Work It: My Typical Workout

As I previously stated, working out & setting running goals are a 2013 new year's resolution.  Being active is not always the easiest part of my life - let's face it early gym mornings never sound fun ... but they are!  Working out is an essential part of leading a healthy life.  Eating right... well I'll leave that for another blog post!  

Since I'm setting running goals for myself, it's time to get back on the right track (as Matt Foley would say)!  I started this training regimen last year, but I got off track and have been running a mile here, a mile and a half there.  I'm on week 4 (Run 5 minutes, walk 2 minutes, repeat 4 times).  While I haven't increased my overall run time/endurance too much while running off the 8-week plan, I have increased my pace which is quite a feat considering I could only run a ten minute mile when I did the mile run for the presidential fitness test in the 8th grade!  I'm down now to a 8:57 mile pace, which is pretty good for me!  So here goes for the next month and achieving that Week 8: Run thirty minuts!

Week 1: Run one minute. Walk 90 seconds. Repeat eight times. Do three times a week. (20 mins)

Week 2: Run two minutes. Walk one minute. Repeat seven times. Do three times a week. (21 mins) 

Week 3: Run three minutes. Walk one minute. Repeat six times. Do three times a week. (24 mins)

Week 4: Run five minutes. Walk two minutes. Repeat four times. Do three times a week. (28 mins) 

Week 5: Run eight minutes. Walk two minutes. Repeat three times. Do three times a week. (30 mins)

Week 6: Run twelve minutes. Walk one minute. Repeat three times. Do three times a week. (39 mins)

Week 7: Run fifteen minutes. Walk one minute. Run fifteen minutes. Do three times a week. (31 mins)

Week 8: Run thirty (30 mins)

Another regular workout favorite (and target problem area for myself as well as many other women) is the 24-hour ab tone-up from Women's Health.  This workout was in an issue from summer 2010.  I've been doing this off and on since then and have definitely seen progress in my ability to complete these moves with good form and increased reps.  This workout really is a 24-hour tone up.  When I do this I can see flatter tighter abs the next day compared to days that I replace these moves with other free weight exercises.  Also, who doesn't love to feel the burn and soreness after good ab workout!?  Every time you are happy and laughing you are reminded by the pain that you pushed your abs to the limit and can be happy about that too!

In finishing my workout, I always throw in some planks (including a few with leg lifts), squats, tricep curls, shoulder presses, and bicep curls.  

If you have any favorite or regular workouts that you do feel free to share!  I always love trying to workoutss - they challenge your muscles and body, burning more fat and building muscle!  Until next time!