Wednesday

Basic Flow Yoga. I'm to the point I can do this w/o following someone's program... BUT I really l like being reminded to tuck my tail, hold the bandas, breathe, etc. I know the poses, but I still forget all of those things sometimes when I'm challenged in a pose. Although, if I only have 20 or 30 minutes, I'll run through it on my own...

Basic Flow is a great way to get warmed up, remind you body how to move, massage all those inner organs, improve digestion, release toxins so your bodu can get rid of them, etc. After a practice my muscles are a little shaky and I need to drink more than I did during the practice.

Two of our girls got up early, so while one watched and colored the other decided to do yoga too! Oh, to be as flexible as a child again. She's so pretty in her triangle... Her triangle, because she owns that pose, while I struggle with it :)

Yoga is my friend. Is it yours too?

Thought for the day: Think zebras - or any other animal you think of this way - Soft on the inside. Soft heart. Strong body. That's the goal! Find your inspiration and Keep It Up!!

Tuesday

I stayed in bed, ya'll. Then ran the house... which was enough exercise for me today. Tomorrow though... I feel the need already... I'll be up doing SOMEthing. Yoga, treadmill, or something. So see you in the mornin.

Thought for the day: take care of your self! PLEASE!

Monday

Delayed in posting due to babies and diapers...

This morning? I got up, took some ibuprofen and laid back down for 30 minutes. Then I got up again. Took stock of myself and renewed my relationship with the treadmill. I know this may be getting TMI here... but I have my period. I strongly believe in NOT running faster than I am able; in NOT going longer than I can; and NOT pushing my body harder than it can take. That said, I have a long to do list today, 6 children, and not as much energy as I usually have - which to be honest is tested on a regular basis even without a drain such as illness or a feminine fairy. Speaking of illness, I dunno if it's allergies or what, but I feel like I have a cold of some sort. *cough cough*

So I got on the treadmill and went at a rather sedate pace. I stayed on for about an hour, enjoying the pace, the heat, and the solitude, until the baby let me know her needs.

Yes, I did get on the treadmill, I did not lounge in bed. BUT - if I had felt the need to lie in bed I would have! And so should you! I got out of bed and on the treadmill because I WANTED to, not because I HAD to. Because I don't HAVE to. It's my free time to do with what I will until someone else wakes up, right. And I chose to exercise. I like it. I enjoyed it. I would have stayed in bed if I didn't.

I forget it, often. But I'm trying to get better. I think all moms forget this very important rule. If no one takes care of mom, the mom won't be able to take care of everyone else. You're in a high position of authority. Your children are learning how to take care of themselves by how you take care of you. So treat yourself right. You only give yourself more headaches if you don't.

Thought for the day: Rest when rest is needed. Honor your body's needs.

Sunday

It's still very dark outside.

Sunday I take it easy. Restorative yoga is my way of giving myself a present for getting up early.

A point about restorative yoga - it's not any easier than any other practice that is not as restful. We are still challenging our bodies and minds in these practices. Restorative is more restful and quiet... its' healing and helping to relieve our bodies and muscles of tension and stress. And who wouldn't feel better after getting rid of a little stress?

Oh my goodness, I actually missed pigeon! :( Got that loud POP of release with the spinal twist. WONDERFUL! The backs of my legs, especially my calves were tight when I began this practice, but half way through my heels were almost on the floor in downward facing dog. Nice. Felt much better when I was done.

So restorative is not only good for the digestive system, the inner organs, one's mental tranquility, but it also does wonders for tight muscles. yum.

Relieved some tension from the thighs, always a good thing. Also released tension from the shoulders and back. Feels soooooo good.

The sun has risen to show a blue blue sky. Somehow warming up as the sun rises add to my energy level for the day. I am ready to go change diapers, make breakfast, and all those other mommy things on my list. Well, after a quick rinse in the shower ;)

Namaste!

Measurements - Results

Firstly, I would like to say that I began exercising several yrs ago wanting more energy and strength. Weight had nothing to do with it. - More about that later, if anyone is interested in the story on how and why I started moving my hiny.

Alright I went out and bought a tape measure ($1.29) at WalMart... and WOW! I remember I measured myself about a year ago, when the new baby was almost 1 yr old. And I've lost more than 20 inches all over. I lost at least, because I don't have the exact figures anymore, at least ten just on my waist, 6 on my chest (and I'm naturally well endowed), and my hips? I'm lovin them, I'll tell you that!

I measured my chest, waist, hips, and that spot inbetween I call "flub" - you know that bit that builds on fat every time you're pregnant -, arms, thigh, and calf. So that the next time I refer to inches I am referring to these. And no, I am not sharing exact measurements ;) But I will measure every other week and let you know how much I've lost- if any. I have also gone down 4-5 sizes since last year. I am now losing weight that is not prepregnancy weight. It's just extra padding my body doesn't really need, and I'd like gone. Fat is not insulation! So, I'd like less of it, thank you very much.

I have lost about 15 lbs since last yr as well. But I would like to point out here that muscle weights more than fat, and while I have lost weight I have built muscle. Muscle I like. I get to throw my kids around around, do lots of piggy back rides, heft hay and grain for our livestock, and deal with the cows. I love flying kites w/the kiddos; playing tag; running with the animals; and all those fun things that lots of adult forget is fun! Muscle is good.

The lbs I've lost do not really coincide with the sizes dropped, or the inches lost... because like I said, muscle weighs more. One of my theories is pay more attention to your energy level, your mood, you size than to the scale. Some weeks you could drop inches and the scale not move and oz. Don't be discouraged by this, if you feel you've reached a plateau. Just keep at it. The closer you get to your goal the more slowly the lbs fall off.

Today - I went out w/o the kids to that early appt. And just for fun I ran as fast as I could (I'm not a sprinter) from the truck to the store through the almost empty parking lot. Got through the doors and found that I wasn't winded. That was a HIGH! I ran around the playground yesterday w/ the kids and some one's dog... when I stopped I wasn't winded. Huge HIGH again. Not because I'm fast, I'm not. But because it showed me how much progress I've made. That's one of the reasons I do this... for the love of movement. For the enjoyment of my body. I have one and it works pretty darn well. Running for me is like a rejoicing in that. I want to condition my body into the best it can be. I haven't a competitive bone in my body, so it's not to be faster of better than anyone else. Just to be the best my body can be. Just because it feels sooooooo good!

Results - When I have 'em - I'll report 'em! Thanks for readin my crazy thoughts!

Saturday

The sun is just rising now. I love being up for a sunrise.

Basic Flow Yoga with the Total Body Workout class today. When choosing the episode for this morning I considered my body... which was CHILLY! So I didn't want to do anything that was going to be too still. But I also don't like to do the same type of things two days in a row in my mornings. I find when I do, I end up pushing my muscles in the same ways I did the previous day. Not a good idea. They need to recover. I wanted to do yoga, need some centering and focus. Basic flow is great for this.

For yoga, I keep my equipment nearby. One of my husband's newer socks, it works as a strap; and water. I don't have blocks, so I make do without by not going too deep into positions my body says "no" too or altering the position slightly as more of a beginner pose for comfort, especially in Restorative.

Isn't it amazing how even when you feel your muscles quivering, your breath stays smooth? Three cheers for boat pose!!! That positions kicks my bum every time! But I love it. Then as I lay in a spinal twist I hear the delightful release sound- snap, pop. Ahhhh. I've earned it. Yum.

Got an early appointment today. But I'm so glad I made time for some exercise for just me this morning. Alone time. Yum, yum, yummy!

Thought for the day: everyone needs alone time. Even busy mommies. So, moms, make some time for yourself. Do something fun.

Have a great day!! Namaste!

Friday's

Somethin's up with the server, it won't let me upload pics, so I'll try to add them later today or tomorrow. That said-

STEP KICKBOXING ! ! ! Okay, I guess you can tell I like Kickboxing! I do. And I'll also admit that this episode in particular is, I think, my fav. You can find it by scrolling down to March 23, 8 am. Now this is one I would seriously advise you watch at least the first 10 minutes of it, unless you're familiar with the punches. Don't be afraid of it!! It's fun! I know it took me a couple of tries to get them right, and I had a few classes back in the day (you know, before I had all these kids? lol). If you are unsure as to your punching tecnique, watch Amy, the blonde ponytail in the front. Now, I'm not saying you have to keep up her energy level, just try to mimic her flow with the punches. If you never watch boxing, or kickboxing, you won't know that part of the move is to pull back the fist after the punch just as much as the punch itself is part of the move.

If you don't have the equipment, don't despair!! I took pics of the equipment I use, but like I said I have to upload them later. But here's a list: A tupperware container of linkin' logs (I kid you not!) - that's my step. It's a little higher than the riser that they use on the show, so sometimes I'm a little slower, but it works! two 28 oz. cans of Bush Beans (about 2 lbs each); 2 wrist weights; one 3 lb weight; and one 5 lb weight. The hand weights are pretty cheap, but the cans from food storage are cheaper. When I started out I was just using the Bush beans. Now I use them plus the weights in various combinations. I don't have a mat, I make do with the carpet, or wood floor. And WATER!!! For kickboxing, I can go through two 20 oz bottles. Hydration! Hydration! Hydration! Water is the essense of life!!

So, kickboxing - try it, see if it tickles your fancy. If not, try something else. As long as I've got the sweat pooring off me, I can feel the irritation of the previous day (or whatever) pooring out too. Then I jump in the shower to wash it all off. Ahhhh! Fresh Happy Me!

One thing I'd like to mention, no matter what I do for my release that morning I always include stretching and a back twist. I LOOOOOOOOVVVVVVE the spinal twists!!! And stretching is sooooo important after you work those muscles, unless you like a super stiff and sore body while you go through your day :)

Thought for the Day: WHOOOOO HOOOOO! Feel GOOD!

News! ! !

I also have some really cool news! Since I figured I'd be mentioning Deni Preston's class fairly often, I wanted to be sure that it was alright with her. So I emailed her through the site
deniprestonfitness.com

And she, very sweetly, replied. And since I thought it was so very cool, here it is,

"Christinaaaaaaaaaa!! I love what you are doing! Of course you can do that! {post about her blog} What a wonderful blog you have begun and I really mean that!! And NOT because you are talking about the show but because you are doing what we love and writing down your thoughts and feelings about it.

I would love to follow YOU and let my students know about your thoughts and feelings PLUS your results. But you know what I love is how you personally feel about each workout, you give me great feedback!

Please, please keep in touch,
Love to you,
Deni"

Ain't that cool?? Okay, so now that you're all impressed. I will admit that I began this for me. Only truly gracious people can chastise without seeming to, thank you, Deni. Because I started this blog for me I didn't think about sharing results. Hmmmmm. So, I will think on how best to do that. Promise. Although I have to admit, I never thought anyone would actually read this blog. :) Kinda neat that someone might.

Thursday

Jumped on the treadmill for a little under an hour. Nice. Alone.

Which is one of the reasons I never liked gyms. At a gym, too many people want to gab. I figure if I'm talked I'm not working hard enough. I know a lot of people love gyms. They like the comraderie. Some people need excercise buddies. That's great! If it works for you, go for it! Personally, I like the solitude. Although when the kids get up early, I end up doing yoga with someone on my back, or in my lap, etc. But that's okay. It's fun.

Thought for the day: Walk, jog, aerobics, judo, karate, in a gym or class, or alone. Walk with a friend. Anything. Because once you make it part of your schedule and your life, you'll find it does wonders for your mood and your focus.

Wednesday II

Hopped on the treadmill in the afternoon - just to burn off some steam. Jogged for about 30 minutes, as it was all I had to spare. Felt a nice release as the sweat began to roll down between my shoulder blades. mmmmmm ahhhh.

Wednesday

YOGA ! ! ! With a seated emphasis. Deni Preston once again. This episode was work, and it did stretch all of the bits I'm made sore and tense. But I'll admit it isn't my favorite. It just wasn't intense enough for me. Like I said, it was work... just not enough for my tastes. Lots of seated poses, obviously. While seated we got into those abductors... little ouchies - but nice at the same time. Maybe it's my mood this morning that made it a little less enjoyable for me. I do feel more centered though. I will probably get on the treadmill again later.

But right now it's time to get the day started with the heathens. Breakfast and so forth.

Thought for the day: Excercise - try some new things. Shock your muscles. Don't get stuck in the same old routine. Variety is the spice of life, right? It applies to excercise too.

Tuesday II

Something upset me around 4 pm... so I jumped on the treadmill after getting dinner started. Ran for 40 minutes. Felt a little better. I love excercise!

Tueday's Workout

Okay! I joined Deni Preston and her clas for a kickboxing workout. She must be into her second season, because it's not the same one I did before. But just as fun!

We did the cardio kickboxing for about 40 minutes, then went into weight lifting, which then morphed into ab work. *Whew* I cannot express how good it all felt. Got the heartrate up, start the sweat flowing, then cooling down a little before beginning the new set. I just adore the way Deni organizes her workouts. That's just one of the reasons I join her class again and again!

So after an hour of workout, I need a shower before I get breakfast going for the heathens! EWWW! But, thank you, Deni! Great Job! Lot's of Fun!

Thought for the day: Within Comfort there is not growth! You need to be "comfortably uncomfortable" to become the person you want to be - inside and out! Have a great day!!

Monday - Treadmill

This morning felt like a run. Now with 6 children I can't stay on the treadmill forever. ALthough I will admit there have been days where I didn't want to get off. But today - busy schedule - so I am being responsible and kept my running time brief, while still working up a good sweat. 40 minutes.

I haven't run in a while, so I stretched, then started slow to warm up. Then I ran, then jogged, stretching my running time to be longer than my joggine time. I also like to run as fast as I can as long as I can, right before cool down time. For cool down I just slow the run to a jog, then to a walk. Then stretch some more. Ahhhh.

Now, according to http://www.healthstatus.com/cgi-bin/calc/calculator.cgi I burnined a total of 400 calories. YAY! Considering how I ate yesturday. lol.

It's time for me to continue my day - away from the adrenalin high of excercise. But it's begun well, with the warm sweaty feeling that starts the day off right.

Thought for the day: Don't run for thinner thighs. Don't run for a smaller bum. Run for the energy and mood lift! That way it actually seems worth it :)

Sunday!

Restorative Yoga, ya'll!!! 1 hour of restoration to my body! WHOOOOO! Okay, so I doubt pigeon is anyone's favorite series of poses. But it DOES pay off, doesn't it? It's great! My quads feel so much lighter now that I have released so much tension and stress. And I can never say enough about those twists! They're like a free trip to the chiropractor! Snap, pop, baby! Love it!

Now, I'm ready to prep for church and ready the children and breakfast. Feelin' good!

Saturday Workout

Okay, ya'll. Here's my very first post here. A little about me? ummmm. I'm a busy homeschooling, happily married, mother of 6 (so far). I'm a little over 5 foot tall, and with all the pregnancies my weight has gone from skinny as a rail to big as an elephant and back again.. a few times. I am presently 15 mths postpartum. And it takes my body, reguardless of my level of effort, at least 12 moths to return to my prepregnancy weight and size.

I have been doing yoga, unproffesionally for about 7 yrs. And I have been running for almost 4 yrs. I discovered a wonderful free online program about 2 yrs ago, and have been participating with that several times a week. I love it. It's Deni Preston's Total Body Workout on BYU TV. I love Deni! Can't say enough good things about her, her philosophy, and her program! Go to BYU TV streaming, and after it loads, scroll down to almost any day of the week and pick 8am, Total Body Work Out. It's a terrific hour long workout no matter your level. It's great for beginners and advanced excercisers.

Okay- This blog is to document and share my excercise experiences. Share the things I do, my intesity, and my enthusiasm for this activity. Being a busy mom of 6, I may be unable to record every single day, but I am going to make an effort. And if I fall behind I'll catch you up.

So, today, this morning, I followed Deni Preston's intense episode Strength Training. An hour long workout of simultaneous weight training, aerobics, and step. It's one of my favorites. Worked my quads, obliques, and biceps big time; while also engaging all of my other muscles to support the poses, stretching, and lifting. It was GGGGGGRRRRREAT!

My thought for today is: No matter where you are, or what you do, always have some form of excercise in your life! Sweat = Cheer! Lifts your mood! So have a great day and sweat a little to start it off right!