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Couples working out together

December 2, 2010 By 2 Comments

I love working out with my hubby Kevin.  We have such a blast together and he keeps me going always pushing me to do better.  There are many times he has to tell me I must go to spin class when I hem and haw about wanting to sleep in.  We have been training for the Reggae Marathon half marathon race (I can’t believe it’s this weekend) and he has been my rock telling me that I CAN do this and not to worry so much about it.

We enjoy going to spin (cycle) and Pilates classes together always sitting side by side and we have done weights together, walked trails and done other cardio at the gym.  We are throwing around the idea of buying new bikes so come Spring we can start riding together.  Can’t wait to see what activities we decide on in Jamaica.  I really enjoy the time I get to spend with him!

I’m glad to see that even celeb couples work out together.  Hope this helps them stay together especially when so many celeb couples split so often.

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Guest post: Music Can Drive Routine

September 8, 2010 By 6 Comments

Music Notes II

Music Can Drive Routine

As I began to familiarize myself with the gym for the first time, I couldn’t help but notice the large number of people exercising while listening to their mp3 player. I was always critical of these people; constantly mumbling under my breath comments regarding their lack of fitness ambition. It seemed to me as if they were there for pleasure, and it’s my personal experience that the rewards of a good cardio workout don’t come from the feeling of pleasure, but more so pain.

When filtering through a men’s body building magazine, you’ll notice articles featuring men that look like Andre the Giant discussing how pain is their friend.  This is sort of the mind state I had going into it. And from over 10 years of following different, yet strenuous daily exercise routines, I’ve learned that in order to keep this up, I was going to have to find more enjoyment in what I was doing.

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SELF Magazine Online: Reach Your Goals

September 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

SELF magazine online has a Reach Your Goals program that I love.  Choose from the at home or at the gym fitness guides OR both and get a lot of goodies like meal plans, food/exercise logs, awesome prizes and more. I thought their 20 Ways to Burn 200 Calories article is great too.

My favorite ways to burn calories in the article were:

  • Build Your Own Bootcamp
  • Be Rakish (although I prefer to mow the lawn ha ha)
  • Plunge Right In (of course hubby would love for me to say yes to diving in Jamaica but snorkeling is just as good right?)
  • Late Night Make-Out Challenge OH YEA

There are a lot more so be sure to take a peek and come back and tell me your favorites!

P.S. You can follow SELF magazine on Facebook and Twitter.

 
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Mat Pilates workouts here I come

August 27, 2010 By 2 Comments

I can’t believe I will be subjecting myself to this because a while back I took a Pilates class or two with Kevin (hubby) and I did not like it at all.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the instructor but I didn’t care for mat Pilates workouts.  I would much rather be standing more like you do in Yogalates (another class I took a long time ago).  So starting Tuesday I’ll be back at it because I really want to see a difference in my body over the next 6 months.  I know I need this class and once a week won’t hurt me right? or will it?  HA!

Some of you may not be familiar with Pilates so here is a link where you can read more about it.

What is Pilates?

And since I am still so new to mat Pilates workouts, I can’t really tell you the difference between all Pilates workouts so I would like to guide you to this article.

I have been told that it is best to begin by doing mat Pilates because you can modify it as a beginner pretty easily.  My main goal with taking the Pilates class is to strengthen my core to help me master my vertical knee raise challenge but it has many other great benefits.

Benefits of Mat Pilates workouts

  • Great for balance, flexibility and strength.
  • Low impact
  • Great for ab/core strength
  • Improves posture
  • Body awareness
  • Whole body fitness

and many more!

I have no idea how many calories I burned when I took Pilates class but once I send my HR monitor for repair and get it back, I’ll be sure to check to see how many calories I do burn in the class.  I think this will be a good addition to my normal routine of spinning, running, personal training, etc.  We shall see!

Do you do Pilates workouts?

 
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Bike Riding

May 21, 2010 By 16 Comments

Hubby and I have been talking about purchasing two bikes but we are not sure what types of bicycles we want to get.  I’m leaning more towards the mountain bike because I would rather ride on trails than road but I also love the cruisers.  I think Kev wants bikes that can work for both road and trail if there is such a thing.  There is so much out there when it comes to bike riding.  It’s funny that he and I were just talking about this because this week is Bike to Work Week.

Cyclists cite lots of reasons for trading in the car, bus, or train for a two-wheel commute: a good workout, a minuscule carbon footprint, fewer worries about finding a parking space—but one of the most-enticing benefits is the cost savings. And last year Congress added another perk, putting bicycle commuters on the list of those eligible for a transportation tax benefit. Just as employers can provide tax-free reimbursement for the cost of parking or transit passes, now they can also subsidize the cost of biking to work (up to $20 per month).

So, how much can you save biking to work? Calculate the savings you’ll achieve with Kiplinger.com’s “How Much Can I Save Bicycling to Work” Calculator: http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/bike/

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Strength Training

January 30, 2009 By 10 Comments

Today’s Tip: Choosing the right weight size for strength training

I have been doing some research on how best to choose the correct weight size and number of repetitions when it comes to using weights in the gym.

Strength training for those that don’t know is the use of free weights or weight machines and it’s an exercise that will work the muscles to the point of fatigue.

The overall consensus is that it’s best to start with 1-3 sets of 10-12 reps.  And when you arrive at rep 10, you should start to feel that it’s harder to keep going.  If there is no difficulty, the weight resistance is too low. Pick a weight size you think would work for you and experiment with it.  If you feel it’s too light, increase the weight by 5 lbs. If it’s too much, decrease by 5 lbs.  Do this until you feel you’re at a good weight.

In all the research I have found it looks like I have been doing OK.  I keep a mini journal with me at the gym and always record the name of each piece of exercise equipment I use, the total weight, sets and reps that I complete.  I usually do strength training 2-3 times a week for approximately 20 minutes.  Each time, I choose to work a different group of muscles.

Do you participate in strength training?  If so, what are your favorite exercises?

I enjoy using resistance bands, the hip abductor and the hip adductor.

 
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