Build strength with isometrics

An isometric exercise is a great way to build strength, mass and stamina. What is it? Isometric Exercise is defined as “Exercise performed by the exertion of effort against a resistance that strengthens and tones the muscle without changing the length of the muscle fibers.” (The American Heritage® Stedman’s Medical Dictionary). In laymen’s terms, this means there’s no movement as in standard exercises.

Yoga uses isometrics extensively; other examples would be holding a weight in a contracted bicep curl for a short period of time, holding a squat, or, pushing an immoveable object (like simulating pushing a door). What’s great about isometric exercises is you can get a big result using only your body weight (think – workout for travel!).

Here are some great isometric exercises to try:

1)      “Work-in” – Following a regular set of 10-12 bicep curls, end with a 15 second hold of the bicep curl contraction (at the mid-point or 90 degree angle). You can try this with nearly any exercise.

2)      Body weight squat hold – With feet about 2” apart, sink into a squat (this is a “chair pose” in yoga) and hold for 30 seconds – repeat.

3)      Shoulder isometric hold with elastic band – grab an elastic band with both hands, so that the band is lose when arms are at your sides. Raise arms, straight out, to chest height – then pull the band out with both arms as far as you can, and hold for 15 seconds. Repeat 3 times.

Other benefits of isometric exercises:

• Isometrics use nearly all the muscle fibers – something that doesn’t happen with regular eccentric and concentric (down and up) repetitions, which enhances strength.
• Isometrics cause an immediate increase in subsequent muscle activation work as well, meaning you’ll have a carryover of strength into your next set.
• Isometrics concentrate on stress of the muscle vs the tendons and fascia, so you have less risk of strain.

Caution!  Isometrics cause a spike in blood pressure, so they are not recommended for those with high blood pressure.

[Via http://thegymcoachblog.wordpress.com]

Testing Today

I have been trying to get a feel for what kind of pace I would be happy with for a 10k or really 5k this early on in training. I have a few potential rest days coming up with travel, so I dragged through some timings of old girlfriend’s runs and a few friends on Runkeeper. I think if I could do a 5k at about 30 minutes I would be happy and very happy if 3 more off that. So, even though I am caught doing this on just a treadmill in the hotel, I’m going to warm up and see what times I can get. I would have to hold about a 6.5 mph pace which is just below what I have been hitting in my intervals. If I warm up good, I should be pleased.

[Via http://scatteredcycling.wordpress.com]

COUPLES' FITNESS PROGRAM

I want to give you all a sneak preview of what is coming soon from PA Fitness at United Wellbeing now that we’re at the tail end of January. My first special treat this year was launched with my Couples Program, designed for partners, friends, or health & fitness buddies. The major emphasis in this program is on being educated together, on the health, nutritional needs, fitness requirements and well-being of both your partner and yourself.

I had client upon client in 2009 who buckled in to their fitness training and turned up week after week, and surprisingly most would tell me that their greatest challenge was being motivated outside of our sessions together. Although I do offer complementary weekly coaching calls with my clients to check in on where they’re at with regards to their program and their progress, it is sometimes challenging during a program keep momentum and focus with negative or even apathetic energies in those who surround us, stress at work, and the recent heat factor these past couple of weeks

My aim during each of my couples programs is that by the end of the program, each participant has become – in essence – the personal trainer and motivator or their partner, and a lifetime of educated choices and expanded options regarding lifestyle habits is available. In your program you will learn about the do’s and dont’s of both of your personal nutritional habits and fitness levels. You will understand the mechanics behind your postures and potential reasons for any imbalances, the importance of correct and adequate breathing, the kinetics of landing techniques, and the benefits of ‘push and pull’ training with your partner.

During milestone periods in your program I will ’set you both up’ with roles to play that traditionally go against optimal training techniques, and it will be up to you to pull your partner up on where they are off and to correct their practice efficiently.

Why are my Couples Programs unique? Because you are not required to study at college to have a qualification in order to motivate and empower both yourself and your partner. You are trained both in your health and fitness and in theirs too. And, your partner is trained in having your back too. Now you get to keep what you learned and reuse it whenever you like, and take your health and fitness to brand new levels.

Don’t expect to walk away from your program without being someone who you will not recognize. For a lifetime of support in your health, fitness & well-being goals, call me on 0415 359 768 TODAY and we’ll get you set up.

For those without a partner we can set you up too

Paul Anthony – Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor

[Via http://unitedwellbeing.wordpress.com]

Jan. 25, 2010 - Fiber

What is it really? Fiber is the hull of the grain that contains many of the nutrients.

What does it do? When the fiber is stripped away (as it is in most processed foods), not only are you left with an easily digestible grain but you are left with few nutrients. The fiber is a bulking agent that slows down digestion and helps you to feel full. It also swells and fills the intestine and helps to keep it cleaned and emptied. All of these things help to maintain a healthy digestive system which is imperative to maintain a healthy weight and nutrition.

How much do I need? Most healthy adults need about 25 g. of daily fiber. However, most adults get less that 10 grams of fiber in their daily diet.

Where do I get fiber? Fiber comes from various plant and grain products such as breads, pastas, rice, quinoa, beans and lentils as well as fruits and vegetables. You can check the labels of packaged products for fiber. Also watch for “insoluble” fiber which simply means that your body does not break it at all for nutrition and eliminates it after it has done its job of bulking up waste products in the intestines.

[Via http://getfitwithtina.wordpress.com]

Don't Just Buy, Try

Your friends swear by this new protein or that new supplement but you want to try it before you spring for a barrel of protein powder. Before you buy, ask for samples. Some stores offer samples or serving size packets to try. Also, ask what the return policy is if you don’t like it, or it doesn’t agree with you. Differ…ent stores have different policies so find the one who will work with you.

[Via http://smashfit.wordpress.com]

Bronson press-up challenge

Almost up to the half way point now and things are starting to get serious in camp Bronson.

So I thought I would give you guys a taster of what Bronson can do for you. 

The great man

Then change your press-up style by resting your legs on a sofa or chair so you are doing decline and work your way from one back up to ten.

110 press-ups. Job done. Lovely Jubbley.

Word to the wise from the bible of Bronson: “no half press-ups with me: if you’re going to do it, then do it right. No half -hearted attempts or you may as well sit on your fat lazy arse and stuff your face with cream buns!”

You have been warned.

The most use I have got out of my dictionary so far

The next time you do it start from 11 and so on and so on.

If you’re struggling for motivation then imagine Bronson learing behind you and whispering in your ear when you squirm and grimace your way to finish that final press-up:

“Your heart pumps, your lungs blow and your chest expands…Your shouders burn and arms get strong- it’s bloody lovely, it’s the buzz! You wait till you feel the flow in your body and the lightness in you head! Your shot is pure adrenalin. I’m giving you something money can’t buy.”

Bronson take a bow, Any Given Sunday take note.

There is something fascinatingly childlike in this joyful escapism. As you romp through the book you get a whiff of the mind invested in its pages and you can’t help enjoying his company.

 We are on to a miserable 15 now. So with no further a do stick Danny Dyer’s Deadliest Men on and enjoy the rush. Let me know how you go Bronsonites. 

[Via http://joshpettitt.wordpress.com]

Wedding Weightloss: Workout Wednesdays

Now if that isn’t an alliteration for you, I don’t know what is? In my last Wedding Weightloss Update post I realized I talked about progress in my workouts, but I didn’t really talk about what my daily workout routines looked like. (Thanks Britt for inquiring!!) Britt’s inquiry had me thinking it would be a great idea to update you each week on what my workouts looked like on a day-to-day basis. And so I present to you Wedding Weightloss Workout Wednesdays!!

Each week I will post my daily routine from the prior Wednesday to the current day to keep you in the loop. I do warn that my updates won’t be too exciting, but it will give you an idea of what I have done in the gym and perhaps what I plan to do the following week.

Wednesday: January 13, 2010

AM workout:

Bike using the wonderful Expresso Fitness on Drifters Peak Tour:

Total Time: 0:45:55 Total Miles: 10.30 Total Calories: 497

PM workout:

Run/Walk on Treadmill for 20 minutes/5 min cool down:

• 1 min off (4mph)/2 min on (5.8mph to 6.8 mph) for 6 intervals increasing .2mph each on interval.
• 1min off (4mph)/1min on (7.0mph)
• 5 min cool down @ 4mp

Total Time: 25 min, Total Calories: 297, Total Distance: 2.17 miles (avg. speed=5.2mph)

CYBEX Arc Trainer level 8 for 30 minutes

Total Time: 30 min, Total Calories: 510, Total Distance: 0.94

Thursday: January 14, 2010

OFF DAY

Friday: January 15, 2010

Treadmill 5k: (walk/run)

• 1-16 min/5.8mph
• 16-20min/4.0mph
• 20-25 min/5.8mph
• 25-27:30min/4.0mph
• 27:30-34:10/5.8mph (finished 5K @ 34:10)
• 5 min cool down

Total Time: 39:10 min, Total Calories: 475.5, Total Distance: 3.42 miles (avg. speed=5.2mph)

Saturday: January 16, 2010

AM:

1 hour Zumba class

PM:

Recumbant Bike:

Total Time: 50min, Total Calories: 406, Total Distance: 12.01 miles (avg. speed=14.0mph)

Sunday: January 17, 2010

OFF DAY

Monday: January 18, 2010

OFF DAY (had a mini emergency and couldn’t make it to the gym, but walked 1+miles instead)

Tuesday: January 19, 2010

Treadmill 5k: (walk/run)

• 1-15min/ 5.8mph
• 15-20min/4.0mph
• 20-25min/5.8mph
• 25-27:30min/4.0mph
• 27:30-30min/5.8mph
• 30-32:30min/4.0mph
• 32:30-35:23/5.8mph-7mph (end 5k @ 35:23min)
• 5 min cool down

Total Time: 40:23min, Total Calories: 465.3, Total Distance: 3.41 miles (avg. speed=5.0mph)

Recumbant Bike:

Total Time: 16min, Total Calories: 100, Total Distance: 2.97miles

On the Radar:

I am really hoping to get back on track with my lifting program and to maybe try something new.

Perhaps:

Shape’s Total Body Wedding Workout

SparkPeople’s wedding dress workouts

What have your workouts been looking like? Are you keeping a good variety in there? Would you like to change your routine? Do you have any recommendations for changing my pace?

[Via http://loveisyouloveisus.wordpress.com]

Benefits and amount of water needed to fulfill the body requirements

Water, a precious gift bestowed on us by Mother Nature, forms a major part of our body constitution. In fact, 2/3 of our body weight is water. The very composition of our body is like that blood is 83% water, muscles are 75% water, brain is 74% water and bone is 22% water. Water is necessary for the very survival of human beings, as it ensures the smooth functioning of body systems.

Water helps us to metabolize the food we eat.It is important to take atleast eight ounce glasses of water everyday.More intake is good if you do a lot of workouts. Water is the best treatment in losing weight. When you drink all the water you need, you will notice a reduce in your appetite, even on the first day.

Your buddy

Umang

[Via http://umangsain.wordpress.com]

P90X Day 2

Danielle here…my take on Plyometrics, Plyometrics, Plyometrics…wow…

In case you don’t know plyometrics is a workout designed to produce fast, powerful movements, and improve the functions of the nervous system. Plyometric movements, in which a muscle is loaded and then contracted in rapid sequence, use the strength, elasticity and innervation of muscle and surrounding tissues to jump higher, run faster, throw farther, or hit harder, depending on the desired training goal. It also burns a ton of calories and gets your heart rate going.

Well after not having done plyo for a long time it was very difficult to make it through this workout. I had to zone out and focus on my goal of completing the workout and getting in better shape. I was out of breath after each exercise and with the previous days soreness lingering lets just say I wanted to take a pretty long nap afterwards.

Being a former basketball player I am used to the high impact and quick bursts that this workout molds itself aorund. But being out of the game for a while had me sucking wind. I remember my first time through P90X and seeing the progression as the program crept along and I can’t wait to get back to the point were I am keeping up with Tony (Horton) and the others on the DVD. This workout burns around 800 calories easily for me and for an hour workout thats pretty good.

Shoulders and arms is the next workout…hopefully I’ll be able to feel them enough tomorrow to write about it. If not I’m sure Vanessa will…

Danielle GBSfitness (Get. Be. Stay. FITness)

[Via http://gbsfitness.wordpress.com]

Healthaversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Blogaversary! WOOOO!!!!!!

Confetti

Originally uploaded by ADoseofShipBoy

One year ago this week, I got my blood tested and discovered that I had high blood glucose (prediabetes, then diabetes), high triglycerides and cholesterol. I already knew I had high blood pressure. I had been in denial for a long time.

I started this blog a year ago this weekend. Boy, was I in a sorry, scared and messed up state. I really did not think I could manage to pull myself into health. When I read that post now, it makes me cry, feeling so bad for that unhealthy, terrified person. But also a little good weeping too, knowing that I WAS able to pull her into health.

For a long time, I didn’t tell anyone I “knew” about this blog, including my own dear husband. I was so afraid and embarrassed. I knew I had to change but I felt safer sharing with strangers than I did with “real life” friends and family. That’s why Foodie Mcbody was born, because I was too mortified to use my real name.

I feel like all the parts of myself have come together this year.

I am so very grateful to the amazing friends, bloggers, mentors, teachers I have met on this journey. Dinneen at EatWithoutGuilt reached out to me on Twitter and I will forever remember her as someone who truly cared, and wasn’t just trying to sell me some stuff. Her way is a good way, people. Carla at MizFitOnline also threw me a lot of support, and I was amazed that she didn’t even HAVE stuff to sell, other than her awesome Tshirts. She has served as an incredible role model for me. Those two are at the top of my GREAT TEACHERS list. Marsha and the folks at Green Mountain At Fox Run are another great bunch of wise folks, doing it sane and healthy. (one day I’d love to get there!) Once I discovered the joys of Nia, Terre at HelpYouWell has been a fabulous cheerleader and Nia mentor. She didn’t even mind that I thought Nia was borderline ridiculous when I first went – but then I couldn’t stop going!

It goes without saying that I would be nowhere without the unending support and encouragement and butt-kicking from the World’s Most Awesome Trainer. I am thrilled to pieces that now SEVERAL of my local buddies have caught the butt-kicking bug and are now training with him (and sometimes alongside me)! SO GREAT.

I have not always been the world’s biggest fan, but I am now totally sold on Weight Watchers. This program has done wonders for me. It helped me reach my goal for the first time in my life, and more importantly, has helped me maintain it since July. I feel so happy and “at home” in this program and so fortunate to be working and sharing it with others. From the awesome CEO on down to my fabulous coworkers, I feel really really happy to be part of the WW world.

[Via http://foodfoodbodybody.wordpress.com]

I forgot I even had muscles there!

Monday, i am proud to announce, i attended my first Pregnancy Fitness Class sponsored by one of the area hospitals.

boy what this just what This Girl needed!

in the past 17 weeks i have sure thought about doing some sort of exercise, and even dusted off (literally) the wii fit for a solitary 30-minute step session last saturday… but other than that, that’s about it. with all this snow, it’s not like i am all that excited to take the dogs on a trudge through thigh-deep drifts (poor pooches, they are feeling the effects of the cabin fever!), though we did fix the treadmill… so one day i might also remove the blankets piled upon it and use it as well.

but now, for the next six weeks, i’ll have a reason to put on my yoga pants and hit the gym each monday night.

it might not be pretty (envision a room of bouncing ladies at various stages along… if you catch my drift), but it’s good to be out there.

and now, i can feel it… whew, can i feel it!

[Via http://funtimeswiththebeckers.wordpress.com]

Midweek Brightener!

I spent $1000 at the doctors today. Boohoo. Singapore healthcare is totally unaffordable! I’ve blocked nose, which I suspect is sinus… and the medicine for that alone is $120. Seriously?

Anyway, a friend, Fadz, posted this link on facebook. I absolutely love them! Especially the first pic of the old couple. So schweeeeeet!  Hope this serves as a mid-week brightener for all of you!

Anyway, men and women really do think differently, eh? See what the sexes Google for!

[Via http://thewonderspot.wordpress.com]

Resolutions, A Little More Defined

So here I am, a week later, and still no resolutions. It’s not that I don’t have any; I do. I’ve just been busy with the family and I’ve been trying to sort out not only my goals for this year, but how to make these goals more concrete and achievable.

It seems that my goals and resolutions this year are very similar to my goals of previous years: get more exercise, eat better and come out at the end of this year better off financially than when the year started.  This year I’m also adding: be a more consistent blogger.

I’ve been thinking about why I never really seem to stick to my resolutions – or at least not for very long. I think it’s because I never really have a plan, I never have anything more than wistful thoughts and good intentions. I’m going to change that this year.

My first goal is to work out an exercise routine. My challenges are these: 4 kids, a busy schedule, a husband that, in addition to working a pretty regular work week, also often has evening and weekend appointments, absolutely no funds in the budget for exercise (for a gym membership, yoga classes, martial arts classes, Wii fit plus – all of which I would love!) and it’s freezing outside, so outdoor activities aren’t appealing to me right now. What I DO have is: a treadmill, a (very old) exercise bike, weights and various other small home fitness accessories, a supportive husband and exercise DVDs. My goal is 30 minutes of exercise at least 3 times a week.

How do I make this work? My biggest challenge is definitely finding the time. By the time the kids are all sleeping it’s usually 9:00 and I just have nothing left. Getting motivated at this time of day is virtually impossible for me. I’ve been thinking of getting up early to exercise, but the thought of this is just so downright exhausting and I already feel completely sleep deprived. I’m still sorting the timing out but I know this much: I have to schedule exercise into my calendar otherwise it just won’t happen; and this I’m still working on. I’d love to hear what other mums do for exercise and how it is fit into their schedules.

Details on eating better and financial goals are still to come – one thing at a time.

[Via http://familynature.wordpress.com]

5-Factor Fitness – Do It Like Halle Berry

Want to be as fit as Halle Berry? Who would not want to be able to wear a skin tight suit and let the world see your curves, like she did in Catwoman? If you want to have that Halle Berry body then follow her fitness routine. 

Berry had turned to fitness trainer and founder of 5-Factor Fitness, Harley Pasternak, for help. Some of the other celebs who have followed his fitness routine are Eve,Orlando Bloom, Benjamin Bratt and Val Kilmer. 

His workout routine also includes a nutrition plan. This nutrition plan skips all carb counting and food measuring and time-consuming exercise routines. 

So what’s it all about then? 

The 5-factor plan consists of five 25-minute workout sessions per week. All these sessions can be done with only a set of dumbbells and a bench. In addition to this is eating 5 healthy meals per day. 

“The 5-Factor Fitness plan is the product of several years of being a science nerd, a fitness nut and an exercise and nutrition scientist for the military, and then having the opportunity to work with a lot of actors who have very little time and have to see results,” he states. 

You always have the time 

Wanting people to know how easy this is to follow, Pasternak says, “This is something that is a lifestyle. So, regardless of what your needs are at the time, I tell people that this is a plan that is doable every week for the rest of your life. You don’t have to go to the gym; you can if you want. It’s only 25 minutes long. You always have the time, and the meals are not extreme, so you can always do this.”

Read more here..

http://www.sevafrica.com/modules/health/article.php?news_id=116

[Via http://sevafrica.wordpress.com]

Downward Dogs and Detoxes

Fruits and Veggies: "Say hello to your lil' friends." (insert Al Pacino Scarface accent)

Have you been working on your fitness? (Like Fergie says.)  Most of us are suffering from post-holiday bingers’ remorse.  You know the collective consciousness is feeling it by the looks of packed gyms with no available treadmills and yoga studios filled to capacity.  With hopes of a new year and adoption of a more balanced lifestyle, here are some simple tips to ease into the new, more healthy and gorgeous you. 

• A Friendly Detox – While I have been advised that the temperatures outdoors are too chilly for a full detox, I have been trying to integrate more fruits and vegetables into my daily meals.  Instead of drinking plain water, I will squeeze a slice of lemon into my glass.  Presto!  “Would you like some spa water?”  Great for flushing out the toxins.
• Sign Me Up - Registering for a term of classes or getting back into the exercise bandwagon with a friend is a fun way to socialize and tone.  So many of my friends say that they push themselves harder and are more motivated when they are in a group.  Personally, I have difficulty getting off the couch to roll out a yoga mat.  The internal self-guilt dialogue of “Um, I paid for these classes, so I better go” gets me to yoga in no time.   
• BANB – This stands for Buy A New Bikini…and if you can, book an all-inclusive.   

More importantly, it’s about the attitude (Feel good. Look Good).  Everything in moderation and you’ll be just fine.

Motivation, in the form of a delightful coral Old Navy bikini

[Via http://lovecollage.wordpress.com]

It's 2010- "New Years Resolutions"

Hey everyone! I hope you all had a really nice holiday break. It’s now 2010 ans I know that there are hundreds of thousands of people who are kicking off another new year with another list of resolutions. Are you one of them? What are some of the things you wish to accomplish for yourself this year? How do you think you can make this year different, and actually see all your goals through to the end of completion? I think that it feels so great to actually make progress. Getting fit and healthy is definitely a process, so please remember that it’s always about progress, not perfection. You don’t want to stress yourself out. It’s important to set realistic goals, and to add in healthy habits that work well with your schedule and your life. By adding the good stuff in, the not so good stuff begins to fall away. However, being healthy is a main priority, because without it, we have nothing!

Today I want to keep it simple. I want to leave you with 5 nutrition tips that you should begin implementing into your life immediately if you want to get healthy and look and feel better. Start with these 5 things, and when you are consistent, then you can take the next step and get even healthier and hotter!

1) ONLY BUY ORGANIC!!!!! Especially if you eat dairy and meat, only buy them if they are organic. Produce as well. This is so important I cannot stress it enough. Foods that are not organic are either full of poisons from pesticides and chemicals, or they are genetically modified with hormones, antibiotics and steroids, or all the above. If you read the lists of what is found in non-organic food when tested, you would be appalled. Believe me…you do not want that stuff in your bodies!!!!! You really “ARE what you eat.”

2) Eat one large organic, raw salad per day. That means a salad with nothing cooked in it. So for example: Lettuce, spinach, celery, cucumber, tomato, carrot, radish, maybe apple or berries (all organic ingredients of course) with olive oil, lemon, pepper, garlic powder and sea salt for flavor.

3) Get in tune with your body. PAY ATTENTION to how you feel after you eat everything!!! It’s so important to do this because your body knows what it needs and the more you tune in and pay attention to what it feels, the more you will begin to understand its communication with you about what to eat and what not to eat. Our bodies are magnificent and brilliant and when you tune in, your intuition  will be your own personal nutrition guide!!!

4) Drink Water!!!! Most people these days are walking around dehydrated. Do not drink tap water either. Buy bottled water or install a filtering system. Water from the tap cannot be trusted. Drink water from a bottle for a week, and then try to drink tap water. You will taste a huge difference! Try to drink at least 1-2 liters a day. Also, *recycle your plastic bottles if you buy bottled water

5) Stick to eating mostly or all WHOLE FOODS. Foods that are still in their natural form, have not been processed and tinkered with by man, and are the most nutrient rich foods. That means our bodies know what to do with them, and can break them down and use them for fuel much easier. Packaged, processed foods will encourage disease and fat storage in the body. Stick to the outsides of the grocery store…fruits, veggies, whole grains.

If you have any questions please leave them for me here. I am really serious about this. People must realize what is happening to them as a result of the food quality they are consuming. It is killing us. Please take your health seriously. You are too beautiful and special to waste away on junk! Here’s To Your Health!!!

Below are some good resources to check out:

http://www.living-foods.com/articles/davidinterview.html

http://www.foodpolitics.com/

http://www.foodincmovie.com/about-the-issues.php

[Via http://erinsadventures.wordpress.com]

Another fitness tool

Somewhere upstream I listed the tools I was using in this effort. As I work on Spanish, I realize that I should also list the book Mindset. See this post for some earlier blogging about Carol Dweck and her findings.

One idea is to rejoice when you run into something difficult (like trilling the "r" in Spanish) because that means you have a chance to grow by learning something new. And you have faith that if you work at it regularly, you’ll master it.

The application to the general fitness effort is clear.

[Via http://leisureguy.wordpress.com]

Starting Yoga

I’d been meaning to try Yoga for some time. I’ve never been very flexible or graceful and from what I’d seen it seemed like Yoga could improve my balance and flexibility. I found a book and three videos and started out recently with the videos specifically for strength and flexibility. It’s harder than it looks! I thought I was pretty strong but holding the poses is challenging. It feels great though and I plan to eventually do some yoga every day. Everyone should definately try it!

[Via http://ashszafraniec.wordpress.com]

Fitness Attempt (This time I mean it)

Hello world!

So in my New Years Blog I told you that I wanted to continue my fitness plans and generally stay healthy. If you’ve read my blog before you’ll know I use to weigh 14 stone, I have since lost that weight. But like many before me have now become obsessed with the idea of being fit and healthy (mainly because I am petrified of putting my weight back on).

Anyhowsel, I thought I’d post to tell everyone how I’m going to do that this year. I’m going to do these everyday, apart from Saturday which will be my rest day.

1. Swim 2 miles
2. 200 crunches/sit ups
3. 100 push ups
4. 500 jumps with a skipping rope
5. Weight lifting (not specified yet)

Pretty simple I’d say and hopefully this will work wonders, although I’m no personal trainer or anything so I don’t really know what I’m talking about.

Speaking of health and fitness though, before Christmas I went into Burger King for lunch. As usual I went for the Supersize XL Bacon Double Cheeseburger meal, it’s a tradition that my friends have as well as it being one of the best options Burger King have. Just before I went to sit down and feast upon my mighty meal I noticed nutrition guide at the counter and decided to have a look. Now I know Burger King, McDonalds, KFC are unhealthy but I was shocked to see that the burger alone in my meal came to 928 calories. 928! That’s half of your daily allowance if you are female and more than a third if you are male. Just the burger, never mind the fires and drinks. That’s ricockulous, I’m glad I only eat fast food every couple of months.

[Via http://itsframpton.wordpress.com]

Fitness blogging

I talked to The Wife about starting a new blog devoted to my fitness efforts, and she pointed out that I would do so much cross-posting that it would be a pain. So instead of a new blog, I have a new category: Fitness.

This is not just physical fitness I’m talking about, but fitness overall, for me in terms of what I value. From the thinklinkr outline I’m working on:

My plan for 2010 is to work steadily on these, which are listed roughly in order of priority (and, let’s admit it, in how appealing they are to me).

The mental fitness work right now consists of learning Spanish and reading books that are filling—right now, Herodotus.

So I’ll blog about this fitness project over the coming year, in which I’ll become 70, which seems a good time to work intensively on fitness since the distraction of having a job is gone. And what a distraction that was, I now realize. Some people talk about the pleasure of having a job that is fulfilling and satisfying enough so that they money they get is just lagniappe. Well, perhaps for the first couple of years of being director of admissions and tutor at St. John’s. I highly recommend retirement.

[Via http://leisureguy.wordpress.com]

Happy New Year folks!

Happy New Year folks! I am joining this exciting personal training plan because I am starting up my own fashion underwear brand and online shop in 2010 so need to be as buff as possible for the launch photos. My biggest challenge is unlikely to be the physical aspect as I have trained in the past for many marathons. I am however gonna find it far more difficult making head or tail of all the various blog posts! I haven’t got off to a great start because I can’t even find the first workout Anyway, good luck everyone

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