Calisthenics: My Quest For Functional Strength

This year I have vowed to give up my membership to the gym. More for the reason that I would like one less bill per month, but also because I would like to learn to use my body and my surroundings to create a workout.

Me, holding a handstand with good alignment!

My Fastest Mile Ever! 10:13 Pace

You may not know this about me, but my husband and I enjoy thinking about "survival". So, in my adventure of gym-less fitness, I thought to myself: "Wouldn't this be a wonderful way to train my body for survival?" I mean, how could I be expected to make it on my own in the wild if I can't run a few miles at a good pace, or pull myself up a tree, or hike with a weighted backpack for many miles?!  So, here starts my quest for what I call "functional strength".

I made a list of the things that I would like to work on. They include:
Push-ups, Pull-ups, Rope Climbing, One-Leg Squats (Pistol Squats), Rock Wall Climbing, Hurdles, 10 Minute Mile for an extended distance (maybe 13 miles?), Heavy Carries, Balances, Long hang times (actively hanging from a bar for an extended period of time), High Jumps... and the list could go on and on!

Now, this is a hefty list of skills that I would like to achieve. So, I will take it slowly. I have been working on this already for a few months and have already made some progress! (See attached photos, where I accomplished a nice formed handstand that exercises my balancing skills and stabilizer muscles. & the screenshot of my last mile, where I achieved my fastest pace ever! The running accomplishment just tickled me pink.)

Second Month Update: Keto Low Carb Love

So much has happened since I last posted, I figured that I owed you all an update! I have officially been adhering to a low-carb Keto lifestyle for two months now. Woah, how time flies! & I have been having fun :)

This diet may not be for everyone, but I sure think it's working for me! I have lost a total of 7 pounds in 7 weeks, and that is advanced weight loss for me. I use my Garmin scale to measure body fat. Currently, the scale tells me I have lost a total of 1% body fat, but I plan to get a Dexa scan in May to check the accuracy of my results. I have also lost an inch off of my waist. That was from some hard hard work!

Ketogains is the best group I have found on Facebook. Between Ketogains and Pinterest, I can follow this way of eating fairly easily. I have found that this program has benefited me in multiple ways...

1) Losing body fat after a year-long weight loss plateau
2) Increased energy for daily performance
3) Mental clarity and focus
4) Chronic constipation relieved

That last one is one of the most important! I've been searching for a cure to my constipation for years.

Anyways. I just wanted to sing the praises of Keto because I feel relieved. I feel like I found what I've been searching for. If you are part of the low-carb for life crew, share your experiences!

(These results are due to following the suggested macro counts from the Ketogains calculator, counting all of my calories consumed with MyFitnessPal, working out 3-5x week, and pure dedication. Anything you want hard enough, you will work for. Results do not come easily. They must be earned!)