Goals for April-June

Hmmmm, I've been reminded that it has been some time since I've blogged about anything, and goals keep coming to mind!  Everywhere you go, people have goals - it's what keeps us focused and driven, ambitious and fierce, passionate about what we want/expect out of life.  I decided to give myself short term goals, April to June - 90 days!


My goals are as follows:

• Spend more time with my family, as a unit!  This has become impossible lately, and look forward to making it possible over the next few months.
• Support other stay at home mom's into extra income by opening a Partylite account.  I make good money, and everyone should have that opportunity too!
• Lose 30 pounds - this includes working out at the gym 3-4 days per week, and incorporating a Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge.  A friend of mine has turned me onto these ultra yummy, very affordable and highly nutritious shakes.  My husband is using them to add calories to his daily intake while I am using them as meal replacements twice per day.  Don't worry, I'm still eating food and lots of if!  I've heard so many good things about Visalus and can't wait to show everyone the results!  I will blog more about my progress as soon as my order arrives!

If anyone wants more info on my Partylite business, email me!  My address is jobriggs@shaw.ca, or visit my website:  www.partylite.biz/joannebriggs.   

Challenge, challenge, challenge!  What is it about the word "challenge" that is so motivating?  I have been involved with a 90 Day Challenge - and it has been very successful for me - but now...I want to kick it up a notch! Bring on the summer cause I`ll be ready!

My adventures with the 90Days2Life women has been amazing (find our group on facebook!), we support each other daily, workout together often and we're always trying new types of exercises, including dance, boxing, swimming and of course Fitness World.  Oh and I must add the amazing friendships and contacts that have been made, yes yes yes!  I have lost 20 pounds between Jan and March of this year...holding steady now though.

Being introduced to Visalus' weight loss 90 Day Challenge could not come at a better time - it is fate!  I am so excited about it, I have every belief that this will be what my body needs, and am thrilled that I can support my body into a more healthy and nutrient rich lifestyle. A good friend of mine has opened up a distributor account and I think he will be very successful as it becomes more Canadian known :) Let me know if you want his info - I guess I could share...

I look forward to blogging more frequently and making more meetings with the 90Days2Life gang!

A Physical Kinda Day

I've had a personal trainer appointment booked for some time now at Fitness World where I am a member and between Carson getting sick, and the trainer getting sick, our reschedule appointment ended up being rescheduled for yesterday...the same day I'm supposed to try this boxerfit class at 30min Hit.  Yikes!

Of course the Fitness World Trainer (Tracy) was not going to let me go easy on all the new fabulous moves she was teaching me - I seriously never would have thought to do these cool movements she was showing me, and look forward to putting these to work on my own on Friday!  I only wish I had an extra $1800 lying around to work out with her 3 days a week - but I will just have to take what she's shown me and implement for now and maybe in a month or so Corbin (Manager of FW) will have some specials for us 90 Days 2 Life existing members...he did hint at this yesterday!  Watch your emails ladies, he's got something in the works for us 90 Days members who were already a Fitness World member...or rather save the dates March 21 and 22nd - not sure what he has planned, but he was pretty excited about it :)

The 30min Hit club was a workout I've never had to do before, oh my goodness!  2 minutes at each station, boxing style movements and cardio for half an hour, holy sh#t!!!  I highly recommend getting into a class if you can, although they do not do drop-in appointments right now, I'm really hoping they will consider it down the road.  This for me is a perfect style class to mix up the everyday workout - you know that feeling of just kicking butt on something, feeling extra strong and aggressive?  This class does it - totally.  The only thing I forgot about was stretching afterwards, and yes, I am very sore because of it today!

So where am I at today?  Since January I am down 12 pounds, but I don't get too concerned over the scale and weight numbers.  What is more important to me and I feel everyone should re-focus themselves on this too, is the inches lost.  I-N-C-H-E-S.  I'm now wearing Medium sized shirts, fabulous!  And I'm down 2 sizes in the waist, fabulous again!

My husband has treated me to a shopping spree in the US, and in fact some of the new clothing I bought at Victoria's Secret is already showing to be too large in the width...sorry hun!  Well, not really :)

And mentally I feel like I could do just about anything, confidence, energy and attitude - it's all there.

Feeling the good pain

You know, that tight feeling in your muscles...isn't it great!  Making the time to exercise, creating a balanced routine, and setting goals are hard enough, but add to that the muscle soreness that comes with adapting to that regimen, and it IS difficult to stay on track!


Stretching and flexibility are underrated!  Let's take my weekend for example - bootcamp yesterday and an hour's run today, a really good run.  How long of a stretch is enough?

Answer: A basic static stretch – holding the pose for an extended period – should last about 30 seconds. Anything less than 20 seconds won’t make a significant difference in lengthening muscle fibers and tissue; hold too long and you risk injury. While some recent studies suggest stretching doesn’t necessarily improve performance or decrease one’s risk of injury, the American College of Sports Medicine still advises stretching your major muscle groups two or three days a week. (Originally published in Fitness magazine)

Stretching breaks up the cycle of sore muscles which can go from soreness to muscle spasm to contraction and tightness.  But after much research I have come to understand that by no means should we stop exercising when we are sore!  Try some light exercise such as walking or swimming, keeping the muscle in motion can also provide some relief.


Soreness serves as encouragement in my workout program because I know I like immediate results. Muscle don't visibly grow overnight; something like soreness can give us encouragement that we are in fact working the muscle, yay!

Benefits of stretching (info provided by mayoclinic.com)

Regular stretching is a powerful part of any exercise program.

• Stretching increases flexibility. Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier and less tiring.
• Stretching improves range of motion of your joints. Good range of motion keeps you in better balance, which will help keep you mobile and less prone to injury from falls — especially as you age.
• Stretching improves circulation. Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Improved circulation can speed recovery after muscle injuries.
• Stretching promotes better posture. Frequent stretching keeps your muscles from getting tight, allowing you to maintain proper posture and minimize aches and pains.
• Stretching can relieve stress. Stretching relaxes the tense muscles that often accompany stress.
• Stretching may help prevent injury. Preparing your muscles and joints for activity can protect you from injury, especially if your muscles or joints are tight.

Can Somebody Tell Me...

Why and how is it, that I am a stay at home mom who has no time to do anything?  Granted, I have my Partylite business but that isn't time consuming, so where are the hours in each day disappearing to...


My husband can tell that I have not been doing my yoga, my emotions are all over the place and I cannot seem to even prioritize what it is that I have to do, how can I accomplish my goals this way!  I need a kick in the pants, someone to "push" me.  Stuck in a rut is me!


I feel like I can make time for everyone else, my boys, hubby, my team of consultants and yet when it comes to me I just make excuses!  Like today, I baked cookies, did laundry, prepped a gourmet dinner all just to avoid doing my exercises, why?


Oh yes, I know where I need to be right now, somewhere that my body can generate an increase of serotonin levels.  In case anyone here suffers from serotonin deficiencies, and does not know it, here are some root causes - now that I have found these, I see which are similar and will work one day at a time to fix them (except I cannot make it sunny out no matter how hard I try, lol!):

• Prolonged periods of stress can deplete serotonin levels. Our fast paced, fast food society greatly contributes to these imbalances. 
• Poor Diet. Neurotransmitters are made in the body from proteins. Also required are certain vitamins and minerals called “cofactors”. If your nutrition is poor and you do not take in enough protein, vitamins, or minerals to build the neurotransmitters, a neurotransmitter imbalance develops. We really do think and feel what we eat. (I am 100% in this area of diet, need to re-motivate)
• Genetic factors, faulty metabolism, and digestive issues can impair absorption and breakdown of our food which reduces are ability to build serotonin.
• Toxic substances like heavy metals, pesticides, drug use, and some prescription drugs can cause permanent damage to the nerve cells that make serotonin and other neurotransmitters. 
• Certain drugs and substances such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, NutraSweet, antidepressants, and some cholesterol lowering medications deplete serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels. (ahhhh caffeine - I thought you were my friend?)
• Hormone changes cause low levels of serotonin and neurotransmitter imbalances. (hmmm, good ol mother nature's fault I presume?)
• Lack of sunlight contributes to low serotonin levels (absolutely, its so dark and the mood translates accordingly, *sigh*)

Well, back to the starting gate I suppose:

1. I will negotiate with my body's diet intake - ok, I will simply stop eating out.  Life has been extremely busy this last week that eating well has not been an option. period.  
2. I will scale coffee back to 1 cup a day, not quite sure but yesterday I had the equivalent of 4 cups - yuck!  At least I hardly use sugar anymore
3. I will do my yoga!

Now, it is said that it takes 90 days to change habits, I supposed there are meant to be bumps along the way.  

I am so thankful that I have such a loving and supportive family, and wonderful new friends from 90Days2Life as well as my dear close friends who help pick me up and push me back into the direction I need.

Hugs and kisses

Blissfully Aware

What a day - is it over yet?  All the right things, and all the wrong things happened...but I'm actually ok with it.  


I had my Wednesday edition of my Blissful yoga dvd, so glad I did.  It helped me prepare for the required energy of the day.  


I was able to help another person with extra income and the Partylite opportunity.  I will help her be as successful as she wants to, and look forward to mentoring!  


However, enroute to her house I found out my husbands employer has decided to shut their doors.  I am not too surprised, but one can always hope that the gaming industry wouldn't be so volatile.  He is fortunate to have time left to assist his employer close out the studio.  Hubby is a very dedicated person, and gives 110% even after facing unemployment.  I know that karma takes over many things in our lives, some believe in religion, have faiths etc - I just know that he has been talking about moving his career closer to home and now he is forced to go out and find his dream job.  Things happen for a reason.


Thank goodness I had my yoga this morning, I believe it really helps with the ability to handle stressful situations a lot easier.  I have no idea about yoga, why did it take me so long to find comfort in it.  What is it about yoga that has me so captivated?  Maybe its because I am at the point in my life where something needs to step in and slow me down.  Enjoy life while I am healthy and have energy, makes me think...about absolutely nothing.  My body craved this relaxation for so long and thank goodness for Amber suggesting we start the new year off with a bang!  Thank you Amber!  Hot yoga is fab, but pricey - yoga at home is just about as good, even with a toddler climbing all over, I promise! Just try which works best for you. (as you can tell I am in "bliss" over my new dvd!)


Look forward to seeing the group tonight, hopefully some new faces too :).

Feeling Great!

Feeling great has its advantages, like energy levels, positive outlooks, and an overall healthier attitude.

Every day that I do some kind of physical activity I feel great, when I don't have the opportunity to fit any in...I feel sluggish.

This past week with the stomach flu still making rounds in my house, there just was no time to get any yoga or exercise in.  Sad!  And I was totally in a blue mood too!

Got out to Yanick's bootycamp on Saturday, needed that - incredible!  And this morning was Sun Run Training.  Yes, I can hardly move my limbs now - two days in a row of hard exercise, but I am NOT complaining!!!

As for hot yoga, I won't be able to continue this new favorite activity of mine.  It is too time consuming of my evenings and there is no childcare option for daytime classes...if anyone knows somewhere that does offer this, LET ME KNOW! 

I was downtown with a girlfriend of mine yesterday...downtown Vancouver.  Cannot remember the last time I had a chance, no kids, to go and shop, walk, talk and take in the sights - it was pouring rain but even that didn't deter us!  We ended up in quite a few shops, and I did purchase a couple of "rewards" for my work this far!

Reward #1 - Yoga DVD.  Its called the blissology project - yoga, meditation and lifestyle with Eoin Finn.  Purchased at Lululemon.  Looks really interesting - two clerks saw me looking over the DVD set with interest and approached me saying they had done the set and absolutely loved it.  I explained about how I have really fallen in love with hot yoga and am struggling with finding time to incorporate it without abandoning my family weeknights...they said the DVD set will be just what I need.  There is a yoga disc to use each day, along with optional meditation exercises.  I almost cannot wait till tomorrow to start it!!!  Hmmmm

Reward #2 - a gorgeous sweater with tie wrap from Roots.  OMG it stopped me in my tracks, so adorable!  5 more pounds and it will fit amazing with a pair of dark blue jeans.  Dark blue jeans will be my next reward! 

To date, I have no idea what my weight is, could be, or how much I have lost.  I do know that I feel fabulous, have lost one waist size for sure, and even then I'm almost sure I could do another size down.  Goodbye 15, 13 is almost gone...11 is looking good for end of this month!

Nutritionally speaking, I really try to do my best each day with this, incorporating things I have learned from Andrea @ Life Designs.  I know I could do more, and look forward to Jan 26 and Feb 2 when we have 2 different nutritionists come to our weekly meeting to give us nudges in the right direction!

Hope to meet and inspire more people along the way, that is what life is about to me!  If you haven't been out to a meeting, come!  You are not behind for not having been to one, you are just missing out on what you can "take away" from it. :)

Exercise Improves Depression...

OK, I don't suffer from depression, but I do suffer from anxiety and symptoms are very similar and linked in many ways.  I found an article, rather the article found my inbox and I wanted to share this with everyone as I mentioned before how amazing my life feels right now and I was positive it had to do with all the exercising I was doing!

The idea that regular exercise can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety has been around for thousands of years. If you suffer from major depression, exercise probably won't be the only treatment you'll need, but it will help along with your treatment plan. Working out can enhance the benefits of antidepressant medications, and even produce similar results. But while medication and psychotherapy can take weeks to work, you can start feeling the positive effects of exercise right away.

Research shows that exercise:

• Positively effects the same neurotransmitters that antidepressant medications target
• Produces feel-good brain chemicals called "endorphins," which promote the sense of well-being and satisfaction
• Releases tension in muscles that contributes to depression-related soreness and insomnia
• Reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, relieving feelings of anxiety and agitation
• Raises body temperature, which appears to have calming effects

Exercise can also promote the following psychological and emotional changes:

• Distraction. Exercise compels you to focus on something besides your troubles for a little while, helping you find pleasure.
• Confidence. By meeting a goal, like a small amount of exercise each day, you can begin to rebuild confidence and self-esteem.
• Self-respect. Taking the time to do something positive to help yourself every day can help you reconnect with the part of you that wants to be healthy and productive.

Thanks to SparkPeople for this article: http://www.sparkpeople.com/

Tuesday

I had to ask 3 different people today what day it was, Tuesday.  Not quite sure why this eludes me today, at least its almost over!  I suppose functioning on 4 hours sleep while trying to run a household can trigger that memory loss...

Hubby was up all night, fighting the stomach flu - its nasty!  My little man woke up around 3am and we couldn't exactly sleep so we tried crashing on our comfy couch downstairs for a while.  Up at 7, get the oldest off to school with breakfast and lunch, quick shower and off I go to playgroup with the little man.  As you can see, I don't use names here - someone told me not to when blogging so I am taking their advice, for now.  It feels weird referring to them as oldest and little man...

Playgroup was awesome, yet again.  This is a free service/resource available to us in our area put on at a local elementary school.  It is setup like my old home based daycare that I used to run, it feels very comfortable and natural.  I adore the other kids there, and watching my little man "take it all in".  He is not talking yet, but just recently is showing signs of really wanting to.  We are hoping this playgroup will stimulate that for him, not to mention the socializing skills he is learning.  Love it!

After a couple hours I had to take him away, he threw a fit for the first time - it was actually kinda cute.  We went to a friends house to get some training done.  She is signing up to become a Partylite consultant like me and we are gonna rock this town!  Really looking forward to working with her - she is an amazing woman who does so much for her community and family.  She will be awesome!!

So, left the house at 9am and got back at 1:30pm ...can you say busy?  The best part, my hubby was home.  Sick, yes.  Still...having another adult around is always nice. 

Speaking of feeling sick, I really do owe hubby an apology.  For what?  I was all pissy this morning because suddenly, without warning my day was going to be disrupted.  I was going to have to take care of another boy in the house, kinda like a 3rd child.  Sound familiar?  It felt like "oh great" I just don't have it in me to 'baby' him.  Not after both our boys were sick all weekend with the same thing.  Who am I kidding though, it is not his fault, and everyone feels gross themselves when they are sick.  In sickness and in health, I made that vow, and meant it.  But my attitude this morning sure wasn't very supportive.  I was feeling selfish which is rare and probably why I feel so badly about it now.  Regardless, taking care of a sick hubby is harder to take care of than kids most times, sorry hun, but its true!

Tonight was also my last night of Yoga had I been able to go, I was really looking forward to it.  I will miss it dearly - gonna have to do more Partylite shows to pay for another round of sessions.  Hot yoga is expensive, but ohhhhhh so worth it! 

Well, I am done my rant, my next post will be more exciting I promise!! Tomorrow night is weigh-in at our weekly 90Days2Life meeting!

What a week!

From my littlest one getting sick over New Years, allergic reaction to Penicillin, to now both my boys having the stomach flu...ugh...I am exhausted!  What a week!

I was able to squeeze in a hot yoga session and a spinning class at least!  Oh, and because of my amazing husband supporting me, I also went to a Canucks game and had a Partylite show.  It was busy, that is for sure - but like I've said previously, I am expecting my lifestyle to change dramatically.

Ever since I started working out and exercising, I have stopped taking my anti-anxiety medication...something to look into medically.  I feel better than I have in 10 years, all because I am taking time to watch what I eat and exercise. 

The spinning class I went to on Wednesday was a lot easier than I thought it would be.  I swear, 10 years ago when I used to spin a lot at the gym, at least 3 days a week, the classes were harder.  Not to say I didn't work up a big sweat, as well I was very "bottom" sore for the next couple of days, LOL.  The instructor I talked to before the class began kept reassuring me that this class was extremely hard, and all the people in it were regulars and if I had a hard time just to 'cool down' and take it easy.  I totally felt like she was judging me, how happy was I when I finished her class!  I kinda felt like sticking my tongue out at her, yeah real mature! :)

In just a few minutes I am off to my first Bootycamp with a bunch of girls from this group 90Days2Life.  Tomorrow is hot yoga again, ahhhh, what a life!  As my husband held me last night, he said he has already noticed a difference, just in how tight my skin is getting.  Yes!  From a size 14 now, down to a 6 for summer.  Wish me luck!

What a Day - Back to Reality!

Well today was finally the first day back to school, back to work, and for me back to my time! Except things have changed! Got the boys up and ready for school, yes even little C at 20 months old is going to school. There is a preschool type setting at a local school in Cloverdale that is totally free as long as you are staying with your child. It is fabulous, clean, organized and I've met a lot of new parents and kidlets!

So out the door we all go at 8:20am, drop one off then head to the other school to hang out for a couple of hours. Lil C however does not make it more than an hour from all the stimulation - this is fabulous for him! He's learning so much about behaviours and hopefully he will start talking soon! This is what a Tuesday morning looks like! This week we brought along a friends little girl too and hopefully they will come back with us next visit!

The rest of the day was kind of blah, I am looking for a nice template for my blog, have yet to find one I like so I played with those for a couple hours...yes hours...!!!

After dinner when hubby came home from work I got my stuff together and headed out for another hot yoga session - whew, am I ever really enjoying those! You sweat SO much, it feels like a cleanse after every class. I cannot understand why it took me so long to get started doing these! I think too many people gave me feedback on what they'd heard, you'll feel sick, it's too hot, it smells...seriously not listening to other people anymore. How many opportunities in life have I missed out on something that sounded interesting because someone else expressed their opinions and talked me out of it. Sounds familiar I bet...STOP listening to other people and START experiencing everything you can - you will love yourself for it.

So tomorrow brings a workout at the gym - just wish I had a bootcamp instructor to yell at me, then I know I'd push myself harder! (Bootycamp starts Saturday anyways!) I'm just going to the rec centre to use their gym. I can't be bothered to sign a contract to go use a facility somewhere, it feels like I'm being bullied or something! Weird, yes maybe!

In any case, to the girl who almost gave up in hot yoga class tonight, kudos to you for sticking it out - hope to see you again. Hope my blogging about my new fit lifestyle will inspire others to start one step at a time, stop making excuses - and start making time for you.

Love ya!

New Favourite

I finally got a slow cooker for christmas - thanks MOM! (husbands are not allowed to purchase kitchen gadgets, but moms are!)

My life is about to get really busy now, even though I am a stay at home mom, I will be on the go 7 days a week and that is not even including my home business (Partylite). This slow cooker is going to come in handy!

I was referred to this site: http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/ where Stephanie O'Dea cooks using her slow cooker 365 days a year, she is apparently quite obsessed with hers!

While I am not that dedicated,I am sure I will be able to incorporate some of her recipies/ideas and implement them at home. I find her site fascinating and she is an award winning blogger/author - check her out, and let me know what recipies you fall in love with! I will post mine too!

New Year Goals!

OK so I decided to make a note here about what activities are driving my goals for this new year! Can you see yourself making time to do any of these?

1. Bootycamp with Janick, Sat mornings (8 weeks)
2. Run clinic (my own) Sun mornings (13 weeks)
3. Sun Run April 17, 2011
4. Hot Yoga - Bikrams (2 x week)
5. Cardio @ rec centre because they have child minding and there is no contract to sign for membership! (3 x week)

Wow, sounds like a lot when I actually put it down in writing! Wish me luck!

Bikram's Yoga 1st Attempt Successful!

Well, a few ladies from our group decided it was time to ring in the new year right! We headed up to Bikram's Yoga in Walnut Grove (by the way they have awesome introductory rates if you've never been!).

I didn't really know what to expect - I've heard it's hot hot hot, and yes that is true! Someone told me to bring a puke bucket - this is not true. GROSS!!!

I was welcomed by friendly staff, who explained everything to me and helped me mentally prepare. It was 90 minutes of excellence. We did our breathing and movements, stretching oh my god stretching! I never knew I could move my body in some of those ways, whew what a workout I tell you! I sweat a lot, my towel and mat were soaked...I decided I need a fluffier towel to work on, and not to wear so many clothes! I was very much overdressed with full yoga pants and a tshirt. OK, I totally had no clue! LOL

I am going again today, if that is testimony as to how good it felt during, and afterwards. One thing I really look forward to is that you aren't allowed to talk in the yoga room, ahhhh silence (says the mother of two boys).

I hope you will consider doing this activity for yourself soon, it is a treat! :)