Jillian Michaels 6 week 6 pack abs level 1 workout review plus some free JM video clips!!

Posted on November 6, 2013 by EmpowerMoms

Yesterday I did my first ever Jillian Michaels dvd! Yes, it was my first one ever, you read that correctly! I have a couple of her dvds, but shamefully I haven’t ever done them.

I’m currently on week 5 of my “Fit Pregnancy and Parenting” online bootcamp with Amanda Tress (more info here: http://fitpregnancyandparenting.com/) and my assignment was to do the Jillian Michaels level 1-6 week six pack abs workout video clip… TWICE! GULP!

It was 35 minutes and I actually really enjoyed it!! She did the circuit moves 2 times with a brief warm up and cool down. I really liked the moves and only had to modify once or twice. By the second time around though (doing the circuit 4 times) I was exhausted!!! I used 3 pound hand weights but you don’t even need hand weights if you want to follow the beginner girl. Some of the moves I was familiar with by doing Amanda’s bootcamp video clips. Jillian was very clear with her directions of each move and did the moves a little slower the first time around to emphasize good form. During the second time of during the circuit, she moved a little faster. There was floor work and hand weights which I enjoyed. It was tough and I would consider the clip intermediate. I burned 559 calories doing it for 70 mins (remember I did the video clip twice)

Found some free youtube full length videos to share-see below. I think I will now try some of the JM dvds I have at home. I was honestly scared to try them because of all the mixed reviews I hear about her dvds and her teaching style.

Have any of you tried a Jillian Michaels dvd or program?

Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack Abs Workout- Level 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ8Zdj0OPMI&list=TLjbAYnmfGYPmPrYLYR9TEa0OYXqF8bu7n

Other FREE JM youtube full length video clips here:

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred: Level 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Pc-NizMgg8&list=TLujLHQnlwskGuaSZx4YxhVtG2JMP3JjCm

Jillian Michaels Kickbox Workout

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9avonsRVok

Jillian Michaels: Yoga Meltdown Level 1

Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat Boost Metabolism Complete Workout

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Peak313 Pumpkin (or watermelon) full body workout!! Try it!

Posted on October 31, 2013 by EmpowerMoms

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
I’ve been wanting to do this awesome looking pumpkin workout all month. I still plan on doing it some time this week though! and will post pictures too!
Let me know what you think or if you have done it before. 🙂

PUMPkin Power: Full Body Workout Using a Pumpkin! (by Peak313.com)

I was inspired one day while moving our 4 pumpkins around on the porch. I create a workout out of nearly anything, so I thought I’d create a routine that has a festive theme!
This workout is for anyone who needs to pop in an exercise, but doesn’t have the time to get to the gym. The beauty of it is that  your kids can join you–just give them a tiny pumpkin to hold and watch them have fun! My kids did!
Also, group exercise instructors–what a FUN way to hold a class this month! Provide a few pumpkins and create a circuit, make some partner exercises,  or have a “BYOP” class where they each have their own! I played around with this one night in class and they had fun with it! Here are a few of them in motion! (We used 3 that night and weighed each after–28, 18, and 14 lbs) Yikes!
PUMPkin Power | peak313.com
A few things to consider with your pumpkin:
1.) Stem
The bigger and longer it is, the harder the exercises may be, so take note
2.) Weight
This is an obvious one. Ideally, have 1-3 to choose from depending on the exercise.
3.) Shape
Some exercises are easier with a rounder pumpkin, while others a more oval shape. It’s not a must, but take shape into consideration.
There are 10 exercises here. You don’t have to do them all, so mix and match with what you feel like doing that day. Some are more upper body natured, while others are lower, full body, core, or cardio! I will section them off like that below so that it’s easier for you to pick and choose. Have fun! (In the summertime, the pumpkin can be replaced with a watermelon in most exercises!)
Also, you can do each exercise for reps or for time. If you do for reps, then shoot for 3 sets of 8-20 reps (depending on the exercise) and if you are doing them for time, then set a timer and do as many as you can in a 20 or 30 second interval and then rest.
Print off both graphics below to keep with you as a quick reference, but be sure to review the explanations below! (PDF is here)
PUMPkin Power (Upper Body & Core Workout) FREE Printable (Pg1 of 2) | peak313.com
PUMPkin Power Workout:Lower Body & cardio) FREE Printable (Pg2 of 2) | peak313.com
Explanation of Exercises
Upper Body/Core (Click on the image below to see the exercises close-up)
1.) Pumpkin Push-Up
Lay pumpkin on the ground (I placed mine on it’s side) and place one hand on it and the other on the floor. Push-up and down. Do all reps on one side, then switch sides. MODIFICATION: Place knees on the floor
2.) Bicep Curl
Lift pumpkin up and down with upper body.
3.) Pumpkin Twist
Sit on the ground with legs bent. Turn side to side while holding the pumpkin. MODIFICATION: Sit more upright
4.) Pumpkin Plank Reach
Place pumpkin on the ground. Go into a plank position and then move yourself back from the pumpkin far enough to where you fingertips barely touch it. Reach out and tap the pumpkin, alternating arms. MODIFICATION: Plank on your knees
5.) Weighted Ab Reach
Lay on your back with pumpkin in both hands. Lift pumpkin above your head, bend your knees, and then lift up and down with the upper body.
PUMPkin Power (Upper Body & Core Exercises) | peak313.com
Lower Body/Cardio (Click on the image below to see the exercises close-up)
6.) Wall Sits
Go to an open wall. Assume a “seated” position against the wall. (Try and keep legs parallel to the ground) Hold the pumpkin with your hands for a more upper body workout, or lay it on your lap to feel the intensity in your legs.
7.) Shoulder Bridge & Roll
Lay on the ground and place the pumpkin at your feet. (I put it on it’s side) Place your feet on the pumpkin and lift your rear end up off the ground. Now roll the pumpkin out slightly as you push the feet out a bit. Roll it back in, drop your rear end and repeat.
8.) Pumpkin Quick Feet
Place the pumpkin on the ground and quickly tap the feet–left and right–on it.
9.) Step Up & Squat
Go near a set of steps. Step up on a step while holding the pumpkin and lift it in the air. Step back down, bringing the pumpkin down and squat. The higher the step, the harder it will be. Repeat doing all reps on one side, then moving to the other. MODIFICATION: Don’t lift the arms in the air as you step.
10.) Straight-Leg Deadlift
Grab the pumpkin and stand hip-width apart. Lower down (slightly bend in legs) making torso parallel with the ground. Engage the hamstrings as you lift up from the ground to starting position. Repeat.
(not picture) Pumpkin Jack
Hold pumpkin above head and do a jumping jack, pushing the pumpkin up and down in the air as you jack!
PUMPkin Power (Upper Body & Core Exercises) | peak313.com
♥♥♥
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Book review of Finding Sheba and Beneath by Heather Moore, H.B. Moore

Posted on October 31, 2013 by EmpowerMoms

MY REVIEW: 
“Finding Sheba” by Heather Moore is a romantic, tragic, thriller book all rolled into one. I can’t imagine how many months it took the author to gather historic information about Queen Sheba and the Middle East to make it seem as accurate as possible. It took me a couple chapters to really get into the story line because it kept jumping from character to character and their particular story. However, by the end of the book the characters all came together so it made more sense why the book was written that way. I got so involved in the characters stories that I didn’t want to put my kindle down. I didn’t know who to trust, who was telling the truth, and who would be the betrayer. I liked the history aspect and using the bible as their reference during the quest. It was so intriguing to read what really happened to Queen Sheba and how secrets can alter or change the course of history and peoples heritage. I can’t wait to read more adventures involving “Omar Zagouri”. Oh-and I think this book would make an awesome movie!!


You can purchase it here:
http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Sheba-Omar-Zagouri-Thriller-ebook/dp/B00EH4CLEI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Book Description:

An ancient legend is reborn . . . One that might prove the Bible false.

For centuries, historians have theorized the Queen of Sheba as only a seductive legend, and scholars have debated over the legitimacy of King David or King Solomon. When undercover Israeli agent, Omar Zagouri, stumbles onto a tomb in Northern Jerusalem he unknowingly finds the final clue that threatens to overthrow government claim to the Holy Land, pits wealthy collectors against one another, and sends ruthless archaeologists scrambling to find the queen’s secret burial place. An assassination attempt on the Coptic Pope, His Holiness, Patriarch Stephanus II, is only the first in the chain of lethal crimes. Omar must find a way to prevent the greatest discovery of the century from becoming the most deadly. 






MY REVIEW:
I read “Finding Sheba” back in August so I was thrilled to read this short story this month by the same author. I was so enthralled with the story that when it ended I thought my kindle had make a mistake and not downloaded the entire story!! 😉 I kept forgetting it was a short story. I loved that “Beneath” introduced the two main characters that were in “Finding Sheba”. This book is 8 chapters long. I loved it!! Thanks Heather!!

You can purchase it here:
http://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Omar-Zagouri-Short-Story-ebook/dp/B00FG757KK/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1383177418&sr=8-9&keywords=hb+moore

BENEATH is a short story approximately 25 pages long.
STORY DESCRIPTION:
Chalice Stratford’s hands won’t stop shaking, and not only is she required to give up her medical practice, but she’s forced to enter the witness protection program since the serial killer who brutally scarred her is still at large. Working in a museum in Bordeaux, France, the last thing she expects is to be abducted in a museum theft gone wrong. Omar Zagouri, the man behind the heist, is not who she expects, and Chalice soon learns he might be the one man who can put her demons to rest.

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Leslie Sansone Thanksgiving November challenge

Posted on October 30, 2013 by EmpowerMoms

SLIMMER BY THANKSGIVING CONTINUED!

turkey
POSTED

Oct 30

COMMENTS

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SLIMMER by THANKSGIVING continued ….
Twitter Fans didn’t want to stop … so we listened!
**Our Walk Plans are for “all walks of life” … for all the “ways” that YOU walk … indoors with DVDs – outdoors – on treadmills – you never have to purchase an item to join us to ….. WALK OURSELVES HEALTHY! Share our Walk Plans with friends
THANK YOU Twitter followers ….
We LOVE WALKING with U … now on to NOVEMBER!
Friday NOV 1 – 1 Mile Walk + Core Training
Saturday NOV 2 – 3 Mile Walk
Sunday NOV 3 – NO STRUCTURED EXERCISE – Do everything that restores your mind, body and soul! Sleep in, play with kids, go to faith service, cook, visit people!!
So many great choices to RESTORE!
Monday NOV 4 – 2 Mile Walk + Arm, Back, Chest Strength Exercise
Tuesday NOV 5 – No structured exercise but squeeze in some activity … clean the basement maybe?
Wednesday NOV 6 – 2 Mile Walk + Leg, Hip, Backend Strength Exercise
Thursday NOV 7 – No structured exercise – don’t sit for long hours or if you must -use a Stability Ball as your chair!
Friday NOV 8 – 2 Mile Walk + Core Training
Saturday NOV 9 – OK ….. Go for it – 5 MEGA MILES!!!
Sunday NOV 10 – Nothing structured … enjoy the restoring of your spirit!
Monday NOV 11 – 3 Mile Walk
Tuesday NOV 12 – Core and Back Strength Training Only
Wednesday NOV 13 – 3 “MEGA” Mile Walk
Thursday NOV 14 – Upper Body Strength Only – Arms, Back, Chest
Friday NOV 15 – 3 Mile Walk
Saturday NOV 16 – 4 Mile Walk
Sunday NOV 17 – OFF !(LOL – now you know I am going to say RESTORE!)
Monday NOV 18 – 2 Mile Walk + Core Training
Tuesday NOV 19 – 1 Mile Walk
Wednesday NOV 20 – 2 Mile Walk + Arms, Back, Chest Strength
Thursday NOV 21 – 1 Mile Walk
Friday NOV 22 – 2 Mile Walk + Leg, Hip & Backend Strength
Saturday NOV 23 – 5 “Really Big” Miles …. We have a DVD for that! LOL!
Sunday NOV 24 –  RESTORE …. HUG everyone! … yes .. be a Power HUGGER! Works lots of muscles … really!
Monday NOV 25 – I will be walking in Giant Eagle (our local market-you know what’s coming this Thurs!!!) – if you want to fitness walk … go ahead! LOL!  Choose your miles!
Tuesday NOV 26 – Nope …. I am still looking for food! Choose your miles and tweet me to let me know if you walked or looked for food!
Wednesday NOV 27 – I will need a stress buster mile here …. Grocery shopping gets ugly by this point! (shoving, pushing, grabbing the last sweet potatoes … you have to be fit!)
Thursday NOV 28 – COUNTING EVERYONE OF YOU AS A BLESSING IN MY HOUSE!
Wishing you and your loved ones all the joy, enthusiasm and LOVE that you shower me with! Forever grateful my friends! Happy Thanksgiving! – LeslieJ
Friday NOV 29 – What else would we do but a 5 MEGA Miler????? Happy Walking!
Saturday NOV 30 – 3 Mile Walk!
THANKS MY WALKERS …. Love every step with you!
Great choices for the “Saturday” 5 Mile Walks!
Great choices for 2 Mile Walks !
Great choice for 3 Mile Walk!
(3 MEGA Miles, Walking to the Hits – Radio Remixes)
Great choice for Upper Body Strength
Great choice for Lower Body Strength
Great choices for Core Training
Leslie
Filed at 9:45am

– See more at: http://www.walkathome.com/sansone/slimmer-by-thanksgiving-continued/#sthash.HoNaH74o.dpuf

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Delta Labs November instagram challenge, sunday only coupon, Green Tea and Hair Skin Nails supplement reviews.

Posted on October 30, 2013 by EmpowerMoms

Last month I had the opportunity to join the DELTALABS ambassador family!!
I’m so excited to be be able to try these products and do product reviews for my readers!!
I also believe along with taking the proper supplements, that healthy eating and exercise is also important!!
I post alot of pictures on my instagram page (rdevaughn4) and use #teamdeltalabs if you are interested in what I do for exercise.

Here is a little bit of information about DELTALABS:

Our Mission

At Delta Labs, our mission is to develop the highest quality, most affordable and comprehensive line of women’s health and wellness formulas founded on scientific research. We’re committed to helping every woman feel renewed, empowered, and excited about life, and strive daily to provide unsurpassed customer care to help every woman achieve her best.

It’s Not About Us – It’s About You

At Delta Labs, we are committed to helping women lead healthier, more invigorating and fulfilling lifestyles. By partnering with some of the nation’s leading scientific minds, nutritionists and world renowned physicians, we’ve developed a complete line of all natural health and wellness formulas to help
you achieve your goals.

Quality ALWAYS Comes First

The quality of ingredients a woman ingests is the most important choice she can make.
When Delta Labs was first established in 2010, we had one guiding principle that could never be broken. That is, to use only the safest, highest quality, most effective and all natural ingredients in every product we offer.
And today, we continue to uphold that very belief, which is why our entire Delta Labs line is manufactured under strict cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines established by the FDA. And, every product carries the prestigious NSF Certification, which guarantees to you unsurpassed quality control in every serving you take.

30-Day Money Back Guarantee

No questions asked – ever. At Delta Labs, we understand that our long term relationship with you depends on your positive experiences with our products.
If for any reason you’re ever dissatisfied with a product, simply give us a call to return your bottle. It’s that easy. You can reach us 1-800-481-1938. We’re open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern (6:00 AM to 2:00 PM Pacific) time.

Delta Labs Is Green

Help us be Green, and we’ll give you 5 greens off your next order!
Delta Labs is committed to creating a greener planet for this, and future generations. By actively minimizing our carbon footprint every day, we can stay true to our core values, which are to Nurture, Nourish, and Evolve not only our bodies, but our planet too. That’s why we’ve established the Zero Carbon Footprint Program. Here’s how it works.
Every order you place comes with a pre-paid postage sticker with our return address printed on it. Just peel off the sticker, slap it on your empty bottle, and drop it in the mail! It’s that simple. When we receive it, you’ll receive $5.00 off your next order at Delta Labs.
They offer 8 products here: 

Save $5 on your deltalabs order with code: CRAFTSNFITNESS

I have been able to try the Green Tea supplement. I only take 1 in the afternoon instead of the 2 they suggest. I don’t get jittery and I tend not to snack or feel hungry when I remember to take the Green Tea supplement. I need to be more consistent with taking it to see better results!! 

Formulated for today’s health-conscious woman looking for a safe, sensible, and clinically proven approach to natural weight loss, Green Tea Plus combines the proven potency of seven natural weight loss aids, including the most highly tested energy boosters ever – Green Tea Extract, Raspberry Ketones and Green Coffee Bean – into a unique formulation to help support your weight-loss goals!
I’m currently taking 2 capsules of the Hair Skin and Nails supplement daily. I’ve been taking it for over a week now. So far I’ve noticed my nails being a little stronger and growing faster. I will post a review in another couple of weeks after I’ve had the chance to take it a full 30 days. At that time I will also do a blog giveaway for some samples of this product! 
Our Hair, Skin & Nails formula is designed to help your hair grow faster and stronger, reduce chipping and breaking in your nails, and create softer, younger, more luminescent looking skin. With 28 scientifically proven vitamins, minerals, herbs, antioxidants and bionutrients, we guarantee you’ll see clear, visible results within 30 days.

Save $5 off your next deltalabs order by using my special code: CRAFTSNFITNESS

Here are some special things coming up in November!
use this special code for Sunday only!! 50% off-awesome!! 
(can’t be used with my $5 off code)
GO TO THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE ON SUNDAY AM FOR CODE!
Join us for an instagram challenge #hot4holidays with Rebekah Borucki, another deltalabs ambassador. She will post more details about it on her blog later today here:

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