Tip of the Week ~ Treat Yourself!

As you are on the path to reaching your fitness goals, stop along the way and treat yourself!  Whether it's to buy a new dress or some new shoes, do something for yourself that celebrates your accomplishments.  Just try to avoid food rewards as that can cause an unhealthy relationship with food.

Good luck and congratulations on YOUR accomplishments!

XOXO,

Workout 61 of 2011 (Cardio and abs/core)

Today I did 25 minutes on my elliptical while reading The Help.  If I read a good nook book, the time flies and today was no exception.  After completing my cardio I did several different ab/core moves incorporating my 2lb weights.

All it all, it was a great workout :).

XOXO,

60% done! Woo-hoo!

Today's workout was workout #60 of 100 meaning I'm 60% of the way to my goal!  YEA!!!!

After finishing my workout yesterday, I decided to investigate the free workout plan advertised at the end of yesterday's On-Demand video.  The plan goes with all seven 10 pound Slimdown workouts.  You can find the plan HERE, though On-Demand does not offer all of the workouts at this time.

Today I tried another 10 Pound Slimdown workout On-Demand.  This one was 10 Pound Slimdown: CORE, and I must say, the ab workout was TOUGH.  It was so tough that I had to do some modifications in order to complete it.  Despite it's difficulty, I will definitely do it again.  The trainer introduced some core moves that I had never done and I love learning new ways to work my abs!

After completing the 20 minute workout, I decided to try to do 10 minutes on the elliptical.  Likely because I had less than 24 hours of recovery between workouts, I was too fatigued to finish and stopped after 6 minutes.

XOXO,

Workout 59 of 2011 (AT&T U-Verse on-demand)

When I first saw that the workout I chose for today was only 26 minutes, I immediately planned to do 10 minutes on the elliptical after completing it.  Well, my workout kicked my butt so I do not feel the added 10 minutes on the elliptical is at all necessary.

So what did I choose?  I continued down the free On-Demand workouts for ExerciseTV (skipping the 10 minute Foam Roller video, seeing as how I don't have a foam roller) and completed the 10 Pound Slimdown: Totall Body Blast workout.  It had a brief warmup, 3 circuits using hand weights, and a brief cool down.  WOW, this is a GREAT workout for anyone who loves circuit training.  My heart rate was up pretty much the entire time.  I will definitely do this one again.

This workout is a part of 7 day workout plan.  From what I can tell, 4 of the 7 workouts are currently free On-Demand.  If I like them enough, I will consider purchasing the $17.99 DVD.  That's a pretty great deal for 7 20-minute workouts!

XOXO,

Monday's Motivator!

"Fall down seven times, get up eight." ~Chinese Proverb

Have a great week!

XOXO,

Tip of the Week ~ Eat WHENEVER you want!

Have you ever heard that you should have your big meal at lunch time and should not eat after 7pm because it's better for your metabolism and will prevent weight gain?

Well, that's totally NOT true!  The real deal is that it's all about what you put in and how much you exercise.  It does NOT matter when you put the calories in.  So stop stressing about WHEN you are going to eat.  Take that pressure off :).  If you want to save some calories for a bedtime snack, DO IT!  I sure do.

XOXO,

July 2011 Weigh-In

Today I weighed-in at 140.6.  Proud to say I'm staying right on track :).

XOXO,

Workout 58 of 2011 (AT&T U-Verse on-demand and elliptical)

Today I continued on my journey through the AT&T U-Verse On-Demand workouts.  Before beginning, I did my own warmup to get the blood flowing.  This is crucial to prevent injury since the short On-Demand videos do not provide substantial warmups--or cool downs for that matter.

First, I tried 10 Minute Natural Lift which targeted the chest area--really only intended for women.  It's a decent workout, especially for people like me with weaker arms.  I found the multiple pushup portions difficult.

Next I tried 10 Minute Total Body Workout  with Michael Carson which was another good workout.  I was sweating pretty badly by the end and would have liked it to be longer.  He really did workout my entire body in the 10 minutes.  I would do this one again though it's not long enough alone.

After my two On-Demand workouts, I decided to do 10 minutes on the elliptical and then cooled down.  I'm feeling pretty good after my workout and look forward to discovering more workouts On-Demand soon.

XOXO,

NOTE (@10am Friday, July 8th): I am SOOOOOOOOO sore from this workout.  My chest and legs are on FIRE.  The instructor warned that we'd be sore tomorrow.  Well tomorrow is here and I am so sore that I won't be doing ANY strength training today.  I'll be sticking to cardio if anything!

Workout 57 of 2011 (On Demand Workouts)

I decided today to start going through the On-Demand free workout videos by Fitness TV.  I just began going through the list in order on AT&T U-Verse On-Demand.  I decided to do my own warmup before beginning which turned out to be a great idea.  This is because the short, free videos do not necessarily include a warmup beyond one or two moves.  More is necessary to prevent injury.

First, I did 10 10 10 Fat-Burn for intermediates.  This is strictly a strength workout that requires 1 light weight and one heavy weight--the instructor used 5 and 8 pound weights.  As my heaviest hand-weight is 3 pounds, I found most of the moves VERY easy.  I tried to complete some of the moves with my 5 and 10 pound kettlebells but it didn't really work right.  I am not sure this is a workout I'll do again though I do recommend it for beginners who have limited experience with free-weights.

After completing the first workout on the list, I felt I needed some cardio so I moved on to the next one, 10 Minute Buns & Thighs.  Now this was a workout!!!!  I feel like my 10 minutes were well-spent, and I'm sure I'm going to be sore tomorrow.  My only concern is that people with little experience with squats might not know the right form.  As a seasoned squatter :), I know that you don't bring your knees over your feet but lean back to prevent injury.  If you are not as seasoned, it would be beneficial to research proper squatting form before attempting this workout.

I had fun in my workout today and contemplated doing one more 10-minute video, but decided to wait.  I wanted to end my workout energized and eager for more rather than tired and less likely to stay motivated.

More to come about other On-Demand videos!

XOXO,

Monday's Motivator!

There are only two options regarding commitment.  You're either in or you're out.  There's no such thing as life in between.

Are you in?

XOXO,

Tip of the Week ~ Wear Cute Workout Clothes!

That may sound SILLY, but as a girl, I LOVE to feel cute.  Cute workout clothes are just further motivation to workout.  Now the trick is, you have to make a self-imposed rule that you can ONLY wear the cute workout clothes when you are in fact working out.  I have some pink and purple shorts, cute tank tops, fun socks, pink workout shoes...

If you aren't a girly-girl like me, this tip may not work for you...

But if it makes working out more fun, why not?  Right?

XOXO,

Workout 56 of 2011 (RIpped in 30 Level 1)

I just feel like being lazy

I feel soooooo out of shape!  I hate being in this workout slump but I am glad I worked out today.  

Today I did Ripped in 30 Level 1 with Jillian Michaels.  It was good to workout with her again but my arms felt soooo weak and my back was giving me some trouble through a few of the moves.  

I have not felt in workout mode at all lately and it's driving me a bit crazy.  A year ago I was so into my workout regimen.  Of course, a year ago I was working to lose weight whereas now I am just trying to stay fit.  I want my motivation back!

XOXO,