PIIT28 Review

I figured it's about time I do a review on my PIIT28 workouts.

After a few months of being a bit disappointed every time I looked in the mirror and saw my postnatal body, and the lack of pants being able to fit I knew I needed to get my ass in gear and follow a work out program. I was working of and on for so long, but I came to the realization that I need a program to follow.

Enter PIIT28!

PIIT28 is a 28 day workout, in which each workout is only 28 minutes and 40 seconds! So for me that is a win right of the bat. I don't always have time for a full hour workout with Hunter and his lack of naps. 28 minutes is something I can do even if he is playing in his exersaucer.

It also follows a HIIT style format, mixed with pilates and cardio. Which is one of my favourite types of workouts. Get in and get out. I don't  have time to waste.

Another thing that drew me to this particular challenge instead of just following blogilates regular monthly calendar is the community that this program promoted. Enter accountability. Follow @justaddchampagne on instagram to see my full #piitsagram challenge.

So what did I think....

After 28 days,  I loved it. I am actually doing Round 2 right now, and am excited about the results.

My first few days of doing it, I was drenched in sweat, could barely finish the moves and seriously contemplated only finishing 1 or 2 out of the 4 rounds.  However I pushed through, and as the days and weeks went on, I felt stronger. I knew I could do the moves (even if I had to modify them) and I started feeling proud of myself. I knew the more I pushed myself the better the results. And the faster it would come. Sure some days I half assed it just to get the workout over with, but after I knew I could and should have worked harder.

Casey was right. This program isn't just about seeing physical changes. The mental change. I began feeling more confident, I was happy when I looked in the mirror assessing my outfit. I was more energetic. And I think that is the most important part.

 But as people want to join a workout program for the physical changes here is my progress pic, from Day 1 to Day 28.

I lost about 4 lbs and a few inches all over. Nothing to huge, but still great for 4 weeks.  And look some abs are slowly starting to reappear.

I am extremely happy with this program, the community of popsters, and the price of it is well worth it! Please check out this link if you are interested in reading more about PIIT28/signing up:

https://www.piit28.com/a/787/Dq3JniuX

There is also a 28 Day Reset Diet plan. I did not follow this due to breastfeeding but it is something that I eventually will buy into!

Kefir

I have found a new obsession to add to my diet. Kefir.

I was always a bit skeptical of it in the grocery  store because I thought it was just fermented milk. Turns out it's not. It is yogurts super big brother, basically more potent and probiotic filled than the regular stuff.  Plus it tastes like Yop. And who didn't love those as a kid?

I have only tired the Liberte version but you can make kefir as well instead of buying the pre-made stuff, and I guess it is pretty easy, although I have yet to try it.

And Kefir has amazing health benefits as well!

Here are some of the top 10 benefits I found:

1. Supports a healthy immune system - helps combat allergies, as well as act as a natural antibiotic
2. Natural energy boost, giving you a ton of energy
3. Helps to curb cravings for junk food, as it is very filling (full of protein) = great for weight loss
4. Supports healthy digestive system, while supporting regular bowel movements. All the while reducing the amount you fart
5. Contains high amounts of minerals (especially phosphorus), and amino acids
6. High in calcium, magnesium, vitmin B-12, vitamin K, Vitamin D and biotin to name a few more
7. It is great for nursing mothers, as well as for kids!
8. It’s abundant in tryptophan, which is relaxing to the nervous system
9. Great for healthy skin (anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties are found in kefir)
10. Supports a healthy brain, joints, blood pressure

and as a bonus: It's delicious and versatile (throw it in a smoothie, drink in plain)

FF #4 - Running and PIIT28

Hey!

Well. I have a couple things to announce.

1) I started running again.  I ran 4km in about 38 minutes. That was my first run in well over a year.  And I have to say I am super proud of myself. I did have to walk quite a bit, but not as much as I was thinking. I do have a 5km race in about a month. Not entirely sure if I am going to go for it yet.

2) I started the #PIIT28 challenge via blogilates. It's a 28 day challenge and so far I am loving it. The workouts make me drenched in sweat and its only 28 minutes. Today is Day 4 and I can't wait until the end to see the result.  You can follow my progress on instagram @justaddchampagne

I also noticed, even though its only been a few days, that I have more energy. Not only do I want to work out, I want to do more than just the PIIT28 Challenge.

which brings me to #3...

3) I am also doing the #DAMOChallenge via The Berry. Very simple stuff, but great for that added want I have been craving.


So far so good. I haven't weighed myself or measured myself, figured I will wait till the end.

FFF- #2

And just like that we are back to Friday. And as you can tell I haven't really been to busy on the blog. Or in the gym.

I did manage to go to bootcamp on Wednesday night and enjoyed a lovely stretch session at baby yoga on Thursday morning. Other than that, I get a big fail. However, my excuse is that I may have broken my foot.  How you may ask? My dropping a freaking can of shaving cream onto the top of my foot. Yup. Not even a cool story. But it was enough to make my foot very sore and me not really want to shove my foot into a running shoe.

Weekly Weigh In: Still the same. Kinda bummed about this, but really what was I expecting? Didn't really change up the diet to much and didn't work out...


Hopefully there is more to tell next week.

Fat Free Fridays

Welcome to Fat Free Fridays!  Do you ever get to a point where you figure enough is enough? That is me right now. I figured I've been using the excuse of I just had a baby long enough. And I figured by putting my pre-baby body weight loss challenge up in the interweb, I may use that accountability as an extra motivator.

Enter Fat Free Fridays. I won't inundate you with it all the time, but come Fridays (if I feel like blogging or more accurately if Hunter allows me too) I will go through my weekly journey/thought process/weight loss/etc.  Sound like a plan? Good.

So I guess to start this off I am going to bite the bravery bullet and post my weight, I will spare you my before picture until I get a good after one to go next to it (it seems less scary that way).

Before Baby: 145lbs ( At the time I had a goal to be at 130lb)

Pregnancy: 178lbs  (gained 33lbs if you don't want to do the math)

Current: 166lbs  

Goal: 140lbs.(figured aim a little below pre-prego weight)

So I have 26lbs to go. Holy. That seems like a lot when you look at it that way.

As my day routine is a little bit different and I can't just bust out an hour workout everyday, I am going to start the adventure with  Jillian Michael 30 Day Shred. I have tried this multiple times, but never actually completed the whole 30 days. I am a master at the first level though!  I also signed up for another 5km race with MEC. I ran my first one last year, and figured why not book a date. That date is April 9th. 

I also know I need to start picking more healthy food choices, while it is hard some days to have 'meals' I need to have better snacking options in my house.

Wish me luck!

Back Exercises

Its beginning to get to the point where I am starting to feel the motivation to get back to my pre-baby weight. I wanted to start off with something easy, and my back has been sore lately (picking up a babe isn't always easy)

I just did all of them and they are all simple enough, but I did feel something working! Hopefully this will help the sore back. Remember to breathe properly!

Original source: fitsugar.com  (the photos are from there as well)

Upper Back Lifts:

Targeting key muscles with upper back lifts helps to strengthen your back while improving your posture:

• Lay your belly on the ball and spread your legs wide and plant your toes on the floor.
• Bend your elbows and gently touch your fingertips to the back of your head. Keep your arms strong and resist the urge to rest your hands on your head.
• Take a breath in and, as you exhale, raise your upper torso as much as you can, so your chest comes off the ball. Inhale to slowly lower your torso back to the starting position. Keeping your movements slow allows you to work your abs.
• Complete three sets of 12 to 15 reps.

Superman Booty Lift

• Lie on your belly and hold an exercise ball between your feet.
• As you inhale, squeeze the ball and lift your knees, arms, and chest off the floor. Hold for a count of 10 and then slowly release your body back to the floor.
• Repeat for a total of 10 lifts.

Side Bend With Ball

Lengthen and tone your sides and back with side bends with a stability ball:

• Hold a gym ball firmly between your palms, right in front of your belly.
• Stand firmly, with your feet hips-width distance apart. Tuck your tailbone in and engage your abs to protect your lower back.
• Raise the ball above your head and straighten your arms completely. Then slowly lean your hands over to the right side, but continue to keep both feet planted equally.
• Try to draw your upper ribs back so they're stacked on top of your lower ribs. Pull your belly button in towards your spine and look up towards the ceiling if you can.
• Bend as much as you feel comfortable and hold for five complete breaths.
• When you're ready, while keeping your lower body strong and stable, lift your torso back up. Stay in a neutral standing position for one complete breath, and then arch over and do the left side.
• Repeat each side five more times.

Opposite Limb Extensions

• 

  
  

  • Lay your belly on a ball. Stabilize yourself by placing your hands underneath your shoulders, and your feet hip distance apart.
  • Simultaneously lift your right arm and your left leg straight out. Hold for two seconds and then release back to the ground.
  • Now lift your left arm and your right leg. Hold for two seconds and slowly release.
  • Try to move slowly and with control in order to keep the ball as steady as possible. Use your deep abs to help stabilize.
  • Repeat this move for a total of 15 to 20 reps on each side.

Back Extensions

Fight the bulge on your lower back with simple back extensions:

• Kneel down with an exercise ball in front of you. Place your torso on the ball and roll forward until you have both hands on the floor. Your legs should be straight behind you, toes anchored firmly on the floor about shoulder-width apart.
• Lower your torso down with your hands behind your head — your upper body should basically be wrapped around the ball.
• Lift your torso up until you form a straight line with your hips and legs. 
Lower back down to complete one rep. Be sure to inhale as you come down and exhale as you lift your torso up.
• Do three sets of 12 reps.

Back Excercies to try

I just did all of them and they are all simple enough, but I did feel something working! Hopefully this will help the sore back. Remember to breathe properly!

Original source: fitsugar.com I just compiled a bunch of them together for my ease.  I didn't create them either; so don't get mad at me if you hurt yourself.

Upper Back Lifts:

Targeting key muscles with upper back lifts helps to strengthen your back while improving your posture:

• Lay your belly on the ball and spread your legs wide and plant your toes on the floor.
• Bend your elbows and gently touch your fingertips to the back of your head. Keep your arms strong and resist the urge to rest your hands on your head.
• Take a breath in and, as you exhale, raise your upper torso as much as you can, so your chest comes off the ball. Inhale to slowly lower your torso back to the starting position. Keeping your movements slow allows you to work your abs.

Complete three sets of 12 to 15 reps.

Superman Booty Lift

• Lie on your belly and hold an exercise ball between your feet.
• As you inhale, squeeze the ball and lift your knees, arms, and chest off the floor. Hold for a count of 10 and then slowly release your body back to the floor.
• Repeat for a total of 10 lifts.

Side Bend With Ball

Lengthen and tone your sides and back with side bends with a stability ball:

• Hold a gym ball firmly between your palms, right in front of your belly.
• Stand firmly, with your feet hips-width distance apart. Tuck your tailbone in and engage your abs to protect your lower back.
• Raise the ball above your head and straighten your arms completely. Then slowly lean your hands over to the right side, but continue to keep both feet planted equally.
• Try to draw your upper ribs back so they're stacked on top of your lower ribs. Pull your belly button in towards your spine and look up towards the ceiling if you can.
• Bend as much as you feel comfortable and hold for five complete breaths.
• When you're ready, while keeping your lower body strong and stable, lift your torso back up. Stay in a neutral standing position for one complete breath, and then arch over and do the left side.
• Repeat each side five more times.

Opposite Limb Extensions

• 

  
  

  • Lay your belly on a ball. Stabilize yourself by placing your hands underneath your shoulders, and your feet hip distance apart.
  • Simultaneously lift your right arm and your left leg straight out. Hold for two seconds and then release back to the ground.
  • Now lift your left arm and your right leg. Hold for two seconds and slowly release.
  • Try to move slowly and with control in order to keep the ball as steady as possible. Use your deep abs to help stabilize.
  • Repeat this move for a total of 15 to 20 reps on each side.

Back Extensions

Fight the bulge on your lower back with simple back extensions:

• Kneel down with an exercise ball in front of you. Place your torso on the ball and roll forward until you have both hands on the floor. Your legs should be straight behind you, toes anchored firmly on the floor about shoulder-width apart.
• Lower your torso down with your hands behind your head — your upper body should basically be wrapped around the ball.
• Lift your torso up until you form a straight line with your hips and legs. 
Lower back down to complete one rep. Be sure to inhale as you come down and exhale as you lift your torso up.
• Do three sets of 12 reps.

My first 5km!

If you've seen my instagram (@JustAddChampagne) you've already seen this...

If not, here you go...

5km! 

I finally ran 5km. Back in early September, my brother in-law and myself were supposed to run a 5k race. Then the snowstorm hit (yes you read that right...snow). Anyways, due to a shit ton of trees being broken and making the path unsafe, they cancelled it. Well postponed it. Until October 19th.

Anyways, ever since Sept 13th when the race was supposed to happen, I haven't ran. And even before that while I was training I never actually ran 5km, always expecting my race to be the first. 

That all changed yesterday, when  after a half ass run on Wednesday, I decided I really needed to get back on the 'training bus'. 

I wasn't even planning on 5km, in my head I just was going to run 20 minutes, if that.

Then I started running, and it felt great. 5, 10, 15 minutes in. Then a quick, maybe 30 second walk- mainly because I despised the song that was playing and had to get the phone out of my sports bra (classy..I know). Then I kept going. My mental distance goals kept getting surpassed. Then finally I heard 35 minutes, 4.69km. Yes! I knew I was going to make it.

The best part was at the end of my normal route, I felt like I could keep going- at least until the lady said "40 minutes". I didn't. ( I mean, lets not ask for to much now.) Instead I pulled out my phone and saw..... 5.15km!

I DID IT!

I was so happy when I checked my runkeeper app and it said  38 minutes! So stoked. 

Then I had to walk up the very steep hill to my house to get water......

(I have to thank my  music for carrying me though... usually I listen to like poppy dance music running, but I switched it over to some rock, and well it helped distract me a lot more!)

Arm workouts

I love when workouts are quick and to the point. More bang for my  bucks. muscles. 3 minutes, 3 times each.

My lower body hurts

So, I thought that it would be a good idea to do 1000 squats the other day.

Why you may ask?

Because I'm fucking insane that's why.

No, for real though, it was the video of the day for blogilates, and while I haven't really worked out for a week (due to me being sick), I figured why not?! And I am glad I pushed myself to not only try it, but complete it. Well in all honesty, I only did about 850 as I needed some breathing breaks in between. But that kind of makes it cool, as I know where I was last time and can only improve.

I DARE YOU ALL TO TRY IT.

How many did you do?

Medicine Ball with the Wall

My back has been having some serious fat attacks.  Its something that I often ignore working out because, well its behind me and well I never pay attention to it in the mirror while getting dress. (although this doesn't ring true to my ass). Been looking at random back exercises and saw this, tried it, liked it, decided to share it.

Enjoy! your back will 'thank' you.

With your back against a wall, hold a medicine ball, or a kettle bell, with both hands in front of your chest and lower into a squat (a). Keeping your hips steady, twist to the left and reach the ball toward the wall (b). Return to center. That's one rep. Repeat on the other side. Move back and forth at a slow, controlled pace for 20 total  reps.  



 

Sneaky Workout

I love these ideas. I used to do the squats everytime I went to the bathroom. Have to get back into the habit.

Easy little pyramid workout:

25 squats / 5 push-ups
20 squats / 10 push-ups
15 squats / 15 push-ups
10 squats / 20 push-ups
5 squats / 25 push-ups


make it for time for more of a challenge

 

 

and just love this:

 

World's "Fastest" Workout

 

 

Burns as many calories as a 40-60 minutes run. Makes your body adapt and improve very quickly. Increases metabolism for up to the next 36 hrs. Takes only FOUR minutes, Developed by a Japanese Scientist. NO EXCUSES.

I just did this to get me into the mood to workout, and well it's a great warm-up thats for sure. Got my breath going.

Wait... did I say warm-up? Who am I??!

 

My kind of working out! (and a vent)

 

 

I'm at a plateau. Well not really, because that would involve actually loosing some god damn weight. I apologize in advance that this will probably come out as me bitching.  Scroll down to the kangaroo stretching picture if you don't want to read.

 

As I was saying.  I have been working my ass off, like an hour a day of strength and cardio, having 500-900 calorie burns (according to my HR monitor) and nothing. I've gained weight for fucks sake. And blah blah blah I know that muscle weighs more, but the pants aren't even getting looser. Its super frustrating. Sure I see a bit of a change in my arms, and my thighs feel tonight, but...nothing to scream and shout with pride about.

 

And don't say that its because of the food. I have been eating super clean, drinking enough water that makes me pee about 5 times/hour (no joke), etc. And logging my calories via myfitnesspal. So I am very conscious of what I'm putting into my mouth.

 

Things like this just make me want to say fuck it, what's the point? And to go to the workout regime in the first photo. But... ugh...come on... What am I doing wrong? Any tips?

Thanks for listening/reading. I just needed to vent.




Just need to do this:

 

 

 

 

burpees... go away... no one likes you

 

 

As the title of this post suggests, I hate burpees.

And that was at the core of my work out yesterday. The premise is that it's a pyramid. 1 kettlebell swing, 1 burpee. All the way up to 15. Then back down. Holy hell. It didn't sound that hard, until you actually start doing it.

Next time I wont run the mile first, so I could actually finish the pyramid  strong and proud. Oh well, I guess its something to strive for next time.

And in case you want to try it out, here is the youtube video:

Oh and this is the workout I am following via blogilates. Yes I realize it says December, but really who cares about the month. It gives me a good idea what to do wihtout me having to plan it. I am on Day 11 now. Had to take a little hiatus due to the flu hitting me like a fucking truck, but back on track. And I have to say I am super proud of myself that I am actually doing something!

 

Apple Cinnamon Detox Water

 

 

So, this pin has been floating around Pinterest for a while, and I decided to give it a try.

Its supposed to be help you lose weight and have a ton of energy!

It's actually rather simple to make. Right up my alley! Ready for it....

-Cinnamon Sticks

-Cut up an apple of your choice (I use granny smith as that's what I had)

-ice cubes

-water

-put together in a pitcher, chill for a while and drink up!

(if you actually needed the last instruction, all I can do is just shake my head at you)

Anyways, its actually pretty tasty. As a detox drink, I'm not sure what the actual proven benefits are, but meh, it gives water a tasty spin off.

My only hint is to cut the apples thinly. I think I used too big of a chunk so most of the flavor didn't dissipate.

It was delish and refreshing! The actual detoxing process? One will never know

it's gonna hurt tomorrow.

Well... its that time again. Time to get rid of my champagne flub and start back on the healthy lifestyle. It was one of my resolutions for New Years, but I felt like I couldn't start midweek (see excuses already) so today is the day.

Ever since I've come back from Cuba I just haven't worked out, well once I did yoga fusion and it nearly killed me.  Then Christmas. Then the obligatory drinks and Delicious foods available. Yup. Probably gained back everything I lost prior Cuba.

Oh wait I did... (I just checked on the scale).

So, I'm going to be documenting my journey in this lovely little fitness journal courtesy of Blogilates.

 

I originally got it to start her December fit challenge, but with the mail being stupid I just received it about a week ago.   I like the idea of writing it out, making me more accountable for things I eat, what I actually do to work out, things like that.

 

 

Wish me luck!

 

300 Abs Challenge

In preparation of Cuba, I've been doing this every other day, and while 300 seems like a lot of crunches and for sure scare you away, the way it is broken down makes it bearable. At first I needed to take a breather between each 100, but now I can notice an improvement and power through them.

30 Crunches

20 Bicycle Crunches

30 Toe Touches

20 Reverse Crunches

15 Side Plank Hip Lifts (R)

30 Crunches

15 Side Plank Hip Lifts (L)

40 Russian Twists

30 Bicycle Crunches

15 Oblique V-Ups (R)

20 Reverse Crunches

15 Oblique V-Ups (L)

10 Leg Lifts

20 ways to become even more healthy awesome you

1) Drink MORE water. I know. Its common sense. And it is also boring. Try adding some natural flavors to it, such as cucumber, lemon, apple & cinnamon (my husband's favorite). This is hard because I love coffee, chocolate milk and wine. All of which don't have high water content.

2) Eat small meals throughout the day. Or eat a big breakfast, an average lunch and a teeny dinner. Make sure you are getting all the required nutrients though.

3) Eat natural food. UNprocessed. Fruits, veggies. Organic. If you can't pronounce it you probably shouldn't eat it.

4) Walk, take the stairs, park further away, bike, swim. Be active.

5) Read a book. You need some mental health too. As you may have noticed there are lots of reviews on this little site. Check them out.

6)Don't hate on yourself. If you constantly bring up negative feelings how is that going to help you in the long run? Be positive. Don't hate on others either. I am the worst for being judgmental and condescending remarks have been known to slip through my lips. But really? If I am throwing out all this negativity towards others, people are probably throwing it right back at me. So make everyone feel like your spewing sunshine out of your ass, so you get all that positive energy back too !

7) You are you. Stop comparing yourself to others.

8) Enjoy the little things in life. Create your own book of awesome.

9)Stop living in the past. It happened. You learnt from it. Move on. Especially in regards to health. I wish I was as skinny as I was when I thought I was fat. But dwelling on it isn't going to make it happen. Getting on the treadmill will. Just bring the notes from the past with ya!

10) Stretch. Do yoga. Meditate. Calm your brain. Just breathe.RELAX

11) Go to bed earlier. Get a decent amount of sleep. Do you really need to stay up until midnight watching shitty reality TV shows? (that's what a PVR is for my friend!)

12) Do not procrastinate. How good does it feel once you cross something off of your list? AMAZING! Sometimes I put stuff on my list that I have already done just to make myself look more productive!

13) Keep your house semi tidy and clean. Be organized! Think of how much time you waste (and curse words) when you are frantically looking for something. If you actually took the time to put things away where they belong.... ahhhhh!

14)Listen to music. Sing a-long. Dance.

15)Wear what makes you happy. Do your hair and make-up the way you want to. (Side note: this isn't saying you can look like a slutty dirtbag)

16) Get off the couch. Stop staring at the computer scree. Go outside. Breathe that (fresh) air! Revel in nature!

17) Don't be a hoarder. You don't need that many of anything. Throw shit away.  Unless you really want to make it your life long dream to be on that show...but that's another bag of issues.

18) Fall in love. Build relationships. Understand that some friendships are dragging you down and that you should focus on those that nourish you and help you grow as a person.

19) Have some alone time. I love people. I love me too. Sometimes I just want to take a bath and drink a glass of wine. I mean a glass of water flavoured with grapes.

20) Here's a no brainier...wait for it....wait... Exercise to become healthier. Even if its just for 5 minutes today, at least you got off your ass for 5 minutes and the next day it could be 10?