10 Pounds!

What a difference 10 pounds makes! At my peak weight (184) on the left and my new weight (174) on the right. There are clear changes through the waist, thighs, legs, and jaw line/chin. So excited about this new development. I owe a lot of my progress to the Jillian Michaels DVD I purchased ("Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism") which has definitely helped to keep me motivated while working out at home. Motivation has been difficult because I feel like there's still so far to go. I do have to remind myself though I am only 6 lbs away from where I was at my pre-pregnancy weight loss size.

Prior to the JM DVD I had hit a plateau of 176.2. Suddenly, one morning I weighed in and there it was- 174!

I don't know about everyone else but when I start to loose weight- I do not want to lose the momentum once I see loses. It gives me energy to know I'm inching towards my goal and that changes are happening.

When I reach my goal, I will post my real life "before" photo. I cringe at the sight of it but it helps to see where I've been and to continue to charge forward in this self-improvement venture.

Since I've written last- I've basically given up on the Shape website. It's so much detail- who has time? Especially when you're a stay at home mom who is looking for work. The days fly by with taking care of baby, the house, and the job search.

Skeptical

I don't know about you- but when i hear the phrase "exercise video" thoughts and images of corny 1980's vhs tapes fill my mind. Not only that but the leg warmers and leotards over tights in funky colors- thank goodness that era has past!

I do have a guilty admission- I have purchsed a work out dvd in the past- it's called "Cardio Bootcamp" which I had high hopes for. Unless you have a whole room free of furniture- don't buy it. Also- there's so many people in the video that it's hard to see what's going on. And the moves are tricky.

As my readers know, I watch the Biggest Loser- and many shows like it. Afterall, if these people can do it- so can I- right? With the newest seasons competitors being the largest/ heaviest ever- how many of us feel like we have an excuse? (The Style Network had a Biggest Loser marathon today- which I didn't watch. SO-- if you're ever looking for reruns- I'd check there.) The Biggest Loser gives a little insight into what the trainers are like and so I took a leap of faith and I purchased one of Jillian Michael's DVD's- Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism . This is a great workout- from what I've seen so far.

The warm up: more dynamic than most- instead of just holding a stretch- you are moving your arms and repeating stretches to get your heart rate up. Most warm ups in classes I've taken I've found boring- but this one is not.

Circuit one: Jillian goes to her (kick) boxing roots. Low impact moves that get your heart racing.

Circuit two: More challenging than the first. Jillian does a great job of letting you know that - "hey if you're not this advanced yet- it's ok- do what you can- don't add the hop yet" .

Circuit three: A bit more traditional cardio with jumping jacks, high knees and butt kicks while running in place... things like that.

JM runs through each circuit twice. It's a go at your own pace workout- the last 2-3 times I worked out to this dvd, I only got through the second circuit and could not handle the more advanced additions to the moves. Today I challenged myself to kick it up a notch and get uncomfortable. Like JM says- if you're comfortable you're not going to burn fat.

Its suggested that you use the dvd 5 days a week to see results of up to 5 lbs per week. We'll see how it goes!

Biggest Loser Secrets Revealed

If you watch the biggest loser like me, you might wonder (as I do) what we don't see in regards to the workout and food regimine that they experience on the ranch. Now, Prevention magazine has all the details- straight from Bob and Jillian. The 8 tips seem pretty simple- now it's just putting them into action!

here's the list:

• 1. Crank Up the Incline
• 2. Hold That Position
• 3. Ditch the Soda
• 4. Throw Your Weight Around
• 5. Get Menu-Savvy
• 6. Avoid Over-Processed Foods
• 7. Eat These for Stress Relief
• 8. Torch Calories With Weights

Belly size....

have you ever heard that the size of your waist can affect your health? I have. As an "apple" shape I hear about it alot and how it can affect my health. This video from prevention can help you determine your level of risk for a variety of health concerns- which are covered in the video.

Happy viewing
~Millie