Sweat Fest Sunday 11/30

Happy Sweat Fest Sunday...........how many of you need this after Thanksgiving? Did you eat a lot of great food? I made mashed potatoes, stuffing and tofurkey - complete carb overload.

I should warn you all, I am a Christmas fanatic. I absolutely love it. Starting tomorrow I will probably pull out every Christmas movie I own and start a marathon as soon as school lets out.

The reason I am telling you this is because one of the videos I am going to post is a HIIT Santa workout....you'll see below. The other is a dance video - not sure how many of you would actually be interested in learning it but I promise if you want to look at good at the choreographers then you're going to have to do the tutorial again and again and again. It will definitely be a workout.

This is the finished product - Tutorial is posted below

Step by Step Tutorial

This video here is called the Santa Claus workout and I won't lie I mainly posted it because it is Christmas related. For people new to working out it isn't all that realistic as it calls for some equipment. Mainly dumbells, rope, a duffle bag and 50lbs of sand. If you have all that go at it, or if you're like me you can improvise and  just put your pudgy cats in a bag and drag them around (not really - I don't advocate animal abuse)

Sweat Fest Sunday 11/23

And I am back! I missed doing my sleep saturday post - I think those are my favorite because I get to talk about anything. Oh well. The important thing is my mom is home from the hospital and resting. I am still tired but with her home now I will be able to rest but not before Sweat Fest Sunday!

With Turkey day around the corner maybe you want to step up the intensity? I have never done P90x, I don't think it's any secret I'm not a fan of hardcore cardio but if you here is a 10 minute snippet of what a P90x workout is like. Maybe it will sway you to buy the dvds or possibly run for cover. You will need hand weights for this workout.

If you want an equally tough workout without the weights this one is for you. Rather than paying money to tone your muscles this uses your own body weight for resistance.

Sweat Fest Sunday 11/16

Welcome back to Sweat Fest Sunday! I was having a bit of difficulty finding a new video to post today. I wanted to find something I would enjoy doing and to be honest, I don't like working out that much. At least I don't like a ton of cardio - pilates is more my style. However, it is called SWEAT fest for a reason so here are today's videos.

If you are feeling challenged or just bursting with energy this video is for you. It is called the 54321 workout. 5 minutes of cardio, 4 minutes of lower body strength training, 3 minutes of abs, 2 minutes of upper body strength training and 1 minute plank. So if you want a quick full body work out, just look below and press play:

The next video, I always post two, isn't really a workout video you can do it home. I was looking for a sample video on youtube and this is the closest I could find. There is a very short example of what you can expect from POUND! if you go to one of the gyms that hosts the classes or buy the dvds and do them at home. Really, I am just interested in what you all think of this new workout. Do you think it is an actual workout? Or that is will become a workout craze and trend like previous workout videos? Take a look and tell me if you would attend a class - the actual routine starts around the 3:40 mark if you would like to skip the beginning.

Sweat fest Sunday 11/9

So today isn't exactly a sweat fest.........for us women that have our lovely monthly friends, working out sucks. At least for me - some people feel nothing and can go about their lives as if it is any other day. Working out has been proven to help cramps, however for those few days I just can't. For those of you that can still move this article and video for you:


http://www.webmd.com/women/features/exercise-eases-menstrual-cramps

If you're cramping in a major way, listen to your body and take the day off. One day off every month really isn't a bad thing. Then again, if you forego your fitness routine from the first hint of PMS to the last day of your period, you'll be sitting on the couch for nearly two weeks every month without exercise -- and that's too long. So, here are seven exercises that might be perfect for you during your period.

Walking

Even experts against a hardcore workout on your period have to agree that a walk gets you moving without injury or danger. So, put on some sneakers and sunblock, and hit the road. Walking by itself isn't a huge calorie burner, but you will feel good about the fact that you exercised. Don't stress the exact calorie count.

Running

If you're feeling up for a jog, go for it. The endorphins you release during an intesnse cardio workout can help you beat the period ickies that you may be feeling. Hydrate well before, after and during your run, if possible; some researchers say you dehydrate more easily on your period. Whether that's true or not, err on the side of safety and keep drinking.

Yoga

Yoga is very customizable; many poses have options to match your skill level. Inversions aren't recommended during your period, although this has no definitive medical basis. Still, having the option to relax in the goddess position if you're not up for a headstand is nice.

aerobics

Sometimes, when you're on your period, you just want to go a little crazy. Aerobic exercise is the perfect way to let loose. Plus, aerobics classes are typically held in a low-pressure environment where the focus is on fun.

dancing

Shaking it up on the dance floor isn't exercise in the traditional sense, but itwill rev your heart rate and burn some calories. This is a great option because it doesn't feel like exercise -- and when you're on your period, you might need a little motivation to get gussied up and feel great about who you are. Stepping out into an evening of dancing and fun will certainly give you that extra oomph and make you feel fabulous.

Planking

When it's that time of the month, all you want to do is stay home and watch Lifetime movies. Make the most of your TV time by holding a plank position during the commercials: 

1. Get down on the floor.
2. Put your arms and elbows under your chest.
3. Raise your body using just your forearms and toes, and hold.

This is an intense all-over workout. Start by holding your plank during every other commercial and work up to holding through an entire commercial break.

Working out from home

Pop in an exercise DVD or pull up an on OnDemand workout. You don't need to dress in fancy workout gear, and quitting early won't be embarrassing if you're just doing it in your living room. Only you will know that you sweated to the oldies in your flannel nightie for exactly 14 minutes before sinking back into your couch to watch the Real Housewives reunion. (Nothing makes you feel less hormonal than watching legit crazy people, right?)

Don't use your period as an excuse to forget your fitness routine -- but do listen to your body if you need a break from it. Give some of the above workouts a try.

Sweat Fest Sunday

I've mentioned before I'm not really into the gym......for a number of reasons, 1st I don't drive and 2nd I don't have the extra cash right now. The plus side is you can do workouts at home and get the same results for free.

Last sunday I posted some jump rope routines, the sunday before that some HiiT workouts but what if you're not into that?  Today, I am going to post some dance routines/dance workouts that are not only fun but will burn calories and kill your legs.

Enjoy!




Are you into Dancing with the Stars? Maybe a fan of the new judge and former pro dancer Julianna Hough? This video is for you:

If you want something a bit more fast paced but you're not so coordinated....this is part walking, part dancing:

Sweat Fest Sunday

So........say you don't have the time to go to the gym. Or maybe you don't the money. Personally, I share a car and time just isn't on my side when it comes to the gym. Nor is paying for a gym membership. I am aiming to save money to move when I graduate next year. While I sometimes miss out on weight training there is ZERO excuse as you why you can't do cardio. You can run around the park or speed walk up and down your street. There are plenty of workout videos you can buy but if you want to go the cheaper route - go to youtube. Above is a video by Pilates instructor Cassey Ho. Her main focus is pilates and yoga but at times she does post cardio videos. The one above is great for a beginner. You don't have to do it all at once, you can stop and take breaks. It doesn't mean you're a failure - the whole point is to get it done to the best of your ability.

Cassey Ho may not be your cup of tea, she talks a lot and is incredibly upbeat. Sometimes I think she may have inhaled a couple of 5 hour energies before filming BUT I will take her over Jillian Michaels any day. No disrespect to Jillian she seems to be a kick ass trainer but I rather have a perky personality teaching me than feel like I am in boot camp and getting screamed at. To each their own. Below is another cardio workout by Cassey that is a bit more challenging