Some Great Yoga and A Book

Well, after this week, I am definitely needing some great yoga! It has been a wonderful end to 2014 and a very progressive but relaxed beginning. On December 31st I picked up North and South- a favorite mini series (Richard Armitage as John Thornton, I can't even) and classic English literature. It turned out that I was as engrossed in the book as I have always been in the mini series and got 20% through Wednesday, spending most of yesterday reading and finishing last night around 2 am.

It was a beautiful book and I loved hearing all my favorite characters' thoughts through out- especially John Thornton's. Swoon. Unfortunately, I thought the end was rather abrupt and wished for another chapter or two. But, that is what they say a good book should feel like, right? One should race to the end, then feel remorse that there is no more. If that is the case, this is definitely a book you should consider reading, or watching the mini series that is free on Netflix and Amazon Prime. It is so. good.

Now, on to the whole purpose of this post, nay, this blog- a workout! I have not been doing as many of my own workouts lately, but taking workouts from online and adding a bit extra to it. There is a resistance band bum workout that will simply have to be shared soon (it will change your bum), but for now, here is a yoga video that I love and will be doing later today!

I did this flow a few days ago after a 3-mile run and simply loved it! It was the perfect stretch/tone/cool down that my body needed. This yoga flow can be done on it's own, or with another cardio or strength workout to get those muscles warmed up and ready!

Now, for a questions... Do you prefer reading a book first or watching the movie/mini series/show? I am a fan of watching the movie for an overview, then reading the book for a more in-depth look at the characters!

Also, sorry for the messy half post yesterday... That is a future title that I thought was scheduled for next week. So, there was a little preview for you- Life hacks for 2015!

Have a wonderful weekend!

This Week in Workouts: A Week of Running

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So, did anyone else notice a strange lack of post on Friday? Me too. Turns out that the article I wrote ahead of time and scheduled to publish did not actually get scheduled to publish. By the time I noticed (Friday was quite the busy day), it was far too late to post anything of use to anyone. Instead, that post will be up next week for your internet perusal and viewing enjoyment. For now though, we can talk about this week and the not one, but two 4-mile runs I went on. 

Running outdoors in Michigan is one of my favorite things to do, even though the hills are completely butchering my run times... I am currently 2-minutes slower than my average time without hills. Whaatt?!!? Now I understand why so few run the San Francisco Marathon. 

Other than running, we were able to visit this awesome restaurant in Grand Rapids which was quite awesome. The whole place is HUGE with beautiful indoor and outdoor seating. I wanted to sit outside but it is Michigan in the summer and everyone else had the same thought I did. Instead, we sat inside and got to listen to The Mainstays, a 90's reggae band that was playing while we were there. Afterwards we were able to walk around Grand Rapids, in the Amway Grand Plaza (most beautiful hotel ever), and over four bridges spanning the Grand River. Yea, we got our steps in that day! 

The days of the week got a bit jumbled in my mind this week. Although I know what workouts I did, I have absolutely no clue which days they were done on. Yes, there were three days of running, two runs were 4-miles and one was 2.5. There was yoga on one day and bum workouts on another (all links to videos listed below). My main break day was the one with lots of walking, and I am not sure about the other day of the week... It went into a black whole where some of my memories seem to find themselves. Maybe I ran, maybe I did another workout, or maybe I sat at my computer watching YouTube videos where the only workout was the formation of my laughter. Who knows. 

Hopefully though, I will remember to log all my workouts next week so this silly day-missing does not happen again. If you have any ideas what I did on this lost day, I would be so happy to hear them. Your guess is, quite literally, just as good as mine :)

The first bum workout I did. Pretty great! I was definitely feeling it by the end and this one turned out to be a great warm-up for the next. I would definitely recommend doing these two together!

The second bum workout I did. This Cassey Ho workout has been featured on the blog before, mainly because I just love it.

This yoga flow was my first time following anything by Leslie Fightmaster. Really, the main reason it caught my eye was her name- someone on yoga being names "Fightmaster" just makes me laugh :) But seriously, this King Pigeon flow is great! 

Yoga for Super Hero Strength came next. Because really, is a home workout complete without some Tara Stiles? 

This is just my apology for skimping on posts this week and letting my brain fall into a black hole where no memories of workouts can be found. Happy Sunday! 

The Ultimate Flat Stomach Workout

I recently had someone ask me for a workout to help flatten stomachs. Oh stomachs, why must they be so difficult for us to get flat? In my 27-years of life, I have tried a great many workouts to tone that tum, but the best has to be a combination of cardio and toning. Cardio works great for helping burn that fat away, and the combination of toning improves muscle definition while continuing to burn fat after the workout is complete. 

This workout will get that heart going and should keep your heart rate between 75% and 85% of your maximum heart rate. The best way to do this is to wear a heart rate monitor during the workout.

This workout was made to be an intense, ab toning session. It will be a massive workout, but you can do it, for sure! The entire workout takes about 30-minutes and can be done along with another cardio session, or, all on it's lonesome.

To complete the workout, first do each exercise for 90-seconds with a 30-second break between each set. Then, do each exercise again for 1-minute with no break between sets, or a 10-second break between sets. To really kick it up, finish it off with doing each exercise for 30-seconds with no break.

Set One

Complete each move for 90-seconds, then, take a 30-second break between sets one and two. On the second round, complete each exercises for 1-minute with 10-seconds to no break between sets. 

Knee-Ups

This is a great workout for the lower abs and will help get that heart rate going right away! Run on place making sure to keep knees parallel to the floor our higher. 

Alternating Elbow to Knee

Alternating Elbow to Knee works the oblique and upper abdominals along with that bum! Complete knee ups, but add a twist. Place hands behind the head, keeping elbows up and shoulders down. Alternate touching the right elbow to the left knee and visa versa. Try to do this as fast as possible while still keeping good form! 

Side Plank Rows (kettlebell optional)

I love doing this with a kettlebell since it gives a massive workout to the obliques, intercostals, and trapezius muscles! Start in side plank with feet either stacked (advanced) or with the top foot resting on the floor behind the lower (intermediate). If wrists tend to hurt in plank or side plank, try completing this on the forearm instead.

Place the kettlebell chest level in front of you and slowly lift so the elbow is straight up and the kettlebell is almost above the chest. Be sure to lift from the arm and not from the shoulders. Then, lower the kettlebell slowly and start it all over again! 

This should be 90-seconds or 1-minute per side. 

Mountain Climbers

One of my favorite for the abs! These are like knee ups on steroids. Get into plank position or forearm plank if wrists hurt. Begin by bringing the left, then the right leg up to your chest; alternating legs each time. The goal here is to complete as many as possible in the time allotted while still keeping good form. Be sure to keep the body in line and not let the tummy droop or the bum stick up. 

Scissor Legs

These will work everything from the inner thighs to the upper abs. Sit back on the floor with the forearms supporting you back and legs at 45 degrees off the ground. The lower your legs are to the floor, the greater the results will be. Criss-cross the legs, alternating which leg is on top every time. Legs should extend apart from each other, at least, 2-3 feet and the lower back should be resting on the floor.

Set Two

Plank Jacks

Plank Jacks are another one that is great for all areas of the core, especially that place we tend to get a little extra pooch. Begin by getting into plank position with feet together. Jump feet out so they are 3-4 feet apart, then jump them back to starting. For an extra kick, go from starting to open to legs tucked into the midline. 

Burpees

The one we all love! These burn major calories and get our core and bum in bikini shape! Begin in plank position with hands directly under shoulders and the back straight. Jump legs in so they are tucked under your chest, then jump straight up in the air with arms overhead. For an easier version, step legs to the midline one foot at a time. 

Russian Twists

These are best with a weight, medicine ball, or kettlebell. Russian Twists are sure to work your obliques, back, lower abs, central core, and inner thighs. Begin in boat position with the back straight and lower legs parallel to the ground. There should be no pressure on the lower back here. Bring the kettlebell from the left side to the right by twisting the torso. Hand should only move from one side of the body to the other and arms should barely move at all. 

Knee Tucks/Jackknife

This one is great for that central core area. Begin with your back on the floor and arms and legs outstretched and elevated off the ground. Again, the closer your arms and legs are to the floor without touching, the greater the workout will be. 

Contract your abs and use this force to bring your body in towards the midline. Legs should come up and arms should move overhead and end on either side of the legs. You can either be in boat pose with legs straight (advanced) or legs bent (intermediate). Slowly lower back to starting and do it all again! 

Plank Tucks

These are great for lower abs and obliques! Get into plank position and slowly bring the right leg in towards the left armpit. Continue alternating legs, being sure to keep the bum down and the core activated the entire time. 

Knee-Ups

Alternating Elbow to Knee

Side Plank Twists Part I

Side Plank Twists Part II

Mountain Climbers

Scissor Legs Part I

Scissor Legs Part II

Plank Jacks Part I

Plank Jacks Part II

Burpees Part I

Burpees Part II

Burpees Part III

Russian Twists

Knee Tucks Part I

Knee Tucks Part II

Plank Tucks

Have a Wonderful Monday!

I hope you have wonderful plans for this Memorial Day Monday! The hubs and I will be catching up on some work we were not able to do this weekend since we were at a fantastic business conference! The conference went great and we were able to see tons of friends, eat lots of food, and even got a movie showing in last night. Yea, pretty darn great! 

Something that did not take place, however, has been working out. I am hoping to get a little double session in for the next few days, especially since we are going to Disney for our niece's birthday later on in the week. This Fitnessista circuit caught my eye last week and I just might have to do it today! What about you... Any fun workout plans for the week?