Sunday, December 23, 2012

No Pain, No Gain Circuit Workout

Two days until Christmas...and I am stressing.  Anyone else?  I have too many presents to wrap and assemble, menus to plan, grocery shopping to do, cleaning, house guests, and on and on.  I love the quote from Christmas Vacation "I don't know what to say, except it's Christmas and we're all in misery."  Sometimes it feels as though I pile on so much and set my expectations so high that I sort of forget to step back and enjoy everything that I have worked so hard on.

Working out is a huge stress reliever for me.  It is a fundamental part of my life.  I almost always find a way to fit in some form of exercise.  And at this time of year, I find that my workouts are even more important and more beneficial to my (mental) health.

This morning, I did a tough workout.  I really needed to push myself a little.  1000 rep workouts are amazing and so very effective.  I put together a circuit workout that combines cardio and strength.  I did 5 rounds which is a little over 1000 reps.  I was sweating, for sure.  There is only one exercise that requires weights, the plank rows.  I used a 10 pound dumbbell.  However, if you don't have weights, you could switch out the exercise for bird dogs done in full plank or simply hold a plank position for 1 minute.

I felt ten times better after I completed this workout today.  Even though I may be in the same room with the little bean, I am focusing on myself and my workout which is much like alone time.  And I am blessed. because she generally does not bother me during a workout.  She even works out with me some times.  She has actually become quite good at mountain climbers.  It's cute.

Enjoy your holidays.  Relax.  Decompress.  Enjoy.

Merry Christmas!