So much to update!!

Well, hello my lovelies! It's been quite a while since I blogged, but a friend of mine scolded me telling me he had nothing to read while bored at work, so I had to get one up here! LOL Well here goes!

The holidays were spent out at my parents in Minooka, IL. It was an amazing time with my son, Liam, and with the rest of my family. It was great seeing my nephew, Jacob as well, since he's now 1 year old, and can actually open the gifts, and say "OOOOOOO" when he saw his gifts. It was too cute! I actually got to do a little visiting this time around, and see some old pals from my teen years, that I haven't seen in 20 years. To Chrissy, Dave & Rob, it was totally great seeing you! Also stopped by my Aunt & cousins place, and spent some time with them. I squeezed in time with Wendy, John and Louie too! I always joke that next time I'm not telling my parents I'm coming to Illinois, because they totally plan out my entire stay! Gotta love them.

New Years Eve was low key per usual. I'm not big on "going out" on that night, because it's not me I'm worried about, it's all the other drunks out there. I sat and watched movies, Dick Clark, and toasted the new year with Welch's Sparkling White Grape Juice. I'm a rebel, I know.. LOL.

Of course, as many of you already know The Biggest Loser Season 9 started last night. All I have to say is WWWWWWWOW!! True, this show is extreme, and true they are in a controlled environment, but it just goes to show that it IS possible to exercise and MOVE, no matter what your size. The biggest guy so far on the show.. 526 lbs. He lost 34 lbs. Just incredible!

That's all for updates. Short, but sweet. (Happy Tommy?? lol) I'm sure once things get calmed down, I'll find the time to blog more, and I plan on getting to everyone's blogs next week, and playing "catch up" with all of you. Being my first week back after being gone, I just haven't had the time. Hope you all had a great holiday, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Happy Holidays

I've been crazy busy, and once I get a break, I'll be sure to stop by and catch up on everyone's blogs. I wanted to wish everyone a wonderful holiday. Make sure to reach out and make that call, or send that email to someone you haven't talked to in a while. Let them know they are loved and thought about. Tis the season.

May the joy of this holiday season be with you year round! See you in the new year!!

Planks for the Memories!!

Abdominal muscles are the key and core muscles of the body. Those of you ladies that have had a C-section, or anyone who's had any type of surgery where the abdominal muscles where gone through realize how important those muscles are. Their strength affects every movement, turn, adjustment we make, so it's in our best interest to keep those muscles strong. Even if you don't have a six pack, these plank exercises are a great way to get started on keeping that core strong!! Of course, these exercises are from my girl Jillian!!

Get Killer Abs - Jillian Michaels

Everybody wants defined abs. Good thing there are so many different abdominal exercises to choose from — you'll never get bored as you work your way toward washboard abs!

Here are three versions of the plank, a move that works the lower back, chest, and shoulders in addition to the rectus abdominis.

Basic Plank
(beginner)
Start in a push-up position, but keep your hands directly under your shoulders instead of outside your chest. Legs are extended straight behind you, with feet together. You are balancing on your palms and the balls of your feet. Hold this position for as long as you can, working your way up to 1 minute. It's a lot harder than it sounds!

Plank Twists
(intermediate)
Start in plank position. Maintaining this position, exhale and rotate your torso by bringing your right knee in toward your left armpit. Return to the starting position, then repeat, bringing the left knee toward the right armpit. Plank twists work not only the rectus abdominis but also the internal obliques.

Extended Plank
(advanced)
Start in a basic plank position, but instead of placing your hands under your shoulders, bring your hands together and place them on the floor in front of you (about 3 inches in front of your head). This variation places much greater emphasis and concentration on the rectus abdominis because you're not able to use your arms as pillars to support your body weight.

JILLIAN'S TIP OF THE DAY
A Note on Form

Before trying any type of plank exercise, review these tips on performance:
- Be sure to focus on keeping your spine neutral (straight).
- Keep your eyes focused on the ground in front of you.
- Don't arch your back. Imagine that you are pulling your belly button up toward the ceiling.
- Until you've mastered them, do these exercises in front of a mirror to check your form. You don't have to watch yourself the entire time — just check in, particularly toward the end of the interval or set, when your muscles start to fatigue.

Biggest Loser Finale & Trainer Kim

Well, Danny did it. Start out at 430 lbs and ended at 191 lbs!!! What an inspiration!! And how about Shay? Subway is going to pay her $10K for every pound she loses by next season finale!! Now there's a paycheck!! Heck, I'd settle for $10 a lb I had to lose!! LOL. It was a great season, and they look absolutely amazing, and so energized and focused. Next couples season starts January 5th, so you know I'll be there!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH DANNY WIN!!

On another Biggest Loser note, I came across an interview with trainer, Kim Lyons. Remember her? She replaced Jillian for a bit on the show. Check out the positive things she's doing for the diabetic community with her workouts and educational approach to fitness. Click her picture to check out Fit Bottom Girl's interview with Kim.



Have a great day folks!!!

Our Stories...

There are so many blogs out there, and I'm inspired daily by these women (and men) that blog about their personal struggles and about their successes. One blogger caught my eye today, and I wanted to share her blog link and story with you.

Her name is Michelle and her blog is called The Garlic Chronicles. I would love for those that read mine, whether you comment here or not, to go check her out, and give her all the love and support you can.

Michelle, you're a beautiful, inspiring woman, and there are those that are out here in cyberspace that support you and cheer for you!

Have a super Monday everyone!!!