Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Recap and A Pregnancy Workout

Hello there everyone! How are things going?
I am so sorry I have been MIA for soooo long. I figured it was time that you all know what has been
5 Months Pregnant
going on with me.
First of all I am pregnant :) yay! We are very excited about this and are looking forward to meeting our little girl. I am just over 5 months now so it's cruising along.
Second of all, my first few months of pregnancy were really difficult. The first trimester (from about 6-14 weeks) I was so sick all the time I could barely do anything but lay in bed. This was really hard for me because I am a fairly active person and my body craves exercise. Anyway, I spent a couple weeks getting IV's 3 times a week because I couldn't keep anything down, I lost 20 lbs, and became pretty weak. But I am doing so much better now! It was a really hard couple months but I am grateful for this opportunity to be a mom. I am also grateful that I was in shape when I got pregnant. I feel like the muscle mass and strength that I built really benefitted me and the baby.
So, lesson from all of this? Nutrition and exercise BEFORE you get pregnant are SO important. My body went through quite an ordeal, but I am glad it started out strong.

I have to confess that most days are pretty difficult when it comes to working out. I'm not used to not being able to do as much.  I really have to take it slow. It is important when you are pregnant that your heart rate does rise too much and that you keep your breathing pretty steady, so I really have to focus and be careful. Then there's the fact that I don't have much energy these days (which makes sense seeing how my body is making another human being) so there are quite a few days where I just don't have it in me to workout.

Bottom line, pregnancy is hard, but being fit before hand REALLY helps.

I did want to share with you one workout that I have been doing that seems to keep my body in check and help my back not hurt as much. It is similar to other workouts I post but way less intense. If you want to ramp up the intensity all you need to do is add more reps and some burpees, mountain climbers, or squat jumps :) but for me it is good enough.

Modified Workout For Pregnancy
Super Set 1:
20 walking lunges (10 each leg)
20 Narrow stance squats (go low)
15 Plie Squats
Rest for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes
Repeat 3 times

Super Set 2:
10 Bicep Curls
10 Tricep Extensions
5 Pushups (I struggle with these right now)
Rest for 1 to 1/2 minute
Repeat 3 Times

Super Set 3:
Side Planks 15 seconds each side
Middle Plank 30 Seconds
Wall sit 30 Seconds
Rest 1 to 1 1/2 minutes
Repeat 2 to 3 times

Stretch really well and there you go!!





Tuesday, April 1, 2014

My Legs Are Burning

Ok, I am posting this one because it is the exercise I did this morning and it seriously worked my legs! And was a great way to get my heart pumping.
Working out your legs and developing the muscles on them is such a great way to burn fat and calories. Because these muscle are so big, they take a lot of energy to workout and they generate a lot of heat. If you are looking for a great way to tone up your legs and increase your metabolism, I recommend this workout. Just remember that it can be adjusted to fit personal needs and fitness levels. If you are more advanced than me, increase the reps and use a heavier weight. If you are just getting started or aren't used to these moves, decrease the reps and use a lighter weight or not weight at all.
**For Circuit 3 click here for instructions and pictures.**
Now, go burn those legs!

Circuit One:
15 Side Lunges with kettle bell, each leg (I used 10 lbs)
1 minute Jumping Jacks (put lots of effort into those jumps!)
20 Plie or Sumo Squats with kettle bell (I used 10 lbs)
Rest for 40 Seconds
Complete 3 Rounds

PhotoCredit: mummafit.com
Bulgarian Lunge
Circuit Two:
15 Bulgarian Lunges, each leg (you can hold a weight or balance with your arms out in front of you)
20 Scissor Jumps
Rest 40 Seconds
Complete 4 Rounds

Circuit Three:
15 Leg and Arm Raises with kettle bell (I used 10 lbs but don't use any if it's your first time) Click here for instructions
15 Pulse Ups with kettle bell (I used 10 lbs)
15 Bicycles with kettle bell (10lbs)
10-12 Stability Ball Crunches
30 Seconds Mountain Climbers
Rest 1 Minute
Complete 4 Rounds

Circuit Four: This is the cardio part of the workout
8 Rounds of Tabata
10 Seconds Slow/Moderate Pace
20 Seconds High Intensity Pace
*I did this on my spin bike, you can do jump roping, jump squats, running in place, running around a track or pretty much anything that will work as cardio. This is an important part of this workout so don't skip it! Do your best, it is only 4 minutes.

And Stretch!
Make sure you stretch your hip flexors, hamstrings, glutes, quads, and back
Here are some common stretched I do after this workout















Thursday, March 27, 2014

Feel The Burn - Arms and Abs

Hey there! Sorry I haven't posted a workout for a while, I have been pretty busy with work and school. But I wanted to post this one today because it is one that I did and I love it :) It can be difficult  for beginners to do all the reps and get through the entire thing, but just REMEMBER you can adjust the reps/time/weight for ANY of these workouts. Have fun and focus on quality over quantity.

Warm up by doing some arm circles and a few jumping jacks and push-ups

Circuit 1:
20-30 Kettlebell swings (I used a 15lb kettle bell today)
45 Seconds High Knees
10 Slow push-ups (I did 5 regular and 5 knee push-ups)
Rest for 1 minute
Complete 3 rounds

Circuit 2:
15 Triceps Extensions with kettle bell or some other weight (I used a 10lb kettle bell)
1 minute Jumping Jacks
15 Bicep Curls (I used 10lbs here as well)
Rest 1 minute
Complete 4 rounds

Circuit 3:
15-20 Burpees (shoot for 20! but adjust as needed, I took out the push-up today because I already did so many)
8 Assisted slow Pull-ups, Substitute Exercise: 10 High Pulls with kettle bell, each arm
12 One Arm Rows (I used 15lbs here)
Rest for 1 minute
Complete 3 rounds

Circuit 4: Abs :)
15 Leg and Arm Raises with kettle bell (I used 10 lbs but don't use any if it's your first time)

    • Lie flat on the floor with arms and legs extended. While keeping your head on floor, simultaneously raise arms and legs toward each other, keep back flat and legs as straight as you can. Go back to starting position and repeat.
15 Pulse Ups
15 Bicycles
12 Side Lifts (each side)
15 Stability Ball Crunches
Rest 90 Seconds
Complete 3 Rounds

Photo Cred: popsugar.com
Pulse Ups

Photo Cred: blog.codyapp.com
Side Lifts















Saturday, March 22, 2014

Cardio Challenge

Sometimes it is hard for me to do cardio. Especially if I don't have any equipment and/or it is cold outside. And even though I have a spin bike, I don't always want to do the same thing. So, here is a cardio workout routine that is sure to get your heart rate up. It is hard but totally worth it!

*This, like all of my exercises can be adjusted to fit personal needs and all levels. If you can't do some of the moves, replace them with something you can do that will still keep your heart going. Enjoy!

40 Jumping Jacks
30 Seconds Jump Rope (if you don't have a rope yet then jump in place but make sure you get those feet off the ground)
20 Seconds High Knees
20 Seconds Butt Kickers
30 Seconds to 1 minute rest (drink a little water)

30 Mountain climbers
5 Jump Squats
5 Burpees
30 Seconds Jump Rope
30 Seconds Rest (a little water if needed)

25 Jumping Jacks
20 Pivoting Upper Cut Punches (keep that core in tight!)
30 Seconds march in place and bring your knees high
5 Burpees
30 Seconds Rest

35 Jumping Jacks
40 Seconds Jump Rope
5 Jump Squats
30 Seconds High Knees
Rest for 1 minute to 1 1/2 minutes
Repeat as many times as you can or until you reach 30 minutes (if you can do longer than great, do it!)



Butt Kickers
Modified Burpee- Without Push-up


Monday, March 17, 2014

Quick and Adjustable

Hey friends! It's me again. I wanted to hurry and post a workout that is great for those of you who are just starting to workout after a long break. This one, like all my workouts are adjustable to ANY level. When it comes to reps and rounds they can always be decreased or increased to fit your fitness needs. If you feel like you can add more weight or do more reps or rounds, then do! You can also decrease the rest time between rounds to 30 seconds to make it a little more challenging. These are not set in stone, which is one reason why I like doing these kinds of workouts. Pay attention to your body and work hard. :)

Reminder: ALWAYS protect your back by keeping the abs pulled in tight and core strong. Never let your knees go over your ankles when doing squats and lunges (or pretty much anything)
*Please make sure you pay attention to the rounds and rest periods on this workout as it is different than most.

Narrow Squat
Circuit 1:
10 Narrow Stance Squats
10 Push-ups
10 Lunges (each leg)
10 Calf Raises
Rest for 1 Minute
Complete 3 Rounds

Circuit 2:
10 Burpees
10 Crunches
Plie Squat
10 Jumping Jacks
Rest 30 Seconds
Complete 4 Rounds

Circuit 3:
10 Mason Twists
10 Calf Raises
10 Plie Squats
10 Bridge Raises
Rest 1 minute
Complete 3 Rounds

Finish with:
Hold Plank as long as you can
Hold Wall Sit as long as you can
Repeat 2 to 3 times

STRETCH




Bridge Raises


Proper Form for Plank





Thursday, March 13, 2014

Staying Active While Living In a Sedentary World

Ok first of all, this is not a substitute for a daily workout routine. These are simply some fun and easy ways to get moving more at work. I have an office job, so I sit WAY too much. Sitting is actually not good for you and our bodies are not meant to sit for long periods of time. They are built to be active. So, here are just a few things I do throughout the work day to add some activity and get my heart rate up for a few minutes. Enjoy and please add comments of things you do at work to stay active! :)


Using the Stairs:
I work in an office building with flights of stairs. Instead of going to the restroom on the ground floor (where my office is) here are a few things I do up and down the stairs to raise my heart rate. I don't do all of them at once, I switch it up every break or every day.
  • Run to the top floor (5 flights for me) and back down
  • Jump Squats up 3 flights of stairs, walk back down. Can do more if you want 
  • Run up a flight, lunges on flat part, run up a flight lunges on flat part etc
  • Run up a flight, drop and do 5 push-ups, repeat till I reach the top

In your Chair:
  • Chair Crunches: place hands on sides of chair and lift legs off the ground, pull knees toward chest, extend and repeat 
  • Lift legs off floor and move them like you are running or ride a bike
  • Sit up straight the whole day (it's a lot harder than you think and works your back muscles)
  • Leg Lifts: Sit up straight, lift and extend legs out and forward and hold as long as you can, you can also alternate between your legs to switch it up a bit
  • You can also bring a stability ball to work and sit on that instead
  • Stretch every once in a while to keep your body lose and to increase blood flow
  • Chair Dips: if you're chair doesn't roll a ton you can also do some triceps dips  (I've done it with my rolling chair it's just hard and you run the risk of falling haha)
  • Hover in a squat over your chair (like a wall sit but without a wall) and hold 
  • Desk Push-ups
*If your work gives you a 15 minute break other than your lunch break, get up and walk around/do some exercises. Don't use it to just go and sit in the break room.
*One last thing, you can also stand up throughout the day and do your work standing. I hope this helps and will give you some ideas on how to be more active throughout the entire day.


Pictures:

Desk Push-ups

Chair Triceps Dips

Single Leg Lifts












Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Waist Burner

We all struggle with getting rid of those pesky love handles or the "muffin top" so I thought I would throw in this supplemental exercise that can be done on a day where you want to try something new. Make sure you always keep your core pulled in tight so you protect your back. Also, breathe!! And don't strain your neck.
 I would also recommend doing some light stretches before starting this workout (things like "cat/cow" and child's pose)
Please Note: I have linked some of the unfamiliar moves to other posts that explain them :)

Circuit 1:
30 Jumping Jacks
5 Burpess
Photo Credit: obliqueexercises.com
3 Star Jumps
30 Mason Twists
Rest 30 seconds to 1 minute then go to next circuit

Circuit 2:
20 Oblique Crunches - each side (see top right picture)
20 Second Side Plank -each side
30 Second Plank
Rest 30 seconds to 1 minute then go to next circuit

Circuit 3:
20 Bicycles (see bottom right picture)
30 Jumping Jacks
4 Burpees
Rest 30 seconds to 1 minute then go to next circuit
Photo Credit: sassyfitgril.com

Circuit 4:
20 Mountain Climbers
10 Side Leg Lifts - each leg
20 Mason Twists
Rest 30 seconds to 1 minute then go to next circuit

Circuit 5:
30 Second Plank
20 Oblique Crunches
6 Burpees
Rest 30 seconds to 1 minute then do the whole thing again.*
*If you are too tired to do all of it again, decrease the reps to half as much. See how many times you can get through it without compromising form! If once is all you can do than great! That is A LOT!

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

No Gym - No Equipment Workout

Body Weight - No Gym - No Equipment
Level: Beginners (if it is too much just modify reps and time, but make sure you push yourself!)

Here is a quick workout that can be done at home without ANY equipment

Circuit 1:
15 Medium Stance Squats (legs hip distance or slightly wider apart)
20 Jumping Jacks
15 Crunches (don't ever pull on your neck)
15 Side Plank Raises (each side)
Complete 3 Rounds

Circuit 2:
30 seconds Mountain Climbers
15 Calf Raises (flex hard at the top)
25 Russian (Mason) Twists
Complete 3 Rounds

Circuit 3:
30 seconds High Knees
5 Slow Push-ups
30 second Plank
Complete 3 Rounds

Here is a picture of a Side Plank Raise and High Knees, click the links above to see Mountain Climbers and Russian Twist pictures.
Photo Credit: womenshealthmag.com


Photo Credit: sassyfitgirl.com



Monday, March 10, 2014

Work Up To It

Hello Friends! I had some requests about posting a workout for those who are beginners with working out. I do want to note that all of my workouts can be modified to fit your fitness level. To modify any of the workouts just simply decrease the time/weight/reps of any of the exercises. Go slow at first to get comfortable with the moves.
With that said, here is one that almost anyone should be able to do (if not then decrease the reps! Just make sure you are working hard). Exercise is not meant to be comfortable, but it also shouldn't be painful (as in joint pain and shooting pains). Make sure to breathe in and out with each move (inhale through nose exhale through mouth). Always keep your abs/core pulled in tight to protect your back.


Circuit One:
6-10 Slow Push-ups
10-20 Front Squats
20-30 Jumping Jacks
Rest 1 minute
Complete 3 Rounds

Circuit Two:
45 Seconds of  Front Punches (don't lock out your elbows, keep the arms strong, abs pulled in tight and slight bend in knees)
10 Lunges (each leg)
30 Seconds of Mountain Climbers
Rest 1 minute
Complete 3 Rounds

Circuit Three:
10-20 Plie (or Sumo) Squats
30 Second Plank
15 Crunches
Rest 1 minute
Complete 3 Rounds

STRETCH! And then you're done


You should advance fairly quickly from this one to my other workouts. If you have any questions/comments/requests let me know! ENJOY


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Leg Burner


Hello Again! I wanted to share another workout I have done recently that made my legs BURN, in a good way of course. Check it out and let me know what you think! Also, I added pictures below the workout this time. Please scroll down to see what some of the less known ones are :)

Set 1:
20 Plie Squats with a weight of some sort (I use a kettle bell)
30 seconds of Star Jumps
10 Sideways Lunges (each leg) with a weight
Rest 1 minute
Complete 3 rounds

Set 2:
30 lunges with a weight
15-25 Scissor Jumps (always aim for higher but don't compromise form)
Rest 1 minute
Complete 3 rounds

Set 3:
20 Stability Ball Crunches
30 seconds Mountain Climbers
20 bridges or leg raises depending on what you want to work
Rest 1 minute
Complete 3 rounds

End with a jump rope interval 
Jump Rope for 1 minute
Rest for 30 seconds
Repeat 4 times

STRETCH to finish!

Pictures:
Scissor Jumps or Jump lunges

Star Jumps

Mountain climbers




Total Body Fat Burner


I have to apologize for slacking on my posts the past couple weeks! It has just been super busy at work and school. But I have still been working out, I just haven't been posting them. This morning's workout was a tough one for me! I really enjoyed it though, and I am sure I will be sore tomorrow :). It is a great arm toning exercise to help get rid of the jiggle.

So, here is it! Make sure you warm up, especially if you're working out first thing in the morning.

high pulls with kettle bell
Set 1:
12 Kettlebell or Dumbbell high pulls (if using a dumbbell do each arm individually)
20 seconds jump squats (make sure to keep the core tight and land softly!)
25 Mason twists with a weight of some sort
Rest for 1 minute
Complete 3 rounds total

Set 2:
12 One-Arm rows (kettle bell or dumbbell)
1 minute Jumping Jacks
10-15 Bicep Curls (each arm, shoot for the higher number)
Rest for 1 minute
Complete 3 rounds total

Floor Press
Set 3:
15 One-Arm Floor Press (with weight of your choice)
30 seconds mountain climbers
Rest for 1 minute
Complete 3 rounds total

STRETCH! I usually spend about 8 minutes stretching but you need to do at least 5 minutes, making sure to get the major muscle groups (hamstrings, quads, low-back, shoulders, glutes)

I really enjoyed this workout! Please don't hesitate to ask me questions about this workout or any of the moves used in it. Thanks!








Monday, February 10, 2014

Are You Ready For This One?


Another Fat Burning Workout. This one might kick your butt, literally. 

I love this workout and find it a great way to tone the entire body. If you are unsure of how to do a workout, just google it for now. I will have pictures of me doing them soon, they just take time to do. Let me know if you have any questions though!


Round 1: 
Photo Credit: tbfn.info
10 Burpees (look at the picture to the right for reference on how to do it, you can omit pushups if it's too hard)
1 minute mountain climbers (keep that butt low, core tight and back straight)
Rest 1 minutes
Repeat 3 times

Round 2:
1 minute Jumping Jacks (land softly and give it a lot of effort!)
8 to 10 slow Push-ups
1 minute Air Punching (don't hyperextend elbow and keep the arms tight and punch vigorously while tightening core)
10 Front Arm Raises (each arm) with weight of your choice*
Rest 1 minute
Repeat 3 times

Round 3:
Wall-sits to failure (hold it as long as you can!)
30 to 40 second Star Jumps (google it. picture coming soon)
10 Lateral Arm Raises (each arm) with weight of your choice*
Rest 1 minute
Repeat 3 times

Stretch and the end! I hope you enjoyed this one as much as I do!

*Note, lifting heavy weights won't make you bulky (unless you are eating ridiculous amounts of protein and taking supplements with hormones to be a body builder)! Using a "heavy" weight with PROPER FORM and SLOW CONTROLLED movements will make you TONED. Also, by adding fat burning exercise with the weight lifting you will be doubling your efforts towards a toned body. So don't be afraid to do more than 5 lbs. If you can do most of the reps with the heavier weight without compromising form then do it! This is the BEST way to get nice lean muscles. If the workout is too easy or not pushing you enough, then you need a heavier weight :)




Lets Get Toned!

Lets burn some fat and get toned in this workout! 

Please adjust reps to fit your current fitness level so you don't compromise the QUALITY  of the exercise.  I know I am repeating myself but QUALITY AND PROPER FORM are ESSENTIAL! If it is too easy, then use a heavier weight.

Warm up for about 3 min. Make sure you warm up those arms and legs.

Round 1:
15 (each leg) Walking Lunges (go deep but don't let the knee go over the ankle)
10 Medium Stance Squats
5-10 Jump Squats (go deep, jump high and land softly!)
Rest for 1 minutes
Repeat this round 3 times

Round 2: You can use kettle-bells or dumb-bells here
15 One arm rows (I recommend using 10-15lbs, but if that is too much then do less)
15 tricep extensions (keep that arm sturdy! I use 10 lb.)
15 bicep curls (keep your elbow still and at your side, do not swing your arm. This is to be a controlled movement, if your form lacks then stop at whatever number you're at)
Rest 1 minute
Repeat this round 3 times

Round 3:
Plank for 30-90 seconds (if you aren't tired then keep going! This is supposed to really push you!)
15 bridges slow and controlled, see this explanation for more details
30 to 45 SLOW  and CONTROLLED crunches. DO NOT use your neck to pull you up and make sure you pull those abs in by exhaling and contracting the abs.
Rest for 1 minute
Repeat this round 3 times

Now stretch really good and you are done! This is a great workout to use in-between cardio days. More like this to come soon!




Thursday, February 6, 2014

Power Yoga Unplugged

Photo Credit: etsy.com
One of my Exercise Science teachers decided to surprise us with a 1 1/2 mile run out in the cold yesterday morning. It was to determine our aerobic health. If you know me, you know that I DO NOT enjoy running. Maybe it's because every time I do run, it is an assignment or punishment (maybe I need some positive reinforcement). Needless to say, it was cold and a bit miserable. Luckily I had my good friend Jordan running with me...he is a marine...and didn't break a sweat or breathe heavy. Nothing like that to make me feel like a wuss! ;) So even though it was supposed to be my "rest" day I decided to end the day with one of my favorite workouts...

Last night I went to Centered City Yoga in Salt Lake City with my beautiful friend Lizzie. It was so wonderful! My last time doing yoga was in December, so it was a great reunion. If you haven't tried yoga yet, DO IT! It's a great balance workout and is great at relieving neck and back pain. But don't be surprised if you're sore the first couple times :) it's still working your muscles. I also find it a great core strengthening workout. It releases stress and teaches you how to breathe. And....
Great news! If you've never been, most places are free your first time! :)

Friday, January 31, 2014

Body Weight is Great



Body Weight Workout
Todays workout is one of my favorites! It is what most people call a bodyweight workout. It once again does not require a gym. All you need is YOU and a pull-up bar. Don't be afraid of pull-up bars. They are such a great way to tone your entire body.  You don't even need to be able to do them on your own to make them work. I will talk to you more about assisted pull-ups in another blog, so for now just google it. I use a chair for mine, by putting my toes on the back and edge of it. Some people use bands. One thing to remember about assisted pull-ups though, they still need to be HARD, that means, simply standing on a chair doesn't work. I want you to feel the burn with these. It is my goal to eventually do 10 full pull-ups on my own. So far I can do 2 :). 
Ok, for the exercise part. Depending on your pace this will take 35-45 min including warm-up and stretching. Take longer if you need to and give it your all! Visualize your success :)

Warm up: 2-3 Rounds
Jumping Jacks 10-20
Front Squats 10, slow and steady
push-ups (don't do your max reps, just warm up your arms, I usually do 6-8 at a slow pace)

Workout: REMEMBER!!! QUALITY BEFORE QUANTITY! 3-4 rounds

  • Pull-ups to failure (remember that QUALITY IS BETTER than quantity, if your form is lacking then STOP and move to the next workout). 
  • 20 DEEP, SLOW squats.  Feet hip distance apart. Knees and feet straight. Whenever you are doing squats please make sure you are doing proper form. Your knees should never go over your ankles, your abs should be engaged and your back should be straight. Your weight should also be in your heals not your toes. If you can't do them deep on your own, hold on to something in front of you to assist in balance. These will help you get a good range of motion in your hips.
  • Pushups to Failure, it is different for every person but please push yourself. Make sure your abs are engaged, back is straight and neck in a neutral position. If you're bobbing your neck up and down then you are doing it wrong. If your back is arched or curved too much then you are doing it wrong. It takes practice, but you must train your body from the beginning to do it RIGHT. 
  • Lunges 10 each leg. Do these slow and steady. DO NOT project your knee past your ankle and make sure you keep your abs and back engaged and straight. We are not going for speed, we are going for strength in this workout.
  • 30 Seconds of mountain climbers, keep your butt down, back straight and core engaged
  • REST for 1 minute
  • Substitute for pull-ups: inverted rows or chair dips (please get a pull-up bar asap though! They aren't expensive and work great!).
Abs: 2-3 rounds (if you're not feeling really tired do 3 and increase your time on Planks) do not lay down if you're heart is going fast. Let it slow down first then go on to these.

  • Forearm Planks: 30 seconds to 90 seconds (work up to it) like always, keep your back straight, butt down, and abs engaged.
  • Bridges: 15 to 20 reps (engage that core!) squeeze that butt and thighs, knees and feet hip distance apart, don't let them touch and keep them as still as you can and go slow.
  • Leg Raises on the Floor: 15 reps

Stretching and Cooling Down
Please let your heart rate decrease before you sit or lay down. After you cool a little bit make sure to stretch very well. That includes: back, quads, hamstrings, arms, shoulders, chest, wrists, and neck. Make sure you take care of those muscles!

And you're done! Make sure you push yourself but please please please don't compromise form for just one more push up or pull up, etc. I cannot stress the importance of form enough. I will be posting pictures for you to follow here shortly, I just need my husband home so he can take them :) I hope you enjoyed this workout! Body weight is great huh?




Wednesday, January 29, 2014

High Intensity Interval Training

Make sure you have good shoes!
Todays Workout, Jan. 29, 2014
It was a cardio day! I used to have a hard time when it came to cardio. I am not a runner, nor am I good at long distance. I am better at quick movements and I prefer workouts that are quick but still make me sweat and work hard. The following exercise does just that!

Today I did High Intensity Interval Training.
I didn't go to the gym. I stayed at home, and so can you!
You can also do a workout like this without a bike.

Warm up- get your body moving and warmed up, you don't want to just jump into it!
I alternate between the following to make sure my legs are warmed up. It is usually 3-5 min
  • Jumping jacks
  • Front leg kicks
  • Front squats 
With the following workout you can do a number of cardio moves. 
I just love my bike!
If you aren't riding a bike or running make sure to alternate between 3 or 4 different exercises.

Exercises:
  • Mountain Climbers
  • Burpees
  • Jump Squats
  • Jumping Jacks
  • Knee Highs
  • Jump Rope

Tabata Intervals

This one is a tough! But it is good and only 4 min long with 8 rounds.
  • 10 seconds at moderate pace
  • 20 seconds as hard and as fast as you can go!
Sprinting Intervals (doesn't have to be running!) Chose the moves mentioned above and alternate between 3 to 4. Do 12 to 20 rounds.
  • 30 seconds moderate to slow pace (if running or biking) or just moving slightly in place
  • 30 seconds of high intensity sprinting pace

Abs
3 rounds. 30 seconds to a minute rest between rounds
Way to go!

  • Leg raises (either from a pull up bar or lying on the ground) 10-15 reps
  • Side plank raises 15 reps on each side


Stretch really well and you're done! I don't know about you but I sure was sweating and it got my heart rate up! :) See you tomorrow!