Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Tag: workout

  • The Top 10 Workout Songs for January 2015


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    The Top 10 Workout Songs for January 2015

    Fort Wayne, IN – January 4, 2014 – The highlight of this month’s workout music round-up is the balance it strikes between perennial favorites and relative newcomers. By veering between the two, the mix manages to send both familiar and fresh at the same time.

    Starting with the hits, you’ve got a pair of collaborations uniting Jessie J with 2 Chainz and Wyclef Jean with Avicii. Continuing with the upstarts, you’ll find a song from Penguin Prison that could pass for vintage Hall & Oates along with a club track from Alesso & Tove Lo featuring lyrics by David Bowie.

    The whole affair kicks off with AC/DC’s first new song in six years. The song’s beats-per-minute count (BPM) is slow enough to ease you into things physically, while its thundering riff gets you fired up mentally. If you need a power track mid-routine, press play on the fastest (and most popular) song of the month: Sheppard’s ode to taking plunges.

    For most folks, the new year is a time for taking stock and making changes–mixing things that worked in the past with new approaches for the future. This month’s top 10 list does a little of the same–blending veteran hit makers with promising, newer acts. To that end, it might just be the perfect playlist for the new year and your next workout.

    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music blog.

    AC/DC – Play Ball – 119 BPM

    Deadmau5 – Some Chords (Dillon Francis Remix) – 129 BPM

    Penguin Prison – Calling Out – 124 BPM

    Charli XCX – Break the Rules – 125 BPM

    Wyclef Jean & Avicii – Divine Sorrow – 130 BPM

    Mr. Probz, T.I. & Chris Brown – Waves (Robin Schulz Remix) – 120 BPM

    Jessie J & 2 Chainz – Burnin’ Up – 124 BPM

    Alesso & Tove Lo – Heroes (We Could Be) – 126 BPM

    Sheppard – Geronimo – 142 BPM

    Ella Henderson – Ghost – 105 BPM

    To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    Email: mail@runhundred.com
    ###

  • The Top 10 Workout Songs of 2014


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    The Top 10 Workout Songs of 2014

    Fort Wayne, IN – December 27, 2014 – With few exceptions, workout songs can be distinguished by two main attributes: popularity and speed. If a song has cracked the Top 40 chart and has a tempo above 125 beats per minute (BPM), there’s a good chance you’ll hear it in the gym.
    In this look back at 2014, you’ll find lots of songs that meet the criteria above–along with a few outliers. Starting with the big winners, Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” was the most popular workout song of the year. (Not coincidentally, it’s also the fastest song in the bunch below.) Calvin Harris is notable for being the only artist to make the top 10 twice. Plus, Maroon 5 and Nico & Vinz both had songs so catchy that folks didn’t mind their slower tempos.
    Rounding out the list, there are remixes of rock tracks from OneRepublic and American Authors, a song from Meghan Trainor that proved even more popular in the gym than her breakthrough hit “All About that Bass,” and a soaring, club track that pits Cash Cash & Bebe Rexha against dance titans The Chainsmokers.
    On the whole, the list makes for an easy way to reflect on the year that’s passed, get acquainted with any songs you might have missed, and prep the perfect mix to kick off your first workout of 2015.
    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed on Run Hundred–the web’s most heavily-trafficked workout music blog.
    Cash Cash & Bebe Rexha – Take Me Home (Chainsmokers Remix Radio Edit) – 129 BPM

    OneRepublic – Love Runs Out (Grabbitz Remix) – 124 BPM

    Ariana Grande & Zedd – Break Free – 130 BPM

    Maroon 5 – Maps – 120 BPM

    Calvin Harris – Summer – 128 BPM

    American Authors – Best Day of My Life (Gazzo Remix) – 125 BPM

    Calvin Harris & John Newman – Blame – 128 BPM

    Nico & Vinz – Am I Wrong – 121 BPM

    Meghan Trainor – Lips Are Movin – 138 BPM

    Taylor Swift – Shake It Off – 160 BPM

    About:
    Run Hundred is a workout music blog featuring a database of songs that visitors can browse by genre, tempo, and era–to find the ones that best fit their particular routine.
    The list above represents the results of 78,000 votes logged on the 260 new singles and remixes added to the database in 2014.
    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    Email: mail@runhundred.com

  • The Top 10 Workout Songs for December 2014


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    The Top 10 Workout Songs for December 2014

    Fort Wayne, IN – December 1, 2014 – What’s striking about this month’s top 10 list the quantity of pop songs it contains by folks who aren’t archetypal pop stars. In the place of Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, or Beyonce, you’ll find contemporary doo wop from Meghan Trainor, a sunny single from Dutch rapper Mr. Probz, and a confessional club cut from Mary Lambert. Even when Top 40 favorites do appear, they seem slightly transformed—as in the case of Taylor Swift’s electropop experiment or OneRepublic’s dancefloor makeover.
    In terms of working out, nothing in the list below tops 140 beats per minute (BPM). However, what the songs lack in speed, they make up in dynamism. If you find yourself hitting a wall mid-routine, check out the huge chorus on Imagine Dragon’s latest, the army of horns surrounding Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, or the blistering remix from Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj.
    On the whole, this month’s picks mix breakthrough acts who know how to write a hook, pop chart regulars who are trying something new, and a string of hits that have been amped up and re-imagined. Taken together, this combination makes for the best kind of playlist to keep you moving—one that sounds both fresh and familiar at the same time.
    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music blog.
    Taylor Swift – Blank Space – 96 BPM

    Mr. Probz – Waves (Robin Schulz Radio Edit) – 120 BPM

    OneRepublic – I Lived (Arty Remix) – 128 BPM

    David Guetta & Sam Martin – Dangerous – 92 BPM

    Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj – Bang Bang (Kat Krazy Remix) – 128 BPM

    Mary Lambert – Secrets (Jump Smokers Remix) – 125 BPM

    Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding – Outside – 128 BPM

    Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk – 116 BPM

    Meghan Trainor – Lips Are Movin – 138 BPM

    Imagine Dragons – I Bet My Life – 108 BPM

    To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    Email: mail@runhundred.com
    ###

  • Friday Reflections…

    Friday Reflections…


    Dearest Readers:

    I’ve been just a bit quiet for a while, especially with stories about my Weight Watchers journey. Why? Simple…I’m still on the journey…managing to yo-yo back and forth with the same one to two pounds. I feel as if I am rewinding, but I’m not giving up! My body is getting smaller, firmer and I am excited at that discovery. At times I will glance into the full-length mirror I purchased last year — just to see — who is that person in that mirror? “Rejoice, silly woman…it is ME!”

    Today is Friday – a Friday reflection if we must. Yesterday was my weigh-in day but I awoke (actually never slept) with another headache, so I chose to bury my head in the pillows and attempt something extremely difficult for me — the blessed sleep. I suppose my body never goes into the REM sleep mode since I find myself tossing and turning in bed. And — IF I do sleep — I have dreams — sometimes nightmares. I awaken either hearing my voice speaking in such a soft and slow mode I listen to see who is speaking – only to realize it is my sleep voice…a raspy, extremely soft and slow voice. Wish I could record it, but it does sound a bit seductive!

    Today is Friday…a beautiful, sunshiny day in Charleston. I walk outside, just to smell the scents of Autumn and I must say, it is refreshing to finally feel the warmth of sunshine on me after one of the wettest September’s I remember! Today I start a new column in this blog — appropriately titled “Friday Reflections.” This column will be a reflection of my Weight Watchers journey. Enjoy!

    Friday reflection — Like many of you deciding to lose weight and share what you have learned or experienced on this journey, I would like to share a bit about my childhood and the eating habits I learned while growing up.

    As a child, I was lucky IF we ate healthy meals. My family consisted of four girls and two extremely strict parents. We were taught we must eat “everything on our plate.” Vegetables normally came out of a can. We grew up in the projects or in mill villages, so fresh vegetables were too expensive. If we ate anything fresh, it came from the farmers market, or the garden. When we had dinners at my maternal grandmother’s home, we tasted fresh vegetables, Southern fried chicken and homemade biscuits. I loved my grandmother’s homemade biscuits. They were soft, as light and fluffy as a cloud, especially with a pat of butter and jelly and I could not resist. As a young girl, I grew to be the biggest girl in my family, and my youngest sisters teased me until I would crawl into the closet and cry. I am pleased to say, they are much larger than me now…at least they were the last time I saw them — many years ago. I suppose revenge is so sweet. The table has turned in my favor, and I am happy about that. Yes, I could be cruel and repeat to them what they sang to me, but I do not like to ‘get even’ with them. I simply smile while knowing I am the best I can be!

    After marriage, I chose to cook foods a different way — fresh from scratch. Nevertheless, I still fried foods until my husband had heart surgery in 1998. At that time, I bounced from the cardiac wing of Roper Hospital to the South wing at Roper Hospital. My dad was battling esophageal cancer at that time. Food preparation was the least of my concerns as I watched my husband slowly come back to life and my father fading away. While my husband recovered, I chose to cook healthier meals. I lost weight for a while, then my body adjusted and the weight loss refused to drop. In 1999, I lost my father. Words cannot describe how much I miss him!

    Oops…continuing my journey — On March 3, 2011, sitting at my computer while listening to the Today Show, Jennifer Hudson was on TV promoting Weight Watchers. She had lost over 80 pounds and looked amazing. I Googled the Weight Watchers website, deciding for only one moment to join online. A little voice inside my head said, “No… go to the meeting.” At 9:30, I walked into the meeting, wishing I had a paper grocery bag to place over my head. Three years, and 35 pounds down later, I am still a member at Weight Watchers, still plugging along wishing and hoping to reach goal. Weight Watchers is my life now. When friends ask, “Are you STILL doing Weight Watchers,” I smile…take a deep breath and say, “Yes…I will NEVER give up my Weight Watchers journey, and I WILL make goal!” Daily I work out. Sometimes on the treadmill. Other times, taking a brisk walk and I do aerobics. For me, Weight Watchers motivates me. I’ve made “lifetime friends” at my meeting, and now I wear clothes in a small size. I’ve NEVER worn small in anything previously. Just the other day my husband said to me while glancing at me, “You are getting really small now!” He’s never said that before! Yes, my journey continues…and I am proud of myself on this beautiful morning filled with sunshine on my Friday reflection! Thank you, Weight Watchers for this amazing journey!

    Stay tuned, readers. There will come a day that I share — Barbie made lifetime! Oooooohhhhh! I cannot wait until that day! And now, it is time to hop on the treadmill, to do my workout! Until next Friday…!

  • The Top 10 Workout Songs for October 2014


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    The Top 10 Workout Songs for October 2014

    Fort Wayne, IN – September 30, 2014 – Pop rules in this month’s workout music recap. First off, you have the lingering effects of this year’s MTV Video Music Awards. Collaborations pairing Ariana Grande with Zedd and Iggy Azalea with Rita Ora both received a significant boost in popularity following performances on this year’s broadcast. Moreover, the show is where Taylor Swift debuted the first single from her new album. “Shake It Off” was the most popular, workout song in our monthly poll. Moreover, at 160 beats per minute (BPM), it’s the best song in the list for running.
    Remixers also racked up three big tunes this month. Zedd makes his second appearance in the list with an uptempo version of the summertime smash “Rude.” OneRepublic also find their latest release reworked for the club. Though both of those tracks are geared for the dance floor, they’d be equally great for a jogging or walking. For a lower rep routine—like kettlebells or Pilates—you might check out the Surkin remix of Charli XCX’s “Boom Clap.” At 93 BPM, it’s on the slower side of things, but it’s lives up to its title with thunderous production that’ll power you through your next session.
    On the whole, Top 40 tracks dominate this month’s list. But, there should also be enough alternate versions—plus some crossover hits from upstarts like Kongos and Echosmith—to keep things interesting. So, if you’re looking for something new to freshen up your gym playlist, you’ll find 10 great places to start below.
    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music blog.
    Echosmith – Cool Kids – 130 BPM
    Magic – Rude (Zedd Remix) – 130 BPM
    Kiesza – Hideaway – 123 BPM
    Demi Lovato & Cher Lloyd – Really Don’t Care – 121 BPM
    Iggy Azalea & Rita Ora – Black Widow – 82 BPM
    Charli XCX – Boom Clap (Surkin Remix) – 93 BPM
    Kongos – Come With Me Now – 104 BPM
    Ariana Grande & Zedd – Break Free – 130 BPM
    OneRepublic – Love Runs Out (Grabbitz Remix) – 124 BPM
    Taylor Swift – Shake It Off – 160 BPM
    To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    Email: mail@runhundred.com
    ###

  • The Top 10 Workout Songs for August 2014


    Barbie,
    Here’s this month’s list.
    Feel free to share, re-post, etc.
    Thanks!
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    The Top 10 Workout Songs for August 2014
    Fort Wayne, IN – August 5, 2014 – This month’s top 10 list plays host to a variety of dance cuts, club remixes, and curious collaborations. On the cardio front, you’ll find a pair of songs from Cash Cash—an original song and a remix of Katy Perry’s latest single. If you’re looking for something uptempo to score your next run, either will fit the bill.
    For lower rep workouts—crunches, push-ups, and the like—there’s an updated version of the summertime smash “Turn Down for What” that keeps the same 100 BPM as the original, while dialing up the intensity and adding new verses from Juicy J, 2 Chainz, and French Montana.
    From out of left field, you’ll find a country-meets-pop hit featuring Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan and Jason Derulo. Equally surprising, the single, biggest vote-getter of the month is an ode to going hard from Swedish DJ duo Dada Life and heavy metal icon Sebastian Bach.
    On the whole, this playlist compiles a healthy mix of new tunes, fresh takes on recent favorites, and a few curve balls. So, there should be plenty of songs here to keep you moving and a few to keep you guessing.
    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music blog.
    DJ Snake, Lil Jon, Juicy J, 2 Chainz & French Montana – Turn Down for What (Remix) – 100 BPM

    The Black Keys – Fever – 128 BPM

    Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan & Jason Derulo – This is How We Roll (Remix) – 132 BPM

    Billy Currington – We Are Tonight – 128 BPM

    Royksopp & Robyn – Do It Again – 125 BPM

    Katy Perry – Birthday (Cash Cash Remix) – 128 BPM

    Lady GaGa – G.U.Y. (KDrew Remix) – 125 BPM

    Cash Cash & Bebe Rexha – Take Me Home – 127 BPM

    Dada Life & Sebastian Bach – Born to Rage – 128 BPM

    Tiesto & Matthew Koma – Wasted – 112 BPM

    To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    Email: mail@runhundred.com
    ###

  • No One to Blame But Me — At Weight Watchers

    No One to Blame But Me — At Weight Watchers


    Dearest Readers:

    I confess, today is my weigh in day at Weight Watchers, only I am not going today. I’ve decided it is in my best interest to remain at home today — moping…groaning…arguing with myself…I’m certain you get the picture, especially IF you are working hard to lose weight. This week hasn’t been a user-friendly week for me, and I’ve managed to eat foods I shouldn’t have, along with birthday cake. Yes, I know, I have no one to blame but myself! I am the one who lifted the fork into my mouth and ate those foods, and I am truly (almost physically except it hurts to do this) beating my head against a brick wall for being such a weakling! According to my scales, I’ve gained four pounds this week — since Tuesday of this week.

    Allow me to explain…This week, combined with the latter part of last week, have been the weeks from Hell for me. Too much stress…too many disappointments… If you recall from my postings in June and earlier this month, I posted the details of the lack of appropriate customer service from the scheduling department of Sears. The week of June 26 was an extremely demanding and busy week for me and when I finally found the time to do laundry, I loaded the colored clothing, placed the detergents and fabric softeners in the appropriate slots, only to discover my front loading Kenmore washer would not power up. I checked the fuse box, other areas that I knew to check, and phoned Sears. To make a long, pressurized story short, the earliest they could get a technician out was July 8. I was furious! I was told, and I quote, “we are overbooked due to the holidays.” Duh???!!!??? Did I HEAR the voice correctly? I ask you, just WHO plans for the scheduling of a repair due to the holidays? The first party I spoke with had one of those accents from India, or somewhere similar. Seems she offered to ‘walk me through some diagnostic testing?”

    Are you not listening, India? The washer will not power up. I do have common sense and my common sense tells me that IF the machine is not powering up, a diagnostic test cannot be completed! Do I need an engineering degree just to operate a Kenmore front loading washer? ‘I don’t think so!’

    Sears must think I’m stupid! I’m not. Julia Sugarbaker reborn? Perhaps!

    After the incident with Sears I went online, finding the Blue Team at Sears where I could send an e-mail. Ha. Ha! Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!

    Yes, I sent an e-mail. I am not certain of the contents, but let us just say, my Julia Sugarbaker style kicked in — BIG TIME. A customer service rep from Sears phoned me, assuring me that when an earlier opening arrived, a service technician would phone me, and he did. I think he came to the house on July 1. I recognized him since he was the technician that repaired this same washer a few years back. Apparently the problem is the computer panel. As you all must know — EVERYTHING is computerized now so what once was a simple repair job is now a complete rehaul of the repair. A new computer panel was ordered. It arrived this Monday, July 7. The technician is scheduled to repair the washer tomorrow, July 11. It has been three weeks since I’ve been blessed to do laundry at home. I’m getting into the groove of going to the laundromat now. Fortunately, the laundromats in my neighborhood have been upgraded, so the characters I saw the last time I had the joy of visiting a laundromat no longer exist. Thank you, God!

    Last week simply wasn’t my week. After Weight Watchers, I had lunch with friends and decided to complete birthday shopping for my husband. We were having storms and one thing retail outlets can count on is when it is raining like it does in Charleston, SC, people LOVE TO SHOP! Customers were coming out of the woodwork! After leaving Towne Centre, I started home, noticing a car so close behind me I could not see the headlights of the vehicle. Of course you can imagine what happened. When I stopped, so did she — right into my bumper. Fortunately, it was a minor fender bender; however, my bumper has a few deep scratches, so we called the police. I reported the accident to the insurance company and now I await their phone calls. I suppose I could continue listing the events of this week too, but it isn’t necessary. Just know, I need a break, and so today, after fighting with myself and shedding a tear or two, I decided to miss my meeting.

    I forgot to mention yesterday. I went to a friend’s house to rehearse our songs for our show this weekend. After our fun rehearsal, we went to the pool and swam and soaked up a few rays. I was wearing my Fitbit One. It isn’t waterproof! I slipped (by accident) into the pool and ruined my Fitbit One. I have it drying out in a bowl of rice, but so far — nothing. Dead. What a week!

    Repeatedly I have reminded myself that no one placed the food in my mouth. No one force fed me at all. My husband wanted to have his birthday dinner at P. F. Chang’s — one of my favorite places to dine. After looking up their entrees on Weight Watchers etools, I realized I should not eat one bite, but I did. Add to that, the birthday cake, and I recognize I am headed for self-destruction.

    Nevertheless, today is a new day. Yes, the scale tipped upward of four pounds, but my new treadmill (Nordic Track) is laughing at me as I write this, so I must gather my thoughts to close this, turn on “Designing Women” and get moving!

    I am so hopeful next week will be the beginning of a new and better, happier, less stressful week. And now, I am hopping on Nordy! Have a great week!

  • This Girl Is On Fire With Weight Watchers…

    This Girl Is On Fire With Weight Watchers…


    Dearest Readers:

    If you are a regular ‘follower’ of my blog, you know today is Thursday – my Weight Watchers weigh-in day and meeting. Every week I do not permit other commitments to interrupt my weight watchers meetings. I am dedicated and determined to beat this weight loss battle and I am convinced with Weight Watchers, I can achieve this goal. Finally, the scale is moving down.

    Why? I think I FINALLY have an answer! Last week at the meeting we discussed the subject matter of “B-L-T’s.” No, not a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich, but the Bites, Licks and Tastes that can sabotage losing weight. I listened intensely to our leader Kathy. In fact, I was so ‘intense’ that she asked me why I was so quiet. Simple! The subject matter of BLT struck a nerve with me. Faithfully, I record my entire food intake – that is – with exception of bites, licks and tastes. Ah, they don’t matter, I told myself, so I’ll not count them. Wrong!!!

    After Weight Watchers, a bunch of great friends I am slowly making at the meeting went to lunch. Afterwards, I recorded EVERY BITE, managing to convince myself that those nasty little bites I had poisoned myself with were dangerous. When I had the urge to nibble a bite of peanut butter, I told myself no. Instead, I worked out and I drank more water. I was proud of myself. No bites, licks or tastes!

    I have a bathroom scale – just a bit too convenient to hop on every morning. It was suggested in a meeting for us not to weigh ourselves at home. I snickered. I don’t weigh myself at home – weekly – but daily. I suppose you could say I am addicted to weight loss and the dreaded bathroom scale. For weeks, I’ve watched my bathroom scale bouncing back and forth. During this week, I noticed a slow progression – DOWN! I think I’m losing. Could it be? Is it possible that bites, licks and tastes were destroying my goal?

    PERHAPS!
    This morning, like every morning, I got on the scales, noticing a small weight loss. Humph! Just a bit curious what the Weight Watchers scale will reveal.

    Confident that today was a new day. A day for a loss, I arrived at the meeting, removing my scarf, shoes and anything else I could possibly remove, I gathered my membership card and weight loss record, prissing my hips to get in line! Yes, I was confident, so I decided to priss my way to the front!

    Silly, I know, but I am slowly becoming proud of this woman I am seeing in that ‘magic’ mirror. You’ve seen it…the mirror that makes you look 10 pounds thinner! I smiled, moving forward in line, I approached the scales.

    Oh HAPPY DAY!

    The scales said I dropped 1.4 pounds this week! I did a happy dance, slipped off the scales and prissed my hips all the way to my chair!

    No more B-L-T’s for me. No more peanut butter – just for a little snack, and no more bites, licks, and tastes. Yes, there will be additional weeks where I will gain…stay the same…or simply have a bad week, but this woman is convinced – she can do this! Who cares how long it takes me? No one but me!

    Yes, this girl is on fire – especially after this week!

  • Weight Watchers and “B-L-T’s” — NOT Exactly What You Are Thinking!

    Weight Watchers and “B-L-T’s” — NOT Exactly What You Are Thinking!


    Dearest Readers:

    Yesterday was my normal ‘Weight Watchers Weigh in Day’. The meeting I attend is held in South Carolina, and I feel it is the best meeting with a great group of weight watchers. Together, we compare and share our ups and downs. Our tragedies. Stresses. Triggers. Disappointments. Most of all, our accomplishments. Our group meeting consists of a rather sassy group of women. We laugh and make so much noise before the meeting, it is no wonder men do not stay. I suppose we make just a bit too much noise for them. Our leader has to shout a boisterous “Hell-LL-OOO” just to get us moving, quiet and motivated for her speech!

    Working as a writer out of my home, I do not have many social activities, with exception of our karaoke night and the events we attend as a couple at the Elks Lodge. One thing I have learned is I do need more social contact and I need to remain active. And that is why Weight Watchers meetings work for me!

    Dreading the meeting, I sauntered ever so slowly to the shopping center where the meeting is held. I had a deep conversation with myself, anticipating another weight gain. Arriving, I listened to the energy inside the meeting area. Stripping my jacket off, removing my sparkling rhinestone sandals and the I-phone in my pocket, I found my membership card and got in line. I glanced to the left, where the magic mirror is. This mirror is a full-length mirror that shows how losing 10 pounds makes your body look. I stared at the image in the mirror, still remembering how I looked when joining Weight Watchers. That was 35 pounds, and many, many inches ago! The woman I saw in the ‘magic mirror’ looked differently. Smaller, with a few curves. I inhaled, recognizing that the woman in the mirror was me!

    Stepping on the scales, I glanced at the number the receptionist recorded. Our receptionist is extremely talented with keeping either a loss, or a gain, secretive. She smiled at me, handing my card back to me. Reluctantly, I opened it. Another gain. Only .06 of a pound, but still – a gain. I stumbled over to that magic mirror again, smiled and walked away. “Next week, I will lose,” I whispered – to myself. “I am so sick of these gains.”

    Today, our subject to discuss was “B-L-T’s.” No, not what you are anticipating! “B-L-T” at Weight Watchers is an acronym for “Bites…Licks…and Tastes,” not a Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato sandwich!
    That got me thinking…How many times this week have I sampled a Bite…Lick…or Taste and failed to count it???

    My husband and I eat out every week. I manage to cook in the early week, and I NEVER cook on Friday’s. Would you like to know why? I confess…years ago when we moved to Charleston, my husband was a struggling contractor. Every Friday, after he got paid, he felt – shall I say – generous? On one Friday afternoon, after I was in the kitchen preparing a homemade-from-scratch pot roast, with all of the vegetables and delicious seasonings to make it delicious, he came home from a frustrating day, wanting to know what was for dinner.

    When I replied “Pot roast,” his sharp, abrupt response was, “Oh no…I’m not eating that shit tonight!”
    My temper wasn’t as controlled then as it is today and before Julia Sugarbaker existed on TV, I was definitely considered a Steel Magnolia, not a Southern Belle. I spun on my heel, glared at him, deciding it was best not to react, but to kill him with kindness. I walked over to the stove, turned the burner off and said, “You know…You are so right…Today after slaving away in the kitchen for the majority of the day…just to have the perfect dinner for you and our son, you are so correct…we deserve a hot meal, not made from my hands and recipes…but a nice HOT meal in a restaurant…so you are correct…we ARE NOT EATING this meal tonight…and effective today, I shall NEVER cook on a Friday again!”

    I slipped pot holders on my hands, grabbed the pot roast and threw it in the trash.

    I stormed out of the kitchen, ignoring my husband.

    With exception of Christmas, I have not cooked on any Friday since that day, and I never will, so dining in Charleston restaurants is something we do every week. And, when dining in these restaurants, it is difficult to count the points with Weight Watchers easily because most of the local restaurants are not listed on the e-tools in my cell phone. Also, sometimes, I have the tendency to nibble – just a BITE, LICK OR TASTE.

    I haven’t been counting these B-L-T’s. My mistake!

    After having lunch with two of my Weight Watcher buddies, I came home to record my points and to read my weekly reader. I have decided, I must count everything that goes in my mouth this week, and since the meeting, I have. Recognizing that these BLT’s could be sabotaging my success, I am determined next week will be a loss. After all, my new treadmill is working me hard and I am an active, determined and feisty woman.

    I suppose I learned a valuable lesson yesterday at the meeting. Those scoops of peanut butter I have been sampling have not been counted. Yesterday, I found myself wanting just a bite of peanut butter. When I considered it would be a bite I would need to count, I turned away from the pantry!

    Proud of myself, I recognized how damaging those ‘B-L-T’s’ are for me…and now, I will post a little note on the pantry door, and on the fridge. “CAUTION – B-L-T’s ARE SABOTAGERS!”

    Thank you Weight Watchers and my Weight Watcher buddies! Next week, I will share my results. Let us hope I will have success!

    And now, Nordy, my NordicTrack awaits!

  • The Top 10 Workout Songs for June 2014


    Fort Wayne, IN – June 1, 2014 – This month’s top 10 list provides a succinct argument for the dominance of electronic music on the pop charts. To put this into perspective, consider January of 1992, when Nirvana’s album Nevermind famously replaced Michael Jackson’s Dangerous as the number one album on the Billboard chart. This unlikely feat marked not just a change in fortune for Nirvana, but signaled a larger change in folks’ tastes.
    Skipping back to the present, the last month has seen the release of new singles by Katy Perry, Coldplay, Jennifer Lopez, and a collaboration between Justin Timberlake and (fittingly) Michael Jackson. As was the case in 1992, each of these chart toppers has been replaced by a newer act in a previously overlooked genre. To that end, none of the folks above made the cut in this month’s list—as the majority of the votes went to club rockers like Avicii, Afrojack, 3LAU and Bright Lights.
    Like fashion and film and most other cultural goings-on, music is cyclical. So, DJs won’t be replacing pop stars entirely—not permanently at least. Moreover, there’s plenty of room for outliers. The changing musical landscape doesn’t seem to have hurt Pitbull or Imagine Dragons—both of whom turn up in the list below. But, if it seems like dance music has a near monopoly on the airwaves these days, this month’s playlist is proof of that change.
    History and context aside, there’s a lot to be excited about here. Plus, if there was ever a time for huge beats and raging synths, it’s the summer. So, check out a few of the high energy highlights below, grab a few favorites, and take them for a spin.
    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music blog.
    Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne – Rather Be – 122 BPM

    Crazibiza, Dave Aude & Vassy – Hustlin’ (Radio Version) – 124 BPM

    Janelle Monae – What Is Love (Walden Radio Edit) – 127 BPM

    3LAU & Bright Lights – How You Love Me – 128 BPM

    Afrojack & Wrabel – Ten Feet Tall – 126 BPM

    John Legend – All of Me (Tiesto’s Birthday Treatment Remix Radio Edit) – 128 BPM

    Avicii – Addicted to You (Albin Myers Remix) – 128 BPM

    Ariana Grande & Iggy Azalea – Problem – 103 BPM

    Imagine Dragons – On Top of the World – 100 BPM

    Pitbull & G.R.L. – Wild, Wild Love – 120 BPM

    To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    Email: mail@runhundred.com