Just Keepin' On

Does your life seem like a big ball of twine that gets patted around on the floor by that playful, fluffy kitty?? Mine does.
Each Monday I set out to write down and track my weekly fitness goals. Each Sunday, my brain begins ticking as to what I want on my plate for the following week. The same ole, same ole...
Monday: Spin Class {morning} 60 Day SlimDown/ Core Firming Sequence Method {evening}Tuesday: Power {weight lifting}Wednesday: Spin Class {morning} 60 Day SlimDown/ Core Firming Sequence Method {evening}Thursday: Morning RunFriday: Morning Run {Good Friday!} 60 Day SlimDown/ Core Firming Sequence Method Saturday: RunSunday: Easter!
And there we have it, Folks. It all looks so sweet and simple laid out in black and white, but there are times that this weekly schedule is the hardest thing to keep in line. I love the after feeling, I even love the pain during {sometimes}, but the hardest part right now is setting aside this time for me, realizing it's importance, and not putting something like sleep or studying in front of it.
Life changes are hard, and yet, prioritizing seems even harder. What about You? How are you incorporating your fitness into a busy schedule this week??
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How Does Stress Affect Your Workout?

Have you ever experienced long term stress? Ever had a project that felt as if it took a millenium to complete? Yeah, I'm there. Even though I'm only two weeks or so from completing my thesis, I look back and realized that over the last 6 months I've been extremely stressed out. And, sadly, by being stressed, I've neglected many workouts.
I'm not sure why it happens. I love working out. My days and moods are always better after I workout, I just tend to let everything else take priority over it. 
And yet, I hope to soon turn that type of thinking around. I recently purchased a book, Zen and the Art of Running, and in it the author discusses the idea of attachments. Attachments being the ideas/views we place on things/thoughts. According to the book, when I talk myself into staying in bed simply because I think it feels more comfortable than going for a run, well, then, I've attached an idea of my bed compared to my run. It's a way of breaking old thought patterns that impact motivation, and simply taking life as it is rather than fluffying it all up with my ideas. It's an amazing theory, one of which has been around for thousands of years, and I'm sure it will take more than just a read for me to really get it down. But, I'm trying. 
I have two races coming up in May and June that I'd love to run in. I'm a little anxious that I don't have enough time to train for them, but they're both fairly short and when it comes down to it, I can run on spit and pure desire, and repair the slight banged up muscles/soft tissue later. 
So, what about You? How does stress affect your workouts? Do you use it as motivation or does it sap your desire and strength as in my case? And, what ways are you working on in regards to stress? I'd love to hear your tips and stories, Link Up below!
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My Workout: My Time

For a couple hours each morning I'm no longer a mother, a wife, a student, or teacher...I'm simply Me.  Working out gives me a break from all other responsibilities and allows me to focus on what I'm doing at that moment and really give something back to myself.
I've recently discovered that 2011 is mine. My husband has done an awesome job of taking on extra responsibilities so that I can focus more of my time on my studies. I kept telling myself that my Master's degree would benefit my whole family, that I was doing it all for my family, which ultimately I am, but it still requires a great deal of my time and effort, and without Sean's help, I'm not sure it would have been possible.
I also have big plans after graduation, I want to pour myself into my fitness and new hobbies of gardening and photography. Of course I want to bring my family into these areas as well, but just the idea of having hobbies is a big step for this Momma. It, again, means Me time. As a young mother of 16, I've never truly felt that I've devoted much time to myself; I feel as if I've lived my life for others and have worked to achieve a better future for my family. I now want to step back for a moment and discover more of myself through enjoyable activities. I want to create life in new ways through gardening and capture all that beauty with pictures.
So, as I set out to finish this year on My time, I look around at all the wonderful people who have brought me to where I am, the good Lord who has provided all the way, and my family who makes it possible. I'm more than grateful, even if I don't show it very often. I hope to repay you all, somehow, someday, with maybe just a little bit more of My time.  :)
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I've Said It Before And I'll Say It Again, SparkPeople Rocks My Socks Off

When you go back to the basics, it all seems to make sense. And that's why I'm taking it back to SparkPeople.com  to make a difference in my life. 
After having Maddie I removed 65 pounds from this body; the same size as my 8 year old. Wow, you say. Yeah, wow I say! It's still hard for me to believe, but when I glance in the mirror, I realize it's still {partly} a reality. 
Around October I experienced some stress, I stopped running due to the colder weather, and overall I was simply lost in my fitness routine. In January I started working on my thesis, and I've come to learn that when I'm super stressed, I can't seem to focus on anything except on that particular stressor. I should have never gotten out of a routine, but I did. I should have never emotionally eaten, but I did. And now, several pounds later, I'm still stressed, still eating, and yet still wanting to make a change in my life. And that's the point, the simple desire to make something different.
Like I said, I went back to what I knew worked before: 1. joining other people on this journey, 2. running. :) It's not always easy, but it's definitely still worth doing.
So this weeks workouts:Monday: Spin ClassTuesday: Weight TrainingWednesday: Spin ClassThursday: Slim in 6Friday: RunningSaturday: Walk/Run @ GreenwaySunday: Walk with Family
What about you? What goals have you set for this week? 

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How To Stay Motivated: Your Workouts

Every Monday, for months now, I've been writing up a fitness post. Some days it's about weight loss, about my weekly goals, while other days I actually try to share some news. Today, it's about motivation and what I've learned along the way.

1. Being A Buddy:
I always chat with strangers, you never know who you might meet or what new bond you might build. That being said, you hop on a treadmill next to me, I'll 99% of the time wish you a, "good morning!" And if I drift in next to you to apply makeup after my workout in the dressing room, I'm almost certain we'll start up a small chat. And that's where I met Heather. We had chatted a few times and then last week she invited me to a spin and weight training class. 5:30 a.m. classes that is. :)

I decided to give it a go. With Spring approaching I really needed something to boost my workouts and really get me back into things. And, it just so happened when I mentioned I'd be going to spin class, another friend of mine, whom I've worked out with before, decided to join me as well.

There is nothing better than a work out partner, except for on those days you'd rather work out alone {as a mom, I sometimes cherish my alone times}.

2. Writing It Down: 

Heather, as I mentioned before, is full of great ideas. She explained to me how she uses a calender to record her success and that each day she works out, she gets a sticker, and after a certain amount of stickers, she gets a new...{fill in the blank here}. What an awesome idea!!!!

And, I agree, if you write it down, you're more likely to stick with it. So, I did. I have Monday - Wednesday documented for the month. These three days I'll be at the gym, bright and early. The other two days, well, I need more help on those. Any suggestions?? I'll have Maddie with me before and after work on those days so make sure it's kid friendly.

3. Connecting To Others:

I've also come across some great fitness
blogs . It seems when we surround ourselves by a group of people, we tend to follow along in that group. So, decide who you want to follow/lead and surround yourself with those people...pretty simple.

So, what about You? What motivates You to keep pushing along and moving through??

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Playing In The Park: Family Exercise

I must admit, I've always been highly aware of what my kids eat, how much activity is in their day, and the what-not.  I feel as a parent it's my responsibility to ensure my kids are taught about good nutrition and daily exercise. I try to be a model of my ideas, yet I do fall short at times {I'm still not my ideal weight} but I want them to feel as if their childhood held lots of good foods {fruits and veggies} and lots of running and playing. :)

My mother always told me, you change the world one person at a time, so I want to leave with my kids, the tools they need to make a difference and an educated decision on how to live their lives.

So, when the sun starts shinning, it's time for some outside fun. Yesterday, Maddie and I met up with some friends at the park for a playdate and walk. We had a blast. Maddie played on the playground for a bit and then we pulled out the strollers and enjoyed a nice walk around the river. There's simply nothing better {IMO} than enjoying some sort of fitness with your kids.

What about You? What do you enjoy doing with your kiddos??

 

60 Day SlimDown with Lindsay Brin

If you're new to motherhood or a veteran like myself and you're interested in getting back into shape, Lindsay Brin is the lady for you. With her 60 Day SlimDown you'll enjoy 4 DVD's with over 22 different workouts and a nutrition guide. 

I received this product a week ago to review and I must admit, it's challenging and rewarding. This program comes with a 60 day meal and workout plan. Each day is laid out on which DVD's to use as well as a variety of foods to choose from. There are even dozens of recipes! The 12 page program alone would run you what the actual price of the program is {$49.99}, therefore it's as if you're receiving a great 2 for 1 deal!

According to Moms Into Fitness : This Cutting Edge System will boost your metabolism and have the pounds melting off within the first 10 days. Get started today with the 3-phase Nutrition Plan any mom can follow, a detailed Fitness Calendar and Progress Tracker. Check your fitness level on Day 1 & Day 60 with the Fitness Test to see the stronger, leaner, new you.

In Phase 1 all workouts can be done in 30 minutes or less. Then in Phase 2 you will challenge your body even more so you continue to shred your core - and lose even more fat! All in 45 minutes or less. Also included, a bonus Phase 3 so you learn how to see results after the initial 60 Days.

And, I must admit, Lindsay is fun, chipper, and well educated in ways to help you gain the most from these workouts. I actually learned a great deal on the proper way of doing crunches and definitely felt it the next day; I wasn't extremely sore, but it was enough to let me know I'd done a great workout the previous day. And, that's the way I like it, being able to move the next day but feeling as if I woke up those muscles and they're burning calories while repairing.

So, it's official, I'm taking the challenge. I'm marking down day 1 measurements and looking forward to seeing what 60 days will bring me. Keep watching for more updates!

Price of product: $49.99

Ordering info: http://www.momsintofitness.com/dvds/dvds-lindsay-brin-60-day-slimdown

Would I recommend this product to friends? Most definitely. It's fun, challenging, and very do-able.

Many thanks to Moms Into Fitness for providing me the opportunity to review this product.

Cut The Fluff: I'm a Runner??

The weather was gorgeous this past weekend!

Sunday hit a high of 67, and it's still January!!

Maddie and I took advantage of the beautiful day and headed down for a walk and playground fun. I say walk, but I quickly discovered I am a runner.

It started off with a nice walk, gaining speeding, checking out all the people, the bikes, and the water, just enjoying chatting with Maddie in the stroller when all of a sudden I realized I was jogging. I'm not sure really how it all happened, it seems my feet simply knew they were to pick up their pace until we were moving at a nice speed, my lungs expanding then back down, one hand on the stroller while the other arm swayed back and forth, just natural, just running. :)



Like I said, just gorgeous.

I hope to run two races this year, The Chicamauga Chase and The Gate to Gate, the same two races I ran last year. This gives me about 3 to 4 months of training. I feel pretty good about it all. I plan on starting back on the Couch to 5k tomorrow morning. Being outside today really helped me realize how much I do enjoy running, how much it's become a part of who I am, and how much more growing I need to do in it.

So, what about You? How's your weather been? Are you stuck in snow or enjoying the sunshine like me and my fam? And, what races are You thinking of tackling this year??



 

Cut The Fluff With McFatty Mondays: Slim in 6

I'm so excited to announce that I'll be doing a review of  Lindsay Brin's 60 Day SlimDown System as well as offering a 30% off coupon code to my readers. I've just set it up so keep a lookout in the up-coming weeks!

And yet, this week I'm focused on Slim in 6 by BeachBody. I started off with the Shape It Up, the first of three series. It consisted of 24 minutes of constant movement. The pace was smooth yet challenging. I did noticed a deal of knee pain while doing the variations of squats but I'll just need to focus on form and keeping those knees in good alignment. Within those 24 minutes I burned 198 calories, ramping my heart rate up to 155 bpm during some of the movements.

Now, compared to my most recent workout DVD, 30 Day Shred, this workout didnt require as much jumping nor high impact movements. I did not use any weights yet got a great upper body workout with constant arm movements and push ups. There is also a nice ab workout to move you into the cool down.

Overall, I feel this is a great beginners workout, even one that's challenging to someone who's been working out (cardio wise) for a year now. This workout is definitely something I need at the moment, a plan that focuses on strength training as well as cardio, yet doesn't crash me out after one workout.

The idea is to continue with this DVD for week 1 then move on to the next series starting week 2. I look forward to the challenge. :)

And what about You? Have you tried Slim in 6? Have a success story to share? I'd love to hear your fitness goals as well as how your workouts are going. Link up below to share your story!


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Cut The Fluff with McFatty Monday: Kicking Off 2011

And the new year is here with new year resolutions, goals, and hope, and with that...we are back to working hard and working out.

By the time you read this I will have actually already enjoyed my spin class and will have moved on, back to the grime of in-service day @ school. :)

I hope to begin training for a half marathon with a friend of mine. My routine will include a warm up with 30 minutes on the bike with another 30 minutes on the elliptical or treadmill. Or, like today, I'll enjoy a 60 minute spin class with a nice Saturday yoga class.

What about you?? Any particular amount of weight you'd like to drop?? I'm looking at around 40 (counting the 10 I added back on within the last two months of 2010). Oh, and I'm also looking to cut out most sugar from my diet. This one will come slowly such I'm pretty much addicted. Other than that, lots of water and lots of fun!

2011:

BW: 190

GW: 150

Cut The Fluff With McFatty Mondays: 2010

So, the end is upon us.

I began running in Feb. of this year and even though I've greatly slacked off within the last two months, I feel as if it's certainly apart of my identity. Two important gifts I received this year are: a treadmill and scale. Yep, you know that cool, it-weighs-everything-even-water-weight scale? I got one!

I'm almost afraid to step on the thing though, worried it will begin yelling at me, "Fat ass! Fat ass! What were you thinking when you ate that last damn donut??!!!" Ok, I'm sure it wont be that extreme but you know what I mean...I'm not looking forward to stepping up on it (tomorrow). As I mentioned these last two months have not been my most productive and I've honestly put on close to 10 pounds...and I feel it.

However, I'm looking forward to finding my balance through nutrition and fitness and, again, trudging through the days, burning off the calories, and becoming stronger as I do. It may not always be fun, but it's important. I want to be healthy. I want to be limber and strong. I want to remove this excess fat and baggage.

So, I'm raising my H20 to the fitness freak working out next to me and toasting all the others who will put fitness and health as a major priority for 2011. Here's to you, Friends!!

Cut The Fluff With McFatty Mondays: Yoga Style

So, it's down to crunch time in class and I've been bustin' my booty on this final paper, which is due this week. I didn't think I was making fitness a great priority until I realized this weekend that I'd had another 5 day streek of it.

WhoooHoooo!

And, speaking of whoooooo0hoooooo's, I finally went to the gym and did a yoga class on Saturday. I'd been thinking about going for the past month but never made the committment until now, and I LOVED it!

We worked on the back, and I was able to do all the "poses" (not really sure that's the word) until it came to the full plank, turned sideways. I could only hold that one a short while til I had to drop my leg for support, but I'll keep working on it. And, the next morning, I felt a great deal of worked muscle-ship (no, not a real word), and it felt great. I didn't realize working my back also worked my abs, arms, and chest, but yeah, let's do that again.

So, I think this will be a norm for me, Saturday mornings, what new activities have you recently tried??

Cut the Fluff With McFatty Mondays: You On A Diet (Continues)

So, last week I mentioned I had started reading, You On A Diet, and, it's becomming a pretty big hit, in my opinion. :)

I just googled the title and found this link: www.realage.com/the-you-docs/you-on-a-diet/ It looks great, check it out, and let me know what new tips you've learned!

So, back to the book, it seems, our body first uses fat to store up our glycogen supply (sugar stored in the mucles for fast use) and then sugar/fat is stored as fat (which becomes the backup storage system for engergy). It takes the body roughly 30 minutes to use the glycogen held within the mucles, and it's only then that the body turns to stored fat to burn as energy. So, that's where we get that most awesome guideline of 30 minutes of exercise to maintain weight while weight loss requires 60 minutes a day.

Now, before you start throwing a hissy that there is simply no way you can incorporate 60 minutes of exercise into your day, take a moment to also realize that muscle requires more energy simply to maintain than does say, oh, fat. So, it's a good idea to build muscles that requires fuel through out the day as well as cardio and/or aerobic exercise that will also burn sugar/fat.

Simply put, tone your muscles & they will use stored sugar/fat, don't tone your muscles, they will simply make room for more fat. I'd rather do the first. I'M GONNA DO THE FIRST!

Starting today, I'm bringing back my morning workout (when I can). I understand life is hectic and that working out may not always be my first priority and I'm willing to make adjustments when need be, but NEVER is there a time when I can't work out in some way/form indefinitly.

And that's the difference. Do you want it? Are you willing to do what you need to get it? I am.

Goals:

93 ounces of water a day

4 workout days this week

aiming for a 2000 weekly calorie burn

maintain blood sugar levels through small snacks

do NOT over eat and experience reactive hypoglycemia

incorporate morning workouts, whether it be pilates or 30 Day Shred

make the difference...

Fitness: My Week In Preview

Below is my week in preview, fitness wise. And check out tomorrow's Cut The Fluff w/ McFatty Monday to see what new goals I've listed!

CARDIOVASCULAR EXERCISE FOR THE WEEK OF 10/17/2010 - 10/23/2010


EXERCISE MINUTES CALORIES BURNED
Walk 15 min/mile 40 min. 263 cal.
Walk 17 min/mile 47 min. 274 cal.
Run to gym, weight training, run to work, walk 112 min. 707 cal.
Walk with Maddie 60 min. 378 cal.


weekly minutes = 259 weekly calorie burn = 1622

weekly goal = 2000

Cut the Fluff With McFatty Mondays: You On A Diet

I picked up a new book this week, You On A Diet. Sorry there is no link, I'm writing this in a mad rush before having to get ready for work.

Anyway, it's a concept that our bodies want to be a healthy weight, not an anorexic weight, but healthy with a healthy fat percentage, and, if we eat healthy foods then our bodies will tell us when to eat. Ok, that's probably really over simplified, but you get the idea.

This book goes into great detail explaining how different types of food reacts in the body and what the body must do to use it all. It also discusses the fact that our bodies have not changed since the caveman era, and yet through agriculture, the way we eat certainly has.

Rather than focusing on the scale, this book explains that for a woman, a healthy waist size is 32 1/2 inches and below. Which, actually, I'm pretty much there, but I'm still not satisfied with my body. There is a 2 week food list as well an exercise plan listed in the book. And how much exercise do they recommend a day? A 30 min. walk daily with weight training (without weights).

So, if you're interested in understanding how your body works, breaking through some dieting myths, and enjoying a new, realistic, life style change, I'd recommend picking up this book. Oh, and one last thing, the authors claim you can drop 2 inches around your waist by following their plan, for 2 weeks. Interesting. :)

My goals for this week:

~ 93 ounces of water a day

~ 4 work out days

~ listening to my body in regards to hunger...is it physical or phsychological.

Fit Meal Monday

I am all about trying to eat healthier which includes serving healthy meals to my fam. as well. So, when I came across Fit Meal Monday , I happly clapped myself into list making mode and set out to think up some healthy meals for this week.

My main focus this week will be including more fish into our diets, which actually just means adding it in once this week. :) It's a process and I'm still learning...

Monday:

fish (Cod) lightly rubbed w/ olive oil, seasoned, and skillet cooked

brown rice

turnip greens

apple slices

Tuesday:

turkey breast, sliced

wild rice

baked sweet potatoes

Wednesday:

chicken breast, grilled with seasoning, cut up in salad.

Thursday:

blacked eyed peas

green beans

wheat bread

steamed kale

Friday:

Speghetti with ground beef

whole wheat speghetti

stewed tomatoes and veggies

I can't wait to link up and read other great ideas!!

Cut The Fluff With Mcfatty Mondays: Hypoglycemia

Hi there, I'm Toni, and I'm hypoglycemic. That's right folks, I'm finally admitting that I do have a particular body type that does, indeed, need a bit of sweet tweaking to keep it running smoothly.

I discovered my hypoglycemia when I was a teenager, actually after I had my first child, and was officially diagnosis a couple of years later by my doctor. My mom was a diabetic so she quickly recognized my symptoms of low blood sugar and gave me sound advice on avoiding sugary foods...I must admit, I've never kept myself from any type of food, at any time, for any reason...until now. :)

Since I'm a huge advocate for education, I've recently begun researching hypoglycemia and the ways in which to live with this bodily response. And, the first and foremost advice out there...avoid sugar. Ok, I gotcha, now what? Well, I'm still learning.

So, this week I'll be documenting my food and drinks to see if I actually do have the will power to remove sugar and caffeine from my diet. Yeah, I was actually saddened to see the caffeine as listed as a no-no. That one will probably be the hardest to break.

And, thanks to BeingMrsJones , I'm now gonna try and inhale 93 ounces of water a day. Wow, talk about potty breaks, people! Check here to see how many ounces you should be drinking, and then gasp and fall over cause you so know you wont hit that goal any time soon. Nah, I'm kidding, I have faith in you...YOU CAN DO IT!

And now back to me...

I worked out 2 times last week, which sucks. I burned a bit over 1,000 calories from those two sessions, which was good, but I definitely plan on a bit more this week. And, speaking of working out, my goals this week are: to see 3 hours of cardio/weight training workouts, to include fruits and veggies into my snacks and meals, and to consume an ungodly amount of water, as well as to continue to educate myself on ways to live with an over-reactive pancreas.

I hope your days are lovely; continue to sweat and look awesome in your workout clothes, for I will be doing the same. :)

Cutting The Fluff With McFatty Mondays

I am currently a member of The Rush and so far I've enjoyed my experience. I did 4 sessions with a trainer and have decided that my most fav. Christmas wish this year will be 12 - 1 hr. sessions. I figure I could spread them out 1 session a week for like 3 months! :)

Anyway, as a member, there is also a website that offers fitness plans to help design the perfect program. I signed up today and I've set myself up with two months of fitness plans. I'm super-psyched!

This previous week found me stressing over parent/teacher conference forms as well as a midterm so I honestly got NO workout time in. I was pretty bummed out about it, as you can see here . But, no worries, today is a new day. :)

Oh, and, I got a new kick on the nutrition level, this site recommends I eat 1954 calories a day, putting me 500 calories under what my body burns daily, as well as my workouts (weight training 3 x's a week, & running 4 x's a week) should really help to move my metabolism.

And, lets take a moment...my half-marathon that I'd planned to run this November is full. I went to sign up a week or so ago and, sadly, saw I had missed the window of opportunity. It's ok, though, I'll keep training, and I'll run one next year. I know it! :)

Ok, back to my post...

Nutritional Challenge:

~ Get in 64 ounces of water a day

~ count calories daily, remaining within caloric range

~ include at least one fruit and vegtable with lunch and dinner

~ snack only on fresh fruits and/or vegtables

Fitness Challenge:

~ 3 hours of exercise this week

~ follow fitness plan

~ possibly break out the 30 Day Shred for enjoyment :)

Side note: because my weight seems to fluctuate so often, I'm going to be using BMI and fat % to dertermine body changes.

BMI: 30.4

fat %: 34.2

My Day Sucks When I Don't Work-Out

I get so tired of my mood being so easily influenced by the day to day activities: driving, chatting, reading, and not working-out.

It's been 6 days since I worked out. I know, how pathetic is that, there are people out there that will say, "oh, yeah, well it's been 266 days since I've worked out and you don't hear me complaining!" I know. I don't.

I'm a bit obbessed.

And yet I feel so bummed and depressed about it all. Ok, maybe not literally depressed but bummed definitly.

I actually saw my relection yesterday and felt as if my belly had grown and expanded another 6 inches in a week. Seriously. I felt fat. Instantly. I knew it wasn't possible but because I hadn't been to the gym in days I was "scared" into thinking I had gained it all back.

And then I started contemplating: do I work out in fear of gaining weight back, do I really believe I can continue to lose weight, am I controled by my weight loss? These are serious questions...to some.

I want to find a balance between food and exercise. I don't want to live in an existance of extreme workouts and fatigue. I want to maintain a healthy weight loss, building muscle, and educating myself along the way on nutritional choices.

Is the, "I want" gonna get me through? I don't know. But I do know that being able to figure out what I want is an important step. :)

Guest Blogging "McFatty Monday" With An Introduction to "Cut The Fluff"

Good Day, Readers!

This McFatty Monday will actually find me guest blogging with Heidi-D ! So, definitely go check out my first guest blog EVER and read up on what I have to say about workouts and weight loss!

And then, come back by for my introduction to the newest addition to Carrigan's Joy: Cut The Fluff.

Cut The Fluff was first designed by BeingMrs.Jones and has now evolved into a community of supporters for women who are interested in changing their lifestyles, creating a new and healthiter you.

To join, simply write up a quick introduction about yourself, the weight you'd like to remove, and your reasoning behind it all, and then add your post to the link-up, here . Each Monday we will be posting our game plan as well as success with tips on fitness and nutrition. I'd love for you all to join me!

And, to start it off, my introduction:

Name: Toni

Weight Loss Goal: drop 30 pounds, reaching 150 pounds/ size 10

Reason: I want a healthy body to enjoy life with my family and friends. I want a strong body that can be pushed to the limit and still not break :)

Fitness Tip:

I'd like for us to look @ the Frog Squat
this week. Working out with a trainer has diffinitly impacted my workout routine, and the one thing Ms. Kayla loved to have me do were squats...all kinds of different squats, some with weights and some without. So, I've provided you with an exellent youtube video of how to do a Frog Squat . And why, you ask, are squats so imporant? Well, they work that butt (glutes) and those legs (quads & hamstrings). You want that jiggle to go away in your legs? Build muscle by doing squats. You want that booty lifted? Build muscle by doing squats. :)

So, this week I challenge you to do as many frog squats as you can, three days a week. Write down a game plan, tweek it if need be, and make it happen!

Nutrition Tip:

Raw apple cidar vinegar is a niffty thing in my book. I add it to my water and it does something pretty cool. I seem to instantly drop around 5 pounds within days. Seriously. The first time I tried it, I lost 6 pounds that week. Now, I worked out and ate less but the water did seem to help out. This time around, I had gained 6.5 pounds after beginning a weight training session. I figured it was extra fluid that my muscles were holding onto. I upped my water and began adding the vinegar and within two days I've removed 4 pounds.

So, give it a try, see what you think. I add one cap full to 24 ounces of my water, once to twice a day. Don't add too much or you'll be enjoying a nice belly ache as well as headache.

Other than that, I'm gonna look at my own game plan for this week:

3 to 4 days/week:

20 Frog Squats

15 planks

3 minutes on jacob's ladder

3 mile run

Now, I know I'll be able to get to the gym Monday & Friday. Tuesday I have a teacher's meeting and Wednesday I have school. I also may have a home visit Thursday evening so for these days I'm gonna have to come up with another plan. Any suggestions??