Have You Tried This? Hiking

I feel such relief that it is not 100 degrees outside, but somewhat panicked for those of you who are nearing your winter weather.

Which would explain somewhat why I feel such an urge to hike NOW.

I posted recently about kid friendly hikes.

And trail running.

Those are fine and good, however, there are hikes.  And then there are HIKES.  

At the clever age of 16, I swore off hiking after winning the "worst-hiking-experience-in-the-history-of-the-Grand-Canyon" award.  That is an entirely different post and I still have some anger management issues surrounding that trip.  I'd better steer clear of that memory today...

When we found out we were moving to Texas, a.k.a. The Hill Country, I quickly discovered I would not have access to mountains.  I was living at the base of several killer mountains at the time and had lived within driving distance of mountains my entire life, so the idea of no mountains was somewhat novel.

I decided that last winter in Arizona I would go out with a bang:  my goal was to squeeze in as many hikes as my little legs could carry me on.  With the help of some good friends who did some very worthwhile babysitting swaps with me, I was able to hike some of the most popular trails nearly once a week before we moved to TX.

Those were the good ole' days.

The hill country is greenfully gorgeous, but it has not stopped me from missing my hikes.  So, on a recent trip home, my first and most earnest request was to hike Camelback Mountain's Summit Trail with someone.  Anyone!  Luckily, my brothers jumped on board. They even agreed to roll out of bed at the 5:00 AM wake-up time so we could get our place on the mountain before the Arizona sun beat us to the punch.

My two awesome brothers.
Yes, Kimball is on his toes.
I suppose even at 24 he hasn't grown out doing this.
Thank goodness :)

When I first did this hike years ago, I saw the handrails and was a bit skeptical.  Handrails?  Really?  The definitive answer to that is YES.  Apparently, handrails are necessary when you are hiking at an 180 degree angle.  And, of course, I could not help but break into my rendition of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" (for those of you younger than me, I will be the first to tell you Paula Abdul used to sing.  I'm serious, she really did). I'm sure the other hikers appreciated my serenade.  

I did not run this trail, however I did see some who were.  Impressive.  I could not figure out how to do it without ending up doing somersaults half way down the mountain. 

I only hiked it once up and once down.  Legend has it that there is an 88-year-old man who does it three times a day.  May he live forever (or die happily on the mountain which I'm sure is part of his departure plan). 

The glute work from all the boulders is crazy.  It is a four limb venture, let me tell you.

The three things I would suggest with a hike like this are:


Good shoes.
I dusted off my hiking boots from my college days and was very glad I did despite the cruel comments from the brothers.  There were plenty of folk in their workout shoes, but I love how my hiking boots just grip the ground and I did not go sliding.  At the very least, leave the flip flops at home.

Water. Water. Water.

Camera.
You just might get an amazing, sunrise shot like this:

Home Sweet Home

Some helpful websites when looking for some hiking trails near you:
GORP
American Hiking Society
Local Hikes
Trails.com

How about you, Fit Mommas?  What are your favorite hikes in your neck of the woods?  Any tried and true tips to share?  Comment below and tell us WHAT WORKS!  


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Calling all Crazy Texan Warriors!

I'm looking to sign up for this race:

Warrior Dash

November 20, 2010

Austin, TX

What is not to love?  

3.2 miles.  

11 obstacles.  

Mud.  

Cars. 

Ropes.  

Walls.  

Cargo nets.

Logs.

Straw bales.

Tires.

Fire.  

Oh my gosh, we have to run through fire.  

And to make it even more than awesome, we get a t-shirt AND a warrior helmet.  

I HAVE TO DO THIS.

There are some more slots open at the 8:00 and 8:30 AM time slots.  If you are crazy interested -- email me and we can meet up before and after the race!

Click here for more details and to register.

Have any of you out there done this race?  Is it as crazy and perfect as it looks?

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Windcrest Tri Recap

It is time I finally recap our Windcrest triathlon that we did 10 days ago.  There were 9 of us total (Amy Jo and her speedy husband are not pictured).

We nervously arrived at the tri and were so relieved to see each other and help each other set up our spaces in the transition area.  All the laughing helped calm the pre-race jitters.

The swim portion of our tri was in a pool (this was good).  We had to start one at a time (this was not so good).  The swim was snake style (translation:  the pool became a parking lot).  The pool was so tight that I inadvertently high-fived someone as were doing free style.  I also got a nice encouraging slap on the behind from some affectionate swimmer.  I think we were all glad to get that swim done and over with.

The rest of the events went well.  We all went at our own pace, cheered each other as we passed on the course, huffed and puffed through the headwinds, and ran on jello legs.  In other words, we had a ball!

The finishes were nothing less than thrilling.  I couldn't get enough of the guy on the microphone yell each time someone crossed the finish line "YOU. ARE. A. TRIATHLETE!"  The kids were cheering their moms, the dads were snapping pictures, the moms were pumping their fists.  We were rock stars!

Yes, the results were posted (not that we cared or anything).   Out of the nine of us, three of us medaled in our age group. We rocked that race!  I took second place in my age group.  Deb took an amazing 1st place in her age group!  Amy Jo's husband got 2nd place in his age group.  Yowsa! 

Check out our times here :)

After the race, they provided a ton of food for the racers and their families.  They offered this "only-in-Texas"post-race treat:

Chili in a bag o' Fritos.  Gag, cough, choke.  I left that one for the other racers.  I just couldn't.

Overall, it was a wonderful morning.  Thanks to Michelle for suggesting it and to all the others who made the effort to train and be there.  The memories still bring a smile to my face and I cannot wait until next year!

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Have You Tried This? Triathlon

As you may know, a group of us did a sprint triathlon 10 days ago.  I've heard from several readers out there that they are prepping for their own triathlons.  I would not consider myself an expert by any means, but I have done several tris throughout the years.

The first triathlon I ever did was 8 years ago.  I had a three-month-old baby and wanted something to motivate me to get out of bed in the morning to workout.  As we drove into the parking lot the morning of the tri, I burst into tears.  I begged the Doc to take me home.  It had been a huge mistake to sign up for this: I was terrified, I was sure I was wearing the wrong clothes, people were going to pass me on the swim, what if my tire popped on the ride, I probably forgot something anyway, I didn't think I could even run three miles, I was going to get water in my goggles, I didn't have a good sports bra.  I just wanted to go home.  I was a complete mess.  The Doc refused.  He parked the car, gathered my gear, set up my bike, pried me out of the car, looked me in the eye and commanded that I do this triathlon. With my heart pounding out of my chest, I walked the walk of doom to the transition area.

I've done several sprint tris since that first one (which was a total blast by the way :).  Here's a few tricks I've learned along the way:

First of all, sign up for the right length for your triathlon.  Distances do vary, but here are some popular triathlon distances:

Sprint - 200 - 800 meter swim, 12-15 mile bike, 2-5 mile run (distances vary)
Olympic - 1 mile swim, 24 mile bike, 6.2 mile run
Ironman - 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run  We pulled off a sprint with style.

Night Before
Preparing the night before the triathlon is a must.  Click here for a basic list of what to bring to the race and ideas on what to eat that morning.

Pre-race
When you get to the race, you get to revert back to preschool and write with a magic marker on your skin!  It is very cool, by the way, to leave these numbers on for a few days and let people ask what they are.  Then you get nonchalantly answer, "Oh, those?  They're nothing.  I just did a triathlon today.  No biggie."  Then you walk away and they think you are awesome.  Try it :)

You also get your bike checked out to make sure your brakes work and tires are pumped.  I wish that guy lived in my garage and would check my bike and my kids' bikes every day.

Transition Area

The transition area is the designated area where you stash your stuff and go each time between each discipline.  Setting up your own space in the transition area is not rocket science, but it is nice to be slightly organized.

Swim:  

goggles, cap, towel

Bike:  

shoes, helmet, race number, sunglasses, water bottle (already in bike)

Run: 

shoes (if different than the bike), hat (optional)

Race Time
After all the training, anxiety, preparation, pre-race instructions -- it's finally time to rock and roll!

After that, it is all fun.  I promise!  Good luck to all you Fit Momma's out there doing your first or hundredth triathlon this season.  Let me know how it goes!

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It's Time to Tri!

Well, well, well.  Guess what tomorrow is.  The Doc's birthday.  Oh, yeah, and time for the Freshman Triathlon!  Back in February I sent out an all call for any locals to join in  a sprint triathlon.  We have about 10 daring women and to say I'm excited would be an understatement.

I thought I'd post a very general list of "What To Do and Bring" when doing a sprint triathlon as a newbie.  This is by no means exhaustive, but simply off the top of my head.

What to Eat Pre-Race-
I like to wake up early, and eat a bowl of oatmeal. This gets my digestive tract moving, if you know what I mean. I also drink about 24 oz of water.

When I get to the race site, I eat a banana or protein bar for right before race. Since this is a sprint length tri, I don’t eat during the race at all. Be sure to be hydrated.

Clothing-
This is entirely up to you. I personally swim in my biking shorts and a workout tank top with a built in sports bra. Just remember that your body will be wet, so to put a lot of dry clothes on your wet body is tricky. You will have to put your race number on your front after the swim. They do provide safety pins.

Swim-
cap
goggles
something to swim in (no skinny dipping allowed!)

Bike-
bike
shoes
socks
helmet
water
sunglasses

Run-
shoes
socks
hat
sunglasses

Other -
Towel
Race number
Race number belt
Flip flops/sandals for pre-race
Directions to race
Pre-race food
Camera
Sunscreen

There are no iPods or earphones allowed during the race (this is standard).

I've gotta go check the air in my tires and get packing!  Actually I need to put away today's groceries, get a haircut, pick up the kids from school, and hopefully I'll gather my gear and get to bed at a decent hour.

Wish us luck!

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Have You Tried This? Stroller Strides

A friend of mine, Melissa,  is a runner.  Big time.  She just had her third baby about a year ago and I’ve wondered how she’s kept up her running with the baby.

Then I saw the t-shirt: cute, pink and it said “Stroller Strides” across the front. Hhmm, I’ve heard of that.   My inquiring mind wanted to know and I discovered that she is a group instructor for Stroller Strides in San Antonio. Well, you know me, I immediately invited myself to go to a class.

The group met at the mall, due to the pouring rain. The group agreed that they liked the park locations better, but I couldn’t help think how fantastic it was that is was dumping buckets outside and these moms still had a place to workout and 10 friends to do it with.

Now let me just say I saw some awesome strollers.  I'm talking some Cadillacs.  My umbrella stroller would be in the category of a used El Camino, however, it worked just fine after I cleaned all the cobwebs off of it and threw away the year-old, smashed up boxes of raisins in the net underneath.

My little guy hasn’t been buckled up in a stroller in recent memory, so I’m sure how he felt about it.

We started with a warm up and stretch while all the little guys just stared at each other and started gnawing on their baggie of snacks.

Then we took off.

 Some moms power walked, other moms jogged.  Everyone worked at their own level.

Past the stores.  Man, it's been eons since I've been in an actual mall.

Good thing I left my wallet in the car, otherwise I would have been tempted to make a few stops.

When we stopped, we lined up the strollers and went through the drills that Melissa had prepared for us. Squats. Lunges. Jump tucks. Good stuff! Right up my alley.

We walked/jogged quickly to the next stop.  We all were provided resistance bands and did bicep curls, shoulder press, and rows. We did ab work, push ups, step ups.

I was so impressed with the creativity and variety and depth of the workout.  Melissa kept the group moving and grooving going from one stop to the next, and giving us a full body workout.

My favorite, needless to say, were the stairs. Brilliant! Half of the group did some band work while the rest of us ran stairs for several minutes. All the while, the instructor Melissa was the entertainment for the kids while their moms were getting their heart rates up.

The social aspect of this experience cannot be understated -- there was chatting about the kids and families the entire time. These gals had become workout partners and friends.  One mom had a 3-month- old and was so glad to finally be out of the house around other moms (whoa - have I felt that a time or two or what?). I talked to one mom who didn’t like the child care setting at her gym for her 13-month-old daughter, so she thought she’s spend her money here instead. It turns out, she is much more consistent with this program than any other because she knows the other gals are expecting her to show up.

Yes, Stroller Strides and other similiar programs do have a monthly or per class fee.   They also arrange regular playgroups for the kids and Mom's Night Out.  Talk about a support group!  I had no idea.

Like me, you can try a class for free.   Check out their website here:

www.strollerstrides.com


Overall, I would recommend giving Stroller Strides a whirl.  Who knows?  It just might work for you -- and your kids will have a ball to boot!

How about you, Fit Mommas?  Have any of you done Stroller Strides or this type of program?  What did you think?

**Stroller Strides did not ask nor compensate me to do this post.  I just like to pass on a good thing when I find it.  

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Have You Tried This? Hooping

We went to the park the other day to sneak in a picnic with the Doc. As the kids ran recklessly to the playground, I turned the corner and suddenly I felt like I walked onto the stage of a Cirque De Soliel production.

 I came face to face with my first hooper. A hula hooper.

She walked, turned, and pivoted all the while keeping perfect control of her hoop. She was using both hands, one hand, arms, neck, chest, waist, hips, thighs, calves and ankles. I just stared, pretty much mesmerized by her movements. I had never seen hula hooping done so gracefully.

Now, if you were to ask me about hula hooping before this chance encounter I would have laughed and told you my version of hula hooping:

Revving up a dollar store hula hoop by twisting it around me as far as I can manage, then unwinding and throwing it wildly around my waist. My hips start frantically swinging back and forth, while the hoop barely makes a single revolution before it hits the pavement.

She did not resemble that in the slightest.

We had a 45-minute conversation and that’s a good thing because otherwise I would have had to rudely stare at her from across the park. As she gave me a peek into this new (old?) form of exercise she was hooping the entire time. I’m not kidding, she never stopped.

It turns out there’s a new hooping movement out there and apparently it is a great workout. The hoops are weighted and websites are boasting that hooping can burn between 400-600 calories per hour (of course, you know me, Mandi the skeptic. I’d have to #1 - learn to hoop, then #2 - actually do it for an hour with my HRM on before I believed this... Sorry, that’s just how I roll, or spin in this case :) It is a no impact exercise, and after a few hoops have taken out their loved ones in the learning process it is very lyrical and creative. They do it inside or outside, in a park or in studio with other hoopers.

Of course, my children were begging to try. I stayed behind the camera like a coward and as I write this am kicking myself for not giving the hoop a whirl. I at least need to give it a try.

Check out these websites for more info:

Hoopnotica

Hooping.org

Hula Hoops:  From Child's Play to Real Exercise

How about you? Are any of you Fit Momma’s hoopers?  What do you think?

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Triathletes -- Let's Get Training!

Well, well, well. Here we are and only about 7 weeks until the Windcrest Freshman Triathlon.  WAAAHHOOO!  I have heard from around 15 of you, give or take. Is this going to be fun, or is this going to be fun?!?






Several of you have asked for a training program to guide you through these next few weeks.  Well, guess what showed up in my inbox today?  Men's Health Magazine put out its Triathlon 6-Week Training Program.  Perfecto! You need to do the short quiz at the beginning to find your Fitness Level.  Then you can use any of the four programs provided.  Very helpful and doable.

Find the link here:  

Triathlon Training Program.

Just a note:  this is just a guide.  And this is supposed to be fun.  If you get off the program for a day or two, just hop back in.  This race is a perfect entry race, so if you don't follow this program exactly, you will still be totally fine.

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP YET?  If not, here's the link:  Windcrest Freshman Triathlon.  Sign up before April 1st in order to get the better deal.

I still want to invite any other locals, or not so locals, to join us in our tri.  And, if you are not nearby, stick your neck out and try a tri!  Or any new event!  There's no feeling that can match crossing that finish line.

Please, pretty please, email me here if you would like to join us.  I send out emails periodically to keep us all on the same page and don't want you left out of the loop!  Also, friends, spouses, parents, boyfriends, kids are all welcome to join us -- the more the merrier :)

Insanity: I Met My Match

The Trainer Momma 

TJ Maxx $50 Gift Card 

GIVEAWAY ENDS TONIGHT!

Click here to enter!

Back to business:

In an attempt to support the Doc in his weight loss endeavors (40 lbs and counting!) and to be utterly romantic, I purchased the home workout program "Insanity" from www.beachbody.com (the same company that gave us P90X). 






Insanity boasts to be the hardest workout on DVD.  I knew Insanity would be challenging, and would give it the high five it deserves for definitely being the toughest workout out on DVD that I've personally done.

Here's my run down of the strengths and weaknesses of Insanity:

Strengths:

-  Plyometrics galore.

-  Interval training galore.

-  Sent my heart rate racing -- nothing is better.

-  It is like the hardest stinkin' class you've ever been to at the gym.  Times 10.

-  The entire workout does engage the core BIG TIME.

-  I loved all the stretching.

 -  Loved the nutrition info it sent as well as the booklet of simple recipes all around 300 calories.  I wished there were even more recipe ideas.

-  You are put through a Fit Test at the beginning, middle, and end to mark your progress.  Great idea.

Weaknesses:

-  LACK OF VARIETY. The. Same. Every. Day.
-  Not well balanced.  The program boasted that weights aren't needed, using your body weights does the trick.  Insanity has a bajillion push ups and does touch on the shoulders -- but the poor back, triceps and biceps are completely neglected. 

-  No weight training.  This was a huge leap for me to set my weights aside for 9 weeks.  However, full disclosure here:  I did lift once a week to work on my totally neglected biceps, triceps, and back. 

Results:

-  I have dropped 6 lbs while using Insanity.  However, I've watched my nutrition like a hawk, so don't really feel Insanity is the reason for the weight loss, but it definitely did support my efforts.

-  My body fat % stayed the same.  This was a relief since there were no weights lifted regularly for 2 months.  

-  I can do push ups in my sleep thanks to the never ending sets of them day after day.

-  I feel like my cardiovascular endurance has improved.  That is exciting.

-  I went back to the gym today and all the weights I lifted had to be increased.  I was surprised -- yippee!

-  I feel like my core and abs were noticeably strengthened.

This is insane me at the conclusion of one of my Insanity workouts, insanely exhausted.

So, in the end I was glad to see this program end.  I determined that the name "Insanity" is not really from the crazy hard workouts (although they are that) but from doing the same freakin' workout day after day for 9 long weeks.  The Doc would ask me, "What DVD do we have today?" to which I'd respond, "Does it matter?"  Yes, it does come with 10 different CD's, but they truly are all pretty much the same.  Tons of jumping and tons of pushups.  And Shaun T and the rest of his Insanites showing us their abs at every opportunity.

I would suggest Insanity to the intermediate or advanced athlete; this is NOT for beginners.  Also, commit to doing the program one time through, it's worth it.  However, don't throw it in the fireplace afterward (I nearly did), but hang onto it.  This is a fantastic resource for home.  It would be a great workout to throw in once or twice a week for your cardio.   However, it is definitely not a long term workout solution.  It is very hard on the body and terribly monotonous.

I drove to back to the gym to resume my normal workouts this morning.  I must say, despite it being 5:30 AM, it felt fantastic to be home :) Thanks, Insanity and Shaun T -- I'll see you around every now and then, but for now I'm glad to be back to my beloved weights and plethora of cardio choices.  YUM.

Again, I am in no way being compensated for writing this post for Insanity or www.beachbody.com. I just write about my experiences what I believe works and what doesn't.

Hey, Fit Mommas!  Have any of you out there done or thought of doing Insanity?  What are your thoughts about this?

Called ALL Texas Fit Mommas!

I posted on Monday on how motivational it is to train for a race. I challenged you to track down and register for one in your area.

So, here's the deal:

I giving an all call to all those Fit Mommas in the San Antonio and surrounding areas to join me in a sprint triathlon.




The race: Windcrest Freshman Triathlon

Location: Windcrest Swimming Pool, 5609 Winsong, Windcrest, TX 78239

Distances: Swim 200M pool swim, 10 mile bike, 2 mile run

Date: Saturday, May 1, 2010

Time: Race starts at 8:00 AM

Fee: $50 before 4/1/2010, $60 until 4/30/2010, $70 on race day

Website to register: Windcrest Freshman Tri

I did this race last year and it is so low key. Small numbers and a very supportive and positive atmosphere. It was ideal for calming the nerves. This is as sprint as it gets. It is a perfect beginner race, open to ALL abilities, ages, shapes, and sizes! Last year I raced next to a 88-year-old grandma (I barely nosed her out at the finish line).

The timing is perfect: only 3 months away. Plenty of time to dust off the bikes, get our running/walking shoes broken in, and buy a new pair of goggles since your kids lost last summer's pair.

I would love to not do this race alone (The Doc will be working, I'll be racing... Hhhmmm, who gets the better end of this deal?:). Not sure if you can pull it off? Just TRY IT! You can swim any stroke at all, just stay on your bike for the 10 miles, and even walk the 2 miles in the end. YOU CAN FINISH THIS ONE!

Please email me at trainermomma@gmail.com to let me know if you are IN and we'll set up a place/time to meet with our gear in tow!

Time To Race!

I have people at the gym asking me all the time, “What are you training for?” to which the only honest answer I can give is: “Um, keeping up with my three kids.”

Many people, however, find some serious motivation when they sign up for some athletic event. A race. If you were to ask them what race is next, they could spout off the event, date, length, and what time they are aiming to beat. These people are F-O-C-U-S-E-D. With every step of their run they are thinking of that race. With every flip turn, they are thinking of that race.




Have you thought about joining them? This is not some elite athlete group, ladies. These are normal people who just have set a fitness goal and reach it. Hey, this could be you! This is not something to be intimidated by, but motivated by.

I'm just saying to think about it.

Now is the time to look ahead. There are all kinds of events coming up this spring, and I’ve noticed that sign-ups are already taking place.

It is so stinkin’ fun to con convince your husband or some girlfriends into doing an event with you. The energy, the people, and endorphin high combine to make the race as memorable as your first trip to Disneyland. Plus, you’re just darn so proud of yourself for finishing!

I've done several of these events, however would never classify myself as a runner, a cyclist, a swimmer, or triathlete. Just a mom having a little fun. Yes, there are a few pros out there and I have to pop my eyeballs back in my head after gawking at them so rudely. The surprising thing is most of the other participants in these events are just like me and you. They are all different ages, sizes and shapes just looking for a very healthy way to stay motivated.

So, let's find a race! Sprint triathlon? 5K? 10K? Cycling race? Duathlon? A walk for a good cause? What will motivate you?

Here are a few race finder websites. Just put the area you are looking for and it should give you a list of upcoming events:


www.active.com

www.trifind.com

www.runnersworld.com

www.enduranceracefinder.com

www.HPRaces.com

And the best part? The free t-shirt (they are getting cuter every year) and the traditional muscle flexing photo with your girlfriends.

I'm a Proud Graduate!

I was on a trip with the Doc over a year ago, working out with him on the decade old stair master in the hotel-room-turned-fitness-center whose heater was permanently stuck to the "ON" mode. Bikram cardio. We were toughing it out despite the less than ideal conditions -- hey a workout is a workout, right? An 20 minute infomercial popped up on the television for a fitness program. Since a remote was no where on the premises, we watched it. People transformed! Weight lifting! Plyometrics! Pull ups! Sit ups! People's lives transformed before my very eyes!

It seemed too good to be true -- as most of those infomercials do. However, a light bulb went off in my head. Hey, this is the program my brother in AZ just started doing. What was it called? X? 87? P -- what? There it was on the screen again:

From Personal Training pics

P90X

Hhm. Interesting. File it away in the mental filing cabinet.

Fast forward a year, and I found myself in my living room doing this very program with the Doc every morning for 90 days.

Yes, I am a P90X graduate.

From Personal Training pics

It was the first time ever I've worked out at home and this self proclaimed gym rat must admit, it was good, solid, and quality.

I must say, however, this program means commitment and is not for the faint of heart. But, what effective workout program doesn't require commitment, right? It is good for all levels of fitness, however. Tony gives modifications for all ages and all levels.

I did the Doubles option for P90X -- which involved doubling up lifting and cardio days. There are other options that are not as intense physically or time wise.

Not all at home workouts are created equally, and this one has recently risen to the top. For good reason:

Strengths:

Plyometric X workout rocked.

Ab Ripper X three times a week super rocked.

Minimal equipment needed.

Hits all muscle groups thoroughly.

Teaches proper form for weight lifting very well.

Tony Horton is a crack up and I have a crush on him.

Weaknesses:

90 minutes of YogaX -- HELLO. Yoga, I love you a lot -- really I do, but I did so many sun salutations I wanted to scream. I ended up dropping this weekly workout and added some cardio on my own.

KenpoX - I couldn't get my heart rate up or break a sweat.

Cardio X - ditto from above.

Basically, their cardio options are very weak. I just had to bag them and do cardio on my own to be sure I burned enough calories.

Results:

I was basically doing a P90X type of my workout on my own in the gym prior to starting this workout. So, I wouldn't say I saw earth shattering results, but I definitely enjoyed the focus on so much weight lifting for three months. The Doc, however, using P90X and counting his calories with the iPhone app "Lose It" has dropped 40 lbs. in 6 months. Life transformed right before my eyes. Beautiful.

Will I do it again? You bet. Give me a year to forget all the "Tonyisms" I can quote in my sleep (You hate it... But you love it! BRING IT!) and the workouts I've memorized for the past 3 months. I personally cycle through many different workouts throughout the year, nothing ever is the same for me. So, I'll be throwing this into the loop and probably break it out again next winter.

I have moved on and am enjoying (?) my newest endeavor which is very, very different and even more intense. I am not posting about it yet, simply because I need more time to see results and form an accurate opinion about it. Let's just say, it's INSANE.

Hey, Fit Mommas... I know some of you out there have used this program or are using it now. What do you think? What was your experience like? What was your favorite workout? What about the one you couldn't stand? I'd love to hear about it...

Again, I am in no way being compensated for writing this post for P90X or www.beachbody.com. I just write about my experiences what I believe works and what doesn't.

Water

Aids digestion.
Cleans out the system.
Transports nutrients to muscles.
Keeps the ole' metabolism tickin'.
Nature's best appetite suppressant.

This is it, you are seriously serious about losing the lbs. You have a new best friend: WATER. It is such a boring, predictable thing to say on a fitness blog, but when it comes to health there is just no denying that water is simply on your side. It has no calories, you can drink to your heart's content--that's easy to swallow!

How much?

It is the widely accepted rule of thumb to drink 8 cups of water a day. Frankly, no one knows who started this, and like all topics in health there are varying opinions on this exact number.

What I do KNOW is this:
Water makes us less hungry.

If you are trying to lose weight, for heaven sakes, drink some H20. In fact for weight loss, go for the

GALLON CHALLENGE.
One hundred and twenty-eight ounces, baby!
128 oz!

I challenge my clients to fill up a gallon jug with water in the morning and don't go to bed that night until that gallon jug is empty. Of course, please don't drink it all once, but throughout your day.

From Mexico 2009

You are thinking I've lost it. The kids have finally put her over the edge. It is not as hard/crazy as it sounds. Wake up, drink about 24 oz of water to start your day. You've just been sleeping for 7-8 hours (or if you are me then 4 hours--that's being generous) and your body will LOOOOOVE being reydrated with some of the clear stuff.

After breakfast, drink water - a lot - like 16-24 oz.
Drink water before your workout (16-24 oz.).
Drink water during your workout (16-24 oz.).
Drink water after workout workout (16-24 oz.).
By the time you finish your workout, you are already half way done. SWEEET!
Then just finish the rest of your water throughout the day.

If you do this, I promise you will simply not consume as many calories as you usually do. Yes, you'll be running to the bathroom every hour (your body adjusts with time :), but you won't be eating as much and able to lose weight easier and faster. I've been drinking a gallon of water daily for 11 years now, it's an integral part of my life. I can't imagine not having my huge water jug with me in the car as I run the kids to gymnastics, or sitting on the kitchen counter as I make food for this crew, or as I type this fitness blog. Water is my friend.

TRAINER MOMMA TIP #1: When you are hungry, drink some water first, then wait about 10 minutes. If you are still hungry, eat something. It is for real, and not just some "I'm bored/tired/stressed" hunger pang.

TRAINER MOMMA TIP #2: If you haven't gotten the message yet, then I'll say it again. Finish off every meal and snack with 24 oz or so of water. At the dinner table, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa have the nice glass cups, the kids have the colored kids cups from Ikea, and I have the big orange plastic cup with permanent lipstick stains on the edge -- it is my cup that holds enough agua for me to wash down dinner with.

Not trying to lose weight (you lucky gal!)? Water is still essential to good health. I would recommend around 96 ounces a day.

Another thing I've found that promotes more water drinking is simply investing money into it. The kids were able to choose their own very cool water bottle to take on outings and in their lunchbox. We installed a reverse osmosis system for the kitchen and -- holy cow! -- the water tastes so good that even the dog drinks more!

So, step up the water and your body and family will thank you! Let me know if you decide to take on the GALLON CHALLENGE! It works, I tell you! Get chugging!