12 minute Workout Wednesday!

Blast these out and you will be dripping with sweat before you know it. All you need is 12 minutes, a medicine ball, jump rope, your body, a sweat towel and water.

1. Medicine Ball Push Ups- 1 Minute
Start in upright push up position with one hand on the medicine ball, and the other hand on the floor.  Lower yourself to a push up remembering your form- abs engaged, chest and back strong and flexing while lowering, extending while lifting. Upon raising to starting position, roll the medicine ball to the other hand. Repeat for 1 minute.

Starting position

One hand is on the ball (my right hand in this photo), lower to push up position

Upon extension, roll the medicine ball across to the other hand (my left)

Lower to push up position.
Repeat.

2. Plank Hold on Medicine Ball - 1 Minute
In upright plank position, place both hands on the medicine ball.  Make sure your shoulders are rolled back, there is no crunching at your shoulders, and that your core is engaged.  If you get tired, don't "pooch" your abs towards the ground, engage them and push down towards your toes.

Hold the plank position, smile, think of your strong core

3. Jump Rope - FAST - 1 Minute

Repeat 4 times

It may seem like an easy workout, but honestly, if is super challenging and allows you to reach outside your comfort zone in a short amount of time.  Your arms, chest, back, glutes, abs, legs and heart will all thank you!!

Challenge the Power of YOU! 
copyright 2012- Erin Kreitz Shirey - www.powerfitnesspdx.com

Power Fitness PDX Rockstar- Donna rockin' her new self in Maui!

Many people start Power Fitness PDX for various reasons.  One PFPDX'er, Donna, has grown exponentially. Not only has she found an inner strength, she has realized that because you are in your 50's it doesn't mean you have to give up on "you".  Donna shared her story, and I hope she may help inspire one of you to hop on a bike and ride to the top of the Haleakala Crater too! 

Cheers- Coach Erin Kreitz Shirey

I came to Power Fitness PDX and Erin at a time that I felt I had hit the wall.  Even though I was working out daily with an elliptical and spin bike and doing some light weights my weight loss had stalled and I didn’t feel like I was getting the results for the effort that I was putting in.  I found myself using the excuse “you are almost 53-lighten up.”  But somehow I knew I was capable of more and I absolutely wanted more.

In my two months with Erin I have learned that while I was working out I wasn’t pushing myself to my limits.  Erin has taught me that its OK to go to a level of discomfort in my workout-I am not going to get hurt, I am going to get stronger!  After 3 months I am down 16 lbs and 12 inches.  When I started I could barely hold plank for 20 secs, now I can hold a perfect plank for over a minute.

Doing burpees on vacation!

I had a trip to Maui coming up and I was worried that I would backslide so prior to my trip I made a daily exercise plan and I packed my bands and my jump rope.  The cottage we were staying at was new to me so I didn’t know what the area was going to look like-I hit the jackpot! The grounds were beautiful with lots of paths and grassy areas so I could do my workouts outdoor and with some privacy.  I set up stations-jump rope for two minutes in the parking lot, run back to the lanai and perform squats and overhead press with the bands, set the timer for an 11 minute run. I pulled out the ipad and watched Erin’s videos-I changed it up each day and since I had a pool not 20 steps from my door I even did some running and swimming in the pool.

On my 53rd birthday we got up at 1 am and drove to Haiku where we joined others for a trip up to Haleakala Crater to watch sunrise and then ride bikes down the crater back to Haiku. This has been something that I have wanted to do since I first went to Maui at the age of 18 and hiked Haleakala. It was definitely a bucket list event for me!  The bike ride downhill was a scream-literally 30 mphs screaming Weeeeeeee!

On the ride down there were three hills that we had to climb and I was worried.  I’ve always had difficulty riding hills and I would have to get off and walk the hill, which always made me feel terrible.  Well I rode up each of those hills with no problem even beating others to the top! On one hill I almost stepped off the bike but I heard Erin’s voice “keep going and going and going.” 

Donna- strong and active!! Way to go DONNA!!

It felt great to be able to do all the things I wanted to do on vacation; scuba, the bike ride, and feeling pretty good about how I looked in a swimsuit and in this little dress that I bought special for our luau dinner.  The early mornings, the bugs, the sweat and yes even the burpees have all been worth it.  Thank you Erin for challenging me to find the power in ME and I look forward to just getting better, and better and making this year the best yet! 

Sincerely- 

Donna Wyatt

Gemma Lim- 2012 Challenge Winner!!!

Here it is, one week post Power Fitness PDX POWER of YOU 2012 Challenge Winner Awards.  All the participants are still on a high, and feeling incredible. In the week since the awards more athletic feats have been happening, such as Annie dropping her PR in the Portland Rock N Roll Half Marathon, Michelle registering for the Mermaid Duathalon and Gemma pacing sub 10 minute miles on her training runs.  Monica, Rebecca, Alyx and Jeanne are all continuing on their dynamic paths in health and fitness too.  To say I am proud as a trainer of these women is an understatement. I am beyond grateful that they believed in themselves to GO FOR IT!

The Challenge was a stepping stone to a lifetime of better health and fitness.  It helped break bad habits while creating good habits. The Challenge allowed the women to focus on making lifestyle changes, that would forever evolve the way they view their bodies, their inner strengths, nutrition, stress management, goal setting and taking time to honor and take care of themselves.

Everyone won the Challenge in various ways, but the overall winner, Gemma Lim, stood out from the rest.  Gemma's entire life was altered and she is a brand new person.  She found a new life while strengthening and growing her already incredible one.  She found a real "athlete" inside a woman who "works out".  Gemma found her true self and isn't done on her health and fitness journey...it is only just the beginning.  The following letter is about Gemma's journey...

Erin,

 

It’s been over a week and I’m still in disbelief that I won the Challenge. We all worked so hard at pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zone and I’m truly honored and humbled beyond words.

When I decided to join the Challenge, I had only hoped to lose more weight and inches through 10 weeks of focus and discipline. I didn’t realize that the Challenge is so much more than weight loss. You introduced clean eating as a major component in overall health and fitness. For 10 weeks I ate “clean” and I saw a huge difference in how I performed. Not only did I start losing weight and inches, my body got stronger and I had fewer headaches. What was even more amazing was my mind shifted and I sought healthy eating after the Challenge was over. Don’t get me wrong, the temptations are still out there calling my name, but I choose to eat the healthier options. Eating clean is so easy and sustainable! It really is! I hope that more people embrace clean eating and throw away all the junk food that is making our bodies sick.

Through our discussions, I stopped hesitating and challenged myself to do the SJR half marathon after years of contemplating whether I was fit enough to run a half. My family is amazed at my transformation. They have become accustomed to my Saturday morning long runs as part of my training for the half. I have become a runner! What a huge accomplishment, Erin! I know that SJR is just the beginning and I will run other races in the future. I am so excited that I have found another sport to help keep me fit, healthy and strong.

The Challenge also helped me re-evaluate my personal relationships.  I now put myself as priority and make a point of spending more quality time with Rene and incorporating fitness into our times together. I couldn’t be happier and always look forward to boot camp date nights and future trail runs together. 

I learned so much from participating in the Challenge and I highly recommend it to anyone. Ten weeks is all it takes and you will discover that you have it in you! 

Gemma

  

Coach Erin Kreitz Shirey & Challenge Winner 2012 Gemma Lim

Awards Night, May 14, 2012

Couples Date NIGHT! Friday- August 12th!!

Aloha!  

Bonus Betties who PFPDX'd when Coach Erin was on vacation!

We are back and ready to train and play!  Yesterday was an intense Tabata workout, and come tomorrow we're doing light weights and stairs. But on Friday- you could pull a double PFPDX day and join for a boot camp - date night too!

Coach Erin & better half, Jack, training on the Na Pali Coast

Come join for the Power Fitness PDX Boot Camp n Date Night!  Couples who train together stay together and we train and play hard. See who is stronger in a wall sit, you or your partner. Go for the gold with a push up contest.  Why not challenge each other while encouraging each other to push harder!

Friday, August 12^th, 6:00 pm Power Fitness PDX Boot Camp at Washington Park followed by Food & Drinks at 1400 Bar on Webster Street!  

RSVP by Wednesday, August 10^th- powerfitnesspdx@gmail.com and register online at www.powerfitnesspdx.com

Estie and Ben laughing HARD after push ups with tough guy Dave!

Post Boot Camp N pre Pub Date Night'ers!  FUN!!!!  RSVP- powerfitnesspdx@gmail.com

Quick workout for YOU when getting ready for SUMMER!

We all know the feeling- Summer is just around the corner and swimsuits are ready to be worn. But you hit snooze a few to many times on the alarm clock missing a few to many workouts.  The following workout incorporates the Tabata Method and will help you blast calories, increase your muscle mass and get your lungs in shape for the long hikes/rides/swims of Summer.

The Tabata Method is named after a Japanese researcher who discovered a means to train both your anaerobic and aerobic pathways at the same time.  The method is simple because it is time based, and the focus is to move FAST!  It is not only a motivating way to train since you don't worry about the number of reps but the time instead, but also efficient and effective for those who are time crunched. How it works is for 20 seconds you complete as many repetitions as possible. Rest for 10 seconds. Repeat 7 more times.

Time FOR Summer Workout:

You will need 2 Heavy Weights -10/12/15 pounds
Warm Up: 
1 minute Jumping Jacks
1 minute High Knees
1 minute Side Step Touches
1 minute Speed Skaters
1 minute Burpees 


Tabata Round #1:
20 seconds Burpees/rest 10 seconds
20 seconds Push Ups Traditional Stance/rest 10 seconds
20 seconds Reverse Lunges w/bicep curls holding heavy weights/rest 10 seconds
20 seconds Reverse Lunge on Right Leg while doing Shoulder Press/rest 10 seconds
20 seconds Reverse Lunge on Left Leg while doing Shoulder Press/rest 10 seconds
20 seconds Knee Tuck Jumps/rest 10 seconds
20 seconds Mountain Climbers/rest 10 seconds
20 seconds Narrow Grip Push Ups with Right Donkey Kick Jumps/rest 10 seconds


Repeat Warm - Up 2x but UBER FAST
1 minute Jumping Jacks
1 minute High Knees
1 minute Side Step Touches
1 minute Speed Skaters
1 minute Burpees 



Tabata Round #2:
20 seconds Burpees/rest 10 seconds
20 seconds Push Ups Traditional Stance/rest 10 seconds
20 seconds Reverse Lunges w/bicep curls holding heavy weights/rest 10 seconds
20 seconds Reverse Lunge on Right Leg while doing Shoulder Press/rest 10 seconds
20 seconds Reverse Lunge on Left Leg while doing Shoulder Press/rest 10 seconds
20 seconds Knee Tuck Jumps/rest 10 seconds
20 seconds Mountain Climbers/rest 10 seconds
20 seconds Narrow Grip Push Ups with Right Donkey Kick Jumps/rest 10 seconds

Core:
20 seconds Plank with right leg raised/rest 10 seconds
20 seconds Plank with left leg raised/rest 10 seconds
20 seconds Bicycles FAST/rest 10 seconds
20 seconds Plank with pelvis rotations/rest 10 seconds
Repeat 3x

For any questions please contract Coach Erin.  Have fun, work hard and always make sure to Challenge the POWER of YOU!
www.powerfitnesspdx.com

Mother's Day Class Gratitude

Letter written to the participants of the 7th Annual Mother's Day Class.  Those who couldn't come, we missed you. Those who did make it, thank you so much.  What a special day. -Coach Erin

Med Ball Over-Under Relay-Team Meredith-Erin-Jack

Friday, May 6th, 2011- 3:00pm 

Side stepping b/c PFPDX rule is to always move!

weekend with your family. Take a bike ride, run to the beach together, play at the park and play tag, put on old hip hop and dance in the living room...whatever it is on this Mother's Day toast your strong self and the incredible body and gift of a body you have.

Thank you for supporting Believe in ME!!!!  We raised $730 for the foundation, which is huge and incredibly appreciated!!!  To see the excitement and laughter with each raffle prized announced was a blast.  Thanks to Amy's Kitchen, Au Lait for coffee, Glaceu for the Vitamin Water and Smart Water, Shay's Cafe for the yummy fruit, Feel Good Bakery for the tasty sweet breads, and to Sonnemans (my bonus parents) and my parents the Kreitz's for their help.  The Mother's Day Class is a celebration of community, and I look at the community you are and have become the past year.  It is inspiring.

Some of you had questions about classes and the specials. I attached the specials for Mother's Day that are valid through Monday Night.  You are able to reserve space for Sessions ahead if you know you are committed to doing so.  One gal today purchased 2 Months and is using one in June and one in August.  I need to know for class spacing and logistics. There were many questions about additional times and if there are at least 12 people requesting and committing to a time, we can make it happen if it is between 5:00-10:15 am. A great Mother's Day Gift is health and fitness- in other words - Power Fitness PDX. ;-)

I wish you an incredible weekend. For those I will see tonight for the Couples Date Night & Pub Boot Camp- get ready for some more laughter and challenges with your better half...you decide who is the better half not me. ;-) Have an incredible weekend and I wish you a memorable Mother's Day!

Cheers to you!  Take time to Challenge the Power of YOU!

--
Erin Kreitz Shirey- Owner, Lead Trainer and Coach
BS Kinesiology
ACE, NASM, Fit to Deliver and Stott Pilates
c- 503.703.1269
a- po box 1077, alameda, ca 94501
e- powerfitnesspdx@gmail.com
w- www.powerfitnesspdx.com
b-Blog
f- Facebook
t- Twitter

Please take a peak at the new resource dedicated to support rockin' Moms in their efforts to become their fittest selves while juggling work, kids, school, and finding 15 minutes to exercise during all stages of motherhood. www.powerofyoufitness.blogspot.com.  You can also catch up with Coach Erin on her personal blog Embrace Life's Challenges

The future is not set, there is no fate but what we make for ourselves.- Irish Proverb

make time to breath

Sunday is an incredible day to "breath". Take in all the fun you did last week and breath in the fulfillment of each day. Map out the workouts and fun you want to include in the days ahead. Set the tone for the week and soaking in each moment.

As you look at the week, incorporate a little time each day to "breath". Try to set at least 5 minutes to breath. It can be sitting in a chair with your eyes closed and breathing in the quiet room, sitting on your front porch and breathing in the Spring air, or laying in bed with your arms and legs extended breathing in air to each limb. With each breath, your body opens up and any anxiousness eases away.

Five minutes is not much time to breath, but it helps make each day a bit more peaceful.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Leaving trails...

Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. 

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Power Fitness PDX'ers are doing incredible and leaving a path wherever they go.  The women come in the morning ready to tackle whatever is thrown at them. It may be with some complaints, some elements of frustration, but they are doing it and doing INCREDIBLE.  As  a coach, a Personal Trainer, an athlete, a  Mom, a friend and a supporter to all whom I care for I can't say enough how proud I am of the Power Fitness PDX Team.  Often people start with no idea of what they are getting into,  but know that they will dedicate 8-20 mornings each month to workout at Power Fitness PDX.  They know the classes combine strength, agility, core, plyometrics, cardio drills, running, and more but may not know what that can mean.  But they come, and they laugh, and they push themselves.  Then they go home and inspire their partners, friends, family and children to exercise since they see the changes take effect.  

I have heard from many of the Power Fitness PDX'ers that their lives have changed for the better and they FEEL active.  I am beyond proud of them, and all of their hardwork. I am proud they have taken time to push themselves and make their "time" count. They have taken ownership of their bodies; deciding that NOW is the time to be active.  They are creating trails, and for some, in new uncharted adventures they never realized they would explore.  Hats off to the incredible TEAM of Power Fitness PDX. Together.Empower.Achieve.Motivate.TM  You are truly taking the time to Challenge the Power of YOU!

February 24th, 2011- an email from Cory S. (she is doing a tree wall sit n the light blue)

I just wanted to thank you for the great workout this morning.  I had forgotten how much I love the feel of adrenaline from working out.  I have had a really difficult time getting back to a point where I enjoy exercise.  I've struggled with a lot of disappointment over losing so much "training" ground. Each time I've tried to get back out there it's been painful physically and mentally.  At your PDX workout I was reminded of how much I enjoy my body feeling good!  I was able to work hard and delight in the endorphins.  Thanks to your class I'm over the hump!  I'm actually looking forward to getting on my running shoes.  This may seem silly...but I've been asking myself for months, "why do I care about working out...I guess I don't?"  Because it was not bringing me any joy.  However, today I found the joy in feeling my body work hard, feeling strong, and realizing I am really happy with what my body can do...and I can't wait to challenge it to do more! 

With Love, 

Cory

Friday, March 11th, 2011- Email From Annie C.: 

I feel great! 

While looking for something to wear for formal night on the Disney cruise, I pulled out an old box of dresses I haven't fit into in years.  My girls and I had a blast trying on these dresses (some fit, some didn't but it was exciting to see what did).

I've been running on my off days from PFPDX (clocking a 9:30-10 min pace for 4-6 miles at a stretch).  In April and May, I'll have to step up my mileage in prep for See Jane Run Half.  I also try to squeeze in some random exercises that you suggest when I have a few minutes break ... it's strangely addictive sometimes. 

Food wise, it's amazing what turns me off now ... I had a Costco hot dog one day and felt nauseous the rest of the afternoon.  We were at La Penca Azul last night and the platter of fried appetizers held absolutely no appeal. 

I am excited as fitness and exercise is contagious in a family.  My daughter Sydney just had the 1 mile timed run for Presidential fitness and she clocked 8:08 ... I'm so proud of her.

Keep up the inspiration!

Annie