Tag: elliptical

Fitness

Jillian Michaels Kicked My Butt

The Ameri Brit Mom1 Comment

FullSizeRender (4)

Over the past two weeks I’ve been focusing on my fitness routine. Weather has not permitted me to exercise outside yet, so as I eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring I’ve created a plan for working out different parts of my body. Every other day I’ve completed an elliptical regimen. I’ve sifted through Pinterest and the internet to put together a few elliptical workouts that I’ve found to be beneficial for my fitness level. The most important part for elliptical training for me is to beat the boredom. I try to compliment elliptical training with music or audio books, but I also find that I can beat the boredom by doing short intervals. It keeps me focused on what I’m doing and what’s happening next. I tend to have limited workout time so I try to find the best workouts that will breed solid results in 30 minutes or less. Also, in order to get the best results you want to be sure to alternate elliptical workouts and not constantly do the same thing. Not only is it boring, but you miss out on the intended strength training aspect if you allow your muscles to get acclimated to a regimen. Here’s a look at some sources I’ve found to be beneficial:

9toFit: Nothing like a Elliptical Ladder to get you going on a MONDAY..

burn around 400 calories with this 25 minute elliptical routine! never get bored workout #9tofit

25 Minute Elliptical Workout will give you the best cardio workout! Sweat more than you ever have in 25 minutes. www.livylove.com

On the days between my elliptical training I have started something totally new and foreign to me. I’ve always been a runner, but never a strength builder. A few weeks ago a good friend introduced me to the Jillian Michaels’ video workouts. I am no stranger to Jillian Michaels. She is a household icon, but she is oftentimes (mistakenly) credited with being hard core and rude. This prejudice made me a little skeptical of my own ability to complete a Jillian Michaels’ created workout. However, I was pleased when I successfully made my way through a thirty minute routine in my friend’s classroom before parent-teacher conferences. (We totally used dictionaries in her classroom for weights)

It was difficult, but it was so worth it. She may have kicked my butt, but I enjoy the sore feeling after a workout. As I sat at my desk that night discussing student progress with parents I could feel my muscles tightening. That feeling means you did it right and the results are coming. So naturally, I have continued to complete this video workout routine on my own. I’m working my way through the 6 Week 6 Pack video. It isn’t easy, but I am already seeing results after a few sessions. I’ve been tracking my training using my Fitbit App and accomplishing my step goals every day.

A combination of these two workout routines and healthy eating have helped me feel as though I am making some progress toward my New Year’s Resolutions.

I just finished today’s video workout. My calves are throbbing, my abs are tight, and my lower back is worked to the bone. This is what a good butt-kicking feels like.

What are some good butt-kicking workouts you do?

photo credit: http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/1039369/exercises-that-improve-your-strength

Fitness

Working On My Fitness

The Ameri Brit Mom3 Comments

I am singing the winter blues. I’m so over the snow, frigid temperatures and the short days. Bring on the sun, warm temperatures, and long evenings. It is so much more motivating to get out and work out with a blast of Vitamin D from the good ole sun. At the beginning of the new year like many of you I set some resolutions for 2015 that included creating a more fit and healthy lifestyle. Winter is making it difficult for me to follow through.

At the beginning of the year I outlined plans for regular fitness activity and healthier eating habits. As far as the healthy eating goes I haven’t strayed too far from my goal. I may have eaten a few too many slices of cake than I had intended, but overall, I am sticking pretty well to my plans of cooking healthy meals at home every night (with the exception of special date nights).

Where I seem to be lacking is in my regular fitness activity. For the first few weeks of the new year I was on a pretty consistent schedule of 30 minute elliptical workouts every other day. But have since made working out less of a priority. I’ve been crazy busy at work preparing for new state tests, family commitments, and by the time I get home some nights I’m just too exhausted. Eating healthy is great, but without the fitness to compliment the eating habits I know I am missing out on the goal. I want to be both fit and healthy.

A fit and healthy lifestyle (like the one I am trying to adopt) begins first with a clear and measurable fitness plan. I started the year with the goal of working out thirty minutes a day every other day. I thought that was reasonable. Then life happened.

In high school I was a long distance runner and have actually completed several half marathons. I would love to work into shape to once again compete in road races and do well. During the winter I tend to do less running and more elliptical and core strength workouts. I have a Fitbit which is nice for tracking exercise and calories. I also have access to weights.

So…I’m opening today’s blog up to my viewers and followers. I’m asking for advice. How do you stay motivated during the winter to continue training and working out? And…What are your workout plans? 

I tend to be more extrinsically motivated so the more comments and advice I get, the more likely I will be to get myself into a regular routine. I also plan to use this blog to hold me accountable to both my fitness and health goals. Bring on the comments!!