Now I know the difference....

 

          All my life I've never had shoes worth more than maybe RM50 - Rm60 (an approximate of USD15 - USD18) In fact, I thought all those branded sports shoes in those branded shops are all overpriced. And I never knew there were so many different kinds of sports shoes for different purposes. Then I married a sports person. He played basketball, coached volleyball and basketball teams, AND he loves sports shoes. He would be looking at sports shoes whenever we go for leisurely shopping, asked to buy sports shoes every few months, and a new pair of sports shoes is a must for Chinese New Year. Every time, I reluctantly agreed. Besides, he did pamper me with my infatuation with bags. :)

          Anyway, last year he insisted on buying a proper pair of running shoes to encourage me to start exercising on the treadmill (by the way, the treadmill has been collecting dust for almost a year) and I fell in love with the shoes. They felt so comfortable and light that I have no hesitation on wearing them every morning. 

          There are 2 pairs of running shoes pictured above. The purple one was my first pair, which I kept inside the house to exercise on the treadmill. Hubby bought me another pair recently, to be worn outdoors, when the weather is nice. Just in case I might get bored with indoors and needed a change of scenery. I love the thoughtfulness dear. 

          So, I would definitely encourage those starting on a new exercise regime to get fitted for a proper sports shoes. It might just change your life. I know it did change mine - because I am still wearing them to exercise and lose weight. :) Yeah! Cheers to a healthier life!

Toning and fat burning exercises

Yeah... I know that the title of this blog says that this blog is about the children. But hey, I am their momma and I need some 'loving' too. I have struggled with my weight for many years (as do most mommas) and have been focusing on losing weight these few months. I know I posted a few fun dance videos earlier. But I have not been able to do them. But the good news is, with strict calories control and regular walk/run on the treadmill, I did manage to lose around 6 kgs. I do feel smaller, but it's not enough due to the fact that I actually reached my heaviest this year with more difficulties fitting in my already big sized clothes. Now the same clothes feels more comfortable, but it just shows that I have not lost enough weight to go down another size. I just realized that a dress size could be very forgiving and enables you to wear the same size, give and take around 10 kg. Well, at least that's what I think with my experience of losing and gaining weight all the time.

Anyway, I think it's about time to collect some videos and hopefully follow them to tone my problem areas. I have never liked toning videos, simply because they look like hard work and no fun. Yup. But so does walking and running on the treadmill. And I manage to look forward to the treadmill nowadays. That's a big plus for me, right? So I am hoping to love toning videos too.

Oh, If you are asking - How about those dance videos? Well, I decided that I should lose a bit more of weight before I embark on the dances. The few times I did try them made me breathless and uncomfortable (yup, with the children around and laughing at me doesn't help too). I'll keep you posted about it.

This one's important. I've read about the same tips given here.

Good advice. Gonna try this for weight maintenance later

I hope I'll enjoy these workouts as much as I enjoyed watching them. hahaha.... I'll keep you posted. :)

More exercise videos....

'Moves like Jagger'

'Gangnam style' warm up 

Exercise videos.....

I'm so excited to get started. 

A beginning(for me)

Here it is.... I've pondered on writing about my struggle with weight for the purpose of keeping myself accountable with my fitness and health goals. Like anyone else who are a bit overweight, or feeling unhealthy, we all got on and off this ship towards fitness and health.

     The last time I managed to stay motivated for around 3 weeks, lost 4 kilos and then gained them all back and more, in another 2 months. Last month, I was so determined to lose some weight, in time to fit into a pretty dress for an annual dinner where I am supposed to be one of the MC. BUT.... stress made its way and I caved in. I think I gained some more with those unhealthy meals and snacks. 

     Yesterday, hubby brought me out shopping for a dress that's supposed to make me feel and look good for the annual dinner. Hmmm.... we went to a shop that literally every clothes I selected made me wished I am at least 1-2 sizes smaller. They are sooooo beautiful and the materials felt so nice. I managed to buy a dress that made hubby exclaimed 'wow!' and got approval from my fashion critic (my 5 -year old son). 

     But when hubby suggested I select a few more - I refused. I wanted to lose some weight before I have another shopping spree here. I am now wearing sizes XL and XXL (mostly due to my big butt and fleshy arms, though I have a smaller waist and body that can fit in an L)

     Anyway, I have been pondering upon this the whole day and googled the whole morning for some enlightenment - and chanced upon a few interesting websites and videos. 

Here's a list of the sites I'm sure I'll return to again and again. 

1. Free Zumba video workouts

2. Workout video index from Tone and Tighten

3. 30-min Latin spice workout (Jessicasmithtv)

4. Beginner videos (Seventeen)