Proactive approach to the holiday bulge

How many are like me and put on between 10 to 15 pounds between November and January? This year WILL be different. I am taking a proactive approach to the holidays and I have to tell you about it. I am not going to lie, I am pretty gosh darn sore, BUT I am determined to fit into a specific Halloween costume next fall. In fact, I am so determined that I am going to purchase it in a couple months and have it stare at me ALL.YEAR.LONG. Why? Because it is NOT cheap and I don't want to feel like I wasted money.


So ... how am I preparing to get my Size 22 body into a Size 16 body in 11 months? It isn't easy. I am actually using a variety of methods.

At Home Workouts

I am using Dance Fit (Zumba) and Blogilates at home to workout. I also have PiYo, Turbo Jam, and Tai Chi videos. For me, it is vital that I find the time to sweat and since I don't like group exercise, I love YouTube and fitness DVDs to help me out. I took a LONG break and am just now getting back into everything and my body is sorely paying for it. I am sure I look like a fool, but my toddlers LOVE to do yoga and pilates with me. It is important to me to show them that I care about my body and take the time to workout ... even if that means telling them they need to give mommy about 45 minutes to herself!

Social Media

Another area that I have really started to get involved with is social media workout accountability. Fort Strong is my current obsession. They had a Strongtober and I found out about it near the end of the month. I am now doing the workout on my own ... however, I AM participating in their current Tough Turkey Challenge. Then, next month, they will be having a Chrismahanustrongzakah challenge.

YMCA

For the first time in a few years, we finally have a YMCA membership again. This is our Christmas present to our family because everyone misses the Y. We have one that is only 10 minutes from our house and the hours are perfect for Jeremy being able to go before work. I will be using the treadmill while I am there because my other goal is to be in a 5K race next year. It is also a time for Jeremy and I to spend a little time together without the kids. Willow will be in the daycare area while the other three are in school.

The Body Lab

This will be a treat to myself. I know that sounds REALLY bizarre ... but let me explain.

This place says Pilates but do NOT let that fool you. This is not your average pilates group workout location ... at all. It is like Pilates on steroids and is worse than crack. I am so freakin' addicted! I was given  the opportunity to sample a class with a few other bloggers and moms in the KC Metro. Our Body Lab opens officially December 1st. If you live in the metro, you really need to check it out. It is in Leawood right behind Trader Joe's. The only other studios are in Arizona, so we feel super blessed to be the start of the Midwest branch.

The workout is done on a machine that is similar to the Pilates Reformer ... only better. It is the Megaformer and is designed by Sebastien Lagree.

This machine helps you mix Pilates, cardio, and strength training into a low impact workout. They are 50 minutes long and The Body Lab offers both group workout, semi-private sessions, and one-on-one sessions. There are only 12 of these in the building ... 11 are used for the class (so that is the max class size) and then one is reserved for one-on-one training. EVERYONE gets 1 free class. Not even joking! The classes are available every day of the week and you can find the class schedule on their website.

My desire is to start with going once a month for a hardcore workout each month. I was feeling the burn for two days after my workout, but I had the shakes for a good 12 hours. It was INTENSE but AWESOME. I slept so great and just felt relaxed. Eventually, I would love to go 2x a month, but I need to work myself up to that.


Megaformer Evolution Promo from The Body Lab on Vimeo.
Before you freakout and think you can't do the workouts ... let me tell you that they have a non-judgemental approach to the class. They modify EVERY workout for your strength level and health needs (including recovering from an injury). You won't realize how out of shape you really are until you do this workout. There were a few workouts that I wasn't able to complete due to where I am at physically but the modifications sure burned the same muscles.

So, there's my game plan to be proactive in preventing the bulge over the holidays ... it is also my jumpstart to a healthy 2015. Feel free to purchase the programs, join me on YouTube, social media, or let's schedule a class together at the Body Lab! I have 100 pounds to lose and I want them GONE before 12/31/15!