December 6, 2012

December 6th -- Core Training Class -- Class Favorites: A variety of exercises including: cherry pickers, squats, reverse crunches, L-ups, supermans, and various other exercising working the entire core area.

This was the last class of the semester. I enjoyed this course a great deal, and am sad to see it end. However, I feel prepared to keep up with my core training through the winter break, and hopefully will be able to take another fitness course upon returning.
I'd like to thank the course instructor, Jenna Monahan, for all of her help and support, and I hope to take another one of her classes in the near future!

December 4, 2012

December 4th - Core Training Class - 120 Day! 120 reps of: crunches, leg lifts, scissors, planks, and a variety of other exercises (including push-ups and cherry pickers) that worked the entire core area.

This class was incredibly intense. I found myself becoming tired and strained at approximately the 75 rep mark, and struggled after that. However, this class illuminated the fact that I need to work on increased reps, which I will try to incorporate in my later workouts.
I'm looking forward to next class, but am sad that it will be the last of the semester.

November 29, 2012

November 29th - Core Training Class - 75 Day! - 75 of everything including: Crunches, L-ups, Hamstring Crunches, Jackknife Crunches, Squats. As well as cherry pickers with the medicine ball, jogging, planks (both sides and front (with dips)), and push-ups.

Today was intense! It was very difficult for me to complete all of the reps, and I left feeling very tired. However, though I'm a bit sore now (a few hours removed from the workout), I am confident that if I was to incorporate this high-intensity workout into my daily routine, I would become much stronger.
Overall, though they are a strain to complete, I'm enjoying these high-intensity workouts, and am sad to see the course coming to an end.
I'm looking forward to the next class, though!

November 27, 2012

November 27th - Core Training - 100 Day! - 100 crunches, L-ups, bridge pulses, bridge pose, cherry pickers, and lunges. Also, planks, cherry pickers with the medicine ball, and push-ups!

Today's class was difficult! The 100 repetitions was definitely a strain, and became very tiring. However, it felt fantastic afterwards (having so fully exercised such a variety of muscles).
Even though this workout was incredibly intense, I enjoyed it a great deal! In the future, I will definitely keep in mind the value of numerous repetitions of the same exercise as opposed to numerous exercises with little repetition. This class demonstrated just how valuable depth, not breadth, is in a workout!
I'm looking forward to next class!

November 20, 2012

November 20th - Core Training Class - Various Exercises including: Yoga (Tree Pose, Upward/Downward Dog, Warrior I/II), Squats, Lunges, Cherry Pickers, Reverse Crunches, Push-ups, Pilates 100, and other exercises that worked the arms, legs, and abs.

Today's lesson was a lot of fun. Each student chose their favorite exercise, and this gave the class a wide variety of workouts with both slow and fast paced exercises.
I chose a yoga pose (walk-down upward dog and walk-down downward dog). I chose this specific exercise because it gives the legs a good stretch, and always leaves me feeling relaxed and prepared for more intense workouts.
I was able to complete all of the exercises, and left the class feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I'm looking forward to next class, and will definitely find time over break to keep exercising!

November 15, 2012

November 15th - Core Training Class - Exercise Ball exercises including: Crunches, Planks (two-legged and one-legged), L-ups, Leg Lifts, Rolls, Squats, Push-ups, Jogging, and other exercises that worked primarily the abs and arms.

Today's workout was difficult but rewarding. After the class's end, I was very tired, but with an undeniable sense of achievement. I was able to complete all of the exercises (except for the planks on the exercise ball due to my inability to balance myself, even with my knees on the floor).
One exercise that I specifically enjoyed was the leg lifts, because it really targeted my abs, which is one of my goals to improve on. I will probably add this exercise to my workout plan!
Overall, today's lesson went very well, and I am looking forward to next class!

November 13, 2012

November 13th - Core Training Class - Partner Activities including: Lunges with the resistance bands, side-shuffle catch with the medicine ball, squats with the resistance bands, squats with the medicine ball, push-ups, and jogging.

This class went well. It wasn't as intense as a full class workout, and still left me feeling energized by the end. The resistance bands and medicine ball exercises are becoming a bit easier, which is encouraging (if that is an indication that I have become stronger, and am now able to better handle them).
Overall, I am feeling stronger and healthier than I did when I first started the course, and am definitely going to continue these workouts after the class has finished!

November 8, 2012

November 8th - Core Training Class - L-ups, planks, side planks, side dips, push-ups, squats (push up and push out), jogging, crunches, sit-ups, and various other exercises that worked the upper and lower abs, legs, and arms.

Today's lesson was very difficult. We went back to all of the old exercises and they were intense! I am definitely going to incorporate these exercises into my workout schedule because they pushed me and, though I could barely get through some of them, I hope to soon be able to complete the entire workout.
Upon leaving the class I felt very tired, but now, having spend a bit of time since the class, I am feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
I am looking forward to next class and enjoyed getting back to the old exercises!

November 6, 2012

November 6th - Core Training Class - Student Lessons including: Insanity Core Training Program, and Free Weight Workout.

This class was very intense. The core training program was very difficult at times, and the free weight workout was also difficult at times. I might incorporate parts of the Insanity program into my workout schedule because though it was intense, I enjoyed it a great deal. It pushed me and, in continuing with it, I hope to be able to complete it one day (upon becoming fully in shape).
I'm starting to workout on my own now, and I am feeling a lot more physically fit than I did at the start of the semester. By creating a workout schedule, I hope to stick with core training even after the class ends because I am truly enjoying my improved physical well-being and don't want to go back to my less physically fit self.

November 1, 2012

November 1st -- Core Training Class -- Two Student Lessons: Yoga (with Sun Salutation), Core Workout (focusing on bottom and legs)

Today's lesson was VERY enjoyable. I loved both lessons, especially because they each incorporated yoga influences, which really enjoy. The first lesson's "Sun Salutation" is an exercise that I am considering doing every morning, and the second lesson was the perfect combination of exercises and rest (so I felt neither too strained nor too at ease).
Also, in accordance with my goal to become more all-around physically fit and toned, I am going to start running in the mornings. Right now, I am planning to run for about a mile, but, as I get used to this course, I will likely lengthen my runs and intensify my daily workout.
I am looking forward to the next class, and am truly motivated to start running every day!

October 25, 2012

October 25th -- Core Training Class -- Student Lessons including: Core Workout using bars and free weights, Intense Arm and Leg Workout with several variations of push-ups and squats, and a Core Workout that worked the arms, legs, and abs, using free weights.

Each of these lessons was enjoyable to take. However, I was unable to complete the Intense Arm and Leg workout. The intensity of each rep, combined with the number of reps we had to do, proved to be too much for me right now, and I found myself going slower than the group. This shows me a clear weakness: arm strength.  So, for the rest of the semester, I am going to exert a more concentrated effort on developing arm strength. The other two workouts went well (except for the one directly after the intense arm/leg workout by virtue of it being after such a strain).
I am looking forward to next class's group of lessons, and I am excited to have a defined goal to work towards for the remainder of this class and in my personal workout sessions.

October 23, 2012

October 23rd -- Core Training Class -- Student Lessons including: Intense Core Workout (with jumping jacks, push-ups with plates on feet, and sitting with feet in front of while pulling the body back (with feet on plates)), Workout with Dumbbells, Yoga (my lesson with Pengyu)

Today's lesson was a good variety. The intense core workout, which worked primarily the legs and abs, paired nicely with the dumbbell workout, which worked primarily the arms. Then, because both of these workouts were a bit strenuous, it was nice to do some yoga afterwards to stretch out the muscles and cool down from the faster-paced workouts. Overall, I greatly enjoyed this lesson, and I had a very pleasant time teaching.
I'm excited for the next class to see what variety of lessons those students will have planned!

October 18, 2012

October 18th -- Core Training Class -- Student lessons including: intense arm workout, lighter arm and leg workout, and ab workout

This lesson was enjoyable because it gave a variety of exercises and never allowed me to overwork any one area too much. I could not complete the intense arm workout (even the modified version) which shows me something I need to work on. Otherwise, I completed the exercises and felt refreshed and rejuvenated afterwards.
I'm looking forward to next class where I will be one of the teachers!

October 16, 2012

October 16th -- Core Training Class -- Stations with partner: Medicine Ball Catch (while on balance board), One-leg balance (on balance board), Leg-ups, Ab Twists (with resistance bands), Sit-ups, Planks (while doing "patty cake"), Group Cherry Pickers (with medicine ball) and various other exercises that worked primarily the abs and legs.

Today's exercise was great! All day my legs have felt fantastic. The group cherry-picker exercise was by far the hardest of the lesson, but because I pushed myself through the difficulty, my legs now feel much stronger! Today, I also practiced the yoga lesson that Pengyu and I will be teaching for next week, and in performing those stretches at the start of the class, I felt even more comfortable throughout the stations.
I thoroughly enjoyed today's lesson, and am particularly pleased with the refreshing feeling that came after the difficulty of the group cherry-picker circle.

October 11, 2012

October 11th -- Core Training Class -- Exercise with Free Weights: Arm Lifts (forward and sides), Crunches, Push-ups, Twists, Push-out Squats, Push-up Squats, Push-up Position Arm Lifts, Toe Touches, and various other exercises that gave the arms, legs, and abs a full workout.

(Today's class was tiring, but rewarding. The numerous repetitions at times seemed impossible to complete, but now that I've done them I feel like I had a thorough workout. I'm a bit sore in my legs, but it's a satisfying soreness because I know it is a step towards a healthier lifestyle. I'm looking foward to the stations next class and the student lessons in the coming weeks, and I am so pleased to have already learned so many exercises that I can continue at home, even after this course has finished.)

October 4, 2012

October 4th -- Core Training Class -- Pilates Video [leg lifts, crunches, leg circles (clockwise and counter-clockwise), "Supermans", stretches (legs over head), rolling back and forth, side planks, and a variety of exercises that gave the arms, legs, and abs a thorough workout.]

Yesterday's class was interesting. The video was different than the usual workout because the video was slower, with more emphasis on holding a position than doing multiple repetitions. This was at times difficult, but proved beneficial, because by the end of the class I felt fantastic. My leg and arm muscles felt sufficiently stretched and exerted, and I felt refreshed for the rest of the day.
I enjoyed the video because it gave us a different take on core training, and by changing the normal routine, I was able to get a great workout, due to the fact that my body was not accustomed to these exercises.

October 2, 2012

October 2nd - Core Training Class - Resistance Band Exercises (exercises involving pulling the band in one direction, while partner pulls the band in the opposite direction: lunges, side-facing pulls, forward-facing pulls), Medicine Ball Exercises (throwing the ball to partner, throwing and shuffling, kneeling and passing the ball to each other (clockwise and counter-clockwise), standing and passing the ball to each other (clockwise and counter-clockwise)), No Equipment Exercises (deep lunges, cherry-pickers)

Today's class required stamina and was difficult to complete. However, I left the class feeling refreshed and stronger, specifically in my legs. The lunges were the most challenging because they required me to not only lower myself into the lunge position, but also to pause a moment while lunging, putting a large strain on my upper legs. I did five sets of ten lunges to complete the exercise, and by the end, my legs were slightly sore and quite tired
I continue to see improvements in my physical well-being. I no longer run out of breath when climbing staircases, or feel the need to sit down after walking across campus. I have also noticed an improvement in my posture. I attribute these successes to both this core training class and my daily exercise of walking to classes, libraries, and dining halls. Between these two, I am gradually getting into shape!

September 28, 2012

September 28th -- Core Training Class -- The following exercises with resistance bands: Russian Twists, Elastic and Half Teaser (lying on back and lifting band in a crunch-like position), Abdominal Crunches, Trunk Extensions, Side-bends, Heel Kicks, Shoulder Exercises, Resistance Band Side and Front Steps. Also, push-ups and jogging.

(Yesterday's class went pretty well. I was able to complete all of the exercises and all of the reps with no soreness or exhaustion. I left feeling refreshed instead of tired, and I felt energized for the remainder of the day. Today I woke up, and though my legs feel slightly tired, I am, for the most part feeling great!
I am very excited to be feeling much more physically fit. Core Training class has already improved my strength, endurance, and sense of balance and coordination, and I'm looking forward to Tuesday's class to continue these improvements!)

September 25, 2012

September 25th -- Core Training Class -- Crunches (with and without resistance band), Side Steps (with and without resistance band), Forward Steps (with and without resistance band), Arm Lifts (kneeling on resistance band), Leg Push-outs (with resistance band around foot), Jogging, Planks (forward and to both sides), Plank Dips (forward and to both sides), Push-ups, and various other exercises working primarily the lower body.

(Today's class was less difficult than the previous classes. Besides the planks, which still give me some difficulty, I was able to complete all of the exercises without feeling worn-down, sore, or exhausted. Further, the resistance band exercises left me feeling refreshed by the class's end.
I have noticed that my lower body is becoming stronger. I no longer feel sore or tired walking around Grounds or walking up steps, as was the case before I began Core Training. Now, I'm able to walk all day and climb flights of steps without feeling exhausted.
My upper body still needs some work. The planks today were specifically difficult, and I'd like to become strong enough to complete regular push-ups, instead of the modified version that I currently do.
Overall, I am pleased with the progress that my body seems to be making, and I'm looking forward to next class to continue improving.)

September 20, 2012

September 20th -- Core Training Class -- Squats (pushing out, up, left, and right; with and without a medicine ball), Arm Lifts behind the back (with either medicine ball or exercise ball), Cherry Pickers (with and without medicine ball), Full Arm Planks (with and without medicine ball), L-crunches (with and without medicine ball), Regular Crunches (moving medicine ball from knees to hands), and various other exercises that focused primarily on the lower body and abs.

(Today's class was hard to complete because I came in extremely sore from the last class. However, I expected exercising with the medicine ball to be more difficult than it was.
I left the class today feeling sore and tired, but with a sense of accomplishment. As I've said before, I feel my body getting stronger, and in the last few days, my legs have shown considerable more strength then before I started the class.
Though I'm sore now, I enjoyed today's lesson very much and am looking forward to Tuesday's lesson!)

September 18, 2012

September 18th -- Core Training Class -- Cherry Pickers, Squats, Planks, Crunches, L-ups, Push-out Crunches, Jogging, and various other exercises that worked primarily on the lower abs and legs.

(Today was DIFFICULT at times. The number of repetitions of the cherry picker and squat exercises were challenging to get through, but because I was able to push through them, I feel refreshed and stronger. I left the class feeling slightly sore and tired, but in a good, encouraging way. I have noticed that lately walking around Grounds, which used to exhaust me, is becoming much less tiring. I feel as though my physical well-being is becoming continually healthier with each class, and I am eager for the next lesson to continue this progress!)

September 13, 2012

September 13, 2012 -- Core Training Class -- Arms Lifts (palms up, palms down, palms forward, palms backwards), Arm Lift and Holds (palms up, palms down, palms forward, palms backwards), L-ups, scissor legs, walking scissors, leg raises, flutters, push out crunches, six minute ab exercises, exercise ball exercises, and various other exercises working primarily the arms, abs, and legs.

(Today's exercise, though similar in composition to previous exercises, was not as difficult to complete, which makes me think that my body is truly starting to adjust. Today, I left the class feeling refreshed and not tired. Also, throughout the day, though I am walking just as much as I was a few weeks ago, I did not feel the sore muscles that I did before. All of these signs are making me hopeful that I am quickly getting into a good physical condition. I am excited to continue this core training class and continue making such progress!)

September 11th Workout

September 11, 2012 -- Core Training Class -- Arm Lifts (front, sides, palms up, palms down, palms forward, and palms backward), planks, leg lifts, scissor kicks, walking scissor kicks, crunches (90 degree and flat), walking lunges, jogging, and other exercises working primarily on the arms, legs, and lower abs. -- 75 minutes
(Today's workout was difficult, but I left the class feeling refreshed. This is an improvement from before because during the previous three classes I left feeling tired and slightly sore. Now, I'm feeling awake and alert. My legs are starting to feel much stronger, and I'm beginning to feel overall more physically fit. I am excited to continue this core training class, and am encouraged by these sudden improvements in my physical well-being.)

September 6th -- Core Training Class -- Crunches, 90 degree Crunches, Leg lifts (side and front), Squats, Leg Circles (clockwise and counter-clockwise), Planks, Push-ups, and various other exercises that emphasized the lower abs and leg muscles. -- 75 minutes
(Today's workout was particularly difficult because I was still struggling with sore muscles from the last workout, but I managed to keep up with the reps and, though I am feeling tired, I also feel quite refreshed.)

August 30th and September 4th Blog Entries

August 30th -- Core Training Class -- Push-ups, Sit-ups, Crunches, Torso Twists, Jogging, Planks, among various other exercises that provided a full-body workout. -- 75 minutes
(It was difficult to complete all of the reps, particularly the arm exercises. I found myself quite tired afterwards, but eager to continue the course and become more physically fit.)


September 4th -- Core Training Class -- Push-ups, Planks, Side Planks, Weight Lifts (front and side), Crunches, Jogging, Crab Walks, and several other exercises (focusing primarily on the upper body). -- 75 minutes
(Today's class was very difficult because it focused on arm exercises (my weakest area). Completing all of the reps was quite a challenge, and I felt very tired and slightly sore (in a good way) after the workout. I am excited to continue the course, and am eager to learn more exercises that I perform every day to stay in shape.)