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.*


What a week! I feel as though I'm drowning in all that we have going on around here at times. It's enough to make one go insane--insane I tell you! :o)

Squeezing in a decent workout is proving harder and harder with my schedule. Today I'm sitting down with a pen and notebook and jotting down a real, set "schedule"--complete with time slots!--for myself to follow from here on out. Dean's often says I need to work on managing my time better and he's right. It's just so hard at times. (Sigh) Can I get an "Amen!" from all the homeschooling mommies out there? (Hee hee)

My workout times weren't entirely disasterous, though. While Dean was in the shower each morning, I'd do a quick set of push-ups (15), followed by a short arm routine with light (5 lb) weights: upright rows, overhead presses, lateral and anterior deltoid raises, and tricep kickbacks. I performed 2 sets of 10 reps each exercise.

Once he left for the day, I'd work through a Pilates tape or a Jillian video. (Both of which seriously kicked my fanny! Ha ha!) But unfortuantely, I was only able to do them twice this week. (Sigh. I feel so ashamed...See? I have to plan my days better. That's all there is to it.)  And as always...lots of walking back 'n forth around town and through downtown Seattle. That's just a given. I probably shouldn't even put it down as part of my total! It kind of feels like cheating. :o)

On a positive note, my water intake is way up. (Hooray!) As is my chai consumption. (Boo!) I've avoided junk food and sweets, with the exception of one minor "french toast" incident. I made a batch for supper one night because it was just too quick 'n simple not to. (Ahem)

I ate 4 slices, by the way. Drenched in syrup. :o/

So that's it for my weekly check in. Now it's your turn! Share your highlights--and low lights--for the week. And while you're at it, would you mind sharing when you fit your workouts into your schedule? I have to get mine in before the children get up. I'm a real "private" exerciser and don't like an audience. I also consider it my "me time" experience that I don't want to be disturbed. (Wink, wink)

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.*


This week was waaaaaay better than last week for me! :o) I felt extremely motivated (for the most part) and determined to get--and stay--on track.

On Monday, I completed 2 workout videos, "Maximum Body Sculpting" and "Sculpted Buns, Hips & Thighs". These workouts left me feeling amazingly refreshed instead of my usual (wiped out and ready to die!).  But alas, on Tuesday I woke up feeling wiped out and entirely unmotivated (ahem!), so I only completed the first 25 mins of MBS. {So disappointing!} Then Wednesday arrived with me feeling even worse than I did the day before. So I did nothing. {Sigh}

Then Thursday dawned bright and glorious. Suddenly I felt my strength return so I completed SBH&T, and did a few more sets of those exercises on my own later that evening before bed (less the ankle weights). I also did my usual walking around town/running errands, so that was good. I may have covered a mile, counting all the trips. Not too terrible.

This morning I've already completed MBS, and plan to complete SBH&T after this post is finished. :-) Hooray!

My nutritional intake has also vastly improved this week. I purchased a bunch of rabbit food all the necessary ingredients to make a ton of veggie sandwiches (Roma tomatoes, bags of mixed baby greens, Claussen pickle slices, Ezekiel bread), as well as bananas for post-workout snacks. My chai has been limited to 1-2 cups per day, which as you all know is HUGE! ;-) Water intake is also up, and although the scale hasn't budged one iota (darn it!), I feel pretty pleased with myself overall.

Remember last week when I mentioned possibly going and getting a new fitness magazine? Well, I didn't. I started to--even opened a couple of them up and read through them a bit. But I realized they didn't have any new nuggets of wisdom that I didn't already know (or couldn't access online for free), so I put them back.

And I have to seriously thank my sister for talking me out of buying wasting my money on a new set of workout DVD's. Perhaps you've seen them, too? They're called the Brazil Butt Lift (very stupid name) but I'd heard from other moms how "awesome" they were, so I--being the total follower and workout video junkie that I am--suddenly had this overwhelming urge to BUY NOW!

Only trouble was at the "amazing low price" of only 3 payments of $20/each plus $13 shipping, I couldn't afford them.

So I did the next best thing. I pouted and bemoaned my existence for about 10 minutes.

And that's when my phone suddenly rang; it was my sister. {Superwoman! Dum, dah, dah dahhhhhhh!} She "swooped" in just in time to save my sorry self from making a huge financial mistake (like cutting out grocery money to buy them!), and telling me that everything "Brazil" covers is already featured in all the other videos I own. {Hmm! Imagine that!} You see, she was smart and actually watched the commercial, whereas I was blinded by the idea that this amazingly awesome series was the answer to my sagging backside, sight unseen.

Now I must ask...Have any of you found yourselves getting swept up in the latest and greatest exercise "toy" hoopla? Did you succumb to the temptation or were you able to resist? Frankly, my reaction surprised me a little bit as I'm usually one of the first to scoff at anything outside of The FIRM. (With the exception of Jillian Michaels. Ahem.) I honestly don't know what came over me! However, I can definitely say that I now understand how people can be so easily misled, by what they see on TV or otherwise, as being the answer to their weight and body shape woes!

A humbling experience? You bet!

Alright, enough of my rambling. How did the rest of you fabulous ladies do? :)

A Little Inspiration (Fit Mommy Style)

I realize the Fit Mommy meme doesn't post 'til Friday but I thought I'd share what I did today in hopes that it inspires someone. ;-)

I decided to use 2 "FIRM" videos back-to-back, which made for a great 90 minute routine with extra emphasis on the lower body.

First up was "Sculpted Buns, Hips & Thighs w/ Tracie Long" (and although it doesn't mention it within the title, it also focuses heavily on the abs). This is a 45 minute gut-busting, hip-burning routine that I love to hate! (Hee hee) The video is a compilation of exercises found in two other Firm videos, "The Tortoise" and "The Hare" (cute, huh?). I don't own either of those tapes but I have borrowed them from my library once or twice in the past. (Excellent stuff!)

What I enjoy about this workout is the strong focus on the hips and thighs through a heavy concentration of old-school floor work. If you've never strapped on a pair of ankle weights and did a bunch of leg lifts (in various ways), then you don't know what you're missing! LOL It's my absolute favorite way to work the back of my legs, which is often a source of contention between me and the mirror. ;-)

Now before you watch the clip, you have to promise to remain open minded. Because the video is rather dated (early 90's), cheesy workout gear abounds. (Ahem) But trust me, the workout itself is a true gem!Okay, here's a little taste...





Moving on to workout #2...

Once I completed that, I popped in my other Tracie Long favorite, "Maximum Body Sculpting". This 45 minute routine incorporates heavier weights with several standing-leg exercises. Because of this, you'll need the Firm's signature 14 inch step (the "fanny lifter"), and several sets of dumbbells (3-15 lbs). Unlike the first workout, this routine does not require ankle weights and the "cheese factor" is eliminated. ;-)





There you have it! My Monday morning routine (at least for this week). What 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.*


Here's the short version of my week:

Monday ~ Workout 25 mins with weights. {I was feeling lazy...}

Tuesday ~ Short walks around the neighborhood running errands. {Woke up early that day and didn't have the energy to do what I should've done. *Sigh*}

Wednesday ~ Ahem. Nothing. Except walking here 'n there. Nothing major.

Thursday ~ Cardio 30 mins on exercise bike at top speed (14.0 mph). Actually broke a sweat this time! Woohoo! Also went for a (very short) jog around the neighborhood. Was more like jog for 20 seconds, walk for 40 seconds, jog for 15 seconds (Ouch! Cramp!) followed by walking for another 75 seconds...repeat for 12 minutes. {Pathetic...}

Friday ~ At this moment I'm preparing to ride my bike for 30 mins, followed by a workout video for 60 mins.

Based on the above totals, I'm really not happy with my performance this week. I'm hoping today's workouts will blast things back up a bit, then I plan to sneak in a little extra time with the bike tomorrow morning before church. My thighs--they need help! :o/

Nutrition was going okay until I had a major craving for a Whatchamacallit candy bar last night. {It was unbelievably good! *Hee hee*} We went out to Red Robin one night for supper and I was really good! (You'd be so proud of me! *wink*) I ordered chicken pesto pasta (sans chicken) and ate only a small amount. I then had the rest boxed up and have been slowly eating it for lunch throughout the week. {I LOVE pesto! Sooo yummy!}

My water intake's been good and my chai consumption is down. I've been drinking maybe 2 cups per day instead of my usual 6-8... {LOL} :o]

The scale hasn't budged since last week, which is fine. Granted I'd be the happiest woman alive if I could report otherwise, but based on my lack of movement this week, it all makes sense.

By the way, did anyone catch the season finale` of Jillian Michaels' show? I totally missed it so I'm going to have to download it. (Sigh)

You know, I think I need to venture over to the store and pick up a new fitness magazine. Maybe that'll help pull me out of my laziness. What do you think? :o] Do magazines inspire you or do they make you feel worse? I admit things can go either way for me in this department. Just depends on my mood. ;-] Right now, I'm in "Gimme some inspiration!" mode so it should be good.

How was your week, fellow Fit Mommy?

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.*


 
Summer has officially arrived across the US, finally reaching us Washingtonians this past week. Record-breaking temps streak across the nation and for many ladies, thoughts of "getting in shape for summer" fill our heads. We start to worry about what our arms look like in short sleeves or in a tank top, *if* we're going to wear a swimsuit (and if we'll look good doing so!), are our legs "shorts" worthy, etc. Indeed, summer has a tendency to bring out the vanity in the majority of us ladies, wouldn't you agree? :o)

In fact, I recently chatted with some friends of mine from church about this very topic. One lady was saying how she used to love using workout videos years ago, so naturally I piped up about my favorites: The FIRM and Jillian Michaels. (Hee hee) Turns out, she really enjoyed The FIRM "back in the day" and missed them. She even mentioned wanting to try out their newer DVD workouts but wasn't sure if she'd like them as well as the older ones. (Well, why didn't you say so?...*wink*) So me--being the total workout pusher that I am-- offered to loan her a stack of my Firm DVD's along with Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred. Hee hee! I hope she likes them! ;-] She might not be my friend after next week (hee hee) but here's hoping things remain Kosher between us! Ha! Okay, onto this week's check in!

Nutritionally, I haven't been eating as well as I should be. More fruits and veggies? Nope. Less carbs? Definitely! Less food in general? Oh yeah! In fact, I haven't been consuming much of anything except water because it's so blazin' hot! Oh and cold cereal. And I did snitch some bites of Dean's Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream last night. {Ahem} Man, that was good! :o)

Workouts have been a lot better. I've been keeping up with my walking, although I haven't been going as fast as I normally do, due to the heat. (Yes, I'm whiner.) My regular workouts are getting back to normal. I performed 3 this week (60 mins each): Cardio Sculpt, Banish Fat/Boost Metabolism, No More Trouble Zones. They about killed me after having a streak of less-than-stellar weeks under my belt. {Ahem} But it felt good to blow the dust off a bit. ;-)

Wanna know what's really bugging me? The darn scale! It ain't budging, whatsoever! Ugh...stupid thing.

Oh hey...have any of you been watching Jillian Michaels' new show, "Losing It"? What do you think of it? I of course, love it!!! :o) If you haven't seen it yet, click on the link to check it out. You can watch full episodes online. (Most convenient, I'd say! *Wink-wink*)

Well that's it for me this week. Now it's your turn! The floor is officially yours...  :o)

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 so sorry for the delay, Ladies!! Please forgive me. I've been running around like crazy, trying to prepare for our family's weekend trip to Whidbey Island. My in-laws will be arriving shortly to join us. I've been up to my eyeballs with cleaning, packing, grocery shopping--you name it. I'm exhausted and it's not even noon.

To make matters worse, I've been sick all week long with a nasty sore throat and headache. Today the headache has decided to leave, which is wonderful. But this rotten sore throat is really kicking me in the fanny. Ugh!

Anyway, because of my illness I haven't eaten much of anything all week. It hurts too much to swallow so I've basically been living off of toast and herbal tea. I haven't worked out, either. I honestly didn't have the strength or energy to do so. {Sigh} And I had such high hopes for myself this week, too! Bummer...

I think I overdid things last week with getting ready for my daughter's recital and not stopping to catch my breath, even though I could feel this cold virus seeping in. I thought I'd avoided it pretty well when it finally hit me, but then seemed to go away. But when I woke up on Tuesday, it had clearly returned with gusto.

I hope the rest of you have had a better week. Please say you have...?

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.*


Oh..my...goodness, what a week!! For those of you who are not one of my current Facebook friends, let me repeat my current status message: After all that's happened this week, I deserve a serious super-hero cape! I don't know if I'm coming, going, or already been there! LOL Seriously, it's been that kind of week.

We've had recital rehearsals on Monday/Wednesday, and with it, I worked the front desk at Abby's ballet studio. (The current receptionist is also one of the students--so she obviously couldn't both dance and answer phones, sell tickets, etc.) Monday was easy, but Wednesday got a little nuts. ;o] Crazy, ballet Mommas anyway!

Then on top of that--remember how I said we were "done" with the recital music? Ahem. I take it back. Turns out, some things were still in need of tweaking, which is what we did. On Wednesday night. Until 10pm. (Yawn) But now--NOW we're done. Hooray!!! Everything should be absolutely splendid, and Dean will receive all the glory and honor fit for a king when he reads his name in the recital program. (Hee hee)

I promise there's a point to all this rambling, so bear with me for just a moment longer. :-}

Additionally, I started another side job--one that will last through the end of the month. Things were going pretty well, when suddenly my computer decided it hated me in the worst way possible. Everything I had worked on through (again) Wednesday night---GONE! Totally, 100% gone. I cried, people. I couldn't help it. I was so frustrated, I literally felt sick. I had to re-do everything. Not fun, not fun at all.

Soooo! All that whining to say: my workouts totally STINK this week! I haven't lifted a single weight even ONCE! (I know...alert the media, right? LOL) I've been getting my walks in as well as some bike time, which is "okay". But I feel like such a slug because of this. I mean, yes I've been busy--and trust me, there's plenty more to this story that I'll cover in a separate post--but that's just an excuse. What I should've done was manage my time better. I tend to get SO focused on one thing, that I have a hard time switching gears. Does anyone else struggle with one-track-mindedness? Please say yes. :o{

On a happier note, I have been eating pretty well. Lots of veggie sandwiches, juice, water...and chai. {Ahem} At least at the beginning of the week. I'm trying really hard to fight off a cold bug so by Wednesday (there's that dreaded day again! LOL), I kinda stopped eating. I have no appetite or energy to speak of. I'm not "sick-sick" but my body feels like it's fighting hard to avoid succumbing to the virus. {Yuck} Then again, maybe I am sick but I'm too busy to stop and pay attention! {Hee hee}

I'm whining.

In closing: I've decided that this coming week, I'm going to pay close attention to my schedule and really, really work on managing my time better. I want to fit everything in, without feeling like I'm on a time-crunch to do so. Wish me luck! Oh, and with that, I'll also get back to my regularly scheduled workouts. (Oh, Jillian...!)

How did your week pan out? Were you able to meet your goals?

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.*


It's another gloriously sunny day here in Washington state! {Aren't you glad when I open with a joke? *Grins*} Okay so perhaps the weather isn't all that glorious but I'm determined to be cheerful. This is in an effort to combat the sheer laziness settling in this morning. I woke up and--I'm not kidding--my first thought was, "Ugh...I don't wanna work out!" Then I smooshed my face back into my pillow. It's days like this that are so tempting to think, "I've done enough this week" or "I'll just work out tomorrow". But we all know that's not true. Or at least, I know! :o) 

Yet as tempting as the idea sounds, I cannot afford to continually slack off. I've done too much of that lately and believe me, it shows. I've also discovered that the older I get (I hate the way those words taste..ick!), the harder it is to keep my weight and figure under control. I suppose this supports the research that states that after the age of 25, we lose 3-5% of our muscle mass every decade. Of course, exercise reduces or eliminates this issue, but only if you actually do it. :-]

Want to know what I do on days like this, when motivation is scarce? I go to my favorite fitness websites for inspiration! Websites like Oxygen Fitness Magazine , Muscle & Fitness Trainer (similar to SparkPeople in that there's a free option, but it's for the "gym rat" types--of which I'm not, but I want to look like one) and other favorite magazines like Muscle & Fitness Hers  and Fitness Magazine. After spending a few minutes on any of these sites (or a combination thereof), I'm fired up 'n rarin' to go! :-]

How do you stay motivated? What inspires you to get up 'n get moving on days when you'd rather stay in bed?

Before I open the floor for comments, I should probably share about my week, huh? (Minor detail...) Okay, so I did my usual walking on Monday and Tuesday (approx 2 miles each day--very mild workouts, obviously). Then on Wednesday I did the Firm-Cardio Sculpt, Thursday was Jillian Michaels' "Banish Fat/Boost Metabolism" cardio workout (which I hate doing, but love the sweaty results), then today's workout was Jillian's "No More Trouble Zones". I hate this one, too. But I appreciate the results!

I've also eaten several veggie sandwiches (yum!) and consumed a lot more water. Hooray! I've even cut back on my chai consumption! (Gasp, shock, horrors) Crazy, huh? ;-]  I'm hoping that the decrease in sugar will work wonders for my figure. We'll see! If not, I can always go back to my normal 4-5 cups/day. (*Hee hee*)

Okay ladies, it's that time! Fit Mommies, report for duty! :o]

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.*



Happy Friday, ladies! I just completed the Shoulders & Arms workout (P90X) and am feeling pretty darn spritely, if I do say so myself. I pushed myself a little harder than I did earlier this week (funny what 1.5 extra hours of sleep will do!), and am very proud of myself. I completed more reps with heavier weights--woohoo! Per the prescribed routine, I still have their Abs workout to do but I'll get to that in a bit. I wanted to get this post up first! :)

As I somewhat mentioned, today I got to sleep in (til 5:30am). Dean's OT is decreasing (at least for today) and we could definitely use the break. Not that the extra money isn't needed or appreciated...LOL. But sleep, I've learned the hard way, is quite a necessity.

My workouts this week have been ranging anywhere from 60-75 mins, taking the form of workout DVD's (P90X) and the exercise bike for added cardio. This is of course, on top of the almost daily walks around the neighborhood running errands or taking Sierra and Ethan to taekwondo class.

Nutritionally, things have been going fairly well. I've upped the veggies/fruit and water, and haven't had a single sweet thing to eat all week. Hooray! :) Well, okay--there was 1 peanut butter and jelly sandwich. {Ahem} But it was on multi-grain bread so that's not too bad, right? (LOL) I know, I know. Excuses!

As far as improvements are concerned, I've noticed that my arms are already looking tighter. I'm still holding out for a dramatic "backside" transformation, though. {Sigh} Oh, the pain of being half-Mexican and loving carbs! Did you notice I didn't record any weight loss? That's because there isn't any! :o/

How was your week? Anything exciting to report? Changes, transformations--it's time to share 'em all! :)

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?