Big 5 Goals

Typically on a Sunday night, I start to think about what needs to get done for the week.  I love Mondays and have been inspired to narrow down my focus.

I wanted to share what I'm concentrating on for the week of 4/15/13:

1) Wrap up Mod 4 w/Test to get 100%, start Mod 5 (Integrative Nutrition online education)

2) Visit program to assess future placement regarding post-High School transition plan (special needs) for daughter for this coming September.

3) Learn and roll out new lesson PiYo Strength by Sunday 4/21 

4)Turbokick Certification Training 4/20

5) Get 3 Strength Workouts in this week (maybe a little ambitions but I'm shooting for it; 3 cardio sessions with one of them being a run).

These are my top 5 along with other ancillary goals (not mentioned) that must get done in order to keep the flow going.

"Within you is the power to do anything...with confidence and inspiration, you unlock the possibilities."  All you have to do is believe that you can and you're half way there.

Knowing what you want to accomplish and plotting out what you want to achieve can serve as a roadmap.  Let's face it, if you want to get somewhere you have to know how you're going to get there!  By taking forward motions in what ever it is that you are looking to pull off takes planning, determination, self-motivation and a sprinkle of perserverance.  

Last night when I drafted my Big 5, it gave me such clarity that I actually had peace among the chaotic schedule Mondays typically bring.

If you're like me you regularly plug into Social Media like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.  Its easy to connect with others who offer so much inspiration and motivaiton.  But remember, inspiration is a two way street. So Take heart: "There are people in your life whom you unknowingly inspire simply by being you."  How cool is that?  Very!!!!

My Plank Challenge

I don't exactly remember the day I started but I've been planking every day.  My goal is to add at least 10-15 seconds to the previous day.

I have a few of my favorite peeps that are checking in with me for accountability which makes it more interesting.  About a week ago I had gotten to 1:30 and planked on my elbows.  I put out a picture on my page.   One of my friends had texted me and said the girl in the photo's form was a mess.  Yup, it definitely was.  So I wanted to include a visual depicting incorrect vs. correct form.

 

The plank is an isometric core strength exercise that involves maintaining a difficult position for extended periods of time. Done properly, the plank exercise can be extremely taxing. In the top picture her shoulder blades aren't retracted and her hips are dipped. See the difference? The plank can be done anywhere and only takes minutes. Plus it's more effective than sit-ups and crunches because these work only the superficial abdominal muscles.

So now I am up to the 3 minute mark and I'm planking on my elbows just like the girl in the bottom image.  Oh my gosh the last 15 seconds were brutal. Lately, I've been listening to music to help pass the time and zero in on a spot on the floor to use as a focal point.

Today's music choice was "Titanium" by David Guetta and Sia! I love that song! Oh and I also squeezed in a 30 minute HIIT which was off the hook! Sweat city!  I've been logging my workouts in the Supergym and noticed I hit my 950th workout.  Did you know you are eligible to win money each day you log your workout in?  For more details go here:  http://bit.ly/tac9LM

So I love Mondays and I like to gear up on a Sunday night to plan out my workouts and just know what I'm up against so things can run smoothly.

Here's how my week will go down:

Monday, 8/20/12 Chalean Extreme Burn Circuit 3; plank challenge target 3:10
Tuesday, 8/21/12 TurboFire Fire 45EZ; plank challenge target 3:20
Wednesday, 8/22/12 Chalean Extreme Push Circuit 1; plank challenge target 3:30
Thursday, 8/23/12 Chalean Extreme Burn Intervals & Extreme Abs; plank challenge target 3:40
Friday, 8/24/12 Chalean Extreme Lean Circuit 2; plank challenge target 3:50
Saturday, 8/25/12 Chalean Extreme Burn it Off & Recharge; plank challenge target 4:00
Sunday, 8/26/12 REST; plank challenge target 4:05

 

Walking a tight rope

Over the past few years, I have always equated my life's experiences with roller coasters and circuses.  Well the title of my post came to me because lately living with an adolescent daughter with autism is like walking a tight rope every single minute of the day.  You can imagine the balance one needs to be able to pull it off.

Fortunately I have a balancing tool I use.  My fitness and nutrition goals!

I am in my second round of Les Mills PUMP.  This time around I have committed myself to being disciplined with nutrition.  I am eating as CLEAN as possible plus I have been hitting my workouts with extra intensity. 

Carving out time for myself each day has been like putting on my oxygen mask first when the plane loses altitude.  Intuitively as a mom, we tend to put everyone else's needs first before our own.  When I first heard that scenario I was like WHAT?  If you can't help yourself first, you will be of no service to anyone else.

This past week was very rough and while I kept up with my workouts and nutrition, and I'm proud to say I no longer succumb to stress eating.  I was caught up in a viscous cycle of eating to numb my feelings but would never make progress on where I wanted to go.  Fortunately I was able to break the cycle and in turn, re-adjust my mindset. 

What also helped me get through my week was connecting with a friend who has this amazing ability to provide such a unique perspective.  His insight really helped me realize that its not about having a perfect life but its about making the best decisions possible.

He said, "All you can do is give your best.  Never doubt your best effort and never, ever give up."  That got me thinking...this is not something I can change, what I can change is how I choose to deal  and accept it.

I need to be my best so I can give my best to my daughter and rest of my family.  My daughter depends on me cause I'm all she's got.  Each day I focus on being grateful for what I have.  Deep down I know things can always be worse.  If you'd like to check on my progress with fitness then check out my page:  Maria