I realized that I haven't posted a workout lately, so I thought that this today was the perfect opportunity to share one. I created this circuit workout in a cardio-muscle strengthening-abdominal toning format. It's geared specifically to the booty and legs, with some ab moves and arm toning exercises incorporated as well. The gist of it: The workout consists of 4 circuit rounds. I biked for my cardio, but you can really do any form of cardio that you like for each round. During the cardio portions, I target my heart rate between 140-160. Besides the bike/other cardio machine, you'll need 15 lb. dumbbells (you can use heavier/lighter weights to adjust to your ability) and a stability ball. With a short warm up and stretching cool down, this workout took me ... [Read More]
workout index
Jillian Michaels’ Yoga Inferno DVD Review
Hi everyone! I thought today I'd share with you my love of doing yoga and thoughts on a new workout DVD from Jillian Michaels called Yoga Inferno. If you've never done yoga, I highly suggest that you try it. It's beneficial for every single person out there -- whether you're a seasoned athlete trying to improve flexibility, a person with back issues, or an exercise newbie who wants to expand your horizons. The great part about yoga is that you do things at your own level and pace. If you're interested in trying yoga but don't want to go to a class, I suggest following a few YouTube videos or DVDs to get a feel for what style works best for you. I used to not practice yoga because I thought it was too slow-paced for my liking, but my how things have changed! I like doing yoga on ... [Read More]
30 Minute Treadmill Circuit Workout
Can you believe that it's New Year's Eve?! I feel like the holidays, and year in general, have just flown by! Since my hubby and I just arrived back in Cali on Sunday night, we decided to be low-key this New Year's. I'm planning on making some fun grub and drinks, breaking out some games and music, making a fire, and lighting our tree for one more night this year. While I admit that I'm not big on New Year's resolutions, I do think that we all operate differently in goal setting and accomplishing those dreams. I say, if setting a goal for the new year is the motivation that works for you to achieve your goals, go for it! Regardless of whether you're in the midst of completing a goal or are planning on just getting started tomorrow on the first day of the year, remember to take it ... [Read More]
Work it Out Wednesday: The 20-Minute Warm Me Up Winter Workout
There are a lot of w's in my post title huh? Apparently I'm in the mood for a good alliteration this evening! Today I had a little "me" time and got a massage and a manicure. Thanks to Groupon, my hour-long deep tissue massage was only $25...how can you not love that right?! Since I knew I wouldn't feel like working out or have time to after my couple hours of pampering, I planned on doing a workout first thing in the morning so I could still fit exercise time in for the day. I rolled out of bed this morning and first did my favorite YouTube AM yoga video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xfqio9l3x4 I've followed this video a bunch of times, and I always feel so stretched out and ready for the day after it! Harley moved her blanket to be right on top of my yoga mat, and then ... [Read More]
Total Body Rowing Circuit Workout
Happy, happy Friday! As usual, I'm looking forward to the weekend. Then next week I have a 2-day work week, and then I'm heading down to San Diego to spend some time there and celebrate Thanksgiving. I'm excited! Onto workouts... You may have noticed that when I talk about the workouts I've done in a week, I often mention rowing. It's a form of exercise that I started doing a lot of earlier this year. I find it to be really efficient and an awesome form of cardio, and I actually talked about some of the benefits of rowing in this Girls Gone Sporty article. While I'll sometimes do intervals of rowing/resting, I've recently gotten really into incorporating rowing into circuit workouts that last 45-60 minutes. I feel so sweaty and accomplished by the end of them, and I especially ... [Read More]
Leg Burner Interval Workout
Hi there, and Happy Hump Day! Over a week has flown by since my last autumn slim down update, so today I'm filling you all in with how things have been going the past week. Since my main thing with toning up is portion control and keeping my calorie intake around 1,400 a day, I'm happy to say that I've been right on track with that and lost a bit over 2 pounds from last Monday to this one. I indulged a bit on most days, but all in moderation. A few of my sweet tooth eats included a lollipop on Halloween (though I remember Blow pops being better?!), a mug of hot chocolate, and these pumpkin pancakes with dark chocolate chips: Sometimes eating pancakes for dinner just does the soul good! As far as workouts go, I fit in lots of good exercise time last week. One of the days I really ... [Read More]