First off, let me apologize for my absence the last couple of weeks. I had the perfect storm consisting of one of the busiest travel/speaking months combined with a lingering cold that spanked me left, right and center. Both of these things took up a tremendous amount of my energy, so I had to be very strategic about what would and would not get my attention. My family is my number one priority followed by my job, so what energy I did have, I gave to these two things. I’m feeling better and my energy levels are increasing by the day, so here I am!
Here in Minnesota there is still snow on the ground and it’s the time of year where I go INSANE. I like being outside, but cold temps keep me and my family inside (yes, I’m a total wimp when it comes to winter) and around March I start getting really itchy (you can also add a “b” in front of the itchy).
Anyhoo, our ten year old daughter would sit all day reading, playing games on the computer, or messing around with her iTouch if you let her. I mean ALL. DAY. We call it mashing her butt flat. She’s on spring break and today we played a “game” we used to play when she was younger but haven’t done for a while. The “game” is interval training with body weight exercises. FUN! Right? ….Right?
We cranked up the Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, Nicki Minaj and Michael Jackson and got to work. I set the interval timer for 30 seconds and we alternated 2 different multi-movement exercises 3 times, and did 5 different rounds with new exercises each time, for a total workout “game” of 15 minutes.
We had a blast. Laughing, joking, being dorks. Here’s what Bella had to say about our game (I put it through the “like” filter and took out all times she said the word “like” – you can thank me later) : “You have to turn up the music really loud so you can barely hear yourself struggling and you can’t think about how much you want to stop. You just like the music so much you get carried away and you keep going.” (Research studies bear this out: music can enhance your workouts. Oops, I mean games.)
I asked her how it made her feel and here’s what she said: “It feels good – there was a lot of ab and leg work. You feel good afterwards and you like the results.” I was wondering what type of results she was talking about – I mean what “results” do you get as a 10 year old? “You just feel better, healthier. It seems like working out gives you more energy.” That’s my girl.
She’s now dancing around and is off the couch. She needs a gentle to insanely aggressive nudge to get up and move around more some times. How about you guys? How’s your energy and commitment to staying healthy this time of year? What about your family? What do you do about it?
The first 4 people to answer these questions will get a free Hit the Deck shipped to their door!
Hi Jenny…
It is so much fun reading your blogs and this blog in particular I can so relate!! Our family loves being outdoors, including all three children. Since we live in the country on the farm there is so much activity that the family is involved with. I too am a whimp when it comes to winter, I would much rather walk on my treadmill in my nice warm house opposed to the cold elements of winter!! However, now that it is March, I shoo my children outside every day when they get home from school and they seem to really enjoy it!! I get so tired of watching my children waste their days on the computer or gaming systems during the winter months. Somedays we go for walks to the river or go exploring through the woods along the river. Any amount of exercise and outside time is a good thing!! I am truely blessed that I have children and a spouse that enjoy being outdoors as much as I do! Spring means all sorts of new discoveries on the farm…baby kittens to baby calves…I know our family is more than happy that April is right around the corner!!
I try to remember the results & the fact that swimsuit season is right around the corner helps! I also try to train “for something” a 5k or upcoming half-marathon have kept me off the couch!
Jenny! I was thinking about you and here I am, responding to your inspiring blog. And I realize I am sitting on the couch sucking coffee and I just ate a piece of leftover soda bread from St. Pat’s and I feel like taking a nap. But now I won’t. I’m going to stop flattening my butt and crank some songs and move by bod. Thanks!! Good to ‘talk’ to you!
I need someone to feed off or challenge I am competitive by nature.
My commitment would be great but time management gets in the way
My boys are in sports so when they are home its a mix of “chillin” or going out to shoot hoops
Cry and dream of me being fit again!!
hi Jenny! I am definitely a gentle “keep up the good work! you’re going to feel great and look HOT!” My husband, however, forgets this. And when the alarm goes off at 5AM and I don’t want to get up and work out, his instinct is to tell me, “well then don’t complain about being fat.” Oh, great. Roll over. Hit the snooze. And sleep it off.
Thanks for all the great comments everyone. In fact, you’ve just made me more excited for today’s workout. There’s nothing like how you feel after moving your body – physically as well as psychologically. Keep on moving and Hit the Decks are on their way!