Finding the Right Fit - Toning and Lengthening Muscles

While away on vacation last year I happened upon an exercise DVD at a thrift store that I hadn't yet tried. Given my history with trying every exercise routine that has been released on DVD, my fitness nerve was struck and I snatched it up with my anticipation levels running high to see how my body and interest levels would respond to something new.

If there were ever a key piece of advice I could give about maintaining a workout regjme, this would be one to take note of and never forget,

If you keep doing the same thing, you will get the same results.

Be willing to periodically change up your workout routine.

 

As you surprise your body with a new and different physical challenge, your body will be prompted to respond in a manner that speeds up your metabolism, burning more calories and fat than if you just continued doing the same routine day after day.

 

The Firm workouts were just what I needed to move beyond my usual cardio routine. It was at this time that I needed to be challenged by lifting weights that were heavier than my usual 3 lb. weights. The original Firm Workout Program was designed and produced by the Benson sisters in the 80's. Other companies have continued to produce a variation of the original Firm Workout, but I've found that they are not as rigorous as the 80's original Volumes 1-4 set of DVDs.

The first volume of DVDs are at least an hour in length and do a thorough job of toning all major muscle groups with light (3-5 lbs), medium (5-8 lbs), and heavy (10 lbs and up) weights. They also include a lengthy floor routine to work the thighs and buttocks using ankle weights (1 1/2 - 3 lb) and heavy weights. I highly suggest that on your first attempts at doing the workouts, DON'T USE WEIGHTS. Watch the videos through the first time that you get them and on your first try at it, do the routine with no weights at all. As your body adjust to the routine itself, incorporate weights as you feel comfortable. If you choose to go with the original volume of Firm workouts, you'll have to be comfortable with working out to 80s music and watching instructors with leg warmers and bright, wild colors. I find it rather entertaining.

The Firm is by far the most complete workout routine to lengthen and tone your muscles. If you're ready for a challenge, dust off your leg warmers and drag that step box out of your garage and get to work!

Year 4 - God's Grace

By God's grace we've entered another school year! The summer was a time filled with impromptu moments in the pool, catching up on movies we've wanted to see, and just plain relaxing. We also made a concerted effort this summer to maintain a weekly routine of doing Math and writing work.

As we enter our second week of school, I am praising the Lord that we were successful at executing a summer study schedule. There has been less heart ache and brain loss in Math this school year thus far because of the girl's commitment (along with Mom's weekly routine of leading a peaceful march to the school room) to doing some summer work.

As Lea enters 5th grade and Love officially becomes a 7th grader, there has already been a bittersweet moment. I realize that your kids grow and mature from year to year, but does it have to happen so fast? The first day of school last week Love asked if she could do all her Sonlight History Readers on her own. Isn't it enough that she's doing her own independent Science curriculum? Now history too? Ugh. I thought that I'd be all good with this letting-go process, but I have to say that it's harder than it looks.

The sweet part of the bittersweetness came when I glanced at Love's Science notebook at the end of the week. The notes were so thoroughly taken, neat handwriting, vocabulary words highlighted, etc. I didn't even give her instructions on how to take notes. She can't be doing things like that without prior instruction...can she?

She had come up with her own plan and was executing it. I guess she's just doing what I've been trying to get her to do since, well, forever. Be self-disciplined. Applying instruction independent of someone else having to tell you what to do.

Who would've thought that I'd be the one schooled the first week of school? Maybe I should've posed for a school picture too!

Lea 5th grade

Love 7th grade