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My May Goals for 2018

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May Goals

My May Goals

I haven’t published a blog since last October!  Can you believe it? I suppose work, family and life just took over as these things tend to have a habit of doing and I got out of the habit of posting articles. The towel nearly got thrown in a few weeks ago and the plug pulled but I thought back to when I started my blog, what I loved about it and concluded that all I did was fall out of the habit like we all can do with a lot of things.  So here goes, I’m starting things off with my May Goals ……..

  • Commit to posting some content onto this site on a more regular basis
  • Crack on with sorting the house out; this includes fun stuff like redecorating my bedroom and the rather expensive and boring stuff like rebuilding a porch and re-leading a bay.
  • Update my CV; we should all do this regardless of whether we are happy in our jobs or not!
  • Run at least two times a week with youngest son
  • Revamp my Gym workout for May; got stuck in a rut recently doing the same old thing so putting a stop to that right now!
  • Get baking again!
  • Make time for my lovely friends including those that I don’t see very often – you know who you are!
  • Look to change the look of my blog; maybe it’s time to makeover my website.
#blogshare My May Goals #motivation Click To Tweet

There all done!  It’s made me realise that I have let a lot of things in my personal life slide so this has been the perfect chance to reflect on things and pull my finger out when it comes to getting things done and making time to enjoy the things that I love doing!  Actually I’ve missed this.  Sitting down and taking the time to write this, being creative in my own way; so maybe I’ll not be throwing in the towel just yet!

 

Helen x

 

 

My June Monthly Goals

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My June Monthly Goals

A little late but here are my June Goals!  Website problems; it’s still a learning curve for me.  I’ve kind of taken my foot off the gas in terms of this blog, maybe lost a little focus along the way but I still love my blog just feel that other things are taking priority.  Work, family; it’s easy to lose focus and get out of the habit of setting time aside to the things you love.

New monthly goals; Summer's here, get outdoors, socialise more but remember to include something that makes you happy Click To Tweet

Since making a conscious effort at the beginning of the year set myself monthly goals instead of a list of New Year Resolutions I find I’m actually getting more stuff done and also focusing on allowing a little more time for what I actually want to do.

  1. Put together a new 15 Minute Full Body Workout
  2. Make Nutella Cupcakes  – Cupcake Jemma is my latest YouTube crush!
  3. Paint the Garden Fence – oh the glamour!
  4. Entertain more; whether it’s a BBQ with mates or just drinks Summer is the perfect time
  5. Run more!  No excuses!  I need to running motivation
  6. Switch off from work a bit more; stop checking emails late at night!
  7. Go meat-free at least twice a week; going to try Basil Avocado Pasta from Nourishyourglow.com
  8. Get back into a regular blogging routine; read 10 Habits of Successful Blogging by Blog Beautifully
  9. Start planning California Road Trip 2019; if I don’t plan this trip it won’t happen.  I’ve set up a Pinterest Board to keep me motivated.
  10. Be kind to myself a bit more often; I think most of us fail to do this or don’t consider it a priority

 

So what are you wanting to achieve this month?  If you are in the habit of setting goals each month, remember to include something that you want to achieve as a personal goal.

My February Goals

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monthly goals

My February Goals

Ok we’ve got through January, it’s noticeably lighter and spring is on it’s way!  January surprisingly didn’t drag as much for me as normal.  Ok so I still had no money, other friends were feeling the pinch so no socialising to get rid of the January blues.  Setting my own January Goals helped me to focus on things and be more pro-active about getting things done instead of mopping around the house.  I consciously made a plan and effort to achieve each of the goals that I set, 10 in total.  Some were easy, some were harder and took a while to complete.  It’s given me the motivation to carry on setting monthly goals and see what I’ve managed to achieved at the end of the year.

New month, new monthly goals. Getting things done one small step at a time #blogshare Click To Tweet

So here are my new monthly goals:

  1. New Fitness Challenge for the month – Abs and Squats Challenge
  2. Repost one of my very first workouts (ideal for a beginner), I’ve got loads so why not share?
  3. Freezer Meal Prep Session – check out these ideas that you can through into your Slow Cooker from livingrichwithcoupons.com and more ideas from smartschoolhouse.com
  4. Put together a meal plan for my children’s suppers and use it! I’m using a printable meal planner from shesaved.com found on Pinterest.
  5. Re-think my fitness goals and put a new plan of action in place
  6. Organise a cinema trip with my daughter and a couple of her mates to see ‘Sing!’
  7. De-clutter the Living Room (phase 2 of my whole house de-clutter)
  8. Go Sugar free for February, read this infographic if it all looks a little daunting!
  9. Revamp some of the images on my Busyfitmama blog
  10. Create a Photo Gallery for my Kitchen

Looking back to the goals I set for January (read my blog post My January Goals) I’ve noticed that they generally focus on fitness, health, blogging, family and my messy house!  I suppose it’s what I’m all about but here’s to hoping the messy house will be a goal I achieve sooner rather than later!

Do you set goals each month?  What are your February Goals?

5 Cross Trainer Workouts To Try

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Cross Trainer Workouts

5 Cross Trainer Workouts to Try

Normally I’m not big on cardio at the gym, generally doing a HIIT or a 5km is enough for me.  However recently when the weather hasn’t been great or it’s been mega busy around the free weights area of the gym I have started to do the odd cardio workout and have enjoyed doing them as they are different to my normal free weight sessions.  Normally I do something HIIT Style on the treadmill but I’ve also started to use the Cross Trainer (or Elliptical as it’s also known as) a little more.  I find that having a specifc workout gives me something to focus on and helps me up my effort levels when it comes to the sprint or higher intensity elements.  So if you are stuck for inspiration here are 5 Cross Trainer Workouts that I have found on Pinterest that you can try next time you are at the Gym.

The 20 Minute Elliptical Interval Workout found on Greatist.com (article by Alison Feller)

Elliptical Brazilian Butt Workout from superskinnyme.com (found on Pinterest)

Elliptical Ladder Workout from afitjunkie.com (found on Pinterest)

Elliptical HIIT Workout from herhappybalance.com

Super Sweaty Elliptical Workout from getinmyhealthyon.com

Try one of these 5 Cross Trainer Workouts next time you are at the Gym! Click To Tweet

I hope that has given you some inspiration when looking for a workout to try on the Cross Trainer.  I will put together my own but in the meantime if you are looking for a HIIT style treadmill workout take a look at my Quick HIIT 20 Minute Treadmill Workout.

In my own experience it’s good to mix up your fitness routine such as trying different types of cardio, fitness classes or types of exercises.  It helps to keep you motivated to continue on your fitness journey and ultimately achieve your fitness goals.

Do you have a favourite cardio workout?

My January Goals

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january goals

My January Goals

 

Welcome to 2017!  A brand spanking, new year!  No more resolutions, instead I’m going to concentrate on monthly goal setting.  It might give the opportunity to focus instead of just feeling overwhelmed by what needs doing or what I would like to achieve.  My January goals are a mixture of blogging, fitness and home life  So let’s just see how it goes!

Setting monthly goals gives a clearer focus, helping you create a more manageable plan to help achieve them. Click To Tweet
  1. Post a new Gym Workout on my Blog
  2. January Press Up Challenge; 30 a day
  3. Completely de-clutter, deep clean my kitchen – boy it needs it!
  4. Get back into a proper sleep routine; if you too are struggling check out this useful Infographic
  5. Put a new Workout Music Playlist for the Gym; need inspiration checkout my Pinterest Workout Playlist Board
  6. Begin to look at re-designing my blog; staring with the theme so back to WordPress for some inspiration!
  7. Re-vamp, update and repost one of my older blog posts
  8. Get outdoors and take some photos
  9. Set aside a day to do some baking with my daughter
  10. Add a new healthy dish to my children’s meal plan; such as these Salmon and Sweet Potato Fishcakes (Charlottes Lively Kitchen) or One-Pan Pesto Chicken & Veggies (Julia’s Album)

What are your goals for January?

2017 Goals

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My 2017 Goals

Happy New Year!  After a hectic 2016, I am excited at the prospect of starting afresh with 2017.  There are lots of things I would love to achieve and have lots of plans for 2017.  Looking back at 2016, I realise that most of my dreams remained just that.  Yes I did achieve a lot, but a lot of that was by chance or out of necessity.  This year instead of just dreaming about it I’m going to start setting some goals.  I might not achieve them all, they may change.  Who knows but at least by goal setting I will get some kind of focus as to what I would like to accomplish in 2017.

Goal setting also sounds a lot more positive than making resolutions; been there, done that!  Like many resolutions made on New Years Eve the majority have normally fallen by the wayside in the first couple of weeks of January.

Dreams will always remain dreams unless you set #goals, have a plan to turn them into reality! Click To Tweet

So I suppose I have to start somewhere, here’s what I would like to accomplish for 2017. These are my goals for this year.  I intend to break them down over the months so that they become achievable targets.  By the way the Dishwasher, for those that know me, is okay maybe not a dream but a bit of a sore point!

 

goal setting

What are your goals for 2017?

My Full Body Workout #3

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full body workout

My Full Body Workout #3

 

I hurt my back about over a couple of months ago; it was my own silly fault and I’m still feeling the after affects but the discomfort has now moved to my left hip.  Sustaining an injury whilst training can take a long time to sort, weeks even months; it’s been a painful lesson for me and has knocked my confidence and made me re-think my fitness goals.  So until sorted, I’ve cut back on the Rack Pulls and Back Squats and instead am using the Leg Press more to work Quads and Hamstrings. Oh and taken warm-ups, cool downs and stretching a little more seriously.

Workout Inspiration

If you are looking for more inspiration regarding a full body work out have a look at My Full Body Workout #1 and My Full Body Workout #2.

With any workout remember to warmup and cool down properly; this will help speed recovery and reduce risk of injury. Click To Tweet

So here’s my latest full body workout, if you want more rep’s to tone just decrease the weight.  Also maybe superset where possible, this will get the heart pumping and make your workout more intense! In this full body workout I use Opposing Muscle Group Supersets (Put together 1 and 2, 3 and 4).

Full Body Workout

 

I’ve added links if you are unsure of some of the exercises.

Leg Press

Lat Pulldown (Wide Grip Pull Down Exercise)

Seated Leg Curl (Hamstrings and Glutes)

Flat DB Bench Press

The Dead Bug exercise is a great core exercise and makes a change from crunches or Leg Drops.

 

Disclaimer

I am not a personal trainer or medical professional.

All the views expressed on this blog are my own.  I am an experienced runner and train regularly at the Gym.  All my workouts have been designed to suit my own fitness capabilities and goals but I am happy to share for those looking for inspiration, workout ideas or motivation.

Before embarking on any form of fitness programme or if you have any medical conditions or injuries please seek professional medical advice.

 

Keeping up your Fitness Motivation

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Keeping up your fitness motivation

Last week I went to New York for a few days with some lovely friends of mine.  It was the first time I’d been to the USA and I am happy to say that it lived up to all of my expectations.  It was hectic, exhausting, amazing, exhilarating, exciting.  I think I went through every emotion during my visit to this amazing city.  I’m already thinking of booking another trip there, this time with my other half, and know what places I would like to visit next time.  Back in the UK, back to reality I got a dose of the post holiday blues.  Don’t we all?

In preparation for my New York trip. I’d upped my fitness training.  Reasons?  Well I wanted to wear a pair of shorts with confidence and look passable on any photos!  Very shallow of me I know but I think most people like to look good for their holidays; it was after all what originally sparked off my desire to lose weight and reassess my diet a couple of years ago (read my post How re-thinking my diet led to sustainable weight loss).

So back home and the thought of getting back to the Gym or out for a run was the furthest from my mind!  It was tempting to say I’ll start next week but I’ve done that before and it’s made me realise how easy it is to lose your motivation and get out of a routine.  So I allowed myself a couple of days off; jet lag and getting kids sorted for back to school, getting myself sorted for back to work. So no excuses, alarm set time to get back into it.

Keeping up fitness motivation can be hard at times; set realistic goals and reward yourself along the way! Click To Tweet

It’s hard to keep motivated to keep fit.  It’s hard if perhaps you are at that stage where you are seeing no results, you are maybe trying to maintain your weight or like me you feel you’ve achieved your goals so what next?  So what can you do to keep motivated?

Read more

My Strongwoman Workout #1

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Workout

My Strongwoman Workout #1

My fitness goals are constantly changing.  Not because I’m extremely indecisive but once I achieve a goal or discover a different fitness need I tend to revaluate where I want to be in terms of my training.  This workout reflects my goal of building up my strength.

I love the idea of being strong.  Nothing gives me more of a buzz than being able to deadlift more than my own bodyweight or have the stamina to do 3 rounds of Sled Drags without completely keeling over!

It's good to mix up your workout; adding in different workouts can help boost your fitness and increase motivation! Click To Tweet

Below is a recent Strongwoman workout; I love this and was pleased with how much I pushed myself.  I’ve recently pulled one of my hip flexors so running has been off the cards so doing this workout gave me the post-workout buzz I needed.

workout
Disclaimer
I am not a qualified Personal Trainer or medical professional.
All the views expressed are my own.  I am an experienced runner and train regularly at the Gym.  All my fitness programmes and training have been designed to suit my own fitness capabilities and goals but happy to share if you are looking for inspiration and motivation.
Before embarking on any form of exercise or fitness programme or if you have any medical issues or injuries please ensure you seek professional medical advice.

Time to hit the Gym, this time I’m not quitting!

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Time to Hit the Gym

Six months on ….

From initially taking up running I’d got into a routine and getting out and pounding the pavements a habit. However, I was also starting to find running a 5km fairly easy going despite mixing up routes and trying to improve on my time.  runningThen it started to happen; the prospect of putting my trainers on and getting out for a run rather uninspiring.  I suppose it was a case of now needing something else to motivate me to maintain my fitness.

Old habits can easily start creeping back

As I could have predicted my motivation to keep fit started to wane. 3 runs a week became two then sometimes one or none a week.  I was in danger of undoing all the hard work I’d done and forgetting the goals I’d been so proud of achieving.  Sitting on that sofa watching Coronation Street instead of getting out there was starting to become more appealing and the norm.  An old habit was starting to re-immerge.

So what next?

Maybe it was time to hit the gym?the gym Read more

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