2017 has come in like a storm and it's already the 4th day.
Don't get me wrong y'all ... I fully support any and every one who wants to get up off their asses to move. Whether it's walking around the block, doing 5 pushups, or joining a gym.
I love that.
Because I was there once.
I was just had my first child. I thought the weight would magically melt away because, shit, I was only 23 years old! My metabolism was still hight and I could eat a tub of cookie dough and not gain a pound.
Well ... I was wrong.
The weight didn't magically go away. And I was the heaviest I had been in a like .... ever. I'm not going to put down a number because my "heavy" isn't someone else's "heavy." I know there are heavier people out there, but for my build and my esteem. I was too heavy.
I had to get up off my ass and start back at it. I had to run. I had to lift weights. And I had to learn not to eat the entire tub of cookie dough.
So guys, I get it. We all start some where. What I want you guys to realize is that, just because it's a new year doesn't mean its a NEW you.
You have to work hard. You have to stay motivated and you have to lean on other for support.
Trust me, my motivation comes and goes. Sometimes I wanna run the length of the country and sometimes I just wanna pull the covers up and go to sleep. BUT -- I have motivators that come in all different ways.
1 - my sons. They look up to me. I have to stay healthy for them. I want to be here when they give me my grandchildren. Hell, I wanna be here for my grandchildren's children!
2 - I have health buddies who keep me accountable. They ensure I get to workouts. Ask how I am and are just there for me if my motivation just isn't.
3 - myself. I wanna be that hot mom -- with a few dimples of skin, mom-sag boobs and just a few wrinkles. I want to feel good about myself. I want to say that I look this way because I work hard for it ... well, I work for it... lol sometimes I think I should've pushed harder and didn't. And sometimes I just want that tub of cookie dough!
4 - my workout app. Yeah. LOL. That thing will make you feel like shit when it dings "congratulations! you've met your goal of 1 hour of sitting!" Yeah... I like seeing, "You maxed out on miles this week!" Not "Hey lazy-ass ... congrats ... you wasted another day staring at Facebook dreaming of those healthy, buff women who only eat Kale."
5 - my sanity. I've noticed that when I skip workouts - or just the interaction with other adults - my stress level is higher, I have a shorter temper, and I just plain feel like shit.
6 - Instagram challenges. Not only do I get to figure out a new and creative way to take a "proof" picture, it also keeps me accountable because I don't want my challengers to doubt my commitment and I want that damn prize! ;)
Guys, find your motivation. Take 2017 by the cajones and get healthy. But remember, you'll still be you. The new you will still be the same ol' person who loves cookie dough; who wants to sleep in; who wants extra butter on the popcorn; who really doesn't wanna go to the gym; and who still wants to be better.
You are awesome.
You will succeed.
And you can become a better you.
But you'll always be Y.O.U.
Let's start off the new year with these moves for a playground work out! I know you're going as crazy as I am with these buggers home during winter vacation. Don't worry guys, one 4 more days and school starts! ;)
Have fun and good luck!
(see below for work out!)
Let the kids run free at the playground while you work on your HIIT. I only have three exercises today, so do them for however long you can do it. We jog to and from the park so that is our cardio, you can also throw in jumping jacks or burpees to add cardio to your HIIT!
Start with a timer of 40 seconds on and 20 seconds rest. Do all three exercises and then repeat for however long you can go.
Jump ups (Box jumps) -- be safe! Start low and work your way up! If jumping up on a ledge or bench or playground step scares you, just step up onto them working your way up to a jump.
Step up with leg lift (alternate legs) -- using bench, step of playground, ledge, step up and lift leg behind you to tighten your rear-end. Alternate legs each time.
Elevated pushups using bench -- Using a table, ledge, bench, do close handed pushups keeping your elbows tucked into your sides. This works your triceps - no more "bat wings" for you!
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or health coach or any one qualified to tell you what you can and can't do with your body. You are the judge of how each exercise feels. If it hurts, don't do it. If you get hurt doing an exercise I suggest, it's ultimately your decision to try the workout. I just offer suggestions to stay moving.