Archives for category: Baby Weight

Gimme Those Endorphins!

October 16, 2014 //

I am having a very tough time not working out. It will be 3 weeks on Saturday since my last good workout. I feel like time is dragging. I did do a very light post natal Pilates workout on Monday. I didn’t break a sweat and I didn’t exactly feel as if I had worked out. The past several days have been nonstop rainy, so my walks around the neighborhood have stopped as well.

Not working out is torture for me. I don’t enjoy being sedentary at all. I like to move. I like to sweat. I like to feel fit. Right now I mostly feel mushy. I know I just had a baby 2 & 1/2 weeks ago. I know I should cut myself some slack. I know i am nursing and up several times a night. Last night we were up for over two hours at one point because Alexander thought 2-4am was awake party time. I know I am tired. I know the mushiness shouldn’t be at the forefront of my mind right now. Unfortunately it is.

Trying on clothing is miserable. Gross! I know what my body is capable of. I know how I look when I feel my best. This new (and very temporary) body is not my best. I don’t mean to sound like a Debbie downer, but this is the truth. I don’t feel sexy and confident. I feel mushy and slow. I don’t remember being quite so concerned at this point after Jackson. I did start working out regularly at 3 weeks postpartum. But I don’t remember feeling this way. I think because I know I can and will lose the baby weight that I want to jump right back on that train. I did it before, let’s just go ahead and get started. Do it again. I gained a lot less this time. I really only went up a size or two in my pants, depending on the brand and cut. My shirts are basically the same size or a size bigger. My new giant boobs get in the way. So in my fitness obsessed brain, it will take me less time to get back to normal and I just want to start now.

I want to drip with sweat. I want to feel shaky. I want my muscles to ache for a day or two after. I want to feel strong and solid. I want to feel like myself again. I want that rush of exercise induced endorphins.

My weather app says it is supposed to be sunnier this afternoon, so maybe we can squeeze in a walk. I am going to do a different postnatal Pilates workout this morning. As soon as I finish writing this. To give myself a little fix. To help hold myself over for a few more days. Maybe each time I can get more and more intense. I won’t be running a 5k this week, but maybe my arms will be sore tomorrow. Is that too much to ask for?

Tags babies, baby, baby weight, fitness, motherhood, parenthood, pilates, Pilates Mat, running, weight loss

Categories Baby Weight

My Pregnancy Essentials

June 16, 2014 //

Today it is pushing 90 degrees where I live. I am not complaining! After the terrible, long, brutal, 50 below 0 winter we had, I welcome the sunshine and warmth on my face! But being pregnant in summer is far different than being pregnant in winter. Jackson is a February baby. I was in the nitty gritty of pregnancy in much cooler weather with him. This time I get the joy of a summer pregnancy. Both have their perks I think and both have their challenges.

I wanted to share some summer (and not necessarily summer) pregnancy essentials that I am obsessed with.

1. I used this with my first pregnancy and I escaped stretch mark free! I swore by it, I swear by it, and I share it with most new preggos I know. Bella B Tummy Honey Butter.
It always soothes an itchy belly for me. I usually use it twice a day. It can be a bit greasy feeling initially but the way I see it is, it soothes the itching and I was stretch mark free. So far I am as well. Greasiness is a small price to pay for both of those! You can find it on their site or Amazon. I am a fiend for ordering it from there. This is my current tub and I have two or three more stored in a cabinet. Just watch the price on Amazon. I have sometimes noticed it to be priced higher than their retail price.

2. My Gap Maternity jean shorts. I have two pairs that I love. They are so comfortable. They are the same pair but different dyes of jean. Unfortunately it appears that the darker wash I own is no longer anywhere on their site!

I am wearing the lighter wash in this photo. I was 16 weeks here. I am a few days into 24 weeks now and I am comfortable wearing them today. They are still loose but comfy! I also like that they are a panel at the waist and not a full panel. I wore full panel shorts one hot day recently. We walked to the park. That was a mistake. I was so hot, sweaty, and itchy that as soon as I walked in the door off they came. Never again!

3. Three goes hand in hand with the above photo. I am obsessed with any kind of ribbed tank. The one above is also from Gap. One of their Essential Tanks. I also have the white one I linked to. I am again wearing this tank today at 24 weeks and it is still way comfy and fitting. I have ribbed tanks from A Pea in the Pod too.

This was Memorial Day. Also, note the shorts 😉 These kinds of tops are just so comfy and keep me cool. Plus they show off my shoulders and arms. They are fitted so I don’t feel overly billowy. Tank tops are just a must have summer pregnancy staple for me.

4. Be Maternity BeBand. I know I said I hate full panels, and that is true, unless I am running! I need the belly support. I have found that two of these or one with a full panel maternity running capri keep me supported enough to not have any ligament pain in my low abs during runs. I have 4 of these. Two white and two black. Not that colors matter for me because I wear them under a fitness top. I have tried another band, a more elaborate one but right now, at this stage, it was more cumbersome than helpful. Perhaps as I get bigger in the next 3 months I will be switching. But for now, these rock my running world.

5. Pacifica Kona Coffee Sugar Scrub. This stuff smells so good I could almost eat it in the shower! Ha! Just kidding but really it smells fantastic, if the smell of coffee doesn’t bother you. I find it amazing.

This product leaves my skin so fresh and smooth. It is the last thing I use in the shower. I go through it quickly because I use it all over my body. So, it can be a bit of a splurge. But it is so relaxing and refreshing to start my day with this. I initially found it at Ulta. I have also ordered it directly from Pacifica. I also have read that Target carries this brand. I keep forgetting to look for it when I am there, so I cannot confirm or deny if they have this specifically. Like I said, it is a splurge that it is worth it for my pregnant self.

6. On the same brand note, I am loving their Coconut Crushed Pearl shimmer lotion.

It gives a nice sparkle to your skin. It is also very moisturizing. I was playing in the pool with my husband yesterday and he kept trying to grab my arms and legs. I was swimming away. Each time I was able to slip right from his hands. I bragged about how I can get away because of all my lotion! Ha! It leaves me glowing and moisturized. It smells lovely as well!

7. Ok, this is the last Pacifica product…..for now! Indian Coconut Nectar hand cream is a must for bedtime for me. I put it on every night.

I will also use it in the morning after getting ready and before I put on my rings. It keeps my hands soft and smelling lovely. I wash my hands so much between a 3 year old who is potty trained, but sometimes needs help, and the washing of the dishes or cleaning in general, that they get dry even in summer. I also have the Tuscan Blood Orange. It smells lovely too!

8. This is by far my favorite foot lotion, pregnant or not! I have been using it for years. It feels especially nice before bed after a long day. H2O Softening Mint Foot Rub.

It is cooling and moisturizing. I will usually sit with my feet up on a pillow in bed for a few moments after and the cooling feeling is so refreshing. That is especially important as a pregnant lady in the summer! I usually buy it at Ulta, but you can also order it directly from H2O or go to one of their stores.

9. A reusable water bottle of your choice. I am on the go so much with the little man. I have an assortment of water bottles I can fill and take with me. Especially if we are walking to the park. You have to stay hydrated while pregnant and even more so in the summer heat.

10. Pilates/yoga/birth ball. Ahhhh!! Again, one of your choice. I love to do pelvic tilts and circles on mine at the end of a workout. It is also a great way to stretch. I am planning a medication free labor/delivery and I will be bringing it to the hospital as a birth ball as well. It is so versatile. It is not just for pregnancy either. It can easily be used for anytime workouts! I have had mine for a few years. I love it.

11. A good swimsuit of your choice. I have played around with a one piece and several tankinis. I was so miserable in them! I always felt puffier than I am sure I appear to everyone else. I am just a bikini kind of gal. I love them for swimming. I feel so much more free in the water when I wear one.

I actually found a non maternity top that fits me nicely. On the clearance rack at target. I am normally a small but I bought a medium for my much larger chest (two freakin cup sizes!) Those bottoms are maternity bottoms from Target as well. I happened to buy them to go with the aforementioned tankini tops. A bikini during pregnancy may not make you feel more comfortable, and that is fine! That is why you just need to find one that makes you feel sexy and beautiful. Getting in the pool while pregnant, any time of the year, is so wonderful. You feel weightless. You can float on your belly! You can get in a workout. You can cool off. It can even help with water retention. I usually have to pee a ton by the time I get out of our pool. So if you don’t have one, check your local Y or gym for a prenatal swim class. I did that with my first pregnancy. This one, we have an indoor pool so I lucked out. I just train myself in there.

Do you have any pregnancy essentials? Anything you could not live without during your maternity time?

Tags baby bump, essential maternity, maternity, mom, pamper, parenting, pilates, pregnancy, pregnancy must haves, relax, running, spa

Categories Baby Weight, Exercise, Fit Pregnancy, Healthy Living, Healthy Pregnancy, pilates, Pregnancy, Reviews, Running

Bikini Baby Bump

June 12, 2014 //

Saturday will bring me into my 6th month of pregnancy. I continually say this pregnancy feels like it is going much faster than my first. I am just far more busy and active than the first time around. I already know what having a child is like. I already have a million child raising tasks to complete each day. My sweetheart keeps me distracted. It is easily the best distraction possible.

I always make time for myself. Part of my parenting motto is that you have to take care of mom to teach your kids that self care and respect is important. I especially make time for my fitness. Jackson knows that mommy has to get her workout in. He is so great about me fitting these times in. He often hangs out with my in my Pilates room. He even tries a few things himself. I am happy to take a moment to help teach him a move or snap an adorable photo.

My fitness has taken no break since becoming pregnant. Certain techniques may have changed over time, but I still workout nearly every day. If I take a rest day I am sure to be active in some other manner that day. I walk to the park or deep clean the floors. I keep on moving. I have even started working with a private Pilates instructor once a week. I know I am a certified instructor, but it is nice to take a break from having to think about what I need to do that day. It is nice to get suggestions from another instructor. It is nice to have someone else correct my form and imbalances.

My diet has remained very clean and healthy. I have little to no cravings for anything junky. I crave limes, vinegar, fruit, carrots, all sorts of healthy things. My first pregnancy wasn’t the same. I loved junk! My husband has been so disappointed this time. He was certain he was entering another 9 months of me approved junk food runs. No such luck. Which I am thrilled about! It is much nicer to satisfy a craving for limes.

I did prenatal swim classes with my first pregnancy. I had a nice purple tankini that billowed around me. This time around I bought a few tankinis again. We have an indoor pool, so we are swimming quite often. I felt pretty miserable and gross in these swimsuits. I really enjoy bikinis. I finally decided to go ahead and get a bikini. I found a size medium cute bikini top on the clearance rack at Target. I had some bottoms from the tankinis I already had. I feel SO much more confident now. I don’t feel sloppy or frumpy. I have decided to embrace my round belly in a bikini this time around. My husband likes me in a bikini, pregnant or not. He prefers it to the tankinis I was wearing! Plus, I do Pilates almost daily! I swim. When I am not battling the worst cold of my life (have been for over 2 weeks) I run, I walk to and from the park pushing a 36lb preschooler in a stroller, I run/play/dance/move with that preschooler, and often I carry that preschooler. I do a lot of physical activity and I eat very clean. So why not accept my pregnant healthy body?

So there you have it. 6 months of baby belly in a bikini! Baby #2 that is. I know I still have a bit to go and this belly is going to get larger but I am feeling pretty good right now. As a matter of fact in the past week and a half I have counted 8 people who have been in shock that I am as far along as I am. I will take it all as compliments. I would rather hear that than people saying they swore I was ready to pop at this stage.

How do/did you stay fit during your pregnancy? Did you wear a bikini if you happened to be in a situation that called for swimming?

Tags baby, baby bump, maternity, maternity wear, pilates, pregnancy, prenatal, prenatal swimwear, running, swimming

Categories Baby Weight, Exercise, family, Fit Pregnancy, Healthy Living, Healthy Pregnancy, Momommahood, motherhood, parenthood, parenting, pilates, Pilates Mat, Pregnancy, Reformer, Running, stay at home mom, working out, Wunda Chair

Livin’ Life

May 1, 2014 //

Happy May! It has nearly been a month since I last wrote. Yowza! In all fairness we were on vacation for almost 2 weeks out of that month. I was hard pressed to sit down and write when I had lots of fun things to be doing with my family. Like playing in the ocean, sailing, or exploring the Smokey Mountains.

Tomorrow will mark 18 weeks of pregnancy. I cannot believe that I am about 1/2 way through this adventure! It seems to be going by much faster than the 1st. I am sure that is because Jacky keeps me busy busy busy every day. He is such a wonderful and full of life 3 year old! He still talks about his little brother Alexander daily. He asks me a ton of questions and always wants to buy new things for his little brother. Yesterday, he informed me that our cat had a fuzz hanging from her mouth. He was very serious about me getting it out. He is going to be one helpful eye around here with a little one toddling around.

I am over the moon that I am having another boy. I have always wanted two boys and my wish has been fulfilled. Yesterday was my birthday. Alexander spent the day being an extra wiggle worm. It started with my Pilates Chair/Reformer workout and continued all day. It was the most I have felt him move in one day! Definitely and extra special birthday treat. He is going to be one active little boy, just like his big brother!

As fat as this pregnancy goes….

Exercise:

Still running, several miles each time I run. Usually a couple times a week.

Pilates. Mat, Chair, Reformer. I just modify my work based on how far along I am. I also sometimes watch some Prenatal videos on PilatesAnytime. I mostly do Chair and Reformer.

Swimming. I also incorporate water aerobics/Pilates into my swims. I have some equipment for that

Barre. I am going to be starting some Barre classes tomorrow. I miss Barre!!! I incorporate it at home, but I haven’t been to an actual class outside of my home in a while.

Cravings:

Limes! I love lime juice on everything. Rice. Fruit, grapes, bananas, apples, honeydew. Shrimp. Oh my gawwwd. If I could eat shrimp every day without worrying about mercury, I would. I have to limit myself and that is hard. Cottage cheese. Spinach, cilantro, arugula, veggies!!! I cannot get enough veggies in my dinners.

This is all much different than Jackson as well. I wanted to much junk with him. Or maybe I have learned how to eat better with pregnancy after going through it once. Either way, I am not complaining!

This was last week. I haven’t take one this week because we have been busy getting home and unpacking and celebrating my birthday. Plus, what’s a better background to a belly photo than the Atlantic Ocean?

Now I am off to workout. Debating a run or Pilates. Choices are hard 😉 Just wanted a fast update, since it has been so long. I didn’t vanish again. I swear! I was just busy enjoying life outside of blogging for a bit. That happens and is good.

Tags children, family, life, love, ocean, parenting, pilates, pregnancy, pregnant, prenatal, prenatal workout, running, travel, vacation

Categories Baby Weight, Exercise, family, Fit Pregnancy, fitness, Healthy Living, Healthy Pregnancy, Jack, love, marriage, Momommahood, motherhood, Motivation, parenthood, parenting, pilates, Pilates Mat, Pregnancy, Reformer, Running, stay at home mom, toddler, toddlerhood, Wunda Chair

Nothing nice to say?

February 6, 2014 //

I was just being lazy and scrolling through Facebook. My sister in law is also pregnant. She is farther along than me. Past the 1/2 way point. Someone started joking around about how big she is (she isn’t) and how my brother is going to need his own bed soon. This enraged me. I hate that. For a myriad of reasons. Some of which are my own personal demons, that I won’t dive into right now.

I have been there before and I am heading there again. A growing belly, boobs, butt, thighs, feet…..

I found out I am pregnant a week ago. On Saturday a coworker said to me “I am happy you’re pregnant. I can’t wait to watch you get fat. You’re so skinny.” This literally hasn’t stopped bothering me since. Who says they are looking forward to someone getting fat? Who says that to someone that is pregnant? Why would you ever project that awfulness on someone?

I find it unacceptable to ever comment on a pregnant woman’s size. I assure you, we are aware of our expanding body. We know. We do not need to be reminded that we are going to get larger. Or that there is less room in our bed for our significant other. Or that we look like we are ready to pop. Do you think we don’t see that in the mirror each day? Do you think we haven’t noticed that our old clothes just won’t cover that bump anymore? Or that roomier midsection shirts are now our reality? If you think we don’t notice it, you are an idiot. Plain and simple.

You have no idea what each pregnant woman is going through internally. We all have our battles, humans in general. Imagine adding to that growing a new human being. Commenting on a pregnant woman’s current or future size is not: funny, witty, clever, cute, adorable, cheeky, or nice.

Always go back to that old adage “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I assure you, we would rather hear nothing than a comment on how we could have planets orbiting around our midsection.

Categories Baby Weight, family, Fit Pregnancy, Healthy Pregnancy, Momommahood, motherhood, parenthood, parenting

I just want to run and eat broccoli

February 2, 2014 //

This morning I woke up at 5:20AM wide awake. I was craving a run. A serious legitimate craving to go outside and run until my legs were too tired to make another lap around my subdivision. Running is where I work a lot of things out. I get a lot of thinking done when I run. It is just you and your head. Maybe some tunes, but really, you get to be alone with your thoughts. I could use some time like that right now. Yesterday we got nearly a foot of snow. Maybe more, maybe less? I am not certain I didn’t follow the news. I just know we were predicted to get between 6-12 and it snowed a lot.

So the weather is nasty. I have had the flu of some sort for over a week now. It migrated to my chest a bit. I also have mild asthma in general. My nose is still congested. When I blow it chunks of something comes out with lots of blood. And occasionally I cough. All of that being said, running in the winter cold is not the best idea. So I likely wont get to hit the pavement today. I was wide awake. There was no falling back asleep for me. This happened a lot with Jack too. But I will say, if these are the kinds of reasons unborn #2 wakes me up at ungodly hours, then we will get on just fine.

Speaking of that. I cannot get enough veggies. I find any dinner jam packed with veggies to be mouthwatering delicious. I was thinking last night that this baby will be born and the first thing he/she will ask for is some “broccoli and kale kind sir” I am hoping it stays this way. I remember how quickly I had an aversion to fish with Jack. Veggies without something unhealthy all over it weren’t so appealing either. I had a sudden hatred for nut butters. Not this time so far.

Dinner Wednesday night:

Salmon, baked garlic/lemon zucchini, and garlic roasted red potatoes

Dinner Thursday Night:

A pan sautéed steak with grape tomatoes, steamed broccoli, and smoked paprika baked sweet potato fries.

Friday night:

I ate it too fast to photograph, but I made a Paleo sweet potato chili. I even make my own homemade broth to cook it with. I topped it with some cilantro, avocado, and Greek yogurt. It was heavenly. It was the tastiest meal ever. I have a sneaky feeling I will be making it a lot.

Saturday night:

Whole wheat linguini with broccoli, red peppers, spinach/kale/chard, with some mild turkey sausage. I removed the casings. Next time I may use ground white meat turkey I season/cook myself. There was too much dark meat in there for my liking but the veggies were so good! I sprinkled it with fresh basil and Italian parsley. So many nutrients in one little bowl!

I just cannot stop eating broccoli. It tastes so good in my mouth! Ha! And garlic. Today is Superbowl Sunday. My parents are coming by. I am making those yummy garlic roasted potatoes, green beans, and this pretty healthy bbq pulled beef. I bought regular buns the other day but I may run to Whole Foods and grab some whole wheat ones for myself. Fresh Market didn’t have whole wheat ones when I stopped there for stuff on Friday. If I feel crazy, maybe I will roast some broccoli with garlic/lime/chili powder! mmmm

I have to say, both my husband and son really wanted pizza for dinner last night. I was strong and kept suggesting this pasta dish I had purchased all the ingredients for. I was tired. It was a long day. Hormonal day, to say the least. I could have just said sure. It would have been easier. My husband knew deep down I just wanted my veggies. so he joined the healthy side and said just make the pasta! Jack had to deal. We all ate lots of good food for dinner.

What kinds of exercise or food do/did you crave while pregnant?

Categories Baby Weight, Exercise, family, Fit Pregnancy, fitness, Healthy Living, Healthy Pregnancy, marriage, Momommahood, motherhood, Motivation, parenthood, Pregnancy, Recipes, Reformer, Running, toddler, toddlerhood, working out

You have abs!!!!

June 12, 2012 //

Sunday we had a little shindig at our home. It was hot hot hot, in the 90s. We went tubing, wakeboarding, grilled out, swam in the lake. It was a fantastic day with my family! There was no reason to get together other than the wonderful summer weather!

My grandma even made it over. She really cracked me up yesterday. I was running around in my bikini. At one point when I walked into my living room she stopped me and told me the following:

“You don’t even look like you had a baby! Not at all. You have abs!!!!” She then turned to my hubby and said “you are one lucky man!”

On Saturday we were at another family party. She told me I was too skinny and that she liked me with a little meat on my bones. Then smacked my butt!

HAAAAA

It really made me smile. The abs comment especially. I mean I know it was my grandma saying these things. When it comes to grandchildren grandmas can be biased. But knowing that my abs are visible to other people made me feel like my hard work has been worth it.

I wasn’t fishing for a compliment. I was simply running around being a momma and trying to get Jack ready for his nap before we headed back on the boat. (don’t worry my grandma, mom, dad, etc stayed behind. There were land babysitters around! We had a lot of people over.)

Then yesterday I came across this little gem of a meme! It really made me giggle because it is so true. In my life at least.

It is how I felt yesterday. I am a little crispy from all the sun. A little sore from being thrown from the tube and I had at least one kinda rough wipeout on the wake board. Jack’s sleep patterns have been rocky at best the past few days. So I am just tired in general. I took it easy today but I did workout.

It isn’t easy. I do not sit around eating boxes of cookies doing nothing. I workout, I eat pretty healthy and clean, and I am active in general. It is not something that just happens. I had to lose about 35lbs of baby weight to get back to what I was. A good 15 of it came off right after having Jack but the rest of it took a while.

I now weigh between 118-120lbs depending on the day. I have had to eliminate dairy as much as possible. It has made a world of difference in my life. It is sad and amazing at the same time. I wish I could tolerate cheese! MMMM

I have even been finding alternatives to decadent desserts (a weakness of mine) I recently made a frozen black grape dessert. I came across it last week and I whipped it up. I am sorry but when I saw how easy it was to make I couldn’t pass it up. It probably took me less time to make than it takes someone to make a lovely ice cream sundae with all the fixings. It is fantastic! I still have some frozen. I did not use walnuts. I also added some water to get it smoother. My food processor wasn’t making it as smooth as I wanted without a little liquid. And a little extra water never hurt anyone. Hydration hydration hydration!

I highly recommend this. You can really do it with any grape. I have been freezing grapes and eating them for about 8 or 9 years. I never thought to puree them though, how silly of me! I actually introduced my hubby to frozen grapes. Initially he thought me bananas until he tried them! Then he was hooked.

So like I said, it isn’t something that just falls on my stomach, these abs. They didn’t just appear one morning. I looked down and was like oooo hey there hot stuff, where did you come from? You’re welcome to stay. No, I bust my ass daily in my workout room, at the barre, and in the kitchen.

Tags abs, baby weight, ballet, elliptical, exercise, family, fitness, healthy living, heat, motherhood, motivation, parenthood, pilates, strength training, summer

Categories Baby Weight, Exercise, fitness, Healthy Living, Momommahood, motherhood, parenthood, parenting, pilates, Recipes, Running, weather, weight loss, working out

Encouragement

March 19, 2012 //

Next Sunday I am running Chicago’s Shamrock Shuffle. I am getting excited. Yesterday I ran 6.1 miles. Twice around the lake I live on. It felt so great. I had run over 4 miles before, so I knew adding a mile or two wouldn’t break me. I wanted to run more than an 8k to know that next Sunday would be easier than I expected. I think I am there.

I was about halfway done. Rounding the corner that would bring to the last stretch to where I began my run. A man whom I had passed earlier in my run, we were heading opposite ways, rounded the corner as I did. I always smile and say hi to the other runners, so obviously I was going to say hi again to this guy. My comrade in arms. You sort of feel that way when you see other runners out there. I do at least. Maybe I am weird. Anyway, he smiled at me and gave me a little round of applause! So I returned the applause for him. What an encouragement! I had just been debating if I was going to go for the 2nd lap. Did I feel up to it? Once I committed I didn’t want to turn around. I was probably doubting myself when I shouldn’t have been. That round of applause sent me in the right direction. I KNEW I could do it. What was stopping me? Just my silly brain that is all. I am fit. I work out daily. I gave birth and lost all the baby weight in less than a year. I started working out 3 weeks postpartum! If I want to do it I can do it! So I did it and I am glad.

I was hoping I would run (haha) into him on during my 2nd lap but I didn’t. He must have ended his run. Oh well. I wish I could thank him for that silent encouragement. Sure he knew he was encouraging me, but he didn’t know how his encouragement helped me to really push myself yesterday. I always try to live by the rule that you will never regret a workout. That had slipped my brain for a few tired moments, but his applause quickly snapped me back to reality. I would have regretted not giving 6 miles a shot. What is the worst that could happen? I get too tired and have to walk a mile or two home??? That is no big deal. At least I would still be moving. I didn’t have to do that. But if I would have it wouldn’t have been so bad. It was a lovely morning after all. There were tons of walkers out.

So thank you to the man who gave me the encouragement I needed to reach a personal goal! I hope that someone pays it forward to him. I know that I will see how I can encourage a stranger in my life this week. Sometimes all we need is a little unconditional encouragement, love, or a small act of kindness from someone who knows you can never personally repay them.

Tags 8k, jogging, long distance running, miles, race, running

Categories Baby Weight, Exercise, fitness, Healthy Living, Momommahood, motherhood, parenthood, Running, weight loss, weightloss, working out

DailyBurn Tracker App

December 7, 2011 //

I have been using the Daily Burn app for about a week now. I am really enjoying it. I have used the mapmyrun app previously. What I like about this app is that it’s focus is not mainly on running. This is the off season for running for me because it is too cold to drag the kid outside. Plus I just find running in weather that is TOO cold and it is miserable. I actually do better in extreme heat. I digress.

The daily burn tracks

Nutrition, if you want. They have a nice list of foods for you to choose from. You can also add foods if you would like. They even have brand name foods and you can search by that name. I was able to find my Lucerne Fat Free Cottage Cheese. (When I tried for about 10 hours to track my food. I don’t like tracking food. I find I tend to eat far too little when I do that and when you are nursing and don’t have a weight problem I don’t think that is really good!)
Track Exercises. Their list is rather long of different exercises you can track with calorie totals. Right up my alley. I may not focus on recording every calorie I take in but I do like to track the calories I burn! You can also add exercises online. You may submit them for personal use only, for public use, or both!
You can track your weight gain/loss. Depending on your goals.
You are able to set goals for yourself.
You can view your progress.

This is all with the FREE version. There are even a few free “programs” you can follow. Training plans. There are 3

Weight-loss training plan
Cardio Training Plan
Strength Training Plan

Then there are MANY plans you can follow if you upgrade to Pro. It is only a matter of time before I upgrade.

I have recently begun playing around with their website under my account. There is so much on there as well. I have been able to add some moves that I like to use that I didn’t find on the app. I appreciate that since I am always looking for fun new exercises in magazines and online. I like to keep my workouts fresh so that I avoid a plateau at all costs.

Basically I feel this app has a lot of offer, and I have only used the free version. I recommend it if you are looking for a way to track your fitness goals. Or even your nutrition goals.

You can have friends or as they call them motivators. Check out what they are up to and they can do the same for you. Currently just my hubby is one of my motivators. You can create a profile and there are forums. It is a social network for the fitness freak.

You can create or find challenges to set for yourself. This was an important factor for my hubby. He likes goals set for himself. It keeps him motivated for all things. He wanted something where he could set goals or challenges and then meet them. I don’t need that kind of incentive to stay motivated, it is just part of my life and routine at this point, but if you do feel you need that, it is here for you.

I haven’t found anything I dislike so far. Other than wanting to explore a few things that ended up being part of the pro account. I understand that. I am not bothered. They are a company and want to make a profit so they can feed their families. I get it. So I can wait until I decide to upgrade.

I highly recommend this app and site. I am obsessed and loving it.

Tags app review, Apps, Daily burn, daily burn tracker, exercise, exercise app, exercise review, fitness, fitness app, fitness review, goals, motivation, review, social network, strength training, tracking, weight lifting, weight loss, workout

Categories Baby Weight, Exercise, fitness, Healthy Living, pilates, Reviews, Running, weight loss, weightloss, working out

Core work

November 27, 2011 //

I have been wanting to share some of my favorite moves. I have just been so busy with the holiday season already. We are hosting every holiday this year. We did Thanksgiving, we are doing both Christmas Eve and day! While I am being strict with my workouts I have been lax in blogging about them. I guess you only have so much time for things in life and if I have to choose, workouts will always win haha

I am currently obsessed with this core work move! It actually tones the shoulders, triceps, and core. I even squeeze my buttocks a bit in an effort to get some toning in for that.

I found this on Women’s Health.

The instructions can be found at that link. I also pasted them below!

Lie facedown on a fitness ball, with both hands on the floor. Walk your hands out, allowing the ball to roll beneath your body until it is under your shins. Your hands should be directly below your shoulders, so it looks like you’re ready to do a pushup. Keeping your torso straight and your abs contracted, bend your elbows and lower your chest toward the floor. Stop when your upper arms are parallel to the floor. (A) Return to start, and immediately contract your glutes as you lift your right leg off the ball. (B) Lower your right leg to the ball, then lift the left leg. That’s one rep. 8 to 12 reps

Make the move harder by placing the ball under the tops of your feet. Make it easier by keeping the ball under your knees.

I have gotten to the point where the knees feel way too easy. The shins are still difficult enough though. I am looking forward to when I can move the ball to the tops of my feet.

There are a few other moves in that article that are also great. I just found this one particularly challenging and I have really been pushing myself lately. I have been focusing on toning a lot more than I was immediately after I had him. I try to do toning and cardio at least 6 days a week. It has been closer to every day though, I must admit. I have lost a bit more weight. Not even pregnancy weight at this point. I weighed in today at 122.8lbs.

I have also noticed a huge change in my muscle tone. Um, it is back! Finally. Even my quads. I am loving how my legs look like their old selves. My arms are looking nice and toned again. Hello biceps, I missed you lovely lady guns. I am also beginning to feel happy with my abs.

This is from today. Jack will be 10 months in a week. So post baby 9 months 3 weeks! I was reflecting today about how hard losing the baby weight was. I even browsed the last few photos taken of me preggo! YIKES! Nothing like a little refresher to remind you of how far you have come. I am enjoying feeling like my old strong self again. That is the most important part. That I feel toned and strong. I missed lifting weights. I was told I couldn’t. Advice I don’t believe I will adhere to as strictly if I were to ever get pregnant again. Now having gone through this one time, if we ever for some reason decide to have another I will already know what I am capable of. Although, I have no plans to have another. A big reason is because it took so much work to get back to where I was. I don’t feel like doing it all over again. It is exhausting. I enjoy being here, focusing on toning and maintaining.

Tags abs, exercise, fitness, strength, toning, training, weight loss

Categories Baby Weight, Exercise, fitness, Healthy Living, Momommahood, motherhood, parenthood, parenting, pilates, Reviews, Running, weight loss, weightloss, working out

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