Welcome to the Friday Fitness Check In! I am using this as a bit of a fitness diary to keep my goals in check while sharing exactly what I am doing with you (since I get so many questions about it! Feel free to link up and/or do your own Friday Fitness Check In in the comments where you can keep track of the following:

1. Fitness: Workouts for the week, how did you feel?
2. Food: Did you eat well? Not so much?
3. Strength Training: Did you lift weights this week? Which ones?
4. Mind and Motivation: Where are you mentally? What motivated you this week?
5. Weight: Have you lost weight this week? gained?

Monday: Spin Class (with new bikes!)
Tuesday:  HIIT Elliptical
Wednesday: Rest (Injury – weird neck pain)
Thursday: Cardio Dance
Friday: Rest
Saturday: In Charlotte

Monday:

• Leg Press

Tuesday:

• Lat pulldowns
• Leg Curl
• Leg extension
• Oblique stretch
• Leg raises
• Sit-ups
• Squats w weights

Food was a bit weird this week. It was a busy week for events and work. I ended up skipping a few meals and eating really late (after 8pm) on  a few days. I know that is a no no when it comes to weightloss but I was HONgry, mama had to eat.

I tried TOFU the other day and I was not impressed. Maybe I will try again but not any time soon.

There were some really bad choices and some really good ones, I really hope it all balances itself out. As I head to Charlotte this weekend for bloggy bootcamp, there will be no guarantees (I’ve been dreaming about room service for a realllllly long time!)

Even with AF being here this week I still feel pretty good. I realized that I really need to be nicer to myself. The quote “you are your biggest enemy” surely applied to myself this week! I had such a hard time accepting the fact that I only worked out 3 times this week. Then I realized,  its ok.

In the weightloss world the emphasis is always on more more more, exercise until your legs fall off, do 300 squats, etc. I couldn’t do that this week. Period. I had a scheduled workout ready for Wednesday but unbeknownst to me I slept so badly the night before I could barely turn my neck to the right side much less workout.

It was okay though, yes I try to set a four time weekly workout minimum, it didn’t happen and it won’t always happen either. It was a weird week where blog life and career life overlapped and I threw a injury in there to make things interesting. Happy I got to do what I could and we shall see what happens next week…with no pressure of course.

It’s time for you to check IN! How are your food/fitness goals coming along this week? How do you manage injuries/unexpected things that throw you off your workout schedule? 

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Nellie

Mommy. Career Woman. Fitness Addict.

Full time working Brooklyn mommy of two boys that loves to stay busy, bake and workout. Follow me on my journey as I balance work, motherhood, small business and losing those last 15 pounds!

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I love Mothers Day, it’s the perfect way to celebrates our moms, aunts, grandmas and all of the women who raised us.

Usually we don’t go out on Mother’s Day but this year I decided to join my mom at her church’s annual Mother’s Day dinner.

We all got dressed up (I put on sandals for the first time this season) and we were off! My aunt came to get us and took a picture with the kids, isn’t she fab?

When we got there the kids were nice and calm because they didn’t know anyone, however as the night went on they got really friendly–really fast.

They were running and giggling and I was regretting wearing those heels! It was quite the sight seeing me run after my almost 1.5 year old who decided he wanted to greet every single attendee at the 200 person dinner.

The four year old meanwhile was incredibly full of energy (when is he not?) and was egging his brother on.

As you can imagine there was a lot of chasing from mommy and daddy especially because baby did not want to stay in anyone’s hand, he just wanted to go go go!

A highlight for me however was that the church hired a steel band to entertain us while we ate. Fun fact about me is that I used to PLAY the steel pan when I was in junior high school. I hated it. But I played non the less. I even hired a steel band for the first part of my wedding!

We ate our dinner, the kids kept running and we were able to put them down for a quick bedtime as soon as we got in. It was hectic, a bit crazy but I probably wouldn’t have done anything else Besides, the boys make my mom so happy I can’t help but indulge her.

How was your Mother’s Day? What do you do with two little boys that always want to go go go?!

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Nellie

Mommy. Career Woman. Fitness Addict.

Full time working Brooklyn mommy of two boys that loves to stay busy, bake and workout. Follow me on my journey as I balance work, motherhood, small business and losing those last 15 pounds!

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Walk Now For Autism Speaks 2013

Last week Sunday, my co workers and I did the Walk Now For Autism Speaks 2013 held in Queens New York. It was a bright beautiful day, not a cloud in sight and an insanely perfect day for a walk.

I have mentioned a few times before that my first cousin, who grew up in the same household as me is affected by Autism. Growing up I really didn’t know what Autism was, I just knew he was different, and I didn’t know why. My cousin and I are 8 years apart and we call each other brother and sister because it simply feels like we are. As a child I always had trouble explaining what was different about my cousin but I just claimed him as mine. So when my company asked me to be a Team Captain for Walk Now for Autism Speaks 2013, I didn’t hesitate!

Some facts about Autism from the Autism Speaks Website:

Did you know …

• Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys
• Autism prevalence figures are growing
• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
• Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average
• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
• Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism
• There is no medical detection or cure for autism

My co worker was generous enough to give me a ride to the venue (and thank goodness for that because it would have taken me 3 trains and 90 minutes to get there, NO thank you!) As we waited for everyone to arrive, I took some photos of the warm and fun scene of walkers.

Since we got there early we were one of the first to be let into the field, this turned out to be a VERY good move because by the time we ended the walk there were hundreds of people waiting to get in! Since we were right at the starting line, I was able to take pictures of the  official cutting of the banner:

One of the coolest aspects of the walk was that we were going to walk a mile and a half on CITI FIELD! As a huge baseball fan, it was a surreal experience actually walking on the field that stars (like my beloved Yankees) have played on! I think a lot of folks were non baseball fans because I’m pretty sure that I was the only one with my jaw to the floor in pure excitement to be on the field! (squee!)

We walked, and talked and before you knew it, the course was over! I had such a great time with my coworkers and their family. The entertainment at the event was top notch as well. I’ve done dozens of walks/races and this one felt like family, it felt like love. I hope I get to do it again next year.

Do you know someone with Autism? Have you done any charitable walks/runs so far this year?

Author information

Nellie

Mommy. Career Woman. Fitness Addict.

Full time working Brooklyn mommy of two boys that loves to stay busy, bake and workout. Follow me on my journey as I balance work, motherhood, small business and losing those last 15 pounds!

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Welcome to the Friday Fitness Check In! I am using this as a bit of a fitness diary to keep my goals in check while sharing exactly what I am doing with you (since I get so many questions about it! Feel free to link up and/or do your own Friday Fitness Check In in the comments where you can keep track of the following:

1. Fitness: Workouts for the week, how did you feel?
2. Food: Did you eat well? Not so much?
3. Strength Training: Did you lift weights this week? Which ones?
4. Mind and Motivation: Where are you mentally? What motivated you this week?
5. Weight: Have you lost weight this week? gained?

Sunday: Walk For Autism Speaks

Monday: HIIT Treadmill
Tuesday: Rest (Injury)
Wednesday: Rest (Injury)
Thursday: Zumba
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Teaching Zumba

Monday:

• Pushups on the step
• Dead Lifts
• crunches
• bicycle
• leg lifts

Thursday:

• Leg Raises
• Situps with Dumbells
• Toe Touches

Food was MEHHH this week, I didn’t eat anything completely terrible but my choices were pretty 50/50 good and bad.  I seem to be eating perfectly by the book at work but when I get home I am a disaster. Finding a healthy choice that both my husband and I will enjoy is tough!

I also made the decision to end weight watchers. I may go back to them in the future, but right now I am not utilizing the tools enough to justify paying a monthly fee, Since September I’ve lost 14 pounds on the plan so it was a really great jump start for weight loss.

The lemon water experiment from last week was highly successful as well, I find myself more satiated during the day and all that vitamin C is doing wonders for my mood at work

So! On Monday morning I went to the gym to do my week 3 of HIIT Training and like a dummy I didn’t really warm up. I only walked for a few minutes then went straight into the sprints. My mind was really in the workout either (which was the second no so smart move) You need full concentration to do sprints at 7.5 for 30 seconds. I had been highly distracted for most of the day and that should have been an automatic trigger to not workout, or at least do something less crazy than sprints.

To make a very long story short, I ended up pulling something in my leg causing pain every time I took a step. I took two days off (Tuesday and Wednesday) and things returned back to normal by Thursday. It was most likely also the culprit of overtraining. I have been working out for 4-5 days a week with 4 days strength training for as long as I can remember. Mama needs to rest.

In a few weeks, I plan on taking a week long active rest which will include Pilates  long walks, and anything that doesn’t get my heart rate over 120. It will be challenging because I love to move so much, but its necessary.

It’s time for you to check IN! How are your food/fitness goals coming along this week? How do you manage injuries/overtraining? 

Author information

Nellie

Mommy. Career Woman. Fitness Addict.

Full time working Brooklyn mommy of two boys that loves to stay busy, bake and workout. Follow me on my journey as I balance work, motherhood, small business and losing those last 15 pounds!

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The post Friday Fitness Check In: The Consequences Of Overtraining appeared first on Brooklyn Active Mama.

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Weekly Wednesday Workout: Plank Row With Dumbbells

This move is one of those moves that works the body all around, I am highly familiar with this move as we used to do it in my old total body class ALL the time. I am glad I found it because I needed a refresher, I really haven’t done this in a super long time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NP3Wke4GLA

When I do this move I feel it all through my back, I try not to go too heavy on the dumb bells (maybe 5 or 8lbs?) and staying in the plank position is not easy. My instructor used to give us a nice modification of putting our knees on the floor…and believe it or not there is still a lot of work being done in the modified position. If you don’t have dumb bells you can try it with a full water bottle, or even with nothing to start.

Have you ever tried plank rows with dumbbells?

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Nellie

Mommy. Career Woman. Fitness Addict.

Full time working Brooklyn mommy of two boys that loves to stay busy, bake and workout. Follow me on my journey as I balance work, motherhood, small business and losing those last 15 pounds!

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The post Weekly Wednesday Workout: Plank Row With Dumbbells appeared first on Brooklyn Active Mama.

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Mini Bloggy Bootcamp NYC Recap + 3 Things I Learned

I was lucky enough to get an invite to a Mini Bloggy Bootcamp NYC this past weekend. I had already been salivating for my one day Bloggy Boot Camp in Charlotte, NC. So when I heard about this one I was all over it, especially that it was free and so graciously sponsored by Invisalign.

It was held at The Muse Hotel which is just steps away (6 blocks) from my job. I was a bit tardy because I was scheduled to usher the last service so I ran over there (church outfit and all) and walked in as the fabulous Tiffany and Fran (founders of the SITS girls) started dropping knowledge.

From the moment I sat down I was furiously scribbling notes. Usually I love to live tweet bloggy conferences but this one was so packed with so much good info that I simply could not get distracted or I might have missed something!

I’m no bloggy conference expert…yet. However, this mini bloggy bootcamp flipped all my bloggy knowledge on its head. Their expert knowledge on SEO had people oohing and ahhing, and having lightbulb moments! I have taken an SEO course prior at a conference and it came no where close to the hour we got with these ladies.

After that session (which had me reeling) we got a really good presentation from our sponsors Invisalign. We had live patients before and afters, and by the time we  were done I think I wanted some Invisalign for myself! (I certainly needed it as a teen!)

When we were done with that we had some nice cocktails and appetizers. I only had appetizers and ice water but the selection of drinks looked pretty fab.

some eats

During this time we also got to mingle and I finally got to give Michelle from A Dish Of Daily Life a big hug (I told y’all I was a hugger!) and we got to take a picture. And in case you were wondering she is just as sweet in person!

I got to meet a few new bloggers and Marie from Raising Great Men. She and I exchanged very similar stories of our male children and it was nice talking to someone who got it. Even if it was for 15 minutes (she runs a really great twitter chat on Fridays for moms with boys!) so even though we didn’t know each other blog wise, we were connected through twitter. Proof why twitter is my favorite social media platform by a million. Even if I stopped blogging twitter will always be my BFF, it was there for me wayyyy before blogging but I digress.

Next after eats was how to write a killer sponsored post. This session was filled with little nuggets on what brands are looking for including the fact that you do that’ve to be the biggest blog, brands often want blogs who are very engaged with their audience.

Top 3 Things I Learned from Mini Bloggy Bootcamp NYC

• If its not a hell yeah then it’s a no. – if it makes no sense for your blog don’t sell yourself out just for the opportunity which leads me to the next–

• Pay It Forward: if you get an opportunity that does not fit your brand, refer another blogger in your network. Example: you get a pitch from a maternity company but you aren’t pregnant. I’m sure you know someone in the bloggy world that’s pregnant (is it me but it seems like somebody is always with child?!) so you can send the brand their information. Makes perfect sense. I have had some (a good amount) of pitches that just didn’t fit me…next time I will pay it forward.

• Go back and SEO your old posts: This is a seriously good tip. WordPress users if you use Yoast make sure you are going back tweaking, creating new images, using the alt tags in your images, tracking titles, even reposting old posts your newer bigger audience.

I felt like getting up in the middle if the conference room and singing in my best Jennifer Hudson voice “and you , and you, and you gonna lovvvvvvee meeeeee (google)”

We wrapped up close to my bed time, I introduced myself to our lovely presenters and headed home.

Thanks so much to the SITS Girls and Invisalign for such a wonderful event! If its coming to a city near you don’t hesitate!

Are you an SEO guru? If so share your tips!

What is YOUR favorite social media platform?

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Nellie

Mommy. Career Woman. Fitness Addict.

Full time working Brooklyn mommy of two boys that loves to stay busy, bake and workout. Follow me on my journey as I balance work, motherhood, small business and losing those last 15 pounds!

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The post Mini Bloggy Bootcamp NYC Recap + 3 Things I Learned appeared first on Brooklyn Active Mama.

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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by Invisalign. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own (fortunately).

A long time ago, when I was a sophomore in high school I played the line of nerd and popular very closely. Most times I always leaned toward the smarts because I always had my head in a book.One of my favorite things to do in between classes was horse around. My friends and I would literally fight and chase each other around the hallways (I must have been SO annoying). One day, we were clowning around as usual and my girlfriend shoved me, which was nothing out of the ordinary. Except this time I lost my balance and control and when flying head first into a staircase divider.

We all laughed and giggled until I realized there was a gaping hole in my mouth.

My entire front tooth had been knocked out of my mouth from root to tip.

I didn’t cry, I had no pain (miraculously), I was however in complete and utter shock.

My tooth was gone. Forever. And I was 13! (Yes I started high school at 12, stay focused people!)

So after being escorted to the nurses office in a daze, the security guard found my tooth and wrapped it in ice as he would a digit.

After a few emergency calls and my mother digging up her resources I was able to be seen by one of the best practices in Brooklyn. There were 5 dentists on hand to help with my emergency surgery. My tooth was inserted back in, whole, all was right with the world.

Except, over the years my tooth was never the same, it stayed still. So as my teeth continued to change and evolve my reinserted tooth refused to cooperate.

Braces were the only option.

Except I hated them, I liked the fact that they were blue but that’s where the love ended. It was painful, and i couldn’t eat my favorite foods, and I hated going there every month or so for a very painful tightening.

During this time I wish I had Invisalign Teen, here’s why:

• Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires. After detailed impressions are taken of the teeth, the company utilizes proprietary 3D computer imaging technology to map the patient’s complete treatment from start to finish. Patients wear each aligner for about two weeks. During this time, the aligners gradually move their teeth until they achieve the prescribed final position.

• Patients typically visit their doctor once every six weeks or so to ensure that treatment is progressing as planned, and to receive their next few sets of aligners.

• The length of treatment depends on the severity of each case and can only be determined by the treating doctor; however, the average Invisalign case takes about a year.

  See this about page for more details on How Invisalign Works!
  

I got so frustrated with the bracket braces that I ended up taking them off myself–with my bare hands. (That’s a story for another day)

A year before I got married I got the problem tooth removed and a replacement permanent implant that gives me the almost perfect smile that I have today.

Would you ever consider getting Invisalign for yourself or your child? Do you have any dental horror stories? (I can’t be the only one)

Author information

Nellie

Mommy. Career Woman. Fitness Addict.

Full time working Brooklyn mommy of two boys that loves to stay busy, bake and workout. Follow me on my journey as I balance work, motherhood, small business and losing those last 15 pounds!

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The post That One Time My Front Tooth Got Knocked Out appeared first on Brooklyn Active Mama.

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Life:

Blog of the month: I was so excited when Britt let me know that I was blog of the month for May! Yes! I simply adore Britt’s blog and I often call her Britt the Bawse because she is just that awesome. She is also on a weight loss journey and she extremely down to earth–which are just a few if the things that I adore about her!

Autism Speaks: Today I am walking for Autism! I am the team captain for my company and we will be walking 1.5 miles for a cure for Autism. It will be held at citi field and I can’t wait…my little cousin that grew up in the same household as me has autism and I want to do anything I can to help find a cure.

Slightly warmer weather: May is here yet I am not jacket free or in sandals yet. What’s going on Mother Nature? You running late with Spring?? This week however it was warm enough to wear bright springlike colors and not look completely crazy. Funny thing is,  regardless of the fact that its been in the 50s around here for weeks, peeps are still rockin’ shorts and sandals. More power to em! Because I just can’t.

Interwebs

Tamera did a guest post on A Dish Of Daily Life on How to Use a DSLR, that opened up some of the blinders for me when it comes to photography. The way she explained it really made a difference for me.

Margaret from Fit Beyond  40 wrote and awesome post on grilling tips and food safety. I learned a few things plus there are some great reminders in her post.

My friend Sherelle from Caramel Conversations wrote a great piece on When a Blogger comments go to Far. Sherelle intelligently reflects on the ridiculous article about a blogger bullying a cheerleader about her weight.

Boob Tube

Dance Moms: anybody else sad that dance moms is over? I never thought I’d be so sad to see Abby Lee and company say farewell for the season. I have to admit this season was the best of all–between the new addition and the drama between Abby Lee’s group and the Candy Apples?! I enjoyed every minute

Gossip Game: So I wasn’t going to watch this one, I swear I wasn’t! Then I realized that it had radio personalities from 2 of my favorite hip hop stations in NYC. I was a little intrigued. Then I saw half of the cast were bloggers. A bit more interested. Then I saw my boy STAR was on there and I was SOLD! If you do t know Star he is the Howard Stern of hip hop, he is awful, crass, rude, completely inappropriate and I love him. So yes. I am tuned IN.

The Good Wife: somehow I got into this show when I was on maternity leave last year. I may have to go buy the previous seasons because I am addicted! I can’t tell you how many times I have watched this show with almost the same intensity as scandal! It is a extremely well written show, the cast is phenomenal, the story lines…outstanding. Easily one of my favorite shows of all time!

How is your weekend so far? Do you watch Gossip Game, the good wife or dance moms?

Do you have really warm weather where you are? (If you do send it please, I’ll pay for shipping)

Author information

Nellie

Mommy. Career Woman. Fitness Addict.

Full time working Brooklyn mommy of two boys that loves to stay busy, bake and workout. Follow me on my journey as I balance work, motherhood, small business and losing those last 15 pounds!

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The post Sunday Favorites #12: Dance Moms, Gossip Game and a Bloggy Honor appeared first on Brooklyn Active Mama.

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Welcome to the Friday Fitness Check In! I am using this as a bit of a fitness diary to keep my goals in check while sharing exactly what I am doing with you (since I get so many questions about it! Feel free to link up and/or do your own Friday Fitness Check In in the comments where you can keep track of the following:

1. Fitness: Workouts for the week, how did you feel?
2. Food: Did you eat well? Not so much?
3. Strength Training: Did you lift weights this week? Which ones?
4. Mind and Motivation: Where are you mentally? What motivated you this week?
5. Weight: Have you lost weight this week? gained?

Monday: HIIT Treadmill
Tuesday: HIIT Arc Trainer (hard!)
Wednesday: Spin Class
Thursday: Zumba
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Teaching Zumba

Monday’s run

Monday:

• A couple moves from the Self challenge

Tuesday:

• Lateral Raise With twist
• Bent Over rows
• Bicep Curls
• Squats
• Shoulder Press
• Side Plank With Oblique Twist

Wednesday:

• Crunches
• Situps
• Plank
• Leg Curls
• Leg Press
• Leg Extension

Thursday:

• Abs Knee Tuck Machine
• Leg Press
• Leg Curl
• 60 Squats

Food was good this week, not great but good. I got a lot of veggies and fruit in this week, and I have drank almost 80 oz a day this entire week! (I stopped counting how many times I was going to the bathroom). A friend of mine told me to start putting some lemons in my water, can’t hurt right?

We are thinking of firing up the grill this weekend for the first time this season, I can easily go off the grid food wise when it comes to grilled yumminess but I will keep it under control. Promise

Zumba and Strength Training

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gju4Jjb4q_k

It’s time for you to check IN! How are your food/fitness goals coming along this week? How do you manage summer grilling season? 

Author information

Nellie

Mommy. Career Woman. Fitness Addict.

Full time working Brooklyn mommy of two boys that loves to stay busy, bake and workout. Follow me on my journey as I balance work, motherhood, small business and losing those last 15 pounds!

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The post Friday Fitness Check In: A Vlog & Grilling Season Temptations appeared first on Brooklyn Active Mama.

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Weekly Wednesday Workout: Side Plank With Oblique Crunch

This week’s Weekly Wednesday Workout is a tad bit more simpler than last week, but targeting the same pesky oblique area. With the summer coming I have been paying extra attention to this area as I would essentially like to be love handle free for the summertime

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmjNK3YwPPU

Not too terrible, right? The most important part of this exercise is making sure your elbow hit your knee every time, that way you can ensure that you get the full crunch in the abs too. I like the fact that it is one of those exercises you can do anywhere including in front of the TV. I think this move combined with this move and I shall have the tightest obliques this side of Brooklyn.

Would you try the Side Plank With Oblique Crunch? Do you know of any great Oblique moves?

Author information

Nellie

Mommy. Career Woman. Fitness Addict.

Full time working Brooklyn mommy of two boys that loves to stay busy, bake and workout. Follow me on my journey as I balance work, motherhood, small business and losing those last 15 pounds!

TwitterFacebookGoogle+

The post Weekly Wednesday Workout: Side Plank With Oblique Crunch appeared first on Brooklyn Active Mama.

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