Rows - Great at home Excersize!

Row -

So much of what we do and how we move involves the muscles on the front of the body - the chest, abs, biceps, etc.  For me, I know I not only have to work on these, but also strengthening my core.

Anyway.... pulling exercises like rows strengthen your back to improve posture and balance out your body.  Plus... doing enough of these will definitely be brining sexy back for sure! 

The bent over row uses dumbbells and gravity to target the back.  Keep your hips hinged without letting your shoulders hunch, and pull your elbows back, keeping them close to your sides.  Add in some extra core work by alternating your arms, but still keeping your torso square (no twisting). 

I can do this without causing pain to my hip for about 10-15 minutes.  I turn on the music and just let go!

xoxo,

Carmen

Updates....

Family, friends and readers.... I just wanted to give you all some updates.




I have been at the new job now for 1 month!  I work in North Hollywood and the commute is much better and there is lots of opportunity's for me at the organization, but definitely within the HR department!

My leg injury - pulled muscle by the sciatic nerve, is healing.  Every now and again it hurts ALOT - but there are days when I don't feel it so much.  I still stretch every morning so that I loosen it for the day.  It is hard to get a good stretch for my right butt cheek...but I try.  This weekend, I plan on sitting in the sauna after I work out, just to give it some extra heat and stretch.  :)

My workouts have not been strenuous.  I have been doing push-ups, sit-ups and lifting hand weights.  I do workouts for above the waist, but nothing below my hips.  My muscle is still sore and thought I try to work it out, it seems to fail me and/or hurt after about 30 minutes in.  Once I have my coverage back, then I will go to the doctor again and see if they can prescribe some physical therapy.

School - I am on my last week of school. My first class and I am averaging a B grade.  It took a bit to get used to, but .... it looks like I am figuring things out and coming along!

I do have to push myself to exercise because I am soo tired after my schedule, but I know I need to figure it out.  If there are any readers out there that can give me tips... I would appreciate any help on how to balance and bring in exercise.

Thanks to all!

Carmen

New Stats!!

Well... this is my first official weigh in since 2/26/2014 - so almost 1 month.  I an tell you that unofficially I have gone up 12 lbs during this time, but have worked hard to take it off again.  The good news is that I'M BACK!!  However.... I had to journey back to where I am.

Without further hesitation, this morning I weighed in at:

225.4 lbs., which was almost 2 lbs. less than I reported yesterday...so definitely on the right track!  :)    Below is a history of my weight and inches lost since the beginning of my journey.

In reflection, over the past month, I realize that monitoring your diet does have the affect of  weight loss, but adding exercise daily/weekly is what sustains it.  So the question I now have to answer is how I will fit it back into my busier schedule.  I do know where there is a will, there is a way. So.... stay tuned for my plan of action!

Xoxo,

Carmen

Date	Weight Loss
12/26/2013	0
1/28/2014	6.5
1/31/2014	1.2
2/3/2014	3
2/11/2014	-1.2
2/17/2014	1.6
2/17/2014	-0.4
2/18/2014	0.2
2/23/2014	2
2/26/2014	1.2
3/20/2014	-1.2
Total Weight Lost To Date	12.9
Total Inches Lost to Date	25

New Stats and Pictures Comming Tommorrow!

Readers.... I have had much requests and support regarding my stats and where I am with my journey.  First off THANK YOU for your support and your gentle (and some not so gentle) reminders.  :) 

While I can give you my weight as of this morning 227.0 lbs, I have not measured in a bit. I am committing to do post my new stats and pics tomorrow so that I have a new GO point!

xoxo,

Carmen

How to Lose Weight - FAT BE GONE VIDEO WORKOUT

Love this link!  Who says they don't have time!

Come take the challenge with me....come on Lou!!  Get up after your butt and move it!!

How to Lose Weight - FAT BE GONE! - With Astid McGuirre.  Cut and paste this to a new window.  Only 10 Minutes....how can we not!!!

http://screen.yahoo.com/how-to-lose-weight/fat-gone-10-minute-hiit-180117848.html

Let me know if you will be doing this with me.  Leave me a comment/note!


xoxo,

Carmen

Pop, Pop, Baby!

I recently took a trip to Marshals and found this microwave popcorn maker for $8.  I figured, for $8 I could give it a try to see if it worked and if the result was ok to GREAT!

What you do is you fill the lid, which is made of silicon  to the first knuckle with unpopped popcorn.  You then put a teaspoon of butter on top and either a few shakes of sea salt OR shake of cinnamon (for dessert popcorn) OR you can also put a couple of pinches of Parmesan cheese on top as well.

Once you set it up, you put inside the microwave for 3-4 minutes.  The first couple of times I watched it to ensure I didn't over pop and the popcorn did not burn.

I realized the error of my ways pretty quickly. Which resulted in yummy, hot and fresh popcorn.  It was really good!  There is also easy clean-up as well.  You wait until it is cool, I rinsed with cool tap water and placed in the dishwasher, with my other dirty dishes.  When I took it out.... BAM!!  Clean as a whistle.

I love when I buy things AND they work!!

Carm

Doctor Sandwich - Beverly Hills Review

I never felt so good after visiting the doctor....especially lately!

Doctor Sandwich continues to be one of my most favorite spots... I can't tell you how much I love the fresh, yummy food and enjoy the staff.  

First... the Shawarma is the best!  Here is Matan, the Assistant Manager who is the sweetest ever!!  Matan always has a huge smile and is always so sweet!  He is great with customers and I can tell that his staff appreciates him!!

I am not sure of the seasonings they use, but the Shawarma is the best I have ever tasted.  I have gone to various restaurants that serve similar food, but not anything as great, with such an inviting ambiance as Doctor Shawarma!

The place is always jumpin'!!  But the line moves very quickly.

 I was pleasantly surprised with all the sandwich toppings they have...check it out:

I love the fresh, cucumber salad and love the green, spicy mixture!

Lupe and he other staff at Doctor Sandwich are on top of it - always willing to answer a question and moving that line as quickly as she can!

I love that I can take my sandwich to go. Ronit, one of the owners has a great way she wraps the sandwich.  She was doing a mini training the last time I was there with Lupe.  Check it out....

Ronit is a sweetheart - she has the greatest smile and the warmest heart!  She always makes my visits extra special!!

If you haven't visited Doctor Sandwich in Beverly Hills...you have to go and check them out!  Fresh, yummy food with ZERO preservatives and yummy!!  

Carmen