1) How is Nutrisystem going? So far I am 3 weeks in, and I am really enjoying it. It has taught me how to space out my meals, and my days are following the "eat 5 times a day" regimen + a protein shake after weights. It also has made me realize that my portions before starting were GIGANTIC compared to how I should have been eating. Vegetables are also becoming a staple throughout my day. At every meal/snack I try to have a serving of vegetables at the least. Baby carrots, grilled asparagus, raw bell peppers, and baby spinach are my go-to's.
2) What supplements do you take? Right now I take fish oil, vitamin D, calcium chews, acidophilus (pro-biotic), biotin, CLA's at every meal. CLA is conjugated linoleic acid, and is reported to help with weight loss. After I workout, I take glutamine to help with muscle soreness and enjoy a whey protein shake.
3) What is your favorite type of cardio? Plyometrics are my favorite! If I have good songs playing on my shuffle, I make up a plyo workout as I go in an empty studio. High knee jumps, squatting jumping-jacks, and burpees are some of the plyo moves I try to incorporate into all of my workouts. When I go for a machine, I pick the stair-mill or elliptical.
Here are two of my favorite plyo exercises.
4) What lifting exercises do you enjoy most? Dead-lifts and squats. I picked these, because I feel that they make the most noticeable differences on my body.
5) Where do you find inspiration to workout? This is my favorite question, because I've recently been reading the interviews on www.cutandjacked.com, as well as www.bodybuilding.com. The before and after pictures are so motivating. It's also fun to read about different workouts and diet plans. Also "Female Gym Motivation" on Facebook inspires me to make every day a gym day.
6) What are some things you struggle with in living healthy? In terms of fitness: running and back exercises are two things that are difficult for me. I have to be in the right mood just knock out 1 mile. Back exercises frustrate me, because I have to use light weights for a long time to start noticing improvement before I use heavier weights. When it comes to food, I always have to watch my portions and stay away from Starbucks. I now realize that my iced coffees and little treats were adding to more calories than I thought. I've cut out all fast food; for years the drive-thru window was part of my commute home. I now make sure to sit down, eat cleaner, and enjoy my meals with little distraction.
7) How should newbies break into the fitness world? GROUP FITNESS! If it were not for group fitness, I would not be the workout fanatic I am today. Getting to the gym is half the battle; knowing that your friends will be there makes it so much easier!
8) What are some new things you are trying right now? Lately, I've been adding kettle bell exercises to my workouts. One trainer taught me a move called "J Lo's". You have the kettle bell in one hand standing up. Lunge forward and put the kettle bell on the ground, lung back to standing. Lunge with the other leg and pick up the kettle bell with the other hand. Keep doing this for 20 sets. You'll feel it the next day!
If you have any questions about fitness for newbies, feel free to ask in the comments section. I love answering questions on group fitness and personal fitness goal setting.
If you have a fitness blog, post it in the comments below. I would love read it.
Have a healthy and happy day!
(Reminder: always check with your physician before starting a fitness or diet program.)
