Crooked Eyebrow

Day 5 of the shred.

Almost one week is complete. I have to admit that after the first workout, I was thinking “what in the hell did I get my self into”. Then came day 2, then three and so on. Although I am still on level one I can feel my body adjusting to the moves and even jumping a bit higher during the cardio sessions.

I like the video. Secretly I wish there were more abs in the first section and a better warm up/stretching section. Does that come with level 2? (I have not watched ahead)

Anyone else want to kick Jillian and the girls for looking too perfect while working out? Sheesh. I can’t wait to find my abs….

You know what I learned this week?  That I should have been doing more kegels after I had the baby. Doing all those jumping jacks that first day was a killer. Wow. Holy bladder control ,batman! Word to the wise- empty your bladder first!

Watching and reading everyone encourage and cheer each other on  over at the hood has probably been my biggest motivator. I love it. (don’t you?) Keep pushing yourself and others!

Well, it is the weekend. I am hoping my sisters don’t fall off the wagon.  If you do, pick yourself back up and try again on Monday. Deal? deal.

Don’t forget to follow us on the hood and join in our discussions!

While everyone here at the sisterhood is gearing up to start the Shred challenge on Monday, I’ll be sitting this challenge out. Something tells me that being 3 1/2 months pregnant and doing the  30 day shred challenge isn’t a great idea for an out of shape  pregger momma.

I couldn’t stand by and not do a challenge of my own though. At home my husband has started to run on the treadmill faithfully everyday and he has motivated me. Maybe it’s the fact that we both gained TONS of weight with our first child and we both don’t want to see those days again. Who knows?  But he is looking great! Both him and  the sisterhood  have  motivated me to get my ass in gear.

I hit the treadmill twice this week, more than I have since January. Last night after dinner was done, it was my time. My time to stretch, walk and lift light weights. So my personal challenge is to walk at 30 minutes on the treadmill, 5 times a week with a combination of light arm weights as well.  It may not be shredding but from walking on such an incline last night, my butt hurts. I must have done something right, right??

Straight off the treadmill and I just had to share the fact that I ran even though I wasn’t being chased. In the past I figured why run if I didn’t have to? Well times are a changing. Yesterday Melissa posted the couch to 5k program for our Fitness Fridays and it was just the push I needed.

Our reader Elaine actually emailed me the program awhile ago(thanks hun!) when I was so inspired by her running. There it sat on the fridge since just waiting for me to start, but today was a new day. I did it. I

Finally after saying I was going to clean off the treadmill, I did just that. After the first minute of running I was feeling good. With running my problem has always been breathing right. I tend to find myself holding my breath and then struggling to catch up. Thankfully with the week #1 in the program I was able to try and learn how to breath. It should come natural shouldn’t it? But it just doesn’t for me yet. Yet. I one day will be a lean, mean running machine.

So here I sit cooling off  feeling amazing that I started something completely awesome. Just another step(or run) in the right direction. Which direction are you headed in?

I’m all over the new mini challenge for this week.  You’ve seen it right??  The push is to exercise 5 times this week for 30 minutes(or more). Now that 30 minutes does not have to be done all at one time. While I’m at work I am breaking it into 3 ten minutes sets. Not bad and it usually gives me that little burst of energy I need during my work day.

First 10 minute mini workout:

*There are 3 sets of 10 for each*

wall push-ups

chair dips/triceps dips

squats with raised arms to front

Second 10 minute mini workout:

*3 sets of 10  for each*

Leg lift (each side) and with a kick out – So hold on to the door frame, lift leg and kick out.

lunge (each side)- hands on your hips, step forward and squat. Complete and switch sides

wide leg squats- I step out with a wide stance and point my toes out a bit

Third 10 minute mini workout:(I’m doing this at home later)

*3 sets of  10 each*

Reverse crunch- lay on back, cross feet and keep your hands behind your neck. Only move your lower body and bring knees in

Cross over crunches (each side)- keep your hands behind your head and with your left elbow sit up and touch your right knee. Change sides

Crunches-regular sit ups

So with the broken down versions I am trying to get my arms, butt and abs done in one day. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to get cardio worked in there too.

What are your favorite workouts? Let us know how you exercise! Your tips could help the sisterhood!

Tonight was the night. The night where I finally pried my(not so small) butt off the couch and kept my date with Jane Fonda. She and I had some serious work to be done;work that I have been putting off for about 10 months. What work? Just the flabby belly and thunder thighs that need to be whipped into shape.

Round is a shape, but it’s not the shape I wish to be…

So after the first 5 minutes of warm up I quickly realized just how long it really has been since I used any muscles at all. Ouch. Is stretching supposed to hurt that bad? Then out of no where Jane breaks loose with the rapid fire lunges and squats. After my knees and quads decided to cooperate I found myself getting the hang of everything. I was feeling good. Darn good.

Hello? I have squatted and I can’t get up!

My heart was pounding after only 10 minutes  of jumping around when Jane Fonda smiled and told me I “was doing good and to keep it up!” I wanted to punch the screen. Seriously. I’m 29 years old and my heart was POUNDING out of my chest. Doing good? Really? Honestly, between  that and the lunges I got so angry at myself for letting myself get so unhealthy. SO angry that it pushed me to try harder. My anger kept me going. It became my fuel.

Lunges, squats and crunches, Oh my!

Luckily I had a groove going because after months of not doing one single sit up or a crunch, this dvd had my abdominal muscles burning. Burning. Between the squats and crunches that I have done tonight it should be interesting trying to put pants on tomorrow. Better yet, pulling them down to pee. Holy cow.

The most important part is that I took that first step after putting if off for so long. Although I may be sore until my body gets conditioned, I feel awesome right now afterward. I’m proud of myself for taking the time out for me. ME. Now I remember that  I am worth those 30 minutes to make ME healthy.

You know what I could use( and I’m sure many other too)? Help in finding great workout DVDs. If you have ones that you love, let me know!