Nerd Workout – Inspired by Nell from The Diamond Age
Posted: March 12, 2013 Filed under: Home workout, Nerdiness | Tags: backward lunges, diamond age, kicks, leg circles, neal stephenson, nell, pushups, skaters Leave a comment »The Diamond Age is a Neal Stephenson book introduced to me by my awesome friend Rachel. This book is incredible. It is so well imagined, the main character is perfection, and it is fun on top of all of that. It takes place in a future that is cyber/steampunk. The main character accidentally takes ownership of an interactive book – which doesn’t really do the book justice. But, I don’t want to spoil too much of the plot because everyone should read it. The book molds Nell into the strong and intelligent person that she becomes, that otherwise, she most likely wouldn’t have been, cooped up in her lower class apartment with her non functioning mom. Anyway, she also learns some martial arts and fitness lessons as well, and uses them as needed in the book. The book doesn’t go too much into it (that I can remember as of now anyway), but I tried to create a workout that would fit in with a regimen that I feel fits with her martial arts training and general personality.
Nerd Workout! Inspired by Bo from Lost Girl
Posted: January 28, 2013 Filed under: Home workout, Nerdiness | Tags: abs, bo, chair lifts and tucks, divebombers, eyeliner, kenzie, kicks, lost girl, lunges, mountain climbers, side plank lifts, side step, squat jumps Leave a comment »Lost Girl is my new show. Lost Girl is very familiar in a lot of ways. Reminiscent of Buffy, True Blood, and Warehouse 13, the show feels like an old friend, but not in a re-hashed already done way. It just nicely fits into that family, while still being original and interesting. The main character, Bo, is a Succubus and discovers the world of fae and that she is fae. I’ll let you look that up if you aren’t already familiar from some other sci fi/fantasy show (True Blood). So, sex. Is in this show. But since that is completely tied to her character and her specific type of fae, it fits. There’s sexuality in this show, but it is completely open in a refreshing way. Bo likes all kinds and they don’t make a big deal about it, or overly focus on certain situations in any male gaze kind of way. Sorry, took one too many feminist classes in college. So! Good show. Bo also has an amazing best friend in human Kenzie, who adds some comedy and some incredible boots to the mix. Bo and Kenzie begin their own private investigation firm that doesn’t really appear to make any money, but that is what jump starts the plot in nearly every episode. A mystery must be solved, big bads must be defeated, and through it all Bo must kick some butt as she also taps it. Sorry, there is no real lady like way of describing this show 
So just take a gander at this video:
And here is a huge part of why the show is irresistible, Kenzie:
Here is what you came for though, the workout. (FINALLY!!!!)
10 Side step cross lunge back and kick – To avoid the inevitable fae she is fighting with, she could use these exercises to hone her agility and fighting skills to avoid attacks and give them back.
20 Chair tuck in and lift – Strengthen her core to improve fighting and other succubi skills
20 Squat jumps – Cardio and strength training for fighting
10 Dive bombers – Since Bo is a succubus, I wanted an exercise that would work out her arm muscles and be a little sexy too.
50 Mountain Climbers – Cardio for running, core strength for agility, speed, strength
15 e. side Side Lifts (30) – Pretty sure Bo would like the V this exercise makes in your abs.
x 3
19:02 was my time… beat me!
Oh and I of course had to add substantial amounts of eyeliner to my face for this in honor of the show. And this lighting wasn’t meant to be reminiscent of the show’s lighting, that happened because it was dark, but this pretty much fits.
Side step cross lunge back and kick 10
The title of this is more complicated than it is… Jump/step to your right and then bring your left leg diagonally behind your right leg, lunging with your right leg. Lift your left leg up into a strong kick. Drop that leg back down to slightly behind your right foot. This positions you to jump to the other side. That is one rep.
Chair tuck in and lift 20
Grab a sturdy chair that won’t shift. Place your hands on the floor and your feet on the chair in plank. Tuck your leg in towards your chest, then straighten to the chair and lift your foot a few feet up. That is one rep. Do it with the other leg next.
Squat jumps 20
Squat down and jump up as quick as you can. One rep.
Dive bombers 10
Get in plank, then put your butt in the air, with your head towards the floor, back straight. Dive your head down to the floor and lift up to the ceiling, keeping your butt down, and the tops of your legs off the floor. Reverse the motion to get your butt back up in the air. One rep.
Mountain Climbers 50
Get in plank, then bring one foot in underneath your body. Switch legs. Each switch is one rep.
Side Lifts 15 each side (30)
Sit on the ground, with your legs out to one side and leaning on one hand. Lift yourself up into a side plank, using those side ab muscles to move. Lift up 15 times on one side. Then switch and do side lifts on the other side.
That is your first round – you will complete three!
New Music Tuesday!
Posted: January 22, 2013 Filed under: Music, Nerdiness | Tags: blank maps, candyland, charli xcx Leave a comment »I know it’s been forever. Without further adieu, music videos of the week.
This one will get you moving. It can’t not.
Pure pop brattiness
Pretty energy
Enjoy!
I’ve devised a new nerd workout… I know… I PROMISE I’ll post next week.
Nerd Workout! Inspired by True Blood!
Posted: October 23, 2012 Filed under: Home workout, Nerdiness | Tags: divebombers, Home workouts, mountain climbers, pushup burpees, side plank lifts, Sookie, squats, True Blood, vampires, werewolves Leave a comment »Yesterday I didn’t post a workout because I was exhausted by this weekend’s extreme fun times in New Orleans. What a great city. Also, because I was digging holes in the ground for work that day. I know, you are so jealous. No, but seriously, it’s not so bad, and it’s nice to have that added variety in to work life. Occasionally, I get to work outside in beautiful fall weather.
Being in the Louisiana area, it inspired me to have this week’s Nerd Workout be from True Blood. I’ve hesitated doing True Blood because there is not a ton of obvious working out, especially for Sookie, but they are all so buff that’s inspiration enough. All of these people have noticeable muscle tone, females included, so this workout is meant to make those abs and arms and butt.. and everything…get strong and toned. There is also the physical altercations between vampires, jumping, tackling, pushing, even if they are just naturally strong. I think these following exercises incorporate that. Your arms and side abs will feel this tomorrow.
Funny video:
And an action video:
10 pushup burpees – Cardio and strength to look hot/attack vampires, werewolves, or any other of the infinite creatures that seem to live in this part of Louisiana
30 squats and side leg lift – Tone your legs to look hot/kick off attackers
10 divebombers – A great arm exercises to look hot/push off attackers
30 side lifts (15 on each side) – Tone your side abs to look hot/have core strength
60 mountain climbers – cardio to look hot/run away
20 drop down burpees – extra boost of cardio to make sure you look really, really hot
twice through
my times: 18:44
10 pushup burpees
You know the drill. Jump your feet out into a plank. Do a pushup, on your knees if needed. Jump your feet back in towards your hands. Do a squat jump. One rep.
30 squats and side leg lift
Squat down, keeping your back straight, and knees from going over your toes. Lift up, lifting one leg straight to your side. One rep. Next rep, lift the other leg.
10 divebombers
Start on hands and feet, butt in the air, head down. With control, swoop head down and up towards the ceiling, while lowering your butt. Return to the original position. One rep.
30 side lifts (15 on each side)
Start in sitting position, with your legs out and your arm to one side. Lift up into a side plank, using your ab muscles. Do this 15 times. Then switch sides.
60 mountain climbers
Start in plank. Put one foot towards your hands. Switch feet positions. That is one rep. Each switch is a rep.
20 drop down burpees
To get extra cardio, but not kill your arms, these don’t include a pushup, but make you drop all the way down to the floor. Jump your fee out into a plank, drop down to the floor. Jump your feet back to your hands. Do a squat jump. One rep.
Do it all one more time! And try not to sweat.
Disclaimer: Be careful, ask your doctor, I am not an expert.
Nerd workout! Inspired by River Song from Doctor Who
Posted: October 15, 2012 Filed under: Home workout, Nerdiness | Tags: doctor who, geek workout, heels, high knees, leg lift, nerd workout, river song, side plank, squat kicks, superman, superwoman Leave a comment »I promised this workout ages ago. It’s not like I could have forgotten to do this one, though. For your nerd and workout needs – I present to you, the River Song Inspired Workout. Yes, hello sweetie. I don’t want to say toooo much about River Song in case any of you are (woefully) behind on your Who or are just really late to this game. She hates spoilers, and man her plot is so good, you don’t want to spoil it for anyone. Here is a quick video to give you the gist, with enough vagueness to not give away too much..
River is very feminine while remaining very able to kick some serious butt. She shoots at the Silence, the Daleks, tricks prison guards, you name it. Here is a workout I think reflects her actions and personality.
Interval workout
15 rounds 10 seconds rest 50 seconds on
Squat kicks – hone her ability to kick attackers of all sorts and alien origin (and make her legs look even better in heels) 14 / 17 / 18
High knees – run away from attackers, explosions, run towards the TARDIS to escape 134 / 132 / 136
Side plank right leg lifts- to be able to crouch down and shoot, also strengthen the legs and core more for those high heels 18 / 18 / 17
Side plank left leg lifts 15 / 15 / 16
Superwomans – give you some core strength when you are sailing through space to land in the TARDIS, which happens weirdly often 15 / 18 / 18
Squat Kicks
Get down in squat, keeping back straight and not letting your knees go over your toes, then lift up and kick one leg up. One rep. Kick the other leg next time.
High Knees
Drive your knees up as fast and far as you can. Each knee up is one rep.
Side plank right leg lift
So I goofed up on the photo taking of this and did another exercise accidentally. Sorry!! Anyway, you get in a side plank, with your right leg on top towards the ceiling. Lift your leg up towards to ceiling, keeping your core tight in side plank. Each leg up is one rep.
Side plank left leg lift
The same thing, with the left leg going towards the ceiling
Super woman
Lie flat on the ground, then reach up all your limbs as far as you can, using your core muscles. Each lift is one rep.
Disclaimer: Careful sweetie! Do this at your own risk, ask your doctor, etc etc
Nerd Workout! Inspired by Dana from Cabin in the Woods
Posted: October 3, 2012 Filed under: Home workout, Nerdiness | Tags: cabin in the woods, high knees, Home workouts, Joss Whedon, jump front squat, leg flutter, one leg lunge, pushups Leave a comment »I got this new shirt from ViewSPORT:
The shirt, as you can see says I am Beast Mode on the front, hence my insanely sour expression in my attempt to look beast-y. The cool thing about the shirt is that the back shows a design when you sweat through it. I didn’t sweat enough today, but don’t worry, when I do, you guys will be the first to see it.
Ok nerd workout:
I’m going to try very hard not to spoil anything because this is one of those movies that should NOT be spoiled under any circumstances. I am not a big horror movie fan, but my love for all things Joss Whedon and my knowledge of the reviews tempted me too much, so I had to watch it. I was not disappointed. This movie gets better the more you think about it after you watch it. I wouldn’t say it’s Prometheus or anything, but it’s similar in that the more you think about it, the more you appreciate it. This one had a bit more levels than Prometheus, which isn’t to say it’s deeper… You just have to watch it to understand.
So this character, Dana, is the main character. By the end you realize her characterization… and let’s just say I would have been her role in the group most likely. If that seems cryptic, well sorry, better go watch the movie!
I’m just embedding the trailer, because I don’t want to do any spoilers, Dana is the redhead girl:
Anywho, there are some serious enemies in this movie, the beginning, not too spoilery stuff is some zombie action, nicely following my Walking Dead nerd workout. So creepy, woods, running… you get where this is going.
Get your interval timer out! 15 rounds, 10 seconds off, 50 seconds on:
Pushups 19 / 18 / 19 – Strengthen your arms to hit and punch
Jump front squat back 9 / 9/ 9 – Cardio and leg strength to jump away towards the front and towards the back
High knees 125 / 131 / 130 – Be able to run away
One Leg chair lunge 12 / 15 / 12 – Leg strength to kick
Leg flutter 67 / 69 / 74 – Strengthens the core to improve swimming away
Pushups:
Mod as needed, putting your knees down if necessary. Keep your back straight.
Jump front sqaut back:
I started at one end of the yoga mat and jump towards the other end of it, sitting into a squat. Then jump backwards to where you started on the mat. When you get back to where you started, that is one rep.
Starting point:
Into Squat:
Jump back:
High knees:
Drive your knees up as high and fast as you can. Each knee up is one rep.
One leg chair lunge
Put one foot up on the chair and lunge forward into the other one. One rep. Switch legs.
Leg flutter
Laying on your back, with one leg at 45 degree angle and the other right above the floor, switch leg positions. Each switch is one rep!
Disclaimer: Ask your doctor, do this at your own risk, be careful.
Nerd Workout! Inspired by The Walking Dead!
Posted: September 24, 2012 Filed under: Home workout, Nerdiness | Tags: Home workouts, plank, pushups, sumo squat, the walking dead, wood chops Leave a comment »There isn’t really a person who stands out to do a workout around, but I wanted to do a Walking Dead workout because a. I love the show and b. the show is starting again soon! I imagine I might have some workouts inspired by Michonne based on what I know about her. Anyway, this is a workout to get you geared up to survive the zombie attack.
15 minutes
15 rounds, 10 seconds off, 50 seconds on
Woodchops – to aim at the zombie’s head, or to chop your own firewood legit style 23 / 23 / 23
High knees – run away from the zombies when you are outnumbered and can’t smash their skull in 135 / 133 / 138
Pushups – equipment free if you are in a survivor’s camp – strengthen your arms to be able to hit away or kill the zombies 15 / 16 / 16
sumo squat – get stronger legs to be able to kick at zombies or run away quicker 22 / 22 / 22
plank hold – this will strengthen your whole core, making it easier to punch and strike and kill stronger (i counted times i had to stop) 0 / 0 / 0
Woodchops
Lift weight (i used an ugi ball) up to one side, then cross and squat to the other side. That is one rep. Next lift up to the other side and chop across your body
High knees
Drive your knees up as quickly and as high as you can
Pushups
Modify by putting your knees down if needed
Sumo Squat
Squat down in an wide stance, then lift one leg up like a sumo wrestler would. That’s one rep. The next squat lift up the other leg.
Plank Hold
In elbow planks, keep your body in a straight line and don’t drop your hips. Count how many times you have to stop.
Disclaimer: Ask your doctor, do these at your own risk, be careful.
Sorry sorry sorry…
Posted: September 24, 2012 Filed under: Nerdiness | Tags: ab fab, absolutely fabulous, bane, dragoncon 2010, eddie, gi joe, patsy, samurai, scarlette Leave a comment »I know this is a record for longest time not posting, and I’m sorry. And here come the excuses: the first week was because of a conference for work, leaving not much time at night. On top of that, I had some loose ends for Dragoncon. Then, next week, really super busy for work trying to get things done before Dragoncon, then Dragoncon, then recovering from Dragoncon, then out of town for work again, then sick, and now we are to the end of this week. So – apologies – but trust me, they are pretty good reasons.
That being said, this is just an intro/I’m sorry post and a promise to do better next week, even though, yes, I will be out of town again! But I intend to plan ahead this time… Here’s hoping the hotel internet works better than the last one I stayed in.
I can’t complain though, it’s been a great past month, and I love being busy.
I also wanted to show some pictures from DragonCon in this post, so you’ll know what I was working on and what it all ended up looking like, as well as give a run-down on geeky nerdy stuff because it was a great Dragoncon for that and my costumes. I had the best time this year – partly because of the panels, partly because of my costumes, but mostly, mostly because of the awesome people that I hung out with at Dragoncon. There are a lot of them, regulars and new, that would be a lot to list, so just assume if I saw you at Con this year, you are included. Thanks to everyone for being awesome fun people and making it a great (the best yet) year ever.
Friday night: Me, Carol, Gena as GI Joe females
Me and sister Lenor as a raven:
John Barrowman (Captain Jack)
Me as samurai and Debra and Dana as Inspector Spacetime and I forget the companion’s name haha (troy and abed)
Me as samurai taking Bane’s head off.
Me and Carol as Patsy and Eddie from Absolutely Fabulous, one of the greatest shows of all time. We acted like drunk jerks and it was ridiculously fun.
Awesome, every time you punched it, they threw coins at you.
Here are some photos from Sean Alderman’s site of my samurai costume.
Nerd Workout! Inspired by Myka from Warehouse 13!
Posted: August 15, 2012 Filed under: Home workout, Nerdiness | Tags: high knees, jump squats, myka, pushups, side burpees, vups, warehouse 13 Leave a comment »For some reason I couldn’t get in to Warehouse 13 for a little while, but for whatever reason kept going back to it. Well, now I am officially hooked.
Warehouse 13 holds “artifacts.” A funny term for someone who works in a place that deals with real artifacts every day. These artifacts are a biiiit different, though. For whatever reason, a powerful emotion, a huge event, objects have magical power. These artifacts nearly always have a negative (to put it mildly) effect, usually turning the user of the artifact into a not-so-great person.
This workout is inspired by the female main character, Myka. Her dad is pretty cool, I’ve met him in real life. Haha, anyway. Myka has photographic memory, remember books, languages, all that good stuff, that helps her and her partner Pete find wily artifacts and how to disarm them. She also has training as a secret service agent (well, she still is one) and a CIA agent, so she can kick, punch, and shoot em up with the best of em.
There aren’t a lot of great Myka videos, but the best one that wasn’t about her and Pete or her and H.G. was this one, spoofing on Buffy. But, it works! And nerdiness colliding is always good.
So workout:
This one is for time! My was 14:15
I think I did these exercises 2 times through
Feel free to tack on another round if you desire a longer workout.
20 pushups – for punching the bad guys using an artifact, or putting away those heavy artifacts in the Warehouse
30 jump squats – maybe help you safely fall from HG Wells’ ceiling?
10 side burpees (5 each side) – for agility, the side to side motion of sword fighting (oh yeah, she knows fencing)
20 Vups – for the core
100 high knees – to run after and away from people
20 pushups
Mod as needed, go on your knees if necessary. Keep your back straight and butt up.
30 jump squats
Keep your back straight as you squat down, then power up into a jump.
10 side burpees
Jump out to one side with your body turned, and do a pushup. Jump your feet into your hands, then jump up. One rep. Next jump your feet out to the other side.
20 vups
Laying down, lift your legs up and your hands to your feet.
100 high knees
Drive your knees up as fast as you can. Each knee up is one rep.
Do everything once more!
Disclaimer: I am not an expert, ask your doctor, do this at your own risk.
Nerd workout! Inspired by Scarlett from GI Joe!
Posted: August 1, 2012 Filed under: Home workout, Nerdiness | Tags: 2012, burpees, dragoncon, gi joe, high knees, pendulum, pike jump, scarlett, sumo squat, switch lunge kick Leave a comment »I have technically seen the GI Joe movie that came out a few years ago, that also features Scarlett, but it was so terrible I remember nothing of it except for the impression that Sienna Miller was especially terrible in it. I have nothing against Sienna Miller, but she can’t act that well. Or at least, action flicks are not her forte. Anywho, that’s two hours of my life I can’t get back.
Luckily, the cartoon is better. I was asked if I wanted to join a GI Joe group for Dragoncon. I hadn’t really seen the cartoon, but I have checked it out since I decided to be Scarlett. My hair will also be redder by the time Dragoncon rolls around, so I’ll look more like her.
(thanks to Aaron for teaching me how to use a crossbow)
Scarlett is active in cartoon, jumping around, kicking, fighting, crossbowing… all good fun. Here is a little video:
So, this is a quick, very heavy on the cardio workout. Just 12 minutes long.
12 rounds, 10 seconds off, 50 seconds on, get your Seconds Free interval timer out!
Sumo Squats – be able to squat down and kick bad guys 19 / 20
Burpees to the floor be able to get down and duck for cover and get up quickly 8 / 8
Switch lunge kick – gain strength and power for kicks 13 / 15
High knees – cardio to run away from bad guys 109 / 129
Pike jumps – cardio and core strength to gain agility to get away 27 / 33
Pendulums – be able to kick and get more core strength 53 / 52
Sumo Squats
Squat, down keeping your back straight, lift up one leg like a sumo wrestler would. One rep. Squat and do it on the other leg next.
Burpees to the floor
My arms are still sore, so instead of doing pushups like normal, plank out and go down to the floor. Then jump back into a squat, then jump. One rep. Add a pushup if you’d like!
Switch lunge kick
Keeping low, in a lunge, switch your leg’s positions. With the leg that’s back, lift up straight into a kick then go back down. After the kick is one rep.
kick:
High Knees
Drive you knees up as high and fast as you can. Each knee up is one rep.
Pike jumps
With your butt in the air, and your hands and feet on the ground, jump your legs up and in and over the other side. That’s one rep.
Pendulums
With your butt in the air, and your hands and feet on the ground, stick one leg out to one side, parallel to the ground. Switch the legs. One rep. Keep switching legs.
Disclaimers: Do this at your own risk, ask your doctor, I am not an expert, be careful!
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