Fitness Friday: Eating Right and Working Out on Vacation

It's another Fitness Friday, and guess who is still enjoying vacation swimming?  I really need to get a pool in my house. The kids and I really love it when we are the only ones in the pool.

Another good thing about vacation time is that it allows for a lot more activity.  So far, we have enjoyed paddle boating, kayaking, walking, and fitness rooms in addition to swimming pools.

It also means that we can make choices for food.  Some places we have stayed have a refrigerator and an oven. We love those places, but they are few and far between in affordability.

So, we settle for a hotel with a microwave and a small fridge, which means a lot of convenience foods. But, we can still choose wisely.

I have opted for guacamole and tortillas and fresh fruit and bags of salad.  Not bad for a hotel room meal.

Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fitness Friday: vacation swimming

One of my favorite things is watching my children enjoy the water.  Though, we don't have a pool at our house and it's a bit of a hassle to drive to any community pool. Not to mention the cost.  

But, when we are on vacation the pool in a hotel is a must have deal breaker.  I love watching and swimming with my children. 

Sometimes an impromptu swim lesson breaks out. 

Fitness Friday: When Size FAT is Too Small

After months of working out and eating salads, diet shakes, and trying to eat less - It still happened. Today, I tried on a shorts in "Size Fat", and they wouldn't zip up. They were still too large.

OK, there really isn't an actual "Size Fat", but it is a number of a size that I have placed in my own head as being way too big for my comfort. And, no matter how hard you try, I will not give away what that number is. Though, I will admit that it's not in all the 2X, 3X, etc. of Plus sizes. At least not yet.

Trying not to be discouraged, I was just grateful that I had actually taken the time to try them on before heading home with them and have to take more time to return them to the store.

But, it sort of discouraged me!

OK, it didn't sort of discourage me - It REALLY discouraged me.

Here, I have felt like I have been making some progress and slimming down - More importantly, getting a bit healthier. But, I suppose those "Size Fat" shorts don't lie.

By the way - There will be no pictures accompanying this blog.

OK, I'll share one - But, only to prove to myself that I'm not a complete loss cause:

Just kidding! I'm not that large.

So, now what?

Pump up the workout time and crank out the fruits and veggies diet for a little while longer, I guess. And, don't give up!

Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fitness Friday: Could You Pass the President's Challenge?

It's Friday, and that means it's time to chat about fitness. When I was in school, there was a very special award given out to those who could accomplish amazing physical education feats. It was called the Presidential Physical Fitness Award.

A few years ago, my oldest two kids accomplished this award. And, let me tell you, it was no easy accomplishment. They worked hard.

I remember, in particular, my son trying to achieve the needed time in a mile run. He tried and tried and tried. I encouraged, and encouraged, and encouraged. Until, I was tired. I remember the moment I announced to him that we had tried enough, and we just need to accept the fact that he's just one mile run away from receiving that award.

Well, apparently, that's all he needed to hear. All of a sudden, he bolted around that path. He did it!

The Presidential Physical Fitness Award requires a lot of physical challenges. The pullups are a struggle. The relay was a struggle. The stretches were o.k. for us.

Regardless, we did it. And, so can you!

Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fitness Friday: Walking Paths

It's Friday, and the weather in my neck of the woods has been incredibly unseasonably cooler than normal. So, that means it's perfect weather for walking.

There are some amazing walking paths near where I live. Some of them connect bike paths and other park paths, along some main thoroughfares. Others are more tucked away in park-like settings.

If your town has any paths like these, or even anything close, take advantage of them. Get out and walk, run, bicycle, or skip. It's a great way to take in some great scenery, take time to reflect or pray while walking, and just relax while working your body's muscles - Is that even possible?  Why, yes. yes, it is!

One path that I have always enjoyed is one at our local community college. For some reason, the idea of a fountain in the center focal part of a circular path is quite appealing. I guess it's refreshing when I catch some of the spray, but it's also very relaxing and allows me to make believe I am walking along a beach, by the ocean.

Unfortunately, I was struck with a summertime cold that has knocked the socks off of me, so I haven't been enjoying the outside walking.

Still, it's there to be enjoyed by those who can. That is, of course, until the heat and humidity return tonight and over the weekend. At which point, a pool sounds like the better choice.

Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fitness Friday: 12 Ways To Stay Active With Kids Outside This Summer

Summertime is upon us, and that means there's no longer any excuses to not getting outside and spending some active time with the kiddos. Here's 12 ideas to get you started staying active with the kids outside this summer:

1. Walk in the cool of the morning or evening
2. Ride bikes
   
   
   
3. Kick a playground ball around
4. Play catch
5. Play Frisbee
6. Make up your own game of bubbles. Don't just blow bubbles and watch them pop. Try to jump on them before they land, or run to catch them. Be creative. There's bound to be something active and fun to do with bubbles.
7. Swim
8. Do cartwheels in the grass
9. Roll down a hill
   
   
   
10. Set up an obstacle course to run through
11. Run through the sprinkler
12. Play Hopscotch. If you don't have a hopscotch board, draw one with playground chalk.

Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fitness Friday: How Dads Create Exercise on Father's Day

What do you do on Father's Day? Often, it goes hand-in-hand with BBQs, and some form of outside physical activity.

That's right - Some for of PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

What do you do on Father's Day that's exercise? Here's some tips:

 

 

• Frisbee
• Fishing
• Golf
• Swimming
• Go for a walk

 

• 
• Run together
• Bicycle on your favorite path
• Rock climbing
• Toss around a baseball
• Play kickball
• Just get goofy and run around together

Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fitness Friday: The Sunshine Vitamin

Why does a sunshiny day make us feel so happy?

One answer to that question could have something to do with Vitamin D - Also known as the "Sunshine Vitamin"  Though, it might be more appropriately  named "The Helper".

Vitamin D helps other nutrients to be used in our bodies. These main nutrients that Vitamin D helps out are calcium and phosphorous.

Calcium cannot be absorbed by our bodies unless Vitamin D is present to sort of introduce calcium to our bloodstream and to our bones.

Not enough Vitamin D? In 1922, scientists discovered something quite interesting and puzzling. The children who lived near the seashore didn't seem to suffer from rickets (a bone softening and brittling disease brought on from not getting enough Vitamin D in the diet). When they supplemented their diets with cod liver oil, which contains the D vitamin they were lacking, the children improved.

Vitamin D helps to build strong teeth, bones, muscle tone and even fights disease. Since you can't lasso the sun and bring it into your home, and you don't want to cause damage from too much sunshine that promotes vitamin D production - Instead,Vitamin D should be taken daily in, the very least, a multi-vitamin supplement.

See what other Fitness Friday bloggers have to say about staying fit and eating healthy:

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Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fitness Friday: Stay Fit At Your Desk Office Orchid Cup from Personal Trainer to the Stars Fitness Flower Review

Keep up your fitness routine without leaving your desk. Sitting at a desk all day doesn't seem to make Working out and staying fit a good mix. Estelle Shaw, personal trainer to busy Hollywood actors, came up with a simple practical solution. And, I got to sample this new amazing product in exchange for an honest review.

 If you have no time for working out because you're too busy working, your worries have come to an end. The Office Orchid by Fitness Flower helps keep a constant reminder in view at all times. The Office Orchid is a cup that you can fill with water to keep you hydrated, but it doesn't stop there. It features pictures of a series of exercises that you can do right there at your desk, in your office chair while performing your daily office duties.

Follow the six convenient exercises pictured on the cup to get and stay in great shape. It takes less than 10 minutes per day. Fitness Flower wants to help you keep your fitness routine easily while checking off your daily to-do list.



Don't lose out on your planned daily workout routine just because your work day is jam-packed with a long to-do list that includes sitting at a desk. The Office Orchid by Fitness Flower is here with the intention of helping get you through the stressful day of work while also maintaining your workout.

The Office Orchid is a series of six simple exercises that have been proven to be effective. The beauty of these particular exercises is that you can do them in your office chair, at your desk.

The Office Orchid is a 24 oz. tumbler cup with double walls. Pictured around the outside of the cup are six simple exercises. The exercises are illustrated and presented by Greg Paprocki. Not only will you stay hydrated with the practical use of the cup, but you will be reminded of exercises that will help keep you fit as you sit.

Along with the cup, you receive a brochure and checklist as well as a bonus Office Orchid bookmark that includes six stretches you can do without getting up from your chair.

I found the cup to be a solid product that feels strong in your hands. It has a straw that makes it easy to sip water all day, and the pictures are really a fun reminder. It holds 24 oz., so at eight - 8 oz. glasses recommended water a day, that means that you only have to refill the cup about three times in the course of the entire day, and really only once or twice during long work hours.

The exercise reminder cup sells for $19.95 on the Fitness Flower website.

Also find Fitness Flower on Facebook, Twitter as @Fitness Flower, and Pinterest.


See what other Fitness Friday bloggers have to say about staying fit and eating healthy:

Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fitness Friday: Pregnancy and Exercise

When I was pregnant with my first, I didn't even show for the first 7 months hardly enough to even mention it.  That rapidly changed with the proceeding pregnancies. And, I suddenly became aware of needing to stay fit while pregnant and afterward to get back my pre-pregnancy body.

But, how much exercise is too much during pregnancy?  And, is it even healthy at all to work out while carrying a baby?

First - Check with your doctor before you do any kind of exercise while pregnant, because every pregnancy is different. Just because you carried 8 kids and home-birthed them all, completely unmedicated and stoic, doesn't mean that baby #9 will offer the exact same smooth-sailing nine months to your body.

Actually, exercise during pregnancy has been shown to help reduce the risk of diabetes, to help lose baby fat faster, and to even get the labor process started.

But - Be careful to pace yourself.

Low-impact aerobics are the heart-pumping beneficial kind of moving.  Don't push yourself too far or too fast.

Swimming can be very good for an expectant mama.

Walking is great for the mommy-to-be.

Just be sure to avoid exercise that concentrates on the abdomen. There will be plenty of time to work on this several week post baby.

Avoid workouts that strain or push you beyond what you feel comfortable with.

Above all else, be sure to check with your doctor before you begin any exercise routine while pregnant, and if you experience any dizziness, pain, or other issues that don't seem normal.

Also, be sure to stay super hydrated before, during, and after workouts.

If you have been told to stay on bedrest - DON'T CHANCE A WORKOUT!  Getting a healthy baby to arrive to a healthy mama is your first and foremost goal at this time. Any body shaping that needs to be done will progress better if you wait till you have the doctor's clearance post-baby (usually at least size weeks after welcoming your little bundle).  If you have a c-section, this "ok to workout" date will stretch out to eight weeks or more.

One exercise that is beneficial and is not too strenuous during pregnancy that prepares you for labor, are Kegal exercises.  They help build the muscles that will support you throughout labor and after.

See what other Fitness Friday bloggers have to say about staying fit and eating healthy:

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Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fitness Friday: Bridal Wedding Boot Camp

I have been married for a little more than 20 years now - I know, it's hard for me to comprehend this is true as well!  When I got married, I had never heard of bridal boot camps or any kind of fitness challenges to get ready to fit into that wedding dress.  Well, nothing other than starving yourself or crash dieting.  Neither of which did I need at the time, in my size 7/8 dress and tiny waistline.

Today, however, would be a different story.  Thankfully, I will not be donning a dress and standing before a crowd of friends and family anytime expected soon.  Though, for those of you who will, these bridal boot camps sound like a great idea.

The concept behind them is to spend a few weeks getting fit. While, the focus is on how great you will look in that wedding dress, it's really more about a well-rounded, balanced lifestyle change to include in your wedding planning.

There are numerous places, community centers and such, who offer these bridal boot camps.  But, what I wanted to add to my blog, today, is a list of something I came across that complements these fitness training sessions.

It's a list of songs to workout to for bridal boot camp.

The songs seem like a good mix of happy, upbeat, inspirational and encouraging tunes to get your feet moving and slim down and get fit with a goal.

See what other Fitness Friday bloggers have to say about staying fit and eating healthy:

Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fitness Friday: How Are You Doing With Your Goals?

Here we are almost halfway through the month of May.  How did we manage to get this far into the year already.  We are this far from New Years Day when many made a resolution to lose weight and get fit. How are you doing with your goals?

On a personal front, I'm hanging in there. While I am far from where I want to be, I have not gone backwards losing ground.

What goals are you trying to attain?

What steps have you done lately to reach these goals?

Have you given up?

Have you already surpassed them?  If so, it's time to make new goals. Or, in the words of Rapunzel (a new dream).

See what other Fitness Friday bloggers have to say about staying fit and eating healthy:

LINK UP HERE!!!

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Link Up Here!

Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fitness Friday: The Art of Baby Lifting

It is not a scientific fact, but I am convinced that the reason I lost so much weight and gained a ton of muscle after having my third baby is because she wanted to be in my arms 24/7.

I believe I was weight lifting every day, almost the entire day each day, simply by lifting my baby.  As she grew, my weight-lifting intensified.

I remember early days of holding this child involved coming up with quite creative ways of getting day-to-day chores done with only one arm, because my baby was in the other.  Oh, she let me put her down on occasion.  But, these occasions were few and far between.

Every picture of my daughter and I, when she was a baby, includes me looking rather fit with her dangling over my left arm. This left my right arm free to move.  And, move I did.  I even learned how to crack an egg one handed.

As she learned to walk, however, my weight lifting decreased.  And, then she stopped nursing on a regular basis, and all that calorie-counting energy decreased as well.

Can I regain that level of weight-lifting fitness?

I hope so.  Only, instead of a baby in my arms, I now have to be creative with what I lift.  Considering she started out as an almost 8 lb. newborn, I should start my new weight-lifting attempts with an approximate 8 pound weight, or objects that equal 8 lbs., and move up from there.  If I follow the baby as a weight concept, then I would need to increase my weights at healthy increments until I reached 20 pound weights within the course of a year. (Her approximate weight at one year of age was 22 pounds).

Not as fun as having an infant in your arms, using the same idea as picking up your newborn can create a great mindset for regaining muscle tone.

See what other Fitness Friday bloggers have to say about staying fit and eating healthy:

Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fitness Friday: The 15-Day Sit-Up Challenge

Are you up for it?  Are you literally up for it?

I am taking the 15-day sit-up challenge.

What does this mean?

For the next 15 days, I will need to do situps every day.

Day 1 - Will start with 10 situps
Day 2 - Will add 5 more
Day 3 - Add 5 more, for 20 situps
Day 4 - Add 5 more for 25 situps
Day 5 - Rest and do some weights
Day 6 - Start with 25 situps
Day 7 - Add 5 more, for 30 situps
Day 8 - Add 5 more, for 35 situps
Day 9 - Add 5 more, for 40 situps
Day 10 - Rest and do weights on arms
Day 11 - Start with 40 situps
Day 12 - Add 5 more
Day 13 - Add 5 more, for a total of 50 situps
Day 14 - Do 50 situps
Day 15 - Do 50 situps and congratulate yourself!

See what other Fitness Friday bloggers have to say about staying fit and eating healthy:

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Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fitness Friday: A Few Less Jelly Beans, A Little Less Jiggle

With Easter egg hunts and candy abounding, it's real easy to have too many jelly beans. All the candy that the kids don't like - Goes to mama!  All the candy that was bought extra - Goes to mama!  All the candy that goes on sale - Goes to mama!

Then, what happens to it?

All those jelly beans m,ake a jelly belly, and not the flavored jelly bean kind nor the jolly jelly belly form either.

So, now is the time to say no!  OK, not no to everything. It's ok to let yourself have a jelly bean here and there, or even on Easter.

But, just don't sit down to the entire bag while fending off others in your household who want to help you finish off, even the black ones.

Turn a blind eye to those candy sales.

Host your own buy back program for your child's candy. Exchange the pieces for a penny a piece, and then allow him or her to buy a fun toy with the earnings.

Have some fun!  For every jelly bean or chocolate egg you allow into your mouth, do 20 situps. For that hollow chocolate bunny - Go for a walk around the block.

Take the whole family, and get the family involved.

Enjoy those Easter baskets filled with candy, but make it more inviting to refocus onto healthier options.

See what other Fitness Friday bloggers have to say about staying fit and eating healthy:

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Link Up Here!

Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fitness Friday: 5 Exercise Hacks You'll Wish You Knew

No time for the gym?  No worries. Here's five exercise hacks you'll wish you know, in a pinch:

1. Did you see that parking spot right next to the door?  Clench your teeth, and let it go! Keep right on driving, and head for the far end of the parking lot instead. Those extra steps to the front door will give you a great exercise jaunt for free.
2. Waiting, waiting, waiting - Floor 5, Floor 4, Floor 3, here comes the elevator. But, if you are smart; you'll ditch he elevator and head for the stairs. Your legs and lungs will thank you.
3. Don't have time to lift weights? Don't even own a set of weights? No problem! Head for the kitchen to pick up some cans. Do a few can lifting before you prepare to cook a healthy dinner.
4. Sitting at the desk for another night of overtime? No worries!  Do some isometric exercises as you sit. Tighten your muscles and release at least 10 times every hour.
5. Standing in a long line? Don't let yourself get bored. Step in place. Don't worry about being conspicuous and looking strange. Small stepping can be done without calling too much attention to yourself.

See what other Fitness Friday bloggers have to say about staying fit and eating healthy:

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Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fitness Friday: Jogging, Running v. Walking

Are you a runner?  Perhaps you jog?  Or, is walking more your speed?  Stop beating yourself up when you see all of your friends signing up for that half marathon, or you see that marathon bumper sticker on someone's car.  Perhaps, walking is just as good - If not better - For your overall fitness.  At least, that's what I hope.

Jogging, running, anything at super fast speed is really not me. As a kid, when I would run around the track, my side would hurt.  I'm still not sure what's up with that. I'm not sure if the side aches stopped as I grew or I juts no longer experience the pains when I run - Well, because I never run anymore unless it's to chase after a child who has found him or herself in danger.

I prefer walking.  Yes, walking is my favorite exercise. But, is it as good as jogging?

According to one article, from the University of Rochester Medical Center, both have their benefits and their issues of concern. Summing it up, jogging or running seems to be better at fat burning, while walking is a great low-impact overall fitness activity that causes less overall injury.

I didn't want to settle for just one study's word for it, so I looked further into the question and found fitness expert Jenny Sugar suggests that jogging or running provides a better aerobic exercise. However, a brisk walk can be just as good.

One last source I discovered was from an article in the Huffington Post that bottom lined the question to say that running isn't for everyone and that running burns more calories, but walking has plenty of benefits as well. It continues with a really nice slideshow about the health benefits of walking that's worth a look.



My conclusion:

I'm still not a runner, though I am impressed with those who have the stamina and dedication. Even though it is at a slower pace, I will continue to love my preferred mode of walking over running.

Which one do you prefer?

See what other Fitness Friday bloggers have to say about staying fit and eating healthy:

LINK UP HERE!!!

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Link Up Here!

Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fitness Friday: How A Walk Around The Block Could Save Your Life

Well, here we are once again at another Friday. This week, in my personal life, I have something important to talk about.

My hubby was scheduled to have some dental surgery done this week.  He was dreading it, but it pretty much has to be done. It's not a root canal or cavity fill or wisdom teeth removal.  It's much more intricate and involves a childhood accident and two teeth that now require more attention by way of a 2-hour surgery.

While he was dreading it, and nervous, we didn't fully foresee the next step:

He did all the prep work for surgery, showed up on time, and before he surgery they took his blood pressure - Routine, I suppose. But, thankfully so.

His blood pressure was 201/114

The oral surgeon tried two more times, with a different machine and then even did it manually with a stethoscope just to be sure.  While it dropped slightly, it was much too high to administer the anesthestic, which apparently raises it on a good day.

So, now what?

How important is blood pressure, and where does he turn now?

He didn't know whether to head for the ER or Urgent Care or make an appointment with an MD.  While, he weighed the odds and the cost, he sat stunned.

Eventually, after a few phone calls, he made an appointment with an MD.

We do not know what's ahead, though we do know prayer, healthier eating, and exercise will be part of it.

 
In researching blood pressure, we know that high numbers can cause stroke or heart risks. Though, long term high blood pressure can also cause damage to organs, like the kidneys and even to nerves in the eyes causing blindness.

We pray nothing catastrophic happens while he attempts to bring down the BP to more manageable numbers and, prayerfully finally get the dental surgery on the reschedule date, about a month away.

We are not thrilled about the possibility of medication, but he is willing to do whatever it takes and understands that there are a lot of medicine options as well as diet, exercise and natural essential oils and vitamins.

The interesting thing is that when he returned home, the only thing that successfully brought down his blood pressure to a still high, but better number of 151/99, was a walk around the block.

A SIMPLE WALK AROUND THE BLOCK COULD SAVE MY HUBBY'S LIFE

Isn't that amazing?

See what other Fitness Friday bloggers have to say about staying fit and eating healthy:

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Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
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Fitness Friday: Weigh In On Your Favorite Meal Replacement Weight Loss Shake and Bars

Let's weigh in on what is the best diet meal replacement shake out there.

I have tried just a couple weight loss meal replacement shakes, and I usually find them to be catered toward the sweet tooth lover, or overload on chocolate. While I enjoy sweets, I'm very particular about how I like it.

For instance, I do not like sweetened tea (sorry friends from the south). And, I've never been a soda fan.

So, sweet substitutes just aren't necessary for my taste buds.  I do, however, crave salty snacks.

I also could enjoy a protein/meal replacement chocolate bar. But, so many of them seem either over sweetened, bland, or too chewy or too small.

I'm sure there are plenty available that I've never heard of, but here's some that I have tried or heard of and wonder if they are worth trying.  What do you think?

Advocare shakes - It looks like you can order 14 servings for $44.95, but for a full month this would climb, as well as recommended vitamins, etc.

Visalis shakes - I actually tried this one, and it was about $99 for one month. I'm considering giving this one another chance.

Pink Drink - This one is new to me. It claims that it is not a meal replacement shake but is a natural way to lose weight.

Juice Plus - I would consider this one, but quite honestly, their marketing style so turns me off.  I am all the time being invited to a special health talk, meal, or gathering. Only, when you arrive, it's just a cover to sell Juice Plus, and worse yet, to ask if I will sell it.  Sorry to all the wonderful Juice Plus reps out there who are my friends, but Just come right out and tell me that it's a party to sell me stuff, and I'll be ok with accepting the invitation or declining. And, I'm no sales person. So, I will probably decline regardless. But, at least I won't feel conned into a health event that was really a sales meeting.  So, while their product seems to be amazing, I want to be absolutely 100% certain that I want to go this route before I contact a representative.

Nutrisystem - This one has been around for awhile, but I am not familiar with cost or results.

Shakeology - This is another one that I'm familiar with, but it has a cute, catchy name and I like the idea of getting a "Trim Beach Body". It is pricey at $129.95 for what looks like about a month.

Ideal Shape - This one is new to me, as well. But, the price looks pretty good, and it is ranked #1 in one review study.

I'm sure there are plenty of others.  Maybe, Shaklee has one. My parents used to sell Shaklee, and I remember they had a really nice protein meal bar.

What do you think?

What's your experience with meal replacement dieting, and if you've had success with a shake or bar - Which one?

See what other Fitness Friday bloggers have to say about staying fit and eating healthy:

LINK UP HERE!!!

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Link Up Here!

Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

How Much Dieting and Working Out Does It Take To Loose An Inch

I figured out how many inches I need to lose to feel happy and healthy once again.  I'm not going to share this number just yet, but as part of my curiosity, I looked up and researched how much dieting and working out it's going to take to loose an inch at a time.

What I discovered is that there doesn't seem to be any concrete scientific formula for losing an inch. A lot depends upon body type and so many other factors.

This frustrated me.  I want a mathematical formula that I can check off my to-do list and get into shape.  But, it's nowhere to be found.

So, I went about it another way.

I searched for how many calories are in a pound.  I discovered that for every pound of weight, it took an estimated 3500 calories to put it there. In other words, for every 3500 calories extra that I burn, I should lose approximately one pound.

WHEW!

So, what will that take?

Since my first steps to fitness are being focused on trying to achieve 10,000 steps per day, I used that as a starting block. I found this quote:

A person weighing 70kb can burn about 440 calories by walking 10,000 steps briskly. If you're trying to lose weight, you should aim to burn 600 more calories than you take in through food and drink every day.

If I take in less than 2000 calories a day (I'll just round it out at this number since it's easier to do the math that way), then I need to burn 2600 calories a day for weight loss.

So, roughly, I'm burning off one meal per day by walking 10,000 steps, which equates to about 5 miles of walking.

While, that's obviously not enough to attain my goal, it's not a bad start.

In addition to 10,000 steps, I'm also trying to eat more salads, juicing fruit, opting for coconut milk smoothies and trying to take in smaller portions.

See what other Fitness Friday bloggers have to say about staying fit and eating healthy:

LINK UP HERE!!!

.

Link Up Here!

Find more fitness motivation at the following bloggers that are hosting Fitness Friday:

The Healthy Moms.net
Chandra Sullivan at Spark Your Motivation
Danielle Nabozny at Lip Gloss and Yoga Pants
Lisa Belanger at Inspire Me Well
Maryann Mitchell at It's Not Food, It's Me
Angela Barnets at Fit Personified
Wendi Barker at Wendi's Book Corner
Lacey Baker at Love Lacey 365
Follow my blog with Bloglovin