Focus on: Inner Thighs & Calves

Here is an overdose of amazing leg exercises, courtesy of Pop Pilates.  If your legs aren't on FIRE by the end, then you'd better just start the video again!



Love the burn!

Holiday workouts

Source: Flickr (user athletachi)

Do you ever work out on holidays?  When the weather is perfect outside, it's hard not to get out there and be active!

Here are some tips from FitSugar on creative exercise ideas for the 4th:

1. Start your day right: If you know you'll have a jam-packed schedule of eating, drinking, and lounging tomorrow, make crossing off your workout your top priority in the morning. Take advantage of the holiday and grab some friends to catch up with or wake up early to get in a morning run before the crowds. You'll feel great for the rest of the day knowing that you still accomplished your workout and started off your day of celebrating on the right foot. 

2. In the kitchen: Chopping, cooking, and prepping your barbecue fare can be a great workout for your arms, but for even more of a workout, add some lower-body moves to your cooking to burn even more calories. Do one of these basic lower-body exercises (like squats, lunges, and deadlifts) while you're waiting for the water to boil, and finish with these stretches you can do in your kitchen.

3. Schedule it: It's the Fourth, and you've got one thing on your mind — how to get to a beach, stat. Between tanning and gossiping, make sure you schedule in some time to enjoy the sand and surf while being active. A casual swim in the ocean or renting a kayak for an hour or two can break up your day and also make sure you're not sedentary for hours on end. Learn just how many calories you're burning when you do water sports here. 

4. Wind down: If you're feeling stuffed after your barbecue, gather your friends and family for a walk around the block or to catch the fireworks, or go on a bike ride before the sun sets. The light exercise will help you feel less bloated and can help you get a good night's sleep so you can wake up ready to continue your workweek.

Stay beach-ready

Do any of you ever go to the library for new fitness inspiration?  I was there last week, and picked up Jackie Warner's Crunch-Free Xtreme Abs to try out.  This DVD consists of two segments: a standing abdominal workout, and a and floor abdominal workout, in 16 minute-sets.  I found the floor segment to be the most effective and felt the burn immediately.  Jackie gives tips throughout (make sure to watch your back and pay attention to posture!), and offers two different levels of intensity for each exercise.

One aspect I really appreciated about this workout is that Jackie takes the time to work out your back muscles, as well (particularly in the second part).  We spend so much time pulling our core in, that we often forget the need to stretch out the other way.  This is vital to avoid injury and muscle strain.  It's way too easy to pull your back muscles, and then simply moving around (heck, forget exercising) is all the more difficult!

After doing just the floor workout from Xtreme Abs today, I transitioned into some Zumba dancing, a couple of videos from Tiffany Rothe's YouTube channel, and this great little 10-minute workout to keep you swimsuit-ready, from FitSugar.  Enjoy!

Wednesday Workout Inspiration

Source: FitSugar

When you're feeling like you can't lift another weight, jog another ten paces, or do one more sumo squat, just think about this.  The hard work will pay off, and you'll feel incredible because of it!  Push through the pain and the struggle and WIN.

It'll all be worth it in the end...

Motivation + Habit

Source: FitSugar

Honestly, it's equal parts habit and feeling simply fabulous (both physically and mentally) from exercising that are what motivate me every time.  I'm truly addicted to the fit and healthy life.

What motivates you? :)

On dieting

 “I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond.”

– Mae West

What do you think... Does Mae have a point here?  Whilst I love eating carrots, I can honestly say that in my own life, as well as documentation from countless studies and statistics show that diets don't usually work.  Temporarily, yes (maybe), but we ought to be focused on longevity.

I would much rather make wise lifestyle choices that result in a life-long healthful state and well being, than rely on the latest get-thin-quick fads.

Opinions?  What have you found to work in your case?

Award-winning arms

If you watched last weekend's 84th annual Academy Awards show, then you likely noticed two of the night's fittest ladies: Viola Davis and Cameron Diaz.  Just look at those toned arms!

Here are some fab upper-body exercises that will sculpt your arms, chest, and shoulders in no time.

• FitSugar's 3 killer-upper body moves
• Gwyneth Paltrow's exercises for shapely shoulders and strong arms
• Show off your shoulders à la Kate Middleton

TIP:
To maximise my arm-shaping workout, I often incorporate lower body exercises such as squats, pliés, and lunges at the same time.  Killer.

Happy Friday, and love the burn!