Tag Archives: BOSU

Exercise Is NOT One Size Fits All

November 6, 2013 Kim 78 Comments

Today’s 44 was fun!!! Kristen @ Stuft Mama demoed this super cool move yesterday and I knew that I had to give it a try. It is called – The Monkey.

Basically it is a cross body mountain climber using the

See why I had to try it?!

[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxBG2OW98hs’]

You can do this move without a BOSU if you don’t have one available.

Since I already had my BOSU out I decided to do a workout with it – I did BOSU Total Body Conditioning. It is a fun workout that mixes cardio, strength moves, balance training and core work. The biggest downside – it was only about 30 minutes.

So, I also did Les Mills Pump – Combat. This has been one of my favorite workouts from the very first time I tried it. It is 45 minutes worth of non-stop cardio in the form of kicking and punching. The time flies by and I always feel like I’ve gotten a great workout.

I’ve never really understood the concept of “one size fits all.” How is it even possible when we are all so different?!?!

I think that with exercise we really have to steer away from the idea that one size fits all.

Everyone needs to figure out what works for them and not do something just because it seems to be what everyone else is doing.

For the past few months I’ve tried a bit of an experiment with my working out and it hasn’t worked well for me. For a long time I have read about and observed many people who thrive on minimal amounts of time for working out.

Workouts like the 7 minute workout are everywhere these days!!! And, I truly love that type of workout!!!

However, for me, it isn’t enough!!!

This fall I made a conscious effort to try and cut down on my workout time – most days I have only spent 40-45 minutes total working out instead of the 1-2 hours that I used to spend.

I’ve realized that I actually feel better when I workout longer – it may be all psychological and I’m totally OK with that.

So, I tried something and figured out that it was not a fit for me!!

Have you tried things that seem to be the “norm” and realized they weren’t for you?
Do you like short workouts or longer sessions?

Happy Wednesday!!!

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

BOSU, Butt, Core, Fitness

Time for a Change!

October 5, 2013 Kim 35 Comments

Today for my 44 I used my favorite piece of equipment –

I put my head on the BOSU and did a single leg hip lift.

It’s a small lift (as you can tell) but very effective. My left hip was dying by the time I finished 44 and then I had to switch legs and repeat!!

I was definitely ready to be done with that second set!!! Funny that my shoes have reflective parts and they always show the flash!!!

I’ve decided that my posts will continue to start with my daily 44 because that really is the reason I started blogging (although it was for a daily 43!!).

But…..I am going to quit posting about the rest of my workouts every day. I know all y’all are probably thinking – FINALLY!!!

Don’t get to excited – there will still be some days that I talk about my run from the day or about a particular DVD I did. And some days I might be really excited about a new boot camp workout and feel the need to share it.

I just won’t be sharing all of my workouts every day – I have started transitioning away from that the past month or so but I’m ready to make the change.

And with that major announcement – I’m off early to clean our venue – Friday wedding and now a Saturday wedding mean I have to bust tail to get it turned around!!!

Happy Saturday!!!

Kim

BOSU, Butt, Core, Fitness

365 Days – Goal Achieved!!!

September 15, 2013 Kim 90 Comments

Today’s final 43 was a plank on my

with an alternating lunge step. This was another fun way to push myself with a plank hold!!!

[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGFj0LWhn-Y’]

And, by this point, you know that I counted a right lunge and a left lunge as 1 rep.

Today is a day to celebrate!!!

365 Consecutive Days (1 year) of Daily 43s!!!

Plus, I also did 365 consecutive days of blogging!!!! This post is my 435th post in 1 year!!! Besides the daily posts, I also have some recipes, some workout reviews and some boot camps and a few just random posts!

So, my goal for my year of 43 has been achieved and now I’m moving on to new goals for 44!!! (Well, sort-of the same goals but a different year!)

I’m going to continue my daily activity – this time with 44 reps!!! At this point I’m also planning to continue with daily blogging because I truly enjoy the part of my day where I put some of my random thoughts in writing!!!