Ugh. I can't believe that it's not even November yet and it's snowing out here on the east coast. Really mother nature?!? Anyhow, that just means an at home workout for tonight :) I am finishing up with my 8 week bikini body boot camp with Fitness Magazine so I will be doing my 2nd strength workout of the week. I must say, I am so happy that I was able to participate in this program. I never get chosen for anything but to be chosen and for something that I love to do and am enthusiastic about? Well that is just the icing on the cake.
The way the program is set up is there are 6 workouts per week (you can do more than one workout a day, some of the girls have been doing that) so depending on how you decide to go forward it can be done in as little as 3 days or as many as 6. You need 3 strength and 3 cardio workouts per week all of which were given prior to the start of the program (created by top trainer Holly Rilinger). Other perks of the program where a spot in Holly's September Training Camp (her signature boot camp) and weekly classes at Flywheel (one of the best indoor cycling studios in NYC) a pretty sweet deal if I do say so myself.
There is only 1 more week left until the end of the program which is a bummer but I can definitely say the program works. I started at 150 and am down to 142 and have lost a few inches all over. I would say that is pretty successful :) What I really loved about the whole experience though was meeting Holly and being exposed to group classes which I had never had the luxury of trying before (all my weight loss prior had been done at home with DVDs). I can definitely say I am addicted to fitness classes which poses a problem since I can't really afford them but thanks to Groupon and other discount sites I have been able to secure a few random passes.
If you have not tried a group class I definitely recommend it - it is so much FUN! Watching other people give you that extra oomph to try harder, keeps you motivated and makes you feel a part of a team which is always nice. If thinking you will look ridiculous has stopped you from trying out a class in the past you'll soon realize that 1) no one is paying attention to you and 2) there are definitely worse if you look around lol. So take a chance or try a different class, get out there and get sweaty :)
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
This is only the beginning...
October 1, 2010 was the day that I decided to get off my behind and do something about the way I was feeling about myself. October 1st happens to have a very special significance to me for other reasons and being depressed about it and wallowing in grief was what actually spurred me into action in the first place. I remember being so depressed and so disgusted with myself (as a whole not just physically) and something just clicked. *Click*
I remember getting off of the sofa and putting on a Zumba DVD that I happened to have at home thanks to my husband. I did the 20 min express workout and I think I almost died doing it...I kid you not. Who knew that bouncing around for 20 mins could leave you dripping with sweat and gasping for breath? Not me that's for sure. After taking oh 15 mins to recover I text my husband and said, " I just did zumba and I liked it" to which he replied "really? cool." (that's my husband for you, to the point). I remember that while I did Zumba I felt really idiotic because these were essentially moves that I had been doing all my life (being a latina) and I kept thinking what do these chicks have to show me but I got over myself and had fun. In the end I decided that I was going to do it again the next day. That was how it all began for me.
At first I didn't really have a plan, I just wanted to workout as much as possible. I didn't diet or change my eating whatsoever. About 3 weeks in, I pulled a tendon in my foot. That folks is what happens when you over exert yourselves and happen to be dim witted and continue to exercise and walk on the bad foot despite the pain. Needless to say I ended up not being able to walk with an ankle that looked like a coconut. The Rx was an air cast and 1 week on crutches. FML. I was worried about being derailed from my new found fitness mentality but thankfully I stuck with it.
One year later and almost 60lbs lost (58.5lbs to be exact as of Oct 1) my life has changed so much. I changed the way I ate all the while not dieting, I became aware of what I put in my mouth. I read A LOT! In fact, I read fitness articles each and every day because I am fascinated with it. I drink water now - I NEVER drank water before, a whole year would pass and I'd probably drink the equivalent to 8oz of pure water, I kid you not. I have become active, I am constantly working out even when I have slow periods (doing 3 days a week instead of 5/6). I am happier with myself, though I still need work in the self esteem/self image department I am much more comfortable in my own skin and that is saying a lot for me. I am very proud of what I have been able to accomplish and 95% of it was at home with DVDs and just my own determination and promise to myself - so if I can do it, so can you!! The other 5% was with the help of message boards, sites like Sparkpeople and Fitness Magazine's Bikini Body Boot Camp Program which I was fortunate enough to be chosen to join last month and that introduced me to Holly Rilinger and Flywheel both of which I <3.
Like the title suggests, this is just the beginning for me. Last Saturday on my anniversary I made a new set of goals, the biggest and most important to me of which are to run (not walk) a 5K and 10K before this time next year. I have delusions of grandeur and hope to be able to do an even longer race than that but for now I'll start small. I also plan to try more classes, up until this past September (thanks to the Fitness Magazine Program) I had never tried one and was honestly too intimidated. Not anymore. If this program has shown me anything is that working out in a team atmosphere is fun (like in Holly's Boot Camp) and when it isn't a team effort a little competition will definitely spur you on to do better (like with Flywheel's TorqBoard). Either way I plan on staying active, staying healthy and living life to the fullest!
I remember getting off of the sofa and putting on a Zumba DVD that I happened to have at home thanks to my husband. I did the 20 min express workout and I think I almost died doing it...I kid you not. Who knew that bouncing around for 20 mins could leave you dripping with sweat and gasping for breath? Not me that's for sure. After taking oh 15 mins to recover I text my husband and said, " I just did zumba and I liked it" to which he replied "really? cool." (that's my husband for you, to the point). I remember that while I did Zumba I felt really idiotic because these were essentially moves that I had been doing all my life (being a latina) and I kept thinking what do these chicks have to show me but I got over myself and had fun. In the end I decided that I was going to do it again the next day. That was how it all began for me.
At first I didn't really have a plan, I just wanted to workout as much as possible. I didn't diet or change my eating whatsoever. About 3 weeks in, I pulled a tendon in my foot. That folks is what happens when you over exert yourselves and happen to be dim witted and continue to exercise and walk on the bad foot despite the pain. Needless to say I ended up not being able to walk with an ankle that looked like a coconut. The Rx was an air cast and 1 week on crutches. FML. I was worried about being derailed from my new found fitness mentality but thankfully I stuck with it.
One year later and almost 60lbs lost (58.5lbs to be exact as of Oct 1) my life has changed so much. I changed the way I ate all the while not dieting, I became aware of what I put in my mouth. I read A LOT! In fact, I read fitness articles each and every day because I am fascinated with it. I drink water now - I NEVER drank water before, a whole year would pass and I'd probably drink the equivalent to 8oz of pure water, I kid you not. I have become active, I am constantly working out even when I have slow periods (doing 3 days a week instead of 5/6). I am happier with myself, though I still need work in the self esteem/self image department I am much more comfortable in my own skin and that is saying a lot for me. I am very proud of what I have been able to accomplish and 95% of it was at home with DVDs and just my own determination and promise to myself - so if I can do it, so can you!! The other 5% was with the help of message boards, sites like Sparkpeople and Fitness Magazine's Bikini Body Boot Camp Program which I was fortunate enough to be chosen to join last month and that introduced me to Holly Rilinger and Flywheel both of which I <3.
Like the title suggests, this is just the beginning for me. Last Saturday on my anniversary I made a new set of goals, the biggest and most important to me of which are to run (not walk) a 5K and 10K before this time next year. I have delusions of grandeur and hope to be able to do an even longer race than that but for now I'll start small. I also plan to try more classes, up until this past September (thanks to the Fitness Magazine Program) I had never tried one and was honestly too intimidated. Not anymore. If this program has shown me anything is that working out in a team atmosphere is fun (like in Holly's Boot Camp) and when it isn't a team effort a little competition will definitely spur you on to do better (like with Flywheel's TorqBoard). Either way I plan on staying active, staying healthy and living life to the fullest!
Eat This Not That!
The first time I encountered Eat This Not That was in a Woman's Health special issue back in January and it was definitely an eye opener. Eat This Not That basically compiles information on all your favorite foods from fast food and chain restaurants and gives you the best options on the menu so you can still enjoy and indulge without all the guilt (and extra weight gain!). They have quite a few books now including their supermarket guide, which I found EXTREMELY helpful when I first started watching what I ate.
For anyone looking to diet without the diet I highly recommend Eat This Not That! You will still enjoy everything you love (not just salads and vegetarian dishes!) and won't have to worry about whether or not it was the healthy choice better still once you see the nutritional value on some of these things you won't want to go back - that's a promise :)
For anyone looking to diet without the diet I highly recommend Eat This Not That! You will still enjoy everything you love (not just salads and vegetarian dishes!) and won't have to worry about whether or not it was the healthy choice better still once you see the nutritional value on some of these things you won't want to go back - that's a promise :)
Got a Rumbly in Your Tumbly?
It is almost that time of the day again...LUNCH TIME! And to be quite honest I have been starving for the last 35 mins. I do my best to eat a good breakfast but usually I end up with cereal and milk which depending on the cereal isn't necessarily that bad of a choice but mine lacks one of the key components to feeling satisfied....FIBER. My poor cereal only has 2 grams of fiber per serving which is not nearly enough and thus I end up with the stomach growls until 12pm when I can devour my lunch.
Here are some tips so that you don't end up with the rumbly in your tumbly :)
- Eat lean protein every morning - people who do this lose more weight over time than those who chose a high carb breakfast such as with a bagel and more importantly stay fuller longer.
- Choose the right carbs - Meaning choose whole wheat or whole grain breads over refined carbs such as white bread and pasta. Doing so will help keep insulin levels in check and since complex carbs have more fiber you will stay fuller longer.
- Snack wisely - It may seems counter productive to eat snacks since we are trying to limit our calories/intake of food but eating 1 to 2 snacks a day is beneficial to regulate your metabolism and help you to not binge during the day. Try having some almonds, a yogurt, a handful of pretzels, all these are low in calories and will help keep hunger at bay.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Sparkpeople - Tons of info at your fingertips!
Sparkpeople is a great site that offers members a place to track their food intake, fitness minutes & measurements. It also houses quite a few experts in the health and fitness fields that help members by answering questions on the message boards as well as by providing custom content in the forms of recipes, workout videos and blog posts about the latest news, research and gadgets in the industry.
What I have found really beneficial (aside from the trackers which are awesome) is the community. Sparkpeople has a wonderful message board where you can ask questions and meet new people who are also trying to lose weight or that have already lost the weight and are trying to help others out. I have met quite a few new friends through Sparkpeople, it's great to have that outlet when you are struggling to stay motivated. The creme de la creme is that Sparkpeople is 100% free :) No "premium features" that cost additional, you get full access once you sign up. If you want to be able to track your progress, have access to tons of information and meet new friends then I highly recommend you check Sparkpeople out. If you need a buddy, look me up gab6784.
What I have found really beneficial (aside from the trackers which are awesome) is the community. Sparkpeople has a wonderful message board where you can ask questions and meet new people who are also trying to lose weight or that have already lost the weight and are trying to help others out. I have met quite a few new friends through Sparkpeople, it's great to have that outlet when you are struggling to stay motivated. The creme de la creme is that Sparkpeople is 100% free :) No "premium features" that cost additional, you get full access once you sign up. If you want to be able to track your progress, have access to tons of information and meet new friends then I highly recommend you check Sparkpeople out. If you need a buddy, look me up gab6784.
Circuit Training - If you aren't doing it already, you should be!
Circuit training is a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises done in quick succession. You choose the number of exercises you want to preform and go through each exercise with little (30 secs) to no rest until you completed the set.
Circuit training is really great because it allows you to get creative. You can do full body, lower body, upper body or core circuits. What is also great is that by doing the the exercises one after the other you are elevating your heart rate and keeping it in the calorie burning (aerobic) zone. Circuit training is very effective and doesn't really require much time. Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred DVD is a great example of circuit training that is quick (30 mins) and effective - I have completed it and it's killer but you definitely see results in a month, I promise you!
If you haven't give circuit training a try, I urge you to give it a shot. It's a great way to break the monotony of the same boring workout and cut your exercise time in half!
Here is a great article from Sparkpeople describing the numerous benefits of circuit training: The Benefits of Circuit Training
She lost 125lbs and kept it off! - AMAZING!
Slim Katie over at runs for cookies was once over 250lbs but with dedication, hard work and exercise she lost 125lbs. I originally found her on Sparkpeople and she is truly inspiring! I have been reading her blog for a few months now and aside from being motivating and inspiring she is funny! Her posts are down to earth and it's fun following her race training. She posts recipes, her workouts and other non fitness related stuff. Her story is motivating for me and many, if she can do it - SO CAN YOU! Check her out :)
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Can you Batuka? - Great Review :)
As I mentioned in a previous post, Batuka is a really great and fun workout and it is FINALLY coming to the US (Fall 2011). Here is a great review I found, if you are interested in Batuka read the review!
Miss South Carolina 2011 - A True Inspiration!
Bree Boyce is the reigning Miss South Carolina and her story is very motivation and inspirational to any one struggling with weight loss. Bree used to be an obese teen but turned her life around and lost over 110 lbs! Aside from that amazing feat she also went on to win her title of Miss South Carolina and will be competing in the up coming Miss America pageant. After seeing a few interviews and now reading her blog (click the link above), I honestly feel that Bree is not just another pretty face but very dedicated and knowledgeable about her cause. Check out her blog and/or like her on FB :)
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Batuka - Fun, Fast & Effective
Here is a video clip of one of my most favorite workouts (and favorite songs of the series) to date - Batuka. Batuka is a latin dance/music inspired cardio and conditioning workout. In many ways Batuka is very similar to the ever popular Zumba (which we know everyone LOVES).
When I first decided to lose weight last year in October, I decided to give Zumba a try, being latina myself I was intrigued by the fact that I could potentially lose weight while enjoying the music I grew up listening to. I'll admit that my first workout was a doosy, I was definitely sweating and huffing; it was fun if not a little clichéd. While I really liked the music the moves left a lot to be desired, enter Batuka.
After searching reviews for Zumba I stumbled upon a few mentions of Batuka. With the help of google I was able to find some videos on youtube and I have been hooked since. Instead of the the more slow paced feel of Zumba with the constant stop and start of single movements, Batuka was choreographed. Each song has a step by step breakdown of the song (which you can bypass if you own the DVD) but thankfully the main workout is continuous which is great because your heart rate stays elevated for maximum calorie torching. Another difference I found between Batuka and Zumba was that while Batuka incorporates dancing into the workout there were plenty of real conditioning moves like lunges, squats, ab twists and kicks. Aside from the great music (so good I actually listen to songs on my iPod), the cool choreography and the great instructors (the Exposito siblings Jessica & Jose), Batuka is a kickbutt workout! In the first 3 months I did only Batuka (about 3-4 days a week) and I lost 15lbs..and that was without a diet.
If you are looking for a fun and fast paced workout that incorporates elements of kickboxing, capoeira, dance and more then I recommend you check this out. Batuka is on the verge of coming to America (Fall 2011) so keep your eyes peeled and if you can't wait don't let the language barrier deter you, look at the youtube videos and follow along; you won't regret it :)
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