Makin It Easier

I am all about efficiency and multitasking.

If you can't be doing 47 things at once why do anything, right??
And lately I've realized that I've subconsciously been doing a few things that are helping me be more efficient and use my time more wisely - 2 huge bonuses in my life. 

Here are 4 things that are making my life easier lately

1.  Remember when you were little and your mom made you lay your clothes out before you went to bed for school the next day?  Well I've started making myself do that for the week.  I try on Sunday nights to corral all of my tops for the upcoming week into one area in my closet.  That way it's just a grab and go situation not a 'hmmmmm what to wearrrr? Oh look 20 minutes have passed and I'm still not dressed.'
And while Floyd is usually my go to getting ready buddy, his ability to pick out outfits isn't the best.

2. Remember way back when and I would put together month long meal plans here on blog?  Yeah I forgot about it too but recently I've jumped back on the bandwagon.  But I can not take all of the credit, Kait sent Casey and I her meal plan a few months ago and it reminded me how stinkin easy it made my life.  So I've started it back up again and it is seriously the best thing.

I could go on forever about my love for meal planning and how much easier it makes your life.  I was thinking of posting the plans again on the blog.  Would anyone be interested in that??

3. I'm not sure where I heard about The Skimm but I am sure glad I did.
Truth time : I am terrible about reading the news and keeping up with current events.
Until, The Skimm entered my life.  Every morning when I wake up I have an email from them that takes me less than 3 minutes to read and gives me snippets of all of the news going on in the world.
Perfect for me - sweet and short and to the point.
Plus it makes watching The Today Show even more interesting because I know more of what Natalie is talking about.
Sign up for The Skimm here!
#SheReadsTruth is also an early morning treat in my mailbox.  Casey told me about this quick, short, daily devotional and it is great way to start the day.  It also only takes a few moments to read and I love starting my day with it. You can sign up for that one here.

4. In an effort to have more time in the evenings with my main men, I've been getting my non running work outs in the morning.  Sure this means a 6am call with Tony and P90X2 but when I can come home from work, walk Floyd and be free for the evening, it's totally worth it.  Plus knowing you are starting the day with your work out done feels pretty great.

So, tell me, what do you do to make your day run more smoothly?

Linking up with Shanna!

Why I Don't Belong to a Gym

I don't belong to a gym.

I don't go to classes.

And I don't miss it.

I've done the gym thing, I've done the classes thing but they aren't for me.

I'm not against them at all, they just don't fit in my lifestyle.

What does work for me, our lifestyle and the schedule of our home is working out at home.

And here's why...

1. Free

Working out at home is free

and I like free.

Sure there are some initial costs; various weights, programs (if you choose to go that route), pull up bars, push up assists, etc.  BUT those items aren't even 100% necessary.  There are plenty of body resistant routines out there that don't require any equipment.

But one thing I really love about working out at home is that I don't see that $29.99 (or whatever a gym costs) coming out of my checking account each month.  And I feel like I am still getting just as good of a work out. 

2. Freedom

I love the freedom of working out at home.

I can do it at any moment, just have to change clothes and lace up my shoes.

If I want to work out before work, I can.

If I want to work out after work, I can.

If I want to do some bicep curls between episodes of Real Housewives, I can. 

3. Flexibility

When I work out at home I do something different almost every single time.

Whether it's Tone It Up girls, a YouTube work out, TRX work out, Pinterest work outs, P90x, or Insanity or running, I am always changing it up.

There are so many options and so many great, free work outs online and YouTube that it is nearly impossible to get bored.

Plus with working out at home I don't feel the time crunch I used to at the gym.

By the time I would get to the gym, put my things away, get settled, I would feel like it would be time to go home again.  

But at home I don't feel that pressure.  It takes seconds to get set up and if I need to run upstairs and stir dinner between reps I can. 

4. Fun

I actually really enjoy working out at home. 

I think it's fun to challenge myself and crank out one more set of reps or 10 more push ups or one more round of anything it may be that day.

Often Mister and I will work out together inspiring some friendly competition, especially if we are doing P90X.  

And when we aren't working out together, I have the chance to catch up on all of my Bravo shows.  And there is nothing that keeps my attention longer when working out than a good Bravo drama. 

5. Floyd

He is, paws down, the best trainer.

If you've ever wanted to know what it's like to power through crunches with a basset hound licking your face, or to try to do push ups while a basset hound is throwing his tennis ball under your belly, please come over and work out with us.  We call it basset training and it takes things to a whole new level.  

So how about you, do you prefer the gym or sweating it out at home?

The Other Men in My Life

I have a secret to reveal.

There have recently been two other men in my life...

Tony and Shaun T.
As in p90x2 and Insanity coaches.

And they have been kicking my arse.

Mister and I have always worked out, gone to the gym, and eaten pretty healthy.

But a few months ago, Mister got the harebrained idea that we should do p90x2.

And I crazily said okay.

Well, turns out it works and will whip you into shape.
And in the comfort of your own home at that!

I am really a fan of being able to work out at home.

While I like classes at the gym the whole 'driving there after work, changing clothes, going to the class, getting home late' shebang just really does a number on me. 

We have accumulated quite a bit of work out garb at home and have a decent space to work out in so I just really prefer to sweat it out there.

Plus Floyd is really good at helping me count reps and do downward dog.

My personal trainer. 'Mama, 25 more crunches NOW!'

So back in September we started p90x2 and worked realllly hard and ate really well.
We promised we would reward ourselves at the end of each month with something special.
September it was Dallas, October was NOLA and November was holiday eating/drinking.

We followed the schedule (for the most part) and the nutrition plan (with some deviations).
For instance, I am not really a fan of the 'stretching' day or the yoga so on those days I will generally run, do a Tone It Up/Blogiates routine or take a rest day.  For me, working out 4-5 days a week is sufficient and works for my body.

By the end of November we were in a pretty good routine.
Sure we skipped days here and there and sure we did not always follow the nutrition plan (hi fried butter at the Texas State Fair) but for the most part, we stayed in a good groove.

Between December and the new year we decided to try out Insanity for a few weeks until the new year.
Totally different ballgame with Insanity.

I don't know if I could choose which program I like better.
They both have their pros and cons.
P90x definitely tones you more and Insanity is more cardio based.
I definitely gained more muscle, became more toned and gained better balance and control with p90x2 but Insanity is great because it is a quick workout and the cardio is incredible.
Insanity doesn't require any equipment so that is definitely a pro if you do not want to invest too much. 
Overall, I feel much stronger and toned than I ever have in my life.
i.e. this picture...

 never have my arms looked like that before...this was about mid way through p90 and after a lot of push ups.

In the end, I have loved the results of both programs.
(However, if you would ask during the work outs I would say, between gasping breaths, that I hate both Tony and Shaun T.)

As far as the eating goes I think it really helped us follow the p90 plan that breaks down the amount of proteins, carbs, veggies, fruits, etc that we should be eating each day.
Yes, when we started I was STARVING for the first few days.
But once I got over that hump it was (pretty) smooth sailing.
Like I said, we don't eat super strictly 100% of the time but we do make a conscious effort to eat well a majority of the time.
(I'll have a post next week about some of our new favorite recipes and a new meal plan!)
And I don't believe in depriving yourself either.  We all know I LOVE to eat.
If I wanted some extra cheese on my sandwich or a piece of cake or a glass of wine, I am not going to deny myself that.
It's all about self control.

And that is what I've been up to lately-workin' on ma fitness!
Let me know if you have any questions, I'll answer them to the best of my ability! 

*I am not a health professional, this is just what has worked for me.

**Please note the new domain up top www.totalbassetcase.com !! Please change your bookmarks and blogrolls to the .com! Thanks! Whooo!
#crosseditoffthelist

Linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday