Ever since reading about coconut oil (in a book whose title I can’t repeat), I have wanted to try it. When I first looked for it at the grocery store I couldn’t bring myself to buy it (it was in a rather small jar and was $9). But I finally purchased a jar for a little less and I’m so glad I did. [Read more…]
Coconut Oil
August 31, 2011 by Leave a Comment
A New School Year Brings a Fresh Perspective
August 29, 2011 by 3 Comments
School has begun. This makes me happy. It’s not that I don’t love summer, I do. In fact I prefer summer. I homeschool many of my children and so the start of the school year means a lot more work for me, but it also means routine again. Days without structure and late summer nights are wonderful, but I think most of us are ready for schedules and regularity again. Getting my children back into a routine helps me to get back into one as well. Although the substance of my workouts don’t change much, when and where I workout is different during the school year than in the summertime. Mostly I need to get up earlier now to fit in a workout around the school day, and I’m forced to be a little more regimented about my exercise. [Read more…]
Why We Should Walk Like a Monster
August 26, 2011 by 2 Comments
I hate the Monster Walk…er, I love the Monster Walk. I hate it because it hurts. I love it because it hurts. Most of us know (from our days of listening to our parents and then becoming them) that what is good for us usually requires a little sacrifice from us, but is always worth the effort. That’s how I feel about the Monster Walk. It’s basically a walking squat. With a band (or rubber shackles) around your ankles, you spread your legs apart to create resistance, and then take a step and squat. Then with the other leg, you take a step, and squat again. In other words, after each step you squat. [Read more…]
One of Coach Dan’s Favorites: Kenyan Outbacks
August 24, 2011 by Leave a Comment
I don’t know about you, but sometimes the same old run can get a little stale. As a cross country coach, I am always looking for something different that is both challenging and fun at the same time. I asked Coach Dan for a favorite running workout and he told me about Kenyan Outbacks. After doing this today with my cross country runners, I realized that I could also include it as a part of my marathon training. I can’t wait to tell my running buddies about it…I know my friend, Susan will be up for it! Even if you run solo, this is a different way to get some fast stuff in without doing a full blown speed workout on a track (something I usually avoid like the plague). Coach Dan used this a lot when he was coaching his running club in Minnesota in preparation for their marathons. [Read more…]
Nine Ways to Drop a Few Pounds
August 22, 2011 by Leave a Comment
I asked physical therapist Alan Tyson what he suggests for quick nutritional tips for dropping a few pounds…here’s what the two of us came up with…
1. Eat less….More often. Instead of eating three square meals a day, break down your meals into smaller ones, about 5-6 a day. This way we don’t get to the point of “famished”, which is when we can overeat. This also provides us with a sustained source of energy, and can help keep blood sugar levels more stabilized. [Read more…]
Nine of my Favorite Foods…That Also Happen to Boost the Immune System
August 18, 2011 by 2 Comments
One of my biggest pet-peeves is reading about foods that are good for me, but are so unappealing to my taste buds. I always imagine myself holding my nose and eating whatever it is, so that at least I get the health benefits. But I know I’m sacrificing taste for health. So I came up with the following list of my favorite (healthy) foods, which also happen to help boost the immune system… and I promise you won’t have to hold your nose! [Read more…]
The Missionaries of the Poor…Everyday Heroes
August 16, 2011 by 10 Comments
Quote of the Week: The more we are afflicted in this world, the greater is our assurance in the next; the more sorrow in the present, the greater will be our joy in the future. St. Isadore of Seville
Even the very pious need exercise. While in Kingston, Jamaica last week I caught a peek at Father Richard Ho Lung, founder of the Missionaries of the Poor, playing a serious game of racquetball with Brother John, Brother Edward, and Brother Ramil (brothers of the Missionaries of the Poor ). It was about 6 pm, right after evening prayers, and after a day of serving the poor in any one of the seven centers in the heart of Kingston’s inner city ghetto. For me this glimpse of the athletic side of the MOP was important. Why? Because it speaks to who we are as human beings. Even those who have given themselves up totally to serve the poor, who gather to pray multiple times everyday, and who live as incredible examples to all they come into contact with… even they need to let off steam, to workout, to sweat a little. [Read more…]
Hot Sweaty Mamas!
August 15, 2011 by 2 Comments
Having just finished the book, Hot Sweaty Mamas: Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom by Kara Thom and Laurie Kocanda, I am struck by something. As a twin, I have had the fortune in life to have another person who thinks just like I do. This sounds like a trite statement, but it is a profound thing. My twin sister doesn’t even have to say anything, I just know how she feels and what she means when she says something, and she feels the same way about me. I believe it is a gift; a “twin thing”, and I really didn’t think I would ever experience it outside of this “twin language”. This book has proved me wrong. [Read more…]
Juicing is a Great Pre-Workout Meal
August 12, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Juicing is a great pre-workout meal if you have a juicer or simple blender. It is a quick way to get the most nutrients from fruits and vegetables, and is an excellent addition to nutrition for those training for athletic events (like fall running races, etc.). It is also good for post workout recovery as well. [Read more…]
The Eight-Count Body Builder
August 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment
I had a question while I was out of town last week asking how to do an eight-count body builder. So today I will share how it is done. For those who have done this exercise, I think most will agree it isn’t as easy as it looks. The movement itself isn’t hard, it is just putting it together with steady repetitions for about two minutes that gets your heart rate up there! This exercise is great for combining cardio and strength, which is why I included it in my post yesterday on a full-body workout. It is also why physical therapist Alan Tyson likes to use it with elite athletes! Here is how to do an eight count body builder: [Read more…]
Follow Us