My first jog after 1 year and Zara's first stroll at the park.

I've just completed my 100 days confinement so it's the time that I've been waiting for... The time when my feet can say hello to my lovely sports shoes. Oh how I missed them. I was unable to do any sort of sports during pregnancy due to a case of bleeding and after 100 days of confinement, I can finally work on those muscles which has been resting for slightly over a year. 

I was so fortunate that my husband was very supportive in my attempt to be fit and healthy. He agreed to take care of Zara while I jog. So, we got up early yesterday morning and prepared our lil Chica to go for a walk at the park. I can't say much about her stroll at the park because I wasn't with her at that time. Hubster said that she was very calm and being her usual curious self looking around. I on the other hand was struggling and trying my best to complete one round of jog. I managed to complete 2 rounds but of course i walked once a while. I just need to push myself a little if not i'll be succumbing to the luxury of losing weight via breastfeeding and telling myself that taking care of my baby is enough of an exercise for me. All I can say is that it felt very heavy when I started to run. Lifting my legs wasn't as easy as it was when i used to run mile after mile. It felt as if all my gears are rusty. Even though it was nothing big, it's still a step closer to my fit and healthy self. 

Uuuu..... I'm in the Stroller...

Urmm... Mummy, Where are we going? What is going on?

Hubster and Lil Chica

Hubster went ahead on a date with his new "girlfriend" while I stretch and prepare for my jog.

Back to rocking my New Balance after a long time.

Nestle's World Walking Day 2012

It has pretty much become a tradition for us to join a few walks a year as a group of friends in attempt to promote a healthier lifestyle. (Which is pretty much a good idea rather than just meeting up for drinks and gain calories). Of course some would say that might as well we just burn calories and not gain any. Well, what's important is moderation. That way, we get to enjoy life, right? LOL!

So anyway, back to the story.... Every year, Nestle will have a World Walking Day event that is organized in a few different states in Malaysia on the exact same day and the same time. Last year,  it was organized somewhere near the Putrajaya Lake where we walk along the lake and pass Pullman Resort. This year, they had in front of the Palace of Justice (exact same route as Avon's Breast Cancer Awareness Walk). Honestly, I prefer last year's venue and choice of samples given. Nonetheless, we still had fun! After all, it's the company that matters, right? A great way to spend quality time with friends.

Fresh faced Sri and I just before warming up.

Somewhere near the starting point.

 

Bhangra Dance Workout to Warm Up our Systems.

Tira and I.. We were pretty much ahead from the others as our determination to burn calories was more than others. (or rather we were fueled up with excitement of what's waiting for us at the finish line... Milo from the Lorry especially.... )

Sri and Farah

6,756 steps only helps to burn 274 calories which is equivalent to 2 curry puffs?!!! Gasp! *thinking of the times when I would eat 3-4 sardine puffs at one shot*

At the finishing line!

Both Tira and I took 2 cups of Milo... Believe me when I say, if we had 4 pairs of hands, we would have taken 8 cups! Milo from the Lorry is filled with awesomeness!

With my Milo... The sun was really bright... should have brought my sunshades... Unfortunately, I don't have one... *Hint Hint to Hubster*

Farah and Sri enjoying their Honeystars

Group Photo! This year we were joined by Farah's little sister and their friend, Mang Mang. Nice to meet the both of you!

Minka Kelly

Minka Kelly was famous for her role as Lyla Garrity in the TV series called Friday Night Lights. There is no denying that this beauty is much more than a pretty face. She does not have those stick thin figures that we most often see Hollywood celebrities normally portray in. Instead, she has a fit and lean figure. Being healthy gave her the natural beauty and a hot figure that rocks! Just look at her pictures. Even with minimal make up and just a white tee, Minka still look super attractive.

So, I goggled for her workout regime and diet. Self.com has a lot of informative stuff on her workout and diet plan. There is this circuit that she does which seems pretty much doable (i think! LOL!! Maybe im just being too ambitious!)

Circuit:

1.   Twister

Works shoulders, abs, butt, legs Stand with feet hip-width apart, a 5-pound dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height, palms forward. Squat, then return to standing, as you pivot left foot so torso twists to right and extend arms overhead (as shown). Repeat on opposite side for 1 rep. Do 6 to 10 reps.

2.   Big Dipper

Works butt, legs Stand with feet hip-width apart, a weight in each hand at sides throughout. Step right leg back and to left, coming into a deep squat (as shown). Return to start. Repeat on the opposite side for 1 rep. Do 10 to 12 reps

3.   All Over Toner

Works shoulders, abs, butt, legs Stand with feet hip-width apart, a weight in each hand at sides. Raise weights out to sides at shoulder height as you step left leg back into a reverse lunge (as shown). Return to start. Repeat on opposite leg for 1 rep. Do 12 reps.

4.   Ballsy Bicycle

Works abs, obliques Lie faceup, holding a 3- to 6-pound medicine ball at chest. Lift shoulder blades and legs about 6 inches off floor, then bring left knee toward chest and twist torso toward left knee (as shown). Switch sides, twisting torso to bent right knee, for 1 rep. Continue alternating in a pedaling motion. Do 12 reps.

5.   Interval Run
1 minute at 5.0
1 minute at 5.5
1 minute at 6.0
1 minute at 6.5
1 minute at 7.0
1 minute at 7.5
1 minute at 8.0
2 minutes at 4.5
Repeat five times.

 Planning to try it this weekend! Wish me luck! Will update you on my thoughts about it once i tried it. ;p

Self.com also shared some tips from Minka.

Here are Minka Kelly's Diet and Workout Tips:

1.       Don’t Deprive
"If you don't let yourself have things you want, especially when it comes to something as simple as food, you'll fail and end up being less healthful. I try to be sensible and have egg whites and oatmeal for breakfast, a salad with protein for lunch, and fish and veggies at night. But once in a while, I have that cheeseburger and fries!"

2.       Workout Goal
"To feel good and not have to buy bigger jeans!"

3.       It’s Not About the Number
"I haven't gotten on a scale in a long time. If I'm working out hard enough, I'm proud of myself."

4.       Maintain balance
"If you don't have something you're passionate about, you won't be happy. When the people in your life support your career and know how much they mean to you, everything balance's out."

5.       Eat Dessert
"I don't feel like dinner's done unless I have a sweet. I'd rather go for a small slice of real chocolate cake than a bunch of sugar-free cookies. It's all in moderation."

6.       Find your Inspiration
"I watch Beyoncé videos while I'm working out. The dancers' bodies are so inspiring!"

7.       Embrance your Imperfection
"They are what makes us beautiful. The scar from the appendectomy I had when I was little and the one from the boogie boarding accident I had a few years ago make me unique, and I'm proud of them. That said, there are days when I have less confidence than other days. When that happens, I try to treat myself the same way I would treat my best friend—meaning, I love my friends for who they are and don't focus on their 'flaws.' So I try to do that for myself, too"

8.       Enjoy IT
"Exercise is like meditation for me. And I'm giving myself that time!"

9.       Work your mind and Body
"I've been working out with [trainer] Gunnar Peterson and it's completely changed my body, my life, everything. I cannot live without it now. When you have such a good workout, it clears everything up mentally, physically, and you just have a better day.

Looking at her does motivate me a little to be fit. I hope I will be able to adopt a healthier lifestyle successfully. Wish me luck!

Gymboss

My husband and I are trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle by eating healthy and making our body stronger through various exercises. Interval training is something that we are trying to constantly challenge our bodies.

According to http://sportsmedicine.about.com, interval training helps to "increase in cardiovascular efficiency (the ability to deliver oxygen to the working muscles) as well as increased tolerance to the build-up of lactic acid. These changes result in improved performance, greater speed, and endurance." 

In a much simpler manner, interval training helps to: 

1. Increase Efficiency

2. Burn more fat 

3. Build a healthier heart 

4. Loose Fat and not Muscle (steady state cardio seems to encourage muscle loss) 

5. Increase Metabolism (i so so so so SOOOO need this) 

I tried a few routines but it was quite difficult to maintain my focus having to look at my watch constantly so check the time. Then, I found this interval timer called Gymboss online. To my surprise, it is pretty affordable. At a price of USD20, you'll get the Gymboss interval timer. 

Functions? 

• 1 or 2 intervals - 2 seconds to 99 minutes 
• Repeat up to 99 times 
• Beep and/or Vibrate alarm 
• Alarm duration 1, 5, or 10 seconds 
• Stopwatch function 
• Secure Belt clip Compact Size (1 ¾ x 2 ¼ x ½ inches) 
• Water and shock resistant 

Delivery only cost USD4 to Malaysia regardless of how many units you get. On the website, they state that delivery would take 1-2weeks depending on custom clearance.

So, Wednesday last week, I purchased 2 units (one for the hubster and one for me!). The service was very fast. A few hours later, I received an e-mail stating that they have shipped the parcel and I received the parcel yesterday! That's less than a week! Hubster and I are super excited. We can't wait to explore and use out Gymboss Interval Timer. 

Parcel

Our Gymboss Interval Timer and wrist/arm bands.

Hubster reading the manual and there's Tama who is also very curious about the timer.