Like so many other times, the latest fitness craze isn’t living up to it’s promises… surprise, surprise.

Toning shoes have exploded over the past year and women all over the country are jumping on board. Just to put a

No Offense... But Fugly Shoes

number to it, last year sales where good… this year excellent. Sales are expected to jump up 5 fold to make the profit over $1.5 billion! With the average toning shoe selling for around $100, that means selling upward of 15,000,000 pairs of shoes. Damn!

So what is the problem? Well… recent research just came out from the American Council on Exercise, that may prove these shoes aren’t doing any more than just walking, running and exercising in regular athletic shoes.

That isn’t all though (of course), it appears that women love their shoes from the start but after time are complaining of tightened achilles tendons, foot pain and leg issues. And I have to admit there was a good point that came up… if you have to read a book of directions before wearing your shoes is that really a good shoe?

One brand, Sketchers, recommends starting off wearing their magical toning shoes for just 25 minutes… so what? You are a busy woman walking on your feet all day and you have to stop to put on a new pair of shoes? Ummm, after I just spent $100 on a pair of fitness shoes, I think not.

But it hasn’t stopped the big brands from making new toning shoes to get on the bandwagon… NewBalance is on board

The Newest Tone Shoe... Just as ugly as the others

getting ready to release a pair that they “promise” to burn more calories with each step, tone your legs and butt and help you look better without a gym…

YOU CAN’T TONE YOUR ENTIRE BODY BY WALKING!

Sorry for the caps, but it’s true… sure you can work the muscles in your legs, and burn off calories, but what about your arms, your core, etc? It would be silly to have tight legs and then wings flying around as you walk because your arms are flabby. You need a total body workout to get total body results. I guess that puts my stance on the situation out there.

And I have to say… I have never been a Nike fan before. Their shoes just aren’t a good fit for my feet and I always end up with shin splints or stress fractures when I wear them… BUT they are the one company that is standing up and saying that for the better of their company they are refraining from the toning fad. It’s just a fad and it doesn’t fit with Nike’s “Just Do It”… that promotes increased fitness health and activities… Nike, I love you!

Do you have a pair? What are you thoughts?

Read the study details here:  Toning Shoes May Not Be So Great

I know I just wrote abut brides yesterday, but it’s where I am right now in my life so you can say it’s a little on my brain. But if I had found these stats yesterday I would have included them then but I can’t not share these with you!

Freaking crazy brides are out there… and I don’t thing I can be included! SWEET!

Do you know what the average weight loss desire is for a soon to be bride? Over 20 pounds… and this is a desire of more than 70% of brides! That is a big dream to have in just a short few months which is the reason for crazy fitness bridezillas!

Here’s what most use for motivation! Buying a dress too small on purpose. Some women (around 14%) actually spend

The Plan Of Buying Too Small Didn't Work...

thousands of dollars on a dress that is too small so they have no choice but to lose weight! Image, the stress! It’s already stressful enough without having to add losing three dress sizes on top of wedding planning!

Fitness Bridezillas:

It is one thing to go into the engagement with a plan to lose weight, but more women just go insane, have no plan and then at the last minute come close to killing themselves to hit their goals. The number one method is to drink water… that’s it … just good old water to help drop pounds.

Now I will admit that drinking water does help the body to run more efficiently and increase your metabolism a bit, but it’s not a substitute for your turkey on wheat at lunch time.

Compared to women the same age, brides are more likely to turn to weight loss pills, crazy low calorie diets, insane fitness habits and even anorexia!

I am sure you have your bridal essential kit for the day, if you don’t have it already you have in mind what you want to do. You know that little back up bag you have on hand while getting ready for your big day… tape, safety pins, deodorant, lipstick, and tons more (maybe even a mini bottle to help with nerves!).

So what about your fitness needs. I have exactly two months till my big day and yes, I have my wedding workout essentials! I am in serious workout mode and clean eating. I originally had the idea that I would avoid training this year for a figure competition because of the wedding but now that I am training for the day, I wish I had just thrown a competition in there any way!

Your Bridal Workout Essentials

Workout Goals Written Out: You’re wedding is in how many months? Or even weeks? It is time to get a move on and start upping your motivation. The best way to do that is to know what you are trying to accomplish. It is one thing to say you want to lose weight, and look great in your dress but be more specific: how much weight? Do you want to tone up? Lose body fat? Be a size 4? Lose 12 pounds? Be as specific as possible.

In case you’re curious here are my fitness goals: I want to lose 5 pounds of fat and add 3 pounds of muscle in exactly 2 months (my wedding is 9-18). Doesn’t sound like a lot but I am already small, so these changes will make a big difference. I want to bring my body fat percentage down to 16-17% too that is the perfect place for my body to see great muscle tone. Right now I linger around 19%.

Workout plan: If you don’t know what you are going to do then you are wasting time. If it’s fat burning that you’re after you need a fat burning workout… looking to tone up a bit? Then you’ll need something completely different and geared more towards muscle building. Plus, if you aren’t sure what you are going to do with each workout you will hurt your results, the workout won’t be as intense, you will rest too much between moves and quite frankly you’ll get bored and leave because you have all your bridal priorities on your mind instead of your workout!

Of course remember for a good workout plan, check out The Art of Weight Lifting!  Also, change it every 4 weeks.

My workouts: My workouts right now are intense! Little rest in between exercises, I have lowered my weight down a bit and lifting for higher reps which I haven’t done in a while so it is a good change. My body is reacting really well and I am exhausted (in a good way)! I am doing three days of strength training right now and 4 days of intense cardio intervals. The weights take me about 40 minutes and my intervals don’t go over 25 minutes so I am done in an hour.

Great, motivational workout attire: As a bride, our cuteness is on the top of our list. If you’re new to working out and looking for extra motivation to get you to finish your workout confidently go splurge on a few new workout outfits. New sports bras, running shoes, shorts, etc. If you’ve always worn t-shirts and soffee’s now is the time to switch it up and look like a fitness chick!

My Favorites:

Nike Women's Pro Training Sports Bra- $28.00

Nike Tempo Print Track Shorts (really comfie) $28.00

Nike Airborn Removable Bra $45.00

All of these are at Dicks Sporting Goods If You’re Interested.

Pictures and Fitness Journal: Track your progress for the ULTIMATE motivation. Seeing yourself and your body change does wonders so that after your wedding day you won’t stop the healthy habits you’ve worked so hard to start. Every two weeks take a snap shot of yourself… standing at the same place, same outfit, same time of day. Two weeks is great because it is long enough to see results and changes. And keep a journal keeping track of your workouts… the exercises, the reps, sets, etc… so no two workouts are identical and you’re always working to improve.

Example of Progress Picture

Dear Fitness Diary,

I feel as if it has been forever since I last wrote to you! I am sorry for the delay, life can get hectic… and right now it is crazy.

Project Wedding Fitness

I have my final wedding dress fitting tomorrow, so I have been in overdrive with “Project Wedding”! Things are going great… I have lost a good deal of fat (I will give a % next week) and I have actually toned up a ton in just the past 3 weeks. My arms may be close to the most tone they have been in forever.

I have been doing well with eating more and my workouts are crazy intense in the lifting and the cardio… 20-25 minute intervals after each lifting session and then an additional 2 more interval workouts each week. I love the way my endurance in increasing and I am having fun making it more and more challenging with the speeds and inclines I use (it’s way to hot to do them outdoors).

I am a bit worried that the dress may be a bit big, and I would hate if I need more alterations but I feel great and my goal for my wedding is not far away! Neither is the wedding… just 2 1/2 months left! Craziness…

Here’s my bridal workout today:

Pyramid set: Split Squats…

1. 8 reps with 40 lbs
2. 10 reps 35 lbs
3. 14 reps 25 lbs

Dumbbell Pullovers Superset with Dips… 3 sets of 35 lbs for pullover

Seated rows Superset with DB Shoulder Press… 3 sets of 45 (rows) and 25 lb dumbbells for shoulders

3 sets of 25 body weight, fast squats (below parallel)

20 Minutes of intervals

Here’s my new favorite meal that I have been loving lately… it’s my new and improved soufflé…  1 serving cube of tofu, 1 scoop whey protein, 1 egg white, 2/3 tbsp all-natural peanut butter. I throw it in the magic bullet to liquify, pour in a bowl and microwave for 45 seconds. It taste really good! And I am still working on new flavors to spice it up. I will add pictures tomorrow after I make it.

Another reason life is a bit crazy…

I have just released a free fitness report that I am super proud of and it also has awesome videos that I think can help you and other women get results and clear up your thoughts to help get amazing results… If you’re interested in it just visit: Go From This To That Report

Congrats Are In Order

And last, one of my best friends has her baby last week. I got to spend time with him today. Of course he’s gorgeous and I am so excited for Craig and Lauren in their new journey with baby Rocco.  The actual labor part was pretty easy for her since she was in really good shape, the doctor complimented her ab strength several times! Just goes to show the importance of being fit!

We all need a little extra push or  pick me up every once in a while to stay in the game and on the path to success. Whether that’s for working out, eating clean, or just getting out of bed for the day ahead. These are a few of my newest favorite quotes that I read from time to time when I need that push.

“Every morning you are handed 24 golden hours. They are one of the few things in this world that you get free of charge. If you had all the money in the world, you couldn’t buy an extra hour. What will you do with this priceless treasure? Remember, you must use it, as it is given only once. Once wasted you cannot get it back.”-Anon

“There is no better time than now. The time to live is now. The time to dream is now. The time to imagine and forget the past is now. The time to shine is now. The time to bleed, sweat, and determine yourself for the things you want most is now.”-Anon

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”-Anon

“I’ve always felt it was not up to anyone else to make me give my best.”-Akeem Olajuwon

And if you still need more, just watch this! It’s my favorite workout song that I normally have play in the middle or end of my workout (that is when my ipod isn’t dead)

I found these cartoons and had to share them! They cracked me up, sometimes it’s a reminder that it’s ok to lighten up with our workouts! ENJOY… Happy Monday.

Source: www.hillcartoons.com

Remember... Scales Don't Tell Your Fitness Progress! Source: http://rebel955.com

Source: www.offthemarkcartoons.com

And Finally… Sound Familiar?

Don't Let This Be You... Eat A Clean Lifestyle! Source: www.offthemarkcartoons.com

You know that I am not the biggest fan of treadmills… I feel more like a hamster than a fit woman when I am on one. I mean you never go anywhere but you’re running as if for life. Nope, don’t get it (but I love running outdoors)… but I found these videos and couldn’t pass on sharing them!

This one makes me laugh because it reminds me of a woman at my gym that is a belly dancer and she practices while sitting on machines resting… cracks me up!

Here’s A Classic… who didn’t want to try this?

Today we have a great guest post from a friend of mine over at How To Lose Weight Quickly… I know I don’t often do guest posts but I was excited to do it to see from a Yoga guru’s point of mind!

Losing Weight With Yoga

Yoga is well known for the many benefits it brings to health and wellness. What many people wonder is whether yoga can help you lose weight? The answer to this question is definitely YES; by practicing some types of yoga you can lose weight. Let’s see below how yoga can assist your weight loss efforts and what you can do to get the most of your yoga sessions.

Yoga can relax your body and mind, can help you get rid of stress and can make you stronger both physically and mentally. These are also some of the essential ingredients of weight loss: relaxed mind, willpower, patience and a physically strong body. Of course there are some dependencies on how yoga will help you lose weight and these depend on the type of yoga and on the frequency you practice it.

Losing weight is about eating less and doing more cardio exercises. Cardio exercises raise your heart rate and your body gets into a mode of burning calories because it needs more energy to cope with the extra requirements. Some types of yoga (ashtanga, power yoga, Vinyasa) are able to do that for you.

Get Your Yoga On

The form of exercise is such that your heart rate is increased and the burning process is triggered. The frequency and duration of yoga sessions is also important. If you are planning to concentrate your weight loss efforts on yoga alone then you need to practice for 90 minutes at least 3-4 times per week. This is more time than any other cardio training but it is necessary so that you get some good results. You can of course combine your yoga sessions with other forms of exercise (running, walking, and weight lifting) and get even better and faster results.

The effectiveness of yoga in weight loss is not only theoretical but it has been proven by several studies. These studies (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research, 2005) showed that people who practice yoga regularly were able to lose weight easier than people who did not do yoga. In fact the numbers were amazing as the ‘yoga people’ lost a lot more pounds while those that did not practice yoga gained more weight in the same period.

So, if you are convinced that yoga can do something good for your weight problem, the following tips can help you get the most from your sessions:

1. The main focus of yoga is the internal experience and for better performance you can practice your sessions is a room with mirrors so that you can watch yourself and understand your body.

2. Enjoy the exercise and feel every movement. Yoga can help you feel your body better and every movement you do is to that direction. Try to stay focus and with a clear mind while exercising.

3. Some yoga poses are more difficult to perform than others. During your session try to spot those poses and concentrate on them because these can give you better weight loss results than the ‘easy’ exercises.

4. Don’t overdo it. Do not try to push yourself too hard especially at the beginning. Make sure that you get enough time to rest between sessions and as you become more experienced you can increase both the duration and frequency of the sessions.

5. If you are new to the yoga world then you better start with a professional yoga trainer. This will give you the basics and later you can continue on your own or with the help of a video.

I can’t believe that March has come and gone… yes I know I had some great goals for the month as far as my fat burning was concerned but there were a few hiccups along the way: I was sick.

Congrats to my brother and new sister in-law!

I was doing really well with my low carb, high protein two week diet program when the sick-bug came knocking at my door. I think you can agree that to get better I needed to load up on the soups and warm beverages. It just sucks that I couldn’t do this and keep my carb levels down where they needed to be.

So my diet had to come to a pause until I was better.  And not just being sick but when I started to feel a little better my brother was getting married. Since we’re using the same baker for our cake, I couldn’t pass u the opportunity for a second tasting!

But to be honest this is the first week that I am feeling 100% so guess what I started today:

My two week fat burning diet!

I will take new progress pictures this week, but the ones a few weeks ago are pretty right on accurate still. Today I did great I ate:

• Whey soufle
• Grilled chicken (with a few almond slivers)
• All natural, no sugar added organic apple sauce
• Chicken meatballs and salad
• And I will finish the night off with a whey shake in about an hour or so!

If you didn’t get a chance to read on my two week fat burning program you can see it here: Fat Burning Diet

Changing Up The Workout

I am so excited and pumped up for my workout tomorrow… I am increasing the intensity a lot… lifting heavy for 4 sets of 6 reps. I haven’t written down the entire workout yet, but I will let you know when I do!

If you have any creative exercises that you love, pass them on! I would love to try them, I might even end up doing it as an exercise of the week!

I was really inspired yesterday by my women at my boot camp (Charleston Fat Blasting Boot Camp). I have seen them accomplish so much over the past few months and they continue to not surprise me but to surprise themselves.

“The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.“
Arthur C. Clarke

A lot of times you might not think that you are able to do certain things, you’re too weak, too out of shape, whatever… but you just might surprise yourself! That’s exactly what these women did. They always tell me they pay me to help give them confidence, for me to believe in them when they don’t but yesterday they saw a glimpse into what I see of them all the time.

I have two specific women who 1 month ago couldn’t do a single push-up, even knee push-ups were hard. But I kept telling them just to wait and see, they would be doing “big girl” push-ups in no time. Of course then they just rolled their eyes at me and told me they were glad I believed so strongly in them… and I did!

Well guess what happened yesterday! Both of them capped off at 6 push-ups! Real, “big girl” push-ups, no rest in between! This was the point they looked up with me with an exhausted smile and said “WOW! I didn’t know I would be able to do that!”.

These ladies are inspiration to not just beginners but to advanced fitness women too… I have a new drive to push myself harder and lift heaver each time I workout. I figured if they can improve than there is no reason I can’t too and same goes to you!

Now, we are going to work up to 10 push-ups!

Effort only fully releases its reward after a person refuses to quit.
Napoleon Hill

Great job Carrie and Barbara! Keep up the great and the motivation, I am very proud of you two!