Interview With Jen Hendershott!

I am so excited to share with you an interview with the amazing Jen Hendershott, IFBB Fitness Professional, 2 time Ms. Fitness Olympia , and 2 time Ms. Fitness International. As you all know, I will be attending her Phat Camp in just a few months. I encourage you ladies out there to make the same decision and go do something for yourself! We all need time to rejuvenate, make ourselves stronger physically and emotionally, and do something to boost our self esteem.
Enjoy the interview and getting to know Jen!

Angie: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview and to talk to my readers about your career and Phat Camp. For some of my readers who aren’t familiar with your story, can you explain how you went from a background in cheer leading, to deciding to compete in fitness competitions, and eventually starting Phat Camp?

Jen: Hello everyone! Well it's really simple, I went from being a high-energy 25 year old with a passion to succeed into a top level fitness athlete and motivator! I have always wanted to be a teacher and leader and now I have the best of all worlds. I just can't imagine doing anything different. A good friend of mine suggested I try fitness, so I thought what the heck. I did it, loved it and here I am 12 years later. I created four businesses off a career as an athlete. It's all been a blessing and a beginning of an interesting life. I have been able to utilize my teaching degree from Ohio State, into what I am currently doing. Its been a great ride.

Angie: Do you encourage women of all shapes and sizes to attend Phat Camp and is this really something that anyone can do?

Jen: I absolutely encourage everyone between the ages of 13-70 to attend my camp. It's for women of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and ages. I feel every woman deserves the right to be happy in their life and I have found a passion for motivating women to feel better about who they are and where their life is headed. I am a strong women with a great spirit and I am hard to break. I use my life stories to relate to so many other women and encourage them to keep fighting for what they want. YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE! You better make this good!

Angie: Can you give the readers a brief description of some things they can expect from their experience at Phat Camp?

Jen: Phat Camp is two full days and Friday evening. You will be training five body parts, learning new and exciting exercises, trying new ideas of cardio, and sitting through nutritional and motivational seminars. I also share stories of success and of struggles. There are activities that focus on cooking, supplements, time management and commitment. You will take home with you papers with workouts, exercises, cardio, nutritional facts and much more. You will spend the weekend with women just like you. At Phat Camp I have a NO drama policy. Come to camp and be yourself. Work as hard as you want or as little.

Angie: Is it pretty typical to see women working out hard and setting goals before camp or do the majority of the women show up as beginners?

Jen: I would say if there are 50 women who show up to camp, 15 of them are beginners. Most of the women that attend do not care if they have 20 years in the gym for experience or two weeks, everyone learns from everyone. It's a true blessing to be surrounded by people with the same interests and have NO drama attached to it. Come one, come all!

Angie: What’s the number one thing that you try and teach the girls attending your Phat Camp?

Jen: YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE, YOLO! You have to remember your life can end in an instant and if you don't stop spending time on the small things , your life will be over before you know it and you will not know what you did with your time on earth. Take the time you spend complaining about things you can not change and focus on making you a better you. More time hugging your kids, more time loving your spouse, or more time trying new things. Life is to short to focus on negative things....surround yourself with only the positive.

Angie: On average, how many women do you have in a weekend camp and do you have a limit as to keep the classes from getting to big?

Jen: We usually have between 40-60 women which is a great number of women. BUT we can take up to 100 for sure. I have a great staff that travel with me who are all mom's and athletes. They really know how to help me motivate and educate!

Angie: Do you try and spend personal time with each person at camp or do you rely on your staff to help give that personal touch?

Jen: No, I am there every minute of each hour. I have a great staff, but I am dedicating my life to being Jen and helping others! This is my passion in life and I can't imagine it any other way.

Angie: On the Phat Camp website there is a list of items you suggest to pack and you mention photos for autographing. What’s the funniest and/or most memorable item that you autographed?

Jen: Honestly, the coolest thing I have autographed were the tops of running shoes. The woman told me it was so when she sits down to put them on, she knows how hard Jen wants her to work. The weirdest thing would have to be someone's bra. I have NO idea WHY!

Angie: Also in the list of items to pack you encourage women to bring questions for you and a notepad for taking notes. What type of information are you providing at these Q&A’s?

Jen: I am providing anything and everything. I will not turn a question down and YOU will get the HONEST answer from me. I do not beat around the bush or BS anyone! I don't want people misleading me so I will not mislead anyone!

Angie: How many more years do you plan on competing and/or is Phat Camp your ‘retirement’ so to speak?

Jen: Right now I am rocking and rolling. I have not made any decisions on competing. I will run camps as long as I can fill them. This is where my heart truly lies! As for retirement, I will never retire, I realize I can always compete if my body allows me too.

Angie: In a one sentence , why should my readers attend a Phat Camp?

Jen: It' a different, unique, and a creative way to spend a weekend with people who have a common interest and that's to live a better way of life.

Angie: Thank you so much for the opportunity to experience Phat Camp myself. I am honestly excited and thrilled to go. I just hope through my experience and being able to share with my readers on YHH, I can encourage other women to make the same decision.

Jen: Thank you Your Happy Hearts.com for having me. I hope to meet many of your readers and followers. I believe there is a reason I meet all my campers and believe I am following my passion in life. I love to share it. God Bless.

Check out all of Jen's websites by clicking below. Thanks again to Jen for taking some time to talk with us! It was an honor doing this interview.

www.Jennyh.com
www.GetPhatWithJen.com
www.pgnnutrition.com

Things to come....

Wow, I have so many things to share with you I don't know where to begin.
I wanted to update you on things to come. I have been reviewing workout DVD's from Discount Workouts. So far so good. But to truly inform you on these workouts, I have to give them a good run. This review is coming soon.


Plus, who of you have heard of Gilad and Bodies in Motion? If you haven't, then I am shocked! I have been watching him on TV for years. Thanks to his staff in Hawaii, I received several workout DVD's to test run as well, including the famous Gilad Quick Fit System. I will be introducing these to my Thursday night workout class to get group reviews. This is going to be fun.

Also in the works is a one on one interview with the ever so lovely Jen Hendershott. This is her new cover for the September issue of Iron Man. Look for it on stands coming soon. I am running out and getting one as soon as it hits the racks. What a great photo to have autographed at Phat Camp and have hanging in my gym. She is an inspiration to us all.

I am also reviewing two new books. I have been busy not only working out, writing posts for you, but now reviewing health and fitness books.

One is from the inventor of the Jump Snap, Brad LaTour, which I have previously posted a review on the Jump Snap System. I was honored to be sent a copy of the new book after my review, titled The Ah Ha's of Weight Loss. I am finishing this book now and will be letting you know first hand all about it very soon.It's nice to see his journey into inventing the Jump Snap to new discoveries of weight loss.

Another book that I have already finished reading and am in the process of putting together an interview for the author is called Ageing Well by Dr. George Cromack. This book is full of tidbits of information you need to start living healthier today and live a longer life. Who wants to finally retire and not be able to do anything? Not me. I will be ageing well.

Thanks for all your support and continuous reading. I love sharing fitness information, product information, and the occasional giveaway with all of you. It's been a great first year.

Be blessed!

Heavenly Skin Care Lotion Giveaway

Email subscribers click YHH to go to home page and leave your comment for the giveaway!

It seems the more we workout and spend time in the gym the more your skin needs hydration. Wearing weightlifting gloves can help prevent nasty callouses but being in tennis shoes for hours at a time can be killer on your feet. After sweating, showering, and of course tanning, your skin can dry out quickly. Drinking lots of water will help your skin from the inside out. I am also a firm believer in being as organic as possible. Your skin is the largest organ of your body. What we put on our skin absorbs to our blood stream and will effect your metabolism. Everything we do contributes to weight gain if we aren't careful.

I found a company named Heavenly Skin Care. They offer a great variety of organic lotions that not only smell great but work wonderful too. The full size 8 oz. bottle has a great pump for easy dispensing.

I was given the following lotions to try out: Jojoba, Lavender (my favorite), Goat Milk, Rosehip and Hibiscus, and Herbal body lotion. These are all fabulous. I always test lotions on my tattoos, as this is the best way to tell if a lotion is getting through to more than the top layer of my skin.

I was so surprised at what my tattoos looked like after one small application of lotion. They were clear and vibrant. Heavenly Skin Care lotions are made up of a unique combination of natural organic and essential oils. The oils are distilled from plants from all over the globe. Each oil comes from a different plant and promote the regeneration of new cells. Lavender can be a smell that you either like or you don't. If it's a fake lavender, I can tell, and I don't like it. This is truly the smell of Lavender and I can't get enough.

Heavenly Skin Care also offers small sample size bottles which are great for your purse, gym bag, or to have handy in your car. If you are not a fan of the scented lotions, or are like my husband, and don't want to smell "like a girl", then I recommend the Herbal lotion as it's scent free. The prices are really great too. Each 8 oz. bottle only retails at $14.95. Why shop lotions from the grocery store full of chemicals when you can order on line, get quick delivery, and know it's all natural? I highly recommend their lotions. Heavenly Skin Care has a full line of products, with everything you need to go organic.

Because of the generosity of the people at HSC in sending me their lotions, I want to share it with you. I have a set of small sample sizes and one full 8 oz. Rosehip lotion.

Here's how to enter:

#1 - Be a subscriber or subscribe today. Leave me a comment: "I subscribe" or "I just subscribed."

#2- Be a follower for a second chance to win. Leave me a comment: "I follow" or "New follower." Also Twitter and/or Facebook about this giveaway and let me know.

#3- Check out the Heavenly Skin Care online store and let me know what you like about their site or products of interest, for a third entry to win. (Some winners have been chosen based on comment alone. So make it a good one!)

*A winner will be chosen on a combination of the above.

Contest will end July 26th at midnight. A winner will be chosen on the 3rd and contacted per email. If no response is received within four days, another winner may be chosen in your place.

Good Luck!

Getting To Know Phat Camp - Article #2 in series

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Two months until this body is going to be kicked by Jennifer Hendershott and I can't wait. In an attempt to workout every night now, I have really cracked down on my food intake. No more mistakes. I know they drill. Lots of water, low sodium and no alcohol. That glass of wine is the hardest for me to give up but I am willing to do anything. And you should be too. Here's another look at Phat Camp and what to except if you make the choice to go.



So now that you watched the video are you psyched to go? I cry every time I see the young gal struggling to go across the gym floor and everyone is cheering her on. There is no greater feeling then thinking maybe you can't and then finding out that you can. You can go to the Phat Camp website by clicking here or on the button on the side of this page and check out all the registration information. The total for camp is $325. You can reserve a spot for only $125 for the weekend of your choice. Once you have paid your deposit, then the remaining $200 is is due one week out from camp. You can also make payments, when your budget allows before attending camp. Hours of the camp are as follows: Friday is 6 p.m. till 10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. till 5 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. Dress ready to workout. For more frequently asked Q&A's click here and see for yourself if this is something you would like to attend. Get healthy today so you can give more to your family and do more in your life.

I also have a personal challenge for you. Please give this a try. I want you to start a support group, workout group, healthy cooking/dinner group. Find those around you to lean on and for you to show support.

By either some fluke or by GOD being so awesome, a woman's group has now formed at my house every Thursday night. After a fun girls purse swap party (ya, we just got together and swapped, free and fun) the girls flocked to the basement to "play" with my equipment in my ever slowly, being built, gym. One so energetic young lady (whom I love and adore) said "Wouldn't it be fun to workout together?" And the ideas started to flood to my mind. I was down there almost every night anyway and this would give me first hand experience at teaching others what I have learned. Did you know the average woman, no matter how big or small, does not know what to do with a set of five pound hand weights? It's true and oh so sad. but we all have to start somewhere so start learning today.

The group has continued to grow with some ladies only coming once, to others floating in and out, to others not missing a week. I don't require an RSVP, they just come in and join me. I have them bring their own set of hand weights. Some weeks we do a DVD together and other weeks I simply kick their butt with a routine of upper body, ab, and lower body reps. We scream when it's hard, we cry when we're challenged, and we laugh all the way through. But most importantly, we push each other. Nothing like getting into a wall sit competition because you want to be the last one to get up. (Finally had to call a truce). This will give you something to look forward to each week, create a close knit group of gals to be accountable to, and push you harder than on your own.

I believe these are the same values that are taught at Phat Camp. Phat Camp is a place to realize you can do more than you thought you could. A place to be encouraged and learn new and exciting things.

There is no magic pill or new cool "diet" that will fix your weight loss problems. You need to look in the mirror and realize it took a while to put the weight on and it's going to take a while for it to come off. So learn everything you can, educate yourself, and make new healthy decisions today.

Perfect Pushup/Pull Up/ Ab Review

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The Perfect Pushup is quite the workout. When given the chance to try the Perfect Pushup Combination System I jumped at the chance. Honestly I was really excited about the Ab Straps. If you haven't heard of the Perfect Pushup, here is a YouTube infomercial so you can see what the hype is all about.



The Perfect Pushup System is something I think every gym should have (Thank you Jacklyn!) They new Mobile Unit design is one I tested. The easy fold down feature is great and they slip into a light carry case making it easy to take them anywhere. I have been building my strength in doing pushups with every workout. For most women this can take a while as we don't tend to be naturally stronger in this area. By adding the Perfect Pushup to your workout routine, you get a deeper range of motion and you can really get into your chest muscles. For me, personally, I don't twist them quite as much as seen in the commercial. The Perfect Pushup instructional workout DVD shows you how to twist them for a different type of workout. But for standard pushups, I keep them at a slight angle that is comfortable for me.


I also had the pleasure of trying the Perfect Pullup. When I do pullups, I have the slight help of a chair beneath my feet. This helps me mentally push through the last few reps and know that I am not going to fall. The Perfect Pullup comes with comfortable handles which also rotate much like the Perfect Pushup and really give you a great workout. The pushup bar has many great features as well. It's really easy to install, only took a few minutes, and with great instructions. (I give kudos to my husband for the install. According to him, it was a piece of cake - low fat and sugar free of course). You can take the bar off, leaving just the brackets, so it's out of your way when needed. It also goes into a lower position for more movements.

My favorites are the Perfect Ab Straps. These I have admired in magazines for a long time. It seems like all the fitness gurus use them. Getting into them is a little tough as I am on the shorter side (5'3") so I had to use my chair to get my arms in comfortably. What fun. Once you get going and move faster, you tend to swing. Which is fun too. I can tell you, you will feel this in your abs, arms, legs, and back. So it's an all around great workout.

I highly recommend these products to you. I don't feel at all that they are an "As Seen On TV" gimmick. If used properly, this equipment is a great addition to any home gym.

So check out the Perfect Pushup website and order your new Perfect Combination system. If you already have this product, let me know what you think and share with my readers your personal experience.

My Body Beats

This is a workout I thought was quite interesting and something I wanted to share with you. Through continuous searches in looking for new and exciting workouts, I ran across My Body Beats.com.

My Body Beats website is set up much like an iTunes, with downloadable routines for your iPod or mp3 player. Each workout is backed with great upbeat music and instruction from a professional fitness trainer or fitness superstar. One of my favorites, of course, is Jenny Hendershott and her workout the Full Body All Out Workout. I was given the opportunity to download this and give it a try.

I first suggest you start out by visiting My Body Beats and click on My Workouts. This will set you up with a free account. Now you can store your wish list, purchase your workouts, keep track of them, and communicate with the trainers through blogs. You will also receive email updates on new workouts as they become available. Once you have purchased your workout you can then access it at anytime, download them to your iTunes and import to your iPod. Now your workout is good to go with you anywhere. The Jenny Hendershott workout you see here is only $14.99.

I only suggest these workouts to someone who has a good imagination and can follow instruction easily. The only down fall is you can't physically see what the trainer is doing like a DVD workout. But the plus is, they are right in your in-ears instructing you what to do. My experience with Jenny Hendershott was good as she was extremely helpful at explaining the routine and movements. Since I received only the Jenny Hendershott workouts, I can not say how the other trainers have done with their movement explanations.

I also was able to download Jenny Hendershott's other workout called Bustin Butt and Legs which is something this woman is famous for! Who doesn't want to look like Jen? Seriously. This is another great purchase.

Downloading the workouts was a simple. Once you purchase the one you want, you download them to your computer (I put it on my desktop and dropped it into my iTunes) and your set to go. If you don't have an mp3 player, My Body Beats will be releasing wireless headsets very soon. (This I just got to see). They have thought of everything to get this great product not only in your hands but in your ears.

If you want to know more in depth about My Body Beats check out the About Us section of their website. I highly recommend these workouts for something different and to keep you motivated. Each trainer in My Body Beats gives not only workout instruction but other health tips as well. I will have a continuous link on Your Happy Hearts.com so you can access My Body Beats at anytime. Also, for those of you more interested in the video workouts, they will be available in approximately six weeks, including new workouts with Jenny Hendershott.

Let me know what you think of this great concept. Your feedback is always welcome.

Weight Loss Hurdles

With every hurdle, there’s another…..

Have you watched an Olympic runner jump hurdles in a race? It’s not just one they have to jump but several in a row. It seems the more they run in the race the closer together the hurdles become. The runner pushes harder and they pick up speed. When the athlete finishes the race, they have a great feeling of accomplishment. What do they do then? Run it again and again and again.

I sometimes feel this way with my workouts and fitness goals. I get on a roll, have a hurdle and overcome it. My strength, weight and standards change in order to reach the next hurdle I have set in my way. I jump another one this time as a stronger person and realize I CAN do this. Then I set yet another goal for myself.

At some point the hurdles seem to get closer together. As each pound is lost you begin to realize it’s not just five pounds you wanted to lose... but 10, then 20, then 50. Maybe even build some muscle. You start looking and feeling great and you set a goal for abs and great quads and calves. Before you know it, you ran the entire race and jumped all those hurdles you thought impossible. Now what? You are ready to do it again, with each race and set of hurdles being a little different.

But before you start a race, you must train. And this time I don’t mean your body. You have to train your mind and make a plan. The best way to do this is write out your goals. (Journal people journal I can’t say it enough). Start to read everything you can get your hands on dealing with food plans and what you should be eating and what you shouldn’t. (I am reviewing some great books right now and will have interviews soon posted with the authors.)

You can’t change your diet if you don’t have the facts. This is your first hurdle: Start to plan your meals. Cook your foods on the weekends. Freeze lunches for work and always have a protein bar or energy bar in your purse or duffel bag. This way when plans change your diet doesn’t have to. I have personally gone back to a bigger purse to make sure I always have almonds, water, and protein bars on me at all times. I also carry an assortment of vitamins in case I forget them in the morning. Once you have a goal and diet plan on paper, you are ready to get behind the starting line of that race track. Set a date in which your life is going to change (preferably tomorrow) and pull the trigger on the gun and take off.

Your second hurdle is your workout program. Find what you like to do. Are you going to workout at home or in a gym? Get yourself set up right now (don't wait anymore, no excuses) or buy that gym membership and do your workout.

Now the next few hurdles are not to quit. With working out and eating healthy you may trip over a few hurdles till you get a hang of it, but keep going. Once you keep going and your in a groove, whatever comes in your path, (like a work birthday party or happy hour), you know how to jump over those hurdle successfully.

When changes start to happen the old hurdles seem so easy and trivial. Making food choices isn’t even a thought or a problem anymore. You know your worth it. So are you going to still have hurdles? Yes because now your standards have changed and you have new goals.

I know you can do it and I am always here to help. But remember, I am running too and jumping hurdles of my own, I am far from fitness perfection. I very much enjoy encouraging you on your hurdles. Think of us running together in this race for fitness (some of you behind and some of you in front, kicking my butt and that’s great!) Don’t think of me being in a race to beat you. Instead I am reaching behind and handing you that baton and encouraging you to keep going. We are all on the same team. A team to beat out obesity and bad health choices. Let’s run this race together over and over again.

Let me know what hurdles you are facing or have jumped. I love to hear from you. If it’s a personal hurdle you need help with you can always contact me at findyourfit@charter.net

Be blessed!

Journaling Make Everything Better

I could not be more thrilled to bring you this review. Not only to remind you to keep on journaling but to introduce you to some of the most beautiful journals I have ever seen.

Journaling is such an important part of your health and fitness journey. I have said it time and time again, and will continue to say it, you MUST be journaling. Each one of us are creatures of habit and have certain patterns we follow in life. One that keeps coming to my attention, and makes me laugh when doing it, is toweling off after my shower. I do it the same way every day. I think I probably have for years. So what other simple things are we doing in life that is either a good habit or bad?

When trying to make healthy food choices we all mess up now and again. But if you had to write down all those mess-ups and admit to yourself every time you had that donut, would you still eat it? When looking back, you can see what caused you to go on a bad food binge or not exercise that day. Was it depression, stress, anger, or simple boredom? Did you have a great workout or not so much and why? All these things contribute to your weight loss and goals.

If your like me, I don't enjoy just writing it down on a spiral note pad with a boring pen. I love to have just the right journal. So if you love journals, and want the BEST, where do you go to get it? I have found just the place. Rogue Journals.com

I can't say I have ever seen anything quite like these. Each journal is handcrafted from fine leather. They are filled with 200 pages of the paper of your choice. These journals can be a little on the pricey side but it goes without saying, "you get what you pay for."

I received my journals and the smell of wonderful leather was overwhelming as I dug in to see how they really looked. Were they as great as the pictures shown on the web store? Yes, and even more delightful when in my hands. Although Rogue Journals.com does a great job with their site and showing you fantastic photos there is nothing like opening up the bubble wrap to see it for real.

One of the first journals that I chose to review was this Compact Pocket Journal. in chocolate. I believe you should always have a journal on your person. You never know when a great thought or idea may present itself. I carry it with me to track my food intake and workout for the day. This journal is available in three colors: Black, Chocolate, and Tan. As one of the most affordable journals to purchase, I suggest you all order one today. You won't be sorry. For only $19.95 this great journal can travel with you anywhere.

Rogue Journals offers several different papers to choose from. My Compact Journal is filled with pure sketch paper. This paper is thick and wonderful to write on. I love a good heavy pen, not a fan of the fine point. When writing in this journal it's almost like writing on a napkin. Your pen just sinks in and leaves a good impression. As did this journal on me. I love the wrap around tie as well. It's a great added feature to give it a fantastic rugged look.

The next journal I received was the Prayer Journal. (retails for $69.50) I love this one as well. It's more streamlined and has a look of being that favorite journal you have carried with you for years. A one inch leather cross medallion is first embossed, died, and then stitched into the journal. A pen holder keeps your journal closed, so you will never be without a pen during a really important sermon. This journal was filled with Violet Tamarind Leaf Paper. The inside of each journal is raw leather (suede) and feels incredible. The snaps holding the strap in place are securely set and sure to hold for years to come. While journaling thoughts are important I believe journaling prayer time and your favorite bible verses are very important as well.

My personal favorite is an ever so delicately handmade journal named the Patchwork Journal (retails for $99.50). Although my personal Patchwork Journal does not look exactly like the one shown here, I think that's why I like it so much. I know this journal was hand made just for me. My journal has a patch of red, tan, brown, suede blue, chocolate brown, and is unique in it's design and stitching. I will be using this for my personal feelings, life in general, and what is ever on my mind. Yet again, another paper graces the inside of this fabulous creation, the Parchment. It's unique on it's own as each page has a different look.

For those of us concerned about the environment, you will be surprised to hear how this paper was made. Rogue Journals selects this exclusively handmade Saa paper not only for it's texture and organic character, but also because no trees are harmed in the making. Known as mulberry bark paper, the bark is peeled from the tree and has no lasting effects. The fast growing tree will quickly re-grow the lost bark in one season and be ready to harvest again. Why don't they make all paper this way?

Each journal can also be embossed with your initials or that of someone you are purchasing the journal for as a gift. What a great added feature.

I encourage you to check out Rogue Journals and leave a comment here for Nick Rogue so he can see what you think. I am sure he would love the feedback. Thanks to Nick, I have lots to journal.

Are You Big In A Small World or Small In A Big World?

People take vacations to get away from it all. But do we get away from our eating habits and our workouts too? And what kind of vacation can someone really have when their overweight. These are a few things I have been thinking about this last week.

My husband and I visited Michigan’s Upper Peninsular for a small vacation. I ate things I probably would not have if I just stayed home and on my workout schedule. Phat Camp is always in the back of my mind as it feels like its right around the corner. I get a little nervous being out of my routine and just relaxing for a week. I want to be in the best shape of my life and taking a week off has made me feel fat in my mind. I have to get back at it and stronger than ever!

My food choices failed on more than one occasion, even though we made sure to pack a healthy cooler. We took fresh cut veggies and humus, trail mix, items for sandwiches, eggs and Kashi cereal, and lots of bottled water. For the reunion cookout everyone was asked to bring meat for their families dinner and a dish to pass. While several people piled on hamburger and hotdogs to the grill, only a few brought a better option. My husband and I chose salmon fillets. We attempted to eat only small portions of the sides like potato salad and grape “salad” (not really a salad by the way. It’s loaded with creme cheese and a sugar crumbled crust, but I do agree its good). I even brought organic coffee and a grinder for the next morning. I wanted the family to experience good coffee as they are used to chemical laden grounds.

We didn’t hit a gym or lift any weights but we did try to be as active as possible. The first morning we headed out for a walk and jog. I opted to walk at a fast pace while my husband jogged ahead, turning back now and again and lapping me. (Don’t do a heavy leg workout the night before a road trip. Boy did I cramp.) It felt great to be moving and also to be in a beautiful environment. Remember working out while on vacation gives you a new atmosphere and/or approach to your routines.

We went out on our own and set up camp at a gorgeous location right on the water. Then it was off to experience the cruise around Lake Superior to see Pictured Rocks. We snagged seats on the top deck of the little ship and watched as others boarded below. Several people had to have the crew shuttle them out to the end of the dock on a golf cart. An older, overweight woman, who had obvious leg or knee issues, had to stop several times to make it to the boat. What a struggle she had. Please, I mean no disrespect to the elderly, and realize I too will get older, but I DON’T have to get older like that! You do have control of your body’s aging cycle and don’t let ANYONE tell you otherwise. Keep yourself fit and healthy and your body will work better for longer.

We later walked wooded trail to a waterfall and passed several individuals who were taking it slower as they had extra weight to carry. This started a conversation with my husband about life in general when you’re overweight. (Picture right: Indian Head, Pictured Rock Tour)

Here are the questions we started asking each other: Is a 10 hour car ride for a vacation even comfortable? Does your car feel really small? Can you even sleep in a small two man tent? How easy is it to get in and out of your tent? Do you do all the tourist attractions or pass because it’s too hard to walk? Do you quit walking around the great gift shops because you’re just too tired? Those fold out camping chairs, can you use those or do you have to find extra large ones? Are you missing out on the top level of a great boat ride because of a few steep stairs? Simply put, when you’re bigger, does your world get smaller?

I find this truly sad. I don’t want this type of life for anyone. Your weight should not be an issue when going on vacation or with any aspect of your life. Make your world BIGGER by making yourself SMALLER. You will be amazed at the things you have been missing. You may miss that candy bar the first few weeks or that pop. I will promise you this, by missing those you will not miss out on the awesome things that this life has to offer us. Get fit and in shape and really go out and live life!

Jump Snap Workout

I am always looking for something, that you my readers, can try at home and keep up on those great workouts. JumpSnap was sent to me to give it a try. I have had the equipment for about a month now and have used it several times. It's not what I thought it was going to be quite honestly. I took it out of the package and laughed at how silly I thought this was going to be. A jump rope without a rope? My husband said, "Why not just get a real jump rope?" I put in the DVD which comes with the JumpSnap. The DVD has different levels of workouts. Ranging from a 10 min. beginner workout, up to a combination of all the workouts, for approximately one hour.

I began the DVD and was thinking it was just another "As seen on TV" gimmick, but I really got in a good workout. I surprisingly jumped over 2,000 times. If you give it your all, which is the key, you can get your heart rate up and kicking.

Let's start with negatives, as I continue to be honest with my readers: I am all about rhythm and following a DVD to perfection. With these routines, you jump with the beat of the music not necessarily how you would be jumping if this were a real rope. So you may do a jump, then a squat, then a jump, but your hands are still rotating to the music. You would have tripped on your rope if it were real. So just get it in your head your hands move with the beat and not with the jump. The electronics, in my opinion, could have been a bit easier to program. You have to sit down with the instructions and carefully go through it to program. It would have been helpful if the voice activation walked you through. I did get it programmed, so it wasn't so difficult that it couldn't be done. But I would have liked to see this made a little easier.

The positives to this were: If you are someone that can't really jump rope to begin with, you don't have to worry about ever tripping. You can do all kinds of tricks you would not be able to with a normal rope. Use it inside without the worry of hitting the ceiling or worse yet, taking a valuable vase off your coffee table. I also love how you can insert weighted metal bars to give your a biceps an extra workout. I highly recommend you do this right away. Without the weights the resistance of the workout is not as intense. The handles also come packaged very nice and you receive a carry bag. This makes it super easy to take on a vacation or to carry to a gym. It also comes with an Eat Smart Guide. Just working out alone is never enough. You have to watch your calorie intake. With this guide are the do's and don'ts of weight loss and menu options.

After doing the workouts with Jump Snap, I do recommend this. It's great if someone is looking for something different to do. I don't recommend it as your only source of losing weight. It is not the magic pill, but something to mix up your routines. This will help as not to get bored with the everyday stuff. Go to the Jump Snap Store to purchase yours today. I received mine in just a few days and it was packaged well with everything you needed to get started right away.

For my girly girls, they do have a Jump Snap just for you in pink. It's a smaller package and a little more affordable. With the DVD, instructions and carry case, you will still get a great workout. This is something I recommend to the younger generation as well. If you have a teenager that is battling weight loss, this is something you can easily do together as it does not take up a lot of room in your workout area. It's something fun, entertaining, and gets the blood flowing.

I give the Jump Snap 9 out of 10 for at home workouts to add to your gym. Have fun. Leave me a comment if you have one and what you thought or if you are going to purchase one.

As always leave me comments and or questions any time.