My favorite fitness gifts...with a giveaway!

Okay, so Christmas is literally RIGHT around the corner! I can't wait! For the first time ever, I think I'm actually done shopping. In my family, it was almost tradition to spend at least part of Christmas Eve at the mall. I'm determined that this year, however, will be different. We're traveling across the country to spend the holidays with my parents. We made a deal that for the week we are there, we will NOT be spending our time together at the mall! Hopefully my dad survives buying gifts for my mom WITHOUT the assistance of his "personal shoppers." Online shopping has been my best friend this year! How did our parents survive Christmas without the Internet?

Hopefully you're all nearing the end of your holiday shopping so you can actually enjoy the season. (Although, truth be told, I really love the hustle and bustle of crowded shopping centers...my husband and I were among the crazy thousands at Walmart on Black Friday, and I loved it!)

I'm often asked if I give all fitness-related gifts for Christmas. The answer is actually NO! While I would love to give everyone on my list my favorite heart rate monitor, not everyone gets as excited as I do about new workout gadgets! (And let's be honest...I don't have that kind of money!) But if you're looking for some fun gifts for yourself, or other fitness-minded loved ones, here are a few of my favorites:

1. My Polar Heart Rate Monitor. If you don't know how much I love it, you haven't been reading my blog long enough. When asked recently by a friend what she should do to lose a few pounds, I told her to GET A HEART RATE MONITOR! It is the most motivating piece of equipment I've ever used. I'm a number girl, and I LOVE knowing how many calories I've burned, how high my heart rate got, the percentage of calories that were fat calories, etc. I work out longer and harder than I would without it. I asked my parents for it for Christmas two years ago, and I've only worked out a few times without it...I literally almost drove back home to get it...I feel nekkid without it! I know my body better because of it, and would recommend it to anyone...whatever the fitness level!


2. The Garmin 305 Forerunner. Okay, so I haven't actually used this yet. But I got it for my husband for Christmas (if only he read my blog...), and I can't wait to share it with him! To me, the beauty of running on a treadmill is knowing exactly how fast I'm running, and how far I've gone. With the forerunner, you can know this while running outside! I've always estimated distance based on time, but now I won't go even 1/10 of a mile further than planned! It also has a built in heart rate monitor, so my arms won't be loaded up with extra watches. Did I mention that this gift is for my husband? I can't wait to "give" it to him! They actually have newer models with smaller watches, but they're a lot pricier for the same outcome. I got mine on sale at amazon for &139.99. Several months ago, they had it at REI for $130. It won't get much cheaper than that. If you're interested, watch for deals...it's pricey, but worth it!
   


3. My blender! I rarely go a day without using my blendtec blender! I use it to grind wheat, make soup, make my own peanut butter, make amazing smoothies, and homemade not-exactly-as-they-appear pancakes. I LOVE IT! My mom and sister both have the vitamix which I also love (pictured above). It does just as much as the blendtec, if not more. However, I've also heard great things about the magic bullet. It doesn't grind wheat, but is a great compact blender.


4. My running skirt. There's just something about feeling cute when you work out. I have to say, however, that I prefer the "athletic" style skirts. Under the skirt are compression shorts instead of just the running brief. I wore my skirt with the briefs in a race, and ended up with some seriously chafed inner thighs! Plus, I can wear the skirts with the shorts to any workout...Yoga would not be pretty otherwise!


5. Good socks. The first pair of actual running socks I ever purchased were Balega socks. They are still my favorite pair to run in. Good socks are a must when working out. I never get blisters, don't have overly sweaty feet, and will never go back to regular cotton socks. Another brand of socks I've come to love is Sof Sole. I was lucky enough to receive several pairs of socks to try out, and I've loved each and every one.


6. Shoe insoles. This is actually a new favorite. Several months ago, I received some Sof Sole Performance Insoles to try out. I ran a lot last summer, and my knees were starting to seriously feel it. After a long run late in September, my knees ached for days. Before the Ragnar Relay in October, I decided to finally give the insoles a try. My knees did not hurt AT ALL during the race, and haven't bothered me since. My shoes don't feel any different, the inserts are comfortable, and they're absorbing a lot of the hard impact of running...instead of my knees! Yay!

The list could go on...I have definite favorite workout videos, workout equipment, healthy snack choices, etc. But for now, that will have to suffice. But I have good news! Because Sof Sole generously sent me SO MANY great products to try, I'm going to pass some along to you!

For the first winner, I have ONE PAIR of The Sof Sole Airr® insole featuring their revolutionary air chamber technology with a Coolmax® fabric cover (pictured above). Air chambers in the heel and arch provide extra comfort while maximizing shock absorption! The Coolmax® fabric cover absorbs moisture and provides breathability. I really love mine. The insole I have is a Women's Insole for shoe sizes 5-7.5. If this doesn't fit you, it would make a great Christmas gift! (Retail Price: $24.99)

For the second winner, I have a package containing 3 pairs of Women's Multi Sport Liner Performance Socks! They fit Women's Shoe Sizes 5-10, are made of natural bamboo for wicking and comfort, and have a seamless toe! And my favorite part? THEY'RE PINK! (Retail Price: $9.99)

• For one entry, leave a comment below telling me how you would use the shoe insoles and/or the cute pink socks!


• For a second entry, follow this blog (and leave a comment with the word "follow").


• For a third entry, post a link to the contest on your blog (and leave a comment with the link).


• For a fourth entry, post a link on facebook or twitter (and let me know in the comments).

The random winners will be announced on Friday, December 11th. Good luck, and I hope you win!

How 24-Hour Fitness Changed My Life

There are few investments I've made in my life that have reaped greater benefits than joining a gym. I had just returned home after living abroad (in cold, dark Finland) for 18 months. I was 30 lbs. heavier than when I left. (Side note: If you're ever in Finland, they have the BEST pastries! Don't leave without eating some pulla!) One day soon after returning home, some guy friends invited me and a girlfriend to the beach. I was mortified as I watched my friend take off her clothes to reveal a cute, slender, tan, perfect beach body. I've never wanted to be the girl who refuses to wear a swimsuit, so I removed my clothes to reveal a chubby and white-from-literally-not-seeing-the-sun-for-a-year-and-a-half- body. I wanted to hide. I wanted to be ANYWHERE but at the beach, wearing ANYTHING but the full-coverage, black one piece swimsuit that didn't hide enough.

Don't get me wrong. I don't believe that a perfect body is the only key to happiness. But I was depressed. I had just returned home from a mission I'd waited to serve my entire life. I'd had my life planned up until that moment. I wasn't sure what the future held for me at that point. I had a college degree to complete, and a Mr. Right to meet. But at that beach moment, I was miserable...and feeling fat and ugly didn't help.

A few mornings later, I woke up and made a decision. I was joining a gym. I didn't care how much it cost, I was going to join. Yes, I was the perfect walk-in-potential-member. I walked into 24 Hour Fitness (with my little brother who I coerced into joining with me), and started looking at my options. When the guy-hoping-for-the-sale told me about the "lifetime membership," I was sold. I knew that fitness had to be a way of life. I wasn't going to be in this for the short haul. I wasn't going to lose the 30 lbs. and quit. I was going to start doing something that I would continue forever. So I paid nearly $1,000 that day for a 3-year membership, and 5 sessions of Personal Training. (I now only pay $20/year to renew! Plus I get FREE babysitting! WOOOO!)

The Best Decisions I've Made On This Lifetime Fitness Journey

1. For me, joining a gym that day was the FIRST best decision I made in the beginning of my on-going fitness journey.
2. The second best decision was signing up for those 5 Personal Training sessions. Before working with a trainer, I really only did cardio. Working out meant running. Period. (OK, and Tae Bo with Billy Blanks). After my first few sessions with a trainer, I was sold on the benefits of resistance training. I was sore in places I didn't know existed on my body! I loved it! I loved knowing that I was making changes on my body that couldn't be made any other way. I fell so in love with resistance training, that I went on to become a certified personal trainer.
3. The third best decision I made on my fitness journey was stepping foot into a group fitness class. I used to watch from the outside and feel totally intimidated by the barbells, steps, and free weights. I vividly remember my first experience in a 24 S.E.T. class (strength endurance training). I looked to see how much weight the other ladies had on their bars. Being the overly-competitive girl that I am, I foolishly matched the ones with the most. I barely made it through class, and couldn't walk normally for days. I'm sure the instructor cringed as she watched my form...I had no idea how hard the class would be. But now, the classes are honestly what keep me going to the gym. They're on my schedule, and I plan many of my days around these workouts. I workout longer, and harder than I probably would on my own. I've made friends in the classes. I heart group fitness!
4. The fourth best decision I ever made was signing up for a race. Mind you, signing up for a full 26.2 mile marathon as the first organized race probably wasn't the smartest thing. A 5- or even a 10-K would have been better. But regardless of how long the race, I had a goal to work towards. I couldn't NOT run knowing that I would probably keel over and die on the race course if I didn't train. Running soon became an addiction with which I have an ongoing love affair.
5. The fifth best decision I made was asking for a heart rate monitor for Christmas two years ago. (Thanks, mom and dad!) I now strap a Personal Trainer to my chest, and wear it on my wrist for every workout...from running to Yoga. Love it.
6. The sixth best decision was starting a fitness blog with my sister. (Hi, Kimberly! You alive?) I love that fitness is always on my mind! I love that I get to learn as I research. And I love that I get to gleam insights from all of you lovely readers.

I hope to make new life-changing decisions in this on-going fitness journey. The most important thing for me is knowing that I'm doing something that I feel I can sustain for...well...forever. I don't workout for hours a day. That's not a pace I can maintain. But I can chug along, go to the gym, and not be completely mortified at the thought of wearing a swimsuit on my Cruise! Yes, I still have some post-baby-body issues, but I'm a happier, healthier, more confident me.

What decisions have you made in your fitness journey?

Reading Food Labels to Avoid Too Much SUGAR!

We've already established that I'm a sugar addict. I tried to commit to a sugar fast. Don't ask me how it's going. After caving the first time, let's just say I haven't gotten back on the no-sugar-bandwagon.

I'm about to re-commit myself. Why? Because I'm convinced that the only way you can really "spot reduce" is by controlling what goes into the mouth. I'm often asked questions such as: "How do I lose my love handles?" "How can I get rid of belly fat?" etc. I've already ranted about certain workout myths, such as the myth that doing lots of crunches will give you a flat tummy. In my opinion, crunches are usually counter productive. But that's another post for another day.

Most of us just don't spend enough time working out, if we're to have the freedom to eat whatever we want all. the. time. (if we want to look how we want). This is where diet is crucial! Yes, exercise is a #1 priority. But we are normal people with normal lives. I'm one of those people who actually really loves working out. But I love spending time with people, doing other things even more. As a wife-baby mama-housekeeper-chef-chauffer-part time personal trainer-teacher-church-goer-friend- neighbor-blogger, I can't work out any longer than the time I've already allotted myself. In fact, if we're being honest, I probably am much less productive in other areas of my life because of my daily workout routine.

This is where diet really plays a major role. How you look is largely determined by what you eat. LARGELY determined. I'm going to go out on a limb and say PROBABLY more than exercise. I work out a lot. According to my Heart Rate Monitor (with which I'm obsessed!), I burned around 3,500 calories last week. But I probably ate enough junk to balance out the calorie deficit.

SO, if we mommies want to lose our mummy tummies for good, we have to be disciplined low-sugar-occasional-indulging eaters. Here are a few hidden sources of those darn sweeteners to watch out for:

1. READ THE LABELS. You have to know what to watch out for! Sugar isn't JUST sugar. If the label says any of the following, watch out! Maltose, dextrose (glucose), fructose, fruit juice concentrate, corn sweetener, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, maple syrup, honey, malt syrup, and brown rice syrup.
2. FAT-FREE DOES NOT MEAN LOW SUGAR! If something is low fat or fat-free, higher amounts of processed sugar are often added to make up for the missing flavor created by the missing fat!
3. EASY ON THE SAUCE! My husband loooovvvves sauce. He was leery when I first introduced him to Heinz Organic Ketchup. But once he tasted it, he could NOT tell the difference. So many sauces we eat on a regular basis are packed with sugar! Barbecue, spaghetti, hot sauces, ketchup, and relish to name a few. More than half of the calories often come with added sugar. Look for low (or no) sugar options, like my ketchup. Otherwise, lighten up, and always request sauce and dressing on the side!
4. WATCH OUT FOR "ALL-NATURAL". This healthy-sounding terminology really doesn't mean jack! There are no guidelines for it's use, so READ THE LABEL. Many supposedly "all-natural" items are loaded with refined sugar, especially high fructose corn syrup.

So I'm re-committing to having a sugar-free month in April! Wanna join me? How do you control your sugar cravings and intake?

The FIFTH Day of Fitness...my heart rate monitor OBSESSION!

I have an obsession. I received it last year for Christmas, and it has changed my workouts completely! It's my Polar Heart Rate Monitor. I've seriously learned more about my body through wearing this during my regular workouts than ever before. I've learned my limits. I've pushed myself harder. I've gone longer. And did I mention that I'm obsessed?

Obsessed to the point that I feel nekkid without it. I thought I'd lost the part you strap across your chest for several days (there is a watch and a chest strap). I seriously had to convince myself that I was still burning calories without it; that the heart rate monitor itself didn't really change anything. Luckily I found it, so I could happily watch the numbers.

I love knowing exactly how many calories I've burned...which, by the way, is ALWAYS less (for me, anyway) than it says on the treadmill/elliptical/etc. I love knowing my maximum heart rate, and my average heart rate at the end of each workout. I love knowing how long I worked out (without watching the clock). And I love seeing my weekly totals. I'm so obsessed, in fact, that I wear my heart rate monitor no matter what workout I'm doing. I wear it for Yoga, Pilates, and even a walk around the block where the calorie expenditure is far from impressive. I just have to know. And I love comparing how I feel to what my body is actually doing.

I wish I could convince Polar-USA to give you all one. Maybe I should actually try. If you have anyone left on your list, however, this would be the perfect gift!

I do wish to direct your attention to ANOTHER could-be-my-next-obsession giveaway...you could win a Wii and a Wii Fit! Click here for contest details, and to enter! Make sure you enter by noon (Mountain Time) on December 20th!

What are your work-out obsessions? Is there something else we NEED to know about? Hit us up in the comments!