Happy Friday, Friends!
This past week, I have had the privilege/responsibility of being a substitute mom for a sweet 10 year old boy while his parents served on a mission trip in Mexico. I want to start by saying, hats off to all you mamas because he is very capable and can do a lot for himself, but I've been thinking about all that moms have to do to get a toddler to that point--and to be honest, it's overwhelming. I think what hits the hardest is how unselfish you have to be with your time (sounds bad, I know). But your time is no longer your own to spend doing the things you enjoy most, or just getting things done that need to be done. It has to be squeezed in between drum lessons, Gravitopia trampoline parks, play-dates, dentist appointments, golf lessons, etc. All that to say, I know God gives grace to those He chooses to be mothers, and if ever that is a role I am blessed to fill--I'll need a lot.
Needless to say, I had to get creative a few times if I was going to workout this week. My sweet husband volunteered to play rocket league/ entertain Hudson a few different times so I could go to my normal gym and I took full advantage of a Run Club the YMCA offered for kids while their parents (or surrogates ;) workout. Other than that, I had some free weights, resistance band, a yoga mat, and a treadmill at my disposal (as well as a beautiful backyard) and here is one of the workouts I came up with:
Upper Body and Abs
Circuit 1: (repeat 3x)
- 12 Elevated Plank Rows
- 12 Elevated Opposite Shoulder Taps
- 12 Push-ups CARDIO
- 30 Seconds Alternating Step-Ups (I used the small brick wall pictured here)
Circuit 2: (Repeat 3x)
- 12 Narrow Bicep Curls
- 12 Wide Bicep Curls (pictured)
- 12 Banded Rear Rows CARDIO
- 30 seconds high knees
Circuit 3 (Repeat 3x)
- 12-15 Roll-Outs (I used a skateboard)
- 15 Leg Extensions with ball (I used a basketball)
- 1 minute Plank CARDIO
- 30 Seconds Jump Squats or Burpees if you are up for it ;)
And you're done! This took me about 30 minutes total and I was working up quite a sweat! Sometimes you need a little creativity to make your backyard a gym and enjoy the fact that your body can move in lots of different environments and places! In fact, this week I am headed to HILTON HEAD ISLAND with my husband's family and I'll have lots of opportunities to get creative with workouts--stay tuned.
Post-Workout Snack:
Just wanted to share a favorite protein option I have been loving lately--Good2Go Protein Bars. I shared this in a recent post about prioritizing protein, but these really are a well-deserved treat after a tough workout. They have a good amount of carbs and protein to replenish glycogen in muscles and are SUPER convenient if you're not able to make a meal right away.
These bars are "cleaner" than most and contain no refined sugar and no preservatives (VERY RARE) so they are best stored in the fridge. My current favorite flavors would have to be the almond chocolate chip, peanut butter banana chocolate and the almond coconut. If you like cookie dough, you will like these bars and probably find yourself thinking about them mid-workout.....guilty.
Discount Code: "Moves" will save you 20% off you order when you checkout!
Comment below if end up ordering, because I want to know how long your box lasts.....I give it a week.