Thunderstruck

Pretzel lifts are a great way to tone up your lower body and get rid of thunder thighs

(which I definately have). Its not too late for me to get my body in shape for my bathing suit.

From Shape Magazine's website:

LIE ON THE FLOOR on your left side, knees bent 90 degrees and left leg in front of you. Lean on your left forearm, elbow aligned under shoulder, and rest right hand on hip.





PLACE A WEIGHTED BALL behind your right knee and raise leg to hip height, foot flexed and slightly higher than your knee
 

 
KEEP YOUR SHOULDERS and hips square as you lift your right leg a few inches. Lower leg to hip height and repeat. Switch sides to complete set.
 
 

Monday Monday

I am now just over 6 months post surgery, and I am finally starting to get back to feeling like me again. I don't have as many twinges of pain as I did. My energy level is coming back. The hormones are starting to regulate, although I do still have my days. I alternate between angry and very, very sad. I am still struggling with the post surgical body image...my scar is long, and I have no muscle tone in my stomach.
Things are progressing nicely, but I need to get me back.

me, and the little man 2007

I don't have the quick answer, and I am pretty sure its going to require a lot of hard work and determination. I did run a 5k last month, but since then, I've stopped training to be perfectly honest.

from google images

When I hit the 6 month mark last week, I actually feel like I hit a wall. I came out of the surgery enthusiastic to work out, and then smack! I was more highly motivated a few months ago than I am today.

pilates class-perfect for that tummy bulge
picture from google images

So, I need to regain my motivation. I need to get back on track and get my body back. Its bathing suit season, I am spending a lot of time at the pool with the little man.

lazy river at drake springs

I won't say that I am embarrassed by how I look, I just know it can be better.

http://www.shabbyapple.com/

I don't have an easy answer on it either.

aren't these bathing suits divine?
http://www.shabbyapple.com/

I do know that I am not feeling super comfortable in clothes right now

I love these clothes!
http://www.shabbyapple.com/

and I am not really feeling the love back.

hole in one, mini golf at thunder road
pre-surgery August 2010

I am feeling LARGE.

from google images

Add to it, I am growing my hair out,

I loved my hair like this! 2006 style, not the most flattering pose, but oh well!

camp kaleidoscope 2009

so I am at that awkward stage, where its not quite long,

the long hair style I want

 but not quite short either.

the hair style I've been wearing since, oh 1995

Its there. And its frustrating, because I can't quite do what I want with my hair-

have you checked out http://www.whippycake.com/

like a great updo

from google images

 or a messy braid.

another awesome site! http://www.lovemaegan.com/
great tutorials & super fashion

Its Monday, the dawn of a new week. I am going to try my hardest to get back on track and get back to business.

my love hate relationship, the elliptical

Time to hit the elliptical.

workout move of the week

Since my surgery in December, its still hard to do any crunches or anything. I have a pooch going on because my stomach muscles were cut, stretched and everything else during the operation. I am trying to find non-crunch exercises that will help alleviate this and help me tone up.

Enter Shape Magazine and their Bikini Body Countdown http://www.shape.com/fitness/bikini-body-countdown/2011/bob-harpers-bikini-body-workout-month-4?page=1 and this super duper move:

the Pendulum


Start bent over. I use a medicine ball but I guess you could use anything else.

Then you kick your leg out to the side

I do 25 each side.

It hurts, but its oh so worth it!