I was born to run...

I actually enjoy running....it's my time to listen to music, reflect on my life, and get my heart rate up! I ran the Rock N Roll Marathon in San Diego back in June of 2008. In March I signed up for the Rock N Roll Half Marathon in Sweet Home Chicago and can't wait to run it August 1st. I've decided that one of my goals is to run all of the Rock N Roll races. There are 14 races in 14 different cities and after August 1st I'll only have 12 left to run :-) Check it out... http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/
I just wanted to write and share my goal with everyone. I love running and traveling so I might as well combine them and run races in cities I've never visited. What activity makes you happy?

My new love!

Everyone knows that I have two passions...teaching dance and helping people with their health and fitness goals. Well this weekend I discovered Zumba. The park district I teach at wanted to offer a Zumba class in the fall so I said I'd get certified to teach it. I attended the workshop blindly, not knowing what Zumba really was....I just knew it was supposed to be a "dance party." Our workshop began with a Master Class from Jani Roberts. Insane!! Her energy was through the rough which made the whole class give back 100%. I think the best part about Zumba is that there is no verbal cueing...it's all based on listening to the music and following along. I also love that it's such a stress free and fun environment, if you can't get a step it's not a big deal, just do your own thing and have fun. And one more bonus...I burned 500 calories in an hour and it didn't even feel like I was doing work..(unlike my miles I log on the treadmill) I can't wait to being teaching and sharing my love for dance and fitness. This summer I plan on doing a free class in the park just for fun and to give you a taste of it so I'll keep you all posted!

Who likes flaxseeds?

So I decided to spend my Friday night making homemade protein bars....I know you're jealous. Tonight's recipe called for flaxseed meal. I've had flaxseeds in my fridge for weeks but finally had a recipe that forced me to use them. This made me wonder....what are flaxseeds and why are they so good for me?

Flaxseeds are a little bigger than sesame seeds and they have a hard shell that is usually a golden brown. The flavor is quite interesting...they taste a little nutty. Unground flaxseeds have a slight crunch to them but to absorb the nutrients you actually have to turn them into a flaxseed meal. I stuck my flaxseeds into the coffee grinder so I could add them to my recipe. Flaxseeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and are high in fiber. You can add them to cereal, baked, goods, breakfast shakes, or even on vegetables. I'll let you know how the protein bars turn out :-) And don't be afraid to give flaxseeds a try!

So disappointed in Chicago....

I just went to check my email and found myself reading an MSN article about fattest cities. To come up with their results they calculated the percentage of people who are overweight, have type 2 diabetes, have little activity level, and the number of people who ate fast food 9 times or more in a month. I'm sad to say that out of 90 cities Chicago placed 22nd and received a D+ grade. How can we change this?? I'm sure a lot of it has to do with us hibernating in the winter, but really think about your life.... How many times did you eat fast food last month? And how many days a week are you really exercising? It's time to make a change! I want everyone to try to do at least 30 minutes of exercise for 5 days this week! Let's also prepare more meals from home...this will help you save money and calories. We can all get healthier together! Come on Chi town!

May Weight Loss Challenge!!!

So summer is just around the corner and after talking to one of my clients I've decided to help motivate everyone with a little challenge. If you're interested in participating you have to send me an email to shapeupwithAlison@gmail.com with your current weight. Then I'll check in with you mid month to see your progress. On June 1st I'll have you email me your final weight and then calculate your percentage of weight lost. The person with the highest percentage will be the winner of our fun little competition which means you'll get a free training session with yours truely and a gift card to Trader Joes :-) Hopefully this can jump start your weight loss or help any of those who have been in a rut. I'll send an update mid month with who's in the lead :-) Remember eating right is 70% of getting to your goal, but also make sure to exercise at least 3 times each week. I'd love for everyone to lose around 5 lbs this month :-) If you need any help or have any questions remember I'm always here for you! Best of Luck!!!