Workout #170

I was looking for Stiletto Strength but ran across Toning Fusion (Long and Lean) and decided to try it for the first time.

It started out seeming way to easy, but then we got into the yoga-based moves and my arms and shoulders got a good workout.  It really does combine moves from yoga, strength and pilates.  I was sweating pretty good in the middle and had to drop down to my knees during some of the plank/downward dog moves.

I have got to get back to hydrating!  I just haven't wanted to deal with needing run to the restroom during every single passing period yet.

XOXO,

Workout #169 ~ Pilates

Tonight I decided to try Leg Slimmer and Toner Pilates, but it turned out to be only 10 minutes.  After finishing this very good leg workout, I did another 10-minute pilates workout: Pilates Abs.  My abs are already burning from this brief but hard workout.  Combined, they make a great 20 minute workout that I will gladly do again :).

XOXO,

Workout #168 ~ C25K w/ podcast

Today I did Week 7 Day 1 while listening to the Chubby Jones Podcast.  There's at least one for each week during which she cheers you on, offers encouragement and tells your time at various points while playing upbeat music.  That last bit is the only part I struggled with at first, but once I got used to it, it was cool.

I don't use an official C25K app, I used the Ease-into-5K app, which is a little bit different (I'm guessing for copyright reasons) so I did have to pause the podcast during the 3-minute walk after 20 minutes of running.  In the actual program, you run 25 straight minutes all week.

I did pretty well during the first 20 minutes though I had a horrible side-stitch.  I had to stay focused on my breathing to prevent it from getting even worse.  Thankfully it disappeared completely during the 3-minute walk.  I am feeling pretty worked out now and know that I must incorporate more circuit training this week to help my stamina.

XOXO,

Workout #167 ~ 30DS Level 2

Almost an entire week of not working out and not hydrating made today's workout VERY difficult.  I was short of breath and could barely keep up.  I'm just glad I'm still ahead of my schedule in preparation for my cousin's wedding weekend in two weeks when I likely won't get to workout.  HOWEVER, I am hoping we all go on at least one power walk as a family that weekend like we did during another cousin's wedding :).

XOXO,

Just registered...

For my first 5K!  I am hoping to get at least 1 person to do it with me!!!!  It's the Showdown Half-Marathon/5K.  You can pick which team to support if you so choose--naturally I am supporting UT!

Here's a link to the event if anyone is interested: http://www.showdownhalf.com.

XOXO,

Workout #166 ~ C25K Week 6 Day 3

Woohoo!  I survived the tough weeks 5 and 6!  Now, don't get me wrong, Week 7 does not look easy either, but I am adjusting fairly well to the longer runs.  There are only 2 more weeks (6 workouts) left in the C25K plan.  For me, that will take 6 weeks at the most, 3 at the earliest--My knees and ankles really aren't on board with more than 1-2 runs a week, and 2 is pushing it.

I did my usual--put on the AppleTV screen saver and loaded up an upbeat playlist.  I did great the first run (15 minutes) but the second one (10 minutes) was rough.  I think it almost would have been easier to not stop in between and maintain my focus.  Next time it's a 20-minute run, brief walk, 5-minute run.  We'll see how that goes.

Here's my playlist from today:

When Dove's Cry (the version from Romeo and Juliet with Leo and Claire) (on during the warmup)
You oughta know (Alanis Morissette)
Born this way (Lady GaGa)
Call me maybe (Carly Rae Jepsen)
Crazy (Alanis Morissette's rendition)
Evacuate the Dance Floor (Cascada) (this was on during the 3-minute walk)
I want you back (*NSYNC)
I like it (Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull)
MMMBop (Hanson)
Kokomo (great cool down song because it reminds you that you are doing this to look great in a bikini, LOL)

XOXO,

Workout 165 ~ Gentle Pilates

I got home after being out and about all day and felt the need for some pilates.  I decided to do one of the ones I'd tried before on Netflix only to learn that Netflix no longer has any instant workouts.  BOO!

So I moved on to iTunes and bought a season of ExerciseTV pilates.  I decided to go with Gentle Pilates because I am still a beginner.  Well, this workout is apparently intended for senior citizens and is almost identical to Total Body Pilates.  I sweated a little bit and feel there was more flexibility work in this one than the other, but it wasn't what I wanted.  I wanted something not too hard but different than my other workout.  At least I have some other ones to give a try.

XOXO,

Workout 164 ~ Crunch: Action Sports Butt and Abs

I decided to give another of my new workouts a try, Crunch: Action Sports Butt and Abs.  It actually has a bad word in the title which I changed to "butt."  So if you look for it, you need to substitute the original word in the title.

For starters, there is a bit of false advertising.  It says it's 30 minutes, 15 on each body part.  Actually, it is only 21 minutes.  Perhaps when this was on ExerciseTV it accounted for commercials or something.  I don't know because I never watched the channel, I just did the workouts on-demand.

Despite this, it's a pretty good workout.  I was sweating from the get go, and my heart rate was up the entire time.  The first part involves a lot of squats, and the second part involves a variety of ab moves.  I have a feeling I will be sore tomorrow from this workout.

XOXO,

Workout 163 of 2012 ~ AM Yoga

For a short workout, this one is pretty intense.  I understand why it's advertised as a good way to jump start the day.  I was sweating by the end.

XOXO,

Workout 161 & 162

161 - Total Body Pilates

162 - PM Yoga

It's been a rough week.  A bunch of little things add up and eventually something becomes the straw that breaks the camel's back and you end up crying your eyes out for hours.  That was me tonight.  I'm still very frustrated about the straw that broke this camel's back though I know there's way more behind these emotions than this one thing.  My husband left the country this week and now the worrying has to begin.  Focusing on the little annoyances is just my way of avoiding the bigger fear.

I needed to relax in a sense so I chose two kind of relaxing workouts.  Okay, to be honest, Pilates is not relaxing per se, BUT by the end I felt more relaxed than when I started.  Then PM Yoga sealed the deal and made me feel pretty ready for bed, and now, I'm tempted to try the melatonin that knocked both my kids out over an hour ago.

XOXO,

80% Done! Workout 160 ~ 10 Pound Slimdown: Core

After Stiletto Strength, I felt like I had some more in me so I did 10 Pound Slimdown: Core.  My abs feel like jelly now, LOL.  LOVE IT!

XOXO,

Workout #159 ~ Stiletto Strength

I had to take yesterday off thanks to a strained something from my ankle to above my knee.  Biofreeze and ice were my best friend the last couple of days.

Today, I decided to strengthen those calves and thighs by doing Stiletto Strength, though this time in heels that have straps.  I felt like I was going to fall down on my last attempt, but today was more confident with the shoe choice.

XOXO,

Workout #157 & #158

#157: This morning I did Ripped in 30 Week 1 before heading out to a fun morning at the pool with the kids.

#158: This afternoon and evening, I spend hours tidying up the house for the maids.  It's amazing how we can destroy a house in a week.  Actually, it only took a day, but we procrastinated on picking it back up.

So tonight, I go to bed with a tidy house.  It's the only day of the week this ever happens, and it only happens because the maids come at 8:30 on Wednesdays.

XOXO,

Workout #156 of 2012 ~ Yoga

My hamstrings and back are sooooooo tight and sore!!!!  To remedy the uncomfortable situation, I did the absolutely wonderful PM Yoga workout.  I cannot deny that I feel very stretched out and relaxed.  I may go to bed early tonight :).

XOXO,

Workout 155 of 2012 ~ Rearranging my classroom

This afternoon I spent 2 hours rearranging the furniture in my classroom.  The carpet was replaced and all the heavy things were shoved together (at the furthest point from where they belong).  I know I burned a ton of calories, especially when pushing my huge library bookshelf (full with over 70 books/workbooks) across the room.  There were moments when I was pushing as hard as I could and nothing happened.

Naturally, as soon as I finished, a nice gentleman coworker stopped by and offered to help.  Oh well, it's the thought that counts :).

XOXO,

Workout #154 ~ 30 Day Shred Level 1

Today's workout was hard for me--I think because I've been overloading my body and did not get a full 24 hour recovery from my last workouts.

Regardless, I'm glad I did it :).

XOXO,

Need some motivation?

XOXO,

Workout #153 ~ 10 pound Slimdown: total body

Apparently I'm crazy because I just worked out again.  Actually, it's like the quote about how action inspires so you shouldn't just sit around waiting for it to strike.  After my run, I felt inspired to do more so I did :).

XOXO,

Workout 152 of 2012 ~ C25K SUCCESS!

Last weekend, I attempted C25K week 6 day 2 without success, ultimately due to side stitches.  Today I tried again and did it!!!!

I was really freaking out beforehand and debated about pushing it off until tomorrow, but I made myself do it, and I'm so glad I did!  I mentally prepared myself ahead of time (as best as I could) along with creating a very fast-paced playlist of songs I could possible sing along to in my head.  I also made sure to have the appleTV nature screensaver up (for whatever reason it works for me to stay focused) and paid close attention to my breathing while running.  The only thing I didn't consider was the fact that the app tells you when you are halfway done.  I need to turn that off because I am better off not knowing.  I had originally planned to check the time after I listened to 6 songs.  As song 3 ended, the notification sounded and made it very hard for me to forget about the time remaining.

Nevertheless, I pushed through and did it!  Woohoo!  I'm so proud of myself!

XOXO,

Workout 151 - Shopping

Walking around constantly for 5+ hours while shopping counts in my book.  Especially when 2 hours were at the outlet mall, meaning I was outside in the HOT Texas heat.

XOXO,

Workout #150 ~ Yoga

I am SOOOOO sore from my workouts yesterday so I decided to do some yoga to help.  I picked Beginner Yoga for that exact reason.  I feel a little more stretched out though I'm still in some pain.  Hopefully the advil I took will kick in soon!

XOXO,

Workout #149 of 2012 ~ Crunch: Stiletto Strength

I am ridiculously sore from my workouts yesterday, but I'm trying to build leg muscle while slenderizing.  I also have some stilettos that I NEVER wear because I can only walk in them for about an hour and then want to die.  I decided to give Crunch: Stiletto Strength a try to see if it helps.

The first part involves some ballet moves that definitely work your entire leg.  The next part involves some mat work for core and leg strength, followed by actually working out in stilettos.  I had to be VERY careful in the last part as my shoes are a little bit big and the last thing I need is a sprained ankle.  All in all, it was a fun workout though I felt silly striking poses at various points, LOL.

XOXO,

Workout 148 ~ Total Body Pilates

I totally could have done this workout while visiting Brady, but I didn't... Oh well, I did it today :).

XOXO,

Workout #147 ~ Crunch: Diesel

Well, I was looking to ease back in with a short workout and while this was a short one, it was a TOUGH one!  My heart rate was up the ENTIRE time, and I feel thoroughly exercised.  I also feel slightly out of shape.

The format is similar to Jillian Michaels' in that there are strength and cardio portions to each circuit.  While there's no specific ab portion, the moves very obviously work the core.

I will definitely do this one again.  It was well-worth the cheap amount I paid for it on iTunes.

XOXO,

Workout 146 ~ Attempted C25K

I'm in Mississippi visiting Brady (before he deploys to Afghanistan), and after a long, stressful day during which we could find ZERO decent hotels in Hattiesburg, Biloxi and Gulfport (we ended up at a Hampton Inn in Wiggins, MS), I needed a good workout.  I decided to do the next C25K workout--the infamous 20 minute run--and I failed miserably.  For starters, I haven't been hydrating the last couple of days because I did not want to have to stop a bunch of times on the road to use the restroom.  Then I started getting stitches in my ribs and upper stomach and I could not go on.  At that point, I had completed the 5-minute warmup and 9 minutes of the run.  I ended up walking for another 10 minutes, so it wasn't a complete failure.

At least I worked out on vacation, right?

XOXO,

Workout 145 ~ in the pool

While at the pool, in the 108 degree weather,  I decided to do some power walking/ running.  There were only 5 people there besides our family, but naturally those 5 decided my spot was the perfect hangout right after I began exercising.  So after about 7 minutes or having to reroute, I decided to head to the six-feet-deep section and tread water.  It reminded me of when Jing and I used to do that in high school.  Ah the crazy conversations we had while treading water for an hour at a time.  Anyways, my workout was a total of 45 minutes.

Workout 144 of 2012 ~ C25K

Today's workout was AWESOME!  I did the Couch-to-5K Week 6 Day 1 workout and beforehand was quite scared.  Why?  Well, after my last C25K workout, I was terrified of the two 9-minute runs in this one.  Nevertheless I bravely attempted it; however, I did things differently, and it definitely helped. For starters, I visualized the runs ahead of time in preparation.  Next, I made sure I had a rockin' playlist of upbeat songs.  Finally, I paid attention to my breathing to keep it steady throughout since the treadmill keeps my pace for me.  It worked great, even with some interruptions (an important phone call and me accidentally pulling the emergency shut-off cord, oops!)

The next workout is the very scary 20-minute run.  I will definitely be visualizing and prepping a playlist to get ready.

XOXO,