Challenge #1

4 weeks of exercise/food journal
(Start date: Monday January 17th)

As I was wasting time on the Internet last week during the baby’s nap time and wishing I could be at the gym kicking my own bootie with some zumba, kickboxing, or a body pump class I fell upon this challenge http://www.momsintofitness.com/shed-5-fast-contest and it gave me the idea to invite some of my mommy friends to work together on improving our health.

So, this week I sent out the note to some of my friends and started this blog, which will be a place to be challenged and to lend support to one another. This first challenge is an exercise. Exercise is a habit, and once it becomes part of your life it is easier to find the time, drive and energy to just do it!!!

So here's the challenge you've been waiting for!

Part 1

Take a before picture of yourself in a swimsuit or something else tight enough that you will be able to tell if your body has changed.

Part 2

You don’t have to buy the video or spend any money to get a gym pass. You can do whatever form of cardio exercise (aka the huff and puff type of exercise) you want, and do it diligently 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes! I find that when I take more than a day off then I lose interest and feel like I am starting over, which is the hardest part!

The website gives 2 very good workout ideas that you can do in your home (listed below), but feel free to implement and share your own ideas. One woman that my sister knows lost 100 pounds just by walking briskly around in her house!!! Please share successes and hardships and let’s work together on applauding and helping on another. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help if you are struggling, and don’t feel prideful if you want to boast that you were able to get through 2 hours of classes at the gym or ran your first mile without stopping!

Finally, make it fun and find ways to exercise that you enjoy otherwise, you won't be consistent.

Part 3

Keep a food journal! Write down everything! I’m not asking you to cut your calories at all or starve yourself, but simply to keep track of what you are eating.

2 Workout options

Cardio Option A 1 minute of each:1. Half speed squats: Stand with feet shoulder width apart, squat halfway down (not to 90 degrees).Goal: 35-40 reps in one minute2. Jumping Jack crosses: Old school jumping jacks, but crossing your feet one in front of the other as you jump in.Goal: 35-40 reps3. Lateral ski: Stand with your weight on one leg, jump 2 feet to the side so your weight is now on the other leg.Goal: 60 reps4. Side squats: Stand with feet together. Step 1 ½ feet to the side into a squat. Bring leg back to center stand and repeat on other side.Goal: 30 reps5. Mountain climbers: Get in a plank position and bring one knee towards your belly button, switch.Goal: 70-80 reps Repeat 1-5, 4x (total=20 minutes)

Cardio Option B 1 minute of each:1. Half Speed Squats: Stand with feet shoulder width apart, squat halfway down (not to 90 degrees).Goal: 50 reps in one minute2. Burpees: From standing position crouch down so your hands are on the floor, jump your feet back so you are in a plank position, jump your feet back into crouch position and stand up.Goal: 15-20 reps3. Lateral Ski: Stand with your weight on one leg, jump 2 feet to the side so your weight is now on the other leg.Goal: 80 reps4. Rotating Squat Jumps: Perform a squat. Jump out of the squat and into another squat facing the other direction (180 degree turn in air).Goal: 30 reps5. Mountain climbers: Get in a plank position and bring one knee towards your belly button, switch.Goal: 80-90 reps6. Plank Twisters: Start in a plank position. Bring your right knee towards your left hip bone. As your right leg straightens your left knee should come towards your right hip bone.Goal: 60-70 reps Repeat 1-6, 4x (total 24 minutes)

LET'S DO IT!!!!