Motivate Me Monday - Why Bike?

As a kid my bike may have been my most used possession. I lived on that blue beauty, circling the neighborhood with my friends and siblings until we were called in for dinner or bed. Riding on dirt hills in vacant lots, to the local snow cone shack, to taking them on vacation with us to the Colorado mountains we didn't realize the amount of exercise we got on those bikes. At the time they were merely a way to get from point A to point B, and they were fun. So we rode.

Years later biking is one of the trendiest sports of the moment. Said to be one of the most effective workout you'll ever do, here are a few reasons why I started biking again and why you should consider adding it to your workout if you haven't already.

Torch Calories
            Because it requires the use of the largest muscles in your body, (your legs) it will torch calories like you wouldn't believe.      

Better Bike                  
                                Better bike, than drive if you can. Look for ways to swap a few car rides a week with a bike ride. Bike to work, to do errands, or take the kids to the park. You'll save gas, burn stress, and work in a workout while getting your to do list done.        

Just for Your Joints
                        If for no other reason, bike to give your joints a rest from higher impact workouts you may be doing. Riding will put less stress on your knees, ankles, and spine than jogging or walking. Ensure your seat is set properly. Your knee should bend just slightly as you pedal.  

Pedal Smarter      
                            Find a hill and get to the top, a few times if you can. Standing up while pedaling will engage your triceps and core as you work to stabilize yourself on the bike and reach the top. End result means great tonging for you.

Explore Easier

How well do you know your surroundings? Biking lets you truly explore the area you live in with a much wider radius than merely walking or running and will give you a new perspective that driving won't and can't. So hop on a bike and find a new park, trail, or lookout spot that you may not realize is so close to home. 

Sleep Soundly

Stanford University asked a group of insomnia sufferers to bike 30 minutes ever other day. The bikers  time required to fall asleep was reduced by half, and their sleep time increased by an hour. For those with trouble sleeping like myself this is one of the biggies for me. Biking will put you to sleep!

Family Fun

You can bike on your own for a workout and use it later for a family ride, or attach a bike trailer to your bike and make that workout double the burn by including little ones that are more than happy to come along for the ride. I love that biking can be done on your own when you want or as a fun family activity. It is also a great date for you and the hubby to workout together and see the sights while you enjoy each others company.

 Beginner Tips:

• Don't wear Jeans. Any cotton, spandex, nylon pant or short will be better for your buns on the seat than jeans. BELIEVE me. 
• Bring water. You'll need it. End of story.
• Start Slow. You may be feeling good and overdo it your first ride leaving you less likely to stick with it because you are so sore. Start easy and work up to longer rides. Give yourself time to get used to the seat of a bike.
• Dress in comfortable clothing that moves easily.
• Let someone know where you'll be riding and when to expect you back. 
• Sunglasses
• A hat or some type of undo for your hair if it is long. You won't want it blowing all about.
• Get started. Don't let the spandex covered bikers aplenty intimidate you off the road or trails. Give it a try no matter your skill or experience. 

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Motivate Me Monday - Dive on In

Pool Workouts 

Hit the public pool early or late and odds are good you'll catch a glimpse of water aerobic folks bobbing up and down over there in the deep end. Ever tried it?  A few summers back we were diligent about hitting the am classes and we LOVED it. Why? With the resistance of the water it is a fantastic workout if you do the moves right. Being in the pool keeps you cool in the hot summer months. Finally, it's fun. We are no swimmers but trying to figure out the equipment and moves while bobbing to the left when you should be going right, make for a workout packed with laughs. Which in the end up is quite a bit of fun and distracts you from noticing just how hard you are working those beautiful muscles! If you'd rather go it alone and not attend a class here are some great toning moves and exercises you can try on your own and still receive the benefits of a pool workout.

Tone In the Pool: Water Aerobic Exercises

20-Minute Water Workout

Thinner Thighs With Pool Exercises

Kayaking 

An upper body dream of a workout, similar to paddle boarding, moving yourself through the water with your own strength gets the arms burning in a good way. While we tend to only kayak on vacation as that is usually the only time they are available to us we look for any opportunity to take these little one-man vessels out and about. Because Kayaking and Paddle boarding are becoming more popular you may have easier access to them. Rent them, take a class, or go in on one with a friend or sibling. 

Surfing/Wake Surfing 

While we would love to claim this photo is one of us, sadly we are not that proficient in the art of surfing. Yet. But, we keep trying. (One of us did take the photo so that counts for something right?) From maneuvering the board to paddling out, and finally to getting up on the board at just the right time only to be pummeled by a wave and be back to square one we fully understand why surfers have near perfect bodies. Your muscles are constantly in motion and always left guessing what they'll be needed for next. Surfing is a full body water workout that will leave you truly ripped should you stick with it. It is also a good workout to be on the lookout for sharks that might see you as a tasty treat. Wink wink. For those of you like us that are landlocked and can't try surfing as often as you'd like... look for similar sports like long boarding, snowboarding, and wake surfing that will work many of the same muscles. You can also look for indoor surfing locations that are popping up all over the nation. You purchase a set amount of time and you can surf on their simulated waves.

Tubing
Not a workout you say?  Sitting down while being pulled by a motorized boat you say? Uh no. Have you ever been bounced off a tube and tried to get back in to one of those giant inflatable donuts while bobbing in the water, your arms too weak from hanging on to pull your body weight up into it for yet another run? It is HARD. While it's not going to burn major calories or sculpt like surfing, you will get a mini workout from your efforts to stay on, get on, and swim back to your tube. Plus it is fun, and you might get a six pack from all the laughs. (We said might.)

Wakeboarding 

If you ski or snowboard you know that Waterskiing and Wakeboarding are similar and provide a similar full body workout. Wakeboarding requires arm and leg strength as you must hold the rope, pull yourself up, and remain standing while cruising through the water. We realize that this may be a hard sport to try as not everyone has access to the equipment or a boat but do a little digging. We have noticed several wakeboarding parks opening up that simple require you, your swimsuit, and a ticket. They provide the board, life jacket, and rope system to pull you on a course that will allow you to wake board. Not your style? Get a group of friends or family together and charter a boat for the afternoon. They'll bring the equipment and the boater know how and you can simply enjoy your day on the lake.

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Fashion Friday - Holiday Hiking

Growing up the fam always spent time in the great outdoors during the 4th and I too want to make that a tradition with my little family. The canyons always are packed during the 4th every year so we decided to hit it a few days early to get our outdoors fix. I felt like we were the only ones up the canyon, it was so nice to have everything to ourselves....so a word to the wise if you want a trail to hike on that you are not competing with a zillion other people, head up a few days early. 

As far as my outfit goes, when it comes to summer clothes I am a frugal Nancy. Why spend money on play clothes that will get sweaty wrestling babies in the summer heat, that will wear out fast, and washed one too many times. My shirt a $4.00 find at Walmart, shorts are old cut off Joes Jeans, and shoes were a $12 steal from Ross. You might be looking at the outfit thinking "she is a hot mess", but hey if you want to save an extra buck try it out and pull out some of your old clothes to makeover. 

Shirt // Shorts // Shoes // Sunnies // Backpack // Baby Pack

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Motivate Me Monday - Walking with the Warrior Wagon

"I need to lose weight." "This summer, I'm going to do it." "Diet and workouts start Monday!" I know I have said these phrases over and over to myself the last few years and over and over have had the best intentions. Somewhere between a stack of workout DVD's and warm weather I finally found what works for me, Walking. Walking with hills, with a stroller to be exact. While it sounds too easy, sometimes I think we like to think it must be hard for us to see results, let me assure you that merely walking has its challenges but it works for me. I've lost 10 pounds in 2 months and so I keep walking. Once you get into a pattern that works for you and start to see results it becomes easier to stick with and slowly becomes a part of your daily routine. So while I understand it is 'just walking' and how hard can it be? Here is a glimpse at one of my everyday walks so you can see what works for me and possibly find something that works for you. Don't make losing weight and getting in shape harder than it has to be.

My Gym

The only time I am motivated to workout in an actual gym is in the dead of winter when that is my only option. Otherwise I have to be outside. Fresh air, views, and the ability to choose a different route everyday. As summer progresses I try to be out as early as possible before the day heats up.

Gym Buddies

At first my 'friends' here were a bit resistant to long stroller rides but as we continued to make it a part of our day they new what to expect. I also make it a point to have a destination in mind for them either midway through our walk or at the end. A park, duck pond, or just a new place for them to explore. It helps them get exercise as well and I hope I am teaching them good exercise habits in the process. Tip for Moms: the fluffy friends there below make the ride a bit easier.

My Equiptment

If you have kids with you, a good stroller can make all the difference in the world. After all you do have to push the thing. However, while some days I wish I had a top of the line fancy, new stroller, this used Craigslist find does the job for me. Sure the foam handles are coming off. One side was even taped back on with electrical tape. (Thank you for that previous owner.) It veers to the left on its own so I'm constantly moving it back to the right, and there are some tears in a few places. But it has pockets a plenty, the wheels roll nicely, and it has a moving top that provides shade for my littles. Best of all I didn't spend a fortune on it. So if you are looking for a stroller poke around the unconventional places first. Kid to Kid, Garage Sales, Craigslist, KSL, neighbors who have outgrown theirs. 

                  My Grab N Go Gear

Keep it all out and ready to go so you are not taking additional time to get ready in the am. Temps are climbing, little ones are yelling, and the longer you take to get ready the more time you have to talk yourself out of going. Your clothes, shoes, and shades should be within reach so you are out the door asap. I always bring; sunglasses, a hat, shorts and a tee are a must as are sunscreen and a water bottle. Good walking shoes are definitely a must have as well, invest in a comfortable pair.

My "Treadmill"

Start walking. Whether you have kids with you or not, choose a destination that is far enough away to give you a good workout. Include hills if you can. They are fantastic for toning.  Choose different routes to rotate through so you don't get bored with the same one each day. I find if I go in the morning I eat better the rest of the day so that that is what I do. Trying to keep kids busy in a stroller. Let them bring a small toy. Find lawn ornaments in peoples gardens and make names for them. When your kids are used to looking out for certain "friends" they are a bit more patient. Bring food and drink for them as well. Sing. Find things in the distance that are a certain color and ask who can see the color red. Let them tell you what they see that is red. Anything to keep their mind off the fact that they are not moving. 

My "Sportsdrink"

I know. I know. I have read the articles about how bad soda is for you. I know it is terribly dehydrating. I am making an effort to cut back. But, honestly some mornings after a long hot walk, Nothing. Tastes. Better. So every now and again this is my guilty pleasure; an ice cold Mountain Dew. I lack the self control to kick the habit totally at the moment, so for now I get a reward every now and again. :)

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Fashion Friday - Long Boarding 101

The joys of carving down a hill, steadily gaining momentum, with your hair blowing in the wind, and your adrenaline pumping whether that be on pavement or snow has got to be a feeling that everyone should experience. My sister Jordan was the one who introduced me to the beautiful sport of long boarding and I became hooked immediately. Jordan and I would spend hours crusin on the long boards on hot summer nights, but now that we both have babies that has become slightly harder to shoot the breeze together doing what we love...but they sure do make for fun memories. 

Wouldn't anyone enjoy a fun workout vs. being tied to a treadmill, watching a TV, anxiously waiting to burn off the three Dunkin' Donuts you just inhaled before you pulled on your gym gear. Whether you are long boarding up a hill or a trip around your neighborhood you will feel your thighs burning in no time. The terrain provides a workout that forces your body to adapt to different conditions, such as hills, stops, carving and so much more. Long boarding overall is a lower body toning workout that you defiantly need to invest in a board for....and by invest I mean no more than $100, at least for your first board. For all you newbies, I hope that I have sparked an interest somewhere for you to try out long boarding. Give yourself some time to get the balance and feel of the board and in no time at all you will be sporting some pretty dang good looking Cameron Diaz legs. 

Bottoms // Similar Tee // Sweater // Shoes // Hat // Shades

We are linked up with these ladies: Penniless Socialite :: Happiness at Mid-Life :: Style Elixir

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