Confessions of a Mother Runner

Healthy Living, Running & Vegetarian

Full Body Weight Bench Workout- At home or Gym

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I am firm believer that we runners cannot build muscle and get strong on running alone. Strength training is a big part of my workout routine. One of my favorite and most used pieces of equipment in my home gym is my weight bench. I use it for every workout. Weight benches are not just for chest flyes and presses. I am sharing some of my favorites in this Full Body Workout using a weight bench. Full Body Weight Bench Workout This Full body weight bench workout can be done at home or at the … [Read more...]

Drop It Like A Squat Workout Wednesday

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Regular readers here know how important I think strength training is for runners and really every body. I am religious about my twice a week routine. Lately I have been mixing it up a bit by using slightly heavier weights and incorporating more drop sets.  This Drop It Like A Squat Workout combines many of my favorite lower body moves into one killer routine. Drop It Like A Squat Workout You will need 3 sets of weights (light, medium and heavy). It's fine to use dumbbells or kettlebells or a … [Read more...]

Standing Core Exercises For Runners

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With spring races quickly approaching and kids activities in full gear, it can be challenging to fit in all of your runs much less adding strength training to the mix. I am sharing 4 of my favorite Standing Core Exercises that can be added on post run. A strong core is important for every body. Standing Core Exercises For Runners When most people thing of core exercises, they think planks and traditional crunches. While those are both great exercises, they are not the only ones. I am … [Read more...]

Quickie 10 minute No Equipment Glute Workout

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With so many winter weather challenges this time of the year, it is always helpful to have some quick and easy at home routines in your arsenal. No equipment? Not to worry. I've got a killer 10 minute No Equipment Glute workout that will definitely have you feeling the burn the next day. Quickie 10 Minute No Equipment Glute Workout See here for a demo of Donkey Kicks which target both the hamstrings and glutes. Find a demo for fire hydrants here. What do I love about this Quickie 10 … [Read more...]

RunBet? You bet! App Review

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This week wraps up my 4 week challenge with RunBet. Thought I would share a little bit about how RunBet works and my experience participating over the last 4 weeks. I roped a few of my running friends into joining me because everything is better with friends. Especially running. RunBet? You Bet! RunBet is basically an app based game (free app) that encourages you to run (or walk) consistently. Each game has it's own rules on how many runs per week are required and for how long (ie. 30 … [Read more...]

The Rest Day Paradox

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What is it that is so hard about a Rest Day? We know we are supposed to take rest days and yet so many of us have such a difficult time actually taking a day off from exercising. By day off, I mean a real "day off" without any exercise. Full disclosure, I am guilty of just this very thing more weeks than not. Rest Day Paradox Logically, I know that rest days are important for recovery and to avoid injury and over training. Yet, for some reason, I have a very hard time accepting that I need … [Read more...]

Rope Assisted Stretches For Runners

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One of my goals this year is to be more mindful and intentional with my post run stretching. While there are endless variations of stretches one can perform post exercise, there are a few that can be enhanced by using a stretching rope. When I actually take the time to do these, my body always thanks me. Sharing a few of my go to Rope Assisted Stretches For Runners. Rope Assisted Stretches For Runners There are ropes that are made especially for stretching. However, if you do not have one, … [Read more...]

Build Your Own Home Gym With These 7 Essentials

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Thinking of creating your own home gym? Sanctuary, Pain cave, escape room, play room or happy place. However you refer to your workout space, stocking it with a few basics will set you up for success. Up your game and build your own Home Gym with these 7 essentials. Home Gym Essentials Yoga Mat Perhaps you have a yoga mat hiding in one of your closets already and it's a staple of a home gym routine. Use it for stretching, push ups, planks and all sorts of core moves. Resistance … [Read more...]

Do Anywhere Full Body Stability Ball Workout

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Happy January everyone! After the holidays and my vacation, I am ready to get back to my regular exercise routine. I do all of my strength training workouts at home and one of my favorite pieces of equipment is my stability ball. The number of exercises you can do with this one item are endless! Today I am sharing a few of my go to's in this Do Anywhere Full Body Stability Ball Workout. Do Anywhere Full Body Stability Ball Workout [Tweet "Get a full body #workout w just #stabilityBall … [Read more...]

Add These Bodyweight Exercises At The End of Your Run

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So, think you are too busy to strength train and run? No time for the gym? No problem. In just a few minutes, you can add these  Bodyweight exercises to the end of your run.  No equipment needed.  (This post is an excerpt from an article first published in Women's Running) Body Weight Exercises to add onto your run Pick one or two to do after each run before you stretch.  10-15 reps of each. Dips Target: Triceps Fit Tip: Keeping shoulders relaxed and down, bend elbows backwards. Try … [Read more...]

Bend And Brew- A Somewhat Tipsy Review

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I was completely intrigued when I heard about "Bend and Brew". Bend and Brew is a collaboration between Core Power Yoga and Mad Fox Brewing to bring together yoga and beer tasting. Yep, 2 totally unrelated and seemingly incongruous activities. I knew I wanted in though! Bend and Brew Admittedly, I am really not a beer drinker at all. I am, a lover of yoga and a fan of Core Power Yoga classes. I was intrigued by this unconventional blend and curious to check it out. Naturally, I roped in … [Read more...]

Using Run/Walk Intervals After Injury To Resume Training

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If you are a regular reader around here, you may recall that I have been dealing with an achilles strain for the past few months. I finally sought help and entered Physical Therapy about a month ago. Like all runners, I was anxious to keep up my training and stay in running shape while treating my achilles strain. Fortunately, I was given the go ahead to continue running. I've been using Run/Walk Intervals to allow me to do just that. Using Run/Walk Intervals After Injury While no runner … [Read more...]