New Fitness/Mommy Toys and Accessories

I've struggled with finding a fitness regiment that worked with my schedule for quite awhile now. I couldn't justify working out during my lunch hour when I was so swamped at work, doing anything but catering to Lil Man's needs after work wasn't an option and by the time I got Brody to bed and the house cleaned up, I just couldn't...

I know "I'm too tired" is a lame excuse, but Brody exhaustion is a whole different level of nope.

So earlier this month I bought a treadmill with the intention of forcing a workout in sometime between getting home from work and Brody's bedtime. Thankfully, with the help of "snowman" (Frozen), I've gotten a run in at least 5 times a week. I also downloaded a new app, Argus, to track my weight, steps, etc. to keep me focused on my goals.

In order to keep track of my steps and have my music handy (to drown out "Do You Wanna Build a Snowman,") I knew I needed an armband for my iPhone. But that's when I remembered pinning a different option on Pinterest one day. Guys, I highly recommend the FlipBelt.

The FlipBelt is a tubular waistband that securely holds my iPhone, chapstick, Kleenex, earbuds (and all my other crap) when I run. So basically a much cooler fanny pack. I was very skeptical at first and half expected the belt to slide down or roll when I moved or I'd have to put up with my phone bouncing around the entire time. I was pleasantly surprised that the FlipBelt is extremely comfortable and nothing moves. At all. Sometimes I have to do that awkward pat-yourself-down-where's-my-phone move (you know what I'm talking about.)

I got in a 25-minute workout and neither of the children moved. ^^^ Supermom.

In addition to being a great workout accessory, I love wearing the FlipBelt around the house so that my phone is always handy, especially when I'm not wearing anything with pockets. Having my phone accessible at all times is a must because I take a couple few handful... ok, shit ton of pictures... all the time. It'll come in handy until I can figure out how to grow that extra set of hands that all moms need.

Plus it prevents my pickpocket of a toddler from stealing my phone AND I can feel my phone vibrate a lot easier when it's pressed against my belly rather than floating around in a hoodie pocket.

You can learn more about FlipBelt here. Machine washable, secure, comfortable, tons of sizes/colors and roughly the same price as the armband solution but much more functional. If you have a fitness buff on your Christmas list or are pursuing a healthier you this New Years, here ya go. You're welcome.

Mud Run + Skinny Jeans... Here I Come!

On July 1, my mom and I made the conscious decision to start and stay committed to a diet and workout plan. I know, I said this way back in January. I'm horrible at this, but it has to happen this time. No more excuses. I'm tired of not fitting into half my wardrobe and being embarrassed by what I see in pictures. Especially now with Brody loving the pool, I don't need all these cute pictures of him splashing in the water with a whole lotta squish in the background.

My sister also recruited a few of her friends and myself to join her in the Grand Rapids Mud Run next month. I haven't run a 5k since....... ........ ........ uh..... sophomore year of high school? I can probably count on my fingers how many miles I've run since I stopped playing organized sports in 2006. Good Lord. I hate running. So in an attempt to not die over the course of 3 miles, my ass needs to get moving. Anyone want to join?! It's on Saturday, August 24... we'd love to have more people die run with us!

I have four main components to my weight loss/fitness regime:

1. Get Running (Couch to 5K) app - I've heard wonderful things about this program from a lot of people I know personally as well as testimonials I've read online. Week 1 has been a real eye opener to how out of shape I am, but it's doable. Run one minute, walk a minute and a half... repeat for 29 minutes. I like how it'll talk over my music and tell me when to switch up and how many seconds left in the segment so I'm not having to watch a timer the whole run. I'm super anxious to see how this program changes not only my running ability, but my overall attitude towards it as well.

2. MyFitnessPal app - I'm a huge believer that journaling is the key to successful weight loss. As long as you're being honest, you can look back and pinpoint exactly what you ate on days you gained and where the problem areas are. I love MyFitnessPal because it's super convenient to have on my phone, easy to use and it's free to join. I lovingly refer to it as "Facebook for Fatties." My username is andreaarchambault if anyone wants to join and lose some weight with me. :)

3. 30 Day Shred - I started this program a couple months ago and then quit after like two weeks. I know, shocking. I've decided to start up again and do this on my Couch to 5K off days. It's a great workout and nothing that's going to kill me, so I have no excuse why I can't plop Brody in his exersaucer and get through a 25-minute video. Jillian, work your magic!

4. Charting - Like I said earlier, being able to assess your progress is so important. I'm a huge yo-yo dieter, but when I've been successful in the past, it has been because I log my food and exercise in every single day. I threw together a chart in Excel that outlines my weight when I wake up, my weight before I go to bed, calories consumed, calories burned, what exercise I did, how much water I drink and how many Apple Cider Vinegar shots I did that day. (I read Apple Cider Vinegar aids in weight loss... so it's worth a shot... literally. Hahaha. I'm so awesome.)

I'm also looking for a little advice from you guys!

• I need real running shoes... not my old volleyball shoes from seven years ago. I don't need anything super fancy or expensive, just something that is actually meant for running... because I'm old and everything hurts when I run. Any particular shoes come to mind?
• I desperately want to get back to bike riding, but with Brody in tow. I've decided to go with a seat rather than a trailer, but I also ride a mountain bike with thicker tires that don't fit more baby carriers. Has anyone ever used the Topeak BabySeat? Yay? Nay? Any other suggestions that fit over a 26 x 1.95 tire?

So anyways. It's go time. After the roughly 47 lb. weight gain during my pregnancy, I dropped 25 of those pounds during the first week Brody was born and another 11 pounds during my last stretch of working out. I've been (literally) sitting on these last 11-13 pounds now for almost five months. So join me... I'd love to connect with some people on MyFitnessPal or hear about your progress doing the Couch to 5K program!