Happy New Year and Interval Training

I just wanted to wish all of our readers a very happy transition into 2011. I hope all your dreams come true, all of your health goals are met, and you have a fabulous year!

Now, I want to ask you all something. What do you think of interval training? I got some info about it in my WebMD newsletter and being the busy mom that I am, I'm intrigued. This is the first paragraph of the article I read: 

Looking for a challenge? How about a way to drop extra pounds and get in rockin’ shape -- in a minimum amount of time? It’s called interval training and it’s long been the secret of top athletes and their coaches. But, with a little know-how, you can do it, too.

Sounds great, right? Is it too good to be true? Has anyone else ever done something like this?


This has more in-depth descriptions of the exercises that need to be done. I'm really thinking of starting this plan. I have all the tools I need at work (treadmill, bikes, free weights, a separate exercise room, etc.) and can do it at the end of the day when few, if any, people are in the gym (otherwise, I'd feel like a dork doing those jump-squats).

So, let me know what you think. And feel free to list your 2011 health/fitness goals in the comments. We want to know what YOU'RE doing this year!

9 Exercises That Are a Waste of Time

 I hope everyone's having a wonderful Christmas Eve and not going overboard with the holiday cookies. I went ahead and pre-programmed this post in case anyone is reading this week. It's short and sweet. So, here goes...

I get an email newsletter from WebMD and I found one of the links quite interesting.

9 Exercises That Are a Waste of Time

This link showcases popular exercises that are done incorrectly and then gives a picture of the correct way to do those exercises. I guess I never really think about the fact that if you're doing the exercise wrong, it can be ineffective and all your hard work goes to waste. So, take a look and check out the other slideshows they have available on the site.

And MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Back on the Wagon

Okay, so since I have to go back to work on Tuesday after two months of maternity leave and C-section recovery, I figured I might as well utilize the free gym we have on campus. So, I expect you all to keep me accountable. I'm thinking I will walk on the treadmill or do the elliptical on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and use the weight machines on Tuesday and Thursday. I am 15 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight. My first goal is to get back down to that size. My second goal, and I know it might take awhile, is to lose a total of 45 pounds. Yes, this is lofty. Yes, it takes quite a bit of time to lose weight after baby, but I'm tired of feeling lumpy and hippy and flabby. I know that the most important thing is to be healthy and to have energy for my son, but I want to look good, too! I haven't felt good about my body in about five years, so it's about time.

So, would you please do me the honor of prodding me on toward my goal?

P.S. This is the cutest reason to gain 45 pounds. :)

P.P.S. Does anyone know of a good way to track progress for those of us who don't have iPhones?

Abdominal Compression

I can't find much info on this, but I read on the forums on babycenter.com that postpartum belly compression helps to shrink belly fat. I can't afford something fancy like the Belly Bandit, but I have an abdominal compression belt that I bought years ago that I decided to try today. MK had had one in previous years and said it really helps (obviously, he didn't have postpartum belly, but it works for beer gut). I'm not sure how it does, but I really want to shrink this flap of gut over my C-section incision.

But like I said, this isn't just for those who have had a baby. I think it works for anyone who has a not-so-flat tummy. I got mine for pretty cheap at Wal-mart and figure it's worth a try. I'll keep everyone posted.