There have been moments in my life that I have felt empowered. Call it overwhelmed with joy at my strengths and accomplishments. Some of these moments are when I gave birth to my two children and becoming a mother.
I have firm belief that all people are capable of more. To give more and have the ability to be the best that they can be any given day. We make choices. They can be positive or even lean to the negative. But remember the feeling you get when you have made a positive choice and succeeded in something great because of your hard work. I call that empowered.
One moment in particular was when durning the softball game last summer, I was that girl. Truly, I wanted to feel that awesome every day. So, why couldn't I be.
There are different perspectives on what beautiful is. I believe to be the most beautiful is on the inside. When you give to others and in turn feel better about yourself, I think that makes a person beautiful.
Day in and day out, it's not truly you against the world. It's you against you. You make it what you want. If you want to sit on a pity pot and feel sorry for yourself, that's great, but I don't really want to be around you. I want to hang out with those that are happy to be alive and better themselves.
This has been a journey for me that has gone quickly espcially in the last 4 weeks. I started off a year ago, knowing I wanted more out of my life. I wanted health and happiness. God has blessed my family over and over. So what can I do to make myself a better person? My brother is a personal trainer in Kansas City Missouri. He and I share a lot of interests in being healthy and supplements. I could talk all day about supplements that people should take. And when I hear of ailments, I want to find a natural cure. He is an inspiration to me as a brother, father, husband, and coach. I inquired with him about becoming a trainer about a year ago. It led to a lot of hope, but the timing wasn't right. Jake had just started Paramedic school, working two part time jobs, and still his full time job at the Fire Department. Jonna was still only one. I didn't have the time to try to advertise or attempt to get clientel. So, instead I decided to continue to do what I love and expect more of myself.
And I have mentioned before my friend in Kansas City. Her husband is the owner of Sky's Limit Crossfit . I followed Crossfit, more and more. I read Lori's blog, and it inspired me to be my own kind of Beautiful. I followed their WOD's and did my best to conquer them at the Y.
Many of you may know, I have a hip handicap. Diagnosed since I was 12. In this amount time since then...19 1/2 years to be exact. I have learned what I can and can't do with my hip. In some cases, I protect it because it's better to have two working hips than one. That and I am putting off what the doctors said was inevitable-hip replacement. I refuse to think that this controls me. So, I have gone outside the 'box' to see what I am capable of. In the last several years, I have been pro-active. I take supplements, Calcium, Magnesium, MSM, and D3. Along with multivitamins. Since working out and lifting more weights I started taking again Glucosamine Chondroitin to build the cartilege around the decaying femur head.
I worked in a Chiropractic office for 7 years. In that time, I learned so much about the capacity and worth of taking supplements, and what certain ones can do for your body. How did God know I was going to need that?! I study up on them, and since I am very pro-natural/whole food source I try out a lot of them. I have yet to be discouraged. Amazing what is possible with guidance from God.
Push yourself. What I have learned in Crossfit, I can apply to my entire life. As a mother, a wife, a daughter, an employee, or just as a friend.
Call me crazy but being involved with Coarch R. and Crossfit, I have become empowered. Phrase from Coach R. -*The more I put into my workouts, the more I will get out of them.* But think of this, the more I put into my life, the more I will get out of it.
So, when I went for 195 PR on deadlift last night and acutally got it, I was enthralled, amazed, couldn't believe it and wanted to pinch myself. And when I went for 200 and couldn't get it, I felt it in my hip. Broke form and dropped the bar.For those that saw the picture on FB, kind of scary. huh?! First time I saw it, my heart leaped! A lot of people may say, that is crazy. She is nuts. Why would a girl want to do that?! Well, if you haven't realized it from following previous blogs, overall fitness and health is one of my hobbies/loves, and they spankin made a sport out of it, called Crossfit!
But, instead of asking why I am so excited/crazy to want to do this stuff. Ask yourself, what do you love? And how can you challenge yourself to become a better person doing it?!
That is what I am doing, and couldn't be happier. To feel success every day is no less than awesome. Go for it! I am. In about two months I will be Crossfit Certified to train. Thanks for the support, Jake!
All is well in Holee Realm!
Showing posts with label Exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Exercise. Show all posts
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
You can call these two my inspiration.
They just make my life fun.
They make me want to live a long, healthy life, so I can enjoy every minute of them.
Every single
"Cheese" y smile.
And pouty or onry face.
And so here is some positive motivation. Favorite phrase I have read today so far. Complements of Coach R.
What are YOU going to do TODAY to make yourself better??
They make me want to live a long, healthy life, so I can enjoy every minute of them.
Every single
"Cheese" y smile.
And pouty or onry face.
And so here is some positive motivation. Favorite phrase I have read today so far. Complements of Coach R.
What are YOU going to do TODAY to make yourself better??
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Crossfit Mania
It has begun. My loving husband gave in, and allowed me to buy a Crossfit 101 6 session class. I returned a sweater dress that I got from Santa, and instead of buying more clothes, I used some towards the signup fee and some for a "Crossfit Untosppable" T-shirt.
I am 4 sessions in and feel good about it. I have always been one to want to be healthy, workout, and exercise. Around this time last year, when I felt my aging body get flabbier and flabbier, I made a goal to become the healthiest and strongest I have ever been, so here I am. I have never looked forward to working out so much. Coach R makes the workouts fun, and pushes me like my big brother, Coach Kusick. Since he is two hours away, and don't have the ability to workout with him, I am sticking with Coach R. And I have not been let down. It's like a competition each time I workout. It's always something different. Since I never competed in highschool or college, this is just downright exhilerating.
Last night we had a workout, called something like a triple.
Three rounds, 12-9-6, Thrusters, Box Jumps, and Sit-ups. Goal was to do it in correct form as quickly as possible, and I finished in 2:25. Next time I will do more weight. Most workouts, I have the slight feeling that I could vomit because I have pushed myself so much. Last night, it was almost easy. Which makes me realize I am getting stronger, and am enduring.
So, I previously had a goal of 10 pull-ups, which I was able to reach last September/October. I randomly do them off and on, but haven't really pushed them lately. I feel like I have slacked off, and I didn't want to to do that. Well, a goal was to do a full WOD with pullups in it, and I am going to somewhat attempt tonight.
Three rounds of 9-6-3 Pullups, Pushups, Squats. I don't go back to the Crossfit gym till Thursday, so I need to use my time off wisely.
Over the last several months, I have read so much about Crossfit. From pros and how everyone should do it and uplifting personal stories. But then some people call it crazy. Absurd. I can say from my personal experience I love it. I still have to deter a bit because of my hip, and I know I am going to have frustrations from that in the future. Plus, I need to back up my brother who made me promise to do sternum pullups vs. kipping in my workouts(this means I need to get on the ball), and if I ever do a one-up it has to be on the rings from there on out. Ok, Jason, will do.
The funniest part about this Crossfit, as I read more about it, it actually just plain reminds me of my family and how we grew up as kids. Handstands, pullups, lifts, walking on your hands, monkeybars, handstand pushups, wall climbs, timed lawnmower sprints. These are things that we did for fun daily growing up in the middle of nowhere. I have to give the props to my Dad. He was an athlete all his life, and continues to weightlift to this day. Had I mentioned before he is 60 and just did 46 pullups on Saturday? He made that stuff fun for us. It definately built on the already competitive nature we had, but who would have thought we would carry this fun stuff on to our kids. You know Ben and Jonna are wanting to do pull ups on the bar right after me right?! I think its awesome.
There is the theory behind Crossfit of 'Tabata'. My understanding is to be able to do a hardcore workout in a short amount of time vs other workouts would be taking up 45 minutes to an hour. Example Running on an eliptical....thats not really much fun either. You build strength and endurance and wonder how that was possible in just doing a 10 minute or less workout. What's best about this theory, is coming from a very busy working Mom, this is perfect. It actually couldnt be better.
So, I will continue to grow, continue to workout, and from time to time, post my goals and my downfalls on this track of my life. It has made me realize all things are possible....even the fact that some day, some day maybe a long time off. I could own a gym and sell those supplements I am constantly preaching to my friends and family about.
All is well in Holee land.
I am 4 sessions in and feel good about it. I have always been one to want to be healthy, workout, and exercise. Around this time last year, when I felt my aging body get flabbier and flabbier, I made a goal to become the healthiest and strongest I have ever been, so here I am. I have never looked forward to working out so much. Coach R makes the workouts fun, and pushes me like my big brother, Coach Kusick. Since he is two hours away, and don't have the ability to workout with him, I am sticking with Coach R. And I have not been let down. It's like a competition each time I workout. It's always something different. Since I never competed in highschool or college, this is just downright exhilerating.
Last night we had a workout, called something like a triple.
Three rounds, 12-9-6, Thrusters, Box Jumps, and Sit-ups. Goal was to do it in correct form as quickly as possible, and I finished in 2:25. Next time I will do more weight. Most workouts, I have the slight feeling that I could vomit because I have pushed myself so much. Last night, it was almost easy. Which makes me realize I am getting stronger, and am enduring.
So, I previously had a goal of 10 pull-ups, which I was able to reach last September/October. I randomly do them off and on, but haven't really pushed them lately. I feel like I have slacked off, and I didn't want to to do that. Well, a goal was to do a full WOD with pullups in it, and I am going to somewhat attempt tonight.
Three rounds of 9-6-3 Pullups, Pushups, Squats. I don't go back to the Crossfit gym till Thursday, so I need to use my time off wisely.
Over the last several months, I have read so much about Crossfit. From pros and how everyone should do it and uplifting personal stories. But then some people call it crazy. Absurd. I can say from my personal experience I love it. I still have to deter a bit because of my hip, and I know I am going to have frustrations from that in the future. Plus, I need to back up my brother who made me promise to do sternum pullups vs. kipping in my workouts(this means I need to get on the ball), and if I ever do a one-up it has to be on the rings from there on out. Ok, Jason, will do.
The funniest part about this Crossfit, as I read more about it, it actually just plain reminds me of my family and how we grew up as kids. Handstands, pullups, lifts, walking on your hands, monkeybars, handstand pushups, wall climbs, timed lawnmower sprints. These are things that we did for fun daily growing up in the middle of nowhere. I have to give the props to my Dad. He was an athlete all his life, and continues to weightlift to this day. Had I mentioned before he is 60 and just did 46 pullups on Saturday? He made that stuff fun for us. It definately built on the already competitive nature we had, but who would have thought we would carry this fun stuff on to our kids. You know Ben and Jonna are wanting to do pull ups on the bar right after me right?! I think its awesome.
There is the theory behind Crossfit of 'Tabata'. My understanding is to be able to do a hardcore workout in a short amount of time vs other workouts would be taking up 45 minutes to an hour. Example Running on an eliptical....thats not really much fun either. You build strength and endurance and wonder how that was possible in just doing a 10 minute or less workout. What's best about this theory, is coming from a very busy working Mom, this is perfect. It actually couldnt be better.
So, I will continue to grow, continue to workout, and from time to time, post my goals and my downfalls on this track of my life. It has made me realize all things are possible....even the fact that some day, some day maybe a long time off. I could own a gym and sell those supplements I am constantly preaching to my friends and family about.
All is well in Holee land.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
End of 2010 - Beginning of 2011 - Holee Style
So, since we are already past Christmas and in a New Year, and I know I can't write a blog post for each event in our lives. Here is a time-line of events to follow:
Decebmer 23, 2011: Kusick Siblings and grandchildren in town. Chaos times 10 grandkids at Gma Kusicks. But Super fun.
December 24, 2011: First picture of all 10 Grandkids together.
Youngest of the crew:Jayda from Colorado
December 24, 2011: 10:30am My first Crossfit class at gym that just opened in Jefferson City this past November. Amazing workout at Crossfit Unstoppable. My sister Natasha came with. I left my eyeglasses there.
December 24, 2011: 2pm
Gave Mom her present from all of us kids. Most beautiful thing these eyes have seen.
Mom's pure suprise and awe. We bought a diamond for her wedding band that she lost over 30 years ago. Jason was a toddler at the time, and he promised her that day, he would buy her another diamond some day.
Only took 30 plus years, but it seems the wait was worth it to see Mom's reaction. Dad had to crack a joke to keep from crying.
He says, "what, that diamond isn't real?!"
December 24, 2011 4pm: Legs are shaky from workout, but no soreness yet. My kids are still cute
5:30pm: Went to Christmas Mass. Santa came after mass. CHAOS. Imagine. 10 grandchildren and 25 adults tearing through presents under the tree. Beautiful.
December 25, 2011: My body hurts in places I never thought. Going up and down steps was horrendous.
December 25, 2011: Baked some quiches, headed to HOLEE FAMILY CHRISTMAS. First time since before the kids were born.
December 25, 2011: An amazing morning.
1pm: Headed to Church with Grandma and Grandpa Holee. Great Grandpa Don. Gma Holee's brother (uncle) and the kids. Beautiful violin playing and kids singing. Enough to make you cry.
2pm: Family Nap time. YAY!
End of December 25, 2011: Another wonderful Christmas.
December 26, 2011:
10:00am:I groan as I take steps. My hips, calves, butt, shoulders are the sorest they have been since I worked out at Lori's gym with her husband. Oh my! But I am pretty stoked because....
10:30am: stopped by the Crossfit gym to pick up my eyeglasses I left there, AND to drop off a check for my first six session sign up! Boooooo-Yah!
2pm:Taylor's Bday party! Rockin good time! Jake is back to work, but mind you, this is the first year since kids, that Jake has been off Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!
From December 27-December 31st: Doctor visits, and more doctor visits. RX copays. Sleepless nights. Coughs. Fevers.
January 1, 2011: Ok, here goes. Another ER visit for Jonna. She poured a bowl of hot chicken noodle soup down her chest and stomach. It was horrible. Second degree blistered burn. IV. Ambulance ride from Children's Hospital to Burn unit at University Hospital. Sedation, debreding her burn. Feelings displayed here as parent...to sum up. "I am a failure as a parent". Ok, yes, accidents happen but why always with my kids. WTH am I doing wrong?
ON a positive note: She is healing well. Shouldn't scar, and it could have been a lot worse.
January 2, 2012: Invigorating Cross fit work out! So excited to keep going!
January 3, 2012: Back to work. Both kids on mend. Jake is sick now. More doctor visits and copay. BUT WE ARE on up and up. I am determined 2012 is going to be a year of health and adventure!
January 4, 2012: Jonna's check up on her bandage and burn. She should be out of bandage next week!
CHEESE!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
How do you know you exercise at home enough?
When your two year old daughter Jonna grunts and does curls with a 5lb dumbbell, and says "watch Mommy". Then after about 3, she sets it down and lays down on her stomach to do the best push-up she knows how. I complement her, and she says, "Wait". Gets up from that position, grabs the dumbbell again, does two more VERY TRYING curls, and sets it back down, and gets back down to do pushups!
Ok, ya that kind of makes me proud.
Thanksgiving in a nutshell!
Climbing trees!
Flying Kites!
Just Because
Jumping Pictures....
ARE SO MUCH FUN!
Cute kids!
Hanging around!
Dance Contests!
Family photo ops!
And more jumping! Look at the air she got!
Ok, ya that kind of makes me proud.
Thanksgiving in a nutshell!
Climbing trees!
Flying Kites!
Just Because
Jumping Pictures....
ARE SO MUCH FUN!
Cute kids!
Hanging around!
Dance Contests!
Family photo ops!
And more jumping! Look at the air she got!
Friday, October 28, 2011
True Balance
It is so hard to find balance in my life. True Balance is ideal. Of work, kids, exercise, husband, and fun. I can only say one thing. This is a daily reproach to finding balance. I need time for myself, so that I can enjoy my kids to the fullest. I can't imagine being with them 24 hours a day, and being a good Mom. Bless the mothers that can. But not me. I need a break. It may be a workout. It may be an hour of vegging out in front of the tv after the kids go down, and before I wander to slumberland.
If I get that.I am a better Mom. I sware to you. My kids enjoy me more, and well I enjoy them more. I crave the weekends. When I know the schedule slows down, and I can plan activities with the kids. Not rush to get out of bed, get both kids to school and daycare and still arrive to work at 730 on time. Weekends...this is sleeeping in and making a huge breakfast of eggs and bacon and Jake's favorite is Mickey Mouse Pancakes for the kids. FAMILY NAP time! Need I say more. We always have something going on that is fun.
I have learned that when Ben really enjoys something I am doing with him or taking him somewhere, he stops to say, Mom....Mom...listen.. I love you! I mean that melts me. That is his way of saying Thanks for being AWESOME MOM! I love it.
Ok, and sometimes I don't have that balance. Patience is on this short stick, where I start yelling and then stop, thinking I should slap myself for losing it. Whining from the kids. OH man, that gets to me. Jonna is a pro. It often can make me snap. And not pretty. Little girls have some drama!! I think God has another son in my future. Although, the tenderness from sweet Baby Jonna and that hug she gives me when she thinks I have a sad face....Well, i can't live without.
Two nights ago, I had a perfect blog post of "true balance" all written up there between my ears. About finding it, and sharing it. Today, I still strive for it. It's a friday, and I am Stoked about walking out these doors at 430pm and starting my weekend. I have put in a good 9 hours. Worked out, ran some errands, and it's time to celebrate with my kids. Well, it starts with a parent teacher conference with Ben, but following that, I am taking my butterfly and cowboy to enjoy time with Grandma Deena, Trunk or treat, and eat some really good chili and soup!
Then sleepy time with both kids and a favorite saturday morn, we will wake to Jake getting home from work!
Sunday, Coach Kusick work out!
If I get that.I am a better Mom. I sware to you. My kids enjoy me more, and well I enjoy them more. I crave the weekends. When I know the schedule slows down, and I can plan activities with the kids. Not rush to get out of bed, get both kids to school and daycare and still arrive to work at 730 on time. Weekends...this is sleeeping in and making a huge breakfast of eggs and bacon and Jake's favorite is Mickey Mouse Pancakes for the kids. FAMILY NAP time! Need I say more. We always have something going on that is fun.
I have learned that when Ben really enjoys something I am doing with him or taking him somewhere, he stops to say, Mom....Mom...listen.. I love you! I mean that melts me. That is his way of saying Thanks for being AWESOME MOM! I love it.
Ok, and sometimes I don't have that balance. Patience is on this short stick, where I start yelling and then stop, thinking I should slap myself for losing it. Whining from the kids. OH man, that gets to me. Jonna is a pro. It often can make me snap. And not pretty. Little girls have some drama!! I think God has another son in my future. Although, the tenderness from sweet Baby Jonna and that hug she gives me when she thinks I have a sad face....Well, i can't live without.
Two nights ago, I had a perfect blog post of "true balance" all written up there between my ears. About finding it, and sharing it. Today, I still strive for it. It's a friday, and I am Stoked about walking out these doors at 430pm and starting my weekend. I have put in a good 9 hours. Worked out, ran some errands, and it's time to celebrate with my kids. Well, it starts with a parent teacher conference with Ben, but following that, I am taking my butterfly and cowboy to enjoy time with Grandma Deena, Trunk or treat, and eat some really good chili and soup!
Then sleepy time with both kids and a favorite saturday morn, we will wake to Jake getting home from work!
Sunday, Coach Kusick work out!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
A gold standard
Throughout the years, I have grown, mentally and emotionally as a mother and a wife. But I have also grown physically. I have a long way to go. But there are a few things that just make me downright giddy.
Vitamins/Supplements/Natural Remedies
Put me in a health food store, and it's like putting a kid in a candy store. A new one opened up close to our house, and I am in love! I could spend hours searching and reading about supplements and remedies. That is why I love Iherb.com so much because I can also read other reviews and its a one stop shop! I was joking with Jake the other night saying, one day when we are rich I will go shopping in one of the health food stores and buy whatever my little heart desires...............Better yet, we should just buy one.
Has anyone heard of using silver? As an antiviral, antibacterial supplement. Go ahead try it. We have used it for our two kids in just the last two weeks and I seriously feel it has kept us from filling yet another antibiotic. You should have seen what it has done for healing my daughters five stitched scar she had two weeks ago. Jake's family has used it for years. Gosh! What took me so long?!
How amazing is it to find supplements that are solutions vs. using drugs that only treat symptoms. And vitamins make you healthy. My Gold Standard: I live for quality and longevity. I do it for my family. I want to be 70 playing soccer with my grandkids.
I want to do this:
In perfect form with that much weight. Why does this excite me, because it is something that you won't likely see too much from a woman and well, i think it just looks downright amazing.
Reading other's adventures: is exciting. I came accross this blog from reading another friends blog in her strive for health. As many people know, we hope to have another child sometime down the road. My kids excite me. Having another child that is half me/half Jake excites me. Currently, I feel I am stronger than ever, and I have worried that a future pregnancy is going to put me back to where I was a year ago. But reading about her experience as a pregnant Mother, doing lifts at 22 weeks pregnant, is just simply amazing. I worked out during both previous pregnancies, but it was simple. Eliptical and arms. Hardly anything else. So, i may be able to do more than I thought when the time comes. As long as my body tells me when to stop. I stop.
Tazo Zen Tea excites me. I drink this and seriously think about all the little antioxidants swimming around in my blood keeping me healthy from long term diseases. Weird? I think not.
Someone is looking out for me ^! Life is good. There is so much in life that is exciting. Now some days, my hormones will tell you that everything sucks, but really all is grand in the Holee Realm.
Ask my kids....Halloween excites them at this current moment. We have two trunk or treats, two parties, and the finale of trick or treatin in our neighborhood. Sugar highs here we come!
Vitamins/Supplements/Natural Remedies
Put me in a health food store, and it's like putting a kid in a candy store. A new one opened up close to our house, and I am in love! I could spend hours searching and reading about supplements and remedies. That is why I love Iherb.com so much because I can also read other reviews and its a one stop shop! I was joking with Jake the other night saying, one day when we are rich I will go shopping in one of the health food stores and buy whatever my little heart desires...............Better yet, we should just buy one.
Has anyone heard of using silver? As an antiviral, antibacterial supplement. Go ahead try it. We have used it for our two kids in just the last two weeks and I seriously feel it has kept us from filling yet another antibiotic. You should have seen what it has done for healing my daughters five stitched scar she had two weeks ago. Jake's family has used it for years. Gosh! What took me so long?!
How amazing is it to find supplements that are solutions vs. using drugs that only treat symptoms. And vitamins make you healthy. My Gold Standard: I live for quality and longevity. I do it for my family. I want to be 70 playing soccer with my grandkids.
I want to do this:
In perfect form with that much weight. Why does this excite me, because it is something that you won't likely see too much from a woman and well, i think it just looks downright amazing.
Reading other's adventures: is exciting. I came accross this blog from reading another friends blog in her strive for health. As many people know, we hope to have another child sometime down the road. My kids excite me. Having another child that is half me/half Jake excites me. Currently, I feel I am stronger than ever, and I have worried that a future pregnancy is going to put me back to where I was a year ago. But reading about her experience as a pregnant Mother, doing lifts at 22 weeks pregnant, is just simply amazing. I worked out during both previous pregnancies, but it was simple. Eliptical and arms. Hardly anything else. So, i may be able to do more than I thought when the time comes. As long as my body tells me when to stop. I stop.
Tazo Zen Tea excites me. I drink this and seriously think about all the little antioxidants swimming around in my blood keeping me healthy from long term diseases. Weird? I think not.
Someone is looking out for me ^! Life is good. There is so much in life that is exciting. Now some days, my hormones will tell you that everything sucks, but really all is grand in the Holee Realm.
Ask my kids....Halloween excites them at this current moment. We have two trunk or treats, two parties, and the finale of trick or treatin in our neighborhood. Sugar highs here we come!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Honeymoonin!
We did it. We are going on a second honeymoon. We said we would do it at our five year anniversay, but it turned to be a little after the 6 year mark. It will entail the beach and football. Jake and I can't go wrong. We found some really, really cheap flights to Tampa Bay in November. We are going to a place called Anna Maria Island. It's meant to be right? It's a quaint little island on the West Coast of florida with Gulf on one side and the bay on the other with a trolley that runs up and down the island. And you know whose favorite football team plays in Tampa the same weekend we are there? Bucaneers game, baby!! We are renting a house with some other couples. Hello vacation!!!
Jake probably deserves this more than I. He has been working overtime between school, one full time job, and two part time jobs. Thanks Babe!
One more motivator for my health regime: To look good in my swimsuit! haha. So, my goal. I will be able to do 10 pullups by November 10th. Or I can't go to Florida. LOL!
Jake probably deserves this more than I. He has been working overtime between school, one full time job, and two part time jobs. Thanks Babe!
One more motivator for my health regime: To look good in my swimsuit! haha. So, my goal. I will be able to do 10 pullups by November 10th. Or I can't go to Florida. LOL!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Positive in the Bedroom
First of all get your mind out of the gutter!
You just never know where I could go with this, but believe it or not I am talking about the doorway between our bedroom and hallway. We have had a pull up bar for a while, but this is definately the most use it has gotten. I am striving towards getting stronger and powerful in pullups to get to my goal quicker. That means that sucker hangs there 24 hours a day, and if the thought crosses my mind of a pull up/chin up as I walk past it then there is no turnning back. They ususally come in sets of 5, sometimes 7, but I was able to pull 10 chinups out of no where late last week.
So, the best part about this bar, is that leaving it, I am always positive. For example, last night I left it thinking, "I totally focused on arms today in my workout, and they should be exhausted at this point, but I was able to crank out a set of 5 pullups and 5 chin ups. Sweet!" These take like minutes to do, so it's nice to be able to get that quick pick me up.
People laughed at my Dad all those years when they came to visit and saw the bar drilled in the doorway between the kitchen and living room. Who would have thought?
It also helps to have the best cheer section in the world behind me, saying, "You can do it Mom, one more!" Jonna and Ben then have to have their turn. Before I know it they are gonna be doing pull ups too!
You just never know where I could go with this, but believe it or not I am talking about the doorway between our bedroom and hallway. We have had a pull up bar for a while, but this is definately the most use it has gotten. I am striving towards getting stronger and powerful in pullups to get to my goal quicker. That means that sucker hangs there 24 hours a day, and if the thought crosses my mind of a pull up/chin up as I walk past it then there is no turnning back. They ususally come in sets of 5, sometimes 7, but I was able to pull 10 chinups out of no where late last week.
So, the best part about this bar, is that leaving it, I am always positive. For example, last night I left it thinking, "I totally focused on arms today in my workout, and they should be exhausted at this point, but I was able to crank out a set of 5 pullups and 5 chin ups. Sweet!" These take like minutes to do, so it's nice to be able to get that quick pick me up.
People laughed at my Dad all those years when they came to visit and saw the bar drilled in the doorway between the kitchen and living room. Who would have thought?
It also helps to have the best cheer section in the world behind me, saying, "You can do it Mom, one more!" Jonna and Ben then have to have their turn. Before I know it they are gonna be doing pull ups too!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Tough
This word just keeps showing up in my vocabulary lately. I am behind on updating my exercising status, but I sure do read about others a lot. I have a friend that has a fitness blog, and I sort of follow through from there to other blogs or sites just like it. They inspire me to do more, be healthy, eat healthy, push myself in my workouts, and just be 'better'. I won't ever be a competitor, but I can still make myself feel like a winner. Right?
If I put goals in front of me, it excites me to reach them. Then when I reach them, I go with "ok, now what's my next one!" I was reading Lori's about the pull up and her goal of being able to do a complete workout(WOD) with mulitiple unassited pull ups. I thought, well darn it. My goal is only to do 10 pullups. That just sounds so easy to me. Not so much as easy, right now I am only at 7, and it is a 'tough' 7. Of course, if that is all I am doing and not working out along with that set, this seems to be a cop out out to me. I should never sell myself short. I am already short enough. I believe I am capable of more.
Leads me to the goal after the goal of 10 pullups.....- I have learned the only way to allow myself to grow emotionally, physically, and mentally is by pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Change. Different isn't always better, but better is always different. Examples could be doing a bench press with the bar vs. doing it with the dumbells in fear of the "other" side of the gym. Or going for the 12th rep, when I went in saying I am gonna get at least 10. Or going over to that "man" side of the gym to pick up the bar and do some Romananian deadlifts, or push jerks. Girls do not do that at my gym, and you can tell by some of the sideways glances I get from the "regulars". It's definately different from what others see in the gym. But now they expect me to do this because I have been for months. I need to come up with the next "wow" in my regimand.
The NEXT goal is going to be starting a workout with 10 pullups. (Remember I have yet to face that bar at the gym). That will be one exercise/lift within my WOD that day. Now I know on the second set, I won't get 10 pullups, because my arms/body may be a bit tired after one full set, but I will go on to do another set of them all the way through my entire routine.
How can I put in words, that this just plain excites me?! It is hard not to compare to all the other go-getters out there. But what is great for one, may be nothing for another. Me. I saw a picture today of a petite flexed woman hanging from the chinup bar with a 35lb kettle ball hanging from her belt. WTH? does that mean she is doing chinups with 35lbs more than her weight? AMAZING! For those that don't know lifting your entire "hanging" body weight to get your chin above the bar, is not a small feat by any means. So, to do it with extra is downright exceptional.
When I started this adventure last winter, I remembered telling Jake. "OK, so instead of only doing cardio and light weights, I am going to start lifting. I know I will bulk up, its in the genes, but I have to do this for myself. Sorry, if I turn up looking too manly" LOL. I have always been afraid of looking too buff that is why I always stayed away from too much weight in fear of a huge bum (as Ben would say) or big shoulders. As my aging, mother of two beautiful babies, body will only continue to sag, I decided not only do I want this toning, but I want to be in the best shape of my life. Who says I can't do it at 31?
Funny, I say "too much" weight, now I am constantly testing myself at how much more weight I can do. And if my muscles aren't quite burning, then it really isn't a workout, is it? Or if I didn't grunt or yelp in a sound of pain, then it wasn't enough. Lol.
I laugh a little at myself, reading words that to some may sound a little absurd or just plain ridiculous.
Truth is there is one huge motivator. My family. Jake, Ben, and Jonna. To be healthy and be in the best shape of my life means I am going to have more quality life with the short time on this earth that I have with my babies. I want the best of it. Not only that, I am lengthening the time in which I feel I will get to enjoy them. I want to be like my Dad. 60 years old, running and playing football/soccer with my grandkids. Heck, I want to be 70 and still be able to do 10 pullups.
I want to be 55 years old retired with my goodlooking husband traveling the world. scubadiving, salmon fishing in Alaska, climbing a cliff near a waterfall in Hawaii, or trekking a mountain trail somewhere in Europe. Oh yes, this too shall be.
I have lots of other little motivators too. It may come from reading other's experiences or so much as listening to Cowboy by Kid Rock or Black Betty by Spiderbait. Go ahead and listen to Black Betty while working out and don't feel that swift kick into high gear. It's like my own little personal trainer sounding off in my head to give it one more push, pull, or rep. It's actually a really awesome feel good time. I work out so much better with music pounding, and sometimes it keeps my mind on the finish line. Focus. Point: If I have headphones in at the gym, there really isn't too many people that will bother me or try to strike up a conversation. Yes, socializing at the gym can be a bit of a hobby for some. Heck, I seriously have exactly 28 minutes to get my workout in. I have it timed just right. Is it selfish, that if my battery dies, I still leave them in my ears so people think I am listening. lol.
So, moral of my ranting today: Be tough. Be motivated. Be different. Whether you do it just for yourself, or for your family. But most of all...just be better. Whether it's in a WOD or just in being.
As my favorite logo speaks, "better than yesterday."
If I put goals in front of me, it excites me to reach them. Then when I reach them, I go with "ok, now what's my next one!" I was reading Lori's about the pull up and her goal of being able to do a complete workout(WOD) with mulitiple unassited pull ups. I thought, well darn it. My goal is only to do 10 pullups. That just sounds so easy to me. Not so much as easy, right now I am only at 7, and it is a 'tough' 7. Of course, if that is all I am doing and not working out along with that set, this seems to be a cop out out to me. I should never sell myself short. I am already short enough. I believe I am capable of more.
Leads me to the goal after the goal of 10 pullups.....- I have learned the only way to allow myself to grow emotionally, physically, and mentally is by pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Change. Different isn't always better, but better is always different. Examples could be doing a bench press with the bar vs. doing it with the dumbells in fear of the "other" side of the gym. Or going for the 12th rep, when I went in saying I am gonna get at least 10. Or going over to that "man" side of the gym to pick up the bar and do some Romananian deadlifts, or push jerks. Girls do not do that at my gym, and you can tell by some of the sideways glances I get from the "regulars". It's definately different from what others see in the gym. But now they expect me to do this because I have been for months. I need to come up with the next "wow" in my regimand.
The NEXT goal is going to be starting a workout with 10 pullups. (Remember I have yet to face that bar at the gym). That will be one exercise/lift within my WOD that day. Now I know on the second set, I won't get 10 pullups, because my arms/body may be a bit tired after one full set, but I will go on to do another set of them all the way through my entire routine.
How can I put in words, that this just plain excites me?! It is hard not to compare to all the other go-getters out there. But what is great for one, may be nothing for another. Me. I saw a picture today of a petite flexed woman hanging from the chinup bar with a 35lb kettle ball hanging from her belt. WTH? does that mean she is doing chinups with 35lbs more than her weight? AMAZING! For those that don't know lifting your entire "hanging" body weight to get your chin above the bar, is not a small feat by any means. So, to do it with extra is downright exceptional.
When I started this adventure last winter, I remembered telling Jake. "OK, so instead of only doing cardio and light weights, I am going to start lifting. I know I will bulk up, its in the genes, but I have to do this for myself. Sorry, if I turn up looking too manly" LOL. I have always been afraid of looking too buff that is why I always stayed away from too much weight in fear of a huge bum (as Ben would say) or big shoulders. As my aging, mother of two beautiful babies, body will only continue to sag, I decided not only do I want this toning, but I want to be in the best shape of my life. Who says I can't do it at 31?
Funny, I say "too much" weight, now I am constantly testing myself at how much more weight I can do. And if my muscles aren't quite burning, then it really isn't a workout, is it? Or if I didn't grunt or yelp in a sound of pain, then it wasn't enough. Lol.
I laugh a little at myself, reading words that to some may sound a little absurd or just plain ridiculous.
Truth is there is one huge motivator. My family. Jake, Ben, and Jonna. To be healthy and be in the best shape of my life means I am going to have more quality life with the short time on this earth that I have with my babies. I want the best of it. Not only that, I am lengthening the time in which I feel I will get to enjoy them. I want to be like my Dad. 60 years old, running and playing football/soccer with my grandkids. Heck, I want to be 70 and still be able to do 10 pullups.
I want to be 55 years old retired with my goodlooking husband traveling the world. scubadiving, salmon fishing in Alaska, climbing a cliff near a waterfall in Hawaii, or trekking a mountain trail somewhere in Europe. Oh yes, this too shall be.
I have lots of other little motivators too. It may come from reading other's experiences or so much as listening to Cowboy by Kid Rock or Black Betty by Spiderbait. Go ahead and listen to Black Betty while working out and don't feel that swift kick into high gear. It's like my own little personal trainer sounding off in my head to give it one more push, pull, or rep. It's actually a really awesome feel good time. I work out so much better with music pounding, and sometimes it keeps my mind on the finish line. Focus. Point: If I have headphones in at the gym, there really isn't too many people that will bother me or try to strike up a conversation. Yes, socializing at the gym can be a bit of a hobby for some. Heck, I seriously have exactly 28 minutes to get my workout in. I have it timed just right. Is it selfish, that if my battery dies, I still leave them in my ears so people think I am listening. lol.
So, moral of my ranting today: Be tough. Be motivated. Be different. Whether you do it just for yourself, or for your family. But most of all...just be better. Whether it's in a WOD or just in being.
As my favorite logo speaks, "better than yesterday."
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
A little bit of this and a little bit of that...
So, school has started, we are getting back on schedule. Jonna is telling us when she needs to go potty AND poop! AMAZING! For the first time in four years, I am not buying diapers.....what. I mean it must be time to have another!!! Not quite, but I am anxious. Man, I love my kids, the daily escapades. Ben's stories and ideas. He is quite creative for solution and problem solving. The other day, he randomly says, "You know Dad it would be really cool if when you closed the door from the kitchen to the Garage, the garage door would close at the same time." Or, "you know if you go to the store tonight and get ketchup, you won't have to go tomorrow." Or "Just ask Dad for the money."
Jonna could possibly be in the terrible two's. She is quite dramatic, when she doesn't get her way, and we literally spent 20 minutes the other night trying to make her chew and swallow a peice of an avacodo! It was quite tramatic for her, but truly she is just a stubborn cute little girl. I will make my kids learn to like healthy foods darn it!! lol. She is so photogenic, and has become quite the little talker. She talks on the phone, carries her purse, loves shoes, and would put on makeup everyday if I let her. She is very good at saying "no". But just as good as saying, "YAHhhh".
My two kids are like healing for me. If I have a long day at work, or am away from them, it's like the moment I see and hug on them, nothing else really matters in the world. They make my heart shine.
Jake is well. We are well. I think over the last 7 years we have grown into our marriage seemingly well. "Definintion: Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship." I am pretty sure it had done just that for us. We are good for each other and he complements me in a way that no other man could. Good thing I married him I guess. We are argue real good, and sometimes, I want to scream. Ok, I do scream, but I really don't think it would be normal if we didn't disagree. It takes both of us to give in. Some weeks I give in more than him, and others he gives in more than me. I have to say he gets better looking with age. I can't wait till he is retired with a white speckled beard and bald head kissing on one of our grandchildren. We are both trying to stay on a pretty healthy tact for the most part. It's always easier to have more than one in the household eat alike. I know I don't let him know enough, but I appreciate all he does do for me.
Dear Jake, Thank you.
IN about two weeks I am heading to the Rocky Mountain state to visit my new neice baby Jayda, whenever she feels she needs to arrive that is. Her due date is next week, and she is keeping Mama waiting till maybe that day. I CAN'T WAIT!
I have been doing all right with my workout regime. I wish I could increase number of workouts, but there just isn't enough time in 7 days to do that. 4 out of the 7 is usually what I make. Since I can't do quantity. I focus on quality. If I am gonna get to go to the gym for 30 mintues, you bet I make those minutes count. Remember when I spoke of the "throw up" factor. Well, I haven't actually thrown up, but I push myself to points, where I feel I could. The days after, I am sore. The good sore. The sore knowing that I pushed myself to limits, and I am making my body healthy.
And, when I am not able to workout on any given day. I try to do physical activities that I normally may not do.
Prime Example: Weed eating. I can count on two fingers now the number of times I have weedeated. We have a pretty decent size yard with a fence and lots of trees, so it is a good 45 minute job at least, especially for this rookie. My arms shook for an hour afterwards. And since Jake was gone that day, and the kids were there to help, it made it so EASY. (Lots of sarcasm inserted here).
Or at night, when I play outside with the Kids, we bike ride, or have races. The races are more like 50 meter sprints, but they definately get a good sweat going. Jonna and I are always ready to finish before Ben ever is. That kid has so much energy.
I haven't really monitored my weight lately, but all my clothes are more loose, and some are so loose, I don't wear them anymore, cuz I look quite silly. My number one goal was to feel healthy and get 10 pullups. Well, so I did 8 chinups again last week at Dad's. I haven't attempted pullups since I did 5 while watching my older sister do an easy 10. That was humbling. So, I will attempt it again soon, and see what happens. But why do I feel I may not have it in me just yet?
I read others blogs, and get all types of different motivations. Cross fit blogs, personal blogs, family blogs. I was just saying the other day how interesting it is to read other's experiences and point of views that are living everyday lives just like you. Working, being a Mom, and attempting their most to make the best of their lifes. It's inspiring.
So, there it is... a little bit of this and a little bit of that.
Jonna could possibly be in the terrible two's. She is quite dramatic, when she doesn't get her way, and we literally spent 20 minutes the other night trying to make her chew and swallow a peice of an avacodo! It was quite tramatic for her, but truly she is just a stubborn cute little girl. I will make my kids learn to like healthy foods darn it!! lol. She is so photogenic, and has become quite the little talker. She talks on the phone, carries her purse, loves shoes, and would put on makeup everyday if I let her. She is very good at saying "no". But just as good as saying, "YAHhhh".
My two kids are like healing for me. If I have a long day at work, or am away from them, it's like the moment I see and hug on them, nothing else really matters in the world. They make my heart shine.
Jake is well. We are well. I think over the last 7 years we have grown into our marriage seemingly well. "Definintion: Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship." I am pretty sure it had done just that for us. We are good for each other and he complements me in a way that no other man could. Good thing I married him I guess. We are argue real good, and sometimes, I want to scream. Ok, I do scream, but I really don't think it would be normal if we didn't disagree. It takes both of us to give in. Some weeks I give in more than him, and others he gives in more than me. I have to say he gets better looking with age. I can't wait till he is retired with a white speckled beard and bald head kissing on one of our grandchildren. We are both trying to stay on a pretty healthy tact for the most part. It's always easier to have more than one in the household eat alike. I know I don't let him know enough, but I appreciate all he does do for me.
Dear Jake, Thank you.
IN about two weeks I am heading to the Rocky Mountain state to visit my new neice baby Jayda, whenever she feels she needs to arrive that is. Her due date is next week, and she is keeping Mama waiting till maybe that day. I CAN'T WAIT!
I have been doing all right with my workout regime. I wish I could increase number of workouts, but there just isn't enough time in 7 days to do that. 4 out of the 7 is usually what I make. Since I can't do quantity. I focus on quality. If I am gonna get to go to the gym for 30 mintues, you bet I make those minutes count. Remember when I spoke of the "throw up" factor. Well, I haven't actually thrown up, but I push myself to points, where I feel I could. The days after, I am sore. The good sore. The sore knowing that I pushed myself to limits, and I am making my body healthy.
And, when I am not able to workout on any given day. I try to do physical activities that I normally may not do.
Prime Example: Weed eating. I can count on two fingers now the number of times I have weedeated. We have a pretty decent size yard with a fence and lots of trees, so it is a good 45 minute job at least, especially for this rookie. My arms shook for an hour afterwards. And since Jake was gone that day, and the kids were there to help, it made it so EASY. (Lots of sarcasm inserted here).
Or at night, when I play outside with the Kids, we bike ride, or have races. The races are more like 50 meter sprints, but they definately get a good sweat going. Jonna and I are always ready to finish before Ben ever is. That kid has so much energy.
I haven't really monitored my weight lately, but all my clothes are more loose, and some are so loose, I don't wear them anymore, cuz I look quite silly. My number one goal was to feel healthy and get 10 pullups. Well, so I did 8 chinups again last week at Dad's. I haven't attempted pullups since I did 5 while watching my older sister do an easy 10. That was humbling. So, I will attempt it again soon, and see what happens. But why do I feel I may not have it in me just yet?
I read others blogs, and get all types of different motivations. Cross fit blogs, personal blogs, family blogs. I was just saying the other day how interesting it is to read other's experiences and point of views that are living everyday lives just like you. Working, being a Mom, and attempting their most to make the best of their lifes. It's inspiring.
So, there it is... a little bit of this and a little bit of that.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Aerobic swimming and time off with the kids
Iron man pose 1.
Races down the drive.
Hmmmm, this was supposed to be Ben's tough guy face.
I just figured we haven't had enough bike ride pictures lately.
Iron Man Pose 2. Do you see the ferociousness in this kids face?
Jonna, a mess, but darn she is cute.
I was able to have four glorious days off with my kids to do what ever the heck we wanted. So, we played outside. We swam! We made brownies. We went shoe shopping. We went for a ride with Grandma Deena to get custard! We skipped bath times. We slept in. Made big breakfasts every morning. We watched cartoons. Went potty on the potty chair! Went to the Pirates Cove swimming place. LOVED IT! We had a picnic. We visited Dad at the fire station. We visited Grandma Kusick. We cuddled. We sprayed each other with the hose, and raced through the sprinkler. Darn thankful to enjoy this time with the kids.
In all of the last four days, I didn't actually work out once at the gym! But that's okay. I made the best of it. You may think I am silly by how I made the best of it. This means doing sets of pushups, just randomly throughout the day. Sit ups. Push jerks. Lunges. Random core exercises.We even had a very intense aerobic swimming class in the kids pool one morning. Picture Ben, Jonna and I in their two foot deep pool. Jumpin jacks, super hero stands and holds. Five second squats. Marching in a circle. Arm circles. Leg kickers. And just some real random moves. LOL! But the kids thought it was a blast! And I broke a good sweat. And it was actually a barefoot work out, so that was cool.
So, hopefully my neighbors didn't see this fiasco, but if they did, maybe it enlightened them to do something fun with their kids. Who knows?!
And while at GMa K's, I decided to test the chin up bar. I did 8 chinups. Not too shabby. Didn't do pull ups. I will have to try those out this weekend. Remember the goal is 10!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Toe Shoes - New find from my Dad
My Dad has always been an active individual. From competing in weight competitions back to his early 20's to making his next goal of doing over 40 pullups. He has alwasy been a weight lifter. He is heading into celebrating a 60th birthday in the next couple months, and he has done a lot of work to find the perfect pair of shoes to help him continue to stay just as active in his lawncutting business and continue to lift weights. He came across 'toe shoes' initially by a recommendation from Jake. He used them for a while, and decided to buy another pair then another. He found by wearing these lightweight shoes that conformed to your bare foot helped him with his ankles and knees. I thought hmmm. I should try them, but then just gave it up because good shoes can be expensive. Well, one of his pairs didn't fit him just right, so he passed them on to me to see if I would use them. They may just be a tad too big, but fit comfortably.
Story goes: I have been using them everyworkout for the last three weeks. I started doing squats again, lunges, kettle balls. I still am apprehensive and don't always do the full squat. Well, after documenting mentally each workout and the reaction of my hip the next day, I have found these shoes are kind of amazing for me.
On the way out of the gym one day, an employee stopped me. By his physique you could tell that he lifted. He went on to ask about my shoes, and what I thought of them. He said the previous gym he worked out at, he would lift barefoot. And the reason behind it was to allow your body to work out in a natural state to work muscles that you wouldn't normally work while wearning regular running shoes. Think of a caveman, I guess. Well, I went to explain to him my reasoning for wearing them to help my hip joint. Because of the great success my Dad had wearing them and helping his joints. We came to a conclusion that it all makes sense as why they help the joints, because the muscles you normally wouldn't work around joints are being worked and strengthened which would then result in more protection of the joints. Makes sense to me.
So, this shoe has kind of brought on a bit of enlightenment to my workout regimand. And I am even more excited about pushing myself to new limits. This was the used pair Dad handed down.
I am keeping my fingers crossed to maybe get a new pair of my own for my birthday. It's a lot to ask for, but if I do get them I CAN'T wait to use them!
Story goes: I have been using them everyworkout for the last three weeks. I started doing squats again, lunges, kettle balls. I still am apprehensive and don't always do the full squat. Well, after documenting mentally each workout and the reaction of my hip the next day, I have found these shoes are kind of amazing for me.
On the way out of the gym one day, an employee stopped me. By his physique you could tell that he lifted. He went on to ask about my shoes, and what I thought of them. He said the previous gym he worked out at, he would lift barefoot. And the reason behind it was to allow your body to work out in a natural state to work muscles that you wouldn't normally work while wearning regular running shoes. Think of a caveman, I guess. Well, I went to explain to him my reasoning for wearing them to help my hip joint. Because of the great success my Dad had wearing them and helping his joints. We came to a conclusion that it all makes sense as why they help the joints, because the muscles you normally wouldn't work around joints are being worked and strengthened which would then result in more protection of the joints. Makes sense to me.
So, this shoe has kind of brought on a bit of enlightenment to my workout regimand. And I am even more excited about pushing myself to new limits. This was the used pair Dad handed down.
I am keeping my fingers crossed to maybe get a new pair of my own for my birthday. It's a lot to ask for, but if I do get them I CAN'T wait to use them!
Monday, July 25, 2011
WOD - Sky's limit Cross fit
So, that unsettling feeling I had, not sure what it was....but I can say the weekend went surprisingly well.
It was a whirlwind, and I went into dreading it. The 3 hour drive by myself to KC with the kids to help my sister Anna move. That went surprisingly well. And I wasn't much help to her, but the kids got to go swimming with Elle and Mati that night. The next morning, I took Ben, Mati and Elle to Sky's Limit Cross Fit. This is a gym that a friend of mine and her husband just opened and it is fantastic. I got to d a great workout with Lori. Not sure if it had a nickname, but it consisted for me of
Warm up of 4 minutes of 5 second squat holds. Very nice...
Then
8 sets of 20 seconds(amrap) on and 10 seconds rest of
1)Deadlifts
2)Burpees (Lori did jumproping in this one, which I refrained from due to my hip)
3)Medicine Ball Throws (i made this name up, don't remember what it was called, but I took a 14lb medicine ball and threw it down at the ground going into a squat to pick them up)
And
4)Wall Balls (taking the same ball and throwing it at the wall about 6 feet above your head and catch it, then go into a squat and throw it back up--Takes lots of coordination. Lets just say, I was NOT pretty! I did the first half with a 14lb one, and the last two sets with a 6lb)
The kids swung on the rings, hung from the bars, climbed ropes, and jumped and ran. It was perfect! Thanks Lori and Ronnie!!
Measuring my workout : Halfway through the Wallballs I wanted to throw up, but I never stopped. And, my legs are still sore today. As in, I have to groan to squat to pick anything up. But I feel good that I did it!
So, then we headed back to town with Mati and Elle along for the ride to Grandma's house (Another 3 hour car ride that went amazingly well) and they hung out their while I waitressed at a place I work at randomly. It's fun and a little extra cash always helps. I took care of a group downstairs that night, and ran the steps at least 30 times, followed up with the same thing the next morning. I am guessing that contributed a bit to my sore legs.
Sunday afternoon, after 3.5 days of me and the kids, I was happy to spend time with Jake and the kids at home with nothing to do! We relaxed in their little pool, had an easy dinner, and then rode bikes. Ended the nights with puzzles and a needed early nights rest.
All is well in the Holee Realm!
Oh, and its my birthday week!! I see scrumptious oreo balls in my future, and possibly a night out to dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant without the kids.
It was a whirlwind, and I went into dreading it. The 3 hour drive by myself to KC with the kids to help my sister Anna move. That went surprisingly well. And I wasn't much help to her, but the kids got to go swimming with Elle and Mati that night. The next morning, I took Ben, Mati and Elle to Sky's Limit Cross Fit. This is a gym that a friend of mine and her husband just opened and it is fantastic. I got to d a great workout with Lori. Not sure if it had a nickname, but it consisted for me of
Warm up of 4 minutes of 5 second squat holds. Very nice...
Then
8 sets of 20 seconds(amrap) on and 10 seconds rest of
1)Deadlifts
2)Burpees (Lori did jumproping in this one, which I refrained from due to my hip)
3)Medicine Ball Throws (i made this name up, don't remember what it was called, but I took a 14lb medicine ball and threw it down at the ground going into a squat to pick them up)
And
4)Wall Balls (taking the same ball and throwing it at the wall about 6 feet above your head and catch it, then go into a squat and throw it back up--Takes lots of coordination. Lets just say, I was NOT pretty! I did the first half with a 14lb one, and the last two sets with a 6lb)
The kids swung on the rings, hung from the bars, climbed ropes, and jumped and ran. It was perfect! Thanks Lori and Ronnie!!
Measuring my workout : Halfway through the Wallballs I wanted to throw up, but I never stopped. And, my legs are still sore today. As in, I have to groan to squat to pick anything up. But I feel good that I did it!
So, then we headed back to town with Mati and Elle along for the ride to Grandma's house (Another 3 hour car ride that went amazingly well) and they hung out their while I waitressed at a place I work at randomly. It's fun and a little extra cash always helps. I took care of a group downstairs that night, and ran the steps at least 30 times, followed up with the same thing the next morning. I am guessing that contributed a bit to my sore legs.
Sunday afternoon, after 3.5 days of me and the kids, I was happy to spend time with Jake and the kids at home with nothing to do! We relaxed in their little pool, had an easy dinner, and then rode bikes. Ended the nights with puzzles and a needed early nights rest.
All is well in the Holee Realm!
Oh, and its my birthday week!! I see scrumptious oreo balls in my future, and possibly a night out to dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant without the kids.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Fitness journal of the day - the motivations and the fallback
And a one.....
And a two....
Sometimes, I feel as if I am batting a million, and sometimes, I feel I could be working out better and eating better. My friend who is keeping her fitness journal couldn't have said it better yet in this post here. She hit it right on the nose. I am always trying to keep my motivation up, and I have to say, she explains it one way, and looking at picture number one is another way. That wasn't the first step of my pull up. To do a full pull up, you start with arms straight, pulling up to the top, and chin over the bar. The easiest is palms facing me. One day, I will do with palms facing out. Not quite there yet.
At this time, I feel I am maintaining. Father's day weekend, I enjoyed so much food, and it was food that was processed and full of sugar and well, it was spanking good. But I started over Monday, and feel a little better on track!
Last week, I had some walls put up on my work out regimand. I overdid my hip. Running at the ESPN worthy softball game I played last week, pushed it over the edge, but it started because I tried too much squat lifting. It really is so frustrating when you want to do something, but physically your body says, NO! When I mean no....I mean I get sharp pains in my hip when I walk and it gives out. Or it gets stuck in the socket for a moment and I can't straighten out my leg to walk normal. That is my sign that I have overdone it. So, I need to slow down. Less to no more thrusters. Maybe even a negative on the kettle ball swings. I do know I can do lunges, and small weight on Romanian Dead lift, and Push Jerks as long as I don't go to far down. So, this is something I have dealt with off and on my whole life. When you are dedicated to becoming the healthiest you can be and read all these WOD's that others are doing, you really want to be able to do them too. To work muscle groups you know you haven't pushed before. But, I know I can't. So, I have to find other ways. My goal right now is to do 10 pullups. The most I have done is 5 in a row. I just got to keep it up. stay motivated, and make short term goals along the way.
And a two....
Sometimes, I feel as if I am batting a million, and sometimes, I feel I could be working out better and eating better. My friend who is keeping her fitness journal couldn't have said it better yet in this post here. She hit it right on the nose. I am always trying to keep my motivation up, and I have to say, she explains it one way, and looking at picture number one is another way. That wasn't the first step of my pull up. To do a full pull up, you start with arms straight, pulling up to the top, and chin over the bar. The easiest is palms facing me. One day, I will do with palms facing out. Not quite there yet.
At this time, I feel I am maintaining. Father's day weekend, I enjoyed so much food, and it was food that was processed and full of sugar and well, it was spanking good. But I started over Monday, and feel a little better on track!
Last week, I had some walls put up on my work out regimand. I overdid my hip. Running at the ESPN worthy softball game I played last week, pushed it over the edge, but it started because I tried too much squat lifting. It really is so frustrating when you want to do something, but physically your body says, NO! When I mean no....I mean I get sharp pains in my hip when I walk and it gives out. Or it gets stuck in the socket for a moment and I can't straighten out my leg to walk normal. That is my sign that I have overdone it. So, I need to slow down. Less to no more thrusters. Maybe even a negative on the kettle ball swings. I do know I can do lunges, and small weight on Romanian Dead lift, and Push Jerks as long as I don't go to far down. So, this is something I have dealt with off and on my whole life. When you are dedicated to becoming the healthiest you can be and read all these WOD's that others are doing, you really want to be able to do them too. To work muscle groups you know you haven't pushed before. But, I know I can't. So, I have to find other ways. My goal right now is to do 10 pullups. The most I have done is 5 in a row. I just got to keep it up. stay motivated, and make short term goals along the way.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Not that girl
I was never the drop dead gorgeous model looking girl with beautiful long legs, long flowing lustrous hair, and perfect complexion. I was the girl that all guys wanted to be a friends with but really wanted to date one of my friends. I was/am a tomboy with short legs and short arms. I have to hem my pants, and buy shirts that don't make my shoulders look to broad. Loved to play sports, but can only play well enough to get the job done. I was never the all star athlete in highschool. The all- americans that several of my siblings were. Always been competitive, it's my family's nature. I made good grades, graduated with a 3.9 grade average from highschool, but I had to work hard at my grades. I wasn't the girl that could take the ACT and score above a 30 easy. I was lucky to get my 23. Graduated with a Bachelor's Suma Cum Laude after changing my major three times from Biology to Nursing to Business Administration. Wouldn't change it in a heart beat. Although, hope one day to get my Master's or finish my Biology degree.
I am a 30 year old woman, soon to be 31, that feels I have done all right. I feel good about my life. I have a wonderful husband, amazing children, a great job, and some super awesome family. God has blessed us over and over. And, I really am in better shape than I have been for the longest time, if ever.
All in all, I am well.
Then, there was the moment. A moment last night that I felt downright exceptional. I was able to sub in my sister's softball team. I played softball for several years from probably age 23-27 for fun before I had Benjamin. I wasn't anything great, but I did all right as a second baseman. And could get on base oh, I would say about 50% of the time. Needless to say last night, I was unpolished. It had been a while and well, my body isn't what it used to be. They put me in outfield, and I had fun. Snagged a few balls and then totally missed a few.
In our second game, we were down by two and headed to the last inning. My sister Terressa (who was all American soccer) was up to bat first. She spankin lead us off with a homerun. It was awesome and we were pumped! She had a pulled Quad and still rounded those bases faster than I ever could. This got our spirits up. I don't know who was more excited for her, me or her. We were able to score two more, and were now up by 1, and to the outfield. We had to hold them. One of the several guys on the opposing team was known for clearing balls way to the outfield. So, I was ready. I thought to myself. OK, if it comes my way, you are gonna go for it no matter what! Well, it did come my way, but I had to get to it. It was gonna fall right in the middle between me and the second baseman if I didn't haul my tail end to get there. It was coming fast, and I made it! Imagine, running full force outstretched left arm diving in towards the popfly. I snagged it, and did a somersault into the grass, holding on to it with my dear life. There was no way after catching that ball, that I was gonna lose it from my glove! I don't know who was happier, me or the guy to my left playing outfield. He comes running up picked me up and swung me in circles. I was so spankin ecstatic! Ended with a little happy dance in the outfield, and lots of Hoor-ay's for me! Saying that was the darned best catch of the game! It was just the most awesome feeling ever. And, we ended up getting two more outs and we WON the game.
I have to admit, Terressa did get mvp of that game, but I didn't do to shabby myself. I had even made it home once after running the bases faster than I have ran anywhere in a long time. Probably since last time I played ball. And my legs feel it today!
So, I was never that girl, but last night I sure felt like I was. On top of the world. Jake got an earful when I got home. I think all he could was chuckle and smile at how happy he knew I was.
From what started out to be an average Wednesday, ended up being downright fantastic. And the coolest part was bragging about it again to Benjamin this morning.
I am a 30 year old woman, soon to be 31, that feels I have done all right. I feel good about my life. I have a wonderful husband, amazing children, a great job, and some super awesome family. God has blessed us over and over. And, I really am in better shape than I have been for the longest time, if ever.
All in all, I am well.
Then, there was the moment. A moment last night that I felt downright exceptional. I was able to sub in my sister's softball team. I played softball for several years from probably age 23-27 for fun before I had Benjamin. I wasn't anything great, but I did all right as a second baseman. And could get on base oh, I would say about 50% of the time. Needless to say last night, I was unpolished. It had been a while and well, my body isn't what it used to be. They put me in outfield, and I had fun. Snagged a few balls and then totally missed a few.
In our second game, we were down by two and headed to the last inning. My sister Terressa (who was all American soccer) was up to bat first. She spankin lead us off with a homerun. It was awesome and we were pumped! She had a pulled Quad and still rounded those bases faster than I ever could. This got our spirits up. I don't know who was more excited for her, me or her. We were able to score two more, and were now up by 1, and to the outfield. We had to hold them. One of the several guys on the opposing team was known for clearing balls way to the outfield. So, I was ready. I thought to myself. OK, if it comes my way, you are gonna go for it no matter what! Well, it did come my way, but I had to get to it. It was gonna fall right in the middle between me and the second baseman if I didn't haul my tail end to get there. It was coming fast, and I made it! Imagine, running full force outstretched left arm diving in towards the popfly. I snagged it, and did a somersault into the grass, holding on to it with my dear life. There was no way after catching that ball, that I was gonna lose it from my glove! I don't know who was happier, me or the guy to my left playing outfield. He comes running up picked me up and swung me in circles. I was so spankin ecstatic! Ended with a little happy dance in the outfield, and lots of Hoor-ay's for me! Saying that was the darned best catch of the game! It was just the most awesome feeling ever. And, we ended up getting two more outs and we WON the game.
I have to admit, Terressa did get mvp of that game, but I didn't do to shabby myself. I had even made it home once after running the bases faster than I have ran anywhere in a long time. Probably since last time I played ball. And my legs feel it today!
So, I was never that girl, but last night I sure felt like I was. On top of the world. Jake got an earful when I got home. I think all he could was chuckle and smile at how happy he knew I was.
From what started out to be an average Wednesday, ended up being downright fantastic. And the coolest part was bragging about it again to Benjamin this morning.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
WOD and Menus for the beautiful
Phrases I am learning. Exercises I am learning. Another exciting day. Like I yearn for that 35 minutes workout at lunch now. I don't dread it or have to talk myself into going. I get really upset if something comes up at work and don't leave for lunch that day!
Still doing my brother's workouts, and adding in some routines in between.
Yesterday I did squat thrusters, and lunges on part of my workout, so I am taking it easy on hip today. I have learned what my hip is capable of and not capable of the hard way.
Workout of the Day (WOD):
5 minute on eliptical warm up.
4 sets
Chindown 100lb cable
Romanian Deadlift 15db
Seated OH 20db
Cable row (?) gonna try for 80lb on cable. will be first time at gym doing on my own.
Lat Pulldown 60lb
20sec rest between sets
-- One bold day, while at the gym, I WILL walk over to the side with all the heavy big muscled lifters, and use that step stool up to the chin up bar and do my sets instead of the chindown on the cable. That day hasn't come yet, but I will let you know when it does.
3 sets
15 db Russian twist*15
Straight leg raise(toes pointed in)*12
20 sec rest between sets
This is what I have found: When you don't have a lift partner you don't have someone to help you keep your form or push you for one more rep. When you are by yourself and do exercises in a gym that is 80% male and doing exercises and lifts that you don't often see a female do, it can also be uncomfortable. Especially when you have that pending anxious thought in the back of your head, is my form still okay?!
So, any lady that would love to join me at the Y around 1pm to do my lifts with me, please feel free. LOL!
One of the easiest ways, I have found to make myself eat healthier with less processed foods is make a menu.
For example: Today, I grabbed cottage cheese, strawberries, and grapes for breakfast. Banana snack. Lunch, spinach, hardboiled eggs, cucumbers, and left over grilled chicken for a salad. Ususally, I plan that morning what will be for dinner. So tonight we are gonna have Turkey meat Spaghetti, spinach salad and biscuits. And I will probably not eat anything past 7. I have just found if I have plan, and I don't let myself go hungry, I don't give in to the cravings of a Reese pb cup candy bar that is sitting in a candy bowl a couple offices down begging me to eat it.
My motivation: being healthy, feeling good, and the pick me up to being my own kind of beautiful.
Still doing my brother's workouts, and adding in some routines in between.
Yesterday I did squat thrusters, and lunges on part of my workout, so I am taking it easy on hip today. I have learned what my hip is capable of and not capable of the hard way.
Workout of the Day (WOD):
5 minute on eliptical warm up.
4 sets
Chindown 100lb cable
Romanian Deadlift 15db
Seated OH 20db
Cable row (?) gonna try for 80lb on cable. will be first time at gym doing on my own.
Lat Pulldown 60lb
20sec rest between sets
-- One bold day, while at the gym, I WILL walk over to the side with all the heavy big muscled lifters, and use that step stool up to the chin up bar and do my sets instead of the chindown on the cable. That day hasn't come yet, but I will let you know when it does.
3 sets
15 db Russian twist*15
Straight leg raise(toes pointed in)*12
20 sec rest between sets
This is what I have found: When you don't have a lift partner you don't have someone to help you keep your form or push you for one more rep. When you are by yourself and do exercises in a gym that is 80% male and doing exercises and lifts that you don't often see a female do, it can also be uncomfortable. Especially when you have that pending anxious thought in the back of your head, is my form still okay?!
So, any lady that would love to join me at the Y around 1pm to do my lifts with me, please feel free. LOL!
One of the easiest ways, I have found to make myself eat healthier with less processed foods is make a menu.
For example: Today, I grabbed cottage cheese, strawberries, and grapes for breakfast. Banana snack. Lunch, spinach, hardboiled eggs, cucumbers, and left over grilled chicken for a salad. Ususally, I plan that morning what will be for dinner. So tonight we are gonna have Turkey meat Spaghetti, spinach salad and biscuits. And I will probably not eat anything past 7. I have just found if I have plan, and I don't let myself go hungry, I don't give in to the cravings of a Reese pb cup candy bar that is sitting in a candy bowl a couple offices down begging me to eat it.
My motivation: being healthy, feeling good, and the pick me up to being my own kind of beautiful.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Complex Circuit
Do you ever kind of measure how your workout was for the day? Last week, during lunch I worked out at the Y, and finished up, headed to the locker room. A lady that was in there looked at me and said, "Wow, I must be doing something wrong. I never sound like that after a work out." I always have judged my workouts based on sweat, spaghetti muscles, and accelerated breathing. Apparently, I sounded pretty winded. And yes, I felt I had a good workout that day.
Let's add another factor to this workout. One, feeling like you are gonna throw up. Every so often, I do get to that point. I need to do some research on where that part comes from. I do know I can't eat a large meal or too soon before a workout. Because I know I will get the upset stomach. Most times, I have cut this factor out because well, I don't eat too heavy prior to when I am working out, or try to eat at least an hour before with little to no carbs.
Hello, "Complex Circuit" compliments of Jason. It was a routine of 6 different lifts, and burpees. The only thing I ate before hand was a protein shake with powder and water. I knew I was gonna be hurtin on the workout with Coach Kusick. Stories be told, he is pretty tough.
He introduced me to a whole other factor on how to judge a good workout. Not just the sweat but tears. No, I didn't cry, but man I sure felt like it. In the five sets of the "complex circuit" the first being just a warm up. (thanks Jason for clarifying after I thought I finsished the third and only had one more to go, but then realized I had two more to go!) The lateral raise was the final lift of the circuit in each of the sets. When I got to it.....OH MY! I pushed and pushed until I felt like my arms would not move anymore. By the fourth and fifth set, I practically felt like I was pushing back tears to finish. My mind wanted to complete, but the body just wouldn't do it. Is that called pushing yourself to "muscle Failure?" not sure. But I do know, I did some lifts I have never done before, and with the help of Jason did them in some pretty good form. I hurt, oh, yes I hurt, but it was a hurt so good feeling. I felt accomplished. I felt good.
I know I need to work on abs and core to help protect my lowback. It is a little weak. So, I am up for the next challenge. Off to the gym on lunch. I have never been so excited about working out before!
And, oh yes, I will meet this complex circuit again.
Let's add another factor to this workout. One, feeling like you are gonna throw up. Every so often, I do get to that point. I need to do some research on where that part comes from. I do know I can't eat a large meal or too soon before a workout. Because I know I will get the upset stomach. Most times, I have cut this factor out because well, I don't eat too heavy prior to when I am working out, or try to eat at least an hour before with little to no carbs.
Hello, "Complex Circuit" compliments of Jason. It was a routine of 6 different lifts, and burpees. The only thing I ate before hand was a protein shake with powder and water. I knew I was gonna be hurtin on the workout with Coach Kusick. Stories be told, he is pretty tough.
He introduced me to a whole other factor on how to judge a good workout. Not just the sweat but tears. No, I didn't cry, but man I sure felt like it. In the five sets of the "complex circuit" the first being just a warm up. (thanks Jason for clarifying after I thought I finsished the third and only had one more to go, but then realized I had two more to go!) The lateral raise was the final lift of the circuit in each of the sets. When I got to it.....OH MY! I pushed and pushed until I felt like my arms would not move anymore. By the fourth and fifth set, I practically felt like I was pushing back tears to finish. My mind wanted to complete, but the body just wouldn't do it. Is that called pushing yourself to "muscle Failure?" not sure. But I do know, I did some lifts I have never done before, and with the help of Jason did them in some pretty good form. I hurt, oh, yes I hurt, but it was a hurt so good feeling. I felt accomplished. I felt good.
I know I need to work on abs and core to help protect my lowback. It is a little weak. So, I am up for the next challenge. Off to the gym on lunch. I have never been so excited about working out before!
And, oh yes, I will meet this complex circuit again.
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