*Use What Ya Got* - 2 kids and a wagon...and an emergency

Last night after dinner I decided to take the kids for a walk to "our park" (1.34 miles there and back because I take the long way). Instead of one on her bike and one in a stroller, we opted for both kids in the wagon. I love pulling the kids in the wagon because it makes the walk just a little harder (think burning more calories!). That's 55+ extra pounds I'm dragging behind me.

ah, there she is. hello friend.

So we make it to the park. I scout the area for my evening "challenge"...which was this:

Try it. I did 3 sets of 20...and then...

I look over at #1 who was doing that very well known "potty dance"... Keep in mind we are over half a mile from home.

"#1, do you have to go potty?"

"nope"

"#1...do you have to go potty, because it kind of looks like you do..."

"nope"

Then I glance over at #2 and she has that glorified poop butt going on...and it was big. Of course I didn't bring any diapers this time, because it was just a little walk...

"#1 we gotta go! #2 pooped!"

then...

#1 - "mom! I DO have to go potty!!"

Sheer panic set in.

I got them both back in the wagon in record time, and then...

I proceeded to RUN.

That's running, pulling a wagon, wearing flip flops and jean shorts.

The girls thought this was awesome of course, and #1 is yelling "RUN RUN RUN!!" the entire time. I think the neighbors thought I was crazy...

So our nice little walk turned into my evening HIIT training as I mostly ran with short walking breaks, all the way back home (still taking the long way because that's how I roll). 

By the time we got back, I was a sweaty hot mess, but we made it and #1 was safely delivered to the bathroom. Not the relaxing time I had planned, but who wants to relax when you can workout instead?!

Now, I challenge you to take a run, pulling two kids in a wagon. See just how fun it is, and not at all awkward.

Keep moving. Keep eating. Keep drinking (water). Be healthy. Be happy. 

-EmK8

*Use what ya got!* - A Kid (video)

Working out without a gym is really simple, as I've demonstrated now several times.

Just use this simple motto:

USE WHAT YA GOT!

Take advantage of anything and everything surrounding you. This will be my new series and I'll be posting often with pics and videos.

#TeamNoExcuses

This weekend we spent a few days at my parent's RV. I didn't have much to use, but I had a 32lb 4 Year old. Perfect.

She started it by rolling off the couch and insisting I catch her. After doing this a while, it got pretty tough, but I turned it into a fun game, and she was in heaven. You know how kids get.."again again!!"

So she would roll into my arms, I started off my curling her (bicep curl) as many times as I could. After that I would catch her and then do 20 squats. That's 20 squats with 30+ extra lbs. You'll feel it. 

We did this at least 4 times. There ya go, legs are done!

Enjoy :)

Kid Squats Take 1

Side-note: There's nothing wrong with going to the gym either!

Later that day I went to the gym as well and did more legs

Here's what I did:

Leg Press

3 sets of 12 @150

Calf raises

3 sets of 20 @150

Leg Curl

3 sets of 12 @ 50 (I think)

Leg extensions

2 sets of 12 @80

1 set of 12 @70

Walking Lunges

30 with 20lb weights

Do it all!

Happy Monday Ya'll!

Keep moving. Keep eating. Keep drinking (water). Be healthy. Be happy. 

-EmK8

5K Foam Fest 2014! - checking off a goal!

So earlier I talked about Goals (HERE)

Setting them, and eventually crossing them off your list

Tomorrow I get to cross one of my goals off my list

RUNNING A 5K!

I'm so excited!

I know a lot of people say this, but I'm so serious when I say that I would have NEVER EVER believed you if you said I was going to run a 5K. I know it's not a marathon or anything, but I used to HATE running. Like punch it in the face then kick it in the head hate...and then also talk about it behind it's back.

 I had built it up so much in my head that I was just plain terrified of it. Then one day, I gave it another try...

Wow...I ran more than like 30 seconds and I was sold. I worked my way into it, and it felt like in no time I was on my way to 5K land. Now I can comfortably run a 5K, and I'm SO excited to run one tomorrow "for real"!

So stay tuned for pics and wish me luck!

I hope this is my first of MANY!

-EMK8

*Workout at HOME! No really, it's totally possible* (VIDEOS)

Working out takes time...energy...and can cost money...

These are common excuses.

So let's alleviate two of those problems...

Sorry, it's still going to take energy.

Going to a gym takes extra time (traveling too and from), and in most cases, costs money too.

Working out at home can save you time! Today I traveled all the way to my living room for my workout. Traffic was light, and it took about 10 seconds.

My living room is also free. It's cluttered with toys, but totally free.

OK OK I'm ready to workout, but what do I do?!

Did you know there are a ton of workout apps out there, and a lot of them are free?! I use an app called "Workout Trainer", it's free and easy (or you can pay for a more advanced one). It shows you a ton of workout options, and you pick one. It talks to you and tells you what to do, even shows you little videos so you know you are doing things right. Today I picked "Endurance Athlete" - it's 22 minutes and and is full body, with each exercise working the core. I sweat my face off and it looked like I had run a marathon when I was done.

That's real sweat people. Just wanted you to know I'm telling the truth.

So today you get videos! Yay!! 

Here's a few of the things this workout included

Seal Jacks

Side Lunges touching ground

And here's a combo video including the above two, plus Snowboard jumps and Mountain Climbers.

Try these if you want a good quick workout! 40 seconds of each exercise, 10 second rest in between. I mean it, 10 seconds is all you get. Keep that heart rate up!

So there you have it! Some quick and easy things to do. Ok, maybe not THAT easy, but totally do-able.

And just so you don't think I'm neglecting my kiddos when I'm working out...we had just spent the morning at a splash pad/park. #2 was napping peacefully and #1 was having "quiet time" - which I strongly encourage since she doesn't nap anymore. And I was only "busy" for about 30 minutes. Easy way to get things done even when you have kids. No excuses my friends.

Keep moving. Keep eating. Keep drinking (water). Be healthy. Be happy. 

-EmK8

**Ankle Weight Wednesday!!**

As promised....

IT'S ANKLE WEIGHT WEDNESDAY!!

Woot Woot!

Put those ankle weights on and work it! They really go great with any outfit. They are super in right now. I'm sure if you search fashion in Pinterest you will see them everywhere...

Yes, I'll even wear them outside the house, because they look THAT good. 

Scarf or ankle weights? I think the choice is obvious. 

Now you really want to go above and beyond? Do some jumping jacks! Do some High Knees! That'll get your heart rate going.

Or just wear them around your house and be the rockstar superstar that you are.

Because....it's Ankle Weight Wednesday after all! 

Here's what I've done so far today with my ankle weights on...

*I ran up and down the stairs 10x, that's 10 times up and 10 times down. You better believe you feel the burn with the extra few lbs.

*Then I did 50 minutes of DSKO... (my four year old did it with me! encourage your kids to be active! She loves it and had so much fun!)

*Then I ran up and down the stairs 12 more times, just for fun ya know.

It takes less than 2 minutes to run up and down the stairs 10 times...that's it! So no excuses! If you don't want to run, then walk! I'm making it really simple for you here people ;) If you don't have stairs, then run in place for 2 minutes ;)

Just wait to see how magical you feel at the end of the day when you take the weights off...ahhh

Feels like you can fly!

Cheers!

-EmK8

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Be your own science experiment - and Happy Monday

So this weekend was an adventure...lots of fun...and then today happened, and I did that dreaded thing I've told you not to do...I got on the scale...

4 lbs! I gained 4 lbs! 

I know I know, I'm the first to tell you that the scale means nothing. Your weight can fluctuate 1-5 lbs on any given day. It can be lots of things, and I wasn't exactly surprised.

So today I'm here to tell you how NOT to lose weight. 

Not eating is NOT your friend. Not drinking water is NOT your friend. It's as simple as that.

When you do these things, chances are, you're going to eventually eat, and when you do, your body is going to soak up that food up and hold on to it, in fear of you taking it away again. Same with water. Your body doesn't like this, and why should it? It's kind of rude, ya know?

So this may have happened to me this weekend. I happened to be under the weather on Saturday, and I will leave the "why" out of it...I couldn't/didn't eat or drink all day, I was in no shape too. I ate a little in the evening, and finally drank some water, but nowhere near the amount of calories I should consume in one day. Then Sunday came and I was back to normal, maybe even indulging a little too much. 

So what did my body do?! Yup, it really enjoyed that food I did end up eating, and it hasn't let it go since. I think water was the biggest thing...going almost an entire day without my usual 100 oz of water and my body freaked out a little. Now it's holding on to my water for dear life. I just have to earn it's trust back that I won't withhold again and we'll be just fine. I should be back to normal in no time.

But this is my lesson for the day. If you don't believe me, try for yourself. It's all about finding what works for you. Be your own experiment. I can pretty much guarantee though if you starve yourself, or don't drink your water, you are going to gain weight. Simple as that. Sure you might feel really skinny and empty for a day or so, but it's not worth it in the end.

These things happen though, it's called life. It's called normal. It's called get back on the train (or bus, or plane, or boat) and keep on keeping. Don't let every little step back stop you. Just learn from it and move the heck on. Be healthy, Be active, Be awesome, Take a walk, do a push-up, do some squats, and don't forget to drink that water!

I'd also like to take this time to recommend NOT drinking 50 bottles of wine in one night... I mean, unless you want to experiment and see what happens...but I already did that experiment and I don't advise it. Ok that's all, you've been warned...

Live.Love.Water.

-EmK8

**Goals** - Part One

Goals

                                         

These are great little things to have, especially if you like to make lists and then check them off!

Goals can be big or small.

You can have one or you can have fifty.

They can be for anything and everything.

Start small or go big.

Go big or go home.

Wait....what?

If you haven't already, make a goal for yourself. It can be anything. Mine happen to be fitness related, cuz that's what I'm about right now. Sure I have other goals, but here I'm just focused on muscle goals. Some of mine are small and attainable... hopefully, others are bigger and I'll be honest, scare the shit out of me.

Here were/are mine:

Get back into shape - check, but always always always more to do. Remember it's a lifestyle change, not just a diet or a fad.

Start an Instagram fitness page - check. I hope you follow me ;)

Get followers - umm...nobody follows me...sigh

Run a 5K - signed up for my first one and running it next Saturday!

Get certified to teach group fitness - half check. Scary. No, I got this.

Get certified as a personal trainer. Scary Scary. Costs money. I'm scared. So much to learn. Can I even do it?

Be in a fitness competition. woah...scariest thing of all. Biggest goal by far. Lots of training involved. Hiding under my bed.

It's true. I'll be the first to admit that failure scares me...but I think I'd regret not trying more...so off to the races we go!

So set a goal! Even a small one...then once you reach that goal, make a new one. Woot woot!

Cheers!
-EmK8