Tag Archives: body

Does It Feel Like You’re Running In Place With Your Workout?

Standard
Does It Feel Like You’re Running In Place With Your Workout?

There are a lot of reasons why people end up abandoning their pursuit of physical fitness, leaving rowing machines to collect dust and gym memberships to go unused. Sure, it’s easy to say that the only real reason is laziness, but it’s actually a lot more complicated than that. In reality, the thing that causes a lot of people to give up is the feeling that they’re not really getting anywhere. They feel like, no matter how much effort they put in, they just don’t see any results. This can be incredibly demoralizing as it makes them feel like they’re wasting their time and giving blood, sweat, and tears for nothing. Sure, the results of exercise take time to manifest themselves, but that doesn’t mean that you should put up with months of seeing nothing changing in your body. With that in mind, here are a few ways to get the most out of your workout and to start seeing real results:

Have Clear Goals:

One of the biggest mistakes that people tend to make when they start working out is that they have incredibly poorly defined goals. They go in with things like “lose weight” or “get fitter”. Sure, these things are positive and should be a goal in mind, but if you’re only thinking about things in the vaguest possible terms, then you’re never going to be able to really push towards anything. All you’ll be able to see is that you haven’t lost as much weight as you would like and you’ll end up getting discouraged. Instead, think about exactly how much weight you want to lose. That way, even if you’re only losing a little bit at a time, all of it is chipping away at that goal bit by bit, making it much easier to stay committed.

Pick The Right Routine:

Of course, not every workout is going to be perfect for every goal. If you’re trying to bulk up and build muscle, then that’s not going to require the same kind of workout as someone who’s trying to slim down and drop a dress size. The workout plan and schedule reviewed here is perfect if you’re looking to lose a bit of weight and tone your body. However, it’s not necessarily going to be right for someone who’s trying to lose weight for health reasons. By knowing what you want, you’re going to be in a much better position to find the workout routine that’s going to help you do just that.

wrk1

WERK

Keep Things Interesting:

One other major factor that causes a lot of people to give up on their workout plan is boredom. The last thing that you want is to end up getting bored of your workout and walking away before you see any real results. In order to prevent that from happening, mix things up from time to time. Sure, you’re going to want to stick to the same kinds of exercise, but there are plenty of ways to change it up within those constraints. Instead of the treadmill, hit the rowing machine for your cardio. Perhaps switch the free weights for the bench when building muscle. That way, you’re going to avoid getting bored while introducing a new workout AND working towards your goal. It’s a win/win!

wrk2

Switching things up!

Although working out can be a pain, it should ultimately be enjoyable. These tips should get you right back into the swing of things in no time!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Second Puberty: What Is It & What Can You Do About It?

Standard
Second Puberty: What Is It & What Can You Do About It?

If you are currently staring at the screen with horror, sorry about that. Puberty for the first go around wasn’t exactly a wonderful time for most of us, so the idea that we have to go through it again? There’s probably a reason that second puberty isn’t exactly well known, despite the fact that it definitely happens – and it’s not pretty for those who go through it.

Between the ages of 28 and 33 (with some leeway on either side), second puberty is your body adjusting to its new status as a fully-fledged adult. You’ll grow more body hair, your voice will become deeper (this is why most of us can tell how old someone is just from their voice on the phone), and you’ll begin to tire faster. It’s also likely to be the onset of what are referred to as the “signs of aging”, especially those in relation to your skin and body. YIKES!

The one benefit of second puberty is that, unlike the first time around, you’re more able to fight it this time. No sitting back and just letting the worst happen to you; you can fight fire with fire and battle your way through. All you need is a strategy, which it just so happens, you can find right here:

Learn Your Supplements:

You’re going to need a little extra help as you move into the second phase of life. Second puberty is a time when the collagen in our bodies begins to deplete, which ultimately can result in deep wrinkles and facial lines. It’s also not great news for calcium (which can impact bone health in later years) and hormonal function (meaning the beginning of a decrease in fertility.

Fight Back: Introduce yourself to a supplement regime that can help ease the burden of time. Most users tend to be very satisfied with collagen supplements and these calcium-containing AlgaeCal reviews are definitely something to keep in mind. If you plan to have children in the future, then it might be worth talking to your doctor about a hormonal blood panel just to see where you’re at health-wise, as well as other options for becoming pregnant.

pub

Vitamins 4 dayz

Slowing Down Time:

Around the time of second puberty, your body is going to want to slow down. You might find your energy reserves are depleted and that you become tired faster than you did before. You’ll also find that your metabolism slows, making it more likely that you will *gasp* gain weight.

Fight Back: The biggest way to conquer the great slowdown is to refuse to give in to it. Keep yourself active, especially if you’re concerned about the slowing of your metabolism – exercise has been known to boost it. You should also try to avoid substances that can bring you to a grinding halt. For example, by the time of second puberty, it might be worth turning your back on endless hangovers every weekend. Drink in moderation and you’ll see your energy reserves spike.

pub1

(Still love wine, though.)

Puberty was lame, but second puberty has the potential to be a lot better since your smart adult brain can concoct a plan of action! 😀

Connecting Health & Self Esteem To Improve Both

Standard
Connecting Health & Self Esteem To Improve Both

For one reason or another, we can all find ourselves in stressful circumstances in life. Sometimes, we can handle them. But sometimes, they stick – and that’s when it hits us hard. When you’re dealing with stress, not only can your health suffer, but your self-esteem can, too. At times like this, you feel like you’re never going to be able to make things work and feel good about yourself again. But you can. There are so many different ways that health and self-esteem are connected, you just need to find them.

You do have the option to tackle your health and self-esteem separately, but you might find that you enjoy it better if you create a connection between them both and hit them head on. When your health suffers, it can harm your energy levels, your mood, and then eventually your self-esteem. Likewise, when you’re suffering from low self-esteem, you may find that other areas of your physical and mental health start to deteriorate. So, you’re going to want to work on boosting your health and well-being in a range of different ways to improve how you feel in life:

It’s A Mental Thing: First of all, it’s going to help you to acknowledge that your current concerns about your self-esteem are a mental issue. Your worries may not be anything to worry about, but by acknowledging them, you’re going to get yourself one step closer to feeling better. When you ignore your thoughts and try to avoid them, you’re not solving them. To push past the negativity that you’re dealing with in your own mind, you need to be able to acknowledge it first and then work past it. Sometimes, working past these issues can be way easier said than done. It might be a good idea to seek help from a professional like those at Wisemind Counseling or a similar practice in your local area. They will be able to provide expert guidance to help you to get back to feeling like yourself again.

Trying Out Yoga: To work on boosting both your health and your self-esteem, you should seriously consider trying out yoga. It’s a great workout, of course, but it is also amazing for your mind. There are so many benefits to yoga, that you’ll definitely be working on improving things like your flexibility and posture, but you’ll also be clearing your mind and relaxing at the same time.

Drinking More Water: Our bodies are made up of a huge percentage of water, so we need to be able to stay on top of that in order to improve your health. When you do start to drink more water, your body will be able to function better and that, in turn, will boost your mind. You’ll notice that you have a bit more energy and the more energy you have, the more positive you’re likely to feel.

Eating A Balanced Diet: Next up, you’re going to want to start prioritizing your nutrition. It’s okay to indulge every once in a while, but when you eat a lot of junk food, you may find that it makes you feel worse. There’s a lot to say for mood food because what you eat does impact how you feel about yourself. When your body feels sluggish, you will feel sluggish. And who wants to do anything when they’re feeling lethargic? The answer is nobody.

mh1

Yummmm

Getting More Fresh Air: When you’re cooped up inside all day or you find yourself always heading from the office to your house and back again, you’re probably exhausted. Your mind will always be running with the things that you have to do. So, take a break. Getting enough fresh air is always good for your mind and your body. Going for walks or just sitting outside to remove yourself from stress can really clear your mind and help to keep you calm.

Accepting & Improving: Sometimes, you won’t start to feel a change in the way you feel until you encourage that change to come about. You can do that in two ways. First, it’s to work on improving whatever it is that is getting you down. Whether you need to lose weight and decide to see a fitness expert to feel happier in yourself or you want to improve your teeth with professionals like the Harrell Dental Implant Center so that you can confidently smile again, take action. Your other option is to accept who you are and what you look like, and be happy in your own skin. Either way, accepting or improving will help you to take a huge step forwards.

Committing To Exercise: Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and get healthy. No matter what it is, whether it’s a fun dance class or running on the track, by doing something, you will start to do something about how you look and feel. When you work out, you will find that you have more energy and will start to feel more positive and confident in yourself.

Trying Out Mantras: When you struggle to accept the skin that you’re in, you may need to take an additional step towards making that happen. Even if the idea makes you feel silly, you should try out positive affirmations. They can often boost your self-esteem and even train you into positive thinking. Either way, you will find that the effects work in a positive way towards your general levels of health.

mh2

Think she’s thinking her mantra?

Switch Off & Step Back: Sometimes, you might find that your obsession with being on all of the time is holding you back. It’s something that we all struggle with at some point or another. But, the negative effects of social media are real. They can change the way you feel about yourself and your life, and drastically lower your self-esteem. So take a step back and learn to switch off. A social media hiatus might be just what you need to start focusing on yourself instead of others.

Put Yourself First: And above all else, you’re going to need to learn to prioritize your health and happiness in order to feel better. Doing the right things to boost your health will be good for your mind. Vice versa, doing things for your mind will positively effect your body. So rekindle that love you once had with a hobby and allow yourself a slice of happiness – for your body and mind’s sake.

Happy Friday!!!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Make The Most Of Your Diet With Natural Supplements

Standard
Make The Most Of Your Diet With Natural Supplements

When a lot of people hear the word “supplement,” they often get pretty nervous. This is actually pretty understandable since, for a lot of people, the idea of a supplement is tied in with dangerous chemicals and things like steroids and weight loss pills. But in reality, a supplement is just something that you take in order to give your body things that your diet might be missing. Many of them are entirely natural and are very unlikely to do anyone any harm. With that in mind, here are some of the best natural supplements that you can take in order to be as healthy and happy as possible:

Calcium: We all grow up knowing how important calcium is in order to develop strong and healthy bones. Of course, for a lot of people that never really goes much beyond knowing that it’s a good idea to drink milk. However, in reality, milk is nowhere near as good a source of calcium as many people believe, and you actually need the fat that you find in things like whole milk in order to actually convert the calcium in it into anything useful. Because of this, many people aren’t getting the right amounts of calcium in their diets. Check out these AlgaeCal calcium supplement reviews to see how increasing your calcium levels can make a big difference to your bone strength and help treat things like osteoporosis. Of course, that doesn’t mean that there are no benefits to drinking milk, it’s just that you shouldn’t rely on it as your one and only source of calcium.

Iron: Iron is one of the most important things that your body needs. It supports the growth of blood cells, carries oxygen around the body, and does an infinite amount of other positive things. Anyone who has ever suffered from anemia can tell you just how damaging an iron deficiency can be. You can find iron in things like red meat as well as many grains and dark green vegetables. If you are someone who doesn’t eat meat (Like yours truly!), then taking an iron supplement may be a good idea to prevent you from becoming anemic.

Vitamin A: The old wives tale that eating carrots will make you see in the dark might be (unfortunately) false, but it does actually have some basis in truth. Vitamin A, which is found in many orange and yellow vegetables as well as many cereals and fish is vital for the development and function of your eyes. Not only that, but it is crucial for providing support for your immune system. There are many vitamins that your body needs but vitamin A is one of the ones that tends to be neglected the most often, unlike vitamin C and B which most people are fully aware of.

Supplement Drinks: If you have difficulty swallowing pills, you might want to consider using a supplemental drink instead. This can also include smoothies and shakes. Companies like Tmrw provide drinks that support cellular longevity, gut health, and inflammation along with a host of other benefits. This or a similar product could be an excellent alternative to standard supplemental pills.

It’s important to be aware that none of these things should be considered as replacements for any prescribed medicines and that you should always speak to your doctor before making any changes to your diet. The supplements are all entirely safe but if you’re unsure, then talking to your doctor about it really is the best thing that you can do!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Over Thirty? Time To Start Taking Care Of Your Body

Standard
Over Thirty? Time To Start Taking Care Of Your Body

Life’s all pretty well and good when we’re in our twenties. Eat too much food (Always!)? No worries, your body is on hand to make sure that it doesn’t do too much damage. Overindulged at the work party? Somehow, you’re able to get up as if nothing happened (well, almost). However, that all begins to change as we slide towards our thirties. Once we pass the big 3-0, our body stops playing ball and starts to give us a little bit more trouble than we’d like. However, if you take of your body, then there’s no reason why you can’t feel as energetic and full of life as you did in your twenties!

Exercise:

There’s no getting around it, unfortunately: you need to start exercising. This doesn’t mean you have to start visiting the gym every day, but it does mean that you need to be making sure that you get enough physical activity each day. The key to this, is to find an activity that you enjoy. If you find that you really enjoy long distance running, then it won’t feel like work when you set off on those early morning runs: it’ll be fun!

Treating Your Body Well:

Part of having a healthy body in your thirties is remembering that you can no longer push your body to the limit. You need to be taking it at ease, and making sure that it gets everything it needs to be well. For example, you can’t go out late into the night and then expect to get up early in the morning. You’ll also need to curb the amount of alcohol you’re drinking, and if you’re a smoker, then hitting thirty is a good time to quit!

30

And eating well, of course!

Nipping Problems in the Bud:

Some issues will happen to you regardless of how much you work out because they happen to everyone sooner or later. The key here, is to take steps so that the issues that might not yet have presented themselves are kept at bay. Take bone loss, which usually begins at age thirty. You should be taking supplements to keep your bones healthy. Take a read of AlgaeCal plant calcium side effects and ask your doctor for advice; if given the all clear, you’ll be able to help increase bone strength. Back pain is also common in our thirties, so avoid doing anything that might cause your back to start giving you trouble.

Happy Mind:

Our thirties can be very happy, but they can also bring with them a fair few mental woes. It’s really important that you stay on top of your mental health, and don’t let all of those freshly acquired worries build up. Make sure that you’re doing the things that make you happy, and talk about your problems should they arise.

If there are aspects of your life or body that are making you unhappy – you have the tools to fix it. This could be scheduling an appointment with a therapist or seeking a consultation with a breast augmentation surgeon in Ashburn (or your local area). A life lived with insecurities can really drag you down and there is no shame in seeking changes out if that is what you truly want. Remember, your thirties are a time to thrive and targeting the issues that make you feel insecure can set you on a far more positive trajectory.

Annual Check Ups:

Most problems can be avoided if we go for an annual check-up – teeth, hearing, and eyes, as well as screenings for any problems that might be hereditary and potentially passed down from your parents.

No matter your age, keeping yourself in good health is always important. And no better time than the present to start!

Live Well Today To Avoid Illnesses Tomorrow

Standard
Live Well Today To Avoid Illnesses Tomorrow

So many of us associate old age with bad health, but actually, it doesn’t have to be this way at all. Unfortunately some people are struck down with illnesses and diseases that have nothing to do with their lifestyle, however many of us could massively increase our life expectancy and live a far more happy and healthy life when we’re older just by making simple changes today. Here are some of the ways that you can live well today to avoid preventable illnesses and have a healthier tomorrow:

Eat A Healthy Diet and Exercise: Heart disease, high blood pressure, and type two diabetes. These are all very serious illnesses and in many cases are fatal – and can be avoided simply by eating a healthy diet and exercising. You don’t have to be ‘perfect’ and give up everything that you like, just practice moderation. Every day aim to get your five portions of fruit and veggies in. A glass of orange juice in the morning, some dried fruit in your granola, a side salad with your sandwich at lunch, and two portions of vegetables with your dinner and you’ve reached it. Things like tinned fruit and vegetables, smoothies, and nuts all count too. Aim to eat clean as often as you can– which is eating foods as close to their natural state as possible. Then, treat yourself now and again to something that you really like.

Now, onto exercise, which helps to strengthen bones, muscles, and increase endurance. Living an active lifestyle and staying fit helps to set you up for good health later on in life. Don’t see exercise as a chore and try to make it part of your day. You could walk instead of taking the car, have active hobbies, and socialize with friends by playing sports, running, or hiking together.

ill

 Annnd break!

Avoid Pesticides and Other Chemicals: Another food and drink related point is to eat organic and drink filtered water whenever it’s possible. Non-organic food is sprayed with pesticides and herbicides which have been linked with cancers, ADHD, infertility, and even Alzheimer’s. While there is excellent private duty care for those with the condition these days, it’s a serious issue and, of course, something to be avoided if possible. Around one in ten people over the age of 65 have the condition, it’s complex and there are many causes, but pesticides in food could be one of them. Knowing this information, it only makes sense that you would pay a little extra for foods free of these chemicals to help your chances for a healthier adult life.

ill1

Yummm

Attend All Screenings That You’re Invited To: As we age, we become more susceptible to different cancers and illnesses. Screening processes help to make sure that everything is as it should be, and if there are any problems, that they can be picked up early. They’re not a test, just a preventative measure. Screenings can be a little uncomfortable, but for a few minutes out of your day for peace of mind, it definitely seems like a no brainer.

A healthier lifestyle doesn’t mean that you have to make drastic changes, just smaller day by day alterations to help improve your overall health.

The Real Reasons Why You Sneeze So Much!

Standard
The Real Reasons Why You Sneeze So Much!

Allergies at any time of the year can be frustrating. Having a stuffy or blocked nose gets in the way of enjoying the summer months and it makes people really miserable. Of course, we can take basic medication to solve the problem, like antihistamines, but is it really getting to the root of the problem? It seems that more and more of us are suffering from allergies now, so here are some common causes in the modern world:

A Gluten Allergy: There are so many more people diagnosed as celiac now than ever before. This could be because there are more issues in the processing of food but also the fact that our immune systems are sufficiently weaker now than they were 100 years ago. We are now used to having a whole manner of processed food, but it’s not necessarily something our bodies can process. There are an increasing number of people who are now being diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity. And if you feel a bit sluggish it could be a sign. But you also may even have a very runny nose.

Toxins In The Air: More people on the planet means more dirt, dust particles, and waste. There can be so many toxins in the air at any one time, from cigarette smoke to hazardous fumes to mold and mildew in your home. With that in mind, we are being exposed to a dangerous level of chemicals on a daily basis! To minimize the amount of bad air in our homes, we can use air purifiers and air cleaners. Companies like Farnen & Dermer specialize in whole-home air cleaners, which work more effectively than an air purifier, which is suitable for a smaller area. Even something like mold, which is predominately invisible to the naked eye, if left untreated, can really develop into a long-term health problem.

Medications: So many people are being prescribed antibiotics for an infection, and a common ingredient in many antibiotics is penicillin, which can cause serious reactions such as anaphylactic shock. If you ever experience a serious allergy due to a medication, you need to contact your doctor immediately or call the emergency services if it is a potentially life-threatening reaction. Some other common drugs that may cause an allergic reaction include aspirin, medication for autoimmune diseases, corticosteroid lotions or creams, and products containing bee pollen.

It’s important to remember that an allergic reaction can be a symptom of an issue with your immune system. For issues such as a gluten sensitivity, the problem can be solved by avoiding gluten and gluten-containing foods. If your immune system isn’t fighting at full strength, it may mean that you are constantly fighting allergies and getting more than your fair share of colds. To determine what you may have an allergy to in common, everyday circumstances, you should avoid the suspected substance for around 30 days to really be sure. And for many of us, a lack of vitamin D is the reason why we cannot fight infections as well. So make sure to take a good vitamin D supplement, too. Ahhchooo!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Beach Body Health Hacks

Standard
Beach Body Health Hacks

Are you hoping to get slimmer and more slender in time for swimsuit season? If the answer is yes, then you are in the right place. The worst thing that you can do to slim down is start a crash diet. Sure, the weight will drop off quickly, but the moment you start eating normally again the weight will creep back on – you may even end up heavier than you were before.

The best thing to do when it comes to getting in better shape is putting your health first. Then, you should start to see your body changing and becoming stronger and leaner. Want to feel shiny and new for the first summer outing by the pool? Then take note of the health hacks below, implement them in your daily life, and you will see results – that’s a promise!

Start Each Day With Yoga or Pilates: Not only are both yoga and Pilates great ways to tone up, but they are also very good for your mental health. The types of meditation-based exercises that both Pilates and yoga offer incorporate gentle stretching to calming music. This helps to improve your flexibility and increase your muscle tone, as well as helping to improve your mental health and stress levels. Remember, to be truly healthy; you need to be mentally healthy, as well.

hack10

#nameste

Have a Glass of Water Before Every Meal: Water acts as a natural appetite suppressant, which means that if you drink a glass of it before each meal, you will consume fewer calories. Water also comes with many other benefits, from improving skin health and boosting your immune system to speeding up your metabolism and preventing fatigue. So, obviously,  it’s definitely something that you want to be drinking more of! Instead of buying filtered water from your local store, visit cleanairpurewater.com and look at the cost of having a water purification system fitted into your home. It might mean making an investment, but if you are serious about being healthier, it’s an investment that will pay for itself in the long run.

Quit Sugar: One of the best things that you can do for your health is to quit sugar. The fact is, is that processed sugars are extremely bad for our bodies. Processed sugars are linked to all sorts of issues, from premature aging to acne, as well as weight gain, of course. If you are serious about being healthier and getting slimmer, then quitting processed sugar is a must. You can eat natural sugars, such as fruit sugars and raw sugar, but not processed sugars.

hack11

So good but so bad!

Start Having Breakfast: They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and they are right. Grabbing a cereal bar as you rush out of the door to work isn’t a suitable breakfast and could actually be harming your health, especially in terms of meeting your weight loss goals. A nutritious breakfast will give you the energy that you need to have a productive day and will stop you from snacking, which is an added bonus. Ideally, your breakfast should be a combination of protein, healthy fat, and carbohydrates. Something like poached eggs, avocado, and rye bread is ideal. It keeps you full and is quick and easy to make.

Don’t expect to feel different overnight but after a few weeks of utilizing the above hacks, you should start to feel much healthier and happier in yourself. Just in time for swimsuit season! Score.

Dream On! Advice To Send You To Sleep

Standard
Dream On! Advice To Send You To Sleep

It is amazing the difference that a good night’s sleep can make to your physical and mental well-being. Unfortunately, in today’s fast paced world, this is something that is becoming more and more elusive for many of us. In between jobs, hobbies, time with friends, and family commitments, getting your eight hours a night is something that can easily seem like it is just out of reach. Getting yourself into good nightly habits can really make all of the difference when it comes to drifting off. Here are a few techniques that you can try out to help you get the sleep that your body and mind is craving:

Stay on a Sleep Schedule: Getting your body to adapt to a sleep schedule can make a huge difference when it comes to nodding off quickly. Try to keep to your schedule as much as possible on weekends, holidays, and days off as well. This consistency plays a big part in reinforcing a strong sleep-wake cycle. You should establish a nightly routine that helps your body become naturally ready for sleep. Whether this involves yoga, meditation, or reading a chapter of a book, find an activity that works well for you and stick to it.

Watch What You Eat and Drink: Going to bed when you are either hungry or full can make it much more difficult to fall asleep. Try to eat a good meal at least a couple of hours before you go to bed so that you are comfortable. Also, try and limit how much you drink so that you don’t disrupt your sleep by having to get up and use the restroom. You should also try to avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol, which can all disrupt the quality of your sleep.

Create a Comfortable Sleeping Environment: For most people, a room that is cool, dark, and quiet is the best kind of sleeping environment. Light blankets and a couple of fans is the best way to keep cool during the summer months. If you find that too much light it seeping into your room at night, you could try a blackout blind. As for quiet, try sleeping with earplugs in to block out any background noise (like your partner’s obnoxious TV shows!). If you are looking for comfortable bedding, Plumeria Bay specializes in a range of items. Keeping your sheets fresh and clean can help you drift off into a perfectly comfortable la la land.

dreamon1

La la la la la la la la SHEETS OF EGYPTIAN COTTON!!

Manage Your Stress Levels: If you find that you have too much on your mind, this can make it much more difficult to fall asleep at night. Try to set some time aside every day to reduce your stress levels. Focusing your mind on a hobby, physical activity, or breathing exercises can help to take your mind off of what is causing you anxiety. Another activity that has been found to have results is writing down what is on your mind before you go to bed. You will be able to deal with these things the next day rather than worrying about them at night when you can’t do anything about evil coworkers or the following day’s to do list.

Follow these tips, catch some Z’s, and dream on!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Monday Update: Take A Walk (Pt. 2!) Edition

Standard
Monday Update: Take A Walk (Pt. 2!) Edition

Hiii everyone and happy Monday!! I hope that all of you had a fabulous and fun weekend. So, if you remember from last week’s Monday Update, I started *gasp* running/walking AKA rawking and it’s going okay! I’m actually feeling pretty happy because I was able to add another lap to my time at the track since last week, meaning that I am now rawking for a mile and a half.

I have still been going to the track with my mom (in fact, we just went last night), but when she can’t go, I have taken to running around my neighborhood. This is actually kind of fun because it gives me a change of scenery, especially when I venture into the neighborhood below mine. I have also decided that even though I don’t have one of those snazzy arm bands to hold my iPod in place, that I am okay with carrying my device as I run so I can have some music to keep me company.

As you guys know, I am an emo kid at heart, so my running soundtrack has consisted of a lot of AFI and My Chemical Romance. But, I also have been enjoying listening to Kendrick Lamar, Kid Cudi, and Kanye West when I’m feeling saucy. Having my music playing while rawking definitely seems to make the time go by faster and even though my hands sweat profusely while carrying my iPod, it’s been worth it!

I’m feeling really proud that I was able to add an additional lap to my little evening jaunts and my next goal is to rawk two miles within this month. Getting my pre ex-boyfriend body back is a big fat pain in the ass, but I kind of like it – so here’s to getting to the two mile mark soon!

^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to this video!

So there you have it, this week’s Monday Update: Take A Walk (Pt. 2!) Edition! How are you getting your beach body in check? What music do you listen to while working out? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah