Last week I walked 10,133 steps on average. I wonder what will happen if, for some reason, I don’t reach my 10,000 step goal some week? I think I’m a bit addicted on my steps. It feels safe to be able to reach that number over and over again. But I guess I’ll live if that happens.

I think my Sunday steps were actually more than 7499, because my pedometer seemed to be acting oddly. ( It just needed a new battery.)

Breakdown of my weekly workouts below:

1. 2 x 45-50 min Nordic walks
2. 5 x 40 min walks
3. 2 x 30 strength training (kettlebells plus other movements)

I’m not going to increase my step goal further than 10,000 steps. I’m going to put more focus on strength training from now on. Last week I added kettlebells to my strength training sessions and it worked well. It was fun and I sweated like a pig!

I had forgotten how intensive kettlebell training is. Even though I only did a few swings and snatches and squatted holding a kettlebell, I was totally blasted. I didn’t have any knee problems either, even though I always worry about them returning. A horrible thought!

Weather is lovely in Finland at the moment. Nothing beats a brisk Nordic walk in a green forest during early summer.

Cheers,

Last week was just passable.

I didn’t do any strength training, but at least I was still able to keep my average step count over 10,000. See the graph below.

For some reason I was in bad mood, had way too much almonds (I’m an almond addict!) and drank Drano…oops, diet Pepsi, even though I had sworn that off.

On Saturday, I turned 43 and celebrated it by doing my laundry and having my hair cut! Oh, and my two nieces (3 & 5) called me and sang “Happy Birthday, Aunt Satu!” That was my best birthday gift.  :-)

My workouts

1. 3 x 40 min walks
2. 1 x 45 min Sansone’s 3-mile walk
3. 1 x 70 min walk

Last week I mentioned I’m bored with my basic strength training routine. I hover between two alternatives: I could start following a bodyweight exercise course I bought over a year ago or I could start kettlebell training again. I even have a kettlebell dvd waiting for me – The Kettlebell Goddess Workout.

Do you have any experience of kettlebell training? What do you think about it?

Best Wishes,

My success march goes on.  :-)

My average steps for week 17 were 10,535. This is the third week on row (or is it the fourth?) I’ve walked over 10,000 steps a day.

My workouts

1. 2x Sansone’s 2-mile walks
2. 3x 30-40 min walks outside
3. 1x (45 min) strength training (bodyweight movements plus resistance bands)

My fitness regime has a big effect on my mood and energy levels. I can hardly believe I’m the same person I was only two or three months ago. There’s no need to drag myself around nor am I bothered by small stuff. [Read more...]

My Weekly Workouts

Last week was a pretty active week for me, even though I “forgot” to do my two planned Double Edged Fat Loss workouts. Instead of DEFL I took several walks and was otherwise very active.

1. Tuesday: Walking 30 minutes
2. Saturday: Walking 30 minutes
3. Sunday: Walking 30 minutes & Salsa 20 minutes

These are only my “official workouts”.  I puttered around my apartment more than I normally do, got up and down the stairs and ran a lot of errands in the city center.

My Weekly Steps

Ten days ago I purchased an Omron pocket pedometer and I have worn it around my neck every day. Below is a diagram of the steps I took last week. (My walks are included in the daily steps.)

As you can see, there is a lot of variation from day to day. The most passive day was Friday, because I was tired and decided to work at home instead of going to my office at the university. Monday was the most active day: I met my sister and we did some window shopping. :-)

I’m sorry to admit, but last week wasn’t a typical week for me.  I’m usually much more passive! Wearing a pedometer every day has  made me  aware of what I do day in day out and I have automatically increased my physical activity. It has also forced me to admit how passive I’ve become.

The upside is that I’m already feeling a lot more energetic and outgoing! :-)