Recently I had a freelance writing assignment centered around CrossFit, so I ventured around to different gyms in my area to interview owners and members and get a better grasp of what it's all about. Though I've never tried it, I have a couple of friends who are avid CrossFitters and I've watched the CrossFit Games on TV before, so I had a general idea of what the fitness regimen entails. However, doing research for the article really gave me a much more detailed look at what it's all about and why people are crazy about the so called "sport of fitness." (source) I learned that conventional CrossFit wisdom says to forget about the aesthetics, to focus more on what you can do versus what you want your body to look like. Essentially, it values athleticism over superficial concepts ... [Read More]
workouts
The Tush Toner Workout
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]
My Top 5 Workout Motivation Techniques
Hi friends! I'm linking up to the Fit Tip Tuesday party over at Lisa at The Skinny on Health again this week. My topic today is one that I'm confident everyone can relate to: finding that oomph to exercise when you just don't feel like it. I thought I'd share my tips of how I push myself to go workout on the occasion that I'm not in the mood for it, so here we go! 1.) Read motivational quotes - A quick way that I pump myself up to go exercise is to check out some fitness and life quotes like these... 2.) Pump up the music - Sometimes all I need to find my fitness motivation is to change up my gym playlist or download a few new songs that get my body moving. A few of my current favorite tunes include: Colbie Caillat "Hold On" John Newman "Love Me Again" Ellie Goulding ... [Read More]
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]
Tips for Fitting in Exercise
When life gets really busy, it's easy to let your workouts take a back seat to the many other things you've got going on. But to me, I feel best when I'm exercising on an almost daily basis, so I make it a priority to fit in it even when I'm crazy busy. I've been in New Jersey visiting my loved ones for the holidays for over a week, and although I've had a lot going on, I've managed to exercise 6 out of the 8 days I've been here. Here are a few tips that work for me for fitting in exercise during especially busy times (or just in general!): Schedule it out. Be a planner! Every night when I've gone to bed while on the East coast, I think about my agenda the next day and where/how I could fit in exercise. I make a commitment to myself to just do it, and then I make sure to follow ... [Read More]
