Sunday, September 28, 2014

Quick Park/Outoor Workout Circuit

When the kids are outside playing get a quick workout in. You don't need any fancy equipment just you.

The workout:

Start with a quick 3-5 minute warmup:  Jumping jacks stretches, running in place.
Next do each exercise for 60 seconds,  Do 3 rounds total.

1. Push ups (I can't weight bear on my left knee due to ACL Surgery so I had to modify with that leg raised)

 
2. Tricep dips- grab a park bench or steps.  Make sure yu are bending the elbows and working the triceps and not just lowering your butt.  

 
3. Step ups: use a picnic table, bench. (Yes I violated my pt and quickly did this
 for the video- lol)



 

Monday, September 22, 2014

Making "Me" time is important

As a mom I have so many roles I play- mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend and more.  As these roles took over I lost who I was and realized this could not continue.  I could not be good at the other roles if I could not be good at being me.  I was not happy, I was depressed and it was reflecting on the other roles I played.  So I brought about a change-- I took time for me.  It started with small changes: 30  minutes of working out which made that time "me time".   I was able to release stress and focus on the good that I do.  Am I a perfect mom?  Nope!  I make a million mistakes a day but that is ok.  I am human and I learn from those daily and yes I may repeat them.  I'll admit my biggest struggle has been patience.  But I have found taking that time for me is making me a little more patient and I am making progress slowly.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Work is Chaotic- I have no time to eat?

Having been in law enforcement and my husband in it- I understand the crazy hours that can come with jobs.  And besides the hours are the potential for not having time to eat when emergencies and more pop up.  So how do you manage to eat right, find time to workout, try to maintain a normal life especially when you have a family?  These are all valid questions and struggles.  I am starting this blog section to start discussing ways to fit healthy into shift work.

Snacks:  Yes there are days when it is so nuts you have no time to even grab that greasy burger from McDonalds or run to the hospital cafeteria, etc.  So how do you manage to keep up your energy without slugging down sodas or coffee which will just make you crash?  Prepare snacks to keep on hand is one way.

I make my own trail mix but throwing unsalted or lightly salted nuts, dark chocolate chips, raisins and cranberries (unsweetened) into ziploc baggies and keeping them on hand.  You need to pre-portion these though as it can get high in calories if you make a whole bunch and start eating.  I usually make 1 cup servings into ziploc baggies.

Another idea: I use these sparingly as they shouldn't be meal but Protein bars.  Quick and easy.  I love Quest bars as they are very low in sugar but high in protein.
Fruit!  Throw in apple in the car, your pocket, etc.
These are just a few ideas I have found worked for me and works for my husband.  He used to be on a tactial team and when he was there were nights they were called out and no they could not stop for food.  But having that protein bar or snack in a pocket helped through long hours.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Strawberry Banana Ice Cream

Strawberry banana ice cream 



Ingredients

2 frozen bananas- sliced
½ cup frozen strawberries, sliced
Can add 1/4-1/2 cup milk of needed to make smoother

Instructions:
Place frozen fruit in food processor (a blender could work) and blend until they are the consistency of soft serve ice cream.
Scoop with ice cream scoop and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Monday, September 8, 2014

Running after ACL surgery

One of the things I missed the most about ACL surgery was getting out for my run.  When I run I just forget all my worries, let go of the stresses and just enjoy mother nature- or if I am stuck on a "dreadmill" enjoy my music and still turn off my brain for a while.

After surgery I was in a rish to rehab and get back at it.  However I had to wait 12 weeks.  For anyone who runs 3 months off kills your cardio and you just are not at the same place you were before.  2 weeks off is when your cardio starts diminishing- so you can imagine 3+ months.  at the 12 week mark I began to start jogging (as that was all I was allowed).  At this point it really sank in how much I had lost.  I was huffing and puffing and my lungs killed.  For someone who used to run 1/2 marathons this was depressing.

Fast forward to today- 6 months post op.  I am now running up to 4 miles and getting my cardio back.  My goal is a 1/2 in October.  I will listen to my body in reaching that goal but i have hope it will happen.



My point is there will be obstacles and roadblocks but believe in yourself and keep going.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Here is  fun and quick workout circuit that can be done anywhere--

Quick outdoor workout circuit. Works glutes, abs, arms and legs
 
1. Squats with oblique crunch. Do 40 squats total with 20 oblique crunches each side. Do right side 20 then left 20. Make sure to keep core tight and crunch not just left leg up.  Wen squatting make sure the toes are staying behind your knees.

2. Jumping (or not) lunges. 60 seconds. 

3. 45 second plank

4. 20 wide arm push ups