{Gym Junkie}



I've got a confession to make.... I am a gym junkie! 

 

I love everything about the gym: the sweat, hard work, cardio, weight training, classes, the cute workout gear -- I love it all!  There was a period right after we moved where we had cancelled our gym membership at Lifetime Fitness simply due to distance.  After a month or so, I was desperately craving the gym.  I needed it.  I found a gym close by my work, Sky Fitness in Midtown Tulsa.  We signed up right away, and I'm hooked yet again.  I look forward to going to the gym, it's my stress relief and my second home.  I attend Zumba classes three days a week, plus a Hot Vinyasa class on Sundays.  I head to the gym right after work and stay for two hours.  Stephen is always by my side and before classes, we work on toning and weight training together.  He's been a great teacher, showing me new techniques and helping me tone my problem areas.  He is also my biggest motivator and supporter.  I am so thankful we are able to workout together, it's been a great bonding experience for us as a couple. 

 

Did you know that there's WAY more than just physical benefit of exercise?  As if the physical benefits aren't enticing enough....Exercise has been proven to reduce stress, boost happy chemicals, improve self-confidence, alleviate anxiety, boost brainpower, sharpen memory, helps control addiction, and increases relaxation. 

 

After a gym sesh, I feel empowered and unstoppable!  The high I get after a workout is the most incredible feeling.   

 

 

Stephen has been a great help teaching me the ropes on weight training!

 

I'm a sucker for russian twists!

 

 

 

 

 

 

With each passing day, I notice that my strength and endurance is building.  I never thought I'd be the girl who could do a yoga head stand (still working on perfecting it), be able to do push-ups, or have bicep muscles!  I'm learning more each day and am excited to see more results over time.  I am very thankful that I have a healthy and strong body that is able to try new things and push myself to new levels. 

 

Xox,

Mrs. Munana 

 

 





{Flu Bug}

As illness spreads like wild fire this time of year, this past week I got sick.  That's the reason I've been a little MIA lately, sorry guys!

I felt it coming on at work, and it turned out to be the flu, yuck!  Luckily my husband is pretty much the best ever, and he took great care of me.  I had to miss two days of work, but my  body needed rest and time to heal.  I was doped up on Tamiflu and sleeping 14 plus hours a day, but thankfully I got better rather quickly.  One part of being sick that really sucked was I missed about a week at the gym.  My body was DYING for activity.  I was so tired of just sitting at home feeling helpless and watching countless re-runs of Giada at Home.  Stephen took me out into the world for a frozen yogurt treat a few times {I HAD to get out of the house}, but other than that I was sedentary. 

Monday night was my first night back at the gym and my body was thirsting for it.  Hot Vinyasa class was calling my name.  A 95 degree yoga studio and my hot pink yoga mat were all I needed.  One hour later and drenched in sweat, I was so refreshed; I felt brand new!  I was shocked at how challenging it was on my body when I had only missed one week.  I definitely felt it the next day, but in a good way!  Although I struggled with my breathing {"ujjayi" breathing for all you yoga pros} because I still have a slight cough, I realize how much my body loves working out and is so thankful when I treat it right.

I want to share a quote with you that my Zumba instructor at Lifetime Fitness shouts out during each class she teaches, "WORK OUT TODAY LIKE YOU MIGHT NOT GET TO TOMORROW!!"  I now understand completely what she means by that quote.   

Our bodies are a wonderful creation, telling us when we need rest to heal, saying thanks when we eat a healthy meal, and rejoicing when we work out those wonderful muscles.  This week I'm thankful for my body's voice and I'm thankful I am able to be back in full swing again! 

Stay tuned, more posts and recipes to come soon!

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Girl look at that body, I work out}

I will be completely honest and admit that I've never been one of those naturally athletic girls that played every sport in school growing up...or any sport for that matter. Running was never my thing, and I'm 5'2" so it's pretty obvious I didn't shoot hoops. I was a choir chick who made straight A's and lived in the middle of nowhere. {Pretty awesome, huh?} But now working out and being active is my new favorite hobby and stress reliever.

Working out was something I eased into, slowly.  My husband and I started by walking in the evenings several times per week.  It turned out to be a great opportunity for us to talk about our day and unwind together.  Eventually we grew tired of the same ol' scenery, so we branched out and started exploring more neighborhoods and cool areas around us, adding more miles onto our trip each time.  Soon, we built our way up to walking a trail by a local river and before we knew it, we were walking 8 miles together!  It's a great way to spend quality time together, and the calorie burning benefit ended up being an added bonus. 

Last year we signed up for the Full Moon 5K run in Tulsa.  We allowed ourselves a few months to train together and stay motivated.  Training was more challenging for me than my husband, but we accomplished it together with teamwork!  Let me just tell you, there is no greater feeling than running through the finish line of a 5K, hundreds of people cheering for you.  Ah, sweet success!  Now we're signed up for the Sweetheart 5K Run in February, a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day.  Training has already started for us!


Right after we completed the Full Moon 5K Run, 2012
 



My Workout Summary from my training sesh a few nights ago.  Thanks for the motivation, hubby!

I recommend working out at least 5 times per week.  Incorporate working out into your routine, at least for one hour.  I promise you, it'll get easier each time, and eventually you'll regret the days that you don't workout.  Now, my body craves it.  Motivate your significant other to join in with you, it'll make the schedule that much easier to adhere to, plus you'll have fun together, as a team. 

Try something new!  My husband and I joined a gym together.  Although we don't work out together every single time, he does show me how to operate new weight lifting machines, and we'll run together on the treadmill.  I enjoy taking hot vinyasa classes {aka hot yoga} and Zumba is my #1 workout love, I LOVE to dance.  If you enjoy your workout, you are more likely to stick to it. 

Listen, I'm not a workout pro---AT ALL.  My sister-in-law is, and she's a great inpsiration to me {Love ya, Pudd}.  But, one simple thing I can say is: {if you don't workout, you won't shed those pounds}.  That simple. 

Get off your ass and do something, anything. 

{Mrs. Munana's Top Ten Workout Tunes}:
1.  Ayy Ladies  {Travis Porter, ft. Tyga}
2.  Big Booty  {Ca$h Out}
3.  Drop It Low  {Kat Deluna}
4.  Fuego  {Pitbull}
5.  Girl On Fire  {Alicia Keys}
6.  Long Heels, Red Bottoms  {Trina}
7.  Scream & Shout  {Will.I.Am ft. Britney Spears}
8.  Boom {Snoop Dogg ft. T-Pain}
9.  Say Yeah {Wiz Khalifa}
10. Take It To Da House {Trick Daddy}

XoX,

Mrs. Munana