Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Santa Slim Down, Day 8

Bootcamp and Sleep
Sometimes I do feel like my life takes over sometimes.  I seem to have no time.  And when I do have the time, it seems that I overdid it and my fibromyalgia comes to visit.  For days.  But I’m not gonna make any excuses. I’m gettin’ it done! Today is cardio bootcamp. Here’s a bonus video for you over achievers.  https://youtu.be/nko5IqhdBgQ
One thing that my fibro causes is sleepiness.  I am exhausted from simple things like washing dishes or walking outside.   Sleep is really important to maintaining health and wellness. All this working out is no good without proper rest. Lack of sleep causes your stress hormones, such as cortisol, to be at a constantly elevated rate. This makes it impossible to lose weight and get the results you’re looking for. Listen to your body. Rest when your body tells you it’s had enough! This is really important advice that will have the greatest impact on your health, fitness and overall wellbeing!! 
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.
Always consult with your doctor prior to starting a new fitness regimen. Please use discretion. People with injuries or health conditions must consult their doctors prior to starting this challenge. High intensity or interval training workouts are not for everyone. Again, consult with your doctor prior to starting a workout, use your discretion and know your fitness level and limits.


Thursday, January 7, 2016

Santa Slim Down, Day 6

Looking Hot In A LBD

It’s time to start preparing for your LBD reveal!  I think that we’ve been preparing for quite awhile (at least I have) I just needed something to focus on today. Looking hot in tight sexy dress isn’t just about a slim waist line. You can have a teeny little waist, but if your arms are slapping yourself in the face when you wave hello to a hot dude, that guy’s gonna be walking the other way. Sleek and sexy shoulders and arms are the key to looking hot in your LBD!

This video from FitSugar is one of my favorite arms videos found online. It hits all the right muscle groups to get you looking smoking in the LBD (Little Black Dress).

https://youtu.be/h6KjNN4Y0cc

I’ve been asked many times, Is possible to get sexy buff arms by doing yoga alone to get Madonna’s arms. Uh, yes! Here’s a video to prove it!

https://youtu.be/HEHdQxdQT5c


Here’s a workout to take to the gym.
 
Wave Arm Fat Goodbye Workout
After completing each exercise, rest for a max of 30 seconds (longer if you’re a beginner) before moving onto the next exercise. When all exercises are completed, rest for 2 minutes and repeat entire circuit.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Circuit One

Tricep Pushups
Starting in pushup position but with your arms closer to the midline of your body. Slowly bend your elbows to a 90 degree angle as your arms hug your sides. Hold for 2 seconds, then pushing through your palms, lift back up. Repeat
10 reps

Straight Arm Pulldowns
Starting in standing position, feet hips width apart and holding weights in hands with palms facing thighs. Keep your back straight and a soft bend in your knees. With a straight arm or soft elbow, lift weights up past shoulders and hold for 2 seconds. Slowly and intently, engaging all muscles in your arm, lower weight down to start. Repeat.
8-10 lb weights
12-15 reps

Walking Planks
Starting in pushup position with palms on the ground, engage abs and lower right arm to rest on forearm, then left arm to forearm. Return right arm back so that palm is on the ground then return left arm so that palm is on the ground.
10-12 reps

Shoulder push up
Starting in downward facing dog, lift your left leg straight up towards the ceiling. Bend both elbows and lower your head closer to but not touching the mat. Then, push your body back up to starting position and straighten your arms. Switch legs and repeat.
Modification: Hold downward facing dog for 60 seconds
5-8 reps

Isometric Lateral Raise
Start in standing position with your feet hips width apart, arms straight down at your sides, palms facing in holding weights. Slowly raise your arms until they are in line with your shoulders parallel to the ground. Hold for 2 seconds, then lower.
8-10 lb weights
8-12 reps

Overhead Shoulder Press
Starting in standing position with your feet hips width apart, hold weights next to your shoulders like a goal post, palms facing out.  Push the weights up until your arms become completely straight. Hold for 2 seconds and slowly lower down to starting position. Repeat.
10-15 lb weights
10-12 reps

Bent Over Rows
Starting in standing position, feet hips width apart, bend at the waist so torso is almost but not quite parallel to floor holding weights straight down under shoulders. Make sure you are not arching your back. Squeeze shoulder blades together and lift weights up towards to chest. Hold. Lower back to starting position.
10-15 lb weights
15 reps

Alternating Arm Bicep Curl
Stand with feet hips width apart, abs engaged, and hold weights at your side with palms facing forward. Bend your elbows and without moving your upper arms, lift the weight in right hand up to meet your shoulders. Hold and lower back to start. Lift the weight in your left hand up to meet your shoulders. Hold and lower back to start. Repeat.
8-10 lb weights
18 reps

Plank Row
Starting in Pushup or Plank position, hold weights firmly in hands.  Lift the right dumbbell until your elbow passes your torso. Lower, and repeat on left side.
8-10 lb weights
10 reps each side
Modification: Hold plank for 30 seconds without row or row without weights in hand.

Tricep Extension
Starting in standing position, feet hips width apart,  arms over head and both hands holding one weight. Bend elbow so that the weight is lowered behind you. Raise dumbbell overhead by extending elbows up and pushing weight back up to start.
8-10 lb weights
10-15 reps

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.

Always consult with your doctor prior to starting a new fitness regimen. Please use discretion. People with injuries or health conditions must consult their doctors prior to starting this challenge. High intensity or interval training workouts are not for everyone. Again, consult with your doctor prior to starting a workout, use your discretion and know your fitness level and limits.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Santa Slim Down, Day 5

New Year. New You

The New Year came so quick!  I know that we needed to get through the festivities to really throw ourselves into some self love!  Let’s get it done by kick starting that metabolism into high gear. Ready? Of course you are!! Let’s do it!

https://youtu.be/1okO02bLYeI
https://youtu.be/js8hDqDMUek

Two total body workouts to prep your booty for an amazeballs year!

How’s it going with the healthy eating? If you’re like me, there are definitely days that are more challenging than others, but you guys are getting me through it. We’re in this together and from what I see in the comments, you’re all motivating each other. You’re amazeballs!!

Here’s a workout to take to the gym.

Burpee to Inchworm Pushup
Bend over and squat down. Place hands on floor, slightly wider than shoulder width. While holding upper body in place, kick legs back. Land on forefeet with body in straight, plank position. Perform pushup by lowering body to floor and back up. Keeping upper body in place, pull legs forward under body returning feet in original position. Jump up and land to original standing posture or repeat.
Modification: Try performing just the inchworm pushup or just the burpee.
10 reps

Deadlift Upright Row 
Starting in standing position with feet hips width apart and slightly bending your knees, weights in front of you and palms facing thighs.  Keeping a slight bend in your knees, hinge at your hips to lower your torso until it’s almost parallel to the floor, keeping the weights close to your body but close to the ground. Return to standing while pushing up through your heels and squeezing your butt. Once in standing position, lift elbows to side so that weights are lifted towards your armpits. Repeat
10-15 lb weights
12 -15 reps

Side lunge with Medicine Ball Rotation
Stand with your feet about hip-width apart, holding medicine ball . Step to the right as far as you can, dropping your booty back . Engage abs and twist up and right. Return to standing postion and repeat on other side.
6-8 lbs Medicine Ball
10 reps each side

Backwards Lunge with Lateral Raise
Starting in standing position with feet hips width apart and holding weights at your side, take a step backwards with right leg and lower into a lunge bending left knee about 90 degrees.  Extend weights out to side and lift to shoulder height. Lower weights and lift back up to starting position by pushing through your heels.
5-8 lb weights
10 reps each side

Squat Curl and Press
Starting in standing position, hips width apart holding weights at your side, palms out. Bend your knees and slowly lower to a squat. While hugging your arms into your sides, bend your elbows and lift weights to shoulders. Explosively pushing through your heels, lift your body back to standing and lift weights above your head while turning palms out. Return to start and repeat.
8-10 lb weights
12 reps

Side Plank with Rear Fly
Start in plank position on hands or forearms. Hold one weight in left hand. Rotate your weight to right side with palm or forearm on the ground as your foundation. Stack your feet and lift your hips off the ground.  Engage abs and while holding weight in hand extend left arm in front of you shoulder level and slowly raise weight toward the ceiling and open chest. Slowly return weight directly in front of you. Repeat fly while holding side plank.
8-10 reps each side

Curtsy Lunge with Bicep Curl
Starting in standing position 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 your front thigh is parallel to the floor, and both knees are bent about 90 degrees.  Bend elbows and control weights as you lift them to almost touch your shoulders and slowly lower. Return to starting position.
10-15lb weights
15 reps

And the grand finale…
Split jump 
Stand in a staggered stance with your feet 2 to 3 feet apart, your right foot in front of your left. Keeping your torso upright, bend your legs and lower your body into a lunge [A]. Now jump with enough force to propel both feet off the floor [B]. While you’re in the air, scissor-kick your legs so you land with your left leg forward. Repeat, alternating your forward leg for the duration of the set.


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.

Always consult with your doctor prior to starting a new fitness regimen.Please use discretion. People with injuries or health conditions must consult their doctors prior to starting this challenge. High intensity or interval training workouts are not for everyone. Again, consult with your doctor prior to starting a workout, use your discretion and know your fitness level and limits.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Santa Slim Down, Day 4

Kick And Burn


Yesterday we slowed it down. Today we kick it up. Literally. Kickboxing is the perfect way to burn off the pastries while burning off some post-holiday steam. The holidays are a stressful time for everyone. Let’s not let it get the best of us. Working out is an ultimate stress reducer and kicks up our happy hormones. That’s how I want to start my new year, happy! So let’s get those endorphins flowing and workout!

I have been home for a few weeks and feel that I don’t have the time that I did when I was working.  I am caretaker to my grandmother, my son is home-schooled (although he is very self-motivated), the household chores and meals have landed 100% in my lap and I still find the time to get in a workout. You can too.  You just need to want it more than you want to watch TV.  I always tell my challengers to just workout for FIVE MINUTES. That’s it.  If you’re still not feeling it, then stop. It’s not easy, but anything in life that’s worth it isn’t easy! Let’s get moving!

https://youtu.be/-nlzCGSbGAw

If I can find the energy after that kickboxing workout, I’m gonna pick up some weights and start firing up my muscles with this total body sculpting video. It’s only 12 minutes long, so I think I can muster up the energy. I hope.

https://youtu.be/FYMOfUGNnIs

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.

Always consult with your doctor prior to starting a new fitness regimen. Please use discretion. People with injuries or health conditions must consult their doctors prior to starting this challenge. High intensity or interval training workouts are not for everyone. Again, consult with your doctor prior to starting a workout, use your discretion and know your fitness level and limits.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

12 Days Post Holiday Challenge

I am just as guilty as everyone when it comes to the holiday "junk".  I love it!! I don't normally even eat sweets but for some reason the holidays come around and that's all I seem to crave.  I not only have to be moderate in my cheat choices but I am a binger so it's a lot of self control, and I won't lie and tell you that it works all the time.  But I do try. So, you and me both will be eating some really great food.  We started Thanksgiving right?  I KNOW I'm not alone in that.  It's half way through December and I'm sure that everyone is still going.  I am.  I make a killer NY cheesecake and the household requests it often.  We're going to get through Christmas and THEN we have to get through the New Year.  But what about after that? What about AFTER the holidays?  I'm sure you're going to make a ton of resolutions ... and perhaps it will be to get fit. Be healthy. Eat better.   I know I will be.  I seem to make these resolutions throughout the year but you know when the New Year comes I'm much more serious about it.  Aren't we all?
Every one of us has the right to indulge and have some fun. Most likely we're ALL going to put some more junk in our trunk.  No worries.  Eat a cookie. Drink some wine. Whatever it is, go for it!  But when the holidays are over, its time to get back on track.  So to reduce the post holiday guilt I have a plan to get us in shape and guilt free.  Welcome to the 12 Days Post Holiday Challenge!
We’ll be working out and blasting off all those extra calories we willingly enjoyed at all those holiday parties. This challenge allows us to have fun and enjoy the holidays with our families without counting calories and feeling bad for being a “fat ass”. In this challenge, I’ll have daily workouts as well as workout guides to assist both you and I to losing the holiday chubs.How does this challenge work? Everyday for the 12 days following Christmas, it’s up to you to get accountable and get moving! Each day is a new workout. It’s only 12 days, so everyday counts! Out of the 12 days, it’s important to get at least 7 days of high intensity workouts in. On your rest days, keep moving! Take a long brisk walk, 50 situps, 100 jumping jacks. Just get your heart rate up and move! Then check-in and let us know what you did and how you’re feeling!With working out, this challenge will require a diligent meal plan. Clean eating will be essential in order for our bodies to detox from all the sugar, fats and not so great but delicious foods we’ve all consumed during the holidays. After consumption these foods, our bodies start to feel sluggish and fatigued as your body starts to respond to all the inflammation caused by the holiday crappy yumminess. Through this challenge, workouts and a healthy diet, we’ll start feeling good as new in no time.I'll be posting this entire challenge right here, every day!  So you can follow along here or through the private Facebook group!  Whatever your heart's desire!  Comment below and let me know you're following the challenge!! Make sure you also sign up for emails to get notifications when I post in the blog!  
I'm really excited to be on this journey WITH you!  We're going to rock this!

Monday, November 30, 2015

Day 1! DONE!

Day 1 is in the books!!! Only 20 days left!  It's how I'm trying to look at everything ... hubby and I were working out and he kept saying that we still have 15 minutes left .. 10 minutes left and I kept saying that means that we've been doing it for 15 or 20 minutes.  I pushed myself hard!  I wanted to stop, I really did. But I kept going because of a few things.  One is that its ONLY 30 minutes.  I mean this can seem like a lifetime, but all in all 30 minutes is really not that long.  And the second thing that kept me going was my hubby.  He's actually doing this.  I am SO proud of him.  So I couldn't stop because if I stopped, he would stop.  We finished it. Together.

NOTE: Hubby does not like his picture taken which really sucks for me chronicling everything ;)






So today's food was amazing and I was SO full!  I love eating healthy and planning ahead only makes it that much easier!