“Arizona” Workout
First, I want to say THANK YOU for the support regarding my relapse. I was really nervous about posting it for fear someone who tell me it was “just in my head” or there is “no such thing as a sugar addiction”. Addiction is a serious matter and I certainly don’t want to trivialize more “serious” addictions. Although, truth be told, a sugar addiction can, albeit much more slowly, lead to an early death in the form of disease.
Anyway, I just wanted to give you my sincere thanks for the support and encouragement. I feel strengthened already and my only regret is that I didn’t reach out sooner.
I’m a bit behind on my workouts because I just spent 10 days with my best friend in Texas. It has been 7 years since I visited her in Texas so I wanted to spend every moment I could with her. Between homeschooling the boys and hanging out I had little time to workout, write posts, or edit videos. She and I did manage to do the California in the backyard.
After we left Nevada, we headed over to Arizona where we met a “porcupine hunter“, visited a ghost town, saw ancient ruins, and drove through the Painted Desert at sunset (one of the most beautiful 20 minutes of my life and my photograph does not do justice) where we filmed “Arizona”. I was a bit distracted during this workout because Thing 1 and 2 two unnamed boys were running their pug dogs through the cacti. I may or may not have edited out some direction that went something like get on the sidewalk NOW. I think the mountains may have shook.
This workout is in two parts. Part A is rounds which could be timed. Part B is a set time which could be counted for reps.
Arizona
Part A
1. Swings – 20 Reps
2. Left and Right Presses – 5 Reps Each Side
3. Tactical Lunges – 20 Reps Alternating Legs
4. Heartbeats – 20 “pulses” (If you have the space these are great to do while walking.)
5. Goblet Squats – 20 Reps
6. Swings – 20 Reps
Repeat 3x, resting as needed, and it would have been for time if you don’t have little boys and pug dogs.
Part B
1. Snatches*
For 7 minutes alternate 15 seconds of snatches with 45 seconds of rest. Why 7? Because Arizona has 7 letters and it makes me happy to correlate my workouts with the letters of the states. I’m all sorts of scientific. 😉
*If I was injured, or unsure of my snatch technique I would substitute swings for snatches.
I love love the location of my next workout in Nevada and I can’t wait to share that one!
Do you think “sugar addiction” is real? I’m not feeling as fragile as I was so feel free to be honest. Do you like the desert? Have you ever been to the Painted Desert?
Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn
Check out our family’s adventures at New School Nomads as we plan to take a year long road trip through the United States!
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This is my (almost) sane quest for insane health. Let's 
I must stop lurking and tell you how wonderful these workouts are. I am brand new to kettlebells and I really need to see the action that goes with the descriptions. I usually do some sort of dance for my workout and never (ever, ever, ever… you get it) thought throwing around weight was for me. My dear husband is very good at weight lifting and has tried to help me, but it bored me so. This is different though. I enjoy the action of the swinging and the core work. Who knew? Thank you so much for posting these.
We won’t be making this kind of journey, although I would love to. So, I can follow you guys and enjoy the trip from the comfort of my kitchen laptop.
I am lurking on your other blog too… I homeschool our two kiddos in San Diego.
Thanks again, Janet
p.s. I think a person can be addicted to anything. When things occupy our minds and we participate even to our own harm… bingo. Just my 2cents.
Oops… I typed my e-mail address in wrong. It’s correct on this one.
Hi Janet,
I’m very behind responding to comments – sorry! – but wanted to tell you how grateful I am for your kinds words! How wonderful you are homeschooling in San Diego. San Diego is a wonderful city! So much to do with kids!
I’m so happy to hear you are enjoying kettlebells and find my workouts helpful. If you ever have any questions please feel free to ask!
You’re looking great despite the down time away from exercising! I believe I saw your abbies through your shirt
Yes, I think anything can be addictive.
I’ve never been to the petrified forest but would LOVE to go. My soul SOARS in the desert- I’m happiest when I’m there. Really, my soul soars.
You would LOVE the Petrified Forest National Park. I agree with you about the desert. It makes me feel so alive!
I’m saving an article for you out, of all places, Martha’s Stewart LIVING magazine. The author says, “I imagine this is how drug addicts must feel. And I may not be that far off, considering the bingeing on sugar elicits a neurochemical response in the brain similar to that of a cocaine and heroin, a 2008 Princeton study found.” You might want to look up that study. Love you!
Thanks Jess. I look forward to reading it!
I love your website!! Such great ideas for exercises and meal plans! I wanted to buy some kettle bells and wanted to see what weights you use for these Arizona workouts? I bench around 100 pounds and usually use 20 pounds to workout my arms and I definitely want to start using kettlebells in my workouts! thanks for all you do!
cindyc.
Hi Cindy sorry for my slowish reply. My computer time is limited and sporadic being on the road. Thank you so much for stopping by. Most of the time I use a 12kg (26.5lb) kettlebell. I prefer using a 35 or 44 lb for swings. Sounds like you could easily start with the same or heavier. I’d go to the store and press one. It should be very challenging to press but not impossible.
You made some decent points there. I looked on the web for more information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this web site.