Suggestions for That Last 10 Pounds That Work!

Try Zumba. It's fun and a great workout. You can take a class or buy the DVD and do it at home. Get the newest DVD released in 2008 with Beto, the creator of Zumba.
www.zumba.com

Have you ever tried Kundalni yoga. Amazing system that burns fat quickly with the aid of your breath. Also I recommend purchasing my Air & Detox e-book which lists a diet to release toxins, primarily environmental ones. So many toxins in our environments (plastics predominantly) that mimic estrogens. Most women have excess estrogen in their symptoms and lower progesterone resulting in PMS symptoms, early menopausal symptoms and fertility problems. One key in the diet is to drink unsweetened cranberry juice daily with fiber (metamucil) added. It really works for weight loss and great for the body. www.wheelsoflight.org

I'm a diet coach and personal trainer. I'd be happy to offer you suggestions if you have specific questions. You can check me out at moreislessdiet.com.

B.

There is some minor equipment that you'd need to get, but the P90X home workout video series is fantastic!!! It's a challenge, and like having a personal trainer right in your home!

L.,
Goodmorning...I applaud your motivation with such a busy schedule. Have you tried yoga. I know most people don't htink of yoga as a weight loss exercise but it does work. When doing yoga on a regular basis I have never been in better shape...great abs and arms...and you always feel relaxed and rejuvenated after the workout rather than sweaty and tired like after a long run. If you are interested I can provide you with some good videos you can do at home or I am a yoga instructor and would be happy to teach you and/or you and some friends some yoga moves.
Good Luck!
J. B
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I agree with the Jillian 30 day shred dvd..it only takes 23 min and it will kick your but! I am sore for days and I haven't made it to level two yet!! I need to get my but back to doing it.

I am a big believer in running. I swear it has really toned and help lean out my body. Also it is a great stress reliever and really gives you energy. And you can start out slow with run/walk and eventually build up. Even if you just did 20 minutes you will notice results/energy level. Plus its nice to have some solitude before the family gets up! Also I used to do the Body for Life program-which incorporates weight training if you would rather do that. Its a smart, healthy program and really works. But to lose weight, tone up I swear by running at least 3 days a week. Its so good for you too!

My friend Beth runs Strollerfit, and it looks like it will kick your but. Specifically Restore the Core - she taught our networking group just a few moves, and I've tried then - it felt like it was working (I just need to keep doing it).

I have found variety to be best. I work full time as well and could never work out in the morning and I don't get up as early as you do! I thought my 5:30 was bad. Anyway, I have a eliptical machine at home that I do for 30 minutes after the kids go to bed, about twice a week. The majority of my exercise is on my lunch break at work. We started a group and we do exercise videos twice a week at lunch. Yoga, dance party, tae bo etc... Other days, I go for a long, fast walk at lunch. Bring deodorant and body spray! I have lost 23 pounds in 5 months and hopefully that will continue. I just eat a sandwhich at my desk around 11:30 while I'm working. Good luck, it is hard at first, but then you actually start to like it!

Have you heard about Baby Boot Camp.
It is a small group a woman who work out with a personal trainer. You can also bring your child with you in a stroller if you need to.(ie. your 4 year old in stroller, 7 year old could come to if needed).
It is really reasonable since you are getting the personal attention of a personal trainer. All of the woman chat and have fun. The trainer really motivates you and you really get a great workout. Check it out in the local business review section. Last 10 pounds can be very stubborn.

ONE word... CARDIO!! I agree with the person who suggested running! I work out regularly using a variety of things. We have a bowflex that I do weight training and strengthening on and I do yoga often as well. I just started running about 3 weeks ago (I never really enjoyed it before). BUT, what a difference. I started running bc I decided I wanted to do a 5K and then a 10K and hopefully work up to a 1/2 marathon (not anytime soon though). But, all of the sudden these extra pounds that I didn't even know were there started falling off. I wasn't running to lose weight I was running to stay healthy and feel good. But, I've lost weight that I didn't lose doing the others. I have a double jogging stroller with an MP3 player attached so the kids and I can hear the music and they love it more than I do!! GOOD LUCK!

Lots of great suggestions here! I'm a runner, so obviously I will say running. It is the most time-effective way to burn calories, and does not cost much. If you want to mix it up to keep it interesting, throw in some intervals where you go fast, then slow, then fast, etc. Intervals also pump up the intensity and improve fat loss. I also think it is wise to do strength training on your non-cardio days. If you watch T.V., do some sets with free weights during commercials.

Without knowing what youare currently doing it is hard to say what to do. So assuming you are just dieting and chasing after your girls then I would recommend a weight training/cardio circuit. The more muscle you have the more calories you burn in general. You may even want to try and get your daughters involved in some kind of yoga for a family friendly workout. There are videos for this. I usually reccommend working out in the moring but you are already up early so you will have to find time in your day. Two 15 minute workouts a day is the same as one 30 minute one. IT is hard to tell you exactly what to do without knowing you so you may want to find a personal trainer in your area that can help find something suitable for you. (I am a trainer but live rather far away...sorry)
The other thing you may want to keep in mind is that everybody has a set bodyweight where their body wants to be to function daily with the demands put upon it. It is called your happy weight and most women think it should always be 5-10 lbs less than what they are. The easiest way to find it is to set a goal aof say running a 5k in a certain time. When you can do that then try a new goal of a new time or a new event..never make your goal a number on the scale, it doesn't work! Good luck and enjoy your family. If you want some more detailed type workouts feel free to send me a message and I would be happy to help!

I purchased Jillian Michael's 30 Day shred DVD. It's a 23 min workout that really works. I am in decent shape by running and swimming but this workout has kicked my workout to the next level.

I do it at 5 am before work and the kids are up.

It was only $10 at amazon.com. I lost about 6 lbs so far.

Hi L.,
I understand your frustration. I specialize in prenatal fitness and postnatal rehabilitation. I am a fitness instructor and a local small business owner here in Tampa. The truth about health and fitness is it is a learned behavior and a lifestyle. To burn those stubborn pounds you should incorporate strength moves with cardio bursts. This type of interval training is what speed up your metabolism and helps you shed that unwanted weight. If you ever want to chat in more detail, or even want attend a free class to see how I incorporate resistance and cardio circuits in my workouts feel free to email me.

Best Wishes,

T.
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www.strollerfit.com/tampa/southwest