Scary Fitness Trends
What a crazy day <3
Tax fun.
(I use the word “fun” loosely. Haha)
Egg-rito.
Conference call.
Turbo.
(will post a review on this DVD tomorrow! ahsdhakwe073749hnekdnU(!)#&HN.)
First day using cloth diapers (for Liv).
Avoiding researching computers. The Pilot said I’m getting a new one this weekend because mine is on life support.
He says that every weekend, and I’m like, “nahh, it’s working fine.” (Big purchases scare me.)
And then he says, “You have a blue cord and a black cord, you unplug one and it dies. You blog for your job, and that’s what you’re using.”
The Mac-PC debate runs around in my head, makes my brain hurt –I seriously can’t decide- and I keep on using Pinkie. She’s a survivor.
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Since we’re starting to get into “bikini season,” I’ve been getting quite a few questions on quick and easy ways to lose weight, get in shape, change up eating, etc. It’s definitely understandable to want to get in the best possible shape before vacation and pool parties begin, so I can see why it’s desirable to make it happen as quickly and effectively as possible.
Magazines and online resources try to pimp off of these ideas, and promote quick-fixes like:
-Juice cleanses
-Detoxes
-Insane workout plans
-Deprivation tactics (these get me a little riled up. If you’re hungry, eat!!!)
and I recently came across this article:
It basically discusses some of the trends in the fitness world, many of which are a fast ticket to injury city.
Here are some of the tips to take away from the article:
–Do the types of exercises that are suitable for your body and activity level. If you’re just getting into fitness, there’s no reason to be powerlifting or doing sprints around the track. Take it slow and build up your abilities. Anything NEW that you do will promote results- remember change creates change.
–If you’re going to marathon train for fat loss only, I say skip it. Training for a marathon is crazytown –awesome crazytown if it’s something you enjoy!- and there’s no point in putting yourself through that and risking injury if you’re not ready for it, strictly for fat loss. I noticed that when I ran more, I actually held onto fat. I burned muscle (and injured myself) overtraining, and ate a lot more than if I would have exercised moderately. It is very possible to burn fat while marathon training, but if you’re not an experienced runner and its something you’d like to build up to, make top fitness a priority first.
-Avoid fitness plans that are too extreme. I always tell my clients to pick a plan that they would be comfortable following for the rest of their life. If it involves too many activities or too much of a time commitment, it’s not worth it.
-Don’t push yourself past fatigue without taking a rest. When you continue to push through, your body fires up less muscle fibers for each additional rep.
As far as detoxes and juice fasts go, there is a way to do them effectively, but I don’t recommend them for weight loss. I’m a fan of solid foods, so a juice fast wouldn’t work for me –but know many people who swear by them- but think detoxes are a good way to eliminate sugar cravings and focus on pure, whole foods. Women’s Health has a great one, but I’d recommend doing a doc-supervised detox if it’s something you’re interested in. When my homeopathic doc put me on a detox last year (10 day, 20 day, end review), I was also taking a lot of supplements for nutrient insurance.
Any new fitness trends (good or bad) that you’ve seen?
What do you think about juice fasts and detoxes? Any healthy versions you’ve encountered? I really like the Women’s Health detox and recommend it to those who are interested in trying one out.
I’m actually hankering for a green juice after writing this post 😉
Have a great day <3
xoxo
Gina
Lovely afternoon jam:
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Obviously I have to bring up the scary new thing that brides are supposedly doing (although I’m sure it’s not sure brides) of having feeding tubes inserted into their noses for 10 days…not just scary, TERRIFYING. I actually just finished a juice cleanse (BluePrint Cleanse) though and loved it! I didn’t do it for weight loss, but I did lose a bit of weight. I immediately gained it all back, so it’s not a great weight loss option…better for detoxing than weight loss. You can read my whole experience here if anyone is interested: http://aroundtheveggietable.com/daytoday/the-blueprintcleanse-experience-a-review
I would Love if you can share some helpful tips on how to lose belly fat. Exercises or foods that help shrink your belly fat. It been months and I can’t seem to lose my belly fat I would lose a few inches and then it Stops!! I feel like underneath this Santa stomach there’s some hardcore abs ready to break through lol jk. I really appreciate any tips you may have.
Thanks!!
here ya go, lovely! http://fitnessista.com/2009/12/readers-request-fab-abs/
THANKS!!
I don’t think juice fasts do a thing. It’s full of calories and nutrients, your body still has to digest and metabolize it. It’s a diet lacking fiber, which we know is a digestive system cleanser. Why would cutting out fiber be cleansing? It only feels cleansing because the deprivation from missing actual eating is hard, I think.
Funny you blogged about this subject, about a handful of girls at work are all crazy about the “master cleanse” (you know the one with lemon juice, cayenne pepper and maple syrup). One girl has been doing it for 8 days and has dropped 15lbs. I made the comment that all that weight loss would just come back when they start eating solid foods (a lot of them are doing it to meet they’re weigh-ins at PT testing next week), I also told them that all that lemon can’t be good on their stomach so they gave me the evil eye. I’ve tried a detox but not for weight loss but to cleanse my body of all the junk I ate. Felt great, however I was still eating fruit and veggies. I say everything in moderation is the best way to lose weight!
I didn’t lose a pound when I trained for and ran a marathon. My endurance increased dramatically and I ate a lot, but not as much as you’d think, and it was a lot of the right kinds of food. For me, if I don’t eat clean while training, my running suffers and my stomach rebels BIG TIME.
But when you’re training for a marathon, I feel that you really shouldn’t lose weight. Training is hard on your body and you shouldn’t tax it by depriving yourself of the calories needed to replenish what you’ve spent.
When I want to lose weight I focus on shorter workouts at a higher frequency and mix it up. My metabolism kicks into gear when I’m doing both weight intensive and cardio intensive work instead of just one or the other.
I agree. I’m training for my 5th marathon, and my weight doesn’t budge. If you want to get stronger you have to fuel with healthy foods.
Excellent post! I entirely agree with all of this. Some of the quick-fixes you see in magazines etc look so scary, and really wouldn’t achieve any sustainable results.
Good luck with the new diaper journey!
Mac ftw!
The applications on iLife are mind blowing- simple and effective! You will be creative in ways you never thought possible. You will expand your blog and impact on the net in ways you never thought possible. They. are. EPIC!
Then, not only the computer itself, but all the shizzle that goes with it- no more chunky note book (although I still like my day-a-page diary)… iPad also ftw!… you can organise your life in ways that you will not believe. I was sceptical about it all; thought I didn’t need any of it. But as a yoga teacher and PT, I now have all these ‘other’ cool things- my ipad in my handbag means I can email, FB, show off my webpae, enter data, show off my new you tube clips, make notes, have my stereo, run a slide show, show students pics of expos and weekends etc… AMAZEBALLS!
You’ll love Mac once you make the transition.
I TOTALLY LOVE YOUR BLOG! and have a baby the same age as Liv. So it was really fun following you while I was pregnant. My 3rd little munchkin though. Crazy times right now!
xoxoxo!
Sami in Australia
thank you so much for the tips, sami! (and congrats on your baby!!!)
you may have twisted my arm there 😉
xoxo
I’m with you on buying a new computer — my laptop’s been on its last hurrah for a few months, but after having it for four years and using it for work every day, I’m just so hesitant to get a new one. This one feels like an old friend, ya know? 😛 That said, when I DO buy the next computer, it’ll definitely be a MacBook!
buy a mac! you will looooove it! once you mac, you never go back! trust me. they’re a world of difference. so much prettier, nicer, and user friendly. doesn’t even compare to a pc 🙂
Mac vs. PC debate…I’ve been a PC girl forever, but I bought a Mac last year and it’s okay. One thing that bugs me the most (and I cannot get used to) is Microsoft Excel – the F keys aren’t the same, so it’s frustrating to do formulas. I miss F2 the most! If another reader knows how to make Excel on a Mac function like a PC, I’d be forever grateful! 😉 Also I had to buy a new printer because not all HPs support Macs.
I just had to post that I tried my first Zumba class last night. It was SO. MUCH. FUN! I can’t wait to take more!!! I was sweaty and getting a really good workout, but didn’t want to sit out because it was such a good time. I’m a total convert.
Get a mac. I’ve had mine for four years and I’ve never had any problems with it. On the other hand, both my roomie and boyfriend have had their pcs for about a year and they’ve both had to deal with viruses and their hard drives crashing.
Once you go Mac, you’ll never go back. Promise.
Have you seen the hoopla over brides/people who want to lose 28 pounds in 3 weeks/other crazy people who are undergoing gavage (feeding tube implementation) to lose weight? It is basically an 800 calorie a day protein shake with a litle fat and no carbohydrates.
#1 I can’t believe a fellow medical professional who received similar/same training as myself, could ethically do this (then again it is 1500.00 for 2 weeks. $$$ is king it seems).
#2 As someone who has had to put people on feeding tubes for necessity and also having my father who almost died of pancreatitis after an organ transplant having this done or die, it is extremely insulting to those who must endure this to live (it’s akin to someone using a wheelchair because they don’t feel like walking IMHO)
#3 It is about 1450.00 cheaper to go buy a container of protein powder and drink 8-100 calorie protein shakes a day for 2 weeks. Still stupid, but at least you aren’t also fiscally an idiot.
this blows my mind.
ugh the bride trend thing is ridiculous and disgusting. i saw it on the Today show the other day and oh man.. couldn’t handle it.
HIIT 30… not such a fan. it’s crazy intense but i think it’s a little too long for a HIIT. i prefer the shorter ones.. i feel like i can keep pushing myself harder the whole time, but toward the ends of HIIT 25 and HIIT 30, i start wanting to be done and not pushing as much.
lastly.. no macs!!!!!!! don’t do it!!!!!
I saw the bride article and almost puked. Really??? If you want to really want to lose some weight for good you have to change your habits and lifestyle.
I’ve heard good things about Macs but I will admit I’m a PC girl. You have to do what works for you and don’t forget to get a backup drive! 🙂
It’s sad to me that so many people are so focused on their physical appearance and that their health means nothing. I love your healthy approach on your blog! Eating well and exercising year-round is what matters. Not quick fixes to look good for bikini season. It’s so shallow and unhealthy.
amen, girlfrined
What about information on calorie intake, vs protein intake, etc? Being over 30 and trying to loose those last 10lbs, calorie counting is the only thing that’s working for me. However, I’m concerned about the amount of protein I’m consuming. Do you ever look at calories vs protein, etc?
I’m eating clean and adjusting my calories based of my physical activity for the day but still the pounds don’t budge!
Love your blog and thanks for all the great posts!
i only look at ratios of what i’m eating instead of calories. i aim for mostly carbs, then protein, then fat
thank you so much for reading!
xoxo
You rock! That’s all I have to say… 🙂
you stop that 🙂
xoxo
Hi Gina —
Doesn’t sound like you can wait — but I saw this article in the WSJ and thought of you and your laptop.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304432704577349880753868646.html?mod=WSJ_PersonalTechnology_LEADTop
whoaaaaa. i’ll try to hold out!
Make the switch!!! Go Macintosh
I have the same computer but in red and it is totally crapping out on me after 5 years! I think I am going for the Macbook Pro 13 inch! 🙂
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