30 Day Challenge: Day 22: 15 Minute HIIT Cardio: No Treadmill Necessary …

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Hi Everyone!

Welcome to Day 22 of the 30 Day Workout Challenge! First of all Congratulations for sticking with the challenge! We are going to close out the challenge going strong. 🙂

Today’s workout is a challenging cardiovascular, plyometric workout. This one will challenge your muscular endurance, strength, and balance. You don’t need a treadmill to get in a great cardio workout. HIIT has scientifically proven benefits for muscle building and fat burning. It can be used for cross training, or as your primary workout. 

I was tired going into this workout, and it felt extra challenging to me. I look forward to repeating this one again when I’m not so sleepy. I am typically off on Sunday’s, but I worked a full shift and then headed straight out to look at venues for my sisters Bridal Shower. By the time I got home I was ready to go to sleep, but I wasn’t willing to miss a day of the 30 Day Challenge. It’s nice to have something to keep accountable to, and every day that I see your workout check ins I am so excited to be sharing a passion for fitness and health with so many people. 🙂 

Enjoy the workout!
Melissa

10/50: 10 Seconds Rest, 50 Seconds Max Reps

1. High Knees
2. Jump Squat
3. Russian Kicks
4. Frogger
5. Mountain Climbers
6. Toe Tap High Knees
7. Side Lunge Jump
8. Lunge Kick (right)
9. Lunge Kick (left)
10. Surfer
11. Mountain Runner
12. Plie Jump
13. Burpee
14. Lunge Jump
15. High Knees


30 Day Challenge: Day 15: Burpee Body Burn HIIT: 19 Minutes

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Hi Everyone!

Today’s workout was intense! It’s day 15 of the 30 Day Workout Challenge, and I wanted to go hard. 🙂 This workout will get your entire body working on high, with major fat burning. 

Prior to this workout I hopped on the treadmill for a 30 minute run. I got in 4 miles and felt great the entire time. I definitely felt the fatigue from my run when I was going through this routine! 

I am often asked about the benefits of doing cardio pre- or post-workout. Both methods are beneficial, so I like to switch it up. For this workout I think I would have been able to push harder through it if I did the cardio afterwards or split it into two miles pre, and two miles post. However, running or doing a thorough warm-up is also beneficial because your body is already running and ready to optimize your calorie burn. 

I hope you all enjoy today’s workout! Keep checking in for the 30 Day challenge: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Melissa

30 Seconds Cardio, 50 Seconds Max Reps
*I accidentally skipped one exercise so this is a 19 minute workout. 
*I chose Burpees for my cardio. Other options include: Jump Rope, High Knees, or Jumping Jacks

-Burpee
1. Pendulum Hop
-Burpee
2. Frog Hopper
-Burpee
3. Curtsy Lunge Kick (right)
-Burpee
4. Curtsy Lunge Kick (left)
-Burpee
5. Mountain Runners
-Burpee
6. Plank Jack
-Burpee
7. Rockette Kicks
-Burpee
8. Speed Skater
-Burpee
9. Double Kick Lunge Jump
-Burpee
10. Leg Lift Plank
-Burpee
11. Plie Jump
-Burpee
12. Mountain Climber
-Burpee
13. Side Lunge Lift (right)
-Burpee
14. Side Lunge Lift (left)


30 Day Challenge: Day 11: 15 Minute Arm Flab-u-less Workout

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Hi Everyone!

Today is Day 11 of the 30 Day Challenge. Today’s workout is focused on the arms, but utilizes compound exercises to maximize the lean muscle building and fat burning. Compound exercises (exercises that require you to use multiple joints and muscles at one time) have a significantly higher calorie burn both during and after your workout.

I repeated this workout twice. I felt ready for another round, but time didn’t allow for me to go through it a third time. 🙂 

I am feeling so much better since starting this challenge. My energy, mood, and endurance have all improved. I am also starting to notice results physically. Keep checking in on facebook, instagram, and twitter. I love having you all complete this challenge with me!

I hope you enjoy the workout! See you tomorrow for day 12!
Melissa

30/50
30 Seconds Cardio, 50 Seconds Max Reps

-Cardio
1. Lunge and Curl (right)
-Cardio
2. Lunge and Curl (left)
-Cardio
3. Chair Pose Tricep Extension
-Cardio
4. Bent Over Row with Kickback (right)
-Cardio
5. Bent Over Row with Kickback (left)
-Cardio
6. Reverse Lunge Fly 
-Cardio
7. Plank Down Dog Drag
-Cardio
8. Weighted Sit-up
-Cardio
9. Weighted Side Plank
-Cardio
10. Weighted Side Plank
-Cardio
11. Romanian Dead Lift

Lunge and Curl
Reverse Lunge Fly
Weighted Side Plank
Row with Kick Back


30 Day Challenge: Day 9: 15 Minute Cardio HIIT Fat Melting Workout

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Hi Everyone!
Today’s Day 9 workout was intense! It’s a 15 Minute Cardio HIIT workout. It utilizes plyometric moves to burn fat, and get your body working at a high level of intensity. I definitely felt the burn during this workout. 

I followed this routine up with 2 miles of running on the treadmill while Jesse went through the workout. I kept the pace comfortable (8 minute miles), and it felt great after the high level of intensity of this workout. 

This is definitely one I will be repeating. It’s added to my list of quick cardio favorites. If I am ever in a hurry and want to get in a tough workout this will be one of my go-to routines.

Check-ins for the 30 Day Workout Challenge are still going strong. A few people have told me that they pushed through workouts they probably would have skipped otherwise because they didn’t want to miss a check in! I LOVE seeing your comments, pictures, tweets, and like’s telling me that you are in on the challenge. 🙂 If you haven’t checked in yet today you can do so on: Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.  

See you all tomorrow! Enjoy the workout!
Melissa

50/10 Intervals. 50 seconds max reps, 10 seconds rest between exercises. 

1. High Knees
2. Burpee
3. Jump Kick (right)
4. Jump Kick (left)
5. Russian Kicks
6. Squat Jump
7. Mountain Climber
8. Lunge Hop (right)
9. Lunge Hop (left)
10. High Knees Tap
11. Frogger
12. Heel Tap Squat Jump
13. Plank Jack
14. Pop Up
15. Low Jack

 

30 Day Challenge: Day 6: 20 Minute HIIT Shred and Shape

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Hi Everyone!

It’s Day 6 of the 30 Day Workout Challenge. Today’s workout is a 20 minute interval workout. I went through it one time, but it is a great one to repeat if you have enough time. 

This workout combines cardio, and dumbbells for toning and sculpting. I have been including a lot of core work and planking variations because it supports your body for every exercise that you do. Having a stronger core can also help you prevent injury, and improve your bodies bio-mechanics. 

If you hear coughing in the video it’s because poor Jesse isn’t feeling good. 🙁 He was still nice enough to film my workout so we could continue to share the 30 day challenge. 

Enjoy the workout! I will have a brand new one tomorrow with a special guest (or two!)
Melissa

Equipment: Dumbbells (If you don’t have dumbbells be inventive, cans of soup, or milk jugs also work.)

-Cardio
1. Mountain Climbers
-Cardio
2. Romanian Deadlift
-Cardio
3. Supergirl Push-up
-Cardio
4. Split Squat (right)
-Cardio
5. Split Squat (left)
-Cardio
6. Russian Kicks
-Cardio
7. Lunge Kick (right)
-Cardio
8. Lunge Kick (left)
-Cardio
9. Spiderman Plank
-Cardio
10. Sumo Squat
-Cardio
11. Knee Drop Frogger
-Cardio
12. Curtsy Lunge (right)
-Cardio
13. Curtsy Lunge (left)
-Cardio
14. Single Leg Frogger
-Cardio
15. High Knee Twist

30 Day Challenge: Day 2: Full Body Fat Melting Workout

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Hi Everyone!

Today is Day 2 of my 30 Day Workout Challenge! The challenge is completing a minimum of 15 minutes of exercise per day for 30 days. 

Yesterday I did a 15 minute workout: Day 1: 15 Minute HIIT Core Fat

Today I did a 20 minute interval workout. I modified one of the workouts I did with my boot camp class. I interspersed cardio bursts with max repetitions. The interval breakdown is 30 seconds cardio, 50 seconds max reps. 

This workout is broken into three sections: lower body, core, and arms. You work your entire body, and burn fat at the same time. 

I chose to jump rope, but high knees, jumping jacks, or cardio of choice (anyone up for more froggers?!?) can be substituted. 

I was so motivated by seeing everyone’s check in posts for the challenge that I followed this workout up with a run on the treadmill. I definitely surpassed my goal of 15 minutes per day today. I got in a total of 43 minutes of exercise, and I feel amazing. Thank you guys for the motivation! 

Keep checking in here or on facebook, twitter, and instagram!

See you tomorrow!
Melissa

30/50: 30 seconds cardio, 50 seconds max reps

-Cardio
1. Surfer Burpee
-Cardio
2. Lift to Side Lunge (right)
-Cardio
3. Lift to Side Lunge (left)
-Cardio
4. Tuck Jump
-Cardio
5. Lunge Jump
-Cardio
6. Down Dog to Knee Drop Plank
-Cardio
7. Leg/Hip Lift
-Cardio
8. Mountain Jumper
-Cardio
9. Bicycle
-Cardio
10. Frog Hopper
-Cardio
11. Rotating Push Up
-Cardio
12. Reverse Forearm Plank
-Cardio
13. Burpee
-Cardio
14. Tricep Push Up (right)
-Cardio
15. Tricep Push Up (left)


Full Body Workout: Strengthen, Sweat and Run

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Hi Everyone!

This was my workout last night, and I really enjoyed this one. I came home from work feeling tired, took a quick nap, and woke up rejuvenated and ready to go!

I alternated cardio rounds in between each workout set. I ran on my treadmill, but the other option is to complete the jump rope workout video at the bottom of this post (1 round=6 minutes), or do another form of cardio of choice. The goal is to get your heart rate up, and work up a sweat. 

My cardio of choice today was mile repeats. I ran a total of 4 miles during this workout. 

Remember to always work to your level, and adjust the challenge to your needs. 🙂

Enjoy the workout!
Melissa



Beginner: 10 reps
Intermediate: 15 reps
Advanced: 20 reps

*Cardio 

1. Surfer
2. Single Leg Step-Up (right)
3. Single Leg Step-Up (left)
4. Curtsy Lunge (right)
5. Curtsy Lunge (left)

*Cardio

1. Knee Drop Plank
2. Side Plank Elbow Tap (right)
3. Side Plank Elbow Tap (left)
4. Leg/Hip Lift
5. Bicycle

*Cardio

1. Twisted (Oblique) Push-up
2. Dips
3. Rowing Shrug
4. Tricep Push-up (right)
5. Tricep Push-up (left)

*Cardio

HIIT It, Sweat It, Tone It: Home Workout and Weekend Update

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Good Morning Everyone!

I woke up bright and early today, full of energy and ready to go. 🙂 

I planned on working out last night, but I unexpectedly worked 11 hours yesterday. That gave my ankle an extra day of rest. I will be filming a new workout today. Remember, missing one day doesn’t ruin your efforts or mean that it’s time to give up. 

Often people get thrown off course when they miss a workout. It can be hard to get back into the groove, but you can do it. You are creating a healthy lifestyle, and that requires flexibility. 

For those of you that can’t wait for today’s workout this is an older one that I really enjoyed. The day that I filmed this workout I followed it by 4 hill sprints. 

Enjoy the workout! There will be a new one posted later today. 
Melissa


All Levels: Max reps for each 60 second interval, 30 seconds cardio of choice between each exercise.  

*I wrote my cardio bursts in the breakdown, you can follow along with me or select your cardio of choice. You can select one form of cardio or alternate. 

1. Curtsy Lunge Hop
cardio: high knees

2. Mountain Climber Hop
cardio: burpee

3. Angel Abs
cardio: high knees

4. Sumo Pushups
cardio: Jumping Jacks

5. Leg Series (right)
cardio: high knees

6. Leg Series (left)
cardio: burpee

7. Temple Tap Abs
cardio: high knees

8. Frogger Crunch
cardio: Jumping Jacks

9. Chair Twist
cardio: burpee

10. Prone Heel Tap
cardio: burpee

Half Marathon Training: Mileage

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Hi Everyone!

My half marathon is 2 weeks and 2 days away! It is coming up fast!
This was my mileage from my first week of training: My First Half Marathon Training

I have continued training. All of my workouts are below.

Remember when running it is important to have a diet that supports your increased activity level. Carbohydrates are fuel for running. Carbs come in many forms: fruits, veggies, wheat, grains, etc. Be sure you are getting enough! Protein is also imperative for sustaining your endurance, and preventing muscle breakdown. Longer runs require more than just a strong cardiovascular system, it takes muscular strength and endurance. Food=Fuel. Make good choices!

Jesse making Protein Pancakes

I will also be posting about shoes. I had to switch mine, because the first pair I got was to large. My feet were sliding, I got blisters, and soreness in my right arch. Remember to pay attention to your body’s signals. I returned my shoes (good running stores typically have a 30 day return policy), and haven’t had any issues since upgrading to the proper size. 


My mileage and workouts are below. I had to modify my plan slightly due to the soreness in my arch. Keeping my body healthy and well takes priority. 🙂

Tuesday: Cross Country Challenge with 2 Mile Cool Down
5 Exercises to Strengthen Your Core
Run: 2.5 Miles at a challenging pace on a hilly cross country course. 
2 Mile cool down, easy pace on the same course. 

Wednesday:
Stretching for Runners: IT Band, Shin Splints, Hip Flexors, Back
3.1 Mile Walk on treadmill

Thursday:
Off
(*The arch of my foot was tender and I took 2 days off to heal). 

Friday:
Off

Saturday: Easy Mileage Builder
Sweaty 2 Sculpted: 10 Minute HIIT
4.52 Mile Run at a comfortable pace

Sunday: Longer Day with Sprints
7.65 Mile Run at a comfortably challenging pace followed by three sprints. 

Monday: Easy Recovery
Lower Body Shape and Strengthen
3.1 Mile Run Easy Pace

Tuesday: Interval Run with Heart Rate Monitor
4.68 Mile Interval Run
-5 Minute Warm Up
-5 Minutes Hard Pace
-5 Minutes Easy
-5 Minutes Hard
-5 Minutes Easy
-5 Minutes Hard
-10 Minute Easy 

Followed by 5 Minutes walking for cool down. 

Wednesday: Easy with Downhill Training
4.57 Miles at a Comfortable Pace with Downhill Training

*Training to maintain level of effort during downhill running. This will improve your overall race time, without consuming additional energy. Practicing downhill running can improve your running efficiency, and utilizes momentum. Be careful, you should always be in control of the movement, and run perpendicular to the ground. 

Thank you to everyone who has sent me race pictures on my facebook page! 🙂 
Melissa

My First Half Marathon: Training

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Thanksgiving 2012: 5 Mile Race with my sister. 


Hi Everyone,

At the start of the year I made a list of goals that I wanted to achieve this year. Check out the post here: Setting Goals for Success: Fitness and Life. Somehow my goal to do a half marathon didn’t make the original list (maybe I was afraid to commit to the training! Once I write things down there is no turning back!)

Next month my goal is becoming a reality. I have signed up for a Half Marathon on October 19th. I already know that this isn’t going to be my best race time-wise. Over the past several months life and obligations have significantly decreased my training, and my running has been practically nil. My speed isn’t where it has been in the past.

5K Race: Jesse-First place overall. Me-4th place female overall.

Guess what? I’m okay with that. I will not use it as an excuse to miss out on something I want to do. I will use this race as a starting point to see where I am, and set a time goal for my next race. Due to consistently training over the past several years I know that I can handle the distance. I have come a long way since I first started running: Running Made Me Cry…How I became a Runner

Running, especially running longer distances, makes me feel strong. It makes me feel that I am capable of anything, and no matter what comes my way I can handle it. 

In preparation for this race I am increasing my running mileage. I am including one long run per week, 1 speed day, and several easy runs. 

Over the past week and a half this is what my running schedule looked like:
(*This mileage is appropriate for someone who has established and progressively increased their mileage. I will be sharing a running plan for beginners soon!)



Sunday: Speedier Treadmill Day + Lower Body Blast: Shape, Burn and Sculpt
1 Mile-7 Minute Pace
rest
1 Mile-7 Minute Pace
rest
1 Mile Speed Walk-12 Minute Pace (I think running was easier!)
5 minute cool down

Monday: Rest Day

Tuesday: Easy Mileage Builder +Quick Stomach Toning Workout
6.03 Mile Run Outside at a comfortable pace.
Total time: 53 Minutes, 5 seconds. 

Wednesday: Treadmill Run Mileage Builder 
*During treadmill runs I increase the incline to approximately 2% to prevent back strain/injury. 
3 Mile Run Comfortably Challenging Pace
Total Time: 23 Minutes, 40 Seconds. 
1 Mile Speed Walk: 12 Minutes, 35 Seconds

Thursday: Cardio Cross Training
10 Minute HIIT Cardio Interval: Sweat Not Tears Repeated 2X

Friday: Rest Day

Saturday: Cross Train/Trying Out My New Running Shoes
Low Impact Body Sculpt: Tummy and Tush
Treadmill-with 2% incline. 
1 Mile Run: 7 Minutes, 24 Seconds
.75 mile walk: 10 Minutes
1.25 Mile Run: 10 Minutes
.5 Mile Walk Cool Down

Sunday: Long Run Day-Outside
10.04 Miles at a Comfortable (Talking) Pace
Total Time: 1 Hour, 27 Minutes

Monday: Easy Miles-Outside
4.02 Miles at a Comfortable Pace
Total Time: 35 Minutes

Today is Tuesday and I will be posting a new workout tonight, and updating my training schedule so be sure to check back! 🙂 

If you are racing or training for an event I want to hear about it! Let me know at: Melissa Bender Fitness: Facebook

See you soon,
Melissa


10 Minute HIIT Cardio Interval: Sweat Not Tears

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10 seconds Rest, 50 seconds Max Effort

1. High Knees or Jump Rope
2. Surfer Burpee
3. Side Kick Hop (right)
4. Side Kick Hop (left)
5. Mountain Climber
6. Lunge Jump
7. Squat Jump
8. Russian 
9. Frogger
10. High Knees

Hi Everyone!

This was my workout last night. One round is quick, it takes only 10 minutes so it’s easy to make time for this one. 🙂 

I repeated the workout twice, and it felt great to get my heart rate up. I love the fat burning, and muscle building benefits of HIIT workouts. It’s also great cardiovascular cross training if you are a runner. This style of workout will help increase your VO2 Max, and get your body used to maintaining a harder effort. 

I hope you all enjoy the workout! Time to get sweaty!
Melissa


15 Minute HIIT Interval Fat Blaster

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Intervals:
50 Seconds Max Reps
10 Seconds Rest

*Push as hard as you can, but listen to your body. If you need to: decrease the interval, and increase the rest as you build up to 50/10 seconds.

1. Push-up Jacks
2. Jump Squat
3. High Knees
4. Plank Tap (right)
5. Plank Tap (left)
6. High Knees
7. Hip Thrust (right)
8. Hip Thrust (left)
9. High Knees
10. Lunge Jump
11. Burpee
12. High Knees
13. Super Taps
14. Leg Circles
15. High Knees

(Description of exercises below)

Hi Everyone! 

Today’s workout is high intensity to maximize your metabolism, burn fat, and build lean muscle. I love these short intense workouts!

This workout can be repeated. I went through it one time today. If I have time this evening I may go through it once before my shower. The nice thing about 15 minute workouts is that you have a lot of flexibility about fitting them into your schedule!

I wanted to get outside and do a light run, so I ran out with Jesse and explored some trails near our new house. We kept it easy, and talked the whole time. We got in 3.25 miles. 

I decided to start prepping my food for the week on Sundays again. I did this when I was training for my first NPC bikini competition. It kept it easy to make healthy choices during the week, and still allowed me some flexibility. 

Today I made chicken, which I will use as a main dish, on salads, or on sandwiches/wraps during the week. I also have a large crock-pot full of veggie soup cooking right now, and it smells delicious. 

Enjoy today’s workout!
Melissa


Push-up Jacks:

Start in Plank Position with your feet together. Jump your feet out in a “jumping jack” motion. From this position do one push-up. 

Modification: Complete Plank Jacks, omitting the push-up until you build enough strength. If this is to intense, hold plank position, until you build up to 60 seconds, and then try the more difficult variation. 

Jump Squat: 
Stand with feet slightly more than hip distance apart. Push your hips toward the wall behind you and lower into a squat position, with thighs parallel (or slightly below parallel) to the floor. From this position jump up into the air, straightening your body. Land with knees slightly bent and immediately return to the squating position. 

High Knees:
Run in place, focusing on keeping the core activated/tightened. Pump arms, and raise knees to hip height. 

Plank Tap:

Start in a forearm plank with hands clasped, elbows below your shoulders. Lift the right leg, and bring it in over your left heel, squeezing the thighs together. Extend the leg out to the side, and tap the floor. Repeat to the left. 












Hip Thrust:

 Place hands directly beneath your shoulders, fingers pointing toward your toes. Bring the left heel in toward your glutes, extend the right leg and lift your hips from the ground. 

Thrust the hips into the air, while pressing through the standing heel. Extend the right leg toward the ceiling as you lift your hips. Repeat on the opposite side. 







Lunge Jump:

Start in a Lunge Position. Both knees bend at 90 degree angles, front thigh should eb parallel to the floor, knee over ankle. Jump into the air and reverse the position. 












Burpee:
Squat down, place both hands on the floor in front of you and jump out to a plank position. Do one pushup, jump feet forward toward the hands. Lift the hands and jump toward the ceiling. Return immediately to the starting position and repeat. 

Super Taps:

Lie face down on your stomach. Extend your legs backward, slightly lifting so that your knees are off the floor. Cross the heels, alternating sides, and squeezing the glutes throughout the movements. 






Leg Circles:
Lie face up, with arms extended next to your, or stretched overhead. Keeping your hips as still as possible, with low back on the floor circle your feet. Reverse directions of your circle every 5 reps. 

15 Minute Cardio Sweat: HIIT Body Weight Workout

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Hi Everyone!

It felt so good to get in a hard workout today! Being off my normal workout schedule has been both frustrating and motivating, because now I am raring to go! This was a tough workout to start getting back on track with, but it was just what I needed. This is a major fat burner, that also focuses on creating lean muscle.
I did one round for reps (20 reps per exercise, 100 High knees, 60 Mountain climbers), and then filmed the video interval style. It was challenging, and I loved every second of it. 

We are getting settled into our new house! 

I hope you all enjoy the workout,
Melissa


Max Reps 50 seconds, 10 seconds rest between exercises

1. Mountain Climbers
2. Jump Squats
3. High Knees
4. Lunge Jumps
5. Russians
6. High Knees
7. Frogger
8. Plie Jumps
9. High Knees
10. Hip Thrust (right)
11. Hip Thrust (left)
12. High Knees
13. Pendulum Hop
14. Burpee
15. High Knees

10 Minute Lower Body Cardio HIIT: Thigh Burning No Equipment Home Workout

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Hi Everyone!

Get ready to sweat! One round of tonight’s workout only takes 10 minutes, but by the end of it you should be dripping. My thighs were quivering and I didn’t think I was going to make it through a second round (but I did). The video is below. 

I mixed things up a bit and reversed the workout for round 2. It was tough, and I felt fantastic afterwards! 

This is a fat burning, muscle toning workout. You can do one round, repeat rounds, or even break up your workout and do your rounds at different times during the day. If you put in the work you will get results. You will grow stronger, healthier and more confident in what your body is capable of. 

I firmly believe that working through HIIT workouts also trains your mental determination. It teaches you that you are capable of more than you think you are. When you first start it doesn’t matter if you begin with 10 seconds of work, followed by 10 seconds of rest. Find your starting place, and go from there. Build up and keep challenging yourself. Don’t forget to warm up before you start!

Melissa
Post Workout: Sweat!

1. High Knees
2. Jump Squat
3. Pop Up
4. Russians
5. Lunge Hop (right)
6. Lunge Hop (left)
7. Cross Jack
8. Pendulum Hop
9. Surfer Burpee
10. Mountain Climbers

Repeat 1-3X

Pop Up Part 1
Pop Up Part 2
Cross Jack Part 1
Cross Jack Part 2

Lunge Hop


HIIT, Sweat It, Tone It: Home Workout and Hill Sprints

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Hi Everyone,

One round of tonight’s workout takes 15 minutes. This workout can be repeated up to 3 times. If you are repeating be sure to take a quick break in between rounds. 

With any workout you get the best results if you warm up first. When your body is warmed up it is already working at a higher level, which leads to boosted metabolic benefits. It is especially important to warm up before HIIT workouts so your cardiovascular system is ready to work at a high level. If I forget to warm-up the number of reps on my first round is always significantly lower than my reps on the second round, when my body has adjusted to the effort. 

I went through this workout once, and followed it with 4 hill sprints. I timed my sprints: 
Sprint 1: 18 seconds
Sprint 2: 18 seconds
Sprint 3: 18 seconds
Sprint 4: 17 seconds

In between each sprint my rest time was walking back down the hill.

Hill sprints should be based on your fitness level. Beginners: 10 seconds, Intermediate: 15 seconds, Advanced: up to 20 seconds. The goal is to run as hard as you can, while keeping in mind that you have to repeat it. You want to maintain your pace throughout the workout. The short duration of these sprints helps prevent injury, while maximizing calorie burning, and speed/strength building. Also, sprinting uphill is safer for your body than sprinting on flat surfaces. The angle of the hill decreases your risk of pulling a muscle and teaches you appropriate running form. 

Never start hill sprints before warming up. I did them immediately after this workout so my body was ready!

Enjoy the workout!
Melissa


All Levels: Max reps for each 60 second interval, 30 seconds cardio of choice between each exercise.  

*I wrote my cardio bursts in the breakdown, you can follow along with me or select your cardio of choice. You can select one form of cardio or alternate. 

1. Curtsy Lunge Hop
cardio: high knees

2. Mountain Climber Hop
cardio: burpee

3. Angel Abs
cardio: high knees

4. Sumo Pushups
cardio: Jumping Jacks

5. Leg Series (right)
cardio: high knees

6. Leg Series (left)
cardio: burpee

7. Temple Tap Abs
cardio: high knees

8. Frogger Crunch
cardio: Jumping Jacks

9. Chair Twist
cardio: burpee

10. Prone Heel Tap
cardio: burpee

10 Minute Cardio Smash: HIIT

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Hi Everyone!

Tonight’s workout is a 10 Minute HIIT Cardio Blast. There is a focus on the large muscles of the lower body, which leads to major calorie/fat torching. It was a fun, and challenging 10 minute workout. 

I warmed up with a 1 mile run on the treadmill, and followed this workout with 2.1 miles. I stuck to a comfortable pace. For me that meant I ran 8 minute miles. You know you’re doing a comfortable pace if you can carry on a conversation while you run. 

I have not been as consistent with my workouts lately, and I definitely felt it during tonight’s interval. I am super motivated and excited to get back on track. Jesse and I are done house hunting (YAY!), so I will have my workout time back in my schedule. As long as inspections, etc, go smoothly we will be closing on our new house at the end of July. 🙂 

I am excited to see my fitness level improve again, and get some more of my tone/definition back. 

I hope you all enjoy the workout!
Melissa

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Max reps during each 50 second interval, 10 seconds of rest between exercises. 

Warm up: 1 mile run, or 10 minutes jump rope or cardio of choice

1. Frog Hopper
2. Jump Squat Turn
3. 3 Way Plank
4. Right Leg Hop Press
5. Left Leg Hop Press
6. Single Leg Frogger Pushup
7. Squat Jacks
8. Single Leg Hip Thrust
9. High Knees
10. Burpee

Cardio: 2 mile run, or 15-20 minutes cardio of choice

23 Minute High Intensity Interval Workout: Full Body Cardio HIIT

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 Hi Everyone!

This workout kicked my butt! Make sure you warm up (jog in place, do some walking or jump rope) to get your body ready to work hard. Warming up increases your ability to maximize the effort put out during the workout, and improves the calorie burn. 

This is an intense workout. The breakdown is similar to the breakdown I use in my Boot Camp classes. If you are just starting to build up your endurance and strength, or find that this is to intense you can substitute rest or marching for the high knees between rounds. You can also shorten the intervals. 

I have mentioned before, HIIT workouts are one of the best ways you can burn fat while maintaining your lean muscle mass. This allows you to keep your shape and strength, while improving your metabolism. 

Enjoy the workout! It made it into my new favorites list!
Melissa



Max Reps During Each 60 second interval, 30 seconds of High Knees between exercises. 

*Beginners start with 30 seconds of max reps, 15 seconds of rest (or high knees) between exercises. 
*HIIT workouts are very intense. Push yourself, but also listen to your body. 

1. Decline Pushups
2. Double Squat Jump
3. Burpee
4. Reverse Hook Crunch
5. Spiderman Plank
6. Frogger
7. Lunge Jump
8. Surfer
9. Single Leg Frogger
10. Temple Tap Abs
11. Frog Hopper
12. Curtsy Lunge Kick (right)
13. Curtsy Lunge Kick (left)
14. Rotating Side Plank Crunch
15. Squat Twist

Summer Body Fat Burn

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Hi Everyone!

It was gorgeous outside yesterday so we headed up to the State Park near us and took our workout outside. I love sunshine. Jesse and I followed the workout with a run. I did about 3.5 miles at an easy pace. Jesse did about 4 miles and did a fartlek run, incorporating sprints into his workout. 

This is a full body, fat burning workout. I incorporated sprints at the beginning and end of the workout. Other options include jump roping, or 30-60 seconds of high knees. 

Enjoy!
Melissa 


Beginner: 10 reps
Intermediate: 15 reps
Advanced: 20 reps

*Team Bender’s weekend challenge: add 5 reps to each exercise. 

Start: Sprint
1. Walking Lunge
2. Lateral Squat Jump
3. Squat Walk
4. Sumo Pushup
5. Lunge Jump Kick
6. Knee Drop Plank
7. Side Plank Twist (right)
8. Side Plank Twist (left)
9. Surfer
10. Plank Press
Finish: Sprint

Repeat: 1-3X

10 Minute Ab Fat Burn Workout: Plus Round 2 (No Talk, All Work) Bonus

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Hi Everyone!

Today’s workout video is a little bit different. I did one round the way I normally do, going through and explaining the moves as I go. Then I filmed one round of me going through the workout real time, with no talking. 

I actually found it to be very awkward to go through the workout without talking. I wasn’t going to post the whole video, but I thought I would try it out and see if you guys find it helpful. You can see me struggling through the workout, and trying to push the whole time. 

As you can tell by the outfit change I didn’t do the workouts consecutively. I had extra time in the evening and decided to repeat the workout. 

I hope you enjoy the workout. Let’s get ready to be strong, and look great in our summer clothes!
Melissa

PS If you want to see something cute my cat (Gambit) did, scroll to the bottom of the page!



1. Bicycle Abs
2. Wide Burpee
3. Oblique Toe Reach (right)
4. Oblique Toe Reach (left)
5. Super Fly Girl
6. Russian Kicks
7. Heel Tap Abs
8. Walk the Plank
9. 3 Part Abs
10. Mountain Climbers

Bicycle Abs
Wide Leg Burpee
Oblique Toe Reach
Super Fly Girl
Super Fly Girl
Russian Kicks
Heel Tap Abs
Walk the Plank
3 Part Abs
Mountain Climbers

Bonus pictures! Gambit likes to workout!


Bubble Butt Cardio Burn

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Hi Everyone!

Tonight’s workout is a full body routine, that emphasizes rounding and shaping your tush. Even though it’s focused on tightening and toning your behind this workout also incorporates ab and arm toning as well. 

I prefer compound movements because they allow you to work a variety of muscles at one time. This creates functional strength, while also providing an aesthetically pleasing physique. 

It’s been a while since I incorporated weights into my workouts. As always, you can complete this workout with body weight only. I tried to keep my primary focus on form throughout the workout. If you have followed my workouts for a while you know I always emphasize proper form, but this is particularly true any time you are using weights. 

I followed this workout with a run on the treadmill. I decided to do mile repeats. I ran one mile at a time, followed by a rest break equal to half of my mile time. I ran my first mile in 6 minutes and 35 seconds, and I rested for 3 minutes and 15 seconds before running my second mile. I actually picked up the pace a bit for miles 2 and 3, because I was feeling great and wanted to increase the challenge. 

I ran a total of 3 miles. My running time was 19 minutes and 5 seconds. I woke up this morning knowing that I wanted to do a hard run today, and it felt great to listen to my body. Some days I just want to work hard, and get sweaty. 🙂 Because I was doing a hard run I only went through the workout once today. 

I hope you guys enjoy it! I have more fun recipes for you so be sure to check back!

Melissa

Beginner: 10 reps
Intermediate: 15 reps
Advanced: 20 reps

1. High Knees
2. Sidewinder Pistol Squats (right)
3. Sidewinder Pistol Squats (left)
4. Front Weighted Squats
5. Scissor Abs
6. Mountain Climbers
7. 1 Leg Bridge Extension (right)
8. 1 Leg Bridge Extension (left)
9. Romanian Deadlift
10. Supergirls
11. High Knees
12. 1 Leg Weighted Lunge (right)
13. 1 Leg Weighted Lunge (left)
14. Ball Pull
15. Elbow Taps