Obviously I need to make extra time to increase my back strength so I decided to whip out the Pull Up Bar and complete a short workout before my Boot Camp class last night.

I did a jumping pull-up with a slow descend (as slow as I could go) my release was super slow for the first set… and by the last set I felt like I couldn’t hang on anymore. I guess that’s the point right?

(This is a picture of me slowly starting to descend)

After my first set I texted Marc.. even I need motivation sometimes.

It was the PUSH that I needed to continue through the pain.

So needless to say, I got in a great back workout but after my boot camp class my arms were SHOT.

I literally couldn’t lift them up!!  “Mission Accomplished,” I guess!??!!?

I even managed to snap a picture of Marc working on his Pull ups. He makes them look SO much better

This workout is great for anyone who would like to increase their Pull Up Strength. If you are curious here is the workout:

Pull Ups with slow release. 

Set #1: 5 repetitions

Set #2: 4 Repetitions

Set #3: 3 Repetitions

Set #4: 2 Repetitions 

Set #5: 1 Repetition

That last rep was tough and I think I deserve a day off from exercise today! I actually attempted to do some pull ups this morning and you know what…. my arms wouldn’t function. There’s a sign right there not to do anything.

Oh and there’s snow outside so that’s another reason to rest!

I am super pumped it’s Friday. Tonight I am going to an 80’s Concert to celebrate one of my best friend Megan’s 30th Birthday. I am looking forward to a night out with Marc and all of our friends!!

HAPPY FRIDAY

What do you have planned for the weekend?

Are you good at Pull ups?

Seriously I have no complaints, it is making the holiday weekend extra long but I am definitely all out of wack. Do you feel the same?

As much as I am enjoying all the friend & family time I can’t wait to be back to a schedule next week.

Yesterday we had a New Year’s Day brunch at a friends house which was a lot of fun. Both Cooper & Ava were invited which is very rare they both get invited to a party so it was nice to see them both playing and entertaining each other. In the evening we headed to our neighbors for another small get together. I didn’t take any pictures. I actually left my phone behind and enjoyed the day. Its fun to live in the moment sometimes and I definitely did.

It seems like the holidays are 3 weeks long with fun plans day after day. I’m guessing it seems extra long because of how the holidays fell this year. If New Year’s Eve was on the weekend we would probably all be back on track and focusing on those New Year’s Resolutions.

Anyways… even if you haven’t started eating right and getting to the gym, you can start today or tomorrow. Don’t get discouraged!!

Marc and I ate super healthy yesterday. I loved it and it felt good to kick the junk to the curb. For dinner we decided to make a chicken recipe from Ina Garten’s cook book “FOOLPROOF”.

Let me tell you… this was the CRUNCHIEST chicken I have ever had.

I loved that part of it. It also had a tanginess to it which I am not used to, but I still enjoyed it.

Here is the recipe. It was super easy which you know I am all about! We baked it at 350 for about 40 minutes.

I will definitely make it again!

Do you have any fun plans this weekend?

Are you thrown off by the long holiday weekends?

Are you superstitious? I am not, but there is something about hearing that it is Friday 13th gives me a little spook.

This morning Ava and I made a trip to the YMCA! We went to visit the Group Power class… I figured she would get to see a lot of the people that take my classes. Everyone was thrilled that I brought her in! She seemed to be content listening to the music and watching people lift weights. Ava is so easy and goes with the flow.

As soon as we got home she passed out… I think she was a little over stimulated!

I’m sure when you read the title of this post you weren’t thinking about New Year’s Resolutions… but I was. We are about 1/2 way through the year now, can you believe it?? I wanted to check in and remind you to stay on track or get back on track with your Health & Fitness Goals, it’s never too late!

This year I have focused on eating cleaner. I have made small changes with my diet and now I feel that my meals are always loaded with fresh nutritious ingredients. Although sometimes we think processed foods are more convenient, I find that I am never satisfied when I snack on granola bars or processed snacks. I get full quicker from eating WHOLE foods.

I used to love eating sandwiches at lunch time, but now my lunches consist of leftovers. I load up my plate with either a salad or leftover veggies, and have a lean protein with my meal. I am much more full and don’t feel as bloated throughout the day!

Are you sticking with your resolutions?? If not, what SMALL changes can you implement in your diet to achieve your goals?