Tuesday, February 26, 2008

The final workout

Distance: 3.25 miles

Calories: 475.2

Workout: run 3 miles (6.5 mph); 1/4 cool down

This was the final workout on this training program. I can officially say I can run a 5K! I have ran (and in the beginning walked) over 73 miles. I have lost 17 pounds. I now weigh 148 pounds!

I said from the beginning that this was a journey. To search inside myself and find what was missing and I have found Jesus! I knew Jesus before I started running but now I KNOW that He has been waiting for me to fully commit to Him in all areas of my life. To let go of any fears I might have, any reservations I might have, any obstacles I may be imagining, any limits that I may have been placing on Him. I have been in training to run but have found the more I run the more I realize that I am in training to live for Jesus. So that when a door opens I am aware that it is open for me and I will have the courage and the endurance to walk...to run through that door!

I feel like God has been speaking to me SO LOUDLY in the last two months. He has been using so many different areas of my life to help me connect the dots I can only conclude that God has something new in mind for me. I don't know what it is yet and even when I do know it may not be something that is so drastic that all will immediately know. But I will know and so will Jesus!

Thank you to those of you who have been on this journey with me! I love you all! At this point I think this will be my final entry. I am leaving this blog up for now as a reminder to myself of where I was and were I am today! I will be continuing to run but I feel like this blog has served its purpose and this chapter is now closed.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Week 9; Day 2

Distance: 3.25 miles

Calories: 474.2

Workout: run 2 miles (6.5 mph); run 1 mile (6 mph); 1/4 mile cool down

So I was hoping to finish the whole 3 miles at 6.5 mph but my legs decided otherwise! Glad I was able to finish the full three miles but it was a stuggle on the last half mile. Hopefully next time will be better...

Friday, February 22, 2008

Week 9; Day 1

The final week of this training program!!

Distance: 4 1/4 miles

Calories: 626.1

Workout: run 4 miles (6 mph); 1/4 mile cool down

It's good to alive and running with Jesus in my heart!

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Week 8...The day she ran 3 MILES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Distance: 3 1/4 miles
Calories: 474.6
Workout: run 3 miles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (6 mph); 1/4 mile cool down

I am just AMAZED to even be able to blog this tonight!!
I cannot take any credit for this! Praise Jesus!
It is through His strength all things are possible!


Notice anything different?!?!?!?!?!?

Monday, February 18, 2008

Week 8, Day 2

Distance: 3 miles

Calories: 444.5

Workout: run 2 3/4 miles (6 mph); 1/4 mile cool down

Getting closer and closer to the finish line!!!

Running with Crystal

So Sundays have become my "Running with Crystal" days!!

I did MUCH better this Sunday than last! Don't know if it was attitude or that I was more relaxed or what. It was just better!

So we ran a couple miles...I almost made it to the top of 7th street...still need to work on running uphill! Next time I'll make it!

Thing I love about running with Crystal is that when you get done, you get to hang out on her comfy couch, drink some very cold bottled water and visit before returning home to your family!

Thanks again Crystal!

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Week 8, Day 1

Distance: 3 miles

Calories: 441

Workout: 2 3/4 miles (6 mph); 1/4 mile cool down

My Saturday's in Feb and March are spent sitting in a chair. Somedays I swear I can actually feel my butt widening as I set there hour after hour preparing tax returns and financial statments for our clients. So it feels especially good when Saturdays are a running day...I'm on the every other day schedule right now.

As I was running I'm thinking to myself. When did it get this hard to be healthy? Is it just that I have ignored it for so long that it is starting to catch up with me? Or is it something else? When you go to the grocery store and look at the food on the shelves you have three choices...regular, light or fat free...for pretty much everything. The news is always telling us that obesity is at an all time high for Americans...so why wouldn't the manufacturers just make the fat free stuff and just have it be the "regular"? I know, I know...it's all about the money. Maybe I'm just being more aware right now...Ted says I'm obsessing over my food...I feel like I'm in a war right now...not with Ted (he's totally on board) but with the food!

I'm taking the same approach with this as we did this summer when we did a total financial "diet" (Dave Ramsey)...he says "You control your money, don't let your money control you. You have to TELL your money what to do..." So I'm controlling my food...planning meals, reading labels, calculating points...."TELLING" my food what to "do"...

Anyway, I don't really know where I was going with that last statement and my steamer timer just went off so that means it's time to eat! Steamed broccoli and chicken tetrazini...the tetrazini is mass points but when you run first before you eat it you are OKAY!!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Week 7; Day 3

Distance: 3 miles

Calories: 425.3

Workout: 1 3/4 miles (6.5 mph); 3/4 mile (6 mph); 1/2 mile cool down

In honor of love day I attempted to keep my Training Zone in the "red". In this case red does NOT equal love; it equals aerobic!! I had to dial it down for the last 3/4 mile...I thought my lungs were going to explode!

Conclusions of the day...I need to SLOW down. My body is TIRED!! The next two weeks I will be sticking with 6 mph as I progress up to running 3 miles. And the incline, well that's just going to have to wait until after tax season!

In other news, I have lost at total of 12 lbs!! I am VERY excited about that!

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Week 7; Day 2

Distance: 3 miles

Calories: 441

Workout: It was supposed to be run 2.5 miles; I decided to do this...

1/4 mile 3% incline; 6 mph
1/4 mile 1% incline; 6 mph
1/4 mile 3% incline; 6 mph
1/4 mile 1% incline; 6 mph
1/2 mile 6.5 mph
1/4 mile 4 mph
1/2 mile 6 mph
1/8 mile 3% incline; 5 mph
1/8 mile 7 mph
1/2 mile cool down

My legs are DEAD right now! The incline work totally burns!! Can't say that I really feel good about this workout. Its done so that's great but I felt like the treadmill was getting the best of me most of the time. I did notice the time went by a lot faster when I was changing this up ever 1/4 mile or so.

Plans for Day 3...no incline; faster pace (6.5 mph) for 2.5 miles.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Road Test

Pre-run feelings: very nervous. Excited to be putting my training to the test, nervous that I was not going to be able to keep up with Crystal and Robin.

During the run: right off things were okay, pace was good, my legs felt good, thinking to myself "I can do this". Then we turned the corner and started running into the wind...my legs started getting heavy (and burning)...breathing got heavier...TOTAL REALITY CHECK! I am not in shape yet!!:) Very glad that Crystal had asked her regular partner to come with us...that way she had someone to visit with since I could barely talk!! They normally run 3 miles...we ran 1.75 and walked a couple blocks...her watch said our distance was 1.9 miles and our pace was 11 something per mile (that averaged in our walking speed too I think) Robin has one of those fancy running watches...very cool.

Post-run feelings: Definitely have A LOT more work to do. I'm totally beat right now. Glad that I did this today. It was a good test to see exactly were I am. Am going to adjust my training program over the next few weeks to include some incline work on the treadmill. A month ago I wouldn't have even been able to make it to the end of the block so progress has been made but I will not be calling myself a runner just yet!;)

Friday, February 8, 2008

Week 7, Day 1

Distance: 3 miles

Calories: 441

Workout: 1/4 mile (4 mph); 2.5 miles (6 mph); 1/4 mile (cool down); rubber band training upper body

Sunday road test! Hope I can keep up!! Really hoping that training on the treadmill hasn't given me a false confidence in my running. I am hopeful that it will be a good thing to be outside. 25 minutes of staring at the wall is BORING!!

The last half mile was pretty tough tonight. But I am running really late tonight since we went grocery shopping. So I think I can add another mile or so of walking to my work out, right?!?!? I had the list where you have to go to all sides of of the store...you know, Q-tips, windsheild wiper fluid, food, food, food...more food...

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Week 6, Day 3

Distance: 3 miles

Calories: 445

Workout: 5 min warm-up (4 mph); run 25 min (6 mph); cool down

I have things to say but the stack of work in my office is calling me to hurry up and eat dinner and get back to work!

Monday, February 4, 2008

Week 6, Day 2

Distance: 2.75 miles

Calories: 410

Workout: 5 min warm-up (4 mph); run 10 min (6 mph); walk 3 min (4 mph); run 10 min (6 mph); cool down

Off to do more taxes!!!

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Week 6, Day 1

So I thought this was appropriate...not that I'm a big Mac fan...although I am a BIG fan of my Ipod nano...so I guess that makes me an Apple fan of sorts...anyway, I am starting to feel like "a new soul" and its a catchy tune so here you go:




Truly I'm a PC girl at heart! Too much left brain in this girl to be an Apple lady!;)

And now for the real deal...

Calories: 410

Distance: 2.75

Workout: 5 min warm-up (4 mph); run 5 min (6 mph); walk 3 min (4 mph); run 8 min (6 mph); 3 min (4 mph); run 5 min (6 mph); 5 min cool down; rubber band work-out-upper body

Best thing about this workout: I got to eat TWO pieces of YUMMY lasagna for dinner!;) Cause yeah, I'm still all about eating!:)

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Week 5, Day 3

My legs are tingly and my hands are a bit shaky but...

I DID IT!!

Distance: 2.595 miles

Calories: 382.9

Workout: 5 min warm-up (4 mph); 20 min run (6 mph); 5 min cool down

Yeah that's right I said 20 minutes RUNNING! Well what I consider running at this point!!

WOHOO!!!

Today, I weighed 158 lbs...one month ago (December 28th to be exact) I weighed 165 lbs!
7 lbs!!!

WOHOO!!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Week 5, Day 2

Distance: 2.5 miles

Calories: 372.6

Workout: 5 min warm-up (4 mph); run 8 min (6 mph); walk 5 min (4 mph); run 8 min (6 mph)\

It's just mind over matter now! Next up 20 minutes of running...

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Week 5, Day 1

Distance: 2.5 miles

Calories: 372.9

Work-out: 5 min warm-up (4 mph); jog 5 min (6 mph); walk 3 min (4 mph); jog 5 min (6 mph); walk 3 min (4 mph); jog 5 min (6 mph); 5 min cool down. Rubber band training -upper body

How do I feel: GOOD!

I was pretty tired on the last 5 minute run but I think that probably had a lot to do with all the running around in the front yard with the boys this afternoon and helping Ted shovel the snow off our walks. Its a lot of work when you don't have a snow shovel...hello it hasn't snowed here like this since we have owned this house...I'm buying one next time I'm at the store though!

Only complaint, my knee is bugging me. Well, it's not really my knee its really the top of my calf muscle. Its really tight. Hoping that it goes away this week. Doesn't really bother me when I run just when I walk. Weird! More Advil I guess!;)

Friday, January 25, 2008

Week 4, Day 3

Distance: 2.5 miles

Calories: 388.1

Workout: 5 min warm-up (4 mph); jog 3 min (6 mph, 1% incline); walk 90 sec (4 mph, 1% incline); jog 5 min (6 mph, 2% incline); walk 2.5 min (4 mph, 2% incline); jog 3 min (6 mph, 2% incline); walk 90 sec (4 mph); jog 5 min (6 mph); 5 min cool down

Twelve BEAUTIFUL marks on my workout schedule! Twelve boxes checked on my workout calendar!!! One month and I'm still going after this!

Tonight was a good test for me. I have kept myself under my points allowance all week this week. Tonight we went to a dinner at the church. They served all of my favorites but I resisted. I did eat but small portions...my best guess I walked away from a dinner consisting of prime rib, rolls, Cesar type salad; mashed potatoes and red velvet cupcakes with a 24 point dinner...I know that's a lot of points but trust me it could have been sooooo much more. I did saved 13 of my points today for it and haven't used any flex points this week! And since I ran tonight I'm counting it a VICTORY! Thing that's so crazy about it is that I feel a lot better now than I would have if I would have stuffed myself. My stomach isn't all bloated and there is no way I could have ran tonight if I would have stuffed myself at the dinner. So maybe a new leaf turning over for me here!:)

I'm starting to crave working out...a good thing! I was running every third day but I'm recovering faster and faster from each run so I'm able to run every other day now. CRAZY!!! A month ago I could barely jog for 90 seconds. Now I'm running for much longer than that. It has become a time for me and God to hang out too. My Ipod is cramed with worship music. Tonight "Sweetly Broken" by Jeremy Riddle came on just as I was starting to cool down. Its one of my favorites. It talks about clinging to the cross! The cross that my...our savior, Jesus died on. To buy the forgiveness of siners. The greatest demonstration of love. The perfect sacrafice! Jesus calls to each of us from the cross. With arms open wide He waits for each of us to make a choice to be broken before him and surrender our lives to Him. To be surrendered to His will for our lives. Hands held high and worshiping Him. Eternally gratefully for the cross! Humbled before our mighty and glorious God! Humbled that He would love me...so unworthy and so very lost for a long time. He was just waiting for me to come home! And I'm home!

Final thing...today was my first "wow" day! You know, "Wow I can actually button those pants now!";) Wore a pair of pants I haven't worn in months today because well they finally button!:)

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Week 4, Day 2 and a Reward

Distance: 2.5 miles

Calories: 383.3

Workout: 5 min warm-up (4 mph); jog 3 min (6 mph, 1% incline); walk 90 sec (4 mph); jog 5 min (6 mph, 2% incline); walk 2.5 min (4 mph); jog 3 min (6 mph); walk 90 sec (4 mph); jog 5 min (6 mph); 5 min cool down ... rubber band training-arms


Reward:

Smart Ones Mint Chocolate sundae thing...YUMMY! And tea because let's face it folks...its COLD outside tonight and its too late for coffee! Only 3 points!!
Double yeah that I have three points left today! Wohoo! So far so good this week...under my point allowance all three days! I'm feeling like I can really do this. I'm sure I'll have some set backs but hey its a good start!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Guilt

Something I have struggled with a lot in my life. Not always about food but sometimes. I've been into watching "The Biggest Loser" since season 1. We (Ted and I) even joined "The Biggest Loser Club" online last year. We both lost a bunch of weight. Then one of my best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer and that changed everything and 15 of those pound I lost came back. I hate the whole dieting thing...the weighing, the measuring, the reading of the nutrition facts of everything before I put it in my cart at the store, the increased prep time...need I go on. But sometimes its just time to take a stand! And now is the time for me. I'm not going back up a size I refuse. So this week I am making the commitment to do the diet thing in the hopes that the diet thing will become my regular thing and it won't be so hard. My stomach won't growl so much and that my pants size will return to single digits. So tonight I watched "The Biggest Loser" guilt-free because I had this for dinner:

Wohoo...four point dinner! Thanks for the tip on the bread Misty! It's totally saving me!

My sweet babysitter, Mary, lost over 60 pounds on WW last year and gave this to me tonight to start me on my journey. She almost made me cry...she just gave these to me and said, "Here...do good! I know you will!" I just love her.

Let me tell you that little calculator thing is just my style! Total nerd here and probably have more calculators than any one person needs. Happy to add this little one to my life.

I've been running a little over three weeks and watching what I eat over that same time. I officially started counting points last weekend. So far I'm down 4.5 lbs. Yeah! This is when I start to get nervous. Will I get obsessed with this whole thing again? In college, I got very addicted (the best way to describe the dysfunction it became) to weight lifting and exercise in general. I way over did things and was very, very thin. I pretty much lived on steamed chicken and lettuce. I was not anorexic but I was skinny. So much so that when I see pictures of myself now I look like someone that has been ill for a long time or something. It was not healthy and I was not a very happy person.

I'm definitely in a much better place than I was at that time in my life. But occasionally the memories resurface and make me wonder if I could ever let it get out of control again like that. Guess maybe I should lose more than 4.5 lbs before I start worrying about being too skinny!?!?!;)

Monday, January 21, 2008

Week 4, day 1

Distance: 2.5 miles

Calories: 373.9...I know Misty...why didn't I finish it out...I don't know?!?!?

Work out: 5 min warm-up (4 mph); jog 3 min (6 mph); walk 90 sec (4 mph); jog 5 min (6 mph); walk 2.5 min (4 mph); jog 3 min (6 mph); walk 90 sec (4 mph); jog 5 min(6 mph); 5 min cool down

how do I feel: GOOD!!

giving this weight watchers thing a try... don't really have time for the point tracking but at least it gives me a little bit of a guideline. I've never eaten this much broccoli and cauliflower in my life! Who knew how little food is actually required for one person to survive on!;)

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Week 3, Day 3...a day early

I decide that day 3 needed to come sooner because of these:


The most perfect chocolate cupcakes ever! Made by Kristi Fitzgerald...you can find her working at the Daisy Bucket...heaven in a paper wrapper is the best way to describe them! Justin's birthday party was today...so since I ate two at the party and one later this evening I figured I better get my booty on the treadmill!;)

Distance: 3 miles

Calories: 517

Work out: 5 min (4 mph); run 90 sec (7 mph); walk 90 sec (4mph); run 3 min (7 mph); walk 3 min (4 mph)...repeat...equals 2 miles. 3rd mile walk 4 mph with incline...3%...4%...5%...2%. 5 minute cool down.

I'm ready for week 4!

Friday, January 18, 2008

Week 3, Day 2

Garlic pizza for dinner before you decide to run as far as fast as you can does NOT work well! I was close to losing that same dinner tonight...I know TMI but this blog is for me too and I need to have this post to remind myself what NOT to do.

So a test for myself...even though I have read a hundred times take things slow. Theory..this is getting easier I think I can run faster than this. Truth...I'm an idiot and I should follow the training plan that is put together by professional trainers who know what they are doing.

Did the 5 minute warm up (4 mph); ran 90 sec (6 mph); walk 1 minute (4 mph); and then ran a full mile at 6.5 mph...I finished but it pretty much messed up my entire work out. Even though I ran the whole mile...I still only ended up with total calories burned 376; total miles 2.534. So lesson learned. Still REALLY out of shape here.

My feet are taking a total beating! Too many cheap high heels, gave me a weird calluse on my foot. Turns out it is getting aggravated by my new hobby. Hopefully Kerasal will solve my problem.

Got my arm band for my Ipod. Still look like a dork, just not as big of one!:)



I'm usually not one to take pictures of myself but in this little journey I think it will be good to have a few to compare over time. So bare with me on all the self portraits.

Totally ready to get a shower and go to bed! Week 3, day 2: DONE!

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Taking it to the next level

After kicking 5K butt this is the next step. Check out our next training regiment girls!?!?!?

Happy Running this week!!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Week 3, Day 1

So here I am after my workout including arms today:


Distance: 2.5 miles

Calories burned: 375

Workout: 5 minute warm-up (4 mph); 90 seconds (6 mph); 90 seconds (4 mph); 3 minutes (6 mph); 3 minutes (4 mph);90 seconds (6 mph); 90 seconds (4 mph); 3 minutes (6 mph); 3 minutes (4 mph); 3 minutes (6 mph); 3 minutes (4 mph); 5 minute cool down; rubber band training upper body


Definitely stepping things up now. I felt pretty good after this. Really happy with my music selections from the Itunes store tonight. I started out thinking that I needed to have a bunch of old school heavy metal and rock songs (in my other life when I was a weight lifting junkie that kind of music was required for proper workouts...so I thought). Anywho, I ended up with this playlist:


Complicated Avril Lavigne
My Happy Ending Avril Lavigne
Glory Defined Building 429
The Space In Between Us Building 429
Sweetly Broken Jeremy Riddle
No Ordinary Love (Featuring Nirva Dorsaint-Ready) tobyMac
Gone tobyMac
Made to Love tobyMac
Cry Out to Jesus Third Day
Get On Third Day
Mountain of God (Remastered) Third Day
A Million Miles Away MercyMe
Here With Me MercyMe
Spoken For MercyMe
Bring the Rain MercyMe
House of God MercyMe
I Worship You MercyMe
Grace Tells Another Story MercyMe
God With Us MercyMe
All to You Lincoln Brewster
Love the Lord Lincoln Brewster
Strong Tower Kutless
Beyond the Surface Kutless
Take You Back Jeremy Camp
Give You Glory Jeremy Camp
Lifesong Casting Crowns
East to West Casting Crowns
Every Time I Breathe Big Daddy Weave
Matchless Aaron Shust
Bad Day Daniel Powter

Mostly Christian Rock with a few others. I think that it was my best work out yet. Very focused. Demonstrating again that I need to give all areas of my life to God.

And now I'm off to order an arm band to hold my ipod when I run because I look like a total dork!:) Also demonstrating the need for me to keep my training out of the public eye for a bit longer!:)

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Week 2; Day 3

Distance: 2.25 miles

Workout: 5 minute warm-up (4 mph); 90 sec running (6 mph) and 2 min walking (4 mph) for 20 minutes; 5 minute cool down--skipped the arms today--I'm on a time crunch this morning...headed to the Daisy Bucket to scrapbook--plan to pick up the arms tomorrow

How do I feel:

AWESOME!!

Changes I have noticed:

weight loss-none...sorta weird I think that I've been working out way more than I have been for the last six months and I still haven't lost a pound...could have something to do with all the ice cream I have been eating this week!:)

Although my body is starting to change...my rear and thighs are getting a lot less jiggly when I run. This is another reason for running strictly on the treadmill in my bedroom...not causing blindness or car accidents...no need to expose others to that!;)

Still definitely a long way to go but I'm feeling more and more committed to this than I was when I first started. It was sort of a whim at first and now I think this is going to become my new way of life. The fever is catching on too. Ted is starting to get into it...not the running; he is strictly a walking guy but we are changing our eating as a household which I totally appreciate and his is supporting the time I'm cutting out to do the exercising! Thanks honey! I love you!!

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Week 2, Day 2

My new shoes arrived and so has my Ipod...although my Ipod is currently without tunes. Haven't had time to get it set up yet.

My legs are like rubber right now (the sign of a GOOD workout) and I know I am going to sleep well tonight. My feet are very happy about my new running shoes!

The workout: 5 minute warm-up (4 mph); 90 seconds jogging (5 mph)/2 minutes walking (4 mph) for 20 minutes; 5 minute cool down. Rubber band work out for arms and sholders.

Total distance: 2 miles

Total calories burned: 341 (unfortunately I ate homemade tomales for dinner...yummy but pretty sure they aren't low cal!)

Another day down, another day closer to running that 5k! Feeling good about doing this.

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Week 2, Day 1

All I have to say is DONE! And I'm off to clean my house!:)

Friday, January 4, 2008

Good Tips

Shannon's friend Leslie has a link to her sister, Sonya Roosendaal on her blog. Sonya is a trainer in the LA area....

Check it out out HERE

Some good tips on diet and interval training. I love her thoughts on making exercise fun! Too bad she's not closer...I think I would hire her!:)

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Day 3

Week 1, Day 3...COMPLETE!! I can feel my muscles starting to stiffen as I sit here so this will be brief. I have to say though...I LOVE running! I had forgotten how good it feels to just crank up the music and move! Granted I'm following the program and not getting ahead of myself but I am so looking forward to being able to run a race!

This purple band has joined me in my workout routine. My arms and back will be sore tomorrow but hey after a few weeks of this maybe just my hand will wave at you instead of my whole arm!;)


My little dude that came in to enjoy some tunes at the end of my workout!


Another "X"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My treat tonight...raspberry jello with light whipped cream! It was YUMMY!

And finally coming soon, my birthday present and my new work out partner!

The workout: 5 minute warm-up 4.0 mph; 60 seconds jogging (5.0 mph), 90 seconds walking (4.0 mph) for 20 minutes; 5 minute cool down; and then this:

Strength Training With Resistance Bands

The following workout is an upper body strength training routine using a resistance band. For beginners, start with one set of 16 repetitions of each exercise. For intermediate exercisers (those who have been lifting weights for up to three months), perform 1-2 sets of 12-16 repetitions. For advanced exercisers (those who have been lifting weights for three or more months), perform 2-3 sets of 12-16 repetitions. Make sure you warm up for 5-10 minutes before beginning this routine and that you stretch each muscle group both between sets and after your workout. To progress, use thicker resistance bands.

Chest Press

Wrap the band around something stable behind you and hold handles in both hands, tubing running along the inside of the arms (under the armpits), palms facing each other. Squeeze chest and press arms out in front of you. Return to start and repeat.

Bent Over Row

Center tube under feet and bend forward at the waist, back flat and abs in. Grab tube close to the feet and bend the elbows to pull the arms up to the torso, squeezing the back. You can also do a seated version on a ball or chair.

Rear Delt Row

Wrap band around stable object and sit (or stand) facing it, holding the handles with arms out in front, palms down. Pull the elbows back until level with torso, squeezing the shoulder blades and keeping arms parallel to ground.

One-Armed Reverse Fly

With front foot standing on one end of the band, hold other end in one hand and lean over, abs in, torso at 45 degrees. Keeping elbow slight bent and in fixed position, raise arm out to shoulder level, squeezing shoulder blades.

One-Armed Lateral Raise

Sit (or stand) with one end of tube under foot and the other end in one hand. Keeping elbow slightly bent and fixed, lift the arm out to side, to shoulder level.

Overhead Press

Place both feet on tube and grasp handles, bringing hands up just over shoulders with elbows bent and palms in. Press arms up over head and then lower.

External Rotation

Attach band to a sturdy object and sit or stand with right side facing object, holding handle in the left hand. Begin with hand in front of belly, elbow at 90 degrees. Keeping elbow in fixed position, rotate the forearm out to the side to about 30-45 degrees (not too far!). Skip this move if you have shoulder problems.

Bicep Curl

Place both feet on tube and grasp handles (the wider the feet, the harder the exercise). Bend the elbows and curl hands up towards shoulder. Lower and repeat.

Cross-Body Bicep

Place left foot on band and hold the handle in right hand. Begin the move with palm facing in and bend the elbow, curling hand up towards the shoulder, going across the body.

Band Kickback

Attach band to sturdy object in front of you in a split stance, bent at the waist with abs in. Hold handle in one hand, elbow bent. Straighten the arm, contracting the back of the arm.