Lifestyle

Feeling Overwhelmed?

I wanted to share something with you that I read in my devotions the other morning….

“When you feel overwhelmed, ask yourself, “Am I sacrificing my sanity or family to make this happen?”

Pray about how God wants you to spend your time. What is best for you? Your marriage? Your family? Creating healthy boundaries removes control’s talons and anchors them in freeing permission. Along with God’s prompting, only you are in charge of your calendar. Fill yourself with Him first before pouring yourself out.”

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28‭-‬30

screenshot_20180710-0831563754689003901887730.jpg

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No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #28 Popsugar 300 Calories in 30 Minutes Workout With Weights

Take 30 minutes and improve your day! Your health and wellness are worth it!  Remember to keep proper form and warm up before, and stretch after you exercise!

 

Are you enjoying these “No Gym? No Problem!” posts?  If so, you can check out the rest by clicking HERE!

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Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

Review of Body Revolution by Jillian Michaels Cardio 1 and 2

**See below for an update 06/03/23.

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, oddly 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:

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.”

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

The first phase is 4 weeks and includes workouts 1-4 and the cardio level 1 workout. The second phase is 4 weeks and includes workouts 5-8 and the cardio level 2 workout.

Phase 1 Cardio 1 for Weeks 1 through 4

What will you need?  Good supportive athletic shoes, that’s it.

While this phase is meant to be low impact you will still be sore when you first start out.

No warm up for this workout, it starts right up with the circuit.  Each of the eight parts is done for one minute and repeated through twice for a total of three times.

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Cardio 1 Review | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Workout:
1. March in place
2. Hot/fast feet
3. Punch it out in a half squat position
4. Jog in place
5. Running Man (I HATE this one)
6. Speed bags (doing this for 1 minute is a lot harder than you might think it would be.)
7. Kick outs with arm circles (Jillian also calls them mummy kicks)
8. Suicides

Repeat twice.

Cool Down/Stretches

After finishing the weeks of phase one and two and now moving on to cardio workout 3,   I was super sore from the workouts the first two days, but after that not much at all.

Here is one of my very favorite Jillian Micheals quotes:

“This is where it matters the most. This is where lives are made, in these moments when you can choose whether or not to say ‘I cant’ or ‘I can.’ It is a choice that will either make or break you for life.”

Phase 2 Cardio 2 for Weeks 5 through 8

What will you need?  Good supportive athletic shoes, that’s it.

No warm-up for this workout, it starts right up with the circuit.  Each of the fourteen parts is done for 30 seconds and repeated through twice for a total of three times.

Workout:
1. Jump rope
2. Butt Kicks
3. High Knees
4.Alternating Knee Strikes
5. Jumping Jacks
6. Fast Feet
7. Skiers
8. Skaters
9. Plié Hops
10. Cross Jacks
11.Upper Cuts
12. Towel Runs Right then Left
13. Hooks Right then Left
14. Burpees (I HATE burpees, but then again, who doesn’t.)

Repeat twice.

Cool Down/Stretches

I love this workout.  I think that because each of the moves only lasts for 30 seconds it is much more tolerable and enjoyable!

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

Here is another of my very favorite Jillian Micheals quotes:

“Many are so preoccupied with what others think it defines their existence. When we fixate externally, it keeps us from truly knowing ourselves and our destiny. Most [people] fear looking inward for worry they won’t find greatness, but when you stop allowing others to define your worth, you’ll see—greatness exists in us all, waiting to be
 expressed”

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**Update 06/03/2023:

The following statement reflects my personal experience and should not be construed as a universal condemnation or endorsement of any specific approach to exercise and dieting, including that of Jillian Michaels. It is crucial to acknowledge that individual experiences may vary, and what works positively for one person may have different outcomes for another. This update aims to highlight a specific personal situation and the impact it had on my mental health while recognizing the potential benefits of certain approaches.

I would like to share that I had previously found success in improving my physical state through the approach advocated by Jillian Michaels. It helped me achieve notable physical results, which I am grateful for. However, it is essential to recognize that along with other life circumstances, this approach also had detrimental effects on my mental health.

While the approach focused on aspects like intense workouts and strict dietary restrictions, I found myself constantly striving for unrealistic standards and pushing my body beyond its limits. The intense pressure I placed on myself, coupled with the strict regimen, had a negative impact on my overall well-being. I experienced feelings of guilt, anxiety, and a distorted perception of my body image, which significantly affected my mental health.

It is important to understand that personal circumstances, including mental health, can greatly influence the outcomes and experiences related to any exercise or dieting approach. What might work positively for one individual may lead to adverse effects for another. Our mental and emotional well-being should never be sacrificed for the sole pursuit of physical transformation.

It is crucial to prioritize our holistic health, which encompasses physical, mental, and emotional aspects. This may involve adopting an approach that encourages self-compassion, self-acceptance, and a balanced lifestyle. Consulting with healthcare professionals or seeking guidance from qualified experts who specialize in mental health, nutrition, and fitness can be beneficial in developing a personalized and sustainable approach.

In conclusion, this update serves as a personal reflection on the impact of a specific approach to exercise and dieting on my mental health. It is essential to recognize the potential benefits and limitations of any approach, understanding that individual experiences and circumstances can greatly influence the outcomes. It is crucial to prioritize mental well-being alongside physical health and to seek professional advice when making changes to your exercise or dieting routine to ensure a balanced and sustainable approach.

No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #26 Six Minute Standing Ab Workout

This ab workout it literally 6 minutes long!  Six minutes!!!  You definitely have time for this one!  You won’t even have to get down onto the ground.  Keep your abs engaged and remember to breathe.

6 Minute Standing Ab Workout: A Great Ab Workout without the Floor

Do you have 6 minutes to improve your health and wellness? Yes, You Do! No Excuses, Just do it! Remember to keep good proper form, warm up before, and stretch after you exercise!

Are you enjoying these “No Gym? No Problem!” posts?  If so, you can check out the rest by clicking HERE!

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Lifestyle

The Blessing of the Storm

The other day was a hot humid summer day. As I was out in my yard in the evening, I noticed the flowers in my garden were all wilting from the heat.

That night as it started to rain, I listened to the thunder and watched the lightning, it made me think… Sometimes the storm turns out to really be a blessing. It cooled off the air and brought the rain my flower beds needed.

Sometimes in life, it takes storms to bring special blessings too. When everything goes the way we’d like, we often forget how much we need Jesus. But when we go through difficult times, we learn more about Him and about how much He loves and cares for us. No matter how fierce the storm seems, He loves and cares for us more than you can even imagine.

I don’t like the “storms” in my life. I don’t like to be unhappy or uncomfortable or disappointed. During those times, I need to learn to stop questioning why God sends storms into my life, and just trust Him to be with me and see me through them. (Proverbs 3:5-7)

Having faith in Jesus and trusting Him will give us the strength to brave any storm that comes our way. Then just like my flower beds, after the storm has passed, we’ll be refreshed.

Heavenly Father, help me to search for you in the storm.  Guide me with your strength. May I search for the blessings among the pain.

james 1:2-3 | lookingjoligood.blog

James 1:2-3

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Psalms 46:1‭-‬3 | lookingjoligood.blog

Psalms 46:1‭-‬3

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Proverbs 3:5‭-‬7 | lookingjoligood.blog

Proverbs 3:5‭-‬7

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord , and depart from evil.

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Health/ Fitness · Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

Review of Body Revolution by Jillian Michaels Phase 1 Workouts 3 and 4

**Please see update below.

Did you think that I totally forgot about these?  Nope, I didn’t!  My sore muscles haven’t forgotten either! 😉

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:

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.”

The first phase is 4 weeks and includes workouts 1-4 and the cardio level 1 workout.

Here is a review of  Phase 1 Workouts 3 and 4:

Phase 1 Workout 3 for Weeks 3 and 4

What will you need?  exercise mat and free weights (3, 5 or 8 lbs depending on your strength level) 
Get ready to squat!
  Regular squats, sumo squats, chair squats, and step out step in squats.

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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

  • Jumping Jacks
  • Cat Cow Stretch
  • High Kicks
  • Lateral Leg Swings R/L
  • Jumping Jacks

Circuit 1:

  •  Push-ups
  • Down Dog with ankle grab R/L
  • Alternating Backwards Lunges-advanced modification-add weights
  • Plank walks outs

Cardio -1 minute Jumprope

Circuit 2:

  • Sumo Squats with tricep extension-advanced modification- add heavier weights
  •  Camel yoga pose with ankle stretch (looks a lot easier than it is.)
  • Squat press -advanced modification-add heavier weights
  • Cable press with static lunge

Cardio -1 minute Punches with half squat-repeat circuit 2

Circuit 3:

  • Plank to Crescent pose back to plank
  • Crab position with dip
  • Side Crunches R/L

Cardio -1 minute- Plie Hops-repeat circuit 3

Circuit 4:

  • Tree pose with Lateral raises-use lighter weights – right
  • Plank ups (these are so hard, but I love them)
  • Tree pose with Lateral raises-use liter weights – left
  • Inchworm crunches

Cardio -1 minute-Skiers-repeat circuit 4

Cool Down/Stretches

 

“You have no idea the strength you have within you!”

Phase 1 Workout 4 for Weeks 3 and 4

Like workout 2, workout 4 is focused on the back of the body but has more compound movements than the earlier 2 workouts.

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

What will you need?  exercise mat and free weights (3, 5 or 8 lbs depending on your strength level)

While this phase is still meant to be low impact you will still be sore when you first start out.
Where can you expect to be sore the next day?  

  • Back
  • Biceps
  • Glutes
  • Hamstrings
  • Abs

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

comfortable with being uncomfortable | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Here is a breakdown of phase one workout four:

Warm-up

  • Butt Kicks
  • Single Leg Hip/Glute Stretch
  • Backwards Arm Circles
  • Repeat

Circuit 1:

  •  Alternating forward Lunges
  • Static Squat with a Medium Row
  • Single Leg Deadlift with Upright Row
  • Opposite Leg Deadlift

Cardio -1 minute Plyo Skaters -repeat circuit 1

Circuit 2:

  • Side Lunge Bicep Curl
  •  Bent Over Wide Row High and Wide
  • With arms holding weights strait up, step back with front knee down onto the ground into kneeling position back up to standing with weights lifted over the head the entire time (does that even make any sense?  Trust me, it is super hard and not fun at all!)

Cardio -1 minute-Alternate step up/hops with weights-repeat circuit 2

Circuit 3:

  • Side laying single leg lift with heavy weight
  • Plank with alternating leg raise
  • Side laying single leg lift with heavy weight opposite side
  • Hollowman

Cardio -1 minute- Fast Feet-repeat circuit 3

Circuit 4:

  • Terry Pulls right side (looks easy, but if done correctly it is a lot harder that it seems)
  • Good Mornings with 2 heavy weights
  • Terry Pulls left side (not an ab move, think about the terry muscles that you are using.)
  • Swarms (crunch up and rotate touching your ankles.)

Cardio -1 minute-Jab Cross Hook Upper Cut Combo- repeat circuit 4

Cool Down/Stretches

Since I haven’t written about Body revolution in a while, I finished phase one and now moved on to the second half of phase 1-workouts 3 and 4.   I was super sore from the workouts the first two days, but after that not much at all.
I will write a detailed review of Workout 2 and Cardio 1 soon.

If you are interested in my review of Workouts 1+2 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!

One of Jillian Micheals’ strong points is her motivational quotes:

This is where it matters the most. This is where lives are made, in these moments when you can choose whether or not to say ‘I cant’ or ‘I can.’ It is a choice that will either make or break you for life.

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.

Free/Good Deals · Lifestyle · Love and Life

The Greatest Gift- Eternal Life

I have been writing here on Looking JoliGood for almost three years now. (Wow, does time fly!!!) I have shared many things about all kinds of different topics, some beauty related, some health-related, some related to spiritual things.

Today I am sharing with you what I believe to be the purpose of our lives here on earth.  I believe that God gave us life so that we can love and glorify Him.

Many people believe that eternal life in Heaven is something that we earn through good works, or something we inherit because our parents are religious, or possibly we can attain it through good intentions.  While all these things sound good, the Bible tells us that eternal life is not something we can earn or buy, but instead, it is a gift.

God’s gift is eternal life with Him.

Romans 6:23 | lookingjoligood.blog

The thing about this gift is that before you can get it, you first have to realize that you need this it. Romans 3:23 tells us that “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

All of us have sinned by breaking God’s rules.  Some of the rules are broken by things that we have been doing, and some of the rules have been broken by things that we haven’t been doing.  We have all sinned in one way or another.Romans 3:23 | lookingjoligood.blog

Romans 6:23 tells us that the price for those broken rules is death.  That death isn’t just talking about our physical body dying, but about our spiritual body as well.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

When our physical body dies, our spiritual body will go to one of two places, either an eternity in Heaven or an eternal death apart from God in Hell.

God doesn’t want to be separated from us! Romans 5:8 says “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” 

Christ died for us | lookingjoligood.blog

The price of our sin is death, but Jesus Christ already paid the price for our sins when he died on the cross.

Jesus came to earth as God in the flesh. He lived a perfect life and voluntarily took our place on the cross, all because He loves us!  He took your place, He took my place, He paid your price with His life. He loves you!

The Bible tells us in 2 Peter 3:9 that “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9 | lookingjoligood.blog

Any time you get a gift you have to accept it in order to own it.  It is no different with the gift of eternal life, you have to turn to Christ and place our full trust in Him alone.

Romans 10:13 tells us that “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:13 | lookingjoligood.blog

 

If you have never trusted in Jesus Christ to be your personal savior, you can do it right now! It is as simple as believing in your heart that Christ is the only way to have eternal life in Heaven and saying a prayer that is something like this…

“Dear Lord God,
Thank you for the sacrifice you made in sending your only perfect son to die on the cross for my sins!  It should have been me sentenced to that horrible death, but you Lord, gave Jesus to save me from the punishment that I deserve.  Thank you for this free gift of salvation! Amen!”

You will never regret that decision! I know how much this decision has changed my life!  If you have just trusted Christ and received the gift of eternal life, I would love for you to tell me!

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Lifestyle

Light in the Darkness

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward. -MLK jr

martin-luther-king-jr | lookingjoligood.blog

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Ditch The Diet for Healthy Habits

I Love You Cookies! 🍪🍪

super simple cake mix cookies | lookingjoligood.blog
Things I have said recently while eating a cookie…(or two)🍪🍪
“I really need to start eating better…munch munch🍕🍔
“All I have been eating is junk, no wonder I feel like junk.”🙄
“My skin looks horrible, it’s probably from all the processed sugar I have been eating…chew chew.”🍰🍦
“I used to have such great self-control…used to, what happened?!”💪
“I need to start taking some of my own healthy eating advice!…just let me finish this
cookie first.” 😉

sea salt Nutella chocolate chip cookies | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Here is to resuming healthier habits in 2018!

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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

Matthew West – Broken Things

This song has been running through my head the last few days.  I love that God can take someone who is broken and still use me!

If grace was a kingdom
I stopped at the gate
Thinking I don’t deserve to pass through after all the mistakes that I’ve made

After all the mistakes that I’ve made

Oh but I heard a whisper
As Heaven bent down
Said, “Child, don’t you know that the first will be last and the last get a crown”

Now I’m just a beggar in the presence of a King
I wish I could bring so much more
But if it’s true You use broken things
Then here I am Lord, I’m all Yours

You use broken things

The pages of history they tell me it’s true.
That it’s never the perfect; it’s always the ones with the scars that You use

It’s the rebels and the prodigals; it’s the humble and the weak
All the misfit heroes You chose
Tell me there’s hope for sinners like me

It’s always the ones with the scars that You use

Now I’m just a beggar in the presence of a King
I wish I could bring so much more
But if it’s true You use broken things
Then here I am Lord, I’m all Yours

Grace is a kingdom
With gates open wide

Grace is a kingdom
With gates open wide
There’s a seat at the table just waiting for you
So, come on inside

 

Romans 8:39
Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God. Romans 8:39

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