Hey girls!
I couldn’t help but notice that I’m not the only one trying to get back in shape right now. (It must be bathing suit season!) Since so many of us share this goal, I thought it might be helpful (and fun!) to start a weekly feature called Fitness Friday.
I’d love it if we could gather in the combox once a week to share our triumphs and challenges, ask for and give advice, and cheer one another on!
I admit my motives are selfish. I know what great cheerleaders you ladies are and I’m always more successful in my fitness endeavors when I have support.
So, what do you say, ladies? Who’s in?
See you in the combox!
P. S. If you’ve recently written about your fitness journey on your own blog, please leave a link so we can benefit from your experience and wisdom! I’ll add your link below…
You just reminded me that I've been wanting to order the Rosary workout DVD by Peggy Bowes. I'll let you know how it goes! You can order it from http://www.rosaryworkout.com
BTW: never lift weights with Catholic statues! that was my on my last blog post ;-)
I have heard such wonderful things about Peggy's approach, Sarah. Let me know how you like it!
And, oh my goodness! I'm looking forward to reading that post! Hope you're okay! LOL.
Ooh! Ooh! I'm in for it!
I don't think I've updated on fitness-related things lately, but next week (after the fair is done and gone) I absolutely have to buckle down.
I can't think of anyone else who says they have to work out and lose weight before their mother visits… But I have a month before my mother comes out to visit (haven't seen her in years) and two months till I head to camp and I need to be in a better shape just to survive 4 days of 4 hour dance classes.
That… and a recent discussion on "your body is a temple" really hit home and was the kick in the butt I need.
I do blog about weight loss (good and bad) on my Spark People page, if anyone uses spark people… and a group there had a fun idea of posting pictures of goal outfits. I get to try my first outfit on tomorrow and possibly wear it out to the parade, so I'm excited about that.
(and yes… I've exceeded my daily caffeine intake already, hence the wordy comment :D )
Can't wait!
-Ashley
Paul and I started exercising for Lent. It wasn't really a "I want to lose weight so I'm going to do this" kind of thing, it was more that we wanted to do some sort of physical sacrifice for Lent and getting up at 5:30am to exercise seemed to fit the bill.
Since Lent ended, it has been a bit more of a motivation challenge, but I've also lost 18.5 lbs and didn't want to give up. I've been doing a bit of self-sabotage the last 10 days but I'm re-dedicating myself. Two things have helped: one I decided to offer my exercise as a type of novena, to keep a spiritual dimension to it. Not sure what I am going to pray for specifically yet as I am discerning it. The other thing that helped to refocus on my health was to set a date for running a 5k with a girlfriend. (November 19, 2011) I am going to start doing a "Couch to 5K" program.
I can't wait to see what others are doing. I need some motivation and ideas. Thanks for starting this!
Kimberlie
I'm in! I was thinking about posting a p90x update anyway:
http://ascozyasspring.typepad.com/as_cozy_as_spring/2011/05/p90x-halfway.html
Yay! I'm so excited you that you girls are going to join me!
Here's my shameful confession…I love the idea of adding a spiritual dimension (and I do try) but the truth of the matter is that when I'm chugging up those long hills in my neighborhood, it's the images I keep in my mind of my goal outfits that keep me going. I don't know. Maybe I need to spend more time discerning what I should be offering up. :)
And Jenn…I am so envious that you have P90X! That program and a BodyBugg are my most coveted fitness items!
I am to be envied! I didn't even buy it myself. I borrowed it and the guy said I could keep it if I made him a plate of cookies. Done deal!
Oooh! Lucky girl! On that note, I am officially announcing that I will bake cookies for anyone who sends me P90X (or a BodyBugg)! ;)
P90x is the best workout out there. and Tony Horten makes me laugh! Update: the rosary workout is actually a book. I ordered it from Amazon, but you can buy an ebook for half the price from the rosary workout website.
You girls are gonna make me cry! Everyone has P90X but me! Pout. ;)
Count me in! I'm trying to start running regularly. Weightwise, I'm fine, strengthwise, I'm fine, but when it comes to cardio/aerobic health, not so much. Besides, my husband's been getting all work-out happy, and if I don't start running I'll never hear the end of it!
Awesome, Lydia! I just started running again regularly, too. It can be hard to get motivated in the morning but that endorphin high is addictive, isn't it?
I can't stand P90X!!! I think I'm just bitter because I have worked in gyms since I was about 17 years old and we did all those exercises with clients… they're just basic exercises! Why couldn't I have put them on a video?! haha. BUT the big reason I hate it is because I got really really sick after doing it, and so did a good friend of mine…so I think it's cursed. ha ;) I will stick to walking, Zumba (on hiatus til post-pregnancy for now, but I LOVE IT so much I teach it! haha), and yoga…and bike riding this summer! woot! :) After the baby comes I'll start lifting again too – can't wait to lift again, love it!
note: I did not "enjoy" P90X workouts, and for me to continue something, I need to enjoy it. I hated every minute. hahaha. For those of you who enjoy it – more power to ya! :)
Mary…I wish you lived closer to me! I'd hire you to be my trainer in a heartbeat! I have the Zumba videos and LOVE them. I can only imagine how much fun it would be to take your class! :)
Sarah, I just want to be sure that you understand that my Rosary Workout program is only available as an ebook download or a softcover book. I don't have a DVD available yet but am pursuing the possibilities. The ebook/book do include very easy-to-follow instructions as well as Rosary graphics to help you understand each workout. If you have any questions, please email me at peggybowes@gmail.com Have a blessed (and healthy) weekend!
Hallie, I don't have P90X, either! I'm jealous of everyone else, too, but I'd really hate to spend the money and then have it collect dust in the basement like so many other exercise videos.
I like to think they're collecting dust because they're videos and the VCR is broken, but who am I kidding?
OK, I need to know: When do y'all have time for P90X!?!?!? I would love to give Tony a try, but 90 minutes a day is out of the question. My husband loveslovesloves Tony's 10-minute trainer. It's cheaper, and you can do as little as 10 minutes a day or as many as 40. So, mornings when the baby was up all night are 10 minute mornings. Saturdays and Sundays can be 40 minute mornings! And Tony is hilarious. My husband totally has a man crush!
Thanks so much, Peggy!
And Sara, I know. I've convinced myself that P90X would be different (probably because almost everybody I know raves about it) but it would be a major change of pattern for me. ;)
I've been thinking a lot about fitness lately. I'm not cleared for exercise yet (my daughter was born at the end of April), but when I am, I'm going to get to it so I can get back in shape. I'm looking forward to being strong and active!
When I do start exercising, I'll definitely be contributing to Fitness Friday! =)
I, like you, need encouragement from those around me to get in the fitness swing. I downloaded the app from my fitness pal to my ipod, but you can do it online too (www.myfitnesspal.com). For the first time in my life I'm counting calories and you enter your exercise too. You can link it to your facebook account and it posts whenever you exercise and when you finish you food diary for the day ("Holly G. has finished logging for the day and was under her calorie goal" I don't remember what it said when I was over!)
I have P90X, and I like exercise like that, but I have come to the conclusion that now is not the time of my life for it. If you can't exercise 60 min. a day/6 days a week, you better just go w/ something else for awhile. Have you checked out Lindsey Brin at Moms into Fitness?
Erika…I'm pretty sure that most of the workouts are under an hour (at least that's what this person says). :)
(Though that's still a pretty big commitment for a busy Mom!) :)
Can't wait for you to join us, Nicole! Enjoy that yummy baby!
Sitka…I've never heard of Lindsey Brin. I'll go Google her right now. Thanks for the recommendation! I'll look into My Fitness Pal, too! :)
i'm still trying to get fit. it's much like my spiritual journey, perpetual. in fact, i often combine the two.
my fitness routine serves as a time of prayer, contemplation and more. i desire to grow physically and spiritually fit — all to bring glory to GOD.
here's my latest post. (i'm due for an update.)
http://joyfilledfamily.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-have-not-arrived.html
pax Christi – lena
Great stuff! So many of us are walking the same road. I recently posted my postpartum fitness update here:
http://mamaslittleditty.blogspot.com/2011/04/postpartum-fitness-update.html
I have been posting about fitness periodically since the new year and have a couple of Catholic fitness reviews and giveaways in the works. (Where does the time go!?!) It kind of all goes hand in hand with the topic of "Wife Dressing" because our clothes aren't the only element of physical appearance and witness. At any rate, some of my other random thoughts, posts and experiences with regard to fitness can be found under "fitness" in the topics at the top of my blog.
As far as weight loss goals, I just hit my pre-pregnancy weight and am not shooting for my ideal! But "skinny" is not necessarily "fit"… so I'm flexible with it.
I love the idea of Fitness Friday. I don't think I'll be able to fit it in today but I'd like to tag along with you via my blog in the weeks to come. Mind?
oh, thanks! I had been wanting to say that I was inspired by your last post and comments about exercise programs, and started using the 30-day shred and other dvds by Jillian Michaels and the other trainers from (sigh) "The Biggest Loser." I only do them a few times a week because I have them out from the library, but I have really noticed the difference, and my husband has too! I also get out dance videos for variety. I love Hemalayaa's bollywood dance videos. Probably not the most complete workout, but a lot of fun. My biggest discovery is that if I exercise this much, I don't really have to change my diet! I think I eat fairly healthy as it is, but I don't have to count calories or give up sweets or carbs or whatever. I don't know about you, but I find that inspiring. I would pick exercise over dieting any day.
Rosie
I'm afraid the last time I wrote about fitness was the day late last month when I broke my toe.
It's much better now, by the way.
@Ash – no, you are not the only one who wants to lose weight before seeing her mom! I have been thinking about the same thing. Oh, and I haven't actually been to the Spark People website, but I have enjoyed one of their Youtube videos. My new fitness purchase is the Skechers Tone-Ups (less extreme version of the Shape-Ups). I am hoping they will make my time working on the postpartum ward of the hospital more productive, as I rush up and down the halls bringing ice and pillows to the new moms.
I think the big difference about P90x is that it will be the most intense workout you've probably ever had- hence the throwing up one commenter had. Throwing up is common, actually. I never work myself that hard because I usually just stop the DVD at 30-40 minutes because I can't stand straight anymore. After doing P90x, it's hard for me to do other workout videos that barely make me break a sweat. I think why waste my time? Tony know how to work it! Not always "fun" but there is no fluff in his workouts. If you are low on time, P90x is for you. You will do more in less time than you've ever done before!
In! As soon as we're settled, that is.
@Betty… You're not the only one w/o P90X. I'm sans the hilarity of Tony's invisible chair.
But I do have Zumba, and we take dance lessons once a week. In fact, this week we start up with Lindy Hop (again) in another town whee they give us a really good work out (and that was just the basics!)
But I agree… as much as I want my health/weight loss/romantic-ish relationships/etc to have a more spiritual element to them, "Oh…isn't that cute!" trumps every time. :(
I need to keep perspective on things, lest they become "I'm (dancing/losing weight/exercising) because a really nice guy is involved." (…or some similar reasoning)
Speaking of, I will have a link for you by Monday. I'm sitting in my goal outfit #1, waiting to meet up with a friend so he can take my picture. It can double as my start-of-summer picture. I'd take my own photo, but that tends to end up badly.
Hubby and I were doing really well with a weight loss/getting fit plan until the Horrible Car Accident of 2011/broken sternum… and the fact that by the time that was healed and we were good to exercise again, I was pregnant!
We were doing a modified Couch to 5k (on ellipticals since I have a bad knee and can't do high-impact) and it was working well. We really felt stronger and more fit.
I also found it so helpful to simply keep a food journal- everything I ate in a day with the calories next to it. Makes it much easier to focus on healthy food choices that meet nutritional goals rather than just eating what is there to fill you up. I found a lot of things like caramelizing onions using water could add so much flavor without adding many calories (an entire onion is only, like, 10 calories.) I was breastfeeding, so needed to maintain minimum calorie intake, but it was really working well for a healthy weight-loss plan that cost us $0 because all the resources were online (other than the gym membership.)
The thing that really helped me was that hubby and I did it together. He was allowed a lot more calories than me, but if I was struggling or having a hard day, he would just eat as much as I was allowed (until I went to bed or wasn't around, at least;) to help me feel supported. We also exercised together (our gym has childcare- the #1 reason we joined that gym) so our "gym dates" were something we always looked forward to during the week. (And the couch to 5k program is really only a 30 minute/3 times a week committment, so manageable when you have young kids and hub works long hours.) He was so supportive of me, and it really made our relationship stronger (um, hence baby #4.) In return, I looked for ways to support him- trying new recipes so that we could eat more of the foods he loved without tons of calories, and making sure things were done around the house so that it wasn't as stressful to get to our gym dates.
Not to mention, since I spent my whole workout with my best friend and the funniest person I know, I left the gym smiling every time. Win!
Now that the horrible, non-stop morning sickness is coming to an end, I look forward to heading back to the gym with my man:)
Well, before this pregnancy, I was in the best shape of my life. ALl thanks to two months on Weight Watchers (lost 11 pounds) and intense exercise 6 days a week for a few years. It's a lot of hard work!! I posted a beginner treadmill workout here if anyone is interested:
http://martinfamilymoments.blogspot.com/2011/03/breaking-baby-bump-sweat.html
Although, after re-reading it, it may be more beginner/intermediate. Let me know if you use it :) And good luck!
I'm in. Got that crazy busy wedding weekend over Memorial Day and then it's GO TIME to get my "body back"..lol. We'll see…it may be lost forever….
I read this on my phone Friday, but am just now getting around to commenting. I love the idea! I already do this with my college girlfriends on Mondays, so I'll just check in with what I share with them. Support definitely increases success!
I know I am a little late, but better late than never!
http://asimpletwistoffaith.typepad.com/a-simple-twist-of-faith/2011/05/fit-in-fitness.html
I'll try to be in for it. How is that for fence sitting? I definitely need to do something. The good parts are that I actually rather like exercising, and love healthy food. The hard part is finding time and energy, and eliminate the stress eating. Hey, for the last two evenings I have eaten nothing after mealtime in the evening. It's a start.
http://oneyearsecondchance.blogspot.com/2011/05/fitness-friday-intro.html
Does anyone have any tips on losing weight while breastfeeding? Despite eating very healthy and regular exercise I can't seem to lose any of this baby weight. Any tips would be appreciated!