Tag Archives: energy

June Plank Challenge

28 May

With June almost upon us, I’ve decided to create my own 30 day planking challenge. I encourage you all to do a little bit between now and Saturday if you’ve never planked before. All you need to do is at least 30 seconds each day for the next 3 days and you’ll be ready to join us.

Now when I plank, I like to have my forearms on the ground. I sometimes switch it up throughout the week and plank in a “push up” position as well. When you’re planking, you need to make sure you are keeping your core tight ( yes it’s going to shake!) and you’re butt is not in the air. You also want to have a flat back. Some people keep their legs together or spread them shoulder width apart, either way is fine.

If at any point you feel pain or that your body just can’t do it anymore, please stop. Remember your health is the most important and you never want to jeopardize that. Also, this “chart” can be modified to anyone’s needs.

The goal is 5:00 minutes at the end of the month, or it can simply be your best personal record (maybe even past 5 minutes!!)

Here are a few tips:
1.) Write down or screen shot each day. It’s so cool to see your time literally increase daily.
2.) Download a camera timer app to screen shot your form ( I use Timer Camera for my iPad)
3.) Have your friends join you in this challenge. When you do it with people, you’re held accountable and it’s a great feeling to cheer each other on.
4.) Throw some push ups in your rotations. Maybe on your “rest” days, do 10 push ups (whichever way you can do them)

Lastly, drink a lot of water!!!!!!

That’s it !!!! Remember to follow me on Instagram: ecal831 as I share my progress

20130528-222817.jpg

Happy planking!!!!
Xo

20130528-225527.jpg

Getting back into a routine

18 Feb

Today was a day I dedicated to me~ literally mind, body and soul. Over the past 24 hours I surrounded myself with my family, having an impromptu sleep over at my parents with my stepsister, went out to breakfast and ate healthy and making the decision to want to do something for myself.

Having just joined a gym last week since over a year ago, I knew it was time to get myself back into shape. Just not to look better but feel better mentally. I decided to get my butt to the gym and go all in. I ran (and walked- it’s been a long time) for 30 minutes. After that I went into the stretching area. Now having been a dancer my whole life and also having gone to the gym for many years prior to my hiatus, I know how to stretch, however I decided to use my Nike Training Club App on my iPhone. If you haven’t downloaded this yet, it’s a must (bonus is thats it’s free!) It’s like having your own personal trainer right at your finger tips. It gives you directions on what to do next, count downs and even a video tutorial if you’re not sure on how to do something. All while your music is playing from your phone. Pretty much genius.

After stretching I decided to move onto abs. I also used the NTC app for this. They have a nice quick 15 minute Ab Burner that literally makes you feel the burn. I have to admit, I felt incredible as I was doing this whole process. I forgot how great I feel while I work out, let alone afterwards. After abs I moved onto biceps and triceps. Now that I’ve made some sort of schedule, tomorrow I’ll move onto maybe back or shoulders. All I know is, I felt really good and I want to keep it going.

Now you don’t have to be as crazy as me, because I didn’t stop there. After talking with one of my best girlfriends and needing to “keep busy” I decided to go to Zumba tonight. I LOVE Zumba. If you love to dance but want to work up an incredible sweat, this cardio dance party is for you. It’s fun, sexy and one hell of a workout. I will admit as I was shaking my thing, I didn’t know how I was going to finish the class from having worked out earlier today, but with determination and fun, I did it. And I felt exhilarated.

Doing something for yourself physically will only help you mentally. I am true believer in that. If you’ve been thinking of joining a gym or belong to one and just haven’t been, make that first move. Get up and get there. Trust me. You will feel so much better. I know today was only my first day back into it but I have to say, I can’t wait to go back. Once you get back into a routine it just becomes part of your life and I can’t wait to get to that point. And hope you do too!!

20130218-210644.jpg

Happy working out!!
xo

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 832 other followers

%d bloggers like this: