Weekly Challenge: Do a Hot Workout

WARNING: I've looked and looked and can't find any study to support what I'm going to say, but I know it works cause I've done it and can tell a huge difference.  Just be careful and know this could all be in my head lol.

The challenge is to workout without in a little hotter environment.  For a long time I thought that sweating meant you were burning more calories, but my search for something to prove that actually proved otherwise.  It's fairly understandable since various environmental factors, such as humidity, can play a roll in how much you sweat.

So what benefit does it have? It gets my heart rate up where it needs to be to burn fat effectively MUCH more quickly and with less effort.  Working out at 60-75% of your maximum heart rate has been shown to be the most effective zone for burning calories. (check out what WebMD has to say and see a formula for calculation your max HR here) In a time-crunched society, we need our workouts to be more efficient.  For me being turning off the air right before I work out gets my heart to the target zone faster and I don't have to kill myself in my workout to get there.

I'm not suggesting you go and workout in 100 degree weather.  That could be very dangerous.  Heat exhaustion and dehydration are a huge concern for working out hot.  We use window unit air conditioners in our house, so I just turn the one off in the bedroom just before my workout.  We generally keep that one at 65 degrees, anyway so it is by no means very hot in the room.

If you choose to try this challenge, then please take a few precautions.  First, make sure you've worked out and are beginning to get fit before attempting this.  I would not recommend it to anyone with heart problems or to people who don't sweat.  You do not want to overheat.  Second, take it slow.  Don't do like my hubby and workout with 3 layers of clothing in 90 degree weather right off the bat.  He's worked very hard to get there and is extremely fit.  The room I workout in probably gets to around 75-80 degrees, which is quite mild in this Houston climate.  Thirdly, stay hydrated.  Be sure to drink enough water.  Having enough water will help you recover faster and help keep you cool.  Drinking too much can make you water-logged, though so drink only just as much as you need.  If you start to feel like you're getting too hot or start getting nauseated just turn the AC back on.

So like I've said, this could all just be in my head, but I don't really think so.  I certainly notice a big difference in my workouts when I turn off the AC.  Like with anything on here, ask your doctor if you're healthy enough before trying this.

Wednesday Workout: Hot Legs Workout

This workout comes from Fitness Magazine's website.  It's a great power packed, challenging, 15 minute workout.  You can increase the number of sets you do if it isn't challenging enough for you. (All pictures comes from the workout website.  They are very unique exercises that will burn! Can you endure? :)

Diagonal Leg

Targets: Abs, obliques, butt, quads, hamstrings, and calves

Lie faceup on floor with knees bent, feet flat, hands on floor by hips.


Lift hips off floor and tuck left foot under right thigh, left knee pointing left. 

Keeping hips lifted throughout, bring left knee out to left to untuck foot, then extend leg diagonally up to left.


Return left foot to tuck position. Do 20 reps. Switch sides and repeat. Do 2 sets.

Side-Lunge Butt Kicker

Targets: Abs, obliques, butt, quads, and hamstrings

Stand with feet hip-width apart, arms by sides.

• Lunge to right with right leg, keeping toes pointed forward and bending right knee 90 degrees. Hinge forward from hips and touch left hand to floor.

Push off right foot to stand on left leg as you bend right knee to bring foot toward butt, reaching left hand behind you to tap right foot. Quickly return to side lunge.
Do 20 reps. Switch legs and repeat. Do 2 sets.

Thigh Trimmer

Targets: Butt, quads and hamstrings

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms by sides. 


Bend knees and hinge forward from hips to touch hands to floor a few inches in front of feet.  Lift left foot behind you a few inches off floor and point left knee slightly to left.

Lift Bent Left leg diagonally behind you toward right.


Swing left knee back down toward left


Do 20 reps. switch legs and repeat.  Do 2 Sets.

Carving Curtsy

Targets: abs, obliques, butt, inner thighs, quads, and hamstrings

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, elbows bent by sides, hands in front of chest


Lunge back with left leg, bringing left foot toward right and bending both knees 90 degrees into a curtsy [same as crossover lunge which are my FAVE!] Swing bent left arm forward, right arm back as [same as if walking]

Stand up on right leg, bringing bent left knee directly out to side at hip level and tapping left hand on left knee


Quickly return to curtsy lunge. Do 20 reps. Switch sides and repeat.  Do 2 Sets.

Golf Swing

Target: abs, obliques, butt, inner thighs, and quads

Stand with feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes turned out slightly, elbows bent with hands in front of you.

Lower into squat

Return to standing, balancing on left leg as you swing extended right leg diagonally across body to left lift right leg as high as you can)


Quickly return to squat.  Do 20 reps. switch sides and repeat. Do 2 sets.






Don't forget to cool down with some water, and get some protein about 20 minutes after you're done! All the pictures and instructions are from the website!

Workout Wednesday: kettle bells for beginners

I got my kettle bells Saturday and just love them. They are such a great workout. I've been watching Marienne's workouts for several weeks to see if KBs are really for me. Here's one of her great beginners workouts. The first video is SUPER important! It's the one I was talking about on Monday that gives pointers on how to do the moves properly.






Please take the time to not only watch the videos here, but to like them on YouTube as well! Huge thanks to Marienne for working so hard to bring these to the public!

Product Review: Tone Fitness Kettle Bells Set of Three

I followed my own challenge and got my very first pair of kettle bells! I couldn't wait to get home and use them!

My journey for the perfect one lead me to Academy. I actually happened across this set way in the corner away from all the other KBs. It comes with three weights. 5 lb, 10 lb, and 15 lb. I think that's a great set for a beginner. The set was about $30. It also came with a DVD.

These are not a piece of metal dipped with some sort of coating to help grip it with like the more expensive ones are. They are a thick vinyl that has cement inside them that makes them weighted. They are definitely not the best quality, but I think they'll do for what I'll be using them for. If you're planning on using them to burn out or you're known to drop weights at the end of your reps, then I definitely don't recommend them. I find the grip to be pretty good on them. I haven't gotten in a super sweaty workout, but I never fealt like they were going to slip. If you ever do, then you might want to get some lifting gloves.

I had been watching workouts on YouTube, so I knew what kind of things to expect as far as a workout goes. I got home got my workout clothes on, then popped in the DVD ready to follow along for a workout. I was pretty disappointed to find it's not a workout so much as it is directions on how to do several of the more common KB exercises. Some of the exercises weren't even done with proper form. There were a few good tips, so it's worth the 20 minutes or so it takes to watch it. (check out Wednesday's workout for some instructions on the proper form!)

All in all I think this is a great set for beginners. They might not be the most durable but for someone that doesn't use them for every workout, and didnt even know if they would like KB workouts, they make a great starter set. I'd say if you're just getting curious about KBs and all they can do for you, then go ahead and get this set!

Weekly Challenge: Buy Workout Gear

I don't know about you, but I'm always ready to use something I've just bought.  Whenever I get home from shopping trips, the first thing I want to do is put on my new clothes.  Whenever I buy workout gear, I can't wait to get home and try it out.  So my challenge to you is to get some new gear!

You don't have to go out and spend a fortune.  Maybe you just spend 15 bucks on a new sports bra like the Danskin Now one I reviewed.  Or maybe you want to shell out some dough and get a treadmill.  I don't care what you go for, just get something that you want to use BAD.

I've been doing a lot of research on kettle bells.  I'm really wanting one.  It looks like such a great way to get a good cardio workout at the same time as using weights.  So, I'm getting one this weekend and I'm sure I'll want to rush home to use it!

Workout: Slim Down Strength Training Workout Routine

This routine looks awesome! I can't wait to try it out! Of course, it's from one of my new favorite fitness people Sarah from sarahfit.com.  You can also follow Sarah at her Facebook Page.  As always, make sure with your doctor that you're healthy enough for exercise.

Progress Report: Week 1

I'm so excited for this report! I was so nervous that I wouldn't make any progress this week, and would have to admit my failure.  I'm excited to say that I'm right on track for my goal!

Begining Stats	This Week
Weight: 195.4 Waist: 39" Bust: 43" Arms: 12" Hips: 44.5" Thighs: 26.5"	Weight: 193.0 Waist:  38" Bust:  41.5" Arms: 12"  Hips: 44" Thighs:  26"

I'm so excited! That's 2.4 pounds down and 1 inch from my waist! I did cheat a little bit, and am very bummed I did.  I wonder what my stats would be if I didn't cheat! Oh, well, I'm back on track now!

Beginning Photos

 I also missed one day of working out.  I was kinda down on myself for doing that, but I know that mindset will just cause me to fail again.  Yesterday I did two of the EA Sports Active 2 workouts back to back.  I can feel my body getting stronger.  I can now complete 10 push-ups, do a lot of sit-ups at once.  I'm amazed at how fast my core is getting stronger! The workouts are getting easier too! I think after next week, I'll begin to run in the mornings!

Week 1: A little different from week 1!

I really need to work on getting enough sleep.  I should be waking up at 7:30 working out and eating by 9 am in order to get my metabolism on the right track, but I'm all backwards.  I've been going to bed at 2 and waking up at 11 am, yes L will sleep that late.

Please let me know what your stats are this week! I'd love to have support from others on this journey.

I almost forgot, how do you like the new look for the blog? I've been working for about a week straight getting it to look good.  There are tabs on the side and across the top to make navigation easier for you.  The tabs are pretty self explanatory and each page will tell you what days they will be updated.  Thanks for being on this journey with me!

Product Review: Danskin Now- Surplice Foam Sport Bra

One of the toughest problems I've had is finding a sports bra that will support me properly.  When I would workout and run, or jump my 38DD's would practically hit me in the face.  Not to mention how it hurt when they would "drop."  I did a little digging around to see what sports bras were out there that would actually keep the girls still and where they are supposed to be.  I found this great article that not only gives recommendations for good bras, but tells what to look for in a bra.

I would have loved to get one that she recommends, but I didn't want to shell out so much money for a sports bra when I'm losing weight and wouldn't be able to wear it in the future.  So with my info in hand, I decided to start where every redneck woman starts--Walmart.

I was thrilled to see that they had several great options there.  I quickly narrowed my choices down to just a few and headed to the fitting room.  You absolutely MUST try before you buy! There's no way to ensure a great fit if you don't!  While I was in there, I made sure to give a jumping test and running test.  Only 2 made the cut.  

I decided to go ahead and buy only one.  I chose the Danskin Now-Surplice Foam Sport Bra.  It's a great High-Impact bra.  (You can see a pic of me wearing it in the beginning progress shot.)  I went with the white one, but only because our store didn't have them in other colors.  I really wish I could get the red one in the picture.  

This bra continues to amaze me.  I got the 38D which is the largest one they had there.  I should have gotten the 40 D as I'm stuffed into it. I love the molded cups and the hook-eye closure. It's an extremely comfortable bra! There have been comments about my boobs bouncing while I'm wearing this, but I don't feel the "drop" like I used to.  And honestly, jiggle is going to jiggle.  I really don't feel any bounce at all in this.

The only cons are because of it being a size too small.  My boobs are stuffed in their like a sausage.  I don't like that it pushed my boobs together as much as it does.  I have been known to get a little rash in my cleavage from them being together like that.  A little more separation would go a long way.  I honestly don't know if a bigger size would fix that for someone as large-chested as me.  

All-in-all it's a great bra with a price you can't beat ($11 and change).  I Highly recommend it to anyone with a little bit extra bounce :)

Just Do It

No this is not an endorsement for Nike! Just a little encouragement for you! It's something I've been telling myself over and over.  Like every overweight person, over the years I've given excuse after excuse to not workout or eat right.  Well, the excuses stop here! Now! I mean it! I'm not going to allow myself to give another excuse, and you shouldn't either!

No more excuse of no more time.  You can make time throughout the day to get a little in here or there.  You can fold clothes and do squats. You can do sit ups when watching TV.  Got a crying baby? No longer an excuse! Pick him up and run in place, or do jumping jacks with him on your hip (just switch sides half way through :))

Today time totally got away from me.  L has a cold and like any mommy I kept waking up to check on her.  Long story short, we didn't even get out of bed until 11:30 this morning.  Then I got caught up working on a new, much, much better design for the blog.  Next thing I knew, it was time to get up and get dressed to go out for moms night and I hadn't worked out, yet.  No longer making any excuses, when I got home I quickly got dressed and worked out.  I didn't care that it was 10:45 pm that I did it.  What counts is that I did it.  I got my workout in.  Now I don't have to feel guilty, and even better I burned off some of the extra calories I got from eating out!

Ugh, my knee, WORKOUT

I was feeling so hopeful yesterday that my knee is finally better and even had plans to go running on it today. I woke up in the middle of the night with a lot of knee pain. You know how your legs feel after you've been on them all day? That's how my knee feels. I think I just need a few more days of recovery.

It's such a bummer cause I can't do the workouts I want. I can do abs and arms, but not much with my legs.

So here's what I'm doing to work out:

Cardio: hitting the punching bag. I've got to make sure I'm constantly moving and punching with a lot of force to get my heart rate up

Muscle building: Abs

Side plank (2x 15 seconds)

Plank (2x 15 seconds) 

LOVE the workouts in the below video.  I'm not quite strong enough to do them the way Sarah does, so I modify them.  When doing to leg bridges from the first exercise, I do them with both legs down, but still do the same number of reps.  For example, when I should be doing one on each leg, I do two with both legs down.  When doing the side exercises, I cut the reps in half, I just can't get through that many, yet.

Muscle Building: Arms

Biceps Curls with five pound weights (2 sets of 12)

Triceps Curls (2 sets of 12)

Reverse flys (2 sets of 12)

Dumbbell Bench Press OR Push ups (you guessed it 2 sets of 12)

Lateral Raises (2 sets of 12)

Cardio: Punching Bag

You don't need a punching bag to do this.  Just punch the air.  The reason I'm using this as my cardio is because of the knee.  The key to making this a good cardio workout is keeping your feet moving.  If you're unsure how to do this, then watch a video of a boxer on YouTube.  Punch with vigor.  I like getting mad at someone and envisioning their face on the bag :)  Keep your punches sharp and crisp.  Do a combination of uppercuts, jabs, and hooks to get a pretty good ab workout too :)  I do this for however long it takes for me to get to where I can only talk in short sentences.  

I don't do this workout in any particular order.  I've read it's best to workout in intervals, so I'd do a little cardio at the beginning, middle and end.  Do NOT repeat each set back to back.  If you want to do everything in the order it's listed here, then go down the list once, go back to the top and repeat 3 more times.  

**I'm not a fitness expert! This may not be the BEST way to do the workout, but It's what I'm doing until my knee is well enough to do the workouts on the EA Sports Active 2.  It will work the areas.  As with all workouts, be sure to consult a doctor to be sure you're healthy enough for exercise.**

In the Begining (starting stats)....

I was really over weight.  I'm totally committed to being completely transparent on this blog, but I have to say, this is probably one of the hardest things I've ever done.  I've seen pics of myself clothed, but to see them when I'm not so clothed is very difficult.  I can't believe I've let myself get this way.  My waist is as big as my bust measurement was when I was skinny :(

Below you'll find my stats.  They are quite depressing this week, but that's all going to change! Please ignore the knee brace.  I hurt my knee last Friday. And please, please forgive me for not picking up the floor before the pics were taken!

Each Tuesday I'll post new pictures and measurements.  If you miss the blog post, you can check up with the progress each week on the progress page.

Product Review: EA Sports Active 2 for Wii

Welcome to my very first product review! I'll do one about every other week, or as my budget allows me to buy things :).  I'll review anything and everything from water bottles and pre-portioned meals to workout gear and videos.

Today, I'll be reviewing EA  sports active 2 for the Wii.  It's a great fitness "game."  It's available on the PS3, XBox 360 also, but I chose to get it for the Wii.  I was able to get it for $25 at Walmart.  It comes with a usb plug-in, heart rate monitor, leg sensor, resistance band, and game disc.  It takes 4 AAA batteries (two for each sensor) that it also comes with.   You'll need to use your Wii remote.  You have the option of using a Wii balance board but it is not necessary.  A yoga mat, or being on carpet isn't necessary, but I do recommend it for the floor exercises.

Ease of Use

It's very easy to use.  You just connect the USB plug-in into the back of the wii, pop the game disc in and get ready for a great workout.  Once you have it running, it will give you video directions of how to put on the heart monitor and leg sensor. You'll then be prompted to create a profile for the game as well as an online profile.  You'll also be asked to choose a trainer.  I chose the guy trainer.  

Doing the Workouts

There are two fitness programs to choose from.  There's a 3 week cardio kick start, and a 9 week course as well.  Each have 3 levels of fitness for you to choose from.  Once you choose your program it will take you to a calendar so you can set the days you want to workout.  Don't worry if you miss a day, you can catch up with your missed workouts.

If you're working out on a day not on the program there are other options to choose for your workout.  You can make your own custom workout by choosing from over 70 pre-programmed exercises.  You can also pick an area of your body you wish to workout and your trainer will create a workout for you.  Don't like what he chose? Then just click on regenerate to have a new one generated for you. There are also a myriad of workouts already on the game.

Once you have your workout selected it's time to begin!  The first time you do each workout, it will show you how to do them.  I recommend watching them because there will be little things you need to do with the wii remote in order for the game to realize you're doing the move.  

Pros

1. It kicks your butt! Absolutely love that I actually get a workout
2. You do it at home.  No more excuses about having to get ready and go to the gym.
3. It's very easy to use.
4. I love the options!
5. The resistance band offers a good bit more resistance than the old one!
6. Doesn't require the balance board! This is great since I don't have one ;)
7. The trainer gives you reminders to get water, and suggests an after workout snack.
8. In the settings menu, you can choose songs you want to play from a list of songs already on the game
9. It comes on all of the consoles.

Cons

1. There's not quite enough time to get the resistance band set up right between sets, when going from no band to using the band.
2. The menus can be confusing at first, and the instructions don't tell you how to navigate them.  Don't worry, though.  You can't really mess anything up. I do recommend going through everything before working out.
3. You can't create a workout longer than 30 minutes.  It also caps the amount of calories you can burn.  It's for safety reasons, but sometimes I just want a super 500 calorie burn workout, and I just can't do it.  (there is a 45 minute pre-programmed workout)
4. Every so often it won't register that you are doing the reps! 
5. At some point the resistance band won't be enough.  You're limited on your choices of weights because of having to hold the wii remote. This is not a problem if you are using the program on other systems.  I think you can get weights made for using with the wii, however.

I hope this helps you with your decision to BUY this program! I absolutely love it, and am so glad I decided to buy it.  It keeps  the workouts interesting.  I'll be creating a workout group soon and will let you all know what it is so anyone else with the game can join me!