I cannot believe it is Wednesday already!  That and the fact that today has not been my favourite Wednesday in a while as Apple decided that she did not want to nap.  Only to fall asleep at 3:15pm so I had to wake her up by 4:30pm in order to hopefully get her to bed tonight.  Well, after an hour and a half of on and off screaming and crying, something I do not like to promote she is finally asleep.

Needless to say I did not get my third workout in today, I may make it downstairs after posting, will let you know tomorrow for sure.

This weeks recap: Two full weight training workouts, and two 3k walks in addition to my twice daily school walks.  I also did my Jumping Jack commercials for a few nights (see below).

This brings me to this weeks tip, Jumping Jacks.  And I do not have photos for you because I am hoping we all know how to do a proper jumping jack.  (Standing tall, feet together arms down at the sides.  Jump feet out to the sides, no farther than shoulder width while keeping your abs strong and your hips tucked in and bringing your arms up over your head).

My trainer had me do a minute of Jumping Jacks as part of my warm up before starting my weight training.  I love this and often get J to do 10 Jumping Jacks out of the blue if I find he has been lounging around too long.  This usually gets Apple going and we all have a little pick me up of Jumping Jacks.

And here is where I admit to watching The Biggest Loser.  The first season it was on, I didn’t watch it and it broke my heart to think that they were calling these contestants losers.  Then, the second season, I caught a couple of shows and realized how inspiring the show can truly be.  I am usually doing something while it is on, but I like having it in the background.  I like watching these people transform their lives and I will admit to shedding a tear or two throughout the season. 

Jillian Michaels had a trainer tip (during season 6, I believe) which was to do jumping jacks for two minutes during commercials.  I cannot remember how many calories you can burn if you did jumping jacks for the commercials while watching The Biggest Loser, but I am thinking it was around 500 or so.  Now, I don’t do this every night, but if I haven’t had a good workout that day, and I am busy on my computer at night, I try to take a commercial break and do some Jumping Jacks.

Try it if you are so inclined, you will find yourself refreshed, burning calories and working your shoulders, back, thighs and calves.  Talk about a one hit wonder!

Oh yes, and don’t forget to stretch after any workout.  Muscles naturally contract when you workout and stretching them out releases them and helps avoid injury from over tightening.  Stretching also increases your flexibility, which helps with posture and other exercises.

**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.