WWI#48 and Five Favorite Card Games

 ... and it's Friday. Time for the weekly weigh-in and Friday Five. Up until this point, I've always started with the weight chart and recap, but it's been SO boring lately. I'm going to start with the fun Friday Five, and then include my numbers and such below if you are interested...

It's now summer! School is out and the kids have a lot more free time. There is the stereotypical tv time and video games. Legos, basketball, soccer, tetherball, wallball, ping pong, jumping on the tramp, water wars. We've signed up for the Kids Bowl Free, we'll try to hit the local park, Grandma's pool, and the bounce house.  I've also encouraged the kids to play games. 

We've got a lot of games.

For today's Friday Five, I thought I'd spotlight our five favorite card games. I really love card games, because they generally are very small, easy to store and transport. You don't need a lot of time or space or preparation to play. Personally, MY favorite is probably "Progressive Rummy" which just uses a regular deck of cards (two or three actually, when we play) but for this post, I'll feature the five favorites for the kids.

• UNO: This one is a classic, and I'm sure already well known to just about everyone. Such a great little game, easy for even the youngest child to participate in. If you know your numbers and colors, you can play! There are a ton of variations to mix it up as well.
• Rat-A-Tat Cat: My mom said she had played this game before with basic playing cards, and it was called "No Peeky". You start with four cards face down in front of each person, the goal is to get the lowest cards. 
• Blink: This is SUCH a great little game! I love the version pictured, that comes in the compact little metal tin. It makes it great for taking with you. The name "blink" is quite appropriate, because you'd better NOT blink, or the round will be over. It's very fast moving and fun. Match the shape, color or number to get rid of your cards.  Similar games are Catch The Match and Spot It ... both of which I recommend very highly as well! Blink is really only for two people, but the other two can have additional players.
• SET: This game is a little complex. I find rather than try and "teach" someone how to play, it's probably better they watch a few rounds and they are bound to pick up the patterns you are trying to find in the cards. This one can be mind-boggling. It's great for a group and really stretches your thinking!
• The Great Dalmuti: My boys were introduced to this a couple summers ago, and it was an instant favorite. It's already been played multiple times this summer. You are trying to get rid of your cards and become the Great Dalmuti ... you do NOT want to be the peon!

Have you played any of these games?

What are YOUR favorite card games?

I'll spotlight some favorite board games in an upcoming post :)

Linking up with the DC Bloggers (Courtney, Mar and Cynthia) and then also jumping onto the other Friday Five linkups out there. Five on Friday at The Good Life, Friday Favorites at Running4Cupcakes, Friday Favorites at Housewife Glamour, High Five Friday at LaurenElizabeth and Five Things Friday at Fitting It All In. 

  Onto the weekly weigh-in ...

Looky there ... exactly the same as last week. Average was up a tiny bit (.29). The high was today, 153.5. The low was Sunday morning at 151.7.  So a variation of 1.8 throughout the entire week.  Like last week, I DID have a deficit! 3708 total ... but no corresponding one pound loss on the scale. Average intake was 2171. Average burn was 2996. 

For the first week of summer ... it hasn't been too different. My boys are just relishing being home, not in school. They haven't been "bored" and wanting to go out and do things yet. I'm sure that time will come and it will eat into my exercise time, but I'll make it work. I HAVE been sleeping in a little, getting a later start most days. Still hitting Zumba, although I had to miss today, as #2 had basketball games. Getting in my elliptical every day, a little more sporadic with the mile jog and bike rides.You can check out the details in my Day to Day.

Next week might be a little crazy, with #2 and #3 in a basketball camp. There will be a lot of dropping off and picking up. #1 has started a job and isn't around to pitch in with any of the driving. The week after that though, #2 will be gone to a week long basketball camp and THAT should open up my time (as he's the main one requesting chauffeur duty).  But by then, the younger ones might be clamoring to get out of the house. We'll see ...

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

and a late Weigh-In Wednesday.  

Lacking in Color Confidence

Black is slimming right? That is what we women are told. I'm not sure if that is the reason why my wardrobe has a lot of black ... or if it's just what I am comfortable with.

 I have yet to master the "selfie" ... especially the full body shot!

Ironically ... a couple of my more well know photos (like my main profile picture, the one in red down on the sidebar, or on my Facebook page) is in red. I snapped the picture (above, left) before going to a Cinco de Mayo Zumba day... we were supposed to wear red or green). But the majority of the time, the other photo is a little more standard. Back to Black.

It's a bit of an inside family joke too. My hubby's name is Grayson Blackham. I call him GrayBlack. I tell him I just love him SO much that I have to surround myself in gray and black, even in my clothes. I am probably wearing black 90% of the time. Exercise wear and everyday wear. I'll sometimes branch out to such bright color combinations as white and tan, or khaki, brown and denim. Exciting!

I do own some colorful shirts. Red, yellow, blue, pink ... but I just don't feel that comfortable in them and I wear them very rarely. I'm not sure if I feel they draw the eye, and I prefer to blend into the background ... or if after wearing black for so long, it is just the "comfortable" choice.  And slimming ... don't forget slimming!

I lack color confidence in everything ... not just clothes! When I had my nails done, I'd always just go with the very basic, standard french tip. When I got a pedicure, I'd do the painted french tip there too, or go with a very reserved color ... most recently, I did a glitter gray. Lipstick ... I'll wear a light gloss, but nothing with any real color. I know many shoes are very bright and colorful ... my most recent purchase were a plain black pair. If you've seen me post my PolarFT4 after exercising (ZumbaStats) you'll see I went for the basic gray model, not the cute pink one everyone else is rocking!

I have regretted not getting the pink Polar. Just a splash of femininity. I have noticed a bit of bright pink sneaking in ... not necessarily by choice, but just because that was the color available (in a pair of slippers, new shoes, headphones) I'm not sure I'll ever really be confident in color, but sometimes when I push myself a bit, I feel it's an NSV (and I take a picture I like, which ends up being my profile picture).  I have been thinking quite a bit about my color choices (or lack thereof) ... and I thought I'd Think Out Loud and share my thoughts with you today.

FREE Zumba in Utah

 Spotlighting FREE Zumba Classes in Utah.

 (West Jordan, Kearns, Draper, Sandy Areas)

If you are on Facebook, LIKE the Free Zumba in Utah page for updates!

Check out the my monthly Zumba Stats/Reviews posts too.

I still consider myself "new" to Zumba. I only started in January of 2014. Even in my limited experience, I've attended many different classes, at various locations, with a variety of instructors (and yes, these are certified Zumba instructors!) I've been to a few pay classes, but overall, I hit the free ones. Is this because I'm cheap? Well ... yes. But it's also because here in Utah, there seem to be SO many wonderful women  willing to share their time and talent. Monday-Friday, I'm aware of free classes close by, some days I have multiple options. I thought I'd share some of my findings for anyone in my area who might be interested. 

Look at all your options!

*** Updated May2016 ***

CIA stands for Community in Action ... and it's a group on Facebook.  If you are on Facebook, and you like Zumba, I'd recommend you join. It's a good community to follow, and ask questions. 

 

I'll give a quick review of the classes I've attended include a link to Facebook pages (which I have found is the best way to stay in touch and up to date).

• MZL: This group provides several free classes in different locations. Their Facebook page has  many clips of songs/steps. I've attended their class in West Jordan and Kearns. It's a HUGE group (which is good for just getting lost in the crowd if  you are new). They generally have several instructors on stage, which is nice for seeing variations in the moves. It's loud and crazy and generally a lot of fun.
• SouthZiders: This group meets in Draper in Mondays/Wednesdays at 9:30. The main instructor is Nina, and she has the moves and a huge smile! A nice big gym and they even open up the nursery room if you need to bring young children along.
• KIKZ (Kicken It Kearns Zumba): This group meets EARLY Mondays/Wednesdays (at 5:30!) ... I haven't hit one of those classes yet, but they had a Saturday session that I went to, and it was good. Some new numbers, some I was familiar with from my other classes.  Join their Facebook group for updates ...
• Heather Jones: I discovered this group when I needed (yes needed!) a Friday class. MZL does meet, but the time didn't work out for me. Heather's class starts just a bit later (10:00 on Fridays). It's a bit further for me (in Sandy), but worth the drive. Not as much overlap with my other classes, these were mainly new songs/steps. Heather is fun and bouncy and has a good group going and welcomes women to come join in. **This class in cancelled now.
• Claudia & Co: Claudia teaches at various gyms but gives of her time and talent on Thursdays at a church in West Jordan (MountainView in the chart below).  She is a joy to watch! She switches off with a few other instructors. I haven't missed a Thursday since I started going there ...
• Marian's Class: This was the one that started it all for me (Tuesdays at 8:45 in West Jordan. CIA page below has address and details). It was close, convenient and free. So even though I had never been to a Zumba class before, and knew I couldn't dance, and that I wasn't really a social exerciser ... I felt like I should give it a try. I wasn't sold after the first class, but after coming back, and starting to learn the steps, well ... you can see what has happened!
• Dancing With Debbie in Daybreak:  Debbie is offering three classes at week. Mondays at 9:00 pm, Wednesdays at 8:30 in the evening, and Friday mornings at 9:00. At the LDS church located at 4517 W Mille Lacs Dr (about 10660 south).
• CIA (Community In Action): This Facebook group keeps track of a lot of the groups and free classes (they provide the chart shown up top). Many instructors post updates there. It's a great resource.

There are additional classes mentioned that I haven't been to (a little too far for me to venture, and I do have so many right close to me). I'm sure there are oodles of others I'm unaware of... the LDS community fosters it here in Utah I think. Providing good gyms (local churches) and encouraging service.  I've joined a couple other local exercise groups on Facebook (see a list here) and have my eye on some additional classes nearby that I might try (although I AM pretty set at this point! Some days I have three different options and I have a hard time choosing which one to attend).  

I realize this is a pretty specific post to MY area ... I am really curious to know if other states and locations have as many (or any) free Zumba classes going on. When I first was looking for more, I checked out the search feature on Zumba.com ... but it just didn't give much information (if there was a charge, how much, other restrictions). I inquired about some classes listed, only to find out the information there was outdated. I know most local gyms offer Zumba, but they often require a  membership (I've got a complete home gym in my basement, so I don't really want to pay to join a gym for classes). Those that do allow you to drop-in can be a little pricey, especially if someone was to go every day, like I have been doing. While I do like getting to know the steps and songs (a benefit of sticking with one class/instructor), it's also fun to have a variety. Each one is a little different and has something to offer. Some offer a Polynesian flair, others have a Latino groove, some move with grace, others with personality ... and I'm a white lady who can't dance but just loves it. 

The majority of these free classes are in the mornings. Get the kids off to school and come out. If you have younger children, most of the classes are fine with them coming along. There often are kids running around during these free classes. I haven't found as many evening/weekend free classes ... keeping my eye out (let me know in the comments if there are some in my area!)

Is the quality any less because they are free? As I mentioned, I have only attended one paid class so far (I do think I'll hit some others, I'll do a future spotlight on those if I go to enough to warrant it). It was really good, but I do think my free classes are just as good. I track my steps and calorie burn with my Fitbit and HRM every class, and post the numbers to a Facebook album (ZumbaStats). A lot of YOUR results are what YOU bring to class.

And to you instructors out there offering free classes ... thank you!  If you have a class, feel free to put any information/links in the comments. If I do try any additional classes I'll update this page and a Facebook page (Free Zumba In Utah) and keep it current for reference *Ü*

Blister on the Mister

The hubs was laying on the bed, reading on his ipad as I walked by ... and I couldn't help but notice something on his foot.  A BIG ol' blister! I mentioned that the hubs was getting back into working out and eating better. He went for a run Sunday morning.

 That's when he got THIS ... Ouch!

This was not his first run since he's started working out, but it was the first time in a particular pair of shoes. I think he won't be wearing those for a long run (5+miles) for a while. Until he makes some adjustments (he's worn them in the past without problems). You hear the stories of guys being big babies when it comes to sickness and pain. Not the case with MY guy. He hadn't even mentioned this to me. He even had his phone with him (using the Runkeeper app) ... I told him he should have called me to bring him out a different set of shoes when he felt it starting to rub. I've done that on the treadmill before ... stopped and swapped shoes when one pair wasn't working. Just another benefit of the treadmill for me :)

I posted about MY blister (here) a while back ... but I think this one wins! I generally don't have too many issues, as I don't wear shoes for the majority of my workouts (Fuzzy Feet), and I will shift shoes if I feel a problem.

Blisters ... see, shoes are evil!

Speaking of shoes ... I've picked up some slip-ons for summer for the boys. They took them off when we went to the in-laws house on Sunday and I thought it was funny they had all (well, four of the five) happened to wear their "twinner" shoes that night.

The blister isn't as bad as some of the foot issues we've had to deal with (Agony of De-Feet), and the hubs DID go running again this morning ... tough guy!

A Fitbit Farewell

I love my Fitbit.  Four years now and still going strong. I like to say we are a Fitbit family, as I've gotten my parents, brothers, their wives on board. It didn't take with hubby, but I had Fitbit's for my two oldest boys too ...

I had noticed #2 hadn't synced in a bit ... he admitted to me he has lost his Fitbit. I'm sad. I'd really enjoyed "seeing" his days, and he was the only family member that could actually give me a run for my money, especially during the summer days when he'd spend the day at the gym with his basketball buddies. I'd hooked him up to some of the reward sites, and he had managed to pull in $50 from Achievemint and some store credit at Kmart and Walgreens.

He had a decent run I guess. He'd kept it for almost a year. Not too bad for a 15 year old boy. I mean, my oldest (the 18-year old) managed to lose his JawboneUp in less than a month. He gave up on his Flex deciding he didn't want something on his wrist, and after adopting Daddy's Fitbit Zip after the hubs wasn't using it ... he lost it. I don't know whether to invest in another for #2 (I think I would just go with the Zip instead of the One this time) or not ...

I took this picture a couple weeks ago ... after a workout, I had changed and was off to the school when I felt my Fitbit slipping from it's protective pouch. While the One is usually quite snug in the silicone case, when it is a little wet with sweat, it IS prone to slipping out. I noticed, and was able to wipe it down and tuck it back in safely. My son was not as in tune ... and his One is gone.

#2 had lost the little tip to his silicone case. As he wears ... well, wore, past tense now :( his on his waist, this did case some poking problems. I wear my One on my bra, so I went ahead and switched cases with him, as it didn't impact me as much. Fitbit has really good customer service and I'm betting they would have happily sent out a new case if I'd asked. I just never got around to it ... and now I guess I don't need to (#2 still has the case, so I suppose I could switch back). I MAY even contact customer service to see if they might do anything about the lost Fitbit ... I'll let you know, I have heard of them replacing them before.

*** ... and an update ~ they ARE sending out a replacement! Seriously, Fitbit customer service is really the best!

As for ME? This past weekend ... I had a 30k day! (Linking up with MIMM). They aren't super uncommon for me, but it had been a bit. This was on a Saturday no less! I love the Fitbit activity graph ... SEEing my activity throughout the day. My two 20 minute sessions on the elliptical (around 8:00 a.m. and 6 pm) and two 10 minute ones (around 10:00 and 2:00). 60minutes of Zumba around noon, and then another class at 7:00 that night.

I still wear my old Omron pedometer, and it's interesting to compare the step count from it to the Fitbit ... they are usually pretty close. I also wear a heart rate monitor for some workouts, and like to check out it's calorie count estimation with my Fitbit feedback. We do have the ol Fitbit Flex around (#2 can't wear a wrist one while playing basketball, his main "step" activity) ... but I might just throw it on myself (three pedometers on my person!) and see how it's numbers line up. I'm a numbers gal ... it motivates me.

What motivates you?  

Join in with the Motivation Monday Link-Up!

WWI #47 and Five End of School Instagrams

My last "school schedule" week ... pretty steady and boring. It was actually a really good week though. I kept up the activity even over the weekend. I went to Zumba every day except Sunday, and I got in an hour on the treadmill that day. I did weights on Monday and got in some additional treadmill and bike, as well as elliptical every day. I did a decent job keeping calories controlled. When I crunched the numbers, I had a deficit of 3937 for the week. Where is my one pound loss? I want to get (and STAY) under 150!  As always, additional details are in my Day to Day Doings.

Yesterday (Thursday) was graduation day for my oldest son. I still managed to squeeze in Zumba and a couple elliptical sessions, but there was a LOT of just sitting. My activity level was low compared to a usual Thursday. We also went out to eat at Tepankayi afterward. Even though the meal isn't that bad according to my calorie guesstimate (steak, salmon, rice) and it wasn't super late (we ate around 6:00) I did anticipate it showing on the scale for weigh-in this morning.

NUMBERS: Up just a titch from last week (.3) but my average was down just a bit (-.55). My high was today, for weigh-in at 153.5. The low was Sunday morning at 151.5. Last week it was a much bigger range. I stayed within 2 pounds for every weigh-in this week. No big fluctuations. Average intake was 2121, average burn was 2991. As I mentioned above, I did log a weekly deficit of 3937. I haven't hit that high in a while. So happy about that, even if I didn't see it reflected on the scale.

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

and a late Weigh-In Wednesday.  

Now onto the FUN stuff ...  
Five for Friday!

Linking up with the DC Bloggers (Courtney, Mar and Cynthia) and then also jumping onto the other Friday Five linkups out there. Five on Friday at The Good Life, Friday Favorites at Running4Cupcakes, Friday Favorites at Housewife Glamour, High Five Friday at LaurenElizabeth and Five Things Friday at Fitting It All In.

As today is officially the last day of school, I thought a sneak peek at the last week would be a good Friday Five. Here are five Instagram images I've shared this past week. I have two instagram accounts, one for JensJourney, which focuses on fitness&food, and then I have a family one.  I did share the grad one on my fitness instagram (if you follow me there or glance at the slideshow in the sidebar) but the others were only on the family one. Just a peek into my day to day school style ...

 #1 in cap and gown.

#2 had to dress up for Shakespeare day.

Can't you see how excited he was?

#3 was having a class party and was told to bring a treat.

We spent Monday afternoon making gingersnaps.

Yes, I ate me some gingersnaps.

#4 had his 4th grade program.
Received the "Citizenship" award (only two kids per class get it).

#5 got a medal for math and
received the "Tiger'sPride" award (again, only two given per class).

Very proud of these kids! I'm one lucky momma. So with summer ... I'll no longer be driving kids to school. This will seriously save me about 1.5 hours every day (as I drop off and pick up both middle school and elementary every day ... still MUCH better than just a few years ago when I had to drive #1 to high school, and had the extra mid-day kindergarten pick-up too!). But then ... I might sleep in some, if I don't have to get the kids up and off. There will be some basketball and scout camps, playdates and activities ... that's summer! I still plan on getting my Zumba and other workouts in though! Bring on summer!

*** OK - you caught me! IF you happened to read my post yesterday, I had originally included these instagram shots on there. But I figured there were five of them, and I didn't have anything else prepped for Friday Five this week ... 

I've Got A Graduate!

Wow ... how did THAT happen? I have a senior and he's graduating! That's my NSV for today, being mom to this kid. He's such a self-starter, always up early, got a little college credit under his belt already (concurrent enrollment, and hopefully passed the AP tests!) Having a kid in school, you know what is happening day to day. The next few years ... hmmm, it's going to be interesting!

Beyond the whole "this is hard" from a mom stand point, I have some additional issues. The graduation is downtown. I really dislike downtown and I certainly don't drive downtown. I'm not a big fan of ceremony. I didn't even want to go to my own graduation back in the day ... I do go, but I don't remember the actual ceremony at all. I do have a lot of pictures from afterward. I went to a junior college after that, and graduated there. Did the whole cap and gown thing again. When I moved onto the university after, I actually finished up off-schedule and didn't "walk" that final graduation. I was fine with that. Just give me my diploma.

I also dislike sitting. Between the car ride down, the ceremony itself, then dinner after ... there will be a lot of sitting. I'm not really anticipating a good weigh-in tomorrow. At least I'll have gotten in my morning workouts (elliptical and Zumba) before heading out. I'm sure there will be some walking and standing around too. But I must admit, I'll be very relieved when this is all over.

So the high school is pretty much done. #2 has "Lagoon Day" (our local amusement park) today, but his friends couldn't go and so he'd rather take the money I would have sprung for that to go toward a summer pass at the local rec center (where he plans to spend the summer days playing basketball with his buddies). The elementary school has field day today and their final day tomorrow, and both little boys are getting awards. I'll be in attendance at the assembly there that morning (depending on how long it is, I still might be able to hit my Zumba class if I'm willing to go in my workout wear). 

I'm SO happy to have my little ones finishing up school too. Last year, I pulled them from our boundary school, which is on a year-round schedule, to another school which was on a traditional schedule. I've LOVED not having the breaks during the year, and we'll love actually having a summer (the other school doesn't get out until July 3, then starts up again at the end of July). 

I do love my schedules. School does help keep me on a good routine ... but I think I'm ready for a little summer. Just Thinking Out Loud. Does the end of school affect you?

Hubby Happenings

Several months ago, I did a post (The Hubs Is On Board) as hubby was going to try to get back into better eating and exercising. He's had his ups and downs these past many years. Whenever he has put his mind to it, he has had success.

This time ... it didn't happen.

A few weeks ago, hubby recommitted. I've noticed his change in eating habits lately. I've tried to be helpful (not tempting him with yummy treats, trying to have healthy foods around, trying to pack him a lunch with nutritious options). Clean eating has never been my strong suit, but the hubs doesn't have my issues and in the right frame of mind, he actually enjoys the good-for-you stuff.

He's been exercising regularly as well. Many mornings he'd beat me to the elliptical. Squeak, thump ... our elliptical is having some issues. One day, we both went down to the gym at the same time. I beat him to the elliptical, so he went to the stationary bike. After that, he pretty much decided he preferred the bike (although it has a squeak too). Once he got some workouts behind him, and was fairly sure he wouldn't have a heart attack if he pushed a little more ... he went for a jog. That's probably his preferred exercise activity. After a run on Sunday morning, he mentioned to me how running outside in the beautiful day made 30 minutes just whiz by. I know this is how the majority of people feel ... but I'm still just an indoor exerciser (away from weather, strangers and dogs).

It's been great having the hubs back in the groove. Although ... he is a SWEATY mess when he comes home. It's pretty standard to hear shrieking and screaming as he comes home and attempts to give me or one of the kids a big hug.  I turned the tables on him the other day ... he was laying in bed as I finished a workout and I came in a jumped on him, giving him a kiss. He was like "ummm, you're kind of sweaty" ... and let me tell you don't get nearly as sweaty as he does!

I had picked up a Fitbit Zip for hubby back in November. It didn't take. He'd forget to move it from his workout wear to his regular clothes, or vice versa. He lost it after just a couple of days (it did turn up a few days later). He didn't particularly like it, he told me "all this is telling me is that I'm NOT moving."  When it was determined that he wasn't going to be using it, #1 son adopted it ... and then lost it (for good this time). I am wondering if now that hubby is back in the groove, if he'd be inclined to try it again.

He does have a Garmin, which he wears for his runs. It's one of the nicer ones, with a HRM and we like the GPS tracking display on the computer, showing his route. He also tried Runkeeper for the first time, and seemed intrigued. He just placed an order for an armband. I actually like the thought of him having his phone with him on runs (and I can track him with the Find My Friend app). 

He bought some new insoles for his shoes too. I've never tried insoles myself. He picked up some new compression shirts, and the laundry has multiplied since he has started exercising again. He has apologized for all the extra laundry, but I've told him it is just fine! I am absolutely alright with doing more laundry for a happy and healthy hubby!

He's even mentioned hiking or racquetball again! It's been years since we did that together. He has invited me to go walking a couple times, but it's caught me off guard and I wasn't ready to drop and go (and to wear shoes).

Linking up with Workout Wednesday and the Hump Day Blog Hop.

Random Reflections

As a rule, Monday - Thursday are my good days. Those with a set schedule, kids in school. I actually often dread the weekends, as I just can't keep up enough activity to combat an often increased caloric intake. It will be interesting to see how the schedule shifts in the coming months, as the kids finish up school this week. Starting next Monday, I won't have daily carpools, packing lunches, volunteering and homework help... which should free up some time. On the other hand, I tend to sleep in a little more when I don't have to get the kids up and off. There will be some summer activities, running the kids here and there. The boys will  be around all the time. It will be interesting to see how it affects MY exercise, activity and eating.

I actually had a great weekend though! I generally don't get Zumba on Fridays as the couple classes I was aware of run from 9:00-10:00. The middle school's 9:30 late start was right smack in the middle. I'd found a 10:00 session, a bit further away, but I could make it if I went straight after dropping the boys off. I did that these past couple weeks. I actually hit goal these last two Fridays (22,000 steps and a total calorie burn of 3000) ... that rarely happens!

Then I did even BETTER on Saturday! Hubby was off early helping his mom move, so I went to a 7:00 Zumba class I'd found out about on Facebook. Generally I get up and hit the elliptical first thing, but Saturday I went straight to Zumba. I took my usual photos of my Fitbit and HRM for my Zumba Stats, and then took notice of a couple other stats I don't normally register  ...

It was interesting to look at the different "minutes" perspectives of my different devices! The class itself was about 55 minutes long (you can see that reading on both the HRM and Fitbit). Of that almost hour, my Polar said I was "in the zone" for 33 of those minutes. My Fitbit said that 46 of the minutes were "very active" and my Omron pedometer (which I still wear too!) said 52 of those minutes were "aerobic" minutes. The different devices all have their particular calculations, but it was interesting to compare. Normally, my Omron aerobic minutes and Fitbit "VAM" have my morning elliptical and any other exercise, so while it isn't impossible to check these numbers every time, it would require writing things down and doing math ...

One of the other classes I attend announced they were able to secure the church at 10:00 on Saturday ... so I went again! Double Zumba! Back at home, I watched an episode of my current series (meaning I was on the elliptical for 40 minutes) and read (and rode the stationary bike) for 30 minutes ... I hit goal on Saturday too!

No Zumba on Sunday ... 

The LDS church buildings are being used for church meetings.

 I put on my shoes and HRM and hit the treadmill for an hour.
Interesting to compare the stats to an hour of Zumba.

 

60 minutes, 4.5 miles. Started off with a mile jogging at 5mph, then did some intervals (higher speed with walking breaks) and some incline (up to 10 for 10 minutes).  I disregard the treadmill's calorie estimate. 639 is too high, not sure where those numbers are coming from. The steps (almost 9000) are higher than I've ever gotten in an hour of Zumba, but the Fitbit and HRM calorie counts aren't too far off a good Zumba day. Let me tell you, I'll do an hour of Zumba any day over my treadmill time, even though I had my TV program on to entertain and distract me.  That 206 max heartrate? Not sure where that came from either, sometimes I'm not sure what my HRM is doing some of the time. I'm pretty sure a second after that high registered, I was back at 120 and for the first few minutes it wasn't registering anything. Gadgets! Great if they work, frustrating when they don't.

As the month of May ended, I blogged a bit, recapping the past 30 days (May Days) and pulled my Daily Doings into chronological order with my monthly picture collage (May Day By Day).

As I updated my activity calendar,

I  noticed that MONDAYS are always full.
**Motivation Monday**

I consistently get in four or five different types of activity on Mondays. I think I'm just ready to get back to it all after the weekend ... even after a good weekend (although yesterday wasn't great. It wasn't bad. Not a  rest day, but didn't quite get to goal).

So here's to Monday! 

We've wrapped up May and it's a new month. 

What will you accomplish?

Link Up with Motivation Monday then go get moving!

May Days ~ Monthly Recap

It's been a year since I started this journey (again). I didn't do a "month recap" in May last year, as I had just started tracking calories about midway through the month, but with THIS recap, I now have twelve monthly reviews here on the blog. I have all my "intake and burn" graphs located together on a page too, so I can look back at the past year at a glance. I'm pretty consistent with my intake and burn, but I can see that in the last several months my average burn has gone down slightly and my average intake has gone up just a bit ... so it shouldn't really be a surprise that weight has gone up just a bit too. Just slight ups and downs for the past several months. Still staying out of the "overweight" category (just barely) and feeling pretty good about myself most of the time.  

This May ... my starting weight was 152.3, that was also my ending weight! Exactly the same! Fluctuations during the month, I hit a high of 155.4  and didn't drop below 150 once (low was 150.9). I remember back in March I was able to log an entire week under 150 ... that is the goal!

I have yet to log an entire month where I keep my intake under my burn every single day. It seems like there is always one day where I'm not very active and I eat a lot. Looks like I popped over four times this past month ... but I finished May strong, even as it ended on a weekend!

Here's my activity calendar ... I stayed busy!

Mondays are always my best day ... there was even a Monday holiday this month (Memorial Day) and I still had a great day! I'm motivated on Mondays! About half-way through May, I started adding Zumba and Mondays and Fridays and Saturdays! Yes, I'm a Zumba addict. Still always getting my elliptical in almost every day. Some jogging/walking and bike. While I tend to prefer cardio, I always make sure I get in a good full-body weights session once or twice a week.You can check out details in my May Day to Day ...

It will be interesting to see how things change next month. The boys get out of school June 6 ... what will the summer schedule be? On one hand, I won't have daily carpools, packing lunches, volunteering and homework help... which should free up some time. On the other hand, I tend to sleep in a little more when I don't have to get the kids up and off to school. There will be some summer activities, running the kids here and there. It will be interesting to see how the shift affects MY exercise, activity and eating.

That was MY May ... how was yours?