So I’ve Been Doing This Thing Called Zumba… [Opening up the Toolbox]

As a change of fitness pace, I have started to do this dance/ workout craze that is sweeping the nation and toning up tails all across the globe. This craze, better known as Zumba Fitness, has motivated me immensely to get my tail into gear and keep my body moving.

 I’ve had this particular Zumba DVD collecting dust in my workout DVD collection for over a year without ever playing it all the way through, much like all my other health and fitness DVD’s I own. It makes no sense to have a set of wonderful tools in the toolbox [health and fitness equipment] and never open it to fix up anything.

If there is a trendy fitness DVD or type of exercise out, you name it, and I have it!  From Hip Hop Abs, to the Pussy Cats Dolls Workout, Belly dancing, Insanity, Billy Blanks Bootcamp, to 10 minute yoga and more! I have yet to take advantage of any of these wonderful tools so there is no wonder why I have yet to achieve my fitness goals.

 I have all the home equipment like the Pilates ball, Pilates bands, free weights, jump rope, abs machine, thigh master, stepping platform and resistance bands just to name a few. I have to keep telling myself it’s time to cash in on my investment. My workout tools and accessories are to be used for fitness and not to be collected like antiques!!

So Zumba it is! Now watch me work! I am having a blast and shedding pounds at the same time!!! No more closing the lid on my fitness toolbox!

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The DIVA has Spoken and I have Been Warned [I’m Scared]

NO EXCUSES!!!! NO EXCUSES!!! NO EXCUSES!!! I will look back at this clip as many times as it takes to motivate myself about staying on the path to my goals no matter how hard, because this lady worked me out on HER birthday, I repeat HER birthday. I guess she loves me just that much!

This is ME!!!

                                 

This is me!!!

Ty Stone Director of Bus. Services Sinclair CC

Hello, my name is Ty Stone. I lost 50 pounds in about 6 months., I have had a number of people ask me what the “secret” formula to my weight loss success has been. There are no gimmicks here. I always tell them, the “secret” is not sexy. There is no grapefruit, cabbage, or large quantities of bacon in my approach. What I have implemented has been a true lifestyle change; one that I have embraced as I continue on this path to healthy living. Yes, I will admit–I started out on this journey on a gimmick diet approach—the all protein diet. However, I immediately decided that if I wanted to see prolonged results, I had to become healthy….PERIOD!  I decided that if I ate healthy foods, the weight would have to come off. You know what? I was right!

I started my job as the Director of Business Services for Sinclair Community College in February 2010. One of the areas that I am responsible for is food service. However, I knew nothing of the industry. As I started to research the food industry, I became alarmed at how our food is processed; what goes into our foods; and the impact of these things. I immediately became an advocate for more healthy eating. You know what they say: Once you know better, you do better. How could I continue to feed my family and myself the unhealthy foods we had grown accustomed to?

As a result of changing my eating habits, the weight peeled off (well, it wasn’t as easy as that, but it did come off rather quickly). For me, I believe that diet makes a difference between losing weight and keeping it off, and just losing weight. Believe me, I have tried diet after diet and have always gained the weight RIGHT back…and then some! This time, I have maintained my weight.

I have become an “evangelist” for healthy eating. I love the way I look, but more importantly, I love the way I feel. Though I am not an “expert” on nutrition, I have lots of information to share regarding healthy eating. Stay tuned for updates!

Here’s to good health!!!

Ty Stone

20 Power Tracks to Keep Your Workout Power Packed!

What did we do before iPhones, Nanos and MP3 players?  I know I can’t hit the gym without some high energy tracks.  Here are 20 tunes to help me run, lunge, punch or get those squats in.

1.       Gwen Stefani – “Hollaback Girl”

 

2.       C & C Music Factory – “Gonna Make You Sweat”

3.       Black Sheep – “The Choice Is Yours.”  Pick it up, pick it up, PICK IT UP!

4.       India.Arie – “Get It Together”. 

5.       Maroon 5 – “Harder to Breath”

6.       K-OS  – “Superstar”  Ooh I love this girl.  She’s a superstarrrr!

7.       Kelis – “Milkshake”.

8.       Michael Jackson – “Wanna Be Startin Somethin”.  Buh buh buuh buh bup!

9.       Queen ft. David Bowie – “Under Pressure”

10.     Journey – “Don’t Stop Believing”

11.     Madonna – “Express Yourself” – Don’t go for second best baby.  Put your love to the test!

12.     Crystal Waters – “Making Happy”

13.     Michael Jackson – “Don’t Stop Til Yuh Get Enough”

14.     Lil Louis – “I’m Hot for You” (Any kind of house music works really.)

15.     Katy Perry – “Firework”

16.     Bjork – “Enjoy”.  Ok this classic Euro-trance track is a little different but worth a listen.

17.     Lady Gaga – “Just Dance!”

18.     Blondie – “Step into Our World”

19.     Shakira- “Hips Dont Lie” (You’re right about that!)

20.    Outkast – “Hey Ya”  Shake it like a Polaroid picture!

So Why Is It Sooo Hard to Shed Those Extra Pounds?

One word – Habit. Try these five tips to get RESULTS!

1.       Park awaaaaay from the building. Instead of cruising the parking lot for the spot closest to the door try parking away from the building.  Sure, it adds a little more time to your walk but you’re also getting exercise. 😉

2.       Cook on Sunday. Pick a day in the week to prepare all your meals at home and set aside portions for the rest of the week.

3.       Leave the plastic at home. Set a dining out budget for $50-$75 a week – in cash.  Once the cash runs out that’s it.

4.       Ditch movie-going. Scratch that.  Send your regrets for any get togethers that focus on grabbing a bite to eat.  What about a Wii-tourney?  A bike ride.  A little twister anyone?

5.       Drink water. No, not Vitamin Water or Crystal Light my friends.  We’re talking about the real thing.  Nine times out of 10, those hunger pangs you get are for good ole agua.

Affirmation:  I deserve the time it takes to take care of myself.  This is my time.

Day 92 Oh Whatever Shall I Do? [The Clock is Ticking on You!]

Wendy Williams- Talk show Host

I know day 92 of a 99 day challenge countdown seems far off and like you are never going to get through it….WRONG!!! These 99 days will blow past quicker than you can say “How you doin? [Wendy Williams.]”

I can’t tell you how many times I have done a countdown weight loss challenge or contest thinking because I had ample time to get it done and that time was on my side; unfortunately, I’ve found out that time was not on my side like I had hoped. I have learned the hard way there are some things in life you just can’t waste time on or procrastinate. In order for me to get real measurable results I am going to have to put in a consorted effort daily with my exercise and eating habits.

 I am seven days into this challenge already and it seems like it has only been seven hours. It is a bit frustrating when you think of all the things that have to be considered when starting a weight loss plan like your diet, time management, exercise, your sleep, your internal noise, family, friends, finances… oh my!!! I am making myself nauseous just thinking about it all. If even just one of these factors is out of whack, it can cause the whole plan to fall apart.

I can’t stress how many times I have done similar weight loss challenges and I did not properly manage my time, did not get enough sleep, was not eating properly or had so much internal noise going on, I could not concentrate on the personal goal I set. Next thing you know, it’s back to McDonalds and bye bye gym!  

So as the clock goes tick tock on this challenge, so will my excuses, negative self-talk, bad eating habits, and poor workout regimen. It starts today at this moment, not tomorrow or the day after. Why should I bank on a future day or promise that is not guaranteed if I can start to implement lasting progress today?

So day 92… oh what shall I do??… Exactly what I set forth to do seven plus days ago! That is… Work! Work! Work!

Day 96 is Disappointing, But I Have to Start Somewhere!!

So today was my very first “Weigh in Wednesday” and honestly I was shocked as the scale tipped much further to the right than I had expected. Now I know I had a ways to go with my weight loss goal but damn!! That was heartbreaking.

Honestly I can’t tell you what I expected the scale to say, but I will tell you this much… I did not expect it to come back with what the scale screamed at me! The scale stated loud and clear, “Put the chips down, pour the soda out, alleviate the fast food, increase your vegetables, reduce your carbs and simple sugars, workout daily, and drink more water FATTY!!!”

Wow, talk about some fit challenge! There will be no judges, no contestants, and no audience. It will be just me and the scale duking it out for a fight to the finish.

From this day I have to step up and hold myself accountable, not just to myself, but for everyone who supports me, the blog, and anyone who is facing the same weight loss challenges that I am having. I am pushing myself to apply what I have learned over the years about proper excise, a balanced diet, and a healthier lifestyle to help me achieve my goals.

I have to constantly remind myself that this journey I am embarking on is not going to be an easy one, but one that is surely worth it! I often sit back and day dream about what I am going to wear and where I am going to go in my new beach body as soon as the challenge is done. I try to imagine what I will look like and how many pant sizes I will drop. I realize that my hopes and daydreams will have to be the lifeline to my success with this weight loss challenge.

Hey, I may not like where I am at today, but hey… I have to start somewhere! Now watch me go!