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Monday, April 18, 2011

Spring is in the Air!

FINALLY!!! Spring is here and it is time to prepare for the summer that is approaching! Along with that comes cute outfits and bikinis! Here is an awesome workout to add to your current routine, or to mix up your workout! The best part is, this workout is great for indoors AND outdoors! Grab your mat and a few pieces of equipment to get some fresh air at the same time :)

Warm-Up
16 Standing Cross Crunch [opposite knee to opposite elbow while marching]
16 Squat with Cross Crunch [same as above, but squat, then stand up for elbow-to-knee]
8 Superman Push-Ups [4 on each side]
16 Standing Side Crunches [8/side - stretch arm into air and foot to floor, crunch side of body for elbow and outside of leg to touch]
16 Plank Jacks [in push-up position - jumping feet together and apart. Keep core tight]
16 Tummy Tucks [high plank position. Draw one knee up alongside the body, turn head towards knee. Return knee to starting, switch sides]


Workout 
Part 1 - Pyramid Style!
10 Push-Ups [from toes]
20 Tricep Dips [off low chair, table, bench]
30 Squats with leg abductions [15/leg]
40 seconds Mountain Climbers
50 Bicycle Crunches
40 seconds Mountain Climbers
30 Squats with leg abductions [15/leg]
20 Tricep Dips [off low chair, table, bench]
10 Push-Ups [from toes]


Part 2 - Raise your Heart Rate!
20 Jumping Jacks
15 Chest Press on Ball [with 3, 5, 8lbs dumbbells]
20 Plank Jacks
15 Hamstring Curls, on Ball [body on floor, with heels on the ball]
20 Mountain Climbers
15 Low Squat Pulses
20 Surfers [10/side - start flat on tummy. Jump up to low squat - angled one way. Jump! Return to starting, switch to angle toward other side. Repeat until all complete]
15 Push-Ups [challenge - feet elevated on the ball]
[Repeat Part 2]





Enjoy!

Some food for thought this Monday morning ...

[Introduction]
My thoughts are generally more positive and upbeat than what you are about to read. However, these questions have been racing through my mind lately and I wanted to share them. I do not believe there are definite answers to my questions, just some things to think about.

The word addiction usually brings with it thoughts of people who are out of control, and those who desire something so badly, even if it is harming their body. "Addiction" can be used to describe both psychological and physical needs, or at least what our body and/or mind think we need.

What about addictions that are potentially beneficial to our body? You hear of people who say they are "addicted" to running, or hot yoga. These people who wake up early every morning to workout, stretch, exercise, and get their blood flowing and body moving. Are they addicted? How about those who cannot leave the house without bringing a bottle of water with them, because the very thought of having to go hours (or less) without hydration is frightening.

Are these, so-called, beneficial habits better for society than those that are harmful to one's body? What if these positive "habits" start interfering with relationships and one's daily lifestyle? When do addictions go from being something we are proud of, something describing the way we want to be defined as a person, to something that we are ashamed of and make us want to hide from the world?


❤Namaste