April 28th, 2008
1. Fitness Black Book: I love this fitness blog, and it works so well for inspiration. I think that it’s important to remember that not all plus women are anti-buff and anti-thin. I love a good mix of plus models and fitness models, too, and the images on Fitness Black Book make me want to hit the gym right away. I especially like this post on your post-workout bod. According to the scientific description on the blog, your muscles might get flatter before they start to get bigger and nicer. In other words, don’t get discouraged.
2. Black Voices: I love this one because it has one of my most-essential blog posts in it (ever). Yes, without further ado, I present: How to Get Cute Right After a Workout. It tells you how to choose the right fabrics, how to primp yourself properly, and the best hairstyles to keep your hair fresh.
3. The Work Out on Bravo Blog: I’ve been drawn to this blog because I love the Sky Lab participants. They’re a lot like us, and all they want to do is refine their eating habits, lose weights, improve their moods, and tone. Doesn’t that sound like all of us? I can’t wait to have the season progress and get a look at their improvement. Oh, and I also like Jackie’s tush workout.
4. Women’s Workout Routines: These workouts are all a must-try! Sign up for the RSS feed and then page through the many useful categories like Exquisite Arms, Female Abs, and Leg Workout. While this blog isn’t the slickest out there, I like the pictures of “real” real people that make me more secure when I feel like I’m flailing about.
What are your favorite workout blogs?
Tags: blogging, Exercise, workout bloggingShare This
By meielisawy -- 2 comments
April 26th, 2008
After going to the doctor about my insomnia I was feeling pretty discouraged over my ability to actually make that kind of 
change in my life. There is just no way I can get out to the gym or go running at the end of the day. By the time the kid’s in bed and all my regularly scheduled duties have been performed, it’s 8pm. I’m not leaving the house at that point. So I commenced to researching treadmills when a reader recommended I try jump roping instead. Really I thought, jump roping? I thought I could at least give it a try since the investment was about $6.00 compared to couple thousand dollar commitment with a new treadmill.
Jump roping is seriously high impact so I knew 40 minutes was not going to happen out of the box so I set a manageable goal of 20 minutes. Well at least I thought it was manageable. The first night was the longest 20 minutes of my life. It’s an amazing total body workout. I had no idea how many muscle groups were being worked when you jump rope. Even my upper back and abs were aching the next day. 15 minutes of jump rope equals 60 minutes of a high cardio step class or jogging. Depending on your weight and how fast you are going, that’s burning somewhere around 275-330 calories roughly.
Since starting last week I have lost four pounds. Not just that but I feel better. There were several nights that I just was so not into it but I made myself get up and do it. I’m so glad I did and I actually felt like I had more energy the next day. I think I underestimated exactly how high impact this would be so some new shoes and a good sports bra are a must. After the first session I also added about five minutes of stretching before and after. My Achilles were screaming the first night because I didn’t stretch and warm up properly.
It’s also very difficult to keep the same pace and jump continuously so I kept giving myself 10 second interval breaks where I walked around but didn’t stop moving or sit down. My heart rate stayed up but I was able to rest my arms and legs before I started another set. Does anyone else jump rope for fitness? I would love to hear some long term success stories.
Via Amazon
Tags: Calories, Exercise, fitness, jump rope, NoelShare This
By noelboehm -- 6 comments
April 26th, 2008
I might be doing the Self Challenge, but I could always be doing more! I want to find summer workouts that get me outside…here are some of the very best out there for the warm weather.
Water Squats: Start with your legs separated at shoulder’s width. Bend your legs a little as you begin to “sit” in an imaginary chair as you keep your knees behind your toes. This is super-challenging, so try it with fewer reps when you start out. You’ll still feel the burn. If you are looking for more water exercises, try these water workouts.
Don’t Forget About Frisbee: Disguise your cardio by doing something fun like playing frisbee in the park. You’ll be running and jumping withoutout even realizing it, and you’ll soon realize that you’ve broken into quite the sweat. If there’s one thing I love, it’s “accidental” exercise.
Cycle Around Town: It’s easy to burn calories if you hit the rolling slopes on a tree-lined street and push yourself up a couple of hills for about twenty minutes. If you hate the thought of heat, try bringing a lunch sack filled with ice and watermelon for a refreshing treat.
Sand Speed Walking: Are you lucky enough to live on the coast? If so, head to the beach and take a quick walk along the sand. You will need to work your legs harder to keep your pace on slightly unsure footing. Just make sure that you wear shoes that provide ankle support. I wonder if I can find any high-top swim boots with ankle support? ;)
Push Yourself for One Personal Training Session: Get motivated this summer by meeting once with a personal trainer. Even if you’re the type who likes to work out solo, you can ask for summer workout tips and safety info to keep you safe in the heat.
Photo (c) Jeff Wolf, StockVault
Tags: Exercise, fitness, plus size fitness, summer exercise, summer fitness, summer weight loss, summer workoutsShare This
By meielisawy -- 0 comments
April 22nd, 2008
Since today is Earth Day and we are now officially into Spring, I thought we should talk about some healthy ways to get fit in the great outdoors. I personally would rather run on a treadmill any day than outside (fewer people staring at my wobbly bits) but I think I need to change the way I view things. Our relationship with nature can be mutually beneficial.
- Hiking is a great way to get some exercise in a relaxed environment. Find a nearby trail and just walk, maybe even run . Take the family with you and use it as a way to unwind and touch bases with everyone.
- Swimming in the ocean is totally different than in a swimming pool. Not only is it more difficult but it’s also much more fun. Take a boogie board with you or jog in the sand for a truly punishing workout.
- Go dancing outside with your signif. In many cities they have free outdoor dancing classes during the summer. If you can’t find one near you, have your own relaxed backyard dance party with friends.
I hope you all have a wonderful Earth Day and go for a walk outside. I for one am going to take advantage of the weather.
Tags: Exercise, Noel, Weight LossShare This
By noelboehm -- 0 comments
April 21st, 2008
Check out my hidden exercise secrets! These are my personal ones, and if you have any more, add them below in the comments, please. I want to build up my repertoire.
1. Dog walking. Instead of taking your dog to the corner, how about all the way around the block, or even two blocks?
2. Clenching. Hear me out– if you work at the computer or in the office all day, then you probably get periodic numbness or limb soreness, not to mention the general malaise of inactivity for hours on end. Clench your buttocks as you sit at your computer in slow movements and feel the burn.
*Remember not to cross your leg, either, as that won’t help circulation and could negatively affect your veiny bits.
3. Do face-tightening stuff. While you’re driving, especially during long distances, tone your neck area to keep the skin firm. Make tons of expressions while keeping your eyes on the road to use muscle groups that might not be engaged often. (I also take the time on long trips to whiten my teeth, but that’s another thing altogether.)
4. Vary your shoes. I do believe that Dr Scholls are quite great for my calves, as are some of my other shoes. I try to mix things up during the week to target different areas of my legs, and then stretch underneath my desk during the day.
5. Start cleaning. Women who do their own housework for a few hours a day have been proven to be healthier and happy. How good you feel is directly related to how strenuous your activities are, so get into it.
6. Support local shops, get fit. Three shops near my home have gone out of business in about two months. To help contribute to the mom and pop shops, head off to a shop in your neighborhood instead of driving just once per week to begin with, and carry your bags back instead of using delivery.
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By meielisawy -- 2 comments
April 19th, 2008
So today in my usual press release rush I happened upon something that really got me thinking: SmallStep.gov. My portion control has a tendency to get slightly off track, and I thought that this is a cool resource to get everything back under control. This site discusses drinking fresh juice and sparkling water, club soda and lemon, and alternative sweeteners.
Here are some of the cool tips I picked up from SmallStep.gov:
1. Drink a glass of water before your meal to help you feel more full.
2. Put your food on a plate, even if it’s already in a microwaveable ready-to-serve dish.
3. A continuation of #2– buy smaller plates! You will eat less if you have less space to put it on.
4. Check the labels to make sure that your individually-sized muffin is actually one serving. They can be two or more and equal 700 calories in one punch, plus tons of fat.
5. Discover your fruit and snack pleasures, like cold apples, crisp lettuce, or fresh pineapple, and try to always keep some on hand.
Image: Stock: Xchng, Thea0211
Tags: diet & exercise, eating, food, portions, portions controlShare This
By meielisawy -- 1 comment
April 18th, 2008
So I did it. You know the Bikram Yoga class that we talked about weeks ago. I finally went to my trial class and…it…SUCKED was really trying. First of all the room is somewhere between 103° and 105°. I’m not kidding. So I was feeling a little faint before we even started. I drink a lot of water normally but in preparation I had about 64 ounces of water. I’m not sure it did anything other than make me go to the bathroom excessively. The rest I ended up sweating out within minutes. After about five minutes I knew I was in trouble. The experience was very reminiscent of labor. The realization suddenly that this is going to get so much worse and you aren’t mentally prepared for it. Should an exercise class scare you?
The class was 90 minutes, the majority of which I spent laying down because I was unable to move…or breathe. Maybe if I gave it another try it might work out for me but honestly the thought of going back causes me intense anxiety. I just can’t handle the heat. I’m not a warm weather kind of girl. I moved from California to New York to escape the heat. You will never see me on vacation on a tropical island. It’s so hot in there that you want to start taking clothes off, which people do. Good looking people that is that are already in shape. Let me see, expose my flabby belly to a bunch of strangers as I lie semi-conscious…me thinks not. Don’t let me sour you on it though. Please share if you have a positive experience with Bikram Yoga. Motivate me to go back and get my money’s worth.
Tags: Exercise, Noel, Weight LossShare This
By noelboehm -- 1 comment
April 17th, 2008
Ooohh, I’m excited about Billy Blanks’ new program called Tae Bo T3-Total Transformation Training. The kit includes :
• The Power Within: Ignition
• The Power Within: Acceleration
• The Power Within: Transformation
• Blanks-Sensei: Learn the Moves
• Target Tae Bo
• Tae Bo Weight Loss Success Guide
• 30 Day VIP access to Billy’s Web Club
• On-the-Go Guide for Healthy Eating
• The Power Within Bracelet
Billy also adds his new ergonomic, one-pound T3 weights, empowering you to maintain your commitment to the transformation of your life, your health and your body.
I’m looking forward to getting my kit. It’s good to have new and challenging programs out of the old one to keep you from getting bored and unmotivated. I think I’ve pretty much outgrown my Tae-Bo Advance so Tae Bo T3-Total Transformation Training is perfect timing.
Tags: Billy-Blanks, Exercise, Tae Bo T3-Total Transformation Training, Tae-BoShare This
By DEXIE -- 0 comments
April 16th, 2008
Image details: Yonex All England Open Championship served by picapp.com
My husband bought a badminton for my son and him to spar with in the afternoons but I’m also getting my use of it too. With the weather permitting, every Thursday after dinner, all of us are outside just playing. The kids ran around the yard while Mom and Dad kick each others butt with badminton. You’d be proud(or not) to know that in 2 occasions, I’ve played wearing flip flops..LOL. One time in white sundress and another time in a skirt. It’s our random play-exercise so there’s no point changing in work-out clothes and shoes. It’s a great activity. Certainly pumps me up and makes me sweat reaching and running towards the shuttlecock.
Not to mention our playful trash talking against each other :). Keeps the marriage alive :)
Tags: activity, Badminton, Playing, Sports, Work-Out RoutineShare This
By DEXIE -- 1 comment
April 15th, 2008
I went to the doctor yesterday for a totally non-fitness or weight loss related issue; so I thought. I have been having trouble with falling asleep. I just lie there for hours even though I’m dead tired at the end of the day. I self-diagnosed myself as having insomnia and asked my doctor if she could recommend something aside from medication, which I really would not be interested in. She asked me some questions about my stress level and how much coffee I drink etc. Her diagnosis; that I don’t have insomnia I just need to exercise more. What the heck are you in cahoots with Tom Cruise? Exercise, get some fresh air and a little time away from the bug and the big one was basically her prescription. So fixing my ass jiggle is now a major health concern.
I guess it hadn’t really occurred to me that the two were at all related. She wasn’t concerned about my weight which was a shocker to me. She explained that I obviously need a physical release for all my anxiety and stress. It’s clear that my sporadic activity level is affecting my emotional health. I went walking three times last week and I thought that was a big step at sticking to something. Anything you do for 30 days becomes a habit right? She said however that I need to do something that gets my heart rate up and stays there for 40 minutes. Join a gym, go for a long jog or something. It should ideally be done in the evening. *Sigh* Where can I find 40 spare minutes anyone?
So I think what I’m going to do is get a treadmill. It’s cheaper in the long run than the alternatives which would be to join a gym and fight city traffic at 6pm to get there or run on the streets which I am currently too insecure to attempt. Not going to happen. Plus I know myself too well. If I have to get up, get dressed and leave the house I will just find an excuse not to do it. Can I really stick with it? I seems like I don’t have a choice because I just desperately need to get some rest. I’m running on fumes basically. Here’s the real question. How can I convince the hubs that I need a jogging stroller and a treadmill?
Image via yuan2003
Tags: Exercise, health, Noel, Weight LossShare This
By noelboehm -- 1 comment
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