Last night I shared some pregnancy workout modifications that work well for me. Tonight, I want to give an example cardio workout I have been enjoying within those modifications. Just because I can’t run, do HIIT intervals, or go full speed ahead doesn’t mean my workouts aren’t effective.

For tonight’s workout, I increased my incline (for treadmill) or resistance (for elliptical) by 1 level each minute until reaching the level I determined as my “peak”. Then, I did the reverse and decreased 1 level each minute. I followed this pattern for 15 minutes on both the elliptical and treadmill.

To more clearly explain, look at the table below. Clearly, after that description, I’m a visual person when it comes to things like this.

And lucky for you, you can easily modify the following cardio workout for your current level of fitness – start at a higher incline/resistance, use a quicker speed, go longer, set your “peak” at a higher resistance/incline etc. I finished off with 15 easy minutes of a cool down and stretch. It’s been much harder doing yoga classes with the belly so I just focus on stretching out my body well after each workout. Flexibility is important!

During this workout I realized that I have grown accustomed to working out in the afternoon much easier than I expected. I love having the extra time to get things done during the day and I seem to have more energy in the afternoon. Perhaps because I’m excited to get out for some “me time”. 😉 I have noticed one downfall to going at a later time, however – the crowds. The actual number of people don’t bother me as much as the increase in gym pet peeves. I have no doubt I will still manage my workouts fine, even in a busier environment. Will I handle the annoyances as well, though?

I keep a pretty level head most of the time, despite what Peter may say. The gym, however, can get my blood boiling. Certain things drive me up the wall. Like men who feel the need to grunt loudly. People who stand around and talk instead of using the equipment they are on. When I go to a bench or machine to find it covered in sweat. Lately I have witnessed something that irks me more than all of that. Crazy fitness schemes that could really hurt someone and have no reasoning to using them whatsoever!

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A particular chick at our gym does these insane stunts on the treadmill day after day after day. I give this lady props for her conditioning and dedication to fitness. She also seems like a really nice person. Yet, she sets such a terrible example!! She looks so great that I could see people mimicking her moves and ending up greatly wounded…if she doesn’t end up injured herself first. Here are just a few of the crazies I see her doing all on a moving treadmill:

• crab walks on a high incline completely on the treadmill
• pop lunges/squats where she jumps onto the side rails and then into a jump/squat on the treadmill
• mountain climbers – she has her hands on the floor to put her in pushup position and then her legs walking on the treadmill behind her
• side shuffles with a jump and turn in the middle at a pretty quick speed
• this little shuffle/skip/grapevine looking thing where she moves her feet in a criss cross pattern from the siderails to the treadmill and back
• many, many more that I can’t remember or even begin to describe – think stuff like the picture below but more risky looking

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What is so wrong about doing crab walks, mountain climbers, pop squats/lunges, etc on solid ground? What can the little dance thing possibly contribute to her fitness? And then she shows other women how to do this! I know ranting is not an attractive quality, but come ON!

Just because something looks insane, crazy, and over the top does NOT mean its a magical workout to give you great results. Yes, it is good to challenge our bodies in new ways, but the basics still apply. The basics WORK! They have worked for years and will continue to work for years to come. I get so frustrated seeing people do things that are absolutely not necessary and could prevent someone from actually learning about quality, safe, effective workout techniques. I will now step off my soap box.

• What things irk you at the gym or when working out?
• What is the craziest fitness thing you have ever witnessed someone doing? I think I would rather see someone use the Shake Weight than her stunts. Gah!

I love holiday weeks! The husband took off this entire week and even though during the day he is busy helping his brother with some house work or working on a friend’s car, I still love that we can have lazier mornings together. We still both naturally wake up around 6 am and then just stay in bed talking and resting for an hour…usually joined by M halfway through that time. It’s certainly a special time.

Based on an article I read recently, I should expect to live to 200 years old! Okay, I exaggerate. The article discussed how having fulfilling relationships can extend a person’s life expectancy. Makes total sense to me and based on how blessed I have been feeling recently with my family, friends, all of you, and the many other relationships in my life, I feel like I should live forever.

And I totally just went off on a tangent. This morning, Peter & I were talking and have decided to change baby B’s name. This wouldn’t be the first time name changes have happened in my family.

Our dog Roxy used to be named Tinkerbell. My friend gave me the nickname Tinabell a long time ago and so when Peter got our dog as a birthday gift to me he named her Tinkerbell thinking I would love it. I hated it but was too embarrassed to tell him since he seemed so happy. About a year ago we both realized we hated the name and changed her name to Roxy. I think it confused M more than the dog.

My name is actually Christina, but I much prefer Tina. My family always called me Christina so I didn’t think to call myself differently until college. Then, Christina was already in place with the exception of two of my friends. Peter and a few other friends call me Tina. I always think of myself as Tina.

Makenzie usually goes by Kenzie or M. We rarely say her full name. As long as she isn’t called Mak. I don’t like that nickname. My sister and Peter’s brother both love to jokingly call her Easy Mac.

Other family member’s names have been shortened and changed thanks to what kiddos call them. My grandfather was always Grandpa when I grew up. About 10 years ago his name changed to G-Pa because my cousin would only call him that. It fits him so much better though. He’s a rad G-Pa.

My sister is now officially Ha-Ha instead of Heather thanks to M’s special term of endearment. She is quite funny so it works. Personally, I just like laughing at my sister. 😀

And now, baby B will no longer be Braedon Hunter. Instead,we have switched to Braedon Michael. Hunter is my G-Pa’s middle name and I intended to carry it on since I thought no one else had. Well, my little boy cousin above has Hunter in his name. Peter’s family is huge into Michael as a family name and when I mentioned it to Peter I could tell how much it would mean to him. So, Braedon Michael it is! Maybe it will help him live a longer life too with close relationship ties. 😉

• Do you have any nicknames? What about family names?
• Do you think relationships can have an impact on life expectancy?

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