Early Kenpo

April 30, 2013

Since I have a busy day ahead of me, and I'm not sure if I'll get another chance to workout...

Today I got up extra early and I did my P90X Kenpo DVD.

So much fun to get moving in the morning. And the punching and kicking is always great!

Walk It Off...

April 29, 2013

To finish off the night- and my last night in Texas... After a wonderful meal at a great sushi place, Heather and I went for a walk. We ended up walking 3.28 miles around The Woodlands mall area. (And we kept up quite a pace too!) It was beautiful! Such a perfect night to be out walking and enjoying it. Life is good today here in Texas!

Lots of Legs

April 29, 2013

Woke up and was feeling ready to head back to the gym, so Heather and I headed back there....

We started out with about 20 minutes of playing racket ball. So much fun! And such great cardio!

• Cardio - 20 minutes - 1.45 miles [All at 0 incline unless otherwise noted] (3min at 6mph, 1min at 6.5mph, 1min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 5 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)
• Weights - Circuit - 700 movements total - 25 bench presses with two 20lb free weights, 25 sit ups, 25 tricep extensions with a 20lb free weight, 25 crunches, 25 squats with 40lb on the bar. Repeat 3 more times. 25 calf extension squats with 40lb on the bar, 50 calf extension squats with 60lb on the bar, 25 calf extension squats with 70lb on the bar. 100 cowboy squats while holding a 25lb weight.

It was a great start to the day! Now so much more to go do on my last day in Texas!

Racket Ball!

Poolside.

April 28, 2013

After a wonderful day of laying by the pool at a lakeside resort in Texas, and of course going around their lazy river a few times... It was time to get cleaned up and head to dinner on the lake. Mexican food. Of course I ate way too many chips, so when we finished with dinner it was time to make up for that- or at least try to help it out a bit!

At the Mexican Restaurant. 

My cousin and I started with about a 2 mile walk. It was beautiful- right at sunset! Then we stopped by the gym! They had racket ball! One of my favorite things! So we went in and played for about 20 minutes. Definitely got the blood moving! And so much fun!

Sunset, lakeside.

After that, I went and did a little weight circuit...

• Weights - Circuit - 400 movements total - 25 chest flys with two 8lb free weights, 20 squats with an added 40lb on the bar, 5 roman chair leg raises, 25 sit ups, 25 tricep extensions with a 20lb free weight. Repeat 3 more times.

Heather and I walking lakeside at
sunset.

Tricep extension.

It was a nice little circuit, and made me feel better to do a little weight work. 

After that, the walking continued... I'd say we walked about another 1.5 to 2 miles. 

Racket ball time.

I still feel really full from dinner, but I am definitely ready to crawl into bed and rest! (Especially after the almost 2 hours of P90X this morning!) It has been a great and really fun day though! Perfect girls day and night out!

P90X Morning

April 28, 2013

Well, it was a nice Sunday morning in Texas today. We decided not to go to the gym though, so we stayed at my cousin's house and relaxed a bit. Then we got up and did some P90X.

We started out with Kenpo. That was a lot of fun! Love all the kicking and punching!

Then as an added bonus, we also did Cardio X. Lots of fun cardio stuff in that!

So we did almost a full 2 hours of working out this morning. My body is feeling much better now compared to how I felt when I got up! So I am ready to go out and enjoy my time in Texas today!

Villa Sport

April 27, 2013

Well, I have made it to Texas! Got here last night, and I have to say I did a good job of celebrating with food last night... So this morning, it was off to the gym.

They have a great gym here called Villa Sport. It has everything. A million classes, great equipment, pools (indoor and outdoor), jacuzzis, slides, sauna/steam rooms, and an actual spa with massages and such. Oh and a cafe with food, smoothies, ice cream and alcohol. Very fun place!

So this morning I took my cousin to her first Body Pump class. It was a lot of fun! A little different than my usual class, and I had to use a bit more weight than usual because their weights were different. But it was a lot of fun and a great way to start off the morning!

Then after a little snack and some errands, we went back to Villa Sport and did their Barre 45 class. It wasn't as hard as the Barre class I took in Springfield a couple weeks ago, but there were definitely some challenging parts in the class! It was fun either way!

After all that we went for a little hike through a nature area here. It was 1.68 miles. Lots of fun. Always nice to be out in nature!

When we finished that we headed back to Villa Sport one more time- but this time we just went to enjoy the jacuzzi! Perfect way to celebrate all he activity we had today!

Now it is time to get cleaned up and ready for the evening here in Texas!

Number 1

April 26, 2013

My gym does a top 3 gym users for every month. And it is official, I am number 1. I am excited! Mostly because I would have never thought that would have been me!

I have changed so much over the years. If you told my Jr. High or High School friends that I was the top gym user, they would NEVER believe it. So I am very proud! It is never to late to make changes for the better!

Quick Trip...

April 26, 2013

I have been in a hurry this morning... I am flying to Houston, Texas this afternoon to see my cousin for the weekend, and I had so much to get done! But I did want to get in at least a quick trip to the gym.

Workout -

• Cardio - 20 minutes - 1.45 miles [All at 0 incline unless otherwise noted] (3min at 6mph, 1min at 6.5mph, 1min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 5 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)
• Weights - Circuit - 600 movements total - 25 bicep curls at 30lb, 25 sit ups, 10 lateral raises with two 10lb free weights, 15 shoulder presses with two 10lb free weights, 25 crunches, 25 hip abductions at 140lb, 25 hip adductions at 100lb.

I was in and out of there in 40 minutes. But I think I got a good little workout in, and a great start to my busy day!

Berry Snack!

April 25, 2013

I have found a delicious snack! And super easy to make. Just thought I would share...

Berries- whatever kind you want. Today I used raspberries and blueberries. (I do recommend blueberries!) And usually I would use some other kinds of berries but I am headed out of town in the morning and didn't wanna buy too much.

Then vanilla yogurt. Whatever kind you prefer.

I put some berries in a bowl, and then I topped it with a couple spoonfuls of yogurt. (I literally only used about 2 spoons of it.) Then I mix it all together so that the yogurt lightly covers all the berries.

It tastes like dessert! I love it! I know berries are a bit expensive right now because they are not in season, but soon they will be back, and this will make a perfect summer snack!

Thursday Evening Double

April 25, 2013

Well, I did make it back to the gym tonight...

Michael and I did Body Pump at 6pm, and that was fun, and very challenging! But glad I did it!

Then I stayed for Zumba. Lots of fun too!

All together I had another 4 hour day of working out. I am pretty exhausted now though! Dinner tasted amazing! I needed food! Now it is time to rest...

Thursday Morning Double

April 25, 2013

I love Thursday mornings and waking up and going to Yoga. Such a pleasant way to start the day! It was a great class today too!

Gym.

After I finished the hour of that, I decided I would get in a workout while I was at the gym...

Workout -

• Cardio - 20 minutes - 1.45 miles [All at 0 incline unless otherwise noted] (3min at 6mph, 1min at 6.5mph, 1min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 5 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)
• Weights - Circuit - 1,000 movements total - 25 bench presses with two 20lb free weights, 25 sit ups, 25 bicep curls at 30lb, 25 tricep pushdowns at 60lb, 25 crunches, 25 chest flys with two 8lb free weights, 25 hip abductions at 140lb, 25 hip adductions at 100lb, 25 crunches on the abdominal machine at 50lb, 25 seated leg presses at 160lb. Repeat 3 more times.
• Cardio - 5 minutes - .38miles (2min at 6mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)

It was a great and sweaty workout! Now it is time to get some other stuff done today! Might go back for more later though... You never know!

Gym - Walk - Hike

April 24, 2013

My body is so sore from yesterday! I mean extremely sore- especially in my legs and butt. I woke up today and wasn't sure if I'd be able to make it into the gym... But I went and gave it my best shot!

Workout -

• Cardio - 20 minutes - 1.45 miles [All at 0 incline unless otherwise noted] (3min at 6mph, 1min at 6.5mph, 1min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 5 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)
• Weights - Circuit - 800 movements total - 25 bench presses with two 20lb free weights, 25 sit ups, 25 shoulder presses with two 12lb free weights, 25 crunches while twisting at the top of the crunch, 25 bicep curls at 30lb, 25 tricep pushdowns at 60lb, 25 hip abductions at 140lb, 25 hip adductions at 100lb. Repeat 3 more times. 
• Cardio - 5 minutes - .38miles (2min at 6mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)

I'd say I did pretty good! I feel good! Still sore, but glad I did all of that! The last 5 minutes of cardio and running on a slight incline was really tough. But I made it! 

Once I got home, I went for a walk with my mom. We went about 2 miles. So that was some good activity too.

Then after a quick snack, I headed out to hike the stairs. That was challenging today because of how sore my legs are! But I made it! And it was beautiful as always. Perfect weather for that today because it was sunny but slightly chilly, mid 50's. So you didn't get crazy hot on the hike back up the stairs!

It has been a good day of nice activity so far. Now it's time to get some other stuff done!

4x

April 23, 2013

Today was crazy. I had a mellow morning, with not a lot of movement, but by 3pm, things changed!

At 3pm, I trained with Michael. We focused on legs, and man was it tough! That lasted until 4pm.

Then after a short break, at 5:15pm I went back to the gym for Body Pump. That was tough! But it felt good!

Immediately followed by Yoga. And it was an intense Yoga class! A lot harder than usual!

And then that was followed by Zumba. Which was a lot of fun, but exhausting!

Each of those 4 things was an hour long. My body is exhausted, and my brain isn't working correctly! So I don't have much more to say... I am ready for bed!

Happy Earth Day!

April 22, 2013


I was so excited to wake up on earth day and find that it looked beautiful outside! So I decided to go for a hike. I did the stairs hike that I do sometimes. I was a lot of fun- and kicked my butt! But most of all it was beautiful! Sometimes we forget what this beautiful planet has to offer us. Go outside and embrace it! And not just today, but every day!

More Than Ever!

April 21, 2013

I woke up and got started on my day early. So I headed to the gym and got down to business!

Workout -

• Cardio - 20 minutes - 1.45 miles [All at 0 incline unless otherwise noted] (3min at 6mph, 1min at 6.5mph, 1min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 5 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)
• Weights - Circuit - 1,300 movements total - 25 bench presses with a 45lb bar, 25 sit ups, 25 shoulder presses with two 12lb free weights, 25 crunches, 25 chest flys with two 5lb free weights, 25 hip abductions at 140lb, 25 hip adductions at 100lb, 25 leg extensions at 60lb. Repeat 3 more times. 25 bicep curls at 30lb, 25 tricep pushdowns at 60lb, 25 seated calf extensions with 70lb added. Repeat 3 more times. 20 hyper extensions, 20 crunches on the abdominal machine at 65lb. Repeat 4 more times. 

That is the most movements I have done in one gym visit! And I did it in 1 hour and 10 minutes. I think that is pretty good! Now off to lunch and to enjoy the rest of my Sunday!

Late Saturday

At the celebration for Michael's Civil War
cousin.

April 20, 2013

I had one of those days where I never stopped moving, and never got a chance to workout. Until the night time... This morning I went to a ceremony for a cousin of Michael's that was one of the youngest drummers boys in the Civil War, so that was cool. Then a big luncheon. And then some shopping around Springfield, followed by a dinner with my mom. But by 9pm, I was ready to hit the gym! However, I have to say it felt a lot harder than usual.

Workout -

• Cardio - 20 minutes - 1.45 miles [All at 0 incline unless otherwise noted] (3min at 6mph, 1min at 6.5mph, 1min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 5 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)
• Weights - Circuit - 1,100 movements total - 25 bench presses with two 20lb free weights, 25 sit ups, 25 bicep curls at 30lb, 25 crunches, 25 tricep pushdowns at 60lb, 25 hip abductions at 140lb, 25 hip adductions at 100lb, 25 leg extensions at 60lb. Repeat 3 more times. 25 chest flys with two 5lb free weights, 25 seated half raises with 60lb added. Repeat 3 more times. 25 standing cable side bends on left with 30lb, 25 standing cable side bends on right with 30lb. Repeat 1 more time. 

It was really challenging for some reason... Maybe just that I never got very active today- I was just busy. But I was glad I did it anyway!

Lonely Gym Friday...

April 19, 2013

I have to say that usually Friday afternoons the gym is very quiet! And I love that! I love being able to use what I want without fear of someone else stealing it while I am circuiting. So it is a nice time for me! And today was no exception. I was the only one there for a while, and then only joined by one other person.

Workout -

A friend of mine posted this on Facebook yesterday,
and I thought it was cute, so I wanted to share!

• Cardio - 20 minutes - 1.45 miles [All at 0 incline unless otherwise noted] (3min at 6mph, 1min at 6.5mph, 1min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 5 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)
• Weights - Circuit - 1000 movements total - 25 lat pulldowns at 55lb, 25 sit ups, 25 bicep curls at 30lb, 25 crunches with a slight twist in my midsection at the top of the crunch, 25 tricep pulldowns at 60lb, 25 hip abductions at 140lb, 25 hip adductions at 100lb, 25 leg presses at 160lb. Repeat 3 more times. 25 cable chest flys with 20lb on each arm, 25 seated calf raises with 50lbs added. Repeat 3 more times. 

And I finished in exactly an hour. Not too bad. The cable chest flys were very difficult, and it strained my neck a lot in a strange way after about 15 of them in a row. But I know I need to do them! 

I have been trying to focus on doing things at the gym that I don't like to do, but I really need to do! And this week I have been doing pretty good with that. But it is always gonna be a little bit of a challenge to make yourself do things that aren't your favorite. 

After a little break... I also did a 1.91 mile was with my mom. So I got moving for a bit again! Now it's time to get ready for the rest of my day!

Stormy Thursday

April 18, 2013

We had a big storm roll through last night, and it continued to rain here for the first half of the day. But I still got up off my butt and went in to Yoga this morning. It was a great class. Did some new poses and it was a bit more challenging. I liked it a lot.

Then after a little more breakfast... (I had a snack before Yoga, but then I needed a bit more food by the time I was done!) I decided it was time to head back to the gym! I got in a really good workout!

Workout -

By the time I left the gym the second time, it was still
gloomy, but the rain had stopped! However, I think the rain
made all the trees bloom over night! Exciting!
The trees are starting to look like Spring!

• Cardio - 30 minutes - 2.08 miles [All at 0 incline unless otherwise noted] (3min at 6mph, 1min at 6.5mph, 1min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 5 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 11min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)
• Weights - Circuit - 900 movements total - 25 bench presses with a 45lb bar, 25 sit ups, 25 shoulder presses with two 12lb free weights, 25 crunches, 5 front squat to press with 45lb bar, 20 squats with 45lb bar, 50 seated calf raises with 20lbs on it. Repeat 3 more times. 25 bicep curls with 30lb, 25 tricep pushdowns with 50lb. Repeat 3 more times.

My muscles are feeling exhausted now! But I am so glad I did all of that! Feeling good now!

Late Night Workout

April 17, 2013

I got home tonight, and I just wasn't ready to get ready for bed, so I decided to head out to the gym for a while...

Workout -

• Cardio - 20 minutes - 1.45 miles [All at 0 incline unless otherwise noted] (3min at 6mph, 1min at 6.5mph, 1min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 5 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)
• Weights - Circuit - 500 movements total - 5 front squat to press with 45lb bar, 20 squats with 45lb bar, 25 bench presses with a 45lb bar, 50 seated calf raises with 20lbs on it. Repeat 3 more times. 10 later raises with two 10lb free weights, 5 front squat presses with 45lb bar, 10 bench presses with a 45lb bar with 10lb on it. Repeat 1 more time. 50 leg extensions at 60lb. 

My body is a little shaky now... And sadly, I am not tired - mentally. But physically I feel a bit exhausted!

Caffeine = Drug

April 17, 2013

These days I don't really have much caffeine. I used to have a lot of Coca Cola everyday - now I haven't had one in a few years. I have never been a coffee drinker either; the only exception is the occasional frappaccino. I admit I also take one Excedrin every so often for a sinus headache- I used to take a lot more Excedrin though for headaches, but now I keep it to a minimum. My point being, that I really don't have caffeine.

This morning, I was feeling kinda down and sluggish. So I put 2 instant coffee packets into my morning Shakeology shake. (And I do use coffee every so often in my shakes- usually on days that I know I have to keep moving a lot, or I am just craving a frappaccino.) But today, it took me from zero to sixty! All of a sudden I had so much energy that I was bouncing around the house and completely pumped up and ready to rock!

It was a really good reminder that caffeine IS a drug! Yes, a legal and very widely accepted one... But a drug none the less. However, it can be beneficial when used appropriately I think. Especially since I don't drink it all the time, I get the benefit of seeing what it actually can do! And I think it is a wonderful thing for a really busy day when I need that extra little push! Or when I am really dragging. But like I said, if I drank it all the time, I wouldn't get the benefit of that!

I just noticed all this today and was thinking about it, so I wanted to share it. I figured it is good food for thought!

Ready To Hit It!

April 17, 2013

I woke up and was feeling kinda blah... But I decided to make a mocha shake this morning- and man did that caffeine help! I was on fire after that! So I headed to the gym to burn some of that energy off...

Workout -

• Cardio - 30 minutes - 2.29 miles [All at 0 incline unless otherwise noted] (2min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph, 2min at 6.5mph, 1min at 3.8mph, 2min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph, 2 min at 6.5mph, 1min at 3.8mph, 2min at 6mph, 2min at 3.8mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 5 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)
• Weights - Circuit - 800 movements total - 25 bench presses with two 20lb free weights. 25 sit ups, 10 lateral raises with two 10lb free weights, 15 shoulder presses with two 10lb free weights, 25 crunches, 25 tricep extensions with a 20lb free weight, 25 hip abductions at 140lb, 25 hip adductions at 100lb, 25 leg presses at 160lb. Repeat 3 more times. 

It was a really great workout, and I was sweaty and tired after it! Been a while since I had ran in intervals like that, and it was nice to do that and mix it up!

Evening Yoga

April 16, 2013

My gym just started an evening yoga class- in fact, today was the first day of it! It was a great class, and such nice way to spend an evening! Helped mellow me out for the night...

Glad I went back to the gym tonight to fit in that yoga class!

Best Taco's Ever.

Ingredients.

April 16, 2013

For those of you that remember, a few days ago I posted a recipe for Chicken Taco Chili; and when I made it, I accidentally made it a bit too spicy. My goal was to add some sour cream to it the next day to dial it down. And it worked great! Made it delish!

But while I was at the market, I passed by the tortillas, and I found my favorite tortillas! Tortillas that I used to always get in California, but I hadn't found in Branson. So I was excited! The brand is Mama Lupe's, and they are the low carb tortillas. They are only 60 calories a tortilla, and they are as good for you as tortillas get! I bought some and figured I would make some tacos with the left over chili.

I put the tortilla on the plate, then heated up the chicken taco chili. After I put a couple spoonfuls of the chili on the tortilla, I put a bit of "light" sour cream. (I used quite a bit because of how spicy the chili was this time, next time I might not need as much.) And then I sprinkled a bit of 2% milk-reduced fat cheese on top. That was all!

Ready to start eating!

 Then I enjoyed it! It is so good! I have to say that if you try making the Chicken Taco Chili, you should make some tacos with your leftovers. They are very yummy. I have had many of them this week. And I look forward to having a few more until I am completely out of my Chili!

Go Away Gloom...

April 16, 2013

I woke up today and was feeling pretty good- yet a little sluggish (the gloomy weather wasn't helping that!), but I headed into the gym to try to fix my sluggish feeling.

Workout -

Seated calf raise.

• Cardio - 20 minutes - 1.45 miles [All at 0 incline unless otherwise noted] (3min at 6mph, 1min at 6.5mph, 1min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 5 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)
• Weights - Circuit - 800 movements total - 25 shoulder presses with two 12lb free weights, 25 sit ups, 25 tricep pushdowns at 50lb, 50 seated calf raises, 25 hip abductions at 140lb, 25 hip adductions at 100lb, 25 leg presses at 160lb. Repeat 3 more times. 
• Cardio - 15 minutes - .94 miles (1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 5 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)

Now I am feeling much better and ready to attack my day! 

Training. Walking.

April 15, 2013

Today I started my day off by training with Michael. It was a good training session! We did some cardio, some abs and some bench presses. We worked on upping my weight, so the reps weren't high, but they were heavy! It was a good workout. And I like to try to push myself to up the weight, and it helps a lot to have someone tell you to do it...

I had planned on going to Body Pump today after a few other things I had to do, but alas my plans changed. So it ended up that my morning training session was all I got in today. Maybe tomorrow I'll fit a little more in!

However, Michael and I did manage to go for a nice walk at the park with our goat. So that at least added some movement and activity. I even did some pull ups on the play ground equipment! Plus it was fun to run after our goat, Git.

Early Cardio

April 14, 2013

I woke up early this morning to go ahead and get in a workout!

And by the way, when I woke up, I was really sore from the Fitness Fest yesterday! I could really feel it! It was a good kind of hurt! But I figured a little workout might also stretch out some of the soreness...

I did the P90X Cardio DVD. It is a good one! Gets my heart going, and it is only 45 minutes, so when I am tighter on time, it is great! I just wanted to get some kind of workout in, because I know I have a crazy day today, and I'm just not sure if I'll be able to fit anything else in. But we will see... You never know what the day might bring!

Fitness Fest

The market place and all the vendors. Kind of quiet at the
moment since we were all heading off to exercise classes!

April 13, 2013

Today has a whirl wind of health, wellness, and fitness! It was awesome! This morning I drove up to Springfield with my friend Marie to go to the 417 Magazine Live Well- Fitness Fest and Expo. They had some talks and cooking classes, a bunch of exercise classes, and a big market place with a bunch of local vendors to shop around. I didn't do any of the talks or cooking classes, but I had a great time walking around the market place, and I loved the fitness classes! I did four 45 minute classes. Each of the 4 time slots they had two options of classes. It was great to be able to try some other classes that I might not try otherwise!

I started the day off at 9am with Balance Barre Method. It was intense! I was so sore by the time I was done! It was the best workout of the day! I am going to have to go try there classes. It was a serious workout. I can only imagine how much I'll be hurting my morning!

Then I did PiYo- a mixture between Yoga and Pilates. It was a lot of fun, but a bit more like a yoga class than I expected. I think they cut out the real challenging stuff due to time restrictions- since class was only 45 minutes instead of the usual hour. But it was a lot of fun, and good workout as well!

Lunch break! They served up some lovely turkey wraps with a side salad and fruit salad. It was yummy! And much needed!

Setting up for Balance Barre Method.

After lunch I did Jazzercise. It was pretty good, but I think I like Zumba a bit better- Zumba seems to get my hear rate up more cause there is some more bouncing and stuff I guess. But it is always fun for me to dance around to some songs, so it was a good time!

Finished off the day with Aerosha. That was very nice. It was done by candle light. Some meditation, light yoga and sensual movement. They focus is to empower women, and to have them love the body they are in. It was a really fun class. I'd like to take another class from them again too! Plus it was the perfect cool down to the day!

All and all, it was a pretty awesome event, and I am so glad that I went! Great to see events like this happening. It definitely gave me some health inspiration!

Back To Weights Today...

April 12, 2013

I woke up and ended up working on a project before I went to the gym- sanding down a piece of furniture! Luckily I had an electric sander to help me, but that still took up more energy than I expected! After I finished that, I headed into the gym.

Workout -

• Cardio - 20 minutes - 1.45 miles [All at 0 incline unless otherwise noted] (3min at 6mph, 1min at 6.5mph, 1min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 5 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)
• Weights - Circuit - 1000 movements total - 25 bench presses with two 20lb free weights, 25 sit ups, 25 tricep pushdowns at 40lb, 25 crunches, 25 donkey kicks on left leg, 25 donkey kicks on right leg. Repeat 3 more times. 10 lateral raises with two 10lb free weights, 15 shoulder presses with two 10lb free weights, 25 hip abductions at 140lb, 25 hip adductions at 100lb. Repeat 3 more times. 5 roman chair leg raises, 10 assisted dips, 10 crunches on the abdominal machine at 60lb. Repeat 3 more times.

All and all I would say it was a pretty good workout! I was definitely feeling exhausted by the end of it!

Chicken Taco Chili

April 11, 2013

I love chili! I really do! But I never make it much at home for some reason. However, I tried this recipe out a few months ago, and I just loved it! And it was super easy! (Which is such a good bonus!) So today, while it is all gloomy and chilly outside, I thought it was the perfect day to make it again. This recipe also leaves a lot of leftovers, and it makes a great lunch or snack or dinner! Plus, it smells amazing while it cooks!

Ready to start cooking.

Ingredients -

• 1 onion chopped (I used two, because they were not huge- and I just love onion!)
• 1 16oz. can of black beans
• 1 16oz. can of kidney beans
• 1 16oz. can of tomato sauce
• 1 16oz. can of corn - no salt added
• 1 28oz. can of diced tomatoes
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon and a half of chili powder or ground cayenne red pepper. (I used the cayenne red pepper today because I had just ran out of chili powder... And I used about a tablespoon and a half. HOWEVER, the Cayenne will make it a lot spicier! So keep that in mind!)
• 24oz of boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Optional - Cheese, Sour Cream, Cilantro, etc... for topping it.

Recipe -

My leftovers!

• Get out your crockpot!
• Chop the onions and put them in the crockpot, then add the black and kidney beans (after pouring out the excess liquid in the can), then the tomato sauce, and the diced tomatoes, then the corn (after pouring out the excess liquid in the can), then add the taco seasoning packet, cumin, and chili powder. Then stir it all together a little bit. 
• On top of that wonderful mixture, lay the chicken breasts out. 
• Turn the crockpot to low and cook for 10 hours or on high and cook for 6 hours. (I usually end up cooking it on high.)
• 30 minutes before you are going to serve it, take the chicken breasts out and shred them with two forks. (They should shred very easily. They will pretty much fall apart!) 
• Then add the chicken back into the crockpot and stir it all together. Let it cook for another 30 minutes.
• Then serve and enjoy!

I have to say, when I made it today, it was a little too spicy for me! Next time I will for sure use the regular chili powder instead of the Cayenne. I think for the left overs I'll get some sour cream to put on top of it. (Should help with the spiciness!) But the flavor was still great! I love the combo of the beans and corn and chicken and tomatoes! 

Also, I have read that it makes about 10 servings, and each serving is about 200 calories. So that is pretty awesome! 

Yes to Yoga

April 11, 2013

Today I got up and moving and headed over to Yoga. I so love that hour every week! There were a lot of new faces in class today, so we took it a little easy, but I still felt my heart get going a few times!

Then in the evening, at 7:15pm, I did a Zumba class. It was so much fun- as usual! I always enjoy some Zumba dancing!

It was actually a great day of some pretty good activity! And considering how hard I worked out the last couple of days- especially with weights, it was a nice break from that!

Draggin' But Going Hard!

April 10, 2013

My day was off to a not so great start... My mood was just not awesome. But I went to the gym anyways to try to boost it!

Workout -

• Cardio - 20 minutes - 1.45 miles [All at 0 incline unless otherwise noted] (3min at 6mph, 1min at 6.5mph, 1min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 5 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)
• Weights - Circuit - 600 movements total - 25 bench presses while balancing on a ball with two two 20lb free weights, 25 sit ups, 25 tricep extensions with a 20lb free weight, 25 crunches, 25 hip abductions at 140lb, 25 hip adductions at 100lb. Repeat 3 more times.
• Cardio - 20 minutes - 1.47 miles [All at 0 incline unless otherwise noted] (2 min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 2 min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 2 min at 6mph, 4 min at 3.8mph.)

I thought it was a good workout! I was definitely wiped out afterwards! It was a challenge to get started on the weights- half because I was really sore from yesterday, and half because of my mood I think. But once I got started I did pretty good! 

After a little break- about an hour; and a snack- a banana. I decided to keep the working out going, and I did the P90X cardio DVD. That was a lot of fun, but a lot of hard work! My body is tired now! And my mind seems to be a bit foggy... I think it is time for a nice lunch! 

Training Hard.

April 9, 2013

Working hard!

Today I trained with Michael this morning. It was crazy! INTENSE! I worked so hard! My heart rate was high for the entire hour. And aside from a lot of muscle stuff, I also ran in between things. After Michael left, I was finishing up my last 5 minute run and one of the ladies in the gym came over to me and asked what I was training for, and why... Another lady at the gym came over and we had a similar conversation. You know you are working really hard when most of the people in the gym take notice!

But when I was done, it felt great! After that, I took my mom for a 1.3 mile walk down by the lake. That was very nice. Such a pretty walking area!

Now, I am going to keep moving to get all the things done that I need to today! It is a good day. That workout got my day off to a great start!

Beautiful Monday

April 8, 2013

Today was so beautiful that I decided to start my day with another hike on the stairs. I have to say, my calfs were quite sore for the hike yesterday... But as I was going down the stairs, I noticed that movement stretched out the calfs, and prepared them for the battle ahead. And going up the stairs is always a battle! But it was a lovely hike. Perfect day for it!

Later today, I did my Body Pump class. That was a lot of fun! And a lot of work! It was a little different of a class today, and so that always makes it a bit more challenging. But I feel good now that it is done!

Cardio!

April 7, 2013

About to head down the stairs...

Yesterday, I never got a chance to workout. It was just one of those days where I constantly was moving. Quite the busy one!

Today however, I was ready to try to get back moving! So I started my day off with a hike on the stairs. (You can click that link to go to my previous post about the stairs.) And that is always quite the workout! Then I took my parents on a walk through that same area and showed them a historic cabin and some beautiful views that they hadn't seen before.

After that, I decided I should do at least one more thing. So I popped in my P90X Cardio DVD. It is a good workout cause it has a little of 4 different things- Yoga, Kenpo, Plyometrics, and Core. And it is about 45 minutes. It is a lot of fun though, and because there are so many different elements, you never have time to get bored with one thing!

Now I am feeling much better about my day, and ready to go get a few things done!

Workout and Tennis!

April 5, 2013

After a semi rough night of sleep, I headed in to the gym as usual this morning.

Workout -

• Cardio - 20 minutes - 1.45 miles [All at 0 incline unless otherwise noted] (3min at 6mph, 1min at 6.5mph, 1min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 5 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)
• Weights - Circuit - 800 movements total - 25 bench presses with two 20lb free weights, 25 sit ups, 5 front squat to press with a 45lb bar, 20 squats with a 45lb bar, 25 crunches, 25 bicep curls at 20lb, 25 hip abductions at 140lb, 25 hip adductions at 100lb. Repeat 3 more times. 5 roman chair leg raises, 10 assisted dips, 10 vertical chest presses at 60lb. Repeat 2 more times.

Then once I finished, the weather was so beautiful today, that I talked Michael in to going and playing tennis with me! I love to play tennis! We only played for about 30 minutes- it was our first time playing this year! But it was great! I love finding ways to be active and have fun with it!

Shake Shake Shake...

April 4, 2013

While I am home, as a general rule, everyday for breakfast I have a shake. (I believe I have had a shake for breakfast everyday that I have been home since January 3rd of this year.) I like that I can have a nutritious shake for breakfast and get in a whole bunch of good stuff that I need for the day.

There are a lot of nutrition shake brands out there- and no, they are not all created equal! My go to shake brand is Shakeology in Chocolate. It is quite yummy. I have a few good recipes for it! It is really good for you too! They even just improved the taste as well.

Until recently I had always been a person that never ate breakfast. But now I make sure to always eat breakfast, and it is helping a lot. And the shakes keep me full longer. In fact, I have never even been able to have an entire shake. I can eat about half to three fourths of a shake, and then I am too full!

Sometimes I even have a shake for lunch too! (Sometimes that is just easier, or sometimes it is the only thing I have in the house!) It tends to be a very convenient meal to have around! (My boyfriend Michael likes them too!)

However, sometimes I don't feel like chocolate... (I know, that seems like it would never happen, but sometimes I'm just not in a chocolate mood!) On those occasions, I like to make a fruit smoothie type of shake. And I don't have a Tropical or Greenberry Shakeology- and honestly, it isn't cheap, so I just stick with the chocolate from there because I like it best... So I will sometimes use the Body By Vi shakes.  I usually just make my fruit smoothie and throw the Body By Vi in there for some added nutrients and protein. However, there is sucralose in that shake mix, and I try to keep my sucralose intake to a minimum. (I am not as crazy about it as some people, but I know it isn't good for you, so I try to stay away from it when I can. But I am not 100% against using it on occasion...)

I would also like to state that I DO NOT sell either of these products. I am just sharing what has helped me. And right now, I am enjoying a shake a day. It may or may not be for you. But it definitely has it's benefits!

Love Thursday Mornings...

April 4, 2013

I absolutely love Thursday mornings, because that is my Yoga morning. It is such a great way to wake up and start the day off!

It gives me a bit of a workout, and I get to stretch and work on my breathing and flexibility- which I think is very important! My flexibility has definitely gotten worse over the years... But hoping to gain some back! Now it is on with the rest of my day!

To The Gym...

April 3, 2013

Off to the gym I went...

Workout -

• Cardio - 20 minutes - 1.45 miles [All at 0 incline unless otherwise noted] (3min at 6mph, 1min at 6.5mph, 1min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 5 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)
• Weights - Circuit - 900 movements total - 25 bench presses with two 20lb free weights, 25 sit ups, 25 lat pulldowns at 50lb, 25 crunches, 25 hip abductions at 140lb, 25 hip adductions at 100lb, 25 leg presses at 165lb. Repeat 3 more times. 25 bicep curls at 20lb, 25 tricep pushdowns at 40lb. Repeat 1 more time. 5 roman chair leg raises, 10 assisted dips, 10 tricep pushdowns at 50lb, 25 crunches on the abdominal machine at 50lb. Repeat 1 more time.

It was a good workout, and I am surprised I did so much, because I started out kinda rough! I was tired and it was really hard to push myself. But I made it! 

Now... Maybe Zumba later tonight? We'll see!

Hurtin'

April 2, 2013

Beautiful Ruthie.

I woke up and was definitely feeling very sore this morning. My body still felt exhausted from yesterday! 

I had a bit of a change in routine today, I got to go babysit the lovely Ruthie this morning. That was a lot of fun! After I finished up with that, I headed to the gym to see what I could do!

Workout -

• Cardio - 30 minutes - 2.29 miles [All at 0 incline unless otherwise noted] (2min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph, 2min at 6.5mph, 1min at 3.8mph, 2min at 6mph, 1min at 3.8mph, 2 min at 6.5mph, 1min at 3.8mph, 2min at 6mph, 2min at 3.8mph, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 5 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 2min at 3.8mph at 0 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 4 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 3 incline, 1min at 3.8mph at 0 incline.)



Vertical chest presses.

• Weights - Circuit - 700 movements total - 25 tricep extensions with a 20lb free weight, 25 sit ups, 25 bicep curls at 20lb, 25 crunches on the abdominal machine at 50lb, 25 hip abductions at 140lb, 25 hip adductions at 100lb. Repeat 3 more times. 5 roman chair leg raises, 20 assisted dips. Repeat 1 more time. 50 vertical chest presses at 40lb.

My body was hurting by the end of it! Actually, my body was hurting the whole way through! But it was a good workout, and it actually created a little energy for me. I was pretty tired before, but now I am feeling a little more energized!

Paying For Easter

April 1, 2013

After a long Easter weekend... I was feeling pretty icky! Too much eating and celebrating, and no time to workout! But today, is the day to start paying for that! 

So I started out my day by training with Michael at 11:15am. We did some really hard and challenging things. A lot of slow moving muscle work, which is killer! My arms were feeling a lot like jello when I left the gym.

Then it was time for a little break, and to get some work done around the house. But soon enough it was time to get back to the gym!

Michael and I went and did Body Pump at 6pm- and I have to say that was quite challenging after the training I did in the morning! But it was fun!

Then I stayed and did Zumba while Michael was training someone else. But by the time I got to Zumba, I was starting to get rather exhausted. My body was just plain tired. 

But all and all, I'd say it was a good day!