3 weeks out

Less than three weeks until Miami!! I have been spending so much of my energy on my cardio and lifting that I have been to drained to keep up with my blog! But here I am! So I started some new cardio classes to switch thing up a bit. There is a lot of core and plyometrics involved so that I can build more ab and back strength. I'm doing these M-F in the morning. Then, I hit the gym for my lifting in the afternoon. Whew! It is a tough schedule sometimes, but I know it will all pay off in the end! As far as my nutrition goes, that is still the same for now. 6 meals a day all with a lean protien, 1/4 cup of carbs in the first three, two fruits and a good fat in the last three. I am keeping my focus and I am going to stay strong!! Keep following me on my journey to Miami!

Kickin' cardio

So.... We've all done cardio before, the treadmill, eliptical, stair climber and numerous other machines but do you ever check your heart rate to know where you are and where you shold be...
If you are doing a 25-30 minute cardio you should be getting your heart rate up to it's max and back down anywhere between 8-15 times for a good fat burning workout... That's called a HIIT (high intensity interval training)!
By wearing a heart rate monitor you will be able to see where your heart rate is at all times, if it's not getting up there then you know you need to push it harder, most machines have a built in monitor that pick up the sensor on the one that you are wearing, you can find them online, Target, Wal-Mart or any sporting good store... You can also find a graph of where your heatr rate should be for your age at http://www.heart.com/heart-rate-chart.html
Challenge yourself when you are doing your cardio this is one of the best ways to lose body fat and get toned in addition to strength training!!!
Start Kickin' the cardio!!!

New Starts

Today is the day I have chosen to create a "New Start", Mondays are the best days to do that so we can keep focus on the week ahead...I focused yesterday on what I need to do today to pull it all together and with my meals prepared and my workouts printed out I am ready... It seems to be when we get to our lowest is when it's the hardest pull ourselves up, well I'm there, it's time to pick myself up, dust myself off and start it all over again.
Getting in a good workout everyday will make it easier to stay on track with your nutrition, I feel when I miss a day in the gym is when I want to cheat with my meals, I get lazy and feel sluggish so make a plan for the gym and your meals....
With the days getting longer and warmer try to change it up and get outside, the sun feels so good right now and its even warm enough to hit the trails or take your dog for a walk. We could all use a little more Vitamin D this time of year so if your not planning a warm sunny vacation then let's get outside and don't forget your water bottle!!!!

Make this day your "New Start" and stay focused!!!!