Who's Ready for a Fit Mom Giveaway?

I'm pleased to announce our first giveaway on FitMomsofNJ! One luck winner will receive a $15 gift certificate to CSN Stores.

CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find anything you need, whether it's wall art and decor, fitness equipment, or even cute cookware! I hope you'll find some great fitness item to add to your collection.

Here's what you need to do to enter:

1. Become a follower of http://www.fitmomsofnjfollow.com/ as well as FitMomsofNJ on Facebook and Twitter
2. Want two extra entries into the contest? Put a link to this giveaway on your Facebook status and then post something on Twitter about it
3. Add a comment and let me know if you completed #1, #2 or both.

Good luck! I'll pick one luck winner on Feb. 1st.   

Make That Three Fitness Challenges for 2011

Okay, so I found another contest -- Lee Labrada has his annual Lean Body Challenge. I just signed up for it. First prize includes a cruise -- need I say more? Plus, they give you a diet and exercise program to follow.

You can check it out at -- http://labrada.com/leanbodychallenge.shtml

So who's with me? C'mon, I know that everyone has at least one fitness resolution for the New Year.

Here are some of my 2010 fitness resolutions that I'll be rolling into 2011:

1. Run a 5K in 25:30
2. Do 10 pull-ups
3. Run a half marathon in under 2 hours
4. Complete the NYC Marathon (I didn't get into the lottery last year :( -- let's see what 2011 brings)

Competing in a fitness competition is on my bucket list. But I feel like this could be the year to do it. For some reason I'm really fired up this year...probably because I decided not to have any other New Year's resolutions. LOL!

I've recently switched to twice-a-day workouts, which sounds crazier than it actually is. I get up at 5:30am and do 20-40 minutes of cardio. Then I head to the gym at lunch (I'm lucky enough to work for a company with an onsite gym) for 30-40 minutes of weights and stretching.

Since diet accounts for 80% of the effort when it comes to getting results, I've completely revamped and cleaned up my diet. Using Sparkpeople.com, I try to get 1,600 calories with a 40-40-20 switch of protein, carbs and fat. I thought it would be harder to not eat junk food (and I'm not saying that it is). But after taking those front, side and back pics of myself in a bikini for the online contests I entered, I've found my motivation!

By the way, I just read an article that said if you're confronted with a dieting temptation, make a fist and really focus on saying no. For some reason, making the fist is supposed to help (at least according to some study.)

I'd love to hear about your workouts, diet and resolutions!

Let's Kick Off the New Year with the Transformation Challenge

Normally, a few days before New Year's Day, I create a list of 10 New Year's Resolutions. I've done this for at least the last 10 years, and most of the time I hit at least 6-8 of my goals -- not too shabby, right?  Well, I decided to change things up this year.

First, no resolutions. It's felt a little odd, but I decided not to create a top 10 list. I did decide that this will be the year of an attitude of gratitude. I've always struggled with being content; I've always wanted more. What's the next goal? After awhile it becomes obesessive...and a bit annoying. And there's nothing worse than annoying yourself!
That said, health and fitness have become a way of life and I really need to buckle down to achieve the kind of body that I want. Plus, as I get older, it becomes hard and hard to drop the fat and retain the muscle. 'Nuff said.

I stumbled upon a "Transformation Challenge" -- a 12-week fat and weight loss challenge that includes monetary prizes. Right up my alley! To really keep me committed, I had to pay a $25 entry fee and upload scary photos of me in a bikini - LOL!! I get to do that every 4 weeks -- yikes! Thankfully, my hubby agreed to photograph me, and no, you won't be seeing those pics here...unless I win!

Stay tuned and feel free to join me by signing up.

And after shelling out $25, I just realized that Bodybuilding.com has a FREE Transformation Challenge. Two contests have to mean double the motivation, right? Who's with me?