Hola.
Y’all know I love a good challenge. Y’all also know that I’ve been working really hard on getting back into the losing weight mindset – especially by getting my butt back into the gym and making fitness a priority.
Truth is, I’ve done a GREAT job of this since my original post a month ago (today actually!). I’ve started running again, outside of my monthly 5K races, and I’ve worked out an average of 3-4 times a week over the last month. Cardio up, y’all!
My last 5K time
But where I still lack is with my strength training. I have mentioned this before, but I’ve definitely lost my tone and big ole muscles from the summer – simply due to a lack of time and energy. My favorite method of strength training is mixed cardio/strength boot camps – which I can’t attend right now due to a different schedule every day.
While I haven’t lost ALL my muscle, my regular tone is definitely gone. I’ve been whining and groaning about this for months – feeling like I can’t do anything about it right now and hating myself in the process. I’m getting back to that time where I hate how I “look”, especially in my work clothes. This is also related to the fact that I’m in between pants sizes right now – but that’s another story for another day.
Wearing size 12 jeans for the first time in ~10 years
Today’s post by my bestie Kristina inspired me to make some changes – specifically with my strength routine. While I doubt I can get as toned and muscular as I was at the end of the summer, I can definitely work to lose any MORE muscle and hopefully make a little progress in the process. So after some discussion with Kristina, I decided a good ole’ blog challenge is in need.
5 Week Strength Challenge
Runs:
2-11-13 (so yesterday) to 3-18-13
I’m choosing 5 weeks because I have 5 full weeks until my spring break – so I figure this is the perfect “initiation period”.
The rules:
*1 strength workout a week – either a video (Jillian Michaels, etc) or a create-your-own mixed cardio/strength workout (from my books)
*100 pushups per week (to be done on my stairs on an incline)
The prize:
If I hit ALL of these 5 workouts and 5 weeks of 100 pushups, I’m going to buy either a new purse from DSW/Zappos OR new flip flops from Zappos – tbd
BONUS:
If I bump it up to 2 strength workouts a week (plus the same pushups) – I’m going to give myself the purse/shoes AND get my car detailed.
In theory, I’m way way way more motivated to get my car detailed than I am to buy myself a purse/shoes – so I’m making that the “reach” prize. If you spent as much time in my car as I do, you’d understand the desire to get your car completely cleaned by someone else.
Tonight I already hit my 1 strength workout for the week, so in theory – I just have 100 pushups left. But I’m really motivated to get that car detailing, so I’m going to hit another workout as well this week.
Anyone who wants to join this challenge is MORE than welcome. Feel free to challenge yourself to whatever you want to do for the next 5 weeks. If you want to join – please let me know in the comments what your personal challenge and prize will be 
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Love this!!! And you always have the best rewards!!
Love this, Laura! What strength training do you usually do?(Jillian, etc.) I can’t seem to get into a ST routine. I have tried body pump twice, and really liked it(honestly, group fitness seems to be the only thing that I enjoy. :/ ), but it is HARD to do B.P. & Zumba back-to-back for 2 hours. I find myself exhausted 10 minutes into zumba. Sooo IDK. Boo!
But I love this! And I may have to create my own challenge.. hmmm..
P.S. for what it’s worth, I think you look absolutely fab!!
I love body works at the gym and my most favorite strength is bootcamp style. I like doing mixed cardio with stength, because I see the most results that way. As soon as I have a stable schedule, I’m going back to bootcamp.
The boring stuff at home is like Ripped in 30 days or workouts that I make up from books using either bands or dumbbells. I have quite a few dvds I’ve acquired, but the only one I’ve done is Ripped. If you want some book names, let me know.
Obviously I am in!
My goal is strength (at the gym) and cardio 1x (each) on the weekends.
I’m also jumping on your 100 push-ups per week goal.
I don’t know what my reward will be yet. I’m so bad about picking rewards and then actually getting them! I’ll figure it out and let you know.
Great job, Laura! I love how you are able to stay committed despite your very busy schedule. You are so great at goal setting. I love how you have two tiers to strive for in case life gets in the way.