Workouts on the GO

I have been in Austin, TX since Friday.

It's been a great time, but I am ready to go home.

When you are traveling and away from home, consistency is needed.

If you eat too many different foods, you're going to get a stomach ache.

If your bed is not comfortable and relaxing, you won't have a good night's sleep.

If your schedule is too busy, your body and mind wear out.

If you don't like the taste of the water, you drink less.

My saving factor this weekend has been my morning exercise routines.

Every morning I have hit the weight room for 20-30 minutes.

And my biceps and quads have been sore!

I bypassed the cardio machines, (they looked too boring!) and hit it hard with the weights.

And my body is feeling it.

That's a good feeling.

Here is my daily routine:

8 reps of elevated push-ups on the stability ball

8 reps of roll-ins on the stability ball

x 4

35 lb. dumbbell squats and overhead lift

x 20

40 deep walking lunges across the floor with 10 lb. weights

20 knee-ups in the captain's chair

20 knee twists in the captain's chair

x 2

That's it.

Try it and tell me what you think of the workout.

You know, you can have meaningful conversations in the weight room at 6:00 a.m.

I'll save those stories for another day...

GIve Thanks Daily...

As we reflect on giving thanks this time of year, I want to give thanks for life, the Creator of Life, family, friends, students, and life-changing situations. 

Recently I had the chance to be with my sister in the hospital as she had round six of six chemo treatments.  We had a fabulous slumber party in the hospital in spite of ongoing buzzers, numerous IVs and nurses’ visits, countless blood draws, Mayo doctor checks with their entourage, hospital food, quick-paced laps around the unit, many trips to the bathroom with the IV stand, and a multitude of hours waiting for the IV bags to empty. As I reflect on the deep bond my sister and I have, I can’t help but thank God for the people in my life.  

We never know what each day holds and what is required of us, but we do know that we have choices to make.  We can choose to embrace life and the people in our lives---hug tighter, laugh longer, sing louder, pray more, listen better, be expressive, slow down and spend time with each other...

IN this season of giving thanks, have an attitude of gratitude.  Be thankful for each day and ask what God has planned for you.  Enjoy your families, your friends, your jobs, your life,  as it truly is a gift.  

My sister Janel  didn't choose to have cancer, but she chooses to have a positive attitude and daily appreciates each person God has placed in her life.