Friday, December 31, 2010

get ready...get set...

Happy New Year's Eve!  I am sitting here on my couch, enjoying a cup of coffee (brewed on my new Keurig coffee brewer, btw-lol) and reflecting on the past year that I have had and looking forward to the upcoming 2011.  I don't know if 2010 has been good or not- weird thought, I know.  But honestly it has been one of so many ups and downs that I think I will remain on the fence- and say that 2010 was just ok. 

Started off pretty crappy, but came back around in February.  I was into school heavy, enjoying every class and learning a lot. That I am thankful for- that I had the opportunity to return to school and finish my Associate's degree with ease and speed!  I never imagined that a year later I would be in massage school, but hey, I figured that I would learn about things that would take me places I hadn't imagined.  That, I think, is a perk of being an adult college student.  You are open to thinking outside of the box, and don't feel like you HAVE to go in a certain order or something that doesn't jive with what your goals are.  Anyway, back to my year...  lol.  Summer was hectic as we moved to Clayton- not something that was planned, but what turned out to be the best move we could have made.  We love our home and being outside of the city 'plat' living is something we all are happy about.  Granted the move sucked and the timing was rough- Morgan's beginning of summer break was happening, plus finishing up my school was a lot more time consuming than I ever thought it would be.  But at least my internship at Personally Fit gave me some great insight to Muscle Activiation Techniques, and reassured me that is what I want to do "when I grow up."  *smile* 
Morgan's transition to a new school has gone (relatively) smooth, thankfully.  I know she misses her friends at her old school, but I think the change has been a good one.  Her grades say so, at least. 

I am hopeful that the upcoming year is a good one for everyone.  I have several goals that I am intent on reaching, and I have made some decisions about my schedule that will allow me to reach those goals without suffering from burnout.  I know some won't be thrilled with my decisions, but I know I have to do what is best for me and for my family.  Well, I hope everyone has a very safe New Years!  Get ready to complete some crazy challenges with me starting tomorrow!  bwaaahaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaa 

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Day 25 - We did it!!

Today I know everyone is super crunched for time...  and I like everything to be a complete journey, ending somewhere close to the beginning.  (yes, that was a deep thought moment...)  Today I would like everyone to do 25 jumping jacks... and take a moment to reflect on the past 25 days.  Has it changed your daily attitude about exercise?  Did it become a higher priority for you?  Did you enjoy it- even the physical challenges you didn't like?  Let me know what you thought! 

I have enjoyed this, more than just the physical part of it (although thanks to bronchitis, I will be making up the exercises from this past week during next week) ... challenging myself to keep others challenged it what I have enjoyed most!  I like to use what I have learned to share with you - my friends- and help you to feel better/lose weight/whatever your fitness goal might be. 

I will be blogging on a regular basis and I encourage you to check in - and keep me on task!  I have a bridesmaid dress that is hanging on the back of my door that I must get into by April.  I can't at this point. (well, I can, but isn't very attractive!)  For those of you who have enjoyed this challenge, I will invite you to take part in what I will begin on January 1st.  Let's just say that 25's are 1/4 of what I will do everyday. *wink*

I hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas, enjoy the time with your families and loved ones.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Day 24 - Windmills

yes, I almost forgot! 

I know several of you are pretty sore after the mountain climbers from yesterday, so this one will help stretch out those sore muscles, while working core at the same time.

Starting position:  feet about shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent.  arms up (so your body is in the shape of an "X")  lower right hand to left foot, back up to starting position.  Then lower left hand to right foot, etc etc etc.  Do this 25 times each side.  Make sure you jog or march in place for about 30 seconds to warm up before you begin.  Enjoy!!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Day 23 - Mountain climbers



Today's challenge is going to get your heart going! This video is excellent for showing technique and speed variation. Listen to your body and adjust your speeds accordingly. Do the same intervals as yesterday, 25 seconds active, 25 seconds recovery, do this a total of 5 times. Enjoy!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Day 22 - side jumps


wow, what a find!  This gal does a daily fitness challenge that consists of 5 exercises... gee, I am going super easy on you after all!  lol
This entire workout is excellent, but the challenge for today is the 2nd exercise she shows, side jumps. 
Do them for 25 seconds and then rest for 25 seconds.  Repeat the sequence a total of 5 times. 
ENJOY!!!

Day 21 - Guess what today is: More Arms!

*laughing*
You were warned... Today starting position, same as yesterdays: good posture with arms in a squared off U shape.  Yesterday we went back and forth, today we are going up and down!  Everything is level to begin, and you will start with rotating your forearms up (think Touchdown!)  trying to keep your upper arms in place while your forearms go up.  Listen to your body- if you have any rotator cuff issues then don't even attempt this one...  (if you need an exercise to replace, just email me and I'll give you another to do)
25 of this one, then you are going to do 25 with your forearms going down. This motion is small, thanks to our shoulderblades.  You should feel both of these exercises throughout all the muscles in your shoulder. 

Enjoy!  For our last 4 days we will be focusing on cardio moves. How time flies!  You have all done an awesome job of keeping up with the challenges - or catching up when you fall behind.  Keep up the great work!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Day 20 - More arms!

This one should give you a pretty decent burn... lol.

Starting position:  Standing with our good posture, arms are straight out from shoulders (T), now bend your elbows so that your hands are toward the front. (think of your arms and body making a U- only with corners!) 
We are going to use this starting position both today and tomorrow, so remember it! :) 
Today's challenge goes two ways- forward and back.  Extend your arms so that your hands meet in front of your body, then return to starting position.  (if you have hand weights, this is a great time to bring them out!) We are working our pectoral muscles and biceps, with a bit of assistance from the shoulders.  Do 25 reps of this exercise. 
Now when we take this motion back, we are working our upper backs and triceps.  The motion is not a large one, so just take it back within your comfort zone and squeeze throughout the entire move.  Again 25 reps. 
Hope to see many of you tonight!  Enjoy!