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According to an article on active.com, winter time is a good time to work on the trifecta of running for better performance: Strength training, Joint mobility, and Running technique. Strength training is an area I’ve struggled with for several reasons. I decided to focus on it for the next 2 months until I start training for a half marathon in the spring.
The CoreBody Reformer
Why I Struggle
- I don’t belong to a gym with access to weight machines. I don’t have the budget for most gyms, and I don’t have the time. It’s at least 10 to 15 minutes to a gym, plus I would need childcare which adds on time, too.
- I have a limited amount of time as a mom of 5 kids who blogs, volunteers, and runs a home. Yes, I live by my schedule, and I need to be mindful of my commitments.
- I’m not sure what to do. What strength training activities are going to give me the most bang for my buck with my limited budget and time constraints.
- I find it hard to schedule workouts outside of my normal 5:15 am and 7:30 pm sessions. I may need to team up with a friend for one of my strength/cross training workouts.
My Plan
- Use what I have. I already have a CoreBody Reformer
, 10
), ankle weights(2 sets), T-Tapp
, and 30 Day Shred
.
- Record my workouts in a paper calendar. I find it hard to record strength workouts in mapmyrun without doing a lot of playing around. I don’t need to know calories burned. I just need to see myself actively strength training. The free and very cute paper calendar from Run Pretty Far fits my purpose. I keep it by my bed with a gold pen since I do a lot of workouts in my bedroom.
- Continue my free weight routines because they do work. When I do my leg lifts, I see the results in my pace within a few days.
- Team up with a workout buddy. I’ve already sent an email to a friend who works out with kettle bells at a place 5 minutes from my home. I think the charge for the sessions is $10, well within my budget. My friend is a positive, encouraging person, definitely someone to hang out with.
- Use whatever means necessary to get myself to do the CoreBody and 30 Day Shred workouts. Maybe if I treat myself to a new running top or piece of equipment if I complete a certain number of workouts, I’ll be motivated to stay on track.
What are your fitness goals for the winter?
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Good luck! 30 day shred sounds terrifying, lol!
Gina B recently posted..Review: “Smart Chefs Stay Slim”
Well, it’s tough, though I like Jillian Michaels. I like her direct, strong approach.
I’m adding weights to my routine as well. I always notice a huge difference in the rest of my life when I do. Plus…of all the workouts, weight training is my favorite.
I joined a gym last year… ugh… then found out I was pregnant shortly thereafter and predictably… stopped going. Joined again last week – so we shall see – have to switch back and forth with hubby in order to have someone watching the kids. Even if I work out at home… have to have someone watching the kids, LOL.
Yup! I remember those days. I used a swing for a little while not that it worked every time.
Weight training is my favorite, though we don’t have a gym nearby and no room here at the house to accommodate them. I’ll just have to utilize my WiiFit instead!
What I really need to do is make it a point to get up and move way more often than I do. 
Stacy Uncorked recently posted..Mental Resolutions
Strength training is something I need to work on too. My goal for 2013 is to improve my half marathon time and to do that I need to increase my core strength something that I have been neglecting.
Kristia recently posted..Christmas Spending Budget for 2013 {FREE Excel Spreadsheet Offer}
Do you have a half marathon in mind? I haven’t been able to find one yet, except for one in Philly in the fall.
I’m running the Pittsburgh half in May. I can’t think of any PA races other than Pittsburgh that are in the spring. They all seem to be in the fall: Hershey, Philly, Allentown.
Kristia recently posted..Christmas Spending Budget for 2013 {FREE Excel Spreadsheet Offer}
I found a spring half marathon and…it’s in Atlantic City. I also found a 9k trail race in May. I think I’ll do that one.
Barb recently posted..#fitness friday: my strength training plan
Great motivation for all of us, but it seems your routine works for you!!!!
Heather S. recently posted..The language of parenting
30 day shred is great workout program! I did the rotation last summer and really liked the progress of the workouts. I came to love mountain climbers as I am sure you will as well.
Momma and boys living on a budget recently posted..Get Financially Organized With Manilla’s “Get It Together Challenge” *FREE* And You Can WIN $2500
You have everything you need! Get after it!
I’ve heard great things about Jillian. I debated between her and Bob and decided to go with Bob. He’s kicking my butt!
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness recently posted..Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge || The Final Week
I did a Boot Camp class this morning with a local trainer and was thrilled to find that I could do a lot of the moves because of Jillian. So glad I did the class because the trainer likes to switch things up a lot. It seemed a little like what I think of as a CrossFit class with kettle bells.
This is an excellent plan! Strength training is so important. My personal fitness goals kind of got put on hold late last year when my back went, but now it is feeling better, I am looking forward getting back on track.
It is really important to schedule time and find something that fits in your schedule when you have kids. I love your plan! It is so sensible.
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