My workouts lately…

This is, perhaps, one of the first times over the past 8 years that I haven’t felt like training for a half marathon or a 10k.

This quite honestly caught me entirely by surprise, as I’m usually planning my days of summer around the local races.  But right now, the thought of training just exhausts me.  I’m wondering if this has something to do with how busy I’ve been lately.  Between my work schedule and studying for my master’s, the last thing I want is to have to be working towards something else.

That doesn’t, of course, mean that I’m giving up on exercise completely!  I need fresh air to make me feel good.  And I still like working out first thing in the morning before work.  But instead of focusing on running 5 days a week, I’ve been focusing on just being active with something different every day…this has been both fun and healthy.

Here are some of my favorite workouts lately…

1. KettleBells

I’m falling in love with kettle bells.  I find I get a lot accomplished in a short amount of time, and I love that I’m training muscles that running never honed in on.

2. Wearing a pedometer.

This is for those days when I don’t fit in a morning workout.  I slip on my pedometer and make it a point to rack up the miles at work.  This means walking to the furthest bathroom.  Taking the stairs.  Taking the long route back to my office.  My goal is to try and hit at least 10,000 steps for the day.

3. Running.

I still run, because I love it so much and it’s a fabulous workout!  Instead of 5 days a week, however, I’m focusing on running either a short & fast run or a long & slow run, about 2-3 times per week.

4. Biking.

Now that it’s summer, I’m falling in love with biking!  It’s a fabulous workout and a nice change of pace from running.  I like to pedal to the medal at least once a week.

5. Hiking, Tennis, Kayaking, Swimming.

Exercise is supposed to be FUN!  At least once per week, I like to switch things up and do something completely different than my normal routine.  This usually happens on the weekend, when I’ve got the extra time to head out and do something spontaneously fun!

6. Walking.

Never underestimate the power of speed walking!!  This is one of my favorite ways to work out these days.  It’s especially nice after a tough kettlebell workout, when running just isn’t possible due to sore hamstrings. 😉

7. Yoga.

Once or twice a week, my mom and I do yoga together.  It’s a great way to stretch out tired muscles and it’s a fabulous full-body toner.  My arms are my weak zone, but consistently doing yoga has made me a much stronger person.

QUESTION: What your favorite workouts lately?