OK… I’ll pay the $1.
I seriously need a swift kick in the rear when it comes to exercise.
I find myself reminiscing on the Couch to 5K training, when I knew exactly what I needed to do each day. I also felt the panicked feeling when I would miss a day, which some may argue is ‘unhealthy’, but for me, it was motivating and kept me on track.
Since I am forgoing the Couch to 10K training right now, I’ve realized it’s no excuse not to have a schedule. I fight them, but I think I thrive on schedules. So here’s what I’m thinking:
Monday: YMCA : 20 minutes stair stepper & 20 minutes elliptical
Tuesday: YMCA : Yoga 1 hour
Wednesday: YMCA : 20 minutes stair stepper & 20 minutes elliptical
Thursday: 4-5 mile neighborhood walk with the k-deezy, or Yoga
Friday: YMCA : free day (wahoo! ::confetti sprinkles down::) I can take a class, walk inclines on the treadmill, attempt to take on the stair stepper, or do free weights. Whatever I choose, I’ll at least be doing SOMETHING.
Now even though Thursday will be my long walk with bugger, the other days will most likely include a short walk with her. 1/2 mile away is a park where I can let her run free, so I usually walk there with her and let her run while I swing 🙂 So, that will be an extra mile added into my daily routine.
I’m hoping yoga will help with some of the aches I’ve had lately (both knee and back) and help strengthen my muscles and stretch me out. I’ve never been a stair stepper girl, but after your suggestions (thank you, again!), I’m going to give it a go in search of leaner thighs!
Ok, you expert exercisers out there… critique me! Sound like a good game plan?
Hope so… I feel good about it 🙂
Tina says
Even if its not your favorite I would still find some way to incorporate some strength training…maybe a weights class or free weights as your focus on Fridays? Yoga is good for strength too. 🙂
Jane Marie says
I’m not an expert, but I noticed there isn’t any strength training here. You’ll want to add in some weights/abbs/push-ups or something like that at least twice a week. Strenth training will help tone your muscles, reduce the risk of injury, increase your metabolism, and make it easier for you to do all that heavy lifting that you do 🙂
Christina @ Food.Fun.Fabulous. says
haha I love that you swing while Koda runs around. I would definitely do that too!
ashley@piesandpushups says
I think it is great that you made a schedule! I find that having a written down schedule motivates me too. If I don’t get to check it off my list for the day I actually feel like I missed out on something. Maybe on one of your yoga days do pilates instead sometimes, just for some added toning.
There is a park a 1/2 mile from our house too & I always take OB. She runs her little heart out while I just sit and watch. haha
Caree @ Fit-Mama says
schedules are great! If I have a schedule and already know when and what I am going to do, I am more than likely to follow through with it. Also, maybe take a day off in between. Like 3 days working out and then 1 day off and 2 days working out and 1 day off,..to kind of ease back into it?
Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good says
Oh, I should share, in the Jeff Galloway book I’m reading, he says it’s important for runners to work on strengthening the muscles on the front of the legs. He says an injury is more likely if you don’t. I don’t know that you want to get back into running, but it may help your knee issue to even out the balance of muscle strength from front to back.
Good for you for coming up with an exercise schedule!
Maria @ Oh Healthy Day says
I think the best workout program is one that you stick to 🙂 (At least for me)
That being said, I don’t think it would be a bad idea to incorporate some strength training. On your cardio days you can even fit it in. Do 5 minutes on the stair stepper or elliptical and then break for 15 push ups. Then 5 minutes later break from some lunges or squats. Just lifting is boring to me, I always try to add strength in conjunction to cardio training.
Yoga will help too though! 🙂
Pure2raw Twins says
We are trying to get into yoga more mixed in with our high intensity strength training for a good balance! We shall see 😉 Though I thinking any time of stretching is a good thing!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I’m glad you have a plan….I wish I were an “expert” exerciser instead of someone who constantly tears out new toning and weight routines from magazines and inevitably ends up right back on the elliptical with a book or magazine, my Ipod, and Jeopardy on the TV.
Corey @ the Runner's Cookie says
Yay!! You will be dripping sweat from the stairmaster! Tell me how you like it 🙂
Melissa says
Your plan sounds great. But like the others already said, I would definitely incorporate some strength training. And don’t forget time for stretching.
bobbie says
I am not expert, but it sounds like a good plan. It is important to do the kind of exercise that you enjoy. If not, you will want to quit. Making a plan that works best for you is the best route to go. Plus, if it needs adjusted your the creator…change it 🙂
John J. says
Good plan and agree that some strength training is valuable. By the way did you see my blog on sex and finances influence on a marriage relationship? http://www.drstathas.com
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss says
yeah, yeah!
the best thing you can do is change up your routine to shock your muscles, so although you have a schedule, make sure you mix it up. 🙂
I’m awful at that. heh.
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans says
I’m gonna jump on the strength training band wagon and say that you want to get some body weight resistance exercises in there. This can include pushups, tricep dips, plank, squats, lunges, burpees etc. Lean toned muscles are super sexy!!
Sarah for Real says
I haven’t check in for a few days so I didn’t hear about your back/knee trouble! Oh man that really sucks. I deal with the same thing. After some advice from my chiropractor I’ve found that I can keep my back pain manageable by always always always stretching after running and icing for 20 minutes a day. Have you gotten any professional help with your back?
Kelly says
Having a plan always makes me more likely to follow through. But don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone gets in a workout rut every once in a while. I agree with a few of the other comments about adding some strength training, but how much might depend on the type of yoga you’re doing. My shoulders ache the day after a good class. But then again, I’m no expert. 😉 Good luck!
Jane Preston says
Hey Brittany….I agree with all the comments on the strength training, too. When I hurt my knee a month ago, I iced it every day for about 4 days, took ibuprofen for 3 days and doubled-up on my JP+. With the orthopaedic’s permission, I was back on the Elliptical in four days…a mile the first day, two the second, three the third, etc. He advised me not to do the treadmill because of the pounding. He also suggested a heating pad on my knee before I worked out, then icing it afterward. Sounds like you have a great plan….good luck and keep us informed.
Autumn @ Good Eats Girl says
I need that swift kick right now too! I have a plan in my mind….I’m just not following through very well. Ugh. I should try writing it out like you have. Maybe that would help me!
I think that you have a great plan here, but I would agree with the others about adding a day of strength training! You are going to do great, and I am sure the pup will love all the walks you will do too!
Elin @andserenitytoo says
I’m a new visitor here and just wanted to say hi! I’m also in the process of kicking myself in the butt exercise-wise… I found it tends to stick when you do something that you think is fun. Or watch/listen to something fun while you do something less fun 😉
Carrie (Moves 'N Munchies) says
LIFT SOME WEIGHTS!! honestly strength=power!