From time to time we've discussed favorite shapes (hearts and diamonds) in the hallway. But at this time of year, everyone will agree when it comes to cookies that all shapes are the best kind.
This happy group of elves were masterfully chef-ing it up in the hallway kitchen. Making each dough with a special family recipe then using cookie cutters or their imaginations to conger up a special shape of their own was a key part of the experience. And, let's not forget how much fun they had icing 'em, too! Turning a simple triangle into a colorful Christmas Tree, decorating stars with sprinkles, or just licking the extra icing that had just happened to be left on their finger made for a great afternoon. Interesting how the green icing tasted the same as the red and blue batch?! Hmmm....
When all was said and done there were gingerbread, traditional sugar cookies, oatmeal and chocolate chip, and papa's all-time favorite ... no bake. Santa was sure to have a delightful plate of shapes to choose from as he downed them with milk ... er, at least .. well ... I suppose he did that since only a few crumbs were left and the milk cup was bone dry (grin).
Just like shaping these cookies and putting the right finishing touches on them, your body can be shaped also. I once heard someone tell me that if you are shaped like an over sized pear and you lose weight, you will not look like an over sized pear ... but a pear that was not quite so over sized. That comment resonated with me because what it was really implying is that to shape your body, to change its physical appearance, you must do it with exercise. Dieting alone will not give you that sculpted look you may be after. The only way to get broader shoulders is to do shoulder presses ... military presses ... (you get the picture).
Three more days into the program ... 80 to go!
December 29
Chest and back ... again! I've had to make a few slight variations for the back exercises because my gym does not have a straight chin up bar. The first week I used the pull up bar that is part of a multi-exercise unit. Then I tried doing the exercises as 'pull down.' Today, I found that the chin up assist machine worked the best. It allowed me to maintain the form as suggested in the video and I could easily adjust the weight so I'd do more of the work. I was able to do 8 - 10 chin ups using 90% of my body weight.
December 30
Plyometrics. I was a little tired of jumping at first, but then I just told myself that I could do it. Look what I've accomplished so far. With a little personal coaching, my brain was now reset. I remembered how much fun it was to jump as a kid. Jumping in mud puddles, jumping on the bed, jumping over your brother while he was rolling on the floor (never tried that, huh?), or jumping from the porch roof with an umbrella in your hand because you knew you could fly (never tried that one either?). Anyway, my new found enthusiasm carried me to the end. This day shaped up quite nicely once I got my head out of the way and just went with it.
December 31
Shoulders and arms ... oh my! Today I was committed to pushing myself. With every set but two, I went up in weight. Going for a little bulk here, so you do less reps with more weight. Ideally the perfect weight is to do 10 with the last two being a struggle. I don't know about you, but sometimes I under estimate my own strength. At least with these videos you know you'll be doing the exercise twice in the series, so you can easily make adjustments up or down as needed. Today I discovered that when you do a bicep curl you are to flex that muscle and really make it pop. Who knew? Obviously, not me.
Honesty Disclaimer ... Truthfully on Tuesday I was more concerned about keeping up with the video instead of challenging myself. I guess for me I was focused on getting through it instead of working through it. (Note to self ... there is a pause button on the DVD player. Maybe I should check it out.)
So, now is as good a time as ever to think about what shape are you looking to achieve? (Note to self ... remember the pear, remember the pear, remember the pear.) Hope you make a resolution in 2010 to either stay or live a healthier lifestyle. I say, "Go for well-rounded and sculpted. That would certainly make for a perfect pair." (Another note to self: sometimes I just slay me with all my "pun-isms".)
Got a tip for how you live life in your hallway? Send it to me by commenting below or e-mailing: lifeinthehallway@gmail.com.HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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