Core, Fitness, Hamstrings, Shoulders

Labor Day

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The 43 for today was a sit-up but it was also a great move for my shoulders and a nice hamstring stretch!!!

I did a 1-arm weighted sit-up.  Start with left leg bent and right leg extended, weight in right arm overhead – 

start
start

Sit-up making a half-circle with right arm (from floor to right foot) –

1/2 way up
1/2 way up
reach for toes
reach for toes

Slowly lower down and repeat x 43.  Then, of course, you have to switch sides and repeat the whole process!!!

start on left side
start on left side
almost there
almost there
reach for the toes
reach for the toes

I love moves that target a specific area but also work bonus areas!!!  BTW – I did this move with a 5 pound dumbbell and that was plenty for me!!

I pulled out a DVD that I haven’t done in awhile – Gaiam Cross Training for Fitness.  This is a fun workout with 5 – 15 minutes sections:  Cardio Kickbox, Strength & Flexibility, Lower Body Balance, Core Power & Flow, Relax & Restore.  I did the first 4 (I know I should take the time for the Relax & Restore but I’ve got other things to do!!).  The hour went very quickly and I loved the intensity of each of the segments.  I feel like I got a great whole body workout with this DVD!

Screen shot 2013-09-02 at 9.09.25 AM

Observed on the first Monday in September, Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894.

I find it very ironic that people have to work on Labor Day – a holiday that was created to honor the laborers.  I realize that there is never a day when everyone can be off but just in my lifetime things have changed a great deal!  When I was a kid, holidays and Sundays meant that there was no shopping (not even at the grocery store!!) and very few (if any) restaurants were open.    Screen shot 2013-09-02 at 9.25.41 AM

When I was growing up, Labor Day meant that school started the next day!!!

Screen shot 2013-09-02 at 9.10.34 AM

Now, my boys have been in school for 3 weeks already!!!

One of my favorite things to do from 6:00pm on the Sunday before Labor Day till about 6:00pm on Labor Day was to watch as much of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon as possible.

Screen shot 2013-09-02 at 9.12.48 AMI remember being amazed that Jerry Lewis could stay up the entire time!!!  Watching him decline over the years was sad for me.

 

One thing that really hasn’t changed much – Labor Day has always been a big day for family & friends to get together and have a cook-out!!

Screen shot 2013-09-02 at 9.13.49 AM

 

And, growing up we didn’t enjoy time at the lake or the pool (my mom thinks swimsuits in mixed company are inappropriate –  oops, I guess I’m  inappropriate a lot these day!!!), but now Labor Day always includes some time at the swim beach and on the boat!!

 I hope that even if you have to work today you are able to celebrate with friends/family and enjoy the day!!

Happy Monday!!  Happy Labor Day!

Kim