A new quick at home workout

I've been working out at home for a little over a year now. Not having a gym membership is totally foreign to me but I must admit I love the time it saves not having to drive anywhere or work my schedule around a class I like.

I do miss some of my heavy weights though, on that note I've been hitting craigslist and some garage sales to find some new workout buddies to keep me company at home.

$2!!! How awesome is that! This GoFit 25-Pound Orange Kettlebell with Vinyl Coating sells online for way more than that.

Here's my workout from yesterday. It only takes 20 minutes and by the end you feel like you had an awesome workout!

Do 12 reps each of the following exercises in a row without any rest in between.  At the end of the last movement rest 60 seconds, then start from the top. Do 5 sets and you're done!

1. Pushups
2. Narrow Squat (holding 25 lb kettlebell)
3. Burpees
4. Bicep curls (12 each arm) - I used 15lb dumbells
5. High knees (12 each knee)
6. Straight leg deadlift (holding 25lb kettlebell)
7. Regular squat (holding 25 lb kettlebell)

Rest 1 minute and then repeat! Done and done. Make sure to warm up first, I tend to do a combo of running in place/jumping jacks at the start and end. Let me know how you like it!




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Revolt- the final results

OK people. Final review time! I've been sticking strictly to the Revolt Now Fitness workout plan for the past 12 weeks. When I was asked to do this I was very skeptical  it seemed like a typical marketing "loose weight!!" kind of program. But I was intrigued by it so I said I'd give it a go.

The web page totes a 7lb in 7 days detox. To me that's a HUGE red flag. If I'm going to make changes to my body, it's going to be slow and steady, since I didn't get to be the way I am now in 7 days. Nichole does seem to have real research behind both her dieting techniques and her workout techniques which I appreciate. I still can't say I agree with the diet plan (you eat the same thing every day, diet changes each sunday). Sure the logic is you prep everything at once on the weekend, so there is no thinking, you just eat what's made. It also gets you used to eating small meals 6 times a day, and seeing how much of things you should be eating. I get bored wicked fast though so I'd just end up wasting a ton of food and eating whatever I wanted.

I personally feel I have a pretty good handle on my diet, sure I should get some more veggies into me, but overall my everything in moderation theory works for me.  I can't imagine taking out all of my bread and dairy... just not worth it to me. Ok enough of my eating philosophies... onto the workout.

I LOVE THE WORKOUTS. That pretty much sums it up. They change every week, she has videos up daily to show you the proper form and so you can work along with her. She also has a printout so if you want to do your workout away from a screen you easily can (this is what I do). There are also 3 separate levels: beginner, intermediate, and advance. This makes this program accessible to everyone.

I've also been doing it at home or on my lunch hour in my office. I picked up kettle bells at TJMaxx for wicked cheep and already had a set of 15 lb dumbbells laying around. Add in a yoga ball and you are set to go. I'm thinking about getting a few heavier weights and not renewing my gym membership when the time comes. I actually just renewed in Feb for the year and am pretty bummed I did since I haven't been back but a few times in the past 12 weeks. Now let me explain how HUGE that is for me. I'm a gym rat, I met my husband in the gym.. I'm there 4-5 days a week taking classes and lifting weights. And since I've started this program... I've only gone a handful of times to use some of the bigger weights there and DO THIS PROGRAM. I WISH I had started this earlier so I didn't waste my money for a year membership. But what can I say, sunk cost, I'll get over it.

You're probably wondering how my body has physically changed, since that's what this program promises: drastic results! Well... I already worked out pretty hard before starting this, and eat relatively healthy, (and knew from day 1 I wasn't going to follow the diet) so I wasn't expecting big results. What were my results you ask?


I lost 4 pounds, and 3 inches total. My arms and back have became more defined and I lost a little fat from my tricep area. My waist and abs are more defined and my bum although the same size around is sitting a bit higher. My body fat percentage has also gone down 2%. Again, nothing at all drastic, but I basically went from working out 60 minutes a day 5-6 days a week, to 20-30 minutes a day 5-6 days a week. Cutting my time in half and gaining 30 minutes plus another 30 minute gym commute off my day is WELL worth it.

In the end I'm happy with my changes and know I'll continue to keep getting stronger. I also fully plan on continuing with this as my workout program. See ya later gym membership!

To catch up on all my revolt posts head here. 

Full disclosure I am getting free access to the Revolt site in return for blogging about my experiences. All opinions are my own, no lies, no exaggerations. 



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Revolt 2.0 week 5

I'm done with week 5!! of my second uprising of Revolt fitness! That means I only have one week left and I'll be doing a full recap for you all. This doesn't mean I'm going to be stopping the program though. Total truth, I'm keeping this as my go to workout plan. I LOVE it. If you live near me and have heard me talking about it you already know this. I'm pretty much telling everyone I know to give it a try. I'm sure I'm starting to get annoying *sorry*

As I mentioned before, there is an entire diet to go along with the program, I'm not following it in the least, just sticking with my normal "everything in moderation" method because that is what works for me. So I can't speak to the diet and loosing weight aspect of the program, but truthfully the workout alone is enough for me to continue on with Revolt. Another thing I want to mention is the "support" that you get with this group. Once you join you get access to private facebook pages were fellow revolters share their ups and downs. I've seen some amazing transformations going on from couch potatoes to dropping some serious pounds and inches. I wouldn't really expect those results for myself since 1. I was already working out 6 days a week and 2. I'm not following her diet. But even considering those two things, I'm seeing my body change. And as I said in last weeks post, I'm seeing these changes by doing her higher intensity workouts in about 1/2 the time of my old workouts. LOVE!




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Revolt 2.0 week 4

Week four is over!? That means there are only 2 weeks left of my Revolt Now Fitness experience left! I told you last week that this second installment of Revolt was seriously kicking butt. The workouts keep my body guessing and I'm loving how often they change!

In case you are just tuning in, the workouts are broken down into 3 days of cardio, one day upper body focus, and one day lower body focus. She's also introduced a new thing called sevens where you do large circuit of 7 exercises, but instead of doing them once through and rest, then repeat, you build on them like a ladder without rest. I LOVE them!!! Again, mixing things up and keeping me interested!

This program is marketed as a weight loss program. As I've said before, I'm not following the diet and I'm using it strictly as an exercise program. Here's the best part. I went from going to the gym 6 days a week, doing hour long spin classes, and weight routines and elliptical trainers, and I was maintaining my weight. Now I'm doing Nichole's 20-30 minute 5-6 day a week routines AT HOME, and I'm still maintaining my weight. Seriously, the woman cut my workout time in half, and I feel like I'm in better shape now that I was when I was living at the gym. To me that is worth it, I've gained time, am no longer bored, never wondering "what should I do today to work out" It's all planned out, easy to follow, and has 3 levels of intensity. I know I sound like a marketing pitch, but I REALLY do love the workouts. Diet, no. Workouts YES! :)

To catch up on all my revolt posts head here. 

Full disclosure I am getting free access to the Revolt site in return for blogging about my experiences. All opinions are my own, no lies, no exaggerations.




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Revolt 2.0 week 3

When I was first asked to do 2- 6 week long uprisings with Revolt I was thinking "man that's a long time... i'm totally going to get bored with it" Amazingly so it's already the end of week 9, and I am not even close to being bored. Nichole has upper her game with this second uprising, she's taken input from the first 6 week program and has made this second one even better.The workouts have 3 levels so someone at any fitness level can play along (I wasn't feeling totally challenged during the first uprising, now I'm having to push hard to finish the advanced level and loving it). Her design of handouts has gotten more user friendly, and from the sounds of it the upgraded website is going to be even better.

Truthfully, if you are looking for a constantly changing schedule of what to do at the gym or your home makeshift gym (you don't need much to make this work at home), this program rocks. Even me being a dedicated gym rat I had become lackluster with my routine, and this was just what I was looking for to mix things up.

To switch things up, here's a photo of the cats we have at work. This is how they sit on my desk every day. The box keeps them mostly out of my way so I can actually get work done.

To catch up on all my revolt posts head here. 

Full disclosure I am getting free access to the Revolt site in return for blogging about my experiences. All opinions are my own, no lies, no exaggerations. 




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Revolt 2.0 week 2

Even though I had a bum ankle this past week I was able to modify most of the workouts to work for a one legged person (arm workout Monday instead of Friday, then a modified cadio circuit session Tuesday). By mid week I was able to put weight on my ankle so I was able to do even more of the exercises. The moral of the story is, no excuses people.

I'm really hoping to be able to do burpees and other jumping exercises next week. fingers crossed!

And now for your weekly Hobbes fix!

To catch up on all my revolt posts head here.

Full disclosure I am getting free access to the Revolt site in return for blogging about my experiences. All opinions are all my own.




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Revolt 2.0 - week 1

Hey guys! This past week I started Revolt 2.0, basically Nichole took our feedback from the first 6 week program and made things even better!! I'm excited to say there are 3 levels of workouts for each day of the week and the videos explain all the moves at the beginning. The advanced level has really stepped things up so I felt like I was really pushing myself this past week.

The bad news is I took a fall during a 5k this weekend and will be off my feet for a bit. I'm hoping for a speedy recovery, but this week will have to focus on upper body and abs, since I currently can't put any weight on my one foot. Great...

Here's a before picture from the color run.. no after since I got to take an ambulance ride back to my car. Oh joy! Photo from Amanda. Oh and did I mention it started snowing as soon as the race started... BRRRRR come on spring, where are you??

To catch up on all my revolt posts head here.

Full disclosure I am getting free access to the Revolt site in return for blogging about my experiences. All opinions are all my own.



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Revolt- week 6

OK guys! I'm done with my first revolt uprising (6 week program) and ready to start my second one! As I told you from the start I was going strictly on her workouts and not following her diet. Having said that... I'm basically the same weight as I was to start. Are my muscles more defined, yes. Did I loose some fat and gain some muscle, I'd say yes. Am I going to follow the diet in the next uprising to loose some actual weight this time? ....

I thought about it, I did, but I'm still not going to. Here's my reasoning: I want to eat in a way I can maintain, sure if I restrict my calories I'm going to drop some lbs. but as soon as I go back to my normal ways... guess what? The lbs will come back. So I'm planning on sticking to her workout, adding in a little more of my own cardio, and see how it goes. In reality even if I use her plan as a maintenance plan, I'm happy. I love the variety of the workouts and I love being able to fit them in so quickly.

If you want to try her workouts she's offering a free revolt two week preview here. No signing up or anything, you can just go watch the videos and work out along with her. Give it a try! Seriously it's a nice way to make yourself stick to a routine, and personally I really enjoy them!

OK Hobbes time :) Since posts with no photos are no fun!

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Revolt- week 5

Hey guys, I'm here for my weekly Revolt update! AND cute picture of Hobbes day! So to start things off... here's an adorable shot of her!

ok one more with adorable legs sliding out from under here on the hardwoods.

Back to revolt! I'm into the 5th week and I tagged along with John on a business trip. One awesome thing about this trip was that the hotel was attached to a seriously SWANKY gym! I took full advantage of their huge kettle bell and cross fit area and really upped my weights this week. I think I've been holding myself back some by trying to do all the workouts at home. I hadn't realized it until I got into a gym and started swinging some serious weight around. Guess it's time I move my workouts back into the gym. I'm still liking how the workouts switch up every week, it's keeping me interested and my body confused (that's a good thing). My only complaint is sometimes the videos to show you the moves aren't up for the day by the time I want to get my workout in.

To catch up on all my revolt posts head here.

Full disclosure I am getting free access to the Revolt site in return for blogging about my experiences. All opinions are all my own.




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revolt - week 4

I'm still going with revolt! I will say I'm getting a bit itchy about not having dedicated cardio time in the program... so I may have added a little in for my own sanity. Other than that I'm still loving the workouts and the variety of exercises. I'm also still in love with the little time it takes, although I'm beginning to wonder if it's enough for me? I've been doing the circuits 4 times instead of 3... but I might up them to 5 soon. That's all I've got so I'm going to leave you with this photo of Hobbes :)



Full disclosure I am getting free access to the Revolt site in return for blogging about my experiences. All opinions are all my own.





Your email will never be displayed publicly, so don't be scared to comment! :) Oh and make sure you type in your blog link so I can click over to you! There is a spot you can type it in.

Revolt- week 3

Alright guys, I just finished week three of revolt. Like I said before I'm not following the diet that goes along with this. I'm sticking to my normal, everything in moderation on a daily basis lifestyle. I'm trying to add in more veggies but other than that... my diet has been the same.

As for the results, I'm down about 2 lbs, and am firming up all over. Both of which are pretty cool. I actually feel like I'm working out less than I did before I started this program, so that part is a bit hard to wrap my head around but I'm not complaining :) I'm still enjoying the workouts and how they are switched up every week. She sticks to the same'ish schedule. HIIT (high intensity interval training) Monday and Thursday. Legs on Tuesday. Arms on Friday. Full body workout on Saturday. Sunday and Wednesday are days off (she suggests doing an hour of light activity, yoga, walking).

To give you an idea before revolt I would do 1-2 total body kettle bell classes (45 min) a week. 45 min spin classes 2-3 times a week. And run 3-4 miles twice a week. With revolt I'm doing 20 minute workouts 5 days a week, and a 2-3 mile power walk twice a week.

Here's an example of the HIIT workout from this past week. These are probably my favorite days. I go through each circuit 4 times (do 2 for beginners  3 for intermediates) and can finish off the whole workout in about 20 minutes. Seriously, that fast, I love that about this. And I'm breathing hard through the whole thing. I've also been doing them at work during my lunch hour, making this wicked convenient. Go ahead and give it a try, I bet you'll like it :)

Full disclosure I am getting free access to the Revolt site in return for blogging about my experiences. All opinions are all my own.



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Revolt - week 2

Well it's just about the end of week 2 of the Revolt program and I'm still really liking the workouts. They don't require a lot of equipment and you can do them in about 20 minutes. Seriously. It's pretty awesome. Nichole is having a contest this week, people can record their workout and post it for a chance to win some kettle bells. As you will see in the video I am in serious need of some more kettle bells! (Yup I'm using a large water jug as an 8 lb weight substitute)

So if you want to try out a day of revolt give this arm workout a try and enjoy!!

Full disclosure I am getting free access to the Revolt site in return for blogging about my experiences. All opinions are all my own.



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Revolting! 1st Post

Hmmm maybe I shouldn't call it that LOL. As you may or may not know, I'm into fitness (I currently work out 5 days a week). I fully admit I use it as a way to get to eat more tasty things. Sometimes the quantity of what I'm eating doesn't exactly balance out with the level I'm working out. See my bum for the results. The people at Revolt Now Fitness asked if I'd be interested in joining them for two 6 week programs that promise dramatic results. I'm not getting paid but I am getting free access to their site where you can find daily workout videos and printouts along with a weekly meal planner. In exchange for this I will be blogging about my experience once a week for that time period.



Let's make one thing clear. I'm not going to lie to you at any point during these reviews of my experiences. So the first thing I will tell you is there is no way I'm following their meal plan. For starters you eat the SAME THING EVERY DAY (the menu will change on a weekly basis). The first week is a "detox" so there are no grains/sugar/flour...  I refuse to cut out entire food groups even for a limited time, that's just me. Yes I understand some people need something like this because they can't do an "everything in moderation" lifestyle. Like that word? I believe in a sustainable lifestyle, NOT dieting. (Think the revolt people are shaking their heads saying why oh why did we ask this chick to join?) Moving on... their menu will change each week, so I know it wont be as restrictive as this first week is for long, but I personally still don't believe in following it. Now don't get me wrong I'm sure it's teaching people about portion control and just how many veggies they currently aren't eating. It did give me a little wake up call that I need to get better about my veggies, so I did have a positive takeaway from it. The system is set up with 8 different calorie levels that are based on your current weight and lbs you want to loose, again another good thing about the system, it's not a one size fits all menu.

I do plan on keeping track of what I eat so I have a daily log of calories, remember calories in - calories burned = weight gain or loss. So I think I'll still be good even though I'm doing my own eating plan. (which includes dessert, yeah you heard me, a girl needs to be allowed some sweets in moderation if you ask me and there is nothing wrong with it)

Onto the workouts, so far I've done 2. I used the videos to make sure I knew what the exercises were (pistol squat... what the?? it's a one legged squat, who knew?) Then I used the workout sheet to go through with my own music on for motivation. I was able to do both workouts at home with the use of some dumbbells I already had laying around and my own bodyweight. The workouts are hard but nothing crazy impossible, you do sets of exercises in circuits without breaks so it does get your heart pumping for sure and if you use a challenging weight it's wicked fun. I am enjoying having a plan laid out for working out. I'm normally a gym class rat but a bunch of my normal instructors/classes were cancelled so I've been in a rut of not knowing what I want to do. I'm looking forward to the new workouts each week to keep me motivated and interested.

The other thing I'll honestly tell you is that these sites are a ton of marketing. Marketing that pulls at your heart strings and make you want to believe. I'm a sucker for this type of marketing but have never actually plunked down the money to do one of these programs. So to say I was intrigued when they asked me to participate is an understatement. Because darn-it I want to see if this thing will work for me! But you have to remember: Always look at the fine print, testimonials aren't typical results. There is no magic pill, it's a lot of HARD WORK, and eating healthy.

I will tell you if you are serious about making changes there is a little extra motivation they are offering (not to the bloggers but to people who pay to sign up). Whoever has the most dramatic results after the first 6 weeks will win $10,000, yeah umm WOW. So if you are hardcore and want to get in shape and think you can pull off a biggest looser style change, go for it.

So, did you make it through my lengthy wordy post? Would you ever try a plan like this? If you are doing this plan what are your thoughts?




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Quick no sew scarf

I love the look of infinity scarves and have been "meaning" to knit one up for awhile now... In all reality I'd just like one to magically appear for me :) But then I found this super easy 5-10 minute no sew scarf!

You can make one using an old tshirt, or buy some knit material to use... if you cut up a tshirt you will need to sew the pieces together though... so for my version I used some knit I had leftover from making a cute shirt awhile ago. Mine didn't turn out looking anything like the tutorial I was following here. Whoops. I still like it though :)

Simply cut out a long rectangle, this will be about the size of your scarf so make it as long or short as you'd like.

Now accordion fold it on a table.

Now take some scissors and go to town, making matching cuts on both sides. (I didn't make my cuts long enough so I had to go back and do it again, make them about 2-3 times the length I have cut here.


Unfold and stretch it all over the place!

Wrap around your neck for the usual scarf... or tie the ends together and you've got a super easy infinity scarf! (you will have tassel like ends on each side, so easy to tie each one together to the other side)

Done and done.

Have you been crafting anything up lately? Lets see what you've made!

Tweet

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Rocket Pop

I'm hooked on these vintage inspired pops. It doesn't get any more summery than a rocket ice pop mold if you ask me, and they are so easy to make it's not even funny! I've been making them left and right! My latest creation is a watermelon strawberry yogurt pop.

Steph Chows Pops
1 cup watermelon
1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup greek plain yogurt
1 Tbs sweetener of choice (honey agave white sugar)

Dump it all into a blender and pour into your molds, add the tops and freeze until set. Easy as pie :)

So, what would be the first flavor combo you would mix up?

Tracy of Sugarcrafter came over for a day of crafting and we ate these as a mid day snack.

And check out the awesome skirt I showed her how to make! She did great!! You can make one too just head on over here to learn how!

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Another new easy to make skirt!

I first saw this skirt over on Sewing in no mans land and fell in love. I love how flattering high waisted skirts can be! She also has the tutorial for a kids version of this skirt, so if you've got a little lady in your life you can whip one up for her too!

Love love love! Now my version has one big difference though... mine is a skirt and a belt, and hers is a one piece skirt. Here's why I went off track with this one... you see my waist is tiny... and my hips/thighs... are MUCH much larger... so to make the top wide enough to fit my bum through would have left a LOT of extra material open in the back... I needed elastic, so I made a simple skirt with an elastic waist and then followed the belt part but sewed the bottom part closed. Easy cheesy. Either way you make it though this sews up in a few hours and is so freaking cute everyone will flip for it!

Seriously how adorable is this thing!!??

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Dresses that make you look pregnant

I fully admit it, some days I'm a walking fashion don't... lets take for example dresses that make you look pregnant. I've got at least three dresses like this kicking around in my closet.

WOW am I looking pale... yikes! The rain needs to stop so the sun can come out!

The dress had great intentions, for starters I loved the pattern, and the cute little button closure at the top... AND it was on sale. How could I say no?? But every time I put the dress on I'd feel a bit self conscious, especially while sitting, as the draping would sometimes billow in all the wrong places. I figured I was just being too self critical and kept on wearing it... until a certain someone who has been asked to be left unnamed told me I looked a good 2-3 months pregnant in this dress... Really?? That bad?? OK something needs to change!


The dress had elastic thread sewn in under the bust which made making this into a skirt super easy. One quick slice with a rotocutter and the skirt was free from the top! another quick hem to finish off the top and PRESTO CHANGO a new slimmer me was born!


This skirt is way more flattering on me than that dress was. LOOK I have a waist, it's not hiding anymore! Lets all repeat it together ladies. "I will not buy pregnant looking dresses... unless I'm with child"

Do you fall into shopping patterns of buying clothing that doesn't flatter your shape? What are you guilty of?

Happy Memorial Day weekend! Got any fun plans?

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Carrying Case

Awhile ago my sister asked me if I could make her a crayon carrying case for her purse. It's the perfect thing if you have a kid, instant entertainment at a restaurant, and no crayon mess in your purse. Best of both worlds right?

Of course I couldn't resist whipping one up for her, although it did take forever to actually get it in the mail... whoops... hopefully it gets there today... otherwise... I totally ruined the surprise with this post...

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