Fultonator Cuts Footloose

[fultonator]

Last challenge I went back to basics in the Adventurers, focusing on general wellbeing as a goal. I included some fitness, but mostly worked on my mental health.  Now I feel in the right frame of mind to up my game and get back to the Assassins. 

 

I've been swing dancing for a few years now. However, I've hit a plateau and want to focus on bringing my dancing to the next level.

 

To do this, I will make time to work on movement skills I currently lack, add in more workouts to improve my core for dancing, and pay attention to my diet.

 

My dancing prowess is the primary motivation here, but weight loss would definitely be more than welcomed and I will keep track of my weight and measurements as well.

 

Stats

End of last challenge:

Weight: 199 lbs

Chest: 43"

Waist: 35"

Hips: 44 1/4"

 

End of this challenge:

Weight: tba

Chest: tba

Waist: tba

Hips: tba

 

Main Quest

 

To improve my dancing ability, focusing on core connection and styling. 

 

Quests:

 

1) Dance solo 

Currently I do 2 to 3 hours a week of partner dancing where I can practice my connection. However, I rarely get to practice styling variations so I plan to make time to practice solo jazz.

Goal: 30 mins/week

Grading: 1 point for every minute of solo jazz 

+ 1 STA, + 1 DEX, + 2 CHA

 

2) Strength train

To improve my dance technique and connection, I need to be stronger. I want to especially focus on my core, which is severely lacking.

Goal: 2 sessions/week

Grading: 15 points per session

+ 3 STR

 

3) Log my food

Food is where I struggle. I like dancing, hiking, and many forms of exercise, but food is where I falter. I will post everything I eat on my daily reports to this thread.

Goal: Log food every day

Grading: 5 points per food log

+ 1 WIS

 

Side Quest:

Fix my back

I've been having recurring muscle knots in my upper back/shoulder (rhomboid/trapezius area). This is probably caused by having a desk job and very large, heavy breasts. It seems the best way to remedy this is to strengthen my back muscles in order to oppose my overworked pecs. I'm looking into back extension exercises, but need to see a trainer who understands muscle isolation.

Goal 1: Schedule private pilates session

Goal 2: Back stretches 2X/day to keep knots loose.

Grading: 30 points for session; 1 points/ stretch session

+ 2 STR

 

Grading Scheme 

 

A = 600+ points

B = 550+ points                                             

C = 475+ points                                            

D = 350+ points                                           

F = less than 350 points                                  

 

---

 

"I want her to be a flapper, because flappers are brave and gay and beautiful." - Zelda Fitzgerald

[blkhole24601]

SWING! JAZZ!! These are my favorite dances. Jazz is my primary focus when it comes to dance, and I love it so much!

 

Following for the dance love~

[Sea Level]

YES! Glad you're here!

I love goal 1, naturally!

 

[fultonator]

So I posted this thread a day late and therefore missed day 1.

 

Day 2 I remembered to do my back stretches at the end of the day.

 

Off to a slow start challenge-wise, although it was a busy day for me otherwise.

 

Today looks more promising.  I will post an update tomorrow!

 

 

Total Points: 1

[fultonator]

Day 3 Report

 

So, my swing dance class was cancelled due to yet another snowstorm. AND I ended up having to work late. Boo!

 

Did the bare minimum: got both back stretch sessions in - 2 points

 

Foodlog - 5 points

Breakfast = Milk steamer (I don't know why I was not hungry...)

Lunch = Tofu pad thai

Supper = Beef nachos (this is what happens when I let my husband make dinner...)

 

Total Points: 8

 

Last challenge I ended posts with a "things to work on" section to reflect on how the day went and what I could improve the follow day(s). I'm bringing it back!

 

Things to Work On:

Holy crap, vegetables please!!!

[Rookie]

Great job so far fultonator! Bah Swing dancing is so cool. I love watching people do it! I am pretty sure my body would not know how to move fast and with coordination like that. I used to take ballet, tap and jazz up until I was about 12 or something, tap was my favourite. 

 

Remember a slow start is still good because you are moving in the right direction!

[fultonator]

Great job so far fultonator! Bah Swing dancing is so cool. I love watching people do it! I am pretty sure my body would not know how to move fast and with coordination like that. I used to take ballet, tap and jazz up until I was about 12 or something, tap was my favourite. 

 

Remember a slow start is still good because you are moving in the right direction!

 Thanks Rookie!

If I'm able to figure out how, I may post some dance videos. I think it would be great to document my progress that way. We'll see!

[Hazard]

If I'm able to figure out how, I may post some dance videos. I think it would be great to document my progress that way. We'll see!

 

What are the problems?

[fultonator]

Sorry my reports are late. I've been sick

 

Day 4 Report

 

1) Dance ----

2) Core/strength ------

3) Foodlog - 5 points

Sooooo, someone brought cupcakes to the office. I had one... then had another one. So I skipped lunch since I was so guilty.

Breakfast = cranberry muesli toast, tea

Lunch = 2 cupcakes. Willpower fail!

Supper = Gnocchi, salad

 

4) Back stretches - yes! 2 points

 

Day 5 Report

 

1) Dance ----

2) Core/strength - 15 points

Did this core circuit. Had to modify to knee plank as can't do regular plank yet. Also, could NOT do the tripod scissor thing correctly so skipped it. I figure if I can't keep good form doing it, it's best not to.

3) Foodlog - 5 points

Damn you office cupcakes! Seriously, I have to figure out a way to avoid stuff that people bring in. 

Breakfast = cranberry muesli toast, tea

Lunch = Black bean and veggie pita wrap

2pm sugar craving = 2 cupcakes :(

Supper = Gnocchi, salad

 

4) Back stretches - like a champ. 2 points

 

Total Points: 37

 

Things to work on:

Avoiding sugary snacks in the office. I am very good about not buying stuff myself. I never go out and buy lattes or cookies or junk food for myself... partly because I know that if it's there, I WILL eat it. Therefore I just don't keep it around me. However, that might work at home but not for the office when other people are bringing in junk to share. Suggestions? My office is super tiny so I can't avoid the place where the treats are. 

[Rookie]

Sugary snacks in the office are the worst.... We have a lego head filled with chocolate. It calls my name. People also tend to come around and asking if we want some delicious cookies or brownies and I lack willpower! It looks so delicious ; ; 

[fultonator]

So much sicker. All I want to do is drink hot beverages and soup.

 

Day 6 Report

 

1) Dance ----

2) Core/strength ----

3) Foodlog - 5 points

Was at a workshop all day for work and ate what was available. Didn't do too badly until I saw the cookies.

Breakfast = coffee, schnitzel

Lunch = vegetable soup, 1/2 tuna sandwich, carrots, grape juice, 3 cookies

Supper = carrots & broccoli & celery, Broth & ramen, tea (1 milk 1 sugar)

Snack = popcorn, hot chocolate

 

4) Back stretches - like a champ. 2 points

 

Total Points: 44

[fultonator]

Even sicker. Bleh.

 

Day 7 Report

 

1) Dance - 10 minutes of solo dance - 10 points

2) Core/strength ----

3) Foodlog - 5 points

Eating was a struggle today. Appetite just wasn't there with me being sick.

Breakfast = tea, toast, hot chocolate

Lunch = Broth & ramen, crackers, cheese, raw veggies

Supper = chicken sandwich, potato salad

 

4) Back stretches -  2 points

 

Total Points: 61

[Elastigirl]

bleh. Sorry about the sickness, sending healing vibes your way.

[Rookie]

Get better! Try hot orange juice.

[fultonator]

On the mend! Still a bit short of breath and have a bit of a lingering cough, but otherwise feel much much better.

 

Day 8 Report

 

1) Dance - Had our normal lindy hop class. Also did 10 minutes of solo dance - 10 points

2) Core/strength ----

3) Foodlog - 5 points

Was bummed out today and let it affect my eating. 

Breakfast = warm milk

Lunch = McDonald's quarter pounder. Ugh.

Supper = Felt guilty after fast food. Skipped supper, but did have a beer with friends after swing dance class.

 

4) Back stretches - Only remembered morning stretch 1 point

 

Total Points: 77

[Hazard]

On the mend! Still a bit short of breath and have a bit of a lingering cough, but otherwise feel much much better.

 

Yay!

 

[fultonator]

Day 9 Report

 

1) Dance - About 10 minutes solo jazz routine - 10 points

2) Core/strength ----

3) Foodlog - 5 points

I've decided to try my best to include a photo foodlog. I think the visual will be helpful for me.

Breakfast = Oatmeal with apples and cinnamon, grape juice

Lunch = Genoa and turkey sandwich, cheese, carrots, yogurt, sparkling juice

Snack = Pear

Supper = Steak and veggie fajitas. I tried to eat 2 but only had 1/2 of the second one.

 

4) Back stretches - yep! 2 points

 

Total Points: 94

[fultonator]

Day 10 Report

 

1) Dance - Taught a class tonight on a solo routine... so ended up practicing my solo jazz for 1.5 hours  - 90 points

2) Core/strength ----

3) Foodlog - 5 points

Forgot my camera so didn't take pictures. Not a good day food wise. TMI but I didn't have an appetite in the morning because I have a chest cold and I'm sure I've been swallowing phlegm because of all the coughing and hacking I'm doing. So I skipped breakfast (just had a coffee), but this made me absolutely famished by lunchtime, and I made poor decisions. Lesson learned: force myself to have at least a little bit for breakfast, even if I don't want anything.

 

Breakfast = Coffee (1 milk 1 sugar)

Lunch = Fish & chips and a pop

Supper = No supper. Had a couple pieces of my husband's sweet potato fries.

 

4) Back stretches - yes 2 points

 

Total Points: 191

[fultonator]

This cold is really kicking my butt... I'm coughing and hacking and so short of breath I can barely do anything. I'm so sick of being sick!

 

Day 11 Report

 

1) Dance ----

2) Core/strength ----

3) Foodlog - 5 points

 

Breakfast = Oatmeal Crisp cereal with milk

Snack = Coffee (1 milk 1 sugar)

Lunch = Microwave chicken vindaloo, sparkling orange juice

Supper = Cheeseburger, sweet potato fries, carrots

 

4) Back stretches - yes 2 points

 

Total Points: 198

 

Day 12 Report

 

1) Dance ----

2) Core/strength ----

3) Foodlog - 5 points

Forgot my camera for supper, but here's my breakfast and lunch:

Breakfast = Egg, multigrain toast, leftover fajita beef, milk

Lunch = Hamburger, sparkling cranberry juice

Supper = Tofu and veggie Green curry

 

4) Back stretches - yes 2 points

 

Total Points: 205

 

Day 13 Report

 

1) Dance ----

2) Core/strength ----

3) Foodlog - 5 points

Breakfast = 2 small Waffles, tea

Lunch = no lunch

Snack = tea

Supper = 2 sliders, fries, salad

 

4) Back stretches - forgot 

 

Total Points: 210

[fultonator]

Day 14 Report

 

1) Dance ----

2) Core/strength ----

3) Foodlog - 5 points

 

Breakfast = blueberry cake, tea

Snack = apple

Lunch = taquitos, sour cream

Supper = potato perogies with sauteed veg

Snack = hot chocolate, marshmallows

 

4) Back stretches - forgot 

 

Total Points: 215

[fultonator]

Day 15 Report

 

1) Dance  - 1 hour of class. Lots of partner Charleston. Managed to practice solo about 10 minutes. - 10 points

2) Core/strength ----

3) Foodlog - 5 points

 

 

Breakfast = Cranberry muesli bread with peanut butter and honey, Milk

Snack = 2 mandarin oranges

Lunch = Ramen

Snack = Blueberry cake, tea

Supper = Chicken pullao

Snack = Chicago mix

 

4) Back stretches - yes - 2 points

 

Total Points: 232

[fultonator]

Day 16 Report

 

1) Dance  ----

2) Core/strength ----

3) Foodlog - 5 points

 

 

Breakfast = Cranberry muesli bread with peanut butter and honey, tea

Snack = 2 mandarin oranges

Lunch = Chicken pullao, sparkling juice

Snack = yogurt

Snack = Latte

Supper = Ribs, mashed potatoes, carrots

Snack = Chicago mix

 

4) Back stretches - yes - 2 points

 

Total Points: 239

[fultonator]

Day 17 Report

 

1) Dance  ----

2) Core/strength ----

3) Foodlog - 5 points

  

 

Breakfast = Cranberry muesli bread with peanut butter and honey, mandarin, milk

Lunch = Chicken pullao, ribs

Snack = grapes, mandarin

Supper = Gnocchi, eggplant, bread, salad

 

4) Back stretches - yes - 2 points

 

Total Points: 246

[fultonator]

Day 18 was a wash

Was on the road all day.

Didn't log food, no exercise, no points.

[fultonator]

Well, I'm giving up on photographing all my meals. It's way too much hassle for me and I keep forgetting my camera when I go to my mom's for supper.

I will still be logging my food. 

 

 

Day 19 Report

 

1) Dance  - 5 minutes of solo jazz - 5 points

2) Core/strength ----

3) Foodlog - 5 points

  

Breakfast = Mango strawberry smoothie with tons of spinach

Lunch = steak and cheese Subway sandwich (6 inch), loaded with veggies. Also small bag of ketchup chips

Supper = Brodo con frittelli (Italian fritter soup)

 

4) Back stretches - in the morning - 1 point

 

Total Points: 257