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TGIFF

13 Oct

Thank Goodness it’s Fitness Friday!

Thanks to Katie over at Talk Less, Say More for hosting a day dedicated to fitness!

Who doesn’t love this idea?

My week in workouts:

  • Monday-taught Core & More and Cycling.
  • Tuesday- 5 mile run & 3 sets of 6 repetitions: 1) clean & press, 2) shoulder press, 3) squats, 4) bent-over rows.
  • Wednesday- NADA!
  • Thursday- taught Abs, Glutes, & Thighs and ran 2 miles on the awful treadmill.
  • Friday- Get Ripped-Slim N’ Lean workout

My morning started out with a tough total body weights workout; since I’ve been incorporating weight training back into my schedule, I’m trying to do one session solely dedicated to weights a week (no cardio included). Because I don’t include cardio, I make it a point to move from exercise to exercise in a quick and efficient manner; this helps keep my heart rate elevated throughout the entire hour!

Back when I relied on DVDs as my workout resource, I loved the Get Ripped! series. They were super challenging at first (because I never lifted in that way before. Scratch that. I never lifted before) but were a great way to track my progress. These DVD series worked more on muscular endurance, training the slow-twitch muscle fibers to be able to sustain longer sets/reps with lighter weights, rather than muscular strength, training fast-twitch muscle fibers for one heavy rep. Another benefit of the Get Ripped series is that each workout utilizes time under tension (TUT); training in a different way than I’m used to always leads to a GREAT workout and I know DOMS is coming to visit :) . Nerd alert: I’ve memorized these workouts so I can perform them, sans DVD, in a gym setting.

Slim N’ Lean Mock-Workout:

  1. squats (40lb. barbel)
  2. pendulum lunges (12.5lb. dumbbells)
  3. chest press (12.5lb. dumbbells)
  4. dead lifts & single-leg bent over rows (12.5lb. dumbbells)
  5. push-ups & external rotations (body weight/8lb. dumbbell)
  6. triceps dips & extensions (body weight/ 12lb. dumbbell)
  7. hammer & biceps curls (10 lb. dumbbells)
  8. single-leg squats & plie squats (body weight/15lb. dumbbell)
  9. lateral raises & overhead presses (10 lb. dumbbell)
  10. calf raises (body weight)

AND

Has anyone (Michiganders mainly) tasted Biggby coffee?

life-changing.

Return of Body Pump

5 Oct

TGIF! I’m writing from Pittsburgh..my real home :) . People always ask me “where do you actually live?” because I did my undergrad in Raleigh at NCSU, then went straight to grad school in Rochester Hills at Oakland, all while traveling to and from Pittsburgh. Can you see the disconnect?

After teaching Abs, Glutes, and Thighs (which was an amazing class BTW! Participants are always full of energy and up for ANYTHING, even when the classes continue to get more challenging), I hit the rush-hour traffic road and arrived in Pitt a little after 9:30. Salmon, grilled veggies, and a humongous piece of cake my family were awaiting me on the table (not my family); it makes the looooong drive so much more worth it when a home-cooked meal greets you! Right to sleep afterwards; sleeping in a queen-sized bed beats an extra-long twin sized bed’s bootay.

There’s really no point to this trip since I leave tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 5am to head straight to lululemon, but a girl needs some winter clothes! Why I didn’t bring any jackets, pants, UGGs, or winter scarves with me is over my head but it gave me an excuse to see my family :-D .

A relaxing morning

 (hi Kathy!)

and a long-but-not-forgotten body pump class

was what I had planned since my family has this silly thing called work. You guys remember how I was taking a break from heavier-lifting? I haven’t participated in a full hour-long lifting session until today and it felt great to get back to it! Sure some of my strength has dwindled but my endurance has improved and I was able to finish the entire workout- not missing one rep :) .

What I used to lift in a Body Pump class:

  • squats= 40-50lbs
  • chest press= 15lbs
  • back track= 20lbs
  • triceps & biceps= 10-12lbs
  • lunges= 15-20lbs
  • shoulder track= 10-12lbs

What I lifted today:

  • squats= 17.5lbs
  • chest press= 10lbs
  • back track= 12lbs
  • triceps & biceps= 7.5lbs
  • lunges= 7.5lbs (added plyometrics to this track)
  • shoulder track= 7.5lbs and 8lb handweights

I felt I could have lifted heavier than I did but the above weight was perfect for my goals. I’m still not looking to get “bigger”, but rather continue toning, sculpting, lifting, and improving muscular endurance.

The rest of the day I plan on spending time with my family, drinking wine, eating a steak-ish dinner, and enjoying a real piece of cake!

What else made this trip worth it?

10 Rounds X 10 Reps Challenge

3 Oct

It’s workout Wednesday!

I hope you all enjoyed the post last week about healthy eating on campus. There really are tons of better-for-you options, you just need to do your homework, plan, weigh options, and most importantly, not deprive your body of what it needs!

I completed this workout last week and was sore for at least 4 days. That’s when you really know you worked hard :) .

In the Rec center, it sometimes can be more challenging to find a space to do plyometrics than the workout itself, especially if you come at prime time. With the exception of the stretching area (although it has no mirrors (for form purposes, not vanity!)), your next best option is outside in the common area. You can use the reflection from the group fitness room as a mirror and space isn’t an issue. Your options:

  • by the staircase
  • near the ping-pong tables (watch for flying balls)
  • outside the activity center
  • down the hallway near the courts and cycling studio

This workout combines plyometrics and toning exercises; you’ll complete 10 repetitions of each exercise for 10 rounds. Try to limit your rest periods! A Men’s Fitness article in the October 2012 issue says that research shows resting for only 30 seconds can increase the rate at which you burn calories by up to 50% compared to taking a full 3-minute rest period.

10 Rounds X 10 Reps

Burpees

Overhead Shoulder Press

Jump Lunges

Push-ups

*If you’re a beginner and not used to plyometrics, complete the burpee without the jump (step back into plank instead) and alternate lunges. Remember, proper form and safety all the time! As you get further into the workout, you’ll fatigue more every round; don’t sacrifice form for a good workout.

The 10X10 workout works wonders on its own, but if you’re looking for extra total body conditioning, here ya go!

  • 20 squats
  • 20 reverse crunches
  • 20 triceps dips
  • 20 alternating lunges
  • 20 leg raises (laying down)
  • 20 biceps curls
  • 20 squat jumps
  • 20 v-sits
  • 20 lateral raises

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Looking for another way to track your diets and workouts? Stay tuned for SlimKicker; a website that tracks your exercise and movements (the more you move, the more points you’ll accumulate). First, you’ll upload a picture of something you want to be rewarded with later (an outfit, accessory, electronic, etc.). When you’ve reached your points, they’ll remind you to reward yourself! There’s a lot more perks to this tracker than just rewards but that’s always the most fun :) .

They hope to release it between March and April of next year; it’ll be a compact version of FitBit and in motivating colors (red, black, blue). I was contacted about trying SlimKicker and writing a review on it- what better motivation to get in shape for Spring Break! Who knows..maybe a giveaway is in store… :-D .

3 Evens & 4 Odds

7 Sep

Well good morning and happy day after Hump day! This post was supposed to go out yesterday but work, school, and life got in the way :) .

Need an upper body workout with sprint intervals in between sets? Ask and you shall receive!

3 Evens & 4 Odds

In the first circuit, you’ll start by power walking/running/sprinting on the treadmill then hop off and complete 10 reps of 3 exercises. Repeat 3 times through (switching between the two):

  • 1 minute treadmill @ 1% incline, 3.5-5.0mph (power walking), 5.0-6.5mph (running), 7.0-8.0mph (sprinting)
  • chest press, bent-over rows, push-ups w/ knee tucks (alternate knees)

In the second circuit, you’ll start with 11 reps of 4 exercises then hop on the treadmill and power walk/run/sprint. Repeat 4 times through (switching between the two):

  • squat press, biceps curls, triceps extensions
  • 1 minute treadmill @ 1% incline, 3.5-5.0mph (power walking), 5.0-6.5mph (running), 7.0-8.0mph (sprinting)

Don’t be afraid to go a little heavier, weights-wise, than usual on this workout; the reps aren’t as high so we’re working on building strength rather than endurance. As always, proper form is CRUCIAL!

The Rec Center is set up in a way that makes circuit workouts (where you’re all over the place!) easy and doable; there are plenty of treadmills, so don’t be afraid to hog be near one for a while AND there are dumbbell options. You could either use the gray boring dumbbells or the pretty colored dumbbells..you’re choice :)

Enjoy!

Do This To Get Looks At The Gym

9 Aug

Well hello football friends! Who’s excited about the season starting tonight?! Okay- it’s only the preseason but still..football is football; it means the real season starts soon which indicates fall is right around the corner! Scarfs, UGGs, and pumpkin lattes oh my!

Back to reality.

Thank you for all of your kind words on my last post; reading your thoughtful responses on how you too are dealing with balancing life reassures me I’m not in this alone! I can learn from each and everyone one of you, keep them coming :) .

Vertical BOSU Lunges.

Simply line 2 BOSU’s up, the behind one slightly to the right of the front one (hip-width apart) and stand on top. Lunge away!

This is NOT an easy exercise! You’re on unstable surfaces so your core has to work overtime, balance is an issue or two, coordination, strength, and the observers around you who are mad they didn’t come up with an exercise this cool and functional are factors too. Beginners could hold onto a wall or bar to the side of the front BOSU.

The rest of the circuit: 3X-15 reps.

  • jump squats
  • plie squats
  • jump lunges
  • vertical BOSU lunges
  • deadlifts
  • “t” push-ups
  • triceps dips
  • pull-ups/chin-ups

Core Workout

26 Jan

Here’s a quick core workout to complete before and/or after a workout! Repeat the circuit 2-4x through (time allowing)

  • Stability ball Roll outs (15)
  • Kettlebell or dumbbell swings (15)
  • Forearm plank w/ knee taps (15/side)
  • Bicycle crunch (12)
  • *In & Outs (knees tuck in then extend out; hands on ground behind you or in front of your chest) (15)
  • Stability ball plank (1 minute)

Remember proper form!

*FitBit

Busy, Busy!

25 Jan

I swear I’m still alive! The days get busier and busier as the semester progresses and I’m finding my days are filled with clients, class, work, group fitness, errands, eating and oh..breathing! I’m not complaining! I love being busy; it makes the days and weeks go by SO much faster! A little recap shall we?

Saturday & Sunday: Group fitness express training! Long but satisfying and fun days training participants on how to be a fitness instructor! Truly a passion of mine. Sunday night was filled with football and completing homework ; getting ahead on assignments throughout the week takes discipline but if I don’t do it, I’ll get extremely stressed.

Monday: Worked all morning; PT newsletter, group training promotions, PT class grading and organizing. Senior seminar for 3+ hours. Taught Spring Break a Sweat and absolutions (great class participation! high energy and very vocal-love it!)

Tuesday: AM workout: I have a feeling my friend DOMS is coming to visit after this one!

  • warm-up ~6.5 mph
  • 12X alternating between 1 minute @ 8.5, 1 minute @ 7.0
  • cool-down
  • (2) incline chest press & BOSU push-ups (16)
  • (2) BOSU jump squats (16)
  • (2) bent-over rows & incline rear delt. flies (16)
  • (2) walking lunges holding BOSU overhead & curtsy lunges (16)
  • (20) hammer curls & BOSU triceps dips (16)

..trained a client, finished grading papers, ACE PT class, lunch, class, ACE PT class, office hours, and taught a TRX outreach. Home for dinner (tacos!) and more homework.

I’ve started reading The Hunger Games and am hooked! I can’t wait to finish the book and see the movie. Any thoughts?

Back In Action!

19 Jan

Today was  a great day!

  • work meeting
  • energy-packed muesli to power me through a morning full of to-do’s
  • strength and conditioning class
  • home to relax and make dinner (recipe to come!)
  • back to work to teach Spring Break a Sweat and Absolutions!

Spring Break a Sweat is a circuit/interval-style class. The participants tonight were full of energy and ready to sweat! There’s nothing better than having an upbeat, high energy group of participants- it really makes the class fly by! Tonight’s class featured:

15 minutes of:

  • butt kickers & high knees
  • plyo step touches and plyo hamstring curls

35 minutes of :

  • 1 minute challenge: alternating lunges and squats, push-ups and mountain climbers
  • pyramid: biceps curls and triceps kickbacks (10 down to 1)
  • 30 second challenge: plie squats and jumping jacks (2X)
  • pyramid: chest press and triceps skullcrushers (10 down to 1)
  • glute extensions and fire hydrants

Everyone was a glistening mess afterwards! Success!!

FitBit*

Have your participants count the repetitions of each exercise for 2 reasons:

  1. as the instructor, you’re repeating safety cues and encouraging them so you may count one too many (or not enough!), and
  2. gauging the intensity level of the class is shown if you’re participants can/not talk

Quick Pasta Bake and W.o.D.

14 Jan

Happy Saturday! Breakfast was yet again another tasty bowl of Muesli with an apple and a latte. Thanks Bob, but I’ve decided to save some money and make my own mix of oats! In the bowl(s):

  • old-fashioned oats
  • sunflower seeds (unsalted!)
  • plain, low-fat Greek yogurt
  • Almond milk, vanilla extract, Splenda and honey

Almond milk, vanilla, splenda and honey were added to the mix in the A.M. I would have added dried fruit BUT I need to have a date with the grocery store later today :) .

One thing I like to do before I grocery shop is plan my dinner’s throughout the week. I have an arsenal of recipes from family and magazines that I often refer to. I tend to get stuck in a rut and make the same meals but one of my resolutions this year is to really venture into the culinary world! First up, a quick pasta bake.

Ingredients:

  • 2cups penne pasta
  • 1 1/2T. olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 3cups chopped Roma tomatoes
  • 4cups spinach
  • 1T. dried Italian herb mix
  • handfuls1cup parmesan and mozzarella cheese

Prep: preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  • boil water for pasta and cook for ~ 12 minutes. meanwhile, in a non-stick skillet coated with cooking spray, saute garlic in 1 tablespoon of oil until fragrant. add spinach and 2 cups of tomatoes. saute until spinach welts ~4 minutes.
  • combine remaining tomatoes in a bowl with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt.
  • when spinach is wilted, add the mixture and the pasta to the tomatoes. stir in half of the cheese.
  • pour into an oven-safe baking dish coated with cooking spray and 1/2 tablespoon oil. bake for 15 minutes (uncovered). sprinkle the rest of cheese on top and bake until the cheese is melted ~4 minutes.

 To make this dish heartier, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp!

W.o.D. K.E.P.T. You Fit style..Miss. Spartacus workout :D

*instead of the plank rows, I did a chest press.

Weights/Cardio Intervals

15 Dec

Heading to the gym at 5:50am means you must be prepared! If I have a busy day and know I’ll be tired when I finish my to-do list, I get my workout in first thing in the morning. Some benefits of exercising in the a.m. include increased energy and a positive attitude, a higher metabolism throughout the day and more cravings of healthier foods, and most importabtly..IT’S DONE!  One less thing you have to think about. And..call me crazy but I SWEAR workouts in the morning go by 10X faster than later in the day. Anyone else agree?

I like going in the morning because I don’t have a parking pass on campus and they start ticketing at 7am which means I have 1 hour to get through my workout. This pushes me to decrease rest breaks, increase the intensity in a short amount of time and prevents lollygagging!

This interval workout utilizes weight training and cardio to really kick yo’ butt! As always, proper form and safety cues!

  1. 2(15x) Squats
  2. 1 min. Jumping Jacks
  3. 2(15x) Chest Press
  4. 2(30 second) High Knees
  5. 2(15x) Dead Lift and Upright Row
  6. 20 Burpees (extremely challenging! Do as many as you can with good form; I did the no push-up version)
  7. 2(15x) Triceps Kickbacks (1 at a time, or both)
  8. 2(30 second) Lateral Bench Hop-overs (these are so fun! Start with jumping over an imaginary bench, progress into a low bench, then progress into a higher bench)
  9. 2(15x) Biceps Curls (balance on 1 leg)
  10. 20 Burpees (as many as you safely can)
  11. 3(12x) Lunge Jumps
  12. 2(15x) Seated Overhead Press
  13. 2(15x) Stability Ball Hamstring Curls
  14. 1(1 minute) Stability Ball Planks (I moved my arms slightly forward and back to challenge my stabilizers in my spine more)

And you’re done with exercise for the day! You should feel euphoric when leaving the gym. A mantra I like to repeat during morning workouts is..

“You’ll never regret this workout”