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Posts tagged ‘cardio’

Jan 6

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This middle-aged fit girl has a new FAV workout

Cheers to a stronger, sexier, sassy & sculpted me. Take that, you stalled metabolism!

Happy New Year, peeps. I hope you’ve not only surviving, but thriving in the first week of 2017. Let’s get it!

Since losing weight and getting fit are the most common New Year’s resolutions…and because so many of us get off track over the holidays and restart January 1st…and because I just did my kick-ass workout and feel totally inspired…I want to share the secret of my AMAZING new favorite workout. And yes, I do it at home, in my kitchen/sunroom, with no equipment.

This (new-to-me) fitness routine has changed not only how and when I work out, but how I feel. It makes me feel stronger, sexier, and sassier. It has me excited to exercise. But most importantly, it has helped jumpstart a sluggish metabolism and get back on track with “burnin’ it.”

So, while I don’t endorse products or sell anything here, I want to share my story in case it’s a fit and works for you, too.

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May 19

Sometimes it takes a village

Support and accountability were key to my -200 lb weight loss & to maintaining it for 3 years!

Celebration Climb Mountaintop - May 2012Cheers to the village!

Thanks to support and encouragement from friends, I just got back from a cold, Minnesota cardio workout — power walking around my lake at 7 p.m. on a Monday night, in 40 degrees and drizzling rain. It was cold and wet, and lonely — only the nutjobs and die hards were out tonight!

I was not in the mood. I had every reason (okay, excuse) in the book for why I couldn’t workout today. Yet, I did it. And, WOW, does it feel great when you have to fight for it!

I will never underestimate the power of support and the accountability that goes with it. It was critical to my success in losing the weight, and it continues as I celebrate three years of healthy living and maintaining my -200 lb weight loss. Read more

Feb 26

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Ever use the excuses: “I hate to exercise,” “I can’t do it,” or “I can’t afford it”?

lori-sean-workoutHow about? “I’m intimidated by the gym. I feel like people are staring at me.” “I can’t find the time, I’m too busy.” “I’m not a morning person.” Did I miss any?

We all know that we need to take care of our bodies and exercise to lose weight, to increase our strength and mobility, to tone our muscles and keep our shape as we age, to reduce our risk of obesity-related diseases like stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Yet, we have every excuse in the book for why we can’t or don’t do it.

I know this story all to well because I lived it. I used every excuse listed and then some! Read more

Jan 15

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What is this gym going to teach me today?

“What is this gym going to teach me about myself, today?” — Trainer Bob Harper, Season 16 Biggest Loser

Ready to work out - 2014!

When I heard this quote from my favorite trainer on NBC’s Biggest Loser tonight, I knew I had to finish and hit publish on the blog I started this morning. And I knew that quote had to be the lead.

What a powerful question for anyone (like me…and perhaps you) who once feared, loathed and avoided the gym only to years later “find her best self” in the gym by pushing past mental limits to find her true potential — inside and out. Read more

Sep 16

The 2.5 mile Blue Hill loop

Morning cardio that’s good for the soul

my walking partnerMy preferred time to work out is first thing in the morning. And my preferred method of cardiovascular exercise is fast/power walking — preferably somewhere scenic.

I’ve learned that fasted-state cardio — a cardio workout before I eat breakfast — serves me best throughout the day. The added benefit is that I’m burning stored fat, while at the same time waking up mind, body and soul, and ensuring that I start the day “in my equation.”

These past three weeks, I’ve been blessed with the very best walking partner one could ask for — my Bud. And, the most scenic, soul- energizing route I could imagine in beautiful Blue Hill, Maine. Read more

Aug 14

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My In the Equation morning ritual

Cardio with a twist!

Como Lake Light on DucksThis summer I’ve adopted a new morning ritual and this morning I realized it and deemed it as such. It’s my “in the equation” start to every day and it totally works for me.

For almost three months, I’ve evolved my morning routine to include this 45 min ritual. It combines my preferred form of cardio — power walking in a beautiful place, preferably around or near water — with a couple of simple mental practices that help me throughout my day.

Also, because I’m on the move and living part-time in Minnesota and part-time in Maine, it allows me to have a daily practice that is consistent and helps me focus mind, body and spirit before the day ensues — no matter where I am. It helps ground me. Read more

Mar 27

Spring in my step

Pink flamingos in spring windMy neighbor’s new bright red door. Poetry carved in the sidewalk. The sound of kids at the playground. An 8′ x 8′ sunken shack in Como Lake. More than 30 pink flamingos (yard ornaments), clearly the casualty of a brisk spring wind.

These are just a few of the sights and sounds from my afternoon walk around my beloved Como Lake neighborhood. All these sights and sounds have added spring to my step and a boost to my mindset after a cruel winter.

Yes, it’s only 37 degrees at 5 p.m., the wind is brisk, and the forecast calls for rain and sleeting snow tomorrow. But I’ve decided, screw the weather forecast. The first day of spring was officially March 20, 2014 (according to the astronomical definition). It’s here. And it’s time to put some spring in my step. Read more

Aug 21

Throwing punches…getting fit

Boxing — an awesome workout for the body & the mind

boxing-glovesMy new favorite fitness routine is boxing. I love it! Surprisingly so.

Yep, this girl who far prefers outdoor cardiovascular exercise — hiking, trail running and power walking — and who couldn’t do jumping jacks in fitness boot camp two and half years ago, doesn’t really like gyms, and definitely doesn’t believe in “hitting people” LOVES a fitness routine that involves punching and jabbing stuff…hard, jumping/dancing around, and doing so indoors. Go figure. Read more

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