30 Day Challenge: Day 26: 23 Minute HIIT

Standard

 Hi Everyone!

This is Workout #26 for the 30 Day Challenge! 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. 

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. 

Today is the last day to enter my Gymboss Interval Timer giveaway! You can enter HERE for a chance to win one of 5 Interval Timers: Gymboss Interval Timer Giveaway!

I hope you enjoy tonight’s workout!
Melissa

PS I love feedback on how the challenge is going for you so be sure to check in on FacebookInstagram or Twitter



Equipment: 
Gymboss Interval Timer and a chair, bench or stability ball to put your feet up on for decline pushups.

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

Repeat 1-3X

30 Day Challenge: Day 25: 15 Minute Dumbbell Sculpt

Standard

Hi Everyone, 

Are you ready for today‘s 30 Day Challenge workout? Today’s workouts is a 15 minute Dumbbell HIIT routine. This workout can be repeated for time or reps. Or you can challenge yourself to a round of each. 

Have fun! See you tonight with a new workout!
 Don’t forget to check in on Facebook and enter my giveaway contest for your chance to win a Gymboss Interval TimerYou can enter HERE: Gymboss Interval Timer Giveaway!
I hope you guys enjoy the workout!
Melissa


Equipment: Gymboss Interval Timer and a Chair. 
Max reps 10/50 (15 rounds)
or
Beginner: 10 reps
Intermediate: 15 reps
Advanced: 20 reps

1.  Plank Row

2. Squat and Press

3. Tricep Extension

4. Lunge Row (right)

5. Lunge Row (left)

6. Dumbbell Swing (right)

7. Dumbbell Swing (left)

8. Split Squat (right)

9. Split Squat (left)

10. Romanian Deadlift

11. Dumbbell Heel Press & Curl

12. Wood Chopper (right)

13. Wood Chopper (left)

14. Warrior III Curl (right)

15. Warrior III Curl (left)

Repeat1-3X

Day 22: Double Birthday Challenge

Standard

Hi Everyone!

Today is my birthday so I am sharing two throwback workouts! These are my birthday workouts from the past two years. Last year my birthday was a week before my first NPC Bikini Competition

I am not going to be breaking tradition this year. I will be filming a new workout today, and I already got in a great run (4 miles, with a 1 mile cool down). 

It may sound crazy, but I love working out on my birthday. I want to welcome every new year feeling fit and healthy. It means that I will have the strength and energy for anything new that comes my way. 

Check back later for this years new birthday workout!

Have fun!
Melissa

PS Don’t forget to check in on FacebookInstagram or Twitter after your workout!


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

1. Side Froggers
2. Twisting V-Up
3. Sumo Pushups
4. Lunge Jumps
5. Knee Cross to Elbow (right)
6. Angel Abs
7. Knee Cross to Elbow (left)
8. Side Plank Twist (right)
9. Side Plank Twist (left)
10. Curtsy Lunge Twist

Beginner: 10 reps, 30 seconds timed
Intermediate: 15 reps, 45 seconds timed
Advanced: 20 reps, 60 seconds timed

1. Jumping Pushup
2. Forward Fold Leg Lift (right)
3. Forward Fold Leg LIft (left)
4. Mountain Climber (timed)
5. Forward Backward Lunge Hop (right)
6. Forward Backward Lunge Hop (left)
7. Burpee
8. Angel Abs
9. Chair to Chair II
10. Chair Taps

30 Day Challenge: Day 17: Shape It Workout

Standard


Hi Everyone!

Welcome to Day 17 of the 30 Day Workout Challenge! I repeated this workout twice today, and I changed the format the second time around. Continually challenging your body in new ways will help keep you ready for anything, and gives you great physical results. 

Round one was the full length 15 minute HIIT video below. For round two I repeated the same workout for repetitions, and substituted 60 seconds of Jump Rope for High Knees. I did 20 reps of each exercise. For Butt Tap (Sit to Stand), Angel Abs, Wide Stance Side Lunge, and Plank Lunge I did both sides before counting one rep. 

The Plank Lunge was particularly difficult for me on the second round. I was about to give up at 15 reps and move to the next exercise, but the Rocky Theme Song came on at exactly that moment and motivated me to keep going. I included the link to the youtube video of the song just incase anyone else needs a little bit of extra motivation. πŸ™‚ 

I was also able to get in a 3 mile run, and 1 mile walk this morning. I worked yesterday, so I was off today and I definitely made the most of it. 

I hope you enjoy the workout!
Melissa

PS Don’t forget to check in for the challenge on FacebookInstagram or Twitter!

Equipment: Gymboss Interval Timer

15 Rounds 10/50 Second Intervals
              or 
10 Reps: Beginner
15 Reps: Intermediate
20 Reps: Advanced

1. High Knees/Jump Rope
2. Split Squat (right)
3. Split Squat (left)
4. Butt Tap (Sit to Stand)
5. Table Top Knee Touch
6. High Knees/Jump Rope
7. Pendulum Plank (right)
8. Pendulum Plank (left)
9. Heel Tap Leg Lift
10. Angel Abs
11. High Knees/Jump Rope
12. Wide Stance Side Lunge
13. Plank Lunge (alternating)
14. Row Kick Back (right)
15. Row Kick Back (left)

Repeat 1-3X

*I repeated twice (once HIIT, once for reps) and paired this with 30 minutes of Cardio. 

30 Day Challenge: Day 15: Full Body Fat Burn (21 Minute HIIT)

Standard

Hi Everyone!

It’s Day 15 of the 30 Day Workout Challenge! One round of this workout takes just over 21 minutes. It’s a full body workout, and a fun routine. In between each exercise there is a 35 second cardio burst. I added 5 seconds as transition time (and because I inevitably step on the jump rope at some point). 

Toward the end of the video when I say it’s the last exercise, there are actually a couple of moves to go. Sorry! I have a dry erase board with my list of exercises to cue me, but some times it’s hard to read during an interval workout. 

I hope you all enjoy today’s routine. I will see you tomorrow with a new workout!
Melissa

PS Don’t forget to check in for the challenge on FacebookInstagram or Twitter!

Equipment: Gymboss Interval Timer and Jump Rope (optional) 
Timer: 35/50 second Intervals. 

*In between each exercise perform 35 seconds of cardio of choice. 

1. Windshield Plank
2. Curtsy Squat
3. Sumo Pushup
4. Lunge Lift
5. Chatarunga
6. Hip Thrust (alternating)
7. Spiderman Plank (or Pushup)
8. Goddess Reach
9. Plank Crunch
10. Seep Squat to Chair
11. Plank Walkout
12. Forward Fold Leg Lift
13. Knee Drop Plank
14. Shoulder Tap Reach
15. Alternating Bridge Press

30 Day Challenge: Day 14: HIIT to Sweat & Burn

Standard

Hi Everyone!

It’s Day 14 of the 30 Day Workout Challenge! This was a tough one on me. My legs were still tired from yesterday’s workout. I went through this routine twice today, but it can be repeated up to 3X.Β 

Jesse went through this workout with me. In his words it was a “Thigh Burning, Ab Hurting, Amazing 15 Minutes” workout. It’s quick, but it’s intense.Β 

Remember, if you are sore from all ofΒ the workouts you can take an active rest day. That can be walking, hiking, biking, jogging, yoga or playing a sport. Let your body recover with some fun activity and get right back to it. You can find plenty of Yoga workouts here.

It’s important to find the balance between work and rest. Learning to recognize your body’s signals is so important for the mind/body connection.

I hope you all enjoy today’s workout! I will see you tomorrowΒ with a new routine!
Melissa

PS Don’t forget to check inΒ onΒ Facebook,Β InstagramΒ orΒ Twitter!Β 

The Workout:

1. Runners Lunge Lift (right)
2. Runners Lunge Lift (left)
3. In/Out Squat Hop
4. Lunge Jump Hop
5. Russian Kicks
6. Side Scissor
7. Side V-Up (right)
8. Side V-Up (left)
9. Hip Lift
10. Frogger
11. X-Jump (Cheer Jump)
12. Burpee
13. Down Dog Hop (right)
14. Down Dog Hop (left)
15. High Knees

Repeat 1-3X

Day 12: Cardio Burst, Fat Blast

Standard


Hi Everyone!

Tonight’s workout is a tough one! It’s an intense workout that alternates cardio burst moves with repetition based exercises. This is a great, and effective way, to build lean muscle while also burning fat. I love workouts like this because they boost your metabolism, and even if you are worn out, you also feel great when you are done. 

I am still catching up with the new uploads so this is the alternate workout for Day 12. I will be all caught up by this weekend (hopefully earlier!)

I hope that you all have a great day and enjoy the workout! 
Melissa

Beginner: 10 reps, 30 second timed intervals
Intermediate: 15 reps, 45 second intervals
Advanced: 20 reps, 30 second intervals

*High Knees and Mountain Climbers are timed intervals
Equipment: Equipment: Gymboss Interval Timer  set for 10 rounds of 10/50

1. High Knees
2. 1 Leg Lifted Bridge (right)
3. Mountain Climber
4. 1 Leg Lifted Bridge (left)
5. High Knees
6. 1 Leg Jumping Pushup (alternating legs)
7. Mountain Climbers
8. Heel Tap Abs
9. High Knees
10. Supergirl
11. Mountain Climber
12. Lunge to Warrior III (right)
13. High Knees
14. Lunge to Warrior III (left)

Follow with 30 Minutes cardio of choice (running, walking, jump rope) or Repeat

Day 10: Sculpt Your Body Home Workout

Standard

Hi Everyone,

I am still catching up on the New 30 Day Challenge workouts. This is the alternate workout for Day 10. There will be a new workout posted, and both links will be available here. You can choose to do one or both of the workouts. 

I am hoping to catch up with all of the new workouts tomorrow evening when I get home from work. 

In the mean time I really enjoyed this workout. When I filmed this workout I repeated it 3X for time. You can find the original link  here

Melissa

PS Don’t forget to check-in after your workout on FacebookInstagram orTwitter!

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

Repeat 1-3X

1. Table Crunch (right)
2. Table Crunch (left)
3. Lunge Lift (right)
4. Lunge Lift (left)
5. Frog Pushup
6. Leg Lift/Hip Lift/V-Up
7. Super Swim
8. Side Plank Drop (right)
9. Side Plank Drop (left)
10. Squat Jump

30 Day Challenge: Day 7: HIIT It, Full Body Workout

Standard

Hi Everyone!

Here is the new Day 7 workout for the 30 Day Challenge! My sister’s bridal shower was this weekend, and I hosted family at my house so I got way behind, but I am catching up now. I apologize if the numbering throws you off, but I want to make sure all of the new workouts are included as planned in the challenge. 

Thank you guys for being patient and supportive. I really appreciate it. My sister’s bridal shower was beautiful. After I catch up I will share some of the recipes we used. I learned some new ones from the other bridesmaids! 



Have fun with this workout! If you’re up for it go for another round. πŸ™‚
Melissa

PS Don’t forget to check-in on FacebookInstagram or Twitter after you have completed the workout! 

Equipment: Gymboss Interval Timer

1. High Knees
2. Speed Skater
3. Sumo Pushup
4. Three-way Frogger
5. Squat Jump
6. Hip Thrust (right)
7. Hip Thrust (left)
8. Dive Bomber
9. Leg/Hip Lift
10. Mountain Climber
11. Lunge Jump
12. Down Dog Plank Press
13. Angel Abs
14. Cross Donkey Kick
15. Burpee


30 Day Challenge: Better Buns: Jump and Burn & 10 Minute Sweat Not Tears (Day 8 and 9)

Standard


Hi Everyone!

It is a crazy weekend for me (my sister’s bridal shower is tomorrow and I have family staying at my house). That means I am behind on filming and posting my workouts. I plan on catching up tomorrow night, so the new Day 9 workout will be posted late. 

In the meantime for Day 8 we have “Better Buns: Jump and Burn Workout.” For Day 9 scroll to the bottom of the page for the “10 Minute Sweat Not Tears” workout. 

Each workout can be repeated up to 3X. As always listen to your body. If you need an active rest day do some walking, light jogging, hiking or other fun activity to get in some movement and allow your body some rest. 

Good job sticking to the 30 Day Challenge and don’t forget to check-in on FacebookInstagram or Twitter after you have completed the workout! 

There are more new workouts coming! See you tomorrow. πŸ™‚ 
Melissa

Max Reps Jump Roping during each 30 second interval.
Max Reps during each 50 second interval. 
Total Workout Time: 20 Minutes

*High Knees can be substituted for Jumping Rope. 

1. Squat Jump
-Jump Rope
2. Side Lunge Punch
-Jump Rope
3. Single Leg Hip Thrust (right)
-Jump Rope
4. Single Leg Hip Thrust (left)
-Jump Rope
5. Monkey Tuck Jump
-Jump Rope
6. Plie Jump
-Jump Rope
7. Romanian Deadlift
-Jump Rope
8. Chair Lunge
-Jump Rope
9. Sit to Stand (right)
-Jump Rope
10. Sit to Stand (left)
-Jump Rope
11. Curtsy Lunge Kick (right)
-Jump Rope
12. Curtsy Lunge Kick (left)
-Jump Rope
13. Step Up (right)
-Jump Rope
14. Step Up (left)
-Jump Rope
15. Burpee



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

30 Day Challenge: Day 7: 15 Minute HIIT Interval Fat Blaster

Standard
Hi Everyone!

Today is Day 7 of the New 30 Day Challenge! The new Day 7 workout will be posted tonight, but for all you early birds here is an alternative workout you can get in if you can’t wait until that goes up! 

This is a quick 15 Minute HIIT workout. Interval training has repeatedly proved to be top of the line training for fat burning and building lean muscle. These quick, intense workouts are great for shaping your body and improving your metabolism. 

Later tonight there will be a brand new workout. You can either substitute this workout for your Day 7, or do a round of each workout. 

Have fun!
Melissa

PS Don’t forget to check-in after your workout on FacebookInstagram orTwitter!

Intervals:
50 Seconds Max Reps
10 Seconds Rest

Repeat 1-3X
Equipment: Gymboss Interval Timer

*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)

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. 

30 Day Challenge: Day 2: Cardio HIIT 15 Minute Body Weight Fat Burn

Standard


Hi Everyone! 

Welcome to Day 2 of the 30 Day Challenge! Today’s workout is an intense 15 Minute Cardio HIIT Fat Burn. This is a great workout for sculpting the thighs, legs and glutes, while burning fat all over. If you are up for a more intense challenge you can repeat this workout up to 3X. 

For today’s workout I also filmed a tutorial video (which you can find below). In the tutorial I demonstrate proper form for each exercise, as well as modifications. Always focus on form. If you aren’t ready for the harder variations (yet!) work your way up to them. You will get more out of the workout by performing each exercise correctly. 

Today I got to use my new Gymboss Interval Timer. I loved it! It was convenient, simple, and I didn’t have to worry about accidentally stepping on my phone. Plus I like the color. πŸ™‚ 


Don’t forget to Check In after you complete the workout. The daily check-ins are a great way to stay motivated and accountable for your workout. You can check in on FacebookInstagram or Twitter

Have fun and don’t be afraid to work up a sweat!
Melissa

PS If you are following along on Facebook I posted a link to my Burpee Burn Workout for anyone who couldn’t wait for this workout to be uploaded. 


Tutorial:

Full Length Workout:
10/50 Second Intervals

1. Frogger
2. Lunge Jump
3. Mountain Climber
4. Squat Jump
5. High Knee Kicks
6. Plie Jump
7. Burpee
8. Jump Kick (right)
9. Jump Kick (left)
10. Frogger Pushup
11. X-Jump (Cheer Jump)
12. Surfer
13. Pendulum Hop
14. Warrior 3 Kick (right)
15. Warrior 3 Kick (left)

Plie Jump: Knees Stay Open, Back/Chest Stay Lifted.
Land Toe to Heel. 


30 Day Challenge: Day 1-Full Body

Standard

Hi Everyone!


Welcome to Day 1 of the New 30 Day Challenge! I loved the last 30 Day Challenge so much that I had to do another one. 

Workout Number 1 is a full body workout that incorporates plenty of cardio. One round takes 20 minutes. The exercises in this routine combine body shaping movements, with fat burning cardio. 

Remember to always work to your own level. If you can’t complete the entire 50 second interval (yet!) you can work your way up to it. Do as much as you can, rest, and then keep going. If the workout is challenging you it is working. Learning how far you can push yourself, and how to listen to your body is an important part of working out. With practice you will grow stronger and more fit. You may even be surprised by how quickly it happens! The more you put into the workout, the more you will get out of it. 

I will also be posting nutrition tips throughout the month. You can find the first tip here: 5 Rules to Improve Your Nutrition and Diet. Nutrition is a key step to achieving your personal best in health and fitness. If you want to track your results I recommend taking photos and/or measurements. I am always thrilled to see the changes people are able to achieve. 

Don’t forget to Check In after you complete the workout. The daily check-ins are a great way to stay motivated and accountable for your workout. You can check in on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter


Have fun! 
Melissa


Click the link to get your own Gymboss Interval Timer
Set your timer for 15 Rounds of 30/50. (One Round takes 20 Minutes)

Equipment (optional): Jump Rope


  *Cardio
1. In/Out Squat
  *Cardio
2. Plank
  *Cardio
3. Lateral Bridge (right)
  *Cardio
4. Lateral Bridge (left)
  *Cardio
5. Plank Crunch Twist
  *Cardio
6. Burpee
  *Cardio
7. Chair Pose
  *Cardio
8. Elbow Tap Side Plank (right)
  *Cardio
9. Elbow Tap Side Plank (left)
  *Cardio
10. Sprinter Situp
  *Cardio
11. Mountain Climber
  *Cardio
12. Prone Heel Squeeze
  *Cardio
13. Lunge Reach (right)
  *Cardio
14. Lunge Reach (left)
  *Cardio
15. Side Lunge Punch

*Repeat 1-3X*

Bikini Prep Body Sculpt: Workout 20: HIIT It, Sweat It, Sculpt It

Standard


Hi Everyone!

I really enjoyed this workout. One round takes 20 minutes. 

This workout can be performed with body weight, or you can increase the intensity by adding weights. 

I used a barbell (total weight 75 lbs), and two dumbbells (20 lbs each). Remember, the number one focus is always form. Choose a weight that you can use while consistently maintaining form, that is still challenging for you. When you are lifting or setting down your weights be sure to keep the core tight and the back straight. Always protect your back!

If you don’t want to use a weight you can substitute cardio bursts of your choice during the 30 second intervals. Some great options are: jump rope, jumping jacks, high knees, mountain climbers or froggers. 

I hope you all enjoy the workout! I am off to teach a yoga class. πŸ™‚

Melissa


Repeat 1-3X
30 seconds Bear Complex or Cardio, 50 Seconds Max Reps.
1 Round=20 Minutes

(Equipment is optional: barbell or dumbbells for Bear Complex). 

*Bear Complex/Cardio
1. Superman
*Bear Complex/Cardio

2. Bear Crawls
*Bear Complex/Cardio

3. High Knees
*Bear Complex/Cardio

4. Temple Tap Abs
*Bear Complex/Cardio

5. Pendulum Hops
*Bear Complex/Cardio

6. Wall Climb
*Bear Complex/Cardio

7. Plyo Pushup/Shoulder Tap Pushups
*Bear Complex/Cardio

8. Chair Lunge
*Bear Complex/Cardio

9. Tuck Jump
*Bear Complex/Cardio

10. Bicycle
*Bear Complex/Cardio

11. Rotating Hip Drop
*Bear Complex/Cardio

12. Lunge Jump
*Bear Complex/Cardio

13. Sprinter Situp
*Bear Complex/Cardio

14. Wall Sit Leg Lift
*Bear Complex/Cardio

15. Lateral Mat Run




Bikini Prep Body Sculpt: Workout 19: Ten Move Tone Up

Standard



Hi Everyone!

For my workout today I used dumbbells. It’s a quick workout, and it can be repeated. As always the breakdown is below. 

I have been fighting a bad cold/allergy since Wednesday and I’m still not 100%. It felt good to finally be able to workout, but it was definitely challenging. 

I posted on my Facebook page asking if anyone was interested in another 30 Day Challenge for the month of March. The response was overwhelmingly positive, so March 1st marks the start of another challenge. πŸ™‚ 

It’s going to be a good one! Enjoy the workout today. Hopefully tomorrow I will be back up to full speed, and feeling healthy. See you then. 

Melissa


Repeat 1-4X 
*If using body weight reps can be increased to 15 or 20. 

1. Wide/Narrow Squat
2. Warrior Deadlift (right)
3. Warrior Deadlift (left)
4. Lunging Fly
5. Goddess Twist
6. Runners Lunge Row
7. Romanian Deadlift
8. Split Squat (right)
9. Split Squat (left)
10. Supergirl Row


Bikini Pre/Body Sculpt: Workout 18: FIT, HIIT, Sweat

Standard
Hi Everyone!

This was my workout last night, and we will be doing a variation of this workout again tonight with our Boot Camp class.

One round takes 16 minutes, and the workout can be repeated. Tonight we will complete 3 rounds with our class for a total of 48 minutes of hard work. 

I also got outside for a 3.6 mile run yesterday with Jesse. The temperature was about 19 degrees F. It was cold, but it felt amazing to be outside. It has reached that time of year when I am anxiously awaiting spring, sunshine, and warmer weather. 

I hope you enjoy this workout!
Melissa 

10/50 Second Intervals.
*I used a 15 lb dumbbell for one exercise. You can use a weight of your choice, or complete the exercise with body weight. 

1. Mountain Climbers
2. Side Lunge Kick (right)
3. Side Lunge Kick (left)
4. Mountain Climbers
5. Tricep Extension Squat
6. Tuck Jump
7. Mountain Climbers
8. Temple Tap Abs
9. Plank Walk Out
10. High Knees
11. Side Plank Hip/Leg Lift (right)
12. Side Plank Hip/Leg Lift (left)
13. High Knees
14. Knee Drop Plank
15. Hip Lift Hook
16. High Knees


Bikini Prep/Body Sculpt: Workout 17: 15 Minute HIIT

Standard

Hi Everyone!

Yesterday my sister, Kristen, joined me for another workout. Kristen’s wedding day will be here in less than four months so she has been on a journey to be in the best shape of her life. The workout video and breakdown are below. 

Kristen has joined me for two other wedding prep workout videos:
Wedding Boot Camp Tutorial
15 Minute HIIT and Burn

Kristen has also been incorporating outdoor walks, riding a stationary bike, and other Bender workouts. Kristen’s fiancΓ©, Jason, has been doing outdoor running with his dog and a weighted vest. 

Over the past two months Kristen has lost:
1.4 inches from her waist (from 29 inches to 27.6 inches)
1.4 inches from her hips (from 41.5 inches to 40.1 inches)
2.2 inches from her thigh (from 25.5 inches to 23.3 inches)

Jason has lost:
2.7 inches from his waist (from 44 inches to 41.3 inches)
.3 inches from his hips (46 inches to 45.7 inches) (*He has probably lost a bit more, but he was wearing jeans when we took his measurements)

They are both working hard, and this workout was no exception. 

I hope you enjoy the workout!
Melissa

10/50 Second Intervals

1. Plank
2. High Knees
3. Table Lift
4. Mountain Climber
5. Unicycle (right)
6. Unicycle (left)
7. Russian Kick 
8. Warrior Squat
9. Pendulum Hop
10. Heel Tap Leg Lift 
11. Prone Heel Tap
12. Squat Jump
13. Twisting V-Up
14. Pendulum Squat
15. Super Girl


Bikini Prep/BodySculpt: Workout 16: 15 Minute HIIT

Standard



Hi Everyone!

This is a quick, but challenging full body workout. We did three rounds of this workout with our Boot Camp class on Tuesday, and when some of my students came to yoga on Thursday they were still sore. I was proud of them because that showed how much they were pushing themselves during each interval! 

Last night I went through this series once after teaching an hour long yoga class. It was a fun one to repeat. 

I am looking forward to filming a tough workout either tonight or tomorrow morning. I also have a workout challenge that I did last weekend to get posted. I called it the 52 New You workout. It was 52 reps of 7 different exercises for a full body workout. 

Lots to look forward to! πŸ™‚ Enjoy this workout, and remember to push yourself. Always listen to your body, but make sure you are working at a pace that is challenging to you. That challenge is what makes you stronger. 

Melissa

10/50 Second Intervals with Maximum Reps. 

*It can be very motivating to keep track of your reps in a little notebook. That way whenever you repeat the workout you can challenge yourself to improve. 

1. Burpee
2. Leg Lift/Hip Lift
3. High Knee Clap
4. Leg Series (right)
5. Side V-Up (right)
6. Leg Series (left)
7. Side V-Up (left)
8. Cross Plank Tap
9. Rolling Burpees
10. Donkey Kicks (Frog Hopper)
11. Goddess Squats
12. Crunch & Tap
13. Side Lunge Jumps (alternating)
14. Dive Bombers
15. High Knees


Bikini Prep/Body Sculpt: Workout 15: Burn Fat, Lose Inches, Build Lean M…

Standard
Hi Everyone!

This was my workout last night, and it was a tough one for me! The setup of this workout is different than my normal workouts. Each section of the workout is designed to challenge your body in a different way. 

The first section is 5 exercises that use dumbbells and is completed for reps. You should aim for 10-20 reps per exercise. If that amount feels easy it may be time to increase the amount of weight you are using! If you don’t have dumbbells you can use body weight, or get creative and fill milk jugs to use as weights. 

For this section of the workout I alternated between using two twenty pound dumbbells and two twelve pound dumbbells. The weighted portion of the workout is first to ensure that your body is fresh and able to complete the exercises with appropriate form. 

The second section of this workout is 5 minutes of HIIT cardio training. The goal is to get your heart rate up, work up a sweat and challenge yourself cardiovascularly. Try to get in the maximum number of reps you can during this 5 minute section. HIIT training has been consistently proven to maximize fat burning, while maintaining lean muscle mass. Also, the burn continues after the workout. 

The third section is body weight, and completed for reps. With all of the repetition exercises you still want to move between exercises as quickly as possible to keep your heart rate up. Focus on form to optimize your results. 

I hope you all have fun with this workout! I enjoyed it, and found it to be challenging, and I hope you do too. πŸ™‚

Melissa

Reps: 10-20
Intervals: 10/50 seconds

Weights:

1. Squat to Lunge (right)
2. Squat to Lunge (left)
3. Romanian Deadlift
4. Man Maker Burpees
5. Weighted Sprinter

Cardio HIIT:

1. High Knees
2. Russian Kicks
3. Lunge Jump
4. Mountain Climber
5. X-Jump/Cheerleader Jump

Body Weight:

1. Down Dog Ab Plank
2. Hip Thrust (right)
3. Hip Thrust (left)
4. Angel Abs
5. Oblique Pushups

*This workout can be repeated 1-3X. Listen to your body and maintain good form throughout each movement. 
**This is an excellent full body workout for losing inches, and creating lean muscle mass.


Full Body Real Time Workout 19 minutes: Melissa Bender

Standard
Hi Everyone!

I has been a crazy week in the Bender household! I am filming a brand new workout tonight, but in the mean time I am sharing one of my older workouts. This is a full body workout routine. In this workout I use a stability ball and a kettle bell. 

Today is also the last day of my Month long Cardio Challenge! If you accepted the challenge don’t forget to check in with your miles/minutes for the month! You can check in on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

I mentioned yesterday on my Facebook page that I had an allergic reaction to some organic face lotion. The not-so-fun result of this reaction was my face swelling, and turning bright red as if I had horrible wind burn. I am much better now, and my skin has returned to normal. Lesson learned: also test new products (even if they are organic!)

I hope you enjoy this workout. I will be adding it onto my workout routine today! I will post the new workout tonight or tomorrow afternoon. I work tomorrow so it’s an early bedtime for me. πŸ™‚

Melissa

PS You can also complete this workout for maximum reps as a 15 minute HIIT workout with 10/50 second intervals. 

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

Repeat 1-3X

1. Jumping Jacks
2. Side Step Up (right)
3. Side Step Up (left)
4. Sprinter Abs
5. Rock the Boat
6. Donkey Kick Plank
7. Leg Lift on Ball (right)
8. Leg Lift on Ball (left)
9. Side Lunge Twist (right)
10. Side Lunge Twist (left)
11. Dive Bombers
12. Side Angle Twist (right)
13. Side Angle Twist (left)
14. Goddess Squat Reach
15. High Knees (Beginner: 30 seconds, Intermediate: 45, Advanced: 60)