300%???

I came across this article today, and I was shocked at the statistics and some of the implications. Apparently, in less than 30 years, the number of overweight 4 year olds has increased 300%.
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The Calendar

One of the ways I am staying motivated with working out this go-round is with my trusty calendar. If I was better at using our scanner, I would show it to you, but its basically a simple calendar that tells me I have to work out 3 times a week, at least. The days I do something, I write it in that block, and I can track my progess. So the humilating but highly effective part of the calendar? REWARDS. Yes. Stealing from the chore system we recently implemented for the kids, I chose to allow myself small rewards on the Saturday after each two week period. I have just completed my first month using the calendar, and I can tell you it's helping. And the best part is that I am not even looking for the reward at this point - its just a nice reminder that I am staying on track. At the end of June I get to buy myself new jeans - my favs :).

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They should charge for this

So I thought I would post a little update about my return to health. You know, we have friends (you know who you are) that HATE New Year's Resolutions. But, if you are like me, when you happen upon the resolutions you wrote in January and realize that you have done NOTHING about it, it kick starts your motivation.

I am a bit over two weeks into the new eating plan, and by the weekend I will have been working out again for two weeks.

I can tell you I feel SO MUCH BETTER, consistently! And I do think the abs, waist and arms are already showing the results. I don't feel that I am eating much, but the smaller portions are protein-packed, so I haven't yet been hungry.

A word about getting in shape - I am enjoying the YMCA membership, but after a couple weeks of doing a few different workouts, I can safely say the 'Becky' workout is top-notch. And I love that I can do it at home, preferably while watching styleTV or something equally ridiculous.

It is as follows, and I have put my personal (ok'ed by Becky) adjustments in parentheses.

5 sets of:

10 pull ups (lat pull downs)
20 push ups (I do some regular and some girl)
30 crunches
40 squats without weights
50 jump rope (I do this without the rope)

2 minute rest in between, or till recovery. Take 20-30 seconds between the moves if you need it.

This thing will have you sore at first, but feeling very strong and sensing your whole body engaging pretty quickly. It also gets the heart rate up, while working core areas. I spent 45 minutes today in a fairly tough muscle class, and although the moves were hard, my heart rate never really went up and it took - 45 minutes. The Becky workout can be done safely in 30 minutes.

Hoping I can keep it up!

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