Fit Friday

I was out for a run the other day, and I went a different route just to get a change of scenery. I ended up passing by the neighborhood pool and had to do a double take when I saw it hoppin' with people! What?? No...this couldn't be! It couldn't be SWIMSUIT season already, could it??  How did this happen? I swear it was just Easter. I ended up running an extra mile with that new sense of urgency on my mind. I had to get in shape ASAP!! I did stop to take a picture of Huey, Dewey and Louie as they crossed my path, though. They are seriously there every day...same time, same place.

I remember after having Trent thinking I was so lucky to have had him at the end of October because I had "all the time in the world" to get back in shape before the summer. It is crazy how fast it actually crept up, though, and I am totally not ready at all! SO many people told me the pounds would just melt off with no effort at all because I was breastfeeding. And I was constantly hearing the stories of women who had lost ALL of their baby weight within a few weeks after delivery. Well...I was NOT one of those women. The weeks went by, and the pounds just..stayed. I swear I was the same weight after three months that I was the day I left the hospital...even with working out and breastfeeding! WTF?? So in February I decided I was going to stop waiting around for a miracle and start getting my butt into gear. When I really made a commitment to some hard work and discipline (and of course a few new accessories), I started seeing a change almost immediately. I still have about five pounds to go, but some days (when I want to have that extra margarita), I convince myself that those five pounds are just muscle. Here are some of my tips and finds for getting fit or just maintaining a healthy lifestyle this summer! 

1. BOB Revolution SE - You already know about my love affair with the BOB. I never have the opportunity to go for a run on my own anymore, so I have to take Trent with me...and this is such an awesome jogging stroller. I can't say enough good things about it. Look out for sales, especially when they bundle in the tray and handlebar caddy.

2. KettleBells - I didn't really buy into the whole kettlebell thing..I mean how good of a workout could it really be?? But it totally is. You can find a ton of good routines on Pinterest, like here.

3. Healthy Eating (Cobb Salad) - Of course healthy eating is just about at the top of the list of how to get/stay healthy and fit. We try to go meatless at least a few times a week with some veggie-packed salads and minimal dressing. I used to be nuts about counting calories and eating low-fat everything, but now I just go for the healthy fats (nuts and avocado) and use full fat products (instead of substitutes) just in moderation.

4. Water, water, water! - Unfortunately you can't drink a bottle of wine every day if you are trying to lose weight or stay fit. Believe me, I have tried. But you should drink as much water as possible. There are just so many benefits of staying hydrated, and it is so important in the hot Texas summer, especially. I always keep a tumbler with me, and for whatever reason I end up drinking much more water this way than with a water bottle.

5. Insanity - Okay, okay. I know it sounds crazy...all those video workouts seem the same (aka total BS). But I got sucked into an Insanity infomercial during an early morning feeding and decided I had to try it. Don't spend the $160 right off the bat, though...ask around on Facebook, etc, to see if any friends have the set. I borrowed all the disks from a friend and was able to find the schedule/calendar online for free. And let me just tell you...honestly. I am NOT getting paid to say this (I wish, haha!), but Insanity is literally the ONLY thing that helped me lose the baby weight. Even running, working out and dieting didn't seem to do anything until I started Insanity, and within two weeks I was back into my skinny jeans. No lie. True to its name..it is a bit crazy, but once you get through the first three or four days, you will be fine. I highly, HIGHLY recommend it.

6. Nike Compression Sports Bra - One of my favorite sports bras out there. It was even good while breastfeeding, too.

7. ASICS Running Shoes - For whatever reason, ASICS seem to be the best running shoes for me. I tend to get shin splints and sore ankles/feet with anything else. Plus, they have some awesome colors/designs. Of course I found these melon orange and blue ones right after I bought my latest pair. Bummer.

8. Nike Running Socks - The best no-show running socks EVER. Perfect thickness, plus you know I can't resist these awesome Halloween-ish prints!

9. DadFest 5K - I've said it before, and I'll say it again...get out there and do some 5Ks! There are a ton to choose from any given weekend in any given city, and it is such a great activity to spend some time outside, do something as a family and be active! There is almost always an associated little festival, party or event at the end of it, too. And most of them start early in the morning, so you will be done running and partying long before lunchtime even, with the rest of your Saturday free and a workout out of the way. As we do every year, we are going to DadFest tomorrow morning. It will be Trent's first 5K..stay tuned for pics!

10. RunMonster App - If you don't already have this, download it NOW! It is my favorite running app out there that tracks and measures the route as you run (among other things). I love being able to set out for a run without a planned route, take as many twists and turns as I want...and still know exactly how far I went, how many calories burned, etc. And if I ended up really liking that route, I can look back and remind myself exactly where I went for the next time.

On that note..I think we will take the BOB out for a spin right now before it gets too hot this afternoon. As much as I am looking forward to being able to have a few drinks by the pool this year in a halfway stylish swimsuit, I have to admit I will miss my summer bump..just a little!