Hello My Dear Darling Friends!

I have honestly been feeling a little lackluster during my workouts lately.  There are a few variables that are playing into this.  I have been experimenting with varying levels of hydration this week and that has affected my energy levels.  Also, we have had fast food a few times for a quick lunch.  And I have not been eating my protein oats before my workouts this week because I have been trying to get to the gym earlier in the morning.  Also, it is the first week of a new quarter at school so that adds a little more stress into the mix, but we are here and we are doing it!

I chose to do things a little differently this morning.  I did a dynamic warm-up with more stretching instead of my usual walk on the treadmill or elliptical for 5 minutes.  I also had to revise my exercises a little because there were 2 other people using the only bench in the gym.  Luckily, I was still able to  work up a wicked sweat and get a hell of a workout in 😉

Today’s Workout: Leg Day + Hourglass Circuit

• 3 x 10 One-legged Bridge (both sides)
• 3 x 10 One-legged Bridge Kicks
• 3 x 10 Banded Front Squat
• 3 x 12 Ball Hyperextensions
• 3 x 10 Side Lunges (both sides)

Hourglass Circuit 3 x’s:

1. Side Plank Lifts (15)
2. Plank w/ Hip Drops (15)
3. Twisting V-ups (12 both sides)
4. Side Plank w/ Leg Lifts (10)
5. Plank w/ side Kicks

I do this hourglass circuit because it makes me feel like a true badass.  There was a time when I could NOT do a side plank even on my elbow and knee and now I can do a full side plank on my hand!

One of the trainers that works with clients in our gym told me that I do a really great job with my workouts and I told them about how I was almost 200 lbs a year ago.  They said that it takes an incredible amount of dedication to make progress like that.  It is important for us to make our health a priority because without our health we have nothing.

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Today’s Word of the Day is:

arduous– adjective

1. Hard to accomplish or achieve: difficult.
2. Marked by great labor or effort: strenuous
3. Hard to climb: steep.

Tasks will seem less arduous if you turn them into habits!  Thank you for joining me for another workout and word of the day.  Hopefully tomorrow I will have more energy!  I had to take a nap this afternoon and I decided to resist having a 2nd cup of coffee.  We will see how that lasts.  I might end up making myself a cup of green tea if necessary.

❤ Alana