Mom Works It Out by Angela Gillis

Go with your heart

Today has been a good day. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to blog about today so I almost passed on writing a blog post today…until I had a moment when working out.

Happy Monday! Remember it's a new day to start fresh and to conquer your fears! #fitfluential #motivation #mondaymotivation

I went to a cycle class today…and I didn’t teach it. And you know what? It felt good. My hamstring is kind of bothering me and I thought it would be best to forgo today’s run. I did what I wanted to today and it just felt good.

I remember going to my first cycle class and I couldn’t turn the gears up because it was too hard. I could do jumps and I definitely couldn’t do a spring anywhere close to 110 rpms. Today I had a proud moment because this was a true reflection of how far I’ve come on my journey to fitness. I had a moment today in the middle of the cycle room where I was just grateful for everything. I was proud. I was happy.

Just remember to follow your heart because it will make all the difference.

What is one thing about yourself that makes you proud?

Dos and don’ts of strength training

Dos and don’ts of strength training

I’m not expert but I had to figure a couple of things out on my own. (Always remember to consult your physician before starting a new diet and/or workout routine.) I wanted to share with you some of my personal rules for strength training. Incorporating strength training into your fitness routine will only make you stronger and better. Whatever goal you’re trying to reach, these workouts will help you get there. But first, it’s time for a little personal time. This morning was the first day back into a new/old routine. I try to change my workouts up just a…

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Knowledge is power so go get it!

Knowledge is power so go get it!

My favorite graduate school professor told me “knowledge is power but people don’t want to pay for that power.” Paying for information doesn’t necessarily mean a monetary exchange, sometimes is a time exchange too. Hearing that statement changed my world and continues to influence how I look at things now. I want to preface this post by saying I don’t want to come across preachy or bossy or whatever adjective you will insert here. People have sent many e-mails asking me what exactly we ate and when. I’m not an expert. I can’t develop a plan for you. And even…

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The lifestyle change is DIFFERENT for EVERYONE

The lifestyle change is DIFFERENT for EVERYONE

It’s different for everyone and it’s going to change over time.  Keep that in mind.  I’ve said it many many times.  The journey I took is different from the one Willie took and will be different from the one many people take. A lifestyle change is about developing new habits.  In our case, our lifestyle change was about developing HEALTHIER habits than what we did before.  McDonald’s drive thru and movie marathons for the weekend soon became weekend running and enjoying a good healthy meal. Losing 100+ pounds takes time and commitment.  That has to come from within yourself. No…

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What was the hardest thing about losing weight?

What was the hardest thing about losing weight?

FYI: This is going to be a new section of the blog.  It’s going to be the question of the week.  Sometimes I’ll take questions from what people ask me or sometimes I’ll talk about some questions that have come to my attention through reading and just normal life. This week I took the question from almost every person I’ve met in the past 2 years.  This is tricky for me because I really don’t know if people want to know the real answer.  You may not like the truth that I’m about to lay out here…or it may not…

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Why I loved the Jet Magazine article

Why I loved the Jet Magazine article

Welcome to everyone who found my blog through the Jet Magazine current issue. It was something totally unexpected and I didn’t even know we made the magazine until my mother-in-law told me. It’s a great honor. It’s not a great honor because are in the current issue, it’s a honor because I really feel like they captured the essence of our journey. Sometimes when you do these things people are listening and other times people are REALLY listening. I feel like Ms. Miya Williams really listened. The one thing we really want everyone to know is losing weight is hard…

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A little tidbit about us on The Rachael …

A little tidbit about us on The Rachael Ray Show

There was a little update about Willie and I on The Rachael Ray Show! Apparently, we are weight loss all-stars. Here is the clip from the show: Once again, I want to thank Rachael Ray and her wonderful staff for everything they have done for us! It means the world to us to be able to share our story and keep moving in the future! We are blessed! I’m excited to see what the future will hold for Willie and I. Right now I don’t know what it is because I’m always striving to be better than I was yesterday…

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Happy Friday! China, meals, munchies, workout gear and …

Happy Friday! China, meals, munchies, workout gear and weight loss

Happy Friday everyone! I’m feeling a little bit under the weather which means I’ve over medicating myself before we leave for China. It’s a bummer but things will get better. I will definitely sleep it off until it’s time to leave. I can’t think about anything but going to China which has made my blogging suffer. I don’t really have anything to talk about or maybe the problem is I do have something to blog about I just don’t want to. That being said, I’m answering your questions today to free my mind a little! Question from Jackie: How many…

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I’m battling the insecurity

I’m battling the insecurity

I like to think I’m ok with it, but I know I’m not.  I haven’t been bashing my body image but I’ve been more conscious of it lately.  Maybe it’s because I’ve been out of town lately and really settled into my usual pattern, but I’ve been noticing. I talk about my legs way too much.  I even mentioned it last week in a blog post. I am self conscious about my thighs.  Funny thing is, it used to be my arms but now it’s my thighs. You will see the evolution of the shorts in this post.  Maybe I…

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Do you drink your calories?

Do you drink your calories?

I don’t drink my calories and when I do…it’s painful.  I would just rather eat my calories than waste them on a drink.  Most people aren’t that way.  When we decided to lose the weight, we did it cold turkey.  There was no more soda, juice, fru-fru coffee drinks or alcohol.  That was something I had to let go. It’s amazing how little a cup of juice is and how quickly you can tear through a couple of sodas before an appeterizer arrives at the table.  Just knowing that was enough to turn me off the concept. I would allow…

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When it clicks, it’s the best feeling …

When it clicks, it’s the best feeling in the world

I sometimes wonder why Willie and I are getting so much praise for losing weight.  Our weight loss is not really a big deal to us.  It was something that we had to do, wanted to do and did!  It’s really nothing special to us.  I wanted to stop feeling sorry for myself.  I wanted to stop the weird stares we got when walking in a store.  I wanted to stop the struggle of finding the clothes I wanted to wear but couldn’t.  I wanted to just do something different. I wanted to lose weight before, but all attempts failed.…

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