Do you want the positive or negative first?

Let’s start with the positive!

Positive >>

Six workouts happened this week. Much better than the four from the week prior. None of this week’s sweat seshs were “hardcore extreme”, and they were all relatively moderate/short in length, but I’m definitely glad I got myself movin’ more days than not. Wednesday’s plyo workout was a fun one mid-week!

Negative >>

I’m less than two weeks out from vacation. Bikini body “prep” has been on my mind for quite some time. Well, frankly, probably since I booked the flights to Kuaui. Would I intensify my workout routine or clean up my diet — both?

A couple of weeks ago, I set out to do a second round of the 21-Day Sugar Detox, with plans to actually complete the full 21-day plan. I have a tupperweare of fresh cut pineapple in my fridge, so it’s fair to say that idea was cut short. I have had a lot of practice listening to my body, and it didn’t feel right eating almond butter multiple times per day, albeit tasty. My inside machinery was not/is not running as I had hoped the detox would encourage it to do so.

One more note: the plank party started strong at the beginning of the week, but it quickly fell to the wayside. Tummy troubles are getting in the way of both my “diet” (a.k.a. eating style) and exercise (to some extent).

While a sleek bikini body was a nice idea – and a Hawaiian vacation is the ultimate motivation to tone up – having my insides feel good is more important to me. Currently, my insides (lower abdomen) are a mess… a mess I tell ya.

Friends >> It is so vital to listen to your body. Your mind may want to “detox” – and eating hard boiled eggs and kale may seem doable for three weeks – but if your body is telling/showing you otherwise, please listen to it. It knows what you need. And… stressing about your detox “cheats” and rest days will not help your body perform at its optimal state either. Stress and digestion are linked — I can tell you that.

Workouts | Week of February 24

Monday – 20-Minute Kettlebell Tabata Workout + 50 burpees (no push-up) + 8-Minute Plank Workout + plank (12 minutes total)

Tuesday – 15 min. run + 40-Minute Metabolism-Boosting Workout + 50 step-ups (random) + plank (6 minutes total)

low energy, minimal effort

Wednesday – Power Plyo Tabata Workout + plank (10 minutes total)

Thursday – Rest Day 

Friday – 30 min. cycle + 100 burpees (with push-up), 100 kettlebell swings @ 25#, 100 squats @ 25# + plank (2 minutes)

Saturday – 3.1 mile run + Dorm Room Dumbbell Workout (sans burpees)

Sunday – 3.5 mile run

* * *

Let’s chat!

Do you typically perform burpees with or without a push-up?

Would you rather run in the heat or cold?

Have you ever pressured yourself to “tone up” for a vacation or event?

What method did you use? What was that experience like for you?