exercise | Smart & Sassy Mom

My First 5K –THANK YOU!!!

May 8, 2013 by Smart & Sassy Mom 3 Comments

So, I get to scratch something else from my bucket list. For you hard core protein eating, muscle-building athletes that can run a 5K in 15 minutes….Ummm this isn’t for you, but for those of you carb-loving, inconsistent gym rats like myself, I’m sure you can relate. I ran 3.1 miles…YAY ME!!! Yeah, my time sucked, but I am a real-life story of someone who went from Couch to 5K.

When I was in Philly, I wanted to run the Broad Street Run, but then I fractured my foot. So, naturally I was bummed and put the whole “running thing” on the back burner for about 3 years. I figured it was time to re-visit the idea. Besides, I think I’ve “liked” every runner page on Facebook, subscribed to every Runner’s email newsletter and basically, it was about time I joined them!

Since a lot of my friends (real life and social media) got the memo that “Healthy is the new Sexy”, I’m inundated with pics of awesome looking 30 and 40 somethings doing Iron Man (I know right?), FULL marathon runners and triathletes, I felt lots of support from them all as I embarked on this challenge to not only run three miles but to not cause a scene by needing emergency personnel to come and rescue me by mile marker 2.

Couch to 5K app

I have so many people to thank for their encouragement and kick-ass accountability which helped me get to the point of crossing the finish line. First off, a HUGE “thank you” to my blogger friend Brandi, from Mama Knows It All, who simply shared an app on Facebook called Couch to 5K and the rest is history! Thanks Chica!

Another GINORMOUS “Thank you” Black Girls Run NYC, Oh my Goodness!!! This group of ladies are a force to be reckoned with. I. HEART. THEM!!!! They are tireless cheerleaders that have virtual and literal bullhorns cheering you along every step of the way! If you’re interested in running, check them out. There may be a group or groups in your area. Having running buddies and accountability is a major key to success and this group has what it takes!

To my Moms of my Jack and Jill of America, Inc. – one in particular who ran with me. You may remember her from a previous interview….THANK YOU!

Lastly, to my immediately family…THANK YOU!!!!!! Thanks to my hubby that put up with me during my roller coaster training and to my kids who had pom-poms and screams loud enough to break glass, “GO MOMMY!! GO MOMMY!!” It was a fun and great experience that I will never forget.

I’ve been bitten by the “Runners Bug”, as I have registered for another run in less than 3 weeks from now. I’m super excited that I completed my first race with incident or injury and I”m looking forward to many more!

Filed Under: Health, Lifestyle, Uncategorized Tagged With: cardio, exercise, fitness, healthy living, love, running, weight, weight loss

5 Ab Exercises To Do With Your Baby

August 8, 2012 by Smart & Sassy Mom Leave a Comment

I use my baby as a weight all the time to do exercises around the house. She’s 20 lbs now and I’m also “bench pressing” her and putting her on my shoulders while I do squats. I’ve wanted to do a video on this, but haven’t had the time. I found a really good one that focuses on abs. What’s adorable about this video, is that Dad is doing the exercises, not mom! Check out other neat things from Dad Labs at www.dadlabs.com. Super cute!

Enjoy the video and let us know what exercices you do with YOUR baby to get back in shape!

5 Ab Exercises to do WIth Your Baby

By the way, TODAY I celebrate my 25th pound of WEIGHT LOSS!!! WOOT WOOT!!!

Keeping it Smart & Sassy (KISS),

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: abs, baby, Dad, exercise, health

Hump Day Health Tip: Cardio Before Coffee!

May 23, 2012 by Smart & Sassy Mom 2 Comments



I found this to be very interesting. I just can’t get UP early enough to do it. From a medical perspective, it makes perfect sense.

Ok, here’s the tip:

When you do cardio, the overall best way to shed fat fast is to do cardio (30 min minimum) right when you wake up. Your body will search for energy to use, when it finds nothing in your stomach, it will go directly to your fat storage for energy and the fat will burn up so fast!

Hmmm…good to know. Now, if I could only get up and not repeatedly hit snooze, I can do this!

Remember, your health is your wealth!

Keeping it Smart & Sassy (KISS),
Smart & Sassy Mom

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: cardio, exercise, health, tip

Hump Day Health Tip: Move More!

May 16, 2012 by Smart & Sassy Mom Leave a Comment

So, I recently started my attack on losing the baby fat. Breastfeeding gave me the worst sweet tooth and I seem to still have it lingering! *Ugh* I’m restricting my daily caloric intake and also TRYING to do 30 minutes of “moving” at least three times a week. I must say, I can already see the results (insert school girl scream)!!!!

One other thing that is helping is an app called My Fitness Pal. If you’re trying to lose weight…Get it! This is a Godsend!! It helps you see that grabbing that Oreo on the way to the mailbox or nibbling on whatever is left on a kid’s plate all counts. Ummm..what was I thinking?? Those were invisible calories?!?! So, everything I’m putting in my mouth is being journaled, along with my water intake and how much I exercise. I even have friends cheering me along the way and offering encouragement…and man does it make a world of a difference!!

OK, enough chatter, here’s the tip:

Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it’s a stress buster. Think ‘move’ in small increments of time. It doesn’t have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that’s great when you’re up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Like Nike…Just do it!