Friday Fitness #8

I would love to report that I'm back to my old work out, but I haven't even tried it.  I have been working out 6 days per week.  I'm loving my videos right now, so I may keep up with them for a couple more weeks. Plus I have lost 2lbs a week for the last two weeks, so very happy with that.

I just bought a new Firm video, go figure right?  lol  I really like the Firm, I won't bore you with all that again.  I guess the reason I love videos is because I can do them in my own home.  I know some folks love the gym, and the gym is great.  The only thing...you have to pay to go to the gym, if you have kids you have to pay more, and you have to drive there.

Of course the perks of working out of home, I don't have to pay any one to watch my kids, the TV does that for me!  lol  Plus I can pause my video to go to the  bathroom, and I don't know about you, but I have to pee a lot when I work out.  Must be a mommy thing?  Two kids later I have no bladder control.  Sorry.

Plus videos are just like taking the gym classes, but now one gets in your way, and you can see and hear the instructor.  My fave, I can turn the fan on high and point it right at me!  I will always work out at home. 

Here's a little truth, videos and the gym only work if you do.  Neither will get you the results you want if you don't put in the effort.

That's all for this week.  If you have any questions, tips, send them my way.  I would love to know if you use videos and which ones you love, I'm always on the hunt for a new one. 

I would also like to mention one other thing, if you are new to working out please consult a doctor before you start.  Just to be safe.  xx

Fitness Friday #7

My back and hip are SO much better.  I'm still being careful, but at the same time I'm still working out.  My doctor told me to workout at 70%, I took this to mean 70% of MY custom workout that I create, not 70% of my videos.  My videos are much easier than what I create.  I'm a little worried since I haven't done one of my own workouts in almost 2 weeks.  Oh well, if I have to work back up to it, I don't have much choice.  I really can't afford to mess up my back and hip again, really, the chiropractor is $$$.  lol

This week I've been doing some of my Firm favorites, I used to be addicted to The Firm, still am really.  My own workouts are kind of based on their method.  Four limbed aerobics with weights.  You really sweat doing these, even the EASY ones will make you sweat.  I like the ones where I DRIP!  Those are the best!

My favorites this week are.... Power Burn 45, it's fun and you sweat.  I did two back to back the other day, cause they are pretty short, but that is nice on a day you don't have a lot of time.

Total Body Shaping Mix, it's fun too.  A little old school Firm.  It's a mix of routines from past Firm Videos.

I'm not sure what Firm I'll do today, I own like 10.  I do know which ever one I do, I'll sweat and it'll be easy to follow.  The Firm instructors are great at cuing their workouts.

Happy Exercising!!  xx

Starting Over....

It's not a dream come true, but I guess I will be starting over with my diet/exercise plan.  Went to the chiropractor today.  FUN STUFF!  I'm in awful shape, lucky me.  I could bore you with all the details, but basically I have the back of 70 year old woman. 

I really kinda knew this, and if I had been smart I would have started back with the chiropractor before I started exercising.  I'm not that smart apparently.

I've loss 4 days, no workouts, and I can start back working out 100%.  I have to modify at 70% of where I was last week.  Really not happy.  So to help kick start my body and get past this dang plateau, and being sick and in pain for the last 4 days, I'm starting over.

Yep gonna go back to WEEK 1 of the Kristi Approved Diet.  Weeks 1-4 had the best weight loss for me, and I'm hoping they will again.  It's crunch time, vacation crunch time that is.  I have 10 weeks to lose 15 lbs.  I really want to lose 25 more lbs, but I just don't think 10 weeks is enough time.  I really can't afford to push my back and hip any more than I already have.

So there you have it, tomorrow, I start over.  I promise not to bore you with weekly pictures and all my stats.  I'm just gonna keep is short and sweet and just give you an update of my weight loss.  I do promise one last picture before I go on vacation, just so show you how far I've come.

Thanks for being the best support group in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD!  I promise to stay positive and not give up! xx

Fitness Friday #3

This Fitness Friday is also a GIVE AWAY!  Who would like to win an Exercise Ball and set of resistance bands?  The ball comes with a pump.  The only thing, it's for folks that are on the taller side, I would say any one over 5'6" would be able to use it easily. 

I'm not discriminating against the vertically challenged, this is the only size I have.  I'm 5'11", and was given this ball as a free gift with purchase from a company that can't be named.  I don't need this one so I want to share it with you.  I already have a ball like this, and this is one product I don't need two of!  lol

This is just a random picture I got of the Internet, the ball with be similar, but not exact.  I just didn't think there was a point in blowing up the ball for a picture, just to let the air out to mail it.  Imagine the size of the box if I sent it inflated!  lol

I will add this, I use my ball every day.  I love it.  You can purchase these for between $6-$30.  When shopping for one look for the words 'burst resistant', and make sure they hold a lot of weight.  Trust me when you are bouncing up and down on  the ball the pressure is much more than you weigh.  This ball pictured here has a weight copacity of 2000lbs!  (that's a ton!)


The bands come in light, medium and heavy resistance.  They have one pair of handles that you can use on all three bands, and is really easy to change from band to band.

More related fitness news.  I did another of my new videos.  This one is by Gin Miller, of Reebok fitness fame.  She's been an instructor for many moons.  She does all kinds of videos too, step aerobics, strength training, interval training.  You name it. 

 I  purchased her video 'Seriously Strong', 72 minutes in length.  Collage Video had this to say about it, it's an Advanced Total Body Workout that is a Staff favorite and has received 5 stars from customers.

This is what I have to say about it.  Yowza!  My booty is sore today, but not in a bad way.  In a way that tells me if I do this work out enough the elevation of said booty will raise!  Again, it says it's for advanced, but you can make this work out your own.  She has two back up girls with her, and each one did a different level, with her doing the advanced.  She is a great instructor, has always been a favorite of mine.  I've been doing her work outs for since I was in my early 20's.



Okay so to enter the Exercise Ball Give Away, here are the rules.

Please leave me a comment stating that you are a follower, or just became one.  Yep, that's it.  Pretty easy.  I will announce the winner at Fitness Friday #4, please make sure I have away to contact  you.  If I can't get a hold of you I will have to draw another winner, as always I will  use Random.org to pick the winner.  Good Luck!

On to other Give Away news the Paint Deck winner is Lesley at Five Seconds From Crazy!!!
Just email me your address and I will send this out to you asap!!  Thnaks to everyone that entered!

Thanks for the support! xx

Monday's Measurements #5

I just finished week 5.  The weeks seem to be picking up speed, didn't I just post my measurements?  lol

Well, I won't leave you in suspense!  Here are my results.  My new weight is 161.5 , for a loss of 2.5 lbs, and 1.25 inches!  That much closer to swimsuit season and Disney!!!  Of course every time I work out the same thing crosses my mind....why doesn't this fat run away?  I mean I would if some one was working me this hard.  =)

Another picture. 

Okay here are my new measurements.

Shoulders 39.5/ = same

Chest  36/ = same

RT/LT Biceps 10.75/10.75~ = same

Waist 30.5/ 29.75 = -.75

Hips 39.5/ =  same

RT/LT Thighs 23.25/23~ 23/22.75 = -.50

RT/LT Calves 13.75/13.75~ = same

My new total after 5 weeks is 13.5 lbs and 15.5 inches.  This weeks the inches were a little bit of let down, but I'm sure I'll have better weeks than others.  I want to thank all of you for being my cheering section, your support is a huge motivator.  Blogging about this has really helped me stay focused, and committed. 

Quick question.  I'm thinking highlights for summer?  Any thoughts?  I'm gonna hit the tanning beds for a few weeks before vacation too, I will need a base tan or I will FRY!  (don't worry, I pinky swear not to over do the tanning beds, just a base tan.)

Thanks!!!  xx

Monday's Measurements Week #4

Wow week four finished, feels great.  The meals and exercise are starting to become more routine for me, in a good way.  I know what I have to do, and I make sure to give myself the time to do it.  Even the kids help, Lauren loves to workout with me, and they both want to try everything I eat.  Of course they only try it, so far nothing I've made has been to their standards.  I just can't compete with chicken nuggets, mac and cheese and turkey hot dogs...oh well.

I'm afraid my photography skills have not improved as I would like, but these will have to do.  I haven't learned my lesson with the horizontal stripes either!!!  Doh.

My new weight is 164 lbs, for a loss of 3lbs and 3.25 inches!!  Woo Hoo, trucking right along.

We'll start at the top and move down.

Shoulders 39.5/39.5 = 0

Chest  36.5/36 = -.5

RT/LT Biceps  11/11~10.75/10.75 = -.5

Waist 31/30.5 = -.5

Hips 40/39.5 = -.5

RT/LT Thighs 23.75/23.25~23.25/23 = -.75

RT/LT Calves 14/14~13.75/13.75 = -.50

My total after four weeks is 11 lbs and 14.25 inches lost!  Slowly but surely I will make my goal.  Thanks for being my support team!  xx

I was going to figure out how much body fat that equals, but I'm still working on how to do that.  lol  If you have and suggestions, I would appreciate it.  I'm probably over thinking it. 

Fitness Friday #1

I was thinking about it the other day, and it dawned on my that I tell you a lot about what I eat, and what I'm losing weight and inch wise.  I just never talk about the Exercise.  Which is really KEY to any program.  Watching what you eat is important, but it will not get you the results like exercise, or build muscle.  You HAVE to do both. 

I work out six days a week a minimum of one hour per day.  Even after I lose all the weight I want, I will continue with this plan.  I'm not getting any younger and I need to make sure I keep this body in the best shape I can.  The more muscle the stronger your bones and the faster your metabolism.  Muscle is AWESOME.  Plus lean definition looks fabulous. 

I try to vary my workout, some days I create my own and others I do a workout video.  I've done so many workout videos in my life, it's crazy.  I own at least 100, and I've probably given away, thrown away and broken as many.

You are probably asking yourself, "Then why do you have to lose weigh?  Shouldn't you be in the maintaining stage already?"  Well, the answer is simple.  I should be in the maintaining stage, yes.  The only thing I can come up with is this.  1.  I quit smoking, replaced it with food.  2.  I broke my foot and couldn't work out for 6 weeks, and could never get motivated to start up again.  3.  My hubby left for his first contract in Iraq and I was a little depressed.  They are all perfectly fine excuses, but really I'm not sure why I let myself back slide.  Just know this, I don't plan on making the same mistake twice!

I purchase 95% of mywork out videos at http://www.collagevideo.com/, they don't pay me too, but I would let them!  I do because they have the best selection and carry every instructor you could think of.  I have a favorite I'd like to share with you.

Jari Love, pronounced Jerry.  She's awesome, and her workouts can be adjusted to every level of exerciser.  I think that is a sign of a good video.  I mean really, who wants to buy a beginner level video, just to replace it every time you jump a level.  I know I don't, they aren't free.  I should also mention, I don't have time for a gym and with two kids I can't afford to leave them at daycare while I work out.  Working out at home is what works for me. 

Here are the videos I own by Jari.  I love them, she is a great instructor and cues her videos really well.  You will be sore the next day, trust me and my glutes when I say that. 

These next two, I've just ordered.   I'll let you know after I've tried them if they were just as good. 

So there ya go, if you have any questions about an instructor or a video you are thinking of purchasing, give me a shout.  I probably have done a video by them, or even owned the video.  Same goes for home equipment, I've owned it all! I will talk about some of the equipment I really like too, next time. Thanks for stopping by! XX

Monday's Measurements Week #3

Okay Week 3 done!!!  Woo Hoo!  It feels really good when I finish another week knowing I tried my best.  I can tell I'm getting stronger everyday, and working out is no longer a chore.  I really look forward to it now.  They do say it takes 21 days to make something a habit, I guess they are right.  Another bit of good news, the cravings are slowly going away. 

My new weight is 167 lbs, for a loss of 1 1/2 lbs and 3.25 inches in week three!  I think the weight loss would have been better, but it is 'that time of the month' for me.  Sorry if that is over sharing, but it does effect weight loss. 

This is all the pics this week  too, I just can't figure out the light and it's the only one that turned out.  Please ignore the hair, I just finished working out, so I'm a mess!  (I'm kind of always a mess...sigh.)

We'll start at the top and move down.

Shoulders 40/39.5 = -.5

Chest  37/36.5 = -.5

RT/LT Biceps  11.25/11~11/11 = -.25

Waist 31.5/31 = -.5

Hips 40.5/40 = -.5

RT/LT Thighs 24.25/23.75~23.75/23.25 = -1

RT/LT Calves 14/14~14/14 = 0

My total for the three weeks, 8 lbs and 11 inches!  Yippee, that much closer to shorts and swimwear!!!  Oh, and great health, it's like the icing on the cake!  (I miss cake, but not as much as last week!)

One last reminder, Live the Life is still giving everyone 50% off their products.  Just use the code "LIFE2LIVE" at checkout.

My GIVE AWAY is still going on too, I will announce the winners at my 'Anything Goes Party' on Wednesday.

Monday's Measurements

Live the Life Give Away

Okay, like I promised, the 411 on big 'ol me!  I have to say, I was really surprised when I stepped on the scale.  I didn't know it had gotten that bad.  The real scary part is three weeks ago it was worse.  I've been watching what I eat and exercising this entire year so far.

Live the Life is what I need to be serious, to be more accountable.  It's only 1 hour into day one, and so far so good!!!  I'm half way through my first of six mini meals, and I'm feeling positive.  My eating plan is the same everyday but the exercise portion changes from day to day with Sundays off to rest.

Front View.

 Side View.

Rear View.

On to the gory details, my measurements.  Sigh.

We'll start at the top and move down.

Shoulders 41.5 inches

Chest 37.5 inches

RT/LT Biceps 12/11.5 inches

Waist 32.5 inches

Hips 41.5 inches

RT/LT Thighs 24.5/24.25 inches

RT/LT Calves 14.5/14.25 inches

Yikes!  Thankfully I'm 5'11" tall. 

Now to my weight, this totally goes against my better judgement to share this...I can't even believe I stepped on the scale.  I weigh, insert smirk, 175 lbs!  SIGH!

Okay, so there ya go.  I'm off to drop the boy at school and come back and do my work out.  Let me know if you would like more info on what I'm eating and how I'm exercising, I would love to share with those interested, or if you have any questions about Live the Life.

Just wanted to add, you will need to buy a few supplements, but nothing crazy.  Protein Powder, multi vitamin, L-Glutamine and a Triple Omega.  They also sell these items, or you can pick them up at any vitamin store, and some grocery stores.

 Thanks for stopping by.  =)

Live the Life, The Kristi Approved Program

I'm not even gonna sugar coat it....I have weight to lose, more than I care to admit.  I would love to blame it on quitting smoking, but really I shoveled the food into my mouth, the whole time sitting on my bum.  (my really big bum!)

Now it's time to do something about it, I'm not getting any younger...now if there were only a program for age loss? 

I searched the web and finally found a program that fit me.  I used to watch what I eat and exercise daily, so I know what to do, I just wanted a support team.  This program makes you accountable for your losses, and is clear and easy to follow.  I love easy. 

The program is really common sense.  You eat roughly 6 small meals a day and exercise.  They even included a grocery list and meal plan.  I shopped and prepared all my meals on today, so Monday when I start all I have to do is heat 'em and eat 'em.  You just repeat this for 12 weeks, and as long as you follow the program, you should have good loses.  The exercise is adjustable to your level too, so it's great for all levels, from beginners to advanced exercisers.  The even include a video demonstrating all the exercises.

They even have a program for men, so husbands and wives can do this together.  My hubby is in Afghanistan, and a BEEF CAKE already, just another reason to lose weight.  Sigh.

I don't want you to think that I'm doing this for purely cosmetic reasons, but I'm not gonna lie, I want to look better.  Who doesn't?  I do have health issues that this program will help, and let's face it I want to feel as good as I look.  Plus my family needs me to be healthy and fit.  I'm 38 with a  6 and 3 year old...and I need to be able to keep up with them.

So who wants to do the program with me?  The wonderful folks at Kristi Approved are offering $25 off Phase 1.  There are a few rules.

1.  Sign up for the 7 Day Challenge here.
2.  Like them on Facebook here.
3.  Follow my blog.

And here's some even better news, they are offering Phase 1 for Women to ONE lucky WINNER!  Yep a give away too!  This is a $150 value, FREE!  Entry Rules are the following.

1.  Sign up for the 7 Day Challenge here.  Comment on this post.
2.  Like them on Facebook here.  Comment on this post.
3.  Follow my blog.  Comment on this post.
4.  Blog about this give away.  Comment on this post. 

Looks kinda familiar?  So easy peasy.  You can even put it all in one comment, what ever is easiest for you.  I will use a random generator to select the winner next Sunday, January 30th.  Then I will email the winner to work out the details.

I'm starting the program in the morning, and I will do a weekly post about my stats and progress.  Check back tomorrow for all the befores, weight, measurements and pictures!  I know I'm a little off, before pictures are scary!  Yikes.

I hope some of you will join me, it would be great to have a buddy(s)!  Tomorrows post will include what else is needed for the program and a sample of the diet and exercise plans.