Stone Cold Abs

As a regular watcher of The Vampire Diaries (god, why are they all so hot?), I've definitely noticed the amazing bodies all of the girls have, Nina Dobrev in particular. She has a gorgeous, long and lean body and teeny, tiny waist and I'm definitely envious.  When I saw this video, I knew I had to try it out at least once a week at the gym. I'll be doing it tonight when I visit the gym!

{photo: Google images}

For some reason I can't get the video to embed so here is the link. Let me know if any of you guys tackle this video!

Two Sides to Every Body

After hitting the gym for the first time since I've moved back home (what, it's only been like 3 days!), I found a new machine that I love. Is it still a machine even if it doesn't move? I digress. I love this baby because you can use free weights to work your back, abs and more importantly, the sides/muffin top.

Queue the smallest picture in existence...

{photo: Google images}

I can still feel the burn this morning from yesterday's workout and I can honestly say I'm already seeing results -- normally there's a kind of line on my back/side that makes my back look absolutely horrendous and splits my upper and lower back in half, basically. Those who have some chubbiness will know what I'm talking about. Well, this morning I lifted up my shirt, turned around and looked at my reflection... amazing! I'm definitely going to be doing this simple exercise more because who wants a muffin top these days ever?

Fitness Q&A

I found this nice little Q&A from Breathe Deeply and Smile and I felt like it might let you guys get to know me a little better. If you decide to do it, let us know in the comments and link back so we can get to know you as well!

1. Which are you more responsive to during a workout: positive encouragement or peer pressure?
Positive encouragement! I get so aggravated when people assume I just can't do things... It doesn't make me want to show that person up, it just makes me feel like I shouldn't even bother. Positive encouragement keeps me going.

2. What’s something on your fitness bucket list? 
Run some 5ks, keep health problems at bay, and be able to keep up with my future children when I have them... Sounds crazy but there's so many parents that just watch their children run around outside and do nothing more. I want to be able to provide them with active fun and keep up a healthy lifestyle.

3. Would you rather be in a group fitness class that’s overwhelmingly crowded or awkwardly empty?  
I would rather be in a fitness class that's awkwardly empty... Hello, if I'm paying for a class I want the best I can get! If that means nobody else in the class and the trainer helping me be better, then that's great!

4. Rank these activities in order of your preference/interest (favorite to least favorite): running, Zumba, yoga, Cross Fit, swimming, hiking, biking, pilates, kickboxing, sports that involve balls, spinning, weight lifting.
Biking, weight lifting, swimming, hiking, running, yoga, sports that involve balls, and last and most certainly least, Zumba (hate it)! I've never done pilates, kickboxing, Cross Fit or spinning!

5. Would you rather work out next to someone with major B.O. or someone who grunts constantly?
Grunts constantly, I suppose. I loathe going to the gym and hearing nothing but grunting and weights banging on the floor, but B.O. is something I literally can't be next to because I'll gag.

6. What’s your standard workout wear? (T-shirt/tank top, shorts/capris?)
Usually yoga pants or yoga leggings with an oversized tee. If it's hot, throw me in a pair of shorts and maybe a tank top.

7. Favorite post-workout snack?
I used to constantly drink protein shakes after my workouts but I ran out and, my god, that stuff is expensive! So now I'll usually eat a piece of fruit.

8. Which are your strongest muscles? Most neglected?
My strongest muscles are probably my legs, but I loathe working on them. My favorite is my arms. My most neglected muscles are probably my abs. Whoops... I'll get better!

9. Would you rather be trained by Jillian Michaels or Bob Harper? (Or a favorite celeb trainer of your choice!)
I don't know who Bob Harper is but I would probably prefer to be trained by him. Like I said in my first question, I don't like people screaming at me to do things or else give up. Everyone goes at their own pace and I don't think I would appreciate Jillian Michael's technique.

10. What’s one thing you’ve learned about fitness or your body in the last year?
My body can do absolutely amazing things. I never knew the power that was stored in my unused muscles. It's amazing how I can be dripping sweat, absolutely exhausted but energized at the same time.

Tortilla Pizza

This is an obvious one, but still worth mentioning. 

Pizza is the best, but we can't afford to eat it every day (this statement has been approved by both my body and my wallet.)

Soooo, make it yourself.

You will need:
Tortilla wraps (any flavor/blend... and I use mini wraps)
Pizza or tomato sauce (you have control! make it organic)
Cheese
Toppings (sauteed veggies, fresh spinach or tomato, pepperoni, etc.)

Assembly is obvious: sauce goes on tortilla, followed by cheese, then toppings, and perhaps a sprinkling more of cheese.  Pop that baby in the [toaster] oven at 450 F (if you use the mini tortillas like me it fits in the toaster oven!) and watch until the cheese is bubbly.

I like this pizza because it is very low carb, and you can control the size and what goes on it.  

Google images

>>>Want to make it gourmet?! Try this on for size:
Spread soft brie on a wrap, thinly sliced granny smith apples, and a drizzle of honey.  (Protein bonus: top with apple chicken sausage medallions from Fresco.)

>>>Want to make it extra cheese-y?!  Sit your assembled (but not cooked) pizza on a second tortilla that's covered only in extreme [cheddar] cheese!

Challenge Completed

Yesterday I completed my 26.2 mile challenge with a nice short 2 mile run.  It was lucky that I only had 2 miles left because it was the hottest day of the year so far, and I was sweating bullets by the time I returned to my car.

During my challenge, I had a day when I was supposed to run 4 miles.  I was becoming frustrated that neither my endurance nor my speed was improving, so I decided to try something new.  I ran as fast as I could sustain for one mile, then walked .5 mile, ran as fast as I could sustain for another mile, walked another .5 mile, then ran one more mile.  When I calculated my speed, I averaged an 8:30 pace during the times I was running.  Considering that I started my training at upwards of a 10:40 pace for only 1.5-2 miles, I was pleased.

My next step was to close the gaps where I had walked.  I ran 3 miles one day, then 4 miles another day, a big 5 miler, and finally my 2 miles yesterday.  I now average:

• 9:30s in the 3-4 mile range (and I don't have to stop to walk!)
• 10:50 ish for my 5 miler (I'd like to blame the high pollen counts for that one) 
• and 8:30 for my 2 mile run yesterday (in the hot, hot sun)  

My weight has not changed, my legs and bum are perhaps only slightly trimmer, but I feel better.  And, get this, I actually caught myself saying phrases like, "I'm a runner," "I just want to go for a run," and, "I love running."

yahoo images

A Thousand Miles

Scratch that -- 100 miles. I just wanted a pretty title for the post.

So after somehow finding Cake vs. Scales blog, I saw a post about logging 100 miles within a month. I thought, hey, that's doable. With tons of stuff coming up (okay, basically just moving back home for the summer forever), I hope I can fit in working out at least once a day! Even if it is just walking around the very large block at home. And now that the weather is warming up, I can dust off my bike and easily ride 10 miles a day.

I think that this goal will help me achieve a sense of accomplishment with the obvious workout that will bring me closer to being able to wear a bikini again!

So, let's get down to business... let's defeat the Huns!

{photo: Google images}

PS Great news! I'm going to sign up for my first ever 5k for Father's Day! Excitement all around!