My Routine

I get asked so often about my exercise routine that I am just going to spell in out for everyone.  I am always reluctant to share because everyone is in a different place.  I have worked for a year and a half to get to this place which is funny when you see what I do.  I have one rule for exercise and that is to take it easy (or "raker reasy cluck cluck" says Gus the mouse in Cinderella).

I started with 20 minutes on the elliptical at 2 intensity and then, every so often, I would think "I bet I can kick it up a notch" and I would.  I never really pushed myself I always welcomed the change or the challenge.  I read that you need to be drenched in sweat to really have worked out but I disagree.  I hope to one day get to that point but for now I try to avoid sweat at all costs.   

So here goes...

My elliptical has several measurements that I keep track of.  They are distance, calories burned, fat calories burned and time.  

I get on the elliptical at an 8 intensity (my hardest is 10) and go until the distance reads .10 of a mile then I pedal backwards until it reads .15 then pedal forward, .20 backwards again until I reach 1/4 of a mile (.25).   I check my calories and should be close to about 185 and my time at least 11 minutes.  If I need more time I know that I have gone a little faster that day which usually is a good sign.  If I am over 11 minutes I know that I am dragging a little. 

On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday I get off, get some 5 pound weights and do 3 sets of 15.  I have 4 different arm exercises I do.  Sometimes when the days are hard I may mix it up or count backwards - anything to get it done.  Most days I am dancing between sets feeling good. 

I then get back on the elliptical and go forward until I am at .05 of a mile.  Then I pedal backwards until .10 of a mile.  I then change to calories burned.  I should be at about 75ish and I go until I have burned 125 calories (my numbers have all cleared out while I am using my weights).  I change and follow fat calories and am at about 40.  I keep going until I reach 55 fat calories burned and then I check my time and go until I reach 11 minutes. 

I again grab my weights and do three more sets of fifteen.  I do arm exercises but they require more use of my abs. 

That is it!  On Wednesday and Saturday I just do the elliptical.  It is a rare week that I am able to have a perfect week.  A goal I hope to achieve is to wake up earlier when I need to be somewhere and still get a workout in but for now I just skip.  Overall I get at least five workouts in a week and I don't consider it a burden at all.  Sure there are the days I HATE it but they are the exception.  My secret would have to be smaller goals.  If I had to just stare at a clock and get my 22 minutes in I would HATE it a whole lot more. 

Get moving and making those goals!!