Back on the Bandwagon

This Christmas I got this wonderful gift package full of six different types of Starbucks coffees! Not only am I going to enjoy every one of them, I am also going to save a whole lot of money. Next year Starbucks will be cut out of my budget:(

I decided to try to go with the Christmas Blend this morning, since I am still in the Christmas spirit!
  

I dusted off the old coffee press and brought her out to play! I really want to get a single cup one, I think I will have to use my Starbucks gift card to purchase one!

Thank goodness I already had breakfast waiting for me in the fridge,I was so indecisive on what to make this morning and then I remembered I already made something last night! I mixed together 1/2 c oats, 1/4 c milk, 1 tbsp AB, flax seed, 1/4 c Canned Pumpkin, and a little honey.

I shaped it into a cookie and then placed in the fridge overnight. I decided to top it off with a little whip cream AKA yogurt and some blackberries.  

As far as my run goes I didn’t make it out this morning. The crew was running  a lot later then I thought and I wouldn’t make it back in time for work. Plus I am teaching kickboxing tonight and 8 miles might not be the smartest thing to do this morning. I do miss running, but right now I am really loving getting back into more circuit training!!! 

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FINISH STRONG SERIES!

So friends we only have 2 more days of 2009, so let’s FINISH STRONG with these super fun and quick workout! I got this from ehow.com

1. Step 1
   
   Jog in place for 2 minutes. A warm up helps to avoid injury while exercising and also helps you get into the right frame of mind for a workout. This will prepare your body for fat loss.

2. Step2

   Do 1 minute of squats. Squats are the most effective way to burn fat and tone your legs and butt. To do a proper squat, your feet should be placed shoulder width apart. Bend at the knees and lower your body to the ground, sticking your butt out as if you were going to sit in a chair. Do not let your knees extend over your toes. Keep your weight in your heels; it should feels as though you could easily tip backwards. Come back to your starting position and repeat.

3. Step3

   Complete 1 minute of push ups. Do whichever you can, "man" or "woman" push ups, but remember; do not rest between exercises. Lie down with your hands underneath your body at shoulder height and width apart. Straighten your arms to lift your body, keeping your back straight and feet (or knees) together. Exhale as you go up, and inhale as you go down. You will be on your way to converting body fat into muscle.

4. Step4

   Start 2 minutes of lunges; 1 minute left leg, 1 minute right leg. To do a proper lunge start with feet together, then step forward with one foot (roughly 2-3 feet from the body), and bend your knees to lower your body down slowly. Do not let your front knee go over your toes as this may result in injury. Keep your torso upright and tight, maintaining balance. These are also excellent for fat loss.

5. Step5

   Do a 1 minute plank. Place your elbows and forearms under your chest. Using your toes and forearms as the only contact with the ground, prop yourself up. You want to make a straight line from your shoulders to your feet; do not let your hips sink towards the ground. Focus on keeping the abdominals tight. Beginners may have to go in 15 second increments to make up a minute as this can be a tough position to hold.

6. Step6

   Complete 1 minute of a bicycle crunch. Lie flat on the ground with your hands alongside your head. Bring your knees to a 90* angle and start the pedaling motion. It should look as if you are trying to touch your right elbow to your left knee, and vice versa. For maximum benefit from the exercise, do not bring either leg in past a 90* angle.

7. Step7

   Do 2 minutes arm circles; 1 minute forward, 1 minute backward. This is a lot harder than it sounds. Straighten your arms so that they are horizontal with the floor, and start making circles. Imagine that you are outlining a circle the size of a basketball.

8. Step8

   Cool down and stretch for 2 minutes....OR, go through it again!

GET MOVING!!!!!