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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I’ve thought about doing a juice cleanse for a few days but I’ve heard so many mixed things about them. I can’t decide if they are healthy or not!
it depends on what your intentions are. if it’s for health/digestion reasons, or for weight loss
Isn’t weight loss a health reason? I am not sure I understand why subjective reasons change an opinion if it is healthy? Maybe I don’ get it?
sorry, i should have specified that i meant vanity pounds
Well just yesterday I saw an article that said people are going on feeding tubes to lose weight for their weddings….what?! I can’t believe that’s even legal….it made me sad actually. 🙁
that was the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen for weight loss. I saw that yesterday too. Ick.
I just saw a feature on the web about this chick using a nose-to-stomach medical feeding tube to lose weight for her wedding. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57415334-10391704/feeding-tube-wedding-diet-fad-concerns-experts/ THAT is definitely the craziest thing I’ve EVER seen!
i just gagged reading that. so bizarre!
I was just about to post about that nasty nose tube trend! There’s been a lot of buzz about it on the internet for the last week or so and it may just be one of the grossest things I’ve read about in ages.
Oh lord, I am studying right now for a test tomorrow covering nutrition support and it is not to be taken lightly! I cringe everytime I read over it, I can’t believe that would be administered to a non-patint!
Get a Mac! I’ve had my basic MacBook (cheapest one back in the day) since 2008 and it works really really well. Will never go back to a PC
I’m not a fan of just juices – like you, I prefer solid foods.
… and detoxes, well, I agree with the Women’s Health detox. To me, a detox means focusing on wholesome eating … I think some think detox and something completely different.
I have been on the detox based on the “clean” book by Dr. Alejandro Junger. I am doing it to try and pinpoint the reason for my migraines (food triggers, food sensitivities etc.) i did end up losing a couple pounds, but that wasn’t the focus of it. I feel amazing and I have learned how to substitute ingredients and eat more healthy. I love it!! I love your blog, there are many recipes and food ideas I have used.
hope that you’re able to find out what’s causing it!
thank you so much- glad that it’s helpful for you <3
xoxo
I’ve never done a juice cleanse but I have 2 co-workers who did it for 48 hours and really felt light and refreshed.
How sad that poor pinkie is dying – I remember when you bought her. My PC is still chugging away and I bought it years before you got your laptop – but that’s a desktop so maybe they last longer?
I have TurboFire now! So excited to try it!!!
I have dabbled in cleanses and fail after about 36 hours. I need real food to feel satisfied! Also – I love running. LOVE. When I am training for a marathon or half I have to actually watch my diet pretty hard because I tend to pack it on. Distance makes you hungry constantly and crave sugar. Early on I thought it was a free for all. “I ran 18 miles today, so I can drink an extra cocktail and go back for 2nds/3rds on pizza and dessert.” I just wish people would learn that the only way to lose weight and maintain is to exercise regularly (no crazy 2 hrs x 6 days a week), generally watch what you eat and indulge in moderation.
exactly right! less is actually more when it comes to exercise- there’s no point in going crazy
Lets just say that if you had gotten a Mac the first time you would not be in need of a replacement today! I fought the Mac vortex for so long…but now i understand.
i’m just afraid of learning how to use it. technology is not my friend
It’s not that bad…after a week or so it will become second nature! If my mother can use a Mac, anyone can (and I mean that with all the love in the world-she just isn’t tech-savvy).
A Mac is über intuitive. My mum and dad both said the same thing and now are Mac gurus! You also get to take free classes (I never needed them so you may not either) at the apple store, but don’t put it off. I wished I’d bought mine sooner too.
The best thing about Macs is that they are the most user-friendly machines on earth. Just think about your iPhone – if you figured out how to use THAT, the MacBook runs exactly the same way but is even easier to use. 3 year olds can use them, 80 year olds can use them. I am STILL using a MacBook I got in – wait for it – 2004 and it has never one time, ever, had any kind of problem. They are amazing machines. I’m about to get a MacBook Air because it’s lighter to carry around with me – it literally weighs nothing. Do it! New MacBook!!
SO EASY to learn, so user friendly.
this is SO true. I cannot recommend Mac for this reason enough. I am on my 2nd Macbook Pro, but not because my first one (now 5 years old) failed. It was actually because my mom needed a new laptop and I wanted a smaller one so we switched. the 5 year old is still functioning perfectly, and I seriously agree you wouldn’t have the problem you do today if it was a MBP.
Also, customer service alone makes up for the cost difference. It is absolutely amazing. I too fought Apple forever (& was scared of learning it after being a PC girl my whole life) but if anything its just fun to learn! and it’s way more intuitive than PC in my opinion.
Hi Gina!
Thank you for posting these practical and healthy tips about getting in shape for summer. I’m right there with you. As a fitness professional I’m appalled by some of the advice and quick fix programs I see out there. I’m telling my clients and readers that it’s important to start thinking about getting in shape for summer NOW, not 1 week before you have to be in a bikini. Thanks for sharing a level headed perspective 🙂 I love your blog!
Just wanted to say Jason Mraz is my favorite musician of all time and you should see him in concert because he is going on tour in the next few months!! Amazing! I’ve only seen him 10 times… 🙂
if he comes to tucson, that might have to happen. i LOVE him 🙂
I think I just heard he’ll be in Phx soon. With Christina Perri opening?
YESSSSSSS please!
<3 him too!!! First heard his music when a friend brought a burned CD to class from a show in San Diego circa 2001. I'm Yours is my wedding song 😀
I agree, see him in concert. He's so much fun and even better live.
<3 Toca too.
Talk about scary diets…. I saw a new bridal diet trend on the news yesterday. Its called the feeding tube diet. Yikes!
fad diets and fitness programs bug me, its about changing your whole life, not just a quick fix! when will people learn!
I say go with Mac 😛 i’ve converted and love it.
And crazy day indeed! Yesterday was crazy for me, my sister had her baby!!! Eee. i’ve been waiting ALL day to go visit again, so in love with my niece.
Whole Living had a detox that seems fairly reasonable and relatively “healthy” approach to the detox thing, but I am totally in line with your thinking, in this race slow n steady is the way to go for long term results.
http://www.wholeliving.com/153124/how-2012-challenge-works/@center/152870/2012-whole-living-action-plan
Always check the return policy, it makes buying big things easier!
My husband deploys (way too) soon, and I had intended to do a juice detox to give my body a fresh start after he left (I had grand 1/2 marathon plans, eating great, etc so that my body would be ready for us to start trying to have kiddos). Turns out he knocked me up and I have 24/7 morning sickness, so healthy eating will have to start once I can keep real food down again 🙂 The best laid plans, right 😉
We’re a Mac family. The best thing with Apple products is that they’re ready to go straight out of the box, and the presentation is great. They upgrade themselves regularly, which is great – but that can make older models with less processing power slow down. The way they back themselves up is great too!
I’ve heard of some pretty crazy things that VS models do before their fashion parades! Like, eating/drinking NOTHING (not even water) in the 12 hours before the show to make their stomachs as flat as possible!
My laptop died Sunday night. I knew it was coming, but I thought she would have until at least summer, so I did not get around to backing up. Bad choice. I am currently avoiding pressing the ‘Submit Order’ on the hp website, no joke! …it’s a lot of $$$ I debated a Mac, then I saw how much they cost on the website and was terrified! …I don’t get it, why so much!? 🙁 Good luck on your big purchase.
I vote for a new Mac. You already have an iPhone and once you get more Apple products they more you realize they all just work really well together. You can use iCloud to sync your contacts, email, notes. Photo stream is pretty cool too. Their products just last soooo much longer too and you can always take it in to the Apple store and get real expert help if you have a problem. Okay…I’ve rambled on enough and you didn’t even ask for feedback regarding the Mac or PC thing. Sorry but this Apple fan girl loves your blog and felt compelled to give her two cents. 🙂
YUP! couldn’t agree more. icloud alone is reason enough.
that sounds glorious. going from phone to ipod to computer is annoying me
good luck on the new computer…that is scary to have an old one on life support AND to upgrade/change everything over, move your files. I know I’ve been reading your blog for too long (but loving every post!) 🙂 when I can remember the last time you got a new computer! And Kath, too!
Liv looks adorable in her C.D. 🙂
I used to exercise like crazy. In high school if I ate a second plate of food, I would be at the park 2 hours later sprinting even in 20 degree cold rainy weather. I had serious body issues.
Now I actually weigh about 15 lbs more, eat pretty healthy with a small treat everyday, and exercise regularly (not insanely or excessively). I actually maintain weight better now than then and I’m pretty happy with my new fuller body.
My sister-in-law is TTC and she needs to lose a little weight to do it. We had a late lunch the other day and I asked her how that was going. She said,” Great. I’ve lost 13 lbs and so far today all I’ve had is a biscuit at 6:00 this morning.” It was already 2:00 in the afternoon and that’s all she had eaten all day! Oh, and a diet mt dew. I was so mad at her! It breaks my heart that people are that ignorant about not only weight loss but being healthy.
I want a green juice, too! I don’t think the whole juice/detox thing is a weight loss solution. I don’t think I could ever look at that and be like “yup, gonna do this to lose weight!” I wanna drink those because they’re good for my body and because I actually quite thoroughly enjoy green juices! I think your solution is the best: eat well and exercise. You’re onto something 😉 hehe
I just went to a herbalist and he mentioned “Peak 8” Any comments on that? I am still trying to google it.
Low-protein juice fasts and the like sketch me out because I have worked hard for my lean muscle mass and don’t want to lose it. Years ago, when I had a bunch of new age ideas about nutrition knitted together from various sources, I did the Master Cleanse, along with a couple high colonics. I lost a bunch of weight (which I promptly put back on as soon as I stopped the “cleanse,” disrupted my balance of healthy bacteria, and actually got pretty sick (A lady can’t live on lemon juice and maple syrup alone).
As for sustainable, healthy weight loss, I always recommend ditching (or at least cutting back on) white flour and white sugar. It makes a huge difference.
Was also going to post about the people doing the feeding tube diet to shed 20+ LBs for their weddings! With Bad breath and constipation being the most likely side effects! No thanks! Buy a bigger dress or get it let out!
These can’t be safe!
Haha- sounds like you definitely would benefit from biting the bullet on a new computer. Kath just purchased a new one that sounded good.
Um and those brides using the feeding tubes to loose weight – are they insane? I mean really ladies, if we want to look good on wedding day, let’s stick with things that make us feel GOOD (eating clean and healthy and getting our booties in shape).
I bought an iMac and love it (and would now love a Macbook) but the only drawback for me is – no WLW. You can do some thing-a-ma-gig and have windows running on Mac so you can get windows live writer but that’s too much hassle for me. Unfortunately writing directly in wordpress is also a hassle…
Mac is far superior, I just wish they had a comparable blogging platform to WLW!
I work in digital for a pretty big company. We all use mac books. And I just recently heard that our entire company is moving to mac books. They are so awesome. Seriously. Especially for anything image/creative/blog related. Get a mac 🙂
Two weeks away from my due date and I am looking forward to getting back into an exercise routine. Still have a mean down dog, but I am going to use my preggo excuse not to jump on the crazy weight loss band wagons many of my friends are on. I am going to go with gardening season vs bikini season. A lot of these fitness trends come and go. The only “diet” I did have lunch with was a liberal version of Zone. Getting my mind wrapped around the idea that the center of the grocery store has little good options, it was a nice push to try different veggies, fruits and experiment with cooking.
A MAC is life changing. Hands down, the favorite thing I have ever bought. I would never use a PC again. Seriously. You don’t even realize how much easier the computer can be. GET. A. MAC. You will not regret it 🙂
Did you like using cloth diapers? The MAC is really good, thats what I use and I am loving every second of it!
I saw a tube feeding diet on the news yesterday…. can we say crazy?
I just read this the other day – brides going on feeding tube “diets” to lose weight before their wedding. It isn’t just scary, it’s completely disgusting! http://gma.yahoo.com/k-e-diet-brides-using-feeding-tubes-rapidly-080053646–abc-news-health.html
On a lighter note, LOVE LOVE LOVE TurboFire! I have been a Turbo addict for a while, but I really love the HIIT workouts! The HIIT 15 is deceptive – everyone thinks it is easier because it is only 15 minutes. heh heh heh, until they try it 🙂 The 30 is one of my favs! Being that you already teach Zumba, I’m surprised you don’t teach Turbo as well, have you considered it?
I just posted the same article below! It’s insanity… so sad what women go through for vanity.
My laptop has been on life support for about a year. I just love it too much! Mine also has a problem with overheating so as a safety thing it will die when it gets too hot. I need a new one but like you, big purchases scare me. Lack of funds is also an issue!
All I have to say about crash dieting is “skinny fat.” Just because you lose weight (which, if you are only eating 800 calories a day, is going to be a bit of muscle), you are going to be skinnier, yes, but just as blubbery with just as much cellulite. Plus, you’ll have to turn around an starve yourself for the same reason next year because your unchanged eating habits will just lead right back to where you were.
I have always found the Atkins diet terrifying. A lot of people don’t realize that long-term carbohydrate deprivation can cause kidney damage and, in extreme cases, ketoacidosis– which can kill you. That’s why you have to pee on those little sticks every morning to test for ketones.
I did a juice fast years ago… but then I went to school (studied nutrition & dietetics) and learned about real sounds nutrition. I would never do one now!
Speaking of crazy diets, check out this article a frient sent to me! http://shine.yahoo.com/the-thread/brides-8217-extreme-wedding-preparations-nose-tube-diet-173800919.html
Oh I love Jason Mraz! He has one of the most beautiful voices.
As for the Mac vs PC thing, go Mac!! I promise they are not hard to get used to or adapt to technology wise. If anything they’re easier to use than PC’s once you get used to them. And they are made so well and last for forever!!
I’m starting a 4-week detox cleanse Saturday! I did it last year, felt amazing and I’m excited to do it again!
http://www.rootedwellbeing.com/services-2/cleanse-program/
I LOVE the fire 30 DVD! I’m been taking it easy on exercise. I have decided that my body needs a break, so I’m just walking and doing yoga. 🙂 I have a Mac, and I love it… you can’t go wrong with a Mac!
Definitely get a Mac, they are more expensive up front but they last a lot longer. And Apple’s customer service is AMAZING, they replace and do a lot of repairs for free. And you can sync your iPhone with your computer via icloud. Get a Mac, you’ll be so happy you did!
I’ve done two marathons and a half Ironman, mostly to see if I could do them and slightly because I wanted to lose weight. Big surprise, I didn’t lose weight but I did get insanely fit, cardio-wise.
I’m also, like, thisclose to giving Turbofire a try!
I think detoxes and cleanses, at least the super-restrictive ones, are totally insane. There’s nothing wrong with eating clean (no processed foods, lots of fruits, veggies, and lean proteins, etc) but I honestly don’t see a need to survive on juices alone!
And definitely go Mac. I used one for work for four years before I finally bought one for home. It’s the best purchase I’ve made, possibly ever!
Sorry, I’m not a huge fan of detoxes at all. I realize some people need to go on one for health reasons (such as finding out what is causing pain, allergies, etc) and for that reason I respect them. But to lose weight or “reset” your body only to go back and eat crap in a couple weeks, seems a bit extreme and an all-or-nothing attitude towards health and fitness. I just feel like if we eat real, non-processed, foods for most of our meals, then we don’t have any reason to go on a detox.
Ooohh I just went on a juice cleanse (three days, lots of fruits and veggies). I did it for digestion (I was worried about being stopped up).
On day two, I realized my digestion was just fine, I was nauseous (too much sugar), and grossed out by the idea of my afternoon juice (cucumbers are delicious unless juiced).
I followed the same recipe as this famous juice place in town except I was too lazy to find the young coconut milk so I mixed regular coconut milk with coconut water. I think that is what made me nauseous (I just had coconut water the day before and I was fine).
I would rather have a cup of Senna tea than do that again.
Aww, poor pinkie. I can’t believe you blog on that–hahah I can’t do laptops…my neck crunches too much and i end up with a headache needing a massage!!! I have a PC and Mike uses the laptop but if I had the money and I blogged for a living I would definitely go with a Macbook!!! I am scared too of the technology, but I hear it’s easy and I see some of my older clients who are tech challenged, and they all have them and love them and say it’s easy to pick up. Some have taken classes, others not. Just go for it!!!
I’ve been wanting to know about you and cloth diapers. Looking forward to hearing how it’s going. My sister in law did them for a few months and I never did based on her experience and our living situation, and the fact that it freaked me out a little. Maybe next time….
I love my mac, the first week with it was the worst though because I kept trying to do things exactly the way I did with my PC, but now four years later I have the same one and its barely slowed down, I’ve never had a virus and my battery still works (for about an hour at a time…but my PC would literally die if I ever unplugged it from the wall by the end).
If you have an iphone or a ipod even better, because they’re sister/cousins, they’re meant to be together (but not in a gross sexy way)
Thanks for the article link!
I’m getting married November 10th and that is my wedding song! I love reading your blog and it just made my day to see that video.
Great choice for a wedding song! I downloaded it a couple weeks ago and must have listened to it 100x by now! LOL <3
if i were you, i’d get a mac 🙂
thanks for sharing the info on trends on fitness…i agree, the type of activities/exercise we should do should be tailored to us 🙂
I’m scared of large purchases too and put off buying a MacBook Pro for several years because I just could not wrap my head around spending that kind of money when I could essentially buy 2 PC laptops for the price of 1 mac. BUT I finally broke down and bought a 13″ MBP… seriously, the best purchase! I have no regrets money-wise because I know this beauty is in for the long haul. 🙂
Good luck with your search! 🙂