Women Don't Have Boy Parts: Why You Should Put Down the Pink Dumbbells

Women really should not be weightlifting or lifting anything even remotely heavy, for that matter.

Heaven forbid that just laying eyes on a non-pink dumbbell weighing more than her purse could instantaneously cause her to bust out of her blouse like a bulky, bulging, bodybuilding She-Hulk.

So ladies, please be careful.

Don't pick up a double-digit dumbbell.

Don't even think of touching a barbell.

And don't you dare do anything less than 50 reps of bicep curls with that 2-lb pink Barbie dumbbell.  I would hate for any of you to lose fat, get stronger, decrease your risk for osteoporosis, or fit better into your skinny jeans.

That would be straight-up tragic.

Okay....so I'm being a pretty overdramatic and sarcastic. Who doesn't love that?!
I can only take it this offensively far because I was in the same boat as a lot of women just a few months ago.  That group of whiny, prudish women that cry "I don't want to lift weights!  I'm afraid I'll get bulky!"

Please.

If you've ever uttered this whine out loud or to the voices in your head, please don't take offense that I'm pointing out how ridiculous this statement is...because I've said the same exact thing too!  Mel likes to tease me about it on multiple occasions. And then I chuckle and we all have a good time at my expense.  Whatevs. 

First of all, what exactly do you think "bulky" is?

Is it this?

 

Or this?

My question is why do they bother even wearing a bikini top?!  It's not like they have breasts to hide anymore!  Why is this chick's face pale white while her body is a sweaty old prune?

What about these ladies?  Are they what you would call "bulky"?

I can't tell you how many times I've heard a woman say she wants Kelly Ripa's arms.  And apparently plastic surgeons are saying that last year, women wanted Michelle Obama's arms so badly, they were undergoing plastic surgery for an upper-arm lift {brachioplasty}.  What the what?!

The last pic is of Julie Foucher, 2nd place woman in the CrossFit Games in 2012.  She's just adorable, and only 24 years old!  She didn't participate in this year's CrossFit Games because she's focusing on medical school.

But for the sake of argument, let's just say we're all on the same page here...

Bulky? Yes.

Bulky? No.

This is Camille Leblanc-Bazinet, she's currently ranked 1st in her region in the CrossFit Regionals, finishing 1st in 6 of the 7 events.

Can I just humbly clarify something for all my lady friends?  You do not (do NOT) have the physical capacity for looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime bodybuilding days {thank God, right?}.  And the ones who DO end up looking like the Governator {see above}, well, I'm pretty sure they have a little bottle and needle they can thank for that.  Women have 10 to 30 times less of the hormones responsible for muscular hypertrophy, meaning a woman's muscles won't gain size but definition and tone.  You can't possibly be afraid of looking like a man because...well, you aren't one!  How about that?  Huh, who knew?

I strongly believe God designed women for incredibly strong feats.  We are designed to carry heavy weight on our bodies when pregnant with a baby.  We are blessed with incredible strength to push the sucker out 9 months later.  We're physically capable of constantly picking up and putting down children and groceries that weigh more than our pink dumbbell.  If you have children, do you realize that you're already "lifting heavy" on a daily basis?  Are your arms heaving out of your cap sleeves from that?  Probably not, I reckon.

So why weight train or "lift heavy"?  Besides making it easier to carry your laundry around the house and not tucker out so quickly when your child reaches up to you to be picked up squealing "Again! Again!"...

Lose Body Fat/You'll Look Awesome

Oh Lordy, don't we all want to do that! Understand that losing body does not necessarily mean the number on your scale will automatically plummet. It depends on how "sizeable" you are to begin with.  Since weight training in March, my weight has actually gone up at least 3 pounds.  And yet my clothes fit better.  Since muscle is much more dense than fat, a pound of muscle takes up much less space than a pound of fat.

At the end of the day, the number on the scale is just a number.  The better way to measure your progress is by how your clothes fit and or by looking for muscle definition in the mirror.  Also, muscle burns more calories at rest by raising your resting metabolism.  For every muscle you gain, you burn 35 to 50 more calories per day (a pound of fat burns 2-5 calories per day). The flat-out myth that lighter reps should be used for better muscle tone.

Improve Cardiovascular Health:

"But can't I just set the incline to zero and speed to 3 mph on the treadmill and just go?" While it certainly is better than sitting on a couch, the answer is a big fat N-O, Sissy Lalapants.  You're better than that, I know you are!  Weight training lowers LDL cholesterol, increases HDL cholesterol, and lowers blood pressure (*). Some day soon I'll write about how irritated I get when people only do aerobic training {treadmill, elliptical, Zumba, Spin, etc.}, but that's a whole other post for a whole other day.

Reduced Risk of Diabetes

The beneficial effect on diabetes comes from weight training's impact on insulin receptors.  Building muscle mass improves the sensitivity of insulin receptors, making it easier for muscle cells to absorb glucose.

Reduced Risk of Osteoporosis 

Wouldn't you just love to be that little old lady screaming "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up!"?  If you would rather sign up for the LifeAlert button for when you fall and broke a hip, then don't lift. Otherwise, increase your bone mineral density through weight training.  A study on postmenopausal women participating in a strength training program for a year underwent a significant increase in spine and hip bone density {those areas most affected by osteoporosis in older women}. 

You: "Okay, Dawn, sign me up! I've got some squish I can afford to lose.  I want some muscle definition.  I want to get stronger!"

Me: "Awesome!" {high fives you}

You: "Uh, how exactly do I lift heavy?"

Easy peasy, friend.  First of all, look at everything that claims it will "tone" you...and run the opposite direction.  Lose the mindset that you are wanting to get "toned"..."toning" is simply another word for "waste of your time and muscle."

Think more like an athlete and how they train.  Would you ever see an Olympic gymnast doing so-called "toning" exercises? Heck to the no. 

You want to pick a weight that you can barely knock out 10 reps, and definitely not 11 reps.  Don't rest for long periods of time, ideally less than 60 seconds between exercises.  Pick compound movements {as opposed to isolating exercise} that will work multiple muscle groups, several joints, and give you the most bang for your buck without taking up a lot of your time.

Some of my humble suggestions...

Pull-ups: I use an assisted pull-up machine for 2 or 3 sets of 8 reps since I can only do one strict body weight pull-up.

Push-ups: Make it easier by getting on hands and knees.  Make it harder by doing handstand push-ups.  I actually do push-ups at work when no one's looking.  I won't tell you when or where because it's a really big secret.

Squats: Either body weight {also called "air squats"} or with barbell {I like to do front and back squats at the squat rack}, kettlebells, or dumbbells.

Thrusters: This has become one of my favorite moves because it hits so many muscles.  I usually use a 45-lb barbell.  You squat while holding your weight and then push press it above your head.

Tricep Dips: On a chair or couch to make it easier, or full body weight to make it harder.

Lunges: Hold a weight overhead and keep your arms locked and straight for an awesome challenge.

{Upright} Rows: While standing, hold your weight with arms straight down, then "pull" your weight up towards your face with elbows bent and up above your shoulders.  I like to use a weight plate for these.  There's lots of other variations on rows that are good.

Well, my friend...I hope that you have been inspired, encouraged, and educated about how great weightlifting can be for you.  Please e-mail us at burnandfuelwomen@gmail.com and let us hear your story!

Lots of love, Dawn

CrossFit Regionals, "Jackie", and "Murph"

Happy Memorial Day!

Watching the Women's CrossFit Regionals these past few days has been such a kick in the pants!  I say "kick in the pants" because 1) it's a lot of fun, and 2) it's inspiring and motivating, as in kicking my saggy butt into gear.  There's something about watching someone's hard work, dedication, and unbridled determination come to fruition... especially in athletes.  I just have a huge respect and admiration for athletes, and it's probably because I never was one.  I was in ballet lessons for 13 years!  I competed in speech events and Mock Trial!  I was a total dweeb!  Athletics?  What is that?
Last night I watched the NorCal Women's Event 1 competition {you should watch it too, just click here!}.  The event was CrossFit's "Jackie" workout:

Jackie
1000m row
50 reps of 45-lb thrusters
30 pull-ups 

Dude, what's a thruster?  

Thruster: Squat while holding a 45-lb barbell, stand up, press the bar overhead.



Dude, that's a pull-up?

Kipping Pull-ups: In the video, the ladies are performing kipping pull-ups as opposed to doing strict dead hang pull-ups.  While it may look easier, it's a skill involving more muscles and coordination. I didn't realize this until recently, but any time a CrossFit workout says to do pull-ups, it means kipping pull-ups...

The first woman off the rowing machine started her thrusters with the clock reading 3:50.  That is just insane to me considering the best time I've gotten on a 1000m row is 4:31!  Seriously amazing!

It was so much fun watching Annie Sakamoto {she's in the thrusters pic above} do this event...a 5-foot, 37-year-old firecracker who knocked out those thrusters like it was sweet potato pie.  She's 37?  She started CrossFit when she was 33?  And she's got two kids?! If that's not inspiring, I really don't know what is! 

The top 3 women finished this event in like, 6 minutes.  I never even thought you could do that many reps of anything in 6 minutes! 

With today being Memorial Day, many CrossFit affiliates choose the "Murph" workout for their workout of the day {WOD}.  The "Murph" workout was created in memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan on June 28th, 2005.  Murphy originally called this workout "Body Armor" and it was one of his favorites.  I absolutely love the fact that CrossFit has come up with multiple workouts named after servicemen {and servicewomen too? I'm not sure...I've only seen men's names thus far} who have died while serving our country and protecting our freedom.

Murph
1 mile run
100 pull-ups
200 push-ups
300 squats
1 mile run


The thought crossed my mind to try and do this at Gb3 before work today but I only had 30 minutes and there was no way I could physically do the "Murph" workout in 30 minutes!  So I did the "Jackie" instead.  Obviously, I didn't knock it out in no 6 minutes, and no way was I doing any kipping pull-ups...never done 'em in my life!  I hit up the rowing machine and rowed out 1000m in 4:38. Then I walked to the squat rack, grabbed the barbell, and partitioned out 50 reps {12, then 11, then 7, 10, and 10}.  That was so exhausting!  More exhausting than I had anticipated.  Last, I was able to do 3 sets of 10 reps on the assisted pull-up machine, since I can't do a kipping or strict pull-up.  Total time: 15:21 {including walking in between machines}.

So I've basically got a 9-minute difference to work on! {big cheesy smile!}  While I'll probably never be able to get anywhere near the 6- or 7-minute mark for the "Jackie" workout, it's kind of cool to be able to see how I stack up to the world's fittest women.  Plus, it's just nice to have a goal to shoot for.

Oy, definitely going to feel this one tomorrow...

Your homework for this week, ladies {and dudes, if you're out there!}...
*Go here and watch a CrossFit Regionals event!

*Try something you've never done before! 
If you've never used a rowing machine, do it. 
If you've never done a thruster, grab any weight you're comfortable with {hand weights, kettlebells, or a barbell} and do it. 
If you've never tried to do a pull-up on the pull-up machine, do it. 
If you've never done any of those three things, well then get to it...you've got a busy week ahead of you!

*Know that you can partition out your reps, meaning, you don't have to bust out ALL 50 thrusters straight through.  Very few super well-conditioned folks can do something like that. 

*Try "Jackie" or "Murph" {if you have the time and access to the equipment}. Don't worry about trying to get a certain time, just finish!

*Breathe.  Take your time.  And smile!

Fear.

This says it all. What do you fear? 

A Saturday Sister Workout

My sister Summer and I have been meeting up to go to the gym once every couple of weeks or so.  I'm not sure how we're able to get in such a great workout when it seems like all we're doing is laughing and making stupid Simpsons or Friends jokes. This past Saturday we got to the gym, and by reading the blank look on Summer's face when I asked, "What do you want to work on today?", I knew I had to take charge.

 

"Okay, Tabata sprints or rowing machine?" I asked.

 

"I don't want to do Tabata sprints!" she giggled.

 

"Perfect." I wanted to row today anyways! AND, I love being the one to come up with our workouts.  I'm hoping to get a certification in personal training {this year? next year?} so I love having Summer as my guinea pig. She's great at letting me boss her around and pick apart her form! Okay, that just makes me sound evil...

We started with 1000m row at a 7 resistance.  I beat my previous time for 1000m {4:38} by only a few seconds.  I ended up rowing 1019m and my time said 4:36 so I don't know what time I got at exactly 1000m, but I think I calculated it out to about 4:31. 

 

I swear Summer looked like Mary freakin' Poppins perfectly perched on the rowing machine, just as giddy and gay as can be, and it was cracking me up.  She definitely makes going to the gym a lot more fun than when I'm by myself!

 

After catching our breaths, we alternated doing assisted pull-ups and upright rows with a 35- pound weight plate. {3 sets of 8 reps for each}.

 

Then, one of my favorite parts of a workout...the squat rack.  I love working at the squat rack because there's usually no one using it and it freaks the living daylights out of the muscleheads to see a woman lifting.  

We started with front squats {45 lb x 8 reps, 65 lb x 5, 95 lb x 3, 115 lb x 1}. The trick is to try to keep your weight on your heels instead of the balls of your feet, and you want to drop your butt down far enough so that your thighs go past parallel with the floor. And elbows up!

Then back squats {45 lb x 8 reps, 65 lb x 5, 95 lb, x 3, 115 lb x 3, 125 lb x 1}.  Widen your grip on the bar than your grip for front squats. I was super stoked because 125 lbs is the highest weight I've ever done for back squats...my first time lifting more than my bodyweight! Another personal record!  We started to do deadlifts but our legs were pretty tuckered out so we moved on.

 

Tricep dips and oblique side bends with 35 lb weight plates were next.  For the first time, I was able to do full bodyweight tricep dips for 3 sets of 8 instead of using the assistance from the machine.  We did 2 sets of 15 side bends for each side. 

 

We finished up with me challenging Summer to a plank {on elbows} contest, and giving her a forewarning that the longest plank I've held was for 5:20.  She made it to 2:45 and I stopped at 3:00.

 

Here's the day's workout:

1000m row

Alternate assisted pull-ups with 35lb upright row {you can use a weight plate, resistance band, dumbbells, kettlebell, or a barbell} for 3 sets of 8

Front squats {45 lb x 8 reps, 65 lb x 5, 95 lb x 3, 115 x 1}

Back squats {45 lb x 8 reps, 65 lb x 5, 95 lb x 3, 115 lb x 3, 125 lb x 1}

Tricep dips {3 sets of 8}

Oblique side bends with 35 lb weight plate {you can also use dumbbells or kettlebells} for 3 sets of 8

Plank hold on elbows

 

Let me know how you do if you do this for your workout!

California Classic: Mel's Half Marathon Edition

Another half marathon with the hubby?!? Yes please! It's such a great bonding experience and I highly recommend it. I have to admit, it is hard for us to both train for marathons while having a 5 and 6 year old who are very active and busy kids. It definitely takes balance, dedication, early mornings, and planning. However, it is truly an amazing thing to experience with your significant other. 

I didn't wake up the morning of the half marathon feeling 100%. For one, I was EXHAUSTED! I had been helping out with a fundraiser with the youth group at my church to raise money for a mission trip to Canada we are going on in July. Then I got less than four hours of sleep two days before the marathon and about 5 hours of sleep the night before the marathon. I felt like I was "drunk tired."

 I also decided to make a super smart choice by having wine and gatorade (which I rarely drink.... the Gatorade, not the wine;)the night before the marathon. Uh, yea..... Not ok! It was super yummy going down, but my tummy did not like me in the morning. 

Between the exhaustion, the wine stomach ache, and the stomach pains from being nervous and anxious.... Lets just say I was in the stinky porta potties by the start line way more than I should of been. 

About 10 minutes before the marathon started, Dawn and I were trying to find each other in the crowd that looked like a herd of wild cattle. There were hundreds of people! Any guess as to where Dawn found me? Keep thinking..... Yup, that's right, I was in the porta potty line AGAIN! This time, it was cutting it way too close to start time because the lines were so long. We had time to talk, take some goofy pictures until I had three minutes to spare. I ran in to the bathroom, took care of business in a hurry, and ran out still pulling up my pants and trying to untuck my shirt from my pants. I was praying I didn't have toilet paper stuck to me somewhere. I gave Dawn a good luck hug, and the husband and I raced to the

 1 hour and 50 minute pacer. It was go time! 

Everyone counted down loud and proud..... 3, 2, 1, Go! The start is always the most difficult and frustrating because you are  running with hundreds of other runners trying to get to your race pace. Everyone is way to close for comfort. We started off running next to the 1:50 pacer, but very shortly after the race started, we gradually got further and further ahead of the pacer. Mike (my husband) set a 1 hour 50 minute goal, and we were well on our way to beating that goal from the beginning. 

We were keeping a pretty steady pace that ranged from 8:05-8:20. Mike was rocking it! My hubby runs faster than your hubby! ;) I couldn't resist. I had to add that in there. 

I love running with Mike, even though we are both at a different paces. We promised each other that if we are running in a race together, we will always stick together no matter what. In all honesty, I sometimes struggle with that. Not because I don't want to run with him, but because my body and mind are not communicating! 

For my runs (1-16 miles) I usually range from a 7:30-7:50 pace (16+ miles I'm around a 7:50-8:00 pace). The higher the mileage, the slower your average pace gets. In my mind, I know what pace I should be at when I'm running with my hubby, but my body tries to go faster! It's beyond frustrating! But once Mike and I get in to that groove, we are right on track with each other. 

Let me describe the race course for you in a nut shell. It took place in Fresno, California. Enough said, right? Fresno is not too exciting. It was perfect temperature, but the sun was beating down on us for a good chunk of the run so it felt much hotter. There were very few spectators compared to any other marathon I've done. But the spectators that were there were amazing! They were loud, playing music, handing out water, and cheering us on! That's what I love! It's what keeps you going.  We were not running through the best part of town in my opinion. However, we did run through the Zoo and through the Sea Lion Cove which was pretty awesome. The finish line was also located in Grizzly stadium on home plate, which was also pretty freaking awesome. 

There were also lots of smells. Now, just so you know, I have a very weak stomach when I'm running. I can't handle different smells. Period. Last year, I was on a 20 mile run with a friend, and she decided we should take a different route. We ended up running past a bunch of cows. The poop smell was so intense I could not tolerate it! I ended up puking, A LOT, all over the dirt. Not very attractive, but we kept on running. No excuses, right?

Ok, back to the race day smells. We smelt trash, bacon, other food items, bad air, cigarette smoke from some of the spectators (No joke! Common courtesy people), and poop as we ran through the Zoo. Even with all of those smells, I did not puke. Thank God! 

Mike and I were going strong and enjoying the experience with each other! We had quiet moments and moments where we were having full conversations with each other. That's what I love about running. You can run with someone for miles, and not say a word to each other. 

We were quickly approaching the finish line. A few miles to go and we were feeling the heat, the tired legs, and the exhaustion. We powered through it! Surprisingly, our last 3 miles were quicker than the first 10. I heard people cheering and the announcer calling out names as runners crossed the finish line. I knew the finish line was right around the corner. We turned right, ran down the hill in to the stadium, and sprinted to the finish line holding hands! We crossed the finish line in 1 hour and 49 minutes, setting a PR for Mike! 

How awesome is that? I got to run with my hubby and witness him set a PR. He truly amazes me more and more each day. I couldn't be more proud of him in all that he does. 

After we crossed, we got a bottle water, our medal, and headed straight for the free food and ice cream from Cold Stones! Peanut butter ice cream, pancakes (I couldn't have any since they didn't have gluten free pancakes there), eggs, sausage, and fruit. It was amazing! Celebrated a victory with the love of my life, food, and ice cream! It couldn't get any better than that. The only thing we were missing, were our sweet babies. We had our babysitter take them to church with her instead of taking them to the marathon. 

Marathon running is such an addiction. You get such a runners high from running that many miles. Only 2% of the world will complete a full marathon (not sure on percentage for 1/2). That is crazy! I absolutely adore the running community! It's a big little community of awesomeness and I'm so proud that my husband and I are a part of that. 

California Classic: Dawn's 5K Edition

The bright beautiful morning sunshine coupled with a slightly chilly breeze couldn't have reflected my pre-race feelings any more perfectly: joyful and happy to be racing my fifth 5k yet jittery with nerves.

 

My sweet hubby had the better judgment to not to brave the crowds with our rambunctuous 3- and 1-year-old boys so early in the morning, making this the first race I've gone to all by my lonesome. Trying to find Mel and her hubby in the crowd before they took off for the half was like trying to find Bigfoot. In a haystack. A really big runner-filled haystack. There were so many people here! Lots of excitement. Lots of hustle and bustle. Lots of reassuring myself that I can meet my goal of running a 7:45 pace {24 minutes for 3.1 miles}.

Four minutes till go time! Feeling good but was kind of bummed that one of my ear buds decided to die on me at this point. What's up with that?!

3, 2, 1...GO!

I started off pretty strong, amazed at the several children that were ahead of me. Yes, children...as in "haven't hit puberty yet" children! Isn't that awesome? Due to my preoccupation with getting schooled by...well, schookids...I forgot to start my Runmeter app until almost a quarter mile into the race!

The shady downtown streets were eerily barren except for a police officer or water station here and there, making me feel as if I had the streets all to myself. If it wasn't for my music blasting out of one good earbud, I'm sure the silence would have creeped me out and slowed me down.

There was a girl who had to have been no older than 9 who kept pace with me for a good mile or mile and a half. At one point she was just ahead of me, but then I said "So long, sucker! Eat my dust!" and I took off ahead of her. Okay, I didn't really think that but I did overtake her. But I thought it was cool that she literally ran right next to me for awhile. Like, thisclose, right next to me. 

For a majority of the race there was a big gap ahead of me and a big gap behind me, making it feel like it was just another day out for a run versus actually racing. I only got passed up by two other ladies who looked to be in their 30s and that was it. With Chukchansi Park in sight, I kicked my butt into gear, excited to be setting a new PR.

Down the ramp to the baseball field was almost like flying. Onto the grass of the baseball field was pretty much the opposite of flying! Thank goodness the whole race wasn't on grass because there is no way I would be setting any records doing that. 

As I got to the Finish line, I didn't even see the clock because I noticed there were three people on the ground messing with the wiring and not moving out of the way. I had to slow down to avoid body checking any of them. Afterwards I high fived one woman named Tara who had passed me. We chatted for awhile and I find out she's a neonatal nurse just like me and actually worked at Children's Hospital a year before I started! Small world. 

They handed out Half Marathon Finisher medals to a certain number of 5k finishers, which feels really dishonest to be wearing it, but here it is.

My Runmeter recorded 2.88 miles in 21:44 with an average pace of 7:32! Still awaiting official results.

I drove home and pulled up to my boys and hubby on the lawn with signs and my oldest wearing my technical shirt that was given to all runners at the Expo. It was just the sweetest thing ever! My signs said "Momma is #1" and "My Mom Runs Faster Than Your Mom!" It was almost as good as if they had been there at the finish line. I just adore my husband and boys!

Why Fitness: Dawn's Edition

From an early age, I’ve always been active. Maybe not exactly what you would call an “athlete”, but I liked to move.  A lot.  

Training in classical ballet from the age of 2 to 15 conditioned me for coordination, balance, flexibility, and wicked calves.  After ballet it was snowboarding and kickboxing, which was an amazing whole-body workout leaving me pooped out and panting on the ground.  Once I went to college I started running on the dorm treadmill, skateboarding and playing racquetball with friends. 

Bouldering at Yosemite Fitness, February 2008

And then came Yosemite Fitness and the indoor climbing gym.  Every physical activity I had ever done up to this point was nowhere near as fun as rock climbing!  My husband and I were engaged at the time and it was so fun to encourage each other on different routes.  Climbing is great for any shape or size person and it’s like trying to figure out a personal puzzle. The tall lanky guy can get to the top just as easily as the petite gal, it’s just a matter of figuring out how to best utilize your body’s strength and flexibility. 

Hiking with Moose, July 2011

I started running because I felt bad for our 50-pound Australian Shepherd. He wasn't getting walked nearly enough but we never leash trained him.  Taking him on walks turned into him taking me on runs.  What surprised me most was how I didn't pass out, puke, or die after jogging with him for a mile. So I started running further and more frequently, even after finding out I was pregnant with our second boy just 4 weeks after I started running. My friend and I entered our first 5k in Shell Beach and I had a huge sense of accomplishment and amazement at what my body was even capable of.

After getting married and popping out your baby {babies}, it does things to you as a woman…

Mentally. 

Emotionally.

And oh boy, does it ever do something to you physically! 

You feel like you lose a lot of your beauty, strength, and dignity after having a child.  All those things that make you feel like a woman in the first place.

The first thing I learned in nursing school {right after the importance of hand washing} was how detrimental immobility is to the human body. After being completely awestruck but God's amazing handiwork in my Anatomy and Physiology classes, it was plainly obvious that God designed us not just with the capability to move, but to move in amazing ways.  Our bodies are capable of so much more than we think they are!

This season of life is where I'm finding myself to be in the best fitness capacity ever, thanks in large part to a dangerously addicting drug called Crossfit. For anyone who does Crossfit, you know exactly what I mean. For those of you who don't, you really ought to try it ...just once!  Mel and I have been going to classes so more info on why we love Crossfit to come!

I want to praise God everyday for giving me a body that is capable of moving.

I want to be stronger.

I want to set a healthy example for my boys {heck, I just want to keep up with my boys!}.

I want all women to know that they are physically capable of so much more than Zumba and 3 pound dumbbells.