Upgrading my At Home Workouts!

I've been suffering with the same 10 lb KB since I started. Great for beginners and making sure I had proper form. However, I really lost motivation because it got to the point where it wasn't challenging me anymore. So, finally... I upgraded! I've got a 15# KB for single arm exercises and a 25# KB for the rest of the exercises. I started doing some swings, snatches and cleans and it was great! Finally felt challenged again, it was amazing!

On another note, I finally rigged up a setup to do assisted pull-ups at home. I haven't had the access to a "real gym" that I need; so I've hung my set of basic Gold's Gym resistance bands over my simple Gold's Gym pull up bar. You just put your feet into the bands handles and start cranking out the pull ups! So easy, and I'm sure I paid less than $40 for all required items. Well worth it. And as my strength improves I can remove one band, and then another and reduce the assistance.

Here's to hoping that having all this readily available now will help me better prepare for this upcoming climbing season!

It's getting HOT in here!

I must say I'm absolutely thrilled for my workout today! Not that I'm not normally excited for my workouts, but Fridays are my favorite. Every Friday, I take a Bikram Yoga class. It's the most miserable 90 minutes of my week, however, it makes the rest of my week 1000 times better! For those of you not familiar with Bikram Yoga it is yoga that is done is a hot (95-100 degree) room and it consists of 26 postures. It is not your traditional yoga by any means. I do not find it relaxing while in class, although after I feel this overwhelming sense of calm. Alot of the postures focus on breathing, focus, balance and strength rather than flexibility, which is typically associated with yoga.

If you've never tried Bikram Yoga, I suggest you try it. If you've tried a different type of yoga and were put off (either not challenging enough, too slow, ect.), give Bikram a try. I'm told people either love it or hate it (although I've never met anyone whose tried it that's hated it!), but I promise if you love it, Bikram yoga can be life changing! It is physically difficult, mentally and physically challenging and not for those lacking commitment. It demands alot but the rewards are worth it. If you're anything like me it will soon become your favorite 90 minutes of Hell :)

Break on through!

I've been having a really rough week, mentally and emotionally.  It's really taken a toll on me. I've got so much going on at the moment that I'm just plain exhausted.

I've missed 3 workouts this week :( I've fallen off the Workout From Hell wagon as well. Although I'm starting to realize I can't really ever commit to a workout routine. I quit P90X two weeks into it because I was bored. I really like a challenge but, I need flexibility. I love trying new stuff all the time, I guess I'm just too ADD to stick to anything.

Although I loved Workout From Hell's general plan, it interfered with my running. I plan to incorporate some of the information I've learned from it into my routines here and there but I just didn't have it in me to stick to it regularly. I like having a "plan" for my workouts but more than a day ahead is too far ahead. If I feel like running, I don't want to be obligated to lift because it's arm day. If I want to lift, I don't want to be deterred or not at my best because I had to run a couple miles first.

My breakthrough today is just realizing what works and what doesn't for me. I'll continue to experiment with different workouts and exercise programs in the future, but will not succumb to structure. I need something in my life that is spontaneous and what could be more perfect for workouts than spontaneity.

Looking at the Glass Half Full

I've had one Hell of a year... 2010 left a sour taste in my taste in my mouth. I've decided I'm not making any resolutions this year because I always fail. Instead I want to set 2011 up for success. This is the end of superficial goals and naive resolutions for me. I want nothing more than to be happy. I want to be someone my children can look up to. A huge part of this includes removing negative thoughts from my head. So my first step will be to look back at 2010 and only remember the positive side of it.

1. I went on my first mountaineering trip. It was amazing! It introduced me to a whole new aspect of outdoor adventure I wasn't aware of.

2. My daughter Ava had her 2nd birthday! Seeing how amazing she is confirms that I am a good mother, even if I forget at times.

3. Despite all the personal struggles in my life this I've managed to have some great adventures with some great friends.

Had a great St. Patty's Day w/ some wonderful friends :)

Moab, UT this Spring

City of Rocks, ID for Mother's Day

Devil's Lake in WI

Spent an evening in Chicago, IL

Explored Boulder, CO area.

Back to City of Rocks, ID

And yes... This was quite the adventure!

4. I have amazing family who I KNOW would do anything for me, which they have proven to me this last year.

5. My children had the opportunity to see many amazing things this last year.

My son bouldering in City of Rocks, ID

Hiking around the Mts. in Utah

My son finally got to see "baby seals" in San Francisco, CA

Lake Tahoe, CA

Finally got to see the Ocean...

...and dip their toes in the Ocean

They got see giant redwoods in CA

Digging for fossils in OR

Mt. Rushmore

My son went to his first professional sports game (Go Brewers!!!)

An impromptu dip in Devils Lake, WI

Sears Tower in Chicago, IL

Eldorado Canyon, CO

6. I got to meet a cyber-friend from CafeMom. I had already considered her a dear friend, but this just re-confirmed that.

7. My son turned 4. I am so proud he's turning into such a sweet, sensitive, strong young man.

8. I may have gained a few pounds from all the stress this year, but I'm proud to say that I lost almost every pound I gained this year. (No pics, lol... Yet.)

9. And despite not being able to spend Thanksgiving or Christmas with my family this year I made traditional holiday meals for my kids this year (first time ever!!). 

   ~ Hopefully this new year will be a year of happiness and new beginnings for myself and my children. ~