For Cyber Monday, Athleta.comPerfect for stocking up on fitness attire!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Cyber Monday Sale Alert: Athleta
For Cyber Monday, Athleta.comPerfect for stocking up on fitness attire!
I'm Back!
So I haven't really been keeping up with this blog or with my weight loss goals, but now I'm back! I realize that it's been almost a year that I've started this fitness odyssey, and to be honest, I haven't really lost anything. But on the positive side, I haven't gained anything either. It's time to kick it into full gear. I just bought a treadmill, so no more excuses....
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
September = Free Yoga!
September is National Yoga Month. What does that mean? It means free yoga baby! To celebrate National Yoga Month, over 750 yoga studios around the world are offering one week of free yoga. So if you're new to yoga, it's a great time to give it a try. Or perhaps you just want to check out a new studio. Here's a list of the participating studios.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
De-Bloating Tips from Britney Spears
Britney Spears has been seen out in a bikini a lot more lately. It's probably because the singer has been working hard to get her pre-baby (pre-crazy) shape back and wants to show off her new toned look. Here are some of Brit Brit's de-bloating tips:1. Cut out soda - carbonated stuff makes you bloat
2. Cut out gum - chewing gum increases air consumption, which causes bloating
3. Limit intake of salty foods - salt increases water retention
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Rachel Nichols’s G.I. Joe Workout
For her role as Shana “Scarlett” O’Hara in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Rachel Nichols enlisted Valerie Waters to help her get in shape. Four months prior to filming, Waters replaced Nichols’s regular routine with her “Action Hero Babe” routine. The “Action Hero Babe” routine consist of circuits that are made up of four to five exercises that work the arms, core, legs, and back muscles.The Workout:
“Action Hero Babe” Circuit #1
- Warm up with leg swings and squats
- 12 step ups on each leg to a high step
- 6-8 chin ups
- 10 star push ups (5 on each arm): at the height of the push-up, rotate to one side and raise opposite arm so that it’s perpendicular to your body. Return to starting position and repeat.
- 12 “Valside pushaways”: start in a push up position with Valslides under your hands. Separate hands as much as possible and return
- Repeat three times, resting one to two minutes in between
Equipment Needed:
[Source: InStyle]
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
MythBuster: Strength Training Bulks Women Up
Myth: Strength training will cause a women’s muscle to bulk up.Fact: For muscles to become large, they require certain hormones, namely, testosterone. Women fear that they will develop an overly masculine, muscular physique if they lift weights. But the truth is that since women’s testosterone levels are much lower than men’s, they don’t have the necessary amount of hormones needed to develop bulky muscles. In fact, even men struggle to gain huge muscles (and for that reason, some turn to steroids or other drugs to help build muscles).
The truth is that there are numerous benefits to strength training:
- Increases metabolism, so you’ll be burning more calories
- Increases strength
- Decreases risk of osteoporosis
- Muscles take up less room than fat, so you’ll lose inches, slim down, and tone up
Conclusion: MYTH BUSTED!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
How Scarlett Johansson Shaped Up for Iron Man 2
For the upcoming sequel to Iron Man, aptly named Iron Man 2, Scarlett Johansson had to don a revealing Lycra catsuit for her role as the Black Widow. Scarlett had to endure rigorous stunt training and strength training to look good in unforgiving Lycra. Iron Man 2 director Jon Favreau credits Scarlett’s willpower and determination in making the Black Widow suite look good. “She didn’t eat much, that’s for sure. She likes food, as do I, and she was definitely on a low-card diet and training very hard. It was amazing.”
Iron Man 2 opens May 7, 2010.
[Source: People]
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Healthy Living Tips form Jillian Michaels
The Biggest Loser trainer, Jillian Michaels, went on the Today Show this morning to dish out healthy living advice. She took questions that were videoed in, Skyped in, and called in. Jillian recommends looking at the number of calories you consume. To basically watch what you eat. Here's what else she had to say:On how to stay healthy on the road:
• Pack a cooler with healthy food options
• Choose the grilled options when dinning at fast food places
Be high maintenance with food at restaurants:
• Check out nutritional info
• Ask for dressing on the sides
• Ask for things to be grilled
On not having time to go to the gym:
• You don’t need a gym to workout, you can do polymetric exercises at home or anywhere
• Do squats, lunges, push ups, sit ups, etc
• Get creative and think out of the box
On what not to eat:
• Sugars
• Processed foods
• Refined grains
On energy boosters:
• Drink water. Dehydration can snap energy. Drink at least 80 ounces a day
• Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and organic proteins
• Drink up to 200mg of caffeine a day. That’s about one cup of coffee. 200 mg of caffeine is about 75 minutes of sleep. It’ll improve cognitive function and boost energy levels
On metabolism boosters:
• Get seven to eight hours of sleep a night. That’s when your body is releasing most of the fat burning and anti-aging hormones
• Base workouts on strength training
• Do four to five hours of exercises per week
• Lower body exercises if the best for metabolic functions. Do lunges, squats, dead lifts, weights, etc. This releases more testosterone, DHEA – all the hormones that helps your body shed fat
• Avoid alcohol. Alcohol is a metabolism killer. It releases excess estrogen, which is bad for the body and your waistline.
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Sunday, July 12, 2009
Jessica Alba's Workout Routine
Like many Hollywood moms, Jessica Alba got her body back in record time. Ever wonder what routine she used to do that? Straight from the horse's mouth, her trainer Ramona Braganza shares Jessica's routine that you can do in the comfort of your own home or gym. Jessica pays $200 a session with Ramona. You can do the same routine for no cost, all you need is 40 minutes and a pair of three pound dumbbells. Also as a sidenote, Halle Berry also used this routine to get her body back after baby. Do the routine four times a week.
10 MINUTE CARDIO: Jog for two minutes, run hard for six minutes, and jog for two minutes again
STRENGTH TRAINING 1: Three rounds of 20 reps using three pound dumbbells
- Forward lunge with biceps curl: Curl weights up as you step forward, then release arms down and step back to your starting position. Alternate legs.
- Reverse flys: Step forward with one leg, bend at the waist, and let your arms hang. Raise arms, slightly rounded, to the sides until they are in line with your shoulders. Switch legs every 10 reps.
- Lateral raise: Stand with arms by your sides and lift arms out to the side until they are in line with your shoulders
5-MINUTE CARDIO: Alternate between 30 seconds of jogging and 30 seconds of sprinting.
STRENGTH TRAINING 2: Three rounds of 20 reps using 3-pound dumbbells
- Squat with shoulder press: As you come out of the squat position, press arms up over your head with palms facing forward.
- Chest press: Lie back on a bench (or stacked pillows), arms extended above your chest, palms forward with dumbbells touching. Lower arms until weights are in line with chest, then press back up.
- Triceps dips: Slide off the seat of a chair, keeping your arms on the edge behind you, and lower yourself down until your arms are at a 90-degree angle.
5-MINUTE CARDIO: Jog for 30 seconds; run hard for four minutes; jog again for 30 seconds.
CORE WORKOUT: One round of 20 reps
- Reverse crunches: Lie on your back with knees pulled to chest and hands under butt; straighten legs toward ceiling, contract abs, and lift hips.
- Bicycle crunches: Lie on back with arms behind head and legs raised and bent to 90 degrees. Bring right elbow to left knee, left elbow to right knee.
- Plank: Hold for 20 to 30 seconds.
Weigh-In: Week 28
It's been 28 weeks since I've start trying to lose weight and I've only lost 4 lbs! But I have to admit that I haven't really been putting all my effort into it. I only ran once this week. Like I've said before, with my ipod still broken, I'm just not motivated to run as much. I'm addicted to the nike+ thing. I need to see my runs, how fast I'm going, how far, how many calories I've burned. And I love how it's all laid out for you with numbers and graphs - it must be the scientist in me. So I can't decide whether I want to buy a new nano or an iphone. And I just keep putting it off - I'm the worst procrastinator ever! Every Sunday, I tell myself that I need to kick it up the next week. But you know it never happens, and I really don't know why, other than the fact that I'm lazy and otherwise preoccupied. But I think I'm really going to do it next week - hopefully that is. Yesterday, I was over at my aunt's and guess what she told me. She said that I should join a gym. Now this isn't the first time that one of my relatives have told me that I need to lose weight - it's an Asian thing, which I'll rant about later - but this time it really irked me.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Weigh-In: Week 27
I lost some (very very little) weight, but I have no one to blame but myself and mother nature. I was all bloated this week - that's mother nature's fault. I know, I know, tmi. Sorry. But it's also my fault, cause I haven't been working out. I've been meaning too, but I've also been lazy. I need to get motivated and get my butt in gear! And because my stupid ipod nano is stuck on hold! I just can't run without my ipod + nike thing. I'm addicted to the stats! I need to find a way to open up the nano, so it won't be perpetually stuck on hold or I should just get a new one. But I don't know if I want a nano or an iphone. Decisions, decisions! But either way, tomorrow I'll try running again, without the ipod + nike....
July's Lust List
1. Apple iPod nano 8 GB Blue
($133.95)2. Capellini Bra Top ($39)
3. Sigg Lifestyle Loop Top Water Bottle
($18.29)4. New Balance Women's WR8509 Running Shoe
($49.47)5. Blink Short ($49)
Sandra Bullock's Workout for The Proposal
Eden Paul, a L.A. based trainer, designed a workout for Sandra Bullock for her role as Margaret Tate in The Proposal with Ryan Reynolds. The workout includes plyometrics, weights, Pilates, and boxing. The routine, which Bullock did three to four times a week, takes about 35 minutes. • Warm up for 5-10 minutes. Paul recommends hopping on the treadmill and walk at a pace of 4.0
• Alternate three sets of 20 standing squats with three sets of pushups (do as many pushups as you can in good form)
• Alternate three sets of 20 reverse lunges with three sets of 15 dumbbells deal lifts
• Alternate three sets of 15 side lunges, alternating sides, with three sets of 20 dumbbell bicep curls to shoulder press
• Lie face up in a crunch position and scissor kick the legs for as many seconds as you can in good form. Rest and repeat three times.
(Source: InStyle Magazine)
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Weigh-In: Week 25
I haven't been able to workout this week, cause I've been with my aunt in the hospital (she has cancer). But even though I didn't lose any pounds this week, at least I didn't gain any either - which is always a good thing.Stephanie Pratt Says The Hills Made Her Bulimic
The Hill’s Stephanie Pratt is on this week’s cover of Us Weekly. Inside the issue, she talks about her struggle with bulimia. Stephanie says that working with skinny co-stars caused her eating disorder. The 5-foot-7 23-year-old reveals she began bingeing and purging after watching a scene she shot with Lauren Conrad in 2007 after first joining the cast: “I was horrified. I remember saying, ‘I can’t believe how huge I look walking over to Lauren.’”
Another time, when filming in Hawaii in bikinis, the size 0-2 Pratt –- in a bikini and cover-up — asked costar Audrina Patridge, “What looks better, ’shirt on or off?’” Patridge said ‘On.’” Says Pratt, “The producers never put pressure on us to lose weight,” but adds, “It’s embarrassing working with skinny girls.”
So do you sympathize with her? Now while I can relate to feeling pressure to be thin (my family is always commenting on my weight and while I was in Asia strangers would comment on it as well, but thankfully I never developed an eating disorder), I can’t help but think this is all for publicity. First of all, she is a Pratt – need I say more? Secondly, would anyone with an eating disorder really want to pose in a bikini for the cover of a magazine? Moreover, I do think that she should own up to her own culpability and not just solely blame The Hills for her ED. However, if her struggles are legitimate, I do wish her all the best in her recovery.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Jessica Szohr Eats Like a Pig
Gossip Girl star Jessica Szohr, tells Men's Health about her food issues. Her issues, being how she loves food.On eating like a pig:
“My family makes fun of me. They say I eat like a man. But I love food that much. When I have a craving for something, I just can’t hold myself back.”
On no longer being a vegetarian:
“After 10 years of eating vegetarian, I tried my boyfriend’s [Gossip Girl's Ed Westwick]. I was overwhelmed. It was orgasmic.”
Weigh-In: Week 22
No major change this week. I can't seem to push through this weight threshold. Maybe it's time to change things up, so I can see some results. It's National Run Day
June 3rd is National Run Day. So lace up your running shoes and get out there.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
America's Fittest Cities
Forbes have complied a list of America's fittest cities. Top 5 Fittest Cities
1. Washington, D.C.
2. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
3. Denver, Colo.
4. Boston, Mass.
5. San Francisco, Calif.
Here's the complete list. Check to see if your list is on it.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Weigh-In: Week 21
So I haven't really been keeping up with my weekly weigh-ins. And boy did it catch up with me. I was regaining so much! But that was also, because when I was abroad, I wasn't doing as much cardio as I usually do. And then of course, clumsy me, I injured myself. So then, even when I got back home, I couldn't resume my usually exercise regimen due to not being able to move my leg! And then of course, I was all bloated because of mother nature! Ugh! Everything was going against me. I regained like 5 pounds. Then last week, I was able to start running again. Heck, I even did 12mi in one day - the longest I think I've ever done. So this week was a little better, I'm starting to shed those pesky pounds again. Sunday, May 10, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
David Kirsch's Ultimate Summer Slimdown
David Kirsch - the celebrity trainer that gets Heidi Klum in shape - wants to help us get our beach body rockin' by Memorial Day! That's only three weeks from now. But you know, if I had to pick a trainer to help me get in tip top shape, it would be David Kirsch. After all, he got Heidi in shape to walk the Victoria's Secret runway only a couple of weeks after giving birth. But hey, that's Heidi, and I'm just a mere mortal. But nevertheless, I still have faith in David. Lucky for us, David has devised a daily plan designed to maximize fat and calorie burning and healthy recipes. And best of all, it's FREE! So sign up for the Ultimate Summer Slimdown program today! The program starts May 1st!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Happy Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day! Everyday should be Earth Day, but you should be especially good to Mother Earth today!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Weigh-In: Week 16
There wasn't much change this week in every way - weight loss or routine. Bummer! But at least I lost something. That's always good.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Whitney Port's Workout Tips
Whitney Port, of “reality” shows – The Hills, The City – fame, and her trainer, Danny Connolly, shares some workout moves that she does in every session.
Here are some more pictures of her other workouts:
“This is the cross-cable push/pulls. It emphasizes the obliques and core, in addition to working the shoulders, arms, and back muscles.”
“Here you the traveling lunge, which is a standard trainer favorite. I utlize them with all of my girls and White has benefited greatly from this move. It works thigh, butt, and hips. We always concentrate on keeping her upper body tall and erect to emphasize the abs too. While this may not be one of her favorite, Whitney does them perfectly! My form is very strict, or I should say that I am very meticulous about the manner in which I teach THIS move in particular.”
“This is the weighted ball toss for toning the waistline and shoulders – it’s Whit’s favorite move we do! We have her concentrate on controlling the momentum aspect. We keep her arms as straight as possible, too.”
“This move is tough. It takes a fair amount of upper body strength to lift the lower torso ‘off’ the seat. This move indirectly targets the arms and shoulders, but is actually an abdominal movement. It works primarily the lower ab region.”
“This one is another Whitney favorite. It is called alternating bicep curl with tension bands. She curls the bands across her body and controls the speed on the way down.”
“Lastly we have the tricep dips on a bench. She does these well every time! We try to keep her upper body close to the bench as she lifts and lowers her body up and down. This move works the shoulders and arms really well!”
Here are some more pictures of her other workouts:
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