Happ New Year's Resolutions!

It's the last day of the year so it's time for those New Year's resolutions. I read somewhere that around 40% of resolutions relate to diet and fitness. Obviously I have some fitness goals for myself in 2012 and here they are:

1. To complete 150 workouts (50 by the end of April, 100 by the end of August and 150 by the end of December).
2. To be able to easily touch my toes while sitting or standing.

I know the first will be the bigger challenge but I also know I can do it. I plan to incorporate more yoga which will be what most helps me improve my flexibility and be able to touch my toes.

I'm excited and motivated (just like we all are at this point each year). I'll be sharing what motivates me throughout the year along with any othe tips I happen upon or come up with :).

XOXO,

Workout 100 of 2011 (30 Day Shred level 2)

OMG!  I did it!  I did it!  I did it!  I worked out 100 times this year!!!!  I reached my goal!!!!  What a huge milestone!  This is the biggest longterm goal I've ever met!  I am so proud of myself.  A little over a month ago, it did not look like it could happen and I was about to give up.    5 minutes later, I made a plan of action and I did it!  It was hard to fit in the last 30 workouts in 32 days but I did it!  I am so glad I didn't take the easy route and give up.  The pain is worth all the pride!

Today, I decided to end with a Jillian Michaels workout since she's the one who showed me that I actually do enjoy working out.  Circuit training, specifically the 30 Day Shred changed my life forever.  It helped me get fit and stay fit.  I did level 2 which I still think is one of her hardest workouts simply because I find all the plank moves difficult.  I was impressed with my strength with the plank moves today, though.  I think all the yoga is really helping my upper body strength.

I can't believe I did it.

Goal reached, ZERO workouts left!  Woohoo!!!!

XOXO,

Workout 99 of 2011 (Power Walking)

I cannot believe I am down to one more workout to reach my goal!  The entire time I was power walking, I was thinking about my hard work lately.  A little over a month ago, it looked like I would not reach my goal for the second year in a row.  Then I decided to make a plan and make it happen.  I kept telling myself, "All the pain will be worth it!  You are worth it!  You CAN do this!  You WILL do this!"  There were moments when I thought about how easy it would be to give up and just start over next year, but I wouldn't let myself.  I am so proud of myself.  I cannot wait to post workout 100!  I'm going to exceed my goal this year!

1 workout left!

XOXO,

Workout 98 of 2011 (Housework)

According to My Fitness Pal app, I burned 246 calories in my 90 minutes of light, moderate cleaning.  I will count that as a workout for sure! :)

I'm glad when things I have to do that are no fun can count for things that are fun!

2 workouts left!

XOXO,

Workout 97 of 2011 (Yoga On-Demand)

Did my favorite yoga workout with Chris Freytag on-demand again.  I just love it and wish it were longer.  I know she has another yoga workout but it's no longer on-demand :(.  I may have to invest in the 10-Pound Slimdown to get it!

3 workouts left!

XOXO,

Workout 96 of 2011 (Shopping)

Yep, some may disagree that it's a true workout, but I literally ran around doing last minute Christmas shopping (as well as trying on a few options for my Christmas outfit) for a total of 3 hours yesterday and I'm counting it as a workout!  I was exhausted by the end and even had some LOVELY low bloodsugar around 11pm last night--further proving that it was a true cardio workout.

4 workouts left!

XOXO,

Workout 95 of 2011 (Ripped in 30 Week 1)

Note to self: it is VERY difficult to have stamina when doing a Jillian workout for your second workout of the day.  By the end, I was seriously huffing and puffing and this is level 1!  CRAZY!

I think the only way to successfully have a 2-a-day is for one workout to be cardio and the other to be yoga.  At least for me!

5 workouts left!  SOOOOO CLOSE!

XOXO,

Workout Plan December 19th-25th

My plans often change but as a planner, I always have my week in mind.  In order to have some accountability, I decided to post this week's workout plan:

Monday
-cardio (done- see workout 94)
-circuit training (Ripped in 30 level 1) (95)

Tuesday
-yoga (96)

Wednesday
-circuit training (No More Trouble Zones circuits 1,2,3,6,7) (97)

Thursday
-yoga (98)

Friday
-cardio (C25K on my elliptical or power-walking if it's warm enough) (99)

Saturday (Christmas Eve)
-circuit training (Shred it with Weights level 1) (100)

Sunday (Christmas)
-off day

XOXO,

Workout #94 of 2011 (Calorie Burn Abs On-Demand)

This morning I decided to do some cardio but was not feeling like getting on the elliptical.  Instead, I tried Calorie Burn Abs with Jennifer Galardi.  It was a fun, tough dance workout that definitely worked your core the ENTIRE time.  I was out of breath from almost the beginning but thankfully was able to keep up with her choreography.  However, the more dance workouts I do, the more I realize how completely uncoordinated I am.  When Brady walked in, I got a little self-conscious but then I thought, "Who cares?  I am working out and having fun and that's all that matters!"

Now off to hydrate before I hopefully workout with Jillian later. :)

6 workouts left!  Planning to finish on the 23rd or 24th :)

XOXO,

Don't quit! Stay motivated!

"How am I to know what I can achieve if I quit?" 

~Jason Bishop

7 more workouts until I reach my 2011 goal.  It will be a very proud moment when I get there!

Workout 93 of 2011 (Yoga Bootcamp Twisting Detox On-Demand)

This afternoon I decided to try another yoga workout on-demand.  Unfortunately with 8-minutes left, Kailee had a night-terror during her nap so I was unable to finish.  In fact, I had to hold her for an hour before she'd allow me to put her down, poor baby!

This workout was quite difficult for me and provided some VERY advanced (crazy) options that I have a feeling I will NEVER be able to do--though I'm okay with that!  I will definitely give it a try again :).

7 workouts!

XOXO,

Workout 92 of 2011 (C25K week 2 Day 1)

Tonight I decided to do some cardio on my elliptical. It was a bit hard tonight but I'm glad I did it! I definitely need to up my water intake. My stamina is not very good without enough water.

8 workouts left!

XOXO,

Workout 91 of 2011 (Ripped in 30 Level 3)

Tonight's workout was TOUGH!  I haven't really been working out with weights lately not to mention the fact that I decided to do week 3.  And let's not forget that I haven't been drinking much water the last few days--I know, I know HORRIBLE!  I have to get back on track with more Jillian workouts because I know one of my dogs is giving me Jillian's latest 2 DVDs for Christmas which promise to be EXTREMELY tough.  I gotta prepare for them :).

9 workouts left and I fully intend to finish before Christmas so that hopefully after Christmas I will end up exceeding my goal :)!

XOXO,

Need some Motivation?

"Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you."

~Ovid

XOXO,

Workout 90 of 2011 (10 Pound Slimdown Yoga)

This is one of my favorite workouts.  It is short (23 minutes) and fun!  It's a constant flow and each time you flow, you add or change something so it doesn't ever get boring.   And when I finish, I feel motivated to exercise some more.  I need to investigate Chris Freytag's other workouts.  I know I've done at least one other, but obviously so far, this one is my fave of hers :).

Stay tuned, I plan to workout on the elliptical in a little bit while watching The Biggest Loser Finale :).

10 workouts left!!!!

XOXO,

Workout 89 of 2011 (Kickbox Booty & Core with Natalie Yco On-Demand)

Remember the day I thought I was going to do a 15 minute workout with Denise Austin but instead it was a 23 minute workout with Natalie Yco?  Well, I found the correct title for that workout also On-Demand.  There's still a Kickboxing workout listed with Denise Austin but it too takes you to this workout with Natlie Yco, though I don't care.  I intentionally chose this workout tonight because it gets the heart rate up, it's tough and it's fun--any workout with this combo is one I will surely do!

I can't believe I only have 11 workouts left until I reach my goal.  So close!

XOXO,

Workout 88 of 2011 (10 Pound Slimdown Yoga)

I'm a little bit under the weather thanks to a not-so-fun head cold but I wanted to get at least one workout in this weekend.  I figured yoga would be a safe bet and it was.  If they truly remove this workout from On-Demand when they say they will, I may have to actually invest in it.  I really enjoy it and will buy it if it disappears off U-Verse.

12 workouts left!

XOXO,

Weekly Motivation

"The mind is the limit.  As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as your really believe 100 percent."

~Arnold Schwarzenegger

XOXO,

Workout 87 of 2011 (Burlesque Beat On Demand)

For my second workout, I decided to investigate some cardio options and happened upon the dance category.  I like to dance so I decided to give Burlesque Beat a try.

It was a lot of fun.  I am not very coordinated but I was able to follow the instructor's directions fairly easily.  She gave 3 different choreographed sets that you practiced and then at the end put all together.  It was not too difficult for someone who has zero dance background and limited coordination.  As the instructor kept saying, it did not feel like a workout but she guaranteed calories burned.  By the end I had worked up a bit of a sweat.  My only complaint is that the workout was too short.  I wish it were about 10 minutes longer.

XOXO,

Workout 86 of 2011 (10 Pound Slimdown: Yoga)

Today I decided to do my favorite Yoga workout again.  It's amazing how good it makes me feel.  I can already feel my body becoming more limber and I love it!  I love how 30 minutes ago I did not feel inspired to workout at all, but after 25 minutes of yoga, I feel like I will get back on schedule by completing another workout today.

Yoga is good for the body and mind!

14 workouts left, woohoo!

XOXO,

Workout 85 of 2011 (C25K week 1 day 3 on the elliptical)

Today I did the couch-2-5K week 1 day 3 workout on my elliptical trainer.  I cut the warmup and cool down short because we needed to head to a late brunch with family, but I plan to do some yoga later.  It was pretty easy and enjoyable because I watched last week's episode of Once upon a Time while completing it :).

15 workouts to go!

Workouts 83 and 84 (House Cleaning)

I did not take a break but I'm counting my 4 straight hours of cleaning my house as 2 separate workouts.  I looked it up and light housework for 4 hours burns 657 calories.

So if anyone has a problem with me counting this as 2 separate workouts, get over it!

Now off to finish cleaning my house! :)

XOXO,

Workout 82 of 2011 (Shred it with Weights level 2)

Today I decided I have to acknowledge the fact that I have a belly.  Brady and I were bad for a little over a month and ate fast food at least 3 times a week.  The result: he looks the exact same, I have a pooch.  This afternoon he texted me and told me to pick up dinner for Kailee and me and he'd pick up something for Gavin on his way home.  Well, I got in line at Chick-fil-A and then decided to leave.  We have a fully stocked pantry and fridge with healthier food options.  So Kailee ate some turkey and easy mac and I ate healthy grilled cheese sandwiches with some goldfish.  I am proud of myself and plan to stay on the healthier track so I can indulge at holiday parties :).

As for tonight's workout, I decided to do the Shred it with Weights, but this time I tried level 2 for the first time.  It was pretty hardcore, but I was smart and only used the 5lb kettlebell the entire time.  I liked level 2 better than level 1 and can't believe I waited this long to try level 2.  I'm just hoping the backs of my legs won't stay sore for an entire week again.  If they do, I'll work through it!

18 more workouts until I reach my goal!

XOXO,

Workout 81 of 2011 (Yoga Bootcamp Dynamic Flow)

I did not get in a 3rd workout yesterday of yoga so today I decided to try one of the longer yoga videos On Demand.  I did Dynamic Flow from the Yoga Bootcamp DVDs and I LOVED IT!  Because my abs are so sore from No More Trouble Zones yesterday, I relaxed during the bicycle crunches, but did my best to keep up otherwise.  It was really hard for me but I am beginning to understand the draw of yoga.

I will definitely do this workout again!  The 44 minutes flew by.

19 workouts until I reach my goal!

XOXO,

Monday's Motivator

"Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated."

~Anonymous

Get obsessed!  I am! :)

XOXO,

Workout 80 of 2011 (On-Demand Cardio)

For my second workout today, I began with Cardio Slimdown which is an "intermediate level walking cardio workout" On Demand with ExerciseTV.  I must say this was ridiculously easy for me.  What I appreciate about it though is that it gave me ideas of things I could do while watching TV to be less sedentary.  I also liked how it was a nod to the old school aerobics tapes.  Makes me want to dig out some old ones :).

Since Cardio Slimdown was only 20 minutes, I decided to try one of the "10 minute" workouts On Demand with ExerciseTV.  I did Cardio Kickbox Burn which the info said was 15 minutes with Denise Austin.  It actually was a really great cardio workout for 20 minutes with Natalie Yco (who I know from the 30 Day Shred as one of Jillian's back-up girls).  This workout would have been fine on it's own.  My legs and butt are feeling the burn.  I will definitely do this one again!

Now off to relax and hydrate before I do some yoga later :).

XOXO,

Workout 79 of 2011 (No More Trouble Zones circuits 1,2 & 4)

I skipped my workout yesterday which means today I have to do 3 total (I had scheduled 2 already for today).  So for my first workout, I did 3 circuits of No More Trouble Zones.  I made a deal with myself, if I did circuit 4--my least fave that I never do--then I only had to do a total of 3 circuits instead of 4.  So I did it!  My arms are shaking like crazy but I'm glad I did it!

I am planning to do some cardio later followed by yoga.  Now to power up with some lunch!

XOXO,

Workout 78 of 2011 (10 pound Slimdown: Yoga)

For my second workout today, I decided to do some yoga.  I've only actually done this one yoga workout on-demand and I really like it.  It's challenging but short :).

22 workouts left until I reach my goal!

XOXO,

Workout 77 of 2011 (C25K on my elliptical)

For today's first workout, I did the Couch to 5K Week 1 Day 2 workout on my elliptical trainer while watching DVRed episodes of Once Upon a Time--this show made the time FLY by!  The backs of my legs are still pretty sore but I'm pushing through.  In a little bit I plan to do some yoga :).

XOXO,

Workout 76 of 2011 (On Demand Sexy Stretch and some ab moves)

For my second workout today, I perused the Yoga/Pilates options On Demand under ExerciseTV and decided the video entitled "Sexy Stretch" might help relieve some of the muscle soreness I've been experiencing.  The first half was great--easy and obviously stretching out my body nicely--then we had to do some deep lunge stretches (that tightened up my thighs) and some plank moves.  After finishing, I felt like I had to stretch like normal to try to prevent further soreness.  I also decided to do some additional ab moves.

My body is beat up but it will get a day off tomorrow, woohoo!  I'm not crazy enough to schedule a workout for Turkey Day! :)

XOXO,

Workout 75 of 2011 (Power Walking)

Today the weather was so nice that I decided to go for a power walk.  Thanks to my kettlebell workout on Monday, the backs of my legs are sooooo tight and sore.  Thus, I could not walk as fast as I wanted, but I'm glad I got in a workout.

XOXO,

Monday's Motivator a day late

"Failure will not overcome me so long as my will to succeed is stronger."

~Michael S. Kirby

Have a fit week!

XOXO,

Workout 74 of 2011 (Ripped in 30 Week 1)

Today I am sooooooo sore from my workout yesterday with Shred it with Weights.  Kettlebell workouts ALWAYS make me sore for a week, but I don't have time to take off a week and reach my goal!  Because of this, I decided to go easy on myself and do Ripped in 30 Week 1.  Now that's not to say it didn't kick my butt because it most certainly did!

Tomorrow is one of my scheduled 2-a-days.  I will do cardio and then yoga or pilates.  Wish me luck!

26 workouts until I reach my goal!

XOXO,

Workout 73 of 2011 (Shred it with Weights)

Tonight I was excited to revisit Jillian's kettlebell workout video, Shred it with Weights.  I started out with the 10 pound kettlebell but then had to drop down to the 5-pound kettlebell.  My arms and legs are like jelly right now so I know I worked myself hard!  Not looking forward to being sore the next couple of days but it was a fun workout :).

27 workouts left!

XOXO,

Workout 72 of 2011 (10 pound Slimdown: Yoga)

For my 2nd workout today, I decided to do 10 Pound Slimdown: Yoga from ExerciseTV On-Demand.  It was just as challenging this time around and I certainly worked up a sweat.

28 workouts until I reach my goal!

XOXO,

Workout 71 of 2011 (C25K on my elliptical)

Today I was a little down that I set myself up to fail at the 100 workouts in 2011 goal.  I allowed myself a 5 minute pity-party and then said, "You know what, it is so important that you are just gonna have to make it happen."  So I'm going to make it happen.  I know that on work days I particularly have a hard time making myself workout so I've decided to do some 2-a-days on the weekend so that I don't necessarily have to workout as much during the week.  And being a teacher means I get most of this week off and 2 weeks at Christmas.  I can do some 2-a-days this week and during my Christmas break.  Meaning, I CAN and WILL complete my goal!

In my 2-a-days, I plan to incorporate yoga and pilates, things I often don't do because I know they don't really burn many calories.  I would like the balance and flexibility they provide and can more easily justify doing them when I've had a calorie-burning workout that day as well.

As for today's workout...  I completed 31 minutes on the elliptical.  I did Week 1, Day 1 of the Couch to 5K running plan on the elliptical.  As you may recall, my knees and ankles cannot handle the impact of running.  Since my only option is the elliptical, I find it more fun and definitely more challenging to use the C25K app on the elliptical as I have to push myself during the "run" times.  Otherwise, I can easily waste away 20 minutes of hardly burning any calories on the elliptical by going at a leisurely pace.

Now for a break, some rehydration, maybe a snack and then hopefully workout 72 will happen later today!

XOXO,

Workout 70 of 2011 (a short workout I found on pinterest)

This workout was short and sweet and quite hard! If you don't have a lot of time, this one will do it :)!




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Workout 69 of 2011 (Burn it up Dance Cardio)

Tonight I had a tough time deciding just which workout I wanted to do on-demand. I decided I felt like dancing and this workout delivered. I am not coordinated but I was able to keep up with most of his moves--though undoubtably looking ridiculous. It was a lot of fun but a bit rough on the knees when Billy Blanks Jr decided to go old school with the bouncing up and down aerobics class moves in the third dance genre. When next he went onto the Jive, my knees and side stitch (I drank a lot of water right before the workout--I know, bad judgement call) made me call it quits. So I got through 35 of the 55-minute workout--not bad!

I would do this workout again for sure, though I may skip the old school segment so I can do the Jive and find out what's in store for the finale.


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Monday's Motivator

"Try and fail is the way of losers; try and learn is the way of the strong." ~unknown

XOXO,