FamilyInShape

Getting Fit with the Wii--oh yeah, it can happen

I celebrated my birthday a week ago and as always I was thankful, blessed, and excited to reach another year in my life when I still have the ability to enjoy life, my children, family, and friends.  Another year in a job I love because I can help people stay motivated, get excited about fitness, and really, who doesn't like working only a few hours a day.  

To celebrate my birthday this year my husband and children decided it would be appropriate to give me the Nintendo WiiFit.  I've read a lot about it and heard a lot about getting fit with the Wii but my only experience was when I did my body test at a friend's house.  That time my scores were pretty sweet- I remember my WiiFit age was 28 at the time.

My life is always full of things to do with kids, at the gym, or in the house.  My busy schedule kept me from opening my new game right away.  But that's OK because my Peanut (7) and her daddy decided they would open and set up for me.  How nice.  They went as far as trying it out too.  Such wonderfully thoughtful people I live with.  

I finally had my chance to get on the Wii and perform my body test.  I was hesitant because the timing just wasn't right.  I had just come home from having a late birthday lunch with friends, I had a drink or two and ate like one should only eat on one's birth date.  I expected to have terrible scores and I did.  If I wasn't in the right frame of mind I would have been depressed.  The darn thing said I was nearly obese AND ranked my age at 47.  OUCH!!

We also learned that if you have plush carpet you have to use the extra caps on the board, for stability I guess and that might have contribured to my poor balance..no, it was definitely the Peachtini.  I decided I needed to redo this test.  I was convinced I could bring those numbers way down.  I waited a couple of days, gave my body a chance to rid itself of excess water and being completely sober would really help my balance which apparently has a huge effect on the Wii age.   

My second test put me back on the "healthy weight" range with a decent BMI and my Wii age---28!  Yes!  Now that I like!  I think I'll keep the game.  It's safe to keep in mind that this game is just a game and not an exact science.  It doesn't know that you have a muscular body which might make you heavier than it says you should be.  I think they should update it to ask if you are athletic or sedentary and to add body measurements, then it would be a little more accurate, maybe.

Anyway, I haven't had a chance to really spend a lot of time on the game, but I did go through every game available to me at this point and found that you really can get a workout with this thing.  The push up plank works abs, obliques, shoulders, chest and back; the V sit works abs and legs; there's skiing, Yoga, and aerobic exercises like step, boxing and running.  They start at a very easy level, I mean my 7 year old can do them.  But as you get better and reach high scores you unlock other games so the challenge does go on.  One of my favorites for a quick cardio routine was the Hoola Hoop. WOW!  I was only on the Wii for a total of 7 minutes and I was sweating, dripping down my back and exhausted after that program.  The next day, my abs and legs were sore.

Now we have some serious competitions going on because five of my six family members are trying to beat those high scores.  We all want to be number one. 

The WiiFit has brought some really awesome things to my life:

• We, as a family, spend a lot more time together being active, have a great time.  Yes, we could be active outdoors and we are, but when it's 95 degrees outside, being together, active inside is the next best thing.
• The game requires us to strive to be better because they are all exercise related so we get a workout each and every time.
• Even though the body test could be better, it does give a guideline to measure our progress, like a scale.
• My young children would rather get active on the Wii then watch TV.
• I get to practice my balance moves with Yoga - I'm actually not too bad with balance.

Please remember, however, that this is just a game--don't take it too seriously, just have fun. Now I'm going to give that downhill ski another try, my dear hubby has the highest score right now and I need to take him down a notch or two.

Stay Well,

Staying on track when the going gets tough

This past month has been challenging emotionally, physically, mentally and even spritually.  I wish I could tap into each of these challenges in just one post and make it all better but that's just not possible or reasonable.  I could easily start writing and go on for a long time talking about how I feel, or felt over the last month.

To start with, we found out we are moving to another country (to be discussed later) which is not a bad thing for me because I do love to travel and I embrace change like nobody's business.  But I have kids to think about and while the 7 and under are perfectly OK living where the sun always shines, the teen is not so keen on leaving her friends behind.  To make matters worse for her, the military or the US Navy has a freeze on any permanent change of orders (basically, we can't move until the new fiscal year) so we have to move in December, halfway through the school year.

This brings me to my second issue and that is that my oldest (18) graduated High School and he will be staying in the states attending college.  The good thing is that he will be within close proximity to all our family members and that he already loves the school he chose to attend or should I say the school that chose him.  However, it is not easy leaving a child behind or even watching them go away....ugh, I know, I have to cut the cord..workin' on it.

The impending move, the graduate, oh and the sale of our home (how could I forget that) all have a way to get me stressed and get me all worked up about stuff I know I can handle and I know will work out but that is the nature of things. We get the situation, our body reacts then we figure out a way to manage the stress and the situation as well.  It's all good.  After all, this is not the first time we move and it wont be the last either.

I have now come to a point where I can manage my stress and continue to do what we've always done in an effort to keep things as normal as possible for the kids' sake.  The kid is now a graduate and working through the summer, the young teen is looking forward to many water sports activities, scuba diving, and a brand new bedroom set after we move, the 7 yo is looking forward to practically living at the beach and riding her bike to school, and the baby...well he just goes along with the flow.  I have secured a job with the gym on base and my husband, well, he's sort of the reason why we go on these grand adventures.

In the mean time I can't let all the to-do's and the stress get me down.  I have to stay on top of my nutrition and fitness routines. We will all be doing a lot of outdoor activities this summer.  My gym routine will only change if I'm making it harder, teaching more classes, and helping more clients reach their goals.  My point here is that we already know how important it is to excercise and to eat well, so why let life events change that?  

My tips for living through these challenges:

1. Continue to feed your body what it needs to maintain a strong immune system, maintain a healthy weight, and feed all our organs so that they can protect us and keep us strong.

2. Continue to exercise, indoors and out.  That one hour of the day should be reserved as if it was a Doctor's appointment that took six months to get. 

3. Get more sleep and more rest, when ever possible.  Sleeping helps us beat fatigue and helps us to focus and have mental clarity.

4. Deal with stress by writing things down to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

5. Take time to just visit with friends and/or family and have FUN!

Life is too short to let it go to waste by stressing and worrying.   I find that when I exercise I am more able to finish my projects, focus on what needs to be done and, best of all, I sleep so much better!  If you are experiencing my challenges, share your thoughts by leaving a comment or feel free to share your own tips of managing stress during challenging life events.  Thank You.

Stay Well,

Ride2Recovery=bravery, strength, honor

Last weekend I had the privilege and honor of meeting the team on Ride2Recovery traveling from Washington DC to Virginia Beach, VA.  A 350 mile bike ride to the Beach. 

       

Video source: WAVY-TV 10

Ride2Recovery is a program designed in an effort to raise awareness and "to help make a difference in the lives of Wounded Warriors by assisting with their mental and physical rehabilitation programs." 

"This program provides the opportunity to raise much needed funds and the public's awareness of the challenges our Nation's veterans, particularly for the Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans, face with regard to physical and mental issues.
By supporting the Ride 2 Recovery bicycle rides, one on the East Coast and one on the West coast, as well as future events held as part of the VA's Welcome Home program, you will help us to accomplish our goal.
The VAVS Office appreciates your support of the Ride 2 Recovery rides and the benefits they will provide to our veterans."

   

Not only are there stars and professional athletes involved in the program, but most heroically, many wounded soldiers, family members, and active duty military members.  During the Virginia Beach Patriotic concert 2009 we were introduced to just a few of them--many had never done anything like this before and some remember last being on a bike as a kid.  I was most impressed by the strength and courage of one veteran who lost both his legs and yet, he decided to join the team and go on this 350 mile ride, because in the end, it was the right thing to do.

I had the opportunity to meet a few of the team members in person because we were sitting int he USO booth which was dedicated to military members (active and retired) and their families.  I have always been proud of my service to this country but never more so than when I was in the company of these brave men and women.  I hope to some day be able to join one of their tours.  For now, I will do what I can to raise awareness, share the information with as many as possible and pray that they continue to get the care and support they deserve not just during their time at war but even more so, upon their return.  It is this the time when they wage yet another war as they travel a long hard road to recovery.  It's difficult for them and their loved ones.  

Visit the Ride2Recovery website for more information and if you decide to join one of the rides, please do share your story, your experience, and your thoughts before, during and after your journey.

Stay Well, 

WOW! I've been featured -- That's so cool! visit Evolving Wellness to read my feature article as well as all other amazing articles.