It just doesn’t get easier. There’re no two ways about it. No matter how much more fit, how much stronger, how much more endurance you have, if a workout is based on rate of perceived exertion…it does NOT get easier.

I’m now on Day 22 of Hot Mama’s IGNITE program – Torch level (the super-advanced level) and I know I’ve already stated my strong dislike for Metabolic Workout #1, but I’m here once again to announce to the world (well okay…at least to the 4 people reading this)…I still detest it.

I always get on my treadmill thinking “Maybe today it’ll be easier. Maybe today I won’t detest this workout so much” and every time I finish the workout I’m gasping for air and swearing loudly to my treadmill. There is no “settling” into this workout because every time I start to settle in, I realize I need to up my intensity so I increase the speed or I increase the hill incline.

Now, I’m true to the workout. There may be a tendency for one to get complacent in the workout. To work at the same speed or the same incline week after week. But, that’s not the point of the program. My “9” is my “9” and as I get fitter and stronger, I need to push that much more to ensure I’m still working at a “9”. And that…is the part that kinda sucks. [Read more…] about Hot Mama’s IGNITE Program – Torch Level: Days 18-22

Alright party people, it’s time to get moving! Try this little gem out today and let me know how it goes! Think of this workout as a little cardio with a twist of fun at the top of every minute. Woop!

Here’s the plan:

Commit to a set amount of low and slow cardio. What does that mean? So glad you asked! That means low intensity and usually a slower pace. I recommend at least 30 minutes of straight cardio, but would love it you could squeeze in 45. Now, set your timer to “DING” every minute. Lace up your running shoes and off you go. Every time you hear the “DING” complete 5 repetitions of one of the exercises listed below. Then, back to your cardio! DING! Next exercise. Back to cardio. DING! Next exercise. Back to cardio. Get it?!

No, you won’t set a personal best with this workout, but it’s an awesome way to include some strength exercises into a cardio workout. And, for those of you who struggle with being bored during your low and slow workouts, these exercises help break up the monotony and will keep you on your toes!

Let me know how it goes! Enjoy! Remember your low and slow intensity level should be around a 6-7. That means that you should feel slightly uncomfortable throughout the duration of your workout. In fact, in every workout you should be slightly uncomfortable…that’s how you know you’re doing it right! BAM! #howwedo

 

Whoa. Just whoa. I haven’t written about Torch in 4 days?! What the what?!

You’ve been waiting with baited breath haven’t you?! You poor dears…have no fear…I’m here! And I’m blasting through Torch one (freakin’ HARD) workout at a time!

So, what happened this week that had me otherwise occupado? Life! Life did. But, have no fear, I’m remained on course and have managed to crank out every workout and follow the nutrition guidleines. Every single last one of ‘em. Until today…

I’m not going to get to my workout in today. Today…we travel to Tough Mudder and I figure I want to conserve my energy for tomorrow’s big event.

I will write more about my Tough Mudder experience next week, but let me just say this for today…this weekend is going to be one emotional ride.

IGNITE was designed by me from the bottom of the dark, deep and lonely hole of depression. I never thought I could be a depressed person, but injury, pain, frustration and not being able to do what I love can really rock a gal’s world. It certainly rocked mine.

For those of you not in the know, last year on March 10^th at 9:55am (yeah, it’s that memorable) I jumped off a 4’ wall and tore my ACL. I had a full reconstructive surgery on May 21^st and have been recovering every since. I designed IGNITE to help boost my energy and get me out of my depression. It worked. Oh boy did it work! [Read more…] about Hot Mama’s IGNITE Program – Torch Level – Days 14, 15, 16 & 17

Have you ever had a day when you just don’t want to workout? You know the one: you feel tired before you start, you don’t want to get sweaty, you are busy and although you squeezed in time…you just don’t want to do it. Then you do the workout and your legs are 824lbs each, you can’t find your breath and you swear the 30-minute workout is actually taking 4 hours?

Yeah, I know that feeling. Can you relate? Don’t think just because I’m a fitness trainer I don’t have days when I don’t want to workout. They are fairly rare, but they do occur. Days when I just want to say “forget it” and go sit on the couch to watch a little Judge Judy (oh yeah…guilty pleasure alert!).

I’ve heard every excuse in the book on why you can’t get your workout in, or why you missed a class or why it’s been weeks since you’ve moved your body. I wrote a blog called “Our Garden of Excuses” on the Hot Mama website discussing exactly that. But on the days when you do have time (correction, you’ve made time) and you still find yourself procrastinating by organizing your junk drawer, cleaning the toilet or finally putting the baby pictures into an album, it’s time for some positive self-talk.

Next time you find yourself either 1) making excuses not to workout and/or 2) talking yourself out of working out, try telling yourself these 7 things: [Read more…] about 7 Things You Should Say to Yourself Before You Workout

Well my, my, my! I have not written on my Torch journey for three days! Did you wonder if I’d quit? Did you wonder if I’d gone off-track? Did ya?! Did ya?!

Because Mamas…I DID! Bahahaha. I sure did. My friends are terrible, terrible women and they pour wine down my throat. They hold me down and forcibly make me drink the sweet, sweet nectar that is wine. Mmmmmmmm wine.

Alright. No. Nevermind. My friends are awesome people and I am so freakin’ grateful to have them in my life. But I beg of you, please understand…we had to get through “Chadd-ageddon” on the Bachelorette on Friday AND I had 8 5-6-year-olds sleeping over…wine was a lifeline and I reached for it and used up all of its power. Oh yes I did. The good news? I managed to not eat my face off after my wine…so…a WIN!

So yes, I had some wine. And no, that’s not part of the program, but I’m woman enough to admit to you that yes, I sooooooo had wine. And yes, it was soooooooo deeeelicious! Ha! [Read more…] about Hot Mama’s IGNITE Program – Torch Level – Day 11, 12 & 13!