Every Gym’s Nightmare

This is it! I’m so excited!

My project I’ve been working on and hinting at is finally set in stone, and I can let you guys in on it!

I’ve been working with FITtours, an amazing company that plans fitness based vacations around the world, plus 8 total weeks of fitness programming, with the guidance of fitness and nutritional professionals, no matter what your goals may be, and they have asked me to host my own retreat in Costa Rica, and you are all invited!

The trip runs January 31st through February 8th, and is jam packed with yoga, massages, strength classes, rainforest hikes, white water rafting, plus a body image speaker and more, all in beautiful Costa Rica!

Check out the trip’s page on the FITtours website for all the details, itinerary and for pricing.

The price is all inclusive, which means it covers all of the activites, all lodging, delicious, healthy meals and snacks, massages, transportation- everything! (except for airfare, which is is cheaper when you purchase on your own than if we did a group rate.)

Everyone is invited, so bring your friends, your spouse, your gym buddy- everyone! I will be there, and I expect you to be there, too! We will have a blast!

Feel free to email me with any and all questions and kelly@everygymsnightmare.com!

Im excited!

www.nataliedee.com

As you probably know, I am the Fitness Expert (their title, not mine) for www.Twirlit.com. With that comes some perks, like getting free products to review and giveaway. I think I just got my biggest one, which hopefully leads to more.

I’m going to be doing the P90X program, and reviewing it, along with posting my progress the whole way. I’ve wanted to do it ever since I saw the informercial, but am a cheap biatch and wont shell out the dough. Its an intense 90-day series of DVDs designed to shred you. Its killer, which what drew me in, but as long as you follow it, they say you’ll get ridic results.

Im thinking we are going to do weekly updates, but we haven’t gotten it all hammered out yet. If it’s not weekly, Ill be doing my updates here, with monthly at Twirlit so either way you’ll get to see how its coming along.

Im going to do a full assessment and then another at the end of the 90 days. Probably some before and after pictures, too.

But I wanted to ask you guys:

Anyone done it before? Anything I should know before i start?

What do you guys want to see? (before and after photos, stats, videos of exercises, etc.)

I’m hoping this turns into a recurring thing, like a cloumn (which I will probably ask you to name again, lol)- instead of (or in addition to) reviewing fitness products I can review fitness programs and classes for intensity, results, versatility, safety, etc.

Ill let you guys know when it all goes down, but it should be pretty soon!

Maybe I can weasel myself some Crossfit classes next….

GIVEAWAYS!!!
Hello Kitty Limited Edition Jewelry (I want this one sooo bad, I hate not being eligible :()
MD Skincare Products (worth over $300!!)
Follow me on Twitter!

Im sure most of you watched the season premier of The Biggest Loser last night. I was prepared to sit down and right my likes and dislikes of the show, but the negative column soon out weighed (ha, joke) the positive, so let me quickly say what I liked.

LIKES:

OMG Jillian has the most fantastic arms I have ever seen. Probably from these. I dont want to risk growing testicles, so I think Ill settle for what my weights can give me.

That woman (forgive me, Im horrible with names) who lost her whole family in a car crash is the most inspirational person I have ever met. Anything any one has ever been through doesnt even come close to her tragedy- yet she is so sparkly, and sweet and motivational tidbits just spill out of her mouth every time she opens it. She seems like one of those people that you always want to be around because she sees the world differently than you ever could and learn from her everytime she’s around.

Coach Mo- I just want to pinch his cheeks.

Ok, that’s all. Seriously.

DISLIKES:

That first race? Where Tracy (think thats her name) collapsed about 100 yards before the finish line, and everyone rallied around her to help her cross it? She didn’t need to cross the finish line SHE NEEDED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL. Who the hell was that medic that let that happen?? Her eyes were rolling back in her head, and she missed the first week because she was still in the hospital. I think the contestants got caught in being the supportive team for the cameras and almost killed this woman. Jesus Christ.

When Dan got out of the car to reveal himself, and everyone gasped and started screaming was such a crock. Do you really think those people immediately knew who he was? They are starting the most exciting journey of their lives on TV, about to start their race, hoping its Bob and Jillian that are getting out of the car, and some guy in a orange shirt comes out and they start screaming? No way. you know someone had to tell them who it was and then edit the time in between out.

Bob and Jillian, period. First, is it just me or do they get more ridiculously fashionable each season? Did you see them the first scene- it looked like they were dipped in leather. And what is with all the screaming and swearing?? The swearing especially. F-bombs constantly and completely unnecessary. Really had to step up your game to keep the ratings, huh guys?

I love the family-less woman (that sounded horrible- still not sure of her name) and when she weighed in, she went on an AWESOME speech about being your best and not letting things define you. Then fucking Jillian comes in and steals her thunder with a ton of “me, me me’s”. No body cares about you, Jillian, you are just there to make sure everyone sweats. Totally stole her thunder. it was worse than Kanye at the VMAs.

Yet, despite all my dislikes, I still watch the show every season, and still gripe about how it is 2 hours when really can be 30 minutes tops, and the infuriating way they cut to commercial each time. I like to see people work hard, lose weight and be happy. And I like to complain.

GIVEAWAYS:
Toys ‘R Us Giftcard

Customized Jeans Giveaway

LINKS
Levi Johnston to Pose for Playgirl, Levi Johnston Only One Who Cares
High Fashion Modeling Still a Child’s Industry

www.superpoop.com

I am currently sitting on my bed, rolling the arch of my foot over a rolling pin on the ground. Its actually working pretty well to alleviate the pain. I walked on the treadmill for an hour today and it started tightening up again on me towards to end, so I figured I should try and work out the kinks so I can get another run in.

I’m really enjoying it. Maybe because it hurts so much. I may be a sick individual.

I can’t explain it, and I don’t know want to jinx it, but hopefully it sticks around for a while. Im kind of infamous for getting jazzed about a new mode of exercise, and then losing steam in favor of something else. At least I don’t lose my interest in exercise all together.

Let’s discuss some current events, shall we?

Teri Hatcher Crosses Triathlon Off of Her Bucket List. This makes me feel as though I need a bucket list, but the only thing I can think of is to retire before I’m 60. Watch me die before I’m 60 now. What’s on yours?

Another Stupid Fitness Gadget hits the market. Im curious: if you hadn’t read my review of it first (assuming your read it) would you have bought into it?

Get Out of Bed and Literally Make more Time. This is full of tons of awesome tips, but since I get up at 3:45am for work anyway, I can’t use any of them so I thought I’d pass them along to you. Any more to add?

Serena Williams Flips Her Shit. Did you see this video? I just wrote this article about her kick ass muscle and then she threatens to use her muscles to kick some ass. I would have burst into tears if I was that woman. I get where the anger comes from, but holy cow, woman. I would had crapped myself if she came at me like that.

Jessica Simpson’s New Reality Show: Will it help or hurt? It sounds good in theory, but the whole premise of “the amazing lengths women will go to around the world to be beautiful” seems a little more about shock value and shallowness, than teaching us to accept ourselves.

Pole Dancing Doll: heinous or hilarious? I vote hilarious.

That’s RuPaul, right? That song?

I went to EndFest last night, so I’m only running on a couple hours sleep. I only got to see a little less than half of Weezer, which made me sad, and I missed them singing “My Name is Jonas” which was even more sad, but Blink 182 was pretty good when I didnt have 15 year old girls screaming in my ears. We had VIP seating so we just sipped beers and watched crowd surfing kiddies get yanked away my securty guards.

Anyhoo, I entered this a few days ago.

Wilhelmina and Shape (and Men’ Fitness, but I’m obviously not a man, so it would probably turn into one of those sex ads in the back of the mag) is looking for the newest fitness model. The prize package is pretty sweet- contract, trip, etc. Honestly, Im not too concerned with becoming a model: never been a dream of mine, and one of my eyes squints when I smile which throws off the whole symmetrical-photographs-well thing, but I think it would be a cool opportunity and a great fitness career booster. Its seems more like they are looking for personality and ambission than model good looks. People know my name and words with my work in the internet, but if I had an avenue for people to get to know my face, too, then I’d say my career is pretty well rounded out, and I can take it a bunch of different places. Stepping stones. We’ll see- it was only $20, so I’d say its worth a shot.

This is the picture I used, which is probably going to get me tossed out of the running immediately, because its a sucky picture and I’m pretty sure I’m not showered in it, but its the only one I have showing any kind of fit-skin. My lack of a personal camera, and time constraints kind of put a damper on taking a new one.

You guys can enter through the site, too, so give it a shot. But if any of you win, you have to take me as your guest. Deal? Deal.

On a sadder note, my pics from the shoot for Breathe didn’t turn out well (lighting issues) so they are going to reshoot them without me No magazine for me. Well, I still wrote the article, I just won’t be in the piccies.

Speaking of Breathe, check out my article today: A Personal Trainer’s View on Fat.

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway of Near East products (delish-I love the Garlic Herb) and check here for easy ways to gain extra entries.

And Lacey posted this a few days ago, and I cried I was laughing so hard. I can’t get enough:

Guess what Im about to do? Go for a run. I know, right?!

Man, this blog is bleak without pictures. I could have put up a picture of Jillian, but I would have had to switch computers, and then you all would have had to look at the picture, and I don’t want to do that to you guys. So, you’re welcome.

I’ll get a new camera soon, I promise.

But, if you really need some eye candy, you can watch this before you read my rant:

awww.

ok, end tangent. Begin rant.

Jillian Michaels bugs me. Then sometimes I like her. Then it bugs me that I like her. I think this time she officially bothered me enough to tilt the scale to the side of loathing. I have lost the tiny amount of respect I had for her.

Jillian Micheals has released a line of diet pills.

Miss Michaels is a savvy business woman- shes manages to give the worst, most awkward interviews in the history of television and treat everyone like crap, yet is still the leading woman in the fitness industry. There is no denying it- she knows how to market herself. Except this time.

Perhaps the one thing that kept me guessing about my feelings for Jillian was her balanced approach to fitness: no excuses, eat right, move more. No gimmicks, no tricks, just hard work.

Well no more! Just take this magic pill to increase your metabolism, burn fat and get rapid weight loss!

Apparently, Jillian’s life work was for nothing because she has found a way for us to lose weight with a pill.

Good news, right, future Biggest Loser contestants? You don’t need her screaming in your face anymore- you can just take her tiny pill and it will replace the need for all that hard work!

I’m writing a piece on her new diet pill line for www.twirlit.com but wanted to get some input to see if I am over reacting (not that it will change anything if you tell me I am).

Are you disappointed in Jillian? Do you stand behind her product? Or do you feel its just the natural progression for her product pimping ways?

LINKS:
Giveaway ending wednesday!!
Girls say “Bring it on”: Cheerleading Still Most Dangerous Sport
Nick Jonas Raises Diabetes Awareness
Using Heidi Montag’s New Site is Gunna Cost Ya

Hey guys- I need your help!

One article a week of mine a week at Twirlit.com is going to be devoted to the newest fitness trends. If any of you have tried/are currently trying something new in the fitness industry. You can send ideas of things you haven;t tried, too, but want to learn more about: a new program, a new peice of equipment, anything new and interesting that you want to share, leave me a comment or email me at kelly@everygymsnightmare.com

If I choose your’s, I’ll interview you in my peice and can even link if you have a blog. Like I said, this is a weekly feature, so there’s plenty of opportunity for everyone!

Side Note

Ok, my Twirlit.com articles are going up pretty much daily, so instead of linking, just check out my articles on the Twirlit.com Health page.

www.toothpastefordinner.com

People often never know when to workout or when to not workout when sick. Here are some easy guidelines to follow:

If you haver a slight cold: Tone down the intensity. If you have a lower energy level, and feel like you are dragging, listento your body and pull back a bit. Your body needs all the energy it can get to fight the big, so don’t make it expell most of it’s energy at the gym.

If you are achey and congested: skip it. You are full blown sick and your body needs all the energy it can to heal. Working out can extend your amount of sick time.

If you have a fever: this one’s obvious, but keep your freakin’ fever germs to yourself *ahem, clients*

Cramps: working out is a must! It might be the last thing you want to do, but working out gets the blood pumping which speeds up the crampy process and aleviates pain.

Every Gym’s Nightmare, fitness, health, yoga, pilates, strength training, personal trainer, cardiovascular, cardio, exercise, wellness, weight loss, blog, blogging, fitness blog, weightloss blog,

Hi Kelly,

Thanks,
Tara

I get questions about how to do cardio without being able to use your legs a lot. Broken toe, strained knees, pulled muscles, surgeries: tons of things can keep you from using your legs, which is a scary thing when you are so used to your cardio, or trying to lose weight.

The bigger the muscles you use, the your more heart rate is going to rise. Since your legs contain the biggest muscles (quads, hamstrings, glutes) running, walking, biking and ellipticalling are usually the cardio of choice.

When you can’t use your legs, there are still some options to get your heart rate up.

Swimming is always easiest, but still requires your legs, so this works for some people, but not all, (like Tara.) Another drawback is you don’t always have access to a pool.

There is one machine that is awesome to get your heart rate up and only uses your arms. They go by different names: crank bike, arm bike, Upper Body Ergometer, but they are like exercise bikes for your arms.

This one is the Sci-Fit Pro1 Sport from PerformBetter.com.

These used to just be in rehab centers, but you’ll find them more and more in regular gyms. When I went to 24 Hour Fitness, they had only one, and there was woman that used it all the time because she had a pretty severe limp.

Even if you can use your feet, you can get a great workout from this bike. Even though your arms contain smaller muscles than your legs, your arms are closer to your heart, causing your heart rate to rise to levels equivelent to that of regular cardio machines.

If you don’t have access to these, obviously Im not going to tell you to go by one. There are other great ways to get footless-cardio workouts in.

Boxing with a heavy bag, or just punching air, is a great way to get the heart rate up. You can do this standing or sitting in a chair depending on your injury. Rowing machines and ellipticals are low impact, but these aren’t advised for everyone, so ask your doctor if they are ok.

Strength training can also really get the heart rate up, if you use lower weights and high reps, and don’t rest for too long in between. If you can’t stand, you can perform all of your exercises sitting on a stability ball to take the pressure off of your lower body and to engage your core a bit while doing upper body exercises.

A lot of people think when they are hurt they have to cut back on their calories. Depending on your activity level, this isnt always the case. Daily runners may find it difficult to get the same calorie burning effects without it, but remember that your body is trying to heal and needs all the help you can get. Also, your metabolism isnt going to drop over night if you have to take a week or two off. You will probably find you are just as hungry, if not more, because your metabolism is still running as if you are still running.

For the average exerciser, it may be more neccessary to reduce your calories, but not by much. Use the Harris-Benedict formula to figure out how many calories you need based on your new activity level.

The best option, of course, is to just find different ways to train just as hard. You may find you actually lose weight because of your switch in activity. Changing your routine to something you never have done before is along the same lines as cross training which is one of the best ways to jump start your results and break through plateaus.

Just make sure the intensity level is the same. This is one situation you may want to use a heart rate monitor.

REMEMBER: injuries never mean you need to stop training, unless advised to. I get clients that come in a ll time upset because they are hurt and think they have to stall their results, but the truth is, with any situation, there are always ways to train around it.

But again, check with your doctor to make sure what you are planning to do is ok for your situation. Aggrevating your injury can lay you up for even longer.

Good luck!

Every Gym’s Nightmare, fitness, health, yoga, pilates, strength training, personal trainer, cardiovascular, cardio, exercise, wellness, weight loss, blog, blogging, fitness blog, weightloss blog,

Sagan, the fantastic writer of Living Healthy in the Real World, interviewed me for a piece in her University’s paper.

Check it out here.

Great job, Sagan! and thanks for the opportunity!

Every Gym’s Nightmare, fitness, health, yoga, pilates, strength training, personal trainer, cardiovascular, cardio, exercise, wellness, weight loss, blog, blogging, fitness blog, weightloss blog,