Up to this point, I have been doing awesome on my workouts. Last week was kind of a bust since Marli wasn’t feeling well, I was experiencing some MAJOR soreness, and then an unexpected backache forced me to take it pretty easy with my workouts.
Come race day, I had a tough, but terrific run for my 10k race and as the day progressed, I found myself sitting in front of the frig ALL day! I was so hungry so I basically ate everything in sight – healthy and not so healthy.
But, really though, some of the unhealthy snacks started midweek…like THIS picture I posted on my Instagram. What I failed to mention was I actually ate TWO of them. Ha! I inhaled the 1st one so there was no time to snap a photo. It was so good that I didn’t feel guilty.
Saturday night was a different story. I was invited to the Houston Rodeo cookoff at the last minute so instead of whipping up a healthy snack, I decided to make a trip to Jack in the Box and ordered their new cheddar bacon and ham sandwich, curly fries, and a chicken sandwich. Sigh. Although I split this with my friend, I probably ate most of it. Then, I had some carnival food and drinks. Epic fail. (Note: this would not be considered “in moderation” whatsoever.) I was back on track Sunday, but on Monday, I found myself snacking on potato chips at 9pm while sitting in front of the computer.
I pinned this poster onto my Pinterest board because I love the simplicity of it. What simple rules of fitness do you follow?
Here’s my progress at Day 57! I have exactly 14 days (2 weeks) left before Marli’s Birthday so I would like to finish strong. Hoping to see more definition and strength within the next couple weeks.
Weights: I perform 3 sets of 10-12 reps | Increasing weights each time by at least 10% each time (i.e. if you press 100 lbs the 1st set, go to 110lbs the 2nd set, then 120lbs the 3rd set)
(I started with 180 lbs on Day 1 and now can press 250-270 lbs on Day 57.)
Rest: I usually rest for 45 seconds to 1 minute.
Why I love this machine: By placing your feet in different positions, you will be working different muscles. Nicole explains it best in THIS video. She’s kind of amazing 🙂
(A superset is when you perform a series of workouts with very little or no rest in between.)
STEP UPS
Weights: I perform 3 sets of 20 steps PER LEG with 2 x 15 lbs dumbbells. I don’t increase my weights. I complete one leg for 20 reps then alternate to the other.
Rest: None! 🙂
Why I love this workout: This should get your heart pumping! You’re keeping your heart rate elevated while doing the resistance training. Make sure not to bounce. You want to fire those legs and glute muscles.
Weights: I perform 3 sets of 10-12 reps | Increasing weights each time by 10% each time
Rest: None! 🙂
Why I love this workout: Feel that burn behind your quads? YES! This exercise is one of the best for working those stubborn hamstrings. It took me a while to learn the proper form, but THIS video helps a lot.
WALKING LUNGES
Weights: I perform 3 sets of 20 lunges (10 per leg) w/ a 2 x 15 lbs dumbbells
Rest: None! 🙂
Why I love this workout: Just an old time favorite and works all the great leg muscles
JUMP SQUATS
Weights: I perform 3 sets of 20 jumps w/ no weight. I focus on exploding off the ground and landing softly.
Rest: None! 🙂
Why I love this workout: Works on my explosions and plyometrics, builds strength, and gets my heart pumping!
LEG EXTENSION
Weights: I perform 3 sets of 10-12 reps | Increasing weights each time by 10% each time
Rest: None! 🙂
Why I love this workout: This exercise is pretty isolated and works a particular group of muscles so it’s nice to do this from time to time.
LEG CURLS
Weights: I perform 3 sets of 10-12 reps | Increasing weights each time by 10% each time
Rest: None! 🙂
Why I love this workout: This exercise is pretty isolated and works a particular group of muscles so it’s nice to do this from time to time.
SIDE SKATERS
Weights: I perform 3 sets of 20 jumps w/ no weight (10 per side). Also an awesome glute exercise!
Rest: None! 🙂
Why I love this workout: Works on my explosions and plyometrics, builds strength, and gets my heart pumping!
First off, u look amazing! Second, thanks for sharing ypur struggles with us but also reminding us to keep at it. Third, I love your blog and will definitely try this workout.
Thanks Tracy. You are so sweet.
Wow you’re doing great!! What a great motivation 🙂
xoxo
Suzanne from written by suzanne
Thanks Suzanne!
After falling off the workout wagon, I was feeling pretty depressed. BUT my dear husband knew just how to get me back on track. He went out a picked up some new weights for me! This was the perfect gift, because it can be a real struggle for me to get to the gym (I am a work at home mom), me new weights me I can do HIIT training at home (while my little one naps) …. and voila, I am ready to get back on the wagon!
Sorry to hear you were in a slump…I have those days (and weeks) too. But, your hubby is awesome to get you some new weights to re-motivate you! Just think – a few days left until Spring…then Summer 🙂 Yay!!!
Oh wow you are so on a roll just like my friend Angela! And that quote is sooo funny. And you should do the dark room but maybe compromise and do a dark gray instead.
Allie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com
Man, I am always looking for a workout bud. Your friend Angela seems like my perfect partner. Too bad we don’t live closer..
Go girl go! Everyone has a few setbacks (don’t even get us started on the naughty food we eat when we get together!) but you are looking amazing! Thanks for the motivation! XO
You look like a rockstar Linh! Congrats for sticking with your goals and we love that you’re super realistic at the same time. You go, girl!! XO
Thanks ladies for the encouraging words!
Great job! I am going to try doing these exercises out asap.