Goals for 2017

As I wrap up 2016, I thought I would do a post on my goals for 2017.

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I had a little girl in May 2016.  2016 was good year personally.  I love my little girl to death but I kind of let myself go fitness wise.   Although I started Weight Watchers at the end of October I am still a long way from where I want to me.  So here are my goals for 2017.

1.  Lose the remainder of my pregnancy weight and then some.  I gained 41 pounds while I was pregnant.  Not a ton but more than I had expected.  I am close to my pregnancy weight but I definitely was heavier than I wanted to be when I got pregnant.  My goal is to get to 169 pounds.  Once at this weight, I may re-evaluate and decide to lose more. 

2.  Track what I eat 90% of the time.  I do best when I am tracking my food.  So I want to track my food using my Weight Watchers app most of the time.  There will be times when I don’t want to track and I am okay with that as long as I do it most of the time.

3.  Get my steps.  I also do better when I am being active.  Right now my workout schedule is non-existent.  I have been getting my step goal every day so I want to continue that but I want to do more.

4.  Workout at least 3 times a week.  Along with getting my steps, I want to do some sort of workout 3 days a week.  I am hoping my little one starts napping more consistently.  But currently she does do well during her first nap of the day.  So instead of doing stuff around the house, I plan to use that time to get in a workout.  I am going to start slow with workout videos that I plan to review here on the blog.  Then I will start creating my own workouts.

5.  Start back to running.  I ran 6 weeks postpartum and then I haven’t ran since.  I miss running.  I am planning to volunteer with Girls on the Run again this season so I need to get back into running shape.  I hate running on the treadmill so this will be challenging.  Hopefully if the weather is decent (but cold) I will get out for a run when possible.  Girls on the Run doesn’t start until February so I have a little time to get in shape.  Once Girls on the Run starts I will at least be running twice a week but I would like to get in better shape running wise and maybe run some races this summer. 

6.  Blog more regularly.  As you can see I am really working on blog posts.  I want to get back into blogging.  I want to share recipes and my weight loss journey again. 

What are your goals for 2017?

31 Days of January Challenge

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After participating in the 21-Day Thanksgiving Walk Challenge and the 24 Days of Christmas Challenge, I decided to do a monthly step challenge.  While this month will focus on getting steps and mileage, I also want to add some core work. 

Your core is so important in fitness.  If your core is weak you can get injured so much easier.  After having a c-section, my core is kind of shot.  So I want to get back on track.

1/1 – Walk 1 mile or 2,000 steps

1/2 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and a 60 second inchworm

1/3 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and 60 second plank

1/4 – Walk 3 miles or 6,000 steps and 20 glute bridges

1/5 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and a 60 second inchworm, 60-second plank and 20 glute bridges

1/6 – Walk 1 mile or 2,000 steps

1/7 – Walk 4 miles or 8,000 steps and 20 push-ups

1/8 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and 30 dead bugs

1/9 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and 30 glute bridges

1/10 – Walk 3 miles or 6,000 steps and 2-minute inchworm

1/11 – Walk 5 miles or 10,000 steps

1/12 – Walk 1 mile or 2,000 steps and 30 dead bugs, 30 glute bridges, and 20 push-ups

1/13 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and 30-second side plank (each side)

1/14 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and 2-minute plank

1/15 – Walk 3 miles or 6,000 steps and 30 push-ups

1/16 – Walk 5 miles or 10,000 steps and 40 glute bridges

1/17 – Walk 1 mile or 2,000 steps and 40 dead bugs, 40 glute bridges, and 30 push-ups

1/18 – Walk 3 miles or 6,000 steps

1/19 – Walk 3 miles or 6,000 steps and 50 dead bugs and 50 glute bridges

1/20 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and 1-minute side plank (each side)

1/21 – Walk 4 miles or 8,000 steps

1/22 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps

1/23 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and 40 glute bridges and 40 push-ups

1/24 – Walk 3 miles or 6,000 steps and 2-minute inchworm

1/25 – Walk 4 miles or 8,000 steps

1/26 – Walk 5 miles or 10,000 steps and 1-minute plank

1/27 – Walk 3 miles or 6,000 steps and 30 push-ups, 50 dead bugs, and 30 glute bridges

1/28 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and 1-minute side plank (each side)

1/29 – Walk 4 miles or 8,000 steps

1/30 – Walk 3 miles or 6,000 steps and 2-minute plank

1/31 – Walk 5 miles or 10,000 steps and 50 push-ups, 50 dead bugs, 50 glute bridges, 1-minute inchworm, 1-minute side plank (each side) and 1-minute plank

If you participate in the challenge, feel free to take photos and share on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook and use #31daysofjanuarychallenge

24 Days of Christmas Challenge

24 Days of Christmas Challenge

Hi Friends!  After participating in the #21daythanksgivingwalk challenge, my friend Amy and I decided it would be great to create a challenge for December and why not the 24 days of Christmas.  We hope you will take part in this challenge.  The challenge will include walking but other fitness moves to help get us in shape before Christmas.

12/1 – Walk 1 mile or 2,000 steps

12/2 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and 20 squats

12/3 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and 20 push-ups

12/4 – Walk 3 miles or 6,000 steps and 30 second plank

12/5 - Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and 20 squats, 20 push-ups and 30-second plank

12/6 – Walk 1 mile or 2,000 steps

12/7 - Walk 4 miles or 8,000 steps

12/8 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and 30 squats

12/9 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and 30 push-ups

12/10 – Walk 3 miles or 6,000 steps and 1-minute plank

12/11 – Walk 5 miles or 10,000 steps

12/12 – Walk 1 mile or 2,000 steps and 30 squats, 30 push-ups and 1-minute plank

12/13 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and 50 squats

12/14 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and 50 push-ups

12/15 – Walk 3 miles or 6,000 steps and 1-minute plank

12/16 – Walk 5 miles or 10,000 steps

12/17 – Walk 1 mile or 2,000 steps and 50 squats, 50 push-ups and 1-minute plank

12/18 – Walk 3 miles or 6,000 steps

12/19 – Walk 3 miles or 6,000 steps and 20 squats and 20 push-ups

12/20 – Walk 2 miles or 6,000 steps and 1-minute plank

12/21- Walk 4 miles or 8,000 steps

12/22 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps

12/23 – Walk 2 miles or 4,000 steps and 20 squats and 20 push-ups

12/24 – Walk 1 mile or 2,000 steps

If you participate in the challenge, feel free to take photos and use the #24daysofchristmaschallenge

  

Fashion Fitness Friday: Race Jewelry

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Do you run races for the thrill of the race?  Or do you do it for the bling your get at the end?  I personally do it for the fun and thrill of the race, but it doesn't hurt to get some bling.  Race medals are great, but you can't wear them all the time.  So I dedicated this Fashion Fitness Friday post to race jewelry.  I don't own any of these pieces, but I think they would be fun pieces to add to my jewelry collection.  Plus, I could hold my head high and wear these pieces all the time unlike a medal.

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The 13.1 Heart Necklace from Erica Sara Designs is absolutely beautiful.  The sterling silver necklace allows your to pick your fonts as well as necklace length which allows for customization.  I like that I can show off finishing two half marathons without wearing my medals.

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I've had my eye on the Sporty Gal Triathlon Pendant since I completed my first triathlon last September.  Most of the triathlon inspired jewelry say tri or have an ironman symbol.  Although I love the sport, I will not be completely an ironman any time soon which is why the Sporty Gal Triathlon Pendant is perfect.  It shows each sport and can be wore anytime.

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Do you love to run?  The Sterling Sliver Love to Run necklace from Gone For A Run will show off your love without breaking your budget.  The sterling silver necklace is cute and only $39.99.

Do you wear race inspired jewelry?

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Workout Wednesday - #ZestyJuly

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed that I am taking part in the #ZestyJuly challenge along with six other fabulous bloggers!  I've been sharing the challenges daily, but I thought I should also promote it on my blog.  #ZestyJuly is to help inspire everyone to get active!  The month long challenge has workouts as long as rest days incorporated into the challenge.  

For today:

1 mile plank

15 walking planks

30 squats

1 minute high knees

Post you doing these exercises with the hashtag #ZestyJuly and you will be in the running for some great prizes!!

Hope to see your photos on Instagram!!

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There is still time to enter my Momentum Jewelry giveaway!!

Fashion Fitness Friday: Bottoms

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With warmer temperatures, I thought this fashion fitness Friday should focus on bottoms.  My body has definitely changed since working out with the trainer.  My legs have gotten bigger which makes certain shorts problematic for running.  So I will give a few options for shorts.

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The FILA Sport Endurance Bermuda Shorts are perfect for me.  These shorts cover my thighs and allow me to run without chaffing or rubbing.  The shorts are a little longer knee length which might not work for everyone, but I love that I can wear them without worries of riding up and rubbing.  These shorts are currently on sale at Kohls for $14.99.

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Last year my Nike Woman's Printed Tempo Running Shorts were my go to running shorts.  These shorts breath well and if you get sweaty dry quickly.  I also like that these shorts come in many different prints.  So you can have the same shorts but no one knows they are the same.  These shorts are a little problematic for me currently when running.  But the shorts are great for working out at home or running errands.  The shorts are currently on sale at Sports Authority for $19.97.  

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I was completely against running skirts.  I am not sure why I was against them but I was.  I would see people running in them and I would get annoyed.  Then I was shopping at Sports Authority last fall and saw one on sale for $12.99.  I decided to try it on and fell in love.  The Women's UA Run Stretch Woven Skirt has woven shorts with grippers on the legs.  The shorts will not ride up and are perfect for running or any physical activity.  I totally recommend! 

What's your favorite fitness bottoms?

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Wanting to lose weight?  Check out my Weight Loss Challenge

Weight Loss Challenge - July to September

My current weight loss challenge will be closing on June 30th.  Based upon requests, I will be hosting a three-month weight loss challenge starting July 1^st and ending September 30^th. 

The challenge will cost $20 to enter.  Research has shown that if you are investing your own money you are likely to stay more focused on your goals. 

The challenge will require weekly weigh ins on Wednesday each week as well as reporting to me by email (fitnessbyalicia2013@gmail.com) your starting weight on July 1st.  I will keep all of the weight information private, but need to know this for the rules of the challenge.

Although not required for the challenge, I recommend that each person works out for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week.  To hold you accountable with your workouts, I recommend that you post your workouts to the Facebook group as well.  

Instead of rewarding the person who loses the most weight, I will be rewarding the person with the highest overall percentage lost.  The person that loses the highest percentage will receive the total amount of money paid to participate in the group.  For example, if 8 people participate the winner will receive $160. 

During the challenge, I will provide motivation as well as healthy recipes and workouts.  I will not provide meal plans, but can give examples of healthy meals upon request.  

If this is something you are interested in, click the link below as well as email me at fitnessbyalicia2013@gmail.com 

Workout Wednesday: Chair Dips

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Looking for a great exercise for your back and arms?  The chair dips are a great exercise for those body parts and the best part?  You can do them anywhere that you have a chair!  Do you travel for work?  Squeeze these in while waiting at the airport or even at your desk just watch out for the rolling wheels.

For this workout, do the following:

-Sitting on the edge of a dining room or kitchen chair with your feet together, place your hands next to your hips with your fingers wrapped under the seat of the chair.  Make sure the chair is stable

-Use your arms to lift your hips forward and off the chair

-With your back close to the edge of the chair bend your elbows and lower your hips.  Keep your shoulders down

-Using your arms, push back up to the starting position.  Do not lock elbows.

-Repeat 10-12 times, rest 15-20 seconds and do two more.

What's your favorite arm and back workout?

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Fashion Fitness Friday: Summer Essentials

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If you didn't know, when I first started blogging I was a fashion blogger.  That's right!  I have a love of fashion but my love of fashion shifted to a love of working out.  But who says you can't be fashionable when working out?  I can say I start most of my workouts in cute outfits but by the end I definitely am a sweaty mess.  With that in mind, I have decided to start a Friday series where I pick some fashion items that are great for working out.  

This week's Fashion Fitness Friday is geared to Summer Essentials.  With the weather heating up, I thought I would share some of my favorite summer essentials. 

A breathable tank top:  

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Last summer, I fell in love with a mesh tank top from Under Armor.  Although the tank I wore last summer is no longer available from Under Armor, the Woman's UA Fly-By Stretch Mesh Tank is just like the previous tank.  These tanks are mesh so they breath extremely well and they look pretty cute. The Fly-By Stretch Mesh Tank is available in 14 colors and is $29.99.  There is also a printed Fly-By Stretch Mesh Tank for $34.99 and is available in 4 colors.

Visor or Hat:

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I have a lot of hair.  So much so that headbands normally can't hold my hair back.  Therefore, I always run in a visor or hat.  I like to have something on my hair to help save my hair from heat and sun damage as well as give me shade.  I love the Brooks Sunshield Visor.  I had this visor when I first started working out and it worked great.  It has moisture wicking capabilities plus it is light in color so perfect for the summer.  My only complaint with the visor is that when I sweat, it left sweat prints on the hat.  But for only $12.99 it is a perfect addition for each summer.  

Sunglasses:

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I have expensive driving sunglasses but in the past I had bad luck with fitness sunglasses.  These tend to fall off my face and then break.  Luckily, I received the IRONMAN Victorious Sunglasses as a gift from J and they have been perfect.  These sunglasses are sturdy.  They have fallen off my face a few times and they haven't broke.  The sunglasses also provide 100% UVA and UVB protection (a must when you are outside working out).  Another great factor?  These sunglasses won't break the bank.  They are only $29.99.

Socks:

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I think finding the perfect moisture wicking socks for summer are a must.  I have had issues in the past with my socks rubbing blisters and leaving my feet too moist in the past.  That was until I found Mitscoots.  These socks are absolutely amazing.  I received two pairs for free (read the review here) but they are now the only socks I reach for when I am going for a run.  The socks cost $22.99 for a 3 pack. 

What are your summer essentials?

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