Hump Day Exercise Challenge

Here's a quick 15 minute ab workout with Sparkpeople.com. This is good for those days when you just can't seem to carve out time, or motivate yourself!

**I have to say though, without a regular cardio/exercise routine, you won't see that belly flab disappear!!

Hump Day Exercise Feature: Curves

For those of you that feel intimidated by everything *gym*-- 'roid raging men, oodles of equipment that look like they might rip you in two, or rows of cardio machines that you couldn't possibly balance on, let alone want to be seen exercising next to that skinny blond who's barely breaking a sweat, enter: Curves.

Curves is an all-women's gym that features a 30 minute cardio and strength training workout based on resistance. There are machines set up, (they'll show you how to use them when you visit!) and you move through each one at regular intervals. There's music playing, and other women working through the same circuit. A voice tells you when to change machines, and thirty minutes later, you're done! The prices are reasonable, and my mom swears she sees results in just a few workouts. Her new favorite is the application that shows her how hard she's working, and tells her how many calories she's burned! (376 was her personal best last week - not bad for 30 minutes!!)

There are 10,000 Curves locations worldwide!! If you're interested in this kind of workout, check out their website. Even if Curves isn't for you (because you're a guy, or some other disqualifier), remember to get moving. It's going to be snowy all day, but that doesn't mean you can't take 20-30 minutes to stretch, pump some canned beans, or scrub the tub (it burns calories!).

Hump Day Exercise Challenge

It's Wednesday again - time for another exercise challenge! Has everyone been moving - even just a little bit?? I did a 90 minute power yoga class last night, and though I wanted to scream at the instructor every time she told us to do another upper pushup to lower pushup to upward dog to downward dog, I made it.

If you have stairs at your office or your home, take ten minutes to walk up and down them. Stairs are great - you can't cheat your way through them! Take 15 minutes to stretch your muscles while you unwind at the end of the night. And if you're brave, slow things down before you go to bed with an inversion. Simply position your bottom against a flat surface with your legs shooting up in the air, and your body at a 90 degree angle. Stay here for 1-5 minutes. Enjoy the benefits of increased blood flow and better circulation!

Hump Day Exercise Challenge

You thought this week was just about cutting sugar, right? Well, I don't care how many donuts you do not, if you're stressed and stationary, you're not doing yourself any favors. Tomorrow is Wednesday - also known as Hump Day. Each Wednesday I'll be posting a Hump Day Exercise Challenge - some small step you can take to get moving! Do your body good and start small. If you can bear the cold, go for a walk. The sunshine is a great source of vitamin D.

If walking won't work, try YogAmazing with Chaz. It really is amazing! The workouts are 20-30 minutes, and are all targeted yoga practices for beginners. You can download the free workouts to iTunes. They are quick, invigorating, and you will see results if you stick with it. (And c'mon, who can't spare 20 minutes to relax and unwind - yoga is a heck of a lot better than Deal or No Deal!) If Yoga ain't your thang, at least stretch while you watch Deal or No Deal, do some side bends, push-ups, toe touches, lift the soup cans, or do a hand stand against the wall, which happens to be great for the internal organs AND your memory. Just do something!

Post your successes here!