Category Archives: Squats

The Power of ONE

July 9, 2013 Kim 37 Comments

Today for my 43 I did a move that I knew was going to be included in my workout (with over 150 reps!!!) – I figured that an extra 43 would be good for me – sometimes I’m sort-of ~~stupid~~ crazy like that!!!

I used my barbell –

and did squats.

get ready - once again eyes closed to prep!! — get ready – once again eyes closed to prep!!

And, just to show that I really do know to put all my weight in my butt (even though the picture above looks like I’m tilting forward) –

I prefer doing the pictures before I work out (when I’m a little fresher!!) but today these were after my 43 squats and after my workout so my legs were shot!!!

I did Body Pump – Pump Revolution which is almost an hour of lifting (high reps!). There was a second when I first got up that I thought about doing the workout as planned but using lighter weights. However, I decided that doesn’t help me accomplish what I’m trying to achieve which is to get stronger. So, I pushed myself with heavy weights and now I’m glad I did!!

Today was also Beach Boot Camp – the workout was fun and different – it was partly inspired by my love of Turbo Fire and partly inspired by the current month (July!!). I just included 7 moves (since July is the 7th month) that we did for 13 reps (2013!!) and then we repeated the circuit. We only made it through 5 sets today (appointments for some) but the goal would be 7 sets!!

When Jordan and I left the swim beach after the workout (he has gone to all of the beach boot camps except 1 – last Friday because he was wiped out after a late night of fireworks Thursday night), I told him I was a little bummed that only 1 person (besides he and I) came to workout this morning. His response –

Not gonna lie – it was a proud moment for me!!! Not because of the workout but because he has the wisdom as a 14 year-old to realize that making a difference in the life of one person is just as important as making a difference in the lives of 100s of people!!!

Sometimes I get so wrapped up in thinking that I need to try and get more people to come to boot camp or in trying to grow my blog that I forget what really matters.

Boot camp is just something that I thought would be fun this summer (and it has been!!). What I didn’t realize when I started was how much I would enjoy the days that Jordan goes with me and participates in my class!!

So, even if I only have a few people in some classes (I know that lots of people are on vacation and 6 am is just too early for some to get up in the summer!!) – Boot Camp has been a huge success because it has been good for Jordan (and for me!!).

And, I know that my blog won’t ever affect that many people but if even just one person feels better after reading my blog than I am happy!!! (Occasionally that person is me, because the act of writing things down makes me feel better sometimes.)

So, no matter how many people you come in contact with during the day, remember that making one person smile or feel better about themselves is enough!!!!

Happy Tuesday!!!

Kim

Butt, Fitness, Squats

On the Road Again

June 28, 2013 Kim 34 Comments

Today’s 43 is a move that I got from Taylor at Lifting Revolution. She did a great post showcasing 27 types of squats!! She even has a little video gif for each one so you can see how they should be done.

I decided to try the monkey squat – I’m pretty sure that my form isn’t as good as Taylor’s. I’ve never tried this move before – I need to do them more!!

Reach down, grab either the ankles or toes.
Keeping your upper body completely still, bend at the knees and lower your butt towards your ankles.
Return to starting position and repeat.

[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le33rST_ysY’]

I think I bent my arms too much and I know I don’t go very low (lack of flexibility). I liked this move for a 43 and definitely plan to start doing these more often!!!

And – I decided to take a little workout break today!!!

The other day when I talked about my drive to TX, Josie (@ Yum Yucky) left a little comment referencing Willie Nelson’s song – On the Road Again. I figured that all of y’all might want this catchy tune in your head today!!!

[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TD_pSeNelU’]

The boys and I are headed home today – in 8.5-9 hours we will be back in Topeka!! As nice as this week as been, I’m ready to be back home!!!

Good-Bye Texas!!!

rocking on the front portch — rocking on the front porch

Happy Fun Friday!! (I’m not sure that this is really going to be fun Friday – we are going to do our best to make it fun while driving!!)

Kim

BOSU, Butt, Fitness, Lunges, Quad, Squats

Mottos

June 19, 2013 Kim 32 Comments

Today’s 43 had my legs burning!!! I used one of my favorite pieces of equipment:

I started with both feet on the BOSU – did a squat

then stepped my left leg behind into a curtsey lunge.

After 43 on the first side, I didn’t know if I would be able to do another set with the other leg because my quads were burning!! However, I don’t want to be unbalanced so – 43 more!!

I think the hardest part was the little squat in between each lunge – basically, the leg that stayed on the BOSU was working the entire time!!!

6:00 am Boot Camp was a lot of toning work with just a few cardio bursts in between! We used resistance bands and I’m pretty sure that my shoulders will be sore tomorrow!!

And, I’m still doing Insanity Asylum – but only 2 more days left!!!! Today was Back to Core (probably the “easiest” one of the whole program!) and Relief – 25 minutes of stretching. I did the whole stretching one even though it’s not my favorite – I might have entertained myself with my phone but I still stretched!!!

Lots of people have a motto (or even many mottos that they live by). Some mottos apply only to part of one’s life while others can cover everything.

I think that sometimes people have a motto that “sums” them up in just a few words – the following is one that I love!And, sometimes a motto is something that you are trying to achieve in your life.

Even kids have mottos – that they apply to their lives.

Life is like a cube - you just have to solve it. — Life is like a cube – you just have to solve it.

Life is like a cookie - sometimes it crumbles. — Life is like a cookie – sometimes it crumbles.

Look at the big picture - Will this matter in 10 years? — Look at the big picture – Will this matter in 10 years?

I’ve been trying to decide if I have a specific motto that I live by. I think if I had to pick one thing (other than Suck it up Buttercup!!), I would say –

Always do YOUR best!!!!!

Do you have a motto (or mottos) that you live by?

Happy Wednesday!!!

Kim

Fitness, Squats

Stretching Is not my Favorite!!

June 8, 2013 Kim 16 Comments

Today’s 43 turned into a lot more than just 43!!! I did a 4-count squat:

squat and touch your knees
stand and reach hands overhead
squat and touch your shins
stand and reach hands overhead
squat and touch your toes
stand and reach hands overhead
squat and touch the floor
stand and reach hands overhead

Hmmm…after typing it out, maybe I should call it an 8-count squat!!!

[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU64vjCa_R8′]

I do lots of squats slow and controlled but today I decided to go with quick squats so that I could get my heart rate up a little and really maximize the burn from the squats – yep, that worked!!! This was a fun 43 that turned into 172 total squats!!!

Another day of Insanity Asylum – Strength. I think this is the 3rd time that I’ve done the strength workout in this program and I really can see some improvements!!! One of the moves is a standing bent row/push-up pyramid – 1 row, 1 push-up, 2 rows, 2 push-ups……You see how many you can get in 2 minutes. I used 12 pound dumbbells for this today and made it through 9 rows and 9 push-ups!!!! (last time I almost finished the 8s – much better today!!!) Since it is a standing row, you also get the added fun of jumping back into push-up position and then jumping up for the next set of rows (almost like doing a burpee!!!).

I also did the Relief DVD today. This is 25 minutes of stretching!!! I enjoy the first 5 minutes or so and then I just get bored with stretching. (I did the whole thing because I know it is good for me and that my body needs it but…..YUCK!!!)

At one point we did a standing straddle stretch and were supposed to put our elbows on the ground –

Similar to the above but elbows instead of head – I thought my legs were stuck in the straddle position!! Of course, Jordan just laughs at me and critiques my form!!!

I know that stretching is good for me and an important component in any fitness program. And, I always include stretching in my boot camp classes. But it is usually only a few minutes!!! I have never really liked to stretch a lot but now I’m a bit older and need it more than ever!!

So, even though stretching isn’t my favorite thing to do and I prefer to stretch like this –I will keep making myself spend time stretching!!! Who knows, I might start enjoying it!! Or maybe one day I will be able to do this – Or not!!!! WHY????

Do you like to stretch or is it something that you have to force yourself to spend time doing?

Happy Saturday!!

Kim

Butt, Fitness, Quad, Running, Squats, Treadmill

Vein Stripping: Five Weeks Later

May 30, 2013 Kim 28 Comments

For my 43 today, I did more leg work (and a bit of core since there was a high level of balance involved!). I used my stability ball: (not the BOSU – it was just in the picture!!)I started with one foot on the ball – knee bent:

Then I did a single leg squat and slid the ball out in front of me:

And, like so many of the 43s in the past, this was a double because I want both of my legs to get equal treatment!!!

Another day of Insanity Asylum – Back to Core. Since this is my first time through the program I didn’t know what to expect from this workout – now I know that it is a LOT of controlled moves and holds!!! My upper back will be sore tomorrow for sure!!! The only equipment needed for this workout is a little band – Good times!!!

I decided to get in a little run today since this workout didn’t have much cardio (and I’ve been in a bit of a running slump) – I ran on the treadmill since it is STILL raining here! 1.5% incline – 4 miles in 30:54 + 0.25 mile cooldown

Not sure what the deal is with running lately – not super motivated. I’m trying to cut myself a little slack and push harder with other things because I don’t want running to ever become something that I dread!!Thankfully, I don’t hate running but I’m not loving it at the moment either – I have a small idea of what the problem might be. (coming up…..)

So, it has been 5 weeks since this lovely picture (the day after I had my veins stripped):

I thought I would just do a short follow up (no gross pictures today!!!) with my thoughts on the surgery. I’ve already talked about the fact that my DR completely misinformed me by not telling me all the possible results and how long the recovery could take.

Now, it has been 5 weeks and I can do all of my normal activities so that is definitely a good thing. The downside – my legs have hurt every second of the past 5 weeks!!! They don’t hurt as bad now as they did the first couple of weeks but I have a few areas on both legs that HURT all the time.

My left ankle has a huge knot right under the bone on the inside that causes my ankle to stay swollen and ache all the time.

My right calf, while better than it was the first couple of weeks, still has a knot in it.

right calk — right calf – hard to tell much

And, my right upper thigh is just a mess – little knots all over.

I have regretted having this surgery almost since the minute I got home from the hospital and I’m still not at the point where I’m glad I had it done!!! I’m hoping that maybe in a few more weeks I will at least be happy with the results but for now all it’s done is cause me a lot of pain.

And, that pain (while definitely manageable) is what I think has caused my little running slump!!! Every time I run now my legs feel like this:I keep telling myself that the DR said I can’t hurt anything so I try to ignore it but it is a joy sapper for sure!!!

Well, what I meant to be an update, came out sounding like a lot of whining! I’m done with that now because I know that I’m lucky to be able to work out and do all the things I want to do!!!