It's Just A Little Bit of Baby Phat

Do you track your body fat percentage? Do you have a body fat percentage goal?

I never new my body fat percentage until 2005. My weight had been recorded and known each year before then...In 2005, the gym I utilized for work out plans and measurements (my work has a small gym on site with limited hours and a staff including ace/afaa certified personnel) recorded that too - 29.6% (I just recently found the measurement sheets). Down to 25.9% in 2006, 2007. Back up in 2008 and early to mid 2009. 

It wasn't until I started working one and one with my trainer that I really started to understand the importance of the body fat percentage. In June 2009, my body fat was recorded at 36.4%. I am sure the staff at the other gym must have mentioned it...My body fat was something to work on too...But, she did such a wonderful job of helping me understand that we not only want to get my body weight to a healthy percentage but my body fat too. She help me understand how extra body fat impacted my health and appearance. She also helped me to understand that body fat was slower to change over time  - so progress there really spoke to continuous work and dedication. So, I researched it a little more and continue to read articles about it...By, March 2010, my body fat percentage was 29%.

I really wish I had jotted my body fat percentages down or paid more attention like I did with my weight. I bought a scale with a body fat percentage detector in late 2009. I really can't tell you what my body fat % percentages were for the past 2 years but I can tell you my weight at various points. 

Early 2010, I wanted to get down to a body fat percentage in the fit percentage range. But by late March, I realized that the fit percentage...was not quite how I imagined my body...So, I focused more on keeping my weight in a certain range and my percentage within average. But, exactly what that was - I can't tell you! 


At the beginning of this year...I was talking to my trainer friend about how I wanted to tone up my tricep area (OK...bingo arms) more...The first thing he asked was what my body fat percentage was....29%...(I rounded down a bit I think it was like 29.7%). He said I would need to get it down so more...Right now...I'm seeing 27.9%. I've still got some more toning I'd like to do...on my triceps and tummy --- as well as a few more pounds to lose....So, I think that may mean my body fat percentage will need to go down some...


I am gonna really work on jotting down my body fat percentage and measurements at least once a quarter. But, monthly would be better.

I used to love this song!

You've Put On Weight

So, a few days ago...after we went from a walk, my friends and I started chatting about our goals for next month. One friend said she was working on losing at 10 pounds through April and May but ultimately would like to lose 40 pounds. And, then, she said 40lbs again! I can't believe I need to lose 40lbs again (she had lost that 4 years ago).


'WHY DIDN'T ANYBODY TELL ME I GAINED WEIGHT?' She said.


In our inner circle of friends, we've talked about our weight - gains or losses and our fitness plans and activities. We also occasionally try different workouts. 3 out of the 4 of us had gained weight after we started our corporate jobs about 30 pounds or so and lost it (each of us working with a personal trainer). 3 of us realize the importance of eating healthy and we try to do so...3 of us had helped co-lead a fitness program at our church. AND, 1 of us....who is about 4 years younger then us...could care less (or at least until this year). She ate whatever, however, whenever. She never worked out. We had warned her to watch it...She never really paid attention...For years, she got away with it. It really caught up to her this year. BUT, my friend bemoaning the 40 lb weight gain was the one of the 3 that worked to stay healthy. 


I think that's why I never said anything (besides - it don't look like that much weight anyway). Maybe that's why no one else said anything either.


Plus, the weight gained happened kinda gradually...It's like you look up and you're like whoa...when did this happen? but you know it couldn't have been overnight...


I felt that way too when I reached 160lbs. Why hadn't anybody said anything? I was really packing it on! 


My family loves me and supports me. They've always made me feel beautiful and attractive. My friends are just as accepting. My boyfriend at the time never made one complaint about the weight. When I asked him later why he never said anything...He said you were never fat to me (we had been dating off and on since I was 16).


If there is anything I've learned from this journey it's that reducing smaller gains is better and easier than reducing larger gains. I think many of us don't say anything until a friend has gained 40 or 50 or more pounds. And, when, we do - it's after our friends bring it up. So, perhaps, we should say something when it looks like our friends or family have gained 10 or 15 pounds? 


The first time I was about 25lbs overweight. No one said anything to me. I had put the weight on in about 5 and 1/2 months. Then, at the highest weight, at my cousins wedding, a older family friend commented to my mother that I had really put on some weight - in clear ear shot of me. I was so hurt. I ended up leaving the wedding early and crying in my car before I went home. But, the next day, I went to the gym and put a fitness magazine.


I don't know what the answer is. Since, I have gotten healthier...I tend to invite friends and family to various workouts and health eating classes every so often. But, don't specifically comment on weight gain or an overall unhealthy weight or a lack of exercise. If someone asks me my opinion or for help, I am more than willing to share...But, perhaps, now, I should begin to think about being more conscious about when and how I could help someone get back to a healthy, happy weight and be more active - sooner rather than later.

I Work For It

A few weeks ago after church I was chatting it up with some friends…a girlfriend I grew up with and the wife of a family friend.  As we were chatting, out of the blue, the wife said I used to have a cute little figure like this (pointing to me)….but after the last baby I can’t shake the weight. The wife has had 5 beautiful kids – the last one she was one bed rest for almost a month and a half. But the baby is 2 years old now.

I remember thinking…I work for this cute little figure. But a few moments later, someone else joined our group and started a new discussion topic. Distracted, we never returned back to the conversation. But, her comment got me thinking….

Once upon a time, I might have believed that some people were blessed with better genes. The genes that let them eat whatever they want, whenever they want, however much they want. The kind of genes that allow them to relax on the couch or take leisurely strolls while others tirelessly toil away in a gym .

But, now I know that those people are few and far between. Many of seemingly easy slim people do the things to stay slim consciously or unconsciously – in their food selections and/or activity levels. If they do not, then for most, its only a matter of time before unhealthy food and exercise choices catches up with them – in terms of extra weight, lackluster hair, nails, skin; higher blood pressure; unruly blood sugar; and/or a myriad of other health issues.

I WORK FOR IT.

I realize that more than ever that healthy, strong bodies aren’t made with a 6 or 8 week six program or 7 easy steps to fabulous abs, 3 moves for toned arms, and 5 exercises to a great put. But, week after week and month after month and year after year.  I don’t expect my body to be in bombshell shape by walking a few miles a few times a week. Fit, yes. Little Black Dress – Summer Shorts – Heck, Bikini - Ready, no. Bombshell shape happens to those who work consistently for it and really challenge themselves.  So, I walk, run, squat, lunge, pushup, sit-up, lift weights, and a hundred other things to get my healthy, strong body. A body that can run miles at a time, teach aerobics classes, and lift pounds & pounds of weights comes from hard work.

I WORK FOR IT.

I realize now more than ever that what you eat, how you eat, and when you eat it matters. Cute little figures aren’t well maintained by only eating salads, drinking diet cokes, and skipping the bread baskets. Healthy, strong bodies aren’t created by eliminating a food group or a food item for a week or two (no carrots, or potatoes, or corn) or majoring on a certain food group for a week (eating nothing but cabbage soup). I say no to indulgent foods on a regular basis treating myself with healthy choices – yogurts, fruits, hummus & pitas. But, I occasionally I indulge – so that I don’t feel deprived. I challenge myself day after day to get varied, balanced meals of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats, and dairy.

 I WORK FOR IT.

It took years for me to understand this concept fully. Even as I type this now, I feel like I still learning it. I have a good deal of say in my cute little shape - whether I fully realize it or not. I am just like so many others who work hard day in and day out to get the results they want. 


I WORK FOR IT.

Sprained My Ankle

Nothing much else to say...

Landed on my ankle wrong yesterday in the last few minutes of class last night. After spending several minutes on the floor, I felt a bit better. Walked a few miles after class with my friends --- PROBABLY NOT THE SMARTEST THING TO DO. After that, my ankle started to hurt especially. Got home and notice my ankle was swollen. So, I iced it, elevated it, and took a couple of ibuprofen.

This morning...it looked better but still hurt. So, I went ahead to work...I knew I could keep it elevated and iced. But, it started to swell again. And, my co-worker stopped by...I told him I hoped it would go down by Sunday so I could hit the Trolley Run and the Zumba Party with Gina and Tonya (Zumba Super Stars) on Sunday. I would have to miss the corporate challenge mile walk tonight.

By the end of the conversation, I realized I better go to the doctor and make sure everything is copacetic. Thankfully, they were able to squeeze me in today. He poked and prodded. He believes I just have a sprain. He told me to ice, elevate, rest, and ibuprofen for a week. No teaching Zumba classes for a week. He said we could do a x-ray now or we could wait for a few days if no improvement. But, he didn't think there was anything indicated a break or fracture.

He went ahead and prescribed me a brace for Sunday's Zumba party...I spent a small fortune on the ticket and it would be a great opportunity to learn from some of the greatest Zumba instructors around. Sigh...I'm not sure if I should go....

I'm so thankful it's not too serious. I've never sprained anything before. But, started to freak out a bit when I thought about if it was something worse. 6 months of physical therapy, 3 months of acupuncture, 1 month of chiropractory, countless months of prayer and advil and icing, almost a year (not continuously) of flats (I love my heels - been wearing them since junior high), mri's/xrays/scans - for my knee. And of course, a few months of physical therapy for my shoulder. WHAT IF THIS MORE SERIOUS - I couldn't help but worry. But, then, I went to get fitted for my brace in a custom orthopedic and prosthetic shop. Looked around the room and there were alot of other folks in worse shape...

Hoping for a speedy recovery....Honestly, I'm a bit frustrated, I had hoped to hit (I've been dancing around 138 - plus or minus a pound for weeks) 136 or lower by May 9th..I will be headed back home to OKC for business travel and a day and half for pleasure. I want to look my best but also wanted to enjoy myself....Plus, about 2 weeks after that trip, I have another work event...I will see all my clients I work with remotely daily and all my counterparts...spread across the country. 

Well...somehow, this became a lengthy blog then expected :)

7 Day Streak!

I love my band! A few days this week, I walked a few extra miles/laps to make sure I hit my calorie burning/nike fuel goal....


I gushed about it to my guy friend who uses nike+ to track his runs. He told me to let him know what I think in a month...I can't imagining feeling any differently.....

The List

My list for a potential spouse used to comprise of: 1) Spiritual, 2) Hardworking, 3) Family Oriented, 4) Willing to Try New & Different Things, & 5) Active In The Community - among other things. But, lately, I realized that to that list I also value and want: 6) Physically Fit and 7) Health Conscious.

I don't just want a spouse who tolerates my healthy eating and working out. But, someone who supports and encourages it. Someone who challenges me to new levels. Maybe we could even work out together sometimes...Running a 5K together or going for a hike. I want my kids to embrace being active too. My father ran track in high school and college. He always kept us active - riding bikes in the park, running on the track, flying kites, camping, etc. I want my kids to be active and love it too. My brother, sister, and I all did basketball, cheerleadering, volleyball, or gymnastics. My parents were supportive of all these activities.

I want to be with someone who values the importance of eating right. Eating right enhances energy levels and life quality. Also, longevity -- I want a partner who will be around for the long haul. I want my children to understand the importance of eating healthily. I don't want them to grow up not knowing how to make good choices or struggling with junk food in the house. I'm thankful that my parents raised us with wheat bread, 2% milk, and veggies & fruits. I think they did a pretty good balance most of the time...We also ate pizza, Mcdonalds happy meals, and Braum's ice cream BUT not every once in a while. My brother had some serious life threatening food allergies (that he thankfully grew out of) and we spent plenty of time in health food stores getting some of his specialty food items. 


After workout class a few days ago, my friend and I were chatting. The chat turned to our love lifes. She mentioned that she is hoping to meet the one soon...(actually I am too). But, she said she realized how could she want someone to be fit and her not be too? I told her my list used to have just have nice looking on it. But, now, I want that healthy, strong, and active (too).  

I May Be In LOVE With My Nike Fuel+ Band

I know it's just been a few days...but I'm feeling some kinda way about it!!!!

I finally got my fuelband late Thursday night. I set it up for use for Friday...Setting a goal of 3,000 Nike Fuel Points (Nike's states -- 2,000 fuel points - average day, 3,000 - active day and 5,000 indicates a high-energy day).

Friday was a busy day at work and I spent most of the day working busily at my desk. But, as soon as work was over, I headed to a Zumbathon raising money for Marches for Dimes. It was a blast. Somewhere, in the midst of all the zumba-ing (2 hours worth), I hit my goal!

Saturday, I went and worked out at UHF. Grabbed some breakfast. Then headed to a Zumba class hosted by a locally owned Black firm....A few hundred ladies were in this max capacity free event! It was awesome! AGAIN - Somewhere, in the midst of all the zumba-ing (1 and 1/2 hour), I hit my goal! Later, I went to a kite festival with my sister & nephew - some walking, running, and struggling to get my kite to stay up in the air - I way surpassed my goal.

Sunday, was a very busy day of cleaning, grocery shopping, laundry, babysitting the nephew, & more cleaning. Although I wasn't expecting to, I made goal again today...When you meet your milestone, there are cute animations with the cartoon character celebrating your achievement. My 6 year old nephew loved that just as much if not more than I did. (He also loved watching the points rack up.) The animations are fun to watch and give a sense of accomplishment.

The Nike+ Fuel Band doesn't track sleeping patterns or calories eaten. You can however track your trends through the day, weeks, months, and years. You can also compare to what others are accomplishing...You can see just how many calories are burnt - as well as steps taken. I varied from 1,115 to 1,480 calories burned all day. Workouts varied from 200 calories to 700 or so...

I'm LOVING it. It''ll be cool to actually track just how much activity I am expending everyday - not just guestimating. It's motivating! I feel a greater urge to hit my goal, and, in some cases, beat it! Friday night I worked really hard to hit the goal...It's creates a sense of (greater) accountability. Posting regularly means regular workouts. I'm gonna keep the 3,000 points goal for at least one week. I may need to bump it up some.

Weight Loss Buddies

I am enjoying having some weight loss buddies join me at UHF! I convinced a few friends to try it out this session...

When I decided to get more healthy and active a few years ago, I got to moving - by myself. I would walk or walk/run in mornings. I enjoyed the alone time - alone with my thoughts. I tried a few new classes. Sometimes times I invited friends to join me but didn't wait to experience them if they couldn't join me. I worked with a personal trainer too for several sessions. She had a discounted package for a small group of people but I preferred to work one on one with her. 

Months after I got to goal (more or less), my trainer - who by then had become a friend - invited me to join her to 24 Lift class. I loved it! Afterwards, we walked on the treadmill or stair machine or bikes for about an hour. Soon, we were regularly meeting up for a some type of class and a cardio session afterwards. We would catch up on the latest, talk about our days, or even talk about our health/fitness goals...It was great! 

I learned just how wonderful a workout buddy can be! What work well is that we were compatible - in terms of interests, endurance/ability, and focus. Months later our schedules changed and we weren't able to work out anymore.  :( Working out solo again wasn't as much fun....

Anywhoo, yesterday, my girls and I finished a killer session at UHF! Suicides, lunges, more suicides, more lunges. And, then three rounds of sparing with a partner - deadman lifts w/ a kettlebell - and set of planks/mountain climbers/hip raises/knee strikes. 

After, we were done...I invited them to join me for a walk (a few times a week I power walk or walk/run after class). We had a great time...laughing, sharing, goal planning, etc...and finished 2 miles while we were at it.

Looking forward to the walks to come!!!!

Dear Self...

Now that we are back to a healthy, happy weight; an optimized workout routine - cardio and strength - varied and challenging most days of the week; better balanced healthy eating....

Please remember:

1) Losing Weight Takes Time & Effort -- So, Reduce Small Gains To Minimize Time & Effort

You first read about this in Refuse to Regain and Thin for Life. Weight gain is a part of life. A new job, a vacation, a series of wedding celebrations, an injury, and a myriad of other options can cause a change in your schedule for working out or you plans for healthy eating. You learned not to let the 5 pounds become 10 become 15 and then 20. Things can quickly get out of hand.

You've limited that to no more than 5 to 10 pounds last year. But, even 5 pounds takes works.10 pounds all the more. You refuse to do anything extreme...so losing 10 pounds in 7 days is not an option for you. 10 pounds at a half a pound to two pounds a week takes 5 weeks to 5 months.

Reduce the gains...Stick close to your happy, healthy weight range - 135 to 137.

2) You feel better. strong. proud. beautiful. fit. healthy. confident. unstoppable.

Speaking of your healthy, happy weight- 135 to 137. You feel good at this weight. Really good. Please don't forget. You like your how clothes fit and you have plenty of options in your closet. You have an extra pep in your step.

You like how far you can run, how fast you can do it, how high you jump. You love teaching Zumba. You find new ways to challenge yourself physically with different workouts and you love how that feels. Keep pushing yourself to stay at this weight, activity level, and endurance level - if not, better.

You feel better. strong. proud. beautiful. fit. healthy. confident. unstoppable.

3) Keep your spirit healthy. Keep your mind healthy. Keep your body healthy.

  No need to elaborate.

4) It All Comes Together

Somewhere around week 14 of the renewed focused of the latest leg of this healthy journey, you looked in the mirror and saw results you were pleased with. You had expected them around week 6. You had a similar experience when you first started this thing years ago.

The sweat, the time, the devotion - it pays off.  It all comes together. Eating healthily - fruits, veggies,  whole grains, and dairy - it becomes second nature. Working out - lifting weights and various cardio routines - you just keep getting stronger and better. You just have to take some time & sweat a little each day. Day after day turns into week after week. Weeks to months. Month after month turns to year after year. It pays off.

So, each day do something that gets you all the bit further down this health and fitness road.

If you find yourself, losing motivation - forgetting your focus - out of balance, read this note and remember....

Sporty Afros

http://sportyafros.com/

I stumbled upon this blog several weeks ago written by Alexandria and Whitney and just love it! The blog is about all things health! Specifically, they discuss fitness and hair care for black women.

I've been 'natural' for about 9 months now. Not necessarily on purpose, but, nevertheless I am. I'm wearing my hair straightened. Although, I had contemplated going natural before I stumbled into it - at this time in my life I'm not really interested in taking the plunge. I was going to get a perm last week...as I finally got to a point where I felt like it was getting too much to manage when I realized that I'm just 3 months from it being a year. (I mean that's an accomplishment in and of its self, right ?) So, I'm gonna try to rock this thing for a year.

I'm now at a point where I am almost starting to think twice about certain workouts. I've never really worried about that before. I just got for it in my workouts...A healthy body will lead to happy healthy hair..I am convinced of it. You just have to figure out what works best for you (as far as the intensity and frequency of your workout AND the routine and products for your hair). I've certainly had some not so great hair days...But, I've had more days where I do like my hair (and my body too for that matter).

I wish hair didn't have to be an obstacle for so many black woman - especially in terms of fitness. I love that Whitney and Alexandria are working at creating solutions to help.

The Way To Eat

I was going through old Oprah magazines looking for images for my vision board and stumbled across this article...The Way to Eat by Dr. David Katz.

And it reinforced something I had realized a few weeks or so ago....I was just too busy last year. Working a full time job that involves some travel, teaching Zumba 3 to 4 times a week, babysitting my nephew two nights a week as his mother went to grad school, helping take my nephew and sister to school and work each day as her car broke down and she saved to buy a new one, volunteer work which really operating as a non paid part time job - that took 15 to 20 hours a week, and then life and all that entails.

To make the most of the time I really didn't have, I cut back on my workouts. I also didn't really have time to properly grocery shop and plan my meals. I ate pretty healthy alot of the time..But, I wasn't able to eat as well as I could have with a little more preparation and planning.

Taking the extra time to plan and prepare, allows me to bring in good breakfast and snack options. I generally prefer to eat yogurt, fruit, whole grain English muffin, protein shake, and/or oatmeal in the mornings. I usually get lunch in the cafe a few times a week (I can get things like grilled chicken, turkey burgers, grilled veggies, fresh fruits, and salads) and go out a few days a week (to places like panera bread or subway). But, I like to supplement lunch options with things like fruit, hummus dip & pitas, soup, or carrots/cut veggies. I also travel frequently for work so that gives me the time to shop for and put some healthy food options in my luggage.

Taking that extra time as opposed to winging it or being at the mercy of a venue/host for healthy options is one skill I learned when I was reading about weight maintenance years ago. Of course, another skill was learning on how to find healthy choices no matter the circumstance. However, I realize that the latter is best used during at various circumstances as opposed to day to day.

As, I mentioned yesterday. I am championing myself not to get too busy so that I can't do the things that take care of me....including eating healthy, preparing food, and grocery shopping! I feel so much better inside and out when I do..

How Much Exercise Is Enough?

http://www.thedietchannel.com/AskTheExpert/fitness-exercise/Exercise-and-weight-loss-maintenance-How-much-exercise-is-enough.htm

"Maintaining a lower, healthier body weight is something you can accomplish! Research suggests that overweight women who exercised at least four hours and 40 minutes per week were able to maintain a weight loss of approximately 29 pounds over one and a half years. More importantly, these individuals did not regain weight. However, individuals who exercised less than three hours and 20 minutes per week showed significant weight regain during the same 18-month period.

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 60-90 minutes per day of moderate–intensity physical activity to sustain weight loss for previously overweight people.

Moderate physical activity is roughly equivalent to physical activity that uses approximately 150 calories of energy per day, or 1,000 calories per week."

I saw this article and got to thinking. Last year, I probably spent half of the year exercising less than 3 hours and 20 minutes. I taught my Zumba classes - and that's it. I didn't do any other cardio or strength training. I was just so busy I didn't have alot of free time to do much else. Truly not an excuse - working a full time job, teaching Zumba, babysitting my nephew two nights a week as his mother went to grad school, helping take my nephew and sister to school and work each day as her car broke down and she saved to buy a new one, volunteer work which really operating as a non paid part time job - that took 15 to 20 hours a week, and then life and all that entails. It sounds good...I worked out 3 to 4 days a week...at least half of the days of the week.

I wondering if I should have been surprised to have had weight gain in 2011? The other half when I was exercising more I either saw weight loss or maintained my weight. Although, it's easier said than done...I have championed myself not to ever get so busy juggling so many things that I don't have the time to take of me - especially in terms of exercise (more thoughts about the time it takes to eat healthy in a separate post). It's about more than just weight loss or maintenance. I just feel better too!

I'm shooting to be active 5 to 6 days a week - preferably 6. Though, lately, it's been more like 5 with a couple of 2 hour sessions or twice a days. It's just a good reminder to keep it moving...

The Dilemma

I love working out here. The workouts are challenging, varied, and interesting. Here's a workout we did recently...

I started out working there during a 3 week challenge. I needed to shake up my fitness routine and a friend raved about it. I loved it. But working out there on a regular was a bit much - in terms of the commute, the price, and my schedule.


After the challenging was over, I went back back to working out as normal. But, I loved the workouts there. So, when the owner offered a special six week session for the new year...I jumped at it. But, as those weeks came to end...I still wanted to continue. So, when someone needed to get out of their contract at 2011 rates I snapped up the opportunity to fill out her last 3 months. 


Now as I finished the last 6 week session....I realize I want to continue. I know I sound wishy washy. But, I realize I really like it there. The owner offered me the opportunity to continue the contract for a few more months at the discounted price that the girl who needed to get out of her contract was out when I first signed up. It was a great deal but at the time I didn't think I wanted/needed to train once it ran out.


So, here's the dilemma - to continue to work out there or not. 


Cons: 1) It's a bit of a commute 2) It's kinda time consuming - this is kinda related to the commute but I lose about 40 minutes to an hour because I am working out there. 3) It's kinda expensive (I already have a gym membership and I wouldn't cancel it..I have cheap rates and 24 hours is country wide -- convenient when I travel). 4) $$$ - the extra money I spend on gas and classes I could be spending on other things... 


Pros: 1) I like the owner, the coaches, & many of the other members there, 2) I love the workouts, 3) It's closest I've coming to working out with a trainer without working one on one with a trainer. It's almost as if I am in a small group work out., 4) I love how strong I've become. I love the endurance I've built. I love how my body is looking., 5) The owner, the coaches, and members also pursue other healthy living pursuits and encourage you to join them...like food diaries, 5ks to 1/2 marathons, and martial arts.


So what would you do? Have you faced a similar situation? Can you really put a price on your health and happiness? 


I'm thinking that through the end of the year, I'm gonna work out there. I'm gonna ask the owner if I can still continue to train there for 6 more months at the discounted price. Hopefully, he'll say yes. 

Set Your Sights High.....

—Set your sights high, the higher the better. Expect the most wonderful things to happen, not in the future but right now. Realize that nothing is too good. Eileen Caddy

(vision board -- work in progress)

I've been wanting to work on a vision board for a little over a year...Last year, my sister made one and I loved it. And then a few months later, a coworker finished hers. Then early this year, a friend made created one. Ro is Getting Fit made one. A few weeks later another friend attended a party where the host provided everything needed to make a board...My friend ended up making two...

So, when I sat down to write my the things I wanted to accomplish for 2012, I put create a vision board on the list. A few weeks ago, I had some (much needed) time off from work and sat down to get to work on it. I decided to only use images and statements from magazines. I had a ridiculous stack of magazines I needed to read through and recycle anyway...

 Completely the board took more time than I expected. 1) I finally "read" through the backlog of magazines. 2) Selecting the images, statements, and layout took me forever. But I'm super pleased with the outcome. I decided to put it in a super nice frame (I got lucky and found some great ones 60% at Joann's Fabric's).

I broke my board into sections...Health and Fitness; Love & Family; Travel; Success - Life, Career, & Entrepreneurship; Faith & Spirituality; Giving Back/Volunteering. I actually ended up with another cuttings for two boards. So, I made another one!

I finished the last board up on Thursday! They encompass what I want and what I am working for now and in the future. 

NikeStore.com Order o776638765

After weeks of impatiently waiting for this product to finally launch, I was able to purchase a nike fuel band on Tuesday! The large size band sold out in less than 2 hours - medium size within 24. 

Last year, during my follow-up session with my dietitian, she suggested purchasing a bodybugg to really track just how many calories were associated my day to day activity - including exercise. So...I could more adequately burn calories. I researched the bugg and also the fitbit. I found them interesting but wasn't exactly sold on either one. I loved the idea but not the device. 

When black fitness blog posted about this about a month and half ago, I knew I wanted this right away! I visited the information page and watched a few more of the information videos, but I was really already sold.

 

According to UPS, it's supposed to arrive on Tuesday. I CAN'T wait!!!

Do you have a bodybugg or fitbit or nike fuel? Would you consider buying one?