Tag Archives: resistance bands

Core, Fitness, Triceps

Workout Tools

34 Comments

Today I decided to work my triceps with the 44 – I did skull crushers using my stability ball.  

ready
ready
down
down

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.

some of my bands
some of my bands

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!

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

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!!!

Stability BallBOSU:  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!!

BOSU
BOSU

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

Struggling

46 Comments

Today’s 43 was a plank with a leg lift using my band for extra resistance!  I wrapped the band around my foot – Band around foot

After I had the band secured, I got into the plank position.

plank
plank

From this position, I lifted and lowered my right leg 43 times.

lift & lower
lift & lower

The sad thing on this move – after I finished 43 with my right leg, I still had another set of 43 with my left leg!Plank with band

Lift
Lift

The band really made this a tough move today!!!  Besides the leg lift, I had to hold plank for quite a while!!

I did another hotel friendly workout this morning – Les Mills Combat – Combat 45.  

combat gloves - make you feel powerful!!!
combat gloves – make you feel powerful!!!

I put on my gloves and kicked and punched and jumped (tried to make sure and land soft so the people in the room below me didn’t complain!!).  It’s been awhile since I did  combat and I enjoyed it as much as ever!!!

Yesterday I mentioned that I had a completely awful run.  I’m not sure why but I know that the problem didn’t have anything to do with my legs!!  It was all about my breathing.  Screen shot 2013-06-25 at 7.38.02 PMI spent the entire run trying to settle into my breathing but it never happened!!  I felt like I was gasping and panting the entire time!!!

Screen shot 2013-06-25 at 7.27.18 PM

If I had been running outside, I could have chalked it up to the heat/humidity.  However, I was on a treadmill in a climate controlled environment.  

I know that dehydration can make it hard to run and cause breathing problems but I’ve made sure to keep drinking plenty of water even though we are on vacation.  

Screen shot 2013-06-25 at 7.28.57 PMThe boys and I always take the stairs at the hotel (we are on the 3rd floor) because we need all the extra activity we can get!!!  2 different times in the past 3 days I’ve felt like the little man in the above picture.  Really?!!  I shouldn’t have any problems going up a couple flights of stairs.

I’m not sure why I’m having such a hard time this week – all of my workouts have been harder than they should be.  There are several factors that could be causing this – I’m just not sure what it is exactly.

Screen shot 2013-06-25 at 7.55.42 PMOver-training?  Maybe – the past few weeks I’ve pushed myself pretty hard.

Screen shot 2013-06-25 at 7.56.53 PMStress?  Quite possibly.  Even though the boys and I are having a great time, being away from home as a “single” parent is always a little stressful.  Plus the fact that I haven’t talked to Chris since Saturday!

Screen shot 2013-06-25 at 7.58.34 PMFatigue?  Pretty sure this is part of it – lack of quality sleep tends to add up!

Well, tomorrow is another day and I will have another run – hopefully after a  relaxing day and a good night’s sleep  it will be better!!!Screen shot 2013-06-25 at 7.31.27 PM

Do you ever struggle with your breathing while doing what should be an easy run or other simple activity?

Happy Wednesday!!

Kim

BOSU, Butt, Fitness, Lunges, Quad, Squats

Mottos

32 Comments

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

BOSU
BOSU

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

squat
squat

then stepped my left leg behind into a curtsey lunge.

left curtsey lunge
left 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!!

squat
squat
right curtsey lunge
right curtsey lunge

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!!!

Screen shot 2013-06-19 at 8.37.54 AM

Screen shot 2013-06-19 at 8.56.49 AMLots of people have a motto (or even many mottos that they live by).  Screen shot 2013-06-19 at 8.41.09 AMSome mottos apply only to part of one’s life while others can cover everything.Screen shot 2013-06-19 at 8.42.17 AM Screen shot 2013-06-19 at 8.39.36 AMScreen shot 2013-06-19 at 8.43.06 AM

 I think that sometimes people have a motto that “sums” them up in just a few words – the following is one that I love!Screen shot 2013-06-19 at 8.46.23 AMAnd, sometimes a motto is something that you are trying to achieve in your life.Screen shot 2013-06-19 at 8.43.57 AM

 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.
Legos are life.
Legos are life.
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