A Quick Update with Photos

I haven't posted about our CLX or ChaLEAN Extreme progress so I thought I'd show off a few photos of our lifting days and talk a little about our progress.

We just finished week one of the Push Phase, which is the 2nd phase of the program. We actually just finished this morning in fact, with the Recharge. That's where we stretch and work on our flexibility. I am so NOT a fan of yoga but as I keep being told...learn to enjoy it! I'm trying...

Here are some photos of our workouts:

My Tips on Surviving the Holidays

Another Fitness Myth Debunked

Somewhere along your journey to fitness, whether in the gym, reading the latest books, or talking with your friends, you'll hear a lot of advice about exercise--not all of which is true. 

Fitness Myth 
If you can't exercise hard and often, there's really no point. 

Truth
Even moderate activity is shown to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. If you don't have 30 minutes in your day to exercise, try splitting it up into 10-minute segments instead. Everyone can find 10 minutes to spare sometime during the day! There are simple things you can do to increase your activity without having to go to the gym: take the stairs instead of the elevator, jump rope or do body weight exercises (push ups, crunches) at commercial breaks, take a short walk after lunch. Remember that any exercise is better than none! 

Exercise Extra Tip: Clip on a pedometer and aim for 10,000 steps daily, which equals about 5 miles. 

Family Health & Wellness: Workout Tips for New Parents

Between nursing, changing diapers, preparing meals (and cleaning up after those meals), visiting family, and trying to squeeze in a shower, stay-at-home parents work just as hard as those who clock in elsewhere, and often find themselves stuck in the same no-time-to-exercise trap. 

Regular workouts can bring peace to your day and fitness to your body. If you're desperate for fitness but can't seem to find the time, all you need is some planning and a little creativity. Here are some tips for parents with a baby or young child: 

1. Invest in a jogging stroller or a "kid trailer" for your bike. When you're pushing or pulling one of these, you're sure to get a good workout--your kids will enjoy it too! Another current trend is the StrollerFit class, where parents (with their stroller-age children) utilize strollers for a cardiovascular and strength-building workout. 

2. Strap baby to you in a baby carrier. If your baby is too young to feel comfortable in a stroller, you can still exercise together. There are many comfortable baby carriers on the market, including slings, front carriers, and backpacks. Adding 10-20 pounds to your frame for a walk will boost calorie burn, helping you shed those extra pounds. And babies love to be held close to you. In fact, touching enhances brain development in infants, so as you get fitter, baby gets smarter! 

3. Join a gym with child-care, or add it to your membership. Whether you don't enjoy the great outdoors, or you live in a climate with blustery winters or lots of rain, outdoor exercise with the kids is not always an option. On-site childcare facilities offer convenience and the peace of mind that if your child needs you, you're only an intercom page away. 

4. Sign up for parent-baby yoga classes. If these are offered in your area, parent-baby yoga classes can help you build strength and stamina, reduce stress, and provide you another opportunity to bond with your child.