Tag: fitness

Circadian Rhythms

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Happy New Year!! I hope you had a wonderful time last night and look forward to posting regularly here at least three times a week … starting … now!

When I lived in El Salvador, I had the world’s best work schedule.

I had just finished grad school at my alma mater (American University) and I didn’t have a job lined up. Luis and I had been dating long-distance international for over a year and wanted to experience living together for a bit, so I moved to El Salvador for eight months and taught English at a private language academy where I made $3/hour and was worked to.the.core.

That said, the schedule — while grueling — was the best because it gave me a ton of freedom and let me capitalize on my own energy levels … something I find myself longing for a lot these days. Continue reading “Circadian Rhythms” →

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#wiwwiwi

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I’m a big believer in the whole #wycwyc movement: “what you can, when you can.” It beautifully applies to anything in life — the notion that little bits DO add up to big things. And now, it’s being turned into a book!!! (Way to go, Carla and Roni!).

But it hit me last night that lately I’ve been royally sucking at #wycwyc … and, when it comes to food … I’ve been acting like an impulsive toddler. I’ve been doing a lot of “what I want, when I want it.” (which I’ll be dubbing #wiwwiwi).

The truth is, I’ve had zero self-control since we got back from California which, clear-as-day, explains why I can’t ditch the vacation weight from a couple weeks ago. I’ve been doing a lot more of #wiwwiwi than #wycwyc.

The cycle needs to end. Continue reading “#wiwwiwi” →

#100daychallenge, 20 day check-in

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Last night I took a side-by-side comparison shot of myself for the #100daychallenge I’m doing with my gym girls. So far, we’ve been motivating one another with inspirational phrases, encouraging each other to hit the gym, sharing recipes/photos of meals, dishing on workout stats, etc.

I definitely feel like it’s helping me stay accountable and keeping me on my toes.

I haven’t taken measurements and wish I had, but my clothes definitely are fitting better and the scale is down a total of 7.4 pounds now — so that’s pretty good; that means 0.4 below pre-preg now, woot!

(Note: the 7.4 lb loss wasn’t in 20 days. I started my mission a couple weeks before the 100 Day Challenge began … but this has helped my motivation remain strong. For me, slow and steady wins the race). Continue reading “#100daychallenge, 20 day check-in” →

ditch the judgment already!

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Pregnant women gain weight. It’s a fact of life. And a pregnant woman working out (while gaining the requisite weight) deserves major props … not flaming.

My friend Candice shared this story with me today which made my blood boil. A pregnant fitness trainer (Sara Haley) was bullied at her gym … for having stretch marks.

This makes me so sad. Continue reading “ditch the judgment already!” →

100 Day Challenge

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My friend (and trainer/Zumba instructor!) created a private Facebook group called the 100 Day Challenge: 100 Days to a Healthier Me. We’re encouraged to post recipes, workouts of the day, photos of us in workout gear, motivational phrases, etc. It’s a great idea and I’m 100% behind it. It’s essentially a three-month-commitment to health and wellness.

And the timing is perfect. As you know, I’ve recently recommitted myself to moving a little more and eating a little better. Nothing earth-shattering or monumental: no over-exercising, no restricting … just awareness and and accountability. Continue reading “100 Day Challenge” →

on track and it feels so good

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Funny how just eating (mostly) well and exercising (moderately) for two days in a row can make you feel so good. I feel like I hit the Reset button and it feels so good.

I’ve had just one treat per day (vs my usual three or four … oops) and I just feel more in control — not in a bad obsessive-compulsive way but rather a genuine “I can do this”way.

And it feels good to be on track. Continue reading “on track and it feels so good” →

I don’t hate running

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Post-run selfie. Because why the hell not?
Post-run selfie. Because … why not?

I don’t hate running. I don’t. I just hate the idea of it. Once I’m out there, I’m fine.

At least, that’s what yesterday’s 20 minute impromptu run (#wycwyc)– inspired by my good friend Staci’s awesome 4-miler this weekend — reminded me.

Continue reading “I don’t hate running” →

Maximize Your Life: Jillian Michaels

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photo 2(Note: pardon the stream of consciousness tonight .. mind is reeling!)

Tonight I had the opportunity to see the firecracker that is Jillian Michaels LIVE here in good old Kalamazoo, one stop on her Maximize Your Life tour.

To be honest I had no clue what to expect. Most people know Jillian as the motivating trainer that barks at her team members on The Biggest Loser, or warns us not to “phone it in” during her fitness DVDs.

But behind the drill sergeant facade is an absolutely adorable, lovable, funny as hell — and, yes, fit and beautiful — woman.

Someone I’d totally want to be friends with … provided she wouldn’t kick my ass to Texas! Continue reading “Maximize Your Life: Jillian Michaels” →

Fitness, Pregnancy and Extremes

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As I’ve mentioned here on my blog countless times, I am all about working out during pregnancy. It’s good for the mind, the body and the soul. It’s good for baby, and it’s good for mommy – especially when a mom already has a routine in place. And being active can help with post-partum recovery.

But with everything in life, moderation is key. And although I’m no doctor, I feel that just because someone is fit and healthy and CAN run a marathon and then deliver a baby hours later … or lift uber-heavy weights at CrossFit 8.5 mths along (the latest story in the news) doesn’t mean she should.

Of course, I’m not saying women shouldn’t exercise while pregnant–I’d be a total hypocrite if I did, given my own 6-7 day a week routine!!–but there are limits and boundaries and pushing yourself to the limits consistently isn’t exactly the smartest decision when the health and well-being of your baby ought to be one’s top priority.

It might come as a surprise to some of my readers that I feel this way.

After all, I talk a lot about fitness and pregnancy. Continue reading “Fitness, Pregnancy and Extremes” →

“Can” and “Should”

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Today I made the decision to stop formally working out for the duration of my pregnancy. It wasn’t an easy decision to come to, but it’s the right decision for me right now.

For weeks, Luis has been asking me — OK, begging me — to take it easy and stop working out. Friends have asked if I’m sure I should be still doing Zumba/Body Pump/training.  But I’ve been on the go and didn’t want to slow down. My logic (however twisted) was: “I feel good, I should do it now while I still can!”

And while there is truth to that — I do think being active during pregnancy is a good thing and will still say it’s been great for my mind, body, and soul — I also have not just been “active.” More like, I’ve not really taken many days off from working out the whole nine months. And it’s catching up to me … Continue reading ““Can” and “Should”” →