Tums, Tush, and Legs Interval Workout

Yes, an interval workout that covers almost every person's problem areas. My biggest issues seem to be the tush and legs. But, of course, I will never say "no" to a good core workout as well! This workout uses cardio and body weight exercises to create lean, toned muscles- and it only takes 25-30 minutes! 

After I fell in love with last week's 1776 workout, it just made sense to do another interval workout that used running as one key portion. This workout can be completed outside or using your gym treadmill. Either way, you will get a great sweat going and need minimal to no equipment! Like the 1776 workout, this one uses running as a massive cardio buster, then keeps those muscles working with body weight exercises. I have been loving the 1776 workout and am so excited to share this one with you now! 

Yoga Inversions for Beginners + a Yogi Tip

Ok, I was going to share this with you Sunday as part of the workout sum-up, but it is just too handy and fun to wait! This yoga flow is great for those who are new to inversions but love yoga. You will be sweating by the end of this and the core work in here is fantastic! So fantastic, in fact, you just might see some of it in a workout pretty soon! 

If you reeaaaaalllly want to kick the core work up a bit, I recommend pausing the video at the end of the floor section and doing it all over again. This will add about 10-minutes to the yoga flow and be a complete core strengthener workout. 

One things that Lesley Fightmaster does not say about handstands is arm placement. My absolute favorite yoga instructor back home has a great tip for keeping arms strong and sturdy (especially for those of us with super loose rotator cuffs). When in down dog or any inversion, keep arms activated with elbows slightly bent and towards the wall behind you. Having your arms rotated inward like this will give that much more support to your entire body and keep things tightened up. 

What are some of your favorite (and most effective) yoga tips? 

The Story of an Outdoor Running Convert

When we are in Florida my main, scratch that, only source of jogging is on a treadmill in our wonderful, air conditioned gym. In the past I have never understood how other fitness buddies could stand running outside without a TV, AC, or a handy little treadmill that does all the difficult stuff for you. Then, there is the weather. You may not know this, but Florida is not exactly chilly. All of these things together have made the idea of running outside laughable. Until this summer. 

I have officially gotten the outdoor running bug. 

Sure, I have loved running outside in Michigan, but there has never been anything so enjoyable about it that made me think I would choose running outside if running inside was an option. Everything changed when we went on a run down the road and onto a nature path earlier this week. Not only was my slow outdoor pace banished (fastest 5k yet, thank you!), it was the most fun I have EVER had on a run. 

Being able to adventure into a new area that I have never seen before was wonderful. The path was huge, a river ran next to me the entire time, and the whole thing was in an absolutely beautiful tree canopy. Yes, this run has made me a convert. I cannot wait until we get to run this way again and I am already looking up great running paths in our home town.

It feels like there has been a whole secret club that I never knew I never knew. All these outdoor runners have maybe found a secret that I have been looking for my whole running life- running more that 4-miles can and is fun! It is also a wonderful way to relax, rejuvenate, and look at some stellar scenery. All of the pictures on today's post were taken during the run. I could not help but to stop and savor some of the beauty around me! 

Of course, it does not hurt that we stopped off at my favorite bagel and coffee shop in the whole world right after the run for the biggest (and yummiest) cup of iced coffee ever. This place has super yummy smoked meats (so I have heard), so we took this chance to get some of their wood cuttings for a new smoker the hubs just put together. Someone hold me back when we use that mesquite with a nice bit of salmon! 

So, do you run outside or inside and why? Would you ever consider switching it up a bit? 

The Runsie

LuLu Lemon has just come out with, wait for it, a Runsie. Incase you, like most the human race, are new to this word, a Runsie is a onesie you wear for running. Yep, that super in style clothing you love for summer can now be worn dressed down, dressed up, and dressed with sneakers for your fave workout. 

The runsie comes in two color options for now- black and gray flowers oh so reminiscent of that leotard-shirt I wore for all of first grade. For now, the runsie is also lacking one of our favorite built-in running commodities- a sports bra. Hopefully they will be adding in some support in the near future since any open back top made for exercising that does not have a shelf bra option should be shamed. For shame you unsupportive tops, for shame. Otherwise though, it is a pretty interesting idea and one that I am super excited to see the future of.

Would you wear it?

Unfortunately for me, my incredibly long torso has already made that decision already. That is unless I am ok wearing an x-large or looking like a left my runsie in the dryer for far too long.