Commit to Fit (Day 10) And the winner is…

Greeting fabulous fitness fanatics!

Okay, so maybe we’re not fanatics, but we made some noble efforts over the course of 10 days. Certainly more than we would have done without it. And while I think I only did about 6/10 days, I’m grinning eat to ear at the realisations that were made along the way and the good things that came out of it.

And that’s how it should be. We need to just look at the positive. What worked? What good things did you do? learn? discover about yourself?

Thanks to this fitness challenge I had one of the best self-pampering sessions I’ve ever had in my life. It was magical, marvelous and completely self-indulgent. I loved it.

Thanks to this fitness challenge my kids and my boyfriend tried the 90-second fitness routine!

Thanks to this fitness challenged I realized the importance of gradual steps, or small steps, or realistic targets when implementing new habits. (And even that was tough to fit in!)

The great news is that if you commented on the blog, then know that you will be getting a copy of Pete’s vook, because not a single person, not even me , ended up doing all 10 days of the Commit to Fit challenge.

But we’re troopers for having tried it and firm, fit and fabulous for being here in the first place.

Love and admiration,

Tera

Commit to Fit (Day 9) Get a Load of This!

In true Pete Cerqua form, this video happens at light speed. You might need to watch it a few times to get it all in, but I do believe, dear Sisters, that we have ourselves some new exercises to try out.

We’re only one more day away from Day 10! Who’s going to be getting a Vook?

Keep me posted and get up against that wall!

Love and firm thighs,

Tera

Commit to Getting Fit for 10 Days and Win a Copy of Pete Cerqua’s Vook!!

So, I had THE most inspiring teleseminar with Pete Cerqua earlier this week “(Slim Down in Seconds with Pete Cerqua”) and if you missed it you can listen in here.

I loved the call and was so pleased with myself because during the call I actually DID the exercise workout he recommends for getting started. Silly ol’ me, though, I skipped them on Tuesday and this morning when I tried to find the motivation to do them again, I could only bear it for half the time I did on Monday.

It just proves what I’ve always known and try so much to incorporate in everything we do around here: Life is not meant to be lived alone.
The support of another person who believes in you and who pushes, inspires, reminds you to breathe when you’re in a tight situation—these are the secrets to success. It doesn’t matter how many cool exercise videos you have when they’re collecting dust on your shelf.

It doesn’t matter how much you spend on a gym membership if you never go.

It matters how much time you actually put in making what you want to happen, happen in the world.

So, no fancy announcements. No pretty pictures or fanfare. Here’s the bottom line.

Starting TODAY for the next 10 days I’m going to post every day on the blog. Just a little something about what I can do to commit to fit. If you’d like to join me, take a moment to listen to Pete’s interview here. Do the 3-minute workout about 15-20 minutes into the call and then record your score here in the comment section below. If you record your score every day for the 10 days of this challenge, you’ll be entered to win a personal consultation with Pete and a copy of Pete’s Vook (Video-Book)!

So, up against the wall, Ladies! Set your timers and let me know how you made out!

Commit to Fit (Day 8) Toned Thighs and a Tight Butt

OKay, so first thing I gotta say is I LOVE PETE CERQUA!

He doesn’t waste a moment of my time. He just says it like it is. Gets it out and gets to the point! I seriously can’t wait to win one of his Vooks, because it’s going to rawk my bottom tight.

Here’s Pete doing a quick demonstration of the wall sit and plank position we’ve been trying to do every day. There were some good additions to the instructions I hadn’t noticed before:

This afternoon, while the sun was still out, I went for a 2-hour bike ride with MAC (the man in my life). It was great to power up the hills, but I noticed I had a harder time getting up than usual. Felt like hard work. Maybe my thighs have just been getting a bit of an extra workout during my 90-second power sessions.

How are you doing on your challenge? It’s pretty quiet out there? If you want to win that book, I’ve got to hear from you! In the vook that Pete is sharing with us, we’ll get to see more of the advanced exercises, too! I can’t wait!

Love and long legs,

Tera

P.S.

The friendly folks at Vook sent us another video. One more. Now, you’re going to see Pete in action at double speed, but there’s SO much information in there AND an entire new set of exercises you’ve never tried yet! Get ready! Tomorrow is Day 9 and we’re going to try a few new things!!!

Commit to Fit (Day 4 and 5) Less Talk More Walk

Initially when I started this, I wondered if 10 days was too little, but given the fact that I’ve already had a bit of a flunk, it wasn’t. Yesterday I thought about the wall more than I sat against it.

I’m fascinated by the fact that I dedicate hours to my kids, to work, to other people and projects, but struggle some days to fit 3 solid minutes in for myself.

SOMETHING needs to be re-evaluated about this situation.

We went to the SPCA the other night and fell in love with a chocolate lab. BEAUTIFUL dog. And even the thought of getting it meant we’ve been talking a lot about commitment and responsibility.  I was thinking about how good a dog would be for my exercise schedule. But I was also thinking about how seriously we take a commitment to something like a dog. How seriously we take our appointments with the dentist, accountant and some friends.

Anyway, yesterday all I managed was some long walks with the kids, but today they’re heading back to their Dad’s for the week, so maybe, just maybe I’ll start getting a few more beads of sweat on my brow!

All this talking. I should be up against a wall.

Start counting!!

1, 2, 3…

Commit to Fit! (Day 2) Try “Callanetics”! My favorite exercise video from high school!

Okay, so before I type another sentence, I’m going to get up against the wall and do my plank.

Did it.

In fact, I did both. The plank and the wall sit, and while neither are enormous acccomplishments of athletic performance, there is a sense of achievement I feel within. At least I did THAT much.

I feel so good when my body is strong and fit. So much more confident. Last night I was in the subway station when I asked Mika to count to 90 for me. While I sat there turning red in the face, I recalled my favorite workout DVD from high school. “Callan Pinkney’s” video “Callanetics”. What a riot! Remembering those workout clothes from the early 80s. I did that video so many times, I’m sure I have the script memorized by heart.

A little google search brought some great results, Ladies. I found some excerpts from it!!

Since we’re doing a 10-day commit to fit adventure, I thought I’d try and find a couple little things we could add to our 90-second fitness routine. Check out this Callanetics Intro video. This is the first few minutes of that beloved video I used to play every night! (I couldn’t count the number of times that I fell asleep listening to that music while doing the final poses!)

This first video will give you a sense of who she is and what cool 80s make-up and hair job she had. If you’ve got a few extra minutes, listen to this. The truth is it was all about having a great shape. It’s about getting the nice lifts and curves. There are moments in the other sections of the video (not in the intro) when she shows different images of women as they progress through the exercises. The lifting and tightening, etc. It’s a hoot!! If you have a few extra minutes, definitely watch the intro.

If you’re tight on time, then I suggest you do the Warmup section! (It’ll take about 10 minutes.)

I found the mostly complete warm up section here. Just do these first few exercise. While I’ve been doing the plank and wall sits, I’ve been CRAVING these arm exercises. The second warm-up exercises on this video are the ones I’ve been CRAVING! Try them and let me know what you think.

Oooh! I just did a little

Last night I went for a decent bike ride with the kids. (I’m always so impressed with how they keep up.)

Commit to Fit for 10 Days and Win a Copy of Pete Cerqua’s Vook

So, I had THE most inspiring teleseminar with Pete Cerqua earlier this week “(Slim Down in Seconds with Pete Cerqua”) and if you missed it you can listen in here.

I loved the call and was so pleased with myself because during the call I actually DID the exercise workout he recommends for getting started. Silly ol’ me, though, I skipped them on Tuesday and this morning when I tried to find the motivation to do them again, I could only bear it for half the time I did on Monday.

It just proves what I’ve always known and try so much to incorporate in everything we do around here: Life is not meant to be lived alone.

The support of another person who believes in you and who pushes, inspires, reminds you to breathe when you’re in a tight situation—these are the secrets to success. It doesn’t matter how many cool exercise videos you have when they’re collecting dust on your shelf. It doesn’t matter how much you spend on a gym membership if you never go.

It matters how much time you actually put in making what you want to happen, happen in the world. And sometimes the best way to make it happen is with the support and encouragement of someone else cheering you on.

So, I’m going to be posting my Commit to Fit updates here every day for 10 days, and I invite you to join me. So, no fancy announcements. No pretty pictures or fanfare. The bottom line is that I want my bottom line lifted and the only way to make it happen is for me to COMMIT to getting fit.

Starting TODAY for the next 10 days I’m going to post every day on the blog. Just a little something about what I can do to commit to fit. If you’d like to join me, take a moment to listen to Pete’s interview here. Do the 3-minute workout about 15-20 minutes into the call and then record your score here in the comment section below. I encourage you to download the call onto your computer and then you’ll know when to start it if you want him to coach you through  it again tomorrow.

If you record your score every day for the 10 days of this challenge, you’ll be entered to win a personal consultation with Pete and a copy of Pete’s Vook (Video-Book)! He’s giving several copies away, so your chances of winning are pretty good. The truth is, though, the biggest prize is going to be tight things, toned arms and a lot more confidence when you’re out there strutting your stuff in a bikini this summer!

So, up against the wall, Ladies! Set your timers and let me know how you made out! I’ll be back tomorrow with an update!

JJ Virgin & Pete Cerqua Help You Shape Up & Slim Down for Summer

Greetings Gorgeous!

I’m feeling flabby from one too many hours behind this computer screen, but summer is here and it’s time to shape up and slim down for summer, so I’ve decided to do something about it.

On the WISH blog this month we’ve invited celebrity fitness coach, JJ Virgin to come and give us a boot in the right place.

JJ Virgin is known as the fitness coach and nutritionist to the stars. That’s why we wanted to bring her in to give YOU a few tips for trimming up this season. We had a fabulous interview. It started with her in the bathroom (the gardeners were making too much noise) and ended up with her wriggling about under her son’s bed doing some de-cluttering. That’s the life of multi-tasking, single-mothers and self-employed dynamos like JJ.

The shocker on this call was learning the effects of what JUST ONE NIGHT of insufficient sleep can do to pack on the pounds and cause you stress. You might think it’s all about barbells and pushups, but as you’re about to learn, there are a few other things to put on the priority list before you start busting a move to lose a few this summer.

Here are a few of the things that came up in this call:

• Women under stress are 10-years older than their non-stressed counter parts?
• Discover what just ONE night of insufficient sleep can do to your sleep, stress, eating habits and weight gain potential.
• How stress can cause you to become weight loss resistant (meaning you cannot lose weight!)
• The first thing to do to get sexy, slim arms is definitely NOT what you’d expect!

You can access the call HERE.

Now,  since JJ’s got tips for overall heath and a hot upper body, we decided to get Pete Cerqua to join us for a quickie.

Pete is a no-excuses fitness expert and if you can’t get fit in 90-seconds, then you’re not doing it right. Join us for an upcoming teleseminar with Pete next Monday. The call will be broadcast live at 3pm Eastern on June 21st, and you’re invited to send in any of your questions. Pete was one of our special guests for WISH this year.

Pete Cerqua owns and operates the 90-Second Fitness Flagship Studio in New York City. He has been helping people get stronger and lose weight since 1985. Peter is the author of the hot new best-seller The 90- Second Fitness Solution, a how-to release weight, improve mood and memory, eat and sleep better in minutes a week. We’re invited him here to inspire busy women like you to fit fitness in more easily this summer.

You’ll be able to ask him all your questions and listen in for a no-excuses fitness boot camp when you click the link here. Be sure to take note of the time of the call and we’ll catch you on Wednesday! If you’re catching this late, YOU CAN ACCESS THE CALL HERE.

Next week I’m committing to getting in shape. To burst training, to squatting, sitting, crunching, crawling my way to feeling tight, toned and ready for bikini season. Care to join me? There’s nothing like the power of print to put intention into action! Make your commitment below for next week’s fitness targets and join me in a flabby arm-busting, bun-loving boot camp!

Squeezin’, squatin’ and smilin’,

Tera

Slim Up for Summer with JJ Virgin and Pete Cerqua

Greetings Gorgeous WISH-Makers.

Summer is here and it’s time for tank tops, short skirts and bikinis.

*gulp!*

It’s time to reveal the arm flab, belly blubber and cellulite you’ve been sitting on! Let it out and let it go!

While we love all shapes and sizes around here, I have to admit that it feels great to be fit and after one too many hours behind my computer screen this month, I’ve decided it’s time for some inspiration to slim up for summer! We’ve invited celebrity fitness and nutrition expert, JJ Virgin and WISH 2010 special guest, Pete Cerqua. for some sleeveless summer lovin’.

JJ Helps Us Get Sleeveless and Sexy in Six Weeks

JJ Virgin is known as the fitness coach and nutritionist to the stars. That’s why we wanted to bring her in to give YOU a few tips for trimming up this season. We had a fabulous interview. It started with her in the bathroom (the gardeners were making too much noise) and ended up with her wriggling about under her son’s bed doing some de-cluttering. That’s the life of multi-tasking, single-mothers and self-employed dynamos like JJ.

The shocker on this call was learning the effects of what JUST ONE NIGHT of insufficient sleep can do to pack on the pounds and cause you stress. You might think it’s all about barbells and pushups, but as you’re about to learn, there are a few other things to put on the priority list before you start busting a move to lose a few this summer.

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I hope you enjoy this interview as much as we enjoyed chatting with each other. You can learn more about JJ’s programs and her newly released book, Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy: The 5-Step Plan to Sleek, Strong, and Sculpted Arms here.

JJ talked a lot about burst training and other important tips for overall health and metabolism. We don’t necessarily share the same point of view on food,;-) but she’s got sound advice for staying healthy and is a smokin’ hot example of the sleeveless and sexy lifestyle she’s trying to teach.

We’ve Got the Arms Covered, Now How ‘Bout Those Buns!

I wouldn’t let you go out in bikini season with toned arms and a flabby caboose. Pete Cerqua is back to give us some quick fitness tips for summer. The thing we love about Pete is Read more »

My Christmas Gift to You!

I’ve just wrapped up the Editor’s letter for the December issue of Pear Magazine. In that letter, I included this Christmas special that I am excited to also share with Raw Mom readers for their young children.

I wrote….

“…On the subject of smiling, it warms my heart when young children (and their parents) smile at the illustrations and story in a project near and dear to my heart, my children’s book: A, B, C — Come Look For Me! In the Spirit of Christmas and in remembrance of the gifts that the Three Wise Men presented to Baby Jesus, I am offering the e-book version of my children’s book for only Three dollars. Yes, $3! The captivating A, B, C — Come Look For Me, beautifully illustrated by Brandon Hunter, is written in rhyme and promotes alphabet learning through a fun Hide-n-Seek adventure. Give the gift of literacy and watch the roads children will travel…”

I certainly have some fond memories of visiting pre-school and kindergarten classes in Virginia Beach and Florida to read this fun book to the future scholars and their teachers. As I sat on the floor with the children and shared the story, my heart smiled at tiny, innocent fingers pointing at and calling out letters that the Letter A and its new friend were searching for during their Hide-n-Seek adventure!

Click here to read reviews about A, B, C — Come Look For Me! and/or to download the e-book as a Holiday gift for your children or others you know.

Have fun creating reading memories this Holiday Season!

Joy to the World,

Penny