Stress? What stress?

Week two and now feeling like I'm finding the zone for this ten-week challenge. It came to me driving to class at 5:15 am on Tuesday morning. I realized that I was in good place and doing this for all the right reasons.

In the past, I would have laid in bed with no thoughts of working out. I think this process has not only improved me physically so far, but mentally as well. The stress level in my life has gone and happiness has filled its place.

Speaking of stress: We all have it right? If you are reading this and thinking, "Yes, of course we do," then head over to The Landing on Thursday night to take a class that will I promise alleviate the stress in your life. Svaroopa Style yoga has made me a yoga believer. This class made me so relaxed, yet focused beyond anything experienced in my life.

And this week I finally felt a sense of routine - as thought I could continue to do this through out my life.

One of my favorite movies is The Pursuit of Happyness and a quote from that movie has been in my head throughout this change in my life. "Don't ever let somebody tell you can't do something…. You got a dream, you gotta protect it…. If you want something go get it… Period." These words I will live by and instill in my son.

An eye-opening and ab awakening experience

Let's talk about week one. I've been asked by all my friends what are you doing? Is it hard? Could I do it? The answer is yes! I've been so excited about informing my friends, family, and co-workers of this chance to really make improvements to the way I approach fitness, flexibility, diet, and emotional well-being.

The love of my life Norma has been so supportive through getting up before sunrise and cooking to my nutritional needs. I think support from significant others is an essential piece of this ten week Quest for your best.

The week started with Catherine my personal trainer (aka Jillian) answering all our questions and then putting us through or first team work out. My first impression of Catherine is that of someone I believe to be positive, punctual and prepared. I will say that the first taste of getting up early and working out was hard to get use to.

I started hip funk abs on day two at 6am. This was my favorite workout so far (only day Two) my abs were woken up and put through the workout of their life. This was an upbeat fun class that I would recommend to everyone. The positive start to your day can't help but spill over into day to day life.

The third day was my first ever yoga experience. Sivananda style yoga is an asana class that interweaves many layers of spirituality that relax the body and mind while rejuvenating the soul. Lauren began with an intention supported by quotes, poetry and moments for meditation. Chanting, breath work and a combination of held poses and flowing movements enhance the full-body experience. The morning inspiration found within this class sent me off with great energy for my day...

Day four brought a very interesting twist to my day. Gyrokenesis with Randy was a step out of my comfort zone, but made me realize how ridged I sometimes am. This class awakens all senses and parts of the body so you can truly relax. Feeling stress release was a good feeling and one I haven't felt in long time. I believe the more you do the techniques in this the more centered you will become on what truly matters in your life.

The week ended with Catherine bringing in a nurse to teach us about nutrition and show us some helpful supplements to add to our day to day lives. The nurse gave us stats that where staggering about how mineral deficient the American soil is compared to other countries around the world. The other piece that I actually heard a lot about before is the presence and effect of high fructose corn syrup in all our foods. Try to find a product that doesn't contain it. It will open your eyes to a problem that this brings to our future.

I am getting so much out of this quest and I love it! It has a direct effect on my positive weight loss of 3.4lbs this week! Without The Landing and its staff I could not have achieved the weight loss at home that I have. This plan is part of my success! That is the truth, never mind the fact that it is all incredible to do together as a team, one all looking for different goals.

I love the fact that the Bodybugg keeps track of everything for me and the nutrition information is easy to read. Because of that I know exactly where my calories are with every meal. That makes calorie watching very easy and convenient. I love The Landing and would recommend it to everyone who is serious about a life style change.

It must be fate

Here it goes. Is this a year of fate?

Like many average Joes on New Years Eve I made my resolutions for the upcoming year. This year has been different compared to ones of the past though.

For many years I have told myself that I will lose this excess weight - only to fall into the same routine after a month of being "good."

On January sixth, I challenged others in my office to a Biggest Loser contest. We had five participate, each with big goals. This twelve-week challenge ended just last week with me "winning" by losing 18lbs. I was wondering how to continue to challenge myself to lose weight instead of going back to the same old routine of before.

In a weird brush of fate I then got an email from client that MaineToday.com and Switch where looking for a four people to participate in the Quest for your Best program. I entered without a second thought.

So here we are today, nervous and so excited for this ten-week challenge. What will it be like? What will I be doing that I have never done before?

Every time I look into my little son Aidan's eyes, I know no matter what that this was fate - I do this for him. I want to be healthy enough to do everything he wants to do and never be in a position where health gets in the way.

I visited The Landing on Friday, where the ten-week challenge will take place. All I can say is First Class. This place has everything and looks like a five star resort spa. I got my first piece of this challenge The Bodybugg. I've got to say this is a piece of modern technology I believe to be incredible. Tomorrow up at 5:30 am to start a ten week stretch that will change me and my family's life. I would also put out there if you are reading this and thinking, "gee that is me," then get active and eat right. It will change you for the better.