Okay..gotta admit, yesterday was a very busy day. I was planning a party for my MOPS friends and between shopping, cleaning the house and writing about the MOPS Sisterhood, I didn't have much time to work out.
Did I get my 40 minutes in? You bet..as long as you count leg lifts while typing on a computer. Go ahead, give it a try for a couple of minutes. You're probably sitting down anyway, reading my blog...so go ahead. Sit straight up. Yes, do it now. Nobody is watching and I can't see what you're doing either. Really...not watching. So, sit straight up. Shoulders back and relaxed. Tummy tight. Both feet on the floor. Now, lift one knee up, extend that leg without locking the knee. Now slowly lift up and lower down. And tell me what you feel. Pain, yes. Good pain...try 40 minutes of that and then pick up your kids from school. You might get a couple of stares, but that's okay, because you worked out for 40 minutes today.
So, no excuses. Especially if you're on the computer reading my blog or googling information. You can do it!
Until tomorrow...only 5 more days to go. Yippee! And I feel great!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Day 34 - Yea, I ate the 4 gummy worms
and they tasted so good. Not sure what Dr. Oz would say about that, but I don't really have to worry too much because I'm almost 100% sure that he's not reading my blog.
For today's workout, I thought it would be cool to workout while playing catch-up with my friends on the phone. Usually, I'm washing dishes, folding laundry, or cleaning floors when we talk on the phone. So, why not try something different today, like working out while I'm on the phone with my buddy. Great idea, right?
Well...if your friends could get through the huffing and panting or the sound of your squeaky bike, I say you got some really AWESOME friends, the keeper kind of friends. So...yesterday, I called up a couple of friends and worked out for a whopping 1 hour and 15 minutes. I was so sore at the end of the day, but wow..what an awesome workout!
I probably shouldn't publish the amount of time I spent on the phone yesterday, just in case hubby is reading my blog, hmmm.
Until tomorrow, get your 40 minutes in...and if you need to call a friend while you're working out, make sure they are the keeper kind of friends, just in case.
For today's workout, I thought it would be cool to workout while playing catch-up with my friends on the phone. Usually, I'm washing dishes, folding laundry, or cleaning floors when we talk on the phone. So, why not try something different today, like working out while I'm on the phone with my buddy. Great idea, right?
Well...if your friends could get through the huffing and panting or the sound of your squeaky bike, I say you got some really AWESOME friends, the keeper kind of friends. So...yesterday, I called up a couple of friends and worked out for a whopping 1 hour and 15 minutes. I was so sore at the end of the day, but wow..what an awesome workout!
I probably shouldn't publish the amount of time I spent on the phone yesterday, just in case hubby is reading my blog, hmmm.
Until tomorrow, get your 40 minutes in...and if you need to call a friend while you're working out, make sure they are the keeper kind of friends, just in case.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Day 33 - A Donut of Inspiration
Before I begin writing about Day 33...just want to remind everyone NOT TO TRY THIS AT HOME!
I did a little experiment today. It all started out with a donut. Did you know that one donut has 240 calories, 300 mg of sodium and 19 grams of fat? I know this because I ate a donut for breakfast this morning. Rather than feeling guilty about eating the donut, I decided to get on the bike and work out until the bike read I had worked off 240 calories.
As I was eating the donut, I thought nothing of my workout, just the yummy taste of the DONUT. After I ate the donut, I got to working out. It took me 70 minutes on the bike to work off the DONUT. 70 minutes..can you believe it?
To make matters worse, I ate Cranberry/Orange Bread for an afternoon snack. That's another 210 calories my body probably didn't need. So I got on the bike and worked out for another 60 minutes.
Right now...I feel like eating some gummy worms that hubby bought for Movie Night on Saturday night, but I won't because I would have to get on the bike for another 40 minutes to work off 4 gummy worms. Yes, they would be 4 delicious gummy worms, but my legs are already sore from working out way too much today. I think I'll pass...until tomorrow ;-).
I think there's a lot of truth to portion control and empty calories, maybe I need to look into this a little further before I start my next set of 40 days.
I only have 7 more days to go, but I have a feeling that exercising is one thing I'm going to keep doing every day even after my 40 days are over. What about you?
I did a little experiment today. It all started out with a donut. Did you know that one donut has 240 calories, 300 mg of sodium and 19 grams of fat? I know this because I ate a donut for breakfast this morning. Rather than feeling guilty about eating the donut, I decided to get on the bike and work out until the bike read I had worked off 240 calories.
As I was eating the donut, I thought nothing of my workout, just the yummy taste of the DONUT. After I ate the donut, I got to working out. It took me 70 minutes on the bike to work off the DONUT. 70 minutes..can you believe it?
To make matters worse, I ate Cranberry/Orange Bread for an afternoon snack. That's another 210 calories my body probably didn't need. So I got on the bike and worked out for another 60 minutes.
Right now...I feel like eating some gummy worms that hubby bought for Movie Night on Saturday night, but I won't because I would have to get on the bike for another 40 minutes to work off 4 gummy worms. Yes, they would be 4 delicious gummy worms, but my legs are already sore from working out way too much today. I think I'll pass...until tomorrow ;-).
I think there's a lot of truth to portion control and empty calories, maybe I need to look into this a little further before I start my next set of 40 days.
I only have 7 more days to go, but I have a feeling that exercising is one thing I'm going to keep doing every day even after my 40 days are over. What about you?
Day 32 - Workout and a Movie
Why not? On Sunday, I watched a movie on STARZ that I have been wanting to watch for quite sometime now. It was awesome! Okay..so there were some parts where I stopped doing abs, leg work or arm work because I had to pay attention to the dialogue, but other than that, I'm pretty sure I got my 40 minutes in for the day.
At this rate, I'm going to finally catch-up on all those movies I haven't seen for the last 12 years. Until tomorrow, have a great day. Only 8 more days to go.
At this rate, I'm going to finally catch-up on all those movies I haven't seen for the last 12 years. Until tomorrow, have a great day. Only 8 more days to go.
Day 31 - Permission to rest
Saturday saw the old me coming back. I was tired from the party on Friday night and too tired from the Great MOPS Walk Fun and Celebration on Saturday morning that I didn't work out. Sure I moved tables for set-up and clean-up, but probably didn't work out for 40 minutes. I was tired so I gave myself permission to rest. I did a couple of sit-ups and leg lifts, but just needed to rest...so I spent time with family in front of the t.v. eating way too much junk food for Family Movie Night. Gotta work on this junk food thing!
Until tomorrow...give yourself permission to rest if you're really, really, really, really, really tired because your body might be telling you it needs time to recuperate.
Until tomorrow...give yourself permission to rest if you're really, really, really, really, really tired because your body might be telling you it needs time to recuperate.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Day 30 - The weight on my shoulders.
For three weeks now, I've been procrastinating cleaning my bathroom shower. I know...too much information, but every time I scheduled it in my planner, I always had something else to do. Each day, it would be the same thing, I would tell myself that this is the day that I'm going to clean my bathroom shower and I would end up doing something else...like laundry, cleaning the grout, shining shoes, you name it..ANYTHING to get out of cleaning the shower. After a while, it felt like my shoulders were getting heavier and the heavier my shoulders got, the more I procrastinated cleaning that shower.
On Friday, I finally did it! I went in there armed with my favorite sweatpants...big mistake by the way (bleach and black sweat pants don't go together), favorite scrub brush and a bucket for water. I don't want to tell you how long it took me to clean my shower, but all I can say is that I did get a really great 40 minute workout.
Afterward, I felt great and a whole lot less weight on my shoulders. Next time, instead of procrastinating, I'm just going to do it so I don't have to keep thinking about it everyday. Meanwhile, I'm on cloud nine knowing I have 1 week and 6 days until I have to clean my shower again.
Until tomorrow, don't put off what you can do today. And if you're going to procrastinate, you might as well work out, right?
On Friday, I finally did it! I went in there armed with my favorite sweatpants...big mistake by the way (bleach and black sweat pants don't go together), favorite scrub brush and a bucket for water. I don't want to tell you how long it took me to clean my shower, but all I can say is that I did get a really great 40 minute workout.
Afterward, I felt great and a whole lot less weight on my shoulders. Next time, instead of procrastinating, I'm just going to do it so I don't have to keep thinking about it everyday. Meanwhile, I'm on cloud nine knowing I have 1 week and 6 days until I have to clean my shower again.
Until tomorrow, don't put off what you can do today. And if you're going to procrastinate, you might as well work out, right?
Friday, April 23, 2010
Day 29 - My friend Brigette
used to tell me to start taking Calcium tablets when I was 29. She was on the up and up when it came to health and every time Brigette spoke, I took notes. Well, I took the notes, but never followed through...so flash forward 10 years later, one bone density scan and a call from the doctor. And guess what? You guess it! I have a lower than normal reading and I better get with the program when it comes to taking care of my bone health or I'm going to end up with osteoporosis when I'm 50.
So, I got the lecture from my doctor over the phone and unfortunately, she remembered telling me the same thing last year. Uh-oh!
So...for yesterday's workout: Resistance training, weight training and Calcium tablets (samples from the doctor's office). I found some gummy ones at Target today. Is this like the best day ever or what? Gummy vitamins, just doesn't get better than that.
Until tomorrow, eat green veggies loaded with calcium, take your Calcium and Vitamin D supplements as prescribed by your doctor and engage in weight bearing/resistance training exercises. It's good for you, even though it might be boring.
So, I got the lecture from my doctor over the phone and unfortunately, she remembered telling me the same thing last year. Uh-oh!
So...for yesterday's workout: Resistance training, weight training and Calcium tablets (samples from the doctor's office). I found some gummy ones at Target today. Is this like the best day ever or what? Gummy vitamins, just doesn't get better than that.
Until tomorrow, eat green veggies loaded with calcium, take your Calcium and Vitamin D supplements as prescribed by your doctor and engage in weight bearing/resistance training exercises. It's good for you, even though it might be boring.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Day 28 - Go ahead and laugh
..it's good for you and you can lose some calories too. I was watching Dr. Oz a couple of days ago and someone asked if laughing burns calories. Well guess what, the answer to that is Yes! So today, I spent the whole day laughing and my side, my mouth and abs are a little bit sore.
I'm sure some people probably thought I was weird laughing a lot during Brownie Girl Scout Training Class or laughing in the car (I did stop laughing when a cop was right next to me), laughing at Target with my kids, laughing as I folded the laundry (well, all kids think their parents are weird, right?). I read my old Calvin and Hobbes book, watched funny you tube videos (our favorite is still the Charlie bit me video) and read funny Facebook postings from my super cool friends. I don't think I laughed as much as 10 minutes today, so between that and the Governor's Challenge, I got a great 40 minute workout.
So, go ahead and bring a little laughter into your life. Give yourself permission to go out with friends who make you laugh and make you feel good. The extra time is worth it, plus you'll lose a couple of extra calories too. Until tomorrow, make it a great and funny day!
I'm sure some people probably thought I was weird laughing a lot during Brownie Girl Scout Training Class or laughing in the car (I did stop laughing when a cop was right next to me), laughing at Target with my kids, laughing as I folded the laundry (well, all kids think their parents are weird, right?). I read my old Calvin and Hobbes book, watched funny you tube videos (our favorite is still the Charlie bit me video) and read funny Facebook postings from my super cool friends. I don't think I laughed as much as 10 minutes today, so between that and the Governor's Challenge, I got a great 40 minute workout.
So, go ahead and bring a little laughter into your life. Give yourself permission to go out with friends who make you laugh and make you feel good. The extra time is worth it, plus you'll lose a couple of extra calories too. Until tomorrow, make it a great and funny day!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Day 27 - "I'm going to pump you up!"
Remember the SNL skit with Hans and Franz? They parody Arnold Schwarzenegger's body building techniques and repeatedly say "I'm going to pump you up!" Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hans and Franz were certainly up to something...a great idea!
Fast forward a couple of decades and Arnold Schwarzenegger becomes Governor Schwarzenegger. He creates a program that challenges all Californians to get active for 30 - 60 minutes a day for at least three days a week for a month. He calls it the Governor's Challenge. (Check it out www.CalGovCouncil.org/Challenge they have lots of great activities to get you moving and pumped up.) I call it the "I'm going to pump you up so you and your kids can get fit" Challenge.
So for 30 minutes, the kids and I worked out. We pumped up by doing bicep curls, tricep curls, lunges, squats, arm circles, sit ups, push ups, planks, random dancing, cardio and stretching (not necessarily in that order). In the process of working out, only 2 of 3 kids got hurt. Not bad, eh? But we did it, we worked out for 30 minutes and believe it or not, we kind of bonded over working out...until I realized that none of my kids had finished their homework.
Well, at least we got our 30 minutes in for the Governor's Challenge and I got my 40 minute work out for the day. Until tomorrow, get moving and force your kids to move with you. Remember, you are the boss! And you can "pump them up" to get healthy and fit. I'm still working on the healthy part :-). Maybe that will be my next 40 days.
Fast forward a couple of decades and Arnold Schwarzenegger becomes Governor Schwarzenegger. He creates a program that challenges all Californians to get active for 30 - 60 minutes a day for at least three days a week for a month. He calls it the Governor's Challenge. (Check it out www.CalGovCouncil.org/Challenge they have lots of great activities to get you moving and pumped up.) I call it the "I'm going to pump you up so you and your kids can get fit" Challenge.
So for 30 minutes, the kids and I worked out. We pumped up by doing bicep curls, tricep curls, lunges, squats, arm circles, sit ups, push ups, planks, random dancing, cardio and stretching (not necessarily in that order). In the process of working out, only 2 of 3 kids got hurt. Not bad, eh? But we did it, we worked out for 30 minutes and believe it or not, we kind of bonded over working out...until I realized that none of my kids had finished their homework.
Well, at least we got our 30 minutes in for the Governor's Challenge and I got my 40 minute work out for the day. Until tomorrow, get moving and force your kids to move with you. Remember, you are the boss! And you can "pump them up" to get healthy and fit. I'm still working on the healthy part :-). Maybe that will be my next 40 days.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Day 26 - Christina and "the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"
No Comment.
Worked out for 40 minutes on the bike watching Dr. Oz.
Worked out for 40 minutes on the bike watching Dr. Oz.
Day 25 - Toilets, Sinks and More
So, I've been pretty bad these last few days, weeks and months :-( about cleaning my house, so yesterday, I decided to clean my house while working out. Don't believe this is possible, check out the following websites: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/103995/get_a_good_workout_while_housecleaning.html?cat=7
http://www.howtobefit.com/spring-cleaning-workouts.htm and http://www.ehow.com/how_2121265_get-fit-cleaning-house.html.
In between rooms, I did lunges and got lots of "mom, whatcha doing?" all day long. I wasn't sure if they had forgotten what I looked like cleaning the house or if they were wondering why I was doing all these lunges as I went though the house. I'm not asking..sometimes it's just best not to know.
http://www.howtobefit.com/spring-cleaning-workouts.htm and http://www.ehow.com/how_2121265_get-fit-cleaning-house.html.
In between rooms, I did lunges and got lots of "mom, whatcha doing?" all day long. I wasn't sure if they had forgotten what I looked like cleaning the house or if they were wondering why I was doing all these lunges as I went though the house. I'm not asking..sometimes it's just best not to know.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Day 24 - Polka Dots
I think I have to stop eating out. Last time I ate out, I got sick from eating a Fish Sandwich. Last night, we ate Sushi and I woke up feeling itchy and sporting fashionable red polka dots all over my skin. Being paranoid when it comes to health issues (we all have flaws), I automatically googled red rash and came up with even more stuff to be paranoid about.
I went to Urgent Care and by the time I got there, I had even more polka dots from my legs to my arms and my super muscular abs (okay, that's a lie - I don't have muscular abs, yet, but I'm working on it - it's my wait until the kids go to college so I have lots of time to workout plan).
Anyway, I saw the Nurse Practitioner and by the time I got my diagnosis, I had a prescription for steroids, cortisone cream and Claritin. Apparently I ate something that my body didn't agree with and I broke out in hives during the middle of the night. I'm still itchy, but the Polka Dots are gone...phew. As for working out, I am counting my 12 hour scratch fest as my 40 minute requirement. I'm pretty sure I'm working on stretching, biceps, triceps and some other foreign muscle with all the time I am spending moving my arms from my legs, to my arms, to my ab-less stomach and neck.
Well...better go find the back scratcher I bought at the $1 store. Until then, watch what you eat or you might be sporting fashionable Polka Dots on the What Not To Wear pages of Glamour Magazine.
I went to Urgent Care and by the time I got there, I had even more polka dots from my legs to my arms and my super muscular abs (okay, that's a lie - I don't have muscular abs, yet, but I'm working on it - it's my wait until the kids go to college so I have lots of time to workout plan).
Anyway, I saw the Nurse Practitioner and by the time I got my diagnosis, I had a prescription for steroids, cortisone cream and Claritin. Apparently I ate something that my body didn't agree with and I broke out in hives during the middle of the night. I'm still itchy, but the Polka Dots are gone...phew. As for working out, I am counting my 12 hour scratch fest as my 40 minute requirement. I'm pretty sure I'm working on stretching, biceps, triceps and some other foreign muscle with all the time I am spending moving my arms from my legs, to my arms, to my ab-less stomach and neck.
Well...better go find the back scratcher I bought at the $1 store. Until then, watch what you eat or you might be sporting fashionable Polka Dots on the What Not To Wear pages of Glamour Magazine.
Day 23 - Chopped Liver doesn't taste good
Friday was kind of weird, no sun, partly cloudy and light rain in Southern California? Granted April Showers bring May flowers, but we usually don't expect rain in April..that's called Winter in California....well, at least for me.
Either way, my daughter was on a mission. She wanted to run a certain amount of laps at school to get a prize and she asked me to walk around the track with her. All was well until she saw her BFF. After that, I was chopped liver. And I can say that because my mom used to force me to eat liver and onions...gross. Every time I ask my mom about it, she can't seem to remember feeding me liver, but eating liver is something you never forget unless you get amnesia. Torture like that is unforgettable.
Well, enough about chopped liver. I still walked a couple of laps around the track with her BFF's mom and that was good. I went home and got on the bike for 20 minutes. Life was good until I made birthday cake and ice cream for hubby.
Until tomorrow, get out there and walk, it's good for you and a whole lot better than chopped liver. Ugh.
Either way, my daughter was on a mission. She wanted to run a certain amount of laps at school to get a prize and she asked me to walk around the track with her. All was well until she saw her BFF. After that, I was chopped liver. And I can say that because my mom used to force me to eat liver and onions...gross. Every time I ask my mom about it, she can't seem to remember feeding me liver, but eating liver is something you never forget unless you get amnesia. Torture like that is unforgettable.
Well, enough about chopped liver. I still walked a couple of laps around the track with her BFF's mom and that was good. I went home and got on the bike for 20 minutes. Life was good until I made birthday cake and ice cream for hubby.
Until tomorrow, get out there and walk, it's good for you and a whole lot better than chopped liver. Ugh.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Day 22 - Friends bring out the best in us!
Friends rock! Seriously! Today, I had a blast playing catch-up and walking with my friend. The last time we walked together, we kept to flat areas, but today, we challenged ourselves, we got dangerous and included a hill to our walk. Yeah! We did it...it took us an extra 30 minutes to walk up the hill, but we did it!
Friends bring out the best in us, they challenge us and encourage us to do our best. Find a buddy and get outside for a walk. You would be surprised how a 40 minute walk easily becomes an hour and 15 minute workout session that goes by way too fast.
Until tomorrow, find a buddy, get outside and walk, jog or run. You can do it!
Friends bring out the best in us, they challenge us and encourage us to do our best. Find a buddy and get outside for a walk. You would be surprised how a 40 minute walk easily becomes an hour and 15 minute workout session that goes by way too fast.
Until tomorrow, find a buddy, get outside and walk, jog or run. You can do it!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Day 21 - http://www.joyfulonline.net/fiction.htm
I got some great news a couple of months ago. One of the stories I worked on for my Creative Writing class was going to get published online: http://www.joyfulonline.net/fiction.htm. I kept the news to myself because I didn't want to jinx it. But it's April and guess what...if you click on the link and scroll way, way, way, way, way down, you'll see it, my story. YEAH! I keep checking to make sure it's still there, and guess what..it's still there.
So what does this have to do with working out? Well, I thought I would write about it in my blog and exercise my fingers for 40 minutes at the same time. So far, my thumbs are not doing too much work, but the rest of my fingers are getting a great workout. What do you think? Let me call one of my friends just to confirm.
Well, looks like typing for 40 minutes doesn't count.
Better go get my workout in before the kiddies get home. Did you get your 40 minutes in today?
So what does this have to do with working out? Well, I thought I would write about it in my blog and exercise my fingers for 40 minutes at the same time. So far, my thumbs are not doing too much work, but the rest of my fingers are getting a great workout. What do you think? Let me call one of my friends just to confirm.
Well, looks like typing for 40 minutes doesn't count.
Better go get my workout in before the kiddies get home. Did you get your 40 minutes in today?
Day 20 - Me, the Rocket Scientist
Yesterday, I was at a Leader Meeting when I discovered why my jeans weren't fitting. I was sitting right across from Tiffany's Chocolate Chip Cookies, Walnut Brownies, Oatmeal/Carrot Cookies sandwiched by yummy cream cheese frosting and fruit. During the 2 hour meeting, I ate 1 brownie, 4 Chocolate Chip Cookies and 2 Oatmeal/Carrot Cookies...oh yeah, I also at some fruit, that was good, right? So, it dawns on me that I am eating way more than I am exercising. I know...it doesn't take a Rocket Scientist to figure that one out. But it finally hit me I gotta watch what I eat and like any good plan...I promised myself that I would start tomorrow.
So..one hour on the bike! At Level 12. I think I worked off the brownie. Small victories are good!
So..one hour on the bike! At Level 12. I think I worked off the brownie. Small victories are good!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Day 19 - It really is a 10 minute workout
Have you ever heard the phrase..too good to be true? That's what I thought after reading Terri Hatcher's 10 min. workout in an old Prevention Magazine. No way did a whole workout take 10 minutes! It's just the hook that gets you to buy the magazine at the store. I confess, that's what does it for me. I read the hook and then I'm hooked and buy the magazine. It's either that or the stress of going grocery shopping with the kids. If I read something, I'm able to tune my kids out and just hear birds chirping to the sweet sound of elevator music.
So, this morning I thought I would give Teri Hatcher's 10 minute workout a try. And guess what...it really did take 10 minutes. I felt really good after doing the first 10 minutes that I did another 10 minutes after the kids went to school. The workout felt so easy that I even added weights the 3rd time around....not so luck the 4th time around as I got pretty tired from using weights on the 3rd round. 40 minutes...so easy and guess what, the back pain I got from trying to breakdance two nights ago, even went away. Go figure.
Here's the link to the website if you would like to give the workout a try:
http://www.prevention.com/health/fitness/strength-training/teri-hatcher-s-10-minute-workout/article/b172faad1de06210VgnVCM10000030281eac____
So, this morning I thought I would give Teri Hatcher's 10 minute workout a try. And guess what...it really did take 10 minutes. I felt really good after doing the first 10 minutes that I did another 10 minutes after the kids went to school. The workout felt so easy that I even added weights the 3rd time around....not so luck the 4th time around as I got pretty tired from using weights on the 3rd round. 40 minutes...so easy and guess what, the back pain I got from trying to breakdance two nights ago, even went away. Go figure.
Here's the link to the website if you would like to give the workout a try:
http://www.prevention.com/health/fitness/strength-training/teri-hatcher-s-10-minute-workout/article/b172faad1de06210VgnVCM10000030281eac____
Day 18 - Beware of Tiffany's Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sunday was a lovely day for a 40 minute outdoor walk. Ask me if I went on a walk? No, I didn't. I would like to say it was my fault for that, but this time, I will blame it all on Tiffany's Chocolate Chip Cookies. With Lenten season over, I was free to eat Chocolate without guilt. So instead of walking, I ate a Chocolate Chip Cookie. Once you eat one, you just can't stop. Does anyone else have this problem? I googled Chocolate Chip Cookie anonymous so I could get help and all I got were tons of websites with Chocolate Chip Cookie recipes.
Did I get my 40 minutes in? You bet! 5 minutes of arm work, 5 minutes of leg work, 5 minutes of ab work, 5 minutes of stretching, 5 minutes of mini-cardio, 5 minutes of more arm work after seeing myself in a short sleeve shirt, 5 minutes of leg work after seeing myself in shorts and another 5 minutes of ab work after trying on last year's swimsuit. Now, if only I could stop eating those chocolate chip cookies, I might actually get out of sweatpants and right back into jeans.
Until tomorrow, get those 40 minutes in and beware of Tiffany's Chocolate Chip cookies.
Did I get my 40 minutes in? You bet! 5 minutes of arm work, 5 minutes of leg work, 5 minutes of ab work, 5 minutes of stretching, 5 minutes of mini-cardio, 5 minutes of more arm work after seeing myself in a short sleeve shirt, 5 minutes of leg work after seeing myself in shorts and another 5 minutes of ab work after trying on last year's swimsuit. Now, if only I could stop eating those chocolate chip cookies, I might actually get out of sweatpants and right back into jeans.
Until tomorrow, get those 40 minutes in and beware of Tiffany's Chocolate Chip cookies.
Day 17 - 1000 Fireflies
After three months, I finally got it together to celebrate my youngest son's birthday. We took him and several of his school buddies to see the movie "How to Train Your Dragon". The movie was awesome, the movie tour, super awesome (is there a better word for awesome, I didn't think so), the staff was great and the kids were so well behaved. It was a great way to spend the day, with the exception of the 40 minute workout.
By the time we got back from the movie theatre, we were all exhausted and since I spent most of the morning putting together the goody bags and trying to find the house phone, I didn't get my "before the kids wake up in the morning" work out.
Luckily, my daughter has this song that she sings in the car about 1,000 fireflies by Owl City. When I drive, it's the first song and the last song that gets played in the car for the entire 45 minute car trip to school. Each time I play the song, she makes up hand movements to go along with the song.
So...while hubby was working out, I asked my daughter to teach me the hand movements to her favorite song. She taught them to me and we ended up making some dance moves too. It was okay...no one was watching. Eventually we both got tired of listening to the song, but I got my 40 minutes of very, very, very, very low impact exercise for the day.
Motto for the day: Just fit exercise in..even if you're rubberstamping.
By the time we got back from the movie theatre, we were all exhausted and since I spent most of the morning putting together the goody bags and trying to find the house phone, I didn't get my "before the kids wake up in the morning" work out.
Luckily, my daughter has this song that she sings in the car about 1,000 fireflies by Owl City. When I drive, it's the first song and the last song that gets played in the car for the entire 45 minute car trip to school. Each time I play the song, she makes up hand movements to go along with the song.
So...while hubby was working out, I asked my daughter to teach me the hand movements to her favorite song. She taught them to me and we ended up making some dance moves too. It was okay...no one was watching. Eventually we both got tired of listening to the song, but I got my 40 minutes of very, very, very, very low impact exercise for the day.
Motto for the day: Just fit exercise in..even if you're rubberstamping.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Day 16 - Rolling with the homies
I thought I would take it easy today and stretch for 40 minutes, but it got really boring. Our DVR didn't record my favorite MUST SEE T.V. show, so I needed some big motivation to keep going. I took out my exercise ball, the big one that is pretty impossible to hide in my closet, and tried to work on some "core" (fancy word for stomach) muscles. I probably spent most of my 40 minutes trying to balance on the ball. And I had to ask myself, why did I buy the ball workout out over the PX90 set at Costco? Oh yeah...I thought the ball workout would be easier.
Luckily, my daughter came into my room and rescued me from the ball. We started playing stretching games, hold the ball so mommy doesn't fall off games and sit ups too. It wasn't long before my boys came over to see what the commotion was and started playing dodge ball with the ball.
It was a great workout (before the dodge ball incident) and I got to spend some quality time with my kids before they go back to school. Well, better stop writing and pick up a few items that fell during the dodge ball tournament before hubby comes home. I wonder if Target sells Super Glue.
Until tomorrow, make it a great 40 minutes. Because 40 minutes is better than 30 minutes. And 30 minutes.
Luckily, my daughter came into my room and rescued me from the ball. We started playing stretching games, hold the ball so mommy doesn't fall off games and sit ups too. It wasn't long before my boys came over to see what the commotion was and started playing dodge ball with the ball.
It was a great workout (before the dodge ball incident) and I got to spend some quality time with my kids before they go back to school. Well, better stop writing and pick up a few items that fell during the dodge ball tournament before hubby comes home. I wonder if Target sells Super Glue.
Until tomorrow, make it a great 40 minutes. Because 40 minutes is better than 30 minutes. And 30 minutes.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Day 15 - Sweet Revenge
I felt so bad about making fun of Gilad's Express Workout a few posts back that I decided to exercise to Gilad this morning. Gilad is getting his sweet revenge as I am feeling sore all over.
Thanks Gilad for a great workout. I don't know if I'll be able to walk tomorrow, so maybe, LOTS of stretching for Day 16.
Tip of day...be nice to everyone, even Gilad.
Thanks Gilad for a great workout. I don't know if I'll be able to walk tomorrow, so maybe, LOTS of stretching for Day 16.
Tip of day...be nice to everyone, even Gilad.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Day 14 - A No-Go
Well, they say if you don't ask or try, you just never know. So this morning, I asked hubby what he thought about shopping for the next 26 days to fulfill my 40 min. 40 day workout. He said it wasn't a good idea because of the whole spending money thing that would go along with the shopping work out. I suppose he has a point, this time :-).
So, had to find something else to do for exercise. I checked through my old videos and found a...don't laugh please, an old Hip Hop Abs DVD. Everyone who knows me knows just how much I love to dance, so I bought the videos with the hope that it was going to get me moving in the right direction. It didn't work out that way. I used the video for a whopping 3 days and then moved it to the place where I would see it the least, my closet in it's original box.
I have to admit, it was kind of fun to work on those Hip Hop moves, but I really don't see much improvement in my abs. I guess 14 days isn't going to cut it...but, it is a step in the right direction.
Day 15 - I'm tired, but here I come.
So, had to find something else to do for exercise. I checked through my old videos and found a...don't laugh please, an old Hip Hop Abs DVD. Everyone who knows me knows just how much I love to dance, so I bought the videos with the hope that it was going to get me moving in the right direction. It didn't work out that way. I used the video for a whopping 3 days and then moved it to the place where I would see it the least, my closet in it's original box.
I have to admit, it was kind of fun to work on those Hip Hop moves, but I really don't see much improvement in my abs. I guess 14 days isn't going to cut it...but, it is a step in the right direction.
Day 15 - I'm tired, but here I come.
Day 13 - Fit TV
I know this is going to sound like a big shocker, but I've been working out while watching my favorite T.V. shows so much that I actually ran out of recorded shows to watch.
So yesterday morning, I tuned into Fit TV and worked out for 43 minutes. It was awesome. Yes, I'm in pain right now, but it was worth it. Instructor Kendall Hogan taught Boot Camp and rarely missed a cue. His workout was pretty easy and the best part, you could really go at your own pace. If you fast forward through the commercials, his workout is about 43 minutes long. Yeah...he tells you to keep doing the routine during the commercials, but I fast forward through them anyway. I mean how many times can you watch commercials about Gilad's new Express Workouts.
Check it out..Fit TV.
So yesterday morning, I tuned into Fit TV and worked out for 43 minutes. It was awesome. Yes, I'm in pain right now, but it was worth it. Instructor Kendall Hogan taught Boot Camp and rarely missed a cue. His workout was pretty easy and the best part, you could really go at your own pace. If you fast forward through the commercials, his workout is about 43 minutes long. Yeah...he tells you to keep doing the routine during the commercials, but I fast forward through them anyway. I mean how many times can you watch commercials about Gilad's new Express Workouts.
Check it out..Fit TV.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Day 12 - The RECAP
Day 1 - Thursday, March 25th - Started Great...Wooo! T.V. and bike, what a great beginning.
Day 2 - Friday, March 26th - More T.V. (Can I get a great paying job just for watching T.V., if so, I am sooo in) and bike. Great 2nd day and I'm not even bored yet thanks to Media.
Day 3 - Saturday, March 27th - Got sick Friday night eating a Fish Sandwich from a popular fast food place.
Day 4 - Sunday, March 28th - Still Sick.
Day 5 - Monday, March 29th - T.V., bike, sit-ups and stretching. I'm a firm believer in sticking with what fits..and I have lots of shows to catch-up on, so why not. Heroes...here I come, don't anybody tell me what happened to Claire's roommate. I haven't gotten there yet.
Day 6 - Tuesday, March 30th - Great idea, 200 squats, NOT! Walking w/favorite teacher around the track, AWESOME!
Day 7 - Wednesday, March 31st - 10, 10, 10 and 10 = 40 minutes. I can still do Math. YEAH!
Day 8 - Thursday, April 1st - Didn't work out! April Fools. Another 200 squats and T.V. and Bike, gotta catch up with Kell on Earth (it's the Season Finale, so that's pretty important).
Day 9 - Friday, April 2nd - iCarly workout.
Day 10 - Saturday, April 3rd - The Costco/Walmart/U-Haul Workout.
Day 11 - Sunday, April 4th - Sit-ups, Abs, Arms, dancing w/daughter, dancing w/son, trying to dance w/oldest son and stretching workout. The bribing stakes get higher as the kids get older. My daughter will dance for a sticker, my youngest son will dance just to spend time with his mom, my oldest..I would have had to throw in 1 hour computer time, 1 hour Nintendo DS time, 1 hour of Chowder and Invader Zim. I had to draw the line at the T.V. shows, sorry. However, he did give me a hug instead..that was worth it, but probably not a workout, huh. I stretched a lot today! Still counts. Oops..I guess this wasn't really a recap, was it. That's okay, my blog, right:-)?
Day 12 - Monday, April 5th - Ballet and the Internet.
Hot Chocolate at Starbucks $2.50 + tax.
Sweet and Spicy Tea at the grocery store $3.99 + tax.
Finally getting Blog organized: PRICELESS
Day 2 - Friday, March 26th - More T.V. (Can I get a great paying job just for watching T.V., if so, I am sooo in) and bike. Great 2nd day and I'm not even bored yet thanks to Media.
Day 3 - Saturday, March 27th - Got sick Friday night eating a Fish Sandwich from a popular fast food place.
Day 4 - Sunday, March 28th - Still Sick.
Day 5 - Monday, March 29th - T.V., bike, sit-ups and stretching. I'm a firm believer in sticking with what fits..and I have lots of shows to catch-up on, so why not. Heroes...here I come, don't anybody tell me what happened to Claire's roommate. I haven't gotten there yet.
Day 6 - Tuesday, March 30th - Great idea, 200 squats, NOT! Walking w/favorite teacher around the track, AWESOME!
Day 7 - Wednesday, March 31st - 10, 10, 10 and 10 = 40 minutes. I can still do Math. YEAH!
Day 8 - Thursday, April 1st - Didn't work out! April Fools. Another 200 squats and T.V. and Bike, gotta catch up with Kell on Earth (it's the Season Finale, so that's pretty important).
Day 9 - Friday, April 2nd - iCarly workout.
Day 10 - Saturday, April 3rd - The Costco/Walmart/U-Haul Workout.
Day 11 - Sunday, April 4th - Sit-ups, Abs, Arms, dancing w/daughter, dancing w/son, trying to dance w/oldest son and stretching workout. The bribing stakes get higher as the kids get older. My daughter will dance for a sticker, my youngest son will dance just to spend time with his mom, my oldest..I would have had to throw in 1 hour computer time, 1 hour Nintendo DS time, 1 hour of Chowder and Invader Zim. I had to draw the line at the T.V. shows, sorry. However, he did give me a hug instead..that was worth it, but probably not a workout, huh. I stretched a lot today! Still counts. Oops..I guess this wasn't really a recap, was it. That's okay, my blog, right:-)?
Day 12 - Monday, April 5th - Ballet and the Internet.
Hot Chocolate at Starbucks $2.50 + tax.
Sweet and Spicy Tea at the grocery store $3.99 + tax.
Finally getting Blog organized: PRICELESS
Day 11 - I messed up
Leave it to me to mess up the record keeping on this blog. That's what happens when you don't blog on the same day as your workouts, huh.
I found my handy dandy (yes, I used to watch Blues Clues too) calendar, the same one that I used to keep track of my volunteer activities and started writing down the dates of my workouts on to the 40 days calendar.
Try keeping track of post it notes, torn out binder sheets, recycled papers and you have a great learning lesson on why it's so important to be organized. Although I heard you can be messy and organized at the same time. Seriously, that is what I heard.
So..for a quick recap version of 40 minutes/40 days, take a look at Day 12.
I found my handy dandy (yes, I used to watch Blues Clues too) calendar, the same one that I used to keep track of my volunteer activities and started writing down the dates of my workouts on to the 40 days calendar.
Try keeping track of post it notes, torn out binder sheets, recycled papers and you have a great learning lesson on why it's so important to be organized. Although I heard you can be messy and organized at the same time. Seriously, that is what I heard.
So..for a quick recap version of 40 minutes/40 days, take a look at Day 12.
Day 10 - Ballet and Google
Did you know that you can perform basic ballet moves while googling on the Internet? Or writing a blog? For the morning workout, I decided to set up the lap top on a counter and use the laptop/counter as my ballet barre. I performed exercises in 1st position and 2nd position while keeping my glutes tight, tummy tight and shoulders back, being very, very careful not to arch the back. I worked lots of areas that have been on vacation for quite a long time and felt really good about the 30 minute workout.
If you haven't taken a ballet class before, I recommend googling basic ballet workout. Here are a few of my favorites:
http://dance.about.com/od/stepsandmoves/tp/Barre-Exercises.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_2278267_do-ballet-work-out.html
or check out some basic ballet videos on youtube:
http://www.livestrong.com/video/3603-use-barre/
Sometimes, you just HAVE to mesh your workouts with your life's to-do list. You know, my calves and butt are starting to really hurt, so I better wrap up writing about Day 10. (I'm getting my last 10 minutes of my 40 minute workout in right now.)
As always, don't forget to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. I probably wouldn't mention that you want to start a new ballet while googling program. He might end up giving you a prescription to see a psychologist. Or better yet, refer me to see a specialist. But getting checked out before starting any exercise program is always a good thing.
Keep on going...only 30 more days to go. Wow..that sounds like a lot, but it will go by really fast.
If you haven't taken a ballet class before, I recommend googling basic ballet workout. Here are a few of my favorites:
http://dance.about.com/od/stepsandmoves/tp/Barre-Exercises.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_2278267_do-ballet-work-out.html
or check out some basic ballet videos on youtube:
http://www.livestrong.com/video/3603-use-barre/
Sometimes, you just HAVE to mesh your workouts with your life's to-do list. You know, my calves and butt are starting to really hurt, so I better wrap up writing about Day 10. (I'm getting my last 10 minutes of my 40 minute workout in right now.)
As always, don't forget to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. I probably wouldn't mention that you want to start a new ballet while googling program. He might end up giving you a prescription to see a psychologist. Or better yet, refer me to see a specialist. But getting checked out before starting any exercise program is always a good thing.
Keep on going...only 30 more days to go. Wow..that sounds like a lot, but it will go by really fast.
Day 9 - Walk and Shop
It's better than doing nothing, right? As long as you don't buy a Starbucks before or after your shopping trip.
Day 9 was spent shopping at Costco for food, Walmart for party supplies and UHaul for propane gas. So..the UHaul thing didn't do much since all I did was sit in the car, but at Costco and Walmart, I pushed the cart and as you know anytime you go shopping at Costco and Walmart, the cart is always HEAVY by the time the shopping trip ends.
It was a struggle to push the cart at times, so I guess I need to do some more shopping to get fit. Do you think hubby will buy it if I go shopping for the remaining 31 days to get my 40 minutes in?
Until tomorrow...get your 40 minutes in, even if you HAVE to go shopping to do it.
Day 9 was spent shopping at Costco for food, Walmart for party supplies and UHaul for propane gas. So..the UHaul thing didn't do much since all I did was sit in the car, but at Costco and Walmart, I pushed the cart and as you know anytime you go shopping at Costco and Walmart, the cart is always HEAVY by the time the shopping trip ends.
It was a struggle to push the cart at times, so I guess I need to do some more shopping to get fit. Do you think hubby will buy it if I go shopping for the remaining 31 days to get my 40 minutes in?
Until tomorrow...get your 40 minutes in, even if you HAVE to go shopping to do it.
Day 8 - iCarly
Before I write about exercising for 40 minutes, I want to say, just for the record, that I watched this show (iCarly) for research purposes only ;-).
Day 8 presented quite a few challenges. One, we were visiting my parents for Easter weekend and two, my bike, the easiest thing to get on an exercise with, was not at my parent's house. How do I get my 40 minutes in? Hubby suggested I walk around the neighborhood for 40 minutes, but it was cold and my muscles just weren't budging.
Instead, I thought about an episode of iCarly (Nickelodeon Channel) that I saw a couple of months ago. Remember, strictly research. Carly's brother, Spencer, was trying out a new exercise program. Every 30 minutes, his cell phone would ring and he would have to put in 5 minutes of exercising. He would do sit-ups for 5 minutes on one sitting. On another, it was push ups, etc. The theory: Spencer would get a full day work out by working out just 5 minutes at a time.
So guess what I decided to do. I decided to work out 5 minutes for 8 hours straight...that's 40 minutes. These are the exercises I did for the next 8 hours: grabbed the luggage and put it in the guest bedroom (because once you leave the house, your room becomes either the exercise room or the guest bedroom), 200 squats from the squat program, sit ups, Pilates leg work, dancing in front of the mirror (my daughter got bored after 30 seconds), hopscotch on the carpet, stretching (that counts) and arm circles...yup, arm circles, because after doing biceps with 2 uneven books and injuring myself, I remembered doing arm circles in Jr. high for warm up..and boy were those arm circles a work out.
There you go..give it a try. I call it the iCarly work out. It was fun and I didn't sweat too much and I got my 40 minutes in...YEAH!
Day 8 presented quite a few challenges. One, we were visiting my parents for Easter weekend and two, my bike, the easiest thing to get on an exercise with, was not at my parent's house. How do I get my 40 minutes in? Hubby suggested I walk around the neighborhood for 40 minutes, but it was cold and my muscles just weren't budging.
Instead, I thought about an episode of iCarly (Nickelodeon Channel) that I saw a couple of months ago. Remember, strictly research. Carly's brother, Spencer, was trying out a new exercise program. Every 30 minutes, his cell phone would ring and he would have to put in 5 minutes of exercising. He would do sit-ups for 5 minutes on one sitting. On another, it was push ups, etc. The theory: Spencer would get a full day work out by working out just 5 minutes at a time.
So guess what I decided to do. I decided to work out 5 minutes for 8 hours straight...that's 40 minutes. These are the exercises I did for the next 8 hours: grabbed the luggage and put it in the guest bedroom (because once you leave the house, your room becomes either the exercise room or the guest bedroom), 200 squats from the squat program, sit ups, Pilates leg work, dancing in front of the mirror (my daughter got bored after 30 seconds), hopscotch on the carpet, stretching (that counts) and arm circles...yup, arm circles, because after doing biceps with 2 uneven books and injuring myself, I remembered doing arm circles in Jr. high for warm up..and boy were those arm circles a work out.
There you go..give it a try. I call it the iCarly work out. It was fun and I didn't sweat too much and I got my 40 minutes in...YEAH!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Day 7 - Going through the motions
This morning, I didn't want to work out. I was thinking about a conversation I had the day before and got to bed late. I didn't get a good night's sleep and didn't want to wake up at 5:30 a.m. to work out. Lucky for me, we had a power outage and my alarm didn't go off.
Unfortunately, my husband's alarm has a back-up battery so 10 minutes later...guess who woke me up? Any time my husband tries to wake me up, I usually go back to bed and pretend to be awake by putting a book near me or sitting up (with the lights off). But this time, he made sure I was awake before he left for work.
Ugh...I did another 200 squats, even though I haven't fully recovered from the squats I did two days ago and got on the bike for 40 minutes. I didn't put 100% in, but I did put 50% into the workout. (You have to move the pedals or bike will shut off.) Even though I didn't want to work out, I did it anyway, and I got my 40 minutes in for the day.
Sometimes, we let our emotions get the best of us. We have a bad day and prefer to wallow in our misery rather than to make the best of what we can with that "bad' moment. We let our entire day be run by the "thing" that happened instead of making a change and doing something that will help us enjoy the rest of our day. Of course this is all good in theory right? Until it actually happens again.
I was so thankful for my workout buddy, my hubby, for his support. He didn't give up on me and pestered me to get my workout done.
Day 8..here I come! Hope you get your 40 minutes in today...there's lots of hours in a day.
Unfortunately, my husband's alarm has a back-up battery so 10 minutes later...guess who woke me up? Any time my husband tries to wake me up, I usually go back to bed and pretend to be awake by putting a book near me or sitting up (with the lights off). But this time, he made sure I was awake before he left for work.
Ugh...I did another 200 squats, even though I haven't fully recovered from the squats I did two days ago and got on the bike for 40 minutes. I didn't put 100% in, but I did put 50% into the workout. (You have to move the pedals or bike will shut off.) Even though I didn't want to work out, I did it anyway, and I got my 40 minutes in for the day.
Sometimes, we let our emotions get the best of us. We have a bad day and prefer to wallow in our misery rather than to make the best of what we can with that "bad' moment. We let our entire day be run by the "thing" that happened instead of making a change and doing something that will help us enjoy the rest of our day. Of course this is all good in theory right? Until it actually happens again.
I was so thankful for my workout buddy, my hubby, for his support. He didn't give up on me and pestered me to get my workout done.
Day 8..here I come! Hope you get your 40 minutes in today...there's lots of hours in a day.
Day 6 - The funky chicken walk
Well, I knew those 200 squats would come back to haunt me today, but I was trooper, got up early and put in my 40 minutes. 10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes in the afternoon, 10 minutes in the evening and another 10 minutes while procrastinating. Working out has got to be the best excuse for not cleaning the house. Clean house or live longer? Which would you choose? If you chose clean the house, let's talk, okay.
All in all, it was a good day even though I walked like I was dancing the funky chicken for most of it.
Until tomorrow..get up and work out, even if it's only for 10 minutes.
Christina
All in all, it was a good day even though I walked like I was dancing the funky chicken for most of it.
Until tomorrow..get up and work out, even if it's only for 10 minutes.
Christina
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