Trick or Treat!

My husband and I have a plan every year...Dress up the kiddos, take them trick or treating, get them home and into bed, then raid those plastic jack-o-lanterns for the Twix bars and Special Dark bars!  Don't judge, you know you do it too.  So now that you've dumped the kids' trick or treat bags, spread the candy out on the floor, and picked out your favorite tasty treats, what are you going to do with them?  Those Peanut M&M's are just sitting there in their little, yellow package screaming, "C'mon, I'm the perfect size.  It's just a handful.  Open me up!"

Go ahead and listen to the M&M's.  It's really not as bad as you may think.  Most of those Fun Size packages are actually under 100 calories.  Our friend Elena at TrainerDiva has put together a list of the favorites at around 100 calories:

How much is 100 calories of your favorite Halloween candy?

So now that you've treated yourself to your favorite goodie, let's burn it off!  Again, not as bad as you think.

• a brisk 15 minute walk
• a 20 minute dance party...this is one to get the kids in on, who doesn't love to dance around dressed up like a pirate?
• 20 minutes of housework...kill 2 birds with 1 stone with this one
• rollerblading/skating for 15 minutes
• flag football for 12 minutes
• give someone a massage for 24 minutes...yeah, not my favorite either, much rather be getting one
• run around with the kids for 20 minutes
• 45 minutes of shopping at the mall
• jump rope for 10 minutes

For some other unique and maybe ridiculous ways to burn 100 calories check out http://www.fitsugar.com/Unique-Ways-Burn-100-Calories-310261

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

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Weekend Family Challenge

There will be lots of candy come Monday.  Why not do something to preemptively counteract those Kit Kats and Reeses Cups?  Get the family outside for some games.  There is football galore all weekend long (personally, I'll be watching the Notre Dame game and possibly having a good cry afterward) and what does every football game have?  Half time.  After eating nachos and watching your favorite team, take the kids outside for a game of flag football during the half.  Flag football is a non-contact alternative to traditional football.  It can be played on any size "field", and the only equipment you need are flags (use some felt, fabric, or plastic strips) and a football (really, you could use any ball).  For rules see http://www.ehow.com/how_3987_play-flag-football.html.  Since my kids are only 2 and 4, we'll be making some adjustments to play.  There will still be lots of running, ball throwing, laughing, and though it's not supposed to be a contact game, probably tackling!

Have fun this weekend, get out, and play!

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Review: TrainerDiva, Inc

"I just don't have time to get to the gym."

Ok, I think most of you know that I'm up and running before the sun, but now, I'm really not buying that excuse.  TrainerDiva, Inc brings the work out to you, and boy do they!  My friend, Katie, and I got to meet with Elena Ciccotelli, trainer and company founder, for an in-home training session.

DESCRIPTION:
TrainerDiva, Inc provides personal training in your home, in the Greater Philadelphia Area.  The professional trainer comes to you with equipment, intruction and guidance, motivation, and even a little fun.  They assess your current level of fitness and help you set up attainable goals that go well beyond weightloss.  TrainerDivas "are dedicated to helping you live your best life NOW."  Their mission "is to empower you with in-home personal training that will produce mind-boggling results in less time than you expect."

WHAT I THINK:
I absolutely love the convenience of the in-home training session, and even though you're at home, you're still accountable for your workout...unless you close the blinds and hide behind the couch from the trainer that will be ringing your doorbell (not recommended if you want to reach your fitness goals).  Elena sat down with Katie and me and went over our Health and Fitness Questionaires, our current workout routines, and did the dreaded body fat percentage and BMI.  Then we discussed our goals and steps to achieve them.  And on to the work out...WOW!  I am in the best shape of my life, though I must admit that in the last year, I have soley focussed on my running, and maybe thrown in a few crunches.  Needless to say, Elena, whooped my behind, and I liked it!  I even caught Katie, who is a seasoned athlete, making a couple of "yeah, I'm feelin' that" faces.  The exercises were new, intense, and worked multiple muscle groups at once.  Elena took into account Katie's previous knee injury and suggested modifications that would allow her to do certain exercises without doing further damage.  She paid close attention to our form and kept us going with encouraging words...even during "the spiderman".  It was sweaty, it was tough, it was gooood!  Even after Elena wrapped up, Katie and I continued to talk about how much we enjoyed the training session and the trainer.  I'm so impressed by Elena and TrainerDiva, Inc, that I'll be adding their fit tips to this site.

Face it, no one is serving fat free pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving.  It wouldn't hurt to get into a routine now, or preemptively lose a few pounds.  If you want to get in shape, lose fat, and feel good, a TrainerDiva trainer can help you do it.  So, no more excuses...you can work out in your home after you drop the kids at school, while they're doing homework, while that pie is baking, during nap (theirs, not yours).  Plus you're saving time by not having to drive anywhere.  Do you have a neighbor or friend who's terrified of the Holiday muffin-top that could be lurking around the bend?  Do it together.  It's more fun when you have someone to high five during planks.

**Keep checking back because I'll be giving away a great TrainerDiva gift certificate within the next few days**

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It's the Weekend, What to do, What to do?

It's Autumn, almost Halloween, and there are still a few weekends left to get outside and play before you have to bundle up...Well, at least in the north east.  After spending the majority of the week inside, work, school, housework, naps (well, hopefully, if the kiddos are under the age of 5), take advantage of some family time and get your crew outside to get the stink blown off them.  There are plenty of things to do for kids, and adults, of all ages.  Below are a few ideas.  And please add your own in the comments section.

• Find a fruit farm and go apple picking or find your perfect pumpkin.  There's usually a hayride involved.
• Take a nature walk.
• Have an outdoor scavenger hunt.
• Fly kites.
• Play frisbee, that's right, it's not just for college campus hippies.
• Plan a treasure hunt.  Hide some "treasure" in a coffee can in the back yard, or at the park, and draw a map for the kids to follow.
• Tag, you're it!
• Go hiking.
• Toilet paper the mean lady's house down the street...Oh, wait, that's next weekend.*

OK, maybe don't do that last one.  But whatever you decide to do, get out, get active, and have fun with your family!

*Seriously, I do not advocate toilet papering anything other than my 2 year old's butt.

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A Pound a Week

A healthy rate of weight loss is 1 pound per week.  You only need a 500 calorie deficit per day to make that happen.  Consume 250 calories less each day and burn 250 more.  Here are a few activities that can, on average, burn 250+ calories...

• Run (you knew I was going to say it) at a pace of 6 miles/hour for 20 minutes
• Walk (make sure you throw some hills in there) for 60 minutes
• Swim for 25 minutes
• Bike for 25 minutes
• Actively play with your kids for 45-60 minutes (tag, football, basketball, jungle gym, you get the picture)
• Gardening/Yard work for 40 minutes
• Dancing (that's right, get your groove on) for 45 minutes
• Singles Tennis for 35 minutes

For more ideas on how to create that 500 calorie deficit visit fitbie.

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Run for a Cause

In case you need a reason to run, other than fitness, October has 2!  Most people know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but did you know that it is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month?  If you're in the Philly suburbs this weekend, join me at Laurel House's Dash Against Domestic Violence.  Even if you're not up for the 5k, this year they are also holding a 1 mile walk.  Kids, dogs, cats on a leash, goldfish in a bag...everyone is welcome to particpate!

5K Certified Run & 1 Mile Fitness Walk

Sunday, October 23 2011

Entry Fee: $25 prior to October 21, 2011

$30 day of the event

Registration Opens: 8am

Run/Walk Starts: 9am

Awards/Raffles: 10am

Location: Upper Gwynedd Township Building, North Wales PA 19454

Door Prizes, Face Painting, Refreshments...Fun & Fitness for the Whole Family!

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Superior Play Systems

The seasons are certainly changing here in the northeast.  Though it's still plenty warm enough to take the kiddies outside to bike, scooter, or play at the park, soon it won't be.  I have no problem bundling up my little guys and sending them out in the cold.  The problem is that I don't like it for myself.  So how do I keep them active and entertained in the cold winter months?  Superior Play Systems!

SPS makes those really cool wooden backyard playsets.  Retailers are located in PA, NJ, and DE, and most have a warehouse showroom.  They allow kids to come in and play on all of the display equipment (including the trampolines) for a small fee.  Even better, SPS offers free open play on certain days.  I encourage you to check out their website and find an SPS near you.  Let your kids swing, slide, bounce and enjoy all the fun of the playground...even in the snow!

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REVIEW: New Balance WR850's

Though I had run before, in college, I was definitely a beginner when I started up last year.  After being properly fitted, it was suggested that I wear a supportive shoe with a medial post that would help with my overpronation.  I didn't have much idea what any of that meant, but I certainly found what I needed.

Description:

The New Balance 850 is a high stability running shoe with a medial post to accommodate the moderate-to-severe overpronator. Synthetic and mesh upper. Lightning Dry lining. Sure Lace; supportive lacing system helps keep your laces tied and ready for miles. Phantom Liner helps reduce abrasion and discomfort. Dual-density collar foam. NLock; integrated lacing and webbing system enhances midfoot support. ACTEVA; midsole. ABZORB; DTS combines ABSORB; foam and ABSORB SBS; to provide optimal cushioning and a smooth transition on heel strike. Stabilicore. Extended Web; technology provides exceptional stability and pronation control. Full-length ABZORB; Strobel; board for stable, flexible support. NDurance; rubber outsole gives maximum durability in high wear areas. Forefoot flex grooves.

What I Think:
The NB WR850 was the first shoe that I ran in and I would definitely recommend it to beginning runners.  It was extremely supportive, yet very cushiony.  I definitely felt like the medial post kept my ankles from turning inward, which probably prevented lots of pain and possibly injury.  The wide toe box was perfect for my wide foot.  These shoes are such a comfortable fit, that after training for and running a half marathon, I didn't so much as lose a toe nail or get a blister.  I'd also like to mention that with that all that training, the tread and cushioning held up very well, as did the rest of the shoe.

I have been so impressed with the 850, that I've actually owned 2 pairs.  New Balance has recently updated this style with the 940.  If you can find the 850 in your size, grab them, otherwise I'd definitely consider giving the 940's a try.

For more information on New Balance and their products please visit their site at http://www.newbalance.com/.

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