About a week and a half ago, I did some serious sweating cardiovascular fitness and strength training at Barry’s Bootcamp.  In my 30+ years, I’ve taken countless fitness classes…but none like this one.  Is there any exercise regime you’re doing right now that will result in burning as many as 1000 calories in an hour?

For the last fourteen years, Barry’s Bootcamp has been delivering “The Best Workout in the World.” Much like boot camp, characterized by discipline and structure, this one hour class combines interval cardiovascular routines on the treadmill with strength training using free weights.  What’s interesting about the workouts is that they actually change each day to help achieve optimal results.   If you were to attend a class each day, you’d work different parts of your body, which is something that is quite unique and sets the workout apart from others. The workouts can vary from two 30 minute segments to four 15 minute segments and this constant transition between cardiovascular and strength training is why it’s effective in helping to improve the cardiovascular system resulting in weight loss and muscle strength.

I took a one hour class, and to be honest, it was hard!  I’m not at my optimal fitness level, however, I do work out so I was a bit surprised at how intense the class was. But I LOVED the burn I felt in my abs the next day and I actually felt really good after the class…energized.  The class is meant to be challenging but not impossible, and much like any workout, you can and should tailor it to your fitness level. If you prefer to walk versus run, you should.  You can also opt for lighter weights if necessary.  The workout can definitely be adapted to your personal and current level of fitness and there is much room to advance and see results.

The class I attended just happened to be led by celebrity trainer Derek Degrazio, who’s helped people like Britney Spears achieve real results.  He was energetic, motivating, but serious about helping each of us achieve results…even in just one class.

At present, you’ll find classes in select cities across the globe including Los Angeles, Orange County (Irvine), San Diego, New York City, Nashville, London, and Bergen, Norway. For information regarding class times and prices, just visit Barry’s Bootcamp.

No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to sweat it out with Derek Degrazio at Barry’s Bootcamp.

The start of the new year brings hope and possibility. It’s the time of year when people are most apt to make resolutions, and fitness and health typically top those lists. In fact, if you’re thinking about weight loss, fitness, and healthy living, the start of the new year is the ideal time to begin that journey.

January 2nd has been named National Weigh-In Day by Special K, and the brand is hoping to help women re-think their approach and discussions surrounding weight loss. Rather than focusing on a number, which can often be frustrating and disheartening for women, the brand is encouraging women to focus on the emotional gains they’ll realize when they’ve achieved their fitness and weight loss goals.

My word? Gusto!

In select cities across the country, women publicly “weighed-in” on weight loss. But rather than displaying a number, the scales set up displayed positive words depicting the emotional benefits that can be gained as a result of weight loss. Can you imagine how freeing that would be if every scale displayed an encouraging word as opposed to a number?

Weighing in on weight loss

Dieting is difficult, frustrating, and typically unsuccessful, particularly if a woman is attempting to do it on her own. I need accountability and encouragement from other women to help me stay on track or come Spring, I’m so far off track that attempting to regroup becomes less and less attainable.  I also want and need a plan that offers flexibility and personalization so that I can tailor it to my lifestyle and food preferences.

Vivienne Edwards from Special K

Many may not know that Special K offers a free, online weight management plan. For the first time since the Special K Challenge launched, 9 years ago, the plan is now customizable to your lifestyle, preferences, and goals. Whether you’re a working mom on the go who may have to eat a few meals out, a foodie who likes to experiment with the finer foods in life, or a woman who’s given up animal products, there is likely a plan for you.

The challenge itself is a way to kick start your weight loss goals, as opposed to a permanent weight loss plan. The premise is that one would replace two meals with Special K meals and snacks, plus a conventional meal of choice.  Fruits, vegetables, and beverages are “free” foods that can be consumed without any limits. Once the 2 week challenge has been completed, women can continue to maintain their weight through the plan which offers daily menus and shopping lists. With their mobile app, the plan can be accessed on-the-go. Additionally, the online plan offers a place for women to journal, which for many is very important to the process of weight loss. Writing down goals, successes, struggles, thoughts, and emotions can be highly motivational and cathartic.  Lastly, the site integrates a community-type feature where participants can seek and provide online support to friends and family.

Confidence...What I'll gain when I lose

The holidays are over…2011 is in the past…Let’s begin the new year with a fresh start and a clean slate!  I’m hoping to regain some confidence this year as I work to achieve my weight loss goals. What do you hope to gain once you’ve realized your goals?

 This is a compensated campaign via The Motherhood. However, all opinions expressed remain my own.

I’m less than ten pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight (as in before my 4 year old son was born) and while I’m so proud to have gotten this far, I’ve definitely hit a plateau.  And, of course, my body does not resemble it’s former 20-something self.  I’m not always as consistent with my workout schedule and while I work very hard to eat fresh, natural, healthful foods, I can stray when I’m out, traveling, or simply just busy.

Thanks to Kristen Horler, founder of Baby Boot Camp, I have some tips to share with you on slimming down after baby.

1. Check in!  Be sure you’ve been cleared for physical activity from your physician before beginning any work out program.  While you may be cleared 6-8 weeks postpartum, allow your body time to heal and recover.

2. Breast is best! Just for doing what your body is supposed to, you’ll burn up to 30o-500 calories a day.

3.  Start now! Post-pregnancy weight gain has been linked to obesity.

4. Say “no” to dieting! Rather than “diet” strive to create lifelong, healthy eating habits by consuming well-balanced meals.

5. Get on a routine! New moms may get into the habit of eating erratically, particularly when the baby is up at 3 am. If you wouldn’t eat that bowl of ice cream at 3 am before motherhood, curb the craving.

6. Snack sensibly! Rather than snacking on your toddler’s crackers or your prechooler’s chips, opt for fruits and veggies (and while you’re at it, swap them out for your child as well).

7. Schedule your workouts! Busy schedules make it easy to forego exercise.  Even 15 minute mini-workouts can help improve your mood, help you manage weight, promote sleep, and boost your energy level.

8.  Consume nutrient dense foods! Lean proteins like legumes can help with muscle repair and recovery post workout, calcium keeps bones strong, complex carbohydrates provided extended energy, and Omega-3 fatty acids support a healthy heart and nervous system.

Speaking of nutrition, I have to admit that all too often I’ll pop into my favorite coffeehouse for an energy boost and order a blended drink that’s both filling and calorie-laden.  During the webinar, I was introduced to CalNatural Svelte, a line of all-natural protein shakes which contain 16 grams protein from organic soy milk and 20% of the recommended daily value for fiber.  These naturally-sweetened shakes are dairy, lactose, and gluten-free and can provide sustained energy throughout the day. They’re available in French Vanilla, Chocolate, Spiced Chai, and Cappuccino. Blend it with some ice and you’ve got a smoothie that packs more nutrition than that ice blended drink I’m craving right now.

As I’m learning, it takes time to lose the weight. But I have to be persistent about doing my part.  My daughter is 20 months old and there is no reason why I can’t lose those last 10 pounds.  As a mom, I know that taking care of myself is as important as taking care of my children…for them…for myself.

How have you succeeded with your weight management and fitness goals this year?  I’d love to hear your ideas and tips.

Win It! One of you will win a Post-Pregnancy Slim Down Gift Pack (ARV $500) which will include the following:

1 Wahoo Fitness Run Pack
1 Pair of FILA Toning Pants
1 Case of CalNaturale Svelte shakes
1 CalNaturale Svelte Gym Tote
1 Copy of Kristen Horler’s Book
1 First Baby Boot Camp Class Free Coupon
Goody Workout Headbands

Simply leave your answer to my question above in a comment and you’re entered to win.  Comments will close on August 27th at 11:59 PM PST.

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.

Like me on Facebook

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!

No compensation was received for this post. I attended a webinar hosted by CalNaturale and Baby Boot Camp and received information and a gift pack.

Photo Credit: johnnyberg

Photo Credit: cienpies

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Mary E. Congrats!

It’s May…almost halfway through the year…perhaps it’s time for me to think about where I’m at with my weight loss and fitness goals. A few months ago, I was just 10 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight (pre as in before I became pregnant with my almost 4 year old son).  While I am happy with what I’ve achieved, I’ve reached the point in my journey where getting the last few pounds off is difficult.  Traveling and one too many meals out means I’m still 10 pounds from my goal weight.

Photo Credit: Subway

It’s time for me to get back on track.  If you could use a bit of inspiration, join Subway and Leah from Mamavation tomorrow May 10th at 8:00 pm EST/7:00 pm CST/5 pm EST for a Twitter Fitness party.  Some of the issues they’ll talk about include setting and maintaining goals,  overcoming hurdles and how to remain motivated. Since the party will take place during the new episode of The Biggest Loser, you can watch while you tweet!

Here are the details:

When: May 10th, from 8-9pm EST

Where:  On Twitter…just tweet with the hashtag #commit2fit

Who to follow:

@Bookieboo

@Subwayfreshbuzz

@Fitbottomedgirl

@Its_Gail

@CrazyAdventures

What’s a Twitter Party without giveaways?

1. ONE Grand Prize: Virtual Fitness Prize including a Play Station 3 & EA SPORTS Active 2. (one winner)
2. Commitment Kits: Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown DVD, yoga mat, & yoga blocks. (two winners)
3. EA SPORTS Active 2 (4 winners)

You can also visit Subway on Facebook to learn more about their Commit to Fit Sweepstakes for a chance to win $25,000.

Photo Credit: Subway

Win It! Subway recently brought back their Orchard Chicken Salad Sandwich. I have a Subway gift card to give away to one of you to try their new sandwich or any other menu item. Simply leave me a comment with one way you’re committing to stay fit. Comments will close on May 23rd, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.

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.

RSVP for the Twitter party over at Mamavation

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

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!

No compensation was received for this post. Fitness sample kit provided.

A few weeks ago, I sat in on an online webinar with registered dietitians and personal trainers Lyssie and Tammy Lakatos (aka The Nutrition Twins) who authored the book The Secret To Skinny and serve as the exclusive nutritionists for celebrities and employees at the Rockefeller Center NBC Fitness Center.  During the online webinar, they offered several nutrition tips in conjunction with their partnership with the US Potato Board.

Before I share their tips (which I think are fabulous), I wanted to talk a little bit about potatoes and their role in a healthy diet.  These starchy vegetables are free from cholesterol, fat, and sodium and provide 45% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C and more potassium than a banana.  At just 110 calories,  you can top potatoes with veggies and a protein for a complete meal while still keeping your caloric intake in check.

The US Potato Board has come up with a variety of  new potato recipes.  Here is one of the recipes I’d like to try (think I can make it Vegan?):

Photo Credit: US Potato Board

Quick and Healthy Greek Potato Salad
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds red potatoes
1 cup low-fat 2% Greek yogurt (such as Chobani, FAGE, Oikos or YoPlait)
1/3 cup minced red onion
1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives
1/4 cup peeled, chopped cucumber
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup crumbled Feta cheese
Chopped fresh oregano (optional)

Directions
Place whole potatoes (do not poke) into microwave-safe dish. Cover dish. (If covering dish with plastic wrap, poke small hole in plastic). Microwave on high for 10 to 12 minutes depending on strength of microwave. Use oven mitts to remove dish from microwave; carefully remove cover from dish due to steam build-up and let cool. Cut potatoes into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl with remaining ingredients; stir well to mix. Sprinkle with cheese and oregano. This salad may be served right away, but is best if refrigerated for at least one hour to allow flavors to blend.

So how do The Nutrition Twins manage to keep fit, stay active, and eat healthy? Here are their best tips for a healthy lifestyle:

1.  Always include vegetables in your meal.

Vegetables are packed with nutrients and fill you up without contributing significant fat, calories, or sodium to your diet.  Make it a point to include vegetables at each meal.

Tip:  Include yogurt or cottage cheese and vegetables on your baked potato or serve up a spinach, mushroom, and potato omelet.

2.  Exercise

Physical activity helps blood move through your body, releases endorphins, maintains weight and generally assists in physical and emotional wellness.

Tips:  Do something you enjoy.  Make an appointment for yourself to exercise (particularly in the morning) so it doesn’t get pushed aside. Include cardio and weights since muscle mass is metabolically more active and helps to burn calories.

3.  Include a fibrous carbohydrate and a protein with each meal.  `

The body digests glucose in 1-2 hours.  When you combine a carbohydrate with a protein, you slow down the process of digestion and boost energy levels.

4.  Water

Every process in body needs and uses water. Aim for 9-12 cups of water.

Tip:  Water can come from food and is included in the 9-12 cups.  Put fruit in the water to flavor it.

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post.  I attended an online webinar and received a gift.

Photo Credit: johnnyberg

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winners are Carrie S. and Debra H. Congrats!

Are you getting 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity in on most days of the week? If the answer is no, you’re not alone.  Whether you’re a women who works full-time outside the home, or a mom who works full-time inside the home, finding time to take care of yourself (and your heart) can be challenging.  But the benefits you’ll reap from a regular exercise routine are well-worth it.  I can’t say that I’ve found an easy way to get in 30 minutes each day.  But fitness expert Andrea Riggs has some tips to make it a little easier for you to take care of you!

Andrea’s philosophy is to get body beautiful…to become the best version of yourself rather than aiming to be like someone else or what you perceive to be the ideal woman.  Here are some of her best fitness tips:

Satisfy workout cravings. Working out increases your metabolism and appetite, especially high-intensity interval regimens which are ideal for building lean muscle tissue. Following a workout, strive to consume quality calories such as an 8-ounce glass of 100 percent grapefruit juice and a serving of nuts, to help satisfy your appetite and restore your energy levels.

Get Results. If you’re looking to amp up your fitness routine, adopt a 21-day at-home fitness routine that alternates cardio and strength training to see a noticeable reduction in inches. Start with 20 repetitions of three total body toning exercises (such as kettlebell circuits or even just push-ups and squats) and schedule a brisk daily walk, jog or bike ride. Steadily increase the number of strength training repetitions and the length of cardio every three days.

Sleep if off. Getting adequate amounts of sleep may help regulate your appetite and control food cravings during exercise and at rest.  Try scheduling a 15-minute power nap an hour before a workout to help you feel refreshed and energized.

Work out at work. Incorporating a little bit of physical activity into your workday can go a long way toward keeping you both physically and mentally healthy. Try keeping small squeezable hand weights at your desk and sneak in sets while talking on the phone or checking e-mail.  If you are already on your feet, try doing squats or knee-bends throughout the day to avoid cramping and stiffness in your legs.

Change it up. Alter your fitness routine every couple of weeks to get the most out of your sweat sessions. Your body adapts to familiar activities, so an unchanging workout becomes less challenging as time goes on. Keep things fresh by alternating the treadmill with a bike ride outside or a spin class at the gym. Varying your workout will ensure that you are exercising all of your muscles.

Win It! Two of you will win a fitness gift bag! Simply leave me a comment with one way you strive to get in physical activity.  Comments will close on March 25th, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.  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.

Like me on Facebook

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!

No compensation was received for this post. Fitness tips and giveaway items were supplied by the company.

Last fall, I was introduced to The Girls, a fitness brand offering fashionable active wear for women.  The company offers three collections, including a Tummy Control line designed to smooth and shape.  Here is a brief description of the three collections:

Classic: The line includes pants and tops made with their signature cotton stretch fabric.

Tummy Control: The line includes pants and tops made with their trademarked power mesh system discreetly built into the fabrics.

Fashion: The line includes the latest styles.

I have been living in a pair of the company’s Tummy Control Pants which are not only super comfy, but highly flattering.  The company uses a Blue-Tec Control System which is a specific blend of nylon and spandex.  The result is a fabric that slims, shapes, and contours in all the right places.  The only time I don’t feel the need to wear shapewear is when I’m wearing these pants. And while they’re designed for use during physical activity, I find them to be versatile enough to wear while lounging around the house or doing errands around the neighborhood.  The entire tummy control line includes reasonably priced pants, shorts, and tops in a variety of colors and styles.

Be sure to check out all three collections from The Girls, particularly their Fashion Collection, which features their latest colors and styles.

No compensation was received for this post. Product sample provided.

Kathy has been training celebrity clients for over 13 years, is the author of six books, and a mother.  Her philosophy is that simple daily choices about fitness and nutrition promote a healthier and more productive lifestyle.  Knowing that the fitness and health bloggers in attendance lead busy lives, she coordinated a circuit training session which included a series of one minute exercises designed to get our hearts pumping and our muscles performing.  One minute exercises seem like nothing.  But when you combine 10 of them and repeat the sequence 3 times, the result is a very intense workout.  Some of my favorite exercises include jumping on a trampoline (which apparently helps clear your lymphatic system) and the mini step aerobics sessions.  It was interesting to learn a series of exercises that can be done at home with items I already have. For example, we worked our triceps by simply holding our own bodyweight in front of a chair and worked our thighs by picking up a deck of cards, one-by-one.  The most difficult exercise was the plank…one minute feels like an eternity.  After 3 rounds through all ten exercises, I was tired…but energized.

Here are some of the exercises we participated in:

• Step Ups (with and without knees)
• Bicep Curls with Bands
• Chair squats
• Plank
• Tricep Dips
• Trampoline
• Reverse Leg slides
• Lateral Raises
• Squats

Ironically, the sponsor of the event was Salonpas, the perfect end to a vigorous workout. Salonpas is an FDA-approved, over-the-counter pain relief patch. I thought I was going to be sore enough to try one of the patches, but I wasn’t (apparently I didn’t work out hard enough).  So I tucked them away and vow to work out harder next time.

Generally, I prefer not to take medicine.  I like the concept of the patch which works directly on the site where the pain is located for up to 12 hours.  The patch is thin and stretchy so that users can still engage in their normal activities.  Salonpas patches are relatively affordable and sold at retailers nationwide.

If you’d like to read more about the event, visit these fitness and wellness bloggers:

• Kelocity
• Run, Eat, Repeat
• Eat, Drink and Be Meiri
• Skinny Runner
• Kaitlin With Honey
• Mommy Warriors
• Healthy Coconut
• The Balanced Bean
• Two Boos Who Eat

No compensation was received for this post. I attended a media event and received a gift bag.

Photo Credit: Rose from Eat, Drink, and Be Meiri and Monica from Run, Eat, Repeat (for some reason I forgot to bring a camera…gasp!)

In the fall, crocs released their new line of shoes designed to give you the benefit of toning while retaining the comfort you expect from the brand.  The innovation behind the creation of the shoe lies in the sole. The outsole is sculpted to create a rocker effect while walking, the sole itself includes a toning ring to provide stability and support, and the lightweight croslite footbed with circulation nubs offers comfort.

crocs tone is offered in four fashionable styles, including the skylar flat style which I received to try out.  The shoe is lightweight, comfortable, breathable and fashionable. While I do find the shoe to be supportive, I don’t notice a significant amount of toning.  This might be due to the fact that I’m accustomed to wearing 1-2 inches shaping tennis shoes.  Of the four styles, I find the skylar flats to be the most versatile and attractive. I’ve worn them on casual playdates with my son and with summer dresses on “real” dates with my husband.

crocs tone’s four styles retail for $44.99 to $54.99 and are available online and at retailers nationwide.

No compensation was received for this post. A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Teri. Congrats.

Every year, I vow to be more active. The American Heart Association recommends that adults participate in 3o minutes of physical activity a day and while this is a feasible recommendation, I struggle with consistency. I’m hoping that two hours with a celebrity trainer might get me re-focused on the task at hand…to lose the last 10 pounds of baby weight!

On January 29th, fitness expert and celebrity trainer Kathy Kaehler will host an exclusive fitness event at her private residence in Los Angeles. The two hour training and educational session will take place from 9 am to 11 am and attendees will leave with a goodie bag from Kathy which will include Salonpas samples, workout DVDs, and fitness products.

Kathy is an author, celebrity trainer, spokesperson, and mom.  She was the fitness correspondent for the Today Show and trained Julia Roberts, Cindy Crawford, and Kim Kardashian (to name a few).

Salonpas offers external pain relieving products such as their Pain Relief Patch, the only over the counter FDA-approved pain patch in the US.

So, who wants to join me to Be Fit and Pain Free in 2011?

Win It! One of you will join me on Saturday, January 29th, 2011 in Los Angeles for an exclusive fitness event at the private residence of Kathy Kaehler.  In order to enter, you must be able to get to Los Angeles on January 29th.  Simply leave me a comment with your fitness goals for 2011.  I’ll choose a winner on January 26th, 2011!   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.

Like Salonpas on Facebook

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

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!

No compensation was received for this post. I will be attending a fitness event and will receive various products at the event.