Tag: Weight Loss

Black Girls Do Hike – Redwood Regional Park

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I hit the trails this past weekend for some much needed fresh air at Redwood Regional Park; which is located in the Oakland Hills. I invited my co-worker along for the hike and we found ourselves lost between the Redwoods (figuratively).  First of all, I am new to the hiking thing so as I was driving up Redwood road I stopped at nearly every staging area where I saw other cars just to see if the trail was okay for us.  Little did I know that all the “safe” hikes were inside the regional park grounds.  We past stables, horses, and even homes deep in the woods to get to our destination.

We paid $5 for parking and decided to do the “Stream Trail” which seemed to be easier since small children and elder people were walking it.  Of course since I had a first-timmer with me who was scaring me to death talking about the “Blair Witch Project” and how she had no signal and how we should leave a paper trail.  It was funny at first but then I got scared cause we were the only black girls out there that day. We soon got over it when we took a detour up the “Prince Trail” which was an uphill slope about half a mile.  It really kicked my butt and reminded me that I was there to work out.

We hiked a total of 4.66 miles on the stream and prince trail.  It’s a very scenic route where dogs and horses were allowed.  I would rate it an easy/moderate hike, its great for beginners. I really enjoyed the redwood trees and the stream that we walked a long.  My goal is to one day walk to the end …one day. Baby Steps.

Hiking has become my new found hobby that will help me to lose 20 more lbs by fall.  Hiking is great exercise and bonding time that is right in our very on Bay Area Backyard. Check back for more hiking adventures next week!

http://www.ebparks.org

Buns, Thighs, and Abs oh My! – Fitness App Must Haves

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Whether you are looking for something new to add to your workout or just need a little push without the cost of a trainer, check out my top 3 apps that I frequently use to spice up my own workouts! (Did I mention they’re FREE?!)

Update, two new apps just popped into my life – check it out below!

Nike Training Club #NTC

Hands down, the best exercise iPhone app! Equipped with timed workout that sync to your music playlist.  If you are looking to target a certain area, this would be the best app to tone and build your endurance.  You will need certain equipment like a medicine ball, weights, or jump rope so using the amenities at the gym would be best.  Although it’s by Nike Women the fellas shouldn’t be discouraged because it won’t discriminate on kicking your butt each time.

My 24 – 24 Hour Fitness App

If you are a member of 24 hour fitness this will become very helpful.  I don’t have time to log onto my computer just to check the class schedule so having it synced to my phone and calendar is the BEST! I haven’t played around too much on the other features but this app works best for the on-the-go gym rat.

Ab Workout FREE

This app is beyond corny! I almost didn’t download it until I realized that the only way I am going to get a flatter stomach is through persistence. It has video and she talks to you.  You can do your daily ab workout right after your check your Facebook each morning, simple.

MapMyWalk

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If you walk or run a lot and want to improve your goals or keep track of your workout, this app would be for you. It records your workout, times your walk or run, and provides personal statistics on calories burned, pace, and more. I especially like it for when I hike or ride my back because after your done you get to see a cool map of how far you’ve gone.

MyFitnessPal

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One thing I regretted about weight watchers was the mobile app where you can keep a food diary, track your weight, and exercise all in one. But that sadness was short lived when I found out that this app does it all for FREE. What’s most important for me is counting calories so this was an easy tool that I could whip out anywhere and calculate just like I would when I was on weight watchers. Highly recommended if you are focusing on nutrition. 

Do you guys have any Fitness Apps that you can’t live without? I’d like to hear from you, sharing is caring =)

Jennifer is Weight-Loss Amazing!

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The newest Weight Watchers Spokeswoman Jennifer Hudson has lost a tremendous amount of weight and looks so great! I think she is at a great size 6 and appears to be healthy.  Even though she was intending to lose weight for a movie role, it turned out to be a great lifestyle change for her.

Hudson shares her weight loss story and tips in the latest People’s magazine with awesome pictures as evidence that anyone can lose the weight.  She has officially motivated me this summer to get off the couch and change my life. The Afro Chic approves!