Motivate Monday

Let’s start by reviewing the results from last week:

Weight loss: + 0.8 lbs

Exercise minutes: 100

Calories burned: 920

Daily goals met: I didn’t make goals for last week, hence the weight gain and the limited exercise!  It is finals time, but that’s no excuse.  I came off a lovely anniversary weekend with my husband where I indulged, but still tracked.  Then I thrust myself into a really busy week and turned to unhealthy eating habits (twice, ugh) and really messed with my mind and my weight.  Onwards and upwards though – every misstep is an opportunity to grow and learn.

(Source)

And the goals for this week:

Monday -30 minute walk/run
Daily goal: No refined grains or sugars

Tuesday -Ripped in 30
Daily goal: Write 10 positive things about myself

Wednesday -45 min run/walk and STRETCH!
Daily goal: No candy

Thursday – Ripped in 30
Daily goal: Snack well – no processed foods

Friday -45 min run/walk and STRETCH
Daily goal: Pack my closet (this is a BIG scary goal for me!)

Saturday – Active rest day with cleaning and moving boxes
Daily goal: Choose healthy lunch options

Sunday – 45 min run/walk and STRETCH
Daily goal: Track everything

Managing Boredom – How to Change Up “The Same Old Walk”

Before class yesterday, I had an extra hour so I decided to walk around the neighborhood for some cardio.  I started a Jillian Michaels Show podcast and set out to maximize my free time.

The area that my school is in is a former Air Force base.  The runway is still in use by the military as well as private flights, and the rest of the base has been transitioned into a business zone.   I’ve worked on the Tradeport for the past 8 years, and am now attending the community college (formerly the military hospital!).  Needless to say, after 8 years here, I’ve walked these roads many, many times.  In all seasons, in all weather, I’ve walked these roads.

So they can get boring if I’m not careful to mix up the routine of which way I walk, how fast and how far.  How do I do that?

See the sights!  Yesterday I noticed all the trees starting to bud as spring begins.

Take advantage of parking lots!  They can add distance without having to walk the same roads.

Race! Knowing how far or how fast I walked last time, I can race my own pace.  Or I can catch up to people walking or running ahead of me.

Saturday Sweatfest and Reebok Body Board Review

This morning I did some strength training (my first workout of the Bootcamp series – I’m a little behind!) and followed it up with some cardio of dancing around my living room.   Whatever gets your heart rate up and is fun, right!?

Some of the moves in the bootcamp workouts call for the use of a Bosu ball.  Tina, our bootcamp guru, graciously included modifications for people working out with no tools as well so I didn’t really need one.  And unfortunately, my gym doesn’t have any (bare bones Planet Fitness) and they’re so expensive to buy.  I found this Reebok Balance Board and thought it could be a decent alternative to add some challenge to my workouts.  I ordered one from Amazon and tried it out today.

Unfortunately the board is much smaller than a Bosu, both in height and width.  I knew this, but wasn’t sure if I could still work around that.  It’s great to add some balance/core work for arm moves (bicep curls, shoulder flys, etc.), but it’s really narrow for push-ups and not very stable for lunges.  The board has a solid pivot point on the bottom, so it rocks quite a lot while you’re standing on it, really forcing you to focus on tightening your core and engaging your quads, hamstrings and glutes as well.  Probably better to use on a carpet or area rug as it might slip on or dent hardwood floors.

Overall I like it as an addition to my fitness tools, but it’s definitely not a replacement for a Bosu ball.

Now, off to drink some iced coffee and write a paper before visiting with my friends tonight.  One of my best friends (and former roommates!) is visiting from out of town for a job interview and I can’t wait to see her!

Yup, green nails for St. Patrick's Day!