What Do You Do, Anyway?

Maybe, some of you are wondering, 

"What do you do on that Christmas Crunch Challenge, anyway?" 

I know that it can be difficult to get started. It takes baby steps, little changes at a time, but never turning back. Even if you cheat a little on the weekends, don´t let go. Don´t give in. 

I made a life style change 5 years ago. I eat healthier, but there are days, I cheat. I eat whatever I want. I don´t believe in diets. They blow up in your face. They make me rebel. So I invented the Christmas Crunch Challenge, to challenge ladies to have good healthy disciplines in their lives. Healthy eating, fitness, and good spiritual encouragement. Check it out HERE. We just got started!

This is what I ate today for my big meal of the day. My own creation. I just had to share it.

Sauteéd Chicken, onions and peppers over a bed of spinach with tomatoes, Spanish blue cheese, and a little bit of italian oil for flavor. It almost filled my plate! And the best salad ever! You gotta try it!

Breakfast was two pieces of whole wheat no sugar added toast with queso fresco (like cottage cheese but smooth) and the other piece with sf peanut butter with a little honey. It is very important to get some protein in the morning too.

I had green tea and some high fiber chocolate no sugar added cookies for snack.

For dinner I had an egg with a salad on the side with more cheese. I am a big cheese eater!

This is what I did for my workout tonight.



And I am not going to bed hungry!

Remember you are not in this alone. I am memorizing a verse for the "Living and Active Challenge"

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecc. 4:12

Crunch it, with me! You can do it!

  


*I do not endorse, support, or condone, Jillian Michaels. *

Fitness Video Feature and an Announcement

What an incredible opportunity to be featured in Fringe Girl´s first ever T2 Video conference over at The Domestic Fringe

Here is what Fringe Girl said about it. After all, she just has a way with words.

t2 video #1 – heath & fitness

Please Note:  This is the very first time Dani and I spoke “in person”.  This is also the very first video I created, so it’s a little quirky.

For instance, I look at the ceiling all the time and when I’m not looking at the ceiling, I look like I am in terrible pain.  That’s my I’mfreakingoutontheinside face.  I’m absolutely not in any pain whatsoever, nor am I constipated.

My voice is also terribly scratchy and crackly.  That’s from many years of using steroid inhalers for my asthma.  Sorry.  I warned you I am not a speaker.

Dani was awesome though.  She’s a natural at video.  Maybe she’ll make her own exercise video one day

It is definitely the other way around. It is very difficult for me to watch myself, almost down right painful. However, I know Tricia has an incredible vision to do many more videos on many different topics to help and encourage ladies. She is a true encourager, and has encouraged me by stepping out of her comfort zone to do these conference calls. Click HERE to read more about her T2 videos






The video is a bit long, so if you already know me or are not really interested in my background, skip to minute 7:00. That´s where we talk about health and fitness. Get ready to Be Strong!

 .... oh and don´t miss the announcement is at the bottom of this post.



Our fifth Christmas Crunch Challenge will begin in just under a month! We are praying about some changes to make it even easier to keep track of points, and asking some key ladies to help in the leadership and encouragement.

Please, be thinking and praying about joining in on this fitness journey for life!

Be Strong in Jesus,
Dani

Dani Joy´s first Exercise Tip - Video

MY favorite dvd as of late -  Jillian Michaels 6 Week Six- Pack Abs



I did it yesterday and today, but only half. Today, I did some extra marching with weights and bicept and shoulder work. Tomorrow I will do it with my workout group that meets Tuesdays and Thursday! we are growing! I love it! It has been so motivating. I am praying they will keep on and also want to do our challenge. Also praying to be an encouragement to them too.

This type of workout isn´t for everyone and of course I do not advocate Jillian Michaels in all she does. Please, take care before doing this video if you have not done any heavy cardio before. Start out with Leslie Sansones Walk This Way. This is what I did before I started Jillian´s workouts or when my back was hurting.

Remember whatever we do to do it consistently and with all our hearts! ;)

Springing It,
Dani Joy

Inspirational Video

http://www.aoltv.com/2011/10/12/josh-drops-more-than-a-pound-a-day-i-used-to-be-fat-video/?ncid=webmail6
AMAZING! When you see this young man at the end of the summer ~ WOW! I was TOTALLY blown away! I don't watch much tv, nevermind reality tv, so this was inspiring for me. I loved what the trainer said...I trained a kid who through just hard work & clean diet lost 117 lbs in 110 days and the only reason he was able to do it is because he didn't know he wasn't supposed to be able to!

Fitness Video

Here's me doing the surrender in No More Trouble Zones. I think this is the hardest move in the whole video. It's okay to laugh at me struggling though. LOL!!! Here's the tip: I don't have a mirror in my living room to see if I'm doing the exercises correctly. So I decided to video myself on my computer to see how I am doing. I hate not knowing if I am indeed doing them correctly. Videoing really does help. Remember form and technique is key to fitness success. It does take some time in practice to get them right sometimes. Keep springing!

Are you Motivated? Let´s get some Motivation!

I thought it was time for one of my famous crazy workout videos.


Here I am working out today. I had exactly 40 minutes to do my No More Trouble Zones dvd, and I thought of you all! Wanted to workout with you. Hope you can get a kick out of it as well as be encouraged to keep on springing!

How are you coming on your water drinking too! I have been actually getting 3 liters in. It is fun to mark down every 16 oz I manage to get down. I didn´t realize I actually was drinking that much. Go on, mark em down, chug-a-lug a few! It really cleans you out. 

Remember, why we do this. It´s not for the outer but the inner. It´s for Jesus, our families, our health and for our over all best! 

"God has not given us the spirit of fear but of POWER, and of LOVE, and of a sound mind! " 2 Tim. 1:7

I love you in Him,

Dani Joy

Prizes!

200 points Reached!

Congratulations, Alice, Charlie, Elena, and Rosa!

There is still a lot of time! We are just over halfway ladies. I would like to encourage those who are wanting to catch up or keep on springing even more, you can with this week´s

10 extra bonus points!

Click HERE.

Prizes updated!

1st - overall points -Made to Crave book (or $15 gift certificate)

2nd- overall weight lost - $10 gift certificate

3rd- overall inches lost - $10 gift certificate

1st place junior - $10 gift certificate

Please note changes above. I want to encourage all those still springing! 




Our first place winner of this challenge will receive a Made to Crave book. I have not read it yet, myself, but I plan to very soon.  http://madetocrave.org/purchase-resources/  I wish I could get ya´ll the whole set but, just the book for our First place winner. Second place and our first place jr. winners will receive $10 gift certificates.


This is what we are focusing on here in this challenge. That losing weight isn´t the main challenge. It is letting God be in control of every area of our lives. 


Hope you enjoy this cute little video about the book. I also follow Lysa´s devotionals on http://devotions.proverbs31.org/. The lady writers take turns writing devotionals just for ladies. 


Fearfully and wonderfully made,


Dani Joy

Only the Strong Survive

My kids came across this video last week and showed it to me yesterday. If laughter is good medicine, then I should be healthy for weeks on yesterday's medicine. Ü I will probably be giggling to myself thinking of this little mouse the next time I am working out on the weight machines.

Boingo Boingo Exercise!

This is what I did over the weekend for some added comedy relief, and it got my heart rate up through the roof!

We had Boingo Boingo competitions. The young ones sure were able to stay on the longest. I think I could have gone on longer except that after having kids, jumping is not the same.

Go on now, have a try! You know you want to.

Dani Joy

Jillian Michael's New Commercial

Let´s Keep Sweatin´ it, Ladies!

Just really quick here to say... We need to keep pushing ourselves and sweating off that fat! Just like I wrote in my letter to ya´ll.

Here´s a little motivation if you haven´t seen it yet.

 Jillian Michael´s primiere of her new show "Losing It". (some questionable language)  They need to  have Jesus as their Reason and Hightest Motivation as we do, and then it would be worth it all!

http://realitytvfan.org/2010/06/02/losing-it-with-jillian-episode-1/

I am so motivated, through this to keep eating right, and to keep taking care of this temple and my family for God´s Glory.

Posting measurements and weight tomorrow. Talk to ya then.

Keep Sweatin´ it,

Dani Joy

Croutons!

My hubby and I had great big salads for supper tonight. To celebrate my 4.5 walk this afternoon I ripped open the last bag of croutons for a little fun crunch to my salad. It made me think of one of my favorite episodes of the Cosby Show and I found it on youtube. I am sure if you go to youtube you can see the whole episode but the part I was thinking about is in this clip starting around the 2:30 mark.

I don't know that I will see a big drop in the number on the scale or even a difference in the measuring tape but I have now walked over 12 miles since I began this challenge and that is very encouraging to me. I hope to be more fit this summer than I am now so I can enjoy time with the family without pooping out.

Sunday's post

Hello ladies,

I continue to exercise. Yesterday was really nice and I got to exercise outside, and my youngest son joined me for a while. The video is an old one we did and never posted. I may make more to post, since they are sort of short. Today, we went as a church to a Wok Restaurant--all you can eat healthful food. We chose to walk there; it was 1.2 K there and 1.2 k. back, so we got some exercise in. Tonight I did Jillian's Burn fast, boost metabolism workout. However, it seems as if I am going backwards. I hope it is because I am about to have my period. I weigh up to 1.5kg more this week. I hope to have good news soon, but i'm afraid the springing will be over. Well, we keep on going. Muscle is better than fat, any day. Keep exercising and enjoy the week. It's a very special one. Three years ago my husband went through major surgery and survived. Holy Week (Easter) is a good reminder of God's power over death. To Him be the glory.

I'll write before Wednesday midnight. Bye now.

Week 10 Video

One more try.  If this doesn't work, I'll just post a picture.

Dani Joy´s Spring Into Shape Video Finale

It´s our Last Week!!!

Oh no... now I am sad. =(

Oh but not for long!

We are going to do a summer challenge for sure! And I hope and pray you all will keep staying fit and healthy for life.

This isn´t my last post. I will be posting a Springy Journal next week and then a closing post on April 1 with the winners. (No April fools here though.)

Here are my finale videos! Choose and pick or watch them all! hehe

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing



Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing




Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing My jogging buddy, Emmi!



Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

You ladies have been such a boost for me! I wouldn´t have kept at it many times if it weren´t for you. I am going to say an early thank- you!! 

Keep with it this last week, even if you have not seen your goal yet, you will if you keep at it! Don´t get down about it, just get back on with it! Don´t let Satan feed you lies, stuff Him in the face with your determination and discipline! Remember "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world!"

Looking forward to your last week of posts. Remember you may post as much as you want this last week.

Love you, Ladies!

Plyometrics

Here are just a few moves of what I do with the P90X plyometrics. It's a great leg and cardio workout!

Lately my knees and hips have been killing me from all the running that I've been doing outside. If you turn up the volume you can actually hear just how much my knees and hips pop. This is why it's so important to try and land gently when jumping. My joints have never hurt me after plyo... Just running!

Three Weeks Down Video Special!

It´s so funny, I thought to do another video at the exact same time I had done one during the last challenge. I didn´t even realize till I went back to watch it.

Guess, I was feeling the same way. Wanting to keep going strong, and even pick up the pace some. Wanting to encourage and keep us all motivated.

So here it is. I actually busted up laughing at my side kicks! Looks as if my leg is detatched at times, just out there dangling. I jiggle way more than I thought I did. Also, what kind of punches are those anyway??? hahaha But they work!


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Here is the Three Week Down Video Special from the Christmas Crunch ´09 challenge.  Click here!

Keep at it this week and be ready for an extra bonus post option at the end of week 4, Tuesday Febuary 16. Extra points for the post, inches, and pounds!
Details to come.

Springin´ into Shape with ya,
Dani Joy

EXERCISE TIP

Sometimes working out can feel tedious and you tend to get stuck in the same old routine doing the same old exercises. Try adding something fun to your workout...
Fine a song that you like that has a good beat to it. Try doing one muscle group through the whole song (see my demonstration in the video).
We are going into our third week, which means it about time to change up our workout routine. You should change up your routine every 3-4 weeks in order to keep your body guessing. Our bodies are very smart and begin to get used to the same exercises, so keep lets keep them guessing!

Ketty´s workout

Hello friends, I hope you enjoy my video. I know Dani posted the same exercise last crunch, so this one is to show the new crunchers. :-)

Love

Ketty

Sarah F. (Springy Journal # 2)

This week I completed my third week of P90X, and I'm now halfway through week 4 which is recovery week. Recovery week is a bit easier and does mostly stuff like yoga, kenpo (kick boxing), core synergistics, and stretching. I do NOT do 90 minutes of yoga & I have never done the stretching... so I really don't follow the schedule of week 4. The only thing that I do on this week is kenpo, core syergistics, and a LOT of running. Monday I ran 7.5 miles, yesterday I ran 6 miles, and today I've already run 4.5 and I'm thinking about running again this evening.

Coed Volleyball season has officially started, and my husband and I are pumped. I just hope it doesn't tear my shoulder up. I've has some issues with it ever since I fell down the stairs in September - we are praying that it's not a rotator cuff issue. Only time will tell.

As for my weight. I weighed in at 125 lbs this morning, which is exactly the same as the last two weeks. I have been burning MAJOR calories lately, so I'm worried that I'm actually not eating enough. This is something that I'm going to have to work on.

Here are my measurements:

Bust 32 ¾
Chest 32 ¼
L Arm 10 ¼
Right Arm 10 ½
Waist 30 ½
Hips 36 ½
R Thigh 22 ¼
L Thigh 22 ¼
Butt 38 ½

With a total lost of 1.5 inches!

This goes to show why people need to take measurements. Because sometimes there are inches loss, but the scale doesn't move!

Below is a video of a move from P90X Core Synergistics. I only show one lunge on each leg with the arm movements.... try doing them 24 times and then see how you feel! It's a great move because it involves all muscle groups!

TIP: Experiment with different way to workout a muscle. Just because you can't do one certain move, doesn't mean you can't work out that muscle. For example: If you can't do lunges, try doing just a basic squat. If you can't do tricep kick backs, do dumbells over the head. There is always an alternative, it's just finding one that works for you!

Have a great week ladies ~ Sarah F.