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Winner: Anytime Fitness “Working Out Sucks!” Giveaway

7 Jan

Thank you to all 61 of you who entered my FitFluential giveaway for Anytime Fitness CEO Chuck Runyon‘s new book, “Working Out Sucks! (And Why It Doesn’t Have To)“. Entries closed last night at 11:59PM EST, which means that this morning I was able to pick the winners! I used a random number generator to pick three numbers from 1 to 61. And the winners are…

Tara Burner

Lizzie

Alexis

CONGRATULATIONS! Please email your shipping address to me at caitplusate@gmail.com. If you didn’t win the giveaway, you can always head over to Amazon and purchase a copy – it’s only about $10! And if you buy $15 more (that’s not very hard to do on that site!) then you can get that good old free shipping ;-)

It was really interesting to read about the different workout excuses people have used, because almost all of them were covered (aka “shot down”) by Runyon in his book. I could also identify with a great deal of them, like:

  • I don’t have time.
  • I just don’t feel like it.
  • I’m hungry (in this case I just eat a snack and THEN go).
  • I’m sore.
  • It’s so cold out that I don’t want to leave the house (even to drive to the gym).
  • They say it’s better to get an extra hour of sleep than work out.

I do want to say that my views of these excuses are not quite as “hardcore” as Chuck Runyon’s views in the book, as I mentioned in my review. As part of my journey to find balance and be less rigid with my working out and eating, I’ve been trying to teach myself that it’s okay to miss a workout every now and then. Usually my rest days are the ones in which I don’t have time because I’d rather get an extra hour of sleep than wake up really early to fit a workout in before work, on the days that I have class or errands or plans after work that would prohibit my usual post-work group fitness class. Why look, there’s two of the listed excuses justifying my rest days! But the thing is, Runyon’s book does advocate one or two rest days each week. So from my view, if an “excuse” becomes “reasoning” for when the schedule a rest day, that seems fine to me. It’s when the rest days start outnumbering the workout days that you may want to take a look at your “reasoning” again!

Now that we’re on the subject of workouts, I guess I could recap this morning’s workout for you. I woke up surprisingly well-rested and relaxed after an evening of wining and dining last night with my wine-loving partner-in-crime, Kelly (recap to come). I arrived at the gym too late for the start of the 8am spin or Group Step class, so I took to my go-to cardio machine, the Step Mill. I always set it on speed intervals, level 15, but last time that seemed to be getting too easy, so I upped it to level 16. Wow, I was sweating and out of breath during the fast intervals, and the slow intervals were a good little recovery, but my heart rate was still up. After just 30 minutes I’d completed an efficient HIIT cardio workout – my favorite kind, because they’re over faster :-P

Actually kinda hate you.

Then I took to the mat for planks, push-ups, v-sits, and leg lifts. After some pigeon posing to get those glutes stretched, I was outta there.

Image credit.

Congrats again to the winners!

Did you work out today or are you planning to do so? What’s on the agenda?

Anytime Fitness Review and Giveaway: Working Out Sucks!

2 Jan

You’re probably confused by this post’s title, right? Read on!

There are plenty of reasons why being a FitFluential Ambassador is awesome. A supportive community, plenty of health advice, blogging tips…I could go on forever. Another perk is getting the chance to interact and work with fitness and nutrition-related brands, which just so happens to be my passion and dream career. Thanks to FitFluential, my dreams are coming together already!

There’s a new gym in town, literally. Anytime Fitness, a 24/7 health club, just opened a new location in my hometown of Glastonbury, CT. In fact, my friend Kelly, a fellow social media enthusiast, just joined with her mom! I haven’t had a chance to check out the facility, but she had nothing but good things to share. With her membership she received three personal training sessions, two of which she has used already. She adored her trainer! Her mom (they joined together and got couple’s pricing – how cool is that?) did not have as good of a personal training experience – her assigned trainer seemed less personable and a bit too “hard-core” in her attitude. However, Kelly and her mom both love the look and feel of the gym so far. She even told me about a virtual classroom in which members can select classes anytime (even spin classes – a bike can be wheeled into the room) so that group-fitness lovers, like me, can do a variety of instructed workouts on their own schedules!

The owner of the Glastonbury facility, Andrew Breton, is also a fellow UConn alum (and a CPT himself)! If you live in the area,  you can sign up for a free 7-day pass online.

Now I’ll explain the post’s title. The CEO of Anytime Fitness, Chuck Runyon, has written a sassy, tell-it-like-it-is book called “Working Out Sucks!“ This 224-page paperback also has an important tagline on the cover - “(and why it doesn’t have to)”. The book is about the reasons why working out sucks, the excuses we all make for not taking care of our own health, why those excuses don’t matter, and ways to start changing your lifestyle that are simple and small. Runyon is also joined by Brian Zehetner (MS, RD, CSCS), who offers nutrition and fitness plan advice, and Rebecca Derossett (MSW), who offers advice on beating the psychological challenges that stop so many from adding movement and nutrition into their lives.

Chuck Runyon and co-founder Dave Mortenson, courtesy of FranchiseChatter.com.

Chuck Runyon starts by naming pretty much every excuse one could come up with for not working out, and then shooting it down in anywhere from one to three pages. No long, scientific explanations, just simple a simple “these are the facts” mentality. He does a very good job poking holes in the excuses, including some holes that I had never thought of myself. I recognized many of the reasons I used to cite for skipping a workout when I had just started my fitness journey and was going to the gym regularly for the first time in my life. Sometimes he sounds downright harsh – after all, we are all human, and I think that if a few of these excuses “win” and serve as the justification for a missed workout every so often, it’s really not a big deal in the overall scheme of things. However, the book is targeted to those who are just starting a fitness routine, so their “bigger picture” probably doesn’t contain an overall already-active lifestyle. If excuses are your problem (even if only occasionally for the already-active readers out there), this section is worth a read for some good mental tools you can store away to fight those excuses when they start creeping into your mind.

Rebecca Derossett’s psychology-focused section, which comes next, is also helpful in regards to the mental roadblocks that may get in the way of living a healthy lifestyle. She certainly has the education and expertise to back up her advice and tips. However, her section is not quite as relate-able (and not nearly as sassy!) as Runyon’s. Those who do not enjoy his tell-it-like-it-is writing style may enjoy Derossett’s writing more, though it is not gentle by any means! Her section also contains a lot of very inspiring success stories from a variety of Anytime Fitness members. That variety is key, because the number of readers who can relate will increase.

I consider myself a foodie first, so I was really interested in what Brian Zehetner had to say about nutrition and how those without much knowledge of or experience with it could make beneficial changes. He addresses important subjects like the carb debate, fiber’s benefits, protein needs, healthy fats, water intake, and supplements. Zehetner breaks down each subject and gives a very clear-cut bottom line. I think that’s what’s missing in a lot of nutrition advice, so I was impressed by that.

He also authors the next section, about what kinds of fitness (and how much of it) readers should be doing. The message is simple: movement is beneficial. It doesn’t have to be your typical exercise. Getting up and walking is a start for some, and that’s perfectly fine. I like that this book didn’t focus on just a “workout plan”. The message was really to just move – there are a whole lot more ways to do that than there are on a list of what you can do at a gym! That fact makes the message more attainable, something that could reassure those that were put off by Runyon’s feisty start to the book. Zehetner stresses the importance of stretching, something I know that many of us, no matter how active we already are, can do more of. I know I could! It’s nice to see that the typical “calorie-scorcher” areas of fitness aren’t the only one being promoted here.

The final portion of “Working Out Sucks!” contains a very useful, realistic 21-day fitness and nutrition plan – essentially, it’s a collection of “sample days” that gives great ideas for workouts and options for each kind of meal or snack. Someone new to fitness could simply find a day with a cardio plan, and follow it. A ravenous snacker could keep to book by his or her side and refer to the last section for endless healthy snack alternatives. Those who have been working out for awhile could even refer to the workouts as a source of a new routine (always good to change it up!), and healthy eaters who are getting bored of their go-to meals can use the back pages for new food ideas. I really like that rest days are incorporated into the plan. This serves as a reminder to dedicated fitness buffs that rest is OK – I know I need that reminder a lot (not saying I’m a buff or anything ;-) )

Overall, I found this book to be a useful, to-the-point tool for relatively inexperienced readers who are looking for solid advice on how to eat well and work out. A lot of confusion that’s probably out there regarding “shoulds” and “shouldn’ts” is cleared up. The tone may not be for everyone, but can definitely be used as effective motivational self-talk against those pesky excuses!

Lucky for you guys, I have three copies of “Working Out Sucks!” to give away! Entering is easy – just comment and tell me an excuse you’ve used in the past to get out of working out (mandatory). For an additional entry, you may tweet “I entered to win the @AnytimeFitness book #WorkingOutSucks from @CaitPlusAte! http://wp.me/p1SfTW-nR” and leave a separate comment saying you did so or the second entry won’t count! US readers only please. Giveaway will be open until this Friday 1/6/12 at 11:59PM EST. GOOD LUCK!

Also, please join in a Twitter chat tonight at 9PM EST to discuss the book further – just use the hashtag #WorkingOutSucks!

FitFluential LLC compensated me for this sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Merry Christmas – Shabby Apple Winner!

25 Dec

Merry Christmas! I’m in Florida at my grandparents’ apartment, waiting for traditional Jewish deli take-out for Christmas dinner and blogging from my phone because as of now, an Internet connection is MIA.

Just popping by quickly to announce the winner of the Shabby Apple necklace giveaway – thanks so much to all who entered. Using a random number generator, I determined that the winner is Catherine! Please email caitplusate@gmail.com with your shipping info!

I am sitting on a zillion pictures from the last few days of holiday festivities and the amount will only grow on this vacation. This is a good blogger problem to have, but if I don’t find an Internet connection soon I won’t be able to share any of it til after I get home on New Year’s Eve! We’ll see!

Edit: I found Internet! So hopefully will be able to blog occasionally on my trip – in between having fun ;-)

What was your best Christmas gift that you GAVE?

Shabby Apple – Giveaway!

22 Dec

First of all, fellow FitFluential Ambassador Bonnie Pfiester has published an awesome post that gives a “round-up” of what fellow Ambassadors like to use for go-to 100 calorie snacks. These are the snacks “real” people eat, as opposed to some of the 100-calorie snacks suggested by fitness magazines that are just a little unrealistic (sure, I will eat exactly two pieces of chocolate, thanks). Check it out, and see if you can spot my snack idea!

Thanks to my header designing friend Mai, I have another giveaway for you guys today! This one is courtesy of  Shabby Apple, an online boutique specializing in dresses, accessories, and even arts and crafts. You may have seen giveaways from this brand on other blogs – I know I myself have (unsuccessfully) entered a few.

Image courtesy of Shabby Apple.

I have to admit their prices are a bit up there, but there are ways to save if you see an item you really wouldn’t mind splurging on, in the form of a sale section, referral program, email list sign-up, and shipping deals (this month it’s free).

Image courtesy of Shabby Apple.

There’s even a fitness section with prices that are definitely lower than the famous Lululemon!

Image courtesy of Shabby Apple.

The above skirt is from the sale section - it’s nice to see a site where everything on that page isn’t completely undesirable!

Image courtesy of Shabby Apple.

For my readers, Shabby Apple has offered to giveaway a Skeleton Key Necklace (pictured above) to one lucky winner (sorry, US entries only). Entering is easy – just like Shabby Apple on Facebook and comment on this post saying you did so. Also include in your comment a link to your favorite item from their website – I’m curious to see what you guys think!

For additional entries (please leave a comment for each):

  • Follow Shabby Apple on Twitter
  • Follow Cait Plus Ate on Twitter
  • Like Cait Plus Ate on Facebook
  • Tweet “I just entered to win a @shabbyapple necklace from @CaitPlusAte! http://wp.me/p1SfTW-iB”

Good luck guys – you have until Saturday, 12/24, 11:59PM EST to enter!

Maybelline Winners and Hidden Gems

19 Dec

First thing’s first, I’d love to announce the winners of the Bzz Agent Maybelline giveaway! Participation was awesome – I really appreciate everyone stopping by and taking the time to comment and enter!

Congratulations Lindsay of Lindsay’s List, Crystal Tewelow, and Kelsey of The Secret Life of Kelsey! Please email your shipping information to caitplusate@gmail.com!

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was a little bit on the slow side, but I refuse to call it boring, because I told myself as soon as I started work that I’d NEVER say I was bored during my free time. Free time is rare and I should always appreciate it!

For today, I’d like to share the happenings from a fun Sunday I had earlier this month!

Have you ever had the experience of finding something wonderful, and kicking yourself for not realizing that it was right in your backyard the entire time? I certainly did a couple of weeks ago, when a well-versed local and friend took me on a mini-tour of a couple hidden gems of South Glastonbury.

After meeting at the always-adorable So G Coffee Roasters, we embarked for a visit to an art gallery showing just a short walk away. An art gallery – in South Glastonbury? I couldn’t believe it, but it was true. Dave Magee was showing his art in his barn, and I was amazed by his talent. I couldn’t believe I had the chance to converse with the artist himself! The theme of the show was elephants with pink tusks, but plenty of other varieties of work were on display too.

A painting of the elephants with pink tusks, and their legend. All work copyright Dave Magee.

What struck me most about the show was how many different styles Dave was able to adopt. The elephants above were almost part of a fantasy world, but the watercolors below were very realistic, though also unique due to his use of color. For example, I love the “seafoam” color he used for the grass in the painting on the left, below. That one was actually my favorite of the day.

All work copyright Dave Magee.

Some pieces were more abstract, like the one pictured below right. But I still love how you can tell what it’s supposed to be (grapes).

All work copyright Dave Magee.

Dave’s wife was amazing to talk to – she has traveled all over the world, and has  a yoga studio in the barn! We talked about India, because I had just finished the amazing Miranda Kennedy memoir “Sideways on a Scooter“. Dave also recommended “Shopgirl” by Steve Martin to me, which I have been obsessing about ever since I read it in two days, starting that very evening.

Food and drink was available to all guests, including some local wine (in the clear bottle and cup) and homemade kahlua (in the blue bottles). The wine was at a different stage than most that you buy in the stores, so it tasted so unique to me. The kahlua was probably one of the best things I’ve ever drank, let’s leave it at that.

I also enjoyed a smooth glass (er,  plastic cup) of that Chianti on the right.

Aren’t the napkins sweet? The brie pictured at center, paired with apricot preserves and crackers, was wonderful. Later, some local bleu cheese made an appearance.

My Chianti is creepin on the left.

We received the VIP treatment, and got a tour of the loft of Dave’s barn, which was full of more hidden gems. Apparently he used to hold parties up there in the 90′s – can we bring those back please?! We can keep the 90′s music.

I was in awe of the loft’s contents. I felt like Ariel in her little trove of treasures untold (“Part of your World” anyone?)

I spy Albert Einstein, and a new-car-style bow.

Corkscrews made out of real grape vines!

The barn's backyard.

The loft from the loft's loft...still with me?

I could’ve stayed up there and explored for awhile, but it was time for the next stop on the tour of South Glastonbury – a hike through Cotton Hollow. I’ve been there before, but in a different part of the park. This hike revealed something unexpected.

How gorgeous is that? The ruins are apparently from an old factory. They look completely out of place in the woods, and that’s what I love about them.

What a relaxing, serene Sunday. I feel inspired to find more hidden spots in my town, especially since I don’t see myself moving out of the house anytime soon :-P

Have you ever been to an art show?

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