“I can do anything for one minute!” This is my motto for working out at home. It’s hard to stay motivated when I’m not at a gym with an instructor or when there are no other people sweating and working out around me. At home, it’s only me. So I need ways to stay enthusiastic and engaged. I have found that short, intense exercises that take strength and focus help me to do that. Hence, the “one minute” motto! Using a little timer set to run back from one minute, I press start and know that, however difficult the exercise is, I only have to do it for 60 seconds. [Read more…]
One Minute Exercises
February 28, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Core Exercises Quick!
February 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment
I sometimes make the mistake of believing I have to workout for a long time to get any results. However, a lot can come from just a few exercises. If you want to burn to the core, but only have a little bit of time, here are a few killer core exercises that you can do. They only require your body, a Swiss ball (large exercise ball) and a few styrofoam plates! My friend and physical therapist, Alan Tyson, founder of Architech Sports in Charlotte, NC showed me these…so I have him to hate! [Read more…]
Me and the Energizer Bunny
February 26, 2011 by Leave a Comment
The Energizer Bunny is alive and well…! Actually, I’m not sure where the credit is really due, to the battery… or to our Lifecycle stationary bike. We’ve owned this Lifecycle since 1992, when my husband bought it for me before #2 (Mary Kate), was born. It has moved with us from Bloomington, IN to St. Louis, MO, to Indianapolis, IN and finally to Charlotte, NC. Along the way, the bike has been a loyal friend to me. Especially during my pregnancies and postpartum months (years, to be more accurate).
As I got increasingly larger during pregnancies, and it was harder to run, I would ride the bike. When it was raining or snowing and I couldn’t get out, I would ride the bike. When I was sidelined by injury, I could usually still ride my bike. And sometimes, when I just wanted to read and not think about exercise, I rode the bike. We don’t have an exercise room, so the Lifecycle has always graced our bedroom or closet (large closet). [Read more…]
Pelvic Floor and the Jumprope
February 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Does anyone else cringe when they see a Jumprope?
Recently at a group exercise class, a jumprope segment was introduced. “Oh No!” I thought. Not for me. I am grateful that after nine children and a life of running and exercising regularly, I don’t have more of an issue with stress incontinence, but I know my limits. And jumping rope goes beyond those limits. For a long time I did not know there was much I could do to improve the situation. But I now know there is a lot that women can do. If this is an issue for you, read more about it at Livestrong.com
Is Coffee Good for You?
February 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment
I like coffee. Especially the dark roast variety. No cream or sugar. If I order it at Starbucks, it’s a “Venti half-caff”. If I make it at home, it’s Dunkin Donut’s French Roast.
My relationship with coffee started a long time ago when I was a camp counselor in the mountains of North Carolina near Asheville. The counselors gathered every morning before breakfast to hear the day’s events. It was always cold, even in the summer, and I would pour a cup of coffee just to let the steam float up to my face. It would warm me up instantly. After a few weeks of this, I decided it smelled pretty good and I might as well taste it. I did. The rest is history… [Read more…]
Fresh-Tasting Pasta Dish
February 18, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Yummy recipe for Whole Wheat (or Protein Plus) Pasta
This is a fresh-tasting pasta dish made with tomatos and spinach (If you don’t tell the kids about the spinach, they will hardly notice).
I box Whole Wheat Penne Pasta (or two, depending on family size)
1 tbsp. Coconut oil
2 c. Baby spinach
2-3 Fresh tomatoes (chopped)
1 Clove garlic
A little fresh basil (if you have it) dried basil is fine otherwise
(Approx. 1 tbls.)
1 tsp.olive oil
Salt and pepper
Parmesan cheese (optional)
Cook the pasta al dente. Drain. While pasta is cooking, heat coconut oil (olive oil works, too) in skillet and add spinach tomato, garlic, and a little basil. Saute for a few minutes. Add vegetables and oil mixture to pasta and toss with olive oil and salt and pepper. Add parmesan to taste.
Serve with salad and fresh bread (whole wheat).
I love this recipe because it takes about as long to make as it takes to cook the pasta. It tastes fresh and is a welcome change from jarred spaghetti sauce. And it is hard to mess it up!
Posture Tips from my Grandmother
February 18, 2011 by Leave a Comment
My Grandmother would not be impressed! When I was growing up, she would always say to me, “Stand up straight”, “Fix your posture”, “Walk like a lady”. If I had practiced what she preached when I was young, I would probably have good posture now. Unfortunately, nine babies didn’t help me correct any bad habits I started back then. Fortunately, though, it’s not too late for me. Like so many things, awareness is the first step to change. Lately I have been doing a little research, and I’ve discovered that there are some little ways I can begin to improve postural stance right now. For more information on posture, visit Posture Tips.
Almost ready…
February 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Thanks for stopping by! We will have some real content up in a few weeks. In the meantime, join us on facebook: www.facebook.com/9KidFitness
Nine Kid Laundry
February 15, 2011 by Leave a Comment
I overheard some kids the other day while I was in line at Walmart. They were asking each other, “Would you rather die in a fire or freeze to death?”, and “Would you rather drown or fall off a cliff?”. I thought about turning around and asking, “How about death by laundry”? But I quickly realized that they would have no way to relate to that!
I’ve occasionally wondered if one day I might be found under a big pile of dirty clothes in my laundry room. Certainly no one could say, “At least she died doing something she loved!” [Read more…]
Nine Kid “Cooking”?
February 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Cooking for a Nine Kid Family can be challenging. It used to be that when someone asked me if I liked to cook, I would respond, “I don’t cook for people, I feed them.” There is a difference! But, actually, I think “cooking” is a lot more fun. I am always searching for recipes that include all of the following criteria: tasty, healthy, easy, and inexpensive! Here is one that meets all the requirements (just add steamed brocolli and whole wheat bread for a full meal): Quick and easy meal.
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