Santa Slim Down, Day 2

Twisting Out the Cookies

It’s Day 2 and I know you guys are keeping up and doing amazing. You may be feeling a little sluggish or tired. That’s probably because of all the sugar and toxins starting to leave your system.   If you’ve eaten a lot of yummy goodies over the holiday, it may be the post consumption crash you’re still feeling. Don’t worry it gets better. Just make sure you’re staying hydrated!! Staying hydrated is so important in a workout program like this!! Remember, if you wait until you’re thirsty to drink water, you’ve waited too long! Try real hard to stay away from any sugary energy drinks. It defeats the purpose of this challenge and the crash coming down makes you feel so much worse. I promise, you’ll start to feel amazing real soon!

Here is a total body yoga routine to continue our post-holiday detox. With more twisting and balance poses, this sequence allows for deep cleansing of the internal organs while getting you grounded and free from the post-holiday anxiety..

Total Body Yoga

To burn post-holiday cookie calories, here is a total body workout! Don’t forget to check-in below in the comment section or on the Facebook page. Reading your check-ins is my favorite part of the day! Your dedication inspires others to get fit, healthy and accountable.

Total Body Workout


Here’s a workout you can take to go. You can do this workout at the gym or outside (if it’s not too cold).

The Stress Free Workout!

After completion of each exercise, rest for 10-30 seconds before moving onto the next. Once all exercises are completed, rest for 2 minutes then repeat the circuit. Goal is to complete circuit three times.  Beginners perform circuit one time.

Curtsy Lunges with Bicep Curl
Starting in standing position with feet hips width apart, keeping your weight in your left foot and holding weights in front of you palms facing forward. With your right leg, take a big step back crossing it behind your left leg as if your Shirley Temple bowing curtsy style. Slowly bend your knees and lower your body down until both knees are bent about 90 degrees.  Bend elbows and control weights as you lift them to almost touch your chest and slowly lower. Return to starting position.
10-15 lb weights
15 reps each leg

Standing Side Abs with Weights
Starting in standing position, feet hips width apart and weights at your side. Shift upper body weight to right side sliding weight to right above the knee. Alternate and shift upper body weight to left side sliding weight to above the left knee. Perform as quickly as possible.
8-10 lb weights
20-25 reps

One Leg Bent Over Row
Start in standing position with your feet hips width apart, arms down at your side holding weights. Lift your right leg straight up behind you while bending at the hips and lower body forward 90 degrees keeping a slight bend in your standing leg. With weights and palms in, bend your elbows and pull the weights straight up to your chest. Lower the weights and return to a standing position.
10-15 lb weights
8-10 reps each leg
Modification: Perform exercise without raising one leg. Perform with both legs on the ground and as you strengthen your core you can progress to lifting one leg.

Mountain Climbers
Starting in plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart. Position yourself with right leg bent forward so right knee to right chest. Pull right knee while holding upper body in place, alternate leg positions by pushing hips up while immediately extending forward leg back and pulling rear leg forward under body, landing on both forefeet simultaneously. Perform exercise as quickly as possible.
Repeat for 30-60 seconds

Around the World Lunges with Weights
Start standing holding weights at your side and legs hips width apart, take a step forward with your right leg and lower your body until your knee is bent at a 90 degree angle. Push back up through your heel to starting position.  Take a big step to the right, dropping your butt back and lower weights to right foot. Pushing through your heels return to starting position. Take a step back with your right leg and lower your body until your knee is bent at a 90 degree angel. Push back up through your heel to starting position.
10-12 reps each side
10-15 lb weights
Modification: Perform only front, side or back lunge. As you get stronger and build more endurance, perform 2 and eventually all 3 lunges as described above.

Lateral Raise
Stand with your feet hips-width apart, arms straight down at your sides, palms facing with weights in hands. Slowly raise your arms until they are in line with your shoulders parallel to the ground then slowly lower down.
3-5 lb weights
10-15 reps

Tricep Dips with Stability Ball
Start sitting with your butt on the edge of stability ball and your knees slightly bent. Your hands should be behind your butt with palms firmly of the stability ball.  Push your heels into the floor as you straighten your arms and lift your butt off the ball. Bend elbows and dip your body as close as you can to a 90 degree angle, butt off the ball and lowered to the floor.  Straighten your arms and lift your hips. Repeat.
10-15 reps
Modification: No stability ball? No problem! This exercise can be performed on the floor.

Squat Jumps
Start in standing position hips width apart with hands above head and palms facing each other, squat down and lower arms straight down almost touching the ground. Jump up while reaching arms back up above head return to squatting position. Repeat.
12-15 reps

Plank with alternating leg lifts

Starting in a plank position on your elbows or hands, engage abs and lift your right leg slightly off the ground (about 1-2 inches) and hold for 2 seconds. Lowering right leg to ground and lift your left leg. Repeat.
20-26 reps