Where's the Beach?

To say that it's hot outside is putting it quite mildly. Summer has hit us hard here with heat indices well over 100 degrees. Even if I wasn't injured and unable to run, I would be highly tempted to take more of my workouts indoors. While I can't run or do any weight bearing exercises, I found that I can ride the bike (outdoors or spin with it set up on the bike trainer). Of course, just pedaling indoors can get old really fast, even if you're watching tv. One way that I like to break up a potentially monotonous workout is with intervals or HIIT (high intensity interval training). Not only will intervals make the time go faster, they are an excellent way to rev up your heart rate fast and burn fat all in a shorter amount of time. Who wouldn't want that? Ready to get started? All you'll really need is a timer, either your watch or a phone app, a bike (or cardio equipment of choice) and at least 25 minutes. On the 5s HIIT Cardio Warm up for 5 minutes ...

Yesterday was actually the blog's 5 year anniversary. How did that happen? I want to do a post sort of recapping the changes, the ups and downs, the accomplishments and changes I've shared over the years. Looking back? Wow, so much has changed. So much has been shared. But I also wanted to share a Halloween Workout for fun. It has been a bit since I've shared a workout. So I'll save the 5-year post for later. Last year, I shared my Feeling Jumpy Halloween workout. This year I put together a Halloween Circuit Workout that includes both weights and cardio intervals. As with all workouts, begin with a 10-minute dynamic warm-up to warm up the body, loosen up muscles and joints. To complete this Halloween Circuit Workout : Do each of the GHOSTLY weighted exercises for 8-10 reps moving quickly to the next with little rest.  Once you complete the weighted exercises, move to the RIP cardio intervals completing each exercise for 12-16 reps moving quickly to the ne...

Do you make it a point to work out when you're on vacation? Next week, I'll be happily sitting on the beach, relaxing. However, I do try to keep some sort of routine when it comes to being active and eating (mostly) healthy while I'm away. I know some people use vacations as a time to completely ditch routine, to enjoy, relax and not feel guilty. I definitely make it a point to enjoy, relax and not feel guilty for some indulgences. However, I do try to stay active. It simply makes me feel better. My workouts are not as intense or as long. My running miles drop. I either take a week off from weights entirely or switch to a r esistance band workout . While I always try to stay at a place with a gym, many gyms do not have free weights. Resistance bands are a great option for travel. They are lightweight and easy to pack and carry along. You also don't need much space to get in a good resistance band workout . Plus, it can be a fun way to switch up your typical resista...

No Morning Workout Well, I didn't really think I'd be getting up early to workout this morning. I made a half-hearted attempt by setting my alarm for 5:05 am though. At 4:20 I changed the time to 6:15 instead. I had to be totally realistic with myself. It would not have been a good (or safe) workout. I needed the sleep much more than the trip and fall over the step. I am really rather sore from my weights yesterday. Sort of surprised. Not sure if it was because I really did push myself or because I lifted while mostly asleep! Today was cardio only. I almost opted out entirely, but decided that I really would prefer Friday to be my rest day. I doubt I'll get up early (and don't want that pressure). My sister is coming up after work so I would have to get the workout done in the morning. So, today was Step Blast with abs from Step, Jump and Pump and then a stretch. Nothing over the top. Just a good, old fashioned step routine. So do you think it's OK to push yours...