Yes- I know I didn’t write yesterday but I did workout. This post will be for both days and that’s actually great cause they are things that really work together and that I’m discovering a passion for. So here so go!
On the 4th Day of Fitness, I ran 4.45 miles in under an hour. This is really good for me and I was (am) very pleased and proud. I used to feel self conscious about running long sweaty runs cause I turn so red, even when I’m well hydrated… Till I realized no one cares. The process may not be pretty, but it feels amazing when it’s done. Set a goal, reach it, and go beyond! I’m training myself for longer and longer runs! Remember it’s important to stretch before and after a serious run and do core work- it helps you stay lifted and move safely.
I got really worn out in towards the middle of this run. My mind started taking over and I almost just stopped at 3 miles, but the only way to get better and go further is to push yourself… and I had told people I was planning a 4 mile today, I didn’t want togo back on that! My body was fine to keep going, it was a mind over matter thing. The best thing to do is to keep breathing and think of something else, then just go! After this run I felt really proud of myself, satisfied, and accomplished. Already in just the few days that I’ve been back seriously at the gym, I’m beginning to see and feel changes in my body and my mind!
Then, on the 5th Day of Fitness- Pilates session! Pictures here- the “Big 5 Ab Series”. Core strength is incredibly important, it helps you stand, walk, and sit with good posture as well as aid in making your mid-section look great! Jo Pilates believed that quality of movement was better then quantity of reps, especially if you are targeting and using correct muscles. A good workout doesn’t always have to take all day or even require a fancy facility.
Some of you may know, most of you may not, that I recently went through Pilates mat teacher training and I am (for all intents and purposes) a certified Pilates mat teacher! I decided to do this training for a few reasons (there will be a post more dedicated to this later) but one was that I wanted to be able to incorporate more core work into my gym time and I wanted to know how to do it correctly, and what I was doing anyway! Pilates exercises, when performed correctly, can be done really every day. Low reps done right will strengthen, lengthen, and tone your muscles. There are always modifications for something to be more or less difficult depending on the person or they way your body is feeling that day.
I took it easy today. I love core work and doing it at home means I can listen to Christmas music while I workout, not fight with someone to find a spot in the stretching section of the gym, and be more comfortable. It’s important to give your body time to rest between long runs and hard workouts… this allows your muscles can regenerate after being worked and helps prevent injury from overdoing it on tired joints and work muscles.
What have you been working on? Share here! And follow, comment, like, share, etc. Stay warm, be well, and sweat!
lovealways, christiane
NYC- living in Dreams 