{Repost} Fitness, Food & Fun Friday: (Guest Blogger) Hitting the Wall

I am so pumped about our guest blogger!

You remember when you were young and you really wanted that cool girl to be your friend? Well that's how i felt about Ms. Drazil & Sheniqua! Therefore, I was very excited when she agreed to be a guest blogger for TC30s!

The first time I read Drazil & Sheniqua's blog, I was a little confused because I thought it was about two people until I read further ahead and found out that there were two people but in one person! Herself and her alter ego! Drazil is the inner "lizard/demons" and Sheniqua is her extra 15lbs. Her story is one that we can all relate to. The story of our constant search for self-love and self-worth throughout our teens, twenties, thirties and beyond!

As soon as you read her blog, you can hear her comedic chops and it is refreshing to have so much honesty in the blogging world. I mean her tag line is: ...bathing in rainbows skittles and farting gumdrops while we search for our ever-elusive inner peace and self-love! Gotta love her!

In her unique, fun and fabulous way she shares some confessions about her experiences related to fitness, food & fun! But I will stop and let her talk for herself. Enjoy our guest blogger ladies, we certainly did!

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Food, Fitness and Fun. Yup, that’s what I was asked to write about. And that’s exactly when I drew a blank.

If I’m being honest – it’s the word “fun” that threw me off completely. Food and fun? Well, heck yes. BEFORE I became a Nutrisystem fruitcake and followed it to the letter and food just became fuel for my body.

Who would have guessed?

That leaves me to fitness and fun? Whhaaatttt? Can you really put those two together?

I have no flipping idea. I mean, Casey Anthony is walking free so really – anything can happen right?

I can tell you from experience that a person can start craving and needing and wanting fitness. And that in itself is FUN if you’ve never felt it before.

Speaking of new things during workouts…there are two specific things I had never experienced before I began running and they are “the wall” and “the runner’s high”.

How many of you have ever heard of either one?

I have often talked about “hitting the wall” as a worker-outer on my blog. That’s – by technical definition (lol) – the minutes or few minutes during your workout when you want to die or hork up a lung or just sit the hell down and stop.

Quitting is the only thing you can hear, see and breathe and it becomes your main objective. You start telling yourself – “just five more minutes and you can be done”…..

And then? You get to the end of the five minutes and you’re still standing and you have both your lungs and suddenly you feel like you could fly.

You know that if you had to – you could endure this “fitness stuff” for hours and hours more. You almost feel “high”.

That my friends is called “climbing the wall” and “the runner’s high” – in my case cuz it only happens to me when I run. I’ve heard you can experience it during most kinds of fitness.

I thought I was the only one who spoke of this invisible wall theory. For me, it always hits at about 20 minutes in…and I tell myself if I can stick it out to 25 – then I can quit.

25 minutes comes and I always go on to 60 or more. I have never once actually stopped when I hit 25.

Turns out MANY people have a wall – each at their own minute or mile or spot in their workout. A fellow 10 mile a day runner friend of mine says he hits his wall at 5 miles into a run. If he can make it past that – he could run all day. This is a guy who has completed 50 mile marathons and yes folks – even he has a wall.

Another friend says 3 miles is his wall hitting point. If he makes it past that you can try to catch him but he’ll probably outrun you every time.

I guess the point of my story is – just do it. (Sorry Nike). Even the most experienced exercisers have limits and walls and moments of not wanting to continue or get up and keep going.

But they do.

And the payoff is worth it.

It’s a free high.

It’s not available on any supermarket shelf or department store kiosk. You can’t buy it even if you have all the money in the world.

You have to earn this high and once you do – I promise you – you’ll be back for more.

So tell me?

When do you hit your wall? When do you feel the high?

And if you don’t know – what are you waiting for?

GO FIND OUT!

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Thank you Drazil & Sheniqua and we appreciate the woman infront of you! 
Ladies, please check her out when you can at "It's Juse Me, Drazil & Sheniqua" and give her loads of love and fist pumps!

Fitness Friday

TC30s received permission from Athletes4life Fitness Services to repost this because i thought it was fairly interesting and since most women are on a health kick this month...TC30s thought it would be worth sharing.

What's Your Fitness Level?

This test can be performed on either a running track (six laps around a standard 400-meter track)

or on a flat street where 1.5 miles is measured using an odometer.

For Men
Poor: > 12 minutes
Average: 12 to 10:01 minutes
Good: 10 to 9:01 minutes
Exceptional: < 9 minutes

For Women
Poor: >14 minutes
Average: 14 to 12:01 minutes
Good: 12 to 11:01
Exceptional: <11 minutes

Aerobic fitness test and results are based on Muscle & Performance Magazine!

 

Confess Ladies, where do you fall in this range?

Give it a try this weekend?

 

And when you get a chance...check out them out for useful and helpful training ideas

 and they also have personal trainers available.

 

website: Athletes4life.net

and blog: http://athletes4life.blogspot.com/

Fitness, Food & Fun Friday: H2O

Disclaimer: important information BUT don't read this if you are eating!

Recently i was advised by my personal trainer 

to drink a glass of water every morning (as soon as i wake up).

Why is this a good idea? you ask...

According to research, it's good for your digestive system, specifically for the bowel movement.

And i've tried it for the last several months and you know what it works! 

Every morning like clock works, i drink water and within minutes, i am in the bathroom!

My stomach doesn't hurt as much and i actually feel great in the mornings.

I am still drinking water throughout the day 

however there is nothing better than a glad of H2O in the morning.

Confess ladies, have you heard of this suggestion before?

And would you consider it this week?

Fitness, Food & Fun Friday: Before - After

Last week instead of the usual workout I decided to do something fun which was another alternative to staying fit.

I went ahead to sand off an old dresser
After sanding and rubbing it off with an old cloth, I painted with a primer and after waiting for some hours to dry, I painted with the Dulux white paint. This is the end result.
The refurbishment helped bring into focus the legs and handles of the dressers. I like the fine details.

But I also worked on my squatting and arm lifting and had fun turning something old into something that can be mistaken as new.

Do you like it?

Fitness, Food & Fun Friday: Jump It Out!

Remember when we used to do this for fun?

Well ladies, i am here to tell you that skipping is no longer just for fun! 

Jumping rope is a very high impact and effective way to stay and keep fit! 

Source

Source

Skipping has multiple benefits including:

1. Easy to learn

2. Improves coordination and agility

3. No gym membership required

4. Works every muscle in the body part

I've been using the jump rope as part of my fitness plan for several months 

and it's been great. 

Initially, it was hard work but i must say, i'm getting the hang of it.  

Now i can skip for about thirty minutes 

whereas before five minutes of skipping was too much!

I try and have fun while keeping fit and it's been fantastic!

 For your next work out, pick up a jump rope and jump it out!

Confess ladies, have you ever incorporated jump rope into your fitness plan?

If not, what are you waiting for?

Fitness, Food & Fun Friday: Dresser Refurbishment

This is going to be fun for me, because this is my first time attempting to refurbish something.

Do you remember Karate Kid, the 1984 one? The story of Daniel and how he learns martial arts by waxing cars, sanding a wooden floor, refinishing a fence, and painting Miyagi's house.

This is what Fun Friday is about. No, I don't want to learn martial arts. All I want to do is to refurbish this dresser I bought yesterday.
Apart from hoping to to have something nice out of the old dresser, I believe sanding off and painting will be a fun way to keep fit. The hardest part is sanding off the old varnish with a sandpaper, in the end I will have tired arms. I will be thinking about Karate Kid - rub and wax.

Have you ever done something fun that at first sight it doesn't look fitness workout? Have you ever refurbished something before?

Please share and have fun on Friday TC30s!

Fitness, Food & Fun Friday: Fruits and Veggies!

Most of us probably do not have enough daily intake of our fruits and veggies. 

As a result, the Editors of TC30s wanted to have a little fun this Friday and introduce you to some popular fruits and veggies that may be enjoyable. 

Source

Source

Confess ladies, what are some of your favorite fruits and veggies! 

And what are some of the fruits and veggies you have never tried?

P.S:  There are some disturbing weather reports in and around the East coast, 

        so please be safe out there this weekend!

Fitness, Food & Fun Friday:Work Out in Something Fun!

We all know as we get older, working out becomes a little difficult. The kids are pulling you this way and that way. The husband is wanting your attention. Work is driving you crazy. Your mother keeps calling.

And one way to find some fun quality time for yourself is through working out! And why not look good while you are working out?!

Some of us may go straight for the t-shirts, jogging pants and sneakers! The comfortable mom work-outfit!

From Tuesday, Naomi of Miso Glamorous, reminded us when "you look good, you feel good" and that can definitely translate into our work-outfits. Clothes in general can make you feel good and honestly gym clothes can do the same thing!

We are not talking about inappropriate outfits like this:

Or this:

But comfortable, stylish and fun outfits like this:

Speaking from experience, when i wear clothes that fit and are comfortable, i get an awesome workout.

Most work-outfits that are dri-fit are awesome because sweat tends to not stick. They are also uber comfortably. There is nothing worse than working out and feeling itchy in the process.

TC30s recommends you have your basic work-outfits:

1) a well fitted and supported sports bra.

2) comfortable pants

3) well fitted tank top (or shirt)

4) long sleeve shirt (or hoodie)

5) comfortable socks

6) well fitted running shoes

7) water bottle

There is nothing wrong with t-shirts and jogging pants but try this week ladies

and work out in something fun and comfortable

and you will notice a difference!

Confess ladies, what are some of your favorite go-to work-outfits?

Be Inspired Monday: Yoga

[...]Knowing yourself is true wisdom (Lao Tse)

Yoga and Pilates inspire me to connet my being to the mind, thus find wisdom - a healthy mind!

How do you connet your being to your mind?

Confess on TC30s and be inspired!

Fitness, Food & Fun Friday: Trampoline!

We thought today we would introduce the idea of fitness and fun!
And what better way to get some fitness into your day than with the trampoline.

There are many different exercises available for use on the trampoline.
Some of us have tried using the trampoline and it was definitely fun and exciting!

There is a great website that introduces trampoline as an exercise option.
Check out this website: http://www.starbounding.com if introduced and or curious!




Confess ladies, would you ever use trampoline as an exercise instrument?

Fitness, Food & Fun Friday: And the Award Goes To...

This award was so unexpected but greatly appreciated! And so on this Fitness, Food & Fun Friday i thought we would have some fun and share a little about myself!

The award was presented to us by the lovely Life with Twins & a Drama Queen.

We love her blog and the title too!

And of course there are questions that go along with the Butterfly Blog!

Questions:

Name your favorite color-

Black

Name your favorite song-

That's impossible, I have to many!

Name your favorite dessert-

Flan!

What wizzes you off-

When people are fake.

When you’re upset you-

Clean!

Your favorite pet-

Black or white-

Black

Your biggest fear-

Not sure I have one.

Name your favorite color-

Yellow

Name your favorite song-

Anything fun and funky..but currently my wedding song:
Man and Wife by Michelle Featherstone!

Name your favorite dessert-

CHOCOLCATE!

What wizzes you off-

anyone that is annoying!

When you’re upset you-

Get real quiet!

Your favorite pet-

honestly i don't like pets! maybe a fish

Your biggest fear-

something terrible happening to someone i know or me

best feature-

my smile

Everyday attitude-

i am blessed and God is good!

What is perfection-

God

Guilty pleasure-
blogging--
it used to be reality TV and celebrity sites!


Hope you've learned a little something about moi!
Now confess so i can know something about you...


What is your guilty pleasure?
Or something you want to share about yourself?

Fitness, Food, Fun Friday: Botox Anyway?

I am not suggesting that ladies in their twenties, thirties, forties and fifties and beyond should think about botox.  I believe natural is beautiful but it's our duty to educate about all things health, fitness, food and fun on fridays.  Hence the botox subject is meant to be fun and informative.  Plus it makes for a good conversation starter!

What is Botox?
Botox comes from a kind of bacteria.  The bacteria can make you very sick.  But doctors have found a chemical in Botox can also help teat some health problems.  They have been using it safetly for many years.

How Was this Found?
Food Drug Administration (FDA) approved Botox to treat problems with the eye muscle.  Doctors noticed that some wrinkles around the eyes looked better, too. 

How Does Botox work?
Wrinkles may be caused when a muscle tightens.  Botox is injected through the skin into the muscle.  The botox keeps the muscle from tightening.  When the muscle can't tighten, the wrinkle doesn't show as much.

What! You can't move your muscles?
A doctor trainted in the use of botox will inject small amounts of Botox into the muscle.  Only the treated muscle can't move.

What happens over time?
Botox works for about four months.  As the muscle returns to normal, you will see the wrinkle again.

Are there any side effects?
Side effects may include: droopy eyelids, which can last for a few weeks; feeling like you have the flu; headaches and upset stomach, risk of botulism (a life or death illness that makes it hard for a person to move the arms and legs or to breathe) is low with Botox, if used the right away
(this will make me runaway from Botox!)

Remember Botox is a drug, not a cosmetic!

What Should i do if i want to try Botox?

• Ask about how Botox could help or hurt you.
• Make sure your doctor id trained in the use of Botox
• Make sure you get treatment in a dcotor's office or clinic
• Botox parties are not safe.  Never share a tube of Botox.
• Emergency equipment should be on hand in case of a problem
• Do not use if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
• Do not use if you are breast feeding.
• Tell your doctors if you are taking antibiotics
• Tell your doctor if you have any problmes with nerves or muscles

What else should i know about Botox?
Botox is only approved to treat wrinkles between the eyebrows
Botox is only approved for people 18-65 years old.  It has not been tested in other age groups.

Confess ladies and help someone else: Have you ever thought about trying Botox?
Have you ever had Botox? Was it effective?

(All the information comes from Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

http://www.fda.gov/fda/features/2002/402_botox.html

http://fda.gov/womens

Fitness, Food & Fun Friday: Strong Bones in Your 30s...

I was reading articles on Livestrong.com, this is Lance Armstrong's website, which has amazing information on everything health related.  I mean he is doing a wonderful job with it!  I came across a website about taking care of your bones in your thirties! I thought you might enjoy this and find it helpful.

1. Value Your Health

While it's great to think about preserving your body's health into old age, your thirties are also a time to enjoy your current level of health. By valuing what you have now--strong bones, a high retention of nutrients and the resultant high energy level--you can help prevent osteoporosis and other conditions related to aging. Most people know that calcium is vital to maintaining bone strength and strive to get plenty of calcium in their diets. However, ingesting substances or engaging in behavior that blocks the absorption of calcium and other nutrients can be just as detrimental to your bones as not getting enough calcium in the first place. Excessive dieting and eating disorders have been found to deplete calcium reserves in the body. Treat anorexia or bulimia and diet to lose weight only for short periods of a couple weeks at a time.

2. Treat Yourself With Coffee, Chocolate or Wine

Instead of focusing on cutting things out of your diet, change your attitude about what you include. Caffeine, alcohol and high-phosphorus items, such as red meats and fizzy drinks, should be consumed in limited quantities. Use coffee, chocolate, wine or other risky foods or beverages as special pleasures for when you celebrate. Having one or two cups of coffee or an alcoholic or carbonated drink or two will become treats to be savored rather than forbidden favorites.

3. Work Out Regularly

Lots of people exercise to prevent heart disease or to keep their weight down, but regular exercise also contributes to healthy bones. A hallmark of osteoporosis is the fracture of a wrist, hip or backbone. These are just as important to avoid as heart attacks or obesity. Experts recommend three to four sessions of weight-bearing exercise for about 45 minutes each. This can include jogging, tennis, hiking or stair climbing. In addition, strength training, such as lifting weights or using resistance banding, a couple times a week is also beneficial. A comprehensive exercise program reduces stress, maintains energy levels and keeps bones fit.

These are some great suggestions. They are not restrictive which i think is fantastic.  It's always helpful to have some fun with food while taking care of your fitness!

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/7961-maintain-strong-bones-thirties/#ixzz1RNGGvvhz