15 lbs down and counting!

So, I weighed in this morning and I am 1.6 lbs away from breaking into the 160's - which is a huge accomplishment for me. I have been occilating between the 170's and 180's for awhile now - so this feels really good. Kathy sent an article out today which was really awesome! The link to the article is:

http://www.denverpost.com/lifestyles/ci_14864222

My biggest take-away - being the Type A personality that I am - is a plan for 3X a week 20 minutes each time exercises to run through to increase core and muscle strength. I am still going to the gym, but I like the idea that I can do these easioly at hoem with no excuses. It was at the end of the article, but I thought I would post it here for posterity as well:

Goal – 3X per week - ~20 minutes

LOWER BODY

Squats two ways:

One legged: Stand on one foot, near a wall or stair railing for balance. Slowly bend that knee, going no lower than 45 degrees and keeping your knee in line with your ankle.

Wall sits: Back against the wall, knees 90 degrees, hold.

Step-ups: Step up slowly with one foot onto a step until your standing leg is straight. Lower slowly and start again. If your muscles aren't burning by the 15th rep, you're going too fast.

Lunges: Rest your back leg on a stability ball, and bend your front knee.

Crab walk: Put an exercise band around both ankles, then squat down to about 30 degrees, and step sideways across the floor. Builds the gluteus medius, a really important (and neglected) stabilizing muscle.

UPPER BODY/CORE

Back extensions on a stability ball: Rest your knees or toes on the floor and your stomach on the ball, and lift your back.

Or on the floor: Lie on your stomach, and raise your arms and legs at the same time, a la Superman.

Plank: Rest on elbows and toes, back straight, butt down. Super hard, but over quickly and very effective.

Side planks: Rest on left elbow, outer side of left foot, right foot stacked on left foot.

Crunches: Contract your abs on a stability ball, on the floor, like you're riding a bike, twisting side to side. The options are endless.

Triceps dips: Face away from a chair or table. Rest your palms, fingers facing out, on it, with your legs straight, heels on the floor. Bend your elbows straight back, then push up.

I did an indoor triathalon at Lifetime Fitness on Sunday - 10 min swim, 30 min spin on the stationary bike and 20 minute run. I pretty much came in 10th from last, but I just really wanted to see how I felt more than anything in preparation for my Sprint triathalon on June 20th. It wasn't too bad - I actually didn't struggle much at all. I didn't push myself to make good time or anything, but that is really not my personality when it comes to these sorts of things. I was just happy to finish without feeling like I was going to die. So that was encouraging. And I have to admit I felt pretty cool tooling around the gym with my number written on my arm in black marker - what a stud!

Looking forward to another good week! Hope everyone is well!