Love and Life

Fitness Tracker Fixation: From Motivation to Obsession

Let me tell you a love story that turned into an unhealthy obsession…I remember when I first got my fitness tracker. I had recently started working out and focusing on becoming a better version of myself. It was an exciting new motivational gadget that promised to help me stay on top of my fitness goals and track my progress. At first, it was incredibly motivating. I would eagerly check my steps, heart rate, and calorie burn throughout the day, striving to meet and exceed my daily targets. Seeing the numbers go up gave me a sense of accomplishment and encouraged me to push myself further in my workouts.

As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, into 12 years, my reliance on the fitness tracker grew. It became a constant companion, always strapped to my wrist, monitoring my every move. While it did keep me accountable and motivated for a while, it eventually turned into an obsession that started to cause anxiety.

I began to feel anxious whenever I couldn’t reach my daily targets.I didn’t want to move around too much or take any steps if I wasn’t wearing my tracker, every step needed to be accounted for! Missing a day of exercise or falling short of my step count would send me into a spiral of self-criticism and disappointment. It felt like the fitness tracker was just another way of judging whether I was succeeding or failing. I was giving myself an invisible test every single day that my success or failure was determined by the metrics on the tracker. It was supposed to be a helpful tool, but it started to feel like a demanding taskmaster instead.

The constant focus on numbers and metrics began to overshadow the joy I once found in physical activities. Activities that used to bring me pleasure and a sense of freedom turned into a means of achieving targets and gauging my value. It was no longer about enjoying a walk in nature with my dog or a bike ride on a beautiful day; it was about meeting a step count or burning a specific number of calories.

One day, I decided to take off my fitness tracker and give myself a little break from the constant monitoring. I felt relieved! It was then that I made the decision to break up with my fitness tracker and end our codependent relationship. Like leaving any toxic relationship, it was, dear I say, liberating! Suddenly, I was free from the pressure of meeting daily goals and expectations. I could exercise without feeling like I was being graded. I could move around because I wanted to and not because I felt I needed to “get my steps in.”

In the end, breaking up with my fitness tracker may seem like a small thing, but it was a turning point for me! It allowed me to escape the cycle of anxiety I had gotten myself trapped in and regain a healthier perspective on exercise and fitness. While there was a whole lot more that went into it than just removing the tracker from my wrist, letting go was a big step for me! I know that I am more than just the numbers on a device, and my worth isn’t determined by how many steps I take in a day, but having the tracker on reinforced my need to strive for a goal of perfection.

My experience with wearing a fitness tracker taught me a valuable lesson: my worth and value cannot be defined by numbers or data points. I don’t need a fitness tracker to gauge my worth. My true worth lies in celebrating my progress without fixating on perfection, and nurturing a positive relationship with my body and mind. It comes from recognizing that my value extends far beyond physical achievements, and that I am deserving of love, respect, and happiness simply for being alive. In the end breaking up with the reliance on a fitness device allows me to live a happier life.

Wondering why I became obsessed with my fitness tracker? Check out my post about high-functioning anxiety by clicking HERE!

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on InstagramTwitterPinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Disclaimer: The experiences and insights shared in the above post regarding fitness trackers and anxiety are based on personal experiences and should not be construed as professional advice. Each person’s response to fitness trackers may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. Each person’s fitness journey is unique, and finding a balanced approach that prioritizes mental and emotional well-being is crucial. If you experience anxiety or any other negative emotions related to the use of a fitness tracker, consider seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or fitness expert to find alternative methods that align with your personal needs and goals. If you are considering using a fitness tracker or facing any health-related concerns, it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or fitness expert for personalized guidance and recommendations.

Lifestyle

Happy Mother’s Day, 2022!

mothers day | lookingjoligood.blog

Happy Mother’s Day to my Mom! I appreciate all that my mom has done for me throughout my life.  Among many other things she taught me to be organized and assertive, as well as friendly and inviting to new people . She instilled in me a desire for clean hands and a clean house.😉

I never knew just how much I was loved by my mom until I became a mother myself!  Being a mother has been the best and most important and rewarding thing I have ever done.

Happy, Mother’s Day…| lookingjoligood.blog


For some, like me, Mother’s day is a day of happiness and celebrations. Some of us feel surrounded by love on Mother’s Day. We have wonderful mothers and grandmothers and are blessed with great children.

That is not the case for everyone. Some people view Mother’s Day as a painful reminder of loss. Loss of a mother or grandmother, loss of a child, or loss of a relationship, loss of a dream, or loss of expectations. Seeing others celebrate might exacerbate those feelings of loss. So for today, I am saying “Happy Mother’s Day…”
to those who are Mothers 💐
to those who are Mothers to be💐
to those who lost Mothers💐
to those Mothers who have lost children💐
to those women who are step-mother’s 💐
to those women who are longing to be Mothers💐
to those women with difficult Mother relationships💐
to those women with difficult child relationships💐
to those women who have chosen not to be Mothers💐
to those women who are dog and cat Mothers💐
to everyone who is celebrating their Mother💐

lookingjoligood.blog

Stop by and visit my Instagram page as well @lookingjoligood. Generally, I post pictures of the things that are most important to me…food, plants and puppies. There are pictures of makeup and beauty products as well. I would love for you to follow me on  Twitter and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on both.  I would also love to follow you on Instagram and Twitter as well, so let me know your user name in the comment section

Make up

Makeup of the Day

Yesterday when getting ready to head off to Physical therapy this is the makeup that I chose.

Make up of the day

Makeup of the day!

lorealmakeup maybelline realtechniques elfcosmetics tartecosmetics benefitcosmetics wetnwildbeauty essence_cosmetics nyxcosmetics covergirl olay

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram,  Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Lifestyle

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. 
~Thomas Moore

Do you ever wonder if you’ll go to Heaven when you die? Do you ever wonder where you’ll go after this life ends? 

I have a message of hope and life!  The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that He was buried, and that He rose on the third day.  And because of His sacrificial work of redemption, all people can be saved!

In order to be saved, you must personally receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

How do I do this?

Realize you are guilty before God, but you can be forgiven!        

  • Romans 3:10 – “There is none righteous, no, not one.”
  • Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”
  • John 3:17 – Jesus came “that the world through Him might be saved.”
Romans 3:10 | lookingjoligood.blog

Realize there is a punishment for sin, but…Jesus took your place on the cross!

  • Romans 5:8 – “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 | lookingjoligood.blog

Realize you cannot earn your way to Heaven, but…God offers you the free gift of eternal life!

  • Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace are ye saved…not of works…it is the gift of God.”
  • Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  (See also: Revelation 20:14; 21:8; I John 5:11-13)
Romans 6:23 | lookingjoligood.blog

Believe that He died for your sins, that He rose from the grave, and that He is the only way for salvation!

  • John 3:16 – “That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Receive the gift of eternal life by calling upon Him!

  • Romans 10:13 – “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Romans 10:13 | lookingjoligood.blog

If you want to call upon the Lord for His salvation, pray this prayer to Him in humble sincerity:

“Dear Lord Jesus, I admit to You that I am a guilty sinner.  I am undeserving of Heaven and I am unable to save myself.  I believe you died on the cross to pay for my sins, and that you rose from the grave.  I am completely putting my trust in You to be my personal Savior.  Please forgive my sin and help me live a life that is pleasing to You.  Amen.”

**this post is adapted from my church’s website

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagramPinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Lifestyle

What Comes After This Life?

Do you ever wonder if you’ll go to Heaven when you die? Do you ever wonder where you’ll go after this life ends? 

I have a message of hope and life!  The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that He was buried, and that He rose on the third day.  And because of His sacrificial work of redemption, all people can be saved!

In order to be saved, you must personally receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

How do I do this?

Realize you are guilty before God, but you can be forgiven!        

  • Romans 3:10 – “There is none righteous, no, not one.”
  • Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”
  • John 3:17 – Jesus came “that the world through Him might be saved.”
Romans 3:10 | lookingjoligood.blog

Realize there is a punishment for sin, but…Jesus took your place on the cross!

  • Romans 5:8 – “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 | lookingjoligood.blog

Realize you cannot earn your way to Heaven, but…God offers you the free gift of eternal life!

  • Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace are ye saved…not of works…it is the gift of God.”
  • Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  (See also: Revelation 20:14; 21:8; I John 5:11-13)
Romans 6:23 | lookingjoligood.blog

Believe that He died for your sins, that He rose from the grave, and that He is the only way for salvation!

  • John 3:16 – “That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Receive the gift of eternal life by calling upon Him!

  • Romans 10:13 – “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Romans 10:13 | lookingjoligood.blog

If you want to call upon the Lord for His salvation, pray this prayer to Him in humble sincerity:

“Dear Lord Jesus, I admit to You that I am a guilty sinner.  I am undeserving of Heaven and I am unable to save myself.  I believe you died on the cross to pay for my sins, and that you rose from the grave.  I am completely putting my trust in You to be my personal Savior.  Please forgive my sin and help me live a life that is pleasing to You.  Amen.”

**this post is adapted from my church’s website

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagramPinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Lifestyle

It Is Well – Kristene DiMarco and Bethel Music – You Make Me Brave

Grander earth has quaked before
Moved by the sound of His voice
Seas that are shaken and stirred
Can be calmed and broken for my regard

And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And through it all, through it all
It is well

And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And it is well with me

And far be it from me to not believe
Even when my eyes can’t seeAnd this mountain that’s in front of me
Will be thrown into the midst of the sea

And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And through it all, through it all
It is well

And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And it is well
It is well

So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name
So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name
So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name
The waves and wind still know His name

And it is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well 
It is well with my soul
Oh it is well with my soul (’cause of who you are)
Oh it is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well 
It is well with my soul
It is well 
It is well with my soul
It is well 
It is well with my soul

And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And through it all, through it all
It is well LordAnd through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You 
And it is well with me

Songwriters: Kristene Elizabeth DimarcoIt

Is Well lyrics © Bethel Music Publishing

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagramPinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

it is well | lookingjoligood.blog
Lifestyle

The real #topnine

All around Facebook and Instagram #topnine pictures are being posted.

All the while, neither Facebook nor Instagram has any idea what events made up my 2018.
▪️
No algorithm can tell about visiting with my Grampa as he looks at me but doesn’t know who I am.
▪️
Sitting in a hospital with my beautiful grandmother hooked up to monitors and machines. She has been taking such good care of my failing Grampa for so many months that her heart is breaking in more ways than one.
▪️
Or being by my Grampa’s bedside as he takes his last breath. Instagram doesn’t know what it feels like to have to call my mom to let her know that her Dad is in Heaven.
▪️
There’s no amount of likes that can explain what it is like to hear only a few weeks later that my other grandfather has cancer. To see he has gotten so thin that he looks like a shell of himself…
Knowing exactly how to take care of him, yet having no idea how to take away the panicked looks on everyone else’s faces. Not knowing how to care for everyone else once he is gone. Needed to be taken care of myself.
▪️
No top nine can explain the knot in my throat as I watch the flag being handed over to my weeping grandmother as she is thanked for my grandfather’s service to our country. 🇺🇲
▪️
Instagram doesn’t know about the ups and downs of loving an elderly dog that has started having seizures, or that she means more to me than most people I know. No matter how much I wish, nothing that I can do will prolong her life.
▪️
Algorithms don’t keep track of what it feels like to see people that you have cared about as long as you can remember fight and tear each other apart. It doesn’t know what it feels like to be disappointed in people that have been looked up to and respected for years as they criticize the people that are closest to you.
▪️
Social media prefers the smiles, the bright colors, the happy faces. Those are going to be the pictures that get the most likes. While Instagram can come up with a #topnine based off of how many times my pictures were liked, the moments that mean the most to me, the ones that made the deepest impressions from 2018, those didn’t ever make it to social media. 
▪️
Here’s my own top nine, the good the bad. The tears, the smiles. The lessons. The losses and the gains. 

Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
Through it all, through it all
It is well
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And it is well with me

~Kristene DiMarco and Bethel Music

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagramPinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness · Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

Review of the Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Workout 5 and 6

**Please see update below

I’ve mentioned this at the beginning of each of these Body Revolution reviews, but just in case this is the first one that you are reading…

The Body Revolution program consists of 3 phases that claim to lead to “total body transformation.” It is a 90-day program with 6 workouts a week and one day to rest.  Each phase consists of 4 metabolic training workouts and one cardio workout.  Each workout is “only” 30 minutes long.  Even numbered workouts work the front of the body, odd numbered workouts concentrate on working the back of the body.  Every workout works the abdominals.

What is included with the purchase of Jillian Michael’s Body Revolution:

jillian-michaels-body-revolution | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

15 DVDs
resistance cable
fitness guide
90-day journal
“customizable” 90-day fat-burning meal plan,
FREE 30-day web club access
bonus 7 day Kick Start Your Metabolism diet plan that will help to “detox your body and curb your food cravings or addictions.”

Here is the review of Phase 2 for Weeks 5 and 6:

Phase 2 Workout 5 for Weeks 5 and 6

What will you need?  

  • Exercise mat
  • Medium resistance cable
  • Free weights (3, 5 or 8 lbs depending on your strength level)

Where can you expect to be sore the next day?  

  • Chest
  • Shoulders,
  • Abs,
  • Triceps
  • Quads

The workout is broken down into 4 circuits; each of which are repeated once with  one minute of cardio  in between the circuit repetition.

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Phase 2 Workout 5 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Here is a breakdown of phase two workout five

Warm-up

Sun salutation:
exhale-fold down touch the ground,
raise half way with a flat back and exhale,
jump back into a plank pose,
down into a chaturanga pose,
Flow into up dog, exhale
down dog,
bend the knees look up
jump up to standing

Repeat 3 times.

Circuit 1:

  • Push Ups with a side plank rotation
  • Deep crescent pose with triceps pulses using light weights
  • Jumping Squats -advanced modification add weights (I seriously HATE these!)
  • Repeat exercise 2 on opposite leg.

Cardio -1 minute-Mountain climbers -repeat circuit 1

Circuit 2:

  • Static Lunge with Lumberjack rotation using heavy weight – right side-advanced modification add heavier weights
  • With light weights, drop and hold sumo and do arm presses ?
  • Static lunge with Lumberjack rotation using heavy weight – left side-advanced modification add heavier weights
  • Scissor abs

Cardio -1 minute-High knees -repeat circuit 2

Circuit 3:

  • With the cable, create a loop, step through  into a deep crescent pose, pull the cable in and back to a “T position”
  • Crab exercise with right leg raised
  • Repeat the first exercise on the opposite leg
  • Repeat crab exercise with your opposite leg raised

Cardio -1 minute-Cable Punches

Repeat Circuit 3 with the exception of the cardio bit

At this point Jillian says she wants you to be able to have sex with the lights on and when your son ask you what that means you quickly tell him you don’t know what she is talking about and ask him to leave the room until you are finished.  Oh Jillian, thanks a lot!

Circuit 4:

  • Medium cable row while seated on the mat wrap cable around feet and pull-advanced modification-wrap cable around again
  • Line tricep press
  • Repeat exercise 1 on opposite leg.
  • RepeatLine tricep press on opposite side.

Cardio -1 minute-Speed rope (like jump rope only a lot faster!)-repeat circuit 4

Cool Down/Stretches

 

When I feel like I want to quit, phone it in, or take an easier modification here is one of my favorite Jillian Michaels quotes that I tell myself all the time :

“Unless you puke, faint, or die, keep going!”

 

Phase 2 Workout 6 for Weeks 5 and 6

What will you need?  

  • Exercise mat
  • Medium resistance cable
  • Free weights (3, 5 or 8 lbs depending on your strength level)

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Review | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Just like workout 1, workout 3 is focused on the front of the body.  It incorporates some yoga moves as well as strength training.  Right away you will notice that the workout is more intense than 1+2, but you will also notice how much stronger you already are.
Where can you expect to be sore the next day?  

  • Chest
  • Shoulders,
  • Abs,
  • Triceps
  • Quads

The workout is broken down into 4 circuits; each of which are repeated once with  one minute of cardio  in between the circuit repetition.  Some of these things are harder to name/explain.

Here is a breakdown of phase one workout one

Warm-up

  • Alternating Swing Kicks
  • Speed Rope
  • Single Knee Thrusts Right
  • Alternating Swing Kicks
  • Speed Rope
  • Single Knee Thrusts Left

Circuit 1:

  • Bent Rows Wide Grip Heavy Weight (palms face forward)
  • Cross over Curtsy lunge with Bicep Curls with Medium Weight
  • Plank Rows with Heavy Weights
  • Super Mans with Light Weights

Cardio -1 minute Rock Star Jumps-repeat circuit 1

Circuit 2:

  • Stork Stance With a Low Row Right Leg
  • Reverse plank (I HATE this! You’ll feel this in the shoulders, lower back, arms, and glutes)
  • Stork Stance With a Low Row Left Leg
  • Cable press Heavy Dumbbell Curls, all the way up all the way down

Cardio -1 minute Plyo jump with knee grab-repeat circuit 2

Circuit 3:

  • Statue of Liberty Single Leg Squat with Reverse Fly (Medium Sized Weight in the left hand raise the left leg)
  • Lunge Chops Heavy Weight right leg (I hate lunges, but I love these!)
  • Statue of Liberty Single Leg Squat with Reverse Fly (Medium Sized Weight in the right hand raise the right leg)
  • Lunge Chops Heavy Weight opposite leg (I hate lunges, but I love these!)

Cardio -1 minute-Running Man-repeat circuit 3

Circuit 4:

  • Lat Pulls with a High Crunch medium weight
  • Reverse Crunch Hip Lift (don’t swing the legs!)
  • Windshield Wipers R/L
  • Swat Swimg with one medium weight (I love these, but you will feel them the next day!!!)

Cardio -1 minute- ZigZag Jumps-repeat circuit 4

Cool Down/Stretches

As usual I was super sore from the workouts the first two days, (Once again, I woke up in the middle of the night in pain because I rolled over and my muscles were so sore from the workout!) but thankfully, after that not much at all.  I knew I was going to be sore, so I took motrin before going to bed. 🙂

If you are interested in my review of Workouts 1-5 and Cardio 1 click HERE.

I hope this was helpful if you are trying to decide if Jillian Michaels Body Revolution is right for you!

Here is another one of my very favorite Jillian Micheals quotes:

“Your legs are not giving out. Your head is giving out. Keep going.”

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterPinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all three.

 

**Update:

Initially, I found Jillian Michaels’ approach to exercise and dieting highly motivational. Her intense workouts and strict dietary guidelines pushed me to achieve remarkable physical results, which fueled my motivation and determination. I embraced her no-nonsense attitude and believed that pushing my body to its limits was the only way to achieve success. However, as time went on, I began to realize that this approach was taking a toll on my mental health. The relentless pursuit of physical perfection and the constant pressure I placed on myself led to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a distorted body image. It was then that I decided to change my perspective and adopt a more balanced and loving approach to my body. By prioritizing self-compassion, listening to my body’s needs, and embracing acceptance, I discovered a newfound sense of mental well-being. This shift in thinking allowed me to find joy in movement, cultivate a positive relationship with my body, and ultimately, achieve a healthier and more sustainable approach to overall well-being.

Lifestyle

Thy Will by Hillary Scott

I absolutely love this song by Hillary Scott – Thy Will From the album Love Remains

I’m so confused
I know I heard you loud and clear
So, I followed through
Somehow I ended up here

I don’t wanna think
I may never understand
That my broken heart is a part of your plan
When I try to pray
All I got is hurt and these four words

Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will be done

I know you’re good
But this don’t feel good right now
And I know you think
Of things I could never think about

It’s hard to count it all joy
Distracted by the noise
Just trying to make sense
Of all your promises
Sometimes I gotta stop
Remember that you’re God
And I am not
So

Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will be done

Like a child on my knees all that comes to me is
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will

Thy Will by Hillary Scott | lookingjoligood.blog
I know you see me
I know you hear me, Lord
Your plans are for me
Goodness you have in store

I know you hear me
I know you see me, Lord
Your plans are for me
Goodness you have in store
So

Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will be done

Like a child on my knees
All that comes to me is
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will be done

I know you see me
I know you hear me, Lord

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram, and Facebook.
You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all three.

Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #56

Here is another tip for Tip Tuesday!

Tip Tuesday: Make up tips and tricks every Tuesday | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Use Decaf Coffee or Peppermint Tea to Defeat Cravings

If you are like me, sometime around 2:30-3 pm you start craving sweets and foods you shouldn’t eat.  I have found that if I drink black decaf coffee I can stave off these cravings!  Studies have shown that drinking black decaf coffee, peppermint tea, or regular coffee helped to kill cravings.

I absolutely love these Folgers coffee singles*!  They have such a great flavor and are so simple to make just one cup of coffee in the afternoon!

folgers single | lookingjoligood.blog

*totally not sponsored, I just really like these coffee bags.

Let me know if you try it out and what you think!

 

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

 

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all three.