Workout Wednesday's - Tweaking the Routine

Image borrowed from Adria Richards' Flckr

Every Wednesday I adjust my routine according to what my needs may be. If you've been keeping up you know that I'm walking, doing jumping jacks, crunches and sit-ups. This morning as I was walking (after adding a minute to my walk) and thinking about my goals I realized I needed to change a few things. I'm already at my goal weight, it's a matter of staying within my range. I'm also very comfortable with not reducing my hip size since it would entail trying to be my 20 year old self and I'm pretty happy now. My problem area is my middle. I want to strengthen my core and in so doing lose my pouch.

Therefore this morning I made a few changes that I think are going to help me continue on my health path, and also really target my "problem area" the abs. I've taken away the jumping jacks because my shape ups are doing wonders for my legs, buttocks and thighs as I walk so I'm not sure I need the jumping jacks. I've added push-ups, and scissor legs to my crunches and sit-ups as well as a Pilates plank style position that really works the core.

One thing that re-assessing and tweaking does is it re-ignites the excitement for the routine. When a routine becomes just "routine" it looses it's lustre. I'm really looking forward to the new exercises and seeing their effects. I'm starting with 20 push-ups, 20 scissor legs, 20 seconds of the plank hold, 30 crunches and 16 sit ups. . . let's see how it goes.

I'm also about incorporating easy activities throughout my day so I take the stairs, park so I can walk an extra few steps and now I've decided to get myself an exercise ball (as seen in the photo) to use as my "chair" at my desk at work. Every little bit counts and it helps to keep me poised and hopefully with a strong core.

Oh Yeah, and here's my shoe! I purchase and wore them over the weekend and loved it!

If you're just joining this journey, click here to see all previous Workout Wednesday posts. I'd love to hear about the progress you've made in your health journey!

Workout Wednesday - Progress Report #3

It's that time again. Time when I let you know how things are going with my health journey and hopefully inspire you to get one or progress on your own journey. Last week was a crazy week for me so I had to postpone this post until today, but I'm happy to report, progress is being made.

I find it exciting to get up in the morning and start on my walk because I know I'll get amazing ideas and I'll feel energized once I'm done. I've progressed my workout routine gradually in order to let my body catch up then I've pushed forward. It's so nice to feel comfortable doing things at my pace knowing that it all works together and that this is my pace.

So what's been my progress recently?

Progress

Exercise: Walking 1.5 miles per day, 70 jumping jacks, 35 crunches, 15 sit ups
Water: 2.5 bottles per day (more than 6 glasses of additional liquids throughout the day)
Vitamins: 1 every day

Goal Measurements

Waist - 28.5 (down from 29 last month) goal - 25

Hips - 37.5 (steady from last month) goal - to remain steady

Weight - 117 (down from 119 last month, within goal range)

As you can see, I am making progress. I'm also being smart and assessing if my goals are working for me and if not I adjust them accordingly. Not to where I don't have to work, but to where I listen to what my body is telling me and go with that. I've got more energy to do more and keep up with my children, so it's going well.

I've decided that my progress prize is going to be these lovely non-practical sandals! This will be the first time I've gone out and purchased a pair of shoes just because I wanted. I'm not a shoe horse by any means, but I find pleasure in these. Besides, my progress treats are about want, not need so I'm thrilled! Can't wait to show you in person!

How have you done on your goals this month? I'd love to hear.

Click here to catch up on previous Workout Wednesday posts.

Wool-Eater Blanket Progress Report

This weekend was beautiful so I got out and enjoyed the weather as much as possible. I didn't do much hooking, which put be behind schedule a little bit, but I did get to do this video to show you my Wool-Eater Blanket progress.

You too can join the Crochet-along, just go to Sarahlondon.com

Workout Wednesday - Progress Report #2

It's that time again! Time to get excited about the progress being made every day! Yes, I'm still working toward my goals. Yes, I'm still excited. Yes, it's going well and yes, it isn't always easy...

I think one of the main reasons I keep going is because I know that at the end of each month I have to give you a progress report. I can't give you a progress report, if I'm not progressing. Another major reason I keep going, and I'm still excited is that I am seeing real results! I feel great and I'm seeing improvements in the way I fit into my clothes. Those two reasons keep me getting up earlier in the morning and doing what needs to be done. What about you? What's kept you going on your goals?

Progress

Exercise: Walking 1 mile per day, 53 jumping jacks, 35 crunches
Water: 2.5 bottles per day (more than 6 glasses of additional liquids throughout the day)
Vitamins: 1 every day

Goal Measurements

Waist - 29 (down from 29.5 last month) goal - 25

Hips - 37.5 (steady from last month) goal - 35 (I'm reassessing this goal because as I work out, I notice I'm getting more muscle, less fat, and staying steady, this may be my new normal)

Weight - 119 (steady from last month, within goal range)

As you can see things are progressing nicely. So far so good. My incentive gift was to go get my hair done at a salon! I went on February 17th to Diva Salon in Leominster, MA and got my hair blown straight and a badly needed trim. My hair is looking great (not straight anymore) and feeling good. Next month I'm not sure what the incentive will be, but I'm liking this "treating" myself thing...

I'd love to hear about what you're doing. Remember, every new day is a chance to start new! It's not about how much you do to keep healthy, it's about taking small steps toward your goal. If you do one squat with the intention of getting to 20 squats, you're doing great!

Click here to be taken to the previous Workout Wednesday posts.

Can someone stop the clock. . . please

I can't believe how fast days fly by. Everyday there is so much to fill the time that it's easy to look up and find that a week or two have passed and some things have fallen through the cracks. On the one hand, I'm happy to say, I've been somewhat busy, on the other hand, I haven't been posting as I'd like. . . What's a girl to do?

If it helps, here are a few projects completed within the last few weeks that have now found themselves part of my inventory.

Sold!!!

I know it may seem silly, but I'm very excited about two sales made this week! I'll tell you why. I'd sold a few items on Etsy, but those were almost 2 years ago and right before I had my son. I took a long break from doing any work on Etsy because we were getting adjusted to our new family situation. I started making and posting items again in March, with no bites . . . however, this week I sold two (2) items! The first was a pattern and the second was this neckwarmer which I listed on May 21, in the evening and sold on May 22, in the afternoon!

Yipee! I'm looking forward to the deluge of sales that should follow. . . .