Happy New Year everyone!
PS – I loved hearing about your words and intentions for 2013. Thank you for sharing them with me. They are all so incredibly inspiring.
Did you stay up to midnight? Usually, I’m in bed before the balls drops in Time Square. This year, I joined a couple of friends and ran a New Year’s Eve 5K in Prospect Park. It was fun to dress in super bright gear, don glow sticks and run.
It was a great way to jump start the new year. I wanted to count the run as my January entry for the 5 by the 5th Virtual Run Series hosted by Laura at Mommy Run Fast. However, since I technically ran on December 31st, I will go out and run another 5K or 5 miles before the 5th of the month. I know, I’m a stickler for rules.
Are you doing the 5 by the 5th series? Let me know in the comments if you are. There’s still time to register.
At about 10pm on New Year’s Eve, the idea of heading outside for a run was hardly appealing but I’m glad that I went.
After crossing the finish line, we made our way to the Long Meadow to watch the fireworks. I’ve never been so close. It literally felt like they were exploding over our heads. You could feel each boom and smell the smoke. This was the first time in the 9 years I’ve lived in Brooklyn that I’ve watched the fireworks.
I’m excited for the New Year and to get back on track – less about challenges and more about focusing on listening to my body. Is it crazy that I’m excited to come up with my workout plan for the next few weeks/month?
Speaking of which, here’s a workout to help jumpstart your workout routine now that the holidays are over. It’s a simple bodyweight workout that does not require any equipment. I did this workout in my in-laws’ living room over Christmas. I really didn’t feel like working out. 30 sweaty minutes later, I felt much better.
The workout is broken into three circuits. Each circuit contains 1) a quick cardio burst, 2) a lower body exercise, 3) an upper body exercise and 4) a core exercise.
What I love about this workout is that it tricks me into completing a hard workout even when I don’t really feel like doing it. Because the workout is broken into 3 circuits of 4 exercises, it feels much more manageable to me – I only think about completing the next 4 exercises instead of a long list of 12 exercises.
Here’s how to do the workout:
- Complete each exercise in the circuit in order with minimal rest between exercises.
- Rest 1-2 minutes once you’ve completed the circuit.
- Repeat the same circuit again.
- Complete each circuit 2-3 times, depending on your time and fitness level, and then move on to the next circuit.
- You can switch the order in which you complete the workout each time you do it.
Here are some more information on some of the moves:
- Russian Twist
- I-Y-T Shoulder Stabilization – These are great exercises to work on stabilizing your shoulder joint and mobilizing your scapula. I do these exercises in order – I pose, then Y pose, then T pose to complete 1 rep.
- Plank with Shoulder Taps
- Plank with Torso Twist
- Bird Dog (at 0:56 seconds of the clip) – You can also increase the intensity of this move by extending out your arm and leg and then contracting your core to bring your elbow to your opposite knee as you tuck them in under your body.
That’s it!
How was your New Year’s? Do you ever play mind tricks with yourself when you workout?
Disclaimer: I do not have any official training, certifications, or degrees in fitness. The views I express are mine alone, based on my own experiences. Always talk to your doctor or a trained professional before starting a new diet or fitness plan.
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What a great way to ring in the new year! I was long asleep by midnight, though I did see the ball drop at 9:00 west coast time. Perfect for this sick girl. Happy New Year!
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta recently posted..2013 Blog Goals and a New Blog Design!
Just pinned that workout, and I’m doing it tomorrow! I’ve been slacking on strength workouts, especially with the gym closed over the holidays. I’m terrible at getting in the at-home strength routines, good thing Tina’s boot camp starts soon!
I’m so impressed you ran at midnight… I’d say it definitely counts for 5bythe5th! But another 5k is a good plan, too… thanks for sharing. And Happy New Year!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Kicking off the Virtual Race series with a $100 giftcard giveaway
I will admit that I took a pretty long nap in the afternoon so I was wide awake at midnight. I wanted to sign up for Tina’s bootcamp again but decided to hold off. I think that I need to take this month to hone in on my own workouts and get over some nagging aches and pains. But I will run my 5 miles!
OOh—that workout looks like a great addition to my training! Our NYE was low key- my daughter wanted to stay up for the first time- and then today I ran, weighed in at weight watchers, and got some work done. And now I am off to find out about the 5bythe5th!
Elena recently posted..Dream Big
I love workout mind tricks! I like to play games where I do weird countdowns… Intensity based on songs and not a specific time, etc. It’s always mind over matter!
Happy New Year!
Kacie Phillips recently posted..As Gravity Would Have It {Pull-Ups: 1. Kacie: 0.}
How I wanted to run but due to the injury and re-injury of my back, I could not. I missed those fireworks this year in PP!
Wishing you a wonderful 2013 and hopefully we’ll get a chance to catch up in person sometime soon.
xo
I can’t believe I never watched the PP fireworks before! And yes, I hope that we have a chance to catch up in person soon.
Your run sounds awesome although I would have a hard time staying up that late! Great workout to do anywhere at any time. Pinned!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..The Best Way to Start 2013
My secret for staying up that late was a super long afternoon nap
will TWEET and do today!!!!
xoxo
Miz recently posted..The secret to YOUR 2013 success.
Love that workout – some of my all time favorite moves in there!
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } recently posted..Moving A.D.D.
I absolutely love the way you kicked off 2013! (and the shirt you did it in!). How fun. That’s one of the big advantages of being in a big city–so many opportunities at your doorstep.
Thanks for the great workout. I am trying to add in one to two new strength workouts each week this year to keep things challenging for my body. I fall into the same old, same old pattern all too often and it’s not doing much for my muscles!
misszippy recently posted..Let’s get this party started
You mean not every city/town has a midnight run on New Year’s Eve? I think that I’ve been living in the big city too long now!!
I also fall into ruts and I’m trying to be a bit smarter about how I’m approaching my workouts.
I usually fall asleep before midnight also but I actually stayed up this time. We were catching up on The Walking Dead so it was pretty easy to stay awake.
Awesome!
I can’t believe I stayed up past 12am! lol
It was a great NYE spent in my PJs
Kierston recently posted..It’s A New Year!
I love the fireworks!!! We don’t have fireworks in my tiny tiny hometown (where my fiance and I stayed in and watched movies all night). I agree that this year should be more about listening to our bodies and just doing what feels right! I’m not one for challenges lol! Have a wonderful day!!
Andrea recently posted..Cauliflower Crust Pizza With Roasted Vegetables
Thanks Andrea! I’m don’t do a lot of challenges but I totally get sucked in by the yoga ones. I’m trying to step away!
I loved running New Year’s morning – even after a few rum/Coke Zeros at NYE the night before I was ready to kick off 2013 right!
Fireworks were so fun to watch on our way home from our friends’ house – they were everywhere! xo
Kat recently posted..Take me to Sugar Rehab!
Bravo to you for running on NYE. I was cuddled up on the couch.
I pinned this workout for a cold weekend where the last thing I want to do is run outside!
Maureen recently posted..1-1-2013
Thanks Maureen! I kind of would have preferred being cuddled up on the couch…or asleep
A NYE run sounds like so much fun! I haven’t done a race in the dark before. Happy 2013 to you!
jan recently posted..Goal 1 of 169
I’m definitely getting older. I couldn’t stay away long enough to see the ball drop. I think I was in bed by 11:00 but I love the way you started the year. I bet it felt great!
Happy new year Christine!
Katie @momslrb recently posted..Looking Ahead 2013
I’ve only done a NYE midnight run one other time and I was MUCH younger. This time, I wasn’t so keen on heading out the door at 11pm. Thanks Katie and Happy New Year to you too!
Nice job in the NYE 5k! And yes, sometimes I just have to tell myself “10 minutes, give it 10 minutes.”
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..My Word – Change
See, I usually tell myself “10 minutes” but then that’s just felt really long lately!!
Ahh! It looks like you had a fabulous New Year! I love your “Three times a Charm” workout and the way you designed the image. You look beautiful in that bright orange! Happy New Year C! xoxo
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted..Looking Back and Looking Forward… The Art of Transition
Thank you Lisa! I probably spent more time than I should have trying to format that silly workout image! I think that I literally glowed in the dark in that bright bright orange! Happy New Year to you!
Happy New Year, friend!!! I just pinned your workout (and I think I pinned it to a food board. Woops. Haha.) and can’t wait to use it to get ideas. I have a semi-plan set for when I’m feeling strong enough to actually do more than walk, so I’ll have to see what I can sneak in.
Unfortunately, my New Year’s Eve was spent deciding whether or not to go to the emergency room with this sickness!!
So glad I’m on the upswing!
Melissa @ Live, Love, & Run recently posted..Happy New Year!
Oh no!! I’m so glad that you are on the upswing. I feel like so many people were really sick over the holidays this year. Something in the air. Happy New Year!
You are awesome to do a 5K at midnight! I’d be SO not wanting to run at that time, and selfishly, rather be having a glass of champagne or 3
BUT what an experience and a way to see the fireworks in a whole new way! I am also so excited for the year ahead and fresh start 
jobo recently posted..To 2013: the year of BE.
Believe me – running was the last thing on my mind but I had made plans with some friends. Accountability – it works! I also look a LONG nap in the afternoon which really made it possible for me to stay up. I’m really excited for the year ahead too!
New Year was low key for us… just hanging out with family and an early bed time. Congrats on the 5k and that color looks great on ya!
Pavement Runner recently posted..Running 41 Consecutive Days
Hey thanks. I think that I even glowed in the dark in that jacket.
What a Perfect way to start a new year! 2012 was the pits for us! Recovery was long…But we are back and kicking butt for 2013! I just know it!!!
Krysten recently posted..Resolutions, Rehashing, and Racing
Yes! We will kick butt in 2013. I’m ready to let go of 2012 and move forward!
What an awesome NYE! Love your jacket!
I always play tricks on my mind to keep me exercising!!! That looks like an awesome workout!
Jess recently posted..What holds you back…?
Oh my goodness, mind tricks are the only thing that works somedays. This looks like an awesome workout! I’m going to have to throw it in to the mix today or tomorrow. And your New Year’s sounds so fun!! The perfect way to spend it, as far as I’m concerned! Happy New Year!
Amanda @ Run Principessa recently posted..Three Things Thursday
Perfect timing for me!! I am really making an effort to add more strength / resistance training to my workouts – rather than just running and stretching. I will definitely try these out =)
Love the way you kicked off the new year! I’ve always wanted to do the Midnight Run in Central Park…maybe when the kids get a little older. Although I know I would get SUCH slack from my family for missing out on the family celebration =)
Michele @ Nycrunningmama recently posted..#Lucky13 Fitness Goals
The run was fun and it’s definitely an experience. I hope you get a chance to do it one year. Maybe drag the whole family out? haha.
What a neat way to start the year! If I wasn’t so cold here I’d do it too… I’m SUCH a wuss.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Turkey Beer Chili
I have not done ANY cardio in almost 2 weeks due to my crazy plaque like illness! A little yoga this morning was the first I have done of anything at all! I am saving this for when I feel a little better. Your hotel workout is still one of my favorites!
ilene recently posted..Finding The Fire
I hope that you’re feeling better Ilene! I wasn’t feeling the best when I did this workout so it can definitely be one that you do as you’re feeling better.
You motivate me so much to work out. I’ve been subbing at the kids’ school, so there hasn’t been time for long quiet runs. I might just try your circuit workout tomorrow.
p.s. Cute jacket. Pretty color!
I hope you get a chance to try the workout. How’s subbing going?
The subbing is great. I’m thinking it might be a good way to support the writing habit. Being with kids never feels like work to me!
Martha @ MarthaWills(dot)com recently posted..Building Your Website by Choosing the Right Theme
Loving the circuit workout friend.
And…… love that jacket too! Here’s to 2013 and slowing down and sleeping more! 
STUFT Mama recently posted..Come Hang For A Day
Sounds like a fun new year’s adventure! I was sick on NYE, so was in bed by 8:30…but the fireworks woke me at midnight, so I woke up to tell the hubs happy new year!
Becky @ RunFunDone recently posted..One-Piece Wonder