Showing posts with label Workouts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Workouts. Show all posts

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Favorite Pregnancy Workouts

It was super important to me to continue my active, healthy lifestyle throughout my pregnancy.  Although, I wanted to be sure everything I was doing was safe for the baby.  During the first trimester, I asked my doctor a lot of questions about what I could continue to do and what I should avoid.  He said I can continue to do anything I was doing before pregnancy and just really listen to my body.  If something felt uncomfortable, stop!

There are such great benefits of exercising throughout your pregnancy:

  • Improves circulation
  • More energy
  • Allows you to sleep better
  • Improves your mood
  • Less likely to gain excessive weight
  • Help alleviate hip and joint pain 
Just be sure to talk with your doctor before starting or continuing any exercise program during your pregnancy!

I continued to go to my Bar Method classes.  Just talk with the instructors about pregnancy modifications and make sure you provide your doctor's note.  For me, I stopped rotating and twisting immediately but didn't really have to modify anything else until 20 weeks.  I also continued elliptical workouts but just made sure not to elevate my heart rate past 130-140 bpm.  I continued taking my pup for walks all the time and usually did an upper body workout after our walk.  I noticed that my hips and back would start to ache if I sat too much or didn't move much throughout the day. 

Here are some awesome FREE workouts I found online:

Full Body Workouts - 


Upper Body - 



Sunday, January 19, 2014

The Bar Method


I've heard such wonderful things about the Bar Method and how it lifts and tones your muscles in a unique way compared to most "lifting" workouts.  I'm not going to lie, going into it, I thought I would only stick with it for about a month before our wedding and then quit my membership.   I bought my initial month for the $99 first-time-client special package, which I thought was crazy expensive but now, 7 months later, I'm completely HOOKED!

I am so in love with the workout -  It focuses on your posture and creating lean, long muscles.  After each intense working session, there's a stretch session, which really increases flexibility and creates that lean muscle every woman is trying to achieve.  I have never been flexible but day-by-day, I'm seeing my flexibility increase.

Every class is different - After my first workout, I thought every class would be the same.  But the more classes I went to, I realized how unique each class is.  Yes, each class follows the same outline - arm work, thigh work, seat work, round back, flat back, curl, back dancing, final stretch, but each class is a completely different workout...some classes incorporate a ball (killer!), a mat (also a killer!), and different exercises to target those deep muscles.

Bar Method is unlike any other workout I've done - I've done BodyPump, Bootcamp classes, spin, yoga, running...the list goes on and on.  But this workout has completely changed my body.  For me, BodyPump makes me stronger but I look plump, it's just the way my body works with lifting heavy weights.  Bar Method has given me the leanest, tonest (is that a word? no.) arms and legs I've ever had in my life.  I am completely shocked because the highest weight I pick up is 4 lb.  How do I get more defined arms with 4 lbs?!?  It works!!  The hour goes by so fast and you barely break a sweat, yet you get a complete body changing workout.  See for yourself....

Arms before and after Bar Method
Before and after Bar Method


Let's be honest, the Bar Method is amazing...go try it for yourself!

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Layered Workout

What can I say, I love waking up at 5:30 am every morning to work out.  Call me crazy!  But I know if I don't do it before work, I'll never get it done.

I tried a new workout I found on Pinterest this morning and I'm definitely starting to feel it in my chest, arms, and legs this evening.

If you look closely, you'll see the layering effect after each sprint!  This means a total of 80 push-ups,  4 minutes of plank, and 150 squats

Hope you like it!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Nike Women's Half Marathon DC 2013


By far, the BEST race I have ever run to date!  The entire experience from the Expotique (yes, Expo + Boutique = Expotique!) to the finish line was so organized and enthusiastic.  Nike knows how to put on a race!

Let's get started with the training. I've been training with a friend and we met on our favorite trail once a week to keep each other motivated.  We lucked out with such great running weather most of the time.  This picture below was our hottest training runs - about 90 plus degrees but we felt strong!  Plus, we ran through Kenwood with such beautiful scenery, which helps make a miserable run....FUN!

Kenwood Forest, Bethesda
Now let's get to the Expotique...


The Expo was located on the Georgetown waterfront, which I thought would be difficult getting to without Metro but we found a great parking spot and had a blast!  Grabbed my bib and pace corral info and explored the Expo! 




They had a huge wall the runners could sign.  So of course I got down to business and signed, "We're running for Boston!".  It's true, every mile of that race I wanted to stop and give up.  But I thought to myself, "I'm running and refuse to stop because I so fortunate I am able to run!"



There was tons of great swag throughout the Expo - Paul Mitchell, Bare Essentials, Luna Bars...you name it!  Great music and volunteers cheering us on for a great race day.

So, Sunday at 7:00 AM was race day!


And we're off...


The Corrals were a little crowded but that is the one and only recommendation I would make for next year - to better space the corrals so the first few miles weren't so crowded.  

But seriously, look at these views...

Back of the pack | Photo courtesy of Ryan!

The course was fun - very similar to Cherry Blossom 10 miler (mile 3 - mile 10).  We ran through tunnels with loud bands and it just kept me smiling!  Nike did an amazing job lifting the runner's spirits throughout the course - music, signs, bands, motivational quotes...

And for what we've all been waiting for...



Our Tiffany&Co necklaces at the finish!  This is what I mean, Nike went above and beyond every chance they could.  They could have just laid out our Tiffany boxes...but no, they had men dressed in tuxes and black Nike's personally delivering our metal and congratulating us!
 
 

Okay, now for what we've really been running for...


I hope the Nike Women's series makes it back to DC for 2014.  I will definitely run DC all over again with them!  #letsturnitup #werundc

Monday, April 8, 2013

Cherry Blossom 2013

So it's that time of year again, my favorite race is upon us...it's the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler!



This year seemed extra special since the cherry blossoms were just about in full bloom for race day.  Usually they have already peaked and fallen off by race day.

I'm also training for the Nike Women's Half Marathon at the end of April and wouldn't you know...this 10 miler fit perfectly in my training plan!  My goal for this race was to run under a 10 minute mile.  So here we go...
Arriving with the crowds
Ryan came with me and decided to be my personal photographer!  Aren't I lucky :)

Before!
5 mile split: 50:05
10K split: 1:02:00
Net time: 1:38:59
Pace: 9:53
After, with medal in hand!

It was a great race - perfect running weather!  At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to leisurely run so I could take pictures of the beautiful blossoms and scenes.  But as I was keeping track of my time on RunKeeper and doing well, I decided to actually race and forget about the picture taking!

I started off wearing long sleeves and took off close to mile 2.  Luckily, I saw Ryan around mile 4 and was able to get rid of it just in time for Hains Point!  The wind really picked up going out on Hains Point but as soon as we turned around mile 7, the wind was at our backs and I was ready to pick it up for the finish.

As always, this race is one of my favorites and I cannot wait to run it again in 2014!

Friday, March 29, 2013

Run, Chest, & Abs Interval

The other morning, I came up with this great running plus chest & abs workout.  Recently, we bought a new treadmill and I love using it for my morning workout!  However, I'm not going to lie, I get a little bored just running on it for 30 minutes straight.  So, I'm starting to come up with new creative workouts on/off the treadmill. 
 
It took exactly 25 minutes to complete, which is perfect for a 5:30 am workout before work!
 

I usually do push-ups so I was surprised to see how sore I was after this workout.  Hope you enjoy and let me know how you like it!

Monday, February 11, 2013

HIIT Challenges

I loved Self Magazine's April 2012 Drop 10 workouts.  I searched all over their website and couldn't find the 10 week HIIT workouts.  Sure enough, since I love anything ToneItUP, I saved the 2012 magazine so now I have the workouts again!
 
Self Magagine's Drop 10 - 10 Week HIIT Challenege (April 2012)

Week 1

Calorie Sizzler: Spring for 8 seconds.  On a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is the effort it takes to run water and 10 is the effort it takes to run a race, aim for 8.  Recover for 12 seconds at level 5.  Repeat for 15 minutes.  That's one workout down.

Inches Eraser:  Take care of business with this 27-minute quickie.  Sprint your patootie off at level 8 for 90 seconds.  Then back off for 3 minutes at level 4 while you contemplate your awesomeness.  Repeat 6 times total before cooling down.  Oh, yeah!

Downsizing Duet:  Around a track, on the elliptical, in the mall, wherever the heck you happen to be, move 2 miles at a level 6 (One calorie-crushing caveat: If your on a bike, which makes it less difficult to cover serious territory, triple the distince.)

Week 2

Belly Slimmer: Bust a move at level 10 for 8 seconds.  Sure, it's tough, but you know you can do anything for a mere 8 seconds!  Then rest up for 12 seconds at easy-peasy level 4 to catch your breath.  Repeat the intervals for 20 minutes

Sexy Sixer:  Your mission while you sweat for the next 24 minutes: Picture how foxy you'll look in a two-pieve.  Got the image?  Chase it!  Sprint for 60 seconds (level 9); slow down (level 4) for 3 minutes.  Repeat 6 times total.  Thank us later.

Double Play:  Last week, you knocked out a 2-miler.  This week, add a half-mile victory lap to your workout by stretching it to 2.5 miles.  Stay at level 6 the entire time to help you train your body to burn gluclose for energy, rather than store it as fat.

Week 3

Middle Whittler:  You know those rock-your-socks-off intervals you did in Workout 1 of Week 2?  Do 'em again, but add resistance (hit hills, carry small weights, up the incline), so your 8-second sprints are at level 10 and 12-second recoveries are at level 6.

Engine Revver:  On tap today: your longest sprints yet, but you don't have to push your limits.  Do 2 minutes at level 7; recover for 2 minutes at nice-and-easy level 4.  Repeat 6 times total.  You'll be done in less time than it takes you to watch an episode of 30 Rock. 

High-Fiver:  Do a one-woman 5K (3.1 miles).  Power-walk, jog, skip, Rollerblade, crawl, waltz, whatever.  Even though there won't be a crowd cheering you across the imaginary finish line, raise both hands over your head and feel victorious.

Week 4

Pound Pounder:  Do intervals for 20 minutes: 8 seconds at all-out level 10; 12 seconds at moderate level 6.  Side-shuffle, pedal backward or stand up in the saddle to mix up your catch-your-breath stretches.  Peace out, pudge!

Plateau Buster:  Do intervals for 40 minutes: 3 minutes at level 7; 2 minutes at level 4.  Repeat 8 times total.  Kick those intervals' butt!

Slow Slimmer: Cover 5 miles your way today.  That's it.  This will be a walk in the park compared with your last interval workout.  No, really, it could literally be a walk in the park.  Your only mandate: Put the fun in fitness.

Week 5

Fat Fryer: Do intervals for 10 minutes: 8 seconds at moderate level 7; 12 seconds at no-sweat level 4.  Then up your sprint to level 10 and your recovery to level 6 for 10 sweaty minutes.  Push your limits and you'll have none.

Flab Fighter: This is your last HIIT workout, so make it count.  Sprint for 2 minutes at level 8; recover for 2 minutes at level 5.  Repeat 10 times total.  Now show that tape measure who's boss.

Perfect 10: Do a 10K.  (That's 6.2 miles.)  Done your workouts to date?  You're so ready.  Keep a steady pace and as you finish, think about how far you've come.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Ripped in 30 | Review

I mentioned a while back that I was sticking with Jillian Michael's Ripped in 30 workout plan.  I'm actually quite happy that I actually stuck with the same routine for 30 days.  Don't get me wrong, I love working out for 30 days straight, but I'm the type to get bored and/or sidetracked and if I find a new great workout, I absolutely cannot wait until my "challenge" or "program" is finished, I need to do it NOW. 

And I'm quite happy that I stuck with it.  I'm going to be 100% honest, I did not eat the healthiest throughout weeks 3.5 - 4.  However, I noticed the biggest change in my body right around week 3.  Overall, I lost about 3 lbs but am certain that I gained muscle. I can feel it in my arms, abs, and especially my legs. 


Next up, I'm really looking forward to half marathon training starting mid-February and hope to lean out a little more throughout my 10 week running training plan (I'll post this when training starts).  I'm registered to run the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler in early April and the Nike Woman's Half Marathon at the end of April. 

Then it's officially summer in my book!

I'm pretty happy with the Ripped in 30 results and plan to stick with it again the month of August - the 30 days before OUR BIG DAY!!

Friday, January 4, 2013

PV Body | 30 Day Challenge

I'm so intrigued by PV Body, it seems like such a healthy, motivational, growing company. 

What's even better?  They recently launched their 30 Day Challenge! 

This is a 30 day program that provides workout videos and recipes from a registered Dietician.  They have all 30 days of videos already uploaded here so we can access 24/7.  I love this!  This way we're able to watch the workout videos and print recipes in order to keep ourselves on track on our own schedule.



I don't know about you, but SIGN ME UP!


UPDATE: PV Body (now Ellie) is horrible!  Sarah Fit explains everything perfectly here in her post.  After trying to talk myself into sticking with the company, I've decided it's best we go our separate ways!  No longer a PV Body (ellie.com) member! 

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

PV Body

I wanted to try something new to motivate me to workout.  I don't know about you, but new clothes is definitely one way to do it!  Plus, I realized I am slacking on the cold weather running gear.  So, PV Body, here I come!

I'm not going to lie, it was difficult signing up because their website wasn't working correctly on Black Friday.  I reached out to customer service but didn't hear a response.  However, I was determined and tried again on Cyber Monday.  Again, I was having issues with the website, but after a few minutes...success!

Here is my first PV Body delivery.  I love it!

A cute tank by Nux - great fabric! And the pants are perfect for running in the cold.


After washing (hung to dry), I took these new babies out for a run.  I love the pants so much - they kept me perfectly warm (35 degrees outside) and I didn't have to tug at the waist to keep them up throughout the run.

And I must say, I am very "neutral" in every aspect of my life except workout clothes.  So, I've updated my style profile to include bold colors. 

I am loving my new monthly subscription to PV Body!  I can't wait to see what comes to my door next month!

UPDATE: PV Body (now Ellie) is horrible!  Sarah Fit explains everything perfectly here in her post.  After trying to talk myself into sticking with the company, I've decided it's best we go our separate ways!  No longer a PV Body (ellie.com) member! 

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Ripped in 30

I have been a Jillian Michaels fan since 2007 or so.  I started out with her 30 Day Shred video and absolutely loved the workout.  A few years ago, I even got my two roommates at the time to do it with me in our 800 sq. ft apartment (I'm sure our downstairs neighbor just loved us!).
 
Recently I did the 30 Day Shred again.  To be honest, I didn't do it exactly right - I did Workout 1 for about two weeks and gradually moved on to the Workout 2 when I felt ready for it.  By the end of the 30(ish) days, I could tell my arms were more defined and my legs felt thinner and stronger.
 
Sooo, I decided to search for more Jillian workouts and came across Ripped in 30. 
 

Well, I did Day 1 (Workout 1) today and let me tell you, Jillian kicks my butt.  I like her videos because she's very honest - if you want to work out for 20-30 minutes a day and see results, you must WORK IT for those 20 minutes, no rest! 

I'm going to stick to Ripped in 30 and follow it precisely as she recommends.  I'll let you know how it goes after 30 days.  Just in time for New Years!  Planned?  I think so.

See you in 30 days!

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Run a Little More...

The past few weeks, I've been meeting up with my friend Annie for weekly runs down one of our favorite local trails.  She's training for the Marine Corps Marathon and although I can't run the long runs with her, I'm hoping to help her during her "short" runs throughout the week.  We started at 3 and 4 miles, we're now at 6 miles and next week we're running 7 miles.  She inspires me how she works full time, maintains awesome friendships, is married to a great guy, spends time with family and still fits in time for her longs runs!
 
But she got to asking, "what do you do when you're tired and you want to stop?"
 
 
I got to thinking and I fortunately LOVE running.  I think of it as a release from stress and all the worries in my world.  But let's be honest, sometimes running for 1+ hour(s) is the last thing I want to do.  But my trick is that I lace up and GO! 
 
One of my MCRRC coaches always said, "just get through the first 10 minutes".  And I find it to be so true.  Usually the first 10 minutes, my body aches, my joints hurt...I just hate it!  But after 10 minutes, I find my breathing, get into my groove and zone out. 
 
Try it!  Give yourself 10 minutes and usually you are so thankful you did it!
 

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Morning Cardio Interval Run

Morning Sunshine!

This morning I was inspired to run on the local trail and do Sarah Fit's Favorite Cardio Interval Workout.  It was a great workout and I realized next time I could push myself a little harder or even run for longer than 25 minutes (plus a warm up and cool down). 

I used my RunKeeper App on my phone and it kept me right on target - 10 seconds fast, 20 seconds steady, 30 seconds slow (repeat 5 times).  Repeat those 5 rounds, 4 more times.  Confused?  Check out Sarah's "how to" here, she does a much better job explaining it and tells you step-by-step how to enter the rounds in RunKeeper. 



Later today, my best friend and her husband are coming from Delaware to stay for the night.  I'm excited since I haven't seen them in 3 months....which is pretty much unheard of since we grew up across the street from each other!  We're looking forward to their visit.  We're hoping to enjoy happy hour on our new deck and head to one of our favorite restaurants for dinner and live music.

Enjoy your weekend!

Friday, May 18, 2012

Summer & Tabata!


OK, so it's not summer yet but I feel it coming....

The best part about living in our neighborhood!
They officially filled our pool with water!  There's actually a few pools - baby pool, lap pool, diving pool, and kid pool!  We absolutely love riding our bikes on Saturday mornings to the pool, spending the day reading our Kindles, and our biggest "worry" of the day is where we're going to eat dinner!  Ahh, what a life!  We dream about it all year long!

However, since summer is right around the corner, I've been feeling extra motivated in the work-out department!  Although I'm still following ToneItUp and the TIU Bikini Challenge, I've been trying to create my own workout plan for the week.  I've found lots of great workouts on http://www.toneitup.com/ and http://www.jillfit.com/ - check them out!  Jill Coleman (aka @JillFit on Twitter) was my inspiration behind this morning's Tabata workout:  

Keep water close, you will be sweatin'!

So what that means is you do burpee + push-up at the bottom as fast as you can for 20 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds (feels like nothing!), and repeat 8 times until moving to the next workout, which is squat + bicep curl. 

As much as these Tabata workouts kick your butt, it feels amazing when you are finished; your heart will be pumping and you will be sweaty, I promise!  I've only completed two Tabata workouts this week and I'm already feeling stronger and more toned!  Thanks @JillFit for the motivation and I hope you try it too! :)

Friday, May 4, 2012

Week 3 TIU Bikini Challenge / 5 Day Slimdown

It's already week 3 of the Bikini Challenge?  Time flies!

This week will be challenging - my co-worker and I have decided to do the 5 Day Slimdown together.  This will be my first "Slimdown" and I'm super excited!


Ready for day 1 of the Slimdown on Monday!

Sunday Runday: HIIT BCWO ~2 miles total


Monday's Challenge: HIIT the Beach for BCWO

Tuesday's Challenge: HIIT the Beach for BCWO + PM: 20 minute shoulder workout and Bikini Abs



Wednesday's Challege: HIIT the Beach for BCWO + PM: Bi and Tri workout from http://www.fitsugar.com/
Thursday's Challenge: HIIT the Beach BCWO + PM chest & back workout

Friday's Challenge: HIIT the Beach + Bikini Abs for BCWO


As you can see, I love the new ToneItUp Beach Babe DVD - especially HIIT the Beach!  I had so much fun this week and felt motivated to eat clean  at work - no matter what daily chaos came my way, I did not cave in to eating the chocolate (as usual!) :) 

Breakfast: Protein Pancake + Meta D, Lunch: Salmon Salad, Dinner: Crab cake & Salad. 
Plus a little love note :)


.....And the results are IN - I lost 5 pounds and 2.75 inches!!



Monday, April 23, 2012

Week 1 TIU Bikini Challenge!

I am so excited for the 2012 ToneItUp Bikini Challenge!  I found K&K in Self Magazine last year during the 2011 Bikini Challenge and I've been hooked ever since!  It could not have come at a more perfect time - I promised myself I am truly sticking with every single challenge and sticking to the nutrition plan for 8 weeks. You can do anything for 8 weeks! I cannot wait to see the progress.....hard work truly does pay off!

Sunday: Week 1 Measurements

 
Monday's Challenge: Create a "Vision Board" - this is my motivation!
Tuesday's challenge was the Under the Sea Workout - did that and walked to Whole Foods :)

Wednesday's Challenge: HIIT Treadmill workout - total 3.4 miles

Thursday's Challenge: 2011 Bikini Strap Workout & HYDRATE!
Friday: completed BCWO before work (5 days in a row!)

Saturday: Ran 6 miles on Rock Creek Trail

This week felt great!  The weather was nice which motivated me to stay active after work.  I took measurements and weighed myself and I'm so happy with week one results!  Lost 5 pounds and several inches already!