I don't know about you guys, but the election this week has left me feeling emotionally drained. In checking out the trends on social media yesterday, one of the ones that stood out was #ElectionHangover. Yes, this has felt like an election hangover in the worst way. I've had my share of {alcohol} hangovers in my life, but this week's hangover is the kind that lasts for days, and leaves you feeling exhausted, headachy and kind of depressed. To help get my spirits up in general, one of my go-to moves is ranting to my mom exercise. Workout endorphins are a powerful thing! So today I'm sharing an election hangover remedy: a 40-minute HIIT workout. I've been starting to add HIIT back into my workout routine, and it's one of my favorite kinds of workouts. I just love how the moves are quick ... [Read More]
workout index
The All About the Hamstrings Workout
When I cut out cardio for a couple of months because of my foot injury, I started doing a lot more isolated strength training than usual. I typically incorporate strength moves into HIIT and cardio workouts, but I started relying more on strength training as my main exercise burn. While I love so many types of workouts, I wouldn't say that lifting is high on my list of favorite types of exercise. At first I was whining to myself (and probably a few others) saying, "How many damn bicep curls can I do?" but then I started getting more creative. I used to do a lot more workouts that were more strength-based when I regularly went to a normal gym, so I started getting back to those roots and having more fun with it. One thing I started paying more attention to was working on my ... [Read More]
The Quickie Do-It-Anywhere Low-Impact Workout
When I travel, I always try to stay active and incorporate movement into my day just like when I'm home. I prefer to exercise outdoors or do something adventurous in the area I'm in. But sometimes, the thing that works out best is just waking up in my hotel room, busting out a quick workout to get my endorphins flowing, and moving on with my day's agenda. This is most definitely the case when I travel for work. Although I've walked a ton on the convention center floor in Las Vegas this week, I've also been fitting in morning exercise a couple of days this week. One morning I even made it to the gym for a strength training session, then taught my co-worker some yoga on the rooftop of our hotel. Another morning I did today's workout: a quickie, 10-exercise circuit that requires no ... [Read More]
Total Body Cycling Circuit Workout
Happy Friday friends! What's on the agenda for your weekend? A few things I have going on are a party to attend, plans to go to brunch with my hubby, and the final evaluation of the 6-week fitness challenge that I've been participating in happening. I'm looking to beat all the numbers I had set at the beginning evaluation of the challenge, but more on that to come! Speaking of working out, today let's chat about exercising at home. While I often workout at my HIIT studio, exercise outdoors, pop into my yoga studio or try out a new gym, I also enjoy being able to workout at home sometimes. My guest bedroom also doubles as my fitness room, and it's nice to have the option to just pop in there for a quickie workout when I don't have a lot of time to sweat. Typically I do workout ... [Read More]
5 Stretches To Do Every Morning
One of my favorite ways to start my day is with a quick yoga session or HIIT workout. Getting moving first thing in my morning - usually before checking email or eating breakfast if I can - makes me feel energized and gets those endorphins flowing. Some days if I don't have time for 20-30 minutes of morning exercise, I do some go-to stretches to wake me up. Today I thought I'd share them with you, because they're perfect for just a couple quick minutes of movement to stretch you out after you've spent the night in bed laying down. When I do morning yoga, I usually incorporate these stretches into my practice too. Morning stretching is thought to help improve posture for the day, eliminate muscle and joint aches & pains, and promote healthy blood flow. Plus, I think it ... [Read More]
The Work-Off-Those-Holiday-Treats Cardio Workout
'Tis the season to be jolly... and to be faced with many options of sweets and treats to enjoy! I'm all for indulging in moderation, but to avoid weight gain and feeling low-energy during the holidays, I try to offset those extra drinks, desserts, and heavier food than I usually eat by making sure to fit my workouts in. In the spirit of active living throughout the holidays, today I'm sharing a workout that you can do whenever, wherever - no equipment required. I laughed a little when I titled today's workout, because I don't really like when the instructors at this barre studio I take classes at from time to time make comments about 'working off that drink/dessert/bread you had last night.' I workout because it makes me feel strong, healthy, and happy, and that's what I like my ... [Read More]