30 minutes for 30 days

As a concerted effort to get off my ass and focus on movement and avoid scope creep, I decided to trick myself into getting things moving again.  I figured that I can easily walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes a day... and if I happen to walk longer, or even go crazy and break out into a running pace, well that's just gravy... mmmmm gravy :)  *ahem*

I started out on November 30th and so far I have been able to get in the 30 minutes per day.  This time of year is really busy with social activities outside the house, social activities at our house, baking, shopping etc etc, you get the picture right?  That being said, I think this 30/30 program is well timed and working out quite well.  To be accountable, I posted on facebook and several friends pledged to try doing something similar as well.  So far myself and Vicky seem to be the only people posting everyday, so I don't know how others are doing.

An added benefit that I did not foresee at all, much like getting T-boned at a 4 way stop, was me lifting weights all of a sudden.... well it wasn't that sudden like the barbell appeared in my hand like by magic... helloo Harry Potter.  Nope, it was more like I was surfing Pintrest (www.pintrest.com which is like bookmarking on speed) pinning some really gooey looking recipes and also seeing some fitness bloggers link and thinking: "hmmm that would be a good idea for the 30/30"  before you know it I had printed off a bunch of magazine scans that fitness bloggers seem to love posting and that very evening, whilst watching a movie I did some bicep curls, some shoulder presses, the obligatory tricep kickbacks (bat wings people!  I could fly to Japan) and a few deadlifts, but what really got me excited was a standing ab exercise routine that is done with weights.   I interspersed the lifting with some cardio like squats, high kicks, knee lifts and shadow boxing.  I was shocked that I really enjoyed that little routine.

I mean, I've done my share of crunches over time, but they always feel pointless to me since there is still a large layer of fat hiding them.  That standing ab routine, did make me feel like it was making a difference under all that stuff, so I think I'll be doing it more often.  Follow this link to see the workout:

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/standing-abs-workout

I'm also very tempted to buy a freestanding punching bag, but the reviews aren't great so far.... they keep saying they leak air... I guess inflatable is not the way to go, too bad because I can see it as being more convenient to move around... and you wouldn't have to hang it from the ceiling.  Besides I shouldn't be buying myself gifts before Christmas.