Fit Mommy Friday

*If you're new to my blog and would like to join the merry band of mommies working hard to get--or stay--fit, please click here for all the details.*

This week has been pretty uneventful. While I've walked 15 miles this week, I haven't picked up a single weight, nor performed any other exercise beyond that. {Scary, no?}

I've been running non-stop, to and fro--lots of errands, children's activities, shopping--you name it. Thankfully I walk everywhere, so I'm able to get a little exercise in. But my workouts have definitely suffered this week. Big time! I'd really like to get back into the swing of things next week. I miss my weights. :o(

My diet--ahem. Yeah. That's been pretty much "grab 'n go"; granola bars (relatively healthy), sandwiches (egg, pb & j--not so healthy, less the egg), and quick suppers like chicken fried rice from Trader Joe's and (ahem) frozen chicken alfredo pizza. (Which was really good in spite of the dire health consequences of processed foods...*small smile*)

I really, really bombed this week, Ladies! (Sigh) I simply must do better next time, especially with fall approaching which means cold & flu season. If I'm not at my best, I'm a sitting duck for illness! (Something I do not have time for.)

And speaking of time; I was setting up next month's calendar and realized (to my utter shock and disbelief) that we have exactly 3 days in which we have nothing going on! Can you believe it?! How did we get so busy?? Do any of you have schedules like that? Just boom, boom, boom--one thing after another? On the positive side, I certainly won't be bored! (Hee hee) But the drawback is that I'll have to work extra hard throughout September to keep my workouts going. It'll be waaaay too easy to slack otherwise!

Oh! Here's a tiny update about those new L.A. Gear Walk 'n Tone shoes: they're not all they're cracked up to be after the first few miles. When I walked 3 miles in them the first week, I felt a teeny amount of soreness in the backs of my thighs and gluteal area. (Ahem) But now--? Nope. I don't know if other "toning" shoes work better (ie: make you sore on a consistent basis), but I felt that these babies quickly lost their spunk. Oh well. At least they're cute! :)

So that's it for my week. {I told you it was uneventful. ;-) } How was yours???

Fit Mommy Friday

*If you're new to my blog and would like to join the merry band of mommies working hard to get--or stay--fit, please click here for all the details.*


A big "Good morning!" to all my favorite ladies! How's everyone doing today? Did you all have a good week? I admit that I didn't do as well as I would've liked, but I wasn't absolutely horrible, either (okay, maybe I was..). Here's the daily breakdown:

Monday: Completed a short 30 minute workout. Didn't even break a sweat over it, which means it probably wasn't enough. (Oops) Went to the mall and got a pair of new LA Gear Walk 'n Tone sneakers.

Tuesday: Short walks around town running errands. That's it. (Ahem...)

Wednesday: Put the shoes to the test by going for a short, 3 mile walk with the family. The initial plan was just to walk Sierra to Youth Group and back which is 2 miles (exactly), round trip. But then we decided to walk to Albertsons, too. After that, Dean was feeling pretty wiped out (snicker, snicker) so we walked the "long" way around the block so as to avoid the slight "hill" (mild slope) of our street. This brought our trek to a total of 3 miles instead of 2.

PS: I can't decide if the shoes "work" or if they're just poorly constructed. Either way, the backs of my legs and rear-end were slightly sore in different areas the next day. Plus the fact that I was even sore from a walk is just weird. Hmm...?

Thursday: Short walks running errands; 2 sets of push-ups (20 reps each), 3 sets of squats (20 reps each). That's it. Apparently I was feeling lazy...

Friday: Bike for 45 mins. I had to get some serious cardio in! Ugh...(And you all know how I hate cardio. LOL)

My eating has been a disaster this week!! :o[  Not sure if I'm getting in touch with my "inner bear going into hibernation" or am otherwise hormonal. But alas, here are all the gory details...

I ate a king size PB Twix on Sunday, which tasted phenomenally good but was sooooo bad at the same time! (Sigh) I'll blame Dean for this one because he let me buy it. :o) (Of course, if he'd said "No, you heifer! You cannot possibly have a candy bar!" that would've been worse. Hee hee!)

Then there was a "meeting" I had with a Reese's "Big Cup". (Not nearly as good as the PB Twix, by the way.)

Followed by a brief excursion to the land of Ben & Jerry's. (There was only 8 bites left in the carton, which happened to be Dean's. Gee, I hope he wasn't planning on finishing it...?)

See?! Isn't that awful?! But once again...and yes, this is quite strange and weird...I actually lost 4 ounces. (Hey, every bit counts, right?) How on earth does that happen? Eat right = body weight stays the same. Eat junk food = weight loss. HUH???? I'm still scratching my head over that one.

What about you? Have you noticed any odd, don't-fit-the-traditional-parameters-of-fitness quirks about yourself this week? Or am I the lone oddball? :o)

In any event, it's time to check in! Post your links below and let's get this party started! :)

Fit Mommy Friday

*If you're new to my blog and would like to join the merry band of mommies working hard to get--or stay--fit, please click here for all the details.*


Happy Friday to all you sweet, hard-working ladies! :)

How was your week? Were you able to push past any hurdles? Drop a few pounds? (Or even ounces?--Hee hee)

My week went fairly well, despite the fact that I didn't push myself nearly as hard as I have been, workout-wise. However, I was careful to get in a mild workout (like a few miles on the bike or walking, short weight routines along with the bike/walking) on a daily basis. This was a rather (ahem!) "hormonal" week around here, shall we say? (*Wink-wink*) Therefore I wasn't up to my new normal consisting of 2 workouts back to back.

Nutritionally I'm the same. Although I didn't find any more surprise Snickers bars, I did scarf down the last 3 bites of my husband's Ben & Jerry's ice cream the other day. (Like I said, "hormonal".) Thankfully the monthly swing-shift is now behind me and I can get back on track. ;-)

Oh, and surprise! I dropped a pound even WITH the B&J's. Woohooo! A whole freakin' pound! Granted it's not a lot but it's enough to give me one deliriously happy day! :o]

And here's something else I re-discovered. If I think I'm hungry, when I know I shouldn't be, chances are a big glass of water (or a cup of tea) will cure the hunger pangs. You see, I love to snack on a little something, especially when I'm reading or sitting at the computer for an extended period of time. I don't know why this is, but it is. :) So I found that by drinking something like water or hot tea, I realize those hunger pangs are either a case of boredom or even thirst. Neat, huh? I thought so, too. :)

Unfortunately, I have to cut this short. I have a number of pressing errands to get to this morning. (Sigh) But hey--that counts as more walking, right? Hmm. In that case, I guess I shouldn't complain.

Okay, now it's your turn to share. :) What were your successes this week? Do you have a tip to share?

Fit Mommy Friday

*If you're new to my blog and would like to join the merry band of mommies working hard to get--or stay--fit, please click here for all the details.*


I'm pleased to report that this week was nearly just as good as last week. :)  There was one minor nutritional indiscretion (Snicker's bar) but in my defense, I actually found it in my bathroom cupboard. I did not intentionally buy it. I'll explain...

Earlier in the week, my mother had made a quick run to the store for me. I don't remember what was going on that day, just that for some reason I didn't have time to go myself. So when she brought the bags inside, I put the pantry items away and put the bathroom items--still in their bag--in the cupboard underneath the sink, sight unseen. For now.

Then on Thursday, I remembered there was still a sack inside the cupboard. When I took everything out, the Snicker's bar was at the very bottom. Apparently mom felt I'd needed a little treat that day or something. :)  Feeling as though I'd won the lottery of sorts, I decided I should express my appreciation and gratitude by eating it. (*Ahem*)

Thankfully I've been keeping up with my workouts this week, so the candy bar didn't do too much damage. :) Moving on!

I've been switching back 'n forth between veggie sandwiches and tuna sandwiches, which have both proven to be quite scrumptious. (Yum!) Water intake is better than before, which I'm proud of. And chai consumption is still low. I've been eating less carbs too, and that's helped me feel less "puffy" overall.

Each morning I've completed at least one--if not two--Firm videos, with the exception of today. Instead I performed my own mini-routine due to time constraints. (Push-ups, crunches in a number of directions, arm/shoulder work, squats/lunges for legs. Four sets of 12 reps each exercise.) And as always, lots of walking.

Well there you have it--my week, in a nutshell! Like I said, I'm under a time crunch this morning (going w/ Dean to his doctor appt in about an hour), so I'd better get going. I hope you all take a few moments this weekend to celebrate all you've accomplished so far during your participation in Fit Mommy Friday. You deserve it!!! :)

Fit Mommy Friday

*If you're new to my blog and would like to join the merry band of mommies working hard to get--or stay--fit, please click here for all the details.*


 

Wow, is it really Friday already?! I think Memorial Day through my schedule off a bit--or at least, my sense of a schedule off. That's more like it.

So, were you able to keep active and eat relatively healthy over the holiday weekend? (sly grin) I realize that might've been tough with all the yummy BBQ's and other such culinary adventures taking place. I personally dined on pizza and breadsticks, which was definitely not the best thing for my hips! {Carbs are not my friends.}

But I did manage to (drum roll, please...) pick up the necessary produce (lettuce tomatoes, pickles) and hearty bread (12 grain) to make plenty of my veggie sandwiches! Hooray!! I've officially eaten veggies this week, ladies! Oh my gosh! Alert the media, folks! Aren't you proud of me?

Yes, I'm aware I need to get out more. Moving on!

These are my workouts for the week:

• Monday: 2 mile walk (blah...)
• Tuesday: Firm-Cardio Sculpt
• Wednesday: Jillian Michaels-No More Trouble Zones (a literal pain in the rear!)
• Thursday: 1.5 mile walk (double blah) / personal hip and thigh routine: donkey kicks at various angles, leg lifts, squats: 4 sets of 12-15 reps.
• Friday: 4 mile walk (an improvement, however slight) / will perform personal hip/thigh routine later this afternoon/evening adding 5 sets of deadlifts, lunges, leg presses.

On a slightly different note, how many of you watched the season premiere of Jillian Michaels new show, "Losing It with Jillian" this week? I watched it the first night, then the children (who go to bed at 10pm and were sorely disappointed they had to miss it) caught the encore showing the day after. They love her almost as much as I do! (Hee hee)  Anyway, if you missed it (or have no idea what I'm talking about) you can check it out here.

Alright, ladies! It's your turn! How did you do this week?

Fit Mommy Friday

*If you're new to my blog and would like to join the merry band of mommies working hard to get--or stay--fit, please click here for all the details.*


Well, ladies! I'm pleased to report that this was by far a MUCH better week for me! Yippeeeeee!!! :o)  I got my workout in every single day this week (M-F) and I feel great. Thank you all for the encouraging words and advice last week. It made such a huge difference! (You gals are the greatest! But then, you probably already knew that. *Wink*)

Here is how my week went:

• Monday: Power-walked for just over 2 miles (felt fantastic!!)
• Tuesday: Did a Firm video (Cardio Sculpt-60 mins)
• Wednesday: Jillian Michaels video (No More Trouble Zones-40 mins)
• Thursday: recumbent bike (6.24 miles/30 minutes) Would've gone longer but my legs were still really sore from Jillian's tape...ugh!
• Friday: Jillian Michaels video (Banish Fat/Boost Metabolism-60 mins)

While all that's a success, I totally bombed in the area of nutrition. I made pancakes for supper one night this week and ate 3. (Ahem) They were apple-cinnamon and smelled so scrumptious, I simply couldn't resist. (Sigh) I haven't consumed any veggies or fruit, whatsoever. (I know what you're thinking..."How does that happen?") But it's the truth and I'm just "keeping it real" as the expression goes. :-)

How did you all do this week? I know some of you are re-joining after a few weeks off. I'm curious to see how you did your first week back! :) And I'm sure there are some of you gearing up for the holiday weekend. What steps do you plan to take to ensure a successful week amongst plenty of yummy temptations? (Bar B-Q's, get togethers, etc.)

The floor is officially open for comment! :-)

Fit Mommy Friday

*If you're new to my blog and would like to join the merry band of mommies working hard to get--or stay--fit, please click here for all the details.*


Okay, I'm going to be very blunt and honest with ya'll....

I did virtually nothing this week. (Let the flogging begin!)

Sure I did a few push-ups, crunches, squats. I also did my usual walking around town, running errands and such. But as far as a serious sweat-inducing workout? Nope. Not even once.

Yep. That's bad, I know. {Sigh} And to be honest, I don't know really know why. I mean, I wanted to...I just didn't get up 'n do it. Needless to say, I'm very disappointed in myself. You all hereby have my express permission to chide, cajole, and otherwise coerce me into submission next week.

On the plus side, I cut my calories back a bit which hopefully helped curb the inevitable "lazy week" weight gain. {I haven't checked yet because--I'm scared to!} But I figure it must've helped a little bit as my jeans are looser in the waist this week than they were the week before. Then again, that could be chalked up to hormonal/water fluctuations so...who knows? :)

I've been having too many bad weeks lately, have you noticed? What is wrong with me, anyway? Ugh! I've got to kickstart (emphasis on the "kick") myself back up. Summer's almost here and that means short sleeves and tank tops. There's no way I want my Incredible Hulk arms flopping around in the gentle summer breeze, you know? Those suckers have to be tighter. Period! :)

Please oh please say you've had a better week than me....I need the inspiration, ladies!

Fit Mommy Friday

*If you're new to my blog and would like to join the merry band of mommies working hard to get--or stay--fit, please click here for all the details.*


 
This proved to be a 90% cardio week for me and here's why.
 
For Mother's Day, Dean bought me a Sony e-Reader (and a pink one at that!). This little gadget--which I never thought I'd be this excited over--allows me to read hundreds of e-books (if I had hundreds to read) like a regular paperback book (if the paperback was pink and had a digital screen). I seriously have a hard time putting it down!
 
And it's for that reason that I found myself on the recumbent bike a lot this week, just so I could sneak in some extra reading time! (Hee hee!) Now I know that totally goes against the whole mind/body connection (thinking about what you're doing while you're doing it), but it was such a nice little diversion, I must admit. :o)
 
However, I did run through my own quick routine consisting of push-ups, crunches, oblique twists, squats and lunges (3 days). Therefore, I didn't completely disregard strength training, but rather scaled back on it a bit. (Okay, okay...I scaled back a LOT.)

For the record, the bike workouts were 60 mins. each, alternating between tension level 1-6 throughout the workout.
 
Oh, and here's another "naughty" confession: I ate horribly this week. Dean bought me a king size Twix bar (again, mother's day) and I also baked a cake. I ate the Twix bar in one sitting (oink) and had several slices of cake from Monday through Wednesday (mooo). Oh yes. And there was an incident with a bag of Doritoes. Lots of Doritoes. {Sigh} Let's just say I'm avoiding my good friend, The Bathroom Scale!
 
I hope everyone else stuck to their programs more than I did this week. {Ahem} I obviously need to step away from the little pink e-reader and get my rear in gear! :-)
 

Fit Mommy Friday

*If you're new to my blog and would like to join the merry band of mommies working hard to get--or stay--fit, please click here for all the details.*


Hooray! We've made it through another week, ladies! :) Aren't you excited? Okay, clearly I need to slow down on the caffeine... (Hee hee)

I did pretty good with my workouts, considering my epic failure earlier this week. Ahem. While my upper body (and ego) recovered (believe me--I'm still a bit sore!), I focused on cardio and lower body to even things out...

Monday - 60 mins bike/personal ab routine
Tuesday - P90X (Chest/Arms/Shoulder) = OUCH / Walking
Wednesday - Firm Lower Body workout / Walking
Thursday - Lower body routine/Abs (personal routines consisting of lunges, squats, plyometric jumps, crunches, reverse crunches, oblique twists, pelvic lifts) / Walking

However, I haven't worked out at all so far today. Why? (I'm so glad you asked.) Well, it's because my husband has the day off. Which means I slept in ('til 6:45am).

When I finally rousted myself out of bed at 7am, I had every intention of climbing on the bike and logging in a good 45 mins or more of cardio. (Sounds good, right?) So, I went into the bathroom to get ready (ponytail, brush teeth, wash face a bit) mentally preparing myself for the torture ahead, when suddenly I heard sounds coming from the kitchen.

Sierra was up.

And that, my sweet ones put a screetching halt to my workout.

For those of you who don't know me very well, here's a little secret insider scoop--I don't workout in front of my family. Well, with the exception of my sister. But she's clear in Pennsylvania and I'm all the way out here in Washington. But I digress. Point being, when the kids or husband are up, my workout is over. Kaput. Finito. Finis. Over. Done.

I know that sounds kinda nutty, but it's just how I am. I look at my workouts as my leave me alone time a cherished hour of peace. They're my time to think, sweat, push myself, perhaps even utter a few unkind things toward my TV trainer of the day. :) And I really don't like to be interrupted.

However, I do plan to try to get something in later today. Dean plans to mow both the front/back lawns today, so that just might be my ticket to Fat BurnVille. (Hee hee)

Hmm. Where was I? Oh yes. Nutrition!

Well, I didn't too horribly bad. No junk food, which is great. No sweets. (Hooray!) Still heavy on the carbs and light on the produce though, which is bad. {Sigh} I plan to do better this week though. I'm going to get more fixings for veggie sandwiches and perhaps take a stroll through the local Farmer's Market this weekend to load up on fruit for snacking. That'll be good! :)

Alright, I've taken enough of your time. It's your turn to check in! :)

Oh wait. One last thing. Has anyone been keeping up with the Core Conditioning program? What do you think? Have you noticed any results yet?

Fit Mommy Friday

*If you're new to my blog and would like to join the merry band of mommies working hard to get--or stay--fit, please click here for all the details.*


I don't know about you, but for me this week has been incredibly exhausting. Dean's been working OT all this week (and last), waking up at 4am and working 'til 4pm. Now some of you may be wondering what that has to do with me. Well, I shall tell you. It's because I wake up 10 mins before he does in order to get everything ready to wake him up 10 minutes later. (Setting out clean towels for his shower, starting the coffee...and of course, putting on my makeup and quickly brushing my hair and teeth. Ahem.)

So what does glass of whine have to do with my fitness exploits? In a word--everything.

Although I've been consistent with my exercise, my workouts feel incredibly lazy. Forced. Borderline unenjoyable. Why? Because I'm so darn tired. Not even the massive amount of liquid energy I've been consuming (chai) has helped much. I'm often afraid I'm going to drop a weight on my foot (or my head if I'm doing a chest press or something), so I really have to be careful. :o)

Yesterday was by far my best day. I had a nice burst of energy while I was doing the P90X's Legs and Back workout, and yes--before you ask--my inner thighs are a tad sore. I was hoping to feel it more in the backend, but no such luck. Perhaps if I'd pushed myself harder I would've. I admit I went a bit "easy" on myself during the wall-sits and one legged wall-sits. I didn't go down nearly as far as I could've/should've because I was worried that, once I was down, I wouldn't get back up! I'd just keep sinking toward the floor and take a nap. (Hee hee)

Please don't think I'm advocating anyone here to workout past the point of exhaustion. I'm sure I'm getting very little to no benefit by doing this, but I'm the type of person who *has* to workout each day otherwise I feel off-center. Even if I do have to d-r-a-g myself through it.

I've given myself a few (to several) days off in the past during times like this, but instead of being peaceful it only made me feel worse. I couldn't enjoy my day(s) off because it felt like I was "bad" for not working out. Seriously, I would beat myself up with thoughts like "Are you kidding me? You're too tired?", "One lazy day turns into a  habit!", "And now you want a donut?!"

Addiction. It's a powerful thing. :-}

What about you? Are you driven to workout each day? Or do you allow yourself a day off here 'n there? Please tell me I'm not the only psycho.... LOL!

Fit Mommy Friday

*If you're new to my blog and would like to join the merry band of mommies working hard to get--or stay--fit, please click here for all the details. *


Well, I don't know about ya'll but I am wiped OUT! Between waking up at 4am (hubby's working OT) and not going to bed until 10:30-11pm, to working out with P90X on top of that---whew! I need a break from myself this weekend! :)

As tough as the P90X program is, you don't really "feel" all that worked while you're in the middle of it. Okay, that sounded weird. Yes, you feel worked but it's really in a good way. I feel energized, motivated and challenged during the workouts (even if I am often rolling my eyes at Tony Horton's ill-attempts at humor). But then I'm the type of person who clearly thrives on challenge (at least in this area) and this new workout series is giving it to me, no holds barred.

I will say though that my muscles SCREAM at me the next day. Thankfully, with this program you only work 1-2 muscle groups a day so the soreness gets nice 'n evened out. Sore arms/shoulders? No problem. Today we'll work your legs. {Ahem}

Workouts have been very fun and consistent this week. My favorites so far are the Arms & Shoulders and Core Synergistics. I'm also partial to a few aspects of the Ab Ripper X. (And yes, it's just as brutal as it sounds.) However, the vast majority of the moves consist of lying down flat on your back then curling up from there to a full sit-up. Something I cannot do whilst lying down. Forget it. Nope. No way. No can-do. Several other moves consist of leaning back on your tailbone, which really does not feel good.

But (and here's that "thrive on challenge" part of my personality kicking in) my new goal is to work hard to complete the Ab Ripper X like it's nobody's business! (Hee hee)

This week my nutritional intake has been so-so. Haven't had any chocolate or cake (boo hoo) but I've been eating far too many carbs than I should be. {I like bread. A lot.} It likes me, too. That's why we "stick" together. It sticks to my hips, and I keep sticking it in my mouth. We're pals.

What has your week looked like?

Fit Mommy Friday

*If you're brand new to my blog or to the Fit Mommy Meme please click here to learn how you can participate. Join the band of merry wives and mothers as we move one step at a time in the direction of health and fitness. :) It's a lot of fun, I promise no one bites, and the encouragement is incredible.*


Whew!!!! I just completed my first P90X workout (Core Synergistics) and I feel amazing! Granted, I felt (and no doubt looked) pretty darn foolish during a few of the moves, but overall--yeah, baby! ;o] I like!

Now before you think I just invested in something as expensive as P90X, I must tell you that I'm borrowing this from Dean's co-worker. The one I was telling you about in a previous post who lost over 20+ pounds doing this program. Anyway, both Dean and I are going to give this thing a shot. I'm not sure yet how well Dean will be able to do the exercises due to his neck/shoulder (and fusion surgery) but we'll see. At least he's willing to try it, right? :o]

Throughout this week I've been consistent with my workouts. Up until today, I'd complete a Firm tape/dvd (sometimes 2 depending on length) in the morning and would--as always--get in a bit of walking in during the day. I haven't done any of the jogging like I was doing in previous weeks, though. I seem to like this better--the whole workout dvd/walking combo. (I'm a creature of habit, what can I say?)

Nutritionally speaking, I'm pleased to report that I've increased my consumption of veggies (fruit?--not so much) and water. I've also gone back to the Ezekiel bread which tastes amazing after not having it for awhile. But I must confess to eating 4 Creme Eggs throughout the week. (Ahem) Yeah, that whole "no junk food" streak? Broken! Shattered! Demolished! {Sigh}

But they sure were good! Hee hee!

I'm feeling incredibly motivated this week for some reason. Perhaps it stems from the Jillian Michaels book I'm reading, Master Your Metabolism? Or perhaps it's due to the new P90X dvds? Knowing me as only I do, the answer is probably *both*.  :o] I'm also really enjoying the increased definition I'm developing at the front of my shoulders as well as my thighs. Wooohooo! (Now if I could just get the back of my thighs to wake up, as well as my jiggly lower abs, that would be great.)

What about you? Were you feeling all gung-ho this week? Sign the Mr. Linky below and tell us about it!

Fit Mommy Friday

*If you're brand new to my blog or to the Fit Mommy Meme please click here to learn how you can participate. Join the band of merry wives and mothers as we move one step at a time in the direction of health and fitness. :) It's a lot of fun, I promise no one bites, and the encouragement is incredible.*



Last week I was feeling pretty good about my effort and progress. This week--? Not so much.

While I did get a few extra walks/jogs in, in addition to my workouts, I didn't feel (probably because I wasn't) like I was really trying hard enough. Know what I mean? Like everything I did was just the bare minimum. And really, it was. I could've done more--pushed myself harder--worked out for a longer period of time. But I chose not to. Not to sure why exactly, other than a bad case of "I'm okay right where I'm at. I'm doing so well I'm hardly sweating. See?"

But that's not enough.

There comes a point where one has to really put some effort into their routines lest they become complacent and your progress comes to a halt.

So that's my focus for next week. Pushing, pushing, pushing past all barriers--including but not limited to--my own laziness.

On the bright side, my hamstrings (What is up with that word, anyway? Is that not the weirdest name for a human body part? Makes me feel like I've got Porky Pig legs or something.) are sore from all the deadlifts I did this week. :)  Call me crazy, but that lingering soreness always makes me feel a little bit better about myself.

Now if my gut was sore from crunches instead of bloated, I'd be doing great! (Thank you, PMS...)

Oh, check this out. Dean's interested in trying that P90X Fitness program. Have you seen it? My sister has the set and loves it. Apparently one of Dean's co-workers/managers has been using it and has lost 23 lbs so far. (Wow!) Hence, his new found inspiration. From what I've seen and heard, it utilizes the same methods (muscle confusion, cardio and weights) that the old Firm tapes employ. So with that being said, I'd be interested in trying it out (I mean really, it's a new workout video! Sign me up!), I'm just not sure if it'd be any different from what I'm currently using. Then again, I'm open to being challenged and proven wrong. ;-]  So if we decide to get it, I'll update you all here.

Speaking of updates, I guess I'd better open the floor to the rest of you fabulous ladies so you can share yours! :)

But first, one last thing. If you use a particular program or video, would you mind writing a bit about it? Sort of like a review. I thought it might be nice to share something like that so the rest of us can see if what you're using would work for us. :) What do you think? I'll put mine in a separate post as I have soooooooo many videos to choose from. (If that's the case for you as well, let's just pick out Top 3 or something and go from there. ~Wink~)

Fit Mommy Friday

*If you're brand new to my blog or to the Fit Mommy Meme please click here to learn how you can participate. Join the band of merry wives and mothers as we move one step at a time in the direction of health and fitness. :) It's a lot of fun, I promise no one bites, and the encouragement is incredible.*


How goes the battle? Unfortunately, this week was a bit tougher than I'd planned due to a mishap with my baby toe.

Yeah. My baby toe.

Not some gloriously achieved injury whilst engaged in strenuous physical activity. No, I merely rammed my toe into my bedroom door frame around 4:30am. I was in a mad-dash to get my little dog, Fernando outside before he got sick on the carpet. (Yuck) I was racing about, turning off our house's security alarm, yanking the slider door's blinds up, then turned to see that Fernando was still retching in the bedroom doorway. So I shot back down the hall as fast as I could (did I mention we have wood floors? And I was wearing socks?), when suddenly---just as I was bending down to pick up my baby---CRACK!! My toe hit the door frame.

Not the best way to wake up, lemme tell ya!

So my swollen, very sore, very purple toe prevented me from working out (from the waist down) from Wednesday--Thursday. It was all I could do to put a sock or shoe on! Thankfully, I was still able to get some ab and arm work in during that time. :o/

Anyway, it feels much better now and Fernando did make it outside in time. Barely.

So before the incident, I had been doing well. Used the bike a lot, jogged around the neighborhood in the early mornings...(gasping for air like a fish out of water)

You wanna know something I learned? There's a real method to breathing when you run/jog. While I'd heard such a thing existed, I never bothered to pay attention before now. (I'm sure Tracy is having a good laugh at that, aren't you dear? --Wink!) Moving on!

Nutritionally, I totally bombed--hard. My daughter's birthday was last Friday and of course, that means cake. Plenty of scrumptious, mouth watering, carb-a-licious cake! :) I won't even tell you how many pieces I had (because I lost count), but I will say how bad I felt eating each one. Obviously not bad enough NOT to eat them, but bad enough to hop back on the bike for an extra 20 mins or run around the block an extra lap. I'd like to say that made up for my lack of willpower, but...well...I can't. {Sigh}

So it's back to the drawing board this week. The cake is cleared out, my toe is healed up and I have no excuses!

What about you???

Fit Mommy Friday

Remember how rough--or rather, non-existent--my workouts were last week? Well, this week kinda bombed as well. {Sigh} My energy has been severely flagging since being sick all last week. I guess that bug hit me harder than I thought! *Ugh!*

My workouts were not nearly as productive as they normally are. Everything thing I did felt as though I were moving through quicksand or something. A measly 5 lb weight felt like 500 lbs in my hand! Oh and my cardio workouts? Ahem. Yeah. Those weren't any better. No energy whatsoever. I barely made it 20 mins on the bike 3 times this week. {Pathetic, I know.}

Today however, I was bound 'n determined to push myself a bit and blow off the last of this "bug dust". :o) I did 45 mins of cardio on the bike which left my legs feeling like Jell-O, but it was soooo worth it.

Nutritionally speaking--? Yeah, I tanked there too. Not that I'm eating junk food or anything like that. But I haven't been eating anything particularly healthy, either. Or eating much at all, I should say. The "bug" shrunk my stomach or something. At least for the time being. ;o) Seriously, a cup of tea makes me feel full. Weird, huh?

I've got to get back on track next week! Call me, email me--something, anything--to keep me accountable. I'm hereby granting ya'll permission to harp and nag me to death! LOL :)  (Who's got the whip?)

The Confession Box is now open! Please sign with a link to your Fit Mommy tales from the trenches! I hope your week was more productive than mine. :)  (Although to be honest, I think a slug's week was more productive/active than mine! Ha!)

Fit Mommy Friday

Well, this past week left much to be desired.

In my defense, I've been sicker than a dog since Sunday. Therefore, I didn't do--or feel like doing--anything outside of the absolute necessary (like showering or caring for my children--one of whom was sick like his Momma).

My head felt like it's been clogged with cement and pounded with vicious force every time I tried to think, move or breathe. Because of that joy, I didn't get in a single, stinkin' workout this week. {Sigh} And as you're all well aware, getting back on that train's always hardest after being sick. Which means next week is gonna be rough! :o/

On the bright side, illness always destroys my appetite so I've managed to drop a few pounds (hooray!). Too bad it was mostly water weight, which means I'll gain it back with my first bowl of cereal. :o/ (Boo!)

Please tell me the rest of you precious ladies had a better week than I did! I'm already dreading Monday morning's workout. This past week (or rather, the past two weeks I should say!) reminds me of a saying we had back in my ballet days:

If a dancer misses one class, no one notices.
If a dancer misses two classes, she notices.
If a dancer misses three classes, EVERYONE notices!

Let's just say I've missed more than three classes....(gulp!)

So, tell me; how did your week treat you? Were you able to keep yourself in check? Or did you succumb to illness like me?

On a much more somber note, our fellow Fit Mommy, Heidi S. is grieving the loss of her best friend, Sue. This precious lady passed away this morning from cancer. If you get a moment, please stop by and give Heidi a big cyber hug. I'm sure she'd appreciate it. :(

Fit Mommy Friday

Welcome to Week 8 of Fit Mommy! Wow, can you believe we've been at this for two months now? Incredible!

*If you're brand new to my blog and have no clue what I'm talking about, please click here to learn how you can participate in the weekly Fit Mommy meme. Join the band of merry wives and mothers as we move one step at a time in the direction of health and fitness. :) It's a lot of fun, I promise no one here bites, and the encouragement is incredible.*

Well, I don't know about you, but this week was harder for me than last. Not sure why, either. But I found myself having to really push myself to even get up in the mornings, much less get in a daily workout. Weird.

However, I am pleased to report that while I didn't workout as "hard" as I normally do, I did exercise each day for at least 30-45 minutes. Clearly not my best, but it's better than nuttin'! :) Even now as I sit here writing this, I'm having a hard time maintaining focus. Perhaps I've got too much going through my mind at the moment. (Ha! What a question. Of course I do!)

Wednesday/Thursday were really hard. I started coming down with a case of "scatter-brain" on Wednesday that developed into a full-blown case of Utter Perplexity by Thursday. In fact it was so bad, that I literally "forgot" to do laundry until 2:30 in the afternoon. Seriously! That's HUGE for me because--as most folks know me realize--I do laundry every..single..day. Like, right after my shower. But not Thursday. I had to literally stop and think, "Hmm. Did I do laundry today?" YIKES. Not good. I literally felt like I was walking in some sort of fog. Very strange.

This morning was harder still, after hearing the news yesterday afternoon that Dean's grandma lost her battle with cancer. I realize this has nothing to do with Fit Mommy or my goals. But I wanted to mention it because sometimes, when difficult things like this happen, it throws a wrench in everything. Case in point--this morning's workout. (Let me put it this way; if my dog could laugh, he would!) I was basically flinging myself around as my heart just wasn't in it. I finally turned the tape off (Jillian--my favorite), and opted for the bike. It felt more "right" to just peddle, sweat and listen to music than it did to "pump iron".

I'm not sharing this to evoke pity or anything like that; but rather to say that when something like this happens--and you find yourself totally not in the mood--it's understandable. And completely okay. :)

Alright, enough of that gloomy tone. Back to the update!

Now, nutritionally speaking I can actually be a bit prouder of myself. No junk food for the second week in a row. Woohooo!! I know, it's earth-shattering, isn't it? I can hardly believe it myself. ;)

Wait...maybe that's why I'm so sluggish? My body's craving sugar! LOL Kidding...sort of.

Oh, and what's even better is the fact that I'm down 2 lbs. Hooray!!!!

So with that, I shall close this mood-swing laden post and open the forum to all of you gorgeous divas. ;-)

1. Mrs. White @ The Legacy of Home 2. homeschool101 3. Michelle Smith @ A Life Better Than I Deserve 4. Heidi @ Chatter & Clatter

5. Lisa C @ the Wyldhouse Homestead (The Dreaded Plateau) 6. Katrina @ Mama Manuscripts (fit pregnancy) 7. Tea Time with Annie Kate 8. Tracy @ 3 Guys & A Doll

9. The Crazy Mom's Sly Moves 10. Carrie D

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Fit Mommy Friday

Greetings ladies! Welcome to another rousing week of Fit Mommy check-ins! :)

I'm pleased to report that this week was even better than the previous for yours truly in regard to nutritional goals. (Yeah!!!) Not one single bite of junk food (by way of sugar) passed through my lips! Wow! Hard to believe, but true. :) Of course, last week's cobbler is gone (Thanks, kids!) and even though Dean did buy me a king size package of Reese's peanut butter cups, I'm proud to say they're still in the cupboard. (For now...If I'm smart, I'll give it to Abby. Better her hips than mine, right?)

I did go out to lunch on Valentine's Day and ate a big burrito smothered in sauce (Not the healthiest fare...), and on Wednesday night, I ate a decent supper consisting of chicken with salsa smeared over the top, corn on the cob and stuffing. (Mmm...stuffing....) I was quite full from that meal but less than an hour later, I was viciously attacked by a "I want something sweet" mood. So, I ate a bowl of Raisin Bran Crunch. Needless to say, my stomach looked positively *bloated* after that, and I had that post-Thanksgiving Day Turkey syndrome; "I...am...sooo...tired...{Hiccup!}"

Yes, dear sweet ladies, I was feeling pretty darn bad about myself. :o/  But, as we say here at Fit Mommy, dust yourself off and try again!

My workouts went fairly well this week (woohoo!):

• Monday: recumbent bike 40 mins; 15.8-16.0 miles per hour
• Tuesday: recumbent bike 65 mins; 15.9-16.2 miles per hour
• Wednesday: recumbent bike 75 mins; 16.4-16.8 miles per hour / crunches: 60; oblique crunches: 40; push-ups: 50; squats: 60 (no weight this time)
• Thursday: Firm tape (Cardio Sculpt) 55 mins; used 3/5/8/10/15 lb. dumbbells, depending upon exercise, plus 14 inch step for leg work. These squats of course, were weighted down by 10 lb dumbbells.
• Friday: see Thursday.

So there you have it. Overall, not a horrendous week. Could've been better of course by not overeating. By the way, I haven't stepped on the scale since that fateful day, as I know it'll yell horrible cruelties at me, which will only lead me to buying a new scale and I'm not in the mood to do so. ;o) Yes, that was an incredibly long sentence but it's early, it's my blog, and my "glutes" are sore. I'm excused.

On a final note of encouragement, I'm sharing a new blog post from personal trainer, Sherri McMillan of Northwest Personal Training. She discusses the very interesting concept of Neuromuscular Facilitation, which is fancy-talk for "get your head in the game". Check it out here!

Oh yes. My goals for next week. Well, basically they're more of the same:

• No junk food. Increase water. NO overeating! :o/
• Workout 45 mins + 5-6 days per week.

Okay, ladies. The Linky box is officially open for business! Post your blogs and sign on the dotted line! :) I can't wait read about your week!

1. Tracy 2. Heather @Faith, Family and Fun 3. Michelle Smith @ A Life Better Than I Deserve

4. Heidi @ Chatter & Clatter 5. Katrina @ Mama Manuscripts (fit pregnancy) 6. Tea Time with Annie Kate

7. Mrs. White @ The Legacy of the Home 8. The Crazy Mom @ Ramblings from the CRAZY House 9. Danielle @ Rocks at my feet

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Review: The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling (Apologia Press)

For some weird reason, I never read, nor felt inclined to read the original version of The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling. Call it pride, stubbornness...stupidity, perhaps? But I just felt I had enough information at my fingertips via the Internet and veteran homeschooling friends that I didn't need such a guide. That and I'm just too darn cool for such things.

Well, pride indeed goeth before a fall. (Ahem!) I'd been feeling a bit hungry to read something "homeschool mom-ish" when what should arrive in my mailbox? The newly revised Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling. (The Lord, He has a sense of humor, yes? ;) )

Published by Apologia (the well-known, widely-popular Science curriculum provider) as part of their newly expanded ministry, Debra Bell's Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling is a super-nifty resource I'm totally amazed by.

For starters, I had no idea this baby was packed so full of worthy information {500 + pages!}--for the newbie as well as those who've trudged this path for awhile. :) As I sat on the couch devouring each page, I mentally kicked myself for not reading it sooner. I mean, if it was this helpful to me 8 years into the game, imagine how much I -- and my children -- would've benefited back in the early days! (Doh!)

The revised edition beautifully covers all the ins and outs of the home education trade such as:

• The advantages (and challenges!) of homeschooling
• Single parents, special needs, careers, etc.
• Homeschooling on a tight budget
• Organization and planning
• Support groups and friendships
• Homeschooling teens (Hello!)
• Measuring achievement and success
• Using the Internet as an educational resource (Google, anyone?)
• Preventing Burnout! (Ahem...my personal favorite)
• plus a whole lot more!

I think this book should be automatically given to every parent who takes the homeschool plunge. Seriously! Just stuff it in a goody bag and off they go! :) Wouldn't that be neat?

The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling costs just $20 and is available by clicking here. This is a decent price considering the wealth of info you receive! Still not convinced? Check out the sample chapter Six Ingredients of a Successful Home School here.

Obviously, I was a total bonehead for not checking this resource out sooner. Not only does it provide rock solid information and useful tips, but it also comes from a very "you don't have to be perfect to do this" approach, which I appreciated. If something comes across as being too preachy (for lack of a better term), I immediately dismiss it. But the author is far from Mrs. Super Homeschool Mom and readily admits to her humanity. :)

I'm thoroughly impressed and thank Debra Bell and Apologia profusely. The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling gets two Snoopy dancing thumbs up! :)

To learn what my fellow Crew Mates had to say about this product, please click here.

*As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew, I received this product for free in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation was provided and the opinions expressed are completely my own.*