Fit Friday! - Leg Day Challenge

It's been a long week... on Tuesday Little Man and I had an 11.5hr travel day. 3 flights, 2 huge storms, rude people, not feeling well, etc. So the past two days were pretty much "recovery." I also got busy this morning and lost track of time, missing the Stroller Aerobics class at the gym, good thing I opened up my e-mail and this little baby was inside!
-Tay

As always, if you use Instagram don't forget to tag 

@thedaringdanedlion @active_freckals and this month #legdaychallenge

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Bringing back the Alphabet Challenge but this time we will be focusing on your bottom half. So spell out your full name with the alphabet below and GET TO WORK!

Remember you can break up the final total through out the day to make it more manageable. Don’t forget to take pictures then tag us @thedaringdandelion and @active_freckals to let us know you are following along!
~Adrien

Fit Friday! - Stroller Leg Workout

Thanks to a nasty stomach virus Friday was pretty much a blur... and I completely missed posting this (last) week's Fit Friday, I sincerely apologize (especially to Adrien!), but I promise it's still great! So... since today is a day off from work for many, if you can get outside or to an indoor track if it's raining/snowing like it is for me, this is going to be a fun workout for mom (or dad) and baby/toddler!
-Tay

As always, if you use Instagram don't forget to tag 

@thedaringdanedlion @active_freckals and this month #strollerlegworkout

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Like many families out there, ours is a one-car family, and we simply cannot afford for me to have gym membership. So workouts have to either be quiet enough to happen during baby girls naps or they have to be baby friendly. Not to mention my husband and I also really missed being able to run with each other. So after much research and asking my fellow mom friends their thoughts on different types we decided to invest in a jogging stroller.

Best decision ever. I get to go running at least 2 times a week (more when we all go) and my daughter gets to see her parents stay healthy and active. Plus she loves being outside so she really enjoys the rides.
~Adrien

Freckled & Free

Below is a short stroller workout you can add to your walk or jog.
Take pictures of you working out with your little loves and tag us on Instagram
@active_freckals and @thedaringdandelion

 
Disclaimer: Adrien is a Beach Body Coach, however all the moves listed are done at your own risk. Please ensure that your baby can hold their head up on their own before attempting any of these moves. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting any exercise program. The Daring Dandelion along with Freckled & Free assume no responsibility for injuries that may occur while completing the moves utilized in this workout.

Fit Friday! - Alphabet Fit Challenge

Luckily I only have 14 letters in my full name, for those of you with more...
Well... Just wait and see. 

-Tay

As always, if you use Instagram don't forget to tag @thedaringdanedlion @active_freckals and this month #alphabetfitchallenge

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Happy FIRST Fit Friday post of 2016!!!

I figured this Friday we would have a bit of fun with the workout. This idea actually came from Tay when she tagged me in a different version via Facebook. However, that version had many of our friends doing upwards of 20 minutes worth of wall sits and hundreds of burpees, AH!!!

So I figured I would make a version that is still challenging but something that anyone, at any fitness level could tackle.

Here is how it works each letter in the alphabet below is assigned a workout and amount reps to be completed for that letter. So spell out your FULL name using the chart below, add everything up and that's your workout.

Click image to open, right click and either select "save as" or "print."

Remember your FULL name! That means first, middle(s), and last(s). So two middle names, use them both. Hyphened last name, use both as well!

If you're like Tay, with a shorter name, you can always repeat the circuit.

Here is a sample name:

M - 10 Burpees

A - 5 Squats

R - 10 Tricep Dips
Y - 60sec Forearm Plank

E - 5 Tricep Dips

L - 10 Push Ups

L - 10 Push Ups

E - 5 Tricep Dips

N - 10 Squats

S - 30sec Wall Sit

M - 10 Burpees

I - 60sec Forearm Plank

T - 30sec Forearm Plank

H - 60sec Wall Sit

Take your time tackling the total amount, break it up to make more manageable sets and have some sore, sweaty fun! Have a happy healthy 2016!

~Adrien





Disclaimer: Adrien is a Beach Body Coach, however all the moves listed are done at your own risk. Please ensure that your baby can hold their head up on their own before attempting any of these moves. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting any exercise program. The Daring Dandelion along with Freckled & Free assume no responsibility for injuries that may occur while completing the moves utilized in this workout.

Fit Friday!- Yoga for Colds.

 

Adrien from Freckled & Free is here to talk about utilizing yoga to help with colds... If you're following my Instagram you'll notice I just posted about easing back into working out with yoga after my nasty cold. Gotta thank little man for bringing it home from the church nursery, hah!

If you're on Instagram remember to hashtag #fitfriday #yogaforcolds and tag @thedaringdandelion @active_freckals. Thanks for taking this journey with us!

-Tay

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Yoga for Colds
Its full swing cold and flu season everywhere, especially here in our home.

So far my daughter and I have had two colds each in just over one months time. I was explaining my cold woes to Tay and she suggested yoga, hey at this point I’ll try anything to kick these cold germs to the curb.

So I did a bit of research and found some moves that best worked for my chest congestion and joint pain that I have been experiencing with these past couple colds. Now if you are experienced yogi you can hold these moves for as long as your body can handle, but for most I recommend only holding these poses for 30 seconds to 1 minute max. You can always repeat the moves but I don’t want you to over-stretch.

Bridge Pose: Great way to open your chest. Make sure when you are in this position pushing your pelvis in the air that you are keeping your knees directly over your ankles. Also, no turning of your head so as not to hurt your neck. I choose to grasp my hands rolling my shoulders together but if you prefer less pressure leave your hands relaxed with palms down and shoulders relaxed on the floor.

Camel pose: Another great even deeper position that will open up the chest and back. If touching your feet is too intense place your hands on your lower back with fingers pointing down and just bend back till you feel the stretch. Keep the weight in your knees to really deepen the stretch. Remember to breathe deep in these poses as well to get the most out of your time.

Bow Pose: Stretches the neck, chest, stomach, and back. Hold your toes or ankles pull and lift as high as you can balancing your weight over your belly button, creating a bow shape.

Child's Pose: I apologize for the super blurry picture but this pose always helps my joints feel better. Great pose for stretching out the hips, thighs, and ankles. I had a lot of joint pain this last cold in my hips. Your big toes should be touching during this pose and knees open and wider than your hips, getting your butt as close to heels as possible while lengthening your arms out in front of you, palms facing down.

Here is a better picture from yogajournal.com...

These poses really helped me with my cold and I hope that they also will help you to find relief from your colds.
~Adrien




Disclaimer: Adrien is a Beach Body Coach, however all the moves listed are done at your own risk. Please ensure that your baby can hold their head up on their own before attempting any of these moves. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting any exercise program. The Daring Dandelion along with Freckled & Free assume no responsibility for injuries that may occur while completing the moves utilized in this workout.

Fit Friday! - Challenge Update.

Adrien from Freckled & Free started hosting the Fit Fabulous Fall Challenge on October 2nd.

I forgot to take a beginning photo... but I did take one at the halfway mark and today (technically day 28 for me). I don't know if they show much change, but my legs are definitely feeling it and looking WAY more defined!  

If you're on Instagram remember to hashtag #fitfriday #fffsquatchallenge and tag @thedaringdandelion @active_freckals. Thanks for taking this journey with us!
-Tay

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Fit Fabulous Fall Challenge - Update

So did you do it?

Did you complete the Fit Fabulous Fall Challenge?

I’ll be honest - I got behind and then got my butt kicked with a super duper sucky cold. Eek. So I am only on Day 17 but I will finish this challenge even if it is later than everyone else.

That is the nice thing about exercise, as long as you keep trying everyday to get closer to your goals and never give up, you will eventually reach them.

Here are a list of things I have learned since beginning this challenge…

• My legs, my body are stronger than I imagined.
• I am capable of doing 100 squats in under 5 minutes.
• My daughter loves to watch me workout. Sometimes I hold her while squatting, other times she is on the floor playing but no matter what she is doing, once I begin squatting she squeals and laughs the whole time. She is my favorite little cheerleader! 

I hope you were also able to learn some new things about yourself while completing this challenge. If you have not finished the challenge yet, keep going!
~Adrien

Below is my “Before” picture and me today:

Halfway and almost Done!

Fit Friday! - Fit Fabulous Fall Challenge

Sorry for the late post, little man and I hit the ground running once we arrived here in Arizona to visit my family... but here it is! Adrien from Freckled & Free is hosting a CHALLENGE, will you ACCEPT and JOIN?

Time to reshape my booty! 

-Tay

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Fit Fabulous Fall Challenge

Tay and I thought it would be fun to change things up this Fit Friday. With the season changing, the air getting crisp, and the weather getting colder (depending on where you live!) it is time for a Squat Challenge. Pretty simple - follow the squat series below and let’s see how many people we can get to go on this squat challenge with us! Share with your friends.

Use #fffsquatchallenge on Instagram to let us you are doing this challenge with us, don't forget #fitfriday and tagging @thedaringdandelion & @active_freckals. Take before and after pictures (promise it's worth it!), also take your measurements. Let’s see how much change we can get just from squatting it out!
~Adrien

Links:

• Morning Stretch Flow

*I apologize for graphic quality and the spell check lines below the hashtags in the challenge photo, I am blogging via my iPad and can't fixed everything...


Disclaimer: Adrien is a Beach Body Coach, however all the moves listed are done at your own risk. Please ensure that your baby can hold their head up on their own before attempting any of these moves. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting any exercise program. The Daring Dandelion along with Freckled & Free assume no responsibility for injuries that may occur while completing the moves utilized in this workout.

Fit Friday! - Let's Go For A Walk.

Sorry for the late post, West Coast & East Coast time difference and an e-mail miscommunication... but here it is! Adrien from Freckled & Free is discussing the benefits of walking and what to plan for when baby is involved.

Let us know if there are any good walking paths in your neighborhood/hometown! If you're on Instagram you can also hashtag #thedaringdandelion #fitfriday and tag @thedaringdandelion

There's a walking path a couple miles down the road from us, guess we should try it!

-Tay

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Let's Go For A Walk!
Seems simple right? Because it is. Walking is a great was to burn calories, stay active, get to where you need to go, have some quality family time, discover your community, and decompress. Of course we (my husband & I) will be babywearing on our walks. We try to walk everywhere we can that it makes sense.

We walk to the coffee house, post office, grocery store, pharmacy, dollar store, Salvation Army, and sometimes even McDonalds for a late night sweet-tooth craving. Walking is a great low-impact exercise. I try to walk a minimum of 30 minutes twice a day. The first walk is bonding time, just baby girl and I. The second walk is all about family and my husband wears our little lady.

If you have babies and are able to babywear I highly recommend it. It is a great was to get an additional calore burn and bond even more with your child. If stroller is how you roll (pun intended), then roll away!

My tips for walking with baby:

1. Wear comfy appropriate footwear. There's no point in having sore feet.
2. Dress accordingly . If its sunny, wear sunscreen (baby as well, if old enough), sunglasses, hat, and light layers. If raining or there's a chance of rain wear and oversized rain coat while babywearing (needs to fit around you and baby).
3. Make sure before you leave that baby is in a fresh diaper. I say this because if your walk is short enough you should not need to pack diapers. With that being said, going for a longer walk (1hr+) bring those diapers!
4. Take your time and enjoy the walk. Literally, or not, "stop and smell the roses." By taking the time to enjoy the walk through your community you are introducing your child to the town.

Children or not, I hope you are able to get out for a walk soon. Who knows, maybe you will discover a new little surprise... a community garden, art display, small business, stream, or playground you didn't know about. So get out, discover, and stretch your legs.

If you want to add a bit more to your walks, I recommend checking out my Morning Stretch Flow & Mommy & Baby exercise routine.

~Adrien



Disclaimer: Adrien is a Beach Body Coach, however all the moves listed are done at your own risk. Please ensure that your baby can hold their head up on their own before attempting any of these moves. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting any exercise program. The Daring Dandelion along with Freckled & Free assume no responsibility for injuries that may occur while completing the moves utilized in this workout.

Fit Friday! - Everyday Fitness.

It's Fit Friday with the lovely Adrien from Freckled & Free,
this time we are stepping inside her home...

Let us know what you do between baby duty, household chores, cooking, etc!
If you're on Instagram you can also hashtag #daringdandelion #fitfriday and tag @thedaringdandelion.

Yesterday was cleaning day in my house, I definitely did a few of these moves!

-Tay

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Everyday Fitness!

I can honestly say that right now, and over the last couple weeks, I’m not sure how I ever finished a workout program. Gah, a teething baby may just be the hardest part of being a new mom. So I have come up with a few moves that I can easily do in between house chores and caring for this adorable little girl.

#1 Tricep Dips
You can use your couch or coffee table for these. Lower yourself making sure your back is flat and as close as possible to the couch edge with knees at a 90-degree angle.

To make these more difficult you can straighten out your legs in front of you. 10 reps, repeat 3 times.

#2 Modified Push-ups
Knees on the floor, keep your hands under your shoulders, and make sure your back is flat. 10 reps, repeat 3 times.

#3 Forearm Plank 
Forearms planks are great for those with wrist problems. When in plank form make sure to keep your back flat. A straight line from head to heels. Make sure your hips are not dipping and that you do not have a "teepee butt" ...hold for 1min.

#4 Squats
Most important thing when doing squats is keeping your knees behind your toes, keeping your knees in line with your ankles (don't let your knees waver in or out), and keep your back flat. 15 reps, repeat 3 times.

#5 Calf Raises - Three Ways
Now these are special with three different foot positions. Trust me, these suckers, you are going to feel them! Need help with keeping balance? Hold onto a chair or counter. 10 reps per position, repeat 3 times for a total of 90 calf raises.

Positions: Feet parallel. Toes pointed in. Toes pointed out.

I don’t normally do these all at once because life happens. I find it easiest to perform tricep dips, pushups, and plank when baby girl is having her tummy time. It usually keeps her very entertained. Calf raises and squats I like to do while cooking dinner or while doing the dishes. I hope you enjoy these simple moves. Life is not always picture perfect and neither are workouts. Sometimes you just have to take what time you have and work with it.
-Adrien




Disclaimer: Adrien is a Beach Body Coach, however all the moves listed are done at your own risk. Please ensure that your baby can hold their head up on their own before attempting any of these moves. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting any exercise program. The Daring Dandelion along with Freckled & Free assume no responsibility for injuries that may occur while completing the moves utilized in this workout.

Fit Friday! - Get Out & Hike.

And... we're back again with another installment of Fit Friday with the lovely Adrien from Freckled & Free,
this time we are headed outside to enjoy nature~

Let us know where you end up hiking this weekend!
If you're on Instagram you can also hashtag #daringdandelion #fitfriday and tag @thedaringdandelion.

Time to look up some hikes in my area!

-Tay

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Go For a Hike!
Not everyone is into the typical workout with weights or running. If my husband could hike everyday he would and he would be in great shape. Find the type of exercise and activity that helps you and your family stay healthy. This past weekend we went on our first official hike as a family to Flowah Falls in Oregon.

If you want to burn a few extra calories push a stroller, if appropriate for the trail, or baby-wear. I carried Lilly this time because I wanted the extra challenge but to be honest most times my husband does the baby wearing. We do that because it helps to deepen their bond since he is at work all day during the week.

Tips for hiking with baby:

1. Check the weather. Sounds silly but you may need sunscreen and/or a rain resistant coat. If it does rain, be sure to have a coat that fits around you and baby in the carrier.
2. Make sure you like your carrier. When picking one out, go to a baby boutique. You don't have to buy the carrier there but usually the store staff are great about helping you get fitted on one and trying out the different positions and different brands. We love our ErgoBaby Carriers, they work great for me at 5'3" and are really comfortable for my husband who is 6'4". The one pictured is the Performance carrier, it is great for warm summers with the mesh panel in the front helping to keep Lilly cool during walks or hikes. (Please note, I am not endorsed by ErgoBaby).
3. Bring snacks. We brought hard boiled eggs, carrot sticks, and bottled water. Baby girl is not eating solids yet, so these were for us. Hey - parents have to eat too!
4. Don't forget the WIPES! I say this with humor as I have totally forgotten to pack wipes before. In general bring a small backpack with diaper changing necessities and a change of clothes for you/baby. You never know what will happen. I also highly recommend a travel changing pad for those rocky trails.
5. Easy access clothing for the breastfeeding mommas out there. Babies will get hungry even on hikes so wear something that will be easy to deal with when the need arises.
6. Take a camera. These moments are memories in the making, take time to document them.

Hiking is a great way to get outdoors, burn some calories, and explore without having to spend much money. Really all you are paying for is the gas for the drive there but the memories and scenery are worth it. If you don't live within fairly easy access to hiking trails try finding some nice walking trails instead!

So if you've got babies, strap them on or stroller up, and go make some memories. If you don't have kids... grab your spouse, family members, and/or friends and get outdoors... it really is a beautiful place.
-Adrien


Disclaimer: Adrien is a Beach Body Coach, however all the moves listed are done at your own risk. Please ensure that your baby can hold their head up on their own before attempting any of these moves. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting any exercise program. The Daring Dandelion along with Freckled & Free assume no responsibility for injuries that may occur while completing the moves utilized in this workout.

Fit Friday! - Morning Stretch Flow.

Adrien from Freckled & Free is back with the second installment of Fit Friday! If you do the routine let us know in the comments. On Instagram? You can hashtag #daringdandelion #fitfriday and tag @thedaringdandelion.

Time to stretch!

-Tay

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Morning Stretch Flow

Stretching is a great way to wake up your body. Here are a few moves to get your day started right!

 "My yoga, it doesn't matter if things aren't perfect. 

My practice is my time to feel alive, loved, and free." - Unknown

While doing these poses remember to breathe deeply in through the nose and out through the mouth, push deeper into the stretch as you breathe through it. I hope you enjoy this simple sequence!

-Adrien

 #1 Child's Pose

Resting your bottom on top of your heels (or as close as you can get, my flexibility needs some work, haha!) with knees wide apart, reach your arms forward and lengthen through the fingers. Hold for 60sec.

#2 Upward Facing Dog (Up-Dog)

Gazing upward, knees are lifted off the ground, with shoulders relaxed and rolled back from the ears. Hold for 60sec.

#3 Downward Facing Dog (Down-Dog)

Roll your feet and push back from the previous pose - aim to get your heels as close to the ground as possible without sacrificing form. Remember to look at the inside of your elbow to keep your head in line with your spine. Hold for 60sec.

#4 Crescent Pose/Low Lunge

Stepping right foot forward with your left knee dropping to the ground, sinking into the hip flexor, stretch your arms above your head, then slightly back. Hold for 60sec.

#5 Downward Facing Dog (Down-Dog)

Place your hand on both sides of your right foot, then step back into down dog. Hold for 60sec.

#6 Alternate Crescent Pose/Low Lunge

This time step your left foot forward, and drop your right knee to the ground again sinking into your hip flexor. Stretch your arms above your head, then slightly back. Hold for 60sec. *

#7 Rag Doll

Placing your hands on both sides of the left foot step your right foot forward to match your left. Cross your arms and hang folded forward, you can move slightly side-to-side if desired, Remember to relax your shoulders and neck. Hold for 60sec. When standing back up, roll slowly vertebrae by vertebrae taking your time.

*Repeat entire flow if desired.

Disclaimer: Adrien is a Beach Body Coach, however all the moves listed are done at your own risk. Please ensure that your baby can hold their head up on their own before attempting any of these moves. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting any exercise program. The Daring Dandelion along with Freckled & Free assume no responsibility for injuries that may occur while completing the moves utilized in this workout.

Fit Friday! - Mommy & Baby.

Welcome to the first installment of "Fit Friday!" I've partnered up with one of my Island Besties, Adrien, over at Freckled & Free. Every other Friday she's going to bring you a quick easy to do workout to fit into your busy lives! 

If you do the workout let us know in the comments, if you use Instagram you can also hashtag #daringdandelion #fitfriday and tag @thedaringdandelion.

Time to sweat!

-Tay

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Seven Moves for Mommy & Baby  
As moms we do not always have time to make it to the gym. These moves will not only give you a nice mini sweat session but will also give you more bonding time with your little one. Who doesn’t want more reasons to kiss and love on their baby?
-Adrien

#1  Forearm Plank
Lay baby on their back between forearms resting directly below you. Make sure when you are in plank form that you have a straight line from neck to feet. Hold for 1 minute.

#2 Push-ups
Lay baby on back and hover over them in a push-up position (modified push-up position pictured). Lower yourself to baby and give them a kiss. 3 sets of 15.

#3 Russian Twists
Seated on the floor with legs bent hold firmly to your baby and twist from side-to-side. 3 sets of 15. Side-to-side = 1 rep.

#4 Upright Row
Hold baby facing out, or facing you. Make sure your elbows come above your shoulders when lifting. 3 sets of 15.

#5 Bicep Curls
Hold baby firmly under arms and curl arms up bringing baby to your face for a kiss. 3 sets of 15.

#6 Standing Twister
Hold baby a few inches from your body and twist sie-to-side. Hold for one breath on each side. Remember to keep your core tight the entire time. Left-right = 1 rep, repeat a total of 30 times.

#7 Shoulder Press
Stand up and hold your baby, then lift baby up in the air engaging your shoulders. If you want and your baby is a dare devil you can toss your baby slightly into the air - sure to produce a giggle & smile! Now you have the correct term for a move your baby already enjoys. 3 sets of 15.

Disclaimer: Adrien is a Beach Body Coach, however all the moves listed are done at your own risk. Please ensure that your baby can hold their head up on their own before attempting any of these moves. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting any exercise program. The Daring Dandelion along with Freckled & Free assume no responsibility for injuries that may occur while completing the moves utilized in this workout.