Tag Archives: fitness

Fitness Fridays, LIfe

Weight Loss 52 weeks Later

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fitbit Weight loss.. Yea back to the grind.  No, it is not the New Year that gets me back on track.  It is the end of my businesses busy season that pulls me off healthy track:  because I have to ship and play Santa, because I go in survival mode.  Many people would say you have to remember yourself when stress levels get high.   Yea, I am not good at that, so for about a month and half all that matter is getting my orders shipped.  During this time I work had and try to be a super human.

The good news this year is I did not gain over the holidays because I work and forget to eat.  I force my self to work and reward my self with an apple or cup of tea.  I was also sick cold or flu for a week so I just drank water and tea.  I did partake over the holidays but not that much as usual.

Started walking  with my good friend Hilary again. So I am back on track we went walking on Friday and today.  I am already hitting 10K steps a day.

I also been using the FitBit to track my progress.  My weigh myself on the Fitbit Aria scale is a big help because it syncs with my fitbit.  The Fitbit is a interactive pedometer that syncs with your computer it tracks  your steps, stairs,burn rate, activity rate, and more.   How about your sleep pattern fitbit will track yours.  The fitbit clips to your bra, waistband and they even have a new bracelet.  The Fitbit interface will offer remind via text or email you how many steps you have to do to reach a goal. You can also link up the fitbit with social media.  I love it it keeps we going through out the day.  You’re just steps away from better fitness.

I am really looking forward to getting back to being active.

One year ago today  I weight 276  today 258.6-    19.4lb lost in the last year

Good Health to you in the new year!

I am linking up with Barb Hoyer’s Motivation Monday post at Abalancedlife.net .

(this post contains affiliate links)

 

Try Fitbit now.

Fashion, Fitness Fridays

Fashion Motivation #FitnessFriday

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So this past week I was busy to say the least. As you know I did Blogher in NYC. Food well there was not a ton but Hillary and I manged to get one good meal a day.  Not a smart more for me because I am a type 2 diabetic.  But I survived.  I walked every where so in the 3 days I walked 20,000+ steps and walked  30 flights of stairs  according to my fitbit.

Good News : 

I am 260 again.. so glad the number is back.  Now I have to eat health and avoid skipping meals. 

I personally had a great Night last night. I went into the Gap and bought a Dress and a Jacket.  Granted it was a XXL but and XXL at the gap is different that an XXL at a plus size store.   It is a little short, but as usually I will rocket for the event I am wearing it to (power of positive thought) .   Also I went to the LandsEnd  event last week I tried on  a Lands End dress that was a 1XL and it totally fit and I got a color not just black-  hello electric blue!! Yea Me.  The clothes alone are going to keep me on track.

Tip: Buy the clothes for the size that you are don’t wait till you are smaller one outfit will be all the push you need to keep going.

The best news of the week is that my husband who has had a hard time with his Psoriasis and Psoriatic  arthritis,  has joined a gym.  I am so happy for him the movement will do him wonders.  He walked 1/2 mile which is wonderful.   He has  agreed to a challenge with me.. more to come on that in the follow weeks.


Fitness Fridays, Parenting

Fitness Friday

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The last few weeks I have not done a Fitness Friday post.  The reason I was on vacation.  So the accountability I normally get from the blog was not there.  I was down the shore with my In-laws.  They are major sweet eaters. There was actually $180 worth of candy purchased for the trip.

It was tough. They also had 5 dozen cookies.. yea the kind that you buy when you go to the fancy coffee shops that are about $3 each. It was so over the top in the sweet department.   See me having a tough time with all that …you bet ya.. We were talking major will power.

My MIL told me that my son asked every time he wanted something. I was happy because he was somewhat conscious of what he was eating.  I guess my family is buying my program.

So how did I do?  I only ate one cookie all week, and once the M&M were gone I was fine.  It was the Ice Cream 5 times over the course of the week.  I also found out I really love lobster bisque. I did choose salad as an option for dinner and stop myself at one slice of pizza.  So it was not as bad as it could have been.

I really should have read my Friends Trinas advice at OboyOrganics Healthy Vacation Snacks Post .  It might have helped this week.

I walk a fair amount not my normally 10K steps.. well I might off I was changing for bathing suit to clothes and I forgot to put my Fit Bit on.

I maintained my weight at 266.

This week I vow to walk more eat less.  I have been walking the kids to swim team in the morning and heading to the pool more, the end of the week camping (with a lot of hills)

Howe have you been doing since the summer heat is here?

Product Reviews

9 Last minute Gift Ideas for Dad w/ Reviews

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The following are great Last Minute Gift Ideas for Dad!  I have reviewed all these gift a and would not recommend them if I did not think they are a great addition to any household and a Proven Dad winner.

Dad Father Gifts Under $10

Op Water Shoes- $8.95 Available at Walmartwater shoes

  • These are a gift dad did not know he needs but will use when playing with the kids  whether it is in the back yard for sprinkler fun, at the beach, or in a stream flipping rocks.
  • gripping bottoms
  • pull elastic fasteners with toggle
  • easy slip
  • great price so they can be tossed at the end of the season when they get well lets say not so fresh

Review: My husband loves them he already used them at the local creek looking for frogs!

Rayovac LED Flashlight  $4.48 at walmart

flashlight

  • Flashlights are great gifts to give dad from kids
  • Fashlights are affordable and you are always looking for one
  • The convenient small size of this flashlight is a welcome addition to any home.. lets hope the kids dont steel it.

Fathers Dad Gifts under $40

CamelBak® eddy™ Water Bottle $15.99at REIwater bottle

  • Spill proof bottle
  • bite water tip faster flow
  • dish washer safe
  • CamelBak® Got Your Bak Lifetime Guarantee

Review: I have been using this water bottle and the CamelBak insulated Grove bottle $30  for over a month , at first it was odd almost like a sippy cup for adults  but now I am addicted to it I cant leave home without the water bottle. It is convenient and easy carry.  You can hook it to a carabiner hook and to a belt buckle great gift for anyone.

Rayovac Rechargeable Charger with Batteries: 13.99usb chargers and batteries

We are always looking for chargers and batteries.

Review: This is a much needed gift for the Dad who has everything,  My husband loves his xbox but the chargers and remotes eat battieres great to have some rechargables on hand.

Rayovac USB Wall and Car Charger Combo Pack walmart

The power converters also a great dad gift in fact. The second he saw the package he said I needed one of these and took it (I have not seen it since I assume it is in his car.. I am glad I got a picture.

SportLine Pocket Snapshot Pedometer $29.99 amazonpedometer

This is a great gift for the Dad who want to know how active he is.  He can put it in his pocket every day and forget it.

  • monitors speed
  • amount of steps
  • calculates calories burned
  • tracks time spent moving every day
  • simple easy to use
  • everything is on one screen
  • great entry pedometer
  • This is a pocket version so bulky no clip

Review:  I have placed this Pedometer in my pocket,  I like how simple it is to use but very accurate unlike less expensive ones I know this pedometer is tell me real info I want to know.  It is small non cumbersome.  I know my husband is going to love using it.

Mens health Turn key resistance bands 29.99

  •  Resistance band you’ll ever need to build learner, tighter muscles
  • Patented Turn-Key Technology adjusts from 0 to 5 feet in seconds no extra bands
  •  Padded swivel handles provide a comfortable grip
  • Quick resistance
  • CD is included so you can have a n effective work out with instruction

Review: very easy to use really can feel the burn in my body when I am done working out.  I love the fact they are nosmall and easy I been bring them on trip it take for a quick 10 min workout.

Dad Superhero Cape– Babypop 35.00dad in a dad superhero cape

how could I leave one of my great own Dad Superhero capes off the list

  • easy clean wash and dry
  • velcro closure
  • light weight so great for pretend of to wear while running a marathon
  • bright colors!

Dad Father Gifts Items over $50

Igloo Ice Cube Cooler-$69.99 also available at lowes and walmartice cooler for drinks and food

  • Wheeled cooler 60 quart
  • telescoping handle that you can pull or push
  • 4 drink holders on top to use as a table
  • the right height to be used as an extra seat

Review: My husband picked this out he says the study handle is great he loves how easy it is to move around and the great quality of an igloo.  Cant wait to use it on the beach with the big tires.

Sportline Cardio Heart Rate monitor 69.99:heart rate monitor watch

  • watch with heart rate moitor
  • Calorie and fat buring Tracker
  • Fat Burn zone
  • work out memory
  • Lap counter
  • Stop Watch Custom user profile
  • ECG accurate Heart Rate Monitor
  • Time date and alarmheart monitor watch

Review:  I have been using this watch for the past month and I have to say I love it.  I use it when doing Zumba and running.  It tells me to push it more.  I often work,  I love the fat burning zone because I usually give up when I feel the burn the watch tells me to keep going.  The Heart Rate monitor makes me feel like I have some one watching out for me, so I have safe work out.  This is a great gift for any Dad,  if they just started working out or a long time fitness guy.

Disclosure:  Some of the products above were provided to me by the companies,  and some I have purchased but all the opinions stated above are honest and true and written by me Sherry Aikens

Fitness Fridays

Balance and Sweet Spot #fitnessFriday Linky

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fitness and diet This weeks diet fitness healthy life style journey I feel like things are finally going in the right direction.  I am losing and finding the right workout food  balance.   I would like to say it was my brilliance but it is the fact I am wearing a pedometer and logging my food back to basics.  So for weeks I have been saying how I was concerned my body was not loosing because of the calorie intake vs.  how much I was working out.

This we it changed,  I kept a food log and subtracted it from the activity.  How.  My awesome  friend /walking buddy Hillary has been telling me for weeks about the FitBit and then I won won from Leah at Mamavation.  So I started using it.  Oh my the gates have opened i was not eating enough.  I am a big girl.  I need to eat about 2600 calories.. I was eating about 1500. and working out 3500 yea.. not good.

I took the bite-it then write it approach .  I tracked everything on Fitbit’s on-line tracker and it told me when I was in the sweet spot for food with the activity I was doing.  Water, food, activity  so funny it is Technology that is helping me loose weight.

  • Sunday-Walked run 2 1/2 miles
  • Monday walked prior to fitbit
  • Tues walked 15,000 steps
  • Wed walked 16,000 steps
  • Thurs walked 7,000 steps
  • Friday-  today I am going to the zoo

The results 259 (down 5 lb in one week)  Started at 271 in January

I finally broke 10lb-  I could see changes in my body but not on the scale.

(insert Happy Dance)

I feel like my persistence will prevail… I can do this.

Dont forget to enter win a $50 gift card to look better when you work out. ends 5/26

How are you doing?


 
You’re just steps away from better fitness.

Try Fitbit now.

Parenting

Cardio Training: Not Just For Weight Loss : Guest Post

Almost everyone knows that performing cardio training a few times per week can result in weight loss, but not everyone knows of the many additional benefits to be gained from this type of exercise. Cardio training not only helps people shed excess pounds, it also helps tone muscle, reduce stress, and offer relief from a variety of health ailments. Here are all of the benefits!

Weight Loss
It is no secret that a good cardio workout will help you shed those pounds, or for those who are already at a healthy weight, it can help with maintenance. Cardiovascular exercise helps to increase the metabolism, which can become sluggish due to bad diet, health issues and age. Excess calories are burned, which when coupled with good nutrition, helps reduce weight the safe and healthy way. There are a number of fad diets out there, and typically they make the claim of fast weight loss without exercise. These diets may initially help shed pounds quickly, but victims of this type of diet usually regain all of the weight, and some even add on a few more pounds. When it comes to weight loss, it is best to stick with a healthy diet and cardio training.

Dangers of Inactivity
Billions are spent on healthcare due to inactivity. In fact, a sedentary lifestyle may lead to a number of health issues, regardless of weight or age. Hypertension and heart disease are often a result of a sedentary lifestyle. Cardio training 3-4 times a week for thirty minutes or more reduces the risk for obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease, and it doesn’t take dropping large amounts of weight to notice a difference in your health. Just going for a daily walk continuously or spending 20 minutes a day at the gym can do wonders.

Stronger Muscles
Like weight lifting, cardio strengthens muscles. It affords the body a tone and lean appearance. The heart is also a muscle and benefits immensely from this type of exercise. A cardiovascular workout increases blood flow, which in turn improves organ function. Furthermore, if you’re a weightlifter, pumping iron only does so much for your physique. To make sure you can actually see all that muscle you’ve built, get some cardio in to burn the fat that’s hiding it!

Stress Reduction
Cardio training has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. When we exercise, our bodies release some “feel good hormones” known as endorphins, that make most people feel a bit better about things for a short period of time. In addition to this, cardio can be a great way to work out stress from work, home or elsewhere!

Confidence Booster
Exercise also increases energy and confidence. A surge in these two items may mean clearer thinking, better job performance and even an increased sex drive. Let’s face it, when you look good, you feel good, and there is no better confidence booster than looking and feeling sexy. Feeling good will then make you more likely to work out again, repeating the cycle!

There are many benefits to cardio training. Often, it is ignored in place of core strengthening via weight training, but it should be a normal part of everyone’s daily routine. It helps to shed extra pounds, reduce health related ailments, and tone muscles. Never be afraid to start slow. Always work your way into a new cardio routine – don’t push anything. Let the results come naturally!

Penny Marta writes about fitness, finance

 

Fitness Fridays, Parenting

Mamavation Monday- Changing a Family

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This past week has been interesting. I have been eating way better and have increased my running. But I also gained some help not only from the mamavation team….  My son age 11 has committed himself to me.  He is a competitive swimmer,  something that I have always encouraged because with health issues that run in our family diabetes  and  psoriatic arthritis .One of my biggest gifts to give him is a love of Physical activity of a life long sport like swimming.  Right now,  he is taking a beak from his beloved sport for spring after 3 year straight of swimming (he normally swims over 100 laps a night).  Telling me “Mom I want to swim this summer and back in the fall because I want the 5 year plaque.” (swimming will continue)

My son is a great trainer pushing me and  he wants to walk/run with me.  It is a challenge for him also even though he does dry land with swimming, they run around the track once.  So my son is jogging with me around the block.. which this week is the big block 2 + miles.  We do a run walk combo.  He also told me he wants to do the 5K with me in June.

But the biggest surprise came last night.  My husband was joking with my son and asked him if he wanted to walk home. He said yes,  I joined him we walked 3 + miles home from the restaurant.  We left while my daughter was in the restroom.  Once I returned home my husband told me  our daughter age 7 was very upset.  Basically she threw down at the restaurant because she wanted to walk with us.

I said to my husbands “She would have never made it,  She was exhausted”  he agreed..but she was not having any of that..

She cried  “I wanted to go”

She has been asking since I started. running, But I thought it was too far for her little legs.

She then told me “Mommy I have been training at school.  I walk every second recess around the big circle (large playground) .. since you started running in the winter.”

Crush my heart she has been running since January.. she never told me.  She just kept saying she could do it.  I walk/run in the morning while they are at school normally, so I never gave it a thought.  She wants to do what I do and be with me. Bless her heart and I will be a better Mom.

The little voices in my life needed to be heard.. and my new good habits are rubbing off.

I am getting a great sense of clarity on what is import. I am loving the quality time with my son (soon with my daughter) I am getting on these walks.  They are eating better already!!

Physical activity:

  • Monday 16th- walked and did Mamavation hazing
  • Tuesday 17th -walked/ran 1.5 miles with club and did the hazing
  • Wednesday 18th- walked/ran 2 miles did hazing
  • Thursday 19th- walked/ran 2 miles did both hazings
  • Friday 20th walked/ran 2 miles did both hazings
  • Saturday 21st walked/ran with club 1.75 miles, walked 2 miles at zoo, walked 3 miles  home from restaurant did hazing and took two ibuprofen, fell asleep with my daughter.

Food:

I got better with my food middle to the end of the week. I am taking the process seriously. It is very grueling to be the next Mamavation Mom.   Wish me luck I hope I am chosen to be a finalist announced tomorrow night.

weight  269-267

Feeling- Great more energy and know everything is fitting better

I am a Finalist… Please vote for me BABYPOP!!

Update: 4/30- I did not win Mamavation Mom  but I will still continue the battle for a healthy life.

 

 

Fitness Fridays, LIfe

Fitness Friday Mamavation

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This week is a little different.  I noticed my family is really with my program.  Last week we went to an Easter egg hunt in the same park as the dog park.  Of course I took the dog- Lloyd need to be socialized.   After the egg hunt my son said Mom let go to the dog park.

I said “ok lets go get the car.”

He said “no mom you are trying to be healthy lets walk.”  So he made we walk down and back up the hills to the dog park.

Then tonight I said you want to go for a run her said yea sure.  I can also see changes he is aware of his choices.  My son is a competitive swimmer but season we are taking a spring off.  He said “Mom I am not eating as much because I am not swimming.  I just noticed I am not as hungry”.  I am impressed we do not discuss weight or fat in our house we talk about healthy choices.

He is my own personal trainer.

This week I joined the Fleet Feet North Whales Running Program.  It went well I showed up 3 minute late and missed the start I ran ¼ of a mile to catch up only for the group I thought I was chasing take off running.. Just when I thought they were switching to walking they ran faster.  So know I know not to be late this Saturday.

So this week I am applying to be a Mamavation mom. If I am chosen I will work with the Mamavation team in a 6 week boot camp.  Which will include nutrition  help, fitness help and just basically a good old fashion fitness kick in the pants.  I really admired Leah Segedie aka @Bookieboo  and the community of support she gives to women to help them create a healthier life.

Here is the video why I want to be a Mamavation mom.

How can you help me?  Please tweet this for me:

Hey @bookieboo! I want @Babypop  to be the next #Mamavation Mom. She has my support! http://bit.ly/aorv3Y

Then If I am chosen as finalist please vote for me.

Thanks for your continued support.

Fitness

  • Monday- walked
  • Tues- walk /run 1 mile
  • Wed- walked/run around the block
  • Thurs- walked/run around the block

Weight : 265

Fashion, Fitness Fridays, LIfe

Fitness Friday Proper Sneaker {Linkyup}

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So this week, has been a week of commitment on my fitness journey.  I Signed up for a dietbet with Brandi at onegreatmom.com,  nothing like a little money to keep things out of your mouth.  The Bet official starts tomorrow with our 1st weigh in. I am excited  I need more accountability for food.

Then I signed up for the running training program with Fleet Feet Sports North Wales.  I recently was introduced to fleet feet by Joey Fortman and Ann Marie one of the owners this past Wednesday.  I will be working with them for training and they are out fitting me with proper sneaker/attire.  I was impress by the sneaker fitting I received and I learned things I did not know, because I have been doing to the big box stores. Here are some tips Ann Marie at Fleet Feet provided:

Proper Sneaker Fitting:

  • Have feet measured without socks (what you measured at 12 years old is probably not your current measurement.)
  • Have your foot measured in resting(sitting positions) and standing.
  • The Running store personnel should understand how you walk- (IE have you walk so they can see how your ball and heel hit and roll off the floor.  Then they can recommend a shoe that is designed for your foots needs.
  • Where design/color is nice a running/walking shoe should be about fit and support 1st,  so that you get proper performance.
  • In an athletic shoes it is better to go up a 1/2 size and have room (So mine sneakers are a 11 1/2 argh but it is about being the right shoe and not the size)
  • What does a good fitting sneaker feel like: “Heal should be supported, arch should be wrapped like a glove and your toes should be able to play a piano” Per AnnMarie
  • Fleet Feet Sports North Whales is nice because they allow you to actually run in the shoes outside, to insure comfort and fit.
  • If you are serious about a sport you should be serious about the shoes.
  • Also a good running store will take back the product at any point if you are not satisfied. That is the philosophy AnnMarie and her team have.

Ann Marie’s other Key advice : If you buy a good sneaker be sure to have a great sports bra just as important (but that is a separate post)

Thanks to Stephaine at aGrandlife.net for her foot

The training program I begin in a few weeks I am really excited,  of course I will continue to walk.

So how did I do this week?

Fitness Week:

  • Monday: Walk and run
  • Tues : Walked and Run
  • Wed: Walk and Run
  • Thursday/ Friday:  I have been fighting a cold so I actually stayed in bed,  I am trying to get out later today.  We will see.

Weight Loss:

  • Started 271 Jan
  • Last week 265  This week 264 -1

I am excited for next week if I can kick this cold I would feel better.

So how is your week going?



Disclosure: I was provided running gear from Fleet Feet North Wales, but all opinions in this post are of my own.

 

Fitness Fridays, LIfe

Fitness Friday with Linky

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So this past week, on my fitness journey.  I stopped counting the seconds I ran and just went out cleared my mind and focused on the steps. Run and clear my mind.  I also decided this week to take a picture, the before shot. The reason I looked at my friends Stephs post, and I thought how brave she was.  The photo is not edited or taken from an angle that makes me thin, and it is a full length full body and a side view.

What is weird is I have had an easy time posting my weight openly on the internet.   I have also wrote my struggles with not loosing.  I have to say I am more nervous about posting a picture which is unflattering.  Weird right?  I want full body disclosure.. but really I have to do it.

Oh  here a go.. I know people see me all the time so what am I hiding from. I guess myself.I do not look happy ..

My goal this up coming week is to be

  • Honest with myself looks at these pictures and say it is time for a change.
  • Honest with my food and not play games and bargaining with myself
  • Honest with my fitness I am starting work with a running company I am going to commit to a 5k and get off the fence.

My fitness Week:

  • Sunday: walked around a museum for 3 hours
  • Monday : I did not walk – (I feel guilt)
  • Tues: walk run around the block running from one telephone poles
  • Wednesday: Spent 3 hours walking the flower show
  • Thursday: walked ran around the block between the telephone poles

Weight loss:

Starting weight 271

Last week 267  this week 265

I would love to hear your story:  Join our #FitnessFriday  linkup