Blogs / From Erin
My Dedicated Workout Space
March 27, 2012 by Erin
The workout zone in progress, because paneling inspires no one.
My husband and I moved into our house just over two years ago. Since then we’ve been busy with house projects, adding kiddos to the mix, and arranging and rearranging rooms to get them to work for us.
Up until we moved into our house, my workout space has always been the living room. Typically the most spacious room, it was also set up conveniently for doing my DVD thang. In our house, though, the living room is narrow, and I’ve never had a good dedicated workout area. Until now.
When we moved in, we had a “finished” basement. But it wasn’t finished in a good, usable way. Gross carpet, a musty basement smell, paneling and unorganized boxes of junk made it unappealing. In recent months we’ve had it waterproofed, recarpeted and painted. Now it’s fixin’ to be the most amazing family room and my dedicated workout space. It’s really coming along and with a little more work, it’ll be ready for sweat.
Having a safe, kid-proofed area will be the key to me having the ability to get exercise that’s not chasing the kids around. I have visions of the little ones being occupied while I’m fitting in a quick 15-minute workout (or maybe 30? Eventually 45? Could I get so lucky one day?). I’ll also have my own TV, so I won’t have to worry about working my exercise around anyone else’s schedule. And I’ll have a place for my yoga mat and all of the workout goodies that I currently have scattered around the house.
After an exhausting and painful pregnancy where I didn’t feel like doing much of anything other than surviving, I’m excited to be back in business in more ways than one. I’m ready to kick ass.
Do you do most of your workouts at home like I do? Do you have a spot dedicated to all things fit? —Erin
My Little Fit Bottomed Dude
March 20, 2012 by Erin
Lift my head? Seriously?
Happy Fit Bottomed Dude’s Week, everyone! In keeping with the theme of the week, I thought I’d talk this week about the littlest dude I know: my son! Not even a month old, this small fry has already inspired me to take my fitness to the next level. Which won’t be hard considering that during my pregnancy, my fitness was at about a level 0.
The minute the little guy came flying into the world, my pregnancy symptoms began dropping out of my life. All of the pain in my bones? Gone. All of my crazy need for comfort foods? Gone. All of that mind-numbing fatigue? Gone. Granted, I’m tired. But it’s a tired that gets better with a little sleep; not the bone-deep fatigue of pregnancy that made me feel like I was stuck in mud.
The best thing? I have my energy back. I feel normal again. I can bend at the waist, easily pick up scattered toys, chase my toddler around. It’s fabulous to feel fabulous! The little guy may have sucked out all of my energy during pregnancy, but he’s given me a renewed purpose now that he’s here. Now I’ve got yet another reason why I need to be a healthy, strong mom. I’ve got to be a good example for two now. I can’t wait to take both kiddos out when the weather gets warm; can’t wait to load up the stroller and get walking. Can’t wait to use the little guy as added resistance for squats while he’s small. Can’t wait to see him become a Fit Bottomed Dude himself. (He’s got a ways to go; guy can barely do a push-up and seriously has NO bottom.)
What dudes inspire you to be your very best self? —Erin
Yep, You Really Can Work Out Anywhere
March 13, 2012 by Erin
Credit: David Hilowitz
When I was at the hospital for a prenatal visit, my husband and I drove into the parking garage past the regular parking attendant, a 30-something male who appeared to be in good shape.
Why did I notice that he was in good shape while I was with my husband and we were running fashionably late for a prenatal appointment? Because the parking attendant was actually working out.
That’s right. He was outside of his booth in the cool weather at 8 o’clock (or 8:05, whatever) in the morning doing windmills with his arms and stretching. He had no cares about the incoming cars watching him, and he was still able to do his job when cars were exiting the parking garage.
I seriously felt a little swelling in my chest. How inspiring! How cool for someone to take his down time at work and fit in just a little physical activity! How cool that he didn’t care at all what other people thought. It just goes to show, if you aren’t getting active, it’s not because you don’t have the time. Everyone can fit in extra stretches or a walk around the block to be just a little bit fitter. Sure, it’s not like he can prepare for a marathon from his booth, but in the fitness world, every little bit helps. And there are so many exercises you can do in small spaces.
As we’ve said before, sometimes we have a reason for not working out. But sometimes we have excuses. If a parking lot attendant can get active, you can walk around the office a bit more or do stretches at your desk!
What’s the craziest place you’ve ever seen someone getting their workout on? —Erin
The Perfect (Cheap!) Self Massage Product for Your Scalp
March 6, 2012 by Erin
Self massage can feel blissful with a tool like this!
So I was doing some Christmas shopping over the long-ago holidays, when I saw what I thought was a whisk in the bath products section of a store. It struck me as strange, so I took a closer look. It wasn’t a whisk at all, but a head massager that looked a bit like a whisk. Skeptical, I pointed it out to my hubby, laughed and carried on with my day.
Then a couple of days later, I went over to Jenn’s for breakfast and saw that she had the crazy head-whisk self-massage tool. She insisted I try it, and I didn’t want to put the thing down. I got chills up and down my spine, and I was in head-massage tingly scalp heaven. I immediately attacked my husband when he returned to the room from a diaper change and insisted he try it NOW. He had a similar blissed-out reaction. Ahhhh.
I’m not even kidding when I say that within a couple of days we had picked up a few of them—one for us, one for his sister and one for his parents. The thing is amazing. You know how good it feels when someone else gives you a shampoo? It’s like that—with dozens of tiny fingers. As a cheap relaxation device, you can’t beat it! Mine was only $3.99, but you can get great deals out there, like this three-pack for less than $8.
Now, the wonderful sensation is at its maximum effectiveness the first minute. Your scalp gets used to it and then it only feels just good. But whip it out once a day for a minute or so when you’re stressed and you will be one happy camper!
Have you tried this crazy device? Love it as much as I do? Or are you too relaxed to respond? —Erin
Exciting News: Erin Had Her Baby!
February 28, 2012 by Jenn
The littlest Fit Bottomed Dude is now in the house! Credit: Cyron
Okay, so this isn’t Erin blogging—it’s Jenn. But I have some super exciting news! Like, life-changing news. There’s a new person in the Fit Bottomed Girl family, and he’s a boy! Yesterday morning, Erin gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Both Fit Bottomed Mama and new Fit Bottomed Dude are doing well and totally healthy.
We’ll let Erin share all the details when she gets back and in the swing of things in a few weeks, but know that he was 6 pounds, 13 ounces, 19.5 inches long and a bit of an early surprise. Erin was a day shy of 35 weeks pregnant with him—although her first child came into the world the same way: ready to see the world!
Want to see the little guy? Head on over to Fit Bottomed Mamas for a peek! We’re off to celebrate this new addition to the FBG family! —Jenn
Stick to Fashion, Karl
February 21, 2012 by Erin
Singer Adele, keep on singing and keep on ignoring the idiots! Credit: nikotransmission
I was a bit annoyed recently when I saw Chanel bigwig Karl Lagerfeld’s comments on the singer Adele being “a little too fat.” If you haven’t been keeping track, he made the comments about the singing sensation before removing his foot from his mouth, apologizing and trying to make it right. Now, he’s saying that what he said was in relation to Lana Del Rey and his comments have been taken out of context. So was he actually trying to call Lana fat? I’m confused.
Apparently, he’s also Adele’s biggest admirer. Which is funny because if I was the biggest fan of someone, I sure wouldn’t be caught on the record skewering them. Any chance at free concert tickets, gone. But as someone who has lost a good deal of weight himself, you’d think he’d be more sensitive to weighty issues such as this.
Adele, of course, responded like the class act that she is. She’s quoted as saying that she’s never wanted to be like the cover models and embraces the fact that she represents the majority of women. She also admitted in 2011 to having insecurities, but doesn’t hang out with anyone who points them out to her.
It’s not the first time Karl has skewered those he deemed too heavy. His comments on curvy women and fat moms should raise the rankles of Fit Bottomed Mamas and Girls everywhere. I guess when you’re used to the thin women walking the runways, the normal or even plus-sized gal just doesn’t look right to you. Regardless, maybe Karl should stick to fashion and stick with the rule “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
Do you think Karl Lagerfeld’s comments were ridiculous and uncalled for in whatever context? Sound off below! —Erin
She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not: Erin vs. Workout DVDs
February 14, 2012 by Erin
Unless your dog does workout DVDs with you, she may be a distraction! Credit: istolethetv
All of this week, each FBG is focusing in on one aspect of working out and sharing what she loves and doesn’t love so much about it in this special “She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not” series as part of Love Yo’Self Week. Enjoy!
Dear Workout DVDs,
Oh, Workout DVDs. We go way back. Waaay back. So far back that you used to be called Workout Tapes. I’ve been a fan since my teen years, when my mom and I would use a VCR to record Gilad and Denise Austin on ESPN. You probably don’t even know what a VCR is, you’ve changed so much. But should this long, lasting love affair come to an end? I’ll pull out my She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not daisy to find out.
She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not: Workout DVD Pros and Cons
She loves me: You’re convenient! Any time I want to break a sweat, you and your perky trainer are right there to lend a hand!
She loves me not: You’re a little controlling. You don’t let me get out of the house. And any work-at-home mom knows the need to escape from time to time.
She loves me: You’re flexible. From the length of time of a workout to the level I want to work at, you’re truly the master of customization. Unlike some exercise classes where you can get in way over your head!
She loves me not: It’s lonely! I can pretend those fit models are my friends, but they don’t talk back so I can’t commiserate when a workout kicked my abs.
She loves me: You’re usually well thought out and have solid production value. I can usually trust that a lot of brains went into the operation.
She loves me not: The ball gets dropped on occasion, and you let me down with inferior quality or a less-than-fun workout.
She loves me: I get to avoid the rain, the sleet, the snow. Home sweet home is so deliciously simple.
She loves me not: It’s easier to get distracted at home with pets and kids and fires to put out.
She loves me: Whereas a gym offers a limited number of classes, DVD options are endless. I’ve got enough DVDs in my house that I could probably do a different one every day for several months before I had to repeat.
She loves me not: Nothing will pump you up more than being in a fun group class with loud music and some woo-hoos! It’s motivation you just can’t provide.
She loves me: You respect my privacy. When I’m dripping with gnarly sweat, gassy or in extremely compromising positions, the only ones to see me are the ones who have to love me anyway!
Ah, who am I kidding? It’s Valentine’s Day and clearly, love will win out! Although I know I’ve neglected you out of necessity, I’m so excited for the day when we can rekindle our relationship!
Do you love the workout DVD, too? Or do you get bored and need to get out to work out? —Erin
What’s Up, Doc? If It’s My Weight, Tell Me!
February 7, 2012 by Erin
Credit: meddygarnet
I heard a story on NPR awhile back that really made me think. It was about how patients say that doctors don’t spend enough time talking with them about losing weight. Some doctors apparently don’t broach the topic at all. One survey showed that a whopping two-thirds of doctors don’t discuss losing weight with their patients, and considering the high numbers of obesity in the country, that’s a lot of overweight people whose doctors avoid the subject altogether.
There are a lot of reasons doctors avoid the weight discussion, the story says. They don’t have the time. They aren’t really taught about weight-loss in med school. Or they’re afraid to bring up a sensitive subject that they themselves may be facing. But isn’t the avoidance of a real medical issue by a primary care physician a wee bit negligent of the patient’s best interests? Seriously: How are doctors not prepared for these types of conversations when they may have to deal with topics like hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome and toe fungus? I mean, those aren’t exactly fun conversations either. As for the time issue, I’m sorry, that’s no excuse. It’s sad to me that a doctor can’t extend an appointment by a few minutes to inform a patient that he or she is at an unhealthy weight.
Yes, everyone knows you should be at a healthy weight. You could say that those who are overweight or obese know the health risks, and they know they should be at a healthy weight, so it shouldn’t take a doctor to state the obvious. But a lot of times people get complacent; they know they should lose weight but have been drifting along unmotivated to change. A medical professional—an authority figure—might be enough to help patients face the reality that they’ve been ignoring. Doctors need to worry less about hurt feelings and more about the real risks their patients might be facing. I don’t think a doctor needs to be a weight-loss coach, but he or she should certainly have the resources to guide patients to qualified nutritionists and experts who can help.
I know if I was at an unhealthy weight, I’d want my doctor to mention it. Would you? —Erin
What’s in Erin’s Pantry?
February 3, 2012 by Erin
Jenn made the joke that baring our pantries could read totally differently with the omission of one letter. I’ll admit that sending photos of my pantry to a nutritionist did feel slightly like I was going pantless and showing off my under-britches to the world. But we’re nothing if not honest around here, whether we’re talking about our healthiest habits or the ones we need to tweak, like my sugar habit. Plus, I was all for seeing how I could tweak my dry goods stash to make it a bit healthier.
First, a tour of my Lazy Susan. I have additional cupboard space for baking necessities and spices and counter space for bread, but this is the meat of it. It took four turns of old Susan to get it all pictured. At the top of this turn: Canned soups, bread crumbs and two honey bears. I went through a lot of honey and Greek yogurt at the beginning of my pregnancy. Bottom row: Some No Yolks egg noodles, lasagna noodles and evaporated milk that I bought in a six-pack and only used two of for pumpkin pies at Thanksgiving.
Turn two. At the top of this turn, we’ve got sauerkraut and canned fruits. At bottom: Rice wine vinegar, fish oil, cooking wine, sesame and safflower oils (safflower left over from my hubby’s b-day cake. Remember this one?), and mandarin oranges. I also see hot chocolate hiding in there.
Now coming into turn three, we’ve got peanut butter, lite coconut milk, canned tuna and chicken broth. Down below, granola, bouillon granules and cherry Jell-O.
Rounding the corner into the home stretch, we’ve got a lot going on. Up top: Just about every variety of tomato imaginable, fat-free refried beans, green chilies, corn, black beans, garbanzo beans, baked beans. I also spy applesauce. Down below: More egg noodles (there must have been a sale!), whole-grain pasta, orzo and a massive bag of powdered sugar.
So we sent these pictures to nutritionist Keri Glassman, who is working with Arnold/Orowheat Sandwich Thins for its Smart Eating campaign, to get her opinion on what could be tweaked. Here are her suggestions for me!
- Go for natural peanut butter where the only ingredient is peanuts and there is no added sodium or sugar or trans fats.
- I see you have canned tuna. I recommend chunk light tuna and canned salmon.
- Avoid the Jell-O and packaged fruit, instead try frozen berries or just fresh produce.
- Most granolas are still loaded with calories and sugar, you can make your own healthy topping or snack with nuts, dried fruit (in portion control and with no added sugar or sulfur) seeds like sunflower, pumpkin and flax.
- It’s good you have whole-wheat pasta, make sure all your pasta is whole wheat. You can also add in whole grains like quinoa, amaranth and millet. And of course, Arnold/Oroweat 100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Thins rolls are great to have on hand for a quick sandwich.
So really, that wasn’t as painful as I thought it’d be. It’s funny because these suggestions are things I know I should do more of—whole-wheat pasta and other whole grains. Granola? Well, I can guarantee I won’t be making my own any time soon, so I mostly just try to watch portions there. And the Jell-O cracks me up. I think I picked it up one day on a craving-led whim, and I never think ahead far enough to make it because it takes so long to set up. So there it sits, along with two cans of fruit that have been in there since…forever. You can even see the dust on those peaches. The packaged mandarin oranges (sugar-free, in water!) are mostly for the little one in a pinch if I’m running low on other fruits or she needs a super-quick snack.
What items are in your pantry that you know should be swapped out? Anything collecting dust? —Erin
Can We Stop Talking Clothing Size Already?
January 31, 2012 by Erin
Does size really matter? Credit: picto:graphic
We’ve long preached that health, fitness and happiness shouldn’t be determined by the number on the scale. In fact, it’s kind of the FBG philosophy to step on that scale no more than once a week, using it as a gauge for where you are but not enough for fluctuations to ruin your day. My weight can easily fluctuate 5 pounds from one day to the next anyway, so I always pay more attention to if my pants are feeling tight and how I feel in general before I get concerned about the number. I’ve found that my body likes to be around a certain weight (plus or minus that five!), and I just start to feel it when I need to start cutting back on sugar and upping the veggie intake.
Because it’s so ingrained in me to go by how I feel rather than the number on the scale or my pant size, it drives me absolutely bonkers when people talk about their exact numbers—weight, size, waist measurement, etc. It bothered me back when Jennifer Love Hewitt insisted she was a size 2. It bothered me when Kim Kardashian felt the need to prove her jean size. And it bothered me when I came across an article recently about Mindy Kaling’s new book. I haven’t read it, but she apparently embraces the fact that she’s not the stick-skinny Hollywood type. Which is great! But then she confides that she’s a “chubby” size 8, which might make others, like this writer, feel chubby, too, as that’s their size. As I said, I haven’t read the book. Maybe her goal was to make average size women feel more confident. But I wonder if it was truly necessary to get into size specifics at all?
Why should clothing size mean anything anyway? Would you compare your hat size to your friends’? Would you brag about a smaller shoe size? It’s really no different! Depending on the brand and the store, most people can fit a range of sizes anyway—I know I do. People carry weight so differently. Some people have bigger boobs, others carry more in their butts, still others are just bigger boned. So much of a “dress size” depends on height, bone structure and proportion that we shouldn’t even be comparing ourselves. Along the same lines, one person’s happy weight or happy size could be where someone else draws the line. And that’s because every body is different. And that’s okay. Fabulous even!
Comparing humans is like comparing apples and oranges. Or apples and bananas. Or watermelons and pineapples. We’re all wonderful and delicious and come in all shapes and sizes! Does talk of clothing size drive you crazy, too? —Erin
