Family Fitness

Happy 4th of July!  We are so excited to be down South and reunited with our family.  Grilling out, kids playing on the playground, a few beers on ice, and family stories are making this a wonderful holiday.

Before we sat down to relax, my family and I made my first VLOG about family fitness. (Please excuse some of the kids’ recording skills and it’s 100 degrees here!) :) You don’t need a gym, weights or anything fancy be to fit.  Try these moves at home and you and YOUR kids will get a workout.

 

 

 We did each of these fat burning, muscle building exercises for 30 seconds X 3 rounds!

  • Warm up- Run around with a kid on your back
  • Triceps (kids on lap for weight if needed)
  • Push Ups
  • Biceps
  • Squats Jump (squat and then jump or toss as you come back up)
  • Shoulder Press
  • Plank
Now on to enjoy these treats!

Zooma Race and Summer Motivation

Thank you Amy, from Running Escapades, for  Monday Motivation!!

 

The start of summer can have different effects on our fitness routines. Some people are motivated and charge full steam ahead into their training and workouts. Others may be feeling a little lazy and fighting the urge to relax on the beach instead of get up and move. Then there is always so much more to do in the warm fabulous days of summer.

Whether you are ready to jump in or need a little motivation, the Zooma Cape Cod Half Marathon/10K is a perfect way to do it.

“ZOOMA is a national women’s race series that takes running and celebrating to the extreme. ZOOMA half marathon and 10k or 5K races are followed by a fabulous post-race party with massages, wine, music and more!” 

When you sign up for Zooma Cape Cod you get access to Train Like a Mother training plans as well as opportunities to attend training runs sponsored by City Sports – Back Bay location in Boston.

Zooma Cape Cod: September 22, 2012

This race is the perfect opportunity to get together with all your girlfriends. You can train together, run a race together, and then party on the Cape together!

As a Zooma Ambassador I can offer you a discount on the Cape Cod registration. All you have to do is enter the promo code CCAMB8 to get $10 the half marathon or $5 off the 10K. The price increases on June 23 so hurry to get the best deal!

You won’t regret registering for this event. Zooma offers tremendous support through the blog, their Facebook page, and Twitter.

How do you stay motivated during the summer?

 

Amy Cain is a wife and stepmom living in New Hampshire. She spends nine months of the year engaging young minds as a high school English teacher and attending the varied sporting events of her stepchildren.  Amy has participated in more than 25 organized races in over four states. She blogs at RunningEscapades.Blogspot.com.

 

And now for the winners of the Foot Rubz Giveaway:  Charissa, Karri and Gabby!  I will email you for information on mailing the prizes!  Thank you ALL for entering!

 

Foodie Penpals

It’s the end of month which means: Foodie Penpals Reveal!

 

The Lean Green Bean

Holy goodness, my penpal sent me the most awesome box this month!  Let’s take a look inside:

Cari was unbelievably creative in finding the coolest goodies for me to try.

  • Kale Chips-ranch flavored
  • 2 types of oatmeal: Raspberry and Peach
  • Delicious container of trail mix
  • 2 packets of Justin’s Almond Butter: cannot wait to tear into the chocolate flavor!
  • Apple Cinnamon Chip
  • Ginger Peach Tea
  • Godiva Pearls
  • Chocolate Mint Water..had to include this in separate picture!

Can you say gourmet?  I better step up my game for my next Foodie Penpal.

Due to the Sugar Free Challenge, I haven’t been able to try all of the sweet treats.  However the Kale Chips were a WINNER!  Also, my kiddos loved the Apple Cinnamon Chips; I’m pretty sure they are gone.  I am travelling for a few weeks, but cannot wait to try all of these items, especially the Chocolate Mint water.  FYI: it does not have any sugar: SCORE!  I will keep you posted on that feedback ASAP!  Thank you again to Cari for such a delicious box.  AND thank you to Lindsay, at the Lean Green Bean, for putting together such a wonderful program!

This is such a fun and inspirational program to be a part of.  Here are the details, if you are interested.  Remember: you do not have to be a blogger to participate!

Here’s a detailed explanation of the program:

-On the 5th of the month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treatsThe spending limit is $15The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you can choose to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
- Foodie Penpals is open to US, Canadian residents & UK residents.  Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa. So, I’m going to keep two separate lists and match US w/ US and Canada w/ Canada!

***If you’re in the UK, please contact Carol Anne from This Is Rock Salt at rocksalt@thisisrocksalt.com to get involved!

Yoga for Kids

Namaste: The light in me recognizes the light in you.

The Mosleys grabbed a few yoga mats, thanks to Portsmouth Lululemon, and headed to Prescott Park for Childlight Yoga.  A storm was headed our way, but nothing could keep the yogis from a beautiful, fun and somewhat peaceful 35 minute session.

We had NO idea what to expect.  Would IR be able to do the postures?  Would b even be interested?  The questions were immediately answered: yes and yes.  The two instructors led us through lots of different poses using stories, imagination, and interaction.  We were a field of sunflowers, crashing waves in the ocean, powerful and SMART students, fish that brushed our teeth, butterflies and surfers.  My kids’ favorite segment was the surfing which led us into Warrior 1 and Warrior 2 poses.  All ages of kids were welcome.

b was a strong butterfly.

I loved this time with my kiddos.  We stretched, laughed, danced and sang together.  Momma even found her inner peace…

Check out Childlight Yoga in your area for more details.

Speaking of taking care of your body, remember to enter the Foot Rubz Giveaway. Contest ends on Friday, June 29th.

Giveaway Time- Foot Rubz

Have I mentioned how much I love this little massage ball?  If you didn’t get a chance, read my review here.  I love it SO MUCH, that I sent my post over to the NICE people at Sure Foot and they sent me a little package in the mail :)  Yep, 3 massage balls to gift to my readers!!

Some of you may be thinking, “why in the world do I need that?”  None of us realize how much tension we carry in our feet just by walking around.  Heels, flip flops, flats: all of those shoes do a number on the soles of our feet.  This doesn’t even take into consideration exercise like:  running, high impact classes, and especially Zumba.

This little massage ball can be rolled around for 30 seconds and your feet will feel brand new.  Did I mention that it can also be used for your back and legs?  It maybe small, but it SURE is powerful!  Want to give one a try?

Here’s how to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this blog post

2. Follow me on on twitter.  (then come back here and tell me you did so!)

3. Tweet this message:  My muscles need to win a massage ball from @livefitdaily and #Foot Rubz. #Giveaway

Contest will end Friday, June 29th.  Winner will randomly be selected.

Question of the day:

1. Where do you carry the most tension in your body?

 

Benefits of Yoga

It was time.  I had to do something.  My legs were screaming and I knew I needed to stretch.  Yoga was calling my name!

Thankfully, Lululemon Portsmouth offers yoga classes every Saturday during the month of June.  I was hesitant, to say the least, but I figured there would be other beginners attending.  It’s hard to try something new.  What if I look weird?  What if I fall over?  All of those thoughts were running through my head, but my sore muscles had the loudest voice.

When I arrived, there was a mat and a place just for me.  Allison, from 3Bridges Yoga, made me feel so comfortable.  She introduced herself and asked if I had any previous injuries or other concerns in my body.  I told her about my running and high impact activities and how tight my legs were.  She assured me that we would address those issues.

I sat on my mat and Allison instructed us to “float our eyes closed.”  I love that.  It wasn’t squeeze your eyes shut, but float them.  Immediately some tension left my body.  Throughout the hour I stretched, twisted,  turned and did things my body completely responded to.  She instructed us in the most gentle way.  She explained everything we were doing, how to make adjustments to our bodies, and offered modifications.  By the end of the class, I knew I was standing taller.

This photo shows a couple of poses that we did.  No crazy hand stands were attempted, though :)  Some of my favorite poses were: Down Dog, Butterfly, and Tree Pose.

Benefits of Yoga: flexibility, heart rate decrease, blood pressure decrease, reaction time improves, core strength, balance, and more.

I will be attending my 2nd yoga class this week in Prescott Park.  Every Tuesday, at noon, the park is open to anyone and everyone for yoga..and it’s free!  This week they are featuring children/family yoga.  Yep, the Mosleys will be channeling their inner peace–pray for those around us-ha.  As I was doing a little research on yoga, I came across the 10 most popular poses for children.  Check out the article here.  Can’t wait to see how my kiddos like the different postures.

No matter who you are, stretching is important.  We all need to take moments, throughout the week , to clear our mind and lengthen our bodies.  If you are hesitant to try yoga, look for a beginners class.  Most studios offer programs for newbies like me (and you).  Also, I hear there are great videos that you can do in the comfort of your home.

Questions for the Day:

If you practice yoga, how long have you been practicing?

Can you recommend any Yoga Videos for readers to try at home?

Fitfluential Bucket List

Ahh, the bucket list.  I bet we have all made one at some point in our lives.  The Fitfluential Community has asked us, the Ambassadors, to take the time to make a Fitness Bucket List.  Within 5 minutes, I had already pinned at least 10 things I hope to accomplish.  What a great way to show our goals!  As my father has always said, “He who aims at nothing is likely to hit it.”  Cheers to you, Dad!

First up, becoming a Personal Trainer with NASM.  I have just completed my 2nd week of studying.  Only 21 more weeks to go!

Source: nasm.org via Cheryl on Pinterest

Oh to run a Disney race.  Maybe I can plan a trip for my “kids” and just happen to run a race the same weekend??

Source: espnwwos.disney.go.com via Cheryl on Pinterest

Just one, I just want to be able to do ONE..or maybe two?

Source: tumblr.com via Cheryl on Pinterest

I’m excited to say that I am checking off two my bucket list items: No Sugar Challenge and attending the Healthy Living Summit! You can check out the rest of my list here.  Thanks to Fitfluential for having us set our goals!

Questions:

If you had a Fitness Bucket List, what would be on it?

Are you attending the Healthy Living Summit?

WIAW -Sugar Free Edition

Those of you who signed up with me are starting the CHALLENGE today, but I am heading into Day 3 of Spoonful of Sugar Free’s NO SUGAR Challenge.  Yep, sitting here with my No Sugar coffee, as we speak.  Let’s just say, it’s an acquired taste. :)

Yesterday was a challenge.  No lie, I walked into work and there was a box of chocolates sitting on the front desk.  Are you KIDDING me?  I RAN the other way.

Things like this continued, but I stayed strong.  Yes, WE CAN!

Remember What I ate Wednesday, from last week?  I am back again with another post to inspire you to eat Fresh and Sugar Free!

 

Thanks,as always to Peas and Crayons for putting together such a fun program!
I didn’t document my food, throughout the day, but I am MOST proud of dinner. (and the dessert that followed.)

Baked Chicken with thyme and parsley, rosemary potatoes, and FRESH snap peas.

I have become slightly obsessed with our Farmer’s Market.  Have you ever tried fresh veggies? Not the ones from the grocery store; the ones straight from the farm.  You will never go back to the store produce again.  These snap peas popped in our mouths!  The potatoes were so fresh-crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.

Baked Chicken:

  • Season chicken breasts (preferably hormone free!) with olive oil, salt and pepper, and herbs of your choice
  • Let them marinate for 30+ minutes
  • Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes until done

And that’s it–so EASY and so tender.

Onto DESSERT:

One of my friends joined us for dinner and brought Gelato—ARRGHHHH.  I was dying for something sweet, so I made this:

(worst picture taken EVER)

Spoonful of Sugar Free gave me a fantastic recipe for a Fruit Crisp Dessert.  Mine is slightly modified:

  • 5 cups (or desired amount) of fresh or frozen berries (go fresh!)
  • mix berries with a pinch of salt and 2 tbsp of water
  • Place in a bake-friendly dish
  • Layer the top with a 1/2 cup or 1 cup of oatmeal.  (first mix oatmeal with nutmeg and cinnamon to give flavor)
  • Bake on 350 for 30 minutes
  • Add a scoop of Greek Yogurt to the top (in place of whip cream)

This was so good that I JUST ate the rest of it for breakfast!

Questions:

  • How do you like your coffee?  With or without sugar?
  • Are you a dessert lover?

No more Sugar

It’s time to break the bad habits.   I wrote about my struggles with Sugar, several weeks ago, but now I am waging WAR!!

I love sweets.  There, I said it.  I love sweet drinks. Dangit.  I know sugar is addictive.  After eating a sweet treat, I just want something else sweet.  I don’t eat a cookie and then wish I could have some broccoli.  Do you?

Effects of Sugar on the Body (source: Live Strong)

Heart Disease, Tooth Decay, Hypoglycemia, Diabetes, Mineral Depletion.  AND that does not even address how you feel once your blood sugar spikes: fatigue, irritability, digestion complications, etc.

If you missed my blog post a few weeks ago, I gave props to Landria from Stir it Up.  She wrote a great article called Sugar Sucks.  Here are a few key points that she addresses:

  • Decreases our immune systems
  • Increases  potential ADHD in children
  • Increases insulin levels (which ultimately leads to obesity)

 

Time to wage WAR!  Spoonful of Sugar Free is inviting everyone to participate in a Sugar Free Challenge.
Photobucket

Here’s the Challenge:

“Don’t eat any sugar for 10 days. This includes honey, molasses, syrups, artificial sweeteners (like Splenda), sugar alcohols (like maltitol or xylitol), and no refined sugar.”

The challenge will start on  June 20th and end on June 29th.

 Quick Side Note: You can have natural sugars from fruits.  Oh and no fruity cocktails or margaritas.  Beer and wine are allowed.
Being the over achiever that I am, I have started my Sugar Free Challenge this morning.  I figure it’s Monday, time to JUMP right in.  My sugarless coffee was not too bad.  Oatmeal with fruit was still a winner.  I think I can do this!
Care to join me for the challenge?  You can sign up on the Spoonful of Sugar Free website and be entered for prizes!!   There is a forum support group to meet others in the challenge.  I think I will need all of the encouragement I can get, especially since we are surrounded with Dunkin Donuts and Ice Cream Shops up here.
Questions of the Day:
  • Want to join me in going Sugar Free for 10 days?
  • What do you struggle with most in your eating habits?

Bloggers Unite!

Happy 6 months to me!  Can you believe we have been up North for 6 months?  We are truly blessed that this little town has welcomed us so warmly.  Do I dare say that we are calling it home?!!  Moving is BIG, it’s transition, it’s scary,  it’s steps of faith.    When you move, you get to do things you never thought you could do and that’s what this past weekend was for me.

Contrary to what most of you believe about me, I have never been comfortable in a crowd of brand new people.  I like my 5 or 6 friends in the room and have been happy to hang with them.  Meanwhile, B loves to work the room and meet as many peeps as possible.  Moving has taught me to get off my tail and reach out. During the last 6 months, I have blogged more frequently and found others that do the same.  I  recently reached out to those New Hampshire bloggers, through Twitter, to see what would happen.  Guess what?  They reached right back!

Meet Janine, Angela, Sarah, and Amy.

We met at Gas Light, in downtown Portsmouth, last weekend.  Blogging tips, background stories and lots of laughs were shared.  Did I mention food and drinks?  We share those too!

As we were getting ready to leave, we had to have a FUN picture!

And then somehow, we ended up with the band, playing the….

Lesson: Reach out!  Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with those around you!

Want to connect? You can do it here:  Twitter.  Facebook.  Pinterest

PS: There is still time to enter my fun little give away HERE.