So .. what am I up to now?

So .. what am I up to now?

Today I thought I would take you down a journey with me on my newest venture - What you mean your not surprised that I have ANOTHER new venture ?? Isn't that really what my life is comprised of!

We have talked so much over the last 20 or so posts the importance of living a balanced life style, eating properly, getting in some physical activity and Understanding the Importance of Working Out.

It will be highly beneficial to realize the possible benefits of including workout exercises into your schedule - even those with the most hectic days can still find time for health.

That brings me to todays post - Did you know that I work 2 full time jobs, not only that I have a home to care, 2 children and a husband (who has a broken foot) Yet I still manage to find time to squeeze in my personal care. Today I started a new training opportunity which over the next 8 weeks I will be working out 2 times a week in the great outdoors in a Booty BootCamp!!! 

Today was day one: We (Misha and I) arrived an hour early for measurements and a small meet and greet - then we all got started.  Needless to say an hour early my arms are SORE! I do have an advantage over Misha and the other ladies as I am taking my Alkalete; however at the moment I am only taking 2 grams and I need to increase that to 3 to be optimum for my body weight.  

Here is some more info on the actual boot camp we are partaking in!

Results you can look forward to once you've completed camp are:

• Up to 16 lbs weight reduction
• 1 - 6 inches reduced in your thighs, midsection, and arms
• A boost in your immune system, and a decrease in sick days
• 25 - 100% increase in strength and stamina
• An energized yet relaxed feeling...

This Boot Camp welcomes women of all ages and levels of fitness, and provides a total-body workout (each session is 1 hour) that combines:

• Circuit training
• Hand-to-hand cardio combat (no contact)
• Core strengthening
• Body sculpting
• Yoga

To target trouble spots and sculpt you from head-to-toe.

I have my measurements recorded in my planner/book they provided and look forward to sharing the updates with you so you can come along my journey with me :) 

Cheers to all my friends, 

Ashley

Lets get Motivated!

Workout boredom, plateaus, and injuries can all sidetrack your fitness training. But with the right inspiration, you can work through those barriers. When obstacles threaten to keep you from working out, try some of these quick and easy motivational tips to stay on track. These instant motivators will rekindle your passion for working out--the greatest motivator of all.

1. Know the benefits of exercise. We are more motivated to do things that we'll benefit from. The more we benefit, the more motivated we are. For example, if I told you I'd give you a million dollars to take a 30-minute walk tomorrow morning, would you do it? You bet you would! The benefits of exercise aren't quite that compelling, but they are pretty motivating! You will benefit tremendously from consistent exercise. For many people, that's very motivating!
2. Create your personal "reasons list." Keep a piece of paper and pen handy for a couple of days. Jot down EVERY reason you can think of that you want to get healthy/get fit/lose weight through consistent exercise. Real life example: I could only think of a few reasons to why ... after keeping my pad of paper with me after a few days I had LOTS, such as:
   
   
   
   • more energy to play with the kids all day and still be able to head out at night
   
   
   • to be able to fit into all the clothes in my closet
   
   
   • to be able to live a long, healthy life and to enjoy time with her children, husband, and grandchildren (eventually ... ya I know a LONG time for me ..lol )
   
   
   • to not be uncomfortable in public
   
   
   • to look as good or better as my mom THIS summer
   
   
   • to be able to do "active" things with her family and friends
   
   
   • to be able to do the "Try a Tri" this year
   
   
   • to be able to go shopping for NEW CLOTHES
   
   MY list goes on, but you get the picture. Make a long, extensive list. This may not seem important, but it is critical to be able to read this list when your motivation to exercise is waning. It's a powerful way to quickly get "re-motivated"!
3. Exercise with a friend. Statistics tell us that people who exercise with a friend are more successful at exercising consistently. You can keep each other accountable. Knowing that someone is waiting for you to exercise with them can be great motivation to show up and get it done!
4. Exercise first thing in the morning, every morning. Folks, if you're really serious about this exercise thing, then get serious about it. Our bodies were made to be active on a daily basis, and when we are, all sorts of wonderful things happen. We even get healthy and fit! People who exercise 6 to 7 days per week first thing in the morning are much more successful at exercising consistently than those who do the 2 or 3 day thing. It doesn't have to be a huge workout everyday. Get out there and take a 30-minute walk.
5. Train for a local 5K or 10K walk or run in your area. This can be great motivation to exercise on a regular basis. I've seen many people transformed from couch potatoes to lean, mean, exercising machines because they decided to enter and train for a competition like this. Don't think you can't do it...YOU CAN!
6. Reward yourself! Real life example: After reading a post from another writer I decided to reward myself with $3 in a "JAR" every time I exercise. I give myself the freedom to spend this money on things I normally wouldn't buy for ME.  Usually I end up with more than $70 per month!
7. Keep records. Write down your exercise time (minutes) each day. Keep a running total for the month and year. Calculate your average exercise time per day. Set some lofty goals! :)
   
   BONUS TIPS
   
   
   
   • Make your exercise as enjoyable as possible. For example, if you're a walker, you may want to get a good ipod to listen to music or books on tape, etc. If you're exercising inside, set up a TV so that you can watch it while exercising. On the other hand, you may just prefer peace and quiet. Do whatever makes exercise most enjoyable for you. You are much more likely to exercise consistently if you enjoy it.
   
   
   
   • Wear good shoes that are appropriate for what you're doing. Injuries seriously affect your motivation to exercise. Most people, especially walkers and runners, wear their shoes far too long. Worn out shoes will make you much more prone to injuries. 
   
   
   
   • See results and get compliments. That's really motivating! GO FOR IT!