The Weekly Fitness Routine That Works For Me

Fitness is a huge part of my life and I'm so thankful for what it does for my piece of mind and overall health! I grew up dancing, and the discipline that comes from taking class 5 times a week for several hours a day really framed my craving to "move". I didn't really appreciate it as much in my 20's and before I became a Mom, but now I'm incredibly thankful for 60 minutes to myself. After taking time for myself I'm so much happier, and a much better wife, mama and friend! Just ask my husband :)

 Before I had children, when I could basically do whatever I wanted with my free time, I'd treat a workout as something to check the box, without finding the joy in the experience. Then I'd completely negate my workout with 5 margaritas (not skinny!) plus chips and queso! {Seriously you should see the cheeks I had in my 20's!} There is absolutely nothing wrong with this lifestyle, it's fun, and I still come back to it a couple times a year, but I feel so much better now that I have a more balanced lifestyle.

I think as you get older, you find what form of movement and diet works for your body. There are so many fitness & diet options so it can be overwhelming, but if you play around a bit you will find a place that jives with your mind, body & lifestyle!

 Here is my "weekly" fitness routine. Weekly is a loose term, as I like to switch it up all of the time.

 3 cardio sessions per week: Usually 2 spin classes and 1 long run. *I had two c-sections, and after my first one, cycling was the only workout that felt good in my body. I completely fell in love, and looked forward to 45 minutes to myself. I also loved the super fun, loud music and uber dark room! Perfect for a first time mama that had 40ish extra lbs. Fast forward 4 years and this is still my favorite form of fitness.

1 Barre 3 class per week--Two if I'm lucky! I found Barre 3 when I was pregnant with my first baby in 2012. I'd been on bed rest a couple times and was finally cleared to partake in low impact activity. A friend invited me to Barre 3 Downtown for a Bumb Club/Prenatal class, so I waddled in... I instantly fell in love with the full body workout, the positive energy, the music and the community! Despite the 20 minute drive, I made this a part of my fitness routine until I gave birth! It served me thru 2 pregnancy's, my post baby days and I still love it 5 years later!

1 weight training sessions per week: I wish I lifted weights more, but it's just not my favorite form of fitness. I've found that if I do what I love, I'm much more likely to be consistent. That being said, I know how beneficial weight training is for the body so I suck it up, usually with an amazing play list to carry me through.

1-2 Vinyassa flow classes per month: I LOVE what yoga does for my mind, body and perspective. I wish I could take class every day, BUT I'm super picky about the class I'll take, and my two favorite studios are 20 minutes away...Usually not in the cards for my day to day.

So that's it folks--Might sound like a lot to some, and not so much to others, but it works for me! I hope you find a fitness schedule that you crave!

XOXO

CZ

Just an Ordinary Mama of two Highly Energetic Toddlers

It's been years, but I'm back with my first blog post! I don't really have a specific focus for this blog, but I plan to share my favorite workouts, meals, restaurants, travels & activities! It will likely be an online diary for my family (and those who choose to read it!). The blog will be totally informal, fun and 100% my opinions and experiences. Take each entry with a grain of salt and please excuse the grammar mistakes! For those that don't know me yet, here are my two, darling kiddos as well as my sweet little family! They are my world, and you will be hearing a lot about our day to day in future posts!



 




 Photo Credit: Chloe Moore Photography

Think Positive!

During these economic times it can be difficult to be grateful for what you have..
Take it from me- There are days in my life when it's easier to think about all of the negative occurrences, and to play victim.... (Hello real estate market!).
I've learned that negativity loves company... so you will always find someone to complain to & with... Don't fall into this never ending cycle!

Now is the time to re-focus your energy towards a positive daily outlook!
When you think & act positively.. good things will happen to you.

Here are ways to re-shape your attitude in your daily life.

3:1 Ratio:
Whenever something goes wrong, challenge yourself to find 3 good things about the situation. By identifying positives about a situation that might otherwise be considered a problem, you will train your mind to search for the good!

Gratitude Box:
Start a "thank you box". Whenever you feel grateful for something a spouse or friend or family member has done for you, write it down and put it in the box!
Read them on Monday's to ensure you have a positive week!

Journal:
Record 5 things you are thankful for each day. I promise you will notice a huge difference in your attitude.
When you treasure the small things in life, you are able to let go of the negative BS.

How do you stay positive?

6 Ways to Feel Happier Instantly!

I read this article in Glamour Magazine and loved it, so I had to share!!


1. Have a cookie before noon or a drink before 5:00p. You REBEL you!

2. Overtip!!

3. Smile. Fake happiness always ends up feeling at least a little like the real thing

4. Resist: the $250 shoes, the third doughnut, the same old fight..
Sometimes happiness is about what you don't do.

5. Tell someone how much they are appreciated!

6. Think back one more time to heroic Sully, landing that plane gently and flawlessly on the Hudson River.

I hope this made your day just a little bit better :)

Thanks to Kimberly Bonnell & Pamela Redmond Satran for this article

Natural Swimming Pools in Central Texas

Happy Summer!
Whether you're wanting some exercise, a relaxing soak, or a place to splash, Central Texas has the watery venue for a fun day in the sun! Don't forget the SPF.

Hamilton Pool30 miles west of Austin on FM 3238 in Hamilton Preserve(512) 264-2740 / www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/hamilton_pool.asp

Sculpture Falls on Barton Creeks. Mopac Expressway and Loop-360, Austin, TX Located 1.3 miles upstream of the Mopac bridge, this out-and-back hike begins midway along the Barton Creek Greenbelt
Emma Long Metropolitan Park on Lake Austin1600 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730(512)346-1831 / http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/emmalong.htm

Barton Springs Natural Pool2101 Barton Springs Road (located in Zilker Park), Austin, Texas 78704 (512) 476-9044 / http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonsprings.htm

Krause Springs(830) 693-4181 / http://www.krausesprings.net/
Located in Spicewood, Texas approximately 30 miles west of Austin.



Sincerely,
Cortney Zieky, REALTOR
Exit Realty Associates
Direct: 512-779-5396
http://www.czieky.exit620.com/ SEARCH OUR LISTINGS!

Let me know if you have any questions about the Austin Real Estate Market. I'm happy to help!

Mid Year Review

So the year 2009 is nearly half way over. Can you believe it??

During this time, I usually set aside a day to reflect on my goals & my progress.
A) I review my daily/weekly/monthly activities over the past 6 months....Have my actions placed me closer to my goals? Do I need to re-adjust my activities in order to meet my goals?
B) I notice if my priorities or goals have shifted and adjust accordingly.

This is a post from January that I am using as a re-motivator for the rest of the year.
I hope it is helpful & inspiring for you!


Take Success & Prosperity One Day at a time in 2009!
Lao Tzu famously wrote, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". With today's fast-paced lifestyle, it's easy to discount this sentiment or become impatient when results don't occur instantly.
Making fundamental changes takes time, commitment and patience.

Here's how you can Win each day in 2009.
1. Focus on Your Goals
Use your long term goals to inspire you to set short term goals for each day/week that will lead you to your final goal.

2. Structure Your Day
Time blocking or scheduling is the most effective method of ensuring that you have enough time and focused energy to complete important tasks.

3. Take Action
You won't be able to win the day without action! Set your 2009 goals and put together a plan that will help you get there step by step.

4. Learn To Value Each Day!
In getting caught up in big goals, we often fail to understand all the little steps required along the way to get there. Each day represents an important piece of your ultimate goal and should be valued accordingly!

I hope your 2009 is filled with love, laughter and abundance!

Sincerely,

Cortney Zieky

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

After spending a relaxing weekend with my husband, I was really inspired by this article and thought I would share! Sonja Lyubormirsky auther of The How of Happiness explains why a positive attitude is good for you and your business.

As a "secret" reader/believer I couldn't agree more with her notions!



1. How is it possible to be happy when things seem to be going wrong at every turn?

Human beings are very resilient. We're really good at coping and doing things that dull pain.
It's called positive reappraisal.

What good can come of a bad situation? People often find that they can rise to the occasion and discover their strengths. Sometimes people re prioritize what's important to them, or they may learn a new skill. Ex) You can no longer afford to hire someone to make repairs round the house, so now you have to fix things yourself. You may discover you're good at it, or enjoy it!



2. In your book you say happier people earn more money, do better on the job and are healthier than unhappy people. Why?

Clearly there's a bidirectional relationship. Happiness leads people to be more successful in different domains of their life. Whey you're in a positive mood, you're more likely to be creative. Your immune system is stronger and it's easier to obtain clients.

People are more like able whey they're positive.

Positive emotions lead people to be more sociable.



3. You've said that unhappy people dwell on negative events. Should people stop overanalyzing their unhappy childhoods, stock losses or bad days on the job?

Yes, dwelling, ruminating and overthinking are passive, repetitive things.
It's not problem solving.



4. How do you savor the good things in life?

Writing your blessings in a journal

Say Thank You

Savor good thinks in life- Coffee, flowers, mornings

Have goals and take steps toward achieving them

Forgive

Exercise

SMILE!



What will you do to be the type of person who sees the glass as half-full?....

Look at the big picture. Be optimistic about the future, knowing that things will get better!