The Tummy Tuck: Courtesy of Fit Chicks

Time to tone that tummy! On paper it looks easy, but when you do it,  you see/understand just how effective this workout is. You'll be holding plank for about 12 minutes. Don't worry you won't really notice. ;) Its cardio, strength, and core all rolled into a beautiful ball called the Tummy Tuck! That's right keep your hard earned dollars in your pocket! No need for surgery! If you do this workout 3 times a week, along with a healthy diet, you'll see some major improvement in your abdominal strength and overall appearance.

For this workout all you need is an exercise mat, an interval timer, some water, and a towel.  Now if you don't have an interval timer, there is an app for android phones, called the HIIT interval timer, and it's free .  As you can see from the picture on the left you can set it for intervals of work and rest.  I love it!  Download that app! It's a must have. Now during this workout, I want you to be mindful of your core. I want you to engage your abs, remember to pull you belly button towards your spine, and don't forget to breath. Give it your all, do your best.  There will be video's on how to perform the exercises after the breakdown. Enjoy! =)




Set your interval timer for 2 interval's. The first interval will be 45 seconds and the second will be for 30 seconds. Set it for 4 rounds. If you do not have access to an interval timer. You can use a stop watch or just watch the clock. :) You will be performing these exercises in circuit format(one after another). There are three stations in this workout. For the third station you will not need your interval timer.

Station 1

Spider Man Planks 45 seconds
      
 Plank Hold 30 seconds

Plank to pushup 45 seconds

Plank Hold for 30 seconds

Plank leg lift for 45 seconds

Plank hold for 30 seconds

Mountain Climbers for 45 seconds

Plank Hold for 30 seconds

Rest for 2 minutes and Repeat  ONLY if you are advanced, if you're a beginner proceed to the next station.

Station 2
Bicycle Crunches 45 seconds

Side Plank Hold (right) 30 seconds

Side Crunch (left side) 45 seconds

Side Plank Hold (left side) 30 seconds

Side Crunch (right side) 45 seconds

Side Plank Hold (right side) 30 seconds

Mason Twists 45 seconds

Side Plank Hold (left Side) 30 seconds

Rest for 2 minutes and Repeat ONLY if you are advanced if you're a beginner proceed to the next station.

Station 3
Leg raises 15 reps

Reverse Crunch 15 reps

Super Man's 15 reps

Reach Unders 15 reps per side

Rest for 1 minute and Repeat (beginners too)
 
 
 

Plank Hold 

Side Plank Hold 

 Spider Man Planks

 

Plank Leg Lift

 

Plank to Pushup

 

Mountain Climbers

 

Bicycle Crunches

 

Side Crunches

 

Mason Twist

 

Leg Raises

 

Reverse Crunch

 

Super Man's (Back Extensions)

Reach Unders

Super Foods

It's a New Year. I have no resolutions that have to do with dieting. However, I do want to make sure that I add more fresh produce into my diet.

That is my small change. In the next year, I will be posting about different foods and the reason that they are nutritious. Some of them are even considered "Super Foods". Be on the look out for those in the future.

Here's to a healthy, fulfilling and frugal 2012!

Gloating About Zingerman's

Warning: I will be doing some major gloating in this post. Thank you.

I can't contain my excitement. I just made the hugest score in office baked goods history. The legal department gets TONS of goods sent from vendors during the holidays. I try to avoid that department until after the holidays. By then, all the really tempting stuff is usually gone. HOWEVER, this year they received a whole slew of Zingerman's Bakehouse items.

Here in Wisconsin, people do not know what Zingerman's is. The legend that is Zingerman's pretty much is reserved for those in Michigan and those who have once travelled to the Ann Arbor area. My 3 year stint living in Ann Arbor leaves me craving after these delicious morsels of delight.

I will be taking home Black Magic Brownies and a Hot Cocoa Cake. (I didn't want to get too greedy and take everything!)

If you ever get to Ann Arbor, I seriously urge you to get a sandwich at Zingerman's Deli. Even though the line wraps around the corner most days- the wait is worth it. My favorite is the 'Menage a Turkey'. If you want something fancier, try Zingerman's Roadhouse. The Tart Cherry soda is fantastic. For baked goods- Zingerman's Bakehouse.

Anthropologie- 50% Off Sale

My absolute favorite store, Anthropologie, has marked down all their sale items an extra 50% off! Both in stores and online. Online sells out quickly- so if you are looking for something, I'd move on it right now.

However, if you have a store near by, there is a better chance that you will be able to find the items you are looking for in your size. There is NO code needed for the website. The 50% comes off in your bag automatically. I recently purchased 2 tops, a parfume and a sleep set for less than $35 total. That is almost unheard of from this store!! I have to admit that the sweatshirt was 'damaged' and severely marked down. By damaged, there was a mark on the front that came out with a little soap and water. They have some of the CUTEST stuff.

Holiday Brain

Today is the first day of Hanukkah. We are only a mere 4+ days away from Christmas. My brain is fully into holiday mode. I am singing Christmas carols (except for at home where Roo has banned any holiday music.) We have, however, compromised on this subject. I will do without holiday music at home, but reserve the right to have consta-carols playing on both the 24th and the 25th. I think I won out on that deal. I get 25 minutes in My car every morning and evening commuting, so I get my fill each day.

I have only one present left to get, and it is a handmade gift basket with perishables. That will be taken care of on Thursday or Friday. 2 presents have shown up under the tree. One is in a rather medium sized box, the other in a small box that barely fits a bow on top. I'm excited for the small one. Wouldn't you be, too??

This holiday season has brought a lot of joy and hope for me. I hope it has done the same for you. As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December's bad weather (less this year than most- I mean, no snow in Wisconsin in December?? Unheard of!), it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same.

This is my holiday wish for you: peace of mind, prosperity through the year, happiness that multiplies, health for you and yours, fun around every corner, energy to chase your dreams, joy to fill your holidays!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah.

Peace, joy and love- always.

Classic Movies

Recently Roo and I have started to dabble in watching some classic films together. It's been really great. (He spoils me... I know...) Most have less gore and violence, which is really appealing for the snuggly winter weather and holiday season.

We've already watched Sabrina (my favorite) and recently checked out Breakfast at Tiffany's from our local library. A super FREE way to 'rent' movies. Screw Redbox, Blockbuster kiosks, etc... The public library is where it's at!!

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what movies are "Have to Watch" classics? I'm really open to suggestions as my list of titles is rather short right now.

Dear Younger Self...

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One of my favorite groups on facebook posted a thread today where you were to write to your younger self. I didn't post my response there, I thought it would be a great thing to blog about. Hopefully it will inspire YOU to add a comment about what you would tell your younger self.



Dear Younger Self,

In 7th grade you will be at the peak of your running career. Stick with it, and you will be a runner for life. Don't turn down your recruitment to the cross country team. He's cute and 'cool', but he is not and never will be 'the one' or 'the one that got away'. Guys aren't that important. GO TO THE GYM WITH SHONDA. Don't work so hard, pick one job and really let school be your 'full time' job. Drinking isn't that cool or fun.

You will have a good career, you will have a good relationship. You life will turn out, even though your 'plan' goes off track. It's actually better this way- you learn a lot more in the process. If you never go through the toughest times, you won't ever appreciate the good.

Friends come and go. Friendships fall apart, but you will always care for them and that says more about you than you will ever know.

Love yourself. Things aren't everything. You will get everything you want in life.

Love, Me