Showing posts with label fitness corner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fitness corner. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Fitness Corner - Body Combat 47 Track 3 Make U Mine
Okay, we tried a second one. This one is easier because it's punches, not kicks. If you want to look silly at home, like me, BC is the way to go!
Friday, June 21, 2013
Fitness Corner - 30 Days of Fitness: Contributor Post
Today, Joella from Fine and Fair takes us away from the Couch to 5K for a hot sec to talk about a different, and yet totally doable, fitness routine. It's based on the 30-day shred, and she's got nothing but good things to say!
...
Last Wednesday, I did 250 squats.
I don't know about you, but for me? That's kind of a big deal.
When it comes to physical fitness, I have always been, let's say, inconsistent. I'd get into a solid workout routine, keep at it for a few weeks, and then forget that exercise is a thing for months on end. Surprisingly, all of that changed during my pregnancy with Canon. I was determined to remain healthy and strong throughout my pregnancy, committed to doing everything in my power to ensure the best possible outcomes for both of us. For the first time in my life, I was exercising consistently. I was doing yoga, water aerobics, swimming, walking, and even took up Zumba. The day before I went into labor, I was waddling, slowly but surely around the indoor track at the Y, when an older woman smiled at me and called out "Hope your water doesn't break!"
After Canon's birth, I was frustrated with having to recover from surgery before I could start easing back into the consistent physical activity I'd grown accustomed to. I started out slowly with walking, then the Babywearing Workout, then yoga, then Zumba. Consistency was difficult to come by while managing the needs of my 3 year old and my newborn, but I did what I could, when I could, re-building my strength and endurance as I went.
Fast forward to mid-April, when I started to see something about a 30 Day Squat Challenge popping up on my radar. At first, I brushed it off. I've never been successful at completing a fitness challenge. I made it 2 weeks into Couch-to-5K before hurting my knee and giving up. I made it a week into a push-up challenge once before forgetting about it. And despite owning Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred [affiliate link]for 5 years now, I've never done it consistently for more than a couple of weeks, and am decidedly...um...not "shredded."
But.
I decided to go for it, and I invited friends to join me. We got together in a facebook and encouraged and supported each other. We had a daily reminder of how many squats to do. We had a body-positive space to participate in this challenge together. Not all of us made it until the end, and those who dropped out or modified the challenge to suit their needs were fully supported.
So on the first day, I did 50 squats. And on the 30th day, I did 250 squats.
Next up, I plan to start a 30 day push-up challenge that starts with 5 push-ups and works up to 40, with several rest days thrown in for good measure. After that, the sky's the limit! A leg-lift challenge? Planks? Crunches? All of the above! In due time, of course. Will you join me?
The private Fine and Fair Fitness Challenges group is HERE. Just click "Join Group" in the upper right-hand corner, and you'll be added! Our next challenge will be starting soon, so join now and introduce yourself!
When you work out, you'll need a sturdy sports bra, so make sure to read about your best options here.
...
Last Wednesday, I did 250 squats.
I don't know about you, but for me? That's kind of a big deal.
When it comes to physical fitness, I have always been, let's say, inconsistent. I'd get into a solid workout routine, keep at it for a few weeks, and then forget that exercise is a thing for months on end. Surprisingly, all of that changed during my pregnancy with Canon. I was determined to remain healthy and strong throughout my pregnancy, committed to doing everything in my power to ensure the best possible outcomes for both of us. For the first time in my life, I was exercising consistently. I was doing yoga, water aerobics, swimming, walking, and even took up Zumba. The day before I went into labor, I was waddling, slowly but surely around the indoor track at the Y, when an older woman smiled at me and called out "Hope your water doesn't break!"
After Canon's birth, I was frustrated with having to recover from surgery before I could start easing back into the consistent physical activity I'd grown accustomed to. I started out slowly with walking, then the Babywearing Workout, then yoga, then Zumba. Consistency was difficult to come by while managing the needs of my 3 year old and my newborn, but I did what I could, when I could, re-building my strength and endurance as I went.
Fast forward to mid-April, when I started to see something about a 30 Day Squat Challenge popping up on my radar. At first, I brushed it off. I've never been successful at completing a fitness challenge. I made it 2 weeks into Couch-to-5K before hurting my knee and giving up. I made it a week into a push-up challenge once before forgetting about it. And despite owning Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred [affiliate link]for 5 years now, I've never done it consistently for more than a couple of weeks, and am decidedly...um...not "shredded."
But.
I decided to go for it, and I invited friends to join me. We got together in a facebook and encouraged and supported each other. We had a daily reminder of how many squats to do. We had a body-positive space to participate in this challenge together. Not all of us made it until the end, and those who dropped out or modified the challenge to suit their needs were fully supported.
So on the first day, I did 50 squats. And on the 30th day, I did 250 squats.
Next up, I plan to start a 30 day push-up challenge that starts with 5 push-ups and works up to 40, with several rest days thrown in for good measure. After that, the sky's the limit! A leg-lift challenge? Planks? Crunches? All of the above! In due time, of course. Will you join me?
The private Fine and Fair Fitness Challenges group is HERE. Just click "Join Group" in the upper right-hand corner, and you'll be added! Our next challenge will be starting soon, so join now and introduce yourself!
When you work out, you'll need a sturdy sports bra, so make sure to read about your best options here.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Fitness Corner - Couch to 5K Highlight: "Broken, Fat, and Busy"
Today, Jackie from Accidentally Mommy throws her hat into the Couch-to-5K ring, and if you've got any trepidation about trying it, here's your reason to do it anyway.
...
Will I actually be jogging or running the Color Vibe 5K in October? Not a clue. The journey has begun, though. In spite of being broken, fat, and busy, I’m really damn stubborn. IT’S ON, YO.
...
It was about midnight when I went off half-cocked and decided that I was going to do a C25K program. As usual, I was up too late and fiddling around on Facebook. Lo and behold, as I scrolled ever downward in what seemed like an endless feed of new items, an ad popped up that caught my eye.
It was impossible, really, for it NOT to catch my eye. Jumping off my laptop screen was a woman dressed in full running attire, soaked to the skin in bright pink paint. Intrigued, I clicked it. Then I clicked all the clicky links on the website. I was morbidly curious and totally sold. “I can do this!” I thought. “It’s not until October! I can whip myself into shape in no time!” I assured myself.
HAHAHAHAHA!!!! I’m hilarious sometimes.
See, I’m fat (duh,) broken (as in, metal plates and screws and pins in bones,) and have zero spare time. My days are spent entertaining two children, one of whom is special needs. My nights are spent at a shitty job that I detest, but pays the bills. This leaves me with exactly eight hours in which to cram in the occasional bit of side work and this new endeavor to make me a better me.
So, gritting my teeth with determination, I began my “training.”
The first night, after I lovingly tucked my children into bed, I put on a pair of denim capri pants, a tank top, my flip flops, and went outside. At a bit of a loss, I realized quickly that I was, umm....not prepared. One can’t run in flip flops, I realized. (Not for lack of trying, though.) Additionally, denim and chub rub is not a good combination. No, not at all. So, shuffling my way back down the street, I scrubbed that attempt and decided to start anew the next day.
After a run to Walmart on my way home from the kiddo’s occupational therapy block the following afternoon, I was armed with yoga pants and a pair of running shoes. Good to go, right? Yeah!
Wrong again! Remember those pins and plates I told you about? Well, not only am I petrified they’ll fail somehow, they also make wearing shoes kind of difficult. The break changed the entire architecture of my foot, so fit is huge problem. Additionally, the plate rests just where the top of the shoe does on the outside of the ankle. Ankle skin is very thin, and that makes for a very painful kind of rub.
Still not discouraged, though, I took my shoes off and chucked them to the side. Barefoot running! YES! I’m hardcore in many other ways, why not be all kamikaze about this whole running thing, too?
So, off I shuffled. I’d say jogged, but I’m not going to lie to you, dear readers. It was (and remains,) a shuffle. That goes back to that fear I have of the ankle failing me, or an even older injury in my opposite knee giving me grief.
Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle.
It has been two weeks, and I’m still shuffling around the neighborhood barefoot. I’ll be biting the bullet and getting all spendy on a pair of Vibram FiveFingers, but for the moment, it’s just me and my calluses. Maybe just getting some supplements in preparation for this big event will help? I find mine here.
Will I actually be jogging or running the Color Vibe 5K in October? Not a clue. The journey has begun, though. In spite of being broken, fat, and busy, I’m really damn stubborn. IT’S ON, YO.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Couch to 5K Spotlight: Tiffiny Rossi
When Cassie Walling mentioned doing a Couch to 5K project to me, I agreed because it's a great idea! Little did I know how many of you were Couch to 5K professionals, or even marathon runners! The response has been astounding, and this week, for our member spotlight, we chose Tiffiny Rossi, who not only runs marathons, but just had a baby! She's kicking off her Couch to 5K with us, and here's what she had to say!
...
With two marathons and a half marathon, plus years of running for fun behind me, it should be relatively easy to pick up and start running again. The problem with a six-week-old baby and two other kids is that I can't seem to find enough time to get out there.
I feel a bit doughy 'round the middle from the weight I gained during pregnancy, which partly explains my itch to hit the trails again. But what's eating at me more than a few extra kilos is that my lungs feel out of shape. Likewise, my heart races when I climb the stairs in my home. I feel sluggish – like a ball of lead being tossed around inside a duffle bag full of mud. So when I saw that Darlena (parentwin.com) was putting together a couch-to-5K/running event, I figured this was a good time to get my arse in gear again. I'd hope to just make some time to do some 5 K runs at this point, but even better if I could get back under a 30-minute 5 K.
Anyway, Darlena sent over a few questions for me about my experiences with running. So here's what I've got:
1) What does running mean to you / what is your relationship with running?
Running is more than just an exercise I do to stay in shape. It's a journey inside my head, bringing me to experiences I've had before, experiences I'll have in the future, and experiences that may only play out as fantasies. Running is my time to visit old memories, plan my future, practice real life scenarios and confrontations, or to cook up stories I may later write or just act out as I run. Sometimes my thoughts drift toward lofty and aspirational, like the prospect of running two marathons at age 40. Other times I focus on the mundane – the little details like what decorations and food we'll have at my son's naming ceremony. Sure, I can contemplate these things without running. But when I'm out letting my feet fly, the endorphins produced by my body give me a boost of clarity and an extremely positive outlook on life.
2) What has been your typical training experience?
I've put myself through various training scenarios depending on my goal, for example: 30 minutes straight without walking, 5K, marathon, half-marathon, running in minimal shoes, and running a 5K under 30 minutes, to name a few. My experiences have been overwhelmingly positive and I've always been able to achieve my goal whenever I put my mind to it. And that's the important part. Once I've convinced myself, "I can do this," the physical training part is quite easy. That's not to say I haven't seen challenges along the way. When I do, I rely upon running communities on the internet and inspirational books about running to see me through.
3) Any tips or words of wisdom for those wanting to try this out?
Thanks Tiffiny! Check out her blog, The copyverse!
If you want to run with your little ones in tow, make sure you check out these options!
If you are doing the Couch to 5K and would be interested in being highlighted, leave a comment here or on our Facebook page and we'll check you out, too!
...
With two marathons and a half marathon, plus years of running for fun behind me, it should be relatively easy to pick up and start running again. The problem with a six-week-old baby and two other kids is that I can't seem to find enough time to get out there.
Anyway, Darlena sent over a few questions for me about my experiences with running. So here's what I've got:
1) What does running mean to you / what is your relationship with running?
Running is more than just an exercise I do to stay in shape. It's a journey inside my head, bringing me to experiences I've had before, experiences I'll have in the future, and experiences that may only play out as fantasies. Running is my time to visit old memories, plan my future, practice real life scenarios and confrontations, or to cook up stories I may later write or just act out as I run. Sometimes my thoughts drift toward lofty and aspirational, like the prospect of running two marathons at age 40. Other times I focus on the mundane – the little details like what decorations and food we'll have at my son's naming ceremony. Sure, I can contemplate these things without running. But when I'm out letting my feet fly, the endorphins produced by my body give me a boost of clarity and an extremely positive outlook on life.
2) What has been your typical training experience?
I've put myself through various training scenarios depending on my goal, for example: 30 minutes straight without walking, 5K, marathon, half-marathon, running in minimal shoes, and running a 5K under 30 minutes, to name a few. My experiences have been overwhelmingly positive and I've always been able to achieve my goal whenever I put my mind to it. And that's the important part. Once I've convinced myself, "I can do this," the physical training part is quite easy. That's not to say I haven't seen challenges along the way. When I do, I rely upon running communities on the internet and inspirational books about running to see me through.
3) Any tips or words of wisdom for those wanting to try this out?
- If you're just starting out, try setting a time goal rather than a distance goal. For example, set a 20-30 minutes goal at first, and...
- Alternate short spurts of running with periods of walking until you make your full time goal. In your first week, try to run for 30-60 seconds straight, then walk until you catch your breath again, then do another 30-60 second burst of running, and continue on until you make your 20-30 minute time goal.
- Build your running burst up slowly each week. After several weeks, you'll be running the whole 20-30 minute block.
- Take any negative thoughts during your run, acknowledge them, and turn them into something more aspirational. Don't block the feelings out, just invite them to come with you on the run. You'll notice the challenges will bother you a whole let less. For example, if you hate hills, say to yourself, "Hello hill, come run with me." If you feel a side cramp, say "Hello pain, come run with me."
- When you feel like things are going tough in any training program you're following, here's a good tip I learned. Tell yourself to TRY EASIER. That's right, don't buckle down and tell yourself what a wimp you are and try harder – lighten up on yourself a bit and relax instead. If you don't feel like taking a run one day, tell yourself it's ok and that you'll skip this one today, but be back on track the following day. Or mix things up a bit. Say you don't feel up to running one day, but you feel like maybe a walk or a swim or some work out in the garden would be acceptable. Do the "easier" or other activity you want to do instead of your run, and again, remember to tell yourself you'll be on track the next day.
- Read this book, even if you never want to run a marathon: The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer. It has so many great tips and inspirational stories that just might want to make you run a marathon in the end.
Best of luck to you whatever your running goals are!
...Thanks Tiffiny! Check out her blog, The copyverse!
If you want to run with your little ones in tow, make sure you check out these options!
If you are doing the Couch to 5K and would be interested in being highlighted, leave a comment here or on our Facebook page and we'll check you out, too!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Couch to 5K Check In: Fitness Corner
Hey c25k participants! How is your week going? I'll be doing week 2 day one.
I've been thinking a lot about what we are all capable of. Early last week I did a spin class. Now, I've done spinning classes before and really enjoy them but when I walked into the room for this particular spinning class the instructor took one look at me and came over to chat with me. I think she was trying to talk me out of the class (while trying to act encouraging). "Are you sure about this?" she asked, "Have you tried anything like this before?" she asked. I told her that yes, I was sure and yes I have done many such classes thankyouverymuch.Teaching Ain't For Heroes' Emilie ran a 5K in 33:31 on Saturday, May 4th. She is working on getting her average pace to around 9:30 per mile. Go Emilie!!!
Post your successes here and I will highlight you next week!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Couch to 5K - Fitness Corner Post
Three of our esteemed bloggers are doing Couch to 5K and we're looking for you to join in! It's simple and fun! Who's in? Cassie has a story about how the simple and fun things can change not only our fitness...but our lives.
...
In my first Fitness Corner post I discussed making realistic goals. I also mentioned that Iwas am a runner. I haven't always been a runner. In fact, I was terrified of running even when I started. I set out originally in 2007 with the Couch to 5k fitness plan with the hopes of running one mile but just days into the program I realized that not only was running 1 mile possible, but that I wanted to strive for more. And I did.
Running kept me sane during so many obstacles in my life. It made me realize i had strength when I didn't realize I had it. I started to believe in myself...and so much more. My running story and relationship with running goes deeper than merely steps on the road. You see, I am a musician. I studied music from the age of 6 and wanted nothing more than to be a musician for a career. I studied hard and lived the lifestyle of a true music geek. I went to college for music and when I was 23 discovered that I'm losing my hearing. I'm not going to go into exactly how devastating that was, but I'm sure you can understand. My world got turned upside down on me. I was still a driven individual, but I had no direction. Most of the time, I spiraled. For a time I decided to turn my back on music. There were too many emotions. Too many lost notes that my ears would never hear. Too much effort put into something that I couldn't bring myself to do anymore. I felt so lost. But, completely letting go of music felt like the right thing to do. I took a desk job and did things that made me happier...and that worked for awhile but the wind had been taken out of my sails. I didn't know what I wanted from life any more.
Then I started running. Each new mile I was able to log was a victory. All of those people who thought a 280lb woman couldn't run saw me and I felt so much pride. The day I finished my first half marathon was the day I decided that I was capable of anything. If I can run 13.1 miles, I can do anything.
And the strange thing is that all of that gave me the courage to get back into music. I'm no longer a musician but I run a small music organization. People often wonder about the passion I pour into my job. Most of them don't know about my hearing but they can see my passion.
Running gave me the courage to be passionate. It gave me the strength to look beyond the missing notes. Not only is it a powerful sport, it is an easy one. You don't need a gym membership. Heck, you don't even need shoes! You don't need any special skills. No supplies. You just set out and go.
Now, like I mentioned before, I'm quite out of shape now. My aforementioned job that I love also keeps me quite busy and I haven't spent time running lately so my stamina is down, which is why I re-started the Couch to 5k program on Monday...and I want you to join me!
Not a runner? Give it a shot. I'm right here with you! Already a runner? Set a goal for running. Perhaps you'd like to get a better time. Really can't run? How about giving walking a shot. Whatever the case, let's do this together! On July 20th, I want everybody to run (or walk) a virtual 5k. Couch to 5k is simple, interval training (and do check out all of the available apps and podcasts for the program, many are free and very helpful!).
The first week starts off with a five minute warmup walk, then alternating between 60 second running intervals and 90 second walking intervals followed by a 5 minute cool down. The whole workout should total 30 minutes. Each workout is designed to be done three times per week.
(plan copied from Cool Running Training)
I don't have all of the details yet, but I want to continue to check in with you. Let me know who is up for this! Bloggers from Teaching Ain't For Heroes and Mommyvan wanted to share their thoughts with you as well. Check out their posts!
...
In my first Fitness Corner post I discussed making realistic goals. I also mentioned that I
Running kept me sane during so many obstacles in my life. It made me realize i had strength when I didn't realize I had it. I started to believe in myself...and so much more. My running story and relationship with running goes deeper than merely steps on the road. You see, I am a musician. I studied music from the age of 6 and wanted nothing more than to be a musician for a career. I studied hard and lived the lifestyle of a true music geek. I went to college for music and when I was 23 discovered that I'm losing my hearing. I'm not going to go into exactly how devastating that was, but I'm sure you can understand. My world got turned upside down on me. I was still a driven individual, but I had no direction. Most of the time, I spiraled. For a time I decided to turn my back on music. There were too many emotions. Too many lost notes that my ears would never hear. Too much effort put into something that I couldn't bring myself to do anymore. I felt so lost. But, completely letting go of music felt like the right thing to do. I took a desk job and did things that made me happier...and that worked for awhile but the wind had been taken out of my sails. I didn't know what I wanted from life any more.
Then I started running. Each new mile I was able to log was a victory. All of those people who thought a 280lb woman couldn't run saw me and I felt so much pride. The day I finished my first half marathon was the day I decided that I was capable of anything. If I can run 13.1 miles, I can do anything.
And the strange thing is that all of that gave me the courage to get back into music. I'm no longer a musician but I run a small music organization. People often wonder about the passion I pour into my job. Most of them don't know about my hearing but they can see my passion.
Running gave me the courage to be passionate. It gave me the strength to look beyond the missing notes. Not only is it a powerful sport, it is an easy one. You don't need a gym membership. Heck, you don't even need shoes! You don't need any special skills. No supplies. You just set out and go.
Now, like I mentioned before, I'm quite out of shape now. My aforementioned job that I love also keeps me quite busy and I haven't spent time running lately so my stamina is down, which is why I re-started the Couch to 5k program on Monday...and I want you to join me!
Not a runner? Give it a shot. I'm right here with you! Already a runner? Set a goal for running. Perhaps you'd like to get a better time. Really can't run? How about giving walking a shot. Whatever the case, let's do this together! On July 20th, I want everybody to run (or walk) a virtual 5k. Couch to 5k is simple, interval training (and do check out all of the available apps and podcasts for the program, many are free and very helpful!).
The first week starts off with a five minute warmup walk, then alternating between 60 second running intervals and 90 second walking intervals followed by a 5 minute cool down. The whole workout should total 30 minutes. Each workout is designed to be done three times per week.
| 1 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes. | Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes. | Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes. |
| 2 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes. | Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes. | Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes. |
| 3 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following:
|
Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following:
|
Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following:
|
| 4 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
|
Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
|
Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
|
| 5 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
|
Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
|
Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog two miles (or 20 minutes) with no walking. |
| 6 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
|
Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
|
Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2-1/4 miles (or 22 minutes) with no walking. |
| 7 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.5 miles (or 25 minutes). | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.5 miles (or 25 minutes). | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.5 miles (or 25 minutes). |
| 8 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.75 miles (or 28 minutes). | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.75 miles (or 28 minutes). | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.75 miles (or 28 minutes). |
| 9 | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 3 miles (or 30 minutes). | Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 3 miles (or 30 minutes). | The final workout! Congratulations! Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 3 miles (or 30 minutes). |
I don't have all of the details yet, but I want to continue to check in with you. Let me know who is up for this! Bloggers from Teaching Ain't For Heroes and Mommyvan wanted to share their thoughts with you as well. Check out their posts!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Fitness Corner Kickoff!
Before I let her introduce herself, I just have to say that Cassie is one of the most driven and inspiring people I know. That is all. We're in good hands with her.
...
Hello.
I'm Cassie. Darlena has graciously invited me to head up the Fitness Corner section of her blog. I'm honored to be here. And while I don't necessarily feel qualified to be considered an expert, I definitely have a lot of experience with the losing (and gaining) of weight and starting at the bottom to reach fitness goals.
Today something happened in my life that inspired me. At work we were discussing goals and living with intention. That actual discussion is fairly irrelevant but what came of the discussion is that I live my live and set goals with intention. When I set a goal, I mean to achieve it.
So, let's talk about fitness goals. The key to achieving fitness goals is to setting realistic ones.
For example, it is totally unrealistic for me to set a goal to lose 100lbs in a month without losing a limb or two. It is also totally unrealistic for me to believe I can go outside and run a marathon today if I haven't been training properly.
These are unrealistic goals. It certainly would be nice if I could plan to be 100lbs by May (my goodness, I would LOVE to!). A more reasonable goal is to decide I want to lose 5% of my weight and a realistic timeline is 1-2lbs per week. There are some truly wonderful free online resources to help with setting and attaining those goals. My favorites happen to be:
www.myfitnesspal.com
www.sparkpeople.com
These are online resources to help set caloric and fitness goals. All for free! They use social networking to aid in motivation. They have access to workout ideas and options. If you're not familiar with these site and looking into setting some physical goals, I highly recommend checking them out!
And what about those fitness goals? I happen to be a big believer in maintaining balance. One cannot expect to merely depend on a scale for health goals. Health is a many faceted subject.
I've been a bigger gal my whole life. Running days in PE used to be panic-inducing but in 2007 I discovered running. I started with a program called Couch to 5k. It took me through many 5ks and on up to half marathons. Running is my meditation. It can be the thing that keeps me going, the thing that keeps me proud of myself. In 2007 it took me nine weeks to go from a completely sedentary lifestyle to regularly participating in races. Even if you don't think running is your thing, I encourage you to look into the program and give it a try.
And if running truly isn't your thing? Why not set a goal for pushups? The One Hundred Push Up plan takes you from one pushup to being able to do 100 pushups in just seven weeks!
Craving more? How about Two Hundred Situps?
I've found that using the plans on the sites listed above give me a sense of camaraderie and motivation when I need it the most. And when that isn't enough? Bloggers. The internet is full of inspirational people who have BEEN THERE and want to spread the word on how YOU CAN TOO.
Back to Her Roots and Runs For Cookies happen to be my personal favorites. These are ladies who are down in the trenches and know exactly how hard it can be but have also shown that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.
(I'm in no way affiliated with and of the websites listed in this post. They are just sites I've found helpful during my own journey).
Bio:
Cassie works for a small performing arts non-profit organization full time, is a mother, a wife, a friend,
and just trying to be the best she can be. Hard of hearing (working with musicians) and obese (loves
running), her life is a contradiction. She focuses on weight loss, fitness, goals and trying to obtain
balance in one's life. Cassie's hobbies are community involvement, enjoying the outdoors, horseback
riding, running, reading, and music.
...
Hello.
I'm Cassie. Darlena has graciously invited me to head up the Fitness Corner section of her blog. I'm honored to be here. And while I don't necessarily feel qualified to be considered an expert, I definitely have a lot of experience with the losing (and gaining) of weight and starting at the bottom to reach fitness goals.
Today something happened in my life that inspired me. At work we were discussing goals and living with intention. That actual discussion is fairly irrelevant but what came of the discussion is that I live my live and set goals with intention. When I set a goal, I mean to achieve it.
So, let's talk about fitness goals. The key to achieving fitness goals is to setting realistic ones.
For example, it is totally unrealistic for me to set a goal to lose 100lbs in a month without losing a limb or two. It is also totally unrealistic for me to believe I can go outside and run a marathon today if I haven't been training properly.
These are unrealistic goals. It certainly would be nice if I could plan to be 100lbs by May (my goodness, I would LOVE to!). A more reasonable goal is to decide I want to lose 5% of my weight and a realistic timeline is 1-2lbs per week. There are some truly wonderful free online resources to help with setting and attaining those goals. My favorites happen to be:
www.myfitnesspal.com
www.sparkpeople.com
These are online resources to help set caloric and fitness goals. All for free! They use social networking to aid in motivation. They have access to workout ideas and options. If you're not familiar with these site and looking into setting some physical goals, I highly recommend checking them out!
And what about those fitness goals? I happen to be a big believer in maintaining balance. One cannot expect to merely depend on a scale for health goals. Health is a many faceted subject.
I've been a bigger gal my whole life. Running days in PE used to be panic-inducing but in 2007 I discovered running. I started with a program called Couch to 5k. It took me through many 5ks and on up to half marathons. Running is my meditation. It can be the thing that keeps me going, the thing that keeps me proud of myself. In 2007 it took me nine weeks to go from a completely sedentary lifestyle to regularly participating in races. Even if you don't think running is your thing, I encourage you to look into the program and give it a try.
And if running truly isn't your thing? Why not set a goal for pushups? The One Hundred Push Up plan takes you from one pushup to being able to do 100 pushups in just seven weeks!
Craving more? How about Two Hundred Situps?
I've found that using the plans on the sites listed above give me a sense of camaraderie and motivation when I need it the most. And when that isn't enough? Bloggers. The internet is full of inspirational people who have BEEN THERE and want to spread the word on how YOU CAN TOO.
Back to Her Roots and Runs For Cookies happen to be my personal favorites. These are ladies who are down in the trenches and know exactly how hard it can be but have also shown that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.
(I'm in no way affiliated with and of the websites listed in this post. They are just sites I've found helpful during my own journey).
Bio:
Cassie works for a small performing arts non-profit organization full time, is a mother, a wife, a friend,
and just trying to be the best she can be. Hard of hearing (working with musicians) and obese (loves
running), her life is a contradiction. She focuses on weight loss, fitness, goals and trying to obtain
balance in one's life. Cassie's hobbies are community involvement, enjoying the outdoors, horseback
riding, running, reading, and music.
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