Targeting your glutes and hamstrings

more soup and crackers w. hummus prior to teaching zumba

Tonight's class was definitely better than yesterday's. I just have to remember that I can't please everyone-- must please myself first! It sounds selfish but if I look at it the other way around, I'll always end up miserable knowing I didn't do something different for SOMEONE else. Sigh..inner peace is all I seek..
Speaking of inner peace: here's an affirmation for today from TDL.
http://www.thedailylove.com/

TODAY'sAFFIRMATIONS

I approve of me.

 

I live my own authentic life from the inside out.

 

Did I mention, I approve of me.

I was planning on cooking up something already "ready made" but T made a great suggestion of kabobs

sometimes this no carb thing isn't such a bad thing! Okay.. so maybe a platter full of meat is a bad thing but last night it just tasted SO GOOD!!

the spicy red sauce and a lil bit of garlic yogurt sauce to counterbalance all that heat!

T'was mighty tasty!

I made some french toast for breakfast to break out of the routine of eggs n hummus.

• 1 egg
• splash of vanilla
• pinch of cinnamon
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tablespoon 1 tsp flour
• 1/3 cup milk

Mix well, dunk bread, place on hot skillet, set of fire alarm before 8 a.m., and ENJOY :)

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/fluffy-french-toast/detail.aspx

I think I needs me some Sports Direct anonymous.. gone are the days of needing to buy black work pants and in are lots and lots gym gear. It's for my job--- I swear ;)

In the bag:

• 2 nike sports bra
• 2 nike shirts
• 2 nike dri fit pants

I would also like to find a job at Nike just so I can score discounted swag.

My package yesterday also included more Zumba clothing.

You can't teach unless you look the part! Well that's not true really but I swear it makes doing it more fun!

Thank god I got the large because these tanks run small!!

I also ordered my first pair of Zumba pants and they fit wonderfully!! I love the elastic waist band that doesn't cinch at my love handles. Hate it when pants do that!! I also don't know why I ordered the mesh top because its completely see through. Either I'm going to have to wear a tank top underneath or just go sports bra commando!

after Sports Direct, I stopped by Pret to pick up lunch that I ate at approximately 11a.m. ha! I musta been hungry!!

the usual tuna and cucumber sandwich w. a side of popcorn. It definitely hit the spot!

Fitness bit of the day: From The Men's Health Big Book of Exercises

Glutes and Hamstrings

The bonus benefits of working your G&H are: 

• Great calorie burn: Since the glutes are your biggest muscle group, they're also one of your top calorie burners

• Better posture: Weak glutes can cause your hips to tilt forward. This puts more stress on your spine. It also pushes your lower abdomen outward, making your belly stick out.

• Healthier knees- Your ACLS rely on your hamstrings to help them stabilize your knees. Having a strong set of hamstrings can help your ACLs do their job and lower your risk of injury. 

Some exercises I like doing that targets the glutes and hamstrings are:

• Hip raise with feet on swiss ball
• Single leg hip raise
• Swiss ball hip raise and leg curl
• Barbell deadlift
• Back extension
• Dumbbell straight leg deadlift

Did you know that changing the direction of where your toes are pointing while doing exercises such as the swiss ball hip raise and leg curl can target your hamstrings in different areas? Pointing your toes outward emphasizes the hamstring muscles on the outside of your leg and pointing your toes inward targets the hamstring muscles on the inside portion of your leg.

Song of the day: Alicia Keys "What it feels like to fly"