Some of My Favorite Workouts

March 17, 2015 Kim 75 Comments

For years the only type of working out I did was running. Now I love trying new exercises and workouts.

I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite ways to workout. I can’t share all of them because this post would go on for way too long!

1. 10 Minute Solutions workouts – I like the variety in all of these workouts. Some are mostly cardio, some are toning and some are a perfect mix of everything!

2. Jari Love Get Ripped DVDs – these are weight training workouts that focus on high reps.

3. TaeBo – sometimes old school is the best!!!

4. Various workouts on my Pinterest board – many from blogging friends.

5. Jillian Michaels workouts – I feel like I get a good workout with all of Jillian’s workouts. I think sometimes her cuing isn’t great and she doesn’t always make sure both sides get equal work but I can work with those issues.

6. Chalean Extreme – the first time I did this program was the first time I really pushed myself to lift heavier weights!!!

7. Les Mills Combat – these workouts are just fun!!!

8. Insanity – this is definitely hard work but I love that it is cardio and toning with no equipment required.

9. Turbo Fire (and Turbo Jam) – working with Chalean is my favorite! She makes every workout fun and the time passes quickly.

10. Running!!!

Bonus: I really enjoy my daily moves! Doing these has really forced me to try new moves and do different things which I think is great for my body.

What is your favorite way to workout?

Happy Wednesday!

Kim

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Skinny or Strong?

March 15, 2015 Kim 87 Comments

Do you think it’s a compliment if someone calls you skinny or does it offend you?

There are times that Chris tells me I look skinny and I always disagree for 2 reasons – 1. I’m not skinny!! 2. I would rather be told that I look strong or fit!!

Many years ago (almost 30 – not sure how that happened!!) when I was in high school I was all about being skinny!! I was proud of the fact that I only weighed about 110 pounds (I was the same height I am now).

My junior year I actually thought it would be cool to be under 100 pounds when I graduated from high school. I think I realized quickly that was sort of a ridiculous idea!!!

My first semester in college I was running cross country at the collegiate level (on a scholarship) and I still gained 20 pounds. I would love to say that it was because I was stronger but sadly it was because I loved Dr Pepper and pizza!!

There was a point after college and grad school when I got down to my high school weight but it wasn’t because I was super fit or healthy. I just spent a summer working outside (I hoed weeds!!!) in west TX and it was so hot that I barely ate.

Thankfully, as I’ve gotten older I have realized that the goal is not being skinny. No number (weight or size) will ever make me happy!

Being strong is my goal. I love the fact that my legs are powerful and able to run lots of miles!!!

strong will always trump skinny in my book

I don’t want to be skinny. Being skinny is not the reason I get up at 5:00am and workout every day. My goal is to be strong, fit and healthy and I feel like I am meeting that goal every day!!!

What about you – do you want to be skinny or strong?

Happy Monday!!

Kim

Back, BOSU, Butt, Core, Fitness, Lunges, Recovery, Resistance Bands, Running, Squats, Treadmill

Taking it Easy (3/8 – 3/14)

March 14, 2015 Kim 26 Comments

This week I took several days off because my legs were tired and I’m trying to rest some before next Saturday!

Sunday 3/8 – 45 sit-ups with my feet propped on the door.

Monday 3/9 – 45 rear leg lifts with band.

After one side has been worked over, it’s time to switch and hit the other side.

I did Turbo Jam – Lower Body Jam & Ab Jam – both fun workouts!!

Tuesday 3/10 – 45 reverse lunge to warrior 3.

I love how many muscles are involved in these 2 moves. And the balance challenge always makes me happy!!!

I did a 9 mile run in 68:35 followed by 1.2 easy miles.

Wednesday 3/11 – 45 crunches with a medicine ball toss (8 pound).

This was the start of taking a few days off since my legs felt tired. I still ended up with almost 20,000 steps after a day of cleaning and setting up at the venue.

Thursday 3/12 – 45 bent over tricep pulses.

An easy move on another day off (other than 8 hours on my feet while ironing table cloths).

Friday 3/13 – 45 pike and row on BOSU. This move is another one that Nellie (Brooklyn Active Mama) shared in her Weekly Wednesday Workout.

Wrap the band around your foot a couple times – I also ended up choking up on the band to have enough resistance.

pike your leg up and row (pull shoulder blades together)

This was a fun move because it worked so many muscle groups and had an incredible balance challenge!!!

ready to work the other side even though my abs are burning

Saturday 3/14 – 45 squats on a 30% inclined treadmill.

I really liked this move – and it was perfect since I had just finished my run!!!

have to work the other side - sorry for the backside view — have to work the other side – sorry for the backside view

(It’s been awhile since I did pictures with my shirt off but just keeping it real – back fat and all today!!!)

I did this move after running 5 miles – 36:54 followed by a nice easy mile.

4 days out of 7 off is a lot for me but I think it was time to rest!!!

Happy Saturday!

Kim

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Spring Break

March 12, 2015 Kim 58 Comments

My boys started spring break today (tomorrow is a teacher work day since it is the end of the quarter) and it is much needed!!!

Actually, Hunter hasn’t been to school since Tuesday because he has the flu – poor guy has been pretty miserable for a couple of days.

We don’t have any big vacation plans for the week (good thing since Hunter is sick) but it will be a great week of relaxing and recharging for all of us!!!

Chris is going to work Monday & Tuesday but then he will take the rest of the week off so we will have several days with no alarms and very few obligations!!!

The weather looks like it will be fairly nice most of the week (never know with spring in Kansas) so we should be able to be outside some even if it’s not beach weather!!!

We are looking forward to a simple week with no big plans except to enjoy ourselves and let go of our schedule for a few days – perfect!!!

Do you like spring break (or vacation weeks) when you can relax at home or do you prefer taking a big trip?

Happy Friday!!!

Kim

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Not Every Day Is Perfect

March 10, 2015 Kim 85 Comments

I think that between Facebook, Instagram, blogs and other forms of social media it is so easy to get the impression that some people have perfect lives. The natural tendency is to show just the “good” stuff which gives the illusion that life is always great.

However…..the reality is that some days completely suck!!!

Sometimes we all feel like Alexander!!!

I don’t always share the negative things because I want my blog to be positive overall. But then there are days that just get me down!!

I love my boys and they are great kids. But they aren’t perfect. Sometimes they make me cry and yell and cuss!!!! Those aren’t the stories that I want to share on my blog though because they aren’t just my stories to share.

And as much as I love Chris, there are times that we don’t get along and I yell and scream because it’s what I do when I get angry. Again, these aren’t the stories that I want to share on my blog.

Sometimes I get mad and leave the dinner table in the middle of the meal and go eat alone in our bedroom because I can’t deal with everything but that isn’t the norm and we always move past those horrible times!!!

Most of the time I love everything about my life. However, there are times that it all makes me cry. Those aren’t the stories I share on the blog because it is one thing to share my faults but I never want to write anything negative about the 3 boys that fill my life with joy and love.

I might not share the negatives but it isn’t because my life is perfect. It is just one way that I show Chris, Jordan and Hunter how much I love them!!!

Do you ever feel like everyone in the blog world or on Facebook has a perfect life?
Do you share negative things on social media?

Happy Wednesday!!!

Kim

Day With KT

Some of My Favorite Workouts

Skinny or Strong?

Taking it Easy (3/8 – 3/14)

Spring Break

Not Every Day Is Perfect

Fitness – Food – Fun