All posts by Kim

I am a 44 year old wife, mom and athlete. I started running in high school and have loved it ever since. As I got older, I had to stop running every day so I added in weight training and all sorts of fun work-outs like Insanity, P90X and Turbo Fire. I'm a certified personal trainer and I love all aspects of fitness.
Cardio, Fitness

Jump Up and Go!!!

Today I literally jumped out of bed and had my 43 done within the first 5 minutes I was up!!!

I did 43 air jacks – like a jumping jack but you jump higher and swing your arms bigger – you make a big X in the air.

Chalean – Air Jack

These are a total Turbo Fire move so I thought the picture should be Chalean today!  A great 43 and a great way to start the day.

I’ve got a huge challenge work-out planned for tomorrow so I decided to give myself a break today after the jacks. I have a tendency to not take days off – have to force myself.

Plus….last night we went out with friends and by the time I got home I had committed to subbing for PE again today.  My day will probably be similar to this:

[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzcXTiVd5gE’]

Well, maybe not quite but I’m pretty sure that Friday is always dodgeball in PE.  I better make sure I have extra Excedrin!!  I’m sure it will be fun – it has to since it is Fun Friday!!!

Kim

Chest, Core, Fitness

Patience – I Need Some Right Now!!

Today’s 43 worked my chest and core – Yippee!!!

I did a single-arm chest press while balancing on a stability ball. To really get the most out of this move – I tried to keep my hips up and level the entire time.

Single Arm Chest Press

I like using the stability ball because I  get a better range of motion – my elbow can go further down than just laying on the floor.

Single Arm Chest Press

I did 43 on my right side and 43 on my left side using a 15 pound dumbbell for all reps.  I think the weight was heavy enough to offer plenty of challenge today!

The rest of my work-out was fun  – hooked up with  Chalean again.  I did Turbo Jam (Beach Body) Cardio Party Mix 3. This work-out is a blast and the 50 minutes flies by!!!  I know I look like a dork – especially at the end where she includes some funky dance moves – because my sense of rhythm got lost a LONG time ago.  I’m cool with being a total goof – still love the work-out!!!

WARNING: Whining ahead!

I’m really ready to figure out why my hip still hurts!!! This morning when I went downstairs to have Hunter take some pictures of my 43 he said, “Really limping today, Mom.”  I don’t know why – some days it’s  worse than others. :Tears:   I just want to be able to run and jump without pain or fear of doing further damage!  Trying to be patient with my hip and the doctors but sort-of completely over it!!

OK – enough of the negativity!!!  Have a super Thursday!

Kim

 

Core, Fitness

A Ginormous Thank-You to All Teachers!!!!!

First off, the 43 today was a plank with an alternate shoulder touch.

Plank – Alternate shoulder touch

I counted 1 rep as touching my right hand to my left shoulder and then my left hand to my right shoulder.  It ended up being quite a long time to hold plank – especially since most of the time was just on one arm.  I had to squeeze my butt really hard to keep from rocking when I picked up each arm.  I set myself up so that I could look over and see my reflection so I could occasionally check on my form.  Overall – a great 43!

The rest of my work-out was Chalean Extreme (Beach Body) Push Circuit 3.  (chest and back today)

I have to say that I think we should all take every opportunity we have to thank the teachers we know.  They work HARD!!!!  Yesterday I spent the day teaching 1st grade and I barely had time to pee (which wasn’t a huge deal since I didn’t have time to refill my water!).  I came home at the end of the day – right after I put all of my little friends on the bus – looking like this

Exhausted!!!

Truly, I was more tired at the end of the day yesterday than I was the other day after I ran 10 miles in just over an hour!!!  And…I didn’t even have to get the room ready for the next day, do lesson plans, grade papers……

So – THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE HARD-WORKING, DEDICATED TEACHERS!!! You are very much appreciated!

Happy Wednesday!

Kim

Chest, Fitness, Squats

No Matter What…

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Another day, another 43 to share!!!  Today was a squat with a chest fly.  To get the most out of the squat – I squatted, then flyed, then stood.

Hunter – Squat then fly

Pretty good form, Hunter!!!  (I took these pictures yesterday since today was another early morning work-out!!)

Hunter – Squat with Fly

Hunter did more of a lateral raise but, hopefully, you get the idea!!! Stay in your squat while you complete the upper body movement.

As far as 43s go, this one was not too hard.  I only used 8 pound dumbbells and I really should have upped it to 10 to challenge myself more.

After the 43 I did Les Mills Pump (Beach Body) Combat DVD.  Always a fun work-out!!!

Last night Chris and I were talking about people who just get by or do the minimum to complete a task (sort of like me taking it easy with the 8 pounds this morning). One trait that we have really tried to instill in our boys is to ALWAYS do your best – no matter what you are doing.  It’s why even when I pick some ridiculously hard 43 I make myself finish all of the reps – or if I have to make an adjustment, I own up to it!

Blah, blah, blah…..Not really sure what brought all that on!!  Oh well, always do your best!!!

So, today I’m going to sub 1st grade all day – WooHoo!!!

Look – No work-out clothes!!

Just thought I would show that I really do wear real clothes!

Have a great day!!

Kim

Butt, Fitness, Running, Shoulders

Running – My Favorite!!!

Today’s 43 was a double – upper and lower body parts all in one fun move!  I did a curtsy lunge with a front raise.  The front raise was a killer!!! (I used an 8 pound dumbbell for all 43).

Ready – Curtsy lunge with front raise

Start with all of your weight on the front leg (in the heel) and the dumbbell (if you want to use one) in the same hand – right & right or left & left.

Curtsy Lunge & front raise

Lunge back and to side while lifting arm in front.  Lower arm as you push off of front heel to return to start.  I did 43 on my right side and then 43 on the left side.

The really funny thing about my 43 and the rest of my work-out….same muscle groups – Good Times!!!  I did Chalean Extreme ( Beach Body) Push Circuit 2 – all shoulders and lunges!!!  The happy news – I actually lifted 17.5 pound dumbbells on all of the different overhead shoulder presses today.  That is my record!!!  The reason I can do the 1/2 pound increment is I use these weights (Bowflex).

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

 

They can adjust from 5 pounds to 52.5 pounds – a true space saver!!!

 

 

 

 

 

After lifting I decided to run again today.  I rarely run 2 days in a row anymore because of injury issues.  However, I’m having a test later today (still on my problem hip) so I probably won’t run again until I learn the results of the test.

I ran a 5K.  It was pretty good – should have started faster!!!

5K – 17:48

Happy Monday!!!

Kim