Sorry for being a day late on Workout Wednesday, but my head was pounding yesterday and I couldn’t think straight to get it all together last night.

Without further ado (I love this saying, not sure why, but I love it) I bring you my week in workouts.  I managed two 3k walks, a 5k run (pushing the stroller with the dog, gotta give me extra points for that) and two strength training workouts.   Overall not a bad week, but I did hurt my wrist last week so that is why I had more walks and a run than strength.

This week I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my favorite band exercises. J once again did the photography for me, he is such an amateur and I love it.  I almost decided not to use these photos for two reasons.  Ok, really one.  I look like crap.  Excuse the language, but when I uploaded my photos I thought, ‘BeachMama what are you doing, your abs look like mush and your arms look terrible, don’t show the world this’.  But, then I realized that I am trying to keep it real here.  I am definitely not looking my best.  I didn’t choose the right top to wear, so it shows off all my weak spots, but it is what it is and sorry if my flabby abs offend, but you can’t say that I am not working on it.

Here we go.  Four exercises with bands and for fun we took it outside.  (Excuse the grass we need to seed.)

The fly.

Arms together in front, release them to the side keeping arms straight, hold, back straight, abs tucked in, release them back to the front.  Do 12 -15 reps.

Arm extensions.  Start with elbows bent, arms at shoulder level, again back straight and abs tight, push your arms straight out hold and bring them back.  12 – 15 reps.

Standing row.  Standing on your band, legs shoulder width apart, back straight but leaning forward, abs tight.  Lift your arms straight up along your side, bending elbows but keeping your back straight, hold release. Repeat 12 – 15 times.

Sitting row.  Wrap your band around a pole, door handle or chair leg.  Sit with back straight leaning forward just a bit, pull arms into your body straightening up, hold then release.  Repeat 12 – 15 times.

These are great to do while the kids are playing outside and sometimes, if you are lucky, they will get in on it too.

Now if you excuse me, I have a hundred sit ups to do.

Next week: Abs.

**disclaimer: I am in no way a Doctor or Physical Trainer. I am going to share with you my thoughts and ideas about how to get into shape again. I strongly advise consulting a medical professional prior to starting any workout routine as well as a professional trainer. I am in no way responsible for any injury you may sustain from trying any of my suggestions.

I promise that this will be my last tired, late night Workout Wednesday post.  My Sister and her kids are leaving tomorrow and I think life will be back to normal chez BeachMama.  As much fun as it is to have them here, it is always intense.  The kids play and play and play knowing they have limited time, we all stay up late and are exhausted.  They should just move back already so we can spread out the Love.

Alas, this week was a little weak on the workout front.  I did a lot of walking.  I had to the weather was just too gorgeous.  Three 3km walks to the grocery store for food.  And one strength training workout.  We also did a walking tour of  the  Market  in Downtown Ottawa, which totally counts as a workout when there are six kids and three adults.

On the good front, I have maintained the muscle that I had started gaining and have lost an inch around my waist and a half inch off of each thigh.  I forgot to measure my arms, but they feel less jiggly, so I am pretty sure they are doing well.  In addition I am happy to report that I am back into my Spring clothes from pre-Apple.  Now, if only I can get into my pre-J Summer clothes in another month I will be so ecstatic.

Keep up the workouts everyone, and get walking!  The weather is so great, I have to break out the sunscreen tomorrow as we are all sporting glowing red cheeks.  And don’t tell my dermatologist, but it feels GREAT!

Back to the regular workouts for me, I really want to fit a few cute sundresses that I used to wear.

**disclaimer: I am in no way a Doctor or Physical Trainer. I am going to share with you my thoughts and ideas about how to get into shape again. I strongly advise consulting a medical professional prior to starting any workout routine as well as a professional trainer. I am in no way responsible for any injury you may sustain from trying any of my suggestions.