Nothing new to report. Still keeping up with my combined routine. And I'm still very excited by the fact that I'm starting to fit into more and more jeans that have been packed in the back of my closet for the past couple years. My stomach is still my biggest challenge, but I'm working on it so I'm not too worried.
How have you all been getting on with your routines?
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Day 37 - Core Basics
Toning your "core" is every bit essential to your health as it is to fitting into your jeans.
Your core (or the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex) is made up of 29 muscles, which include your abdominal, oblique, upper and lower back, hip flexor, gluteal and pelvic floor muscle groups. It also includes the diaphragm, hamstrings and muscles that support your spine.
This core group is literally your body's center of gravity - where you draw your strength, stability and stamina. By strengthening your core muscles you will:
Your core (or the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex) is made up of 29 muscles, which include your abdominal, oblique, upper and lower back, hip flexor, gluteal and pelvic floor muscle groups. It also includes the diaphragm, hamstrings and muscles that support your spine.
This core group is literally your body's center of gravity - where you draw your strength, stability and stamina. By strengthening your core muscles you will:
- improve your posture
- improve your balance
- help prevent lower back pain
- help avoid back injury
- help improve your range of movement
- improve your overall physical ability and performance
- reduce incontinence and improve bowel movements
Beginner:
Core Workout for the Absolute Beginner
with Yuri Elkaim
Intermediate & Advanced:
Home Ab Workout - Exercises for Six Pack Abs
with Jim & Joanna
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Days 39 & 38 - Working it with Slim in 6
I am happy to report that I've gone down a pant size. And, to date, I've lost 10lbs.
I incorporated Level 3 of 30 Day Shred into my weekend workout, but have been doing Cardio Core Express from Slim in 6 every other day during the week. I really like this workout from Debbie Siebers. There's enough cardio for me to work up a sweat and feel like I'm burning fat. This workout also incorporates a lot of standing ab work, so I also feel like I'm focusing on my problem area.
Debbie suggests using 3lb hand weights, but says you can also do the workout without them. I've done both - with and without - depending on how I'm feeling on a given day. It's a 30 minute workout so it's also easy to fit into the day.
I've also been doing her Slim & 6-Pack, which is intense. It's 15 minutes of mat work, utilizing some traditional moves as well as some more advanced moves. The time goes by quickly enough, but you definitely get a good core workout in by doing it.
I was hoping to do some more running now that spring has arrived, but it's been so nasty outside that I've been sticking to my trusty dvd's. How about you all? What's been your workout of choice to keep you fit, healthy and strong?
I incorporated Level 3 of 30 Day Shred into my weekend workout, but have been doing Cardio Core Express from Slim in 6 every other day during the week. I really like this workout from Debbie Siebers. There's enough cardio for me to work up a sweat and feel like I'm burning fat. This workout also incorporates a lot of standing ab work, so I also feel like I'm focusing on my problem area.
Debbie suggests using 3lb hand weights, but says you can also do the workout without them. I've done both - with and without - depending on how I'm feeling on a given day. It's a 30 minute workout so it's also easy to fit into the day.
I've also been doing her Slim & 6-Pack, which is intense. It's 15 minutes of mat work, utilizing some traditional moves as well as some more advanced moves. The time goes by quickly enough, but you definitely get a good core workout in by doing it.
I was hoping to do some more running now that spring has arrived, but it's been so nasty outside that I've been sticking to my trusty dvd's. How about you all? What's been your workout of choice to keep you fit, healthy and strong?
Monday, April 11, 2011
Days 42, 41 & 40 - Feeling Strong
The escalator in the subway was out this morning and, after I walked up 3 long flights of stairs, I realized I was able to do it without so much as a huff or a puff. I'm definitely getting stronger, which was one of my major goals.
Before I started this blog, I had gotten to a point where I was constantly feeling tired, or sick, or just plain ole run down. I couldn't even walk up a flight of stairs without losing my breath (and sometimes even feeling dizzy) and, to me, that's not ok. As my belly grew, my ability to breathe decreased. So it wasn't only that the extra weight was visually displeasing to me, it was more a matter that it was literally physically uncomfortable and challenging (to say the least). Add that to the fact that so many different things run on both sides of my family (i.e., heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer), and the fact that I needed to make a change became crystal clear. So I made the active decision to do something about it.
I know I get a bit impatient and frustrated from time to time, but moments like this morning keep everything in perspective. I'm focused on a long-term, healthy lifestyle. Sure, I'd love to put on a bikini, but I'm definitely not going to starve myself to fit into an unrealistic size...Thin is not for me! Healthy is more my target. :)
On that note, here are a couple yummy and healthy meals from last week.
And here are some fun pics from a quick run to Petland...
Before I started this blog, I had gotten to a point where I was constantly feeling tired, or sick, or just plain ole run down. I couldn't even walk up a flight of stairs without losing my breath (and sometimes even feeling dizzy) and, to me, that's not ok. As my belly grew, my ability to breathe decreased. So it wasn't only that the extra weight was visually displeasing to me, it was more a matter that it was literally physically uncomfortable and challenging (to say the least). Add that to the fact that so many different things run on both sides of my family (i.e., heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer), and the fact that I needed to make a change became crystal clear. So I made the active decision to do something about it.
I know I get a bit impatient and frustrated from time to time, but moments like this morning keep everything in perspective. I'm focused on a long-term, healthy lifestyle. Sure, I'd love to put on a bikini, but I'm definitely not going to starve myself to fit into an unrealistic size...Thin is not for me! Healthy is more my target. :)
On that note, here are a couple yummy and healthy meals from last week.
 |
| last Wednesday's lunch (from the cafeteria): salmon, asparagus and mushrooms (the mushrooms were soooooo good!) |
 |
| Sunday's dinner (à la Chef E): red snapper - stuffed and ready to be steamed |
 |
| in the pot, ready to cook |
 |
| steaming away |
And here are some fun pics from a quick run to Petland...
 |
| awww...parrot kisses for E |
 |
| she was a playful little baby |
 |
| I think she was trying to nest in my hair and it tickled - lol ;p |
Hope you all enjoyed the weekend thoroughly. It's Monday, back to the working grind...Stay focused and make the most of it! :)
XOXO
Friday, April 8, 2011
Days 47, 46, 45, 44 & 43 - Spring is in the air!
I'm pretty happy with my progress this week. I'm back on track.
I think part of my problem a couple weeks ago was that, in addition to feeling tired and drained, I was trying to implement too many things all at once. It was way too much and I started getting frustrated. Add that to lack of energy, and I felt like my efforts were getting me nowhere.
So, for me, simpler is better. I'm back to focusing on exercising and eating in a way that will make the most sense for me...a healthy lifestyle that I can sustain.
I've been keeping up with Cardio Core Express in the mornings, but I plan to get back to Level 3 this weekend. Call me crazy, but I'm kind of excited to feel the burn again. ;)
My bestie decided to try 30 Day Shred and I'm so excited for her! She doesn't have much to lose at all, so I know she'll see results quickly if she sticks to it. My suggestion to her was this: Do the first two levels daily (i.e., Level 1 for ten days straight and then Level 2 for ten days straight), because they're manageable enough to work through without needing a break.* Level 3 is intense so you'll need days of rest in between. So the momentum you build in the first twenty days should balance out with the breaks you'll need in the last level. Just my opinion.
It's fun to have someone doing the same program as me, even though we started at different times. My cousin in Florida is on her workout grind too, but she's doing a different program...Spring is in the air, folks, and I for one do not plan on hiding behind cardigans, scarves and loose tops for yet another season! I'm taking a stand and I'm glad to have people standing with me!
Meanwhile...Have you seen Vanessa Hudgens on the cover of Shape Magazine?? That is all the motivation one needs! LOL
Before I run off and grab some lunch, I'd like to give a big welcome to my newest Cut the Cheese subscriber, Tamara! You're the first non-family member to follow my blog - lol - so I'm very excited - haha! I hope you find the info that I share useful. Feel free to chime in or suggest topics anytime. ;)
That's it for now, friends...I hope the rest of the day finds you happy and motivated. Bon weekend!
XOXO
*Disclaimer: This was my suggestion to my friend because I know her. Only my suggestion - not medical advice. You know your body best. If you try this (or any other) workout series and you feel like you need a day or two of rest in between, give your body the time it needs. You want to make sure you're careful about your weight loss methods. And, as they say, consult your doctor before you try any new routine.
I think part of my problem a couple weeks ago was that, in addition to feeling tired and drained, I was trying to implement too many things all at once. It was way too much and I started getting frustrated. Add that to lack of energy, and I felt like my efforts were getting me nowhere.
So, for me, simpler is better. I'm back to focusing on exercising and eating in a way that will make the most sense for me...a healthy lifestyle that I can sustain.
I've been keeping up with Cardio Core Express in the mornings, but I plan to get back to Level 3 this weekend. Call me crazy, but I'm kind of excited to feel the burn again. ;)
My bestie decided to try 30 Day Shred and I'm so excited for her! She doesn't have much to lose at all, so I know she'll see results quickly if she sticks to it. My suggestion to her was this: Do the first two levels daily (i.e., Level 1 for ten days straight and then Level 2 for ten days straight), because they're manageable enough to work through without needing a break.* Level 3 is intense so you'll need days of rest in between. So the momentum you build in the first twenty days should balance out with the breaks you'll need in the last level. Just my opinion.
It's fun to have someone doing the same program as me, even though we started at different times. My cousin in Florida is on her workout grind too, but she's doing a different program...Spring is in the air, folks, and I for one do not plan on hiding behind cardigans, scarves and loose tops for yet another season! I'm taking a stand and I'm glad to have people standing with me!
Meanwhile...Have you seen Vanessa Hudgens on the cover of Shape Magazine?? That is all the motivation one needs! LOL
Before I run off and grab some lunch, I'd like to give a big welcome to my newest Cut the Cheese subscriber, Tamara! You're the first non-family member to follow my blog - lol - so I'm very excited - haha! I hope you find the info that I share useful. Feel free to chime in or suggest topics anytime. ;)
That's it for now, friends...I hope the rest of the day finds you happy and motivated. Bon weekend!
XOXO
*Disclaimer: This was my suggestion to my friend because I know her. Only my suggestion - not medical advice. You know your body best. If you try this (or any other) workout series and you feel like you need a day or two of rest in between, give your body the time it needs. You want to make sure you're careful about your weight loss methods. And, as they say, consult your doctor before you try any new routine.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Day 48 - Up and at 'em!
Got up about 9 this morning and repeated yesterday's workout. I'm glad I did it as soon as I got up, otherwise it wouldn't have happened. It's so easy to fall victim to Sunday luxuriation - lol. You know what I'm talking about...You indulge in some R&R (for me it's reading a magazine cover to cover and/or catching up with the DVR), convincing yourself you'll get the workout in later. But then you get hungry...but you're not finished with your DVR...so you tell yourself, "OK, I'll have a light breakfast, digest as I watch TV and then get going in another two hours." Ha! That's a joke because, before you know it, it's noon (maybe later) and you have to take care of some other errands before work the next day. And the workout falls victim to luxuriation. ;p
But not this Sunday! I got up...I got at 'em...and I had a great hour-long workout!!
How about you folks? Did you get your heart rate up at all this weekend? What kind of routines did you do?
But not this Sunday! I got up...I got at 'em...and I had a great hour-long workout!!
How about you folks? Did you get your heart rate up at all this weekend? What kind of routines did you do?
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Days 51, 50 & 49 - Combining Routines
I've been feeling like a slacker lately...Well, that is to say, I've been slacking lately. Like, for a week-and-a-half lately.
In my defense, I have been exercising (not every day) and eating pretty well (mostly), but not being as strict as I should be. I'm kinda disappointed in myself. This is not easy, but it's too early to start slacking off. I'm not anywhere near my goals yet.
Still, rather than sulk away my sorrows with cookies and chips I'm picking my pace back up. Most of my set back is due to the fact that I've been feeling really drained and tired, so I've been taking multivitamins to both boost my energy and replenish the nutrients my body is lacking.
This morning I really upped the ante: I started out with Level 3, moved on to Debbie Siebers' Slim In 6 Cardio Core Express, and finished it off with Debbie's Slim & 6-Pack. Talk about a workout! But I felt great. I plan on getting up tomorrow to do the same. Trying to get back in the habit before the work week starts.
Hope you all are enjoying the weekend! :-D
In my defense, I have been exercising (not every day) and eating pretty well (mostly), but not being as strict as I should be. I'm kinda disappointed in myself. This is not easy, but it's too early to start slacking off. I'm not anywhere near my goals yet.
Still, rather than sulk away my sorrows with cookies and chips I'm picking my pace back up. Most of my set back is due to the fact that I've been feeling really drained and tired, so I've been taking multivitamins to both boost my energy and replenish the nutrients my body is lacking.
This morning I really upped the ante: I started out with Level 3, moved on to Debbie Siebers' Slim In 6 Cardio Core Express, and finished it off with Debbie's Slim & 6-Pack. Talk about a workout! But I felt great. I plan on getting up tomorrow to do the same. Trying to get back in the habit before the work week starts.
Hope you all are enjoying the weekend! :-D
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