Getting Started: Products I Love

After joining the gym, I decided I wanted to keep closer track of my calories, and figured out how hard I was really working.  I did some research, and decided there were two products that I really wanted.  First, a heart rate monitor.  Second, a way to track my steps...aka a pedometer.

For the heart rate monitor, I spent a lot of time doing research and trying to decide on the perfect one.  I knew I wanted one that would track my heart rate, calories, and that was waterproof.  Based on reviews, I also knew that I definitely wanted one with a chest strap, because they are supposed to be much more accurate.  I finally decided on Polar FT4 Women's Heart Rate Monitor.

I really love this watch, but in retrospect, I wish that it had a few more features.  However, for my basic workouts in the gym, it is awesome! Your heart rate is easily visible, and you can scroll through to see your heart rate, calories burned, time in the zone, and how long you have been working out.  When you are finished, you get a nice summary that tells you your total calories burned, your min and max heart rate, and how long you were actually in your target heart rate zone.  I found this watch super easy to use, was never bothered by the chest strap, and almost never had any problems getting the watch to track my heart rate.  I would highly recommend this watch to anyone looking for a good monitor.

Besides a heart rate monitor, I wanted to get a pedometer, so I could track just how active I was during the day.  Again, after doing some research, and remembering seeing some reviews on other blogs, I decided to get the FitBit Ultra.

At first, I thought this product was great.  I LOVED it!  I wore it all the time, and I was able to track how many steps I took during the day, how many flights of stairs, and how many calories I burned.  You can also record your sleep, so you see how long you were asleep for, and the quality of sleep that you got.  It all syncs to a website that is fabulously set up.  It tracks your progress, and allows you to add in tons of information.  You add in your weight, BMI, and can even track size measurements.  You can track food intake, log additional activity...it really is awesome!

I must say, up until very recently, I loved my FitBit Ulta.  Recently though, it has been giving me big problems.  For some reason, it has stopped syncing to my computer, so I am no longer able to track my progress.  Also, I've realized that while I'm running, the distance is off, so its not actually tracking me that well anythings.  There may be settings I can play with to try and improve that, but since I've already wasted so much time trying (and failing) to get it to sync to my computer, it unfortunately has taken up a spot collecting dust.  This is quite an expensive product to work for such a short amount of time, as now it is basically worthless to me.  I would definitely be careful if you are considering purchasing this product...I don't want the same problems to happen to you.

Do any of you use a pedometer or heart rate monitor?  Any favorites to recommend?

I am not being compensated for this post.  All products were purchased on my own, and my reviews are my own personal opinion.

Getting Started: What I Did

I figured for those of you who are wanting to get started on getting in shape and losing weight, plus leading a healthier lifestyle, I would share some of my "essentials" that helped kick start my journey.  Since starting, some of my tastes have changed, and I've found new products that I can't live without, so I'll be sharing those with you as well.  Get ready...and learn about some of my personal favorite products.

In the beginning, I was too embarrassed to go to the gym and actually work out in front of other people.  I felt like my stamina was so low, and I didn't want to see people that I potential know while I was huffing, puffing, and struggling through my workouts.  So, I decided to start working out in my own home.

I bought a Wii, and with it, bought Wii Fit.

With the Wii Fit, I also found some cool accessories, my favorite being the Aerobic Step Platform.

I would wake up in the morning, and do this for about 20 minutes.  Let me tell you, at first, this was exhausting.  I would put on some good music, and step up and down as fast as my little legs would let me.  It was a great way to start working out, and really got my heart pumping.

My other favorite thing to do on the Wii, which really started getting me in the habit of working out daily, was Wii Zumba 2.

This is what finally got me feeling like exercise was fun, and I enjoyed doing it.  The dances were fun, I liked beating my own scores, and I could do it in the comfort and privacy of my own house.  Can't beat that.

Have any of you used the Wii to work out?  Any favorite games?

I am not being compensated for this post.  All products were purchased on my own, and my reviews are my own personal opinion.

My Weight Loss

One more "About Me" post to share...what really got me motivated to start running and getting fit.

Like I said in the previous posts, I have always struggled with my weight, and I initially started working out to drop a few pounds.

Christmas Day.  AKA...me feeling huge.

Since January, when I first started working out, I have dropped a total of 26 pounds.  26 freaking pounds.  I have managed to bring my BMI from the "overweight" category down to "normal."-I'm hovering around a BMI of 23 right now.  I initially had set a goal on my Wii Fit of losing 25 pounds by June, and as of last week, I achieved my goal.  Wee!

I would like to lose another 10 or so pounds, and bring my BMI down to slightly lower than 22.  I think that with all the running I'm doing, I should get pretty close.  I had been dropping about 1-2 pounds per week until about the past week, where I've seem to hit a bit of a standstill, and actually gone up about 2 pounds.  I'm attributing some of it to muscle building, and trying not to become fixated on the numbers.  I'm sure a few more pounds will drop in time.

However, I feel amazing right now! I no longer look in the mirror, or look down at myself and see a tub of lard looking back at me.  I've noticeably shrunk, and it has given me a boost in self-confidence that I desperately needed.  My bra size has dropped by at least an entire cup (I really should go get myself measured), I went from a L/XL in shirts to a size M, and went from a size 12/31 to a size 6/28.  Thats cutting my pants size in half (and I tried on a pair of shorts I bought recently and may even be closer to a 4).  To me, thats the most incredible.

Easter Sunday

Looking at that picture compared to the picture at Christmas, I can definitely see some changes.  And I really must say, I feel great!  I want to keep doing a weigh in, keeping myself motivated to drop these last few pounds I'm hanging on to!  Join me, and share with me your weight loss story!