In Fitness & In Health: I DO!

...and this time, I mean it, dammit!

Creating a lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise habits is a roller coaster ride if I've ever seen one.  I've had highs, where I stare at my arm muscles and grin at the newly discovered muscle lines in my outer thighs, and lows where I pull on a pair of jeans and gasp at the realization that something changed, and it ain't the damn jeans!!  But it's a big picture/long haul type of deal, and I'm happy to say that, for the most part, I'm doing well.  My BMI is well within a healthy range, I can walk/jog (mostly walk) for 3 miles before I get tired, I work out at least twice per week, and as for my eating habits, er um uh...we'll get back to that one because there's not enough space in this little blogger box to go into detail -- #yepthatstherealreason.

Since becoming a mother, I've really taken on a perspective of overall health, and am always looking for resources to facilitate this particular journey.  I was fortunate enough to participate in World Fitness Day, the brainchild of the every-fly Jane Fonda last week, and I definitely give it the Execumama Certified stamp of approval!!  It wasn't a boring series of sit-down chats on why we should exercise; we actually worked out and had so much fun doing so!  Atlanta's own "pinktabulous" Talking With Tami did a wonderful recap you should check out if you want the deets on that event.  Oh, and there's a great group photo of over at KrystalGrant.com too :) I'll be there next year for sure, because between the workouts, the performances, and the chat time with my fellow bloggy buddies, it was very much worth my time!

World Fitness Day was awesome, but since it's only once a year, I figure I better keep paying attention to the resources I'll need for the other 364 days, ya know! I pretty much do a hodge-podge of stuff because the objective is simply to keep moving.  But there are a few staples in my arsenal, and I'll share them in hopes that any tiny bit of it can spark something in you as many of your fitness tips/sharing have helped me.

-YOGA: I love yoga because it's the anti herky-jerky workout that's perfect for those days I just don't feel like jumping, running, or being told to "push past" jack shit.  Here's a great article about the benefits of yoga--you should try it if you haven't.  It looks and in some cases feels like you're not doing much, but believe me, it works!

-PILATES: Another tried-and-true for my stubborn body.  I tell anyone who'll listen that after each of my children, pilates was the god-send that helped me lose the first 20 or so pounds. With two C-sections and 50+ pounds of weight gain to come back from, I had to get gangster with it, and pilates packed that gitter done punch that worked me ooouuuuutt!

WALKING: Yep, the easy, simple, and FREE workout I get from a good 3-4 mile walk is priceless.  I get to spend time alone, do something for my body, and listen to music while enjoying the sun.  What more can I say? Walking works for me.

DANCING: Whether I'm practicing a dancehall move I saw on YouTube, channeling my inner Sauda (my African dance instructor), or doing a series of hip-drops to favorite belly dance DVD, dancing gets my calorie-burning in gear, and it's so much fun!! If you're not up to working out, pop in some good booty music (don't front like you don't have any of that on your playlist) and get in 20 minutes of pop/drop/lock/roll for a great workout.

What resources do you utilize for your marriage to being In Fitness & In Health?