Monday Motivation

I had a difficult time pressing play this morning. My account had run out and I had to sign up again. then I had a difficult time picking a workout. There was a Core de Force video (actually two) but they were both pretty long and the one was Plyo, and I'm not a big fan of that. Truth be told, I just wasn't feeling it this morning. So I decided instead of cardio like I usually do, I'll do weights. I turned on 8x8 by Joel Freeman. It's my go-to when I don't want to do cardio or anything too boring. It wasn't long into the video when my littlest decided to join me. She picked up my 3 lbs. weights and started in! She actually did pretty good until she lost interest and went back to her shows. Oh well, I finished the program while she watched her shows and me.

I think it's important to be a good example. Both my daughters know the importance of exercise and eating healthy. They both get their "iPad time" but know when it's over, they need to do something active. They play together pretty well for sisters. They do tons of make believe play - unicorns and mermaids. The weather has been really nice recently and they love playing outside - either sledding or building snowmen. They made a cute little baby snowman yesterday. I've said it before, and I'll say it again...balance is key! They can have a cupcake if they eat their veggies. They can have their iPad if they play outside. Everything in moderation. Something that I try to live by too.

My workout buddy:

Taekwondo

My daughter has been in taekwondo for just over two years. She has earned her yellow stripe. I love watching her learn new patterns and kicks. Its great watching her. She is so excited and even when she told me once that she wanted to quit, I didn't believe her since the entire practise, she didn't stop smiling once! So needless to say, taekwondo has been a great decision for us. As soon as my younger daughter is old enough, she'll go in too. 

One big part of taekwondo is learning patterns. It's basically a set of moves. The first two patterns she learned were pretty straight forward. Just do the same thing while turning in a circle. But her new pattern, Chon-Ji is more complicated than that. I just could not see the pattern in it! So I looked it up on YouTube to try and help her. But still, I was having trouble. (I've even dreamed about it!!) So this morning, instead of doing a workout video, I played the YouTube video of Chon-Ji. I went through it with the instructor over and over until I finally saw the pattern. And after about 15 minutes (the pattern takes about 45 seconds to do!) I think I have it. And in the process, I worked up quite the sweat!! Taekwondo is more than just punching and kicking. It's hand placement, foot placement, body placement. All of these things you have to remember as well as what move comes next. It's actually quite challenging. 

I've been thinking about joining for awhile too. I was going to sign up this last session but the class switched their practise days and I couldn't make it. But if the schedule stays the same, I'll be able to join in the fall. I don't know why I'm so nervous. I guess I'm afraid I'll make a fool of myself. I always push my daughter to try new things and get involved but I am such a hypocrite. I watched her last class when she approached a couple girls who were working on their Chon-Ji. She was shy but I forced her to go over there. After a couple of times going through the pattern, the girls moved on to something else and it left my daughter out. I could see her crumbling inside and I saw the tears she tried to hold back when she came back to sit with me. She tried so hard to be brave - and she was. I am so proud of her for trying new things. Hopefully I can do the same!

My Thought Process

It dawned on me today that I go through the same thought process every morning that I work out. 

Wake up: Better put on my workout clothes. That way I'll be ready when it's time. Have some breakfast, coffee, send the kid to school. Time to pick out an exercise. That one looks fun. Let's do this. Where are my shoes?

Press play: This is fun. I'm so glad I have this time to get in shape and do something to improve my health. Go me!

5 minutes later: This is dumb. This is going to take forever. Do I really need to do this? I mean, I'm already pretty healthy. But then again, I have the goal set on my Fitbit for exercise 3 days a week and if I don't do it now, I won't get my goal! Ok, just a few more minutes. 

5 minutes later: This isn't so bad. I'm nearly halfway done. I can do this. 

5 minutes later: I might actually die. Time to modify a few moves. 

5 minutes later: Don't stop now!! You're so close!!!!!! 

Cool-down: I did it!! Wow. I didn't think I'd make it but I did it! I'm so glad I finished. 

Finished: Whooo-hoooo!! Time for a selfie and a shower!! 

22 Minutes Hard Corp Cardio 2.0

It's been a tough week. I've been feeling really down about my job search. And it was really affecting me. I didn't feel like exercising or anything. I pushed myself and felt better after each workout. I found out Friday that I have an interview. But I can't get my hopes up. It would be perfect for me but I can't think like that. If it doesn't work out, I'll be crushed. 

But on to my workout on Friday... I did the 22 Minutes Hard Corp Cardio 2.0. It's a mouthful and a huge workout. I figured, 20 minutes, no biggie. Well, it's Sunday and I'm still sore!! It was an incredible workout! I like Tony and I know he's not everyone's cup of tea, but he's a little more subdued in this program. Maybe because he's with members of the US Military or for some other reason but he's easier to take. And he pushes hard. The members of the military who are doing the exercises are amazing! But even they get winded and tired. So I didn't feel so bad about my performance!! But I did the best I could and will definitely try it again. 

Picture from Jan 1/17 & Feb 3/17

22 Minutes Hard Corp Cardio 2.0

Pump You UP!!

I spent most of the morning driving to different companies around town and handing out my resume. Otherwise known as "pounding the pavement." Its soul crushing. At least it is for me. There's really nothing like going up to a complete stranger in a professional setting and asking if they want you only to be told over and over that no, you are not wanted. I had one lady flat out tell me they aren't looking. I left my resume anyway and drove home to eat timbits. Actually the timbits were for my daughter who I dragged along with me. She spent her time contentedly playing on her iPad happily knowing that if she was good, she'd get a timbit. And she did. 

Since Fridays are usually my workout day, I felt that I should at least do something. I was hoping a burst of endorphins would do me good. I don't know about the endorphins but lifting weights always makes me feel strong.  And when I feel strong, I feel confident. And that is something I desperately need today. 

Monday Motivation

And I have none!! I sent my daughter off to school and just wanted to sit in the couch and eat. But instead, I found a short program on Beachbody on Demand and hit play. I chose 21Day Fix Extreme: 10 Minute HardCORE. The first reason was because it is short, 10 minutes and for today, that's all I got. But like one obesity doctor said regarding exercise, "Some is good. More is better. Everything counts." 

The second reason I picked the 10 Minute HardCORE exercise was because it had weights. I've been on a weights kick lately. I like the idea of having sculpted and toned arms and legs - and core and booty! I know cardio helps with that too and I'll never give up my HIIT and other cardio workouts but I like the variety of weight training too. 

Hopefully my mood and motivation improve this week. Here's to a great week! 

http://www.weightymatters.ca/2010/09/some-is-good-more-is-better-everything.html?m=1

When You Fall Down...

Today I wasn't in the mood. On those days I know I need to push myself. So I thought I'd go in a completely different route. I looked at Challenge de Jour and saw Country Heat. It's a country music line dancing inspired workout. I'm not a fan of dancing to get fit. Don't get me wrong, I thinks it's a totally effective way of getting in shape! Dancers are strong and fit! It's just I can't dance! And about 5 minutes into it, I was reminded of this!! I lost all motivation and started to feel like a failure. So instead of turning it off, I switched to Turbofire HIIT 15 - a workout I know I can do. I modified the jumping exercises but other than that, I nailed it! So now I know for sure, I'm not a dancer!!

The thing I love the most about Challenge de Jour is the chance to try. It has shown me more different types of workout exercises and has given me the opportunity to try them without making a huge commitment to one program. Over this last year of consciously making activity a priority, I've discovered what I like and what I do not like! I love walking, especially outside. I do not like running. I like HIIT, I do not jumping. I like weights. I do not like dancing. I like boxing/martial arts styled workouts. I do not like yoga. Minimum 15 minutes, maximum 40 minutes. And now I can search out these types of activities and keep up my activity this year.