Food Fact and Fitness Fridays-Holiday Workout

The cookies, caramel corn, fudge, hot cocoa, and numerous other goodies are here. Keep up with all the goodies you eat this season by doing this workout that I started about 6 weeks ago. It is called "4 Workouts to Blast Your Body Fat." It does...blast fat I mean. I don't really care if you think you are in shape (like I did), this workout will challenge you.

Give yourself a little time to get used to it. Test the moves out before you do the "for real" and on the one minute timer. Then turn on then music and do it! I do suggest a little 3 minute warm up (like walking in place, hamstring pulls, fast or slow high-knees etc) before you begin. the movements are polymeric, meaning you so them really fast (high intensity) for as long as you can stand it (sort duration) Personally, I have found this one of the most effective ways to tone up and stay strong. I do this two (three if I can) days a week on the days I do not do cardio. This whole workout--without a warm-up -- will take less than 15 minutes! Very doable! If you so desire and have the time you can follow this workout with a Pilates or stretching routine.

This workout really helped to improve my stamina and strength in my cardio workouts. I haven’t run in months because of the constant problems with shin splints. Yet now I can jog pain free!

Here are some hints ...
- Rearrange the moves as you see fit. This workout is intended to be challenging not uncomfortable or painful. For example, my wrists hurt after following the "Cardio ski Hop" move with the “hand tap." By rearranging and separating these moves, I continued to get the fat blast but relived the discomfort.

- Play music that makes you want to move. It really helps!!

Overall, Active. com (which is where I found this workout) is fabulous way to find new workouts and training programs as well as information regarding different sports and activities.

My personal athletic philosophy is, "being active is not an option, it is mandatory (it just looks different in the different seasons of life). Work with what you have (including your available time and money) and try something new regularly!"

Have a fun and active holiday season!