Fitness

Lose 10 Pounds in 10 Days: The Jackie Warner Method

Getting my body back post baby definitely took some work, and although I am happy with how I look, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to lose more weight. Dropping another 10 pounds would be ideal, especially with summer right around the corner. Gym memberships are up and folks are scrambling to get bikini ready, so trainers like Jackie Warner are offering tips and solutions to help those struggling with their weight shed those pesky pounds.

Hair

March Updates

It's been a minute since I've checked in with you guys to provide an update in terms of where I'm at on my Waist-length journey. As you can see I have quite a ways to go, but am still very pleased with my progress.

Fitness

Shorty's Baby Fat: Weight Loss Update

The following video is an update to my Q&A Volume 5: Shorty's Baby Fat video. I thought it would be cool to share some things that are helping me move closer to my goal in this weight loss journey.


Here is the link to the article that was mentioned in the video: Hungry Much

Fitness

Bring Sexy Back

If you live in New Jersey and are looking for a fun way to get in shape, why not try pole dancing at GoDiva Studio in Bloomfield. Established in 2010, GoDiva Studio is an exotic dance studio that specializes in pole, belly and erotic dance classes. These sexy workouts are the perfect way to get fit while tapping into your inner sex goddess. Shy clients can sign up for private instruction, and the less timid, exhibitionist types can elect for group sessions. The company founders, Ty Smith, Nikki Philip, and Sonya Mitchell, are highly trained instructors who have taken the time to design a variety of packages to suit the individual needs of each client. What are you waiting for? Grab a group of your girlfriends and head on over to GoDiva studio for a divalicious party you won't soon forget!

For more info, visit GoDivastudio.com.

Q and A Volume 5

Q&A Vol 5: Shorty's Baby Fat

In my previous Q&A video (Q&A Vol 4: Pregnancy & Labor), I discussed my pregnancy and labor. As a follow up, this next video addresses questions about pregnancy weight gain and weight loss. Enjoy!

Exercise

Just Dance 2 for Wii

I love to dance, and now that I'm trying to get my pre-baby bod back, I figure I need to find fun ways to workout in order to stay motivated. I asked my hubby to get me a dance game for Christmas, and Santa delivered!

Just Dance 2 for Wii is a great cardiovascular workout. I pop this sucker into the Wii and follow the moves to some of my fav songs. Unfortunately, the musical selection is quite limited, so I dance to my fav songs on the DVD, not my fav songs in life, LOL!

Some of my favorite routines to jam to on this DVD are "Jump" by Kris Kross, "Proud Mary" by Ike and Tina Turner, and "That's Not My Name" by the Ting Tings. I really wish this were a Karaoke game, 'cause I think I may like singing along with the songs just as much, if not more than dancing to them :-). I'll dance to a random selection of songs for a good 30 minutes, which is more than long enough to work up a sweat. Once I get better conditioned, I'm gonna buy the Michael Jackson The Experience DVD. Now that, I've heard, is such a great workout, it will have you calling the paramedic!

Exercise

Physical Activity is Key to Longevity

We all know that physical activity is the key to staying healthy, but a new study shows that it is also a very important factor in increasing one's lifespan. In fact, Israeli researchers recently discovered that even a little bit of exercise can help add a few years to the lives of those in their mid to late 80s. Now, I'm sure God has a little something to do with determining one's lifespan, but it doesn't hurt to take care of the body He blessed us with :-).

For more information on how exercise can add years to your life, see Exercise can extend survival even in 'oldest old.'

Exercise

Which Activity Burns The Most Calories?

If you only have twenty to thirty minutes to devote to exercise, you want to make sure that you're engaged in an activity that's going to optimize your calorie burn. Raising your heart rate is essential so that you can improve your cardiovascular health and optimize your weight loss efforts. If you had to choose between jumping rope for thirty minutes or jogging for thirty minutes, do you know which activity will get you into your skinny jeans the quickest? The following quiz, which compares various forms of exercise, will help you learn which activity will give you the results you desire. Take it here: Which Exercise Burns More?

Surprisingly, I failed the test miserably. Let me know how well you score.

Exercise

The Couch Potato Workout

For those of you don't-have-the-time, don't-have-the-energy, or quite simply, don't-feel-like-working-out type of folks, this workout may just be for you. Even if you're the biggest couch potato on the planet, you can take advantage of commercial breaks to do some simple moves that will have a big payoff if you do them correctly AND consistently. For details, check out: The Couch Potato Workout.

Exercise

The 15-Minute Workout

For those of you ladies who are still using the excuse, "I just don't have enough time to exercise," there's hope for you yet! Apparently, you don't have to workout for hours on end -- or even an hour at a time to get in shape. There's a new study out that claims you can get fit in as little as 15 minutes. There are of course certain moves you should make in order to make the most of those 15 minutes. To learn how, see The 15-Minute Workout.

Exercise

Fit In Your Jeans By Friday

Another one of my favorite curvy ladies has come out with an exercise video. Like my girl Toccara, Kim Kardashian has released a DVD series titled, Fit In Your Jeans By Friday. Each of the three videos in the series target a different area of the body. Combined, the videos serve to help you build the ultimate brick house. There's the "Ultimate Butt Body Sculpt," "Amazing Abs Body Sculpt," and the "Butt Blasting Cardio Step" workout. You can snag all three videos for only $39.99 at Fitinyourjeansbyfriday.com.

Exercise

Checks & Balances

Haven't you ever wondered how long it would take for you to burn off that extra slice of pizza or that extra scoop of ice cream you know you should have gone without? Well, you no longer have to wonder, as some nutritionists have calculated how long one would have to exercise in order to burn off some fast food favorites. Get the full scoop here: What Chain-Food Favorites Cost in Exercise.

I'm glad they took into account the rate at which one must exercise in order to burn a specific amount of calories, because one person's 50 minute walk may not be as effective as another's. Obviously, you'll burn more calories in a 50 minute power walk than you will in a 50 minute leisurely stroll, so the intensity with which you exercise is also, if not more important than the amount of time you put in.

Exercise

Double the Pleasure, Double the Fun!

Research has shown that working out with your significant other can do wonders for your health AND your relationship. The feel-good endorphins that are released after a workout can also make you feel good about your partner. Plus, investing in your health is the same as investing in your future, so it's a great way to ensure that you and your mate will have a long life together. To get the full scoop on how exercising with your mate can benefit your relationship, check out: Exercise Your Way To A Better Relationship.

Exercise

Indoor Rock Climbing

I shared with you ladies last week that I was going indoor rock climbing over the weekend. That was the first time I'd been in a long time, so I had forgotten what a great upper body workout it is! I've said many times before that getting fit doesn't have to be boring, and indoor rock climbing was so much fun! Here is a pic of me climbing the wall:



And a pic of me at the top of the wall…


And a pic of me swinging back down to the floor!

Exercise

Belly Dancing Anyone?

On Saturday I went belly dancing with some friends, and let me tell you, that was a workout! I love to dance, and this class combined hip hop moves with traditional belly dancing gyrations. I've said many times before that exercise doesn't have to be boring. My thighs are still sore from dropping it like it's hot!

If you're interested in learning how to belly dance, try Googling classes in your area. For general information about this fun, vigorous workout, check out the following links:

#1. How to Belly Dance
#2. Magical Motion
#3. Belly Dance

Exercise

Who Says Exercise Has to Be Boring?

Summer is approaching, and everyone wants to be outdoors. More importantly, everyone wants to be scantily clad while they're outdoors. So, this is the perfect time to get in shape! Now that it's spring and the weather is heating up, this is the perfect time to hit the great outdoors. Who says you have to be cooped up inside the gym in order to get in shape, or be bored? Just a few weeks ago, I spent a nice afternoon pedal boating with some friends (That's me in the sun hat). We were on the water for about an hour, but since we were chatting it up, we never focused on the fact that we were actually exercising!

If pedal boating isn't your thing, here is a list of other fun outdoor activities you can partake in:

• Walking
• Hiking
• Bike riding
• Jogging (I hate running, but I know it's a great cardiovascular workout!)
• Swimming
• Roller skating/blading
• Tennis

Exercise

Wave Goodbye to Arm Jiggle

Want strong arms like the first lady? According to Prevention magazine, if you do bicep curls with weights, try lowering the weights slowly for an added, muscle building effect. Focusing more on the lowering phase of weight lifting "places extra stress on the muscle fibers, making them stronger" (April 2009, pg. 14). I don't know about you, but I'm going to try this little bit of advice the next time I hit the gym, because no one wants arms that wave back when they say goodbye!

Exercise

Pump it Up!

The next time you go to the gym, be sure and hit the weight room before you leave. A lot of women talk about how they "don't want to look like a man," so they don't lift weights. The reality is, it would take a whole lot of lifting for you to look like a man, and by you completely avoiding the weight room, you also avoid all the weight loss benefits you could be reaping.

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine found that lifting heavy weights for as few as 3 to 6 reps increased the sleeping metabolic rate of exercisers by nearly 8%. That's calorie burning effects you could be missing out on as you sleep! Many don't realize that the body is actually burning calories long after a workout. In fact, "Heavy weights create more protein breakdown in the muscle, so your body has to use more energy to repair and recover--that's how lean muscle tissue is built," says Anthony Caterisano, PhD, of Furman University (Prevention magazine, March 2009, pg. 102).

So, the next time you hit the gym, don't forget to lift some weights ladies. Not only will it help you lose weight, but it'll also help you stay nice and toned too!

Exericise

Take it to The Streets

Did you know that you can burn more calories walking outside versus on a treadmill? It's true. In fact, studies have shown that people who walk or run outdoors burn up to 10% more calories than those who stay inside the gym ("The Ultimate Over-40 Fat Fighter!" Prevention, March 2009, pg. 102). I believe this is true, for I've noticed that there are a lot of people who hold on to the rails while walking on a treadmill, not realizing that doing that prevents them from burning as many calories as they can. When we walk outside, we're more inclined to pump our arms, which aids in the calorie-burning effect. In addition, pumping your arms can actually help you walk faster. So, the next time you get ready to jump on the treadmill, remember this little tidbit and try taking it outside for once. The change in scenery alone will be enough to propel your workouts, for you won't be counting the minutes as you take in the beautiful sights around you.

Exercise

Bowl Your Way to a Better Body

Believe it or not, bowling is actually a calorie burning activity. According to an article in the February 2009 issue of Prevention Magazine ("Your Winter Weight-Loss Fix," pg. 77), bowling for two hours can help you burn a whopping 400 calories. I wonder how accurate that number is? If you're on a league and really know how to score, I can see that being true. BUT, if you're like me and like to throw the ball granny style, I don't really see how that can be considered exercise. Yet, since I'm all for engaging in activities that are fun and don't feel like work, I don't see how it would hurt to give it a try!