Weights or Cardio?

Both! And as we get older it really is even more important to incorporate some weights into your weekly fitness routine.  It doesn't have to be an intense strength program, just adding in a couple days of weights can effect change in your body.  And there are health reasons as well.  Did you know that people over 45 lose 1% of muscle every year?  BUT the good news is strength training can prevent muscle loss!

I went years without ever lift a weight or even doing a push up or squat.  I thought if I wasn't running or doing cardio I wasn't burning calories!  I lost weight through cardio and my endorphins icked in with cardio - what more did I need?  I didn't see the payoff of adding weights into my already busy schedule.

And than I tried the 21 Day Fix Extreme and after just a couple of weeks of following the nutrition plan and using weights I started see and feeling some real changes.  I first noticed definition in my abs and arms.  And what I love about this program is it combines the cardio and the weights so it really was a great introduction into weights for a cardio girl like me! :)

The BEST things about consistently adding weights into your routine is you will burn MORE calories each day and your metabolism will get a bump post workout.  Why did it take me so long to figure this out?!!

A couple of months ago I decided to challenge myself and try Body Beast, full strength training program.  I've stuck with it but I've tweaked it to fit my personality.  It didn't have enough cardio for me and I have found some of the workouts are more male slanted like the chest workout.  But I have stuck with arm, shoulder, back and leg workouts and I have added in cardio at least 3 times a week.

What I have learned doing Body Beast is I need to go heavier with my weights.  I can't be afraid, I am not going to get bulky or big and in fact I will get leaner and more toned.  So I upped my weight range between 5-15 pounds. Sure there are certain exercises I struggle with but I can always drop my weight when needed.

Try something new.  Add some weights into your routine and push yourself outside you comfort zone!  Ultimately, it's good for your health, you will look and feel younger, you will burn fat more efficiently, your clothes will fit better and your stamina will increase and being strong is an awesome feeling!!  :)

Curious about 21 Day Fix, Fix Extreme, Body Beast or tips on how you can easily add some weights and strength training into your routine . . . email my at marciadeangelis@sbcglobal.net, or connect with my on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/marciadriscolldeangelis.

My Wantable Fitness Box Review

For weeks I kept seeing these ads for "wantable fitness" boxes on facebook. You know the ads that pop into your news feed and are so targeted just for you it's almost weird.  One day I decided to click on it and take a look, I mean the words "fitness", "clothes" and "picked just for you" definitely had me intrigued.  You own personal stylist will pick out fitness clothes just for you based on a profile you fill out and they will send you 5 items and you have 5 days to try them on in the comfort of your own home and keep what you like, return what you don't in a pre-paid postage envelope they provide for you.  It sounded very intriguing!  I googled recent reviews of Wantable fitness boxes and read some favorable reviews plus the idea of new different fitness clothes that I didn't have to go look for sounded like a win to me.  Everyone wears Lululemon, Lorna Jane or Nike's - I loved the idea of something different and unique.  Plus I had tried Fabletics and Stitch Fix before so why not give it a go.  The only thing I had to lose was a $20.00 stylist fee and if I did keep anything that fee would go toward my purchase.

I filled out my profile and selected my price points (I went with the least expensive) and signed up.  Today my box arrived at the doorstep.  The box was impressive and as I opened it I loved the quote across the packaging, "the difference between try and triumph is a little UMP".   There were a very colorful pair of workout capris, a black pair of running shorts, a lightly patterned sports bra, a hot pink looser fitting tank top and a color block tank top with sports bra built in.  I liked what I saw especially the capris, I love loud patterned workout pants - not so much for working out but for running errands and more of my "looking cute" and "going out" workout clothes.  But the true test was the fit so I off I went to try everything on in the comfort of my own home.

First the capris and sports bra.  The capris are made by Prismsport (not a brand I have heard of) and they are soft and hit a great place on my hips.  I hate workout pants that hit in the muffin top area and actually emphasize that area.  Let's face it the mid-section is one of the more difficult parts of the body - no need to emphasis that. I love the pattern and they aren't something I've seen on anyone else before.

  

The sports bra is by Climawear and I loved the fabric but as I jumped up and down I didn't feel the support.  I may not have much but I still need to protect. :)

 

Shorts are my number one go to workout clothes and probably what I am most picky about.  It's actually hard to find the "perfect short" - not super short but not that in between length.   There is nothing worse then spending a workout pulling down your shorts as they creep up.  The black running shorts are by Cory Vines and unfortunately are that awkward length.  My favorite workout shorts are Lululemon so I'll be sticking with those.

 

Lastly were two tanks, a looser fit hot pink tank by Prismsport and a color block built in sports bra tank by Rese.  I loved the looser fit tank.  Nice soft fabric and it hits in the perfect place.  I actually could see wearing it out and about when I am running errands as well as working out.  The color block tank, not so much.  I am not a big fan of built in sports bra tanks, the material tends to be to thick for me and hot as I workout. 

What am I keeping?  I am pretty certain I will keep the capris and possibly the pink tank top though I am going to give myself a day to think about it.  My overall impression was good and I would think about doing it again but not every month just when I am feeling the need for a little fitness clothes update.  It is fun to try new brands and styles and get out of always going for the same old colors and styles.  The price points were good ranging from $34.00 (the sports bra) to $82.00 (the capris) and remember your 20.00 stylist fee goes toward your purchase and if you keep 3 or 4 items you get an additional 20% off and if you keep all 5 you same 30%.

And let's face it getting a box full of hand picked clothes for you is a pretty fun concept even if not all of them were a go.  It's like taking a stack into a dressing room to try on and just finding one or two items that works but without the hassle of going to a store or two and dealing with all the hassle of trying them on.

Wantables also does regular clothes boxes as well as accessory, makeup and intimate boxes if you are curious and want to try something new.

Tips to Stay Healthy and Fit on the Weekend

It's friday and the weekend is here!!!  There is always alot going on that can easily derail or be an excuse to not make healthy eating choices and/or get off your fitness routine.

You may have worked hard all week on YOU.  Planned your meals, packed your lunch, stayed away from the junk food, gotten all your workouts in so DON'T get off course over the weekend.  Remember you want to make a lifestyle change and to do that you have to learn to work weekends into your lifestyle.

Every weekend there will be something that can get you off course.  There is always birthday parties, sporting events, wedding, showers, family or friends visiting . . . it's called life and your goal should be to still enjoy life but to not overdue!

With a little planning and forethought you can still have a GREAT time, get your workout in and enjoy your weekends with family and friends without feeling deprived.

Here are some of my favorite tips to enjoying the weekend:

1. Treat Saturday and Sunday like the weekdays when it comes to your workouts.  Schedule in your workouts and stick to them. The difference is you may have more time to actually enjoy that workout.  Mix it up on the weekends - take a hike, a run, bike ride and invite your spouse or friend to join you.  It can be social and burn calories!!

2. Weigh yourself on Friday morning and Monday morning.  Knowing your number adds an extra level of accountability and knowing you are going to step on that scale Monday morning may just stop you from eating those chips and salsa.  In my challenge groups we do Friday and Monday weigh ins and celebrate no change as well as any losses.  No change is a victory!

3. Come Friday after 5 days of cooking I can not wait to go out or get delivery BUT you need to plan ahead.  Know what you are going order before you go out to eat!  You will be less tempted!

4. If you are at a restaurant this weekend ask them to take away the bread or chip & salsa!

5. Have a healthy snack before heading to brunch or dinner.  Carrots, 1/2 banana, yogurt, apple . . . anything to take the edge off your hunger.  You DON'T want to be starving when you walk into a restaurant.

6. Split an entree with a friend if possible. AND order baked or grilled NO fried!

7. Pack your snacks and/or lunches if you are going to be gone for the day.  That baseball or soccer game may go longer than you think and you want to be prepared.  NO snack bar visits.

8. Drink lots of water!!  And LIMIT your alcohol to one glass of wine or beer.  A splash of cranberry with soda water is the perfect mocktail!!

9. Stay busy and active and you will be less likely to over indulge BUT if you do get right back on track.  One mess up isn't going to really mess you up BUT numerous ones will!!

I have my nephew's college graduation and party tomorrow and Mother's Day on Sunday.  I've already checked the menu for Sunday and I am thankful my husband knew not to go to brunch where there is a buffet!!  He loves big brunches so on Father's Day we can do that.

Enjoy your weekend and STAY HEALTHY and FIT it will make your weekend and you even HAPPIER!!