The Swimsuit Has Arrived!

Greetings!!

I have been so motivated this last week! I never would have thought a swimsuit could do that for me. Originally, my package was not to arrive until approximately April 20th. So, I was in total dismay this morning when I received it!!!! Since my mail arrives early in the morning, I could not try it on until after my business closed for the day. I already had a plan in mind if the swimsuit did not fit. I could simply return it or tuck it away in a drawer for 'someday.' To my surprise, IT FIT!!! It actually fit!!!! And, it is a size small! My hardwork and dedication to fitness and eating clean(er) is starting to pay off. I am so proud of me today. Don't get me wrong, I still have some toning, firming, and shaping to do, but I have already come a long way in the past year.

If you are striving to meet your fitness goals, I would be more than happy to assist you. Please email me or post a comment on my blog.

Hugs!
Gator

Swimsuit Shopping Day!!!

Just a reminder: 21 days from today, May 2nd, is the official day to go out and try on new swimsuits. Anyone who wants to participate in this Swimsuit Shopping Day is more than welcome. Just 'comment' to this post so we all know who is participating. For me, having this planned shopping day has been added inspiration to reach my fitness goals.

Have a great day!
Gator

Medicine Ball Russian Twist

I just learned a new exercise to incorporate into my workout regimen. It's the Russian Twist and it targets the obliques.

Start out by lying flat on a stability ball (supine) with your shoulders and upper back fully supported. Place your feet hip-width apart and lift your hips in line with your knees and shoulders. Hold a medicine ball or a light weight with arms straight over your mid-chest.

Twist your shoulders and upper torso to one side, keeping your arms straight and your eyes focused on the medicine ball. Allow the exercise ball to roll underneath you and your hips to tilt slightly as you twist. When your arms come parallel to the floor, slowly roll back to the starting position. Continue, alternating sides.

My plan is to incorporate this exercise into my workout by doing 3 sets of 12-15 reps to each side.

~Originally published in Oxygen Magazine Volume 12, Issue 6~

Enjoy!
Gator

I Love my Stability Ball!

After doing my ab exercises with a stability ball, I don't want to do them any other way! I used to do most of my ab-work on either a flat surface (floor) or on an incline bench. Since I purchased my stability ball a few weeks ago, I've really felt some changes in my abs. It is hard for me to work my lower abs and I can feel them engaging when I use the stability ball. The one I purchased is 65cm in size. It is the perfect fit for me. If you are out shopping for a stability ball, make sure you check the size before you purchase one. It can make a difference in your workout, especially if you are shorter or taller in stature.

Over the next few days, I will share a few of the other exercises I've been doing in addition to my abdominal routine.

Hugs,
Gator

What Do You Think?

Here's a photograph of the swimsuit I found online. I just think it is absolutely beautiful! It is delicate with a vintage twist. If you cannot tell by the photograph, the color is peach with a slight ruffle around the edges.

Gator

It's Swimsuit Time!!

I am SO excited about the progress I'm making with Team BeachBody's Burn It Up workout regimen. Last night, I decided to purchase my first bathing suit of the season. I found it on the internet, but I did not order it right away. I am NOT a person who purchases clothing, let alone a swim suit, online!! I am a very tough critic when it comes to my bathing suits, so I sure hope I like the suit when it arrives. If it does not fit, I will keep it as added motivation for later this summer. I am so excited about it - I actually pulled myself out of bed this morning at 5:00am to workout!! Once I was ready for my day, I jumped on my computer and ordered it!!!!! YAY!!!!!

I will keep you posted on how the swimsuit fits once it arrives. I sure hope it's what I want. I can honestly say, having it will be added motivation to reach all my fitness goals.

Hugs,
Gator

Week 2 - BeachBody's Burn It Up

I am on my 2nd day of Burn It Up - Week 2. I am really loving my morning workouts. I am already seeing some new changes in my upper legs, abs, and arms. It is a terrific feeling. Even after doing 4 rounds of Burn It Up last spring/summer, I still have not lost my love for the workout.

During this round, I've been doing some added cardio by running on the treadmill/outside. In addition, I've been doing various ab exercises using my stability ball. I cannot wait to see what my end results are on April 25th. The following weekend is when I go shopping for a new bathing suit!!! YAY!

If you are interested in learning more about Burn It Up or other Team BeachBody products, please feel free to email me by clicking on my profile to the right.

Have a great Monday!

Hugs,
Gator

Banana & Pineapple Fruit Smoothie

I am always trying different fruit smoothie recipes. Today, I decided to add something new to my smoothie to get in additional protein. If you are a Team BeachBody customer, you could try mixing in the P90X Recovery Powder. One scoop will give the smoothie an added citrus taste.

Ingredients (Makes 2 servings):

2 bananas
1c pineapple in natural juices
1/2c skim milk
1 packet Kellogg's protein powder in strawberry/kiwi
1c crushed ice

Directions:

Blend all ingredients, except for the crushed ice, in blender. Add crushed ice and blend again for approx 5 seconds. Pour into 2 cups and enjoy!!!!


Nutritional information:

Calories - 200 for approx 18oz
Protein - 12

Enjoy!
Coach Gator

Cellulite - What Is It?

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is the expression used to describe pockets of fat which are trapped and cause dimpling in the skin. This dimpling is irregular and patchy and has been identified with orange peel.
90% of post-adolescent women go on to develop cellulite at some time during their life although it is very hardly ever seen in men. The thighs, buttocks and the abdomen are the most common areas for a woman to develop cellulite. Although it is often mistaken for obesity, cellulite is not actually obesity related because it can also take place in thin lean women. Underneath the dermis and epidermis are three specific layers of fat. Cellulite tends to develop in the subcutaneous fat layers. This layer of fat is unique in its structure compared to the other layers because its fatty parts are structured into specific chambers by strands of linked tissue around it.

Hormones also help out with the storage of fat along with the body's metabolism in the subcutaneous fat layer. Hormonal factors such as estrogen and folliculine also play a role in cellulite formation. Cellulite is for the most part found in women during their hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause and also whilst taking birth control pills. A woman's hormones are usually responsible for the regulation of their blood flow, fat, connective tissue and lymphatic drainage. The fat cells between the two reserve fat layers situated under the subcutaneous fat layer dissolve into a slack network. A person's genetic makeup predicts their fat storage and metabolism in these layers which are predisposed by diet, exercise and lifestyle. These layers have no responsibility for cellulite forming on a person's body. The subcutaneous fat layer in a woman is organised into large upright chambers allowing fat to be stored. In men, these chambers are organised into small slanting units. These store smaller fat quantities and are not likely to form cellulite.

Cellulite's formation is a result of complex physiological changes that occur in the subcutaneous fat layer. Regular exercise and well balanced diets do not always reverse or prevent its formation, although an unhealthy lifestyle will make the overall appearance worse over time due to poor nutrition, weight gain and lack of sufficient water intake.

With age there is a loss in the thickness and tone of the connective tissue in the superficial fat layer and the dermis. Unfortunately noticeable, flaccid cellulite is the result. There are a wide variety of products on the market today which claim to remedy cellulite. Many do not perform what they claim and as it's not known or clear which do and don't work, it is very easy to become sucked in to buying expensive mistakes.

Many products consist of topical treatments which alone are ineffective in the treatment of cellulite. There are also creams available which contain herbs, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. These assist the skin to become softer, healthier and smoother and allow it to repair itself more easily. Creams which contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatories are more effective when treating cellulite as they stimulate the flow of blood. The areas which are affected by cellulite are usually dry and damaged therefore needing additional moisture, increased blood supply and protection. The appearance of cellulite can be reduced temporarily by increasing moisture to the affected area. It needs to be remembered cellulite needs to be treated from the inside as well as the outside. Make sure to drink plenty of water, eat a clean diet, and get adequate exercise!

Hugs,
Gator