Do I Need An Amazon Kindle?
May 29, 2009
I’ve heard so much about the Kindle but still not sure I need one. Other WAM team members are dying for one. Once they spend the money, I’m going to try it out and see if I need one too!
Kindle DX: Amazon’s 9.7″ Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation)
Amazon Kindle DX Leather Cover
What is your experience with it? Worth the hefty price?
Then, next question, if I go for the expense should I get the protection package too?
Reason #2 To Fire Your Personal Trainer
May 29, 2009
If your trainer has a wandering eye – then you need to fire them.
Your trainer should be focused on you at all times throughout the workout. They shouldn’t be setting up the next exercise or looking at other people around the gym. If they see other clients or friends and do more than acknowledge them, then FIRE THEM!
So many times, I’ve seen other trainers avert their attention, move away to setup the next machine or even turn their back and hold entire conversations with someone else while the client is struggling with form or weights behind them!
You are paying for the session.
That means that you own that time! You should not have to share your trainer – you should be benefiting every minute. BUT – you are not off the hook! You have to be attentive and participating too! I’ve always asked clients to come in before their session to do their cardio warm-up, if they don’t come in early, then they have to give up session time to properly warm-up. I also usually let them finish stretching (we cover proper technique in an earlier session) on their own as well. We plan the next session and make sure the plan for the next week is ready for action.
You are paying for their undivided attention.
Your trainer should not be talking to other trainers, clients or friends during your session. Of course, your trainer knows everyone – they spend 8+ hours a day in the gym, but that doesn’t mean that they can socialize on your time! In order to achieve your goals, you have to make sure everyone on your ‘team’ is giving 100%.
You are paying for their knowledge, which encompasses constant move correction, tips, spotting as needed, suggestions, answers to questions and more!
Treat your health like a business and when someone isn’t pulling their ‘weight’ then you need to cut them loose. (Think of it as ‘trimming the fat’!) OK, enough dorky cliches – the point is that you are ultimately in charge of getting what you need out of your training sessions and workouts. You can’t expect massive results just from your trainer time, but its a key element in making sure you execute your plan when you are on your own. If your trainer is disappointing you, then fire them!
Steps to Uncluttering Ourselves
May 28, 2009
We were just having this conversation. Why do we have so much stuff? Why did we buy half of it? Is all this stuff why we feel so cluttered? After reading this article, I think I’m going to try to adopt a new plan as well. I’m also thinking that this weekend might be a good time to unclutter!
from Simply Stated, Real Simple
Why Do We Buy Things We Don’t Need?
We’re all familiar with the uncomfortable realization that we’ve spent a fair amount of money on something that we aren’t actually going to use. I decided to look around my apartment to try to figure out exactly why this happens. After all, it’s a little surprising. Why would we go to the expense and effort to buy something that we never choose to use?
There are several reasons, but one important reason is what I’d call “the expensive gym membership†reason. Often, people pay for an expensive gym membership with the thought, “Well, if I’m paying this much to belong to a gym, I’ll feel like I have to go.†But then, of course, they don’t go.
In the same way, you might spend money on something as a way to try to nudge yourself into doing some activity. For example…Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â <<Read the entire Real Simple article>>
The Oreos Are Plotting Against Me
May 27, 2009
What is the junk food that you can’t stop eating?
For me, its Oreo cookies. If I open a bag, I end up eating an entire row because they are so incredibly delicious and I simply can’t get enough. The only way for me to prevent an ‘incident’ is to resist ever buying them in the first place.
Knowing how to outsmart yourself in these situations is half the battle in eating healthy. I know that my willpower won’t win against a stack of delicious Oreos. However, I do know that I can walk by them in the store and not cave. Now that summer is here and you can’t hide in your favorite hoodie, its the perfect time to clean out that pantry and make sure you only stock it with foods that you know will help you achieve your healthy self.
Reach for Better Abs!
May 25, 2009
Looking for an exercise to challenge your core and work your lower body at the same time? This exercise is a combination of an airplane pose, a pendulum swing and just plain balance. Core exercise is so important for strength and posture. Consistently challenging your abs, back and butt (core) will help you fight neck and lower back pain, sculpt your butt and abs and look taller while doing it! Find other episodes and more information at www.WithAmyMac.com
Fit Links:
Core Exercises – Sparkpeople.com
Core Exercises – CNN.com
Getting a Great Lower Body Workout – Dummies.com
A big thanks to our sponsors!
eMusic.com – Go to emusic.com/fitlife and claim your 14 day free trial and 35 free songs!
eHarmony.com – Buy 3 months and get the 4th month free with eHarmony Discount Code: EHFIT
Eastbay.com – Save 15% off any purchase with the Eastbay Discount Code: AFLIFE15
For other promo and discount code information – visit Mevio Offers
The Fine Print:
You can find the rest of my shows on my Mevio profile at amy.mevio.com. If you would like to get all of my shows (Assercize, Fitness Attack, Fit Life) as well as my News & Recipes blog, subscribe to the main feed at feeds.feedburner.com/wamall or read it online at www.withamymac.com/news
Thank you to Mevio for free hosting and technical support!
Slim Down Those Thighs!
May 22, 2009
A quick little FitBit that will help you achieve that beach body! Step Squats will help you tone the abs, butt and thighs. This exercise is great for beginners and for advanced training, you just need to add weights.
Fit Links:
Squat Variations – Livestrong.com
Squats for the Buns, Hips and Thighs – About.com
A big thanks to our sponsors!
eMusic.com – Go to emusic.com/fitlife and claim your 14 day free trial and 35 free songs!
eHarmony.com – Buy 3 months and get the 4th month free with eHarmony Discount Code: EHFIT
Eastbay.com – Save 15% off any purchase with the Eastbay Discount Code: AFLIFE15
For other promo and discount code information – visit Mevio Offers
The Fine Print:
You can find the rest of my shows on my Mevio profile at amy.mevio.com. If you would like to get all of my shows (Assercize, Fitness Attack, Fit Life) as well as my News & Recipes blog, subscribe to the main feed at feeds.feedburner.com/wamall or read it online at www.withamymac.com/news
Thank you to Mevio for free hosting and technical support!
Surf-Style Workout Clothing Line Launched by Roxy!
May 19, 2009
Fit Sugar reports that Roxy, one of my favorite clothing lines, launched a line of workout wear! Roxy, a brand by Quiksilver, is known for its female spin to the standard surf-style. From the looks of these pictures, their workout clothes are colorful and have the same fabulous style!
Now my only question is – how do I get Roxy to sponsor my show so I can test these clothes out and update my Fit Life wardrobe?!
Check out the Roxy Athletix Activewear Line!
You can also shop CCS.com for surfer girl and skater style clothing and we have a CCS promo code to save you money too!
Why You Need to Cross Train!
May 18, 2009
You’ve heard of the importance of cross-training but is it something you actively do? I always feel like we are creatures of habit and once we have our routine, we just keep doing it. However, cross-training is important and here are a couple of reasons why:
1- Prevent Injury
Working the same muscles the same way over and over again can create a repetitive motion injury. Think about people that run on a track, if they continually turn left, they are increasing the chance of injury on the left side of their body. People that swim are more likely to have a rotator cuff injury than those that cycle…you get the idea.
2- Prevent Boredom
Ever feel like a hamster on a wheel on that elliptical? You might be bored! If you enjoy the exercise you choose, then you are more likely to keep doing it and see the most results!
3- Maximize Results
Doing a variety of activities will consistently challenge your muscles in a new and different way. Swimming is great for your shoulders, running is great for your legs, Pilates is great for your core, yes, all of these are also full body workouts but why not do activities that focus on a specific area and see the biggest transformation?
Switching up your exercises and cardio machines will help you to see the benefits of cross-training. Or you can add swimming or yoga or another class to your workout week.
If you are in San Francisco or Denver, there is an easy way to join multiple gyms/studios for a lower cost than if you joined them all individually. Go to TheEaglePass.com and you can search gyms in those areas that have teamed up to help you stay motivated and fit. I have also teamed up with them to provide an additional discount code – find out more about The Eagle Pass Discount Code!
The Eagle Pass participating wellness venues offer discount rates below their lowest package and drop-in rates. This means joining two centers, for example, yoga and boot camp, becomes affordable or less expensive than having a package rate to one center and a pay-as-you-go rate at another. Thinking exclusively on meeting your health needs, not on skewing your routine towards where it’s most cost-effective, allows one to structure the optimal wellness routine according to their health goals.
Fitness for Free!
May 13, 2009
In this Fit Life we are looking at ways to stay fit without breaking the bank! Money is tight so you might have to skip on the gym membership but that is no reason to stop working out. Between the nice weather, makeshift weights and your online tools, you can get fit for free. Find other free fitness tips, articles, recipes and my blog at www.WithAmyMac.com
Other Resources:
Get Fit for Free – WeightWatchers.com
You Tell Me: Frugal Fitness – BeingFrugal.net
Frugal Fitness – Wisebread.com
Thank you to our sponsors!
Go to Brookstone.com for gifts and gadgets – Save 10% with Brookstone discount code: SHOWFIT
Check out eHarmony.com to meet your soulmate! – Use eHarmony discount code: EHFIT and get your 4th month FREE!
For other discount codes and information – visit Mevio Offers
The Fine Print:
You can find the rest of my shows on my Mevio profile at amy.mevio.com. If you would like to get all of my shows (Assercize, Fitness Attack, Fit Life) as well as my News & Recipes blog, subscribe to the main feed at feeds.feedburner.com/wamall or read it online at www.withamymac.com/news
Thank you to Mevio for free hosting and technical support!
Can Pain Relief Come In A Cream?
May 9, 2009
The stinging minty smell is distinctive from high school locker rooms to grandpa’s house and even into pro team training centers, its the smell of over-the-counter pain creams. Used for sore muscles, joints, aches and pains, these creams have been used for decades to relieve or soothe people and athletes of all ages.
But do they work?
Do you use them?
They aren’t something I keep in my medicine cabinet but I do have a distant memory of using them after long days of stunting, jumping and tumbling at cheerleading camp. If my memory serves me right, they did make a difference, or at least have a placebo effect.
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