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029 – Workout Episode: 30x30x3 Box Workout

November 9, 2018 By Lindsay Gee Leave a Comment

Well my, my, my…look at us go! We’re on the fifth and final workout of my 30x30x3 workout series and we’re going to box our way to the end! Welcome to your at-home box workout where I get to coach you through 15-minutes of pure sweat, cardio and muscular strength exercises.

It. Is. Going. To. Be. So. Much. Fun!

So grab your phone, your earbuds, a sweat towel and your running shoes and let’s get to work! I’ll coach you through all your timings, your rest intervals and remind you of proper form. YOU…you just listen and work. That’s your job.

Be sure to watch THIS VIDEO from my Hot Mama YouTube channel so you know what each exercise is before you start.

AND…if you’re a visual person, check out my blog post and print the graphic available there so you can have a visual cue as to what exercise is coming next for you.

Now…go on with your bad self! Let’s get sweaty and rock this workout together!

Off you go!

Raising Awareness & Supporting Mental Health Through Sport? YES. PLEASE.

October 29, 2018 By Lindsay Gee 1 Comment

As many of you know, my sweet son battles anxiety on the daily. Some days he flies through his day and other days, it’s an emotional, exhausting and depleting battle for us both. I am his pillar of strength and I am his safe place. There is no bigger, more difficult, more important job than that one job I hold. Every battle we fight and win, we both celebrate. We know how important it is to communicate this battle and show our strength to the world.

My son has approved this post and these photos and wants everyone to know that he is a fighter.

Last week at hockey practice my son’s coach sat the kids down to have a meeting. I had no idea what was going to be said, had I known, I may have prepared my heart a little better. The coach started talking about teamwork, about how important it is to support one another. He spoke about not judging anyone’s behavior, reaction or displays of emotion. Then he spoke of raising awareness for mental health. He then brought up “Buddy Check for Jesse” and asked the kids to put green tape on their sticks for their upcoming game to support mental health.

I ducked my head, buried my face in my scarf and tried to breathe through the rest of his speech.

Why did that affect me so? Because we battle. And discovering that THIS conversation is happening in locker rooms took my breath away. It wasn’t long ago that you wouldn’t dare discuss depression or anxiety, especially during a team meeting. It wasn’t long ago that I would have tried to “hide” the battles my son and I have. But, I know better. And he knows better. He shows me how strong he is every single time he ties up his skates. I know what it takes for him to get out on that ice each and every time. And yet…he does it.

So, as I’m listening to our coach talk about supporting one another, encouraging one another and speaking up for one another, I realized we aren’t alone in this. It is campaigns and good work done like what is being done by “Buddy Check for Jesse”, that I can breathe a little easier and know education is out there, efforts are being made and people are listening to help and support mental health.

Maybe more people will talk about mental health. Maybe more compassion will be given to my son as he battles. Maybe, just maybe, a child will be listening, really listening, and save a life by reaching out to a friend battling a war many don’t know goes on every moment of every day.

As the coach was talking, my son looked up at me and said “He’s talking about me”. I told him he was talking about many people, not just him as I was worried he thought the coach was singling him out. He shook his head and said, “No Mama. He’s talking about me and my anxiety. He understands.”

*Cue ugly cry.

The coach then said “Everyone needs a safe place. Perhaps you will be a safe place for one of your teammates”. My son, once again, looked up at me and said “You’re my safe place, Mama. He’s talking about you”.

So, yeah, I was a crying mess in the locker room as our coach discussed the green tape the team would be taping on their hockey sticks for their game on the weekend. The tape players would use to show support and compassion and awareness for mental health.

Raising a child with anxiety is difficult. Not the panic attacks or the worry itself (though trust me, those are gut-wrenching and so very hard), but the thoughts of “what if”. What if this gets worse? What if he gives up? What if I lose a battle? What if, what if, what if…I’m not enough?

Here’s the thing: maybe I’m not enough? Okay. I think that’s okay now. I think with increased awareness and education surrounding mental health, maybe it’s not just me battling for my son. Maybe, just maybe, he’ll find increased support from teammates, coaches and support staff. Maybe, just maybe…I don’t have to be the only one battling with my son. Maybe just maybe, this world will open its compassionate arms and embrace the battle of mental health.

I couldn’t be more proud to see all the green taped hockey sticks on the ice this past weekend. Green is the color for mental health and my son’s taped hockey stick meant so much to both of us. I love sport. I love sport so very much for so many reasons, but one of the biggest reasons is the confidence it gives my son to persist, to continue to battle and to know that he’s not alone…both on the ice or in his battle.

Please check out the good work done by Buddy Check for Jesse.

It’s more than green tape. It’s awareness. It’s support. It’s realizing you’re not alone. It is this initiative that had our coach talking to his players about mental health and support in the dressing room after a practice. Our coach couldn’t have done a better job of it. I was humbled and proud and although a sobbing mess, so very comforted by the message our coach was sending to my son and his teammates.

30x30x3 Workout Series – At-Home Core Workout

October 24, 2018 By Lindsay Gee 1 Comment

Without further delay, here’s the 4th workout in my 30x30x3 Workout Series. For this workout, we’re going to focus on your core. How fun! Complete this workout for a quick 12-minute burn, or put all 4 workouts together (upper body, lower body, cardio and core) and give yourself a seriously bombass full-body all-systems 48-minute workout.

Fun, fun, fun!

The Workout:

4 blocks of exercises.
2 exercises per block.
Perform each exercise in one block for 30 seconds.
Repeat the block 2 more times.
That equals 3 minutes
Rest 30 seconds
Move on to the next block and repeat the above until all blocks are complete.

As always, if you’d prefer to listen to my sweet, sweet voice bossing you around and handling all the timing and motivation, download this podcast from iTunes or Stitcher Radio. You can also find the recording HERE.

And HEY…before you get started, be sure to watch this quick HOW-TO VIDEO so you know how to do each exercise included in the workout. M’kay?

OFF YOU GO!

Let me know how it goes, won’t ya? I’d love to hear from you!

028 – Workout Episode – 30x30x3 Core Workout

October 24, 2018 By Lindsay Gee 1 Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Without further adieu…Workout #4 in my 30x30x3 Workout Series. It’s time to get your core workout on, my lovely! Oh yes! CORE!

We’ve hit your upper body, your lower body, even your CARDIO…but today…TODAY we hit your core! Join me as a coach you through this 12-minute core workout. You’ll sweat, you’ll moan, you’ll groan…and then you’ll be done and feeling mighty proud of yourself! If you have more than 12 minutes and you’re looking for a more thorough workout (i.e. not just your core), might I suggest you thread workouts 1, 2, 3 and 4 together for an incredible 48-minute workout?

You’re welcome.

I love you.

Now, where were we?

OH YES…today’s core workout!

Might I interest you in a quick HOW-TO VIDEO, so you know exactly what all of the exercises included in this awesome (if I may say so myself) workout are? Oh good…go on, check it out.

If you’re a visual person, feel free to pop over to THIS BLOG POST that has a nice little graphic you can print out so you know what is coming next.

Boom diggitty! You’re amazing.

Enjoy your workout! And please…any feedback is absolutely welcome! I’d love, love, love to hear from you!

Hey September – Go Suck an Egg

September 19, 2018 By Lindsay Gee Leave a Comment

Oh, summer. I already miss you. I do. I mean, it had its struggles but…looking back as I’m in the shit of September, I truly miss you with all I am.

All summer long I heard Mamas around the globe say: “I can’t wait until September!”, “September can’t come soon enough!”, “I just gotta make it to September!”. I get it. Routine is back. Your kids are back to school. You have some structure. It’s not so hot. The fires are out (for the most part) and life is back to “normal”.

But, in all the glory that is September, does no one actually remember what a shitshow this month really is?! It’s a mother f**king gong show.

Money, money, money.

Everyone wants a piece of my money tree.

It’s not just school supplies anymore, is it?! Your kids probably grew 8 feet over the summer, so no “fall” clothing will fit. A new wardrobe is in order. And hey, if your kids are getting older, there’s the fun time of them actually caring what they wear, so you have the added benefit of shopping with your children (*shudder*). That’s always a load of special fun that typically ends in eye-rolling (them), tears (all of us) and a bottle of wine (me) in the evening.
Hot lunch money – here you go! Swoosh…I swear I had money in the account earlier today…”NOT ANYMORE!”, shout the PAC! (no offense PAC…I love and adore the work you do!).
Did you register your kids for their sports yet? Cuz…see ya later money. I’ll miss you.
Birthday parties. You’re going to need money for all the freaking birthdays that are in September…because many of you dirty birds had winter fever back in December/January and it seems like every single freakin’ kid was born in September! (er…my son’s is in October…so…um…I get it.)
And honestly, the list goes on and the e-transfers keep happening.

Back to Routine = Tired Kids

Does no one remember how flippin’ cranky and tired our kids are when they go back to school?! They’ve just had 2 months of summertime fun! Late nights, sleeping in (for some of you…not in our house, because my kids Just. Don’t. Sleep. In!), slower mornings and lazy days. Days are now packed with social stimulation, brain work, sports, playdates and trying to fit it all it.

Kids are EXHAUSTED in September. Kids are ASSHOLES in September.

I said it. Agree or disagree. I stand by the above statement.

Germs, Lice & All the Gross Things

Remember summer? When no one was sick and your scalp didn’t itch at the thought of “Little Johnny” all of a sudden showing up to school with a shaved head? Ahhhhh…bliss.

I’ve already received the phone call to come to pick up my child because he isn’t feeling well. I’ve had strep throat myself and I fully blame all the grubby little germs my kids bring home from school. My daughter has had the sniffles for a few days and my son was in bed all day yesterday with skin the color of the puffy white clouds of summer.

The sickness of school has arrived in full force.

Lice. I won’t talk about it too much right now. Your head is already itching, I know. I’m sorry. Just know those little buggers are out there. And at some point (soonish) that lice notice will come home in your kiddo’s backpacks and you’ll immediately drop everything and inspect all heads in the house.

So Mamas…load up of the Tylenol, the Gravol, the essential oils of choice and the freakin’ lice treatment. You’re gonna need it. Soon. Also wine. Perhaps load up on that, too. I know I have.

Anxiety is 10-Fold

Many of you won’t have to deal with this as much as we do in our house, but September is an awful month if you have a child with anxiety. They don’t know who their teacher is. They aren’t sure if their friends will be in their class. The year is ahead of them and they have no idea what will happen. That’s a pretty stressful thing for kids who like order, schedules and comfort.

Most children with anxiety like to play the “what if” game and it typically goes to the worst-case scenario. As a Mom, you’ll need all the tricks and tools you have to manage your child’s anxiety this month. It’s exhausting. We’re just over halfway through and I’m about tapped. But…of course, I will forge ahead.

On top of new teachers, friends and classrooms, September is typically the month when a lot of sports start. So, add on sports assessments (just the word is stressful), new coaches, a new team that you have to get to know and all the unknowns of a new year…you have the perfect storm for many-a-panic-attack from your anxiety-filled children.

Even if your kids don’t have anxiety, I find September to be a little nerve-wracking. My daughter has butterflies for awhile in September and she’s the most easy-going, glittery gal I know.

So, while I agree routine is good. Getting into routine is hard. Come on, October. I’m waiting for you.

Lunches, school forms, homework…oh my!

Have you all forgotten about making lunches? It’s only mid-September and I already want to throw a potato and a Ritz cracker in their lunches and call it a day. I can’t be the only one.

School forms, sports forms and forms for things I didn’t even know I needed to have a form for have landed on my kitchen table and mock me every day. My hand is cramped and I’m sure I have carpal tunnel from all the form-filling-out. Stupid forms.

And last but not least, let’s not forget the joy that is homework. I love the homework battle, it’s my favorite – said no Mom ever. The last thing my kid wants to do is do more school after being in school. So yeah, that’s fun.

AND…how could I forget?! HOME READING. ERMERGHERD. NOOOOOOOOOOOO! And hey…I know the importance of reading. I do. I love that my kids read. I’m an avid reader myself. But I’m that Mom that really doesn’t like getting read to. My patience is thin at the end of the day. The sounding out, the losing their spot, the finger-pointing. Did I mention the sounding out…of the SAME WORD…over and over again…well…

*deep breathing*

So, I say to you, September – GO SUCK AN EGG. I do not like you. I like you only because you’re beautiful (weather-wise) AND my Mama was born in your month (her parents were also perverts like all of you…go Grandma and Grandpa?!). Otherwise…I seriously cannot wait for October. Bring on the pumpkins, falling leaves and ACTUAL routine.

October – you cannot come soon enough!