Who the hell are ya?
Well, you’ve spent some time on my site, reading what I’ve had to say and viewing things that I’ve shared … I guess it’s time to learn a little about me and my fitness and health journey.
So … here it goes.
(BEFORE & AFTER)
My name is Danielle, I am a 22 year old senior at Temple University. I will be graduating in January with a BBA (Bachelors of Business Administration) in Marketing and a minor in Management Information Systems. I was born, and grew up in New York. The summer after my sophomore year in High School my parents, two brothers and I moved to good ol’ PA. I finished out H.S. here and began my Freshman year at Temple University.
Oh yeah and that girl up there … that’s me.
I come from a family of very thin people. I never, ever had to worry about my weight. I woke up and had pop-tarts for breakfast, cookies for lunch, a hefty dinner (usually of something greasy) and then either ice-cream or leftovers for dessert. People always told me that someday it would catch up with me and I never believed them … STUPID MOVE.
The summer after my freshman year in college I went on medication for anxiety. This is when it all went downhill. Little did I know that the medication I was on happened to cause weight gain in some people. By my junior year, one year later, I had gone from my 115 pound, little body to an excessive 150 pounds. For a girl that’s just barely over 5 foot that does not lay well.
For a long period of time I was in denial, after the weight finally set in I moved to shame and embarrassment and eventually to anger. After going through these stages I finally decided that I wanted to do something about it. July 1st (the summer after my junior year) I started on a weight-loss program. I worked harder that summer than I’ve ever had to work for anything in my entire life. But I stayed focused on what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be. I pictured my old, tiny body in a bikini and ignored the voices telling me “you don’t need to work out today” and “how good would a nice juicy steak taste?” and pushed forward. I continued my intense weight loss regime through the duration of my senior year.
I’m proud to say that by July 1st of my senior year, just one year after starting on this path I was 120 pounds; 30 pounds lighter in just one year!
Accomplished, proud, motivated, sexy; I felt so many amazing things. But it wasn’t long before I sunk back into my old habits. By September 1st I was 128 pounds. It doesn’t sound like much but 8 pounds in 2 months is quite a lot … especially on my body. I’ve been working hard and have finally met my goal of 115 pounds. It’s something that I still struggle with, it’s constant hard work and dedication that is always on my mind.
That is what made me want to start this blog. Health and fitness isn’t something you do and then it’s over. It’s something that you consistently have to work at. And if anyone else is struggling like I am, I figure this site would be a nice place to go. Trying to lose weight and remain healthy is tough, it’s like a roller-coaster and support is always a great thing to have. I was lucky enough to have a great support system around me and I guess I’d like to share that with you. It’s helpful to lean on someone who knows what it’s like to struggle.
So readers, know that you’re not alone and there are people who understand. You’re going to face a lot of challenges, and a lot of ups and downs. It won’t be easy … but I promise it will be worth it.
25 Reasons why YOU should be exercising
Over the past few months I’ve come across a vast number of articles discussing why exercise and fitness is good for you. I thought it would be a good idea to assemble these articles into a list of 25 reasons why you should be exercising. I think it even surprised me just how many positive effects exercise has on our bodies.
1) Keeps Cancer at Bay – Article
Reduces Cancer Risk & Increases Survival – Article
Slows tumor growth – Article
Keep breast cancer at bay – Article 1, Article 2
2) Fights cellulite – Article
3) May help improve test scores – Article
4) Keeps you young and fights aging – Article 1, Article 2
5) Increases fertility – Article
6) Improves depression – Article 1, Article 2, Article 3, Article 4
7) Helps prevent/fight osteoporosis – Article 1, Article 2
8 ) It busts our body toxins – Article
9) Boosts blood supply – Article 1, Article 2
10) Helps respiratory patients – Article
11) Drug-Free Migraine Prevention – Article
12) It’s good for your heart -
Reduces mens heart attack risk – Article
Protects heart from injury – Article
13) Boost vitamin D – Article
14) Strengthens your brain – Article 1, Article 2, Article 3, Article 4
Diminishes brain fatigue – Article 1, Article 2
15) Improves your mood – Article
Especially for women – Article 1, Article 2, Article 3
16) Helps with arthritis -Article 1, Article 2, Article 3
17) Improves your sex life – Article
18) Increases productivity at work – Article
19) Helps pregnant women keep babies safe – Article
20) Improves diabetic symptoms – Article
21) Helps teen smokers quit – Article 1, Article 2
22) Helps beat high blood pressure – Article
23) Builds kids bones – Article
24) May reduce dementia and Alzheimer’s risk – Article 1, Article 2, Article 3
25) Relieves Stress – Article 1, Article 2
Oh yeah .. and DUH it helps you lose weight.
Now why would you ever NOT exercise?
Photo Credit: Google
BMI?
You may or may not have heard the term “BMI”. BMI stands for Body Mass Index and it is a measure of a humans body fat based on an individuals height and weight. Your BMI is not necessarily one hundred percent accurate due to differences in bone density, size, etc but it does give you a pretty good idea of where you stand.
Using a BMI calculator I was able to establish my goal weight and work towards getting there. I thought it may help you do the same.
Here is an example of the different levels of BMI and what they mean:
Chart Credit: BMICalculator
If you’d like to figure out your BMI and figure out where you stand feel free to use this chart:
Chart Credit: NHLBI
Now you’ve figured out where your body stands and you’re on your way to figuring out where you want to be!
Looking to re-vamp your exercise routine?
If you’re starting to get bored with your exercise routine or have stopped seeing results it may be because you need to re-vamp your exercise routine!
The following clip demonstrates new exercises or new twists to old exercises that may help in your routine.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG02Mn9DYDk[/youtube]
Here is a description of the work out moves and which areas they work:
1 ) CHEST
Push up and Fly in one – works the inside and outside part of your chest at the same time
2 ) ARMS
Static Curl – puts more tension on your biceps and doesn’t allow them to rest
3 ) SHOULDERS
Shoulder Press with a Twist – the twist works different sides of your shoulder muscles instead of just the one you are used to with shoulder press
4 ) LEGS
Jump squat – Builds your resistance while squatting
5 ) ABS
V Roll-up – Works the top part of your abs with the bottom at the same time
Thanks to Mark for all of your help!
Music Credit: Vevo
Lose It!
Review of a Social Media/Weight Loss Website
With the increase of online weight loss programs as well as the increase of social media it was only a period of time before both of these were combined. “Lose it!” is an example of the merge of these two worlds.
I’m quite familiar with Lose it. This web-site was vital in helping me lose weight over the past year and a half. Lose it! allows you to track your food and exercise to ensure that you stay within your daily calorie budget. I know what you’re thinking … this isn’t anything new! Well the next part is. This website allows you to link up with other users to motivate each other on your weight loss journeys.
When you log into your account you are brought to a screen in which you may add your food intake and exercise for the day. The site tells you how many calories you are allowed to eat that day based on your weight, height, gender, activity level, goal weight and how quickly you’d like to use that weight. When you enter your daily food and activities it tells you how many calories you have left.
On the right side of your screen it tracks your calories and weight loss over a period of time, days/weeks/months. If you scroll down to the bottom of your screen it lists all of your friends on the site. If you don’t have any friends it states “Did you know that 92% of users with 3 or more friends lose weight with Lose It!?” to motivate you to add friends.
Once you add friends you are able to view their goals and their weight loss progress. You have the option of sending them motivating messages in order to help them to lose more weight. You may also share your progress with them and let them know when you’re needing a little extra motivation.
Another positive aspect of this site is that it includes a “Forums” section in which you can read what others are saying and post yourself. It’s a great area to be able to interact with others who are struggling in the same way that you are and help each other.
Along the top there is also a section called “motivators” in which you can request additional support from your peers. There is also a section in which you can share your progress on Twitter or Facebook. By sharing your progress it helps make your weight loss move along by knowing that others are watching and rooting you on.
I think the coolest part of this website is that it also has an app! I used the Lose It! app for the iPhone the most throughout my weight loss and I honestly owe a lot of my success to it. I was able to track everything I ate AS I ate it so it helped me to avoid grabbing that extra cookie or eating something that wasn’t in my calorie allowance for the day.
I believe that this website is both a great social media tool and a weight loss tool and I would definitely recommend it to anyone!
Image Credit: Lose It!
Pushy Friend with a Point
We’re all filled with excuses as to why we are unable to exercise. What you need is reasons why those excuses are flawed. It’s time to stop fighting it, and finding reasons why you are unable and start doing it!
Check out this cute animation with Charlie and Bob. It may turn out that Pushy Charlie DOES have a point!
GoAnimate.com: Pushy Friend Has A Point by lilmizzdee89
Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It’s free and fun!
As annoying as he is … I’m starting to think he’s the cats pajamas too!
A 62 year old who can (literally) swim circles around you.
So I know all of my posts have been featuring a person lately but I thought this post was appropriate due to the fact that she’s back in the water!
Don’t know what I’m talking about? Well, have you heard of Diana Nyad? Diana Nyad is a 62 year old swimmer who is currently attempting to swim 103 miles straight from Cuba to Florida. She has tried this swim before and has not yet succeeded but she refuses to fail. At 62 years old she is re-attempting a swim that no one, not even herself has been able to complete.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr2YdslHqsU[/youtube]
Through my internship I have had a lot of exposure with Diana Nyad’s Xtreme Dream story. We, at ChatterBlast Media, have even had the privilege of working on her social media accounts. If you haven’t heard about her definitely take this chance to learn all about her and her story. She’s an amazing woman who has such strength, positivity, and motivation to never, ever give up!
Go Diana!
UPDATE: Unfortunately after suffering several Man of War stings, a shark siting and a host of other problems Diana’s doctors recommended she leave the water. After 67 miles (7 miles more than her last attempt) Diana left the water. After exiting the water Diana was, not surprisingly, still inspiring. She stated that she was not disappointed because “isn’t life about determining your own finish line?” – Diana Nyad.
Photo Credit : Diana Nyad
Tips from a Fitness Trainer
Today, I’d like to introduce you all to Gavin McKay, a fitness trainer at Fusion: Heart Muscle Mind. Gavin founded Fusion after years of experiencing a mass of sports, martial arts, fitness regimens, distance races, yoga, and meditation all over the world.
At Fusion, they believe that you must keep not only your body healthy but your mind and heart as well. In order to keep yourself truly healthy and fit you must focus on every bit of your body, the whole package.
I spoke to Gavin and asked him if he could put together a list of his top 15 fitness tips. I’ve decided to share them with you today.
- Find an exercise program that has structure and a timeline to follow
- Try a detox or cleanse to start becoming more mindful of how food effects your mind and body
- Address eating habits one at a time versus all at once, i.e. don’t make it an all or nothing situation
- Try some new form of exercise to get you inspired, new always motivates
- Navigate towards healthy fit people, it will rub off. The same is true of unhealthy people, it rubs off
- Ensure your exercise is balanced including cardio, strength and flexibility
- Don’t go at it alone, do group exercise, running clubs, buddy system, etc.
- Find ways to be active every week, even on vacation. Biking, running is a great way to explore a city
- Fitness is an individual thing, trial and error to see what works best for you
- Don’t psych yourself out, it is not as hard as you think to work out regularly and eat well, it is a gift to yourself
- Clean out all the processed crap from your house, all of it!
- Stop going for fast food, use it only in a jam
- Grocery shop every week
- Balance your meals as much as possible with veggies, carbs, fats, and protein
- To burn fat cut back on processed carbs and increase vegetables
By following these fifteen tips you’ll be able to get started on your way to a healthy life. Getting started on a fitness regimen can be tough but with the right information and proper support it will be just a little bit easier.
If you are in the Philadelphia area I highly recommend checking out his gym. It is definitely one of a kind! Here is the website.
Facebook: Fusion: Heart Muscle Mind
Twitter: @FusionPhilly
Good luck everyone!
“I got it from my momma”?
Today, I’m doing a post entirely on a 44 year old wife and mother of three whose life revolves around health and fitness. She is a spectacular, determined, healthy, beautiful woman who got tired of being unhappy with her body and wouldn’t stand for it anymore. She took the initiative, got the tools she needed and grabbed the bull by the horns. It was one of the greatest decisions and accomplishments of her life so far.
I plan to give you an in-depth look at who this woman is and how she got on the path to achieving her goals. I hope this post will show you that health and fitness is achievable at any time and any age. If you have the dedication and motivation to do it then it is in your reach. Take the initiative to start and jump right in!
I’d like to introduce you to Diane Archer, my mom!
Here’s Diane’s story:
Life can be hard and with three kids, a husband and a full time job, it seemed that everyday was a new challenge. Each day rolls into the next and before you know it, you’re 13 years older, 20 pounds heavier and well…… just plain unhealthy.
When I lost my job, I became very introspective about my life and the lack of quality “me” time. It really all began with a look in the mirror. I was staring at a woman I didn’t recognize, and worse, a woman I didn’t want to get to know. I needed to do something. I had seen the “Beach Body” infomercials on TV all the time, but never thought they would work or that I would be able to do that kind of exercise. One day, feeling desperate and hopeless, I caved and decided to give it a try. I ordered “Turbo Jam” with Chalene Johnson. Since that program arrived in the mail, I’ve never looked back. The exercises were challenging, but being in the comfort of my own home, I was not afraid to try and fail a couple of times (which I did!), but I did not give up.
I am now 44 years old and proud to say, I am in the best shape of my life. If someone would have told me 5 years ago that I would be exercising, strength training and running in 5k’s, I would have told them they were crazy. Today I am on my third cycle of P90X, I still do my Turbo JAM DVDs religiously and am so ready to push myself to my limits with the newest challenge of P90X2!! Why? I love to surpass what I never thought was possible in the first place. People told me “you’ll never be able to do P90X”. You know what.. I proved them wrong, 3 times over. It’s time for you, to prove to yourself, YOU CAN DO IT!!! Dig deep and find that commitment within yourself to learn to love your body again.
A collection of photos before, during, and after the implementation of her exercise and fitness routine.
Diane’s Stats:
Weight: Before – 120 After – 105
I took a few minutes to sit down and interview Diane to give you a little more insight into who she is and how she does what she does.
What did you find to be your biggest struggle in your path to weight loss?
- The biggest struggle for me was my eating habits. I ate a lot of junk and alot of sugar!
What is something you still struggle with today?
- I still struggle with my sweet cravings. I have found healthy replacements that do satisfy me though. I’ve fallen in love with the chocolate Shakeology drinks.
At what point did working out stop being a hassle and become something you look forward to?
- When I started to see results and feel the passion for staying fit. It was incredibly motivating to see the changes I’d been working so hard for.
What is your favorite work out?
- Plyometrics. Probably one of the hardest workouts, but boy do you feel great when you’re done!
How do you get yourself motivated on days where you really don’t feel like working out?
- I push through that feeling by reminding myself how far I’ve come to get to this point and also reminding myself of the rewards I reap by sticking with it.
What do you do on days when a workout is just not possible?
- When a workout is not possible, I do not beat myself up over it. Let’s face it….things happen. As long as I get right back on track as soon as I possibly can, no harm done. I also may pay a little more attention to what I eat for the day.
I know you listen to music while working out, give us a few of your favorite songs from your playlist?
- Gosh I have no clue about names! My husband and son help put a playlist together for me. I find it nearly impossible to workout without some type of music in my ear (as long as it’s fun and upbeat), no matter what it is!
What would be one word of advice you have for people struggling with their health and weight loss?
- One word: COMMIT!
I know you’re working to help people get themselves into shape. Could you tell us a little about what you do, the products you offer, your site, and how people could get in touch with you if they have questions?
- I became a Team Beach Body Coach to help others to get on track for a fit and healthy lifestyle. I am proud of my accomplishments and I want to be part of yours. I want to root for you, I want to motivate you and I want to share in every “Oh my gosh, I lost another 2 lbs!” So if you’re ready to COMMIT, GET FIT, and STAY FIT, come Rev It Up With Dee! I’ll help you get there…..and you’ll have fun doing it. Whether you are a beginner who has never exercised a day in your life or a seasoned pro who is looking to step it up to the next level, I can fit you with a program that will help you accomplish your goals. I also have nutrition and supplement products to maximize your efforts. I use an awesome meal replacement called Shakeology and this is, no doubt, my healthiest meal of the day. It helps with everything from weight loss (if you use it as intended….as a meal REPLACEMENT), increased stamina, improved digestion, healthier hair, skin, nails, etc because it is filled with vitamins and nutrients. Quite frankly, the chocolate Shakeology is my “UNguilty” pleasure, if there is such a word. For those of you getting into intense strength training, I offer Recovery Shakes, protein drinks, etc. If you visit my website, you can see the wide variety of nutrional products and supplements I offer to get you on your way to a healthy and fit life. Go to www.RevItUpWithDee.com or call me at (610)573-9216 so that I can become part of your goals and successes. I will help you get there!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rev-It-Up-With-Dee/222459107806976
Follow me on Twitter: @RevItUpWithDee
I’d like to thank Diane for giving us a glimpse into her life and inspiring all of us by letting us know that our fitness goals are within reach. You’re quite an amazing woman, Mom!
Photo Credit: Diane Archer
Danielle M Jensen
steven.l.johnson@gmail.com