Weigh In

Fighting my way, literally!

I’ve added a new exercise to my weekly routine. I added it yesterday – - and I am SORE from the waist up. My weekly schedule roughly looks like this: Treadmill 20 – 30 mins every day, Upper body and Abs on the Bowflex on Mon/Wed/Fri – - Lower body on Tues/Thurs/Sun (yes, yes – I take Saturdays OFF!)

Now – in addition to my treadmilling – I’ve added 15-20 minutes kicking the shit outta our new punching bag! Yep – punching bag. Hitting a punching bag is an excellent upper body exercise that you can alternate with any lower body exercise.

A punching bag also helps to improve your coordination. When you hit the bag, it bounces backward and rebounds toward you. Try to hit the bag at the exact time that it comes towards you. If you hit it too early or late, it will not bounce rhythmically and you will miss it. Start out by hitting the bag lightly every other day until your arms feel heavy or sore, or you feel tired. Then gradually increase the time and intensity of your punching sessions.

Ours has a large punching bag – - and a little speed bag. Both are tons of fun – - not too mention HUGE stress relievers (I don’t reserve my punching bag sessions for just my workout times… I have hit the punching bag during the day when I’m feeling particularly stressful.. I”ll walk out of my office and punch away for a good 10-15 mins as a substitute for my coffee break!)

Watch out, Mike Tyson!