You are more....

I know there are plenty of people who struggle with their weight and body image.  The number on the scale can be deceptive and most importantly it does not define you as a person.  You are amazing, talented, and God loves you regardless of the number on the scale.

Lots of fitness experts say ditch the scale altogether and use a body fat monitor, well those sometimes aren't that accurate either.  A few months ago, I checked mine twice within about 10 days and it fluctuated by 8%.  Tape measures are a better way to chart your progress or take pictures once a week.    

I do still own a scale and I think as long as you're not obsessive over the number, scales are a useful tool.  My husband is an ultra-runner and he uses the scale for measure how much water he's lost on a long run.  

Muscle weighs more than fat and the more muscle you have the more calories you burn.  Weight training, yoga, and body weight exercises will all increase your muscle so don't be super surprised if when you first start exercising the number on the scale goes up.  I've always told my kids that you have to find something you love to do for exercise or you won't do it.  So whether it's dancing, running, weight training, yoga, whatever just get out there and move.  Exercise produces endorphins so you end up happier in the long run.

Until next time, Ciao!

Twenty minute at home workout

Twenty minute at home workout


Half burpees 30
1 leg push ups 30  (15 each side)
Jump lunges 30
Sit ups 30
Squat & side Kick 30
Tricep Dips 30
Bicycle Abs 30
Side Plank 30 each side
Mountain Climbers 30
Tuck Abs 30

50 Jumping jacks in-between each one of them
Go as fast as you can using good form, it should take about 20 minutes, if you need to rest fine, but not more than about 30 seconds.

I am a big fan of the at home workout, there are times when I just don't have time to go to the gym.  Plus not everyone has a gym membership and honestly you don't need one.  You can get in the best shape of your life at home for free.  There are a couple of at home workout movements online that I follow, Bodyrock.tv is one and Blogilates is the other.  The past couple of months I've spent less time in the gym doing cardio and lifting because I've had some low back issues.  One of my yoga instructors suggested that my hamstrings might be too tight from lifting and I think she was right.  I've done this workout a couple of days a week and done yoga 3 days a week and my back is feeling pretty good most days.  I'm still just as strong and getting leaner, last week I bought a pair of jeans in a size 26!  Yay, I'd say that's proof you don't need a gym.

Now I'm off to do this workout.

Ciao!