When I'm feeling a little pudgy in my tummy area (which is quite often, btw), I start doing a bunch of ab exercises. Watching TV and doing some crunches or leglifts are easy, as long as you're in the mood. I need constant variety with my workouts, otherwise I get bored quick. For me, being bored means I stop working out. I get workout inspiration (is it called fitspo?) from magazines, Youtube, Pinterest, and of course, CJ.
I forget where I came across this simple, creative leglift exercise, but I get through it pretty quickly.
ABC Leglifts
Lay down on your back.
Hands under your bum.
Write out the alphabet with your legs.
Start with upper case letters, then do the lower case letters.
I don't know when, where or how I was introduced to your music, but it has affected my life in more ways than one. During times of stress, loneliness and sadness, you were there to lift me up even for just a moment. During my happiest times, you were there to celebrate with me.
Your music is like a drug. A sense of calm and peace overcomes me. Hope is renewed. Happiness is restored. Life is great. Add a glass of red wine and I'm in utopia.
Can I share with you a little ritual I've established whenever I need Julia time? I go into my bathroom, lock the door, play your music and paint my nails. Other times, I put on a pair of headphones, drink a glass of wine and mindlessly explore the internet. I am in my own world. I come out a happier Julia. I'm sure my husband and son will thank you one day.
At the gym, some lady and I were sitting near each other lifting weights. We got to talking and she showed me her favorite shoulder workout: 6 ways by John Meadows. You basically do it until you can't do it anymore. Definitely had me struggling lifting Christopher the next day.
I enjoy running. It's a statement I never thought I'd say. I dreaded running the mile when I was in Elementary and Middle school. I joined the track team in High School and learned to sprint and relay. Since then, my love for running grew. I don't run with music like the rest of the world. I enjoy the fresh air, letting my thoughts run wild and hitting the pavement. Running is therapy.
While I prefer running alfresco, running on a treadmill isn't bad. The treadmill allows me to do things I can't necessarily do or wouldn't want to do outdoors. For instance, on the treadmill, I can run on a super high incline whenever I want. I can also do the side run. I don't see myself doing this outdoors in public. I'm sure there's a proper name, but I call it the side run.
I can't take credit for this. I learned this move from Shonda. I copy a lot of a exercises from her. She makes it look so easy. I haven't yet attempted to run backwards. I know myself all too well. It's public humiliation just waiting to happen.
If I've got rice crackers and almond butter laying around, I put them together for a super easy and healthy snack. My favorite are brown rice crackers, but I don't have any right now. Plain rice cracker rolls will have to do.
Rice Crackers with Almond Butter
Ingredients:
2 rice crackers
1 Tablespoon of almond butter
Instructions:
Spread the almond butter on the rice crackers and enjoy!
With the weather slowly warming and the sun brightly shining, I've been heading outdoors. Since it's still chilly, I stay out for about 10 minutes. It's those 10 minutes that I leave the social media/email/text/worldwideweb world and focus on the simple things in life - fresh air and warm sun. Whether it's taking a walk with Christopher or hanging in our driveway blowing bubbles, basking in the sun seems to be a very happy time.
There are numerous benefits from hanging in the sun, but I'll name my top 3 faves:
1) The sun helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, which is needed for bone health and supporting our immune system.
2) Being in the sun makes us HAPPY! Rainy weather makes us feel blah and sunny weather improves our mood.
3) Sun = sleep. I'll vouch for that. Ever recall basking in the sun at the beach and feeling really sleepy? Getting the proper amount of sunlight every day helps us snooze.
I haven't been in the mood to cook for weeks now, but a girl's gotta eat. I've been sticking to easy, but healthy meals and snacks. This recipe is super easy and can be enjoyed as a light meal or snack.
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