PumpUp App review

iTunes App store

Only available for iPhone. :(

Use code PRO30 for a free 30 day upgrade to the pro version.

This was brought to my attention from Sweat Pink and it is really neat. 

First screen

The mascot reminds me of the water people from Futurama. If you don't watch that show, here's my proof:

Okay, so here is how it works. When you log on, you'll create an account. Select new workout and then proceed through the screens below.

After you select At Home or In the Gym, the bottom menu pops up:

Optional add-ons to your workout.

I like that it asks what equipment you have

Only issue I've had so far, and a few others have had as well, is that the app crashes sometimes. Usually in between the download of your workout being complete, and opening it. I restarted my phone (which I can't even remember the last time I did that...) and it opened up perfectly so might have been user error ha ha.

Update (a few days later.) I am loving this app. They did a few updates during the last week and it runs smoothly now, the workouts load faster. No crashing. It's a great app! I've been lazy with planning my workouts post-injury and this has helped tremendously! Her voice can get a little annoying on the voice coaching but it's easy to turn off if you aren't in the mood for a cheerleader. Oh and you can swap an exercise out if you don't like it and view all of your exercises with reps and weights, at the end if you need to record them for logs and progress.

If you have an iPhone, definitely check out this app.

Disclaimer: I was given a code to try the Pro version for a longer period of time as part of Sweat Pink. I didn't have to do a review but we were asked to do so if we wanted to so here's mine. All thoughts and opinions are my own! Pictures taken through screenshots on my phone.

My 30th birthday!

Today I am 30. It hasn't completely sunk in for me yet, but it's getting there and I'm a flurry of mixed emotions. On one hand, I am a mother to an awesome 10 year old little guy. He has his crazy moments, but on the whole, he is a very sweet, good natured, child. I have a degree and am applying to graduate programs to start in the fall or next spring. I am in a happy, healthy, loving relationship for the first time in a few years to someone who has been my best friend for 10 years. And I have an insanely supportive family who has been there for me while I've been through so much the last few years.

And most importantly to this blog, I have gotten my health/fitness more in control. I have lost 20 pounds in a year with some setbacks due to being sick. I have discovered activities that work for me and that I love, even though I alternate it on a monthly basis because I love to be engaged, love to keep things different, and keep myself, as well as my body, guessing. One month I am solely focused on lifting, another Pilates as well as accessory work with lifting, yoga, hiking, HIIT. Whatever randomness pops up.

My boyfriend and I on a hiking trip to Pedernales Falls State Park. We were lying down on a limestone rock hence the awkward picture! And below is one of the areas of the park. It was relaxing being in the middle of nowhere, where our cell phones didn't even have reception!

And my munchkin tried sledding for the first time over the break and was in love!

I am really excited to see what this year, and the future hold and I have new goals which I will make a post about later.

Challenges

I'm not a person who makes New Years resolutions. It just seems like a set up for failure for me personally, though I know others who thrive on it. I do however enjoy making monthly, and sometimes weekly/daily goals. I've taken the idea from various challenge calendars such as the one below.

This was for a plank challenge from a tumblr (my-fitness-fight) and I adapted it for my needs and added additional challenges. Mostly, I incorporated photo challenges

And then add random challenges throughout the week, such as try a new yoga class/video, look up a random exercise and incorporate it that week, try new stretches, watch a movie, go a day without technology, and so forth. It becomes fun, and challenging for me and keeps me interested so I don't get bored with my routine.

100%

Posted by Body Language sportswear on twitter. Needed this reminder for my workouts this week!

Efforts and recipe requests

The last week or so my efforts have not been the greatest. With my son's birthday, and Halloween, lots of school events for him and my boyfriend being in town for two weeks (LDR's are difficult), I was preoccupied. I couldn't figure out why I was having so much trouble focusing until I let myself rest for a bit and realized I have the beginnings of a sinus infection/cold. This has made things difficult, but I am determined! Tomorrow, Wednesday, I am heading to the gym for an upper body workout and some cardio. I will also be working on meal planning, looking into new recipes and grocery shopping. If anyone has any clean eating recipe recommendations, please pass them along! I'll start making recipe posts this week or next as well with some of my favorites.

Back workout

Most exercises isolate one section of the back but targets other muscles too. Upright rows are one of my all time favorites! Works traps, shoulders, and biceps as well.

Standing Dumbbell Upright Row Bodybuilding.com

Deadlifts are a great compound workout for your back, and also your entire lower half. Try not to do them the day before a leg workout if you can help it. I prefer Straight-legged deadlifts, which focus more on hamstrings, but many prefer traditional so I've posted both videos.

Barbell Deadlift Bodybuilding.com

Stiff-Legged Barbell Deadlift Bodybuilding.com

Stiff-legged Good Mornings are a new one for me but I really love them and can definitely feel them when I do them. Try a lower weight at first since it's a completely different compound workout.

Stiff Leg Barbell Good Morning Bodybuilding.com

Barbell (or dumbbell) bent-over rows are awesome for you back and definitely one of my favorites.

Bent Over Barbell Row Bodybuilding.com

DOMS

DOMS make clapping at a football game very difficult. I did upper body this morning, focusing on chest and triceps, and every time we had to clap or cheer, my arms were straining. Tomorrow may turn into a rest day or a cardio only day. We shall see! At least I know I got a good workout in today!