How Important IS water?

You always hear dietitians, doctors, fitness experts, nutritionist, etc telling you to drink LOTS of water. That's great and all, but you have questions? Is it REALLY that important? How much water should I drink? But I hate the taste of water, what do I do? And a myriad of other burning questions, I'm sure. Hopefully, I can help you with some of those questions.

Is it really that important? Yes. Water replenishes your body's fluids. Your body is about 75 percent water - or should be. If it isn't, then you're dehydrated. Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is more than the amount the body is taking in. When your body is dehydrated you may experience certain symptoms that let you know you're dehydrated. Symptoms include dry mouth/lips, dry eyes, no sweating, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, heart palpitations and lightheadedness. Severe dehydration may cause confusion and weakness and even cause coma and death! So DRINK!

How much depends on your activity level and what you eat and where you live? Everyday your body loses water through breathing, perspiration, and .... potty breaks. So, for your body to properly function you need to replace what you use. You can do a lot of math to figure out how much exactly you need, but since I've already done it, I'll tell you - about 2 liters of water per day to replace the water your body uses to function. Or you can follow the 8X8 rule that you've heard since you were a kid. Drink eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day. If you don't want to measure your water, a good rule of thumb is to drink enough water that you don't feel thirsty. If you are feeling thirsty, you're already behind! Also, you should be urinating pretty regularly (about 1.5 liters a day) and that urine should be pale yellow. Yum!

There are other factors, as well. If you increase your level of activity, you'll need to drink more water. However, if you do long bouts of intense activity you might want to drink a sports drink to replenish the sodium you lose. If you live in a hot or humid environment you'll sweat more and that will require additional water. If you're ill, pregnant or breastfeeding the body will also need more water.

But you HATE water? There are a lot of foods that can help with hydration. For example, watermelon or tomatoes are mostly water. Some other drinks contain water, such as tea or coffee, but caffeine also dehydrates you. So don't rely on those as a means of hydration. Just because it's wet, doesn't make it water. If you really just can't stand water or you want something with some taste, try adding a little lemon or lime juice to your water. It gives it a yummy citrus flavor without sacrificing the hydration.

Another helpful hint about water - Well, it helps with weight loss. Dehydration can halt weight loss efforts so drink plenty of it. It also helps fill you up between meals so you don't find yourself munching.

I hope this answered questions, educated, and made pour yourself a tall glass of water. Have a great day!

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283/NSECTIONGROUP=2

http://www.medicinenet.com/dehydration/page3.htm#tocf

http://ezinearticles.com/?Fun-Facts-On-Water-For-Children&id=935036

Why Is America Fat?

Americans are more overweight than in any other country. How did we get that way? Most experts blame a combination of factors, including our parents, huge portions, a reliance on convenience and miracle diets.

Our parents are responsible for many of our values, views and habits - the good as well as the bad. I know a lot of people, myself included, who grew up with our parents telling us if we clean our plate we'll get a treat. That "clean your plate" ideology follows us into adulthood and we continue to clean our plates, even after we're full. This is a very old-fashioned ideal that thrives in many households across America. The "clean your plate" idea originates during WWI to encourage conservation of food supply. Or maybe it all started with a mom who really did not want to waste a well-made dinner. Anyway, the "clean you plate" mentality comes back to haunt us in the form of "saddle bags", "love handles", and "muffin tops". This, with increased portions in nearly every restaurant, is contributing to American's weight problems leaving 65% of adults overweight or obese. What's more frightening is the portions have increased over the years.

In addition to increased portions and the "clean your plate" mentality, American's have gotten lazy. Our society loves convenience. Hell, we even brag about it. We can do everything without doing anything. We can get dinner from a window, we can do nearly all of our errands online, we drive everywhere. And when we actually GO to the supermarket, we have our choice of pre-made meals ready to go. Exercise is more of a hobby and less a way of life. A CNN study tells us that 7 out of 10 American adults don't exercise regularly. Ideally, we should be exercising 3 to 5 days a week for at least 20 minutes for the average person. Lack of activity can lead to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other conditions and is attributed to some 300,000 deaths each year.

Americans aren't blind! We recognize our increased weight gain, but our bad habits are just too hard to shed. We immediately look for the fastest, easiest way to get results. Unfortunately, that leads them to crash diets and pills. These hard to believe scientific breakthroughs are not all they're cracked up to be. Sure, you lose weight. But the problem is you don't lose it in a healthy way. The first problem I see with miracle diets is they don't teach you. The bad habits that caused the weight gain are still there. More so, these miracle diets harm our body in ways that make it difficult to maintain weight loss in the future. Many of the diets wreck havoc on our metabolism . A decrease in metabolism means we're more tired, gain weight more easily, and burn calories more slowly.

So what do you do? It's okay to clean your plate. Just don't overfil it. Eat smaller portions. Move! The best way to get and stay healthy is to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Even if you've fallen prey to one, or all, of the previous problems, don't fret. It's never too late to start being healthy. You can always increase your health.

Good luck in your journey. If you enjoyed reading this or any article, please follow me. There's more to come.

Sources:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2003-09-23-clean-your-plate_x.htm

http://archives.cnn.com/2002/HEALTH/04/07/americans.exercise/index.html

http://www.alternet.org/story/15119/

Updates

So who is this sexy young thing? Why, that's me!

My newest addition to my workout regimen is biking. I've been biking 20 miles about 2 - 3 days a week. That is me, covered in sweat, stopping for a drink along the trail. Biking is such a good workout, it's great cardio and it really helped me over my most recent plateau.

Water is good for you. It keeps you cleansed, curbs mindless munching and keeps you hydrated. This is one of two 32 oz jugs I carry with me every day. I got this one foe a dollar. They are generally pretty cheap and easy to find. Find yourself one.

Fitness is Nature's Stress Reliever

Everyone gets stressed from time to time. And what do most people do? They grab for that bag of chips, slice of cake, or plate of cookies.

STOP!

Next time you get angry, stressed, depressed or feeling otherwise unlike yourself, don't go for food. Food is a temporary relief. After you've gorged yourself, you're still mad about whatever you were mad about to begin with AND you feel bad about over eating. It's a viscous cycle.

Next time you're feeling bad - exercise. Go for a walk or run, ride a bike, take a few swings at your punching bag, lift some weights. Do SOMETHING! You'll feel better.

Why?

Exercise is your body's natural stress reliever. That statement is not just something in an advertisement - it's science. When you exercise, stress hormone's decrease and your body releases increased endorphins - the body's own chemicals that make you feel good.

In addition, exercise can provide a distraction from what made you mad in the first place. You stop thinking about why you are mad and you focus on a therapeutic, methodical task. Exercise often requires that you focus and so it's good as a distraction.

Finally, exercise promotes positive self image. When people feel good about themselves, they feel good in general. Not only does it make you feel good on the inside, it'll make you LOOK good on the outside. You'll be changing your body without even knowing it!


Click here for more information!

Team Beachbody Coach

I know this site has been neglected. I'm still into fitness. I haven't fallen off the horse. In fact, I'm making fitness my job! I have become an Independent Beachbody Coach with the team Platinum Presenters.

I love beachbody. I have had such success with their products over the last 3 years. First with Turbo Jam, then with ChaLEAN Exteme, and soon with Turbo Fire. I've lost around 80 pounds. I'm still going and still finding myself excited to be going. They have a huge selection of effective workouts out offer.

The coaching opportunity had been staring me in the face this whole time and I thought I couldn't possibly do something like that. It's a shame I didn't get started earlier. Being a coach fits me in that I get to help people with something I've grown to love - fitness! I get to offer product and programs I love and trust.

I have to say... I'm happy with this decision.

Look for this blog to be more active again. I apologize for my absence.

Happy New Year!

It's time again to set those New Year goals.

Basically, I want to get to 140 pounds and see where I am. When I was fit and 17 I was about 128 - 135. I looked good! However, my body has changed with the birth of my three children and I'm graciously giving myself some room. I have a little more "junk" now to consider. ;)

So, with this goal set in mind I went looking for articles and what not on New Years resolutions.

These are the fruits of my labor.

This article talks about why last years resolutions didn't work. One statement that really caught my attention was, "If you don't truly want it for yourself, you won't be able to take the actions needed. " In regards to fitness, this is 100 percent accurate. If it's not something YOU want to do for YOURSELF you won't succeed. You'll end up making a million and one excuses, feel resentment or frustation and quit. You need to do it for you and no one else! The article also talks about setting realistic goals, which is something I mentioned back when I started this blog. Your goals should be realistically attainable. If you want to lose 50 pounds, start by losing 10. And don't expect to lose it in a week! Realistic and healthy weight loss takes a little time. Generally, you'll want to lose 1-2 pounds a week and that's pretty steady.

This article discusses the reasons people tend to avoid exercise like the plague. People think it's boring, painful, and obligatory. The author suggests you change your perspective. Exercise is something a person really needs to do to live a healthy life. Look at it with a different mindset. From experience, once I stuck to it and started feeling the positive effects I noticed I lost my temper far less often, I felt more energetic in general, I even stopped feeling depressed. Think of exercise as a trip to the spa for your body. You're doing something good for yourself that will make you feel better - mind, body and soul.

This article is from the perspective of a personal trainer. They talk about ways to succeed in the new year starting with personal habits. Before I started working out (and after, for that matter) I had to change some of my habits. I mean, what is starting a fitness program? Is it not changing your habit to be lazy? You'll have to change other habits, too. Like making sure you get enough sleep and eating well. It also talks about one of my favorite ways to train. Intervals! Instead of spending 1 to 1 1/2 hours aerobicizing yourself to a mundane death, do spurts of high intensity activity. Biggest plus is it takes less time! I'm a fan of that! :P

What are you're goals for the new year? Do you have a plan to succeed?

Whatever your goals are, good luck!

5 Reasons You Can't Lose Weight

I saw this on the Beachbody forums and thought this would be a fun tidbit to share.



5 Reasons You Can't Lose Weight -- and How to Eliminate Them

You haven't had a bite of pizza or a lick of ice cream in, like, forever, but you still can't lose a pound. What’s up with that? Here's the real what, plus some expert fixes.

1. Consciously or Not, You're Clueless
"Very few Americans tell the truth about what they eat," says Elizabeth Somer, RD, author of 10 Habits That Mess Up a Woman's Diet. In one USDA study, more than 80 percent of women underestimated their daily food intake by a whopping 700 calories! Part of the problem is visual: Most people don't have a clue about what a true portion looks like, Somer says.

The Fix

• Find your measuring cups and spoons. And if you don't have one, buy an inexpensive kitchen scale.
• Measure out the recommended portions of everything you eat for a week. You'll quickly learn to accurately identify a 1/2-cup serving of pasta, a 2-ounce muffin, a teaspoon of butter, a cup of cereal, or a 4-ounce portion of chicken.

2. You Skip Breakfast
Successful dieters share a common habit: They eat breakfast, say University of Colorado researchers who monitor people who have lost at least 30 pounds and kept it off for a year or more. The benefits are big. As well as preventing 10 a.m. attacks on the vending machine, eating breakfast boosts your mood, memory, and work performance.

The Fix

• Adopt the gold standard: Top 1 cup of whole-grain cereal with berries and fat-free or low-fat milk. Add OJ and coffee and you'll be good to go for hours.
• Try the make-ahead version: The night before, put these into a preheated wide-mouth thermos: 1/2 cup old-fashioned oatmeal, a few chopped dried apricots, a pinch of brown sugar, a dash of cinnamon, a drop of almond extract, and 1 cup of hot fat-free or low-fat milk. Close tightly. In the morning, just open the thermos, sprinkle with slivered almonds, and spoon out a warm, delicious, ready-to-eat breakfast!

3. You Eat Without Thinking
Do you nibble off the plates of others? Constantly taste while cooking? Feed small fry in “one for you, one for me” bites? Each mindless nibble averages 25 calories, and with only four mindless bites a day, you gain a pound a month!

The Fix

• Turn mindless eating into mindful eating, says Somer, by keeping a food journal and writing down every single thing you eat. You'll be amazed.
• Eat food only when served on a plate to avoid overindulging.
• Eat sitting at a table, not watching TV, driving, or flipping through magazines. And don't rush meals -- enjoy each bite.

4. You Drink More Calories Than You Know
Sugary sodas, teas, and juice drinks don't fill you up, yet they pack on pounds. So do happy hours. For example, a bottle of sweetened green tea has 140 calories, the equivalent of a chocolate chip cookie. And a large margarita can have up to 800 calories -- more than four cake doughnuts!

The Fix

• Can't give up regular soda? Make it an occasional treat.
• Nix supersized cocktails and drinks made with high-calorie mixes or cream.
• At parties, alternate a glass of wine with a glass of sparkling water.
• Make your own iced green tea, and sweeten lightly (1 teaspoon of sugar has only 16 calories). The plus: Home-brewed tea usually has more healthy antioxidants, which often get lost in commercial processing.
• Cut juice calories by mixing 1/3 cup of OJ, apricot nectar, or your favorite juice with 2/3 cup sparkling water.

5. It's Not You, It's Your Life
You swear you want to eat well, but in the next breath lament how hard it is to find the time, money, or mental energy to make it happen.

The Fix

• Try tough love: Stop blaming others, the weather, your job, your life, the dog, etc. Focus on reaching your goal. "People lose weight every day, often despite overwhelming odds," Somer says.
• List your excuses, and then brainstorm solutions. Lack of time? Cook large quantities and divide into single portions to eat throughout the week. Keep meals simple, and buy prepared foods, including sliced veggies and fruit.

Finding ways to eat right makes you not only slimmer and healthier but also physically younger: Maintaining a desirable weight can take 6 years off your RealAge



Personally, I'm entirely guilty of number 3. My youngest will often feed me bites or I'll taste test while cooking or munch a bite of this or that while I'm making lunches for the next day. A pound a month will certainly slow down progress.

Anyway, some great advice.

OH YAY! New Toys!

So... I was poking around BeachBody.com which constantly prompts me to review my bank about and see if I can order anything new. :) Anyway, I ran into a thread in the Turbo Jam section of the forums that talks about Chalene Johnson's new program. Chalene Johnson is the creator of the Turbo Jam program I'm doing at the moment and one bubbly ball of energy. So I was reading up on her new ChaLEAN Extreme program and I'm SO excited! I can't wait for October!

YAY!

And here is Chalene mentioning it on her blog.

Surge Training!

So a friend of mine sent me an article this morning and I thought it was an interesting take and cardio routines. It's called Surge training. It's similar to interval training with it's burst of energy for 30 - 60 seconds and then a rest period. For example, one could run their ass off for 30 - 60 seconds and then take it to a brisk walking pace for a rest. Then you'd repeat that three times. A lot of programs out there use burst of energy, intervals, anaerobic portions to inhance the fat burning. This seems to have taken that idea and branched out. I like it because it can be easily adapted to any cardio that you do. I also like that they mention how pills are shit, diet is important, and strength training is also beneficial. It's not a promise of impossible results with no work. Here's the article.

Surge training promises to work off the weight

Wednesday, September 17, 2008
By Jack Kelly, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

If you want to drop those extra pounds, you shouldn't work out more than about half an hour a week, says Dr. Dan Pompa, a Wexford chiropractor who is one of the nation's chief advocates of surge training.

As a college student at the University of Pittsburgh, Ann Caldwell, 23, was on a host of medications and couldn't lose weight no matter how much she exercised. But she's lost more than 30 pounds on her 5-foot-4 frame in the year and a half since she started following Dr. Pompa's exercise and nutrition recommendations.

"I was one of those gym rats working out hour upon hour with no result," she said. "Surge training has changed my life. I don't diet. I've never felt better."

Ms. Caldwell was so impressed with what Dr. Pompa has done for her that she went to work for him.
Surge training consists of short spurts of intense exercise, followed by rest.
"It's similar to the concept of interval training, only done within a more limited time frame and with a strong focus on the importance of recovery time. It's the difference between a sprinter and a long distance runner," Dr. Pompa said.

Surge training works not so much because of what you do while you're exercising but because of what your body does after you've finished, Dr. Pompa said.

"To understand 21st century weight loss, you have to understand hormones," he said.
The right kind of exercise stimulates hormones -- chiefly human growth hormone or HGH -- that burn fat and build muscle, Dr. Pompa said. But if you do the wrong kind of exercise, you'll stimulate instead hormones which resist fat burning.

"The point of surge training is to shock your body into responding physiologically so that when you're done exercising, you're in a better metabolic state for getting toned," Dr. Pompa said.

Rest is critically important, so you should allow at least a day between each surge workout, he said.
"You work against yourself if you don't do that," he said.
The purpose of surge training is to burn up the glycogen (a sugar the body creates that is the primary short term source of energy) in our muscles, forcing the body to create more from our deposits of fat. The fat loss actually occurs in the 24-36 hours after we've exercised, not during it, Dr. Pompa said.

He recommends doing a high intensity aerobic exercise for 30 to 60 seconds, followed by two to three minutes of rest, whatever is required to recover your breath and get your heart rate back to normal. This should be repeated three times.

"That'll be enough to deplete the glycogen in your muscles," Dr. Pompa said. "Research shows that beyond three or four sets there is very little additional benefit for the effort expended."

Almost any form of cardiovascular exercise can be adapted to surge training, he said. You can do it on a treadmill, elliptical machine or exercise bike at the gym, by climbing stairs at home, by running or cycling outside.

Classic aerobic exercise -- a lower intensity workout over a longer period of time, like the 30-45 minutes I've been spending most days on an exercise bike -- actually can retard fat loss, he said.

"Classic aerobic exercise raises stress hormones, the hormones that stimulate appetite, break down muscle, and increase fat storage," Dr. Pompa said.

"There are lots of good reasons for going for a long run or bike ride," he said. "It's great for your heart, improves your endurance, and stimulates the production of endorphins, which give you the so-called runner's high. But if your primary goal is weight loss, it's counterproductive."

Resistance exercise (weight lifting), on the other hand, is an excellent complement to surge training, Dr. Pompa said.
"Resistance training is surge training," he said. "You'll gain muscle through surge training alone, but you'll gain more muscle, and take the fat off faster, if you combine surge training with resistance training."

It's best to do surge training after a weight lifting workout, said Dr. Pompa, 43, but he sometimes does surge training and resistance training on alternate days.

"If you're in the habit of working out every day, this is the way to do it without sabotaging your weight loss goals," he said.

A 1989 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Pompa earned his doctor of chiropractic degree from the University of Life in Marietta, Ga., in 1995. He changed the emphasis of his practice in 2005 after suffering from a series of debilitating ailments, which he cured by changing his diet and adopting the surge exercise program.

Dr. Pompa is interested primarily in the nutritional side of health. He thinks many of the ailments from which we suffer are the product of toxins introduced into our bodies by eating "man-made" foods rather than "God-made" foods.

"Toxins can inhibit fat burning as much or more than improper exercise does," he said. "But the primary reason for being concerned about them is the effect they have on our health."

Dr. Pompa uses surge training as a lure to get people to attend his "Makeover Seminars," the next of which will be held at the Marriott Pittsburgh North in Cranberry on Saturday.

Dr. Pompa's views on diet and nutrition are controversial within the medical community, but he's on sounder ground with surge training, said Dr. Moira Davenport, a sports medicine physician at Allegheny General Hospital.

"Surge training seems to make some sense, but it's never been borne out in the literature," she said.
A few studies of elite athletes tend to support Dr. Pompa's claims for surge training, Dr. Davenport said, but no studies she's aware of have been done on the effect of surge training on ordinary people.

"It's something that hasn't been looked at much," she said.

Lazy days of summer...

No kidding!

Well my family moved in the middle of July and the weeks prior and post move were NOT good workout and diet weeks. So for a month or more I either cheated a ton, didn't work out much if at all, or both! The good news is, I didn't gain any weight. I maintained the weight I was currently at. Now, for the last 2 weeks I've started up with the food journal and for the last week I've been kicking ass in my workouts again.

Even before the moving business my progress slowed to an almost dead stop and I think that was largely due to the fact that I wasn't keeping a food journal anymore. It's not uncommon for portions to gradually increase when you're not making an effort to keep them small. So, while I was still working out for most of that, I wasn't keeping my portions in check. I started keeping a food journal again in an attempt to make sure I keep my portions small. I am also reinstating something from the beginning of my weight loss endeavors - an accountability partner. I got my mommy in on it this time! For me, having to tell someone what I ate and what activities I did during the day really make me stop and reconsider, "Do I really need this cookie or ice cream?" It was an effective tool for me.

Since I've started up again with these essentials (they're essential for me) I've lost 2 pounds. That's a pound a week!

I've also ordered another installment of the Turbo Jam videos. The first pack is the one from the infomercials, I believe. I ordered the Fat Burning Elite set this time around. The idea is to have more to choose from, to mix things up and keep it different.

Wii Fit

I've seen numerous ads referring to how the Wii's interactive games promote fitness because you have to act out the movements. Well I guess Wii caught on and now they're making a Wii Fit line that is designed for fitness. I think this is a fabulous idea. The Wii blew over it's competitors to become the top selling game console. So, obviously, this little bit of technical luxury is in many a home across the world. With it's interactive possibilities it only makes sense to make a fitness line. So.. here is the article...

http://www.fitbuff.com/new-wii-fitness-game-coming-soon/

So far so good

I've been doing the Turbo Jam program for over a month now and I really do enjoy it. I want to get the rest of the programs when finances permit. I've started to note a real difference. Not so much in the scale but in my clothes. I can't justify buying a new wardrobe yet because I can still wear my clothes, but not for long. In fact, yesterday I went to see Iron Man with a group of friends and I had to keep yanking up my pants. They were hanging on my hips and loose around my thighs. You have no idea how good that feels. Well, maybe you do if you're reading this blog.

BTW, after Iron Man the group went to Steak and Shake. Now, while this chain is known for it's steak burgers and shakes they DO have some light options. I got the Apple Walnut Grilled Chicken Salad with the Light Raspberry Vinagarette dressing and it was really yummy. I would suggest ordering it if you find yourself at the Steak and Shake anytime soon.

Another thing I noticed and was pleased to see was definition in my arms. It was the slightest curve in my shoulders and biceps that I did not have a month ago. The tricep skin (you know, the part that jiggles) is getting more taut and jiggling far less.

I think the thing I feel the most delighted about is I feel sexy for the first time in years. Really sexy. That is something even my husband enjoys. :P

Turbo Jam!

So my Turbo Jam finally arrived yesterday. I've been excited to start since I ordered it.

It arrived and I literally ripped open the box. I tried on the gloves first. I have to say, they are comfortable and seemingly light. Although, if you're lifting those things through a 40 minutes workout I can see how they'd get very heavy. Next, I read the guidebook. Yes, the whole thing. What I love most about the guidebook is it's very easy to read, it's organized, and it explains EVERYTHING. If you have no clue what you're doing and just know you want to get in shape. It tells you exactly how from telling you how to calculate how many calories you should eat to providing healthy meals. It even gives a workout calender. The really cool thing about it is you can maneuver and modify however you need and still have a perfectly wonderful health plan. This is one such recipe from the breakfast section:

Energy Oatmeal
1 cup plain oatmeal (I used the quick cook oldfashioned oats)
4 ounces non fat milk or soymilk
1 Tbls. honey or 2 Tbls. Beachbody's Whey Protein Powder (optional)
1/4 raisins (optional)

You can play with this. I did. I don't have any of the protein powder (yet) and that's not even needed. You could also sub with brown sugar. I actually didn't use ANY milk because I didn't have any.. otherwise I would have. I did, however, add raisin and crushed nuts. Just a few. You could probably substitute with fresh fruit or even canned fruits if it's drained or not in syrup. You could use another dried fruit like cranberries or white grapes or blueberries. All in all the meals look yummy.

The package also includes a 10 day plan that will help you burn up to 10 pounds in 10 workouts. It's a challenging 10 days.

I did the first workout it instructs you to do on the 4 week beginniner exercise calender provided. It was the Learn and Burn DVD. Honest;y, the first workout wasn't that hard. But, it's probably geared to fit someone who hasn't been working out. The first part breaks down the "Elite 11" so you learn the proper way to do them. After that you do a little workout to get used to them. Even if you so already work out I would suggest starting with this anyway, just to learn the moves. After the Learn and Burn I did the AB Jam and it's pretty awesome. You're hardly even on the floor!

I have to say that my first experience with Turbo Jam was more fun than a workout. I look forward to continuing the program.

Something else I noticed that I'd love to try is call Zumba. Zumba is a form of exercise that uses various dance moves such as the Samba, Salsa, ChaCha, etc meshed together to make one very sexy workout. A LOT of local gyms offer classes and I was looking into joining one. I love to dance and this looked like fun. I added a link along the right side to the Zumba website. You can also copy and paste the follow into your navigation bar to see a vid about it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwVdBH4vjLU

Are you doing the wrong ab workout?

The following link suggests the typical sit up or crunch isn't nearly as effective as you think. And what's more is those expensive peices of equipment you buy aren't helping.

It also says that unlike other strength training exercises where time is needed in between, abs can be worked everyday. It's better to give them frequent short workouts as opposedd to sporadic intense ones.

Enjoy!

http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/hl/fit/star/alert05222001.jsp

Update on Crossfit

The last time I mentioned Crossfit was the first time I had ever done it. I did a workout named "Cindy" which consists of 5 pull-ups, 10 push ups, and 15 squats. The objective is to complete as many rounds as you can in 20 minutes. My first time I did a pathetic 8 rounds. So when it appeared again I was excited to see if I'd notice any improvement.

Well... I did. Today I did 13 rounds with time to spare. I have to say, I'm pretty damned pleased with myself.

Over the last week or so I had been complaining that I wasn't making any progress. I know it's going to be slow going but I was getting frustrated. I guess I can't complain. Since I've started I've lost a good 3 inches in my waist and nearly 10 pounds. I just thought I'd be seeing more impressive numbers. Although, I haven't been a complete angel this whole time. I've had some pretty cheaty days in there. Although, lately, I've been kicking it up. My impatience and frustration is only proving to be motivation. ;)

In other news, I ordered a new program called Turbo Jam (www.turbojam.com). I ordered it because it looked like a lot of fun and I was introduced to it not from some infomercial, but by a youtube video of a regular girl, like me, working out. She even had one that showed her progress. That sold me. So, I bought it. It looks like a mix of everything. There is some kickboxing meets dancing moves, some strength training, resistance training and a whole lot of booty shaking. I'll keep you updated on how it is. I also plan on keeping on Crossfit. It's hard for me when I don't have any weights, but I do my best.

Forgot to add....

www.crossfit.com also has www.crossfitkids.com so you can get the kiddies in on the action. How awesome is that?

Crossfit (AKA - Self-inflicted torture)

So yesterday I tried, for the first time, one of the Crossfit routines and let me say one thing...

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!

They are HARD. Yesterday's routine consisted of as many round of 5 pull ups, 10 push up, and 15 squats as you could manage in 20 minutes. I did 8... I struggled through the last 3... but I felt pretty awesome about myself. So, then I'm checking some of the other results and man... I suck! Although, I am out of shape and a beginner at this, the average number seemed to be around 17.

I don't feel down about it. I did my best and then continued on to my normal Monday routine.

I would suggest www.crossfit.com to anyone wanting a easy-to-fit-in fitness routine. It's used by a lot of law enforcement and military training programs because these things work you. While anyone can do them whenever and where ever they want... they are effective. I've heard and read nothing but good things about Crossfit. It's absolutely awesome for someone who finds the regular methods of exercise a little boring. Now, to lure the hubby to join me....

Long Time No See!

So I'm in the bathroom, looking in the mirror, doing the whole routine, and I see something. What is that? I look closer. I squint my eyes.

Oh My God! It's a neck!


... or more of one anyway.


I've noticed some other changes, as well, like my waist curving in more and my ribs being visible. I haven't actually SEEN my ribs in about 7 years. It's fantastic!

In related news, I set a goal for myself. I wish to be 150 by June 1st. Lets see how it goes!

Health Tracker, Oh how I love you!

www.prevention.com has this REALLY cool tool called a Health Tracker www.prevention.com/cda/healthtracker.do. Basic jist... you put in your information and it gives you totals. It does all the work for you. I suck at math so this thing is freaking awesome! Some of the things you can do include a food diary where it adds up calories, fat, sugar, carbs, etc and shows you the totals in a pie graph!

You can also add in your activies and it will show you the comparison of caloric intake versus caloric burn. So, if you're like me, and trying to lose weight, it will assure you that you're burning more than you're eating.

You put in your measurements and weight periodically and it shows you a line graph of your progress.

It's really a brilliant tool for those of us that don't want to add up every little thing we eat or don't know how many calories an hour of cardio burns.

While you're there, don't forget to read the articles.

8 Simple (And Free) Exercises!

There are a few very simple exercises that most anyone can do, that cost nothing, and require no equipment. They are EXCELLENT exercises. Below is an explanation of what the exercise does for you as well as how to do it. Some of them will have links with more information.

1. Lunges - Lunges work thighs, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps and butt. They can be done with or without weights. If you're a beginner do them without and work up to using weights. The great thing about these is they work a lot of the lower body at the same time. If you only have a few minutes and want to do a lower body routine, lunges are a fantastic option. You would stand with your feet about hip width apart, set forward with the right foot, dip your back leg down. Keep your upper body tall, like a plank, with your shoulders straight and your abs tight. Step back and repeat with the left. You can alternate with which foot you lead each time or do a set on one leg and then the other. I would say do 2-3 sets of 10-15 reps for each leg. (Reference: http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/hl/fit/demo/lunges.jsp)

2. Squats - These do much the same as lunges because they also work the hamstrings, butt, thighs, quads, and glutes. These can also be done with or without weights and should follow the same number of reps and sets. These are done by pretending your going to sit in a chair, just without the chair. Your knees should not go further forward than your toes and your butt WILL be sticking out.... waaaay out. Then you would stand up again squeezing on the way up, always keeping your knees soft, then repeat. (Reference: http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/hl/fit/demo/squat.jsp)


3. Crunch - Yep, just like in gym class. You... crunch! These work your abdominal muscles. There are several variations and intensities in which you can do a crunch but your basic crunch is laying flat on your back, legs bents and feet on the floor about hip width apart. Cross your arms over your chest so that your left hand is over your right shoulder and your right hand is over your left shoulder. Then you would bring your shoulders off of the ground using your stomach muscles. There are other variations that I like such as putting your legs up on a chair or lifting to bring a shoulder toward the opposite knee. A lot of people like to lace their fingers behind there head, which is fine, the problem is that the individual might end up pulling up on their neck which can cause injuries. However, if you like to do them in that fashion you SHOULD NOT be able to see your elbows and you SHOULD NOT be pulling up at your neck. Something to help you with a crunch in this fashion is placing a plate behind your head and holding onto that. It makes this style of crunch safer. :) (Reference: http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/hl/fit/demo/crunch.jsp)

4. Calf Raises - Very, very easy. Not that anything I've mentioned has been particularly difficult, but you understand. These work the lower part of the leg. You can stand flat on the ground or with your feet on the edge of a small step and slowly raises your body using your calf muscles so that you are standing only on the front part of your feet. The best thing about these is that you can do them anywhere. Do em while you're making dinner, brushing your teeth, folding the laundry, whatever. These can also be done with or without weights. (Reference: http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/hl/fit/demo/calf.jsp)

5. Push Ups - Drop and give me 20! These aren't just for the Marines! Lay on your stomach, hands flat on the about shoulder width apart, elbows bent. Lift your body up. Your body should be like a plank, stiff and straight. Do not bow or bend your back. Lift up but still keep your elbows soft, then lower back down until your chest touches, not rests, on the ground. Repeat! Repeat! Repeat! You can do these anywhere! You can even have fun with them and do them leaning over the stairs or a low table. (Reference: http://www.ehow.com/how_3190_proper-push-up.html)

6. Jumping Jacks - These are great for burning calories and getting blood flowing and for cardiovascular health in general. Start with your feet together and your hands at your sides. Jump and put your legs about shoulder width apart and put your hands up over your head following a complete range of motion. Then jump again and drop your arms down and put your legs together. Repeat! You should be light on your feet. The jumping jack should be pretty soundless and not like a stampede of elephants. (Reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEUj5yaUq9Y)

7. Jumping Rope - Just like when we were little kids. The cool thing about these is you don't really NEED a jump rope, you can just do the motion. This is another great cardiovascular exercise that gets your heart rate up. A jump rope really isn't expensive but it isn't necessary for the jumping and skipping involved. However, if you really want something to jump with any length of rope or clothesline would do. Hell, string some beads. At any rate, it's a good workout. It's also one that works well for the traveler because a jump rope doesn't take up much space in a brief case and can also be done anywhere. This also adds to your agility. Isn't that nice! Tennis players, boxers, and other athletes jump rope for fitness and training all the time. Remember Rocky.... yeah! (Reference: http://health.discovery.com/centers/nutritionfitness/nutrition/foodfit/jumprope.html)

8. Jogging/Walking - It's as old as time and probably one of the most effective exercises. I mean... what do you do? YOU WALK! You move one foot in front of the other over and over again. Now, you can do this at home with a treadmill or outside at a park, in your neighborhood, around the office when you're at work.... It doesn't matter. You can do it anywhere and walking doesn't cost you a thing! Start at walk and work up to a run! (Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jogging)



Some important things to remember!

With the muscle building exercises, it's not a race! Do them slow. Hell, the slower the better. You'll spend more time working the muscle. Breath out on the contraction, or the hardest part of the movement, and breath in during the resting part.

Be realistic! If you're just starting out don't expect to be able to run a 6 minute mile! Don't expect to wake up one morning instantly hot and buff. Wake up! It's going to take more work than that... but it WILL be worth it.

Set small goals for yourself. This kind of goes with the previous tip, but I thought it deserved it's own little paragraph. If you have a lot of weight to lose, or a lot of progress to make, it can be frustrating. If you have to lose 100 pounds and you think about having to lose 100 pounds you're probably going to go, "Oh screw this! I'll never get there!" and go for that ice cream container. Well, with that attitude you certainly won't. Set small goals! Make little hurdles for yourself. "This month I want to lose 10 pounds." You can do that! And when you do you'll feel really good and you'll know you've made progress.

Always remember to warm up, cool down, and stretch. Why? To avoid being injured and causing strain to muscles. It also helps to build endurance. You should do a 5-10 minute warm up and cool down and always stretch out those tense muscles.

Fin~