My Favourite Online Workouts

If you live anywhere like where I live, you won't be able to  go for a run whenever you want to because of the weather. Rain, hail, sleet- you name it, and it's summer here. When I wanna work out on these days I could go to the gym, but I'm just not loving the gym at the moment. So I invested in a pair of adjustable dumbells, and have been doing a whole lot of you tube video workouts.

 Here are my top ones:

Cardio
I try to get some cardio in on days when I can't run.

This next one is a KILLER (I got the shakes and a headache after), and I would only do it every now and then. It claims to burn 1000 calories (a normal workout would be 200-400 calories.)

Core
Oh Abs, how hard you are to attain! I'm doing core workouts nearly every day, and s.l.o.w.l.y seeing results. Apart from the vanity of wanting a toned tummy, core strength is really important for every day life and fitness. You can't ignore it in your exercise routine.
Because many people find the tummy to be a trouble area, there are HEAPS of core workout videos out there. Just remember to do a video that has cardio in it, or do it after cardio (cos you need to burn fat to reduce tummy size, to get abs.)

This guy is a little crazy, but your abs will be burning after, so worth it.

This is cool because there is a 'beginner' and 'advanced' model you can watch to adjust your moves.

Upper Body
I like working my upper body for a few reasons. 1) For my job (sign language interpreting) having good strength and flexibility is really important to reduce injury. 2) This is an area I can easily see improvement (yes I have vain tendencies.)

Here's an upper body workout with cardio thrown in.

This next one is a killer, but so good

All over flexibility and toning

I often do more Pilates/yoga based training on a day where I need a bit of a rest.

This one might look easy, but ouch, I was hurting the next day

Here's one that will focus a bit on your legs

I don't do any training specifically for my legs. Mostly because the legs get worked out in most other types of workouts anyway. And I see running as a workout for my legs too.

You can see I like Fitness Blender's workouts! They suit my needs, and let me work out hard without leaving my own home. Oh and they aren't boring, so I don't lose focus. But there are heaps of different types of online workouts out there, so find something that suits you!

The Poem Series: I am not long here

I don’t belong here

I am a torn being

Tugged between two lands

Not giving either my full care.

Seasons change on this domain,

And I move forward, every day,

With desires unfulfilled

With every beat a small step towards

The golden streets of tomorrow

I am not made for here

With Every small victory gained

I look upwards to remind me

I have purpose here

Every breath, every love, every loss, every care, every intimacy and every joy is valid

But will not remain

I am not long here

My Spirit is forever stretching outwards

Towards the heavens

Yearning, and pulling and drawing away from here

But the heaviness of the earth weighs me down

Pulls me back, and in turn reminds me

That one day it will let me go

Couch to 5k weeks 8-9: I did it!

I did it! I completed the Couch to 5k program!

So now, 2.5 months after my first run (3.4k in 30 minutes of running and mostly walking) I can run a 5k in 29 minutes. I am super proud of myself (but also super keen to improve my time).

In the time since I have started I have

• Bought new running shoes
• Run at least 3-4 times a week
• Been motivated to do other strength/HIIT workouts from home (you tube videos.)
• Started drinking protein shakes after running after learning about the benefits of them
• Learnt a LOT more about fitness, different types of workouts, how to stay fit etc
• Learnt that my limits are NOT what my mind thinks they are (and that's gotta help every area of life.)

I'm looking forward to

• Doing the 'Bridge to 10k' program
• Running a 7k race in February (goal time: under 42 minutes)
• Completing Jillian Michaels 6 weeks to 6 pack program 
• Doing a whole lot of these workouts, especially the HIIT and kettleball ones
• Maybe running a 10k in June

All in all, Couch to 5k is totally awesome, and has completely changed my perspective on my limits and on my health. Go try it!

Pop, Fizz, Clink; Thanks 2012, here's to 2013

2012 is done and gone, and what a year it's been. A highlight for me was our trip to Europe- a resolution from last new years that came true.

Another highlight was finishing my degree, and starting to get fit. Matt and I have both been learning to cook and eat healthier too (although the Christmas period has seen us eat far, far too much bacon to be considered healthy anymore).

I've loved 2012, my second year of marriage, my second year living in Wellington. In both I have felt more settled and more comfortable.

I'm excited about what 2013 will bring for us. Matt and I would love to save enough to buy a house. I want to get a big chunk of my MA done. I'm orginising a big conference (with help from a lovely lady) for mid year, and I want that to go well too. We have other plans on our horizon too which might shake things up a bit in 2013. I feel like 2013 is going to be a big year and I'm scared really excited.

Thanks 2012, you've been great. Here's to 2013.

Here's to my readers- a big thank you. Hope 2013 is all you wish it to be.

Sparkly Nails with Stripes Tutorial

With the New Year quickly approaching, and work still a few days away, it's time for party nails.

1. You will need: 

• A base colour (I used an Orly sparkly white/silver)
• A top colour (I used a Rimmel 193 Black Cherry)
• A top sparkly coat if desired (I used Kiko Sparkle Touch- an Italian Brand)
• A top coat
• A sticker or tape
• Scissors to cut sticker/tape
• Nail polish remover and cotton buds to remove any mistakes

2. Cover your nail's with the base colour, about 2-3 coats and leave for at least 30 minutes, or until its completely dry

3. Cut very thin strips of stickers or tape and place firmly on your nail as desired

4. Paint on your top coat, quite thickly

5. Carefully but quickly remove the strips, in the opposite order to the way you put them on

6. If you wish, top it all off with another sparkly coat of colour (go on it's party season!). Cover with top coat

I just did it as 'accent' nails, but do it to as many nails as you wish.

Enjoy and party on xo