Working Out on a Budget

I am so fortunate to have a gym in my home. Although it's not completely built yet, with stud/cement walls and no ceiling, heating the gym in the winter can be a challenge. If a home gym is too cold, it's not good on your muscles. Make sure it's an adequate temperature and your staying warm. Don't just measure this on your ability to sweat but touch your skin on your arms or legs and make sure they are warm as well. If your skin remains cool during the workout, then the gym temp needs to come up.

I was reminded of how simple a workout can be when my gym was too cold the other night. Grabbing only a few essential things, I headed up to my office to get in an amazing workout.

As much fun as an elliptical, wobble board, jump snap, perfect pull-up, perfect pushup, hoola hoop, and dvd's are, they are not necessary for weight loss. They will no doubt aid in your weight loss, and I do recommend some of these items (all links provided). I also believe you only need two simple things.

An exercise ball, some free weights and/or a kettlebell. That's it! You could even get in a great workout without the ball, but I believe it can be a huge assistance. After a wide search of different makes and distributors the one shown here from Wal-mart is only $17.

Another must are free weights. It's a general "rule" that weights are priced per pound. Example: If you were buying a five pound weight it should cost around five dollars. I recommend starting with a set of fives, eights, and tens. If you believe that you are going to progress past those, or wish too, then look into the weight alternative of Power Blocks.

This is going to be a more expensive choice initially then only purchasing a set of five or ten pound weights, as that would only be around $30.00. But, in the long run, if you were to add 10's, 12's, 15's, etc., this is a less expensive way to go. Paying a dollar per pound when topping out around 50 pounds, plus a full rack, is not only pricey but takes up a lot of room. The Power Block has all your weights in one. This is the set I have and use daily. (My husband also has his own set. Mine top out at 24 pounds, his 45.) I bought the floor model with stand and got a great deal. So don't be afraid to ask about that as well.

Another weight alternative is the Kettlebell. Although you can purchase these anywhere, I am a huge fan of the Kettle Worx program. It's a series of DVD's and the bell comes free. Once you have worked the program or watched enough DVD's, you can grab this little miracle worker and do your own routine. (Power Block also makes an interchangeable kettlebell if you wish to have more than one size.)

This week I am going to highlight workouts you can do with simply your weights and exercise ball. If you don't have these items, go out and grab a few. With the ball at $17 and a few weights around $20 you should be good to go without reaching too far in your wallet.

Look for workouts coming soon and get ripped sooner than later!

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.

New Look - Body and Blog

Not only has my body changed but so has this site. I will continuously update and improve this site, as I advance in my fitness journey. I want to give you the best website I can. In exchange, I need you to give me your best effort at working out.

My heart is so happy with the commitment I have given. Waking up and working out is the best thing that I can do for this 34 year old heart. Transforming your body is so important to a healthy lifestyle but most importantly to your mind. Working out is mental, mental, mental. I know even if I am not at the fitness level I want to be right now, I gave it my all today, and there is no condemnation in that.

I always felt guilty for doing other things with my time or felt "lazy" knowing I hadn't put in the effort to make a change in my body. Once you start seeing changes, it will motivate you to do more. Trust me and just start today. I want to push myself and you harder than ever knowing my body is changing and so can yours.

I am going to start a series on exercise moves you can do easily at home with a few weights. I will be showing you proper form and position which will also help to stop injuries. If you do a form incorrectly you will not only be at risk to hurt yourself, but may not be getting the benefit of the exercise.

Here's an easy one to start. Well, the concept is easy, the exercise is not. Walking squats with a counting method. This is how you start: Stand with your legs shoulder width apart. Squat down as far as you can go, as if your sitting down into a chair. Make sure when you look down, your knees are not over your feet and you can still see your toes. Stand up counting that squat as one. Take four steps forward (this is your resting period) turn around and squat twice. Take four more steps, turn around and squat three times. Remember to always start counting at one. Go to 10 rounds of squats. Remember this is one, plus two, plus three. You will end up with 55 squats. This builds leg and glute muscles very fast. It's a great way to work at fitting into those new jeans. Go to 20 if you want more of a challenge. Do what you can and work your way up. If you don't have the time to go to 20, grab some weights and add arms. Do arms curls as you squat down. The more muscles you are moving at one time, the faster you will burn that fat off.

Keep your comments coming. I love to hear from you all. Be blessed and live healthy. Remember if it didn't come from God or doesn't have a mother, don't eat it.

Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred

Ok boys and girls, I am going to do a workout test run. A 30 day workout DVD by Jillian Michaels of the Biggest Loser called the 30 Day Shred, helping you lose the last 20 pounds. The workout consists of three workout routines, each lasting 20 min, completed in a serious of 10 days. Thus totally your 30 day program. With only a 20 min. session, Jillian does not let you slow down or cool down during this workout. Just like you see on her show. I have done the first 10 day series just a few times and it’s high intensity for the entire 20 min. Since I have been so busy with life, as we all are, (side note: check out My Dolllhouse Adventures at (dollhouseadventures.blogspot.com) I have decided to bite the bullet, or the alarm clock as some would say, and get out of bed earlier in the morning (which means 5AM for me. If I can do it, so can you!) and power through a 20 min. workout before getting ready for work. This will free up my evenings for dollhouse remodel, real-house cleaning, and studying the Word of God. Maybe even trying to cook a meal or two for my fab husband. (He does all the cooking, God bless him.) I challenge you to make an effort, a serious one, for the next 30 days. I started today, Monday the 6^th. Please leave a comment as to what you are going to do and then check in with me periodically on your progress. During the 30 days and finally at the end, I will review the workout program with you and let ya’ll know if it works. We all have to find something that we enjoy, so pick a program today that works for you.  Remember, your body belongs to God and is your temple to take care of to honor Him. (2 Corinthians 6:20) “You were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and your spirit, which are God’s.” If you belong to Him, then don’t you want Him to have the best body possible to walk this earth. It’s God’s will that you are healthy and healed. He wants the best for you. Grab a hold of his Word and some weights and kick it up a notch. Instead of sitting all winter, find hobbies to keep you busy and active. When summer hits, that suit won’t be so hard to put on. In fact, you may be shopping for a new one. Be blessed.

Fall / New Years Eve Resolution

I have been thinking for several days now what I could possibly write for my next article. I haven’t had the most wonderful summer in terms of working out due to my “back issues”, (which I have to stop using that as an excuse).  So how can I sit here and tell you to give it your all when I was restricted and/or getting lazy?  The more I slacked the easier the slacking became.  The thoughts of Burger King became stronger. Only twice all summer did I hit my favorite fast food place, but still not what I need to feed my goal weight.  And many more things eaten in between, that love to hang out at my waste line. So, as I forced myself onto the elliptical and finished my workout just minutes ago, it came to me what to write you all.  I love my Oxygen magazine, which I have shared in previous articles. I want to quote the publishers article from the October issue. (Please, please, please, I beg of you to subscribe to this magazine. Just when you start to give up on your workouts, BLAM, there is another magazine in your mailbox. (Click on the Oxygen magazine on the right under Amazon.com and get your first mag and check it out. Then simply send in your subscription card and you are on your way.)

The publisher, Robert Kennedy, was telling a story of a woman he met at a fitness conference. She told him he was too “aggressive” in his articles.  That she hated and loved his writings.  I agree, with the loving them part. So I have taken a quick excerpt from his last publishing:

“Okay, let’s face it. Summer’s virtually history and once again you didn’t do it, did you? What am I talking about? Why I am so mean? Let’s take you back to last January 1st.  Remember the promise you made to yourself? The one about making this your best year ever? Ok, so you did exercise and you did watch your food intake but it wasn’t enough to really change your body, was it?  You planned for a level of fitness and physique that was not achieved. True, everything has to start with intent but the follow-through has to be solid.  So today on, lets streamline our efforts.  Forget the mere tweaking of the diets; forget our hit and miss workouts (miss more often than hit), let’s recommit to making not just a little change, but let’s go for the new paradigm, an amazingly explosive, eye-boggling change. It’s not New Years, but it’s our resolution NOW. I will do it with you.  Let’s make it happen. No excuses.”

I am in the same boat you are. Summers almost over, as I start to put out the fall décor. I look back and say where did it go and what did I do? Not as much as I had hoped. So let’s start that weight training 3-4 times per week, 3-4 cardio sessions a week, and eat clean 24/7. (That’s my hard one). As I eat healthier than most Americans today, it isn’t enough for my goals and my body. Make sure you prepare your meals the evening before or earlier in the week. My personal problem is running out the door with not enough or not the right thing, because it was easy.  But healthy can be easy too if you just simply plan.  Purchase a box of protein bars if you need something to grab out the door for a breakfast or meal in the car. I will try and post, quick easy recipes, from various books to help you. Please remember this blog magazine is just as much for me as for you. It helps keep me on track as I feel committed to you and I hope you feel the same to me. If you would like to send before and after photos of your fitness journey, please do so at anytime. I would love to see your progress. taylorhappyheart(at)gmail(dot)com.

As always, Blessings

Workout Routines - What's Right For You?

Workout Routines: What’s Right For You?
Only you can decide what is right for you depending on your fitness level, time, and style choice. Over the years I have tried several different programs, keeping myself thin, but never exceeding my wildest expectations. I think I finally found my program. As soon as I get my go ahead from my chiropractor, I will be tackling P90X instructed by Tony Horton. (See program for sale on right). In the mean time, I would like to provide information to help make your right workout choice.
Article #1 in series: Yoga. There are several different styles and instructors available to you. A production company that I recommend, for editing techniques, is Gaiam. In my opinion the best yoga master to learn perfect technique, strength, and a lasting art is Rodney Yee. (www.yeeyoga.com) He is the Bruce Lee of Yoga. Rodney has several DVD’s which include morning, evening, and strength Yoga for a complete workout. Mr. Yee is the genuine Yoga article who is very talented, yet can be a bit intimidating. If you invest time in any of his programs you too can be flexible and have control over your body. Just remember, he has been doing this for years. So go with the flow and do what you can. A yoga mat and soft block are highly recommended. An elastic band (or a large tube sock) is a cheap recommendation for beginners. Quickly, I would like to mention Rodney Lee’s flash cards (50 in deck). I love the way they are packaged. (I am crazy like that and look at the little things too). You can pull out the flash cards, lay out your routine depending on time and experience, and go when your ready. (See recommendations on right to purchase.)

Also, another Yoga favorite is called Vinyasa Yoga or Vinyasa Flow. This Yoga style moves a bit faster to work more like a cardio routine, as each movement is in rhythm with each of your breaths. I found a good DVD produced by MTV. (See recommendations on right to purchase). Series of movements are set to fun music and keep you moving the entire time. I enjoy this DVD routine very much. Watch out for all the push ups they sneak in too!

I don’t like to be negative about anything. I want you as my readers to trust my recommendations so I will always simply be honest. As a Christian, I am careful about my Yoga choices as this practice can cross the line for me personally and kind of out there for my taste. Some instructors center themselves to the grass, earth, wind, and clouds, and even ask you to pray along with them. If these things are an irritant to you or something you do not wish to partake in, then I do not recommend Seane Corn (a female yoga instructor) with Vinyasa Flow Yoga DVD also produced by my friends at Gaiam productions. This was a little over the top for me. Praying to anything other than my maker is not something I am comfortable with. The DVD is done very nicely and she is very good at her art, but not my favorite. So not a recommendation from Your Happy Hearts.

When all yoga videos end the instructor will say Namaste’ which is bringing peace to center. I like to take this pose to pray for another day of being healthy and fit. This is your time to take one last breath and bring your practice to a close.

I hope these Yoga recommendations can help you get off to a good start of understanding this amazing art. You can purchase the DVD's that I recommended by simply clicking on the right Amazon list. This helps take the guess work, the research, and the time of finding what I recommend.

Namaste'

When No means No

Do you really like working out? Honestly, I didn't like to sweat, I didn't like to hurt, and I had a hard time pushing myself. That was the old me. Several months ago I discovered weight training. The feel of the burn and pushing yourself through was a great feeling of accomplishment. Then I took several months off from doing anything and started old habits. After being encouraged by family members, I decided to do this blog. Not only motivate myself, learn/study, but to be accountable to each other and take you on this journey with me.

I have done several different programs (which I will compare in an upcoming post. Promise it's coming soon) My husband found one program that we both really like. It's called P90X. (http://www.beachbody.com) There's P90 and then, there's X. "X" is for extreme. It's for people who are already fit and want to take it to the next level. For me we are talking 5-10 pounds of fat off and turning it into muscle. This program is ideal and I can't wait to get started.

So why the title of this blog? Several weeks ago I had a vertebrae slip in my neck. Is this normal you say? No, but for someone with scoliosis I guess it is. I didn't know I had scoliosis till the x-rays were done for my neck pain. The first chiropractor told me the curve will continue to get worse as I get older and my injury was caused by my neck finally slipping and curving more. But I refuse to believe I won't be healed of this and be unable to live life to the fullest. So I found a new chiropractor.

I have been undergoing several visits to this wonderful chiro doctor who takes extra time and lots of care, with a few added sarcastic jokes. Just my style. Thanks for making me laugh even when it hurts!! My last visit he told me "NO". We all hate that word don't we? I had mentioned I worked out to a P90X video a few times since the last visit and he asked, in his sarcastic tone, "Did I give you permission yet?" So I guess that's was him telling me NO. He encouraged me to heal first, then work out. He said "gain 5 pounds now, lose 10 later". Thank goodness I don't plan on doing that. As we all know from a previous post, it's 80% what we put in our mouth. So now I have to be extra careful to eat healthy, heal and relax.

It's the old cliche' When you are told "no" you want to more than ever... and now I WANT to workout. I am not going to sit here and tell you how to get fit while I lick frosting off my fingers from a nearby chocolate HoHo. This is my time to study up, eat healthy, and get the information we all need and have Happy Hearts. My wise chiro doctor also left me with this..."Some of the best things written, were from that of someone's experience." So as I go through this healing experience, together we will only come out stronger, smarter, and healthier. I am going to do lots of reading and research that I can in turn teach you. So subscribe today for this post and lets get healthy together.

Next Post: Comparing Workout Programs and a FREE GIVEAWAY