I thought my hamstring was doing better last week, but then it started bothering me again this  past weekend;( I really limit my activity on the weekend and I wonder if that has something to do with it??

I have been doing my Physical Therapy exercises and stretches but it just seems to get tight super quick. I used heat for about 20 minutes yesterday and then did some light stretching. I’m keeping my fingers crossed it feels better soon.

(This ball is my new best friend and I do tons of Hamstring Curls on it!)

Now I know why people say hamstring strains are the worst. They take a while to heal and you have to stretch SOOOO much. It’s like a job haha.

You can’t take 3 days off and do nothing with a hamstring strain you literally need to keep strengthening and stretching it or else it tightens up like a rubber band.

I get frustrated with injuries. I’m sure most of you can agree with me if you have ever had an injury they take a toll on you mentally. You can’t push through the pain either because it will only make it worse, so for now my best option is avoiding all exercises that don’t feel right!

That brings me into my next topic!!! PUSHUPS.. I’ve been working hard at my pushups over the past few weeks and I can honestly say I love the challenge they bring. Of course I hate them while I am doing them but after I am done I feel great!

If you are short on time and want to get in a quick upper body blast here is a great 10 minute workout:

PUSH-UP BLAST

Perform each exercise for 30 seconds with 10 seconds rest in between each set, repeat 2x before moving to the next exercise

BASIC PUSHUP

PUSH-UP JACK

TRICEP PUSHUP

TRICEP PUSH-UP HOLD

**Make sure to warm-up for at least 5 minutes before beginning the workout**

Has anyone ever had a hamstring strain or similar injury before? If so how long did it take to heal? Did you find anything that worked for you? 

I was super impressed that I squeezed in a workout the morning of Danielle’s wedding up in Newport. I guess for me when I have something on my mind I get it done.

The Hyatt gym was small but had some great pieces of equipment. Without a game plan in mind, I decided to do a quick upper body workout since I knew I would be on my feet and dancing all night.

 My workout left my arms shaking but it gave me energy for the day! Here’s the workout: 

Perform 15 Repetitions of each Exercise, Repeat each circuit 2-3x

When you are away do you workout or use it as rest days?

What is your favorite upper body exercise?

**Always consult your Doctor or Physician before beginning a new exercise program**

Before beginning the upper body workout, warm-up for 5-10 minutes. If you do not have cardio equipment, try a combination of jogging in place, jumping rope, & jumping jacks

Perform 15 repetitions of each exercise, repeat for a total of 3-6 sets (choose a normal size weight that is also challenging)

PUSHUPS 

these can be performed as knee pushups or in the full body position

BICEP CURL

Grab the bar so that your elbows are resting comfortably at your side, palms are facing out. Curl the bar all the way up to your shoulders

SHOULDER PRESS (CLOSE GRIP)

Grab the bar with a close grip, palms facing away from your body, press the bar overhead until your arms are fully extended

 TRICEP PUSH BACK 

lean slightly forward and extend the bar back while flexing the triceps

BENT OVER ROWS

keep a flat back and pull the bar into your lower abdomen, keeping your elbows close to your side

Before beginning a new workout program you should always consult your physician first.