Work it out weekends: Take 1

As I outlined in my goals for the New Year, I am planning to get back into a regular work out routine. What better way than to do this along with the encouragement and mental support of some lovely ladies that have begun the new decade with the same goals.
Wishcake has started  the “Work it out weekend”-posts and in an effort to hold myself accountable, I am joining the endeavor and am planning to post every weekend about my efforts during the week to become healthier and fitter.

I think I am off to a good start. I’ve been working out at the gym at least 3x a week  since the new year started and it makes such a huge difference in my energy level already, even after barely two weeks.  I can hardly explain.

I have not yet found a new class that I’d like to attend regularly. I am doing a mix of cardio and weights right now, timewise adding up to about an hour and fifteen minutes. My newly passed down, very own Ipod helps with motivation. I’ve already put a workout playlist together (however, any suggestions?) and I enjoy the opportunity to consciously listen to some music again during my workout.
As you can imagine, there is only one person that decides on our “home playlist” 95% of the time and – what a surprise!- it’s not me! (Ok, fortunately, I can say that J and I have a very similar taste in music, which definitely helps.)

Here are my goals for the coming weeks:

• DRINK MORE WATER. This is a major issue for me; I just don’t drink enough water during the day. I have been trying to substitute with (pots of herbal) tea during the winter months, but I still need to get this under control. I am planning to finish at least one 32oz. bottle of water at work (additional to the tea) and another one when I get home. (Expect me to spend an extensive amount of time at the bathroom. I might have to blog from there.)
• WORK OUT AT THE GYM at least 3, better 4, times a week.
• Lose up to 8 pounds. Even though I don’t feel I necessarily have to lose weight, I wouldn’t mind shedding a few pounds.  My main goal though is taking care of the “squishy-ness”. I might be slim, but I am not toned or firm.
• Shop and eat more consciously.
• Keep track of my calorie intake – just for the heck of it. As you know, sometimes we easily kid ourselves into believing that what we’re eating is healthy, when, in fact, it is not. (HELLO unhealthy, but oh-so-delicious Cesar Salad.) I am trying to get a better sense of how much calories I am consuming vs. burning with the easy food log journal on FitDay.com.

And on that note, I am off to the gym. Wanna join?

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Please, if you haven’t done so, read my post below about “The Help Haiti Blog Challenge” and consider leaving a comment on the post by January 18, 2010.
I am sure you would want me to give an extra dollar to a good cause.

THANKS!