The 30 Day Fitness Challenge. Join the Movement to Reclaim Your Body

Noob Mommy readers like Jacqueline, Kristin, Cindy, Mary, Kari, Stef, Virginia, Elena, and Angela are joining me on my 30 Day Fitness Challenge to transform our bodies and get healthy, confident and energized. Will you join us and finally ditch the excuse train?

This blog post will be our “meeting place” for the 30 Day Fitness Challenge. You might want to bookmark it now so you can easily come back here as often as you like to read my daily updates. I won’t be issuing the updates via email or RSS for the consideration of my other readers, who may not want to hear about shoulder flys, mountain climbers, and calories burned on a daily basis.

Ok, here’s how the Challenge works:

  • Day 1 of the 30 Day Fitness Challenge will begin Monday, April 4, 2011. If you join in the middle of the challenge, no big deal. Just keep track of your 30 days and jump right in with your comments.
  • Per my previous post, How To Lose Your Pregnancy Baby Weight Part 2, we will be working out at least 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week, for 30 days. One day off to relax and allow your muscles to repair, recover and get sexy. Ooh la la! Ideally, you will be completing some sort of cardio + strength each week at a level that is challenging for you. You need to be breaking a serious sweat, not having a conversation through your 30 minute workout. Hey, I love taking walks too, but for the sake of this challenge, we are really going to be pushing ourselves here. I highly recommend 30-60 minute workouts for serious results. For example, all the P90x workouts are at least 60 minutes (with the exception of Kenpo – approx 45 mins. and Yoga – 90 mins).
  • Start leaving comments, tips, motivation, and questions for each other. If I can’t help you, someone else can jump in with feedback.
  • It’s worth reminding that this is a place for support and positivity. Negative comments will be removed.
  • I know you are chomping at the bit to get started, but remember to ease into your workouts for the first week. Start at a moderate-challenging pace and always pay attention to your form and posture (depending on what type of activity you are doing). I’d hate to have you tweak something or get injured.
  • Remember to stay hydrated, but don’t go camel on me. I’ll post later with some suggestions on what to eat before and after your workout.
  • I highly recommend you take some measurements (chest, waist, hips, and weight) and a before photo in your workout gear. I also recommend that you don’t check your weight again for at least another week or so. Obsessing in the beginning will only lead to frustration. You may not be losing weight right away, but trust me… you will be building lean muscle and noticing the difference in how your clothes fit. At the end of the 30 days, take your measurements again and an after photo. Give yourself the props you deserve.
  • Continue to spread the word to your family and friends (please click one of the share buttons at the end of this post). I hope that new participants will continue to join our challenge throughout the 30 days (and beyond!).

Feel free to use these 30 Day Fitness Challenge buttons for your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, emails, etc. (copy the html code next to the button and place it in an html widget if you have one). Be proud that you are going to be making a huge lifestyle change starting today. Thank you everyone for supporting and joining me in this process!

30 Day Fitness Challenge

 

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Plan for Day 1

Take measurements and photo. Jillian Michaels’ Ripped in 30 DVD.

Day 1:  04.04.11

I’m so excited to see everyone on here today checking in and sounding just as enthusiastic as I am to get started. I’d love to hear what workouts you are doing specifically … I know there are a lot of Shredders, gym junkies and some P90x folks out there. Who else am I missing?

As of this moment, I’m sitting here pouring sweat from my Ripped in 30 Week 1 workout. I had to jump right on here and see what everyone was up to before I hopped in the shower. Just so you know (since we’re going to be getting pretty cozy around here for the next 30 days), my sports bra reminds me of one of those large jungle leaves you use to gather rain water when you’re on Survivor, except in this situation… rain water = cleave sweat. Awesome.

Pros tonight: Working the arms. I have really wimpy arms and I feel pretty bad ass when I start curling stuff. I’m totally gonna start going around the house curling soup cans and sippy cups. Bad. Ass.

Cons: Measurements and the before photo. Cringe. The moment several moments where I burped up dinner. Note to self – No more pork and leek dumplings before working out.

Calories burned: 375

Average heart rate: 155

Peak heart rate: 187

Tip for tomorrow:  Power through those last 3 reps (the ones where you think you’re not going to make it) because that’s when you’ll really be building that muscle. However, when you feel your form becoming compromised, it’s time to stop. Take a break or wait for the next set. Don’t risk injury. Good luck everyone! When I’m sore tomorrow, I’ll know I’ve got some company out there :)

Day 2:  04.05.11

I was definitely feeling sore and stiff this morning, particularly in my shoulders and back. All those push-ups didn’t go unnoticed. As I’m typing this update, I can feel the jitters in my fingers from tonight’s workout. Ah well. Enjoyed the second day of Ripped in 30, but I’m thinking of throwing in one of my other Jillian DVD’s tomorrow night just to get a little muscle confusion in there.

Calories burned: 342

Here are a couple questions for you:

What is your favorite exercise move or activity ? I really love bicycle crunches and also old-school sit ups.

What move/activity do you need to work on? Planks and any variation of a plank. I’ve got small wrists and it feels like there is just way too much pressure getting placed on them.

Tip for tomorrow: Enjoy a little protein snack tomorrow. As you start working out daily, you’ll notice your metabolism kicking up and your hungry stomach much more verbal than usual. I’ve read many sources that say it’s fine to have two small snacks a day (if you’re eating three moderate meals a day). So grab a tiny handful (think 10) unsalted almonds or a couple scoops of lowfat Greek yogurt with some fresh fruit (orange are really delicious and in season right now).

Day 3: 04.06.11

Today was one of those mentally and emotionally exhausting days on the mommy frontier. I swear Noob Baby can talk the entire day without stopping more than 5 minutes to eat if you force her. It is a CIA skill I tell you. Put her in a room with Osama bin Laden and she will get him to tell you where every one of his training camps are in under 15 minutes. Anyway, by the time Noob Daddy came home I was ready to get out of the house for some fresh air. It was a perfect day to switch up my workout and go for an evening run. I ran two miles and stopped along the way to do a few sets of chair dips to work on my tri’s. That was really all I could muster today, but it was just what I needed to recenter myself. I hope you all enjoyed our workouts. I’m so relieved to hear I’m not the only one struggling with pushups and planks!

Calories burned: 330

Tip for tomorrow: Really enjoy your cooldown stretch tomorrow. Try to make it a peaceful moment where you give yourself some mad props for making this commitment, but also allow yourself to unwind for the day.

Day 4: 04.07.11

I have some good news for ya. We have just two days left of Week 1! Congratulations to all of you still sticking with me so far. I’m planning to take Sunday as my rest day, and also to have a little date night with Noob Daddy. Doesn’t sound like a bad reward does it? So, I popped in my 6 week Six-Pack DVD (also Jillian Michaels) for tonight’s workout. And it might sound premature, but I do feel a difference already in my stamina. I’m hanging in there much longer with each circuit. How about you? Sure I’m sore, stiff and tired, but it’s surprising me that my body is jumping back into things with relative ease. Well, I’m keeping this update short and sweet as I spent a long time last night writing my latest post, Preschool Is No Place for a Pissing Contest. TGIF tomorrow! Woo Hoo!

Calories burned: 320

How are you going to enjoy your rest day?

Tip for tomorrow: Try and pick up some raspberries while you’re buying groceries for the week. One cup of raspberries has more fiber than four slices of  whole-grain bread and twice as much as in one cup of blueberries. One raspberry has just one calorie … so feel free to go to town baby. (Women’s Health Magazine, Mar. 2011)

Day 5: 04.08.11

I squeezed in a late Ripped in 30 level 1 workout before bed. Feeling optimistic as week 1 of the Challenge winds down today. I’m looking forward to moving on to workout 2 of Ripped in 30. It’s always fun to see what else JM is going to throw at me. I’m not gonna lie, though. Really looking forward to my rest day tomorrow. I’m off to to enjoy a beautiful Saturday, and I hope you do too. Big sweaty hugs ;)

Calories burned: 360

Tip for today:  It’s the weekend! Go out and enjoy the day with the family. See if you can rope everyone into an outdoor activity like going for a walk at the park, a long bike ride, or race around the neighborhood and play ball. Mix up your workouts in a fun way and you’ll be burning more calories while you do it!

Day 6: 04.09.11

Week 1 of my 30 Day Fitness Challenge – COMPLETE. Holla! If you’re still hanging in there with me, and I do see some of you still updating (thank you!) … congratulations to you as well. If the saying is true, that it takes 21 days to break a habit … well then we are about 1/3 of the way to making exercise and healthy living a new habit. Was it a tough first week? Hell yes. I really wanted to skip a few minutes today and just hop in the shower so I could go watch some TV with Noob Daddy. It is a Saturday night after all. I had to remind myself that it’s just 30 minutes (not even the 60 minutes I was doing for P90x), so I couldn’t let myself slack. I did another 6 Week Six-Pack workout tonight, but I’m really looking forward to seeing what Ripped in 30 Workout 2 has to offer. As you can see, my calories burned are tapering off a little now that it’s the end of the week. If tomorrow is your rest day, enjoy it and really celebrate your commitment this week!

Calories burned: 312

Tip for tomorrow: Take a look at Eat This, Not That!’s list of 8 Foods You Should Eat Every Day. If you’re doing your grocery shopping tomorrow, try and throw some of these power foods into your shopping cart. Try to avoid the middle section of the grocery store as much as possible. That is usually where you’ll find all the processed foods.

Rest Day: 04.10.11
Day 7: 04.11.11

Welcome back to Week 2 of the Challenge! I have to admit that I was looking forward to tonight’s workout because I wanted to see what Workout 2 of Ripped in 30 was all about. While I didn’t burn a crazy amount of calories, there were definitely some tricky exercises in this workout that got me working my core. I also need to remind myself to hop over to Jillian Michael’s website to take a look at the nutrition plan that compliments this 30 day workout. I’ll update with that if there’s some useful suggestions. Thanks again to all of you still supporting me in this effort and posting your progress. You are inspiring me!

Calories burned: 306

Tip for tomorrow: Remember to drink plenty of fluids every day. 8 x 8 (or eight 8 oz glasses of liquid) is an ideal goal. Not only is it good for your body and your skin, but it helps stave off hunger! I’m really bad about drinking enough water. But when my sister suggested I drink a glass of water for my headaches, I was surprised to find that it really helped. Turns out I could just be dehydrated most of the time!

Day 8: 04.12.11

Man is it hard squeezing in a workout after finishing up all my evening chores, even if it’s only 30 minutes. By the time I finally get on here to post my update, it’s already 11:30 pm! Why am I not in bed?! Well, tonight’s workout didn’t leave me totally in pain, which has me questioning workout 2 for Ripped in 30. I’m debating if I should skip to the next level and see what it’s about or maybe mix in another DVD this week. The good news is that my hip hop class starts back up tomorrow evening. So not only do I get to leave the house and have an hour to myself, but I get to dance and use it as my workout as well! On another note, I saw that Jillian Michaels is going to be signing her new book, Unlimited,  in LA on Thursday. I am so tempted to go and give her a big fat chest bump from all of us!

Calories burned: 290

Do you feel any difference since you’ve started working out?

Tip for tomorrow: Unfortunately, doing crunches alone will not allow you to spot reduce fat. Remember to incorporate cardio as well to shed the fat and allow the abs to come through. Try alternating between short bursts of cardio intermixed with various ab exercises to help you break a serious sweat while training your abs.

Day 9: 04.13.11

I started my hip hop/cardio class today, and you know I’ve been looking forward to this for awhile now. This class always kicks my butt. There is a bit of everything – cardio, squats, lunges, abs, planks, stretching and dancing! 50 minutes of everything! Why do I love dance? You get your heart rate up, work on flexibility and coordination as well as lean muscle building. Most of all … you need to remember a routine! As I get older, I worry about remembering a series of instructions and exercising that part of my brain. All in all, I’m glad I got more than my usual 30 minute workout and I was able to workout in a classroom setting.

Calories burned: 540 – My cousin just got herself an HRM and we were comparing our calorie counts. Let’s just say there was a pretty huge discrepancy there, so I went back and recalibrated my HRM to be safe. I’m interested to see what tomorrow’s workout will register. Hopefully it doesn’t make me want to lunge myself off a cliff.

Tip for tomorrow: Plank drill! Find just 30 – 60 seconds in your day (outside of your regular workout) to get down in plank pose. If you’re at home, before work, or in the privacy of your own office, just drop and give me 60 … seconds that is. If you have access to an exercise ball, try balancing your legs on the ball while you’re in plank to really power it up. If not, grab a chair! Plank pose will work your abs, arms, shoulders, back, legs and everything in between.

Rest Day: 04.14.11
Day 10: 04.15.11

Went on a nice walk this evening and enjoyed what seemed like a cool summer night in the spring. Definitely my favorite time to get outside and soak up the sights and sounds of my neighborhood. People watching. Dog watching. Fresh air. Wish everyday was like that! When I got back, I tackled another workout 2 of Ripped in 30. If you’ve done any Jillian videos by now, you might recognize her plank jacks and mountain climbers. Well, in the level 2 workout … there is a cardio circuit of 2 back-to-back sets of plank jacks and mountain climbers. KILLS ME EVERY TIME. The only thing that gets me through that cardio circuit is knowing I’m burning maximum calories right there. Finished off the evening with a berry yogurt smoothie. Deelish!

Calories burned: 354

Tip for tomorrow:  It’s the weekend! Also a perfect opportunity to go green and ditch the car for one of your typical errands. If it’s possible, walk or bike to the drug store, supermarket, Target, bagel shop, etc. Enjoy the sights and sounds of springtime as you get from point A to point B.

Day 11: 04.16.11

Was out and about all day today with friends and family. I’m so fortunate that Noob Daddy stepped in and had a father-daughter day so that I could have a Mommy day! I squeezed in a decent run in the morning with some high intensity sprints along the way. No DVD today.

Calories burned: 234

Day 12: 04.17.11

Another hectic weekend day visiting with family. Tried to get my full workout in but had to settle with 20 minutes. Hoping to make it up tomorrow with a longer workout.

Calories burned: 191

Tip for the week:  Substitute one of your regular workouts with yoga this week. Find a class, a DVD, or something free on Netflix or TV. Yoga is not just for meditating and clearing your mind. A good yoga workout will also have you stretching, working your core, legs and arms. Try to let the day melt away and all your to-dos vanish for 30 minutes. Namaste.

Rest Day: 04.18.11
Day 13: 04.19.11

I wasn’t planning to take my rest day yesterday, but ended up feeling totally unmotivated and vegged on the couch. I watched all the crappy TV I could find … and trust me, there was A LOT. I started workout 3 of Ripped in 30 today. OMG. No wait, OMFG. What happened? I was cruisin along on workout 2 and the third one comes out of nowhere and totally blindsided me! If you’ve done P90x before, then you’ll recognize many of the moves in this 30 minute workout. There’s everything I despise and things I never knew I despised all packed in for a really killer workout. Normally, I do all the regular or advanced modifications of each exercise. With this, I couldn’t get all the way through many of the lunges and plyo movements without taking a break. I’m pretty sure my body is going to through a bitch fit when it realizes I’m about to tackle six days of this. Oh yeah, it also makes me wonder what the heck workout 4 is going to look like. I’m guessing I’ll be taking a 6 day tour of Hades.

Calories burned: 285 (probably a low number because I was standing there with my mouth agape most of the time)

Tip for tomorrow:  Stay positive and keep the course.

Day 14: 04.20.11

Had my hip hop class today, and I’m a little a lot bummed because the city pulled a bait-and-switch on me. They changed the instructor that I love. The class is more hip hop now and less conditioning and strength training, which I really loved as an added bonus to the dancing. However, I still did get a good calorie burn in there. Anyway, I love that I’m able to get out of the house for an hour in the evening and have some me time.

How are you feeling now that we’re about half way into the Challenge?

Do you feel stronger and more energized? Or even more stressed and tired?

What have you improved on since Day 1? What are you still struggling with?

Calories burned: 454

Fitness Tip:  Try high intensity running. After a brief warm up, throw in a good 30 second all-out sprint and then 60 seconds of walking or slow jog. Repeat these high to low intensity intervals for as long as you can (ideally between 5-8 cycles). HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) is a highly effective way to boost your metabolism and burn more calories over a 24 hour period.

Day 15: 04.21.11

I got in some push ups and abs today, but not enough to call it a full workout. I have to admit that I was just not mentally there to get a real workout in. I’ll call today a wash … but I’m pulling double duty tomorrow for slacking off.

Day 16: 04.22.11

Since last night was a wash, I did a 1 hour workout today using Jillian Michaels’ No More Trouble Zones DVD. The workout is around 45-50 minutes, but I added in an extra 10 minutes of cardio and stretching at the end. I’m hoping that’ll make up for me checking out last night. Well, if the calories don’t get made up, at least my conscience feels better. I love that DVD by the way. It’s one of her longer workouts, but it’s really well-rounded as far as strength and toning. We’re halfway through the Challenge! Hurray! Now I don’t want to get Negative Nancy on you guys, but it has been hard to keep up the stamina of working out, blogging about it, and writing my little fitness tip each night (by the way, did you notice that I put these tips on the front page of my blog)! I love it all, but I didn’t really expect that it would keep me up much later than I planned. As a result, I’ve been getting much less sleep and it’s taking a toll on my energy level in the morning and late afternoon. Must try to get to bed early! I know something’s going to suffer though … most likely my non-fitness related blog updates. It’s so hard to balance everything. I’m sure you working moms and moms with more than one noob really have a tough time! Props to all of you powerful ladies :)

Calories burned:  530

Health Tip:  Celebrate the Easter holiday by making some yummy, healthy smoothies for brunch or just a nice snack. It’s also a nice post workout drink to replenish the protein and carbs your body needs to repair/build muscle after a workout. Throw some fresh or frozen fruit into a blender with some ice, whey protein, nonfat yogurt, soy milk or lowfat milk, flaxseed and veggies (if you’re adventurous). The combinations are endless (just try to avoid too much sugar) Enjoy!

Day 17: 04.23.11

Ripped in 30 Workout 3 again today. This one is going to continue to kill me with all the leg and plyometrics involved. If you’re looking for a serious leg workout to build those quads … look no further. It’s Easter weekend, so I’m keeping this short. Hope you all enjoyed some downtime with the family.

Calories burned: 288

Day 18: 04.24.11

Happy Easter everyone! I knew today was going to be back-to-back activities and family time, so I was lucky enough to get a daytime workout in while Noob Daddy hung out with NB. I was really sore from my leg workout the night before, so I decided to focus on abs today with my Six Week 6-Pack workout instead. By the way, Noob Baby watched a Jillian workout today and she is already training to be a personal fitness coach. She said, “Crank it!” and “Moguls!” and offered to push down on my back while I was in plank. Yikes! I don’t think I need that kind of pressure. Workout 2 for Six Week 6-Pack is a really tough all out cardio and abs session. It is seriously nonstop for 30 minutes, and what amazes me is how Jillian is able to get you heart rate up while working abs. She really knows how to stack her muscle groups! I think this particular video is going to be one of my fall back workouts in the future.

Calories burned: 379

Fitness Tip: If you need to treat a sprain related injury, remember to RICE – Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate. Rest your injury for the first 24-48 hours if possible. Apply ice for 20 minutes (then ice every 3-4 hours). Apply compression with an ACE bandage so it’s snug but not tingly. Elevate your injury above your heart (at night if need be). See a physician if you suspect your injury isn’t getting better.

Rest Day: 04.25.11I
Day 19: 04.26.11

Noob Baby and I worked out together tonight. Usually I find it pretty distracting trying not to whack the noob in the face with my weights or kick her in the chest, so I decided to mix in a dance workout from my cable provider with a bit of my own strength and conditioning. Overall, nice to get the workout of the way before 10 pm, but mentally I was in mommy mode.

Forgot to put on my HRM today. Oops!

Fitness Tip: Tired of using your old hand weights? Mix it up by incorporating resistance bands into your workout. Resistance bands are great for travel since they pack up lightly and nicely.

Day 20: 04.27.11

Hip hop class tonight. I was feeling pretty off today, but the workout helped me get refocused. I love when that happens! I’m heading into a busy weekend. Going out of town and wondering how I’m going to get my workouts in with the three of us crammed into a hotel room (I may have to push my 30 days back a couple days if it doesn’t happen. But please do proceed without me since you are all doing so well!) The idea of doing push ups, crunches or supermans on a grimy hotel room floor really gives me the heebes.

Calories burned: 430

Day 21: 04.28.11

I hate having to do this, but I had to skip my workout today. Had back-to-back activities, birthday celebrations, anniversary celebrations, and packing for our trip this weekend. Crossing my fingers that I’ll have a chance to play catch up this weekend, but it’s not looking too hopeful since we’ll be in a hotel. However, if the hotel has a gym?? I’m not ruling it out :)

Day 22: 04.30.11

Our family vacation was cut short because Noob Baby got incredibly sick. So we came home early and I squeezed in a Ripped in 30 workout tonight before getting to bed. Little did I know that the worst case of Noob family stomach flu was about to hit all three of us the next day.

Calories burned: 338

Update:

Sorry for being MIA folks! Like I mentioned in the previous update, our family vacation turned into a stomach flu nightmare. I’m lying in bed as I type fighting the waves of nausea. Let me just say that I’ve never been more grateful for having 3 bathrooms in our house … because we needed every single one of them. At the same time. I don’t know when I’ll be feeling up for working out again. Maybe in the next day or two, but I had to check in and let you all know that I haven’t ditched you. Keep working out because Day 30 is just on the horizon! Be back soon (crossing fingers)

Update: 05.07.11

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for all your good thoughts and not ditching out on me as I hit this big snag on my 30 Day Challenge. I’m finally feeling better after the most epic-est stomach virus that swept our household. Did I also mention that NB also got the Chicken Pox at the same time?! And she’s been vaccinated!! So, it’s been a bit of a mommy nightmare around here. I haven’t given up on my challenge, and I will be back on Monday ready to get back into the last 8 days of my Challenge! Thanks for hanging in with me. No excuses, but definitely some health exceptions, huh? I can’t wait to hear your results and reflections as you finish up the Challenge. Happy Mother’s Day to all you lovely ladies and healthy mommas!

Day 23: 05.09.11

I’m back!!! It feels great-slash-really-painful to be back here getting into the Challenge. There’s only 7 days left for me, and you’d better believe I’m looking forward to the end of the 30 days. It’s not that I’m going to quit working out, but I am ready to find some more evening time for myself (figuring I won’t be writing little updates each night on top of everything else). Anyway, how was my first day back after the craziest stomach flu ever? Difficult, but not impossible. Good news, right?! And it sounds like I’m hearing the same kind of results from you girls as well … that your muscle memory is allowing you to jump back in after a little break without too much embarrassment :) I’m continuing on with my Ripped in 30 Level 3 workout for a few more days, and then I’m going to try Level 4 before the Challenge comes to an end. I’ve heard it’s truly an insane workout from many blogs and tweets, so I’m expecting to be shocked. It’s so great to hear everyone is still keeping up with personal goals and pushing play. See you tomorrow fit mamas!

Fitness Tip: If you’re not using a Jillian type circuit workout which includes ab training, then you might consider moving your ab workout first. It may help to do the difficult ab exercises before you are fatigued from your regular workout. It also prevents you from slacking towards the end.

*Note: I don’t know if I’ll be able to post my Fitness Tips on my main blog page for the rest of the Challenge because I’m on a different computer now without my Photoshop program that I use to make the little tips. So I’ll just continue to leave the tips here. By the way, do you find these tips helpful or interesting?*

Day 24: 05.11.11

Didn’t get a chance to workout last night. NB was having a real hard time getting to sleep and finally fell asleep close to 9:30. By the time I had a chance to decompress for the evening, I was too tired to get my workout on. So, I’m sorta going to count my hip hop class tonight (since it’s an hour long) as last night and today’s workout. This is definitely a crazy month with a ton of things packed in each day and especially each weekend, so I’m really trying my best to stay the course. No excuses!

Day 25: 05.12.11

Decided to mix it up tonight and did Level 2 of 6-Week Six Pack. Man that is one killer workout. Nonstop cardio. Just a few more days left of the Challenge, so I better bring it up a notch and go out strong. I’m visiting one of my best friends this weekend so I’ll be out of town. But, we’re going to be run/walking a 10K. If you’ve ever heard of Bay to Breakers then you’ll know it’s more of a big excuse to get in a costume and go crazy in the street. However, we’re going to try to walk as much as we can since running will be difficult if we’re not “officially” signed up for the race.

Day 26: 05.13.11

Ripped in 30 Level 3 still kicking my butt. However, I am getting better at the bear crawls with back-to-back duck walks. Man Jillian really isn’t messing around. I highly recommend the Ripped in 30 DVD, by the way, once you master the 30 Day Shred. It’s a really worthwhile workout DVD that builds up on the Shred momentum.

Day 27: 05.15.11

I was visiting one of my best friends in San Francisco this weekend for some much needed girl time. Food for the soul :) We also walked about half of the 10K since we joined up midway and weren’t officially registered. Bay to Breakers is really a phenomenal way to experience SF and have a crazy time. Naked naked and more naked. My legs are really sore from walking around the city this weekend. It definitely felt good to stretch those walking muscles and enjoy the bay. Is it really true? 3 more days of the Challenge?! How is everyone else holding up? Are you finished yet? How do you feel? Have you weighed or measured yourself? I’m hoping that everyone is feeling stronger and healthier overall. I know I sure am, and it came with a lot of hard work and motivation.

Day 28: 05.16.11

I busted out Level 4 of Ripped in 30 today. It was difficult but not impossible (granted I had to modify, modify, modify!). Can’t say I’m a fan of Supermans with weights. Ouch! I’m really happy to hear everyone is still hanging in there and being healthy and positive. Just two more days to go!

Day 29: 05.18.11

Still keeping with Level 4 of Ripped in 30. Not much to say except that I am eagerly looking forward to the end of this challenge. I do plan on keeping up with the workouts, but it would be nice to have a couple days off here and there without the guilt, right? I’m waiting for the weather to clear up around here so I can get out and do some more running. Anyone still taking some fun classes??

Day 30: 05.19.11

I’m finished! After another Level 4 Ripped in 30 Jillian Michaels workout, I have completed my 30 Day Fitness Challenge. Whoa… it was a challenge that’s for sure. It feels great though. It feels wonderful to have accomplished what I set out to do and to have connected with some amazing women along the way. Thank you to all of you who have been supporting me and commenting here throughout these past 30 days! I’m going to write a final 30 Day Challenge post with more of my thoughts, but I had to wrap it up here one last time. If you want to keep posting your workout results, thoughts, success, etc… feel free. I would love to keep in touch with all the Challenge mommas! Over and out.


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How to Diffuse a Tantrum and also Raise a Happy Child

Noob Baby is 3 ½ years-old. I was reading online a few weeks ago that the “half” stages for children are similar to a state of disequilibrium. For example, at age three they’re generally more emotionally balanced, grounded and predictable. At 3 ½, the whole world is off kilter, confusing and pretty much one long sloppy hangover. Developing children keep cycling through stages of equilibrium and disequilibrium until they’re like … oh … 26-years-old, give or take.

Well if you remember my post about The Totally Terrifying Threes, then you know how tantrums and Chernobyl style nuclear meltdowns have become kind of a regular thing around here lately. Just a little preface, though. NB’s tantrums are different than many of those I read and hear about from other moms. She doesn’t have the thrash-around-on-the-ground-and-scream-so-loud-birds-fall-out-of-the-sky kind of tantrums. For parents dealing with those tantrums, seriously consider starting your own non-profit because I’ve got a sympathy check here with your name on it already.

Yes, NB’s tantrums can be loud. They can be aggressive. And yes, they do involve flailing limbs (from multiple parties). But most importantly, her tantrums kind-of-sort-of involve lots of eerie, goose-bumpy threats and KGB death stares. They’re “kind of” psychological. And by “kind of” I mean really. Really. For example, she said she wanted to kick Noob Daddy in the chin the other day. Just wait, it gets better. She added …. So Daddy can go to the hospital. It’s when there’s:

A) cause and effect
B) a line of reasoning
C) the hospital involved

that I scour the Internet for a parenting book covering tantrums and/or hired assassin babies and what to do about them. Never underestimate the power of a good parenting book. And just so you know, a “good parenting book” by definition must always reassure you that you are not the only one raising Rosemary’s baby.

So, I’ve been reading this really interesting book called Brain Rules for Baby by John Medina, a developmental molecular biologist who’s passion is in brain development.  If you’re a noob parent or planning to have kids in the future, I highly suggest you pick up a copy of this book. I plan on writing a more detailed review about it later on, but for today, I wanted to share with you a chapter from the book that I found really eye-opening. Actually, I implemented some of the strategies immediately because of the “escalating disequilibrium” problem we’ve noticed lately.

The chapter in the book titled Happy Baby: Soil provides six key ingredients parents should focus on to “raise a happy child.” If you are looking to diffuse tantrums with your noob, pay close attention to the last three elements. Those were the strategies I applied immediately with NB, and I was shocked at how quickly she got over her anger, frustration, and creepy KGB moments. Some of the suggestions go against my instinctual hard-ass Chinese mommy image I’m trying to maintain, but it turned out to be a good thing. By the way, isn’t it amazing how often we seem to unconsciously mimic our parents’ parenting style even when we’ve vowed never to be our parents?

Here is a brief overview of the six components for raising a happy child:

1.  A demanding but warm parenting style

Parents who are demanding and attentive to their children, but also allow room for independence, usually have the happiest children. Communication and consistently enforcing and explaining rules is also a key component of this parenting style. According to the book, pushover parents, inattentive or overly controlling parents appear to have the least happy, confident and successful children later on.

2. Comfort with your own emotions

Parents should recognize how comfortable they are with their own emotions because it can affect how they react to their children’s emotions. For example, we usually praise and encourage joyful, positive feelings in our children, but often ignore or condemn their emotions when they are angry, frustrated or even fearful (all three of which usually manifest in a tantrum). Consider the way you express or suppress emotions. Does it correlate with how you were raised?

3. Tracking emotions

Can you read your child’s emotions and foresee an impending tantrum? Parents who are in tune with their children’s emotions can jump in before trouble happens. The better you understand what triggers the anger and meltdowns, the more you can do to prevent those things from coming to a boiling point. Again, finding a balance between being attentive and not smothering your child is important.

4. Verbalizing emotions

Did you know that labeling and identifying emotions is neurologically calming? Being able to label our feelings and teach our children how to label theirs is a crucial component of raising happy kids. According to Medina, “Kids who are exposed to this parenting behavior on a regular basis become better at self-soothing, are more able to focus on tasks, and have more successful peer relationships.” Many times, children “experience the physiological characteristics of emotional responses before they know what those responses are.” Hence, they become overwhelmed, confused and have volcanic meltdowns. Not only are they upset with a given situation (having a toy taken away, for example), but they must also cope with some hugely upsetting feelings that emerge out of the blue and essentially scare the bejeezus out of them.

I know that when you’re in the heat of the moment and there is a nuclear freak out happening, it’s difficult to stay rational and get all pedantic. But if you do, it will pay off! I remember when we taught NB what being frustrated was. She immediately began to announce the moments when she was feeling SO FRUSTRATED!! At the time, I was like … “Awww, how cute. She remembered a big shmancy word.” But now I realize, it really made her emotions more manageable for her. Jealousy, joy, excitement, fear, anxiety, nervousness … those are all words we can be using with our children to help them identify what they are feeling.

5. Running toward emotions

In a nutshell, don’t ignore or discount the difficult moments and feelings. Remember that all those instances can be really rewarding teachable moments. By acknowledging their emotions, our little noobs feel validated. We might not like their behavior at the time, but remember that we can teach them that behaviors are choices and emotions are not. You can’t help that you feel angry about having your new toy taken away by little Jimmy, but you can make a good choice not to smack him upside the head. Anger is ok. Hitting is not. Ad infinitum.

6. Two tons of empathy

Lastly, this one truly works. I know because I’ve been doing this consciously for the last few weeks. EMPATHIZE. A LOT. Even when you are trying to be a hard ass, even when you are in front of strangers giving you their I’m-so-effin-glad-I-don’t-have-kids sneer, even when you feel like a total ignoramus doing it, just try the over-the-top empathy. Your noob will be shocked and most likely get over whatever was causing the meltdown in the first place. For example:

Standard Scenario

Tommy Tantrum: I WANT JUICE RIGHT NOW!!!
Mommy No-Sleep: Yeah, well I want my tits back. I want to know what five hours of uninterrupted sleep feels like again. I’d like to take a piss in private. Tough luck kid. Life’s a bitch.
Tommy Tantrum: BWWAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!
Mommy No-Sleep: (Hand mimes gun to forehead blowing brains out the other side)

New, Empathetic, Effective Scenario

Tommy Tantrum: I WANT JUICE RIGHT NOW!!!
Empathetic Mommy: You must be really thirsty right now. I bet you would love some juice. (Insert baby voice for maximum effect) I know. I am thirsty too. I wish we could both have a big glass of juice right now. How about we have some right when we get home?
Suspicious Tommy: (Whimper) Umm…
Empathetic Mommy: I know you’re thirsty. Thank you for understanding and being such a big boy! (Quickly change the subject) Hey! Look at that monkey doing backflips on the unicycle!

TADA!! And that, my friends, is how you diffuse a tantrum and raise happy children (according to molecular biologist John Medina). Remember… come down to their level. Validate and label their emotions. Then just lay it on thick with the empathy.

Now if only Medina could have taught me how to write this post in just 100 words, right? Go on. Try it out and let me know what your experience is. I can’t wait to hear if this works for you!

Need to get your paws on this book?! Share the love and buy from my Amazon link, or visit the Brain Rules for Baby website for more info.

 


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