Two Years & Counting!!

It's my birthday!!!!! Today I'm 21 years old, and I feel great. I know I haven't blogged in quite some time. Just trying to survive college of course. I just wanna thank everyone all over the world for reading this blog. It truly means so much to me and fills my heart up with so much love. Today is great for other reasons. Around this time two years ago, I had lost 100 pounds. Now, I've kept off that weight and the results are in that picture above. I'm stronger, faster, and most important, HEALTHIER!!! I hope that my story still inspires others to make changes in their lives to become healthier. I still have my struggles, but I'm most definitely in a happier place. The Slim & Sexy Campaign is still in full effect. Life is going well, and I hope the same for all of you guys. Now, I'm off to enjoy the rest of my day. Love you guys, and thanks. =)

The Sweatiest Workout

As gross as that title may sound to some of you guys, just sit back and read. For the past month, I haven't been lifting weights. I've been focusing on burning fat and toning up. I like the size that I am, I just want things to be tighter and more cut up. Simple goals right? Not at all. It's hard work. My workouts have consisted of running/jogging, jumprope, and 150 pushups in each workout. I've already told you guys that running is a great workout, as well as jumprope. Now when you combine those two, you will sweat off the fat in no time. The key to fat burning is a full-body workout. Running is the cardiovascular, strengthens leg muscles. The jumprope works the arms and mucho cardio. Pushups work the chest of course, and other muscles that I can't name at the moment because I don't know (I'm no expert). Honestly, I feel stronger and faster from doing these activities alone. My arms look more defined. I'm getting the definition that I'm working so hard for. I've already lost five pounds, I feel great inside and out. Here are some variations of the workout that I typically do.
1. running on a track: walk, run, walk, run = 4 laps
then jumprope for five minutes
In between each set of jumps, do 10 basic pushups until you reach 50.
Run 4 more laps
Jumprope for five minutes continuously
50 more pushups
Walk one lap to cool down, then 50 more pushups.
2. If you wanna really bust your butt:
jog/run 8 consecutive laps around the track
60 pushups
Incorporate some squats, jump squats, lunges, squat thrusts also.
Jump rope for 10 minutes, with some breaks in between to catch your breath.
90 more pushups. Include some jump pushups, diamonds for triceps, etc. You can break them up into sets of 10, 15, 20, or just push all the way through.

Trust me guys, this will be highly effective if you want to burn fat and tone up with minimal weight lifting. I'm seeing results after a month. It's hard work but it can be done.

Cutting Down

I had a long talk with my boss this weekend about my schedule and my future career plans. Anddd he called me crazy for wanting to get a third job on top of taking classes, on top of going to the gym six days a week. He says that I'm going to wear myself out. The fact is I know that he's right, but I'm very hard-headed when it comes to my life. I don't like when people try to tell me what to do. I feel that I can handle everything. But this time, I listened to someone's advice. I'm not going to get that third job because that would be INSANE!!!!!! Another thing, I'm going to cut down on my gym time as well. Instead of six days a week, I'll try four or five. If I want to get the killer body, I need to give it time to rest and recuperate. My main point for this post is to not overexert yourself when there's really no need for it. As important it is to get in the gym, it's just as important to get your sleep and relaxation time. That's something I'm slowing understanding. I think I can do it.

Building The Ultimate Workout Playlist

Music is so essential when you're working out, it's not even funny. Studies have shown that upbeat music makes people train harder in their workouts. I must say, it definitely helps me out. Give me a Michael/Janet Jackson playlist and I'm good to go for an hour. Music keeps me pumped and motivated to move and run and go the extra mile or two. My friends say that they need angry music like Rap or Rock. But for me, I need some energetic music that makes me feel good and keeps me going. Here's some songs that you NEED for your workout playlist:

"Nasty" - Janet Jackson
"Rhythm Nation" - Janet Jackson
"If" - Janet Jackson
You know what? any MJ or Janet song will do you just fine. Some other artists
"Forever" - Chris Brown
"1 Thing" - Amerie
"POISON"!!!!!!!! - Bell Biv DeVoe
"Toxic" - Britney Spears
"Express Yourself" - Madonna
"Vogue" - Madonna
"Rock Your Body" - Justin Timberlake
Anything by Usher
"Get It Shawty" - Lloyd
"Erotic City" - Prince. I don't know, maybe that one is just my personal taste.
"Baby" - Justin Bieber
"Green Light" - John Legend
"Single Ladies" - Beyonce
"Teach Me How To Dougie" - Cali Swag District. A surpirsingly good running song.
"Boom Boom Pow" - Black Eyed Peas
I have about 50 more songs, but these selections are a good place to start and get you pumped for a great workout. So turn it up!!!!!