Confessions of a Fitness DivConfessions of a Fitness DivA fitness trainer's exercise, diet and fitness tips, and products for fitness and weight loss. Also some personal info about this 10 year fitness pro's venture into webmastering, life transitions, dating, etc. A personal and information laden blog 
Articles
Bet You Can't Do This....
2008-06-08 23:38:00 ...for the entire 5:43. This is an intense and somewhat challenging African dance workoutWarning: You should do a stretch and warm up first! Now, if you do finish it, you deserve a cookie! If you can get through the hip gyrations that start at 4:40 and do them all the way through, you deserve TWO! Have fun, and good luck! ;)
The Reward System
2008-06-04 03:37:00 One way I've found to keep on track with my good eating habits is to not only give myself a "free reign day" once a week, but to also use my social events or any special dinners I have coming up as a reward for being good. I have a dinner at a Cajun restaurant coming up on Thursday, and plan to eat whatever the heck I want on that night. So here, in the days before, any time I am tempted to cheat and go buy some Haagen Dazs or mozzarella fries, I just remind myself to wait until Thursday. I put the image of myself thoroughly enjoying this great food and drink I'm going to have in mind, and say to myself "if you go get that ice cream, you'll have to restrict yourself at the dinner". Well. I have NO INTENTION of doing that! lol. So that little check and balance is enough to pull me back in, and I end up not going to buy the 'naughty' food. The dinner or night out in the near future becomes a reward that I have to work for, the work being sticking to my lower carb, no sugar eat... More About: System , Reward
Cheaters
2008-05-31 23:41:00 I love getting caught up in this silly little reality show where one member of a couple suspects their partner of cheating, and gets the Cheater's television show to do video surveillance and collect the proof! Can I just say this is laugh out loud TV for me? My favorite part is when the crew and the GF or BF sneaks up and busts the cheater and his other on a date, in public, in serious "you are now on BLAST style".The reaction of the guilty party ranges from trying to run and hide from the cameras, to trying to come up with the slickest lie EVER to keep either one or the other partners by his/her side, to an outright diss of the person who set up the whole surveillance thing in the first place. On one, a guy not only finds out that his girl is cheating, but is "doing business" on the side. She was a young thing, and he was in his late 30's or more, so guess who forgave the young hottie and took her back? Yep. He sure did, after trying to run a guilt trip on her for a few minut... More About: Cheaters
It Feels So Good to Be Bad!
2008-05-26 03:48:00 I am sitting here just finishing up my carb and sugar paradise weekend, and man, did I have fun! It wasn't my intention to just go carb crazy, but since I've been being so controlled Monday through Friday, on the weekend, the gloves come off!One of my favorite carb goodies is Singapore Chow Mei Fun (small rice noodles) without the vegetables, extra curry! Top that off with a side of barbecue spare ribs, and it's a party! Mmmmmmmm!As I sat here twirling up the last bit of noodles, I had to sigh. Won't be seeing them again for quite some time! If I order that again anytime soon, it'll become a binge, so I have to nip it in the bud and just enjoy it for what it was. This being Memorial Day weekend, I also slogged back a slew of brewskies and some bar food, so my bad girl weekend was definitely in full effect. I also had a couple ice cream cones and a boston creme from Dunkin Donuts. AND my Whole Foods mac and cheese. Can I just say THE PARTY STOPS HERE!? Yep. That's it. I... More About: Good , It Feels So Good
You Are NOT the Teacher!!
2008-05-23 04:06:00 I took the first class of an educational/practical yoga series this evening, and it was taught by an amazing woman who has studied all over the world many ethnic as well as traditional forms of yoga and priesthood. It was educational and fantastic. I would have enjoyed it even more if the woman on the mat next to me had the respect and decency to shut up and just listen to the teacher like the rest of us did.She was a woman in her late 50's to early 60's, I estimate, and most likely has been all over the planet, is overly educated, and because of that, thinks she knows EVERYTHING, and God forbid anyone around her isn't made privy to it. I find it hard to tolerate people like that, because they always seem to think that it's their job to educate anyone else they come in contact with. Whether you like it or not.Here we sat, listening to the yogini explain the origins of yoga from different parts of the world, elaborating on the different spiritual aspects, how they began in thi... More About: Teacher
He's Baaa-aacck!
2008-05-18 20:10:00 Apparently, a new independent documentary that deals with some searingly honest truths about the life of Mike Tyson is all the rage at the 2008 Cannes film festival."Tyson", directed by James Toback,and narrated mostly by Mike himself goes into seriously intimate details about his personal life, especially his obsessions for sex and women. It also deals with some of his self destructive behavior. It's said that the movie is so good and in it's own way, poignant, that Tyson is receiving standing ovations and much acclaim for this work, and also for having opened up so completely for the film. I'm guessing that this film is a must see, folks! I can't wait until it officially comes out. Hopefully this marks a new, positive direction in the life of Mike Tyson.
Texas Hold 'em Stress Therapy
2008-05-15 05:23:00 Texas Hold 'em Poker is the bomb, really. I love it, and have been playing it for a couple years now. I've started playing tournaments lately, as opposed to just going online and playing random rooms of people, and I have to say, it's become my favorite way to de-stress at the end of the day! Now, you wouldn't think of poker as a stress reliever, because it really can be somewhat of a tense game, depending on who you're playing with. I have sat in rooms with some really aggressive players, barracudas, really, and at those moments when you go ahead and call a really big bet, or even better yet, go all in, your heart races like crazy! At least mine does. I've never broken out in a sweat, but man, my heart rate jumps up more than a few dozen beats when I'm waiting for that last card to turn over!Poker is definitely for adrenaline junkies! I guess that's why I play it! ;)I've yet to win a tournament, and that's definitely a goal of mine. I have finished "in the money" ... More About: Texas , Stress , Therapy
Time Management Challenges
2008-05-14 23:35:00 I don't know about all of you, but I definitely suffer from "Superwoman Syndrome" (Superman, for you men). I really think that I can do anything and everything. And, if given a few more hours in a day, I know that I really could. See, skill and ability are not the problem. It's time and energy. I constantly run out of both! What can I do?So, in the midst of all the balls I have juggling in the air, of course I just add a couple more, and take on new responsibilities and all the challenges that come with them. Why do I do that? I mean, I do enjoy a challenge....several of them at a time when I can get it. But in the end, while I do win a few, the entire process is draining, and I end up neglecting something else.I need a clone. How's the cloning thing coming along, by the way? LOL. I'm definitely getting on that waiting list! More About: Management , Time , Time Management
Just Another Fly on the Wall
2008-05-10 18:28:00 So, it's around 6 am in the morning, and I'm awakened by screaming. I mean blood curdling SCREAMING. I sit up in bed and cock my ears to figure out what the hell is going on. Then, a woman, screaming and cursing, begins to rant "Look what you did to me!!!!"..."LOOK WHAT YOU DID TO ME!!!" I then realize that it's the couple across the alley having a real knock down, drag out fight. And it's the first time I've ever heard this type of display from them.She is screaming, crying and going on and on, and I'm sitting there wondering whether or not to call the cops. Does she need help? It's a tricky situation. I'm not even sure of which apartment it is...So, I keep listening and wait for a cue. Then, it starts to get deep. "I can't believe you put your hands on me! I can't believe you put your hands on me!! You put your hands on ME????!" and then the kicker, "And I pay for EVERYTHING!!" Oh, well. There it is. ALL their business out in the street!! OMG!ALL THIS IS MY S... More About: Wall , The wall
For Love of Sushi..
2008-05-07 04:28:00 I'm a sushi girl, BIG TIME. I can eat a ton of it. I once went to an all you can eat sushi buffet and almost killed myself. However, when you're cutting those calories, and watching your carbs, sushi is NOT the way to go. It's more of a reward or a treat. And I wouldn't do it more than once a month when on a diet. So, yesterday, I had my little reward of the most awesome sushi EVER! And the fact that I haven't had it in a long while made it all the better. The sushi chef had to hide his smile as I sat there with my eyes rolling back in my head with every piece I ate. YUM!So, of course I'm calorie sniping right now, so although I enjoyed my sushi unrestrainedly, I figured that getting the goods on sushi calorie content would be a good idea. So, here's the rundown on the calories you consume when you eat sushi, sashimi, and a few other Japanese restaurant delights.SUSHI (1 piece)tuna 60 calssalmon 68 calsyellowtail 54 calseel 90 calsmackerel 93 calscrab 44 calswhite fi... More About: Love , Sushi
People Who Steal
2008-05-07 03:38:00 I got to be a fly on the wall today, somewhat. I was in the doctor's waiting room waiting for him to finish up with another patient. The set up is such that when it's your turn to see the doc, you're led to wait in one of two rooms, so he can quickly go from one to the next when he's doing his appointments. For whatever reason, he kept the office door open of the patient he was seeing while I was waiting my turn.In the next room was an older woman in her 70's or so, and her son, in his 40's, about.So, as I'm sitting there, I'm facing the door, which is cattacorner to the other room's door. You can only see inside the other room a fraction, and from that point all you can see is the corner of a desk with a huge box of rubber gloves and a computer on it. While the doc is examining to woman, the son comes over to the desk, and opens his shopping bag (which he conveniently left on the knob of the door) and sweeps in the huge box of rubber gloves that the doc uses! Then, h... More About: People , Steal
Low Calories, 101
2008-05-02 02:55:00 Here are some calorie lists I've been compiling to help you get a better idea of the calorie content of what you're eating and can eat to cut those caloric numbers down a bit. Check back every so often, because I will add on from time to time.Lowest cal Veggies:"Yes, DO eat your veggies!"- 1 cup of romaine lettuce, 9 calories- 1 cup of mushrooms cooked in no calorie cooking spray, or canned 40 calories- 1 cup of radishes, 20 calories- 1 medium tomato, 25 calories- 1 cup of zucchini squash, 28 calories- 1/2 large cucumber, 20 calories (about 5 ounces)- 1 cup of celery, 20 calories- 1 cup of cabbage, 32 calories- 1 large carrot, 30 calories- 1 cup of spinach, 40 caloriesLow cal desserts:"When you've just gotta have it!"Chocolate Dipped Strawberries (8 large = 143 calories)Sugar free Fudgicles - 40 calories per barSugar free Jello - 0 calsFrozen grapes or berries - roughly 3 cals per grape/berryLollipops (yes, lollipops!) 10-15 cals per popsugar free chocolate or vanilla pudding ... More About: Calories
Absolute Male Perfection!
2008-04-30 15:59:00 Okay. I've collected myself and can speak now. Last night I was channel surfing, and came across this Adonis of a man in some movie with Virginia Madsen, on my way to watching "Workout". My finger got stuck on the remote button, and I couldn't move it for about 20 minutes, I swear. I missed the first part of my other show because I was transfixed by this INCREDIBLE display of male beauty. His name is Jason Momoa, and I've learned that he's also on a series called Sci Fi . WHY haven't I seen MORE of him in movies and on the tube? Is Hollywood absolutely CRAZY??? I'd buy a ticket to ANYTHING this man appears in!!! ENJOY!More Jason loveliness can be found here: http://www.tv.com/jason-momoa/person/3374 9/photos.html More About: Male , Perfection , Absolute
Get Skinny Time!
2008-04-28 22:18:00 Everyone lately has been asking me the golden question: "How do I get rid of THIS?" (pointing to some ample region on their body). Almost daily now, wherever I go. That can only mean one thing.....It's Get Skinny time!!! Yep. Summer is just around the corner, and everyone wants to go out there and let the sun shine where it usually doesn't, and look good while doing it. Well, for those of you that are serious, you know you're gonna have to lessen your calorie intake and get more active, right? That's just Weight Loss 101. Cut the fat, cut the calories, slow down on the carbs, and watch what you drink: a ton of the calories you consume can come from soft drinks, juices, smoothies, coffee (especially those Starbuck's and Dunkin Donuts creations) and let's not forget, ALCOHOL. There is a reason it's called a BEER belly. Hell, don't think that it's just beer, either. Plenty of people walking around with Pina Colada, Margarita and Long Island Iced Tea bellies too. Trust ... More About: Time
Sugar, Sugar...
2008-04-25 18:35:00 I have been cutting my sugar and carbs so that my ab muscle definition can be seen more clearly when I start wearing my midriff shirts in the warm weather. I don't know if this works for you, but cutting sugar and carbs really curbs my appetite. It just balances out my insulin levels to the point where I don't eat needlessly. A few days of no sugar, save for a handful of grapes, strawberries or a banana, and little to no carbs, and I can go without eating again after a meal for hours with not one hunger pang. Cute, amazing little trick that I pull out of my bag every so often!I up my protein (grilled chicken or fish), consume a ton of veggies, and leave the starchy stuff like rice, potatoes and pasta alone, and within a week, "voila!". I'm lookin' at a six pack! Haaaaa. Don't ya just hate me? lol. Oh, I'm exercising a bit more too, during that time. The two go hand in hand when it comes to stripping off the outer layer of fat and making those muscles stand out.Now I ju... More About: Sugar
Locked Up Abroad
2008-04-22 20:28:00 This show is my latest obsession. I am riveted to these stories, and you won't believe how my heart races when these poor, unfortunate fools get stopped by the customs agents at some airport in Thailand, Costa Rica, or Hong Kong carrying drugs. I'm like, WTF?I don't care how desperate and penniless I am in some foreign country. I'd sell a kidney before hopping on a plane as a drug mule. The consequences are far too great.By the way, jail in other countries SUCKS!!! You think prison is bad here? At least they feed you, and you get a bed. On this program I have seen prisons where you sleep on dirt floors packed in with 12 other people in a tiny cell. In some they don't have plumbing or toilets. You go in a bucket that you have to share with all your cell mates (some of whom are cockroaches and rats)! And that's for life, or some nearly as long sentence. By the way, did you know that the penalty for transporting heroin in Thailand is DEATH? I'm like, there's no "first... More About: Locked
My Whole Foods Addiction - Full Blown!!!
2008-04-20 19:54:00 Oh. Me oh my. I thought I had it licked, or at least in control. Thursday past, I discovered the Whole Foods Market on Houston St. and Ave A (?) in The Village. I was down there looking for a dread stylist I found on the net, since I'm rocking dreads now. Anyways, as I was walking up Houston, trying to find the address of this dread diva, there before my eyes it rose up from the concrete...WHOLE. FOODS. MARKET!!!!O.M.G.!!! Ok, you all know I'm a fiend for that place! Here I was on a whole other mission, and out of nowhere I'm greeted by this lovely surprise! :DSo, I went in and completely luxuriated in my WF fixation, still tickled to death by the unexpectedness of it all. Too delicious! The one on Houston is sooooo big, and it's nice and relaxed down there, instead of crowded like the one on 14th St. I languished among the aisles, perusing the new offerings, and seeing what other culinary delights on hand I could possibly get myself into. I left with two gorgeous little s... More About: Addiction , Full , Whole Foods
George St. Pierre Reclaims His Title
2008-04-20 07:22:00 Way to go, baby! With all the hype that's been building up all these months over UFC 83's rematch of George St. Pierre and Matt Serra, we've all been waiting with bated breath to see what the outcome would be. Well, this fight did NOT disappoint! I swear, it takes a lot to make me buy PPV these days, but I could not miss my man, that's right, MY MAN GSP, take back his title, which he did in true champion form. He completely DOMINATED Matt Serra, totally taking Serra off his game from the jump by completely flipping the script on him! GSP is known as an all around MMA fighter; awesome stand up, amazing takedowns, great jiujitsu and submissions, and let's not forget, he's as strong as a damn bull. George St. Pierre is easily the most complete athlete in MMA, his fitness level rivaled by NONE. But while he usually comes out showing his impressive array of striking skills in his bouts, this time he wasn't trying to play. Went straight for the takedown and had Matt Serra on... More About: Title
Stop Smoking Now ..... A Little Incentive
2008-04-18 02:56:00 I was sitting and watching TV after a sumptuous little meal, and then this commercial came on, causing me to almost lose my lunch. You don't have to tell me to quit smoking. It's something I did quite some time ago. It wasn't easy, and it took me a few times to do it, but one really severe lung infection was finally enough to scare me out of my love for beadies and cigarillos (those little brown cigarettes). Warning....this video is just a bit gross! But if it helps you quit, then I'm all for it! :) More About: Smoking , Stop
Prime Time Love!
2008-04-16 05:12:00 I am a BIG Deion Sanders fan. Have always loved and admired his talent, his style, and his larger than life personality. Like Bo Jackson, Deion played for the NFL and major league baseball. Of the 5 NFL teams he played for, he won his Superbowl rings with the Cowboys and the 49ers. Becoming an NFL commentator as his career was tapering off was a natural for Deion with his megawatt charisma and charm. Appearing on the Sunday night highlights show NFL GameDay and NFL Total Access, he's easily the most enjoyable sports personality on these shows. Does anybody remember his "Sanders Clause" bit he'd do at the end of the year? Damn funny!So now Deion and his wife Pilar have thrown their hats into the reality show pool, which these days seems to be endless. I just have to say, his wife is HELLA GORGEOUS, and you can tell for sure SHE WORKS OUT! After having had 3 of Deion's 5 kids, that woman still looks amazing! She also seems to have a bit of personality herself. Hey, would Deion ... More About: Love , Time , Prime , Prime Time
Americans Have Way too Much Time On Their Hands...
2008-04-11 18:35:00 And too much disposable income also, apparently. Either that, or we have let ourselves become soooo bored that we invent and create silly stuff just for the hell of it.Look, I love dogs too, but since when do they need YOGA? Let your dog run around in the yard, chase a few birds and squirrels, and call it a day. That's what a dog needs.I think these folks are totally whacked. lol. Can somebody please ask one of the dogs what HE thinks? They definitely do not look thrilled!What do you guys think about "doga"?. Legit mind/body therapy for dogs or complete BS? (note the dog at the end trying to make a run for it!) More About: Time , Hands , Americans
Sport of the Totally Insane
2008-04-06 22:19:00 Let's all hope and pray that this does NOT become the newest Olympic sport!Humans have COMPLETELY lost their minds.... More About: Sport , Insane
Sereenaaaaaa!!!!!!!
2008-04-05 21:21:00 OMG. She just killed me here. That Serena!! Having made it to the 2008 Sony Ericsson Open in Indian Wells, Miami, Serena Williams today faced Jelena Jankovic to battle it out for the title.They split the first two sets, and thus went into a deciding third. That's when all hell broke loose! Serena crushed Jankovic in the third, and had her down 5 games to 0, and it was now her serve, the match on her racquet. Then the MELTDOWN began. Serena started making some of the craziest errors you've ever seen!! Moon balls into the stands, crazy misses of what should have been an easy return, and all over erratic play like you won't believe. Jankovic, having gotten a second wind, capitalized on it, breaking Serena twice. Before you knew it, it was 5 games to 3, Serena. Serena just let that lead begin to melt away. After being broken the second time, she let the frustration get to her more, and wrecked her racquet by slamming it into the ground. There was actually a bowl sized cra...
Say Hello to Miss England Bikini, 2008
2008-04-05 21:00:00 Um...not bad, but not all that great either. I'm so not impressed. Don't know what the Miss England Bikini contest entails, but I'm thinking somebody knew a judge or two!No, no sour grapes here. Anyone doing what it takes to keep that body fit gets my vote. It's just that I see better bodies than that every day. I work at the gym, remember? I also live in New York, and I must say, you see some of the most incredibly bodied females here! The ones here that work out and take care of themselves win hands down, 24-7! Mucho competition out this way, Yo! I'm even not lying! So, my standards tend to be pretty high when looking at bods.Well, maybe she won for that winning smile! ;) A beautiful face she has, no doubt. I'm thinking that Mariah Carey in the pic down below could take her in the bikini category, though!Maybe I need to get my butt over to England for the next contest! I can fake a pretty good English accent, y'know! ;) But congrats to the pretty lass in the pic. Beau... More About: 2008
Bad Boy Canseco is At it Again
2008-04-05 20:09:00 Not quite satisfied with exposing Mark McGwire and alluding that McGwire and Sammy Sosa 's famous homerun duel was a completely steroid fueled endeavor in his first tell all book "Juiced : Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball Got Big", Jose Canseco is back yet again to spill a few more beans.In his no holds barred, unapologetic, tell all new book "Vindicated: Big Names, Big Liars, and The Battle to Save Baseball", Jose now shines the light of guilt on ex Yankee player, Alex Rodriguez, who is also rumored to be having an affair with Canseco's latest wife. He also pulls player Magglio Ordonez into the mix.Any that read the first book remember that Canseco claims that he introduced Mark McGwire to steroids in 1988 and that he often injected McGwire while they were teammates.Truths here or bad blood? Many speculate that Canseco is just craving more limelight and attention now that his career is over, and that he also has axes to grind with some of his ex competitor... More About: A-Rod
Mariah Does the Damn Thing!
2008-04-04 07:03:00 Say what you want about her, but Mariah Carey is still at the top of the music game, and I must admit, I'm lovin' it! I've always been a big Mariah fan, and through all the ups and downs, I've been sitting here with my "Go, Mariah!" sign, big, bold and bright.With the launch of her latest CD, Carey just scored her 18th #1 single with the hit "Touch My Body", with which she has now surpassed Elvis Presley as the 2nd artist with the most number one hit records of all time. The only other artist still in the top spot is The Beatles, who have an impressive 20 #1 singles. I'm thinking that Mariah is going to be on the very top of the pile by the end of the year. It's just a matter of time.So to all the haters out there, busy trying to say she's crazy, and talking crap about her impressively augmented boobs and tendency towards tight, skimpy outfits these days, all I need to say is HAAAAAAAAAA! Mariah is having the last laugh! You guys can continue to hate amongst yourselves.... More About: Damn , Thing
Singer Prince Is Scheduled for Hip Surgery
2008-04-02 08:13:00 OMG, say it isn't so! It seems that after thousands of concerts and all the years of incredible dance performances featuring James Brown like spins and splits, Prince 's hip joints have decided to throw in the towel. The singer is scheduled for hip replacement surgery, after which he will spend a few months abstaining from performing while his hip heals.Now, those of you that came up during Prince's heyday (the Purple Rain days and beyond)....tell me that does not make you all feel old!According to News of the World (UK):"Pop singer Prince - who released his first album in 1978 - is being forced to undergo the surgery at just 49-years-old after suffering excruciating pain as a result of years of blistering performances.A source told Britain's News of the World newspaper: "For months Prince, who always puts on the most energetic shows, has been complaining of pain every time he moves."He is totally crushed because he knows he will never be the same again."The surgery will involve... More About: Surgery , Singer
OK. Ragga is What's Up!
More articles from this author:2008-03-28 21:07:00 Your girl, Fitness Diva always has her ear to the ground to learn what's new and hot in fitness. You would think that everything has already been done, but hey, there's always something new to get us excited and ready to jump up outta that chair!IMO, Ragga class is something to seriously check out. I'm looking to find me one right now so I can process it and bring it to my own peeps in a class. I also need to get on the Caribbean music video channel pronto. I actually used to teach a Reggae dance class quite a few years ago, but I let that go when it became all about kick boxing for me. Been slackin' a bit! My wine has gotten a bit rusty, so I'ma have ta fix that! Check this out! It's a SIZZLA'!Another hot class! 1, 2, 3, 4 |
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