Note from the mamas: Congratulations to Jerri, winner of the Fleet Feet gift certificate!
Happy Monday, mamas! This week’s giveaway is going to make your Monday much better because it involves shopping and new, cute workout clothes, courtesy of our friends at Fleet Feet Sports in Fayetteville. The winner of this week’s giveaway will get a $125 gift card to use on Nike apparel and she’ll also get to choose a Sweaty Band headband to go with her new clothes. Score!
Let’s face it — you feel better about working out when you have nice workout gear that makes you feel good. Sometimes the old, ratty t-shirts we wear to work out in are not the kind of thing we can also wear to run errands or pick the kids up from school. And who has time to change clothes several times a day? That’s why we love having cute workout stuff that can do double-duty — works great at the gym but also looks good running around town.
We’ve included a few pictures from the Nike apparel line so you’ll see some of the options you’ll have if you win this giveaway package. These pieces are all high quality so they’re going to wash well and last much, much longer than the super cheap stuff. Plus, Nike’s apparel is designed to move with you and not get in your way when you’re working out or running.
Workout clothes are great, but you’ve also got to get your hair out of the way when you’re working out. And we LOVE the Sweaty Band line of headbands. The designs are really cute. In fact, my 6-year-old daughter spotted one of my Sweaty Bands and wanted it for herself. And take it from someone who has thick hair with a mind of its own — these headbands really do stay in place better than any other brand I’ve tried. (And I’ve tried a LOT.)
Sweaty Bands come in a ton of colors and patterns and they also come in different widths so you can try the skinny ones, medium width or the thick bands, like the one shown on the left .
HOW TO ENTER: To throw your name in the online hat to win the $125 Nike shopping spree — plus your choice of one super cute Sweaty Band headband — click the orange comment button below and tell us what type of exercise or food strategy has worked best to help you either lose weight or maintain a good weight. Do you swear by the Atkins diet? Do you count calories or Weight Watchers’ points? Or do you eat whatever you want and burn it off with a daily run? Are you a Zumba queen?
We’re always looking for new fun ways to stay fit, so share your tips with your fellow mamas! You can also email your answer to giveaways@nwaMotherlode.com.
HOW TO INCREASE YOUR ODDS: Help us spread the word about the giveaway and we’ll give you extra chances to win. Send an email to your friends about the giveaway and be sure to put giveaways@nwaMotherlode.com on the CC line of your note. We’ll give you an extra chance to win for every person you tell.
BE SOCIAL: Spread the word via social media and we’ll give you extra chances as well. Just share the giveaway with your friends on Facebook (click here to go see the post on our Facebook and share from there) or share about the giveaway on Twitter to increase your odds of winning. If you do either of these things, just let us know in your posted comment or send us an email so we can give you proper credit.
Good luck in the giveaway! We’re looking forward to reading your fitness tips so we can learn a few new tricks. Our thanks to Fleet Feet for the awesome shopping spree giveaway! (If you’ve never shopping for running shoes at Fleet Feet, you’re missing out on an amazing customer service experience. Go check it out and you’ll see what we mean. 🙂 )
Registering for a race and knowing that I have to run it really motivates me to workout. I know that the date is approaching and I have no choice but to train hard, so I can do well and finish the race strong!
A fit Mama is a happier Mama. I love to race for the fun of it, but my absolute motivation to complete my workouts is my sanity.
Couch to 5k program works for me, now I just need to get motivated to do it again!
I do counting calories, portion control, and try to drink 64 oz of water every day and limit sodas. I also eat lots of veggies and fruit. I exercise only when I can – I don’t want to burn myself out.
My husband has been on the Atkins diet and I finally capitulated and joined him. I have lost a few pounds, but need to amp up the exercise routine (from ZERO to SOMETHING!!). I was already planning to go check out the shoe selection at Fleet Feet, so this giveaway is perfectly timed! 🙂
I limit sugar intake – no sodas, drink unsweet tea, black coffee and no added sugar to cereal or fruit.
If I need to lose a couple of pounds then I start counting calories till I’m back to my goal weight.
I used the Lose It app on my iPhone and going to this place called “the gym.”
I start my morning off with protien and eat yogurt with fresh fruit instead of sweets for dessert. This plus walking 3 days a week I have been able to lose more of the baby weight that stayed on after breastfeeding!
I watch my portions and have to stay active!
I count weight watchers points some and try to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, usually its more though. I also drink a lot of smoothies- quick and filling when I don’t want to spend time making a meal for myself. My husband and I work out together, it is helpful to have accountability and its something we enjoy doing together.
Eat less…wiggle more…limit booze.
The last couple months I have had the best weight loss experience of my life. I think it’s a combination of things:
1. Getting a FitBit and wearing it all day every day
2. Creating a salad bar at home and making my work lunches the night before
3. Setting a difficult but achievable running goal in January that kickstarted my exercise habit for the new year.
Now I just need some fancy new running clothes!
Eating clean and working out 5 days a week
Stretching every morning, walk 30 min, and lift weights 5 days a week!
I’ve started Couch 2 5K 3 days/week and an exercise bike and toning routine on off days. Combined with green smoothies as a meal and lots of water, it’s going very well!
50 and Fabulous is my motto this year. I have lost 30 pounds since January 2012. I believe in baby steps and allowing myself to cheat but then to get back on track. I love to mix it up with different aerobic DVD’s and I always try to get my walking in. It has helped be the most by gettin my husband involved, his is my best support.
The absolute only way that I can loose weight is to exercise. I have a lot of back and leg problems so I’ve lost some strength. I was up to 3 miles 4 times a week and I’m trying to work back up to that now. I also limit portions but I will not deprive myself of the foods I love, that’s the best way to fall off the wagon, if you don’t ever get anything you like then it will backfire on you
I try and eat as clean and healthy as I can, limiting artificial flavors and colors, food additives, and sugar. Also, getting in at least 30 minutes of exercise three times a week seems to really boost my energy.
Exercise, exercise, exercise.
I have previously had success with the South Beach Diet. Currently, I am nursing my newest child so I eat healthy foods but not on a specific diet. I am doing the insanity workout though and this has really given me great results so far. My husband and I have our first cruise scheduled for later this year and this is my biggest motivation so far.
WALKING!!! I love to walk with my husband. It’s a great way to reduce stress, get a chance to talk while we walk, enjoy the nature and beauty around us and gets my heart pumpin’!
I TRY to eat less sugar, drink more water, and eat a salad almost every day!!
I started going to W.O.W. Fitness a little over a month ago and just recently started a 1500 calorie a day diet. If I win, I will certainly be putting it to go use!
I’ve been running at least 2X a week and journaling everything I eat. It’s easy to underestimate the amount of food I eat on a daily basis, but journaling helps me keep track of it all.
Running! It is simple, free, and our city has an awesome trails system that makes it a safe hobby. Nothing makes me happier than a good run!
Reduce sugars, Starbuck runs, and increase trips to the gym! What motivates me?? My workout partners! I am thankful to have others that twist my arm when I need it!
Cut out the sugar! Being a mom to a one-year-old is it’s own exercise plan!
Exercise first thing in the morning. You HAVE to make time for yourself (especially all the moms out there). In the morning, before anyone wakes up, sneaking off to the gym has been amazing for me. Not only do I get to have some alone time, I am also giving my body the workout it needs.
walking and better food choices
I have started physical therapy on my right hip and leg, trying to regain a normal life without pain. I am so going to enjoy holding and carrying my grandchildren when I get done. These would be absolutely wonderful to work out in!
I’ve been using a diet prescribed by a dietician.I’ve lost 8 pounds since starting in January, and I just added exercise about a week ago. For me, exercise needs to be folded into what i’m already doing, so I’ve been parking about 4 blocks from work and walking in, parking far in the parking lot at Wal Mart, and going for a trail hike on either Saturday or Sunday.
There are so many ways that you can maintain a healthy lifestyle or make changes in your current lifestyle that will help to keep you healthy your body in better shape!
A couple things that works really well for me is a combination of exercising about 3-5 times a week, mix of running and lifting. As well as, making sure that I eat bread only once a day. Keeping the flour/carb content lower but finding other foods, such as rice/noodles, fruits, avacados, ect. that have carbs to help sustain energy throughout the day. Your body needs carbs but depending on physical activity should determine how much you eat!
I have done well with the low carb diet. I have a knee issue, so I have to do low impact exercises.
Signed up for the warrior dash is may. That’s my goal. Do not want to look like a fool doing it. I go to gym 5 days a week, on Saturdays (weather permitting) my son and I go for a bike ride or walk. I’ve gone down 2 pants sizes in 3 months. My workout clothes are extremely baggy now. Could def use this!
Couple keys to success for me to consistently eat healthy and get/stay fit. Don’t try to do everything at once. Pick a routine and ease into it. Start with exercise 3 days/week and move up from there. Then foodwise, none of the crash/fast diets work for me. Committing to portion control and a balanced diet is best. Then letting yourself enjoy indulgent food in SMALL quantities is ok. Tracking my caloric intake works well too. Makes me rethink those french fries i’m craving.
I eat when I’m hungry and stop when I’m full. For exercise, I like to walk, bike, and do Pilates.
I have a Visalus shake in the morning with 50 calorie orange juice and put some frozen fruit in it and mix well. At 10am I have a healthy bar. Lunch time I eat veggies, hummus, tortilla. Dinner I eat what I want within reason. Exercise, I try to run at least 3 times a week.
The insanity workout is perfect for eating what you want and maintaining a good weight! It’s definitely insane. But worth it!
Lots of cardio!
I am trying to limit salt and soda (not cut out entirely) and exercise more. I just started using Dance Central 2 with our Kinect. We’ll see…
Purchasing a bowflex and using my handsome hubby as my personal trainer has made all of the difference!
I started the zombie 5k training.
Reduce carbs
Gym
Walking and yoga! An as a added bonus the yoga helps reduce stress! Love it!!
Jazzercise!
I love pilates and weight lifting. Seeing small changes in my shape really motivates me to keep at it!
KISS method works best for me. (Keep it simple, stupid). 🙂
Seriously, do more, eat less. Take the stairs. Park further away from the entrance. Walk instead of drive if possible. Eat in moderation. Walk at least 3 times a week.
Exercise and diet fads come and go, but incorporating good daily choices helps get it off and keep it off.
I love to run. The older I get though, the more I have to do to stay tone so I also do the 30 day shred. It helps keep me tone without bulking up.
I love kick boxing and walking. Drinking lots of water helps me stay on track too.
I had success with South Beach years ago. Pilates does wonders for the pain in my back and hips from all the babies.
Currently training for my 2nd half marathon. I would love to have new running gear!
Staying away from chocolate! Super hard for me. But sugar, carbs, and all that good stuff cut out is what pushes me to success. Workout and motivation wise…competition here at work…we are currently battling it out for punds/inches loss as a contest.
I run for fun- but the side effects impact more than just my sanity 🙂
Exercise and watch carbs!
My husband and I are doing the Atkins plan. We are going to Disney in April and I am trying to get off as much as possible!
Weight watchers has helped me lose 30 of the 45 pounds I gained during pregnancy. The online features of tis program are very helpful!
I swear that breastfeeding is my best diet trick! ha! If you look at my chunky monkey- she takes it all! 😉 However, everything in moderation has always really been my tip. I never completely disallow something, I just work around my cravings, etc to make sure that if I splurge somewhere, it’s not all the time, and I try to account for it someplace else.
That would be a great gift for daughter or daughter in law. It would be great for me too.
Three reasons I’d like to win this round.
I tend to low carb, high protein, and walk or swim for exercise
Take the kids to the park or for bike rides. Run after them and play with them.
I love to walk. Anywhere. Only eating when I am hungry. Yoga and pilates. Moving more than I sit.
I count calories and have picked up running. Hopefully between the two I will be smaller and will stay that way
I use the myfitnesspal app to count calories, run when I can and play soccer when I’m not sidelined by an injury.
Mindful eating and being active.
I was counting calories but I love food a lot, so I started a workout routine so that I can eat what I want and just burn off all the calories. : ) this morning was my first day at it!
Do swim arobics and eat more veggies. Limit white flour foods.
Less carbs, more veggies and protein and exercise.
I have started weight watchers online and also started the 90 bikini momma challenge I found on Facebook. Its a great motivator because you have other mommas on there that you can chat with about recipes and exercises and what worked for them
Journaling your food, whether it be written down, or in an app. Also, exercise. I like to walk and I’m currently using a personal trainer for strength training. I’m more motivated when I have an actual appointment at the gym.
Walking as part of everyday life with the kids and hubby on the weekends.
Having a personal trainer who comes to my house. Also, eating fruit and veggie smoothes for two meals a day.
I have started hot yoga and I really love how the yoga practice has changed my body and mind. It is a great practice even for those who are not athletically inclined!
i count calories on myfitnesspal.com but i eat fruits and veggies like a crazy lady! I also love to run!
Low Glycemic Index is proving to be good for me. I need gear to work out with for sure, though! =)
The best exercise strategy has been a workout partner/group. The accountability and social aspect of the support and motivation you provide each other is priceless!
The best diet was following the MRC diet plan but the most rapid results kicked in when I started to work out on the Bowflex.
Running, running, and more running.
The only thing that works for me is to walk/run with a combination of all natural healthy low calorie foods and little to no sugar! plus having a buddy or two to work out with and be accountable to is key!
I have lost 23 pounds since Christmas on the hcg diet…Im in desperate need of some clothes now and workout clothes would be perfect 🙂
Training with my husband. It is SO much easier with a dedicated partner and I’m lucky to have one!
I’ve lost 15 lbs eating clean and working out by
lifting weights and participating in a morning boot camp.
I do cardio 3 times a week combined with weights 5 to 6 times a week, with one day off. I also try not to eat past 7pm and limit my carbs and sugars
I run regularly and go to hot yoga several times a week. It’s addictive!
Walking the dog and yoga. No bread!
Pilates! It’s a great workout and the perfect way to ease back into working out post baby. On the days I don’t do pilates, I’ve been running/walking with the little one in his stroller.
Definitely the Loseit app – count my calories, log my exercise minutes, and makes me eat a ton of veggies to keep my calorie intake under control! 🙂
I run with my kids and my dogs. And eat a mainly plant based diet.
I love running! Used to despise it! Now I am addicted! Training for my first half marathon in April. I also do Zumba 2x a week.
ZUMBA!!!!! lots of water and plenty fruits and veggies!
Water, water, water and going to the gym with a friend!
Cutting carbs works best for me!
Simply walking while pushing a double stroller has helped me!! And drinking lots of water! 🙂
I eat whatever I want but I burn it off at the gy. I love body pump and body attack!! Also running is a fav of mine 🙂 I hope to win!
Stopping drinking sodas & getting out to play with my youngest child (now 3.5) has been amazing for dropping the 25lbs I was holding onto after having her!
Eat sensible and exercise. Depriving myself never works!
Get Fit!
Having a completely positive mindset and giving your body a
Reasonably goal with reasonably time to complete that goal. Eating lots of fruits and veggies and pushing your body past the point you though possible, this will leave you feeling accomplished and determined to get where you want to be.
It always helps me to work out with others. When exercise becomes a social activity it is much easier.
Weight Watchers is the only thing that has every worked for me. I just need to get committed again.
I’m a big fan of RunKeeper or other phone apps for tracking fitness. I like seeing my progress and feeling accountable.
Keeping a consistent workout schedule is the best way I’ve found to make it to the gym!!
I have finally discovered working out in the mornings. I understand that it isn’t for everyone, but I can’t argue with myself that early in the morning. I am not awake yet!!
Best food strategy? Decreasing carbs in my diet. Best exercise strategy? Working out with friends, and adding a little running into the mix.
A combination of gym time (lifting and plyometrics), running outdoors (what’s not to love about the Fayetteville trails) and just watching what I eat … lots of clean eating. Protein and veggies all the way!
It was tremendously helpful to find a gym I was comfortable working out at. I love the elliptical! I also weight train 4 times a week. I’ve also had to realize the importance of eating regular meals.
Soup! Eat it for lunch and dinner for five days straight…healthy, yummy , and tummy slimming! Oh yes…and treat your daily workout like brushing your teeth…try not brushing teeth for 24 hrs and this is what your bodies insides are like if you don’t hit the gym each day:)
Walking works great and when you drag a friend along its even enjoyable.
You are what you eat. Eat healthy ditch the workout and enjoy the fun with Zumba. Best strategies ever.
Keeping it fun. Training for tri’s little swimming, running, and cycling. Eat everything in moderation. I don’t deprive myself of certain foods. I just workout even harder 🙂
Walking and yoga work best for me. Just started running so hope that works too. In regards to eating, don’t deny yourself but don’t over indulge. I overheard someone once say, he worked out so he could eat the way he wanted. I want to do that!
Not snacking past 8pm has helped me a lot!! I also take my twins on a walk daily..
I have been low carbing but now am increasing my workout from wii step to the Biggest Loser Power walk every day.
I still working on finding a solution.
MyFitnessPal app. Changed my life. By putting my food in (and seeing the calories), my whole perspective on serving size and food choices changed. It also holds me accountable for exercise. It has made a BIG difference in my life (and in my waist size)!
I like dr Santos’s ABC diet it is a strict diet and I am a all or nothing type. You have your a list which is really strict it is basically cleansing you you stay on it for 3 wks then you add the B foods that is still clean but you have more of a verity and you stay on that till you hit your goal weight then you have your C list and you have to stay away from that list. I have lost 100 lbs on this diet and kept it off for a year now I am restarting it to finish losing the remaining weight that I have left lol wish me luck.
Drinking only water and portion control of foods helped me in loosing weight and maintainng the weight loss.
I am on the ideal protein diet and take my juice plus
I have been following weightwatchers and counting points. I love that I can still have something naughty for lunch as long as I am sensible at my other meals. Any weight loss plan that says I can’t eat fruit is not a weight loss plan for me 🙂
Moderation and Movement. It helps trying to keep the fast food to a minimum. We also try to consume coconut oil in every meal. We also get outside and walk a couple miles a day.
The diet that works best for me is lowering my “white” carbs and starches. Drink lots of water and walk every evening!
Watch what I eat
I count calories/ portion control and try to eat as much fresh fruits and vegetables as possible. I also work out early in the morning before work so I don’t give myself time to talk out of working out that day.
I have to watch carb intake and go regularly to the gym. It also helps my sleep pattern. The more regular the gym=the more regular sleep pattern.
I work out regularly and I recently bought a Nike Fuel Band. I love it! It keeps track of steps taken, calories burned and Nike fuel points. It makes me strive to meet my daily goal.
I’m 65, so it’s next to impossible for me to lose weight, but I keep it under control by walking two to three miles at the gym two ro three times a week, and by counting fat grams more than anything. I rarely eat as much as I want, and I rarely eat anything fried. It’s a drag……
Body for Life is a good program to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Plus you can take part in their contest for a chance to win $!
I work out 6 days a week. I run, bike and lift weights. I eat as clean as possible. I do enjoy the occasional treat, but its all about portion control and not overeating.
I use a workout called TTapp. It’s a no impact “physical therapy” approach to fitness. And boy howdy does it work you out! :O)
I need new workout clothes so BAD!! I have low iron so it is important for me to maintain a healthy, iron rich diet.. Otherwise I feel very slow and sluggish.. 🙁 Also, I love to get a walk or bike ride in .. especially with the weather being so beautiful these days!
Oh!! Also, I started using an app called Gympact and it PAYS YOU to work out! You set a goal and each week, you earn MONEY!!
Reducing portion size and keeping a food journal as well as walking instead of driving whenever possible has really helped.
My husband and I have recently started the Atkins diet and are having very good results! Also I have to exercise to lose/maintain my weight. Any type of cardio/weights help me so much!!! So excited about this giveaway that I’ve shared on both Facebook and Twitter!
I use the lose it app to log foods and exercise. I make fresh veggie juice in the juicer every morning and run 3-6 miles Monday-Saturday. I would love to win a spree for new workout clothes. Mine have to be close to 5 years old.
Running! It helps keep the weight off and clears my mind after a tough day.
After my last pregnancy I downloaded the Nike Fit ap, I love it. It was encouraging to track my runs. I am looking forward to getting back into the game this spring after this pregnancy. 🙂
I never thought that I would enter the world of Zumba, but I now live in it!! Zumba gives me the stress relief I need as well as an avenue to, as my husband says, “Burn some gristle.” I pair that with a small run a few times a week and I’m set! I look better now than I did on my wedding day and before I had two kids!
Portion control is essential. Filling your plate with 75% veggies, fruits and salads with 25% low fat protein is also one of my strategies. I do at least 4 hrs of cardio/ aerobics/ weights each week and walk a minimum of 3 miles a day. Not only does this help physically, it is essential to a healthy mental attitude as well.
Strength training! Lift heavy!
I just try and eat heathy and to exercise at least every other day. I eat a lot of whole grains, fruits and veggies and lean meat. I don’t eat very much red meat. I think cardio and strength training are both equally important.
My best tool is an app on my smartphone that logs everything I eat. This has been an eye-opening experience as I had no idea how many calories I’ve been eating each day. It’s been difficult sticking to a plan in the past, but with logging my food intake, it’s been a lot easier!
I have to ALWAYS eat breakfast and portion control. Stay away from sweets and stay active.
I’m about to embark on a food intolerance elimination diet (ridding my body of 7 foods that are highly allergenic). My mother-in-law has already started and I will be joining her. I am SO looking forward to eating a diet of real, whole foods. Can’t wait to experience the feeling better and weightloss!
I love Zumba!!
Just get up and exercise!!
Eating healthy and drinking water!
Weight watchers
I can swear by not eating processed foods. Anything that comes in a box is off limits!
Just tweeted!
https://twitter.com/channynn/status/300367316208742401
I’ve been a yoyo dieter my whole life. The best advice I have on what has worked for me is to take it one day at a time and don’t beat yourself up if you fail. Forgive yourself and move on! Veggies and fruits! Exercise!
To stay fit (when I’m not pregnant) I follow the Paleo diet as much as possible and try to eat whole, unprocessed foods. I struggled losing all my weight after my first child but after switching to the Paleo diet, I was able to lose all my baby weight plus more!
I am all the time getting asked what I do to workout…well I chase my 5 active kiddos around! HA! I do like to get on the treadmill and run a mile when I can fit it in…or go to the gym at night with my hubby, do the eliptical and some cardio! It’s a nice little mommy break:) I can always use new work out gear, I never buy myself anything…kiddos & daddy first! HA!