I've been trying to alternate between the treadmill and the elliptical but also throwing in the arc trainer every now and then. I'd like to start with spinning classes again but they can be a little intense and I want to make sure I have the endurance to make it through the hour before I go. I've heard about something similar to HITS, but instead of increasing the intensity or speed, you alternate between going forwards and backwards. I'm gonna give HITS a try though =) Do you ever use any work out dvds?

I've used work out programs on On Demand, but I like going to the gym better because I'm in front of people and I want to do a better job at my workout. At home I tend to become lazy and do the workout half bummed lol.

This thread has me craving smoothies! Trouble is, I really don't like yogurt. I wish I did, but I just can't do it. Does anyone know how to make a tasty smoothie without yogurt?

(hope I am posting this in the right place.... newbie here, just figuring out how this all works)

Lol yeppers you're in the right place. Those smoothies can also be made with tofu. I haven't tried it with the tofu so I can't say if it's tasty or not. The best part about cooking is playing around and finding what tastes the best to you. I'm almost out of yogurt so I think I'll try 2% milk next

Thanks! I think I will try with milk, maybe bananas and some kind of berries.... sounds like it should be tasty!

ME TOO! lol Like I'll try to do a Jillian Michaels DVD but it'll be so hard to push myself and I'll just end up watching the instead of participating lol

Oh she scares me!!! She's really good at what she does, but she's so INTENSE! hahaha

Agreed! I prefer to workout without being terrified of the individual providing instruction lol. Any special plans for the weekend?

Thankfully I have no plans this weekend, because when the weekend hits I give into temptation. I am at home with my puppies running around and today I'm eating nothing but fruits veggies and for dinner some tasty chicken. Hahaha it's another recipe I found. Here I'll share my wealth



Ingredients
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup prepared mustard
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste, and place in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the honey, mustard, basil, paprika, and parsley. Mix well. Pour 1/2 of this mixture over the chicken, and brush to cover.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Turn chicken pieces over and brush with the remaining 1/2 of the honey mustard mixture. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving* Calories: 232 | Total Fat: 3.7g | Cholesterol: 67mg

Here are some things that have really helped me: 1. air-popped popcorn and diet soda. People do not understand how healthy popcorn is because they are used to the buttered crap at the movie theaters. But it is a great snack and very low cal. Eat it with diet soda and it kind of expands in your stomach and fills you up. 2. Whole wheat. At first I didn't eat it because its the same calories as white bread. However it is more nutritious and SO filling, which is important when trying not to snack 3. Drink lots and lots of water, sometimes people think they are hungry when they are actually thirsty. plus it makes you bloated which isn't a great feeling but it prevents you from eating (long term positive effect). if you dont like water have tea or iced coffee with splenda 4. always start your day with a high fiber cereal. it makes you feel good and gives you such a burst of energy 5. even if you don't have time to cook it is the quickest thing in the world to throw a piece of marinated chicken (buy any pre-made marinade from the market) in the oven and steam some vegetables. 6. this one is a biggie for me. I hate working out at the gym - i feel like i'm on a hamster wheel and it's boring. However I don't mind being active when it is required to learn something or do something fun. So you could look at things like yoga, martial arts or hiking as sources for exercise and have them completely replace the gym.

This sounds delicious! I'm gonna try it on Thursday. Might throw it over some spinach =)

Great advice! I'm definitely looking for healthy snacks and new exercises I can throw into the mix.