Six Pack in Six Weeks

So, you may be seeing a pattern this week. Yep, P+K has gone a little abtastic!  The abs and the bum are two of the most worked on areas of the body, maybe this is why they can also be found on most people's new year's goal lists. For those of you who want those abs and are ready to work the equivalent of ripping off a band aid, we have Jillian Michaels. Jillian is most popular for her work on The Biggest Loser, but she is also a fitness instructor, and co-host of the health and fitness podcast The Jillian Michaels Show. She is very involved in the fitness world, and her workouts show it! This video is a bit longer than anything that has been on P+K yet, but it is 35 minutes of pure, ab building, goodness. This will definitely work those abs and get you way closer to that six pack!

The video here is level 1. Jillian recommends completing the level 1 video five times per week for three weeks. Then, move on to level 2 for three weeks, five times per week as well. Whether you are that dedicated or not, I would highly suggest doing this work out at least once. There are some crazy good tips in here along with some great new workouts that I had never done before!

For those of you who want a flatter tum, but do not want it that bad, we have Amanda Russell. I have shown some of Amanda's videos on the site before, so it is nothing out of the ordinary. Amanda is great at getting big results in a small amount of time. This video is only three minutes long and the workout should take less than ten. The workout is comprised of six exercises done fifteen times each. Super simple.

I would recommend doing this workout after your normal routine. It is only ten minutes extra, so it will not take up too much time, but it will give major results!

The Perfect Sit Up

Well, it is the beginning of those new years resolutions. Here is something for those who added "get a six pack" (and I know there are a few of you out there!) to there yearly goals. We bought The Perfect Sit Up a few months ago, and honestly, I cannot remember why.... But I am happy we did. I love sit ups as much as the next girl- Well, maybe a little bit more. But even my sit ups could use some perfecting.

Chances are, the majority of people out there could use some help in the sit-up department. If you have ever gotten a sore neck, lower back, or not sore abs, you may be one of them. This machine is a bit cheaper than hiring a personal trainer any time you want to get some ab work in. It has some pretty neat machinery that works in ways I do not understand to make sure that you are sitting up far enough and sitting up right.

The machine (not really a machine) can be altered for taller or shorter people and can be changed to do bicycle sit ups and the like. If you are one of those ridiculous muscle people, this could help you too! The machine can increase resistance to give a harder workout. Maybe not the thing for someone on their first day of ab toning, but definitely handy for the sit-up veteran. A nice little perk is the hanger attachment it comes with for hanging in your closet with ease. This may be one of my favorite perks, gotta hate clunky workout equipment that cannot find a home.

New Years Resolutions

2013 is only a few days away! I am getting very excited about what the New Year will bring, and am creating some great goals to go along with it. Goals are definitely important to me and are uber helpful in making sure I continue a habit, even when scrolling through the internets with a bowl of frozen yogurt sounds better.

Goals are more tangible than a resolution, and they are much more likely to be accomplished. There are a few methods I use for making sure I get a goal down, and stick to it until it is done.

The best goals are a combination of physically evident results i.e. Kill all cellulite, easy to measure goals: run a mile, and some goals that will keep me on track ex. a one sweet thing per day rule. This goal cocktail seems to be the best way to stay on track with an endgame in mind. It is also vital to put all goals in the present tense. This is important for when we look back at the goal. It is better for our mind to see them as already accomplished than "will be" or "by this date". If you are really serious about obtaining a goal, write it down, read it at least twice a day, out loud, and into a mirror. The visualization is key. Being constantly reminded of a goal, both visually and audibly, makes it more of a reality and more likely to happen.

Remember, a dream is not enough to make things happen. There needs to be a plan to go along with it. Make sure that all goals have a way to be accomplished. This is, sometimes, done through another goal. Running a half marathon is a big goal, it will take jogging at least four times a week. To make the half marathon more likely, working out at least four days a week has become another goal. The daily goal of working out will make the end goal less hefty, and also give daily progress. Little steps every day towards a goal are better than giant leaps every once and a while.

If you ever need encouragement, get a good quote and think of it often. Mine is from one of the most creative minds of our age, Walt Disney.

Get a good idea and stay with it. Dog it, and work it until it's done and done right.

Gifts for the Gym Lover

You may know one or two of these... Those incredible people who have no problem going to the gym three to five times a week for an hour or so. I give props to these people, since they are doing something I would hate. Home gym is my love, but why not help those who enjoy sweating in a group too :) Here are my top gifts for the gym lover- Or even the one who enjoys cute things! And, with Prime, you can till get it by Christmas!

If you are going to the gym, you want to look cute. Few things seems this gym adorable as this Lululemon sports bra. A sports bra is a must have commodity for any decent, gym going girl. This one give you the support you need and in style, plus, it is under $50. Scorsees!

One of the only reasons that I venture from my home gym to a group fitness area is for a group fitness class. In most cases, it is a yoga class. Maybe that is why this incredible yoga mat is in the gym category... For all other gym goers like myself. 

The mat is 72" long, uber thick, and phthalates and latex free. Honestly, I am a little shocked that I do not own this already. Really, it is under $40 and a prime order. Someone should smack me. Hopefully, your gift receiver will feel the same gratitude towards you for getting them this incredible thing they had no idea they have been missing!

If we listed all the things needed during a trip to the gym, the list could get quite hefty. Keep all your goods organized and dry in this super cute gym bag. It is small enough to be a bag for the gym instead of a bag for trekking the globe (we have all seen those gym goers... What do they keep in a duffel anyway?). Something I really like about this bag is how many people say it is comfortable. There are enough things that add discomfort at the gym, thank goodness my bag is not one of them! The bag is also great for yogi's since it cradles your mat. Must have.