Whenever the weather is nice and hot, I like to get my day going with some light cardio. Lately I’ve been keeping my workouts at home and starting first thing in the morning. The temperature is more comfortable and it's a nice way to greet the sun. Another reason I enjoy early mornings is the absence of noise from the outside world. It’s so quiet and peaceful, it feels like I have the whole neighborhood to myself!
I usually get myself out of bed around 6:10 A.M. or so then make my way downstairs for a fresh glass of water. I skip on food because the water is all I need to get my juices flowing and my body activated. Along with a nice stretch, It feels to me as I imagine how oil feels to the tin man; refreshing! Once I'm loose and hydrated, I head to the backyard and get started!
Because it's light cardio, I do not try to exhaust or exert myself too much. I like to feel my workouts and would go a little harder on some days. When I get a good sweat going, that's when I know it's working! I like to call this the “MoJo moment”. My heart rate increases, my breathing is controlled, and every movement of my muscles feels like a micro massage! I get into the groove of the moment and my workouts become a form of physical therapy. They energize the trifecta; mind, body, and spirit. In addition to capturing my morning routine, I also made these cool gifs. I haven't made these in a while and though what better subject than workout exercises; enjoy!
My morning routine includes but is not limited to these staple exercises:
Run in Place - 1 min:
Sometimes I’ll run in circles alternating at the 15 or 30 second marks. If you get in the zone and go past the 1 minute mark, good! Keep going.
20 Side-2-Side Jump Toe Touches :
Once you get into the groove of the exercise you start to feel it mostly at the waist. I particularly feel it in my V-line and between my legs. So rewarding when done correctly, mood elevating too!
100 Jumping Jacks:
These are broken up by 25 and done throughout the course of my workout. More or less per set is fine as long as 100 or more are reached there is no such thing as too many.
20 Side to Side High Knees:
I will do 10 of these at a time because this workout is very jump heavy. Depending on which one you do first can determine the difficulty of another. Be careful!
10 Burpees:
I count these by the push-ups. Down, up, jump, then down again. I don’t always perform these but when I do, I feel it!
Working out in my backyard is great for so many reasons. It’s convenient; I'm only a few steps from a good water source and a bathroom. There’s no membership fees, crowded spaces, and its clothing optional! I don’t know why I haven't done this much sooner.
Another good reason and maybe my favorite are my gardens. They are manicured and styled to my liking so I enjoy my time spent tenting to them. Being in my backyard gives me the same sensation I imagine as a saltwater fish in a designer tank; it was made for me! I had the concrete patio put in for BBQs and hosting but it's a great spot for working out in between. It is now the go to place for my morning routine and my neighbors don’t mine either!
