If you can't relate to this... Please tell me your secret! ;)
It's 3:53am. I have to pee.
"Ugh it's so cold though. And my kid is actually sleeping. I don't wanna get out of bed. Maybe I can hold it. Ugh who am I kidding I can never hold it."
I walk to the bathroom.
"Shit it's really cold in here. I wonder if he is warm enough. Oh yea I added that fleece blanket yesterday he's fine. Geez I really had to pee. I have to stop drinking so much water before bed. But if I don't I wake up so dehydrated. I have to stop eating salty shit before bed...that's the real problem."
I walk back toward bed.
"I gotta check on him. I'm sure he's fine. Just lay down. You gotta stop checking on him eventually. You're a loon"
I lay back down
"Ugh the one night I don't check on him though, god forbid. Ok relax...think of something relaxing. Ahh the beach. The waves...my feet in the cold sand. At night. Gray playing in the...shit I forgot to write the tuition check for his school. I'm never gonna remember to do that in the morning. Tuition tuition tuition. Don't forget!!! My memory sucks. I should start doing more brain activities..crosswords and shit. They give me such a headache though. Ok the beach. Gray playing with his feet in the water. Splashing, laughing. God he's getting so big. I wonder when I'm gonna be ready to have another one. Oh god what if I had twins. I keep hearing about all these twins! And since when is your chance of having twins higher after age 30? Do they just make this shit up? Ugh I can't believe I'm 30! I thought Id have 2 kids by now. But I don't want a baby...I like my sleep too much. Oh shit sleep. Go back to sleep! Ok try counting your breaths...that helps. 1-2-3-4, hold 1-2-3-4, out 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8. This can't work well...holding my breath stresses me out. Ok. 1-2-3- Oh fuck it...just go check on the kid.
Fitness & Health
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Guilty of Having Goals!?
Let me paint a picture for you:
The house is silent…you are fabulously asleep…but you are abruptly
awoken by a tiny finger stuck into your nose. And of course the fact that it scared you half
to death only forced you to fling forward and jam that little finger somewhere
into your frontal lobe.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqChrCJl0m76VAZKkTjXXMvCC9h3YVrBhyphenhyphenAb3IVkDu-k5DkgHSDKBsXhQ-olwz-TPfEP1zbCfNNt1ORdUC4ox71hfsR52POlSxVayaUE7wa-bOFp9GdrhWedMe6uhXGerhL31Suvlexeg/s1600/morning.jpg)
Dog steps on husband's crotch, who then proceeds to push dog
into your face… your tiny human begins to giggle uncontrollably at the sound of
dog's ears flapping and slobber being tossed across the room. And before you even have a chance to figure
out if the sun has risen yet, you realize your day is starting, regardless.
Ok. So it's 5:52. I have 3 options here:
Option A:
I huff and puff, mumbling
about the fact that I never get a full night sleep, while giving my sleeping
husband a death stare as my son and I leave the bedroom…only to go battle over
who gets to put the toothpaste on his toothbrush. (We either waste half a tube
of toothpaste and I spend a few minutes cleaning the counter and sink, or there
is a screaming fit that lasts about 25 minutes that involves the phrase
"MY TURN" being screamed repeatedly) When I'm cranky I tend to take
my "I'm in charge" role way too seriously, and we typically end up in
the latter situation. Then…the whole morning is shot. I'm in a bad mood, my
child is in a bad mood, every toy is thrown, every breakfast food I offer is
"NO Mommy, I don't like it!" I start to feel bad for myself for being
so exhausted, and all I want to do is sit on the couch with my coffee and have
a chance to wake up. But instead I have
to deal with a crabby 2 year old. (However, if you recall, he's the one who
woke up smiling…with his
finger in my nose.)
Option B:
I desperately hold onto the hope that everyone will fall
peacefully back to sleep for another solid hour or two. This option typically leads to
disappointment. When a 2 year old is awake and laughing…there's not much you
can do about that! This option usually ends in a similar fashion to option A.
Option C:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqtATW8GezmG-H4wWxs4yvLyLxhjHkSQfBB19Ec4QBt_clQ-gEs1XMEnREuD4FYxXwjWMiOl_Fxt1iAwbOoQ6_82ZlpRTwsVJK9-2bBAl3EnSZ5vWB3hkw9oL61ZsLr2e6zu3Gjabfog/s1600/unnamed.jpg)
I have been asked, "Don't you feel selfish "dragging"
your son to the gym every morning?" Personally, I feel selfish on the days I
don't…when I'm too tired to throw a ball to my son and chase after it. Or when
I don't have the patience for all of his questions and end up being snippy to a
little mind looking for some answers. If
you have read my articles in the past, you know that fitness has been my saving
grace as a mother! Bringing him to the
gym in the morning makes us both have a better day together!
For starters, my son
LOVES the gym! He doesn't get to play with other kids when we are sitting
around the house, so it's a blast for him to start his days this way. Now as
for me, I am an exponentially better mom when I get a workout in. I understand
we are all different, and maybe some women feel better off the weeks they get
their nail appointment in, or a spa day. But for me…I need to lift, to get my
blood flowing and heart racing. I need my endorphins! The gym is where I find
my peace and my sanity. I leave feeling
refreshed and grateful - ready to spend our day the fun, playful way, with the
patience and energy my son deserves!
Never let anyone make you believe that having personal goals
as a mother somehow makes you selfish! If you are involved in this industry,
you are a competitive person - not necessarily with others, but absolutely with
yourself! If I have an off day as a mom…lose my patients, or find myself
distracted from the one person I've vowed to center my life around, I end the
day extremely disappointed in myself.
These goals I set for myself to get on stage keep me motivated to
continue staying healthy and fit. When I stay on track in those areas, my
entire mental stage is in a better place to be a better mom. That's where this
passion stemmed from, and that's where it remains!
So no…I never feel guilty for bringing my son to the gym in
the morning! I feel pretty damn proud ! Proud
of myself for recognizing my weaknesses as a parent and learning a healthy way
how to overcome them … Proud that my
son grows up in a house with parents who have passion and goals, and work hard
for them… Proud of myself for being
able to do that without missing a beat with my little boy.
SIDE NOTE:
Dear husband - Don't pay any attention to this. 1. I would NEVER give you a death stare. 2. I will totally take a spa day anytime! ;)
www.facebook.com/fitmodmom
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Don't be Scared...Be Smart!
Don't be SCARED! Be SMART!
I have never been a fan of the "scare-tactic" for anything...especially with food! It's not about being convinced fast food is going to kill you...it's about being educated on what can actually improve your health, enhance your appearance, increase your energy, and elevate your mood.
Trust me, I would LOVE to convince everyone to stop eating crap..right NOW! (and there is enough info out there to throw at you to make you disgusted with most of the things we eat) But, it just doesn't work that way, and I understand that 100%. I am human. I grew up eating Slim Jims and cheese sticks on a daily basis! My grandpa called me "the pepperoni kid"...because I was literally obsessed! I got Cheese-its as birthday presents up until I was about 25 years old. So it has been a gradual process for me...and honestly, that's the only way it is realistic for everyone to accomplish.
So here are a few of my favorite, AMAZING, yummy foods to incorporate/substitute into your daily routine to get you started...
Avocado:
Avocado is one of my favorite super foods! People have misconception that if they are trying to lose weight, they shouldn't eat avocado because it is high in "fat". However, they are loaded with the exact kind of fat you need to lose weight! Healthy fats! (oleic acid, lutein, folate, vitamin E, monounsaturated fats and glutathione) These fats can help protect your body from heart disease, cancer, degenerative eye and brain diseases. They raise good cholesterol, and lower bad cholesterol. And here's the kicker...they help prevent belly fat but providing your body with the acids needed to burn fat!
So add some avocado to your meal... in a salad, with your eggs, in a wrap, sliced with your chicken! (I use it to mix in with my tuna instead of Mayo! It's delicious.)
Blueberries:
Blueberries are amazing! I'll say it. They are so jam packed with disease fighting nutrients...they have the power to help prevent diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, etc. They are another food that can help lower your "bad" cholesterol as well. They also contain a high amount of manganese, which assists in bone development. Being rich in antioxidants means that blueberries can actually increase brain power and improve memory.
So, snack on them, eat a bowl at breakfast. If you've never liked them, give them a shot...maybe mix them in a fruit smoothie! They are definitely worth adding to your routine.
Beef (Lean and grass-fed):
I hear this a lot from clients and friends on a "diet": "I don't eat red meat, it's too fattening." Beef is excellent for you, as long as you are eating the right kind. No hormones or steroids, no antibiotics, no "grain" diets. When you eat red meat that has been given the proper grass/plant diet, you are loading your body with proteins, nutrients and fats that will do so much good! (Omega-3's, vitamin B, K, E, calcium, etc.) And yes there is a difference in the nutrition between grain and grass fed. The nutrients come from their diet.
Beef also contains zinc...which is greatly responsible for strengthening your immune system.
So get creative...sick of steaks and burgers? Make a healthy, homemade taco meal...or mix in your beef with some brown rice, veggies and spices - eat it alone, or make burritos!
Leafy Greens:
Veggies such as spinach, kale, arugula, Swiss chard... all these leafy greens are incredibly high in nutrients and vitamins! Stocked with vitamin C, thiamine (which is often added to 'energy' supplements - helps turn carbs and fat into energy), iron, magnesium, potassium, even some omega fatty acids for your hearth health - These lower cholesterol and blood pressure. They are an excellent source of calcium as well! You can never have too much of these vegetables...and they come in so many varieties, you can always be creative. Salads, (obviously), atop your chicken, diced up and added to rice, alone as a meal side...
So if you don't already eat these things...try to add them! Make small substitutions here and there.
Now, this is not meant to tell you that if you begin eating these things you will magically begin to lose weight. (I have no idea what else you are eating over there!) ;)
But, the hope is that once you transition into healthier habits, you become addicted to the energy, the younger looking skin... the new-found ability to fight off a cold a bit easier!
Then my hope is that you'll start looking for more healthy options...reading more books and blogs...educating yourself on what purposes the foods you eat actually serve!
It is so worth it!
Remember,
Good choices lead to better ones!
<3
Renee
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As always, email me with any questions!!
Fitmodmom@gmail.com
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Redefining Motherhood
So I am sure some of you have seen some of my recent photos. I decided to do a fitness shoot a few months ago. I had a few different reasons for wanting professional pics: Submissions to contests, branding for my athlete page, etc ,etc...and I wanted to include my son.
Here is why:
There is a struggle many women face...mothers I should say. We live in a very judgmental world, unfortunately, and let's face it...you will NEVER please everyone, and I TRULY hope that is not your goal! Nonetheless, we grow up with a certain set of beliefs about what it means to be a Mom. I even hear it now from some younger friends or family members when they refer to others' lives or styles. "Oh, well she's a mom, so she doesn't care anymore." Or "Well, she's overweight, but she looks great for a mom!"
It's true...we are held to a lower standard as moms. And it isn't in a negative way...and truly it usually works in our benefit. If we have a loving, well-behaved child, and manage to leave the house with a matching outfit and mascara on, people are pretty impressed. ;)
However! It teaches girls to expect less of themselves when they become mothers. If we believe our bodies are "ruined" after having children, we will just give up. Now, let me be clear...while I am referring to our appearance, my concern is not with the vanity aspect. It is the trickle effect that happens because of that...how it then effects your confidence, your sense of identity, your health!
There is sometimes this underlying judgment people have of "fit moms". Somehow believing we are more selfish than others...less "momish". There is nothing selfish about setting an example to take care of yourself! I believe I am doing my baby boy good by showing him that his mommy and daddy love exercise, and make it a priority! He learned to count by doing squats and jumping jacks with me...and I think that's pretty awesome! ;) I still spend the same amount of time teaching him and playing with him, cuddling and telling him how much I love him. I just have less down-time. My "me" time is spent preparing meals, or working out...when it used to be having a glass of wine on the coach. (I still do that every once in a while, don't feel bad for me. :P)
It's a matter of valuing your life...no matter who you are, how many children you have, etc. Loving your life and taking care of it is so important for everyone in it.
So, now I want to share with you a story that also influenced this photo. This was a conversation that made something click in my mind...something that made me 100% certain I needed my voice to be heard.
I was in line at Target, with my son in the cart. He was about 15 months old at the time. I was in gym clothes and sneaker (which I usually am). There was a girl in the line next to me, probably about 22 years old. She said, "Is he YOUR son!?", with shock on her face. I replied, "Yes he is" and smiled. Her response, while flattering, left me thinking for days: "Wow, you look so great! You have such a nice body...I would NEVER guess you were a mom."
Of course I smiled and said thank you, because she was paying me a compliment. But seconds later, I actually felt guilty for being flattered by that. Is it really that shocking to have a nice body and be a mom!? I felt bad for every girl in her 20's worrying about the day she will become pregnant and "never be the same". I couldn't even count how many times I was told those EXACT words while I was pregnant! "Well, you'll never be the same...but it's worth it!" And yes, if I was never the same again, of course it was worth it!! Being a mom, raising a child...all of it is incredible, and truly has nothing to do with whether or not you decide to be active and healthy!
But why does that sentence have to be drilled into our minds those 9 months before you have a baby! Why are we brainwashed to believe it's not even worth trying!? It all just made me sad... If we give up on that, we give up on so much. And I don't mean we need to strive to be on the cover of a magazine, or win bodybuilding competitions! I just believe we should all be striving to stay healthy, mind and body.
It was hard to get back into a routine of working out, don't get me wrong. I didn't want to take my son to a daycare, and my husband works horrendous hours! But he knew how important it was to me, and his support and flexibility made it possible. The first few months after having my son, I hardly exercised. I was overwhelmed, impatient, depressed, negative, and so anxious...I remember sitting on the couch after my son went to sleep one night and actually having a hard time remembering the last time I really laughed at anything. It was time to make a change. So instead of going to a doctor, I went to the gym... 5 days a week. I worked hard, I felt the beautiful effects of the endorphins, the dopamine, the seratonin (Sounds like I was taking drugs right? Honestly, it does feel like a high.) I started sleeping better, feeling energized and positive...noticing the sunny days and appreciating them instead of complaining about the rain.
My husband and I were ourselves again..joking, laughing, truly enjoying life together. I was able to focus on how amazing my little boy was, instead of how overwhelmed I was by him, or how terrified I was of him getting sick or hurt. It's really amazing how much of a positive effect exercise has on your entire life.
So...in short, this photo, for me, represents the idea that we, Moms, can work on being better...physically, mentally - whatever we need to feel like US, to feel happy and confident...and it doesn't take away from motherhood...it adds to it!
"Your children will become who you are...so be who you want them to be."
<3 Renee
fitmodmom@gmail.com
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Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Do you believe in Magic?
So, Summer is well underway...
Cruel isn't it? We are forced to bare 90% of our bodies in front of crowds of people! You couldn't pay most people to do that, when you put it that way!
First, let me say..who cares! Be confident...that's truly the only thing that is universally sexy!
But I know that is much easier said than done...
And I also know you want to be confident NOW...YESTERDAY! I get it...
But please...I'm literally begging you...please, don't buy into the pill fad! There are soooo many reasons I say this, so if you've considered it, or are trying it now, please read!
Firstly, and most obviously, even the most "all natural" products have an effect on your body! But when it comes to weight loss, most women don't care about that. That makes me sad...beauty trumps health in our society, and it's just a terrible thing!
This is why I want you all to know that you can have both! And it's not complicated!
Don't curb your appetite! You are supposed to be hungry, and you are supposed to EAT when you're hungry!
Hunger is your body's way of telling you it NEEDS something.
When you are eating the right things, and getting some exercise, you will eat a TON throughout the day! This is why I stress the 6 small meals! You never go hungry, and you never over indulge.
And even in between those meals, grab a handful of grapes, or nuts...have a yogurt, a banana! EAT!
The more nutrients you take in, the better your body will function! And a huge function of your body...BURNING FAT!
Curbing your appetite is not going to help you burn fat. It's going to make you eat less of the stuff you already eat...which may not have many nutrients in it to begin with.
So once you start having trouble sleeping, or develop stomach problems from this "magic pill", and want to go off of it...
You've learned nothing, you've changed no habits...and the weight you've lost will come right back to you.
"If you want to see change, you must change what you are doing"
You don't know where to start? Read through my posts! Step by step...what to buy, how to prep your fridge, meal and snack ideas!
It is a lifestyle change to be healthy...but it's nothing everyone can't handle!
Once you get used to it, you will have no desire to go back!
The energy, the positivity...the results!
And you won't have your dream body overnight...but that's not really the goal, is it?
Did you leave high school, and say.."I want to be a lawyer!"...and the week later, you landed your dream job!? Of course not...you educated yourself, you invested your time and money into something, because you WANTED it!
It feels amazing to feel good! And it doesn't require much time, or any extra money...just some dedication! It is absolutely worth the adjustment in your habits! You will never regret it...
Whatever your shape or size may be...just work to be the best version of yourself. When you've achieved that, you'll know it...and you'll look forward to showing off in that bathing suit!
Fit, healthy, happy... that's true success <3
Email me if you have any comments or questions! I LOVE to help those who want to help themselves!
fitmodmom@gmail.com
Friday, March 1, 2013
Substitutions that Satisfy!
Have you ever noticed how some people roll their eyes at you when you mention the words organic or clean?
Or my favorite comment..."Oh please, I ate junk my whole life, and I'm fine!"
I get this all the time...
These are the people that think all we eat is leaves, plain rice, and unseasoned grilled chicken!
When in fact, with the right products, I still make burgers, pasta and meatballs, chicken parm, macaroni and cheese, tacos, etc, etc, etc!
Maybe I would end up "fine" too, but I know for an absolute fact I have felt much better than fine since I cut out processed foods! I had constant issues with my tummy...reflux, bloating, etc, etc. Stomach troubles would ruin nights out, had me at specialists, and all they could come up with was reflux.
And now, the only time I feel that way is on my cheat day!
Thank goodness for cheat day! It reminds me WHY I stick to eating healthy...I feel like garbage every Sunday night :P
So I grew up knowing how to eat! Not necessarilly how to eat healthy...but definitely how to eat until your pants don't button at the end of the day!
I am 100% Italain...and not the tanned, poofed hair, name in my hoop earrings kind of Italian!
More like the:
"Mangia Mangia... you too skinny!" kind of Italian...
Ravioli as an appetizer on Thanksgiving kind of Italian...
Enough prosciutto, olives and cheese to feed 3 families...
as an antipasti...kind of Italian.
So in other words...I LOVE FOOD!
If I could find ways to eat what I love and what tastes good to me, but still fuel my body properly, and be kind to my stomach... why not!?
ok, maybe a cold cut platter is still out of the question...but plenty of other delicious dishes aren't!
So with that being said, you may have guessed...It's time to share a few more of my favorite grocery items!
There are plenty of whole food substitutions for the common items on your grocery list that may not be the best for you and your family!
Yay! You CAN have breaded chicken, fish, meatballs... No wheat, no added nonesense! If you've been following along, you read a bit about why brown rice flour is better for you than white or wheat flour! And if you haven't been...go read! ;) You should be able to find these in any health food store... (I ordered them from Walmart!)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFpZc4jNseCkaOt4Y0wWt4LyYeSdgnP2kxD5HxESPJ8Snkd_yrbNN1IihpMiNkq-VKj88y7kxGU9a1Qa4s06ef37mx3wXC5A-uJNtaa7-391XSj3zHQd9PBOxsYG8Hm7EJ8bAZYAkHIo/s320/ezekiel-bread.jpg)
I hope I've given you some ideas for better eating and reminded you that you don't have to sacrifice the meals you love to live a healthy lifestyle!
And remember...
Good decisions lead to better ones!
Email me with any questions or input!! fitmodmom@gmail.com
Or my favorite comment..."Oh please, I ate junk my whole life, and I'm fine!"
I get this all the time...
These are the people that think all we eat is leaves, plain rice, and unseasoned grilled chicken!
When in fact, with the right products, I still make burgers, pasta and meatballs, chicken parm, macaroni and cheese, tacos, etc, etc, etc!
Maybe I would end up "fine" too, but I know for an absolute fact I have felt much better than fine since I cut out processed foods! I had constant issues with my tummy...reflux, bloating, etc, etc. Stomach troubles would ruin nights out, had me at specialists, and all they could come up with was reflux.
And now, the only time I feel that way is on my cheat day!
Thank goodness for cheat day! It reminds me WHY I stick to eating healthy...I feel like garbage every Sunday night :P
So I grew up knowing how to eat! Not necessarilly how to eat healthy...but definitely how to eat until your pants don't button at the end of the day!
I am 100% Italain...and not the tanned, poofed hair, name in my hoop earrings kind of Italian!
More like the:
"Mangia Mangia... you too skinny!" kind of Italian...
Ravioli as an appetizer on Thanksgiving kind of Italian...
Enough prosciutto, olives and cheese to feed 3 families...
as an antipasti...kind of Italian.
So in other words...I LOVE FOOD!
If I could find ways to eat what I love and what tastes good to me, but still fuel my body properly, and be kind to my stomach... why not!?
ok, maybe a cold cut platter is still out of the question...but plenty of other delicious dishes aren't!
So with that being said, you may have guessed...It's time to share a few more of my favorite grocery items!
There are plenty of whole food substitutions for the common items on your grocery list that may not be the best for you and your family!
Brown Rice Bread Crumbs!!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFpZc4jNseCkaOt4Y0wWt4LyYeSdgnP2kxD5HxESPJ8Snkd_yrbNN1IihpMiNkq-VKj88y7kxGU9a1Qa4s06ef37mx3wXC5A-uJNtaa7-391XSj3zHQd9PBOxsYG8Hm7EJ8bAZYAkHIo/s320/ezekiel-bread.jpg)
Ezekiel Sprouted Grain Bread
Sprouted Grains! This bread is made up of some pretty great stuff...and it's honestly so tasty! Sprouted barley, sprouted lentils, sprouted wheat, sprouted soybeans, sprouted spelt, sea salt...
You probably are wondering what it means that they are "sprouted" and why that makes a difference!
Sprouted means that the seeds or kernels have literally sprouted...so these grains and legumes are live! Typical bread flour is made by grinding the kernels, so this is a bit different.
Aside from these ingredients being sprouted, they are also much more nutritious! Lentils, barley, spelt, etc... You are giving your body much more than just bread with this!
So rather than substituting just so you don't have to feel bad about eating regular bread, Ezekiel bread allows you to feel good about giving your body some great sources of protein and vitamins!
So having a piece of toast with your eggs or fruit in the morning can be a positive thing! :)
It remains frozen, since no preservatives are added. Ezekiel also makes sprouted grain wraps, english muffins, cereals...
I find the bread at Shoprite, but the other products you can definitely find at a health food store. (I know Nature's Corner in Wall has it all!)
Making Sauce! Since I mentioned chicken parm, pasta and meatballs... I wanted to offer a tip on how to make an easy homemade tomato sauce!
- Wash tomatoes and dip in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds or until skins split.
- Dip in cold water and slip off skins
- Remove cores and cut in quarters.
- Heat about half of the quarters quickly in a large pot, crushing them with a wooden mallet or spoon as they are added to the pot. This will exude juice. Continue heating the tomatoes, stirring to prevent burning.
- Once the tomatoes are boiling, gradually add remaining quartered tomatoes, stirring constantly These remaining tomatoes do not need to be crushed. They will soften with heating and stirring. Continue until all tomatoes are added.
And there you have tomato paste! Add water to your liking...fresh garlic, onion, basil, parsley...whatever makes your sauce happy! :)
My last tip today...go organic with your meats! Organic chicken, Grass-fed beef... It does make a difference! You are eating what these animals are fed! I will get into detail on it in a future post... but in the meantime, read a bit about it !
Enjoy your weekend! Don't forget to cheat one day! You'll feel AWFUL...nausea, heartburn, integestion... :P
It really is the best reminder to stay on track all week! ;)
And remember...
Good decisions lead to better ones!
Email me with any questions or input!! fitmodmom@gmail.com
Friday, February 8, 2013
Lousy weather...Lazy Day?
It's Friday! Hope you have something fun planned for the weekend!
Friday is one my favorite days to get to the gym. There's always a good, positive energy...people are ready for the weekend...getting to the gym to look their best for a night out, a night in ;), or a big date!
I know the weather is horrible today...so you may not be feeling it. So, here's my cheesy, inspirational quote to get you off the couch and in the gym! :P
"The difference between who you are and who you want to be, is what you do!"
I was super excited about my workout today, but I woke up with a very stiff neck! I participated in a fun, striptease style class at my gym Wednesday called "Got sexy?" with some girlfriends...and let's just say, I got a little too sexy!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvvuC0IKJLRjC6sy90H94PH7RqPCrJlBm6s12Oj0utim7bxFhBRY2eTe_NtdKGYN0cCxFx4BayBt56YdLgEnKnyR1u4vjQXhyxXXpg8Z0K5Ecaz1fe0vtxWwGDbHno8-Kl1iKYU7JVCU/s200/beyonce_-super-bowl_-halftime_-594x720.jpg)
Today's Tip: Whipping your hair around can give you whiplash!
So since I can't enjoy the burn from my planned workout, I would like to give you all a great workout so you can wake up feeling sore and successful tomorrow! :)
We are all busy! Make that hour you spend on yourself at the gym count! To help make sure you do that, here are few new exercises you can work into your routine!
First up is one of my favorites!
Next move...
We're going to add this to the combo I showed you a few days ago! You better have tried it!!
I like to start with some form of cardio when I get to the gym... Stair Climber or Jacob's Ladder are my favorites..but hop on the treadmill or elliptical if that's your thing!
Anywhere from 10-20 minutes will do to warm up your muscles, get your heart rate up, and break a little sweat...
Then...get to work!
Workout
20 Front Squats
20 Split Squats
20 Back Squats
20 Split Squats
(Check out my 2/4/13 post, "Time is valuable...don't waste yours" for a description of this combo!)
20 One-leg Deadlift Extension (each leg)
15 Tricep Extensions
REPEAT ALL OF THIS 2X!
This should not take you more than 10-15 minutes...
If you are new to the world of weight training, stick with this...add some cardio, some abs, and stretch, stretch, stretch! If you workout regularly, just add this into your regular routine!
We are going to keep adding to this workout.. we have quite few more moves to work in..but this will get you started, and hopefully get you sore!
Continue to follow along so we can finish this routine together!
We can all do this! Don't be afraid of the weights, ladies! We will never see change if we don't challenge ourselves...
And remember,
**Strong is the new skinny!**
P.S - Be safe driving this weekend!
Email me at fitmodmom@gmail.com with any questions of input!! <3
Friday is one my favorite days to get to the gym. There's always a good, positive energy...people are ready for the weekend...getting to the gym to look their best for a night out, a night in ;), or a big date!
I know the weather is horrible today...so you may not be feeling it. So, here's my cheesy, inspirational quote to get you off the couch and in the gym! :P
"The difference between who you are and who you want to be, is what you do!"
I was super excited about my workout today, but I woke up with a very stiff neck! I participated in a fun, striptease style class at my gym Wednesday called "Got sexy?" with some girlfriends...and let's just say, I got a little too sexy!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvvuC0IKJLRjC6sy90H94PH7RqPCrJlBm6s12Oj0utim7bxFhBRY2eTe_NtdKGYN0cCxFx4BayBt56YdLgEnKnyR1u4vjQXhyxXXpg8Z0K5Ecaz1fe0vtxWwGDbHno8-Kl1iKYU7JVCU/s200/beyonce_-super-bowl_-halftime_-594x720.jpg)
Today's Tip: Whipping your hair around can give you whiplash!
So since I can't enjoy the burn from my planned workout, I would like to give you all a great workout so you can wake up feeling sore and successful tomorrow! :)
We are all busy! Make that hour you spend on yourself at the gym count! To help make sure you do that, here are few new exercises you can work into your routine!
First up is one of my favorites!
One Leg Deadlift with Extension
These feel incredible...and works your legs, booty, abs, back, arms and shoulders...Everything!
You can hold dumbbells or a medicine ball for this move.
Start out standing with all your weight on your left leg, holding your weights in front of your hips. Slowly hinge forward reaching the weights toward the ground...Do Not Bend! Your spine and your back leg should stay in a straight line! (Imagine a finger splint holding you straight)
As you come back up, focus on using the leg you are standing on to pull you back up...you should squeeze your glute and hamstring.
(Practice this a few times before continuing to the extension part of this move...it requires some balance)
Once you get yourself centered, as you stand back up, do not touch your foot to the ground. Instead pull it through to a forward "kick", while raising your arms over your head. Do these as fast or slow as your body tells you to, and find something to focus on to keep your center of gravity.
These take a bit of practice to get down, but they are absolutely worth the work it takes to master them and do them properly!
They burn!!
Next move...
Tricep Extensions
These will be a nice break to catch your breath a bit...
Hold two dumbbells overhead, as shown on the left. It's important to keep your elbows close to your head. The upper half of your arm should not budge an inch when you bend your lower arm behind you!
Keep your core tall and tight, and when you extend your arms back over your head go up onto your toes! Always looking for ways to incorporate other muscle groups into a simple exercise!
Making the most of our oh so valuable time, right? ;)
I like to start with some form of cardio when I get to the gym... Stair Climber or Jacob's Ladder are my favorites..but hop on the treadmill or elliptical if that's your thing!
Anywhere from 10-20 minutes will do to warm up your muscles, get your heart rate up, and break a little sweat...
Then...get to work!
Workout
20 Front Squats
20 Split Squats
20 Back Squats
20 Split Squats
(Check out my 2/4/13 post, "Time is valuable...don't waste yours" for a description of this combo!)
20 One-leg Deadlift Extension (each leg)
15 Tricep Extensions
REPEAT ALL OF THIS 2X!
This should not take you more than 10-15 minutes...
If you are new to the world of weight training, stick with this...add some cardio, some abs, and stretch, stretch, stretch! If you workout regularly, just add this into your regular routine!
We are going to keep adding to this workout.. we have quite few more moves to work in..but this will get you started, and hopefully get you sore!
Continue to follow along so we can finish this routine together!
We can all do this! Don't be afraid of the weights, ladies! We will never see change if we don't challenge ourselves...
And remember,
**Strong is the new skinny!**
P.S - Be safe driving this weekend!
Email me at fitmodmom@gmail.com with any questions of input!! <3
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