Monday, November 30, 2009

Thanksgiving Walking and Week of Fitness Takes no Holidays!

What a week.  The leader of Fitness Takes No Holiday is Tracy.  As of now it looks like she is going to win 2 back to back challeneges.  With only a few weeks left, can anyone catch her.  remember you get an extra point for being first to class.

It was a wacky week.  I backed and baked (helped a friend with her desserts too) and cooked a lot.  But in the end I did not overeat and the next day we had a great post thanksgiving workout, I was kidless which was nice for one hour!

Julianna began to walk, sort of.  she stands behind Joey's little chairs or his shopping cart and pushes them as she walks down the hall until she hits a wall and then falls on her butt.  thank good for diapers and the extra padding.  Then she gets up on the other side of what she was pushing and does it again.  It is great to watch.  I have lots of video.  Wednesday while I was prepping for Thanksgiving and Joey was with daddy she did it for 45 minutes, it was so much fun to watch, I forgot about what I was doing, but worth the delay in my plans.  She will be chasing Joey and the other StrollerFit kids soon enough, then help me!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Kids say the darnest thing and tales from a crazy StrollerFitclass

I am experiencing the things Joey says and am amazed on a daily basis what he knows.  Yesterday, we were talking about sharing with Juliannan and his friends.  He told me he has one firend - Emily.  When I asked about her sister Carissa he said, no she is Emily;'s big sister like I am juju's big brother, not my friend!.  I can't believe he knows that and can relate the two.

Now today at Strollerfit, things were a little crazy.  It was raint and cold and all the boys wanted to do while we were warming up is run around at RBI's so we let them.  When we started to move they still did not want to be int he strollers, so they played on one side and we worked out with the babies on the other.  It was funny to watcxh evan 3, Joey 2 and Christopher 18 m, play and follow each other into all kinds of games and trouble.

The boys wsaw us line up for line runs and they joined us.  then we did a stroller obstacle course and they again followed us, doing kicks and high knees and the funniest was them trying the football runs.  The best part was when we went to get water and they all got there drinks and Evan says "Mom I am tiured, that was hard wark."  We laughed and his moms tracy's response was priceless,  she said "Your tired?  Wait til you are 40 years oild kid!"

Then they all joined us for wall squats, 10 seconds in, Evan falls to the floor and says "That's hard"  It was hysterical. 

My favorite part was while we stretched, Christopher decided to sit in a chair, and scooted so far back, his butt went through the back and he got caught by hsi legs, he was fine and was laughing, he wanted to do it again, when his mom Jesy got him out.  The rest of us had to laugh it was funny.  We then promptly put the chair away.

After our hot momas challeneg the StrollerFit moms have become competitive on 2 things planks and wall squats.  I am adding side planks to the challeneg and we are going to test our selves and see who can hold them the longest in proper form at the end of the Fitness takes NO Holiday's challenge.  The winner will get a cool prize from a local business.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring at Mommymuscle sculpt.  I am thinbking of giving the boys a nin weighted bar to do the MMS moves and see what happens.

And The Winner Is......

It was an amazing challenege an the ladies of the Blackstone Valley strollerFkit worked hard for 8 weeks, in class and at home and the results showed.  Measurements dropped, times increased and skills got even better.  This is one amazing group of "Hot Mamas"

In the end it was close, but there can be only one winner............

Congrats Tracy -
the increase in pushups and situps helped!

Ladies keep up the GREAT work!  I can not wait to see who wins the Fitness takes NO Holiday Challenge, right now it is very close!

Monday, November 23, 2009

and the winner is...

Today is the last day of the Hot Mamas Challenge.  the measurements will be taken and the agility will be tested.  Who will win?  We will see.

We are also holding the Fitness takes no Holiday Challenge.  Starting Monday, November 30, 2009 we will be competing against all the StrollerFit Franchises across the Nation for the best class attendance.  Lets rock this out of the ball park!!!! 

For our local Challenge, Tracy won last week.  Congrats Tracy!  Jen and Jesy are close on her heals.  Can they beat her this week?  Bonus points - bring a homemade healthy snack to class on tuesday for an extra point and I posted another challenge for Tuesday, fulfill both and get 3 bonus points!

A New Holiday tradition for the Fishers and Some StrollerFit Friends

On Saturday, Joey, Julianna, Scott and I went with The Klein's (Emily, Carlos & Jose - Stan was working) to Newport, RI. to ride the Polar Express, run by the Newport Dinner Train.  It was an amazing experience.  We took the 4:15 train and I am glad we went then, instead o later.  It was still light out, which allowed the kids to see the tracks, the signals and the other trains.  If it had been dark we would have missed Joey pointing ou all the great things he saw.

The played the Story of the Polarexpesson the train and acted out some of the scenes and songs, including taking the ticket and the Hot Chocolate Song.  We all got Hot Chocolate, a cookie (Which Julianna wore rather than ate) and the kids got a tatoo and Santa gave them all the bell from the movie.

Joey loves his bell and has taken it with him everywhere including to bed for the last 2 days.

We plan to make this part of our holiday tradition and go every year theweekend before thanksgiving and hope next year we hope more of the Strollerfit familes will join us on the Polar Expess!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Natiuonal Mommymuscle 8 Week Challenge

Since September The StrollerFit Blacktone Valley Moms have been challenging them selves to be healthy and fit.  Nationally StrollerFit will start an 8 Week Mommymuscle Challenge in January and I hope you will all participate.  The mommymuscle® 8 week challenge presents the opportunity for moms to witness MEASURABLE changes in their bodies. Your strength, balance, flexibility, and aerobic conditioning will all improve with dedicated participation in this challenge!


As women influenced by each other, society, and Hollywood, we often live with poor body image and low self esteem. Add into that mix raging hormones, weight gain, and physical de-conditioning that all take place during the child bearing years, and many of us can't stand to look in the mirror. We sometimes believe that pregnancy has ruined our bodies. We tell ourselves that we will never be the same, and judge ourselves by the size of the clothes we are now wearing, as well as the ones we can't wear.

For almost a decade, many moms can stay in this place of distrust and disappointment in their bodies, feeling like a failure and wondering why they can't seem to "get it together" like some women they know.
HOW IT WORKS
The mommymuscle® 8 week challenge begins January 18, 2009. During the first two weeks of January, you will make an appointment with me before a StrollerFit® class to take a fitness assessment in the areas of cardiovascular conditioning, core strength, agility, muscular strength, and flexibility. During StrollerFit® classes, we will progress through a series of exercises specifically designed to improve your performance in each of these areas. It is recommended that you come to class at least twice (and preferably three times) per week. However, if that does not work with your schedule, I will have homework cards!
THE INVESTMENT IN YOUR HEALTH
What all participants receive:

* fitness assessment at the beginning and end of the 8 week period.

* a series of progressive exercises specifically designed to improve cardiovascular conditioning, core strength, agility, muscular strength, and flexibility. (simialr but much more specific then the "Hot Mamas Challenege"

* "homework cards" to supplement your class attendance

* motivational emails

*a mommymuscle bar (retail $53)

The Cost:
Current members: $59 (If you have a muscle bar the fee is $30)

Returning members: $149 (includes UNLIMITED StrollerFit® classes during the 8 week period)
New members: $199 (includes mommymuscle® balls, 2 resistance bands, water bottle, heavy duty nylon bag, and 8 weeks of UNLIMITED StrollerFit® classes during the 8 week period)

My child has an office

Until Joey was 2 he did not watch a lot of TV or movies.  He played well by himself and I did not see a need to turn it un, except for our morning ritual of GMA. 

Anyway lately he has been saying funny things.  For instance yesterday, he was asked by Scott to help clean up and he told scott "Please get out of my office."  I could mnot help laughing, nor figure out where that came from.  About 5 hours later he was playing in the playroom and he had Ratatouille on, there is a scene where the chef tells the rat "Little chef" to get out of my office."

Many days I think the movies are on for noice, because he rarely sits and watches a movie, he usually plays on the floor when any DVD is on and looksup sometiumes, but I guess he is listening.

so the moral of this story is watch what you say and watch what you play for your children, they could say a lot worse then "Get out of my office." 

I wonder if I put my Restore the Core DVD on while he is playing, will he begin to coach me and do the moves? He already likes to pretend he is doing strollerfit moves at home with his shopping cart.

tuesday bonus points for my StrollerFit moms participating in the "Fitness Takes no Holidays Challenge"  -  wear a shirt with a funny saying..

Thursday, November 19, 2009

The gift of Good Health

I just read an email about the top ten reason's why to give the gift of exercise for the Holiday's.  This started me thinking.  The moms that come to Strollerfit already know it is a great workout so lets sheare it with our friends.  Bring a friend to class before the end of Fitness takes No holiday Challeneg and get a bonus point.  If they join receive 5 ponus points and if they purchase a deluxe enrollment kit or a muscle bar receive 5 more bonus points and for each of these things be entered into a raffle for a free massage!!

Any new members that join between November 20 and December 31 will receive a free gift and if they join at the first class they attend, they will also receive 25% off the joining fee!! I am also offering gift certificates for the holidays, see Cari for additional details.

Here are the 10 reasons to share with your friends. 

10 reasons to give the gift of exercise this holiday season

1. SWINE FLU- within 24 hours of exercise you have more immune cells with which to fight off germs

2. THE (regular) FLU- within 24 hours of exercise your immune cells are functioning at a higher level and give you more protection against germs

3. THE ECONOMY - it is much cheaper to exercise and stay healthy than it is to miss days at work, pay DR office co-pays and pay for medication!

4. THE ECONOMY - maintaining a healthy weight saves us money at the gas pump.. the more weight we carry, the more gas our own cars use to get us from point a to b!

5. JOB SECURITY - exercise increases blood flow to the brain by almost 400% in the hours post exercise, making us more alert and giving clarity of thought. A lunch time workout at their desk with the muscle bar can help improve their efficiency at work and help someone rise to the top of their field!

6. MUSCLES ARE SEXY- everyone could use a self-esteem boost, and when we like what is looking back in the mirror can help us start each day off right!

7. SLEEP! Regular exercise can increase the amount of serotonin our body's produce, this is our happy hormone that also helps us improve our sleep habits. Who do you know that doesn't need more sleep?

8. HAPPINESS! Read number 7 again... who couldn't use an increase of happy hormones?

9. LESS STRESS - exercise flushes cortisol- our stress hormone, we all need less stress.

10. LOVE - It doesn't come in cookies, nor can it be opened on Christmas Day.. but when you give someone a tool that can help transform their lives, you have loved.

I have one to add to the list, by working out, you can help yourself not be that person who gain the average 4 pounds throughout the Holiday season!!!!!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Hot Mamas Challenge

So it is wednesday and the challenge will be over next monday!  The homework will be emailed in a few minutes but I just read another email that made me think about all of the Hot Mamas that come to StrollerFit...  For those that were at Mommymusclesculpt today with Stan, you will understand since I am others almost p'd in there pants.

Did you know.....

Many women experience bladder control issues during and post pregnancy.  MaryBeth Knight from StrollerFit writes that our babies are cute, but do we have to suffer?  NO!

The pelvic floor, or a weak pelvic floor is the reason for this problem.  If the pelvic floor loses strength then the bladder loses control!

Did you know there are 2 types of muscles in your pelvic floor?  One is the slow twitch whose job is to support the pelvis for long periods of time, just like your claf muscle that allows you to stand for a long period of time. 

The fast twitch fibers found in the pelvic floor, and these fibers act as an "extra closing force"  to prevent leakage from the bladde4r when you sneeze, laugh, cry, lift heavy objects or have to "hold it" until you find a bathroom nearby.  It is these muscles that can be damaged and forced to become inactive during and after childbirth.

The fast twitch fibers of the pelvic floor fire as a reflex.  Meaning, you don't think about contracting them, you just do it.  Before childbirth, if you had to sneeze, these fibers contracted before you sneezed to prevent leakage.  However childbirth and something called "reflex inhibition" can render these muscle useless after childbirth.

Reflex inihibition is a protective reaction the body has towards injury. Your pelvic floor muscles were injured during delivery, if allowed tobe called into action before they healed from the birth, further damage to them could have taken place. Therefore, to allow them to heal, the body shut them down... but what happens to a muscle when it isn't used for a long period of time? We lose it!

This is exactly why we HAVE to retrain the pelvic floor, and every other muscle that was mistreated, underused or overused during pregnancy!

Not only does pregnancy and childbirth weaken the pelvic floor, but so does being overweight! Every extra pound that a woman carries is felt by her pelvic floor. Extra weight causes the pelvic floor muscles to fatigue and increase the risk of incontinence.

When Marybeth created Restore the Core ALL of this information was taken into consideration. It is why we place a the mommymuscle fit 'n fun balls between our knees and squeeze them!

Women all over the country are able to run, jump, sneeze and hold it! If you or someone you know has these issues, RTC can solve them! (but only as long as they CONTINUE to perform the exercises) the issues will return after a few months on not exercising the muscles!

If you want to increase your ability to regain the fast twitch reflex, add 10 quick squeezes of the ball into one of your tabletop moves! THis quick pulsing on the ball will awaken the fast twitch fibers!

Hope that gives you some insight into why RTC really helps with bladder control and stress incontinence! And another reason you shoudl hget up on saturday at 8 AM and join us for Restore the Core!

I hope this gives you something to think about. 

Fitness takes no Holiday Bonus points, come to Restore the Core Saturday and get 5 bonus points. 

A fun Blog to Check Out

Wendi in California blogged about a great website.   You should check out Tracy on the cheap? Super cute blog, with fashionable outfits for all occasions..re-done to be affordable for a real person. Check out her latest entry with an adorable workout outfit...featuring the mommymuscle thermal.

http://tracyonthecheap.blogspot.com/2009/11/mommy-muscles.html

You too can have your own mommymuscle thermal, s-xl order by email or give me a shout!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Week 2 Winner

Congrats to Tracy for taking the lead with her matching outfit last week.

This week I am going to incorporate a lot of new moves with the Mommymusclebar (the muscle bar for the dads that join us) and make you work extra hard on getting lean muscle to help burn the fat!

Stay tuned this week, I am going to blog new moves to try at home and for you to demo at class for bonus points fir the Fitness takes No Holiday's Challenege too.

Check out themusclebar on facebook, become a fan and take a sneak peak at some of the moves shown on the face book link to youtube http://www.youtube.com/themusclebar

If you want a bar, I have a few and DVD's still to sell, on sale thru the holidays with a DVD.  Let me know

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

My crazy day and night with the Strollerfit Moms and my kids!

Tuesday was a busy day.  First I ran errands with the kids.  Then I took them to StrollerFit.  The weather was beautiful and we had class poutside again, yeah!!!  Then I quickly went home, feed them, because they were hungry (it did not matter that were on our way to lunch, their belly's spoke and they were hungry).  SO I took a quick shower and off we went.

I was excited to meet some of the StrollerFit Moms at Daily Bread in Whitinisville and am glad it has reopened.  They closed to restructure in August and it was a sad day.  Joey and I love the bread and sandwiches.  We all got food and then went down the street for a picnic.  It was fun to watch the kids run (and crawl) around.  It was another warm day for November. 

Then we picked Joey's friend Emily up from School and we played outside while we waited for her sister Carissa to get off the bus.  Joey loves the bus.

After I made Scott, Joey and Julianna dinner I went with Jennifer and Jesy for a moms night out.  We went Early incase Jennifer's Husband had issues getting Bryce to bed.  The plan was to go to "The Citizen" in Worcester and have wine, cheese and chocolate.  And we did.  The food was great the bartender was fantastic.  He made great Mocktails for Jen and Jesy.  Bryce went to bed with little issue and we stayed out til 10.  But I warmed then  we would be working it off on wednesday.

Wednesday was a 2 1/2 workout day.  I had a special StrollerFit class in the morning for the teachers who were off.  then I went with Joey to a new sports class which I helped with. Then in the Afternoon I taugh Mom n tot yoga and Mommymusclesculpt and I definatley made the ladies work off last nights goodies.

For the Fitness Takes No Holiday's Challeneg - Here is a bonus - come to class on friday wearing a shirt that matches your childs (color not design) and get a point, if your whole outftit (pants, shirt and socks match) get 2 bonus points.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

2 challenges are going strong and a new one on the horizon

In September we started the Hot Mamas Challenge, which will end right before Thanksgiving.  I have been assigning home work based on fitness and food.  I think the moms that are participating are working hard and looking like Hot Mamas. 

StrollerFit Central has created a "Fitness takes NO Holidays" Challnege tat around the country will start the week of Thanksgiving.  I decided t start right after Halloweeen to battle the candy and get my moms motivated with fun challenegs like the Sesame Street oneI did last thursday.  Keep reading the blog, follow me on twitter or facebook to see new challenges.  We will participate in the attendance portion of the Strollerfit Central Cahlleneg, the Strollerfit that has the highest attendance and the one with the most new members will will  prize from central.  I know we can have the highest attendance percentage if my moms put their minds to it and if the kids stay healthy with this weaher.  We have had runny noises, coughing, sneezing and one of the families has pnemonia.  I challenge my StrollerFit Moms to bring friends.  The mom who brings the most friends who join will will a great sweatshirt on top of all the other great prizes for th "Fitness takes NO  holidays" challenge.

This weeks winner is:


a Tie between Jesy and Tracy

Way to go ladies.  lets see what will happen next week.  Bonus points for them member who comes to class all 6 days, including Saturday's Restore the Core. 2 points for every attendee of Restore the Core for the whole challenge.


Lastly,  I am working on the upcoming StrollerFit national "Mommymuscle Challenge" coming in January.  It will help us all get off to a goodstart in the new year.  Information coming soon....Keep tuned in for details.

Friday, November 6, 2009

StrollerFit and Sesame Street

I posted a challenge to my StrollerFit moms and have to say I love when they get creative!  My challenge was in honor of Sesame Street turning 40, They needed to wear something or have the kids in something with Sesame Street.

Tracy did nto have anything so she put Sesame Street Stickers all over her shirt, wish I had a camera to get a photo, it was great.

Keep reading to see the upcoming bonus challenges.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

A few tips for My Fellow StrollerFit Moms

Again, I had a few minutes tonight to sit and read the blogs and tweets from other StrollerFit owners.  Here is a few great tips that I wanted to share:

1.  As a Mom you MUST take time for yourself.  We all take care of the kid(s), the hubby, the animals, the house and anything else we can.  We sometimes even have a moment to help a friend in need, even if it is to make them laugh when they are sad.  I know my Strollerfit and Restore the Core moms come to class to have an hour to take care of themselves.  Some do it for fitness, some do it to get out of the house and be with other moms who are going thru what they are and who will understand whatever they are going thru and others come for many different reasons.  But whatever reason you come, keep coming thru the holidays when life gets busy.  But remember you need to take time for yourslef, if it is not at class, then read a book while the baby is naping or chat with a friend, or bundle the kids and go for a long walk.  Whatever you do, please remember to take sometime for yourself daily.

I spoke to a mom today who said she needs to get out of the house and be around others.  She is having a rough time being home with her child all day.  I reminder her, even if Strolelrfit does not fit her schedule, call or send an email, to meet for walks or lunch or come for a baby playdate so she can get out of the house.  as winter is impending, we need to remember we need to get out for our sanity and our children.

2.  We have Started the "Fitness Takes No Holiday" Challenge and the points are racking up,(Bonus points for thursday, where or have your child wear something with a Sesame Street character to Signify Sesame Street Turning 40.)  Here is something to think about.  We started this challeneg to help get through the holidays with out gaining the holiday weight.  Did you know the average american gains 4 pounds from Halloween thru New Years.  The key word here is average, I would like to be above average and not gain, I really would like to keep losing, but I am ok with maintaining. 

So what can we do to make the jeans you are wearing today fit or even better be too big come January 1st.  For starters, instead of a New Years Resolution, how about a Holiday Season Promise to Yourself.  Mine is to keep tracking all the foods I eat and try to add 15-30 minutes to my daily workout.  From now thru January 1st, I am going to offer to my StrolelrFit classes an extra 30 minutes to the workout if they like.  It will be 30 minutes of Cardio before the regular class starts.  It maybe walking the hills around the class location or somethins else.  Let me know who is in for this.  We will start Friday at 9 AM.

Here are a few tips from Wendi H, another StrolelrFit owner, in California:

•Make sure you do both cardio and strength training. The combination will burn off calories and increase your metabolism – a great one-two punch for fighting that increase in calories. Head to your local StrollerFit® class to get both cardio and strength all in one workout!
• Sign up for a holiday sporting event. Runs and walks abound, and you can turn it into a family tradition. Or make a good game of touch football a staple of your family gatherings.   anyone one to join me for the Turkey Trot in Whitinsville, Thanksgiving AM?  I am going to train in the afternoons, if anyone wants to join me, t, th and f.
• No time for fitness on the holidays themselves? Enjoy your day of rest but have scheduled in a workout time for the days following.   How about also, trying a DVD on the holiday AM, before the rest of the family wakes up.
• Check out StrollerFit’s new class restore the core™, not only will it shrink your waistline this holiday season but also teaches participants to breathe properly and maintain good posture. Proper breathing relieves stress and good posture will make all of those holiday photo ops a little less painful!
• Join forces with a buddy or a relative who needs a little positive reinforcement. Keep each other honest by checking in and providing discreet nudges to discourage that second trip to the dessert table. Make workout dates with your holiday health buddy and increase your chances of showing up for that session!
• Designate yourself as the driver who will not indulge in the alcohol. You’ll build good karma and keep yourself from an alcohol-driven junk food binge.
• Think of fitness as the holiday gift you are giving yourself!

Remind yourself that good health never takes a holiday! That doesn’t mean depriving yourself of all the fun this season brings – it just means making wise choices and finding ways to counteract not-so-wise ones. You do have willpower, self-control and the ability to do the right thing for your body. So skip the second helping, put down the “fun-sized” Halloween left- overs, and get to an exercise class. You’ll start the New Year looking great and feeling incredible!


And Remember thin feels better than the treats taste in the long run!!!

StrollerFit is on the Northbridgetimes and GraftonTimes

Check out the StrollerFit asd Restore the Core information on the GraftonTimes.com and NorthbridgeTimes.com websites.  There are banner ads and class infor and upcoming events posted.  I will be adding other events too.  If you can find the info on "Fitness takes NO holiday" and email it back to me you will get an extra point for the challenge.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Halloween at StrollerFit

we did not do candy, we did games and some of the kids even worked out with us.  cccccccheck out some of the pictures





Monday, November 2, 2009

Staying on Course through the Holiday Season and the winter months

As we Start "Fitness Takes no Holidays"  Here are four points I just read from Shapely Girl "Fitness Comes in Many Sizes"

"1. Do not wear sweats all winter long, they would make anyone want to do nothing but sit on the couch and eat all day. Wear jeans and more fitted clothes when you can.


2. No matter what, you have to get your workouts in. Your health depends on it.

3. Take one day a week and make a pot of soup, stew or chili and freeze it in portions…that will help with lunches and quick dinners.

4. Buy apples, oranges, grapefruits, bananas and pears, as these fruits are abundant right now.
Just adding these tips might help you to get through the winters as they do for me."

I think these are 4 great tips we should all follow, so I am asking my StrollerFit moms all to try atleast one of these, if not all 4.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

How to get rid of the Halloween Candy

I know some may say I am a horribel mother, but I do not want my son to be eating too much Hallowen Candy, so I gave the stuff I like to my husband to take to work.  This way neither Joe or I will eat it.  Then I bought lots of fruit and cut it up so we wuld have healthy things t eat.

The rest of the candy, the ones I do not like, I hid so Joey can have it on special occassions. 

I have to thank my friend Cheri and her mom Linda for giving Joey little boxes that look like raisins and inside were stickers from the Disney Movie Cars.  He loved Lightning and Nator as he says it and did not care that he did not candy at Cheri's house.  These are the kind of treats I love.  I thnk I maydo that kind of thing next year.  The Zero Calorie Treats.  Sweet without the sugar!

I did eat one mini twix and one reeses PB cup, so today I am going for a long walk to burn it off.  And Monday StrollerFit starts "Fitness takes No Holiday!" so the workout should help burn off the calories so Myh Strollerfit moms and I do not gain the holiday pounds!  Even if we do not lose thru the Holidays, the Goal is to Maintain!