Friday Finds {Vol. 21} - At-Home Workouts

My favorite workout is one where I am with people - the community involved with a good workout is so good for the soul. As we lift, squat, or run, we vent about our days and mom life. But, our schedules don't always allow for mom to get away to get that workout done. I use to be a gym rat, but even that was too hard. Enter the at-home workout. I NEVER thought I'd like working out a home - no way could it be challenging, and what if I got lonely?? Once I became a mom of two, I had to find a way to make my workouts happen.

I started with the 21-Day Fix and even did some Jillian Michaels to mix it up, and a routine started. I purchased Body Beast and fell in LOVE with strength training - all done in the comfort of my home. I do get out 1-2 times a week to attend boot camp, but the other days, I am sweating at home.

Why should you try an at-home workout? I created my top 5 list to share with you on today's edition of Friday Finds.

1. Time. It's that simple. Life is cray-cray, and we need to utilize our "free time" wisely. All you need is 30 minutes to get your sweat on, and the programs I mentioned do just that. You simply move to your designated space and hit play. No travel time needed - no need to find child care. Wake up early, complete during nap time, or get your husband to watch the kids for a bit for your me time. Boom and done.

2. Attire. I would lay my workout clothes out at night OR even wear them to sleep so I would be ready to get dressed and go in the morning. Not anymore, my friends. I can wear those shorts I would never wear in public and if I get REALLY crazy, I just wear a sports bra. Let me assure you, I am in NO place to wear a lone sports bra to a gym or boot camp, but at home? You betcha. 

3. Money. My gym membership was pretty pricey - not to mentioned sign-up fees too. My workout programs do not cost much at all considering how much I use them. Included in this price is a workout calendar and a nutrition guide with recipes. If you want this done at a gym, you have to consult with other professionals which again costs you more. It's an all in one thing when you work out at home. 

4. Sweat. I never thought I'd sweat like I do at boot camp, especially when I am alone in my sports bra at home. The programs I do always leave me panting and sweating - a sign of an amazing workout. I feel stronger, more tone, and tough just as I would if I were at the gym.

5. Results. I used the 21 Day Fix after baby #2 and felt invincible - such a great feeling for the tired, hardworking mama. I used the Body Beast program and gained muscle tone. I love that my routine of boot camp plus working out at home has given me results I never thought I'd see in my late 30s. Plus, when you workout with these programs, you have a community to push you and encourage your each step of the way. They are just as proud of your results as you are. 

I asked my husband for one thing this Christmas - the perfect workout combo for me. The 21 Day Fix and Body Beast trainers have come together for ONE great 60-day program called The Master's Hammer and Chisel. When you get this program, you are covering each of the 5 points I mentioned. 

With this program, you get:

• 12 workouts
• A workout calendar
• A nutrition guide
• Portion control containers
• Daily dense nutrition - Shakeology
• A community to support your journey

You can click HERE to see just how this program works. My results are a product of hard work at boot camp and what I do at home in just 30 minutes. Add this program to your Christmas wishlist and give yourself the gift of ME TIME, strength, and encouragement that you need to make you the best mama possible. 

Contact me at alwaysanewdayblog@gmail.com for more information. Happy Holidays and best wishes for a HEALTHY New Year!

With Love,

Kim

Friday Finds {Vol 18} - Strength Training

Since having my second baby, it took quite a while to find my workout groove. I joined a gym because I thought sneaking away in the evenings would be my "me time." But, let's face it - by the time evening rolled around, I wanted to face plant into my pillow. I never thought I'd be a home workout person, but my life couldn't keep up with the gym life.

Enter boot camp, and I was hooked. Yet, I can't go all the time, and working out 2 days a week was not what my anxious self needed - I needed more to calm my nerves and to make me feel human again. After all, there was a person under all this mom life. So what to do? I just wanted 30 minutes a day to get me stronger and feeling better. I love my first at-home workout purchase but was interested in strength training.

My sweet friend/mentor recommended Body Beast, and I was skeptical on this big dude telling this mom to lift heavy. But, I tried it and kept on following the workout guide. With this workout and my boot camp, I grew muscles I never thought I'd have or see. And, it's not just about the muscles but how much stronger I am overall. I love the thought that this mother of 2 can do push-ups better than ever!

The Program

With this program comes workouts for each muscle group - shoulders, back, biceps, triceps, chest, and legs. There is even a cardio and ab workout to break up the strength training. When I would go to the gym, I'd run on the treadmill but stay away from the free weights because I felt like people were critiquing my every move. With this program, I am learning the correct form and gaining confidence in strength training. 

This past month, I held a challenge group with some amazing couples who enjoyed the program and its guide. These couples were working out together and seeing results. And, I finished my first round not long ago and have incorporated some of the workouts into my plans. I feel as though with this program, I can teach myself more about strength training and share what I've learned when I fulfill my goal of becoming a boot camp instructor.

Source

The Plan

My goal with fitness - with this blog too - is to reach out and help those trying to find that person inside - the one behind the mom life. Almost two years ago, I reached out because I felt unhappy and unsure about who I was. I found that working out - even for 30 minutes at a time - calmed me down. Once I saw changes, I knew I needed to incorporate it more into my routine. So, it leaves me with this - and I've said it before - reach out. If you're longing to change up your routine or want to learn more, I do believe there are programs - such as Body Beast - to make you grow. You just have to ask.

With Love,

Kim

3 Day Refresh - A Review (and a Challenge)

As I have posted on IG, I just finished the 3 Day Refresh from Beachbody. Since I love all of their products, I wanted to try this one as well. I also wanted to scale things down a bit and get my body back from some poor eating habits.

My love for all things Beachbody comes from the fact that I have tried many programs and Shakeology. I felt as though I needed to try this refresh to be able to fairly suggest it to others. To be able to understand how it works, here's how each day breaks down -

1. Breakfast - Shakeology + fruit option (you can put the fruit in your shake or have separately)
2. Mid-morning - Fiber Sweep Shake (mix included in kit that you mix with water and drink)
3. Lunch - Vanilla Fresh shake (also comes with kit that you mix with water) + fruit + veggie + a healthy fat (avocados, hummus, coconut oil, or almond butter)
4. Snack - veggie + healthy fat
5. Dinner - Vanilla Fresh + Dinner Recipe (provided in kit's program guide)

Overall, it was a tough 3 days for me. As I told a friend, I wanted to dive into a bowl of queso on day 2. But, it was tough because my body was definitely detoxing all the junk I had consumed lately. In the end, I lost 5.2 pounds and definitely feel lighter. Doing this refresh has reminded me to make better choices and to make them more often. The meal ideas were great; I love me some hummus, and the recipes provided did not disappoint. However, there were rough moments too. I wasn't skipping around feeling healthy and free; I struggled. And, I want to be honest with the pros/cons of the refresh.

CONS

Day one was ROUGH. I started off great because I normally have a shake for breakfast so this part was not new for me. But, if you love coffee and all its goodness like I do, you have to change it up a bit and drink it black on these days. NO THANKS. This disruption in my normal day was not fun - hi, mom of two here.

By lunchtime, I was READY TO EAT. I didn't like the break between breakfast and lunch (Fiber Sweep only then), but the lunch was perfectly filling. Snack was good as was dinner. I was hungry before bed and had a bit of a headache, so I had half a banana (not on the plan, but at least it wasn't ice cream) and went to bed early.

You also shouldn't do a heavy workout on those days so I had to tame the exercise down. I like how I feel after a strong workout so I missed that feeling as well.

Another con was the bloating I felt on day two. My tummy felt puffy and full, and I hoped this would pass.

PROS

I had some friends frown at me doing what they called a "cleanse." This refresh is not that at all; you get to eat! You just eat healthy, whole, clean, good food. You are not eating your kids leftover snacks or sneaking in some late night chocolate. I think that was my favorite part - relearning great eating habits. To be honest, they are so simple, but for me, I needed that reminder. Now, instead of a shake + a veggie for lunch, I may add a quick protein (lettuce wrap or turkey wrap on Flat Out bread) and the same veggie. Way better than a bag of chips!

You also need to drink a lot of water to keep things going. For me, drinking water is not my strong point. I feel like I remembered the water more on the refresh, and again, this reminder was important as it encourages me to focus on my water intake.

I had read some reviews on the Fiber Sweep and its taste. It wasn't delish like the shakes, but it wasn't horrible. The Vanilla Fresh also tasted just like vanilla Shakeology to me so that was easy peasy!

The dinner recipes were so good! I love all the fresh veggie ones that I know will be used in our dinner rotation. That's what I think I will take away the most -  how the food I had on this plan can easily be incorporated into our everyday eating.

Of course, I am pleased with the weight loss, but I just FEEL better. Yes, it took a day or two to feel it all kick in, but when it did, it is so worth it. I feel like I was reset to keep going. I had hit a wall for a while, and I like that this refresh pushed me through that wall.

If you have questions about the refresh, reach out! I'm happy to help!

Now what's next? One habit the refresh encourages is your daily Shakeology. For these 3 days, I had it for breakfast. This breakfast idea was no different than any other day for me. My shakes are filling and delicious, and I want to share these treats with you.

From October 5-10, I'm holding a tasty challenge that I'd love you to join. You'll get 6 flavors of shakeology for you to try with 

NO COMMITMENT! 

My purpose is for you to try what so many rave about while on their health journey. Contact me or go HERE to get your sampler. During this week, I'll share my favorite recipes and encourage you to be the best you can be - no matter where you are on your journey.

Hope to talk soon! Have a great week, friends!

With Love,

Kim 

Weekly Meal Plan - 3-Day Refresh

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of this special delivery - the 3-Day Refresh. I have been wanting to try this product for a while now, and I decided that this month is the time to try it. I am a newbie to this refresh, but I have heard fantastic things about it.

Here's what I am looking for:

1. To literally refresh my body - I want to clean out of all the junk I still can't seem to shake. I have the workouts down, and I have gotten down to my best weight, but I still see things that need to change. That's not going to happen unless I sharpen my eating. I want to start fresh here but shaping my eating habits once I feel the refresh do its job.

2. To help me feel lighter - There is still a bloat I feel sometimes when I get off track. I want that light, fresh feeling that I know comes with refreshing your system. Sometimes I feel like I am carrying something "extra" when I go about my day - it's not a pleasant feeling and one I hope I can eliminate with the refresh.

3. To give me a boost of energy - I definitely have felt more energized since I have started my fitness journey, and that's not a easy feat for a busy mom. With school getting back in session and with the family restructuring our time, we have gotten a bit lost and tired

And what do you get with your refresh?

Luckily, I have some Shakeology on hand, so I purchased the refresh that comes without it. You will need some Shakeology goodness because some of your meals will come from these delicious shakes. Score for me because these are my daily breakfast treats. 

You will also get vanilla fresh shakes that curb your hunger throughout and satisfy your appetite as you go through your 3 days. In addition, there is a fiber sweep drink to eliminate waste from your system. Though it sounds daunting, after much research, I have heard this part is not as bad as one might envision. It honestly acts a support for your body as it goes through the 3 days of renewal. 

And my favorite part? The program guide that takes out the guesswork for your meals. Easy, nutritious meals that help sustain you through your refresh. For the busy mom, I like when I don't have to think about much so this is right up my alley. 

Of course, you will find support from your coach. I am excited for a few friends who are doing this refresh with me and to see our results. Once we are done, we will share our before and after results and our plans to keep up with the clean eating and renewal we will feel once we are done.

Want to join us? Check out more here! Contact me - I would love to be your support on your 3-Day Refresh journey. Our start date is September 14 - are you in?

Check out my BB page for more info! And check out where I am linking up HERE :)

With Love,
Kim

Weekly Meal Plan - 21DF

Happy new week to all of you! My weekly meals are coming late today as we just started back to school. My 1st grader was nervous last night which freaked out his highly anxious mama! I do have some meal plans happening, but tonight he requested pizza. I can't think of a better way to welcome him home from school (and wine is a perfect addition to pizza night, amiright??).

This week, I did a Pinterest search for 21-Day Fix approved meals. I do incorporate these ideas into my eating on most days - even when I am not fully engaged in the workouts themselves (currently doing a rotation with 21DFX and Body Beast). Here are two meals we are going to enjoy this week!

Caprese Salad and Grilled Chicken

I love all the bright colors - and bonus for my daughter being on a tomato kick right now! I will grill up some chicken breasts and serve them right along side this yummy salad. 

Source

Baked Ziti

In keeping with the Italian theme for the week, this pasta dish will be a hit as well. I will use an organic sauce instead of making my own, but I know it will be just as delish. Go HERE to see this 21-Day Fix approved dinner. 

BONUS - Pizza Roll-Ups

My picky eater (the 1st grader) isn't a big fan of sandwiches, but he does love all things pizza. I doubled this recipe and made some pizza rolls to put in his lunches this week. He loved when I did it last year, so I had to share. You can find the recipe HERE.

Fixtate Cookbook

Source

I have heard many amazing comments about this cookbook, and I am so excited for mine to arrive. As I have mentioned before, the 21-Day Fix is where my fitness road started after baby #2. This program was a game changer for me. If you would like a copy to incorporate some great recipes into your weekly plans, send me an email. A cookie recipe is in there #needisaymore :)

See where I am linking up HERE!

Happy week, friends!

With Love,
Kim

Why Moms Should Try Exercise

You know the drill, you've seen the research... exercise is GOOD for you. We have been taught that for a very long time. You have heard me say bits and pieces as to why I do it. It's for my anxiety, sanity, mental well-being...it just makes me better, so I make it a priority. My hope is that no matter your lifestyle, you fit it in so you can feel so much better - more inside than out.

I wanted to share my reasons for doing what I do - especially as a busy mom. Don't find time, MAKE time. And I hope these reasons motivate you to make that time soon!

Mommy Brain

Raise your hand if you know what I'm sayin'. I can remember many times being on the phone then telling the person to hold because I can't find my phone. For reals. Or, do you call your kids the wrong names? #raiseshand. Exercise improves brain function. I completely believe it. When I am able to work out in the morning, for just 30 minutes, I am more focused for the day. And I need focus when my toddler is climbing all the live long day.

Be a Good Example

My toddler sees me grab my tennis shoes and says "Mommy work out?" Or my son asks to workout with me because he knows he can get stronger. That makes my heart soar. When they see me moving, they want to move too. Just yesterday, my TV-lovin' son says he needs to stop being lazy and move more. Proud moment for sure. They are watching.

Be a Nicer Mommy

When I get my 30 minutes in or I am able to attend my boot camp class, I feel awesome. That time makes me nicer - to everyone. I know in that time I am making myself better which gives me a boost - something that makes the world look different. Cheesy? Yes. True? Absolutely.  Honestly, try 30 minutes of alone time for anything - pray, get up earlier and drink your coffee, head to the store alone, escape to read a book. Just get that time in for you and do something to recharge.

Sleep Better

When I would lie in bed at night, my mind would race with worries and to-do lists. Since I have made a commitment to working out 5-6 days a week, I honestly can tell you I sleep soundly. And, we all know sleep is critical to our health but even more so when you have toddlers to wrangle all day long. 

Improve Body Image

You know what you feel like after having a baby, and it's not Miss America. Your body takes a beating due to birth, nursing, carrying a human being, and just being so damn tired. It took me almost 15 months to gain stamina and settle into a routine. These journeys aren't easy and they don't happen over night, but once you feel better because of your hard work - you see just how beautiful you are after becoming a mom. 

Get Therapy

I am no stranger to anxiety - I've dealt with it all my life, especially after my dad died. When I first started having panic attacks, I sought the help of my doctor. He encouraged exercise. And guess what? Doc was right. It's therapeutic for me - toss in some fit friends to push and encourage me, it's like free counseling. Weirdly enough, when I feel anxiety coming on, I don't retreat into my hole like I use to, I move. And that has made all the difference.

I am in the process of getting certified so I can learn even more specifics about the benefits of exercise and nutrition. But for now...these reasons best describe why I, as a busy mom, need to keep active. Yes, it's not easy in our lives, but I promise that when you make this time for yourself, you will greatly reap the benefits.

If I can help you in any way or share more of my story, email me. I am here to help. 

With Love,
Kim

Meal Planning and a Challenge!

The best thing you can do when making healthy choices is to be prepared! I honestly don't do this prep enough, and I am trying harder to get organized when it comes to eating. This past Sunday, I spent time getting all my goodies in order to set us up for a healthy week. Here are some tips for meal planning:

Grocery Lists

Did I mentioned I have OCD? Oh, and I use to be an English teacher, so I like my drafts and final copies of my grocery list :) I use my planner to make my meal list - I like to see what events we have each day and determine our meals by these plans. For example, on the days my son has Tae Kwon Do in the evenings, we keep it simple. If we are all home with nothing on the agenda, I may make something bigger and more involved.

Lately, I make one recipe-driven meal a week then buy our staples. Our staples include eggs, ground turkey, chicken breasts, almond milk, deli meat, fresh fruits, and veggies. It makes the grocery bill cheaper too when I am not buying outrageous ingredients I will only use on one meal.

This week, we had grilled some fajitas with all of the fixings. We have plenty of grilled chicken left so it will be great on salads or in a taco with warm corn tortillas.

I then take a look at my meal plan and list all I need for the week. Since I go to the grocery store with two crazy kids, I need to get in and out without tantrums and items thrown from the shelves. Because of this craziness, I like to list my items by the map of the store #OCDprobs. I can navigate easier and don't have to turn around over and over to get what we need.

Meal Prep Made Easy

Sundays are my days to map out our food. This time, we cooked ground turkey (mixed with minced garlic and onions), put some pork on the smoker, baked some sweet potatoes, and boiled some eggs. I then placed it all in individual containers. For example, for lunch I will have half a sweet potato, turkey, and some brown rice. For dinner, we will do a veggie and a protein (maybe the pork or chicken).

Via

I also cut and wash fruit so it can be accessible for my shakes and for a quick snack. I just grab it all freshly washed and put it in our shakes or toss some to the kids!

Relax and Enjoy

I feel less tempted to grab some chips or cookies when I have all the food ready at my fingertips. And, it makes dinner time less chaotic when I am reheating what we've prepared.  I will take it out and make portions for us then warm in the oven. Easy stuff!

The 21 Day Fix is another great program that takes the guessing out of the portioning. In fact, we are about to start a summer challenge with this great program. It's the first workout I used after baby, and I credit this program with getting me going on this journey.

Right now, we are enrolling for our BACK TO SCHOOL challenge with the 21 Day Fix (or Fix Extreme). We are looking for teachers who are ready to take care of themselves before the busy school year starts. Can I help you get your school year off to the right track?? Contact me! 

Happy Wednesday!

A Review

Oh here she goes again...talking that Beachbody stuff. Why, yes I am. You know I love my workouts, but there was one thing that I wasn't so sure about over one year ago.

In January 2014, I knew I had to get my health in check - for me and for my family. I purchased the 21-Day Fix to do just that. I considered Shakeology, but since I was a new stay-at-home mom, I didn't want to pay so much for this product. 

So, I resisted. I also kept using my protein powder to make my shakes, And, I kept snacking on anything chocolate I could find. No Oreo was safe in my house. The cravings were routine - I NEEDED an afternoon snack or mocha or something sweet to "keep me going." Little did I know, these sweet cravings were slowing me down. 

Just a few months ago, Shakeology once again appeared in my life, and I was able to try a sample. I had 3 samples of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla that were suppose to last me 3 days. They lasted 1 1/2. Why? Because they were so darn good, and the kids slurped them down like nobody's business. The next day, my son asked for one for breakfast - I mixed in some banana, spinach, and PB2. Jackpot - picky eater guzzled down his shake in no time. After school that day, he ran home begging me to make one more; hence the reason we ran out so quickly.

I went back to my coach to get information yet again about the cost of Shakeology. We talked through it's benefits and costs. We talked through my fitness goals and accomplishments. We talked about my future in fitness. And, now here I am using products I love and drinking my Shakeology. Why did I wait so long?? Now two months in with my shakes, I see such a difference. 

Cravings

I no longer crave the sweet stuff. If I do, I make a quick shake and get my chocolate fix taken care of quickly. And, I no longer snack on Oreos and Chips Ahoy. I felt empty after those treats; now I feel full.

Nutrition

This part is not just for me but for my entire family - especially my kids. My son loves to create his own smoothie every single day. I love that my picky eater is getting nutrients he may not get otherwise. My toddler is a big fan too.

Energy 

I have my shake right after my morning workout then I feel so energized to take on the day. On the mornings I don't follow this routine, I feel sluggish and unmotivated. When I put all these changes together, I knew my new routine was the reason I felt so much better to face the day 

Saving $

The cost was my first complaint. But, then I thought about my afternoon runs to Starbucks or all the snacks I use to buy, and I was sold. It's a full meal so the cost is cheaper than running out and picking up fast food. Also, the protein powder I use to put in my shakes was pricey as well. And, it didn't fill me up like this one does. 

If you have questions about Shakeology, reach out and find someone who can help. Grab a sample and see for yourself. I am sad I waited so long, but I now know it's worth the wait. 

I give it 5 stars :)

Happy shakin', friends!

Workout Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!

Today is the perfect day to share my weekly workout routine because it's #workoutwednesday :) I hope this post helps someone see how you can make it work - in any lifestyle! First let me say that I am not perfect. I like wine. And queso. And chocolate. I use to consume these things quite often, but now I limit myself. My point is - I'm real. I like treats - A LOT. But, for the most part, I've been making better choices about how I take care of myself. So here's how I work off all the good stuff:

Monday - Shed n Shred Boot Camp! Our class meets on Mondays at a local park. The best part is that my son (who is 6) LOVES to come with me. Many of the moms have to bring their kids, and that's okay! There is a great playground right next to where we work out so it's perfect. And, he gets to see his mama work hard. Our workout is made of HIIT training routines, and it's non-stop awesomeness.

Tuesday/Wednesday - I have recently started to wake up earlier than the kids to get a workout in before the chaos starts. I cannot tell you what this does for my day - it gives me confidence to make better food choices and energy to keep up with my littles. I have done the 21-day fix, T25, Piyo, and I'm now on Body Beast. I LOVE THESE WORKOUTS. It feels like I went to the gym, but I am in the comfort of my own home. If I need something quicker on the days that I'm lazy or I have a talkative boy next to me, I just do a quick tabata like this one here. 

Thursday - Shed n Shred some more. NOTE: Houston folks, there is a Cypress location or one in the energy corridor if you're interested. Let me know, and I can direct you.

Friday - I do a home workout or I head to the gym if it's my hubby's day off. I get in a run there and do some strength training.

Saturday/Sunday - I run! I just started running, and in fact, I completed a 10K in February. I am not good beyond 3 miles on most days, but the feeling after a run is pretty awesome. I never thought I could be a runner, and now I love it. I used this schedule to prepare for my 10K. I am planning on a 10K in August and MAYBE a half marathon in December. Fingers crossed!

Recently, I had a working mom say to me how nice it is for me to work out during the day. I cracked up. There is NO way a workout can exist for 30 minutes or longer if my littlest is around - she is either sitting on my head or demanding a snack which is why I get up earlier. My workout routine would be the same if I was still working. If something gets in the way of the morning workout (like sleep or coffee), I do this workout with busy girl in tow.

And there you have it. I make it work, and you can too. If a workout video is not for you, check out Pinterest! It's FULL of home workouts that will leave you sweating in no time. I would love to hear your routines. I am always looking for something new. Stay fit, mamas!

Friday Finds {Vol. 4}

Today, I'm finding these workouts to be great for completing at home. I am currently working through Body Beast, and I LOVE it. Nothing like some sore muscles to make you feel stronger. You can check out how this program works by clicking HERE. I would love to guide you more on this workout out - send me an email if you want more info! Don't be scared of lifting weights - strength training is necessary in any fitness journey.

Via

I look for ones that are 20-40 minutes long. Like I mentioned before, tabatas are my favorite. Grab the app and create your own workout - or check this one out HERE.

Or, try these finds on this great Friday -

This first one comes from my boot camp instructor, Megan. It was no joke! If you have some free weights, give these exercises a try:

(Links to some workouts are accessible by clicking on the exercise name. Find other examples by clicking HERE, HERE, and HERE.)

Via

Workout #1 - Complete 3x (rest one minute between sets)

Alternate front kicks - 50 seconds
Bicep curls - 15 reps
Burpees - 50 seconds
Hammer curls - 15 reps
Sumo squat jumps - 50 seconds
Arnold press - 15 seconds
Grass hopper - 50 seconds
Lat raise - 15 reps
Glute kickbacks - 50 seconds
Reverse grip press - 15 reps

Workout #2 - Do each exercise for 30 seconds. Repeat up to 3x.

Jumping jacks
Wall sit
Push-ups
Crunches
Alternating shoulder press
Chair step-ups
Squats
Tricep dips
Plank
Bicep curls
High knees
Lunges
Plank
Side plank - left
Tricep kickback
Side plank - right
Burpees

Via

Workout #3 - 20 minute pure cardio

Jog in place - 2 minutes
Jumping jacks - 1 minute
Jog in place - 2 minutes
Burpees - 30 seconds
REST - 30 seconds
------------------
Jog in place - 2 minutes
High knees - 1 minute
Jog in place - 2 minutes
Squat jumps - 30 seconds
REST - 30 seconds
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Jog in place - 2 minutes
Plank jacks - 1 minute
Jog in place - 2 minutes
Burpees - 30 seconds
REST - 30 seconds
------------------
Jog in place - 2 minutes
Fast feet - 1 minute
Jog in place - 2 minutes
Squat jumps - 30 seconds
REST - 30 seconds

Via

Disclaimer - I posted quite a bit of exercises and you may need to watch the video tutorials before trying the the workouts.  Also, please preview the exercises so you can do them correctly.

My mission is to show ANYONE how fitness can work in your schedule - if you can't find time, MAKE time. If you give a regular workout schedule a try, in 3 weeks, it will become a habit you can't quit. Your brain benefits too - who doesn't want increased brain power?? Let's do it!

Friday Finds {Vol. 2}

I hope you've all had a great week! This week was unexpectedly cut short due to the crazy rain we've had here in Texas. I'm praying for everyone who has lost so much in this weather. I am hoping we see sunshine today, and it sticks around for a while - we need it!

My meal planning was changed up due to the weather and school being canceled, but I did manage to throw something together with what I had. So first up this week, I'm finding this quinoa pasta salad quite delicious!

Recipe - Quinoa Pasta Salad

1 box quinoa pasta (I used Ancient Harvest - found at Kroger)
2 Tbl. Ken's Light Olive Oil and Vinegar dressing
1 chopped cucumber
1 diced red bell pepper
1 cup fresh spinach
8 slices hard salami (I used the mini slices from Private Selection - found at Kroger)
8 grape tomatoes, sliced
2 oz. sharp white cheddar, diced
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to box instructions. While the pasta is cooking, chop your cucumber, red bell pepper, salami, tomatoes, and cheese. Drain pasta and run through cold water. Add the chopped goodies to the pasta and mix. Next, add the fresh spinach, salt and pepper, dressing, and top with Parmesan cheese. Keep in the fridge until cold. Serve with a side of Naan bread - lightly toasted at 400 degrees for 3 minutes. Perfect lunch!

The Perfect Shake

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We are still loving our Shakeology! After a few recipes, we've finally found our favorite. And by "we," I mean the kids too! G told me this tasted JUST like the ones I get at Smoothie King.

1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
3 strawberries (drop right in with stems too)
1/2 a medium banana
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
4-5 ice cubes

Blend and enjoy! It's so good and filling!

Home Workouts

By now you know, I attend boot camp 2 nights a week, and I LOVE it. Megan, my trainer, has become one of my dearest friends. Besides seeing results, having her as a friend makes me come back week after week! Even though I want to see her everyday, that's just not possible. On the days I don't go to boot camp, I work out at home. These last two weeks, I've been trying PIYO. Honestly, the first time I tried it, I thought it felt too simple. Uh, no. The instructor does not mess around - stretching, planking, lunging, squatting - it's all there. And the best part? I'm done in 30 minutes! Boom!

Up next, I am joining an awesome group of moms as we take on the BEAST! Body Beast, that is! Strength training is so important to your workout routine. You can do all the cardio you want, but if you want to tone, you need to lift those weights. If you would like to join in my challenge - and get those delish shakes too - shoot me an email! You can go to my page here to learn more!

And there you have it....enjoy your weekend! Summer is around the corner. I can't wait to share with you all we have planned! Stay fit, mamas!

Change

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With this post, I will officially share my blog. I am nervous but excited - well, to be honest, I am mostly scared out of my mind. I don’t do change well - I like plans. I like keeping it simple. But I have changed quite a bit lately - honestly, since I had my second child. I went from working a busy job to staying home with only little people to talk to about life. I was lost for quite some time and knew I needed to change. The change started slowly - it wasn’t pretty. In fact, I may have changed, but I don’t feel like I am done.

Fitness has been important to me since I’ve gotten older. I’ve done boot camps, gyms, home workouts - you name it, I’ve sweated to it! After struggling to have a second baby then learning I was expecting my baby girl, I didn’t want to risk anything so I stopped working out. When she was born, I eased my way back into working out, and the first workout that got me going was the 21-day fix from Beachbody. I found a friend in Tiffany at Bump 2 Buff, and she became an inspiration and support for me. I am so thankful for this workout because it made me stronger after baby.

Now, a year after discovering Beachbody, finding a love for running, and devoting 2 days a week to an amazing boot camp, I’m at my best weight and feel amazing! People always ask if I’ll go back to teaching or counseling, and I don’t think it’s in the cards for me right now. I feel like this physical and mental change I’ve worked on for a year is leading me to teach in a different way. I want others to see how fitness can be worked into ANY busy life.

When I first thought of starting a blog, I wanted to be a support for other moms who need to know someone gets the joy AND chaos of everyday life. I hope to be that support and find others to support me on my crazy days. But, fitness and health have quickly become a passion of mine, and I want to offer support there as well.

I am excited for my next journey of teaching - of extending to others what Tiffany and my boot camp instructor, Megan, have extended to me. Taking this break from teaching/counseling has been harder than I thought. I had to find a new place for me to help others. I'm excited to take it a step further by beginning the process to become a fitness instructor as well as work with an amazing group of ladies at Team Inspire. I can’t wait to share workouts, tricks, tips, and anything to help you on your fitness journey. I’ve got big plans for a healthy future. You can too because it can happen - no matter what your life looks like. I promise.

To see my first post on who inspired my blog, click here.

April 2014 > April 2015