Friday, July 26, 2013

GymPact - Bet On Your Fitness

*This is not a sponsored post. I am just great at giving free advertising to products I personally do believe in. Because I'm so awesome at marketing by nature, this will sound like a professional ad. Companies - take note...and contact me if you want a badass review of your product. Of course, not free of charge. Thank you.*

Holy moly...It's been a week since I last posted!

Well, as bad as that is, at least I wasn't away from the gym for a week. Maybe that's my excuse for you. Yes, I haven't been blogging because I've been logging mad hours at the gym. Ha, OK, well not that crazy...just the norm. BUT, I have a feeling that I will be logging mad hours at the gym starting on Monday...

I'm checking in with you today to tell you about a new app I just installed on my iPhone last night. It's pretty dang cool. I have yet to be really involved in it enough to give a full review, but I think I'm going to like it.

Here's the preface: Money is probably one of the biggest, if not THE biggest, motivators out there, right? So what would you do if I told you that for every workout you promised to do that you didn't do, you'd have to pay $5, or more?

You probably would stop missing workouts then, right?

On the flipside, for every workout week where you completed your promised workouts, you get paid from the big money pot thanks to non-exercisers.

This app is called GymPact.


http://24.media.tumblr.com/922443f46da8dbb511fe9fd4db592960/tumblr_mmr5r8NVad1sqnugwo1_400.png


There are a few Golden Rules, of course. One major one being that you have to have proof of workout by GPS. This app syncs with RunKeeper, the running app I just so happen to use. So it will record those workouts for you automatically. Then you have to use the "Check-In" method you do via GPS to prove your ass was at the gym.

You get to choose what you promise. You can promise 3 workouts a week, or 5, or 7...whatever. BUT, don't promise what you can't truly handle because you'll be paying up. You choose whether you pay the $5 minimum, or more, per workout missed. You can link your debit/credit card or a PayPal account. They will automatically deposit any funds you earn when you tell them to disperse them to you.

http://www.thecultureist.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/GYMPACT-600x311.jpg

Anyway, that's pretty much it. I start my pact next week. I have promised 5 workouts for next week between Monday and Sunday {that's how pact weeks run}.

Got questions? Visit their FAQ page.

Hope some of you start making workout promises and sticking to them!


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Friday, July 19, 2013

Lean Mean Green Machine

Well, the good news is I think I'm officially out of my little "funk". I've sort of sparked a sort of "gung-ho" mentality that I've really needed to get back into. I've cut out wine intake for now. I've been spending my gym shift mornings {before my shift starts} doing my weight training. Additionally, even though my diet was pretty good before, I've started to be a lot more conscious of anything bad I was doing, and doing my best to put a stop to it. I've also been trying to find more ways to work in the things that need to be in my diet more than they were. One way I'm doing that is with a green drink.

{source}
PB Banana Spinach Smoothie

2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 banana {frozen is good, but slice before freezing}
1 tbsp. natural peanut butter
2 tbsp. vanilla Greek yogurt
1 cup skim milk
{Add a scoop of vanilla whey protein if desired}

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour, and enjoy!

The spinach flavor is disguised so well. The drink will be bright green, but tastes delish and it's a great way to get in some good nutrients, while feeling satisfied afterward.




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Thursday, July 18, 2013

Cut The Slack & Cut Those Abs

 


I've been SLACK on my Pinterest Fitness Board Challenge! Need to get back on that...today's pin is:

abs #pinterestfitnessboardchallenge at www.thegymbunny.com

Good, I felt I needed to work some abs today. Adding this to my gym routine tonight.

{Psst - you really need to join in on this fitness challenge - head to your fitness pin board, pick a pin and get 'er done!}

And tonight's dinner is going to be a healthy one - something I pinned the other day:

{source}
Yum. What's on your menu tonight?


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Monday, July 15, 2013

Feeling Comfortable In My Own Skin

I'll be the first to say that my body is nowhere near perfect, not quite where it could or should be, and that despite my workout efforts and {for the most part} good eating habits, I still struggle internally about where my body is physically, all things considered. And before anyone says anything - this is not a fish-for-compliments post. I know there are people out there who think I look awesome {which I totally appreciate}, just as much as there are people out there that don't {which I can totally understand}. This is truly about how I feel about myself.

I have battled with my bad body image tendencies for years. I am somewhat thankful for that in a messed up way, because I think that if I hadn't hated so hard on my body in the past, I wouldn't work as hard as I do now...and I will admit, I feel a lot better about my body nowadays than I ever did as a teenager, even after two kids.

I guess I've always felt I had something to prove. Never the prom queen type, not the thinnest, not even near the prettiest...I was just sort of somewhere lost in the middle of it all. I didn't find myself to be highly noticeable, despite my love for attention {middle child syndrome, anyone?} I could go on an on about the stupid fad diets I've tried, the eating disorder tendencies, the pills...I've done it all. {Not in a LONG time, but if you've heard of it, I've probably attempted it.} But that's not what this post is about, thankfully I'm past all of that, however, it does give you an idea of the lengths I've been willing to go.

So where does that bring me now? Well, I still come down hard on myself a lot. Although, I have come a long way in terms of my body confidence - I mean, that picture in the right-hand column took a lot of guts to put up. I even look at it sometimes and cringe, wondering "does anyone think I'm sorta fat in that pic, or that I think I'm ridiculously hot, but not?" See, that's the ugly side of my mind. Immediately negative about myself {note: I do NOT think I'm ridiculously hot...at all}. But nonetheless, I'm glad I posted it because I'm a visual person and that picture reminds me where I am {which ain't that bad I suppose} but also that I've got some improvements that could be made.

So what point am I trying to get to? Well, I'd say for the most part, I generally feel pretty good about my post-two-babies body. I know I've worked hard and continue to work...and that makes me proud. I also have a husband that compliments me daily, even if I have trouble accepting the compliments some days. He makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. I'm lucky for that, because I never have to worry about working hard for him. He's happy with me as-is. He'd even take me 20 lbs heavier. The person I worry about working hard for is me. I think I weigh so much of my happiness on how I look in outfits, bikinis, au naturel...what the weight scale says...or whether I'm having a "fat" day.

These last few weeks, I don't know what it is...maybe 30 is actually hitting me physically or something, but all of a sudden, I'm extremely aware of my not-quite-as-tone-as-it-was tummy. It's like one day, it decided to stop being flat and pop a little bit. WTF...I first thought it had to do with something menstrual, or post-vacation shit...but I keep waiting, and waiting, for it to go back to "normal". And, it hasn't. I sit and feel like I have a beer belly {maybe more of a wine belly, to be accurate}. I hate that extra baby fat layer...it's like you can grab it and tell the doctor, "This is what needs to go, here, I'll hold it while you cut."

To make matters worse in my self-loathing pity party that just won't quit, one of my Facebook friends, whom I drank with every now and then at the bars downtown back in the day {she was a party-er!} now has abs that look like this {she's my age and also has two little boys, one that is under 2}:


Yeah, she posted this just the other day and my jaw dropped! I mean, I knew she had become a personal trainer in the last couple years, but seriously, mad props to her for getting to this...she must have been so motivated and determined, because that shit takes REAL work. My first thought was, "she must not drink anymore!" Then I thought, maybe I shouldn't drink anymore either. At least a lot more sparingly than I do.

Point is, I could have spiraled further down my "body image funk" phase that I've been going through, but seeing this, well, it sparked the opposite. I want this. I want my hard work to SHOW. I am going to do whatever it takes to eat clean, cut the drinking {so long to my beloved vino} and shred down to the body I know I can have.

But first, carving out the time, and dedicating that time, to fitness.

I put in my two weeks' notice with my gym job last week. Three days a week waking up at 3am and working til 8am, then heading straight to my 9-to-5, was already hurting me physically due to lack of sleep, but more importantly, it was cutting into what would be my gym time. I would always say on those days, I'd just come back after 5pm to get my workout in, but more often than not, I'd get sidetracked with something else, things would come up, errands needed ran, and quality time with my family trumped it too. I'm a morning workout person primarily. Get up and get it out of the way type of girl.

Time to get my confidence back and be the fitness freak I know I can be. Feeling comfortable in my own skin is #1.



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Friday, July 12, 2013

Target Activewear & BOGO / Free Shipping Over $50

I love love love Target's activewear selection these days, don't you? I'm a fan of the Champion brand they sell, as well as a few of the others they carry. And right now, online they are having a BOGO 50% off sale and also free shipping on orders over $50.

Here are a few of my personal faves right now:


I love the idea of the built-in sports bra and this looks so comfy.

C9 by Champion® Women's Fit and Flare Tank

I tried this one on the other day, and it is actually really flattering. The length is just right too.

C9 by Champion® Women's Mesh Short with Compression

These shorts are great for running. Definitely taking advantage of the BOGO 50% off to have a few pairs for my training runs!

C9 by Champion® Women's Seamless Racer Bra
This is by far my favorite sport bra. Reasonably priced, comfortable and great support. I stock up when there's a sale - and this BOGO sale is one of the best sales I've seen on them!

Take a look at Target's online collection of activewear. What are your favorite pieces?


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Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Just Go. No Excuses.

So did anyone join in on yesterday's Pinterest Fitness Board Challenge? I'm urging you to do this along with me. I tell you, the one I did last night was pretty darn good. And today's well, today's is killer. It's the 100 Workout.




I think just the 100 jumping jacks to start off was quite the task. I managed to get it done though - I'm the only one working in my office right now and it used to be a yoga studio or something so it's perfect for workouts - I basically took a 15 minute break and just knocked it out. But killer, yes. Don't worry - I'm wearing workout clothes at work right now...because I also decided I will be running on my lunch breaks in order to train for my first half marathon. Here are my run stats for today's run:




Aren't I so lucky to work right on the water? Here's a pic of the bridge I was on:




And I took this one while on the bridge:




I realize those stats aren't amazing, but here are my lame excuses, in case you were interested:
  1. It was hot and humid and noon.
  2. I should have drank more water this morning before my run.
  3. I walked some - but I did a lot of sprinting too {working on endurance}.
  4. I let myself get sidetracked by the view and deep thoughts on some of my walking moments.
  5. I'm pathetic and I should have never fallen out of running after coming so far at the end of last year.
  6. I need a better playlist.
Yeah, #5. I do not need to make excuses! I just need to keep kicking my ass.

I'm actually headed to the gym later for some strength-training - Biceps/Triceps/Chest Day.

What are your fitness plans for today? Hopefully you'll consider this Pinterest challenge - what have you got to lose?



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Monday, July 8, 2013

The Pinterest Fitness Board Challenge

OK, let's be honest...you know the deal...just about everyone who has a Pinterest account also has one of their pin boards dedicated to fitness. And you know the running jokes out there about it:

Funny Confession Ecard: Yes, I am working on my diet and exercise plan on Pinterest... While eating an Icee...and thin mints. Don't judge me.

Funny Somewhat Topical Ecard: Pinterest; Where I spend my days drooling over pictures of fitness models & comfort food.

Funny Confession Ecard: I'm so exhausted from working-out all week long posting work-outs on Pinterest.

Pinterest: Thank you for making me want to workout like a complete psycho and eat desserts all night... simultaneously.

Yep, you get it. You pin the workouts, but do you ever really DO them?

I have 196 fitness pins on my I ♥ Fitness board on Pinterest - some are just motivational quotes and such, you know, but some are some really great workout ideas. While I've done a few, I definitely haven't tried nearly enough, or nearly close to all.



What is the point of pinning the workouts if I never end up doing them?????!!!!

Well, that stops here, people. I'm going to challenge myself...and I'm also presenting this challenge to you.




Do ONE Pinterest workout from your board per day until you have done them all. {You never know, you may discover one you really like and want to use a lot!}

I will keep you updated on my challenge progress - and which "pins" I'm doing each day. You are highly encouraged to present this challenge to your followers on your blog. All I ask is the following:

1. You use the "Pinterest Fitness Board Challenge" Logo in your post and/or your blog's sidebar and link back to The Gym Bunny. Link your post to the linky tool below. You may also link your Twitter and Facebook so we can all follow each other through this challenge.

2. You follow my blog via one or more of the following {all links in column to the right}:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter - use #pinterestfitnessboardchallenge on any post pertaining to the challenge
  • BlogLovin 
3. You recommend your followers to follow me as they join in on the challenge as well.
As you complete each pin on your board, add the hashtag #pinterestfitnessboardchallenge to your pin's description. 
4. Make update posts on your blog to let us know how you're doing, what you're doing - and even post the pins themselves in your post for us to see - maybe we'll find a new workout pin to add to our boards for the challenge! 

5. Have fun and stay motivated!

So that's it! It's really not a lot - it's up to you! If you don't yet have a fitness board on your Pinterest page, I recommend that you create one! 

So here is the first pin on my pinboard that I plan on taking on today {and it's a doozie}:

 http://cdn.iowagirleats.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Fitness.jpg?cdnrequest

Feel free to pin this one to your board and take it on as well! Good luck!


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Thursday, July 4, 2013

Independence.

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July


I want to extend a huge "thank you" on this Independence Day to the servicemen and women that have made our freedom in our country possible and continue to fight for that freedom every day. Thank you to my husband, Jake, who proudly serves with the USCG, going on 10 years soon.  It is a huge sacrifice to be away from those you love, to risk your life for others and to do the right thing. May all of those that serve and have served know how very important and appreciated they are.

And as for the rest of you, have a safe and happy holiday weekend!



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Monday, July 1, 2013

Half Marathon Training Begins!

I'm on a mission to kill myself this week, y'all. Case in point: My workout schedule for the week...

Monday, July 1 - 4am - 4:30am - Cardio
                           4:30pm - 5:30pm - Barre Class
Tuesday, July 2 - 5:30am - Run 3 miles {First official training run for my half marathon!}
                           5:30pm - Glutes/Legs/Abs {Strength Training}

Wednesday, July 3 - 4am - 4:30am - Cardio
                                5:30pm - 6:30pm - Barre Class

Thursday, July 4 - 6:30am - Run 3 miles

Friday, July 5 - 4am - 4:30am - Cardio
                        5:30pm - Chest/Triceps/Abs {Strength Training}

Saturday, July 6 - 6am - Run 4 miles
                            8:30am - 9:30am - Barre

Sunday, July 7 - 6:30am - Run 2-3 miles

I don't plan for a rest day because inevitably I know "life" will happen and I may miss one of these planned workouts.

What's with the 4am cardio sesh? Well, I work at my gym on MWF as the opener, and I sort of use that time as a "just in case I don't get back to the gym for a workout later" session. I figure 30 minutes of cardio is better than nada. I typically do get back to my planned workout after my normal 9-to-5 job, but some days, sh*t happens. I'm lucky that my main job allows for some flexibility - I don't necessarily have to be at the office the entire 9-to-5, as I can log on and work from home in the evenings if need be, so sometimes I get to the gym earlier for my strength training sessions, which makes my evenings a lot nicer for getting dinner on the table and not rushing the bedtime routine with the boys.

This week is the start of what is going to be a hectic few months of workouts due to training for the half marathon in the midst of it all. I didn't want to give up my strength training or barre classes just because I'm running because I don't believe replacing one thing with another is going to make me better. The running is purely going to be in addition to my normal workout routine, which is why I have scheduled those so early in the morning {plus to beat the SC heat}.

Wish me luck with the half marathon training!                          

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