Skinny Housewife

If you've read here before, you know I'm big into training FOR things.  It helps motivate me and keeps me going.  Currently, I'm training for a Spartan Race series (3 races this year, Spartan Trifecta is calling my name.)  Plus, it gets me through the ENTIRE year, because there are races in April, August, and November.  

In order to build up my upper body strength-I have kick ass legs from Zumba and running-I've started a program on bodybuilding.com  I'm only in week 4, but I can see differences in my body already that are making me SUPER happy, and motivated.  I didn't set my alarm to go to the gym this morning (which I usually do) because I was SUPER exhausted yesterday, and honestly fell asleep at 8:30.  The Punk asked if I was going to the gym today (because today we don't have anything else going on, which means I COULD go at a time other than ass-crack-of-dawn...) and I said "I don't know....we'll see how sore I am, and how energized I feel once I get moving."  I just wasn't feeling it.  I'm not sleepy tired, but I'm PMS tired.  I'm sore, in every muscle group (except abs...and it's ab day...)  

Then, I rolled out of bed and went to the bathroom.  I started looking in the mirror.  I decided that my abs look better than they've ever looked.  I mean...I had 4 babies, all over 8 1/2 lbs.  My stomach is never going to be perfect, and I'm cool with that.  But, I am definitely seeing progress.  Then I turned to the side and noticed my butt (which is seriously my best ASSet) looks better too.   Perkier.  Tighter.  And, I can SEE my quads and hamstrings when I'm wearing work out gear (spandex pants, anyone??)   Ok, ok....I'm going to the gym.  

It's hard to lay out of the workout, after noticing results.  

This LiveFit with Jamie Eason  12 week program is what I am currently using.  When it's done, I'll move to the "fat burner" program most likely.  However, they have LOTS of options, and I may poke around a little more before I commit.  I may move to a "build strength" program that is tougher than this one.  If you go to the main site bodybuilding.com, choose training, find a plan...it takes you through some choices for what you are looking for.  I'm really enjoying the LiveFit, and I think it's been good for a beginner.  I have previously never lifted weights (I mean, I've done Bikini Body Mommy with 10 lb dumbells, and I teach a senior class where we use dumbells...but nothing more than that.)  I was pleasantly surprised at how much I can actually lift.  I also really like that Jamie Eason doesn't look "bulky," she just looks extremely toned.  That's what I'm looking to accomplish.  

Go check out the site!  

Skinny Housewife

I'm looking in to teaching a class directed towards senior fitness (older active adults, if we want to be all "PC") and this got me thinking about things that I need to include there.  For instance, stability and strength are key for that age group.  It helps prevent falls if the muscles are stronger, and if you've built core stability.  That's a really important factor when teaching the older community.  It is hard to come back from a fall!

So for today, I share:

Lumbar/Core strength and stability exercise

Skinny Housewife

If you read here much, you know I do a lot of cardio.  I'm a dancer for a living, I also go out a few times a month and dance my A$$ off--just for fun.  I also am a runner.  I'm at a good weight for my frame, and I feel FIT.  But, I need some toning in upper body areas.  My upper body strength is nil.  I'm working HARD on this right now since I'm doing two obstacle races in May (one of them is Warrior Dash, I'm SO EXCITED!!!)  I posted a good arm workout link a few days ago, and this is another area I'm working on:

Core Exercises

I had 4 babies, y'all.  All but one of them weighed over 9lbs.  My stomach is not my favorite body part (it's not my LEAST favorite though, but that area can ONLY be fixed through plastic surgery....another post!)  It has seen pretty vast improvement over the last year or so though.  Slimming down, the skin regaining some of it's elasticity (lotion, and water...lotion and water...hit it inside AND out.)  I still have a load of stretch marks, but those aren't going anywhere and I've learned to just sort of live with it.

I believe in setting goals.  I posted in a FB group yesterday that my goal is to be comfortable enough with my stomach to teach my class in just my sports bra this summer.  That's almost 3 months of core work.  I think I can do it!  I'd also like to be comfortable enough to wear a bikini.  Yikes.  

Skinny Housewife

For those of you who are new to my blog, on Thursday's I either do "lazy housewife" where I give you tips on skating by...or I do "skinny/healthy housewife" which are tips and recipes for a healthier, more fit lifestyle.

 A little over a year ago, I fell in love with Zumba for a second time.  I LOVE to dance (really, love isn't even a strong enough word for it...) and Zumba feels like a danceathon to me, not a workout.  It's why it works so well for so many (it's a workout in disguise!)  It serves as a gateway exercise (like a gateway drug) to other things.  It led me to running.  I loved to run in middle/high school, and even some time after but got away from it when I was heavier because it's hard to run when you're heavy and with my "all or nothing" personality, I am just not a walker.  Over the last 15 months I've lost 20 lbs, but more importantly countless inches in my hips and thighs!  It also made me feel so much better-both mentally and physically, and led me to making better food choices because I want to fuel my body better.  I would encourage everyone to find what they LOVE-for me it is Zumba (I'm even a licensed instructor,) maybe for you it's an eliptical machine, or a step aerobics class, or yoga, or tai chi..find what YOU love!  Now to your regularly scheduled blog post--

We are a couple months away from swimsuit season!  I'm trying to get my core in better shape, so today I'm sharing some exercises:


Best Ab Exercises of All Time!

One of my goals this week is to organize the attic.  My stability ball is up there, and I've been itching to bring it down and use it for upper body and core exercises, here's a couple links:

Stability Ball Exercises  (this one has sections for all the different areas of your body, because who doesn't want better thighs and rear too??)

Fitness Magazine: Our Best Stability Ball Exercises