Taking Time to Appreciate the Beauty of Fall

October 28, 2013 Kim 91 Comments

Today for my 44 I went back to my coaching days (except since I was working out in my basement and not a basketball gym I had to improvise!!) and did suicides!

[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yUwm8eMxQU’]

The distance that I covered was relatively short but since I counted a right-left as 1 rep and kept going for all 44 reps, it was still a great way to get my heart rate up. (You can see my workout DVD paused in the back-ground – had to stop for the video before Chris left for work!)

I did a Jillian Michaels DVD today – Kickbox Fastfix. This workout has 3 20 minute segments with various fast paced kickboxing drills. I did all 3 sections for a good hour workout. The one downside to this program – if you follow Jillian and her group then you will end up very unbalanced – she does not switch leads at all during this one. (Fortunately I already knew that and just did it myself but it is sort of a pain!!)

Yesterday before lunch I convinced Jordan to go on a walk with me and take advantage of the incredible fall weather (it was almost 70 yesterday!).

Some pictures along the way –

my favorite - love the orange — my favorite – love the orange

At this point Jordan said I was weird and he was going in!!! Hmmm….

Every day last week I enjoyed the beauty all around me and I kept thinking that I needed to take the time to walk around and truly appreciate it.

Even though Kansas isn’t my favorite place – I do love the fall. There are trees of all colors, the weather is cool but not completely cold (YET!!) and it is time for soup!!!

Do you have a true fall where you live?

Happy Monday?

Kim

Core, Fitness, Triceps

Workout Tools

October 27, 2013 Kim 34 Comments

Today I decided to work my triceps with the 44 – I did skull crushers using my stability ball.

The nice thing about this move on the ball is that I also had to work to hold my hips level so I got a little core work!!!! I just used 8 pound dumbbells because I knew that after about 20, my form would suffer with anything heavier – ended up being the perfect choice for all 44 – I definitely felt them but could perform all the reps with proper form.

I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite workout tools since I keep using different ones for my daily 44.

Resistance bands: These are awesome especially when you travel since they don’t weigh much or take up much space. They are great as an alternative to weights and actually sometimes make moves feel harder than using dumbbells because of the constant tension.

Bowflex Select Tech Weights: I love these when I’m doing a weight workout. Since I store all of my workout equipment in one room and move it to another to work out, this makes it easier to move!! These weights adjust from 5 pounds each up to 50 pounds each!!! On moves that you just want a light weight they are a bit bulky but otherwise I love them!

Stability Balls: I love the extra challenge you can add to so many different moves by using a stability ball. Today I used one to keep my hips up. The other day I used one to do push-ups. So many options!!!

BOSU: This might be my all time favorite piece of equipment. It can be used like a step for an entire cardio + toning workout and it is also great to add a balance challenge to any move!! I love trying new moves on the BOSU – some are successful and others don’t really workout!!

Treadmill: I’m pretty sure that everyone knows by now that I actually prefer running on my treadmill these days!! Years of having no choice (babies and a traveling husband) helped with turning me into a treadmill runner. And, occasionally I try to use my treadmill for things other than running – not always a great idea but sometimes it works!

If I can't be on the beach then I'm pretty happy here!! — If I can’t be on the beach then I’m pretty happy here!!

What is your favorite piece of exercise equipment?

Happy Sunday!

Kim

Core, Fitness, Running, Shoulders, Treadmill

Off Kilter

October 26, 2013 Kim 34 Comments

Today I used my favorite piece of equipment (again!) –

For the 44 I did a plank with my toes on the BOSU.

I alternated stepping one foot off –

then back on and the other foot off.

I counted a right and left step-off as 1 rep. About half-way through the 44 I started thinking that I should have timed it so I could see how long I stayed in plank – oh, well – I know it was long enough that my arms were shaking!!!

I decided to run again today. I’m enjoying just running to run again!!! I did 6 miles in 44:19 at 1.5% incline and then 2.25 more miles at a super easy pace.

Lately, for some reason, I feel a little off-kilter. I think it is a combination of the things that I need to get done and all of the extra activities the boys have this year.

We have always had family dinner – typically around 6:00pm – this is a great way to reconnect after being out and about all day. Lately, it is rare for everyone to be able to eat at the same time – I feel like we eat in pairs. This past week we only had dinner together 2 times!!! (Hooray for my crock pot so that dinner is ready at multiple times!!!)

Lately, our dining room table is just a mess. It is my home “office” and the piles are driving me insane. The problem is, my list keeps growing but my motivation is not keeping up with the To-Dos!!!

Last night I was home alone for the entire evening and I didn’t do a single productive thing – I watched mindless TV (have you seen that 4 Secret Princes Show?), spent hours playing on my laptop (not work stuff!!!), added more blogs to my feed (not sure why since I can barely keep up with the ones I already had!!).

So, I guess I will make another list for the day and hope that today is the day I actually make some progress and get back on track!!!

And, I always add stuff after I do it just for the happiness that comes from seeing stuff marked off!!!

Happy Saturday!!!

Kim

Back, Core, Fitness

Proud Mama

October 25, 2013 Kim 67 Comments

Today I did a 44 that was all about the core (and a nice stretch for my back!!). I used my stability ball – and did a roll-over.

Start with the ball between your feet and your legs in the air.

Slowly, without using your hands to push off the floor, lift your hips and roll back.

Then, bring your legs back to the start position in a controlled manner – don’t just let them flop back down. Great for the whole core – back included!

And, because it makes me happy, I did Turbo Fire – Fire 45! There is no way to be in a bad mood working out with Chalean. The music is great and her energy is contagious!!!

Last night we went to Hunter’s Parent/Teacher Conference at the middle school. The middle school is set up in teams so the core teachers rotate in and out of the room during your conference time. It’s a great system because in about a 20 minute conference, you are able to meet with all of the teachers!!

Hunter is actually on the same team that Jordan was in 7th grade.Only one of the teachers is new this year so they all remember Jordan.

Last night, every single one of the teachers said such nice things about Hunter and Jordan!!! They complimented Chris and I on how we have raised them.

One teacher said she really wished we had more kids coming through.

The teachers were all happy with how Hunter does in class (he had all A+s or As) but even more pleased with the fine young man he is. Every one of them mentioned the fact that he greets them by name when he walks into their classrooms each day and says “bye” or “have a nice day” or something when he leaves their room for the day.

They also said that both boys seem to be very happy and emotionally stable (which is a big deal in middle school!!!).

Even when you think you are doing a semi-OK job with your kids, it is always nice to hear from their teachers that they think the same thing.

And, just for fun, here is a picture of Hunter last night for his cello group. They all decided to wear costumes since they won’t have group next week on Halloween. See if you can figure out Hunter’s costume.

Happy Fun Friday!!!

Kim

PS – do you get it? Hunter is supposed to be his cello and his cello is “dressed” as him!!!

Back, Fitness, Running, Treadmill

Some Thoughts Are Better Left Unsaid

October 24, 2013 Kim 58 Comments

Today’s 44 was not one of my better ideas!!! In fact, it would have been an idea better left in my head. However, I ~~might be~~ am ~~a little~~ stubborn and once I decided to do the move I just went with it!!!

What was the stupid move? I used my treadmill –

I sat sideways under the handles and did a pull-up move. Here is a self picture (which is why I’m only holding on with one hand!!!) since today is a day off school (Parent/Teacher Conferences) and the boys are STILL sleeping!!!

From that position (except with both hands on the rail) – I pulled myself up until my chin was above the bar – 44 times!!! See – not a good idea!!!

The main reason it was a bad idea is because now my lower back is killing me – which is why the only picture is the above one. I’m not going to do any more when the boys get up to make a video!!!

I did get in a run after the stupid 44 though – 5 miles at a fast pace and then 2.5 easy (all at 1.5% incline). I’m sure that the hard run did nothing to help my back – oops!!

So my decision to act on a poor choice made me think about something we say in our family a lot – “That should probably be kept right here (point to head).”

We usually just say this to be funny but there really are times that it is true!!! Not everything that pops into your head should be said out-loud for numerous reasons.

Somethings are just flat out rude.
Somethings really don’t make sense and need to be thought through a little more.
Somethings might be inappropriate.
Sometimes silence is the best option.

Jordan is really good about pointing out when Chris or I make a comment that would have been better left unsaid – always makes me laugh but also realize that I really do need to keep some thoughts (and clearly some ideas!!!) in my head!

Do you have thoughts/ideas that are better kept inside your head? (I hope I’m not the only one!!!)

Happy Thursday!!

Kim

Day With KT

Monthly Archives: October 2013

Taking Time to Appreciate the Beauty of Fall

Workout Tools

Off Kilter

Proud Mama

Some Thoughts Are Better Left Unsaid

Fitness – Food – Fun