Inspiration for Your Week - "Are you too fat to workout?"

Are you too fat to workout? I can't tell you how many times I hear this "excuse". And that's just what it is. Have you never heard of a little show called the Biggest Loser? Are they too big too workout? I want to write a book with the top excuses and blow all of them out of the water. Maybe that's my goal for 2010. To help you by stopping your excuses.

I am by no means perfect. I used a TON of excuses before I made the final decision to just do it already. I know where you are coming from so you can't fool me. Funny thing about being on the end of excuses, you actually believe they are real because I did too. So there is no telling you otherwise until YOU realize your full of it!

The number one excuse I want encourage you in, is this:

Am I too fat to workout? Absolutely NOT. I agree, you have more weight to carry. You're not going to be running the treadmill for 2-3 miles your first day, doing 300 crunches, pushups, and jumping jacks. Don't even put that kind of pressure on yourself. You have to start somewhere. Do modified moves. As the weight comes off, you adjust the movements until in no time your doing full jumping jacks and pushups.

Here's how to modify:

Jumping Jacks - move your arms and take a step to the left and then to the right. Take the jump out of the jack. Or do standing mountain climbers. Opposite arms and legs do a marching type motion, reach your arms up as high as you can and get those knees up as high as your belly will allow. Just get moving and your heart rate up!

Pushups? Easy. Get on your knees in front of the couch, as far back as your arms can extend. Place your palms on the edge, feet crossed and up. Lean into the couch and then push back. Make sure to keep your back as straight as you can. Have bad knees? Fold a thick blanket under them for extra padding, or keep your feet on the floor. You can also do this up against the wall by stepping back away from it as much as you can, place your palms flat on the wall, and lean in and out pushing yourself in a slow motion.

Can't do a squat with those knees either? Place an exercise ball at your lower back and get up against a wall. Roll the ball up your back by squatting down as far as you can at this point. Look down at your feet and make sure your knees are not over your feet. You may have to adjust how far you are from the wall to make your knees comfortable.

These are only a FEW moves that you can modify. There are lots of options, DVD's, books, etc. out there for someone with a lot of weight to lose. Set a date your going to start, do your research and just do it. No more excuses. Once you start moving for a while, it will get easier. I promise. OK, maybe not a ton easier. Hopefully you will feel so good, you will start doing things a little tougher to keep pushing. I still hurt all the time. But love it!

I hope this helps encourage you that anyone can do this no matter what your starting weight.

Video of the Week

I found this workout which really burns up your legs. Do this workout every other day this week. I want you to do it three times or three circuits.

Do circuit one, then for one minute do jumping jacks to crank your heart rate. Then do the leg routine for circuit two. Add another minute of light jump rope. Do the leg routine for circuit three, ending with one minute of butt kicks. Then cool yourself down with some leg stretches.



The leg routine (or video) is almost three minutes. By adding the minute cardio, three times, between each set, you now have a 12 minute routine with a cool down. Who can't fit that into their day?

As always, let me know what you think. I love hearing from you.

Playing Catch Up!

Wow, where did the last two days go? I can't believe Thanksgiving is over. All that wonderful food and time with family. I was really good this year with my food choices. How about you? I did indulge in a piece of my mother's pumpkin pie and one slice of cherry. The next day, at the in-laws, I had to have a few cupcakes and a few chocolates. But all in all, I stayed within the feeling stuffed and "what did I just do?" thoughts. Last year was enough to make me almost sick. Didn't want that to happen again. When your body isn't used to all that overindulgence, it can take a turn for the worst, really fast!

Now it's time to play catch up. So here we go:

Book/DVD Review: Actually, it's not a book or a DVD. I was given a set of Rodney Yee "Yoga Poetry of the Body" flash cards a few years ago for Christmas. I really enjoy these. The concept with this set is you can make your own yoga practice depending on what you want to accomplish that day. Simply lay out a series of any cards from the 50, in the order you want them, and move through your routine. With detailed instructions on how to do the moves, you will be an expert in no time. These also make a great present for Christmas as the pack is small enough to slide into someone's stocking. Or maybe even into your own! This set retails for $10.95 right now on Amazon.

Workout Routine of the Week:
Exercise balls can be your best friend in the gym. There are so many different things you can do with them to improve your workout. Shown here is a ball you can purchase from Sears. If you have lower back issues, this is great to get you off the floor and support your back.

The move of the week is to get into the position shown, then roll down until the ball is between your shoulder blades and your legs are making a tabletop, (flat abs and squared off legs) Abs are tight and holding the balance. By adding weights in your hands, you can now do bench press, flys, and tricep overhead extensions. Using the ball as your weight bench you have now added a strength move for your core and your hamstrings and glutes. Try and keep yourself well balanced while doing the arm movements.

Recipe of the week: Chocolate Anyday Sunday (From the Bill Phillips "Eating for Life" Cookbook) 1/2 cup skim milk; 1 scoop vanilla whey protein; 2 cups frozen banana slices; 4 tsp chocolate syrup; 4 Tbsp Fat Free Reddi-wip; 2 tsp chopped nuts; 2 maraschino cherries.

Pour skim milk into blender. Add protein powder and blend on high speed for about 15 seconds. Add frozen bananas slices and blend on high speed for 45 seconds or until smooth. (Stopping blender to stir with spoon and scrape down sides as needed.) Spoon into 2 dessert bowls. Top each with chocolate syrup, Reddi-whip and chopped nuts and cherries.

You will be getting a little HFCS with this in the Reddi-whip and chocolate. So finding another alternative is always an option if you have cut this totally out of your eating habits. Enjoy!

Thanks for allowing me to catch up!

Fun Fact - Did You Know?

Did you know that only 10% of your bodies structure/genetics can be blamed on your mother or father? So next time you are trying on new clothes and want to blame your mother for that big butt or wide hips, think again. And men for those lack of abs and beer gut, only 10% is your dad's fault.

Did you know that only 10% of your bodies physique is a result of your workouts? I know, the gym rats don't want to hear this. But I bet your putting in hours at the gym trying to get that body to change. Hoping, wishing, and dreaming to look like the figure which haunts your dreams. You build muscle during the down time and recovery, not hours of phoning it in at the gym. Make sure your giving your muscles plenty of time to recoup. 30-60 min. a day of good cardio, mixed with weights, is all you need to get that body to change.

Did you know that 80% of your stomach, butt, flabby arms, unhealthy skin, and all those dimples, are from what you put in your mouth? Yup, 80%. Watching calories is a must if you are going to get the weight issue under control!

I have heard from so many of you that are putting in the effort at the gym and trying to lose the weight, but are still making horrible food choices.

Can you have that pizza or ice cream? Of course! Did I just say that? Yes.

On one condition....you eat great all day and that's the only bad thing to go in your mouth. AND it's within your calorie count for the day. We still have to live and have fun. I am not telling you to crawl under a rock and die. This is a lifestyle change - not a "diet".

So next time you reach for that pumpkin pie (which I bet is going to be very soon) remember 80% is what goes in your mouth. Load up on Turkey, vegetables, and sweet potatoes (in portioned out sizes), and then have ONE slice of grandma's pumpkin pie....minus the cool whip.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Inspiration for Your Week - "The Scale and You"

Are you obsessed with your scale? Have you purchased a scale with all the bells and whistles and it even yells at you to get off because your too fat? Or is that just in your head?

As much as scales can help track your diet and workout routine, be careful not to obsess. We all start with a scary number. That's why we decided to workout and take control in the first place, whether it's 10 pounds, 20, 50 or 100. It's OK to know your starting point but don't jump on that crazy thing five times a day. Your doing your brain serious damage.

Instead focus on the positives, like the way you feel, or just being happy you made it through your workout. Don't obsess with what number will show up under your toes. Remember, this is not the Biggest Loser where your number determines if you stay or go home.

This is a simple way to weigh yourself: Weigh yourself the same time every day, preferably in the evening after your food has settled from dinner - for one week. Then take your average of all the days for your actual weight. Now here's the "don't get obsessed part" do this every other week for the first few months and then do it only once per month. Trust me, when you start losing the weight the mirror will be your best friend, not the scale.

I rarely grace the top of this electronic evil. I know how I feel and what I see in the mirror. And more importantly how my clothes look. That's all that matters.

As always, click on comments under this post, or reply to this email (if you are a subscriber) and send me your thoughts and/or concerns. I love hearing from you!

New Format: Video of the Week!

I have decided to try and start a new format. You will receive each week: Video of the Week; Inspiration For Your Week; Fun Facts; Books and DVD Reviews; Recipes; and a Workout Routine of the Week.

When giveaways are done they will be linked with one of these new articles coming your way. The name of the winner for the YHH giveaway will be listed in the next days post. (Names were previously listed on the sidebar of YHH.) Congratulations to the winner of the yoga mat and yoga blanket: Megan. Hope you like it as much as I do.

*Remember, if you are subscribed to YHH you are entered in all giveaways for the life of your subscription. BUT....by making a comment, you are giving yourself a second chance to win. A winner is selected from second entry and based on comment quite often. It shows you are interested and excited in winning the particular item. I also love hearing from you!!

So with that, let's kick this off with the 1st "Video of the Week". Enjoy and remember I am proud of you all. Keep it up!!

PGN Nutrition: Sensible Nutrition

Finding a company that you can trust with your bodies needs isn't always easy. PGN Nutrition offers a wide variety of everything that you need from water retention pills, to weight management pills, to protein powders and even creatine. It's one stop shopping and you will be very happy with all of your purchases. Here are a few items that I suggest you pick up today:

Enhance your recovery time, build muscle, and increase your strength with Creaform. This product contains high quality creatine monohydrate and is proven safe and effective through numerous research studies. Creatine Monohydrate is one of the most studied supplements and has been shown to cause dramatic increases in muscle size and strength. Also check out on the PGN's site for great instructions on maximizing results from your Creaform. $10.49 for a 400 gram tub, or 2 pounds (1 Kilo) tub is only $24.99.

PRO LIVER™ is scientifically designed to promote healthy liver function. PRO LIVER contains research-proven amounts of N-Acetyl-Cysteine and a potent extract of Milk Thistle standardized to contain over 80% Silymarin—Milk Thistle’s most important component. This will help balance health, prevent liver problems, and it's a powerful detoxifier. This only runs $19.99 at PGN.

OK ladies, here's one just for you:
Trimfat is the first ever weight management formula with the TFI (Targeted Fat Incinerator) Blend and the BerryLean Blend. The TFI Blend is designed to target trouble areas, including women's hips and thighs, as well as support increased energy levels. The BerryLean Blend is a breakthrough in healthy weight management utilizing scientifically proven, advanced antioxidants. TrimFat's advanced tableted formula ensures a controlled release for optimal absorption and assimilation. TrimFat - $34.99!

Let's finish off with my all time favorite product, the Whey Protein Powder. You can do so much with protein powders. You can drink them alone, make great tasting shakes, add to pancakes, pizza crust mix, you name it, you can add it. The best part, whey will help with cravings and maximize your time in the gym. Only $24.99 for 2 pounds. I have priced whey and tasted all kinds. This is an incredible price. I have spent up to $45 for protein. Why not give this try today.

Check out PGN Nutrition today for some great products that should be in your cupboard tomorrow!

Checking In!

I have had several emails and/or comments from those of you who rushed out to get your 30 Day Shred DVD. I hope this gave you a jump start and some new goals to think about. Let me know how you are doing and what you think.

It's so fun to set new goals and have something else to look forward to in your journey. So many people out there can be great inspirations to us. If not me to you, then someone else to you, and several of you to me. Continue to find those things which motivate you and put them in front of you at all times.

If you just crawled out from under a rock and have never seen an episode of the Biggest Loser, I suggest, just this once, you go to iTunes and buy this last weeks episode and watch for yourself. It was makeover week. What an amazing transformation these contestants have had and a great motivation. I love this season with how they had each one stand in front of a crowd of people and tell their story and share their struggles. How awesome!

I also have set a new HUGE goal for myself. Something, if I may say, that is going to be huge, challenging, and a little scary. As soon as I have some details worked out, you will be the first to know. Unless I commit to something and set a date, I feel like I am just out there with no direction.

Also, I wanted to share this song with you. We danced and pop-squatted to this song at Phat Camp. With a little YouTube search, I found a great new remix. Check it out, download it to your iPod, and work your heart out to this beat in the gym or on that treadmill. Enjoy!

As always, let me know how you are doing. I love hearing from you!

How Ziploc Baggies Can Be Your Best Friend.

If you're like me, you don't have a lot of time during your busy work week to be packing lunches and making breakfast before heading out the door to a 40/hour work week. So learn from my experience and make Ziploc your new best friend.

Take one night during the week or some time on the weekend and follow these easy steps to prepare your food for work. It takes the guessing out and causes you to have healthy eating during the day because it's all right there.

#1 - Boil up a dozen eggs. Portion out two hard boiled eggs each, in Ziploc, and place in fridge. This is a great grab and go for breakfast or snack.

#2 - Take an entire loaf of whole wheat, flax seed, multigrain, or your favorite bread and place two slices each in a Ziploc. Line all the Ziplocs back into your bread box or even back into the bread bag. This is an easy grab for your toast in the AM.

#3 - Buy green peppers and cut into bite size pieces. Grab a bag of baby carrots. Chop up celery stalks, all to bite size pieces. Portion these three out evenly between Ziploc bags and toss back into vegetable tray of your fridge. Another great snack for the run. Also, scoop out hummus into Ziplocs, just enough for one serving, to go the veggies.

#4 - Buy green or red grapes. Take a minute to pull them off the vine and divide them into Ziplocs for another great snack.

#5 - Go to your local Sam's Club and buy a large tub of Almonds. Divide 1 cup servings into baggies and toss back in your pantry. These are great to carry in your purse, have a bag in your car or even in your gym bag.

#6- Take your protein powder and put one scoop into the snack size Ziploc. This is great to have with you at work so you can add to your bottled water and make a shake for your lunch.

#7- Grill up a 10 pound bag of chicken and when they are cooled place one breast in a bag. You can also cut the chicken up into cubes to later toss on a salad. Take half the bags you made and toss in the freezer the other back into your meat drawer. If you can eat the entire 10 pounds in a work week, then toss all back into meat tray of fridge.

#8- Do the same thing as you did with the chicken but instead prepare salmon. Leave these whole as you can place it on a salad or eat alone with hot/spicy mustard. Yum!

#9-Buy Oatmeal, Grapenuts, or Malt-O-Meal (actually found out Malt-O-Meal has no sodium so I have been eating that instead of Creme of Wheat). Poor these out into serving sizes into the Ziplocs and place back in your pantry. It's portioned out to grab for work and have your breakfast once your settled in at your desk. (I have Mason jars that I fill with milk as well)

#10- OK, this one is crazy. Crack open two eggs. Put in Ziploc. Cut up green peppers, onions, and celery and place a handful in with the eggs. Add a pinch of shredded cheese. Put back in fridge. When you get to work you can pour mixture in a bowl. Microwave, stirring at 30 seconds, up to one minute. This will make a great scrambled egg.

One last hint. All the Ziplocs that don't really get dirty, like the ones carrying your bread or hard boiled eggs, bring back home and reuse them. No reason to just toss them out. Nothing wrong with recycling your bags!

If you have additional ideas, leave a comment with YHH by clicking on comment on the home page under article and let us know what you do to prepare and make your food choices easier.

Have fun with your new best friend.

30 Day Shred Challenge

I have a challenge for you because I need one too. So let's do this together and see how we come out after 30 days!

If you don't own the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels of the Biggest Loser, you must go out and get one today. Best Buy usually carries them as this has been a number one seller for quite some time. You can also order it through Amazon for only $9.49 and have it sent to your house.

If you have no workout regiment at this time, 30 days is a great time to start a new habit. At only 20 min. workouts for 30 days, it gets your mind focused on changing into a healthy new you, and you will see results. Just 'cause it's 20 min., don't think it's gonna be easy. You will progress through three different workouts, each being for 10 days.

If you have a workout plan and workout each day already, add this as your two a day. That's what I am going to do. I am making a promise to you right now that I will be up at 5:15 AM each morning for the next 30 days (minus the weekends, might do it later). This will be the extra jump start I need to kick myself up a notch.

If you are also like me and have done the 30 Day Shred, whose to say you can't do it again? So let's take this challenge together. My day one starts probably about the time you are reading this. I may be done by then! So start your 30 Days as soon as you can and let me know how your doing. I always love to hear from you (findyourfit@charter.net)

Have fun. I know I will.

Book Review

I haven't talked about books in a while. When in your downtime bundled up this winter, it's good to continue to feed yourself information on health and fitness. Have something in front of you at all times to keep you motivated.

Here are a few books that I have read and got something out of. These would also make great Christmas presents for your list!

Master Your Metabolism, from Biggest Loser's crazy trainer, Jillian Michaels. This book dives into diet secrets that naturally balance your hormones. Jillian explains how all your hormones make up your metabolism as it's a combination of everything working together. She gives medical answers to how High Fructose Corn Syrup, artificial sweeteners, soda pop, junk food, etc. can all come into play and mess with your hormones. This book is a real eye opener when it comes to understanding your body. Jillian is not so "tough" in this book, but honest about how you should be treating your body by what you put in it. This book is loaded with good information you will look back and resource for a long time to come. She ends her book with meal plans and recipes, so there's no guessing once you find the truth to what makes you tick. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

If I had said it once, twice or three times, it's worth saying again. You should all have a copy of the Calorie King. This book sells for only $8.99 and sometimes you can find it on sale. It has thousands of foods listed in this easy to read pocket sized book. So whether your making your grocery list and planning your meals or your out to eat, you will not be guessing at what's going into your mouth. We are all creatures of habit and tend to eat the same things. So once you have learned what a banana or your brand of bread runs for calories, counting them becomes quite easy. You can also download the calorie king for your computer or personal palm and be able to enter in all your food intake for the day. The program then adds it up for you. It's can't get any easier than this. Stop guessing and know. I rate this book a 5 out of 5.

The Makers Diet is a Christian based book speaking about the truth of food created by our Maker. Everything on this earth was made with some kind of benefit. Everything has a purpose. This book is great if you want to learn about food in greater detail. What spices, meats, grains, and other natural foods do and how they can effect your lifestyle. God created everything we need here on earth. Reading this book will teach you what things you should be adding to your diet and why. It will also enlighten you to what you should remove from your diet and why. This book will really take you on a journey with changing your food habits. I believe if you implement only a portion of it our still making huge changes in your diet. To follow this diet completely would turn your eating habits upside down and may be too hard for some. So read it and take what you can. It makes a great resource to have on your bookcase. I rate this a 4 out of 5.

Body For Life has been around for quite sometime. I just love the workout plan as it has personally made the most sense to me. It's a well known fact your muscles do the most growing during recovery. This program has that all figured out for you. With a great combination of cardio to lifting plus a "cheat day" anyone can adapt to this program. You still have the foods you don't want to give up at least once a week. But honestly as you grow through this process you won't even desire them anymore and your cheat day becomes a cheat meal. You will learn about proper workout form and position, routines you can work into your time line, food preparation and diet, and several testimonies that will inspire you to do the same as they did. Take it off and keep it off. Bill Phillips, the author, has an entire series of books. From BFL for Men, Women, and journals to help track your progression. Get some friends together and do the challenge. I rate this a 5 out of 5.

Jamie at home by Jamie Oliver. I bought this next book for my husband last year because of the simple fact it's the most beautiful book I had seen in a while. Who doesn't love the feel of a good book? A solid and heavy book with a textured cover, amazing smelling pages made of high quality paper, and pictures that are out of this world, you will fall in love. Jamie Oliver takes you on a personal journey through his own garden in Essex Italy. If you have a love of growing your own "veg" than this book will inspire you to dig deep in your garden and make some amazing healthy food. My husband loves to cook, learn what to plant, when it comes up and how to crop it, so this was a great treat for him to read. If you always wanted a garden and didn't know where to start, this will help you from point A to point "E" (Eating it fresh from garden to table.) I highly recommend this book for the person in your home who loves to cook or grow their own garden. It makes an awesome gift. I give this a 8 out of 5. Yup, I can do that. It's my scale.

Email subscribers click YHH to go to the home page, then look for amazon scroll bar on left and you can select any of these books I recommend for easy purchase. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

SunShineYoga.com Giveaway

I am always on the look out for great workout equipment. Nothing like a full gym with lots of choices depending on your mood.

Through a google search I stumbled on SunShineYoga.com. A place where you can buy all things yoga. They have a great selection in mats, blocks, blankets, bags, etc.

I have had the great privileged of testing their products and am excited to have a few things for you to win as well.

The Extra Thick, Extra Wide, Extra Long yoga mat is just that. "Extra" (84" x 36"). It's the largest yoga mat I own. I really love the way it feels on my feet. It's very comfortable. Have you ever been practicing yoga and end up at some point off the mat? Well, this will not likely happen with the Extra Large Mat. Not only do I get to workout on this great mat but you can win one too!

Also available are the Classic yoga mats. What a great value at only $12.99. With several different colors it's a great price. This is a great Christmas idea for the yoga enthusiast in your family. Or put on your list for someone to buy you.

Yoga blocks are something I have wanted for a long time now as well. I am so not flexible. I love to do yoga as part of my workouts as sometime you just need a good stretch. But how good is it if you are compromising position just to be able to balance? You never want to compromise position so it's better to have a block to lean on until you can reach and touch the floor. I have the Olive and Terra Cotta colored blocks. These are a great price as well at $9.49 each.

Have you ever been watching a yoga video and they tell you to roll up a blanket and use under your bottom for straighter back positioning? Well, SunShineYoga.com has those too. With value blankets and premium blankets to choose from, there is quite a selection of colors. If folded in half, the long way, it could be used instead of a yoga mat if you don't need the sticky. A great way to protect your living room carpet if working out in front of the DVD player.

I have a great value blanket to giveaway as well. So don't miss your chance to enter to win one of two giveaway gifts. The blanket or Extra large yoga mat.

To Enter:
#1 - Be a subscriber. If you are subscribed you are automatically entered. If not - subscribe today by filling in your email in the subscription box. Make sure you verify the notification in your email.

#2- For a second chance to win, enter a comment based on your thoughts of SunShineYoga.com

#3- "yhhcom" is now on Twitter, become a follower today and/or twitt about this giveaway.

You may enter everyday for more chances to win. Two winners will be chosen. One for the blanket and one for the mat. If you have a preference please let me know. Winners have been chosen based on comment alone so as always, make it a good one!

Contest ends: Sunday at midnight on November 22.

Good luck!

Turkey Meatballs - Clean Eat Diet

This is taken from the Clean Eat Diet book by Tosca Reno, which is a great source of information and recipes. I added a few things in italics.

1/3 cup finely chopped yellow or sweet onion
1/3 cup finely chopped green bell pepper (I would add red peppers too)
1/4 water or low sodium chicken broth
1 pound ground lean turkey breast, no skin
1/4 cup oat bran
1 tsp dried celery flakes
1/2 tsp ground sage
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 egg white
(Also if you like things hot, add 2 tsp crushed red peppers)

In a small skillet, heat water or chicken broth and saute the onion and peppers until translucent. In a mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Add cooked onion and pepper. Coat hands with a little olive oil and mix thoroughly. Shape into four equal sized meatballs and put on a cookie sheet. Place in preheated - 350 degree - oven and bake until browned - about 20 minutes.

I would personally put this over top of whole wheat noodles or thin fancy spaghetti with low fat sauce. (Low sodium pizza sauce works well too). Add fresh oregano and lightly sprinkle with low fat mozzarella cheese. Add some candles and it's a great Italian dinner for two!

Enjoy!

Motivation & How To Keep It

Our motivation will be missing at one point or another. Maybe even several times throughout our fitness life, as we try and make it a life “style” and not just a 12 week plan. Where am I today? Motivation out the window!

I still workout a few times per week and really haven't changed much of my eating habits. I now have the occasional glass of wine or 100 calorie beer (which I had previously cut out altogether). I am not getting up at 4:45 AM to do a morning workout and finishing my day with crazy one hour workouts. So for me personally, I am slaking.

I reached my goal weight this fall with great excitement and surprise as it was just under a year (Ya, it can take that long. Reality not Reality TV). I then set a goal to attend Phat Camp at my healthiest, which I did.

So now what? I stand in my gym, pick up a few weights and feel like I’m done. I pop in a DVD and for the most part I can push through and do great. And the other 20% off the time? I turn if off early. I am just being honest with you as I am sure we have all felt this at one point or another. I think our bodies just need a break and our mind recharged.

What it comes down to is a new goal or a new challenge. I want so desperately to build muscle. I don’t want to just tone. I want to look in the mirror and SEE I am strong. I know that is not how magazine models look 100% of the time. But they do it for competitions and photo shoots. They accomplished it once, twice, three times in their life (crazy abs and low body fat). So why not me at least once?

It all comes down to new determination and planning ahead. So get out your cookbook, your calendar, and your budget and make new plans for the new year and plan with me today. Why wait till New Years? Let's do it now!

P.S. More giveaways to come. So if your subscribed you are automatically entered. Commenting gives you another entry. So be on the lookout for goodies coming your way.

Giveaway reminder!

Winner will be drawn soon, so enter for the great Gym Gems giveaway. Want to show off your love of fitness? This is a perfect way to do it. Or if you don't want to win it for yourself, win it for the fitness junkie in your family. What a great Christmas present. Italian Sterling Silver bracelet with dumbbell charm - (retail value of $59.00). It comes packaged in a Gym Gems logo gift box with the bracelet nicely tucked away in a velvet logo draw string pouch. Also included is a logo sterling silver polish cloth.

Don't let this giveaway be given away to someone else! Visit the original posting and leave a comment for your entry.


~Angie

Gym Gems Giveaway!

YHH is excited to be working with Fran from Gym Gems again. With outstanding customer service, high quality jewelry, fast shipping and tracking, she will always be a part of Your Happy Hearts.


Last May, YHH ran a spring giveaway with one of Gym Gems' great dumbbell necklaces. 97 entries were received in great anticipation of winning. (Again, congrats to Kelli!) I get compliments on mine almost every time I'm out, as it speaks volumes for my love of fitness.

Gym Gems was kind enough to also send me the leather cord (in 16" and 18"), as well as the sterling silver rope chain. I have options depending on what I wear and how casual I want to be that day. The sterling silver rope dresses it up and the leather cords are great for the gym.

With 8 weeks left till Christmas, there's no time like now, to start planning your gifting list. Gym Gems has lots of options for the gym enthusiast in your family. Or possibly start dropping hints to your loved ones for your perfect gift.

The weight plate charm is another style available. It makes a great gift for men as well. It is available in a 3/4" or 1.5 " and your choice of sterling silver or 14 karat yellow gold. Add the heavy cable chain at 18", 20", 22" or 24" and you have a bulkier look for the bulkier guy.



The weighted plate necklace also comes available with toggle giving a more feminine appearance. So whether you are a dumbbell gal or a plate gal, show off your love of the gym with Gym Gems.


Do you have your navel pierced? Yup, Gym Gems has you covered on that too. This one is on my Christmas list! A great addition to any wardrobe for a fitness photo shoot. Add the earrings for the total package.




Fran has been so kind by sending me an additional bracelet for a giveaway. I now get to bless one lucky reader/subscriber ($59.00 value). I was happy with the size as it's not too bulky or too long that it gets in the way. You can also hook onto another loop and make shorter if necessary.

Follow the rules below and you are entered in the drawing.

#1 - Be a subscriber to YHH and leave a comment "I subscribe" or subscribe today and let me know you are a "New subscriber". (You may do this once per day for more chances to win.)

#2- Visit Gym Gems and leave a comment on what item/items you like in the store or general comments on the site. (You may do this once per day for more chances to win.)

#3- Follow YHH on Facebook at Angie Happy-Hearts for updates on giveaways and quick health tips.

#4- Be a Follower on YHH and join my fitness team.

You must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the US (for shipping purposes).

Contest ends: November 8th at midnight. Winner will be chosen on November 9th.