A Project on the Horizon

This month has been such a great month!  I was looking forward to it for quite some time! My mid month birthday was sandwiched between a trip to Jamaica with some of our closest friends and a trip to Florida with the kiddos!  The month was so fun, unfortunately flew by and now I'm having a little bit of a reality check.  Time to get back into the swing of things, into the groove, get the house in order and get our suitcases officially unpacked!  To add to that...not only have I not worked out a lot this past month after working out almost every day for the 7 weeks leading up to Jamaica, but I also definitely did my fair share of eating and drinking lots of deliciousness - so it's back on track with goal setting, healthy eating and workin' it out (this will start right after Halloween on Saturday)! ;)

Thankfully, this back on track thing is happening in the Fall, which is my favorite time of the year for cooking.  I feel I can be a little more creative when I'm cooking indoors.  Summer tends to be 99% grill cooking which by now at the end of the season, grilling has become a little boring to me.  If you haven't followed by blog before, some of my favorite recipes I have shared I have created on a whim with food I have in the house and the meals always (ok, usually) come out great. That being said, I LOVE crock pot cooking and creating healthy recipes.  Even baking but modifying the goodies to be healthy but still delish. 

So...that brings me to my next project!  Last night I was browsing Pinterest for some freezer meal ideas and decided that I'm going to create my own crockpot freezer meals menu/tutorial/shopping list etc.  I've had a hard time finding menu's online for bulk freezer meals that I actually like and/or are healthy/made with fresh foods so I figured I'll do it myself.  There is nothing like pulling a meal out of the freezer at night to thaw, throwing it in the crockpot in the morning and doing nothing else but serving it 8 hours later and having it be healthy.  Preparing in bulk not only saves time but can also save money and I love saving both!   Heck, maybe I'll even create this all into an e-book!  I can always use a good Fall/Winter project so why not?! Stay tuned for the shopping list and recipes and savings!  I'll keep your family fed this winter (with your money, not mine) and give you more time with your family and less time preparing! Win win!

In the meantime, if you are looking for some tasty fall recipes, here are a few of my favorites!  Quick and Flavorful Pork Roast , my go to Santa Fe Chicken , and last but not least, one of my first creations that I shared Hearty Turkey Veggie Soup!

Ok, so now you will be fed healthy food...who wants to battle the holiday bulge with me?? (Starting Nov 1 of course - after Halloween).  All this requires is a fitness goal, a plan, motivation and action steps! Let's do it! Eat simply and healthy and have a fitness plan to battle the holiday bulge! Maybe I'm the only one who gets excited about these things, but if you are interested in following along let me know and we will do it together! :)

Stay tuned for some meals soon!  Now, I'm going to go enjoy a peanut butter cup as a mid afternoon snack since I won't be doing that effective a few days from now. ;)

~Erin Leigh

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The Next Step

So, if you didn't already know how I got this blog started, I will fill you in. ;)  I started this blog because I wanted to motivate other Moms to live a healthy balanced lifestyle through fitness and nutrition after my journey from pregnancy to getting fit.  It was no easy task but I was very determined to do it for myself and when I really started feeling great, I wanted to help others Moms to feel the same way.  After all, carrying a baby for 10 months is no easy task and takes a serious toll on our bodies!  It then moved towards motivating others in general as I received lots of feedback from people that were not Moms trying to lose the baby weight, but those who were just looking to be healthier, more fit or shed some pounds. I now, most recently signed up to be a Beachbody coach, which a few people have been curious about my reasons so why not explain... ;)   

It seemed like signing up to be a Beachbody coach fit me on many levels.  Quite honestly, I have thought about it for years and am surprised that I hadn't signed up already.  First things first, I love their products and have been using them for years - I have done Insanity, Brazil Butt Lift, T25 and now 21 Day Fix. I did Brazil Butt Lift right after both pregnancies which worked out great.  Next, I wanted to start drinking Shakeology which goes hand in hand with their workouts and proven to give better results and you get a discount as a coach. Bonus! Put those two together plus my desire to help motivate others and it seemed like a no brainer.  In addition, as a coach there are tools that help you learn and a network of awesome people that all have the same goal - to be better every day and help others!  Signing up was very self-motivating as well. You should "be a product of the product."  In other words, you can't motivate others if you are not motivating yourself.  It's helping me stay on track for sure! There are free accountability groups that are great to be a part of and there are Coach's groups to teach the ins and outs of the programs and business.  I am definitely still learning but I feel like this is a great step of self motivation minimally, and I hope to help others in the process.

That being said, if you have any questions about signing up with a free membership or as a Beachbody Coach I have learned a few things that may help your decision making. 

1. Some people sign up to be a coach just for the discount - If you like Shakeology, you receive a 25% discount off of the products. So, you can sign up as a coach just to save money on your monthly Shakeology purchases and any program purchases as well.  Many people choose this route because of the savings and they love the Shakeology (it really is amazing).

2. Other's do it to motivate - If you like the products and want to motivate others as well, you can sign up the same way, receive the discounts and have people sign up to have you as a coach. That is when it becomes self-motivating (at least for me).  You can guide people to the right programs for them and help encourage them to stay on track, get them into free accountability groups etc. You don't have to be a fitness pro.to be a coach. You just need to have the desire to help others and want to improve yourself more and more each day.

3.  Some do it as a career - Coaches make a commission off of purchases and as coaches sign up to your team, it becomes a tiered business.

4. If you aren't looking to motivate others, a cost savings or additional income, but are just looking for some direction and guidance towards finding a workout that is a fit for you can sign up with a coach for free (like me ;) ) to help motivate you and keep you on track. 

I am excited about this journey and would love others to join me. That's the point! To help each other live a healthier lifestyle.  If interested or have questions let me know. :)

 

~Erin Leigh

 

My Team Beachbody Page - where you can explore the options of a free membership or sign up as a coach.

 

My Beachbody Coach Page - where you can explore the different products including Shakeology.

 

FitFunLifestyle on Facebook :)

Progress

I (we) are still plugging along on the 21 Day Fix journey! We are over 2/3 of the way there! I feel like it has really reset my eating and workout routine.  You can catch up on my pre 21 Day Fix summer routine here.  In the first week, I lost the 5 pounds I had gained over the last year and fit into my smallest pants comfortably.  I have to say, that felt like quite an accomplishment after just 7 days! :) 

I blogged the last time about my plan to do another round of the 21 Day Fix but plans and timing have changed.  I really want to do and complete T25 before my Aruba vacation in January - and I can't fit them both in prior to our departure so I am going to continue 21 DF workouts for an additional week and then start T25 the week of October 19!  I am excited to do T25 because I have had the program since last Christmas and have not done the whole program through from beginning to end.  And, we (my hubby and I) will complete the program right before our next tropical vacation!!  Sounds like perfect timing to me!!

I also mentioned the last time that I couldn't really say much about Shakeology yet because I had just started drinking it, but I can report a little bit more now.  Both my hubby and I talked since then about it and agreed that we both love it! We both feel so much better drinking it, have more energy, it's filling and healthy and giving us a lot more nutrients than we get just eating our regular meals.  We actually placed another order and it came right when we finished the previous pack!  More perfect timing! :)  Many people seem to be scared away by the investment, but if you put $4 a day away for a month, then you can pay for it.  I can honestly say our food budget has not changed because it is a meal replacement.  I am very happy with our decision to try it out!

So, we are finishing up the program this weekend. I cannot wait to take our measurements.  I feel better and healthier though which is what matters the most!

Let me know if you are interested in joining me in T25! It is a great program - I have done the workouts and the intensity level is reasonable and also offers modified moves available for beginners.  The workouts are only 25 minutes per day, 5 days a week.  If you are looking to get back into a workout routine, this is the perfect way without overcommitting yourself! 25 minutes per day - at home - no excuses! You will thank me later! ;) I plan to start an accountability group for anyone that wants to join me so let me know if you are interested!

Happy Tuesday!

~Erin Leigh

21 Day Fit Review

 

 

So far, so good! I have completed 5 days of the 21 Day Fix, which is a 21 day workout/portion control challenge.  What's great is that I am already seeing a difference in my body in just these first 5 days.  I am loving this workout series!

Here are some of reasons why:

 

1.  I love that the workouts are 30 minutes - perfect for those with busy schedules!  Some of the videos are specific to different muscle groups which I also like such as Upper Fix, Lower Fix and Pilates (which targets core).  The other two I have done so far are Total Body Cardio Fix and Cardio Fix.  It is a great series of workouts and I feel like they are great for toning (which is my focus).  There are less jumping and explosive moves like in Insanity (which is great too, just different).

2. I love the portion control part of it.  Yes, it is somewhat difficult (and my poor husband feels like he is always starving), but I think it is great for discipline, focusing on HOW MUCH we are eating, and focus (a little more than usual) on WHAT is going into our bodies. It is especially great after my summer of eating/drinking too many calories and wanting to reset myself. 

3.  We have actually saved money this week on food (who doesn't love saving a little money??), even including our Shakeology investment.  I think this is because I planned ahead for our meals and bought specific foods at the grocery store, we are eating less portions so there are more leftovers and we didn't go out to eat at all (which is a weekly occurance for us) for fear of losing control! Haha

The other part of the series is drinking Shakeology which is highly recommended for maximum results.  So far I am liking it.  We got the chocolate, vanilla and strawberry combo pack so we could try out a few different kinds.  My favorite so far was Wednesday - 8 oz of black coffee and the chocolate Shakeology - my hubby made it on my way out the door for work and it was delish! (He is the best). :)   I cannot give much feedback on the Shakeology in general since I have only been drinking it for 5 days but I can say that it tastes good, it is filling and I do feel like I have more energy which is a plus!

Goals on fridge + Shakeology = Following the plan to a T :)

I also am happy to be getting up at 5 am again and starting my day earlier. I know that may sound crazy but there is something so satisfying about working out, showering and having some time alone before the day begins! :)  Starts the day off right!

So there you have it. My summary of the beginning of the 21 Day Fix. Oh, I also love that I am almost 1/3 of the way through it!  I have this thing with working towards a goal that makes me feel like a better person in the process. :)

My Plans:

I am planning on doing another round of 21 Day Fix starting on Sunday October 19 and then move onto T25! Who's with me?? I would love a few people (or many people) to join me in one or both challenges! Let's motivate each other and help hold each other accountable! :)  What I love about these programs is that they are great for busy people (like me) because the time commitment isn't long each day.  Whether you are looking to lose weight, tone up, become more disciplined or just get into a workout routine, these workouts are a great answer.  Here are links to videos of both workouts and Shakeology with a little summary if you are interested in more details. :)

21 Day Fix - 30 minute videos daily for 21 days paired with portion control. 

T25 - 25 minute videos - a 60 day program.

Shakeology - A 1 day meal replacement shake, is $4 per day and helps to: lose weight, reduce cravings, feel energized, improve digestion and regularity. 


~Erin Leigh

 

 

 

A New Adventure

I'm baacckkk! ;) New season, new adventures right??   In my house, we are always talking about adventures.  We take adventures down the street to check out new construction, adventures down to the basement to explore, traveling adventures and seeing new places. You name it, it's an adventure!  Well, this fall I am off on my new adventure. 

As anyone who has followed my blog knows, I began it to document my post pregnancy steps to a better and healthier and more fit me.  I like to create healthy recipes for my family and share them, try new fitness adventures and help motivate others to do the same, and document some of my favorite family memories (and some over the top parenting moments).  Last winter I stopped blogging and I have learned over the past nine months that motivating others is self motivating for me.  It helps keep me in check and helps me work extra hard on being the best I can, in many areas.  I mean, you can't try to motivate and encourage others to do something you aren't doing right?!  I have not had as much self discipline these past 9 months and I can directly link it to the timing of holidays/trip to Mexico/taking a break from blogging. 

So, here I am...nine months later ending a summer that definitely consisted of a few too many ice cream cones, s'mores and cheese burgers, more drink calories than I can count and putting workouts on the back burner and instead choosing beach trips, park trips, zoo trips, play dates, froyo dates for dinner and all the other fun things that happen with toddlers in the summer.  (I will say, it was a VERY enjoyable summer if you can't tell)! ;) Yes, I ran a few times per week, but just to maintain my fitness level and not to push myself further. But, now I am ready to push ahead.  And what better time than now, with a trip to Aruba in less than 4 months to get ready for!

So, what is my new adventure you might ask?  I am starting with the 21 Day Fix which is a workout by Beachbody and ordered Shakeology for the first time to go along with it!  It just came yesterday so the plan is to start Sunday (I like starting things at the beginning of the week). I am getting my hubby on board too! :) The 21 Day Fix is 30 minute videos once per day paired with portion control to lose weight/reset/tone up.  Shakeology is a meal replacement shake you drink once per day that is supposed to curb cravings, increase energy levels and has several other health benefits! I am excited to see if it increases our energy level because we are always exhausted! I am looking at this as an end of summer jump start for myself! :) I plan to follow it up with another workout once I complete it.

Now is the time for me to get back on track! Is anyone else feeling the same way?  That being said, I would LOVE a few people to join me in doing it to be in a little group and keep each other accountable!  If you are interested in checking it out first you can check out the 21 Day Fix .  It is highly encouraged to purchase Shakeology with it. There are thousands of success stories with this one shake a day meal replacement, but I can't say from experience because I haven't tried it yet. I will let you know after my 30 days of it, but they do recommend better results pairing the workout with the shakes!

So there you have it! I am back! :)

~Erin Leigh

Life Happens

I know first hand that when you are in a workout routine you vow you will never break it.  It feels so good to work out the same amount of days per week consistently...it is good for you both physically and mentally...but then life happens, you get sick, kids get sick, you don't sleep, things come up and before you know it you are out of the routine and you need to get back into it! That is the hardest part!  It can be a vicious cycle.  That is why January 1 my Facebook feed blows up with status updates about the amount of people at the gym.  All the New Years resolutions for all the people that "life happened to" during the year and want to get back on track! 

 

I feel like that is me right now.  I am working out here and there but not as consistent for a million reasons which sound like they are just good excuses, but really are reasons.  I know that I need to make time for myself, but for me the past 6 weeks, life has happened.  I was honestly doing so good UNTIL the first of the year.  Then went on vacation, came back, kids were VERY mad at us for going on vacation and made us miserable for a (very long) few days (I just realized I still haven't documented that experience...that will be a good one),  kids then got sick and started waking up at night = no sleep, work is busy so I'm doing more work from home in my down time...you name it, it has come up over the past 6 weeks, BUT, I am now vowing to get back into it.  Thankfully it wasn't a long break, but I can feel the mental difference.  I am happier and have more patience when I am working out consistently.  Everything they say about the endorphins and how it affects you is true!

 

So, that is my confession and this is my vow to get back on track!  Putting it in writing helps me hold myself accountable!  Hold yourself accountable too! Make a goal and stick to it. Summer (THANK GOD) is right around the corner and you will be glad you got into a routine now!  And who doesn't need a little endorphin boost in the middle of February and March?? They are the longest two months of the year in my book!  So...here is to fitness commitment, accountability and sticking to it! :)

 

Has "life" happened to you this winter?  We can help hold each other accountable!

 

~Erin Leigh

 

 

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The Beginning of T25!

I just took a little full time working out hiatus for vacation and am back at it as of this past Monday and it feels SO good to have exercise back in my life!  I started T25 and for those who don't know what that workout is, it is a new workout program from Beachbody which is the same company that created Insanity and P90x.  One of the main reasons I wanted to do T25 is because all of the workouts are 25 minutes so I can guarantee that I can fit the workout into my day. If there is not enough time in the morning, I can do it during the kid's naptime.  Anyone who has a hard time making time for exercise - this is the workout series for you!  The workouts are high intensity for a full 25 minutes 5 days a week with a lot of variations of moves.  It is actually fun! I love it!  It's easy to commit to 25 minutes per day vs. an hour + to go to the gym or an hour + for some of the insanity videos!  It is also nice knowing exactly how long the workout is for planning purposes!

 

Are you one of the people that jumped on the January 1, 2014 bandwagon and started back at the gym?  I see lots of posts on Facebook about how busy the gyms are, and I remember from back in the days when I attended a gym, how it would be packed after January 1!  That is one of the reasons I love working out in the comfort of my own home or doing outdoor cardio.  No spending time driving to the gym, looking for available equipment or having to wait if something is being used. For me it is all about convenience since a lot of my time is consumed with other things (aka other little humans). :) 

 

I didn't want to write about T25 until I was at least a few days in to make sure I liked it, but it has exceeded my expectations!  I encourage anyone who isn't working out right now because it's FREEZING (it does make it hard to get motivated sometimes), or you are in a funk, or you just need motivation, to look into T25 and/or get into a workout routine!  Don't forget, summer is in 6 months!  Don't wait to get fit! :)

  

~Erin Leigh

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If you are interested T25 you can check it out or order it here.

New Year, New Goals!

With 2013 coming to a close in a few weeks, I have been doing some reflection on the past year and thinking about what I would like to achieve in 2014 in relation to fitness.  I never make new years resolutions because I feel like if I need or want to make a change during the year I do. (On Mondays! Haha!)  But, I like to evaluate the year and come up with new goals to work towards. Yes, I am very goal oriented (and competitive), but it works for me.

So, following my strategy of making a few short term goals and working up to a long term goal I have come up with my fitness goals for 2014. 

Short Term: 
I plan to run another organized 5K and my first organized 10K (possibly the St. Patty's Day race in Holyoke).   Those are within reach and something I can accomplish. 
I also would like to do 1 more workout series from January - March while it is still too cold for me to run outside with the kids.  I am thinking the Focus T25 by Beachbody which is all 25 minute workouts.
In addition, I would also like to run more 5K's to support good causes.  This is not a goal but something that I want to do and need to look into further.   

So, ready for my long term goal? 
In 2014 my main fitness goal is to run a half marathon!  I NEVER (I can't emphasize that enough) thought I would say that prior to 2013 (actually, prior to last week).  But, I think that it seems far enough out of reach to make it a long term goal and it is something I will really need to work towards.  I started out last spring running about 1 to 1 1/2 miles and worked up to 6 miles by the fall so why not improve on that next year?!  The half marathon is in the fall so it gives me the Spring and Summer to prepare myself.  I still need to find some training information and come up with a plan but the goal is made (I still am slightly in shock at my decision).  I will keep you posted!

Have you thought about 2014 and what you want to accomplish with relation to health and fitness? Now is a great time to start thinking about it!

. 
A few tips:
Make a long term goal.  Something out of reach that you want to accomplish.
Make a short term goal that you can reach in the near future to give you some satisfaction.
Once you achieve your short term goal, make another one that will get you closer to that long term goal.
Be Specific:  Do not just say "I want to exercise more."  Make a specific goal and plan. 
Don't make excuses. 

The long term goal can seem so far and out of reach but if you are consistently achieving your short term goals, it gives you the accomplished feeling you need to keep pushing forward!

So, what are your fitness goals for 2014? I would love to hear!  If you follow my short term/long term strategy and have any questions I am happy to answer them!

~Erin Leigh

Mom's Running Group

It's already December!  It came quick but before we know it, it will be Spring again!  (Ok, it may not come that quickly, but I am thinking ahead)!  You know what Spring means? Well, for me it means time to hit the pavement running again! I am enjoying the Insanity workout but I am missing running a lot. I didn't realize it until I went for a run on Sunday afternoon.  It felt great! (Although it's much better when it's nice out)! 

So, in planning ahead (I am a planner), I thought I would mention that my friend and I have talked about starting a Mom's Running Group.  I am in the beginning of the planning phases but we have a few routes in mind in the local area.  I'm going to run them and get the exact distance beforehand. Then after our run, the kids can play at a playground together while us Moms do what Moms do....chase our kids around the park! Haha, but no really, we can chat and hang out and let our kids get some exercise after we finish our workout!  It's great having other people help to keep you motivated! I know it helps for me!

And for other people who aren't local, I was thinking of finding a way for you to be involved too if interested!

But, first things first Moms, you need a jogger!  If you don't have one already and are planning ahead, maybe Christmas is a good time to get one!

These are the ones I have:

Single Jogger:  Baby Trend Expedition
Double Jogger:  Baby Trend Navigator

Since I had a Baby Trend first and I liked it I stuck with the brand for the double jogger.  I have used them both a lot and I have never had any problems!  A few key selling points for me for the double was that it is one of the smaller double jogging strollers you can find and comes with a snack tray and canopy separate for each seat.  It's a solid stroller, turns easily and is about 25 pounds. 

So, let me know if the Mom's Running Group is something you are interested in and share with other Moms you think may be interested too!  I will plan some dates/times/locations when the nice weather gets closer but wanted anyone interested to have time to think about the jogging stroller.  I think it will be a great time for Moms to exercise, motivate each other and help keep other accountable to live a healthy lifestyle...while giving the kids some time to play!  What do you think??

~Erin Leigh

 

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Insanity Fit Test Results

This week is week 3 of Insanity.  Have I mentioned my love/hate relationship with it?!  It's such a great workout but the title "Insanity" is definitely fitting.  Although every single time I finish a workout I feel great!  Unfortunately, I have had to skip yesterday and today because I'm not feeling well (my loving children shared their colds with me...how sweet).  ;)  I actually got dressed and went out to do the workout yesterday but then ended up coming right back in.  This morning, I didn't budge when the alarm went off.  I am so dead set on completing the challenge that I have a hard time that I'm missing a day (or two), but sometimes you need to listen to your body and take a break.  So, missing a few days out of 60 isn't going to make a huge difference. (That is me reminding myself....again...I have already told myself that 10 times this morning).  I think it's the mental part of how I take on challenges.  I take it seriously...clearly. 

 

Anyways, I figured I can show some progress.  Fit Test results!  For anyone who has not done this workout program before, the very first day you do a Fit Test which includes 8 exercises and you need to do as many as you can in 60 seconds.  You then repeat it every few weeks for the 60 days so you can track your improvements.

 

Here are my first two Fit Test comparisons:

 

 

 

I was definitely happy that I increased in each area. My husband's improvements were even better.  I'm so proud of him! :)  The Fit Test doesn't get easier, you just get better each time! 

 

This is a great quick workout even if you aren't doing the Insanity program so I thought I would share the moves with you and you can try it at home.

 

Make sure to warm up.  All you need is a stop watch.

I know sometimes it can be difficult to follow the diagram if you aren't already familiar with the moves so if you have any questions I'm happy to answer! It's definitely fresh in my mind! Haha :)  If you do it, feel free to share your results. Then do it again in a few weeks!  This is a great way to track progress in addition to taking photo comparisons.  If you haven't read my Proof of Progress post you can read it here. 

 

Well, I am off to go remedy this cold so I can be get back to being insane at 4:45 tomorrow morning! :)

 

~Erin Leigh

 

PS.  If you are interested in buying Insanity, you can currently get it with free shipping on Amazon!  Insanity DVD Workout

 

Type A?

Happy Monday!  A brand new week ahead of us! Have you made your workout schedule yet for the week? Now that I am doing Insanity, I am finding it even easier because the workout schedule is already spelled out for me. If you aren't familiar with the workout, it dictates which workouts you do and on what days and tells you which days to rest (which are very few). This is so helpful because it isn't up to me to come up with a plan (since I am a Type A planner)! I just need to make the time in my schedule. I actually pop in the DVD the day before to look to see how long the next video is so I can plan accordingly. Then it is ready to go the next day. (Hence, Type A planner....)

Do you think you would find something like this helpful? Having a workout plan given to you a month at a time with the designated time needed for each workout? It is all part of the challenge...to complete each workout on the designated day and track your progress.  I am curious to see if my before and after pictures will look anything like the ones you see on the ads for Insanity.  We will see! But regardless...I am loving this schedule I am on! Although the 4:45 alarm came quick this morning, it felt good when I completed a workout before 6.  Now I have the whole day ahead of me! :) So let me know, do you think having a month long workout plan would help you make a commitment to fitness or improve your current fitness level?

Enjoy your day! :)

~Erin Leigh

Insanity

So this week was the beginning of Insanity. My hubby and I started on Sunday, so today is day 5.  It is 60 days long and we will be in Mexico in 60 days so what better time to start?!  I have to say, I had forgotten the love/hate relationship I have with Shaun T!  I literally wake up every morning and my calves are so tight I feel like I cannot flex, I've been reminded of muscles that I forgot even existed and that is just the beginning.  It is starting to subside, so I think my muscles have adjusted to the ridiculousness of the workout.  But, as crazy is it sounds...I have to say I love it!  I love switching up my workouts and challenging myself. 

This Saturday is our Shaun T. designated "rest" day but we will be running a 5K....so no rest for us this week!  The 5K is called Warrior Run in Longmeadow, MA and supports the Wounded Warrior Project. This is to support wounded soldiers.  What better weekend to support such a great cause than Veteran's Day Weekend?!  It is our first 5K that we are participating in so I am looking forward to it...even the kids are coming!

So...I challenge you to try a new workout. If you are in a funk, try something new.  If you haven't started a routine, get one going!  Summer will be here before we know it!

I will share some results after week 4! 

~Erin Leigh

Make Time Now

It seems like every time I turn around it's a new day...a new week...a new month.  Time is just flying by and I can't quite grasp it.  This is such a busy time of the year with the holidays coming up! Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas parties, Christmas shopping (I am so thankful for online shopping this time of year), Christmas activities with the kids, then Christmas comes and goes and then it's a new year! 

 

Not only is it a busy time of year, but there are also extra calories laying around. Halloween candy, Thanksgiving pies, the numerous desserts people bring to you around the holidays or bring into work.  It seems like sometimes around the holidays I can't turn my head without seeing some sort of deliciousness staring me in the face.  So, there is no better time than now to get into a workout routine if you haven't already.  

 

 

Before the hectic life of November and December begins, get into a routine and then stick to it.  Pick a few days a week that are do-able with your schedule and make it happen.  If you have no time in the day, early mornings may have to be that time.  After your workout, you will thank me! :)  Do it, stick to it, eat well and then indulge in some deliciousness for the holidays! That is my plan anyways! 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow you will wish you had started today! Get after it!

 

~ Erin Leigh

 



 

Goals Goals Goals

If you are new to reading my blog, I am a goal maker...and now, I need a new goal!  I will be in Mexico in 10 weeks so I would like to make a fitness goal to achieve by then!  Any suggestions?  What are YOUR fitness goals? :)

~Erin Leigh

Ab Challenge!

Let's do an ab challenge this week! So for starters, a lot of the challenges you find online have a starting point that may not be a good starting point for everyone.  It may be too easy for some and too difficult for others so this ab challenge can be customized per person.

Plank Challenge
Goal: Complete 5 out of 7 days - two days of rest not consecutively

Directions:

Day 1.  Find your personal starting point.  Do the plank for as long as you can (max out).  Keep proper form and use a stop watch to time (most phones have the stop watch option).  This time is your starting point for the challenge.  Rest for a few minutes and then repeat meeting the same time. 

Each day increase your time by 10 seconds.

For example: If your first round is 30 seconds, you will repeat and do another 30 second plank.  The next day your two rounds will be 40 seconds each etc.

 

You can see in the diagram above all the muscles the plank works in addition to the abs.  It is a great toning exercise!

 

Today is Day 1!  Let me know how it goes! Good luck!

 

~Erin Leigh

 



Simplicity

 

It's Simple...

 

1. Make a Goal.

 

2. Make an Action Plan.

 

3. Get started.

 

 

Then tell yourself...

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow you will wish you started today...so start! ;)

 

 

 

~Erin Leigh

Thinking Ahead!

I have been thinking about the fact that time is FLYING by!  It is already mid-October, soon to be the holiday season, the New Year and then before we know it, it's Spring again! Ok, so that is a little extreme...it really won't be here that fast since the cold winter months tend to draggggg onnnnn...but, it is time to think ahead!

 

 

 

 

Don't wait until the Spring to figure out how to get fit before summer...you don't have enough time to make significant body changes in a few short months if you wait until then! Now is the time to figure out a plan and stick with it! Memorial Day starts the summer and is just 8 months away! You CAN see significant body changes in 8 months and you will be so happy then that you started now!



 

Need ideas on how you, specifically, can find the time or the right activities this winter? Let me know, I would be glad to help!  In the meantime while you make your plan, fit in some more outdoor workouts while you can.  The weather has been beautiful! :)

 

~Erin Leigh

 

 

I wish this said 8 months, but you get the idea! ;)