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Workout Wednesday is going to be brief today, for two reasons.  One, Apple has been sick for a couple of days and I am pooped and two it is ridiculously beautiful outside.

This week was pretty good, despite Apple being sick, which really drains me.  I managed two 5km runs, and missed the 30 minute mark by 5 seconds.  I pushed myself, but had a pain in my ankle and had to slow it down for a couple of minutes.  I also got in two good weight training sessions.  I did two long programs, which works out to 40 minutes of weights and strength exercises.

Today’s tip: Get outside!

No need for photos today, strap on your running shoes, put your kids in the stroller and go for a walk.  It is absolutely beautiful out there.  And tomorrow is supposed to rain, so get out while you can stay dry.

If you are at work, take that 15 minute break that you never take and go for a quick walk outside, you won’t be sorry.  The fresh air and warm sun on your face will rejuvenate you for the rest of the day.

What are you waiting for?  Go!

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Categories: Exercise, Fitness, Workout Wednesday

These Workout Wednesdays are making me realize that the weeks are just flying by!

Here we are again, but the difference in the temperatures outside are amazing.  Dare I share that it was a balmy 15C here today!  Glorious.  All the more reason to get the workouts going and keep them going, it will soon be shorts and tank top season and after looking at the photos from today, I realize I have a lot more work to do.

This week was pretty good for me.  I got in a 5k run, which I ran faster than I have in probably fifteen years.  I finished in 32 minutes which included the warm up.  And if I can be honest, I could have kept on going.  I was feeling good, the music was pumping through my phone and I was in the zone.  J, however, was done with me making noise on the treadmill and I realized that if I pushed myself too hard I was going to suffer all weekend.  And since J was sick with a fever, I didn’t want to push myself over the edge.

I also got in an extra 3k powerwalk and three weight training workouts.  I think overall this week was good.  I have also started adding more salad and less carbs to my diet in the last three days, so hopefully this will pan out on the scale as well.

This weeks exercise is Leg Drops.  Another favorite of mine, it is great for your abs.  J was once again my photographer, although I use the tripod he is pretty good and getting better at letting me know if we need to do them again.  It warms my heart and makes me proud that he may potentially follow in my footsteps.  (He just leaned over my shoulder and laughed at the ball growing out of my butt, I told him to look for that next time.)

I have two methods to show you, the first one is if you have a bench or mat that you can lie on so you are up off the floor.  This makes the exercise harder, thus working your abs more.  The second shows without the bench as you can still do this exercise directly on the floor.

 

For either version of this exercise start lying on your back, hands preferably at your sides (don’t mind mine moving, it is hard when you are posing for a photo instead of doing the actual exercise).  Legs straight up, ankles together and start to slowly drop them to the floor.  Do not drop them until they touch the floor, but come as close as you can.  Then start to lift them back up again.

Breathe out while lowering your legs, breathe in while raising them.  Go slowly and precisely and this will work your abs.  By your 12th rep you should be feeling it.  Do 12 reps, rest for 30 seconds, and repeat.

 

**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.

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Categories: Exercise, Fitness, Workout Wednesday

I just had to take some pictures to explain the “Step Up”. Of course now you will all know why I need to workout, but this is how it is. Ignore my ponch and pay attention to the moves. If this doesn’t motivate me, nothing will!

1. Stand straight, shoulders down feet shoulder width apart. (this is where you ignore the ponch)

2. Now place your foot firmly on the step. I could have been a little closer to the step for this photograph.

3. And Step Up. Raising your knee to about 90 degrees. Step back down, switch feet and do this all again on the other side.

Another thing I forgot to mention, which is why I am making a whole separate post (will try to remember it all for next Wednesday) is why this is such a great exercise. The Step Up works, your legs, arms and abs! Your legs and abs get the most work because you are stepping up and sucking it in to keep your back straight. But, your arms get an extra boost from holding your weights, which benefit your legs and abs too. This is all around an excellent addition to your workout routine.

* Photos by J

**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.

3 comments
Categories: Exercise, Fitness, Workout Wednesday