Thursday, July 30, 2020

Throwback Thursday: The Down-With the 70's Workout



I'm not even going to go crazy with this. We are officially in the era of exercise tapes and long routines to copy. Welcome to the era of JAZZERCIZE!


If you're not feeling Lisa's excitement for Jazz, don't try to find another Jazzercize, because it really will become even more dominating in the 1980s! Instead, checkout some easier moves, while learning a little bit more about fitness in the 70's. 


And what would a workout be without some Disco fun! 


And lastly, my daughter and I do Just Dance, so maybe take one of your dance video games and make a 70s soundtrack and dance it out baby! WOOO!!!


Share your routine and what inspires you about the 1970s!

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Walking/Wheeling Wednesday: Compete with Yourself


Sometimes we need a different kind of motivation. For instance, I can't always find someone to compete with for steps or distance. I used to be able to do it on my FitBit, but when I couldn't interact with some of those friends, I stepped away from it.

What I've started doing now is competing against myself. I track my steps and then trying to tell myself the next day to move past that. When I don't, it's sad, but I give a pep talk to myself about being able to move forward.

So this week, start by setting some sort of standard and then work to beat it. If it's 500 steps every hour, the next day do 501!



Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Teaching Tuesday: Save an Animal


We've all seen commercials and advertisements begging us to save the animals, whether they're extinct or just abused. Some people might even say we have a responsibility to take care of the animals of the world instead of following our Apex Predator complex. But I think we can actually do more for animals than we think we can. It's not as hard as you might think. Did I just agree with a commercial only wanting a dollar a day? Sure!


So there is your list of "adopt pets" and "help animals find their forever home" and "save the polar bears." But we don't always have to go to the extreme of adopting a pet. You could also foster pets. This means you take on the job of caring for a pet so it doesn't have to be in a shelter. You raise that pet until they find their forever home.

Let's see what ways you can get involved in helping animals:

I love how the possibilities are endless. What other ideas do you have? Can we help each other help the animals? Share what you do or what you know about saving animals!


Monday, July 27, 2020

Mindfulness Monday: What I Can Control



I have this hanging in my classroom.  Just as a reminder for my kids who can get upset about things that are out of their control. It doesn't mean they don't have the right to get upset over it or that their emotions are wrong, but it helps put into perspective what we can control in our own lives and what is outside of our control, so that we can be more thoughtful individuals.

For example, I remember sharing the above poster with a friend and that friend asked for someone to make a large printed poster out of it. Then everyone in the school seemed to have it, but no one knew where it came from. Well, that it came from me and now her. I was sad, because no one realized I was the one who shared it with the original person and I felt like my thoughtfulness over sharing this poster and purchasing it in the first place was unknown. But what would be the point of others knowing it was me, right? My friend was getting some appreciated credit.  So it was something I knew was out of my control and I needed to let it go! I had to just appreciate that others were really enjoying having the poster.  

Control is something that helps us to feel good about the world around us. Sometimes we try to control too much and that can cause problems with relationships and just a general world view. It causes stress and worry and poor health. 

Now I understand the idea of "let it go" to be very frustrating and, at times, not what you want to hear. Often people use the phrase to dismiss your feelings of despair. For example, you're feeling out of control and you don't know why and someone just says "let it go." Do you mean my feelings? Do you mean the issue? It is unclear. But when we find ourselves in a position where we are overthinking and dwelling, it's helpful to remember what we can control and what we cannot control. 



Saturday, July 25, 2020

Self Care Saturday: Make Time For You



We might think we're making time for ourselves personally, but most of us aren't - especially if you're a parent. When you have to keep up with other people around you, it can fatigue you to a degree you don't even realize. That's why taking time for yourself is important. 

It's hard to make it something that is daily, especially if you have lots going on in your life. But take time each day to just decompress.

The says you only  need 10 minutes and while that seems like a workout pitch, a workout could be your time. If you can just disconnect from your "responsibilities" it could help. Now if you see working out as another responsibility, then it might not be the disconnect time for you (I know it's not for me).

Don't treat this like another chore, but set a routine where you know you can do you time. Don't feel guilty. Taking care of you is not selfish. Taking care of you is the #1 goal in your life, because you can't do all the amazing things you do if you don't take care of you first.

During this "quarantine," my family and I  have set up a day called Me-Day. On this day we focus on ourselves. My daughter does what she wants. My husband gets to focus on him without being bothered (if possible). And I get my time. I fight off the guilt, but I am, sadly, an easily taxed person and need massive amounts of re-energizing time. 

Make it a habit and find time for you to be able to recharge. Share your strategies! Who knows... they might help someone else.


Friday, July 24, 2020

Foodie Friday: Zucchini


I absolutely love Zucchini. It is one of the best vegetables to put with everything and Zoodles are a blessing from the food gods! Here are some recipes to try out with your zucchini!


Gosh! There are so many ways to use Zucchini. I saw cakes and muffins and chocolate bars! I saw numerous savory recipes. Type in a protein with zucchini and you will find anything you desire. Hopefully some of the above will prove delicious enough for you tonight!

Share your recipes and pictures!

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Throwback Thursday: The Groovy 60's Workout


I thought it might be interesting to have a crash course in the 1960s. This guy might sound a little dry, but the information is pretty fabulous!

John F. Kennedy shaped physical education is schools. He helped shape the attitude America would develop about physical fitness.

Here's what the fitness centers look like (and let's not forget the shaming...wow!).

I know the audio isn't that great, but there have some suggestions for popular 60's recommended exercises AND some ideas for posture.

And here's some things we've seen before, even though they claim to be innovative. But you'll notice they now have actual workout equipment, similar to what we know today.

Not feeling some of these? How about some power-walking to 60's music!

So pick something to do, keep this tumultuous time in mind while you work it!