Join Rockin’ Mama to Get Fit This Summer

Summer is here and I’m not quite ready for swimsuit season.  I had a baby 6 months ago and I’m slowly (but much too slowly) losing the weight.  I need a bit of inspiration…and some support.  So I decided that being a member of Bee Well for Life wasn’t enough.  I need accountability…and motivation…

Join Rockin’ Mamas, the team I created for the BeeWell for Life Bee Squad Challenge. From now through August 15, join me in logging the miles you walk, run, or bike each day.  As part of the challenge, Bumble Bee will donate 15 cents per mile to Breast Cancer Network of Strength.  If you’re looking for some inspiration and support to get fit and healthy this summer, join BeeWell for Life. Once you’re a member (it’s free), head on over to “Bee Social” to find the Rockin’ Mamas!  Easy right?

I did not receive compensation for this post.  As a member of the Bee Squad, I receive information and product samples.

Fabulously Fit: Shape-ups by Skechers

Now that I’ve been given the “ok” to exercise, I’m ready to dive right in and shed the pounds that brestfeeding has not taken care of.  Finding the time to work out is a challenge, so if any of you have tips on doing this with two, please feel free to comment or send me an email.  In the meantime, I’m wearing my Skechers Shape-ups in hopes of toning up some of the flab!

Two weeks ago I attended an A-Mazing event with SV Moms Group (more on the event to come very soon!).  We had the privilege of interacting on a personal level with a variety of brands, one of which was Skechers.  They had a table full of shoes…all for us! And since I have a shoe addiction weakness for shoes, I couldn’t resist accepting of pair of Skechers new Shape-ups.  The shoes are designed to promote weight loss, strengthen the back, firm calf and buttock muscles, reduce cellulite and tone thighs, increase cardiovascular health, improve posture, and reduce stress on knee and ankle joints.  Here is a little summary of how they work, from the site:

Designed to improve your life by changing the way you walk, Shape-ups feature a unique soft kinetic wedge insert and dynamic rolling bottom to simulate walking on soft sand. With the comfort of Shape-ups, you will feel your heel sink to the ground as you step, roll forward as your weight shifts to its center, and push off with your toes. This movement will result in stronger leg, buttock, back and abdominal muscles as you stabilize your steps.

I was a bit skeptical about their ability to promote weight loss.  But the company conducted four clinical studies in the US and Japan which demonstrated “increased muscle activity and energy consumption when compared to standard fitness shoes” over a six to eight week time period (for 25-45 minutes per day).  I have only really been wearing the shoes for about a week (and inconsistently), so time and consistent wear will really determine whether or not I’ll lose the weight and tone my flabby bits (British humor!).

When I wore my Shape-ups for the first time, it was a bit of an adjustment.  There is a proper way to walk in them in order to attain the stated benefits.  Here is a short intro video I found helpful:

The shoes have a  thick sole, and walking with them takes some getting used to (but it didn’t take me longer than a day or so).  I find them very comfortable, but I can’t tell how effective they are yet (I haven’t been consistently wearing them as recommended).  I’m definitely going to keep wearing them and update you on how effective they are at toning and weight loss in a few weeks.

For a fitness shoe, they’re very stylish.  I like the added heighth they provide. They come in a variety of styles and colors including boots, Mary Janes, sneakers, and slippers.  Prices vary but range from $99 to $115. For more information on Shape-ups, including benefits and use, visit their site.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A product sample was received at the event.

Fabulously Fit: We Pilates *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to our winner Rachel #37!

It’s been a little over two months since our beauty was born and it’s time for this mama to shed the baby weight!  I don’t have much time of my own, so the bulk of my exercising must be done with the kids.  Fortunately, I have double jogging stroller to get me in shape.

Apart from a good jogging stroller, a comfy pair of workout clothes and a supportive pair of shoes are really all I need to get me started on my path to wellness.  For the last week, I’ve been wearing a pair of Organic Supima pants from We Pilates.  The company, which was started by a mom, offers comfortable, stylish, and eco-friendly active wear. The company also plants trees for every 50 units of the company’s “burnout” styles sold (this fabric requires some man-made fibers, hence their commitment to planting trees).

The New Long and Lean Pant is made from a blend of Organic Supima Cotton (91%) and Spandex.  They’re form-fitting but  highly flattering, considering I still have a lot of the baby weight still on me.  They also have a tapered leg which makes them suitable for wearing out as well.   I’ve actually been wearing them around the house because they’re super cozy and would definitely wear them out with a longer shirt. Why not pair them with The Reese Model/Supima 3/4 scoop neck tee?

The New Long and Lean Pant is available in four colors and retails for $60.  Right now you’ll save 20% on purchases by using the code “RMAMA10″ (without the quotes).  If you’re looking for stylish, affordable fitness attire that you can wear out and about, check out We Pilates!

Win It! One of you will win a pair of Long and Lean Pants from We Pilates (ARV $60).  Simply head on over to their site.  Then come back and leave me a comment with another fitness piece that you’d like to own.  Comments will close on March 27, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow We Pilates on Twitter and/or on Facebook (max 2 entries total).

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.

A Giveaway to Keep You Fit!

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winners are Claudia (First Place) and Molomatic (Second Place).  Congrats!

It is WAY too soon for me to start shedding the baby weight (I can barely walk at this point).  Of course, I have been eating like I’m still pregnant started thinking about it.  Earlier this year I spent some time working with the Wii Fit to lose the baby weight.  I’m hoping to upgrade my system and use it again to lose this weight (for good!).

If you have a Wii Fit, I’m sure you’re interested in protecting it…preserving it’s life…especially if you have kids.  My son loves to “play” on our Wii Fit and while he’s not rough with it, I definitely think protecting it is a good idea.  Hence the benefit of the neoprene sleeve that comes in in PDP’s Starter Kit for Wii Fit.  Plus, it gives your feet a bit of cushion since you don’t wear shoes (for the most part) when using the Wii Fit.

If you’re a regular Wii Fit user, than you know that there is an entire yoga section.  Before using the Wii Fit, I didn’t really practice yoga (although I should!).  There are so many benefits including relaxation, improving flexibility, strength, posture, and breathing.  The Starter Kit for Wii Fit includes a yoga mat so that you’re comfortable (it’s perfect since we have hard, laminate floors).

I have not used our Wii Fit since I got pregnant with our baby girl, but I’m excited about slowly getting back into a fitness regimen.

If you have a Wii gaming system, check out Performance Designed Products for numerous affordable accessories.  Their Starter Kit for Wii Fit retails for $29.99 and is available online.

Win It! One of you will win a Starter Kit for Wii Fit and one of you will win a yoga mat.  Simply leave me a comment with either another product from the site you’d like to have OR how you’re planning on staying fit in 2010.  Comments will close on January 10, 2010 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I received a product, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.

Sports Authority Teams Up With Wii Fit Plus *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks so much for stopping by!  The winner is Chastidy.  Congrats!

If you’ve followed my blog, then you know that I used the Wii Fit to lose the baby weight before I got pregnant with our baby girl.  In fact, I now realize that those months when I felt like I wasn’t making any progress, were due to the fact that my body was creating a person!  Hehe!  I honestly think that the Wii Fit was and is an incredible innovation with regards to gaming and fitness.  Children (and adults) no longer have to sit on the couch, controls in hand, peeled to a screen.  I love the way the Wii Fit encourages movement, balance, and commitment to change.

Many of you may have heard that Nintendo has launched an updated version of the Wii Fit, called the Wii Fit Plus.  I can’t say I have personal experience with the updated version, however, the company has expanded on the original software to include new exercises and tools to personalize your fitness routine.  I’m hoping to upgrade mine soon (It’s around $20).

In addition, Jillian Michaels’ new Wii game “Fitness Ultimatum 2010” was just released for both the Wii and DS.  To celebrate, Sports Authority has teamed up with Nintendo to create a new way to experience fitness gaming.  On Thursday, November 19 (as in TOMORROW!), you can visit their Torrance, California store with a celebratory launch.  Here is a bit more information about how Sports Authority is collaborating withNintendo to create this experience:

To help customers get to know the Wii better, Sports Authority will create a “We know fit. We know fun.” experience at 102 of their stores. Stores will feature a dedicated area with a demo unit and knowledgeable trainers to help customers try the Wii and Wii Fit Plus before they buy.

Here are the details of the event:

Event Information:
Thursday, Nov. 19
Sports Authority store in Torrance (located at 3610 Torrance Blvd.), CA (just outside of Los Angeles, CA)
Event starts at 9:30 a.m. and runs until mid-day

Event Highlights:
· Jillian Michaels, from “The Biggest Loser,” will be in attendance.
· There will be the “world’s largest Wii Fit Plus” demonstration featuring 102 people. Jillian will be part of the demonstration, doing what she does best – showing folks how to get in shape!
· Lots of items to be given away, including copies of Jillian Michaels’ new Wii game “Fitness Ultimatum 2010“ and Wii Fit Plus boards, as well as other prizes from Sports Authority, Nintendo and Nike.

For more information, check out the Sports Authority site.

Now I know many of you don’t live in Southern California…although I’d love to see you at the event…so…

Win It! One of you will win a Wii Fit Plus Board AND a copy of Jillian Michaels‘ new Wii Game “Fitness Ultimatum 2010.”  Simply leave me a comment with one way you fit in exercise as a mom with children.  I need all the advice I can get!  Comments will close on December 3, 2009 at 10 PM PST.

One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

Get In Shape Ladies! *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to our winner, Sharon Jones!

So now that summer is over, have you started to “let yourself go” just a bit?  I am obviously not exercising at the moment (except for running around after my two year old!) but I always remember slacking a bit once the weather cooled down.  Warm sweaters and jeans can hide a lot and as the holidays approach, I always found myself sneaking in an extra cookie here or foregoing the gym a week there.

I like to offer my readers a chance to try different products, that otherwise you may not get exposed to.  I have not tried Banglz and thus cannot attest to their effectiveness, however, one of you is going to be able to get a chance to check them out (I’d love for whoever wins to come back and share their experience).

FitnessUwear is a mom-owned business offering a unique twist on exercise.  Two stay-at-home moms wanted to find a way for other moms to fit exercise into their busy schedules.  And who isn’t busy?

Banglz are 1/2 pound fashionable weighted bracelets women can wear during a workout or even just throughout your day.  Sounds cool and effortless to me!  The extra weight you’re carrying is supposed to help women burn more calories and strenghten muscle tone. They look like bracelets from the site (although I can’t tell you how they look in person), and come in a variety of colors and prints.  You’ll also find 1 pound Banglz for your ankles and slimming shape wear on the site.

The 1/2 pound wrist Banglz retail for $24.95 and are available for purchase on the site.

Win It! One of you will win a set of wrist Banglz. Simply leave me a comment with one tip on how we busy moms and women can fit exercise into our busy schedules AND whether or not you think this is something that could be useful to you (I want your honest opinions!)!   Comments will close on November 5, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

Bumbleride Indie

Even though I’m only 3 months pregnant, I can already feel myself putting on weight.  Now, of course, this is normal, however, in the back of my mind is that question of how I’m going to lose the baby weight once and for all the second time around.  I’ve been walking when I feel well (which is still rare these days) and I’ll be using the Bumbleride Indie stroller once my energy picks up again.

You may remember that I recently trialed the Bob Stroller Strides Fitness Stroller for about a month.  Well, I’m so excited to share with you my experience with the Bumbleride Indie. First, here is a little more information from the site:

Bumbleride Indie is not your Average All-Terrain Stroller. Weighing a slim 20 lbs., Indie combines the off-road ability of a multi-terrain stroller with the lean agility of an urban jogger and features a 360 degree swiveling front wheel with forward and rear facing locking positions.

The very first thing I noticed about the stroller was it’s stylish, modern design and vibrant color options.  I chose Seagrass which is absolutely gorgeous!  The pictures on the site don’t do the stroller justice.  It’s actually bigger and sturdier than it appears, which is impressive, since it only weighs 20 pounds!  It’s also the most fashionable jogging stroller I’ve yet to see.  If you’ve seen other jogging strollers, then you know that they’re usually only available in primary colors and have a sort of rugged look about them.  Not so with the Indie.  While red and black are definitely options, I prefer the off-the-beaten path colors!

If you’ve ever purchased a stroller, then you know that very often you have to purchase accessories as well.  I’m impressed with the fact that the Indie comes with a rain cover (for those of you who don’t live in Southern California), air pump, jogging strap, and cup holder.  It’s always a little disappointing when you spend a decent amount of money on a stroller and then realize that the accessories are not included.  Of course the company offers additional accessories but they’re definitely luxuries rather than necessities if you’re trying to keep the cost reasonable.

The stroller is designed for use with infants and children up to 45 pounds, which means you get a lot of use out of the stroller.  The seat adjusts accordingly and includes an infant headrest and shoulder pads for added protection.  The ride is smooth and the stroller maneuvers easily.  I like the ability to lock the front wheel when jogging and the jogging strap (we have some hilly parts around here!).

Like I mentioned earlier, I trialed the Bob Stroller Strides Fitness Stroller.  While there were many similarities, I definitely appreciate the Indie’s stylish, compact, and lightweight design.  I love the color options and the versatility of the stroller for both everyday use and fitness.  Plus, people are constantly asking me…Who makes that stroller?  : )  I like to turn heads!

The Bumbleride Indie retails for $459.99 and can be purchased directly from the site.  And…they make a double…now…if I can just upgrade!

Here is a little video I made of the Bumbleride Indie.

Bob Stroller Strides Fitness Stroller

Having a baby has been (and is) one of the most joyful experiences in my life.  It’s definitely also the busiest I’ve ever been.  Babies and toddlers take up a lot of time (and rightly so), and I find myself  neglecting myself at times.  As a woman and a mother, I find that one of the most important things I can do for my child is to keep myself healthy.  If you’re a mom, then you know how challenging it can be to fit in a workout.  However, exercise does wonders for physical and emotional health and helps get that baby weight off!  My son has never been in any type of day care setting (apart from an hour in our church’s nursery every now and then) so putting him in a gym child care program was out of the question for me.  Last year, I had an opportunity to participate in a Stroller Strides photo and video shoot which allowed me the opportunity to try out this amazing total fitness program for moms and babes!  I thoroughly enjoyed the month I spent working out with other moms in my community but there was one thing holding me back from signing up…my stroller.

Now you may not know this, but BOB’s Stroller Strides Fitness Stroller is the official stroller for this program.  And I had an opportunity to test it out for a month and a half!  Based on the BOB Revolution Stroller, this stroller combines swivel-wheel maneuverability to help moms (or dads) stay in shape. I can’t think of a better way to get or stay in shape then to do it with your baby.  This is my first experience with a jogging stroller and I have to say that I’m very impressed with both it’s durability and functionality.  For weighing in at 24 pounds, it is definitely more sturdy than I thought it would be.  It has a “tough, welded frame” and was constructed to be a high quality stroller.  It folds very easily (thankfully) and more compactly then it appears, and fits nicely in my trunk. It’s designed to be very comfortable for children and the company has thought of practically everything.  The sun shade goes all the way over to provide complete coverage/protection from the sun if you have a baby/toddler that falls asleep with motion.  The seat is padded well and reclines up to 70 degrees from the vertical position. There are also mesh pockets to store drinks or snacks (a must if you’re going to get through a 60 minute workout).  I was a little concerned that jogging with it would be too bouncy for a baby, but the suspension is unlike any I’ve experienced with a stroller (and I’ve owned several).  The front wheel can be locked for safety when you’re running or unlocked to help you maneuver through tight spaces.  Another excellent safety feature is the strap you attach to your arm when you’re running downhill.

The only real difference between this stroller and the Revolution is the Fitness Kit that comes with it which includes a set of exercise bands, an exercise manual, and a week of Stroller Strides classes.  I think it’s great to have the bands but I know that when you take the class you’ll be able to use theirs.  Unless you’re planning on working out apart from Stroller Strides, you may not need the Fitness Kit. If you choose the Revolution, you’ll have your choice of five colors (over just the one red option with the Stroller Strides Fitness Stroller). The stroller retails for $399.oo and can be purchased on the site.

Right now, the company just launched a new contest which will run through June 29.  One very lucky entrant will win a Stroller Strides Fitness Stroller on the site.  Here are the details from the site:

Hey new moms and moms-to-be, are you ready to get your workout on?  Well, here’s your chance to win a brand new Stroller Strides Fitness Stroller that’s going to get you rolling and encourage your health and wellness goals, big or small!  To enter, send us a photo of you in your super sweet workout duds, the most creative submission will win!  So, are you a spandex queen?  Do you and baby match outfits?  Show BOB your funky fashion, custom creation, or silly styling’s when you’re getting fit!

If you enter on the site, leave me a comment so I can check out your entry!

Wii Fit Focus: Consistency

I’ve been on my weight loss journey for about 8 weeks now and I was doing really well…until I wasn’t.  Today I came to that point in my journey where I’ve discovered that the best laid plans don’t always come to fruition.  I should be at my goal right now…today…April 18, 2009.  I had lost 3.6 pounds and I was feeling good.  I had decided that I could “slack off” a bit.  As the busyness started to creep in, so did the chocolate.  Now, there’s nothing inherently wrong with chocolate. However, I don’t imagine that making it’s consumption a daily habit really contributes to my weight loss plan.  So…I got back on my feet today (uh…my Fit) again and realized a few things.

Weight loss (and then maintenance) does not come easy.  It requires work.  It requires a lifestyle change.  That’s why fad diets only work temporarily.

Consistency is the key to developing a life long habit.

Set realistic goals.

I weighed in today at 136 pounds with a BMI of 27.42.  That means I’m down 1.5 pounds from the week where I royally messed up my plan.  I set a new goal today…and I want need accountability.

My goal in the next week is to work hard on my cardio…I want to “step it up.”  Two of my favorite Wii Fit aerobic activities are the Advanced Step (because it’s fun and helps me with my coordination) and the 2-P Run long distance (because it gives me a good workout).  There are several reasons why I think the Wii Fit is effective as a weight loss tool.  First, it gives you immediate feedback on your progress and “rewards” you for good behavior.  People in general like to see results and I think that the system does a good job of that.  Second, it gives you goals to strive for.  Obviously weight loss is the most important for me (and maybe for you).  But, there is the challenge of improving strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination…all of which motivates me to keep doing it.  Third, it’s fun.  Exercise, in general, is pretty boring.  I can find a lot of other things I’d much rather be doing.  But when it’s made into a “game” it gives me the motivation to do it.

Wii Fit Focus: The Body Test (Part Two)

Well…we’re well into the third week and I have to say that I am LOVING the Wii Fit. I have not worked out this much since before I had my son.  I really needed some motivation and I can honestly say that it’s FUN.   I had no idea that there were so many different fitness activities.  I am always anxious to unlock new games and that is definitely a motivating factor.  I love being able to work out in the comfort of my own home, on my time.  This week I want to tell you a little bit more about the Body Test (I vlogged one of my body tests last week).  But…first I need to update you on my weight loss progress.  

This week,  I have to admit that I was not the best at adhering to my diet.  Those cupcakes from Bangerang just about threw me over.  Who could resist a chocolate cupcake?  Especially when it tastes as good as it looks.  So…here are my stats this week:

Weight:  138.2 

Goal Weight:  123.9

BMI:  27.87

Goal BMI: 24.98

Wii Fit Age: 35 (woo hoo!)

So…I still have about 14 pounds to lose by April 14 which means I’m probably going to have to give myself a little extra time.  With being sick I was set back on my goals about a week.  So…if you’re trying to lose weight before the summer, leave me a comment so that I can come visit your blog and we can keep each other accountable!

One of the things that is I highly recommend is the daily Body Test.  I like to see numbers…even if they’re the “wrong” numbers.  Seeing my weight and BMI helps me understand what I need to do to achieve my goals.  A very small part of the Body Test is a weight and BMI check.  But the Body Test is so much more than just a daily “weigh-in.”  It’s actually a series of activities that the system selects for you on any given day to give you an idea of how your body is performing over all (the end result being your Wii Fit age).  Some of the activities include measuring your center of balance (I’m always shifted a bit to one side) and body control.  Sometimes you have to shift your weight from side to side, other times they ask you to keep yourself balanced on one leg.  What I’ve come to realized is that the focus of the Wii Fit is not solely on weight loss.  The goal of the program is overall health and total body fitness.  Center of balance and posture are just as important as aerobics and strength training.  Stay tuned for more information on how the Wii Fit is helping me achieve total body fitness!  I can’t wait to tell you about some of the new games I unlocked including one of my all-time favorites!

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