Freebies

I don't know about you, but I do like to save money when I can. In addition to fitness and food, I've talked about frugality here and there on my blog (Fit&Frugal). You know I've hooked up my Fitbit to many of the reward sites (Reaping the Rewards), I love my local library and all it offers (Library Love) and I take advantage of the Free Zumba here locally! But sometimes ... the word "FREE" totally scares me away! If it's something that brings crowds and chaos, it is SO not worth it to me.

I'm sure many of  you are aware of the annual 7-11 promotion on July 11 (7-11) ... otherwise known as "Free Slurpee Day".  I know many families have hit their local 7-11 and happily walked away with free frozen delight. I tried it a couple years ago. Had loaded up the kids and made a trip in only to see the sign "sorry, out of free cups".  Of course I couldn't disappoint the kidlets, so my "free" slurpees cost me about $8 (they were only out of the small "free" cups, they still had plenty of the cups you pay for).

This past Thursday ... we didn't make a special trip out. We were out and about anyway, and I decided we'd risk stopping. I pulled up and took one glance at the crowd inside. Seriously, 50+ people, probably a 15 minute or so wait. I took the kids across the street to Chevron and let them each get a small Frazil, which they actually prefer ...

They really were happy with the Frazils ...

 They just give me that face for photos almost all the time!

So once again ... "Free Slurpees" were a fail for me.

IF you were interested, 7-11 is offering a week of free goodies. 

Whereas the free slurpee on 7-11 was available to anyone walking through the door, these other freebies do require you to download the 7-11 app and access the offers, and show that to the cashier. I've heard demand has caused the app to crash, and I'm not sure if it's been resolved. Again ... I've considered trying it. I do pass a 7-11 everyday after picking up #2 from the rec center. But I'm not sure if I want another app on my phone, sending me push notifications. I'm not sure if I want to struggle with it if there are difficulties. None of the free items are healthy in any way ... so I'm thinking I'll probably pass. Even if they are free. Are any of you going to try for it? Let me know how it goes!

Linking up with Nifty Thrify Things and The Thrifty Homemaker's Penny Pinching Party. 

What "free" promotions draw you in?

Day of Rest?

My last "Rest Day" was ... ummm, April I think. Easter. I don't do rest days well. I just enjoy my exercise too much. It's so much a part of my daily routine. Instead of wearing me out, my workouts energize me and keep me motivated in other areas in my life. I do know rest days are important.

I took a rest day yesterday.  I didn't do much on Saturday either ... a "rest weekend" if you will. Inspired a bit by being super sore and barely able to move!

I posted about my soccer experience on Thursday. Friday, I still went a little crazy with double Zumba in the morning. I was stiff and sore, couldn't quite do some of the moves,  but I felt pretty good, I did manage to get goal numbers. I had 30K in steps at the end of the day ( ... so did my 8-year old, more on that in another post! *Ü*)

The stiffness/soreness got worse as Friday progressed. Saturday morning I got up and went to Zumba.  I was REALLY feeling it in my legs. I didn't have my usual joy (I still enjoyed it, but I did struggle though it as well, which is unusual for me) and wasn't able to get goal numbers. I did a couple half-hearted 15-minute sessions on the elliptical on Saturday too ... and that was it.

Seriously ... I didn't do much of anything else all day.

My motivation for moving at all was gone. Not just for exercise ... for anything! I did make it to the store for some grocery shopping, but other things on my to-do list did NOT get done. Hubs and the kids were gone too ... I had the house to myself. I took a nap, I read a book (in bed, not on the bike). I got a little sun. Ate too much. The hubs and I watched movie in the evening.

In a way it was a good day. In a way, it wasn't.

Sunday I had thought I'd do my YouTube Zumba, get some elliptical, maybe some reading and riding ... but I decided to take an actual rest day. No exercise. Church. Nap. More reading.  I think the "rest day" feels a little more natural (I feel less guilt) on a Sunday.

I'm really hoping that I can shake this soreness. I have Zumba today (and tomorrow, and the day after).  I'm planning on hitting soccer again on Thursday. I'll get back to my elliptical and bike, maybe even jog a mile. I need to do weights sometime this week. I don't feel particularly motivated after my rest day. I'm dragging, feeling lazy. The scale also definitely reflected the "rest weekend" as well. I'm thinking Newton's first law of motion really applies to me. An object in motion stays in motion. An object at rest, stays at rest. I seem to be one for extremes. All or nothing.

I'm hoping Zumba will jumpstart my motivation. Get me moving again. I'm still feeling a tad sore, but it's fading.

Linking up with MIMM and of course, Motivational Monday.

Do YOU take rest days regularly?
Do you look forward to them? Like them or loathe them?
Do you feel more energized after?

 

Fitness Snapshots from the Week & WWI52

 ... and it's Friday! Time for the Friday Five and my weekly weigh-in and recap. The DC bloggers (Courtney, Mar and Cynthia) set up a theme for their Five on Friday link-up. Fitness snapshots from the week. I had happened to take a couple pictures during the week, but I had to take a few more just for this post *Ü*.  

This morning, I did DOUBLE Zumba. I hit an 8:30 class, and then a 10:00 class. I hate shoes, so I have to take them off in-between. I don't really like putting on the same pair, so I headed out with two different ones today. My legs (quads mostly) are SO sore from yesterday when ...

  I played soccer!

A shapshot of my sweaty self after.

Every week I get in at least an hour of elliptical. It's just my basic daily activity ... it's the only time I watch TV.  I get in a 20 minute session first thing in the morning, and then at least two more throughout the day.  (Elliptical Love).

I got in a few sessions on my recumbent bike this past week. I go for 30 minutes, 8 miles. The bike is my reading time and I've had some books I've really wanted to get through ... so more time on the bike (Reading and Riding).  I've had several sessions this week!

Gotta get in some strength training in addition to the cardio. I'm really basic ... just a bench, some dumbbells, a kettle bell and a ball. That's all I need. I have posted about my weights workout before (Not Just a Weight Watcher).  I did weights on Saturday and on Tuesday. I try for 2-3 times a week, but make sure I get in at least one session of strength training.

Other Friday linkups ... Friday Favorites at Running4Cupcakes, Friday Favorites at Housewife Glamour, High Five Friday at LaurenElizabeth and Five Things Friday at Fitting It All In.  

Being Friday ... it's also time for the 

Weekly Weigh-In

Same-o, same-o on the scale... little ups, little downs. Down .03 from last week (is that even enough to say it was a change?) High was 153.5. Low was 151.8. Average weight was up a bit. Average intake was 2280, Average burn 3100. I had a weekly deficit of 3680 ... if I crunched my numbers correctly (which of course is a lot of guesswork, even with gadgets and food trackers).

I actually felt like it was a good week. I really enjoyed my Zumba sessions and feel like I'm getting better. In addition to the fitness snapshots above, I did get in my mile once. I just reviewed a couple books on GoodReads (meaning I've been reading and riding!). The soccer was huge for me! Both in HRM numbers and just trying something new. SO still feeling it, I'm hobbling around! It makes me want to try other things though; tennis, racquetball, swimming, volleyball. Just other "fun" exercise!

Eating continues to be a struggle. I never feel out of control. I don't "binge" ... I am counting and this is actually me keeping calories in check! If I wasn't as conscious as I am, I could easily eat a lot more... my calories add up so quickly! I just don't crave any "good for you food" like I see others raving about and actually enjoying. A daily challenge!

I'm linking up with  Fitness Friday with Jill and Aubrey  

and a late Weigh-In Wednesday.  

Sweating Soccer Style

Oh my heavens, I am wiped out! I thought I was somewhat in shape ... with my Zumba, elliptical and other workouts. But a few minutes out there on the soccer field and I knew, this was different! I've played soccer before, when I was a teen, and then again very casually about eight years ago. I also got a little in while coaching the kids (Soccer, Past&Present). A couple weeks ago (Soccer Stuff) I mentioned driving by a building called "Soccer City" on the way to one of my Zumba classes. There were signs out by the road advertising adult leagues, and I was intrigued enough to check them out online. I was pretty sure I wasn't ready to commit to an actual team or league, but when I read about the drop-in open play ... hmmmm.

It almost seemed like fate. My Thursday morning  Zumba class was taking July off. This was offered on Thursday mornings. I continued my Zumba class through June, and the first week of July I went to a different Thursday Zumba (I'd looked around for an alternate class, so I'd at least have that option).

But today ... I tried the soccer.  I am always SO nervous when I try something new like this. I had my heart rate monitor, and I find it funny to watch my heart rate speed up on the WAY to a new exercise option, before any actual exercise even starts! I'm always uber anxious about driving to a new location as well. At least today, I knew exactly where I was going. That was good!

I brought some running shoes (no cleats on the indoor fields) ... I brought soccer socks and shin guards, but didn't end up putting them on (they aren't very comfortable). I wasn't sure if I'd be allowed to wear my HRM (watch on wrist). Even in kids soccer/sports, they usually require all jewelry, watches and other items off just to avoid any possible injury. But no one said anything, so I left it on and was very happy for it's feedback throughout the game. I started my Fitbit timer too ...

Very interesting to compare the stats to my Zumba workouts.   I'd glanced at my Fitbit during the game and wasn't too impressed with my numbers. I did notice my heart rate was UP ... and it stayed up, even when the game slowed (or I just slowed, unable to keep up anymore). Usually my heart rate drops quite quickly if I stop moving. Today, I waited a couple of minutes to take my stats picture (we were chatting a bit) and it was STILL in the 140s when I pressed the button to stop the count.  I took my HRM off when I got in the car, but I probably should have left it on, and watched to see how long it remained elevated (I'll do that next time).  For a moment, I was a bit confused that I was only "in the zone" for 20 minutes ... then I realized that much of my time out of the zone, I was above it! 159 was my average heart rate. Personally I knew I was more sweaty and felt absolutely exhausted and hurting in a few places (not injury hurt, just "you used this muscle" type hurt). Seriously, driving home and having to lift my foot from the gas to the brake was a challenge!

So I'm glad I went, and I plan on going again. It will be interesting to see if I can get these HRM again and if I can improve the Fitbit numbers. Today, I played the entire time (although admittedly, some of the time I was really wimpy and just watching as I tried not to collapse). If more people show, they form three teams and rotate (one or two games on, then a rest). While normally I don't like stopping and just watching ... I probably could have benefited from it today!

Thought I'd share my experience as a definite NSV for me! Just the courage to try something new, adding a new exercise, hitting a new HRM high. I've been thinking about trying this for so long now (several weeks, since I drove by the building). It's great to have put the thought into action. Still, I know I'll be thinking about this, and Thinking Out Loud about soccer today, and I'm sure I'll be posting about it again in the future!

Zumba Calories

Have you seen this graphic (or one like it) floating around? Have you heard the incredible caloric claims coming out of Zumba classes? I've only been going to Zumba classes since January 2014, but I'd been aware of the buzz long before. The estimate in the graph above is on the high side (although I have heard claims up to 1000 calories per hour), but it wasn't unusual to read about 600+ burns from people I knew personally (well, on Facebook and such. But actual people, not just a generic graph).

When I went to my first Zumba class, I had on my Fitbit and heart rate monitor. The HRM estimated a burn of 270, and the Fitbit said 319. I'll admit, I was disappointed. I almost gave up on it all. I went a second time. HRM was 280 and Fitbit was 358. Those types of numbers continued ... but I grew to love Zumba regardless of the stats. Even though my calorie burn was more equivalent to a 3mph walk, I wasn't about to strap on my shoes and walk for an hour in the morning. I just wouldn't. But I WAS still going to Zumba, and in fact was actively looking for additional classes.

I now Zumba pretty much every day. As I mentioned in a previous post, here in Utah, there are a lot of free classes being offered (Free Zumba In Utah). I've been able to locate close classes that fit my schedule (and being free, my wallet!) and even did some via YouTube at home on days I didn't have a class.

I have been able to improve my calorie burn numbers ... although still nothing like what is touted above (the jogging and the walking estimates are pretty accurate for me I think). I thought this article (Zumba: Sure It's Fun But Is It Effective) was a little more accurate and had some good information. I've been keeping track of all my stats, taking a picture of my Fitbit and HRM readings and posting them to my Facebook page after each workout (Zumba Stats). This past weekend, I entered some of my highs, and the last few weeks onto a spreadsheet for side-by-side comparison ... 

I've been to dozens of different instructors, learned so many new songs and steps.  I don't compare myself to others, and I don't take these calorie burn estimates as gospel truth, but I DO like to compare MY workouts with my same gadgets, and see if I can improve and maybe get a new high. While I recorded my calorie burn and steps from the start, I've only been including the other stats (time in zone, average heart rate, max heart rate) for the past few months.  I really like having my HRM on my wrist, and I watch it and try to keep my heart rate up. It does seem to take a lot to get it up, and it drops again so quickly if the dancing slows or stops (I think that is a good thing, means the heart is healthy. I need to do more research on that and write up a blog post about my heart rate monitor experience.)

I look forward to my Zumba classes. I WANT to go, I'm excited to go dance around. I do get in a lot of steps, and a solid hour, which I just wouldn't do on my own with any other exercise.

Linking up with Workout Wednesday.

Well ... it's time for Zumba!

Me and the TV

I'm doing my best Vanna White pose for the picture above. Seemed like a logical shot to go with my title. This is the television in our master bedroom. It's nice for watching a movie with the hubs, or sneaking in an episode for before bed (with the hubs). There is no fighting over the remote in our marriage ... hubby has such a  high tech device that I don't even know how to use it! The hubs has been gone for a week, and I didn't even turn on this TV once while he was gone. The kids monopolize the television in the family room, but again I don't mind. I do actually watch a ton, just not on either of those!

Here's MY setup. A television, a DVD player, a Roku box and a Wii (also a speaker for my ipod when I'm in a musical mood). All right there in front of my elliptical and treadmill (and my "happy place" picture wall).  I have touched on this topic before (TV Time = Exercise Time) but as I was thinking about what motivates me, I thought I'd mention it here on Motivation Monday.

My television is not hooked up to our cable. I can't get a signal to watch live programming, but that's ok with me. We have Netflix, Amazon Prime, and PlayOn/PlayLater ... I can get almost any show I want between them. I do have the DVD backup just in case WiFi is having issues.  I'm very patient. I don't need to see a show immediately, generally, I'm more than willing to wait until an entire season (sometimes an entire series) is available for me to watch back-to-back (rather than waiting for weeks in between episodes). Because I don't watch any live TV, I don't see commercials or spoilers (although sometimes they do spill over onto Facebook). 

I'll watch movies here and there, but I like TV series. I prefer the "hour" (40 minutes sans commercials) shows to the shorter sitcoms (although I watch them occasionally). I'll elliptical for 20 minutes, press pause ... and then come back to finish my episode. If it's super exciting ... all the more motivation for me to get back to the elliptical for another session. 

I see some of these "commercial break" workouts out there ... but I just work out the entire time! I love the shows where the adrenaline is pumping (24, Friday Night Lights, Arrow) as that helps energize MY workout. 

I know I'm spoiled with my home gym ...being able to pop downstairs multiple times a day, being in complete control of my programming. I know many big gyms do have televisions or theaters, but it's not exactly the same thing. Some people might try watching on an ipad (hubs would even do that here in our own gym, not wanting to disrupt my paused show ... ok YES, do NOT mess with a DVD, because that is a pain to try and find my spot again, but I can resume Netflix or Amazon easily ... PlayOn is a bit more particular, but I could deal) ... I've tried an Ipad but my neck didn't like it, I much prefer the bigger screen and looking straight ahead.

I'm glad I found something that motivates me. Sometimes, I actually not sure if I'm actually addicted to the exercise ... or if I just like to watch TV *Ü* I'm so happy I have a workable set-up that makes it possible to do double duty.

As it is Monday, I'll do my quick weekend recap for MIMM.  Hubs and boys #1 and #3 were off at Lake Powell for the week. On Friday (the 4th of July) I took the remaining three boys and we went swimming at my parent's community pool. I didn't get in though, it was a little crowded. We went out to lunch afterward at Red Robin (last time I went to Red Robin was back in April, with three boys and my folks while Hubs and boys #1 and #2 were in New York). We bought $40 worth of fireworks (I mentioned our five favorite fireworks in my Friday Five post) and the boys had some fun with those, and the neighbors did not disappoint (they put on a big show every year). 

The hubs and the boys got back on Sunday. It's nice to have them home safe and sound. I was without contact with them the entire week. I liked the New York trip better, where I was able to get daily updates and photos. Their trip had a little bit of everything, a lot of water and fun, but some stressors too.  Like a Party Boat that pulled up along side their camp and proceeded to pump karaoke music and flash lights into the night. Winds that threatened to swamp the boat and rocked the wave runners all night. Beetles crawling all over ... and it was hot. Hubs can honestly say it was probably good I decided to sit this one out (and #4 also, my weather worrier ... hubs said he would have been pushed to the limit. We actually had a microburst here at home which did send the poor kid screaming to the basement, away from the kitchen windows). I discussed our Anxiety Issues last week ...

It's Monday. Jack is back (24 is on tonight!) so I'll be catching that tomorrow! For now, time to go to Zumba! I DO exercise without the TV too!

July Coffee Date

It was back in April when Jill, Nikki and Lynda hosted the 1st virtual coffee date link-up. I participated, and planned on doing it again. The next month, that first Saturday came and went.  Now I know the link-up is left up all month, and  I could have joined in late, but I didn't get around to it. The same thing happened in June. But I figured it was time to jump back on the blog hop! So here goes ...

If we met for coffee, I'm sure I'd talk about ...

• Zumba: I'm even MORE crazy about Zumba than last time we talked three months ago. Since April I've been to many different classes, different instructors and don't really feel like a complete novice anymore. That is not to say I'm GOOD at dancing or anything, but I enjoy it and I have been able to improve my calorie burn. I'm Zumba-ing almost every day now! I actually have not lost any weight since I started ... and that's a little frustrating, but it's still been good for me. I'm sure there have been physical changes, but also the social and mental (new friends, overcoming anxieties, added confidence) have been great!
• Family Stuff:  School is out ... I SO happy we are on a traditional schedule! Otherwise the two little ones would have JUST gotten done. I've enjoyed the summer so far. Getting used to the schedule switch-ups. #1 is working, #2 is busy with basketball, and the three younger boys (and our neighbor, who's practically part of the family) have been having fun hitting the bowling alley, the bounce house and grandma's pool. Still need to hit the arcade and try out the new splash pad.
• Fitbit Stuff: My 15-year old (#2) actually surpassed me in steps on my Fitbit friend list! That was temporary, I've climbed back into the lead. Love that he can challenge me though! I went ahead and ordered another Zip for #1. I bought one off Ebay, and although they are cheaper, I am thinking it's better to buy new, and have the Fitbit warranty. They replaced #2's when he LOST it (it slipped out of the case, so I technically that was a defect) but it was over a year old so I was a little surprised. I've really been taking advantage of the different fitness reward programs, getting some cash from Achievemint and making trips to Kmart, and not paying a penny for my purchases (seriously, last trip I got a pair of basketball shorts for #2, and a 12-pack of paper towels and my points covered it all!)
• What I'm Watching: I was pleasantly surprised when Amazon added several HBO offerings to their Prime streaming. The hubs and I had already seen many of the programs, but there were a few I'd had on my list of wanting to watch, but I had never gotten around to getting DVDs from the library. I started watching Big Love and have sped through the seasons (I'm on the final one, season 5 now). This show really brings up many topics that would be interesting to discuss with someone ...
• What I'm Reading: I've been on a "Book 3" binge! It seems like so many of the books out now are a series, very often a trilogy. I'd read the first and second book in several different series. Some I just hadn't gotten around to the final book, and others, I was anxiously awaiting (they hadn't been released yet).  Anyway, EIGHT books in the past few months have all been "book 3"... I feel a sense of completion *Ü*  ... although a couple of the series do continue on. I'm reading book 4 of "The Frost Chronicles" now.

Snagged my list from Good Reads

Ok, I must admit ... I didn't have any coffee while we had our coffee date. I had some ice cream. It IS July, and it's HOT.  But I did Zumba this morning, and got some elliptical in.  I have been pretty good with calories today, so it was worth the splurge. Mmmmmmm, ice cream!

Fun 4th of July Photos & WWI#51

It's a Flashback Friday on this Fouth of July. Flags and fireworks and photos. The little munchkin in the scrapbook page above is now 10 years old! For today's Friday Five link up, I thought I'd share five flashback 4th of July photos featuring food, fireworks and fun photography!

Here's the same munchkin (#4) as in the scrapbook page, a year later. Let them eat cake! My mother-in-law made this. It's pretty simple, and checkout Pinterest for many variations!

... and #4 again, a couple years ago. He's my son who has struggled with anxiety issues. For several years, the 4th of July was just a little too overwhelming. He didn't like the loud booms and would hide in the house. Sparklers aren't too scary though ...

 

For a little photo fun, see if your camera has a "night mode" option. This leaves the shutter open longer and can create some interesting effects. Here, my son twirled his sparkler in a circle. You, as the photographer want to stay as steady and still as possible, and have the person in the picture stay as still as possible ... except for the small movement of the sparkler.

Another fun photo we have was an accidental optical illusion.

After we got these pictures back (back in the old "film" days), we realized my son (#2 back in 2004) had happened to line up the big firework he was holding to a lit one in the background. Many people who saw this picture were chagrined that we had our young son holding a live firecracker! It does look like that! We've since recreated this pose a few times on purpose!

I always hesitate to invest in the big, expensive fireworks. They are over so quickly. We have a few neighbors just down the street that seem to hold an informal competition most years! We usually just sit back and watch those. They are almost as impressive as the big firework shows. At our house, we stick with plain and simple (and less expensive) options.   The five favorites in our family are ...

• Sparklers
• Smoke Bombs (in the picture above)
• Pop-Its (the boys love to attack ME with these!)
• Parachutes (they all try to catch the little parachute as it comes down)
• Snakes or Tanks

We do usually buy a few of the fountains, and some of the other items available, but the five listed above are our standard fare. Most are done in the daylight too (just the sparklers are better in the dark).

After sharing FIVE flashback photos and FIVE favorite fireworks, I'm linking up with my Friday Five linkups: Five on Friday (Courtney, Mar and Cynthia), Friday Favorites at Running4Cupcakes, Friday Favorites at Housewife Glamour, High Five Friday at LaurenElizabeth and Five Things Friday at Fitting It All In. 

But as it IS Friday, time for my weekly recap and weigh-in ...

... I made it through the weekend without popping above 153 and when I hit a low of 150.9 on Wednesday, I wondered if I might be able to sneak a loss this week. But my eating Wednesday and Thursday left much to be desired, and the scale did reflect that. Up 1.6 from last weeks weigh-in, but my average actually went down a bit (.81 to 151.86). I did have a deficit for the week (2567). Food intake and burn were almost identical to last week (2429 intake, 3093 average burn). 

I'm linking up with  Fitness Friday with Jill and a late Weigh-In Wednesday.  

Got Gas?

Yea ... down 20! Up again, I can't believe it! Do you ever watch the fluctuations of gas prices and feel some of the same things you do as you watch your weight go up and down on your bathroom scale? I do! Yes, I'm Thinking Out Loud about gas this Thursday (a bit random, but that's what "Thinking Out Loud" is all about!)

In Monday's post, I mentioned some of my anxiety issues, my main one having to do with driving. My grandmother never learned to drive, and my mom is actually worse off than I am (although I think she's ok being a passenger, which still stresses my out completely). I can and do fill up the car with gas, something I don't know if my mother has ever done. It's not that big of a deal, but I'll admit to feeling a little dismay when I see the needle creep toward "empty" ... I don't dread it, but I don't like doing it either. It's an inconvenience, and it takes a toll on my time, and my pocketbook!

Gas is expensive. My burb can hold 27+ gallons, so a fill-up is often over $100. Ouch! I do try to save when and where I can. One thing I do is sign up for the "Fuel Savings" at my local grocery store. That can really add up. Right now, they are offering double points on weekend purchases. I admit, I push my shopping at that store to Fri/Sat to get the double deal.  I'll buy Amazon giftcards from that store (they automatically get 2x the points, and if you watch, 4x is often offered). I know I'm going to use Amazon credit and I can come home and add it to my account immediately. No need to fear I'll forget or lose the giftcard. I'll buy other giftcards if they are ones I know I'll use. I can often earn up to a $1 off a gallon, so that adds up to almost $30 off for a full tank.

When I don't have fuel rewards waiting, I'll try to check prices. It's amazing to me that sometimes stations can vary by 20¢. $5 a fill-up may not seem like a huge amount, but I still like to save where I can. It all adds up (just like those extra calories). 

I have an app on my phone called Gas Buddy. You can input your zip code and get a listing of the local prices. It's just a handy thing to have on hand. I won't really travel to get a cheaper price, but if I see that one station is less than another, and they are both on my way ... I'll hit the one with the lower price.

While I don't drive that much, Hubs and #1 do. They both work fairly far from home. Unfortunately fill-ups appear on the credit card statement a lot. And then there are the wave runners ... Hubs puts the premium in those babies. They are expensive little babies!   And anytime you hit the road for vacation, that sure adds up quick too. I know gas is even more expensive elsewhere!

I mean ... even with my anxiety, I'm glad we have cars to drive. It does making getting around easier. The workout world puts an emphasis on walking or biking when you can, but sometimes you do have to drive.

I'm getting a little low on fuel now ...

...and gas prices just jumped again!

Just in time for the holiday weekend.

June 2014

 My "look back" on the past month always involves graphs. I love the visualization, of being able to "see" how the weeks went in numbers, lines and charts. Fitbit gives me a reflection on the past 30-days, so I always snag this "intake vs burn" graph each month. Certainly not perfect ... just one month I'd like to control myself and not have a day where I eat more than I burn. Have a month where those lines never cross or even touch. I appreciate the averages Fitbit calculates as well. I'm close to my goal of 3,000 for the average burn, and as always, need to work a bit harder on controlling my calories.

I am very active ... here's my workout calendar.

I was a little Zumba crazy this month! I have my Zumba classes Mon-Fri now, and even got in some sessions on Saturday (and even one Sunday)! I did double duty a few days too. I got my weight workouts in once or twice a week ... moving from Monday to Tuesday at the end of the month. Sometimes you have to switch up depending on other schedules. I try to stay flexible. My elliptical is broken up into several small (20min) sessions throughout the day ... I jump on both to get that burst of movement, and admittedly, to watch my shows. I only watch TV when on the elliptical. My bike riding time is my reading time. My mile ... ok, that is "exercise" and it's the only exercise I don't really enjoy (although on the odd occasion, I do get some pleasure from it, usually I'm counting down until I'm done, all 12 minutes of it!)

If you compare my "Got to Goal" graph to past months ... I generally did NOT hit goal over the weekends (Fri-Sun). While Sunday is still a struggle (and a rest day at times, even though I always get a little workout in), my Friday and even Saturday spiked this month. Thank you Zumba ...

Weight at the start of the month was 151.5. Weight at the end of the month was 152.8.  Weight  fluctuated throughout the month withing a 3.6 pound range. Low was 151.1 and the high was 154.7. You'd think with all my activity I might earn a little loss ... I'm not sure if my eating is just THAT bad (I do usually have a weekly deficit ... I try to log everything correctly, although I'm not good about weighing and measuring). While I do a ton of "exercise" I do know it's more quantity than quality. If I put the effort into better exercise, I wouldn't have to do as much ... but I actually enjoy all my moderate exercise. I have been trying to keep my heart rate up during Zumba, adding in steps and hops where I can to up my burn. I'm still not sure about these claims of 600-1000 burns for an hour of Zumba, I never come close (although I did hit a new high of 500 ... you can see all my numbers in my Zumba Stats album). Also, if you want more details of the day to day, see yesterday's post (June Daily Doings) where I post all my numbers and a journal entry for each  and every day.

I hadn't checked into Trendweight lately ... here's a look back at the last year. My initial success (15 pound loss) after joining MFP and tracking calories. Then a slow loss of 10 more pounds. Then my drop in December, subsequent recovery and regain (Trendweight evens out the actual sick loss a little). I had a bit of success at the end of March (Weigh-In #37) and then maintaining a slight re-gain SO close to goal (staying under 150).  Still striving for that ... what will July bring?

Linking up with Workout Wednesday with Diatta Harris of the Femme Fitale Fit Club and Sheila Simmons at The Frugal Exerciser.