Weight Watchers

When I first started my running journey, I had hoped that it would help me lose some weight.  While I did lose some weight, I still have a ways to go.  I do a lot of running, plus Turbo Fire and Chalean Extreme.  All that working out makes me hungry!  I try to make good choices, like Shakeology and lots of fruits and veggies, but it’s time for some help.  I joined Weight Watchers today! 

I did Weight Watchers a few years ago with some success.  The plan was different then.  We still counted Points, but back then the points were calculated from calories, fat and fiber.  Now, PointsPlus values are figured with carbs, protein, fat and fiber—not calories.  That is about all I know about the new PointsPlus, for now.  Oh, and fruits and veggies are all zero PointsPlus!  I am off to read my new program materials. I will keep you updated about how I am doing on the plan. 

Have you tried the new Weight Watchers PointsPlus plan?  How did it work for you?  What did you think of the plan?  Any tips for a newbie? 

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

***I did my first Run Like a Fool virtual 5k run tonight with a friend.  When are you doing yours?

Cross Training

Since we only run three times a week in the Galloway plan, I have been doing some cross training.  From the research I have been doing, there is conflicting information about how helpful cross training is to a runner.  From everything I have read, it looks like cross training its self will not make you become a better runner, but it can help you to lose weight, become stronger and improve your cardiovascular health.  Sign me up!!!

For cross training, I have been taking a spin class twice a week.  In spin class, you ride a stationary bike.  The tension in the peddles can be adjusted from easy impossible.   The rider can peddle at different speeds.  The instructor tells the riders how fast to go and how much tension to us.  It can be a killer workout!

On days that I do not run or spin, I do a Turbo Jam or Turbo Fire video.  These are great dance/kickboxing workouts instructed by Chalene Johnson.  The best part of these workouts, they burn up to 800 calories per hour!

For strength training, I have been doing a workout video series called ChaLEAN Extreme.  The theory of the workout is that by lifting heavy weights with fewer reps, you build muscle faster.  The instructor, Chalene Johnson (love her!), always repeats the phrase “muscle burns fat.”  I am all for that.  The workouts are intense, but not to difficult.  I will do a full review when I get farther into the program.  For more information, on Turbo Fire, Turbo Jam or ChaLEAN Extreme message me. 

Some other cross trainings I am looking into is swimming and Zumba.  Zumba seems like a lot of fun and is a great calorie burn.  Swimming is also a lot of fun and burns a lot of calories, but it can also help to build muscle.  Do you do any cross training? What do you do for cross training?

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

The winner of my Balancing Act Clothing giveaway is Jennifer Wood!!!  Email me with your mailing address and what shirt you want!  (amysmith7@comcast.net) 

Workout Plan Tweak

This past week I have been thinking about how I can tweak my workouts to get more results—both losing weight and improving my running.  I have been doing a lot of reading online and keep coming back to the same thing—strength training.

 I figure I have a few options.  First, my gym (Strictly Fitness in York, PA) has body pump classes.  This would be a great option, but the classes are at 5:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  My husband is not home from work yet at this time so this option will not work.  I could also hire a personal trainer, but this option is pricy.  I could also do videos at home.  Since I am a Beach Body Coach, I am thinking about giving ChaLEAN Extreme a try.  Have you tried it?  What did you think?

I have also been thinking about changing my weekly routine.  I usually hit a spin class on Monday and Wednesday morning, and then running on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.  My runs lately have been 5k treadmill runs.  This is getting boring!  The official half marathon training plan does not start for a few weeks yet, but I am ready for something new.   My “hike” workouts have been going great though.  It was so hard at first, but it is getting easier.  I guess that means I am improving!  My new plan for runs is do the hike workout for the first mile, then run two more miles.  I also plan to research new outdoor running options in my area. 

What do you do to keep your workouts fresh? 

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

***More great giveaways are coming soon!  Stay tuned.