Wednesday WOOT! Factor!

Hey Kids!! Hope your week is going FABULOUSLY. I was up until 1am again last night working on the BOOK but at least for sure I know it will be done today. Take a peek below at our Wednesday WOOT! Factor featuring my friend Joanna Sutter of Fitness & Spice. 

I love this girl and love her enthusiasm and SASSY sense of humor. Her blog rocks, as does she. Read on and check her out. WOOT!

And- what are you doing tonight? Join us on Twitter for the Sears(R) Fit Club #SFCFit Chat! It begins at 7:30pm (CST). Topic is "Fall Fitness!" And, if you haven't already, check out the cool peeps chatting it up on the Sears(R) Fit Club Facebook page!! 

Joanna Sutter Q&A:

When did you first start working out and why? I started really training hard about 10 years ago when I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. And then when I finally got it through my thick skull that you cannot out train a bad diet, I started focusing in on nutrition, too. Now that I’ve gotten a taste of what living a healthy lifestyle is all about. I’m hooked!

Are you at your “Happy Place” right now? Meaning more of a maintenance mode, or are you still in a weight loss mode? I like to say I’m in a leaning out phase right now. I’m happy with my body right now, but let’s just say, there’s always room for improvement. ;-)

If you are in maintenance mode, do you feel that you work just as hard to maintain your level of fitness as you did to lose it? When I’m in maintenance mode I train differently than I do when I’m trying to lean out. I might lift more and do less cardio, for example, but I like to think I train just as hard.

What does your current workout “routine” look like now? Lifting is my thing. I’d lift 6 days a week if my trainer would let me! But she won’t because she knows as well as I do that would be over-training, so right now I’m lifting full body 3 times a week, mixing up my cardio 6 days a week, and taking one day completely off.

What do you do for cardio? How often? I have a very, very short attention span when it comes to cardio so variety is the name of my game for me. Right now I’m spinning 2 days a week, running stairs 2 days a week, and doing random machines like the pure evil revolving stair machine 2 days a week.

Do you workout at home or the gym? I train at a gym because I’m so motivated by how hard the people around me are working. But, I do have my share of home gym equipment including some free weights, some DVDs and a spinning bike -just in case I can’t make it to the gym.

What do you say to those that haven’t gotten fit and complain that they don’t because they ?can’t get motivated?? I say two things:? 1) Find your people and 2) Find the activities you love to do. I found, and still find, a lot of my motivation from online resources, actually. I read websites, blogs, participate in online fitness communities, and watch You Tube videos. There are a million online and local communities out there! There?s something for everyone from runners, tennis players, soccer teams, power lifters, figure competitors, bikers, you name it! There?s energy and support galore?go get it!

What about any/all of the excuses like ?No time?, ?No money?, ?no gym?, ?no support?? My advice? Use what you have! If you have 10 minutes, use it. If you have access to a playground, a flight of stairs, a jump rope, use it! And my guess is if you want it bad enough, you?ll find the time and find creative solutions to work on one of your greatest gifts: YOU!

What does your diet look like i.e. how you eat, what is your Philosophy? My food philosophy is simple and borrowed from the great Julia Child, ?Everything in moderation, including moderation.? I live by the 90% rule?I eat whole foods the majority of the time and enjoy other foods (and drinks!) occasionally and guilt-free.

What changes have you made over the past several years in your diet and/or workout approach and why? Over the last few years, I?ve learned that my body responds well to a high protein, moderate fat, moderate carbohydrate diet and it doesn?t really like meat so I just don?t eat it. As far as my workouts, I?ve learned CHANGE IS GOOD. I change up my workouts every 4 weeks to keep my body guessing.

What is your food weakness? Peanut butter is my weakness! I have a case of Justin?s peanut butter locked in the trunk of my car as we speak. No joke!

What is your favorite healthy breakfast? My favorite healthy breakfast of all time is my Dad?s frittata but since we don?t live in the same state I typically settle for the next best thing: A protein shake and berries.

When did you start blogging and why? I started blogging because I love to write and I wanted to share my passion for fitness and nutrition with my friends and family and connect with other like-minded people, too.

How has blogging enhanced your fitness efforts? Blogging has connected me with a community of other fitness writers and their content motivates me beyond measure.

What is your Twitter/FB/Email: @joannasutter, http://www.facebook.com/FItnessAndSpice, http://www.linkedin.com/in/joannasutter

What haven’t you done (fitness wise) that you’d like to try?? I am not a runner but I’m envious of those people that love to run. I mean, really, all you need is a good pair of shoes and a good stretch of land and you’re good to go. That, and let’s be honest, runners have the coolest workout accessories ever.

What motivates you to keep at it? Confidence, energy and closet full of really cute jeans.

Are you a morning workout person or evening or lunchtime? Right now I train in the morning. I work from home so I’m up at the crack of dawn. I work for a few hours, and then hit the gym before the lunch crowd arrives.

What is YOUR biggest excuse that you find yourself battling in not wanting to workout a certain day? Crowds. Period. I do not love a crowded gym so if I find myself having to train with the after work rush I get a little antsy.

Do you weigh yourself or measure yourself? I work with an online personal trainer so I do weigh and measure myself only so she can monitor my progress effectively. Otherwise I could live without either measuring technique.

Words of Wisdom:

I believe working out is preventative medicine.

I believe working out is therapy; mental and physical.

I believe working out makes you a better friend, spouse, parent, and employee.

I believe there is no better investment than investing the time in your health and well-being.

I believe there is no better time to get started then right NOW!