were not made into a plyometric-based exercise, rather they were simple leg lifts. the 11 minute run was an 11 minute incline walk on the treadmill. 

Modifications are better than sedentary lifestyles. I'm not "just sayin'"...I'm only saying.

Adding my new nutrition program is going to take me to the next level in no time. Rome wasn't built in a day and unfortunately, neither will my desired shelf ass and 6 pack. 

Facebook --> www.facebook.com/nmmarks

Twitter--> @NikkiMarks

Email--> nmarks54@gmail.com

Contact me about my workouts, recipes, or any interest in what program I'm on to change your life.

Herbalife Beginning

To say this has been the longest 12 weeks of my life would have to be an understatement. The beginning of May was quite possibly the best time of my life.There was my birthday, college graduation (finally!), and the Pittsburgh Half-Marathon back-to-back. It was the best weekend anyone could ever imagine!

About 24 hours after completing the half marathon on a beautiful day with one of my best friends, I had major surgery on both feet. I know what you're thinking..."both feet?" Yeah, I heard it all. I sat on my pleasant ass for a solid 8 weeks struggling to get back to my once running, active, lively self. My recovery was flawless as far as bilateral surgery could go, but it was rough. I was bored, frustrated, and anxious to say the least. I wanted to go back to work and register for another race more than anything. You always say it must be nice to be a dog laying around all day, but let me be the first to tell you-it's NOT.

Beginning to walk again was similar to that of a baby giraffe as my friends would say. In hindsight, it is absolutely hilarious. At the time, there was nothing I wanted more than to run around or even jump up and down in excitement. Don't take that minimal thing for granted. Jumping. Twirling. Stomping. Standing on tiptoes.  To do those things again...hmm.

Now that I am 12 weeks gone from surgery, I have slowly entered into the fitness world again. It is very frustrating and slow-moving. My brother is training me and it is absolutely ideal. He knew what I went through (as he carried me up the steps when I had to use the bathroom during recovery. Thank you!) and what my limitations are. I am grateful for his knowledge in the fitness world and trust him fully to get me in the best shape of my life.

Here is the other factor of getting into the best shape of my life. Proper nutrition and supplements. My best friend, Nikki introduced me to a nutrition program in June that she began herself. I have such a negative connotation attached to selling products or possible "pyramid schemes" dare I say it, so I was most certainly skeptical. Weeks passed and she didn't mention the company, only used the product. There she was in front of me: the beautiful, fit girl I love so dearly. The results were proof enough for me.

I am literally at ground zero, rock bottom, what have you. I am the weakest I have been my entire life. Ask me to run a mile and I will surely fail. The weight I lift in the gym with PJ is so minimal and my endurance is non-existent. I went from running a half-marathon to sitting on my ass for months overnight...literally. With this nutrition program, I am taking an active approach to getting the body I dream of and strive for INSIDE and out. If you are frustrated with your current body and/or lifestyle, I know how you feel. If you wake up tomorrow and demand a change, I know how you feel. Simply put, people LOVE progress but HATE change. Take the next step with me as I am at ground zero myself and start a movement. We only have one life and we may as well look good living it.

If anyone is interested in starting a new lifestyle with me (whether is be weight loss, gain, management, etc), below are links to my Facebook and Twitter as well as my email address. Follow me here too as I will keep this up-to-date with recipes, pictures, support, and my emotions on a daily basis. What are you waiting for? I am recovering from bilateral surgery with ONE plate and SIX pins in each foot...What's your excuse?

Facebook --> www.facebook.com/nmmarks

Twitter--> @NikkiMarks

Email--> nmarks54@gmail.com