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

Full Body Sculpting: 20 Minute Fat Burn HIIT

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10 Seconds of Rest, 50 Seconds Max Reps
*5 Minutes Per Round
*Total Time: 20 Minutes

Round 1: Cardio Blast

1. Cross Jacks
2. Frogger
3. Russian Kicks
4. Lunge Jumps
5. High Knees

Round 2: Sculpted Arms, Shoulders and Back

1. Reverse Push-up
2. Dips
3. Plank Rows (with or without push-up)
4. Chair Curl
5. Decline Spiderman Push-up

Round 3: Toned Glutes and Legs

1. Squat Jump
2. Hip Thrust (right)
3. Hip Thrust (left)
4. Box Jump
5. Burpee

Round 4: Tighter Core

1. Russian Twist
2. Hip Lift
3. Mountain Climbers
4. Temple Tap Abs
5. Knee Tap Plank Jacks

*Be Sure to Cool Down

Hi Everyone!

Tonight’s workout is an intense 20 minute interval workout. I broke this one up into four 5-minute rounds. Keep rest minimal between rounds, but be sure to listen to you body. It helps to have some water handy. I was dripping sweat like crazy during this workout!

This is one that I will definitely be repeating. 🙂 It’s a really great full body routine, with lots of compound movements to maximize fat burning and body sculpting all at one time. 

I followed this workout by running a few easy paced miles. I am running my first half marathon on Saturday, so I am tapering back my mileage a bit this week so I will be rested. 

My sister gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl yesterday. I was tired all day from the excitement (and staying up all night Saturday just in case the baby was born!) I am glad I made the effort to get in a hard workout today, because my energy was so much better afterward. 

Now I am off to bed. Sleep is imperative to maximizing your health and fitness. Don’t skimp! 🙂

Melissa


Sweaty 2 Sculpted: 10 Minute HIIT Interval Workout

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50 seconds max reps, 10 seconds of rest between exercises
*This can be modified based on your fitness level. Start out with 20 seconds of max reps and build from there. All exercises can be done with body weight only. Add dumbbells as your progress. 

1. Mountain Climbers
2. Crunch and Tap (with dumbbell)
3. Plie Jump
4. Curtsy Lunge (with dumbbell)
5. High Knees
6. Lunge Jump (with dumbbell)
7. Burpee
8. Plank Row (with dumbbell)
9. Heel Tap Abs
10. Extended Hip Lift (with dumbbell)

Hi Everyone!

One round of this workout only takes 10 minutes, but it will get you sweaty fast! Of course you can repeat the workout from 1-3 times. 

I used a 20 lb dumbbell for the weighted exercises. When selecting a weight make sure it is challenging for you. If you start to lose proper form decrease the weight. Form is always number one. 

I followed this workout with  a 4.5 mile run outside. It took me 38 minutes at a comfortable pace. I am continuing my training for My First Half Marathon, which is three weeks from yesterday. 

Enjoy today’s workout! I also posted a weekly workout schedule for those of you who prefer to follow a plan. You can find that here: Weekly Home Workout Schedule.

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. 

Sculpt and Sweat Workout: 20 Minutes

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

Repeat 1-3X

1. Squat Rotation
2. Sumo Squat Kick
3. Weighted Bridge
4. Ninja Tuck Jump
5. Chair Pose Side Kick
6. Plank Jack Frogger
7. Twisting V-Up
8. Mountain Climber
9. Tick Tock Abs
10. Plank Leg Lift

Hi Everyone!

This was my workout yesterday. I originally planned to structure this workout much differently. I was going complete the exercises interval style, interspersed with 5 minute high intensity cardio bursts. 
I switched things up a bit because Jesse had a 10 mile run on his schedule yesterday. We also attended a fabulous wedding in the evening, so I had to keep on filming/workout schedule without sacrificing fitness time. 

I still utilized the same workout program, but I changed the style of the workout and paired it with a slower longer run. I ran 6.39 miles outside, and then completed this workout a bit later in the day. 

It felt great to get in a really hard day of working out. 🙂 

I hope everyone is enjoying their Labor day! See you tomorrow with a new workout!
Melissa



15 Minute Interval Workout: Body Weight

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Hi Everyone!

It’s time for another 15 Minute Interval workout! More proof that you can get in a heck of a workout with your own body weight. 

Go for max reps during each 50 second interval (without sacrificing form!) There is a 10 second rest break between exercises. 

Jesse went through this workout last night too, and he enjoyed the full body challenge! Don’t forget, if you need to modify a movement that’s totally fine. You want to work from your current level, and always push yourself. Just don’t get into a rut. Remember to challenge yourself periodically to see if your strength has progressed to the harder variations yet. 🙂

Enjoy!
Melissa

PS I went through this workout 1X, and did interval style inclined walking on the treadmill for some additional cardio. The walking was my warm-up while I waited for Jesse to get home from coaching cross country. 



Repeat 1-3X

1. Overhead Squat
2. Lunge Jump
3. Hip Thrust (right)
4. Hip Thrust (left)
5. Plie Jump
6. Down Dog Push-up
7. Dips
8. Leaning Plank
9. Plank Press
10. Bridge
11. Frogger
12. Heel Tap Abs
13. Hip Lift/V-Up
14. Elbow Tap Side Plank (right)
15. Elbow Tap Side Plank (left)


15 Minute Sculpted Body Home Workout

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Hi Everyone!
This was my workout tonight (and last night). I had planned to film this workout yesterday, but my internet connectivity issues were frustrating me so I saved filming for today. 

I really liked this workout because it’s a full body challenge. I used a lot of compound movements to increase the challenge. I used two twenty pound dumbbells, but you can do this as a body weight routine, or with light weights, soup cans, or even milk jugs. 

I posted another weekly workout plan: Weekly Home Workout Plan. So check that out if you like to have a schedule. 

Enjoy the workout!
Melissa


Repeat 1-3X, 10 reps per exercise

1. Squat Tap
2. Weighted Crunch Tap
3. 1 Leg Squat (right)
4. 1 Leg Squat (left)
5. Weighted Temple Tap
6. Curtsy Lunge Twist
7. Romanian Deadlift
8. Bent Over Row
9. Chest Press
10. Extend and Curl


Full Body Shaping Workout: No Equipment

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Hi Everyone!

Today’s workout is a full body, low impact workout. 
 It can be repeated up to 3 times, and combined with your cardio of choice. The video and workout breakdown are below. 

For some Cardio options:
15 Minute Cardio Cut-up (body weight HIIT)
Other great options include, jump rope or heading outside for a walk or run. 

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


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

Repeat 1-3X

1. Dive Bomber
2. Side Bicycle (right)
3. Side Bicycle (left)
4. Heel Press
5. Boat Ankle Cross
6. Warrior 3 Pull (right)
7. Warrior 3 Pull (left)
8. Shoulder Tap Push-up
9. Leg Series (right)
10. Leg Series (left)


Stability Ball Workout

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Hi Everyone!

This was my workout last night. I had fun switching it up and using a stability ball. It was a nice (and challenging) change. 

We are still trying to get unpacked and get settled in so I only had time to go through this workout once. It can be repeated if you have more time. 🙂 

If you don’t have a stability ball don’t worry, you can perform the majority of these movements with your own body weight. The stability ball does add an extra element of challenge to your balance and core. 

I hope you enjoy the workout! The video is below.
Melissa

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

1. Squat and Stretch (dumbbell optional)
2. Hip Lift
3. Butt Pull
4. Decline Crunches
5. Bridge
6. Side Crunch (right)
7. Side Crunch (left)
8. Butt Lift
9. Reverse Crunch
10. Leg Lift

Got Sweat? Full Body Fat Burning Body Weight Workout

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Hi Everyone!

This was my workout last night. The video and breakdown are below. I am getting this posted later than normal because my sister’s cat is missing. 🙁 I tried to help her find him, but so far we haven’t had any luck. 

This workout was intense. It took me 23 minutes, and I was struggling at the end. I pushed through and completed the workout. 🙂 I felt fantastic afterward. 

I hope you all enjoy this workout. It’s a major fat burner, with plenty of body sculpting moves. You should feel it everywhere!

Enjoy!
Melissa

Beginner: 10 reps, 2 Burpees between exercises
Intermediate: 15 reps, 3 Burpees
Advanced: 20 reps, 5 Burpees
*High Knees or Cardio of Choice can be substituted for Burpees

1. Walking Push Ups
-Burpees
2. Warrior Reach (right)
-Burpees
3. Warrior Reach (left)
-Burpees
4. Side Lunge Lift (alternating)
-Burpees
5. Frog Hop
-Burpees
6. Reverse Plank Step Out (right)
-Burpees
7. Reverse Plank Step Out (left)
-Burpees
8. Leg Lift Arm Pulse
-Burpees
9. Single Leg Boat Pulse (right)
-Burpees
10. Single Leg Boat Pulse (left)
-Burpees

Full Body Sculpt

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Hi Everyone,

This was my workout last night! I was a sweaty mess, but it was a fun workout with some new moves. 

This full body routine will help tone your legs, thighs, butt, core, shoulders and arms. These movements also promote increased flexibility. Always remember to go at your own pace, and during any movements that require a stretch don’t bounce. Stretch as far as you comfortably can. 

Enjoy the workout!
Melissa

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

1. Up/Down Dog Flow
2. 3 Part Abs (Extend, In, Up)
3. 1 Leg Stand (right)
4. 1 Leg Stand (left)
5. Boat Abductions
6. Warrior III to Crane (right, half reps)
7. Warrior III to Crane (left, half reps)
8. Spiderman Cross Plank
9. Head to Knee (right, half reps)
10. Head to Knee (left, half reps)

16 Minute HIIT: Full Body Fit and Flexible

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Hi Everyone!


Yesterday was a fun and active day for me. I started it off with a 6 mile run with Jesse. I also went for a walk, and filmed the workout below. I felt great, and I feel better and more energized today. Working out is so much more effective at boosting my energy levels than coffee or tea. 

This workout is a 16 minute interval. I was dripping with sweat, and it was a tough one for me! It’s split into 4 sections: Lower Body, Core, Upper Body, and Flexibility. 

This is a great full body workout. It can be repeated. It maximizes calorie burning, while focusing on toning your entire body. I find that a holistic approach to working out, and focusing on creating balance in the body with workouts is incredibly effective. 

I hope you enjoy this workout! Today is the first day of my 1 Month Tighten Up/Diet Challenge. Tonight there will be a new workout, and my first food log. 

Enjoy the workout!
Melissa

PS Below is the Tutorial Video, and the Full Length Workout video. 

Tutorial Video: 

Full Length 16 Minute HIIT:

1. Split Squat (right)
2. Split Squat (left)
3. Jump Squat
4. High Knees
5. Bicycle
6. Leg Lift/Hip Lift
7. Knee Drop Plank
8. Frogger
9. Dips
10. Walk the Plank Pushups
11. Decline Rows
12. Squat and Curl
13. Stretch Back
14. Forward Fold
15. Pigeon (right)
16. Pigeon (left)

10 Total Toning Moves: Home Workout (No Equipment)

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Hi Everyone!

This was my workout last night. This workout utilizes 10 Total Toning Moves. It’s a full body workout with no equipment required. This workout combines a series of movements designed to challenge and work your muscles from a variety of angles. 

I incorporated movements to help stabilize the hips and core. Strengthening these areas provides increased postural support and stability, which will assist you in maintaining good form during all workouts. 

I went through this workout twice, and followed it with a 2.75 mile easy run. I kept the pace light and comfortable the entire time. 

I am planning a new yoga workout for tonight so be sure to check back!
Melissa


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

Repeat 1-3X

1. Knee Drop Plank
2. Heel Tap Abs
3. Walking Pushups
4. Runners Lunge Reach
5. Goddess Pulse
6. Oblique Crunch (right)
7. Oblique Crunch (left)
8. Cheek to Cheek Plank
9. Folded Leg Lift (right)
10. Folded Leg Lift (left)

Weights and Intervals: Full Body Sculpt in Under 20 Minutes

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Hi Everyone!

Today’s workout is a combination of weighted exercises and a 5 minute interval round. The entire workout can be repeated 1-3X. I went through this routine once, and followed it by a 3 mile run outside. It felt great to get outdoors and put in a few miles. 

This was a challenging workout, especially after yesterday’s: 10 Minute Cardio Smash HIIT. By the time I started running my legs were tired! 

I thought this routine was a nice challenge. I hope you like it!
Melissa




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

Interval Round: Max reps during each 60 second interval, 10 seconds of rest

Reps:
1. Reverse Lunge with Dumbbell Raise
2. Romanian Deadlift with Row
3. Weighted Temple Tap Abs
4. Back Extensions on Stability Ball
5. Squats with Lateral Raises

Intervals:
1. Rainbow Climbers
2. Knee Tuck Squat
3. Bicycle Abs
4. Hip Lift and Press
5. Burpees

Jump Away Jiggle: 20 Minute Home Workout

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Hi Everyone!

Today’s workout is a fun, fat burner. One round took me 20 minutes. This workout can be completed up to 3X, but I only went through it once today. I tried out some new combinations, that I really liked. The Russian V-Ups were a great challenge that got my heart rate up. 

This is a full body workout, but there is an emphasis on working the core from every angle. 

I hope you all enjoy the workout, and have a great night!
Melissa


PS My sports bra is from www.affitnity.com and you can get 15% off your total order with the code BenderFitness at checkout. 


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

1. Mountain Froggers
2. Squat Jump
3. Rotating Ab-Crunch
4. Lunge Jumps
5. Russian V-Up
6. Weighted Plies
7. Leg Circles (right)
8. Leg Circles (left)
9. Warrior 3 Leg Lift/Hop (right)
10. Warrior 3 Leg Lift/Hop (left)
11. Rotating Oblique Crunch

Quick Body Weight Home Workout

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Hi Everyone! 


This was my workout last night. One round took me around 14 minutes. It is a quick (but effective) full body workout, with some challenging new exercise variations. 

Jesse and I also did a 4.6 mile trail run with two of our friends. I love getting out on the trails and running under the trees. It’s beautiful and the air feels so clean when you breathe. 

Remember, during all of your workouts focus on form. If you’re not sure if you’re doing a move right practice in front of a mirror, or ask a friend. Using proper form maximizes the benefits and keeps your body safe during all of your workouts. 

Enjoy!
Melissa


Beginner: 10 reps
Intermediate: 15 reps
Advanced: 20 reps
*Leg Series reps: Beginner 5, Intermediate 8, Advanced 10 per movement

1. Angled Mountain Climber
2. Leg Series (right)*
3. Leg Series (left)*
4. Knee Drop Plank Press
5. Temple Tap Abs
6. Triangle Dog Press
7. Heel Slide Abs
8. Dips

HIIT Don’t Quit! 15 Minute Interval Workout

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Hi Everyone!

This was my workout yesterday. It’s a 15 minute HIIT workout. HIIT (high intensity interval training) is my favorite style of workout because it maximizes fat burning, while maintaining lean muscle mass. The benefits of this workout continue for several hours. 

The goal is to complete as many reps as you can during each 50 second interval, with minimal rest (10 seconds) between each exercise. Try not to take breaks, but also be aware of listening to your body. If you are just starting out, or are new to interval training you may need to build your way up to completing the whole workout. If you start out completing 7 minutes of the workout, make your next goal to get to 8 or 10 minutes without stopping. This is a great way to measure your fitness gains. 

Don’t forget to celebrate your progress, and give yourself credit for even “small” gains in fitness. Every time you push yourself during a workout you are improving your strength, fitness, and agility. You are making yourself physically and mentally stronger. These gains don’t just apply to your workouts, they make you stronger in life. 

I hope you all enjoy the workout! Have a great day!
Melissa


All Levels: Max reps during each interval.
*Beginners: Start with 30 second interval, followed by 15 seconds of rest. 
*Intermediate: 40 second interval, 10 seconds rest
*Advanced: 50 second interval, 10 seconds rest

1. High Knees
2. Flying Pigeon (right)
3. Mountain Climber
4. Flying Pigeon (left)
5. Russians
6. Frog Hop Squat
7. High Knees
8. Down Dog Lift
9. Mountain Climber
10. Squat Planks
11. Russians
12. Reverse Crunch Rotation
13. High Knees
14. Knee Drop Plank
15. Mountain Climber

Ground Up Workout

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Hi Everyone!
This is a great full body workout. It was challenging, and I really felt it in my core. This workout will help tone your arms, legs, thighs, stomach and back. It also implements cardio bursts to increase the fat burn and keep your heart rate up throughout the workout. 

I’m sorry it took me a few days to get the breakdown for this workout posted. Jesse and I have been house hunting, and it’s very time consuming. 

Expect some fun workouts this weekend!
Melissa

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

*Cardio options: high knees, jump rope, jumping jacks, mountain climbers

1. 60 seconds cardio
2. Bicycle
3. Sumo Push-ups
4. Warrior Switch
5. 60 seconds cardio
6. Rotating Scissor taps
7. Switching Ab Reach Through
8. Plie Pulse/Jump
9. 60 seconds cardio
10. V-Ab Reach Through
11. Monkey Push-ups
12. Lunge Jumps
13. 60 seconds cardio

Stability Ball Exercise Routine

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Hi Everyone!

Today’s workout is fun! This is a full body workout, using a stability (or exercise) ball. The balance required with a stability ball, adds an extra element of challenge to this workout. 

If you find it difficult to maintain your balance it’s okay. With practice your core strength will increase, and you will find the different positions easier to maintain. 

For me the biggest challenge was holding the balance during mountain climbers on the ball. You can start by holding a plank, and work your way up to the mountain climbers. 

As always, focus on form, and utilizing the movement’s full range of motion. 

Enjoy the workout!
Melissa


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

Repeat 1-3X

1. Mountain Climber
2. Butt/Hamstring Pull
3. Back Extension
4. Front Leg Lift
5. Back Leg Lift
6. Knee Pull
7. Bridge Press
8. Squat and Reach
9. Pike
10. Ball Pass

Weighted Weekday Workout

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Hi Everyone!

Tonight’s workout is a full body workout. I used two 20 lb dumbbells, but all of the exercises can also be performed with body weight, or the weight of your choice. It is important to work at your own level. Select a weight that is challenging for you, but allows you to maintain proper form throughout each exercise. 


Jesse and I followed this workout with a 3.5 mile run. We took it at a slower pace than normal, because we wanted it to be a recovery run. Tomorrow I am planning a higher intensity workout day and Jesse is doing another trail run. 

If you haven’t tried yesterday’s yoga workout yet you can find it here: Yoga Flow Workout: Lean Stretch Fat Burn

See you tomorrow!
Melissa



This workout can be repeated 1-3X. 

1. Man Maker
2. Single Leg Squat (right)
3. Single Leg Squat (left)
4. Down Dog Drag
5. Weighted Crunch
6. Weighted Surfer Burpee
7. Heel Press (right)
8. Heel Press (left)
9. Leg Circle Press (right)
10. Leg Circle Press (left)