Newspapers and Magazines

While I've completely converted to digital when it comes to books ... I still like physical, paper copies when I'm reading newspapers and magazines.I'll read the occasional article online, but just enjoy sitting at the table and flipping the pages of the paper, reading the news of the day, laughing at the comics and scanning the ads for deals.

But ... it's the end of an era.

I cancelled my subscription to my local newspaper.

I know, in this day and age we are supposed to support our local paper. There were three factors that came into play to cause me to cancel ...

• I often wasn't reading. Sometimes the rolled up newspaper would sit for a few days just inside the front door, and then go directly into the recycling. Even the papers I did "read" it was usually just a quick skim of some sections.
• News bias and negativity. Last year's elections have impacted everything. "Fake News" is now an everyday phrase. I don't have any extreme issues with our local paper. There was an obvious anti-Trump bias, but I could see the occasional attempt to show the other side as well. But just overall with ALL news now, I question every story and wonder about the "other side" of the issue. While I want to stay informed, it's exhausting to constantly question everything, and so much of the news is sad and bad and ... (I'd given up on watching TV news ages ago). 
• Payment problems. Every time I would get a bill, it would frustrate me. Instead of offering a monthly rate, only 12, 26, or 52 week options were available. That just messes up my monthly finances! And there was no way to pay online! I have to write a check, or write down credit card information and find a stamp and mail it? More than the money itself, it's the inconvenience! If my paper had offered an easy online monthly payment, I probably would have continued.

It's just been a week or so without the newspaper. I must admit I miss it a little. I've turned back to magazines when I need something to flip through as I'm sitting in the kitchen.  A while back (2013) I did a blog post called Mucho Magazines where I discussed all the health/fitness ones I subscribed to. While I allowed those subscriptions to lapse long ago ... I still have a backlog! Without my newspaper, maybe I'll get through these magazines. Finally.

We have a few current magazine subscriptions. Nothing I paid out of pocket for, but I received a notice connected to an old credit card where we would convert some unused frequent flyer miles (Hubs DOES like frequent flyer miles but had switched cards/programs) for magazine subscriptions. After consulting with the Mr. that he wouldn't make use of those miles himself, I went ahead and ordered some subscriptions ...

Now I KNOW Time has some of the same issues I mentioned about (obvious bias/sad stories ... still sometimes doesn't get read) but without the payment problems, I figured I'd give it a go. Sports Illustrated for the boys to look through (although I may have confiscated the swimsuit issue) and People Magazine. When I'd be in waiting rooms I'd often flip through it, although I'd never subscribed myself.  When these pre-paid subscriptions run out, I won't be renewing.

Then I'll just have to see if I can switch to online for articles ... or just read my novels!

Trying Something New

I'm quite notorious for staying in my comfort zone. I find something I like and I stick with it. Generally, I don't change things up until change is forced upon me. A few weeks ago, I mentioned I had grabbed some DVDs from my local library (Library Love). This was an attempt to TRY something new ... without making any real commitments (borrowing before buying).

First off, as I'm attending Zumba three times a week already, I didn't find the time to try the HipHopAbs DVD for more cardio (as I'm getting my elliptical and bike in each day as well). That one went back to the library unwatched, but I hope to give it a try at some point in the future. 

I have a weight workout on my schedule Mon/Wed/Fri, and while I am attached to my personal full body weight workout, I have shaken it up at times with a DVD. I've tried Jillian's 30 Day Shred, Ripped in 30 and No More Trouble Zones. I've given a few YouTube videos a go as well. I grabbed the DVDs pictured above and did give the other three a TRY ... I admit up front, I probably didn't give them as much of a try (a second or third attempt) as I should have. I know I don't like many workouts the first time around...but I was under a bit of a time crunch with due dates looming.

• Jillian's Hard Body: If you look at the reviews on Amazon, you'll see two camps. Those who really like it, and others who ... didn't like it. I fell into the latter group. Many people mention the DJ ... I didn't care for the DJ. But for me, I just feel like Jillian is trying too hard to be innovative and different and she creates new routines. So many of the moves were compound moves, and were just moving so fast and difficult for me to follow. Rather than doing a situp, then rolling over and doing a superman ... I would rather do several situps, then do the supermans. I admit ... I just wasn't enjoying this enough to even continue all the way through. I turned it off and figure I'll just stick with 30DS or NMTZ. 
• The Biggest Loser:  As I watched The Biggest Loser for the first time this past season, it was interesting for me to see Bob and Dolvett in action. I liked these fine, a mix of cardio and strength. I liked the regular people in the background, and the variations. The 15minute segments didn't quite work for me, as they would do a little warm-up ... I'm always already warmed up when I start one of these routines, I just want to get to it. The 15 minute program was too short, and I know you can combine the workouts, but it just lacked continuity for me that way. Right now, I think I'm getting in quite a bit of cardio on my own, so when I'm thinking "strength training" I'm looking more for straight strength training, without the cardio bursts. I may revisit this DVD at some point.
• Jackie Xtreme Timesaver Training: I liked this workout. One 30minute strength routine. I wore my heart rate monitor and many of the moves, while not cardio, did keep my heart rate elevated.  I liked that. Here, the moves were done for one minute. Let me tell you, at times ... that was a LONG minute. I did have to stop and catch my breath and shake out my muscles a few times.  There wasn't really any dedicated ab work. I need ab work, but I don't really like ab work ... I didn't mind it being missing that much. I am debating buying this DVD to add to my rotation, but even though the $8 price tag isn't high, compared to Jillians 30DS, where you get three workouts for the same price ... Still thinking about it. I also thought I'd check out her Power Circuit which has good reviews before I buy (my library also has it). One thing I noticed ... while she's wearing skimpy little shorts there on the cover, in the video she has on big, baggy boy shorts. For some reason, this was a bit distracting.

Have YOU tried any of these DVDs?

What did you think?

While I was at the library, I grabbed a few MORE magazines. Why? I still have magazines up the wazoo (Mucho Magazines) and current subscriptions with new issues coming every month. Yet, seeing these past issues and wondering if I should add yet another subscription (again ... why? I have a magazine subscription problem) I thought I should check out this magazine aimed at us .... ahem, "older" women.

More magazine is a little more ... articley. There aren't really any of the big bold shout outs, or little tidbit features (like the BS Meter in Self Magazine which caused such an uproar recently). No real exercise routines, or big food features. Each issue does have a feature spotlighting women in their 30s, 40s, 50s. I'm not big into fashion, so these didn't grab me much. I liked some of the articles, others didn't appeal.  That's what makes a library perfect though ... checking something out without having to pay (unless you return it late).

Do you subscribe to magazines?

Which ones do you like?

I mentioned in my Monday post, I was going to try a new Zumba class. I had found the class locator there on Zumba.com and found a Monday morning class. Unfortunately, when I went to check it out, no one was there. I sent a few emails, checking on that class and some others that might fit into my routine and NONE of the classes I was interested in were still going. So ... that "class locator" on Zumba.com isn't very effective if it isn't kept up to date. I DID try though ...

Linking up with Workout Wednesday and Fit Foodie Runs.

Top Tips for Workouts/Weight Loss

Several months ago when I decided it was time to take this seriously ... part of my weight-loss plan was to start this blog. To make my goals, my progress (or lack thereof) public to friends and family and others in the bloggosphere. Accountability. As I was reading one of the magazines from my stack (Health November 2012) I came across an article "100 Best Diet Tricks Ever". There were some good tips there, and one of the tips, #13 (it will change your life, claimed the cover!) was to Blog About Your Weight Loss.  Do YOU think making your weight-loss public is a motivator? Has it changed your life? *Ü*

There were some other tips that I felt I was already implementing ...
(and thus agree with, funny how that works)

• Weigh Yourself Often: I've weighed myself every day for the past 8+ years. Admittedly, I still slowly gained weight, watching it every step of the way. Now I'm watching it on the way down. While I weigh everyday (and thanks to my Fitbit Aria scale which syncs wirelessly to my Fitbit and MFP account my weight is updated, graphed and recorded every day) I really try not to focus on the daily numbers. I have an "official" weekly weigh-in, and I also average the numbers each week and watch for trends. It is interesting to see the fluctuations. I plan to continue weighing in even when I hit my goal.
• Count/Record Calories:  Joining MFP and tracking my food is what has made a difference. Calories can add up SO quickly. Write it all down, be accountable, know what you are eating.
• Workout in the morning: I always get in a 20min session on the elliptical first thing.
• Get enough sleep: I don't know that I am, but I try.
• Fill your playlist with upbeat tunes: Music can be SO motivating and there is so much great music out there.

Now ... two commonly heard tips (they were included here) were to Eat Breakfast and to Stop Eating Three Hours Before Bed.  I always get a bit flummoxed at these. Does timing of what you eat really make a big difference, or is a calorie a calorie? I'll admit, I'm not a good breakfast eater. If I eat breakfast, I always end up with a higher calorie count for the day. If I put off eating until I am hungry and need to eat, then I usually save myself 300+ calories, or whatever I would have eaten for breakfast. And while I don't have a big problem with late-night snacking, I don't consciously set a goal NOT to eat after 7:00, and I don't really feel guilty when I do. 

... another common tip is to have a Workout Buddy. Now the little article blip I showcased in the image above (the "Ask Bethenny" sidebar, on the left) is actually from a different issue. Health, December 2011. I had to laugh just a little though.  Apparently I would NOT be a good workout buddy ... according to her, you certainly don't want an "obsessive type who works out twice daily and counts every last calorie."   Is that obsessive? Is that bad? *Ü*  I guess it doesn't matter, as I am actually a very solitary exerciser. My only "buddies" are online support.

I couldn't find the entire article online, but there is a truncated version (25 Tips) on the Health Magazine website. As I was looking, I found another blogger who had reviewed this article, citing several of the tips she did NOT agree with. I thought her take was interesting.You can read her review here.

I found another article with top tips My No. 1 Weight-Loss Tips from celebrity fitness experts and I thought they were very good. Check them out if you have a little time. 

If I had to come up with a few workout/weightloss tips from ME...

• Break it Up: If committing to an hour long workout seems too much, try three 20 minute workouts spread throughout the day.
• Just Start: Even if you don't feel like exercising, commit to starting. Tell yourself you can quit after 10 minutes ... you will probably keep on going once you've begun.
• Pre-Record Calories: I know some people pre-log their entire day. I'm not that organized. But I do try to log BEFORE I eat something ... and often logging, seeing the calories in black and white will stop me from eating something I shouldn't. And with pre-logging there are no surprises.

Linking up with Workout Wednesday (what do you know, there are a bunch of good tips listed on today's post!) Weigh In Wednesday (does a diet-bet help you with achieve your weight-loss goals?)

If YOU were asked to list three of your top tips, what would they be?

Saturday Spotlight

Magazines, blogs, websites ... there is a wealth of information out there focusing on health and fitness. Even if you spend a lot of time online, there are bound to be great articles, information or even tiny tidbits that you miss out on. As I move through my backlog of magazines (see my Mucho Magazines post) and find myself folding over the corner of an interesting article, or seeing something online that I want to bookmark, I thought I'd compile my collection and share it here on the blog each week. 

I've noticed (and enjoyed) similar posts from bloggers I follow ...

• Success Along The Way posts a weekly "What I'm Reading" list. I always like checking out the articles, some fitness health related, some not. Often I've already read many of her picks (then it's a "we're so in sync" moment) but other times I'm introduced to new information.
• Strength and Sunshine has a "Blogposts I Loved This Week" recap each Friday.
• Garden Girl had a recent post listing healthy living links in her blog.
• Sky n Surf showcased a couple very interesting articles on her site in recent posts.

I was glad that I found these bloggers, who took the time to recommend reads I would have otherwise missed.  I'm sure those featured also enjoyed having the link back. It's a win/win.

So, in addition to the links given above this week I thought I'd share some tidbits from my latest magazine reading (Fitness July/August 2013)

• Cruise Control Run app: ($5, itunes) ... An app that analyzes your music to match a specific tempo. I'm currently getting  back into  running with music and I am VERY beat oriented! I looked into it, but think I'll pass for now. Has anyone tried it?
• Split Ends: A quick tip from a stylist to put conditioner on the ends before shampooing ... hmmm, this is one of those "it can't really do any harm and it's worth a try" tips! 
• Preventing Injury: You can read this article online ( Workouts Gone Wrong) ... I know crossfit has been stirring up controversy in the news lately, and of course the crazy competitive Spartan, Tough Mudder and Warrior Dash were mentioned (which brings me to another link, a fellow blogger shared her recent race in the Warrior Dash, I'm not sure I'd ever be up for that). I've always thought stationary bikes were super safe, even after MY silly injury (A Bit Bruised), so I was surprised to see them make this list . 
• Slowing Sugar: Another article available online (Ditch the Sugar Habit). I know SO many of you have been able to do this successfully. I keep hoping that if I simply control calories, it doesn't matter so much what those calories are. Articles like this are a good reminder that it's not only quantity, but quality that is important. I don't know if I'll ever be successful in breaking my sugar addiction ...

Even though so much is available online - I love magazines. They are inexpensive, and a bit a motivation in my mailbox each month. I pretty much subscribe to all the fitness ones. Just a shameless plug for my munchkin ... he's selling magazines as a fundraiser for his school. If by chance you were thinking of purchasing a subscription, a portion of the funds go to support our local school AND my munchkin wins a little prize... a plastic monkey. Apparently he really wants these little plastic monkeys. Check out the sales page (Magazines for Monkeys) ... the 2-year or combos seem to have the best deals. Health, Fitness, Shape, Self, Women's Health, Weight Watchers, Eating Well. Non-Fitness magazine are available too (Time, People, Cosmo, etc.). Luckily for my little man, I did need to renew a few, so he at least got an order from mom ... and a monkey.

If you have come across something you think others would appreciate, I'd love to hear about it. I'm going to TRY to jump on the LinkUp trend. If you see it below, and have a post you want to feature, link up. If you do not see a link up link ... then I was unable to figure it out. Feel free to post a link in the comments though.

I'll leave you with one final link .... Metronome Magic. Watch 32 discordant metronomes achieve synchronicity in a matter of minutes. I watched the video ... it really was a bit mesmerizing *Ü*

Do you like "reading recommendation" posts?
Do you share articles, links or shout outs on your blog?

Magazine Musings & Paper Ponderings

As I mentioned in my Mucho Magazines post ... I'm trying to make my way through my backlog of magazines. I'm not expecting any profound words of wisdom or extraordinary insights, but as I'm reading, I often come across a tidbit or two I think I might want to remember or post here to get feedback from any of you. 

• Gummy Vitamins: I've seen the gummy vitamins in the stores and I've purchased them for my little ones, but I have wondered about the "adult" gummies. I guess I'm just not a big fan ... I'll eat the occasional fruit snacks, but I'm pretty picky (I really only like the cherry ones). I'd much rather just swallow a pill then have to chew something. And in gummy form, they might temp children. We did have an issue once where my young son consumed an entire package of vitamins (they were a "melt on your tongue" kind) ... luckily he suffered no ill effects. What do you think of the adult gummy vitamin trend? (Prevention June 2013 or online  HERE).
• Shredded Cheese: Also in the June 2013 Prevention there was a little blurb about shredded cheese (online here). Now it seems like I've heard that it's better to buy the block of cheese and shred it yourself ... that what ever is put on it to keep all the pieces from sticking together make it harder to melt evenly. This says it's not good for you either (which really isn't a stretch if you think about it, additives seldom are). Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but I do have a handy food processor. 
• Presyncope:  Presyncope is that wooziness, when you feel like you are going to pass out (if you do actually pass out, it's called syncope.) I had issues during three of my pregnancies (2,3,4). I did pass out with #2 and was practically homebound with #4 (I just didn't dare go anywhere, I didn't want to pass out behind the wheel of a car!) Luckily my issues seemed to resolve once I had the babies. My oldest son however has troubles with this quite often, and has actually passed out a few times. We had discussed it with his doctor, with basically the same information given in this article (Prevention  February 2013 or online HERE).  
• Cool Hands: In the October 2012 Women's Health there was a little blip about a study on a "cooling glove" which would chill your hands, sending cool blood back to the heart. The results of the study indicated increased speed, lower blood pressure and inches lost. There is a specific product (Cool Point hand cooler ... not great reviews on Amazon, sounds like people expect immediate results whereas the study seemed to indicate more long run effectiveness) or you could simply carry cold water bottles.  Huh ... wonder if that works! (WH didn't have this portion online, but I Googled it and found the study HERE). 
• Food Traps: Normally, articles addressing anything food related don't relate much to me and my eating issues, but I liked this article in the September 2013 Fitness (actually reading a current magazine!) Nothing really profound or new, but just some nice reminders that relate to most everyone. If  you have a minute give it a read ...
• Love Languages: While the main focus of most of these magazines is either fitness or food related, there are other articles too. In Prevention's July 2013 there was a truncated version of Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages. This really is an interesting concept when looking at your relationships. My mother gives out the full book to couples as wedding presents. If you haven't read it, it's worth checking out.

In the local newspaper I noticed a couple of interesting articles as well ...

• Walking and Working: This was an AP article picked up by my paper and many others (when I looked online, one is HERE) discussing treadmill desks or other "moving workstations".  Very interesting.  I have tried reading while on my treadmill (but reading while on the stationary bike is easier).  I wonder how hard it is to type or do actual WORK while walking ... 
• Kid's Summer Fitness Loss:  Another article in my paper I was also able to locate online (here). Personally, I think MY kids move more in the summer than they do during the school year (I even got a Fitbit for my 14-year old to track his steps. There were some days of too much tv/video games, but many days he'd be active for hours and would beat me in steps ... which is rather hard to do!).  I'll have to gather and graph all his data and double check!

I'll probably have some similar posts in the future as I continue to work through my backlog of magazines ...

Have you read any interesting articles lately?
Do you have any thoughts on these topics?

Mucho Magazines

Back when I first lost the weight (back in 2006) I was really drawn to all the weight loss/fitness magazines out there. They were motivating, they did give me some information I wasn't aware of, there were new workouts, recipes and food plans (with my eating issues, none of the food stuff really worked for me though), inspirational stories of success... The subscriptions really weren't that expensive, and they were one of my rewards to myself. I'd look forward to each new issue as it arrived in my mailbox.

Generally, I'd just read through them once and be done (I'd usually pass them on to a friend who was also into fitness). Occasionally there would be an article or recipe I would want to save for reference. Most often though, if I pulled something from the magazines, it would be a workout. I have a a couple of binders that I store things in, super easy to flip through ...

 ... and I also hang some favorite workout displays on  the 

unfinished walls of my gym

... through the years, I didn't get around to reading my magazines as much.   Life was just super busy, or when I did have those spare moments, I preferred reading a novel. My magazines were on a year subscription, some multiple years, some with auto-renewal. 

... I'm embarrassed to say I'm a BIT behind in my reading ...

As I rededicated myself to fitness and weight loss a few months ago, I decided it was time to get back into my stack of magazines. I have been making a dent in it, and enjoying it as I used to. Not just diet and exercise, but articles about everything health related (skin cancer, headaches, plants to help clean the air in your home). Some beauty and style too (although I'm not terribly stylish myself). 

I do wonder at times ... how much "new" material IS there? Every single month, year after year ... hasn't every topic been covered countless times? Back before my fitness freak, I was a scrapbooker. Back then I subscribed to all the scrapbook magazines. With those too, I wondered how long they could come up with "new" content. There actually aren't many of those magazines left now. Creating Keepsakes (who I worked for in 2003-2004) just announced they are basically shutting down paper subscriptions (still doing some direct sale publications, switching to digital for others) ... but fitness magazines still seem to be going strong!

I've found a couple interesting articles during my reading, I might share a few that impact me here on the blog in the future.

Do you subscribe to any of the magazines?

Do you feel they offer good information and motivation?