So, I have put together a list of my top five insights on working out. Hopefully they will strike a chord with you and help you to begin seeing a “workout” not as work, but as something you can fit into your life and enjoy.

#1: Find an activity that YOU like to do.
I think when a lot of people want to lose weight or just be in shape, they automatically think they need to start running. I don’t know what it is about running, but it seems like people think it’s the magic charm that will help them melt away the weight. Guess what? There are so many MORE ways to get in exercise without slogging through miles and wheezing away! If you don’t like running, jump on your bike and pedal away while you still enjoy the outdoors. Go on a walk with your family, or your dog, or your best girlfriend and chat away. Dive in the pool and swim around; you don’t even need to swim laps to get a good total body workout. Play softball, throw a Frisbee, or bump a volleyball with some friends on the weekend. The key is to find an activity that you enjoy and look forward to doing. And as an added bonus, you’ll burn those calories up, too.

#2: Mix it up.
Once you find your activity, don’t be monogamous to it. Have a little something else on the side: For instance, after being sidelined from running for so long due to my hip injury, I have really fallen in love with biking. Now, I like to bike one day and do a light run the next. I also like to throw some weight lifting in once or twice a week (I aim for two days a week, but…that doesn’t always happen). I also signed up for a boot camp class on Sunday mornings, and I learned this past week that it works LOTS of muscles I never knew I had. Keeping my workouts mixed up makes my body stronger overall, and allows me to take a break from very impactful exercising (like running) and get non-impact workouts in (biking) to keep my body healthy. Plus, I never get bored!

#3: Set a goal.
Whether it’s to be able to run a mile without stopping, signing up for a 5K run or a 10-mile bike ride event, or making it through a yoga class without falling on your butt—setting some kind of goal keeps you motivated and makes you check yourself when you want to slack off. It’s that simple.

#4: Make it social.
Sometimes, it’s hard to fit working out for even 30 minutes into the day. Including others in your workouts can make them more fun, and get in the social fix that you crave. I invite a friend along to run, walk or bike with me while we catch up. I sign up for a 5K race with a group of friends; not only do I have training partners, but I have people cheering me on when I cross the finish line. I have yet to make it to the local running club—I’ll admit it, I am kind of nervous to go by myself!—but I would think it has to be a great support community as well. And I don’t keep it all serious: I joined my co-workers on the Jockey softball team in a rec league this summer. I may have struck out 99% of the time, but I still had a lot of fun hanging out with the crew and playing around anyway.

#5: Get up early—or stick to it later.
Morning workouts. Oh boy. Not everyone’s favorite. But if you’re like me, you have a long workday and a lot to do at home even after you leave the workplace. I don’t work out every single morning, though some say it’s easier to form the habit of getting up that way. Instead, I think ahead—do I have time to workout tomorrow after work? If not, I set my alarm for 15 minutes before I actually need to be up, so I can hit snooze once and still get out of bed on time to fit in my workout and then get ready for work. If I ponder how I want to stay in bed, I think about the rest of the day and how this is my only chance to have some peace and quiet (and a good sweat session) by myself. That usually does the trick. If I do plan to work out in the evenings, I make sure I come home and put my active clothes on right away—I don’t let myself sit down, turn on the TV, return a phone call, nothing. Then I’m out the door before I can even be distracted.

I hope these insights help you out. I’d like to hear your thoughts on working out (good or bad) and what helps you stick to it / keeps you motivated / makes it fun for you. Won’t you share? :)

Fat Stats:
Starting weight: 166 pounds
Last week: 151.5 pounds
This week: 152 pounds (After my boot camp class & being sore for three days, I think it’s a gain of pure muscle!)
Goal weight: 145 pounds

Keep movin’
Amanda
@jockey_amanda

P.S. The weight loss challenge at Jockey may be over (results to come next week), but I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with my ramblings, folks. Hope you enjoy!

Tebow will be working with several Jockey® product lines, including the new Jockey® Staycool line which will launch in spring 2011.  He will also be featured in Jockey catalogs, TV and print advertisements and on Jockey.com.  Tim said “I’m excited to represent the Jockey brand and to work with such an innovative company. I’ve long been a fan and consumer of Jockey, and think they make a quality product with a great fit.  I’m looking forward to a great relationship with such a respectable company.”

We are definitely excited to have Tim Tebow as a Jockey® spokesperson and are looking forward to working with him in the upcoming years. Go Tebow! Go Jockey®!

I’ve found ways to make “working out” not be the dreaded part of my day anymore. Eleven weeks ago (heck, up until even a month ago), I would slap my alarm clock at 5am when it went off, groan, and grimace at the thought about running a few miles as everyone else in my sleepy town snoozed soundly in their comfy, cool beds. But now, I only get up to run in the morning if I am really looking forward to it the night before. If I go to bed excited to get up to run, it’s sooo much easier to actually get up and go. If I don’t want to get up in the morning, well, I am not going to force myself—I’ll work out after my workday, when I’m ready.

But better yet, I have found a less jolting and enjoyable way to work out in the morning: biking! It’s pretty much my new favorite thing. I love the way the wind rushes past me as I whiz down the tree-lined, shady bike path; the break from the pavement is relaxing and peaceful to wake up to. I feel like I am alone in the world, that it’s my day for the making. What do I want to do – what do I want to accomplish? In the early morning, by myself, the sun coming up over the trees and the birds chirping in the background, I really feel like I can do whatever I want. It’s most often the calmest time of my day, and it’s something that I’ve come to truly appreciate.

Eating healthy, too, has become something I appreciate and enjoy now. I like looking for recipes online, finding new ways to take normal, simple ingredients and turning them into something delish. And let’s face it, after working all day, going for a long workout, and doing my laundry/cleaning the bathroom/whatever other chores I need to get done, I don’t have a whole lot of time left for my boyfriend. So now we make dinner together some nights, and guess what? I know I’m kind of a dork, but…It’s fun! I get excited for the nights we plan on making dinner together, debating all day on what to make and then cooking up a storm. I’m glad we’re able to find a way to make a healthy lifestyle something that works for both of us, and for both of our schedules.

But, what’s my favorite “healthy eating” part of my life at the moment? Going to the farmer’s market! Every weekend, my city (like a lot of cities) closes down a whole street early on Saturday morning, and by 8am it is lined by white and blue tents with tables and tables of fresh fruits and vegetables (and baked goods, jewelry stands and other shopping delights). I was finally able to go to the market this weekend, and literally spent every last dollar I had in my wallet. A big tasty bran muffin, one giant cucumber, plump cherry tomatoes, little fingerling potatoes (can you say YUM?) and sweet, juicy peaches were my treasures of the morning. Something about browsing the market early on a Saturday, with the somewhat festive and happy atmosphere of it all, makes finding fresh, healthy produce a fun thing… I couldn’t wait to get home and figure out what to make with my veggies. And the home-grown peaches? They blew my store-bought peaches out of the fridge and into the garbage. I urge you to find out about your local farmer’s market and check it out this week. You’ll love it!

All in all, this week I have been thinking about how it is often the simplest things in life that make a difference, and these simple parts of my week are what make me the happiest. What I can’t believe is that three months ago, these “simple things” weren’t really a part of my life at all. Now, I can’t imagine things any other way.

How do you make a healthy lifestyle work for you?

Tell me about it. :)

Fat Stats:
Starting weight: 166 pounds
Last week: 153 pounds
This week: 151.5 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds

Happy weekend,
Amanda
@jockey_amanda

We think you’ll want to check out one of our newest (and coolest) styles, our International Y-front® Brief! Now you have the chance to sport your favorite team’s colors in the comfort of Jockey all year round. Whether you root for Germany, Brazil, South Africa, Portugal, Spain or the USA, we’ve got you covered!

Plus, if you’re looking for a little more coverage, our International Y-front® trunk will be arriving soon. You can wear your country pride in a style that will fall at the very top of your thigh.

“All the time” meaning last summer, that is. I have not worn these jeans in SO long, because around Halloween last year they started to feel a little snug. So, they got shoved to the bottom of the jean stack and have not seen the light of day since…

Until TODAY! Yes, that’s right. As I pulled the jeans off the shelf and unfolded them, I was afraid to try them on: what if they still didn’t fit, even after all of this hard work? But I pulled one leg up, then the other, hopped up and down once or twice (we women all know that move), and voila! The jeans FIT! I could barely believe it. I knew I had been working hard, eating healthier and trimming down, but for some reason in my mind I was afraid that it just hadn’t been enough.

But it was enough, and now I am sitting here in my office chair with my trusty old jeans on (and they aren’t even too tight sitting down, woohoo), sharing the moment with you, feeling silly for not trying these suckers on sooner. I’m sure they’re glad to be back out in the world.

With this triumph, I realize I have less than 10 pounds to go to reach my goal weight, and only 2 more weeks of the Jockey® Weight Loss Challenge. I finally lost a little more weight again this past week, so I am even more motivated to keep pushing those pounds off, even if I don’t do it by the time the Challenge is officially “over.” Because let’s be real—even when the corporate Challenge is over, the challenge of everyday life will still be here to try to derail me.

P.S. I face the trials of vacation again this weekend—let’s hope that after a weekend with family, lots of dad’s homemade vino, wedding cake and my mom’s delicious cooking, that these jeans still fit on Monday. :)

Fat Stats:
Starting weight: 166 pounds
Last week: 154.5 pounds
This week: 153 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds

Cheers!
Amanda
@jockey_amanda

“I’m looking for something to help my wife, who is style-challenged, put together that “fun in the sun” look that your models display when we are on the beach.  Ideas?” - Eric S.

 Eric, we’re so happy you asked!  Here are three great Jockey® “fun in the sun” options.

 1.    Comfy and casual “fun in the sun” look:
Start with our Jockey® favorite tank.  This tank offers a flattering scoop neck and a high back  with thicker straps (stylish and modest).  Plus, 100% cotton provides light and breathable feel—perfect for hot days.

Next, pair it up with our Ultimates® Cotton Spandex Bikini.    Enjoy comfy cotton stretch for a breathable, move-with-you fit.  You’ll love the contrast stitch and feminine bow detail.  Plus, new summer prints just arrived!

 Finish of your look with a pair casual shorts or active capris.  Great styles that will keep you on-the-go!

 In the look you’ll be comfy, casual and chic all day long!

2.    Flirty “fun in the sun” look:
Jockey® minis is a fun, youthful looking collection.  Start with the low rise boy short  in a bright summer color, like salmon pink!  Our minis boy short provides a “cheeky” fit with the comfort of cotton stretch (plus, they’re 5 for $25!).  Four different silhouettes allow you to choose your coverage.

For an all around sassy look, pair the low rise boyshort with our minis cami.  Again, you will get the comfort of cotton spandex in a tailored fit.  This cami has a built-in shelf bra, flattering scoop neck, and adjustable straps.

Complete your look with a flowy summer skirt and a crop jacket.  And, don’t forget a great pair of wedge shoes!

3.    Seamless “fun in the sun” look:
Seamless fun in the sun is a cinch with our No Panty Line Promise® Tactel® fiber blend collection.  On the bottom, wear the flattering fit of our hi cut panties (try it in new confetti bouquet print).  The silky, gentle stretch creates a beautifully smooth look underneath.  Hello summer dresses!

Summer dresses not your thing? Pull off your seamless look with our No Panty Line Promise® Tactel®  fiber blend camisole.  Dual adjustable straps allow for a customized fit.  Plus, the lay-flat seams create a smooth look underneath your top.  Great for layering under a cardigan, light sweater or your favorite embellished tee.

No matter which style you choose, spend your summer days care-free, panty line free…and looking fabulous.

-Stay sunny!

p.s.

Even the warmest summer days can bring cool nights.  Don’t forget to check out our hoodies and jackets for the perfect day-to-night look!

 Eric, we hope this helps you (and your wife) out!  If anyone else has a summer style suggestion, we’d love to hear it!

Not to mention that going out to eat is something I try not to do anymore, save once or twice a week, and I am really starting to salivate just thinking about my favorite meals at my favorite restaurants…

So, I decided: It’s time to bust outta that proverbial pantry and into the vast world of culinary delights. Okay, sounds pretty dorky, but that was the challenge I gave myself this week. And, I am happy to report that I came up with some tasty alternatives to add to my regime of yummy, healthy creations. Here are two of my favorite meals.

Chicken & Goat Cheese Salad
I sauté a chicken breast, chopped red bell peppers, mushrooms and garlic, and at the last minute add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Then I toss this in a bowl with 1oz. goat cheese (not the healthiest cheese for you, but you need to have some fat in your diet, I figure!). Then I lay this on top of a big pile of chopped romaine lettuce and drizzle with a little balsamic vinaigrette. Voila. Sooo tasty for a salad!
Mix it up: Use a whole grain wrap and this works great as a sandwich. Or, try using just shrimp, goat cheese and pears on the salad instead. Throw in some cherry tomatoes and use spinach instead of romaine (see picture). The possibilities just go on.

Fajita Quesadillas
Start out by sautéing a chicken breast (or lean steak if you want), red and green bell peppers, and onions in a pan until the onions and peppers are a little caramelized. On a baking pan, lay out a whole grain tortilla (Flat Out whole grain wraps are my pick—only 100 calories and 8 grams of fiber!). Spread chicken & veggie mixture on ½ the tortilla and top with ½ cup low-fat shredded cheese. Fold the other end of the tortilla over and then pop into the oven on 350 degrees for 5-10 minutes (until cheese is melted). Remove, cut into thirds, top with a dollop of low-fat sour cream and salsa, and enjoy! This is a knock-off of one of my favorite Mexican meals from a near-by restaurant. I don’t know the number of calories or fat that I am saving, but I know it must be a LOT! (Not to mention the $10 I save, too!)

The best thing is, both of these meals are healthy and SUPER tasty, and nobody would ever know it. I even get my boyfriend to eat them, with rave reviews (I guess the cat is out of the bag about how healthy they are now, though!).

Do you have any stand-by or favorite recipes? Please comment & share, I am still looking for new things to try to bust out of my food rut! It has become more and more clear that if I really want to make healthier eating a part of my life, I can’t just stick to my standard ten meal cycle—how will that ever last over the many years to come?! (Especially breakfast—oatmeal every morning is sure getting old!)

Again, this week I take inspiration from some of my Jockey® co-workers who have made a healthy lifestyle change and are sticking to it. I hope they inspire you, too!

Challenge: Sticking to a workout plan
“My challenge was making the time for and adhering to a workout schedule. I overcame it by mustering mental discipline and making sure I made no excuses. The resulting motivation has been the level of fitness I have been able to achieve which has also translated to an enhanced mental outlook on life itself. I aspire to achieve that next level.”
Greg, Jockey Technical Analyst

Challenge: Avoiding distractions
“My kids are my motivation. I want them to live a long healthy life. I want them to see me active so they stay active. I religiously work out at lunch to insure I fit the exercise in. On weekends, I get up when everyone else is sleeping to go for a run or bike. I work out much better in the mornings. If I delay the workout, I get involved in my chores or my kids’ lives and the motivation is no longer there. I also sign up for races or events that challenge me so that I stay motivated to train. I pick a new challenge every year: Last year was the marathon, this year is the century.”
Diane, Systems Analyst

Now for some numbers…

Fat Stats:
Starting weight: 166 pounds
Last week: 154.5 pounds
This week: 154.5 pounds (Hello, plateau.)
Goal weight: 145 pounds

Happy eating,
Amanda
@jockey_amanda

Here’s your sneak preview of what’s coming your way!
And, if you’re not on our mailing list, you can request a catalog right now. (Honestly, you don’t want to miss out on this one!)

For the ladies, we’re launching a brand new No Panty Line Promise® collection, Luxe.  It’s our most luxurious fabric yet.  Then, get ready for colorful workouts with bright sportswear and new mesh active styles.  Plus, you’re going to fall in love with our fabulous prints and summer hues in your favorite collections.

For the guys, we’re helping you make a statement with BOLD new prints from our men’s Elance® collection.  Plus, keep your cool during the steamy days of summer with our sport performance and euro sport styles.  And, be sure check out the newest colors, prints and multi-packs of your everyday Jockey® must-haves.

Not only do we have great new product on the way, our July catalog features an amazing athlete sportin’ Jockey® styles.  Introducing…International Rugby Superstar, Dan Carter!  Get to know Dan, his superstar stats and watch him in action.

This is only the beginning!  We can’t spoil all the juicy details.  (What fun would that be?!) Stay tuned for your special July 2010 catalog coming right to your mailbox.

Like we mentioned before, you don’t want to miss this exclusive look at our newest styles.  Be sure to get on our mailing list today. Request a catalog>>

Last weekend I partook in the National MS Society’s Mud Run in St. Louis (I cannot believe I am posting pictures, but there ya go). The run was SIX miles long, littered with 24 obstacles and a mess of mud, and trampled on by a whole lot of crazy, fun people. It took me 1 hour & 42 minutes to complete the run in the grueling sun and heat (it was 90 degrees when we started at 9am—yikes). By the end of the race, I was definitely glad to be done; all I wanted to do was sit down and not move another muscle. Heck, I was so exhausted that I couldn’t even finish my free bottle of beer!

That night, and for two days afterward, I was in pain. My hip had been bothering me from straining it too much lately, so I was limping around again. On top of that, it seemed like each muscle in my body was groaning with every movement I made. But I was happy and felt so lucky. That’s right—lucky. Lucky because I was able to run six miles in the mud, climb over rope towers and swim under logs in a pond, crawl into mud pits and back out of them with the helping hand of a complete stranger, and finally go down a giant mud slip-n-slide with my good friend to finish the race. But most of all, I thought about all the people out there who have multiple sclerosis, or other conditions that inhibit them from being able to even walk confidently out their front door, let alone run down the block. And here I got to travel to a new city to run six miles in the MUD. I’d say that’s pretty lucky. And blessed.

I think that once you realize that some people don’t have the option to be able to cook what they want, eat what is healthiest, get out and go for an early morning jog, whiz around on a brand new bicycle—that is when you realize that you don’t HAVE to do those things yourself. But you choose to, and you get to. And you’re lucky to have that option, because some people don’t.

I don’t know about you, but I’ll remember that next time I hit the snooze button in the morning and contemplate skipping my workout!

But what about those days where we DO want to go for a run or cook a healthy meal, but life just gets in the way? Last week, I talked about this conundrum in my own life, but this week I got to see it from the perspective of those that I look up to—people here at Jockey® who have families (and lots of pets) to juggle, long hours on the job, and more. Take a look at their challenges and how THEY overcome them—I have already decided to adopt a few of their good habits!

Challenge: Workout time, including the kids, and [unhealthy] food
“My challenge is finding time to exercise with two little kids and a full-time job. The only way I can consistently work out is to do it first thing in the morning before the kids are up. There are just too many distractions at night, plus I am too exhausted! My alarm goes off by 4:52 a.m. on weekday mornings, and I get out of bed and I work out. It is not optional! No snooze button. No thinking about it. Just get up and go. Also, we are lucky enough to have fitness classes offered on-site at my job, so I try to do these 2-3 days a week. On the weekends, I take a more fun approach to fitness that usually involves my kids. We have a “dance party” where we dance to our favorite tunes, or we get out the double stroller and walk around the neighborhood. I even have a fitness video where you can lift your toddler instead of dumbbells! I honestly don’t need much motivation to exercise since I have made it such a routine. It’s just a part of my life like brushing my teeth. I will say that I never want to be the 85-year-old woman who can’t carry her own groceries. I want to be the 85-year-old woman running 5Ks! I also particularly like that I can eat more because I work out. Healthy eating is a constant struggle for me, but working out really helps me maintain a healthy weight despite my love of cheeseburgers, fries, and hot fudge sundaes.” - Amanda, Modeling & Analytics

Challenge: Working out with long work hours & a family
“My challenges are eating healthy and finding time to exercise with work, my wife and kids in the balance. I bring my lunch in almost every day to force myself to each healthy. To fit in workouts, I would get up at 5:30am everyday and work out before work, or I ran at lunchtime at work. What keeps me motivated is signing up for races. When I know I have to compete soon I am much less likely to skip or cut short a workout.” - Mark, Business Planning & Analytics

Challenge: Being active but still giving attention to the family (and many pets)
“My challenge is that I have a wife, 2 kids, a dog, a cat, 2 fish and a pet frog all demanding attention when I get home from work. Not to mention a 24-hour business that also needs care and feeding. I really struggled with fitting in exercise after the kids came. Before kids it was no problem to disappear for a 40-mile bike ride on a weeknight, but after the kids I was lucky to fit in 10 miles. So instead I turned to running because you can get a great workout in 30-45 minutes without all the gear you need for cycling! The best motivators are the bright blue eyes looking up at me from my 5 year-old and the big smile on my 3 year-old.” - Tim, E-commerce & Interactive

And now for the moment of truth…

Fat Stats:
Starting weight: 166 pounds
Last week: 155 pounds
This week: 154.5 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds

Have a safe & fun 4th of July,
Amanda
@jockey_amanda

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE weddings!  It makes me so happy to see people I care about start the rest of their lives together.  Plus, I get really excited for shakin’ my groove thing on the dance floor.  The only thing is, between work, trips to see the family, cookouts, concerts, baseball games and camping, (not to mention other random obligations and activities) the last thing I have time to stress out about is looking good and feeling great in my dresses for all those weddings!  I’m sorry, but losing “the last five pounds” to look my best is just not in the cards. 

Luckily for me, and all you other ladies with a summer full of weddings, looking great doesn’t have to mean being miserable while dieting for a month!  Jockey® has a summer wedding dressing guide just for us!  The slimming and smoothing shapewear and underwear options from our No Panty Line Promise® collection will help flatter all of our womanly curves (even the ones we aren’t too proud of).  You can define your bust and waist, smooth out your midsection, slim your tummy and rear, tone and smooth out your thighs and get all over shaping.  Plus, keeping your panty lines invisible is a breeze with the No Panty Line Promise® panties.  

If you’re anything like me, it’s great to know I have one less thing to worry about this wedding season!  Now if I could just find the right shoes, necklace and purse…

Don’t sweat the dress this wedding season, check out our wedding dressing guide to find a style that will help you look and feel your best!  Do you have any “prep” secrets to looking your best at summer weddings?  We’d love to hear them!

-Sami Seagren, jockey.com