Today, I had my trainer workout with Chelsea.

I warmed up for 20 min (265 cal) on the elliptical.  My workout started with our standard lunges with press holding 10 pound dumbbells.  I still hate them, but I am getting better at them.  I usually go one length with the press and the other just holding the weights.  My arms get tired.

Then, we did a circuit of row, push ups (on smith bar), single tricep left, single tricep right, biceps, repeat.

We ended with some leg extensions, squats, wood chops and abdominal work.

It was a great workout.

Next up: cardio on the elliptical in the morning.  Goal is 750 calories.

 

The weather is absolutely beautiful once again.  We started our day with a trip to the J.  Stephen is still out of town, so it was just the kids and I.

I did my normal spin class along with some abdominal work and back extensions.  We had a bit of excitement during class.  One of the regulars fell off their bike when the handlebars came out.  It was scary for a couple of minutes, but she was ok and got back on the bike and rode the rest of the class.  WOW!  It was a good reminder to make sure the handlebars on secure in a hole and tightened down properly every class.  It’s also a good idea to check them during class and re-tighten if necessary.  They are attached to a post that goes in a hole in the front of the bike, since it’s adjustable.

Later in the day, the kids and I went to the park.  Nick didn’t want his picture taken, so he hid.  I love the blue sky!  Sally has been a daredevil on the slides.  It was fun to spend time outside with them.

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Next up: trainer workout with Chelsea in the AM.

 Posted by at 9:39 PM  Tagged with: ,
 

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms!

With Stephen out of town, it was just the kids and I.  We went to the JCC.  I burned 600 calories in 45 min on the elliptical.  I also did biceps and triceps.

After lunch and nap time, we headed to the playground, and then we played outside at home.  After dinner, we headed up to the duck pond.

It was such a beautiful day outside and I was happy to spend it playing with my kids.

Next up: spin class in the AM.

 

Today, I went back to the water aerobics class.  We used some water dumbbells and balls today.  It was fun and made it easier to modify the exercises.  This is one class where I need to work hard to make the workout difficult.  I always stay toward the deeper end and really focus on each exercise.  We do things like cross country ski, jumping jacks, biceps curls, balance, core etc.  We really get to work all of the major muscle groups.  I feel great after an hour in the pool and it’s a great Friday workout for my mix.

After a bunch of errands and nap time, Nick wanted to paint.  He likes mixing the colors.

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He also really enjoys making a mess.

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I’m glad the paint is washable and easy to clean up and that Sally was still napping during this project.

Next up: day off tomorrow.

 

Today, I decided that I would do the elliptical for a half hour.  I wanted to increase my intensity and get a good workout.  Many times, when I am working out solo, I slack off.

I ended up going for calories more than time.  I burned 500 calories in about 37 minutes.  I’m setting a goal for 1000 calories in an hour or less.  I’m not sure how long it will take to work up to that, but it will happen.

After my elliptical workout, I decided to work on triceps.  I did the cable pull 12 reps at 60, 50, 40, 30, and 20 pounds all in a row without breaks.  I already can feel it.  I’m determined to get strong enough to do triceps dips with good form.

I also spent a few minutes talking to Kim about the BOSU class.  I have planter fasciitis from doing one of the exercises incorrectly last week.  I don’t want to stop going to the class, so we talked about some modifications to help the “injury”.  I’m looking forward to trying them tomorrow.

Next up: BOSU sculpt tomorrow afternoon.

 Posted by at 10:57 PM
 

Today, I had my scheduled trainer workout with Chelsea.

First, I did a warm up on the elliptical.  My warm ups have become a bit relaxed and today, I decided to change that.  I did 15 minutes and really made sure my heart rate was above 140 most of the time.  It felt great.  I was really sweaty before my workout with Chelsea and already needed to refill my water bottle.  I need to remember to make all of my exercise minutes count!

I’ll update with my exact trainer workout once I have my copy of it.  It included chest press, abdominal machine, push ups, back extension etc.  I worked hard.  I even did a couple of mediocre triceps dips.

Chelsea is also going to start weighing me each week.  Since I am not going to Weight Watcher meetings and don’t own a scale, this will be a good way to chart my progress.  To be honest, I don’t even remember what today’s weight was, but I’ll have it in writing soon.

Next up: cardio in the zone tomorrow morning.

 Posted by at 9:15 PM
 

Today, I planned a cardio workout.  I got dressed for my standard elliptical workout, but also through my swimsuit into the bag.  Nick and Sally helped their dad take out the trash, while I finished getting ready.  We were all ready to go before 8am.  Usually, the kids and I don’t leave quite that early.  It takes 12 minutes to drive to the playroom and a few minutes to unload and get inside.  But, Kid Kare doesn’t open until 8:30am.  Today, we were all the way inside the J, downstairs and almost to the playroom at 8:22am.  Then, it dawned on me.  I could go to the 8:30am water aerobics class.  I took the kids to the locker room, got dressed, through clothes back on over my suit, dropped them at Kid Kare at 8:30 (maybe 8:28) and was in the water by 8:35.  In the past, Kid Kare was upstairs and the timing wasn’t practical.  Now, with the new space on the lower level (near all of the action), it was totally doable.

I was happy that the warm up had just begun.  I recognized many faces from around the J, and I also saw a few people from when I used to take the class (before kids).  Bobbie is the instructor and she is great.  She stays on land so you can see all of the moves and she wears a microphone.  I really appreciated all of the exercises since my knowledge in strength training has improved since I last took the class.  I liked pushing my self with the water resistance and I got a great workout.  Boy, have I missed the water.  I think I am going to add this to my Friday routine.  It especially fit after the Thursday afternoon BOSU Sculpt class soreness.

Next up: day with the family tomorrow (hopefully outside since we are expecting 65 and no rain!)

 Posted by at 9:47 PM
 

The kids and I had a relaxing day at home.  We had lots of wind today and a “brown out” which basically meant that everything worked, but was dim.  We had full power by dinner time. WHEW.

I spent most of the day cooking.  I made dinner for a friend (and us) at the same time.  Sweet potato casserole, cornmeal crusted chicken tenders, and my favorite – Honey Whole Wheat rolls/bread.  It was busy for sure.

After nap time, we headed to the JCC so I could take the BOSU class.  Today was tough.  Some weeks I feel like my balance on the BOSU is better and other days it’s horrible.  Today, it was horrible.  I think a lot of it is dependent on how firm the BOSU is.  I’m not good at picking one out yet.

There is one exercise that I need to ask about.  It involves lightly tapping your one foot on the ground when your other food it planted on the middle of the BOSU.  I can’t seem to lightly tap and it is going to cause planter fasciitis if I don’t figure out a good subsitute until I am better at the exercise.  I’ve had several bouts of planter fasciitis and I hope that I am not getting another.  My right food is sore tonight.

Overall, I had a great workout.  I did some of the exercises on the ground when the BOSU was too much and I’m ok with that.  I like that I am comfortable modifying the exercises to my level as needed.

Next up: cardio in the AM

 Posted by at 9:24 PM
 

Well, today was tough.  I had 3 days off from the JCC and a crazy busy fun weekend.  I don’t think I’ve taken 3 days off of workouts since I had my tonsillectomy in September.

Being Monday, I was excited for SPIN class. But, it was a tough go.  First, I couldn’t find my bicycle shorts.  Crisis was averted since hubby was still home and had just brought them up from the laundry.  Second, I forgot the stroller for Sally.  We had taken it out of the car to haul other things this weekend and didn’t put it back into the car.  She’s old enough to walk, but it’s pretty far from the car to the playroom.  Also, it’s hard for me to hold her hand, keep and eye on Nick, carry my bag, their changing bag and bottle bag at the same time.  To my surprise, we did alright (even in the rain).  Going in was better than leaving.  By the time I pick them up from the playroom, they are very tired.  Sally routinely falls asleep in the stroller on the way to the car.   On the way out, I had to carry Sally.  I guess I had 2 workouts today.  I definitely don’t want to forget on a regular basis.

Spin class was extra fun because my friend Lyle came.  He used to work at the desk and just changed positions so I don’t run into him as much anymore.  Beth brought her normal awesome tough class for us and it was great.  I really get a great workout with her class.

We headed straight home after the J since it was raining.  Shopping with the kids while it’s raining is no fun.  We past 4 Davey Tree trucks near our house and were surprised to see 2 more crews  working almost in front of our house.  Nick had a front row view of trucks, cherry pickers and chain saws.Nick started outside sitting on a plastic bag since it was raining/wet.  He quickly moved into our foyer where he enjoyed the show and eat his lunch.  Best entertainment for a 3 year old!

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Tomorrow’s workout includes training with Chelsea.  I haven’t worked out with her in two weeks and with my 3 day hiatus from the weekend, I suspect it will be tough.

 Posted by at 7:34 PM
 

Today, I had my second sampler workout with Paula.  I really loved today’s workout.  The exercises were rather simple, but mighty.  I liked that we didn’t use too much equipment and that many of the exercises could be practiced at home.  My favorite was the inch worm.  I especially like the name of that since Nick is always pretending to be a snake, worm or other creature.  You can watch a video here.

I warmed up on the elliptical for 15 minutes and then met with Paula for 30 min.  We did a variety of exercises and I need to get a copy of them so I can incorporate them into other workouts.  Today’s workout felt great.

Tonight, I attended an Ohio Blogging Association dinner.  I’ll tell you more about it tomorrow.

Next exercise: cardio workout at the J tomorrow afternoon.

 Posted by at 10:37 PM