Last Saturday I went to the gym on my college campus. I'm more of a yoga in my room and walking around town for exercise type of a girl, but I figured getting a serious elliptical workout would be good for me. It was 1:20pm and I expected to see the place packed with fit-loving college students. Instead I was met with an empty gym complete with wide open doors allowing easy access for hundreds of touring high school students and their parents to walk through. Also, there was no music playing at all. I immediately became self-conscious and felt as if I really didn't belong.
Why did I feel this way? I'm not really sure. Most of the time people feel weird when the gym is packed because they think everyone is staring at them. This time I felt weird because the gym was empty and anyone passing by had the perfect opportunity to stare at me. In both cases, I can assure you no one cares that much. I am pretty sure that people come to the gym to workout not stare at other people. The only time anyone would be starting is if you are extremely fit and they need motivation or if you have no clue what you are doing and they need entertainment. Since I don't fall into either of these categories, I am certain no one stares at me while I'm at the gym. Either way, I only lasted 15 minutes and left before anyone one else had the chance to not stare at me.
Today I was internet surfing and stumbled across this article from Self. It discusses this idea of feeling uncomfortable in the gym and gives strategies for overcoming anxiety. I'm not one for self-help articles or books, but this one actually makes good points.
Although I'm not sure I would purchase $98 Lululemon workout pants just because they give "great butt lift" and will help you get over the common anxiety of "I don't look as cute as everyone else" nor would I try a completely different workout move just because "this one is so humiliating" I did find some strategies to be helpful. One that stuck out the most was the idea of downloading workout apps for your phone so you can easy find the right ways to use certain machines and practice certain moves that may be complicated. I would also imagine that using your phone while working out would make you appear to care about both fitness and maintaining a social life, which in today's society is always important.
I'm sure another day will come when I feel like the gym is just too much to handle. This article did help to clear things up a bit and offered good tips on how to get over gym anxiety. A media source giving us confidence about health practices? Definitely something out of the ordinary but something I will try. As long as they promise not to stare at me.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Bikini Body Makeover Recap: I'm not sure which week because I stopped
Remember when I said I was going to try Fitness Magazine's Bikini Body Makeover Challenge? Well, I think this would have been the 4th week if I was on track but I am not. I think I fell off the bikini makeover wagon around the middle of week 3. Let me explain.
As a final semester college senior (!), I blame this on the fact that my exercise plan changes on a daily basis. By this I mean I try to make whatever activities I have planned for the day part of my daily dose of fitness. Example: On Tuesdays, my walks from my apartment to classes and back usually count for part of my leg workouts and cardio. On Mondays and Wednesdays, I count the hours I spend folding clothes and walking around the store at work as part of my cardio. Thursday night trips to the local club (if you can even call it that) count as a full out calorie and strength training sweat sesh.
These activities don't really fit into the Fitness Mag guidlines, but they fit into my life. Really, this is all that matters. I have found that if something doesn't work for you it isn't going to work at all. The treadmill cardio workout that was suggested in the magazine was doable, but let's be honest, I would much rather walk around campus and dance around downtown than force myself to jump on a machine for 45 minutes 3 times a week.
I did follow the strength training workout that was outlined in the magazine. I found the exercises to be very well-balanced and they definitely left me sore the next day. I usually did my own thing for the ab workouts instead of following their suggestions.
Despite mentioning that I might try the meal plan, I never did. I used to count calories like a crazy person and I must say, it really keeps you accountable and is a great way to understand one's eating habits. After doing that for awhile, I began to realize how much food my body needed and continued to eat in that way. The meal plan laid out by the magazine was pretty different from the way I normally eat, causing me to shy away from it.
Overall, I think the plan is a good one. It seems to have the three big things that most healthy living plans have: cardio, strength training, eating in a balanced way. The plan is rigid, which I am sure is great for some people. For me, I felt that the plan changed my healthy living habits only slightly. I didn't see drastic results simply because I already incorporate many of the same ideas into my daily life.
The Bikini Body Makeover didn't result in an amazing transformation, but it did make me realize finding your own personal fitness plan is the only way to stay truly healthy.
As a final semester college senior (!), I blame this on the fact that my exercise plan changes on a daily basis. By this I mean I try to make whatever activities I have planned for the day part of my daily dose of fitness. Example: On Tuesdays, my walks from my apartment to classes and back usually count for part of my leg workouts and cardio. On Mondays and Wednesdays, I count the hours I spend folding clothes and walking around the store at work as part of my cardio. Thursday night trips to the local club (if you can even call it that) count as a full out calorie and strength training sweat sesh.
These activities don't really fit into the Fitness Mag guidlines, but they fit into my life. Really, this is all that matters. I have found that if something doesn't work for you it isn't going to work at all. The treadmill cardio workout that was suggested in the magazine was doable, but let's be honest, I would much rather walk around campus and dance around downtown than force myself to jump on a machine for 45 minutes 3 times a week.
I did follow the strength training workout that was outlined in the magazine. I found the exercises to be very well-balanced and they definitely left me sore the next day. I usually did my own thing for the ab workouts instead of following their suggestions.
Despite mentioning that I might try the meal plan, I never did. I used to count calories like a crazy person and I must say, it really keeps you accountable and is a great way to understand one's eating habits. After doing that for awhile, I began to realize how much food my body needed and continued to eat in that way. The meal plan laid out by the magazine was pretty different from the way I normally eat, causing me to shy away from it.
Overall, I think the plan is a good one. It seems to have the three big things that most healthy living plans have: cardio, strength training, eating in a balanced way. The plan is rigid, which I am sure is great for some people. For me, I felt that the plan changed my healthy living habits only slightly. I didn't see drastic results simply because I already incorporate many of the same ideas into my daily life.
The Bikini Body Makeover didn't result in an amazing transformation, but it did make me realize finding your own personal fitness plan is the only way to stay truly healthy.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The Problem with Oatmeal
Personally, I love oatmeal. I eat it about 5 times a week for breakfast and find it to be quick, easy, healthy and most of all-extremely filling. The only problem with oatmeal is that it is often filled with many things that just don't belong. Oats are a great source of whole grains, but when filled with added sugar and cream a bowl of oats begins to hold the same weight (pun intended) as a bowl of ice cream.
Another problem with oatmeal is that is seems to be a popular item on many fast food restaurant menus. The recent addition of oatmeal to McDonald's breakfast menu has gained much attention in the health world.
Mark Bittman, author of many food and health related materials brought up a lot of good points on the issue in his New York Times article. He explains that McDonald's has ruined oatmeal by adding cream, brown sugar, and using a base of oatmeal that contains around 7 ingredients. In case you weren't aware, in order to make oatmeal all you need is oats. The other 6 ingredients are unnecessary.
He also gives a great counterargument to the idea that fast food is popular and "good" because it is cheaper by pointing out that no one seems to take into account the fact that that health care bills for obesity related care are quite expensive. He also makes note of perhaps the biggest reason why fast food is bad-because fast food restaurants often take ingredients that are healthy and make them unhealthy by processing them and adding unnecessary things.
Bittman's points are valid, there has been disagreement with his case. Although this article doesn't have good feelings towards Bittman's ideas, the inclusion of a list of fast food oatmeals and their stats is helpful.
Do you know what really bothers me? The commercial for this oatmeal.
It looks good doesn't it? After seeing this, it will be super easy to think that you are getting a healthy breakfast. Of course the oats are "all natural", the brown sugar is sprinkled on lightly, and the fruit is fresh, right? Maybe it is in this commercial, but in reality the words "all natural" don't mean anything, they don't mention that the brown sugar is optional, and the fruit? It's dried, and probably has added sugar.
Just another example of the media presenting something that is healthy even though it really isn't. I love oatmeal, but if I ever find myself at McDonald's for breakfast (which I probably won't) I will plan to order apple dippers and iced water.
Another problem with oatmeal is that is seems to be a popular item on many fast food restaurant menus. The recent addition of oatmeal to McDonald's breakfast menu has gained much attention in the health world.
Mark Bittman, author of many food and health related materials brought up a lot of good points on the issue in his New York Times article. He explains that McDonald's has ruined oatmeal by adding cream, brown sugar, and using a base of oatmeal that contains around 7 ingredients. In case you weren't aware, in order to make oatmeal all you need is oats. The other 6 ingredients are unnecessary.
He also gives a great counterargument to the idea that fast food is popular and "good" because it is cheaper by pointing out that no one seems to take into account the fact that that health care bills for obesity related care are quite expensive. He also makes note of perhaps the biggest reason why fast food is bad-because fast food restaurants often take ingredients that are healthy and make them unhealthy by processing them and adding unnecessary things.
Bittman's points are valid, there has been disagreement with his case. Although this article doesn't have good feelings towards Bittman's ideas, the inclusion of a list of fast food oatmeals and their stats is helpful.
Do you know what really bothers me? The commercial for this oatmeal.
It looks good doesn't it? After seeing this, it will be super easy to think that you are getting a healthy breakfast. Of course the oats are "all natural", the brown sugar is sprinkled on lightly, and the fruit is fresh, right? Maybe it is in this commercial, but in reality the words "all natural" don't mean anything, they don't mention that the brown sugar is optional, and the fruit? It's dried, and probably has added sugar.
Just another example of the media presenting something that is healthy even though it really isn't. I love oatmeal, but if I ever find myself at McDonald's for breakfast (which I probably won't) I will plan to order apple dippers and iced water.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Bikini Body Makeover Week 1: Recap
Today marks the end of my first week trying out Fitness Magazine's Bikini Body Makeover. The 4 week program promises to get you bikini shape by combining an eating plan with cardio and strength training workouts.
To be honest, I hardly followed the plan that was outlined. Instead, I decided to take the main idea of Week 1 and make it work for me. Let's break it down.
Workout:
The original plan suggests three days of 30 minutes of cardio along with two-three days of toning exercises.
I ended up doing cardio for three days out of the week but instead of running for 30 straight minutes at varied interval levels, I counted my elliptical sessions, walking around campus, and weekend dance marathons as part of the cardio component. Judging by the shear exhaustion I felt Friday morning after Thursday's visit to the local dance spot I think everything evened out.
I followed the strength training section for the most part, but ended up doing both cardio and half of the strength training exercises in one day instead of splitting it up. Despite this, I think the strength training exercises are one of the best parts of this exercise plan. The exercises are very detailed, easy to complete, and well-rounded. I felt sore the next day!
Eating Plan:
The original plan suggests to consume three meals along with two snacks that equal 1,500 calories.
I did not follow the eating plan at all. I used to count calories religiously and the thought of having to do it again sounded torturous. Although I think watching one's calorie intake is important, I feel like I already have a good grasp on the amount of calories I need. It very rarely goes over 1,500. Also, I am a snack machine. Most of the time, I eat 6 mini meals rather than three large meals. I stuck with this and think it worked out just fine.
Overall, I think this exercise plan has great potential. I just haven't experienced it yet. I fully support the idea of making fitness and healthy lifestyle changes that work with your life, but I plan to follow the outline closer in this next week. I want to review the plan as it is presented, in order to fully grasp whether or not I think it's sufficient. During week two, I plan to follow the workout schedule closer and try the eating plan for a day or two just to see what happens.
Stay tuned for updates! For more information on the Bikini Body Makeover check out the website!
To be honest, I hardly followed the plan that was outlined. Instead, I decided to take the main idea of Week 1 and make it work for me. Let's break it down.
Workout:
The original plan suggests three days of 30 minutes of cardio along with two-three days of toning exercises.
I ended up doing cardio for three days out of the week but instead of running for 30 straight minutes at varied interval levels, I counted my elliptical sessions, walking around campus, and weekend dance marathons as part of the cardio component. Judging by the shear exhaustion I felt Friday morning after Thursday's visit to the local dance spot I think everything evened out.
I followed the strength training section for the most part, but ended up doing both cardio and half of the strength training exercises in one day instead of splitting it up. Despite this, I think the strength training exercises are one of the best parts of this exercise plan. The exercises are very detailed, easy to complete, and well-rounded. I felt sore the next day!
Eating Plan:
The original plan suggests to consume three meals along with two snacks that equal 1,500 calories.
I did not follow the eating plan at all. I used to count calories religiously and the thought of having to do it again sounded torturous. Although I think watching one's calorie intake is important, I feel like I already have a good grasp on the amount of calories I need. It very rarely goes over 1,500. Also, I am a snack machine. Most of the time, I eat 6 mini meals rather than three large meals. I stuck with this and think it worked out just fine.
Overall, I think this exercise plan has great potential. I just haven't experienced it yet. I fully support the idea of making fitness and healthy lifestyle changes that work with your life, but I plan to follow the outline closer in this next week. I want to review the plan as it is presented, in order to fully grasp whether or not I think it's sufficient. During week two, I plan to follow the workout schedule closer and try the eating plan for a day or two just to see what happens.
Stay tuned for updates! For more information on the Bikini Body Makeover check out the website!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Couple Lose Weight on Shedding for the Wedding
I've always found shows about weight loss kind of strange. The are inspiring to an extent, but most of the time the shows that focus on weight loss use such extreme measures that many of the contestants are suffering through workouts and often end up gaining the weight back after they have left. Despite this, I watched the premiere of The CW's Shedding for the Wedding last night.
Basically, it was Biggest Losers Couples with a wedding planner. Nine couples compete in challenges and each week the couple that loses the least amount of weight is sent home. The winner of the show receives a dream wedding.
It might have been the fact that this was the first show, but I wasn't that impressed. The focus on weight loss and gaining a healthy lifestyle didn't seem as apparent as it could have been. The first half of the show was spent giving the back story of the couples. It turns out all of them want a theme wedding. This baffles me. Especially because some of the themes are promoting the very un-healthy tendencies that made these couples gain weight the first place. I'm no expert, but I would imagine Greek Week themed wedding complete with a bedazzled beer pong table doesn't scream "healthy lifestyle". Neither does a Gaming themed party. (What is that anyways?)
Also, the challenges were just weird. The main one was a dance marathon, which turned into a let's run around in circles until our heat rate drops below the required amount competition. Sure, that activity was great exercise, but it isn't going to be something that these couples will do on a daily basis. Also, the meeting with the nutritionist was about 5 minutes long. All I remember was hearing everyone talk about how much they hate vegetables. Overall, I didn't see the beginnings of a lifestyle change-which is what is most important. These couples, and anyone who wants to find a healthier way of living, need to be presented with the tools to change their lives and maintain the weight loss.
One thing that I did appreciate was the focus on the couples as a one unit. The challenges were team-based and the weigh in numbers were made up of the combined weight of both teammates.
I'm going to tune in next week just to see if the focus on health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle grows stronger. The couple who loses together stays together? Maybe. But are these couples really going to learn what they need to do to maintain a healthy lifestyle? I'm not so sure.
Basically, it was Biggest Losers Couples with a wedding planner. Nine couples compete in challenges and each week the couple that loses the least amount of weight is sent home. The winner of the show receives a dream wedding.
It might have been the fact that this was the first show, but I wasn't that impressed. The focus on weight loss and gaining a healthy lifestyle didn't seem as apparent as it could have been. The first half of the show was spent giving the back story of the couples. It turns out all of them want a theme wedding. This baffles me. Especially because some of the themes are promoting the very un-healthy tendencies that made these couples gain weight the first place. I'm no expert, but I would imagine Greek Week themed wedding complete with a bedazzled beer pong table doesn't scream "healthy lifestyle". Neither does a Gaming themed party. (What is that anyways?)
Also, the challenges were just weird. The main one was a dance marathon, which turned into a let's run around in circles until our heat rate drops below the required amount competition. Sure, that activity was great exercise, but it isn't going to be something that these couples will do on a daily basis. Also, the meeting with the nutritionist was about 5 minutes long. All I remember was hearing everyone talk about how much they hate vegetables. Overall, I didn't see the beginnings of a lifestyle change-which is what is most important. These couples, and anyone who wants to find a healthier way of living, need to be presented with the tools to change their lives and maintain the weight loss.
One thing that I did appreciate was the focus on the couples as a one unit. The challenges were team-based and the weigh in numbers were made up of the combined weight of both teammates.
I'm going to tune in next week just to see if the focus on health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle grows stronger. The couple who loses together stays together? Maybe. But are these couples really going to learn what they need to do to maintain a healthy lifestyle? I'm not so sure.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Challenging Fitness: Bikini Body Makeover
I've always been a little unsure of those workouts/diet plans that are often found in health and fitness magazines. I suppose this feeling stems from the fact that I fully believe health is a relative term. What is healthy for one person, may be unhealthy for another. This is why I don't think diets work. Of course, you may loose some weight if you follow an eating plan, but this isn't certain for everyone. This also relates to working out. Yes, daily exercise is good for everyone, but the type of exercise and the benefits they bring will vary depending on the person. Because of this, I often pass by magazine workouts and eating plans without giving them much thought. I figure I know my body better than these people, so I don't need to take their advice.
The only problem with this is: I get bored. I value health and always make it a point to eat in a balanced way that leaves me feeling satisfied. I also incorporate daily exercise into every area of my life that it will allow. I feel like I have found "my healthy" and it works out pretty good for the most part, but I'm in need of a change. With warmer weather just around the corner, I feel like I need to step it up and try something new.
Apparently, Fitness Magazine has a way to combine both. Their Bikini Body Makeover promises to tone, tighten and whip you into bikini shape in just 4 weeks.
4 weeks? Bikini? Sounds like quite the lofty goal if you ask me. Well, even though you didn't ask me, I am putting you to the test, Fitness. For the next 4 weeks, this girl is going to replace most of her typical workout regimen with your bikini body workout and maybe even give your eating plan a try.
To be honest, I will probably stick to the workout plan more than the eating plan. I only say this because I usually snack way more than they suggest and I typically eat less calories than they allow. I also love an impromptu zumba sesh every once and awhile, so the workouts might be a tad bigger on some days than others.
From what I can tell, the program changes slightly each week, so I will post an update/updates over the next month tracking my progress.
Does a magazine have the power to get women in shape in just a month? We are about to find out.
The only problem with this is: I get bored. I value health and always make it a point to eat in a balanced way that leaves me feeling satisfied. I also incorporate daily exercise into every area of my life that it will allow. I feel like I have found "my healthy" and it works out pretty good for the most part, but I'm in need of a change. With warmer weather just around the corner, I feel like I need to step it up and try something new.
Apparently, Fitness Magazine has a way to combine both. Their Bikini Body Makeover promises to tone, tighten and whip you into bikini shape in just 4 weeks.
4 weeks? Bikini? Sounds like quite the lofty goal if you ask me. Well, even though you didn't ask me, I am putting you to the test, Fitness. For the next 4 weeks, this girl is going to replace most of her typical workout regimen with your bikini body workout and maybe even give your eating plan a try.
To be honest, I will probably stick to the workout plan more than the eating plan. I only say this because I usually snack way more than they suggest and I typically eat less calories than they allow. I also love an impromptu zumba sesh every once and awhile, so the workouts might be a tad bigger on some days than others.
From what I can tell, the program changes slightly each week, so I will post an update/updates over the next month tracking my progress.
Does a magazine have the power to get women in shape in just a month? We are about to find out.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Combining Love and Exercise with Running Dates
I've always been mildly creeped out by online dating. When I came across this website, I had to read over it about three times in order to assure myself what I was seeing was real. Running for Singles is the just what you would think; an online dating website to set-up running dates.
I first stumbled across this gem while reading this article that outlines the do's and don'ts of running dates. Do these things really exist? Apparently, they do because there was an article written about them but unfortunately, the article is useless. I am not a runner, nor had I heard of this type of dating until today but I'm pretty sure these tips are unnecessary.
For example, one of the do's is "dress comfortably". Uh, duh. We are going running, so leave your high heels at home. Another tip is "don't talk about past relationships". If I am running I won't be able to talk about anything because I will be too busy huffing, puffing and trying not to pass out from sheer exhaustion.
If people actually go on running dates I admire them. It makes sense to meet people at the gym, or go for a nice stroll around the block, but running? I just don't get how that would be possible. Apparently RunningSingles has been around since 2003 so these running dates are not a new thing. Maybe this article was written to try to bring back the running date. If that's the case, it would have been much more interesting to see a list of great places to run in every city, or a list of the most stylish workout clothes. You know, stuff that actually relates to dating. Instead, we are left with simple do's and don'ts that give no useful advice at all. Also, some testimonials of people who have done this type of dating would really help me to believe that running dates are real. If we are going to start combining love with running, we need a little more information.
I first stumbled across this gem while reading this article that outlines the do's and don'ts of running dates. Do these things really exist? Apparently, they do because there was an article written about them but unfortunately, the article is useless. I am not a runner, nor had I heard of this type of dating until today but I'm pretty sure these tips are unnecessary.
For example, one of the do's is "dress comfortably". Uh, duh. We are going running, so leave your high heels at home. Another tip is "don't talk about past relationships". If I am running I won't be able to talk about anything because I will be too busy huffing, puffing and trying not to pass out from sheer exhaustion.
If people actually go on running dates I admire them. It makes sense to meet people at the gym, or go for a nice stroll around the block, but running? I just don't get how that would be possible. Apparently RunningSingles has been around since 2003 so these running dates are not a new thing. Maybe this article was written to try to bring back the running date. If that's the case, it would have been much more interesting to see a list of great places to run in every city, or a list of the most stylish workout clothes. You know, stuff that actually relates to dating. Instead, we are left with simple do's and don'ts that give no useful advice at all. Also, some testimonials of people who have done this type of dating would really help me to believe that running dates are real. If we are going to start combining love with running, we need a little more information.
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