T is for Take a Bite into a Run

A Need to Run

I'll never forget! I was in the 4th grade and every day after school, my friends and I would get on the bus to head home. 

That day was no different. School ended and we walked towards the bus, got on for the brief ride until our stop where we got off to walk the rest of the way to our destination. The only difference with that day was the loose dog that was standing at the corner.

I had always been afraid of dogs and I guess dogs can usually sense fear on a person because it came and started sniffing me. That was when my running days began.

I never ran so far and long before until that day.  It was luck that my best friend's brother was at the front of their building because if he hadn't been holding the door open, I probably would have gotten bitten by the dog. 

Recently, I started on this running journey again; but only indoors and on a treadmill without the encouragement of a mean, barking dog running after me. It started out as intervals of walking, jogging and running and now I have gained stamina to run 41 minutes straight. I think that is pretty good considering, I am not your average runner and have yet to try a long distance run that is all terrain. But I will!

Take A Bite Into Running

So here are some things to think about when running . . . 

1. Running requires your arms to be moving as well so if you are on a treadmill holding on to the bars and running, you are not doing the cardio workout correctly

2. 4.0 on a treadmill is fast paced walking, not running.

3. Warmup before and stretch after. You might feel achiness in your knees when you are done. So make sure to stretch them out or strengthen by stationary bike riding with good resistance. 

4. Good sneakers made for your feet are important. Make sure they have good traction. You will know you need new sneakers when the foot support is not the same and you start feeling cramps in your feet or ankles.

5. Running is a great exercise to shed belly fat. So if you are trying to lose your stomach; run. 

6. You can experience a bit of what all terrain running is indoors by adding incline to your treadmill run; the natural earth has incline. But, the best way to experience it is to challenge yourself, change your environment and get outside. 

7. You can burn over 500 calories with just 45 minutes of running. Your heart will be thanking you for each end every second of it. 

Running  Idea

By the way! 

I am no longer afraid of dogs. I am strong enough to put my fear aside and to not let even the biggest bark to send me running. 

What I failed to realize back then is the power I have in my stance. So much power that I could've thrown that loose pet harder than a pitch by Ventura of the Kansas City Royals and left it feeling the dog days. Now how does that bark bite? Lol! 

R is for Ready, Set, Yoga

I just love Autumn. The things I love most about this season are the beautiful weather, the colors, the outdoor energy (fairs, outdoor musical events), the fashion and the workout opportunities. Autumn is a perfect time to fall back into fitness. So let's make sure to get that heart pumping and keeping our minds and bodies healthy.

Wherever You Are

The gym may not be for everyone. It might seem too tight and confined for some who find joy working out in other places.

Running or weight lifting may not be for everyday.  It is good to do, but maybe adding different types of exercises to your lifestyle that also affect different muscles in your body, might not only enhance the experience, but keep your mind geared toward continuing on your fitness journey.

So how about taking your workouts outside!

Ready, Set, Yoga

Have you ever tried yoga?  It is a great exercise that can stretch every muscle in your body and also make you more flexible.  What I found to be great about yoga is that it teaches you how to breathe effectively so that when you are doing harder cardio workouts, you find the breathing process to be much easier.

Yes, yoga is meditational and yes it can bring you peace of mind. No, not all forms of yoga will put you to sleep and yes, your body can actually benefit from it. And it is a great exercise to do anyplace and at anytime.

Some questions you might be wondering is, how many downward dogs do I have to do for it to be considered yoga? Can I snap my neck doing head or shoulder stands?  Do I actually need a mat to do yoga? Following an instructor is best at the beginner stage. Guidance is helpful to get a hang of different yoga positions; but once you get a hang of it, anytime and anyplace a yogi sees fit.

I took it outside to Canarsie Pier and in the midst of my time there, I realize I did not really need a mat at all.  Through this experience, I have now found a name for my car: YOGAMAT.

 

This post was inspired by MAMAKAT's writing prompt on the five things I love most about fall. The top love would be working out though there is not really a season that is dedicated to it; it is an everyday passion.  This post was also inspired by National Name Your Car Day which falls on October 2, 2014 this year. Fun idea to use these  images to come up with a name for my vehicle.  (Photos are courtesy of EJ Haughton Photography)

Q is for Quantum Zumba

It doesn't take much to get a quick workout in. I found out how true that idea is this past Saturday at the Apollo Harlem Healthy Soul Fair that took place on W 126th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Blvd and Frederick Douglass. 

A stage was setup where Zumba and fitness classes were being held by Shakeup NYC, the New York Knicks Dancers and more; and all passers by could take part. In 20 minutes, not only did we work up a sweat shimmying and doing the quick foot among other dances, but we each burned over 100 calories. Can I say, ENERGY!!! Not bad for a quick workout that was also fun! 

Add something different to your workout daily so that it doesn't start to wear off its effectiveness, become redundant and boring or make you lose interest.  Zumba fitness adds that type of energy for me; different songs each time, a variety of dance moves and zumba's enjoyable nature.

Did you know that Emblem Health offers free fitness classes that is open to the public? You do not need to be enrolled in an expensive gym to workout. If you are interested in achieving a better lifestyle, visit http://www.ehnc.com for a full calendar of free health and fitness related events. Also, there are many free workout classes you can find on-line by accessing youtube. You'd be surprise at the quality of fitness classes offered that are full-length and very good. 

It doesn't take much to get your fitness on. The key to it is just doing it! 

Alphabets of Fitness: M is For Staying Motivated

When it comes to trying to attain fitness, remember it is not an overnight thing. It takes time, persistence and true motivation. 

Keep going and never give up on your goals. 

Motivation means everything to a person seeking that one thing that is definitely something worth fighting for. 

With that in mind, here are some links you might enjoy to help you to stay motivated:

Fitness Challenges http://www.challengeloop.com/ideas/topic/health-fitness

My Journey to Fitness http://ilheartmyhair.blogspot.com/2014/03/i-am-changing.html

Blending Fitness Into Your Life http://fitbittwist.blogspot.com/2014/01/alphabets-of-fitness-b-is-for-blending.html

Thank you so much for reading my blog post. Have a wonderful weekend. 

Alphabets of Fitness: J is for Just Do it!

Just do it! You have it in your heart. You feel the temptation to get with the program. Your mind is filled with ideas of the what ifs.  But what if you just do it? What then?

I know, things do not seem so easy at first. You start and then a mountain of doubt tries to stop you from moving forward. But you have been equipped with all you need to continue upon the journey you started. So just do it!

Go out to the nearest park and do a brisk walk or jog. Go out there and shovel or do gardening. Lots of calorie burning there, in doing housework and some in cooking as well. How about doing some cleaning and getting rid of old stuff that are no longer necessary in your life?  Oversized clothes items that no longer fit or those Burger King coupons that you are no longer going to find use for because of your new eating healthy lifestyle. Letting out the old truly ushers in the new. So make way for the new you.

Choose the light butter over movie butter popcorn and say no to the extra cheese.  Choose turkey burgers as opposed to the beef and ask for whole wheat toast when ordering sandwiches.

One thing you must remember to do is to meditate and keep God on your mind and your mind on the matter. Prayer while you are on your way to reaching your goal is necessary. Do not turn back and give up. Let God guide you to exactly where you are striving to be and to what you are striving to accomplish. For he told us that we only need to stand still while he fights our battles for us. 

All that stands in the way will fade. Most of the time it is our own doubts and fears that stand in the way.  But why fear the very things you hope for?  Why doubt in your abilities to make things happen? Remember it took strength to start walking from crawling.

Finally, be happy about your decision. You started it, now smile about it. Be confident in any and all you are doing and that will lead you to the strength and the joy that was never anyone or anything else's to reckon with because joy is internal from God. Now carry that faith with you in your gym bag, wear your confidence like cross training sneakers and exercise faith wherever you go. Even if everyone else is wearing shorts and cut-off t-shirts and you feel out of place because you are all covered up; or you want to do chest presses and can only push with resistance at 10 lbs.

Who cares?  As long as you are doing it. For to not try is to fail. But trying leads to pushing harder. Isn't that the whole point of the new you attitude you decided to bring into your groove?

Alphabets of Fitness: I is for Independently

When we make a decision to start something new, even if our friends advise us or try to inspire us to do it, it is our very own selves who must make the step in order to independently overcome the boundaries of before, for the after.

So let’s see; yesterday you thought that. Is that right? And today, your mind is set on higher things for the present moment and for tomorrow.  Is that the case? 

Okay so that means, you independently have a goal that you’d like to accomplish that is yours solely.  I mean in all honesty, reading Fitness or Shape magazine won’t change your habit if you do not change your habit. 

In other words, your friend asks you to go to a Zumba class with her on Wednesday evening and you bring your stuff and you are all prepared but then something comes up at the last minute and your friend can’t make it. Do you go or not go? Were you going to please your friend or to also reap the benefits of the workout? How willing are you to be independently bold to choose a salad even if your friend chooses a burger or you choose to go to the gym even though your friend wants your accompaniment at the bar? It’s your decision independently. And if you started this lifestyle, the challenge is also yours independently. Just remember if the new you is that very way of thinking you want to be strong in and continue moving forward with, do what is necessary to make that a reality. For your friends can’t do the workout and healthy eating for you to lose that weight on your own body. All the work must be independently done by you.

The following poem was inspired by two things; Poetry Tuesday and how it feels when you feel alone because your peers get tired of you inviting them to the gym and call you obsessed or you eliminate things from your diet that people all around you are eating or everybody at the gym seems like a pro and you don’t even know how to turn on the stationary bike. If that is you, I know exactly what it feels like. This poem therefore, is dedicated to you. Prayerfully it motivates you in some way.

Independently,

I see!

My decision means;

it's all in me.

 

I won't make it

sitting down.

All the snow

has me bound.

Stuck at home

before the tv.

So, for the next few moments

it's popcorn and me;

and a soda to taste.

Maybe I'll mix it with vodka.

Oh man, I forgot my own decision

in my gym locker.

 

Independently,

I see!

My decision means;

it's all in me.

 

But I'm hungry for life

and working out ain't it.

Who cares about

being skinny or fit?

I'm great the way I am;

beautiful, it's true

and sexier than red velvet cake

to a man with a sweet tooth.

But then I noticed

all this sluggishness I have.

I find myself in struggle

to keep up with the pack.

They are running their three miles

and I'm running out of breath.

I even find myself holding up the wall

when I go out dancing with my friends.

At first I thought I'm getting old

and took it as fact;

but then I look at myself in the mirror

and realized, it can't be that.

For I'm young and vibrant

and ready for life.

But somehow I am being controlled

by the foods that catch my bite.

 

Independently,

I see!

My decision means;

it's all in me.

 

I feel heavy; so ready

to make a change for the better.

Must I really give up

on those cheeses of cheddar?

And what about my Popeyes

chicken and biscuits? Good to the last bite.

But here I start this new lifestyle.

And I'm ready for the fight

over healthier eating

and more controlled breathing

and dropping pant sizes.

And no more burnt up rubbed together thighs.

And to less weight to carry.

And to the fitness strategies.

And to low fat snacking.

And to the haters I'm attracting

Who would love to see me fail at this;

my fit bits with a twist.

 

Independently,

I see!

My decision means;

it's all in me.

 

My mind right with a half full cup

and ready to rock and roll,

like a star in the night sky

shooting across it with purpose glows.

For I started this lifestyle and it's mine

so I'm gonna keep it for life.

For what's style if it isn't me?

It's with my past editions of me which I compete.

And complete with a theme:

My goal strives are mine; independently!

 

 

 

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Check out the following links if you are interested

 

Full Length Workouts for Free From Fitness Blender

 

Tips For Eating Healthy When Eating Out

 

Lifestyle Changes to Help Prevent Heart Attacks from AHA

 

Downsizing Your Sweet Tooth

 

Diet And Exercise According to God

 

Before and After: How to Lose and How to Maintain

 

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. Hope to see you again soon for more Fit Bit twists. God bless you and have a pulchritudinous journey moving forward.

 

 

Alphabets of Fitness: G is for Gym or No Gym

Gym or no gym; find a way to get that workout in if your goal is to stay fit. Gym or no gym; do at least 30 minutes of cardio Gym or no gym; get in gear and get in step. Gym or no gym; just do it!

 

You do not have to have a gym membership to workout. You do not need a fitness trainer to get in shape. You do not need to have expensive equipment to get into the swing of things.  All you need is your will power and that desire to get out there and just do it. Working out does not require much.  If you feel like you do not have the energy, here is something to think about.  Exercise gives you energy.

 

That last statement however may not apply to all, but for me, a nice workout during lunchtime helps to give me that boost that coffee can’t that enables me to go back to work refreshed and more energized to work effectively.

While the gym has nice equipment, classes and trainers that can help you to move forward with your fitness goals, the gym is not always the option. Whether you go to the gym or not, the following are different workouts and motivating ideas you can try that might help you in the long run.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for stopping by to read the newest installation to the alphabets of fitness.  Before you go, here are some links that might be helpful to you.

 

Printable Workout Plans

 

Unleash Your Inner Badass

 

I Need to Workout, Butt

 

Total Body Exercise Ball Workout

 

Lose 75 Lbs in Less Than a Year

 

Please leave feedback and share your thoughts and also some fitness and weight loss tips that we can all use and benefit from. Please be sure to come back again for more alphabets of fitness. God bless you and have a wonderful week.

Alphabets of Fitness: F is for Fashions to Fancy

“You can be whatever size you are, and you can be beautiful both inside and out. We’re always told what’s beautiful and what’s not and that’s not right.” – Serena Williams

 

When I started working out and eating healthier, the changes to my body became pretty noticeable to my peers after a while. It showed in my face and in how the clothes that I used to wear began to drape over my body.

I started getting compliments from people telling me that I look good now. The now is what stumped me the most. Should I have felt offended by that? Not for nothing but I was da bomb when I was big.  Just a little bit bigger.  

Do not allow society’s beliefs on what beauty ought to be, make you change your beliefs about whom and what you are. Believe in yourself no matter your size or shape.

At the same time, “when friends tell you how awesome you look, drop the "I still have more to go" crap.  You worked hard and you deserve the compliment” (Jillian Michaels)! A compliment is a compliment and almost like a gift so be appreciative of it.

Wherever you are and on the road to where you are going, be happy and satisfied with that because you can only be you and no one else. So be the best damn you that you can be.

 

“Biographies are but the clothes and buttons of the man. The biography of the man himself cannot be written. – Mark twain

It started the summer of 2012. I was set to sing at a black tie affair and I needed a dress.

Sometimes your idea of your size is not the actual truth. There is a coined term used when you are tardy for something you are fashionably late. I guess it applies here because I was the only one who didn’t see that I had started to explode. Who would have thought that person I saw as little was bigger than I ever realized.

That is when I made the decision. I would not be going up in sizes anymore but instead would find ways to change.  

Change became drastic though and I was changing my wardrobe about every two months.  If you are attempting weight loss and start to see success, do not run to buy a new wardrobe just yet. It might look a little tacky, but wear what you have a little big until you have no choice but to change. Wear belts to keep pants from falling and/or get some fabrics taken in before having to go and spend money. Clothes shopping when losing weight can become costly after a while. But if you wait out the weight, you will be weighing in a wise decision. Fashion is just fashion but style is in the way you carry yourself and wear it and even if it is a little big, you can still make it look good.

 

“Bravery never goes out of fashion”

– William Makepeace Thackery

 

If you feel like braving the storm and it is in you to get out there and start your fitness challenge, let nothing stop you, but also be prepared to go into beast mode. While the stylish clothes I loved from Ashely Stewart no longer fit, and my beautiful coifs were looking less and less appealing due to sweating off the pounds and sweating out the perm, I had no choice but to continue thrusting forward to do what I had to do.

The important thing is to brave the storm. Everything starts with day one, without day one there is no possibility. You will crawl, then walk and then run like you never imagined you could. Try it for yourself.

Joan Rivers said that “diets, like clothes, should be tailored to you.” Try getting on that treadmill or onto the track at your nearest park and do intervals of walking, jogging and walking for about 30 minutes or so and your heart will be thanking you for each and every minute. Or why not get onto that elliptical machine and bust out a three-mile glide? It might seem a little boring at first if you are not used to it, but you are equipped with all that is necessary to tailor your exercise routine to your liking and make it fun. Fashion the instructor led group classes or even the free ones on the Net. Just do it. But if you are going to work-out and plan to see true results, make sure you are not eating the same old crap that got you to where you are now. Fashion a new diet that you can fancy and stick with.  

 

“Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world”

– Marilyn Monroe

 

By this, I hope you were thinking sneakers. Yes, wear a good pair of sneakers that can support the heavy beating you are about to put onto your feet.  You want to avoid foot pain and cramps and achiness and if you are wearing the incorrect shoe while exercising, you will know just by the way your foot feels.

Look for sneaker stores in your area that examine your old sneakers as well as study your foot in movement to determine what sneaker is best for your foot.  They then will give you a visual idea of the support your foot needs and might even tailor make one for you or point you to some of the sneaker brands you like that will provide that support needed for your foot.

Starting a new lifestyle is fashioning a new attitude. Something has made you want to change. Whether it was a circumstance and illness or something that somebody said, you have come to that point in life where you felt that it was necessary to. You now have two options. You can complain about it and do nothing or you can get up and bust your ass trying to make a difference in your own life. But only you can change you to a different version of you that you might fancy more. Brave the change you made and claim your own victories. Now fashion that!   

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I appreciate you stopping by to read my blog post and I truly hope that some of these things being discussed can be beneficial to you and your new lifestyle change that you have embarked on.  While you have fashioned in a new mindset, I would like to also invite you to visit a few links that you might fancy.

 

Fashion Advice After A Big Weight Loss From WSJ

How to Choose the Right Athletic Shoes

My Fitness Pal

Eight Glasses of Water A Day Chart

How Much Sex is Considered Exercise

Keeping That New Year's Resolution

Get Ready For Your Breakthrough

Fitness Blender's Beginner Kettlebell Workout

Ivanka on Fashion and Weight Loss

Feedback is requested. If you found this post helpful, please let me know. And if you have some pointers that might be beneficial to others, please share because everybody is always looking for new and exciting ways to enhance their workout and diet experiences; including me!

See you soon!