This is not my first health blog, but it is my first on which health is not a guise. It's time to stop looking at food and seeing numbers. It's time to get my body back to its normal functions. It's time for me to take care of myself, and this is how I'm gonna do it. Fitness, you are mine. Get outta here, skinny.
“As an avid gym-goer and outdoor person who’s dependent on her music and fitness apps, my phone has become my best workout buddy. (After all, it never flakes on me.)
I’m not alone, and for me and the many others who rely on their phones for fitness, storing our phones while breaking a sweat isn’t always a simple task. Sure, you can shove it in your sports bra, stick it in your waistband, or just hold it in your hand, but come on — that’s gross.
Web sites like Amazon are chock-full of workout armbands for almost any smartphone, but they’re pricey and the comfort of any given armband is hit or miss. So before you fork over $20-30 on an overpriced accessory, grab an old tube sock and see how well it performs as your trusty workout armband.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A tube sock, with an 8-inch or greater “tube”
- Scissors
- Needle and thread (optional)
Start by cutting the sock at the end of the tube section, where the foot begins, so that you have just the tube. Then, turn the sock inside-out and insert your arm so that the top of the sock is at the middle of your upper arm.
Finally, fold up the bottom of the tube so that it’s right-side-out again, and meets the top of the tube, forming a pocket. Insert your phone and voila — you have a comfy smartphone armband.
Optional: With the needle and thread, create a vertical stitch along the back of your armband to secure the sock in a permanent “pocket” position.”
What I Ate, 4/12
Lunch: Panera, cup of black bean soup and whole grain baguette
Becca’s at Home Ab Routine!
So this was quickly filmed and edited, but I just wanted to get it up for you guys! I am constantly asked about my routine, so I finally made a video showing you guys what I do at home :)
For each exercise:
- Do 15-25 controlled reps
- Tighten your core and use it to do the whole movement
- Don’t forget to breathe! ;)
Repeat this circuit 3 or 4 or how ever many times as you’d like! :)
just did this :)reblogging to remember to do this later.
Yoga For Your Abs
Boat
1. Sit with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Grasp your legs under your thighs, slightly above your knees.
2. Lean back slightly. Lift your feet off the floor so that your shins are parallel to the floor. Press the sides of your feet together.
3. Extend your arms straight out in front of your at shoulder height, with palms facing up.
4. Straighten and raise your legs toward the ceiling until your body forms a V shape.
Rock roll push-up
1. Begin in plank.
2. Draw your right knee up, bringing your kneecap toward your nose.
3. Draw your right thigh up toward the midline of your body.
4. Point the toes of your right foot, and squeeze your raised right leg into your body.
5. Repeat on the opposite side.
Reverse Plank
1. Begin in seated staff.
2. Press down into your hands. Lift your legs and hips off the floor.
3. Bring the soles of your feet toward the floor so your ankles, hips, and shoulders make a straight, diagonal line.
4. Allow your head to drop back slightly so your chin points toward the ceiling.
Low Lunge
1. From downward-facing dog, step your right foot forward between your hands, aligning your knee over your heel.
2. Lower your left knee towards, but not touching, the floor.
3. Raise your torso and lift your arms overhead, drawing your shoulder blades down your back.
4. Repeat on opposite side.
Cobra
1. Lie belly down, toes and forehead pressing gently into the floor.
2. Place your palms next to your body along the sides of your chest, with your elbows bent and your fingers pointing straight ahead.
3. Press down into your palms, curling your shoulders and chest off the floor.
Intake, 1/12
Breakfast: 2 mugs of coffee; 1 c. oats, 1 medium banana, 4 walnut halves
Lunch: 4 slices Hormel smoked turkey, 1/4 c. spinach, 1 slice pepperjack, 1 tsp. spicy mustard on 2 slices 100% whole wheat bread; 1 small apple
Snack: 3/4 c. tropical trail mix; 4 whole wheat Saltines
Dinner: 1/2 block ramen, plain; 2 c. broccoli, sauteed with cooking spray and ginger; 1 tbsp. soy sauce
Not horrible, not great. I’ve started tracking calories again, as I think I’m starting to get a little out of hand with holding myself accountable. Plus, I’d really like to build muscle and get into better shape, and I know I won’t do that if I’m not eating enough. I need to get into a regular exercise and healthy eating routine. I’ve done a lot better with working out, but food has been pretty hit or miss. I’m going to attribute that to lacking regularity in my work and social schedules. Once classes get started, I think I’ll be able to build my life back around healthy habits. But seriously, it starts now. Too much sodium today (underestimated the ramen, but I was way too impatient to wait for rice), but tomorrow is a new horse to ride.
Intake, 1/11
Breakfast: 1 c. shredded wheat, banana, skim milk
Lunch: Granola bar; baby carrots
Dinner: Too much of the following: Panko/parmesan-crusted chicken, roasted red potatoes, asparagus
Dessert: A hefty portion of cake
Aperitif (LOL): Tequila cocktail x 2
Boyfriend cooked for me, and I felt obligated to clean my plate. Just kidding: I was ravenous after the working out (2 mi. run) and eating so little. And the tequila was a tad out of character, but I suppose it was his way of taking care of me? All I know is the rest of the week will be good, will be moderate, will be healthy.
Intake, 1/10
Breakfast: 1 c. oats, banana, walnuts
Lunch: Spinach salad with chicken, broccoli, carrots and shredded cheddar
Dinner: Remainder of the chicken; snow peas; baked sweet potato, plain
Plus two and a half mile run, strength training, water aerobics. Busy day. I’m tired.
Intake, 1/9
Breakfast: Whole wheat english muffin, peanut butter; banana
Lunch: Turkey, spinach, mustard and pepperjack on FlatOut; clementine
Treat: Slice of yellow cake with chocolate frosting
Dinner: Burrito bowl with brown rice, chicken, black beans, peppers & onions, hot salsa, pico de gallo and lettuce
Treat #2: Second slice of cake
Boyfriend’s birthday. A little strength training. Mostly just catering to his sweet tooth in more ways than one. Back on the healthy train tomorrow.
