I just created a 90 day plan to end the year by losing more weight and regaining some of the fitness, muscle, and flexibility that was lost during nearly 3-4 months of fairly sedentary recovery (translation=sitting on my butt). The good news is that after purchasing and using the Ab Circle Pro midway during my recovery, I was able to lose 7 pounds and inches from both my waist and hips. That may not seem like a lot, but for as inactive as I was, I was thrilled not to gain weight and inches.

Currently, I’m rotating between some fitness DVDs that I have on hand, including Shakeology 30 and 50 minute workouts that combine cardiovascular intervals with strength moves to both tone and build metabolism, Core Secret’s “Full Body Challenge”, an energizing workout that builds strength and improves agility, and Core Secret’s “Ab Assault” powerful isolation and core-shaping moves to flatten and firm my abs. Even though these allow me to work right in the comfort of my home, which is convenient, the downside is that each of these requires no less than 30 minutes, and some even more, to complete. There are those days, when activities or work cut into that time and I began to miss my Ab Circle Pro™.

So, I just ordered a second Ab Circle Pro™ for over here. And my hubby said he would use it, too. A quick 5-7 minute workout in the morning when I get out of bed energizes and drives up that metabolism first thing. In case I miss a workout, I know I will have at least benefited from those few minutes of intense exercise. And, even though I’m working at losing more everywhere, my biggest trouble spots are my waistline and hips and buns, so this will help trim the inches off as I continue to lose weight.

I’ve had a couple people comment and ask if I had success with the machine, so this should assure you that I felt it was a worthwhile investment. The order won’t ship until the end of September, so in the meantime, I will be working out according to plan 6 days a week and posting my results periodically. BTW, there is no financial benefit for me to promote this machine. I just like it and want to share something that has worked for me.

How will you spend the next 90 days? Do you have a plan for weight loss or fitness? September 23^rd gives you 100 more days of 2009 to work on You. I hope you’ll use it to reach your potential. If you need help, feel free to set up a 30 minute free coaching call, join my Facebook fan page, or fill out the form and get my newsletter. Let’s do this together!

In partnership,

Leta

I received the machine 2 weeks ago and was excited to put it together immediately and do a workout. Fortunately, there is a DVD that accompanies the machine that shows some different ways to optimize your workout and use more muscle groups. I recommend a fitness coach or trainer, or in this case, coaching through dvd, to anyone starting a fitness program to minimize injury and get the best results.

To start, I used the lowest incline and completed just 10 reps of each sequence for a total workout of about 4 minutes. Outside of a little soreness in the inner thigh, I didn’t feel much the next day, so added 5 more reps and then 5 more the next day. I’ve been doing those 20 reps through each exercise sequence since and my workout is about 8-10 minutes. After 8 days of using the Ab Circle Pro™ I’m definitely feeling muscle soreness. I took my weight and measurements, so will share after 2 weeks any results I’m getting.

I like the Ab Circle Pro™ for the following benefits:

• Lightweight, compact machine that is easy to set up and store (would easily slip under the bed or against a closet wall)
• Can be used at any fitness level
• Works multiple muscle groups, including biceps, triceps, pectorals, lats, a variety of abdominal muscles, the butt, hips, and inner and outer thighs. Because you rest on your knees during the workout, the lower parts of the leg are not as affected.
• Provides a low impact aerobic benefit, which I assume increases as the incline increases.
• Workout time is short, intense and great for those who are time challenged.
• At less than $200 is an affordable alternative to a gym or more complex machine
• It’s fun. I found myself wanting to get on it rather than fighting the exercise.
• You can do it in the privacy of your own home on your own schedule.

I’m looking forward to seeing some inches come off the waistline, hips, and thighs and would recommend this as an option for those who want a quick targeted workout that focuses on abdominal fat. If you’re looking for some ways to get a weight loss and/or fitness program started, I’m available for a consult. Simply fill out the form or set up an appointment online and let’s get started.

Meanwhile stay tuned as I keep you updated on my personal 90 day Chick Challenge progress. By combining smart, healthy eating with the weight loss patch and daily activity, I’m maximizing my results even with my physical limitations.

Swimming is among those physical activities that just about anyone can participate in. It’s especially good for those who are elderly as it is easy on the joints, improves flexibility without stressing the muscles, improves breathing and oxygen intake, and burns calories. Swimming is often used for physical therapy and is a good way to stay cooled off during exercise in the hot summer months. Just be sure to add sunscreen if you are using an outdoor pool.

Whether young or old, it’s important to learn to swim properly to get the most advantage, especially if you want to lose weight. Using proper breathing techniques and multiple swim strokes will work various muscles in both the upper and lower body. Outside of fast running, rope jumping and weight training, swimming, even at a moderate pace, burns more calories than other types of exercise.

Water aerobics is another way to burn fat and preserve muscle. The water adds buoyancy, but provides resistance at the same time. Exercising in water reduces the risk of muscle or joint injury and generally improves the range of motion. So, if you have access to a pool, it’s a great way to change up your routine all year around.

For those a little more fit and wanting to pump it up some, water sports can be added for additional fun and health benefits. If you know someone who has a boat, wake boarding and water skiing are two popular summer sports that are perfect for losing weight. Both are a great way to build long lean muscles and condition your entire body. To prevent injury, be sure to stretch first and play around in the water to loosen up the muscles.

Canoeing, kayaking and rafting are among the sports that burn higher amounts of calories, but also strengthen the core, which helps burn off stomach fat. These activities also build up the arms and shoulder muscles, toning and shaping the upper body. Cities that have a river or lake nearby will often have a rowing club, which adds to the fun and commitment.

Summers add a host of exercise options not always available and swimming is one of those that can be a ton of fun, something the family can do together, and safe for everyone once they learn the skill. Take advantage of the sunshine, head to your local watering hole, and swim to get slim.

I agreed to go support her in her new endeavor and found myself on the floor learning new steps my very first night. I’ve been back four times since. In fact, I spent an hour one of the nights learning a completely new dance and found that it was very much like an hour of aerobic exercise…but way more fun! And the dance floor was packed!

So, I did a little mingling and socializing and found several of the gals were losing a significant amount of weight line dancing. One lost over 75 pounds shakin’that booty and kickin’ those legs. She’s having fun, it’s her social time, and she’s confident she’ll dance away the other 75 pounds she desires to lose, as well.

It’s an ideal place for boomers to be active while having fun. There were people there from 21 to their 80’s. And line dancing allows both couples and singles to enjoy themselves, since a partner isn’t required. Even during couples dancing, singles were line dancing, too. The men and women were enjoying themselves, staying active, and it didn’t feel like they were there for a “catch”. I found it to be a comfortable and relaxed environment.

Now, I do have to warn you that if you drink beer or alcohol while dancing the night away, the chances of losing weight go down, so commit to staying on the dance floor as much as possible and rehydrate with water instead.

If exercising has become boring, you struggle with discipline, or are simply looking for some new ways to add activity to your lifestyle, why not try line dancing? Just get a few friends to join you and go have fun while burning those calories. Believe me, it doesn’t feel like exercise at all! And the country music…well it’s growing on me.