They're all so level! The OCD in me want to try it, but I'm afraid it would soon take over my whole life! In any case, it's a beautiful idea.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Unusual wallpaper
I'm all for inexpensive interior decorating. This is a slightly ironic take on wallpaper, using paint swatches. Lots of them.
They're all so level! The OCD in me want to try it, but I'm afraid it would soon take over my whole life! In any case, it's a beautiful idea.
They're all so level! The OCD in me want to try it, but I'm afraid it would soon take over my whole life! In any case, it's a beautiful idea.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Fitness
Over the last year I've lost 45 lbs and become much stronger. I'm no fitness expert, but I have learned a lot through this journey.
-Switch up your workout routine at least once a month. This principle is called muscle confusion. If you keep springing new workouts on your body, it will never get used to them and you will avoid the dreaded plateau.
-Weight training is BORING. I used to mindlessly use the weight machines and free weights at the gym. It wasn't terribly effective. It was only when I started working out to videos that coached me through the process, taught me new things, and motivated me, that I got my muscles to get stronger.
-Train your abs every day. Just 15 minutes a day will strengthen your abs like crazy. I think this is especially important because I hurt my back a little over a year ago, and I could have prevented it if my abs had been stronger.
-Vegetables are you best friend. Super low in calories, super high in vitamins and whatnot, and they can taste good if you try new recipes. Ideally, I would eat vegetables with every meal. Of course, I fall off that wagon all the time. But nothing will make you healthier.
-When your workout starts getting too easy, you're plateauing. Try wearing wrist weights (I use 2 lb ones) during your workout. Try wearing a weighted vest (I have one that's adjustable from 5-20 lbs) during your workout. By adding weight to your body, you'll make your heart pump harder and you'll burn more calories.
-Some workout videos that I have tried and loved (but remember to keep changing them up):
Chalean Extreme
The Bar Method Body
The Lotte Berk Method
Callanetics
Callanetics Evolution and Cardio Callanetics
Turbo Jam
Slim in 6
10 Minute Trainer
Crunch Super Slimdown Pilates Yoga Blend
Jillian Michaels: 30 Day Shred, No More Trouble Zones, Banish Fat Boost Metabolism
-Exercise 5-6 days a week, combining strength training, cardio, and flexibility training (yoga, pilates, etc)
I know how hard it is to stay motivated. At first the only thing that kept me going was seeing the results: the numbers on the scale kept shrinking. But now I do it for my health. I want to be a strong, capable woman forever.
-Switch up your workout routine at least once a month. This principle is called muscle confusion. If you keep springing new workouts on your body, it will never get used to them and you will avoid the dreaded plateau.
-Weight training is BORING. I used to mindlessly use the weight machines and free weights at the gym. It wasn't terribly effective. It was only when I started working out to videos that coached me through the process, taught me new things, and motivated me, that I got my muscles to get stronger.
-Train your abs every day. Just 15 minutes a day will strengthen your abs like crazy. I think this is especially important because I hurt my back a little over a year ago, and I could have prevented it if my abs had been stronger.
-Vegetables are you best friend. Super low in calories, super high in vitamins and whatnot, and they can taste good if you try new recipes. Ideally, I would eat vegetables with every meal. Of course, I fall off that wagon all the time. But nothing will make you healthier.
-When your workout starts getting too easy, you're plateauing. Try wearing wrist weights (I use 2 lb ones) during your workout. Try wearing a weighted vest (I have one that's adjustable from 5-20 lbs) during your workout. By adding weight to your body, you'll make your heart pump harder and you'll burn more calories.
-Some workout videos that I have tried and loved (but remember to keep changing them up):
Chalean Extreme
The Bar Method Body
The Lotte Berk Method
Callanetics
Callanetics Evolution and Cardio Callanetics
Turbo Jam
Slim in 6
10 Minute Trainer
Crunch Super Slimdown Pilates Yoga Blend
Jillian Michaels: 30 Day Shred, No More Trouble Zones, Banish Fat Boost Metabolism
-Exercise 5-6 days a week, combining strength training, cardio, and flexibility training (yoga, pilates, etc)
I know how hard it is to stay motivated. At first the only thing that kept me going was seeing the results: the numbers on the scale kept shrinking. But now I do it for my health. I want to be a strong, capable woman forever.
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