Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Workout Wednesday



Workout Wednesday is back! What better way to get over the hump of hump day other than a tough workout??? Working out is a great way to kickstart your day so get in the gym, peeps!

A quick disclaimer though, I am by no means a personal trainer, nutritionist, workout instructor, etc. These are workouts and tips I've cultivated from years of working out and striving to be healthy.

If you missed it here are my past 2 Workout Wednesdays...



And for this week...

I mixed up the structure this week. How it works is that you do the first exercise, then the first and second, then the first, second, and third, etc. So basically you start from the top and start all over and add on another exercise. 


So to break it down for you...I usually start any workout with 2 minutes on the treadmill. I usually do 6.5-7 but chose the speed that's most comfortable to you. For exercise 5, I do what I call 20/10, which is a 20 second sprint followed by 10 seconds of rest for about 2 minutes. So usually what I do is about 8.0 for 20 seconds then jump on to the sideboards for the 10 second rest. It's a great cardio bursts in the middle of your workout. If you have particular questions about certain exercises please comment below and I'd be happy to explain it!

For exercise 7, I'm not sure if that's the technical term for this exercise. Essentially, you lay down with your body flat and an exercise ball in your hands stretched above your head. You then raise the ball up and put it between your feet and lower your legs. Does that make sense? It's a great workout! I actually did it again on Sunday before I posted this and phew, it's a tough one if you move quickly.



For my Wellness tip for this week I'm talking walking. Seems simple, right? I dusted off my old Fitbit and it's been a great tool to keep me accountable. I read an article about how working at a desk job is equivalent to being a smoker. Wow, how scary is that? So that was just the motivation I needed to get up and move more. Since I've committed to moving more, I've walked 10,000 steps at least every single day. Here are some tips to get those steps in...



1. I park far away. My apartment has a parking garage for residents and I live on the 3rd floor. So I park my car on the first floor and walk to my apartment everyday. It's a small change that adds up to some steps. 


2. I do what I can to get the steps in regardless of the weather. It was cold and rainy for awhile in Charlotte so I couldn't get outside to get some steps at night. So what did I do? I walked up and down the stairs of my building and around each floor. Also, a unique thing I did was went to Publix and walked around just to get some steps in haha! I'm addicted.

3. Take the stairs and the longest route of work. When I'm at work if I'm going to the restroom, visiting a coworker, to the copier, etc I take the longer route to get there. My job is also a phone job and so I got a wireless headset so that I can pace while speaking with clients. I'm sure there are some unique things for you to try at work to get some steps in.

4. I make walking a social event. I use it as a chance to catch up with friends who want to walk with me. I also use it as an opportunity to explore Charlotte and see lots of pretty houses. If none of my friends are available to come, I'll go by myself and listen to music or call friends/family and catch-up.   On Saturday, I walked to lunch and jammed to some music. It was a beautiful day to look at all the pretty houses in Charlotte. 




For all my fellow Fitbitters, what works for you? Share below so we can all follow suit! Thanks for reading and see y'all back here Friday when I share my favorites! xo


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10 comments:

  1. You make walking sound like fun! I always have said I would prefer to be running but now that I live in DC and walking is a necessity, I'm starting to like it more ha!

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    1. I genuinely love to walk! I see it more as an opportunity to think, listen to music, chat with friends, people watch, etc rather than a chore! DC is the perfect place to walk!!

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  2. I love this series of yours! I am learning so much. That is terrifying that a desk job is equivalent to being a smoker. I am really going to try to start getting more steps in!

    Great post!
    - Seri

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    1. I'm glad you're enjoying it, Seri! That makes me so happy :) Isn't that scary???

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  3. I love my Fitbit and I'm doing laps around my work floor as we speak! :) the houses in Charlotte must be so pretty and southern! I'll have to visit one of these days.

    Also last night a friend said she went to Clemson and I thought hey Lauren went there! She's 28 though so not sure you'd know her.

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    1. Ahhh I love how you're doing laps! I do that ALL. THE. TIME. I'll have to post some of the really pretty pictures from my walks soon...the houses are incredible! That's so cool! GO TIGERS!!!

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  4. Dead, as per usual. Thanks Coach Lauren ;) Ball passes are the worst. Just so you know.

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    1. So you tried it!?!?! I love you for that. Ball passes kill me. Not just my abs but my inner thighs too!

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  5. Hi Lauren. I like your workout routine; it looks like a good combo of cardio and strength training. How long does it take for you to complete the entire circuit? Good for you to get your steps in - you are creative! I just try to keep moving. I have a 2 story house, so following the dog around works, as does being forgetful and having to traverse the stairs to remember what I forgot. Lol. My husband helps, too - he forgets to bring stuff up and down so I have to go get it. Have a great day- the weekend is almost here!

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    1. Hi Laurie! Hope you're doing well! I love a good workout that has cardio and strength. I find that works best for me. I would say depending on how quickly you move it could take anywhere from 40-60 minutes. Having a house and a husband to keep after must keep you moving :) I'm a big believer now that any movement is good! Have a great rest of your week!

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