EA Active 30-Day Challenge Medium: Day 7

Projected calorie burn: 153.4
Actual calorie burn: 163.9
Number of exercises: 15
Calorie intake:

EA Active 30-Day Challenge Medium: Day 6

Projected calorie burn: 131.3
Actual calorie burn: 136
Number of exercises: 16/16
Calorie intake: 1409
Weightloss to date: 189

EA Active 30-Day Challenge Medium: Day 5

Projected calorie burn: 148.3
Actual calorie burn:153.1
Number of exercises: 17/18
Calorie intake: 1220

Today was jump lunges and jump squats. I skipped the second set of jump lunges because they just kill my legs!

EA Active 30-Day Challenge Medium: Day 4

Projected calorie burn: 122.8
Actual calorie burn: 130.4
Calorie intake: 1430
Weight loss to date: 187.8

EA Active 30-Day Challenge Medium: Day 3

Calorie intake: 1280
Weight loss to date: 188.2

Didn't get up to exercise today.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge Medium: Day 2

Projected calorie burn: 169.5
Actual calorie burn: 177.7
Duration of exercise: 24:32
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 18/18
Calorie intake:
Weight loss to date:

I forgot to weigh myself this morning. But, I was also thinking that maybe I'll go to weighing myself once per week. I know where my weight fluctuates and sometimes it's not very encouraging to see I gained two pounds. I didn't track my calories yesterday, and I didn't do such a great job today - good thing I remember everything I ate today, so I can fix that.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge Medium: Day 1-2

Projected calorie burn: 142.9
Actual calorie burn: 141.2
Duration of exercise: 18:23
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 16/16
Calorie intake:
Weight loss to date: 191.4

So, I majorly slacked off last week. I started the medium 30-day challenge on Sunday, and then did nothing the rest of the week. I hope to change that this week. I restarted the 30-day challenge on medium today, so I hope to get back into the swing of things.

Not that I want to be a downer or anything, but 1 year ago, my weight was fluctuating between 180-185, now this year I'm struggling to keep my weight below 190. I really want that to change, so hopefully that's enough to keep me motivated and on track.

This past week NBC had a special Biggest Loser: Where are they now? One of the former contestants said that the Biggest Loser doctor told her that she would have to workout 1.5 hours per day to keep the weight off for the rest of her life. This got me thinking, the recommended amount of exercise is 5 days/week for at least 30 minutes. With EA Active, I'm not even hitting 30 minutes, including stretching! So, I'm not sure what I have to do, but I know I need to step up my workouts. I'll keep you posted as I think and research this.

30 Day Challenge, Medium: Day 1

Projected calorie burn: 169.5
Actual calorie burn: 183.5
Duration of exercise: 25:12
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 18/18
Calorie intake:
Weight loss to date: 188.4 (+0.4)

Today was a good workout. Tomorrow's a rest day, then I will workout Tues., Weds., and Thurs., taking off Friday because we'll be out of town for Thanksgiving, and back on track Saturday.

30 Day Challenge, Medium: Test Day

Projected calorie burn: 142.9
Actual calorie burn: 143.1
Duration of exercise: 18:24 (projected time was 18:40)
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 16/16
Calorie intake: 1236
Starting Weight: 188

So today, after I did my workout, I realized that the goals don't automatically reset if you choose "Start Over" under the 30-day challenge, so I set my own goals.

EA Goals:
Calorie Burn: 1500/30 days
Time Goal: 100 hours/30 days
Workout Goal: 20 workouts/30 days

So, needless to say, today turned into a "test" day because I want to reach my goals. :)

Starting the medium workout with a weight of 188. So far the only difference I see is the number of reps - 5 or 10 more reps added, depending on exercise - and longer distance running on the track.

EA Active Month 1 Weight Loss: Light Workout

I lost a total of 2.2 lbs. using EA Active's 30-Day Challenge on the light workout setting. The first two weeks I was consuming 1200-1500 calories per day, the second two weeks I dropped down to 1200-1400 calories per day.

Tomorrow I will begin the medium workout, my calorie intake will be 1200-1400, trying to stay close to the 1300 range.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 30

Projected calorie burn: 93.2
Actual calorie burn: 99.2
Duration of exercise: 14:30
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 18/18
Calorie intake: no idea - I didn't keep track today.
Weight loss to date: 187.8 (-2.3)

So, I did my last workout, saw a button I had never seen before and clicked it - it was to start the entire day's exercise over again. Needless to say, I probably should've met the time goal, but I won't know because I'm not going to do the workout all over again at 11 p.m.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 29

Calorie intake: 1444
Weight loss to date: 189.8 (-0.2)

Today was a rest day, one more day to actually do it for 30-days, plus I want to get that time goal. :)

EA Active Week 4 Weight Loss: Light Workout

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 28

Projected calorie burn: 93.2
Actual calorie burn: 98.7
Duration of exercise: 14:57
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 18/18
Calorie intake: 1248
Weight loss to date: 189.8 (-0.2)

So, I got a trophy for completing the 30-day challenge in less than 30 days, but the game says I'm only 91% done with the time, so, I'll be doing another workout on Friday to see if I can reach the time goal. Saturday starts the new medium routine! I'm looking forward to it. I'm definitely seeing a difference in how much energy I have throughout the day, so I'm keeping this up as long as I can.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 27

Projected calorie burn: 71.1
Actual calorie burn: 73.2
Duration of exercise: 12:47
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 16/16
Calorie intake: 1347
Weight loss to date: 189.6 (-0.4)

I did not want to get up this morning and exercise, but I did because I knew I only had two days left. I was just super tired. I certainly don't regret it! One more day - YAY!

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 26

Calorie intake: 1235
Weight loss to date: 190.4 (+0.4)

Today was a rest day. Two days left in my 30-day challenge! I did not sleep well last night. No idea why. I'm exhausted!

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 25

Projected calorie burn: 77
Actual calorie burn: 85.3
Duration of exercise: 11:38
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 16/16
Calorie intake:
Weight loss to date: 191.4 (+1.4)

Today's workout really killed my legs! By about half way through the workout I could feel the burn in my legs. An unfortunate part of this was after the halfway point I had to do jump lunges, jump squats and jump lunges (in that order). I don't know why I couldn't have done this in the first half of the workout, but unfortunately, you can't move the exercises around.

I'm taking tomorrow as my rest day, then I'll have Tuesday and Wednesday and I'll be done with the Easy 30-Day Challenge. I will then start the Middle 30-Day Challenge on Saturday, this way I can figure out how long I need for my workout so I can adjust what time I get up in the a.m.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 24

Projected calorie burn: 79.5
Actual calorie burn: 78.9
Duration of exercise: 13:46
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 16/16
Calorie intake: 1379
Weight loss to date: 191 (+1)

Today's workout was an upper body workout, it's not as intense and I don't sweat as much. I was feeling the workout in my arms today, so that's a good sign.

It's a gorgeous day, so I'll probably take the dog for a walk, and I've got cleaning to do.

So my last workout for the 30 days (28 really, I guess they give you two days of grace, but I'm not 100% on that. I guess it could be that I've met the amount of time they think a 30-day workout could be?) is Wednesday this week. My plan is to exercise on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 23

Projected calorie burn: 190.2
Actual calorie burn: 112.6
Duration of exercise: 16:53
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 17/17
Calorie intake: 1305
Weight loss to date: 190.2 (+0.2)

Today was a good workout. I actually got up at 5:30 in the morning so I could exercise before work. I ended up being ready to leave for work 20 minutes early. I'm still trying to figure out my commute time, so until I have a good idea, I'll probably be ready way early, so I should have no excuse not to exercise.

I was really feeling the burn again in my legs today. I really HATE jumping squats and side to side jumps, add that to my hate for jumping lunges. But, that's probably why I was feeling more burn in my legs.

I have no idea what my calorie intake for today was. I'll try to do the calculations and post it tomorrow, but I did not do a good job of tracking calories today.

I will be working out Saturday and Sunday, as well, so I can start the week off without having to workout. I anticipate Monday's to be one of my heaviest commutes, and after the weekend, I'd rather sleep in a little more. :)

By my calculations I have 7 more days left in my workout, however, this morning the game told me I only have 5 days left...1 day of rest and 4 more workouts. I don't know, I got up too early this morning and am too tired now to figure out the math properly (plus I've been doing a lot of math at work).

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 22

Calorie intake: 1575
Weight loss to date: 189 (-1)

Today was a rest day.

EA Active Week 3 Weight Loss: Light Workout

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 21

Projected calorie burn: 90.1
Actual calorie burn: 91.5
Duration of exercise: 14:06
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 17/17
Calorie intake: 1575
Weight loss to date: 189.2 (-0.8)

Today the game had me working on my arms since it had me doing a lot with my legs yesterday. So, the workout wasn't as intense, but it was still good. 73% done with the 30-day challenge. I can't wait to find out what happens when I complete it.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 20

Projected calorie burn: 110.2
Actual calorie burn: 124.8
Duration of exercise: 18:43
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 16/18
Calorie intake: 1345
Weight loss to date: 189.4 (-0.6)

Today jump lunges were on the agenda twice, so I cancelled them out before starting my exercise, that's why I only did 16 out of 18 exercises. They're just too painful for my knee.

I did have a great workout. I was really feeling the burn in my legs today.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 19

Calorie intake: 2000 (we went out for Culver's concretes)
Weight loss to date: 188.4 (-1.6)

My knee is hurting, so I'm taking today as another rest day. Back on track with EA Active schedule tomorrow. That will also allow me to have Thursday as a rest day - which is my first day on the new job. I figured out that in order for me to continue with EA Active in the morning, I would need to get up at 5:30 a.m. in order to leave for my new job by 7:30 a.m. at the latest. I have worked out in the evenings in the past, but since my commute will be longer than it is was previously, we don't want to eat dinner at 8 p.m.

I will be tracking my calories today.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 18

Calorie intake:
Weight loss to date: 190.4 (+0.4)

I did not keep track of my calories today. I took a rest day today. Not sure if I'm taking another one tomorrow or Tuesday.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 17

Projected calorie burn: 115.0
Actual calorie burn: 128.4
Duration of exercise: 22:01
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 17/17
Calorie intake:
Weight loss to date: 189.6 (-0.4)

I decided to workout today. I got a job and so, I'm going to take one last trip out to visit my sister and her husband, niece and nephew before starting my new job, next week Thursday. So, I will exercise again tomorrow and take off Monday and Tuesday, then back on schedule with EA Active's workout schedule on Wednesday. I probably won't be posting while I'm gone.

Today's workout went well. I had problems with the bicep curls with upright rows. I don't have a problem with either exercise when they're alone, but when it's combined, for some reason, it doesn't register the upright curls correctly...and my form is the same as when I do them stand alone - go figure!

Change of plans, I'm no longer going to Michigan Sunday thru Tuesday, my niece has the flu. So, I'll be taking my rest day tomorrow and back on EA Active's schedule starting Monday.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 16

Projected calorie burn: 130.8
Actual calorie burn: 148.3
Duration of exercise: 20:17
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 17/17
Calorie intake: 1,511
Weight loss to date: 189.6 (-0.4)

Today's workout was more on track with the first half. Maybe they give you some grace in between? Today was a good workout. I had problems with the leg band slipping, but outside of that, everything went well.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 15

Projected calorie burn: 83.7
Actual calorie burn: 93.8
Duration of exercise: 15:20
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 15/15
Calorie intake: 1393
Weight loss to date: 189.6 (-0.4)

Today baseball was added to the workout. It's not that easy to virtually catch a ball. Today's workout wasn't as intense as the first 9 days, so, again, I'm slightly disappointed, since I thought at the halfway point the exercises would become more intense - maybe with the medium workout...I guess we'll see. I did break more of a sweat today than I did yesterday, but why would the number of exercises decrease from 16-19 to 15. I just don't get it.

I'll be working out again tomorrow and taking off Saturday.

EA Active Week 2 Weight Loss: Light Workout

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 14

Projected calorie burn: 96.8
Actual calorie burn: 98.1
Duration of exercise: 16:20
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 15/15
Calorie intake: 1416
Weight loss to date: 189.8 (-0.2)

Today's workout wasn't very intense. I didn't break much of a sweat. I'm kind of disappointed with this workout, especially since it's the halfway point. I'm 50% done with the 30 days!

My weightloss over the past week has not been very good. I'm too close to my start weight.

I'm reducing my calorie intake to 1200-1400 calories.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 13

Projected calorie burn: 108.8
Actual calorie burn: 127.1
Duration of exercise: 17:12
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 18/18
Calorie intake: 1407
Weight loss to date: 189.2 (-0.6)

Didn't get up early enough to exercise before my interview, so I just finished exercising. I also spent a good hour cleaning the house. My next rest day is Friday, but I'm going to take my rest day on Saturday because of Extra Life and another event I have going on that day.

I hate jump lunges! They're hard and painful, in my opinion.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 12

Calorie intake: 1480
Weight loss to date: 189.6 (-0.4)

Today is a rest day. I didn't get a chance to take the dog for a walk, but I did go grocery shopping and carried the bags in the house. Tomorrow I have an interview, but I still plan to be up early to exercise, otherwise I will be doing it after my interview. I also plan on spending tomorrow cleaning the house.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 11

Projected calorie burn: 122.6
Actual calorie burn: 140
Duration of exercise: 26:48
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 17/17
Calorie intake: 1440
Weight loss to date: 190 (0 lbs lost, back to starting weight)

Great workout today! I had problems with the bicep curl with alternating upright rows...for some reason it doesn't register my curl. However, it registers my curls on every other exercise that has a curl. Go figure! Tomorrow's a rest day, but I hope to take the dog for a walk, unless the weather's bad.

As of today, I have met 41% of my time goal - towards the 30 days, and I have burned 1,000 calories total.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 10

Projected calorie burn: 118.1
Actual calorie burn: 129
Duration of exercise: 18:42
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 17/17
Calorie intake: 1580
Weight loss to date: 190 (back to starting weight)

Today volleyball was on the workout. I don't understand how the arm movements are effective, but I certainly felt the burn in my legs from standing with my feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Basketball should have you do a stance like this, I could see more of a workout with it then. No problems with the Wiimote and nunchuck registering today.

Went over max calorie intake by 80. Have to work on staying on track with my calories.

Last week I met my calorie and exercise goals, however I haven't met my time goal yet (I'm assuming that will come at the end of 30 days). I think the calorie and exercise goals should start new every week. Just a thought I had.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 9

Calorie intake: 1486
Weight loss to date: 188.2 (-0.4)

Today was a rest day. I did not do a good job tracking my calories today...it was an after thought.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 8

Projected calorie burn: 117.9
Actual calorie burn: 126.5
Duration of exercise: 20:19
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 15/15
Calorie intake:
Weight loss to date: 188.2 (down. 0.4 from yesterday)

Today I did basketball, I don't see how that's much of an exercise, since you just stand in place and reach for a ball and shoot. If I had hand weights in my hands, I could see it as more of a workout. Outside of that, it was a good day. Had some problems with the Wiimote and nunchuck registering on my bent over rows with kickbacks, but outside of that, everything went smoothly.

EA Active Week 1 Weight Loss: Light Workout

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 7

Projected calorie burn: 99.8
Actual calorie burn: 107.6
Duration of exercise: 18:55
Stretching time: 8:00
Number of exercises: 16/16
Calorie intake: 1492
Total weight loss to date: 188.6 (down -1.4 since day 1)

Well, I've been doing this for a week. I've lost a total of 1.4 lbs., my goal is at least 1 lb./week, so I've achieved my goal for the first week. :) I reached my exercise goal for the week today. Looks like I'm right on track with my time goal too - 25%.

I felt really tired and didn't really want to get out of bed this morning, but, now that I got my exercise in, I'm feeling much better. Now to do everything I need to do today. :)

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 6

Projected calorie burn:
Actual calorie burn:
Duration of exercise:
Stretching time:
Number of exercises:
Calorie intake: 1402
Weight loss to date: 189.2 (+0.8 since yesterday)

Gained just under a pound. Today was another rest day. Back on the wagon tomorrow. I've also started taking Vitamin D to help with the tiredness I've been experiencing. Hopefully keeping in a regular exercise routine will also help.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 5

Projected calorie burn: 118.4
Actual calorie burn: 130.8
Duration of exercise: 18:28
Stretching time: 7:00
Number of exercises: 18/18
Calorie intake: 1489
Weight loss to date: 188.4 (down -1.6 since day 1)

Workout went well. I wasn't feeling motivated to do it, but since I created this blog, I knew I'd have to report my progress, so I got up and did it. In 5 days, I've reached my calorie burn goal, so that's exciting! So, I'm glad I did the workout. Now to get a start on the rest of the day. :)

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 4

Projected calorie burn: 91.3
Actual calorie burn: 102.1
Duration of exercise: 19:02
Stretching time: 5:30
Number of exercises: 16/16
Calorie intake: 1360
Weight loss to date: 189 (down -1 since day 1)

Today's exercises went well. I had some problems with the Wiimote and nunchuck registering on the bicep curls with shoulder presses.

I never mentioned this, but I do not use the resistance band that came with EA Active - it's too flimsy and doesn't give you enough resistance. I use a band I bought a couple of years ago that is right for my height, so it's a lot tighter. The problem with my band is the handles are huge, so it's hard to hold the Wiimote and Nunchuck in my hands as still as I need to for the game to register the movement. Sometimes, after doing the rep with the resistance band, I drop the side I'm having a problem with and redo the move without the band in my hand. I always do the rep first with the band.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 3

Projected calorie burn:
Actual calorie burn:
Duration of exercise:
Number of exercises:
Calorie intake: 1607
Weight loss to date: 190 (Up +1.6 since day 1)
Stretching time:

Today is a day of rest. They have you exercise two days, then take a day off. So, today there is no EA Active for me. But I will report any exercise I do, walking the dog, for example, as well as my calorie intake. At one point I was way under, I have no idea how I went over.

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 2

Projected calorie burn: 133.4
Actual calorie burn: 154.9
Duration of exercise: 22:51
Number of exercises: 18/18
Calorie intake: 1836
Weight loss to date: 188.4 (down -1.6 since yesterday)
Stretching time: 5:30

Workout went well today. I had a few problems with the Wiimote and nunchuck registering on a couple exercise on the right side, but got through those without too much trouble. I decided to include how long I stretched for. None of the exercise games I've played tells the importance of stretching, especially after a workout.

We went out to eat for dinner and I didn't order anything healthy. So, i went over my calorie intake by 386. Next time I will make a smarter meal choice, or make sure I have the calories.

GraceQueen, from Scrub Sport, is a Personal Trainer IRL, so I asked her about the importance of stretching, since she would know better than I would. She gave me a couple of resources I'll share with you:

• Flexibility & Stretching
• Exercise Library

According to the American Council on Exercise "it is safer and more effective to stretch muscles that are properly warmed and, therefore, more pliable. Also, it will help to further facilitate postworkout recovery." American College of Sports Medicine recommends you stretch a minimum of 2-3 days/week for 20 minutes, with 5-7 days/week ideal. Thanks GraceQueen for helping me get this information!

Hope this information helps you. Don't forget to stretch after your workout!

EA Active 30-Day Challenge: Day 1

Projected calorie burn: 114.1
Actual calorie burn: 118.7
Duration of exercise: 17:18
Number of exercises: 16/16
Calorie intake: 1469
Weight loss to date: 190 (starting weight)

Overall, the workout went well. My settings were on light workout. Once this 30-Day Challenge is complete, I will go up to the middle, and then hard. I plan to do all three to see if one is more effective than the others. I definitely can't just jump in and do the hardest level first. So, I will work my way up to that over the next 90-days.