Dangerous Curves Ahead: Melissa Bender Fitness Workout

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Hi Everyone,

Today’s workout is challenging, but it offers great all over body shaping, and strength building.

On top of the workout I’d like to offer you another challenge today. The challenge is to do something nice for someone without telling anyone. J

So often in life we get caught up with doing something because we have to, or because we are going to get something in return. Sometimes what you get back is tangible (payment, trade, etc.), and sometimes its intangible (respect, praise from others). It is a very fulfilling experience to do something wonderful just because. It doesn’t have to be something that costs money. The gesture can be as small or as grand as you want. Do it with the right spirit. It’s just as important to nourish your soul as your body. Too often we neglect one for the other. I believe to find true happiness you need balance in both.

Have a great day, and enjoy the workout!
Melissa

Dangerous Curves Ahead Workout

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

Unless Otherwise noted below.

1. Up/Down Dog

2. Jesse’s Squat Jumps

3. Supermans

4. Rock the boat

5. High Knees

Beginner: 30 seconds

Intermediate: 45 seconds

Advanced: 60 seconds

6. Russian Mountain Climber Pushups

7. Forward backward lunges (right)

8. Forward backward lunges (left)

9. Side Plank hip lift (left)

10. Side Plank hip lift (right)

11. High Knees

Beginner: 30 seconds

Intermediate: 45 seconds

Advanced: 60 seconds

12. Kick backs (left)

13. Kick backs (right)

14. Hydrant lift (left)

15. Hydrant lift (right)

16. Surfer burpee

17. Leg circle abs (right)

18. Leg circle abs (left)

19. Boat scissor

20. Plank abs (right)

Beginner: 5 reps

Intermediate: 10 reps

Advanced: 15 reps

21. Plank abs (left)

Beginner: 5 reps

Intermediate: 10 reps

Advanced: 15 reps

Quick Fix Fitness Challenge

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Hi Everyone,

Today’s workout is a fitness challenge. The workout consists of only 5 exercises, but it will strengthen and tone your entire body. You will go through the set of these five exercises, four times. For an additional challenge you can write down your reps and how long it took you to do the entire workout. Then in a month or two you can try it again, and see if you’ve improved! For me seeing improvements in time or my ability to do more reps is very motivating.

Make sure you stretch after the workout, and keep good form throughout.

Tomorrow I am going to be doing a very challenging full body workout so be sure to check back!

Melissa

Quick Fix Fitness Challenge

Warmup: 15 minutes of cardio (I did jump roping, other options include running, high knees, and jumping jacks)

1. Plié Jumps

2. Scissor abs with hip lift

3. Burpees

4. Side plank leg lift (left)

5. Side Plank leg lift (right)

Repeat 4X

Beginner: 10 reps per exercise. You will be completing a 200 rep challenge.

Intermediate: 15 reps per exercise. You will be completing a 300 rep challenge.

Advanced: 20 reps per exercise. You will be completing a 400 rep challenge.

Lower Body and Core Melissa Bender Fitness Workout

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Hi Everyone,

Cydney joined us for today’s workout. She is doing great! She held strong for today’s workout, which was very tough. She also gave me a great tip about how to get rid of muscle knots. If you have a muscle knot you can rub it out is by using your knuckles in a J motion to massage out any tightness.

Cydney has been making fantastic improvements since she first started working out with me. She is getting stronger and more fit every time. It’s really wonderful to see the changes she has already been able to make. J

Enjoy today’s workout, and feel free to share any changes you are experiencing through your workouts, or healthy life choices. Remember, all the little choices add up to create a healthy lifestyle. Also, if anyone has any great, healthy recipes to share please feel free to send them to me. While I am on winter break (it officially starts December 15^th!) I will be sharing more of my own recipes, and photos or some of my favorite foods. I am also planning some fun exercise challenges! Stay tuned!

Melissa

Lower Body and Core Workout

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

Make sure you warm up, and get your heart pumping before today’s workout! High knees or jumping rope is a great start. J

1. Twister Leg Lift Situps

2. Squat Jump

3. Lunge Kicks (right)

4. Burpee

5. Lunge Kicks (left)

6. High Knees

Beginner: 30 seconds

Intermediate: 45 seconds

Advanced: 60 seconds

7. Chair Elbow Twist

8. Mountain Climber

Beginner: 30 seconds

Intermediate: 45 seconds

Advanced: 60 seconds

9. Split Squat (right)

10. Russian Kicks

Beginner: 30 seconds

Intermediate: 45 seconds

Advanced: 60 seconds

11. Split Squat (left)

12. Jumping Jacks

Beginner: 30 seconds

Intermediate: 45 seconds

Advanced: 60 seconds

13. Thigh Squeeze Leg Lift

14. Pushups

15. Triceps Jack Leg Lift

16. Bicycle Sit-ups

Cardio Challenge Day

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Hi Everyone,

Today I have an exercise challenge for you. The goal is to spend 30 minutes doing some type of cardiovascular exercise.

Why do cardio? According to www.bodybuilding.com these are some good reasons:

1. Improve your Heart Health

2. Increase your Metabolism

3. Regulate your Hormones

4. Improve your Recovery Time from other workouts

5. Help Manage your Blood Sugar/Manage Diabetes

Those sound like good reasons to me! For me cardio (and working out in general) is a natural form of stress relief. It also gives me energy throughout the day. Fat loss and calorie burn weren’t on the list, but they are some additional benefits of cardio.

Today I chose to do a light run outside and enjoy the weather. I ran 3.7 miles (with plenty of hills!) in 32 minutes. It was a nice relaxed pace for me. You can run, jump rope, or do one of my workouts (as long as you move quickly from one exercise to the next you are getting cardio during them!)

I was also happy to see that the workouts I have been sharing here have been keeping me in good shape cardiovascularly. Jesse will be sharing some running tips sometime soon.

Have a great day!

Melissa

PS This picture isn’t from my run today. It’s from me finishing a race while I was on vacation over the summer. I won fourth place. J Jesse won the whole race (he’s a phenomenal runner). We will be filming a yoga stretch series for runners soon. It will be good for anyone, but it’s focused on increasing flexibility and preventing injuries to the knees, IT band, hip flexors, back, and legs.

Sabotage Fat Melissa Bender Fitness Workout

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Hi Everyone,

Today’s workout is called the Sabotage Fat Workout. It is going to give you some serious fat and calorie burning that will last throughout the day!

I was talking to someone today who feels like people around them are judgmental and want to sabotage their fitness plans. Unfortunately, this can be a common thing. Some people feel that because you are living a healthy lifestyle you are judging them if they aren’t making the same choices you are. I really hope that’s not true. If you find yourself doing that please stop because it’s not going to do you or anyone else any good.

On the other hand, if you are experiencing this hold strong. If people get upset because you order grilled chicken and veggies instead of a burger and fries it isn’t your problem. They may say “don’t do this, I love you just the way you are.” The second part of that statement is great! They should love you just the way you are. However, you also need to love yourself, and being healthy is a way to give to yourself and those around you. Being healthy means you have more energy for the ones you love. Don’t feel guilt-ed into making bad decisions.

Also, keep up the water challenge! I have had at LEAST 8 glasses of water every day! I love to hear how you’re doing, and what you’re experiencing. J

Enjoy today’s workout.

Melissa

Sabotage Fat Workout

Reps:

Beginner: 15 reps

Intermediate: 20 reps

Advanced: 25-30 reps

1. Sit-up Side Plank (alternating sides)

2. Mountain Climber

3. Square Squats

4. High Knees

5. Sumo Pushup

6. Jump Squats

7. Leg series (right)

8. Leg Squeeze (right): 10 squeezes

9. Mountain Climbers

10. Leg Series (left)

11. Leg Squeeze (left): 10 squeezes

12. High Knees

13. Side to Side Squat

14. Jump Squats

Lady Lump Workout – Melissa Bender Fitness

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Hello,

I am starting a water challenge today. The challenge is to drink at least 8 8 oz. glasses of water every day during the month of December. Contrary to popular belief, the typical adult actually needs more water than that! According to the Mayo Clinic, the average female should be consuming 9 cups (2.2 liters) of water per day. The average male should consume 3 liters or 13 cups of water per day. That’s before working out! If you do a short workout you should add an additional 1.5 to 2.5 cups of water.

The most common symptom of dehydration is tiredness. This can occur even with mild dehydration. In addition, staying properly hydrated helps prevent over-eating, and even decreases your chances of getting the flu or other illnesses. Have I convinced you how important water is yet? I hope you join me in this challenge!

Today’s workout is going to work every part of your legs, butt and thighs. J Enjoy it, and feel free to comment below to let me know what you think!

Melissa

Lady Lump Workout

Warm-up/Cardio Burst: Jump Rope or high knees

Beginner: 5 minutes

Intermediate: 7 minutes

Advanced: 10 minutes

Reps:

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

1. Twisting Warrior

2. Right Twist Kick

3. Left Twist Kick

4. Split Squat (right)

5. Split Squat (left)

6. Squat Jacks

7. Down Dog Leg Lifts

8. Side Plank Drop (right)

9. Side Plank Drop (left)

10. Burpees

Cardio Burst: repeat your warm up

Be sure to stretch after your workout! A round of Sun Salutations is a great cool down.

The rep portion of this workout took me 20 minutes and 21 seconds.

Don’t have a Fitness Stall!

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Hi Everyone,

I have been thinking a lot about things that derail people from their fitness goals. Maybe it’s the holiday season and all of the rich foods, and obligations that take up free time. Maybe it’s the winter weather. It just seems easier to workout when it’s nice outside. It could be school (finals, papers and presentations are looming for me too!) Kids, work, and life in general takes a lot of time. Sometimes it feels like there’s no time left over for you to do anything, much less make time for a workout.

First of all, fitness is more than just exercise. It’s a way of life. You need to find a balance for all of your occupations (by that I mean anything you occupy your time with). Even if you only have 15 minutes a day to dedicate to exercise it will be to your benefit. It may sound crazy, but you deserve a little bit of that time that you are dedicating to everyone and everything else. The time is yours, so decide to spare a little bit of it for taking care of yourself.

The workouts I share right now are intense, shorter workouts so you don’t have to spend hours in the gym or on a treadmill. They are designed to fit into my own incredibly busy schedule. Investing a little bit of time into your health now can help you have a longer, higher quality of life in the future.

Something that motivates me is going to a 5K race (or even just looking up the results online) and seeing people double to triple my age running the race, sometimes with great times! As I get older I want to have the energy, strength and endurance to keep doing that. So find your motivation and devote some time to your health.

There will be a new workout up tonight.

Melissa

PS I am going to be sharing a sample of a healthy daily diet. The sample I created is being reviewed by a nutritionist right now. I want to make sure I am sharing high quailty (correct!) information with everyone. Be sure to check back!

Manic Monday Melissa Bender Fitness

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Hi Everyone,

Just because it’s a manic Monday doesn’t mean that’s an excuse not to work out! Starting out with a tough workout is a great way to get your week on the right track.

This workout is designed to give you high calorie burning, and body shaping at the same time. Your legs hold plenty of muscle. Muscle=calorie burn. So working those legs is going to give you a great shape while burning fat. Today’s workout also focuses on tightening your core. It’s rare to meet someone who doesn’t want better abs.

I read an article yesterday that said mountain climbers, pushups, and planks are some of the top exercises you can do if you want great abs. This workout includes all of those.

As always, modify this workout to your level. Pushups, or the plank kicks can be done from your knees. Also, during the plank kicks keep your back flat. I said you could drop your back a bit in the video because I want you to focus on using your muscles and keeping them supple. However, you always want to have good form. Go for controlled movements over speed.

Enjoy the workout,

Melissa

Manic Monday Fitness Bender Workout

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

1. Burpees

2. 3 Part Abs

3. Mountain Climbers

Beginner: 50 jumps

Intermediate: 75 jumps

Advanced: 100 jumps

4. Jump Lunge

5. High Knees

Beginner: 50 jumps

Intermediate: 75 jumps

Advanced: 100 jumps

6. Elbow Tap Rolling Pushups

7. Squat

8. Burpee

9. Angel Abs

10. Plank Kicks

11. Lunge Kicks (right)

12. Lunge Kicks (left)

Partner Workout Melissa Bender Fitness

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Hi Everyone,

Grab a friend because today we have a partner workout! Research has shown that people are more likely to stick to their workout routine if they workout with a pal. So find a friend and try out some of these moves. If you don’t have anyone to workout with don’t be afraid to modify the workout so you can do it on your own.

This workout is a lot of fun, and works out your entire body. Don’t be afraid to have a good time with it! Thanks to Jillian for the great idea. I really enjoyed trying a different type of workout. Feel free to comment and let me know what you think!

Enjoy,

Melissa

Partner Workout

Unless otherwise noted reps are as follows

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps (and you can go through the routine twice if you are up to it!)

1. Hand-slap planks (to make it harder you can do pushups in between each hand slap)

2. Leg Throws (partner 1)

3. Leg Throws (partner 2)

4. Seesaw Hold

5. Stand-up sit-ups (partner 1)-you can also do reaching sit-ups if standing is too hard

6. Stand-up sit-ups (partner 2)

7. Windmill Push-ups

8. Moving Toe touch sit-ups (partner 1)

9. Moving Toe Touch sit-ups (partner 2)

10. Leap Frog Squat (partner 1)

11. Leap Frog Squat (partner 2)

12. Wheel Barrel or Handstand Pushups (partner 1)

13. Wheel Barrel Pushups (partner 2)

14. Plank Jump Overs (partner 1)

15. Plank Jump Overs (partner 2)

16. Chair Pose/High Knees (your partner has to hold chair pose until you finish your high knees!)

Beginner: 50 high knees

Intermediate: 75 high knees

Advanced: 100 high knees

17. Chair Pose/High Knees (partner 2)

Great Shape Workout

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Hello,

I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday! I had many things to be thankful about this year. J Plus plenty of delicious food, with lots of vegetables!

I started out today’s workout with 15 minutes of cardio. I ran 2 miles on my treadmill (although it was about 60 degrees so I probably should have enjoyed the weather outside!) For me that was a comfortable running pace, nothing too hard because I knew I was doing the actual workout right after. If you are running just go out at a comfortable pace for 15 minutes. Focus on engaging in cardio for that amount of time, not the distance. Other alternatives are: jump roping, high knees, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, and burpees. You can even mix and match as long as you are working hard enough to sweat for 15 minutes.

I believe the issue with comments is now fixed, so feel free to comment below! Tomorrow I am going to have a fun partner workout, so get ready to grab a friend!

Have fun,

Melissa

Warm-up: 15 minutes of Cardio.
Beginner: 10 reps
Intermediate: 15 reps
Advanced: 20 reps

1. Boat Kick (2 kicks=1 rep)

2. Side Lunge Reach (right)

3. Side Lunge Reach (left)

4. Mountain Climber pushups (4 mountain climbers/1 pushup=1 rep)

5. Temple Abs (2 taps= 1 rep)

6. Side plank leg lift (right)

7. Side Plank leg lift (left)

8. Reverse Situps

9. Superman Plank

10. Jump Squat

Cool Down: Sun Salutation

Thanksgiving Burpee Challenge/Ab workout

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Hi Everyone!

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving! I hope you didn’t think I was going to skimp on my workout just because it’s a holiday!

I did a bit of a workout mash-up tonight. I started out with a Burpee challenge. I wanted to see how quickly I could do 60 Burpees. After that I did an ab workout on my dip station. Jesse wasn’t home so I didn’t film it, but I will be sure to share it with you guys this week. A great alternative would be to do the 10 Minute Ab Workout video. I finished my workout with two full sun salutations.

I will be back with a new video for you tomorrow. Have a great night.

Melissa

Here is the Sun Salutation Video:

http://www.youtube.com/embed/RtL-FFmsBTg</a>” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen>

Part 1: The workout starts with doing 60 Burpees. You don’t have to do them all at once. I did three sets of 20, with short breaks in between. You can split up your reps however you want to complete them. (I did my first 20 in 2 minutes 15 seconds, second 20 2:04, third 20 2:27).

Part 2:

Next do the 10 minute ab workout.

Part 3:

Do two full sun salutations to stretch and strengthen your entire body.

You’re done! Have a great night. 🙂

Turkey Gobbler Fat Burn Melissa Bender Fitness Workout

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Hi Everyone,

I just finished today’s workout. I have some new exercises mixed in for you. For today’s workout make sure you focus on form. Don’t forget, it’s better to do pushups from your knees with a flat back and good form, than to do a full pushup with a sway back.

Also, for the pendulum ab exercise, keep both shoulders on the floor as you rotate your legs. If this means you can’t drop your legs all the way to the floor that’s fine. J You will still be working your core, and back.

I finished today’s workout with 15 minutes of jump roping, and 2 full sun salutations to stretch everything out. If you don’t know how to do a sun salutation check out my very first blog post/youtube video for instructions.

The workout today took me exactly 16 minutes to complete the advanced version of reps. If it takes you longer (or shorter!) don’t worry about it. As long as you are using proper form and pushing yourself you are getting a great full body, fat burning workout.

I just read an article that said the average Thanksgiving meal is over 3000 calories! So if you are in the USA be sure to amp up your workout intensity this week, and try to make healthy choices (say yes to those vegetables!)

Enjoy the workout, and have a happy holiday!

Melissa

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

Warm Up: 2 minute Cardio Burst (high knees, jump rope, or 2 full sun salutations)

1. Sumo pushups

2. Plié jumps

3. Rock the boat twist

4. Double Mountain Climber

5. Bridge Series (right)

6. Bridge Series (left)

7. Surfer Jump

8. Side plank ab twist (right)

9. Side plank ab twist (left)

10. Jesse’s squat jumps

11. Pendulum Abs

12. Donkey Kicks

Beginner: 5 minute cardio burst

Intermediate: 10 minute cardio burst

Advanced: 15 minute cardio burst

Burn Fat Fast Workout

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Hello!

Cydney is back with us again today (Can you believe it’s been another week already?) I need to take a minute and sing her praises. Not only did she run 2 miles this morning. Today she bumped up from doing Beginner reps, to Intermediate! She is improving by leaps and bounds!

Again, many people are intimidated by these workouts, but you can do it! Even if you can’t start with 10 reps work your way up to it! You will improve if you make the commitment and stick to it.

More is at stake here than fitting into your skinny jeans (although that is a great goal too!) I am talking about improving your life. Making changes to live a fit lifestyle will help keep you healthy to enjoy whatever it is you love. Maybe that’s your kids, grandkids, playing hockey, reading books, or any hobbies you have. Keeping yourself healthy will help you to do those things for the rest of your life. Diabetes rates are rising at alarming rates. A common symptom of diabetes is vision problems. So yes, even your ability to read is impacted by your health.

The good news is you’re here reading this! So maybe you already started your fitness bender, or maybe you are just about to embark on your journey. I hope you’re here to stay. Your life is worth it.

Melissa

Burn Fat Fast Workout

Beginner: 10 reps of each exercise

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

1. Popup Punch

2. Jump Kick (right knee up)

3. Surfer ½ Burpee

4. Jump Kick (left knee up)

5. Rocking Monkey

6. Squat Knee Slaps

7. Kick Backs (right)

8. Kick Backs (left)

9. Get Ups (switching feet)

10. Back/Side lunge (right)

11. Back/Side Lunge (left)

Health Benefits of Jumping Rope

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If you are going to invest in one piece of equipment for your exercise program I highly recommend getting a jump rope.

Jump roping is a great cardiovascular, strength building exercise. U.S. Olympic Wrestler, Buddy Lee, has cited research saying that 10 minutes of jumping rope can be as effective as 30 minutes of jogging for improving cardiovascular health. It is a wonderful cross-training exercise that can be beneficial in a variety of sports.

It is also versatile. You can do normal jump roping, skipping, high knees, or low jack jump roping.

Jumping rope doesn’t just burn calories and improve the functioning of your cardiovascular system. It also helps with: hand/eye coordination, balance, strength, and bone density. It does all this while working your legs, ankles, calves, glutes, thighs, back, arms, abs, shoulders and chest.

If you are buying a jump rope you want to measure it by stepping on the center of the rope, and lifting it until the handles reach your shoulders. Also, use proper form when jumping. Your arms should go out from your body at a 45 degree angle, and you should turn the rope with your wrists. Take breaks as needed, and slowly work your way up to longer periods of endurance.

I think jump roping makes a wonderful warm-up and cool down. It can be done almost anywhere. I like it as an extra cardiovascular activity to add to running. I love that I can do it in my house, so the weather never impacts my decision to workout.

If you feel inspired you can add some jump roping before or after any of my workouts. So enjoy!

Melissa

10 Minute Awesome Ab Workout

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Hi Everyone,

Today’s workout is super short (only 10 minutes!) but it’s very intense. It consists of 10 different ab exercises. The trick is that you have a certain amount of time to hit your maximum number of reps. You get a 10 second break, and then you move to the next exercise. Keeping the breaks this short is what keeps the intensity of the workout so high.

If you enjoy this, you can use it 2-3 times per week to really amp up your core work. If you’re going to do this I suggest having a paper and pencil next to you to write down your number of reps during the 10 second rest period. This way you can compare and see your strength increasing every time you do it.

Also, this video is full length for the advanced version of the workout. So you can always play the video and go along with the exercises.

Enjoy,

Melissa

10 Minute Awesome Abs Workout

Beginner: 30 seconds work, 10 seconds rest

Intermediate: 40 seconds work, 10 seconds rest

Advanced: 50 seconds work, 10 second rest per exercise

1. Bicycle

2. Leg raise heel taps

3. Side twist

4. Side plank drop (right)

5. Side plank drop (left)

6. Bridge leg circle (right)

7. Bridge leg circle (left)

8. Tricep plank leg lifts

9. Hip lift

10. Mountain climber push ups

Why the number on the scale isn’t everything…

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Everyone always says “muscle weighs more than fat.” Well, 5 pounds=5 pounds no matter what. However, as you can see by the picture above 5 pounds of muscle takes up a LOT less space than 5 pounds of fat. This means two people can be the same height and weight, but look entirely different based on how much muscle they have.

If you read my post yesterday you also know how many more calories you burn throughout the day for each pound of muscle you add to your body. So if you’re working out and “gaining” weight chances are that you are actually gaining muscle. This is good, because for each pound of muscle you gain you are burning more calories throughout the day and decreasing your dimensions.

Some people drop weight dramatically as soon as they start working out. If you’re not one of those people I suggest recording your inches (waist, hips, thighs, arms) and tracking your progress that way. Working out and seeing no change in the scale can be disheartening, but it doesn’t mean you aren’t making progress. Just look at the picture above and remember why you want that tight lean muscle to tone your entire body.

Melissa

Super Sweet Sixteen workout Melissa Bender Fitness

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Hi Everyone,

It’s been a super productive day for us here in the Bender household. Jesse created today’s workout, and he did a great job! He put together a full body routine that will make you sweat, get your heart rate up, and burn body fat. It’s also a lot of fun!

If you follow me on Facebook you may have seen that I posted the following statistic: According to a study done by Tufts University for every additional pound of lean muscle mass on your body, you will burn about 35 to 50 additional calories per day. So if you know someone who is built a lot like you but seems to be able to eat a heck of a lot more without gaining weight you may have just figured out their secret.

The videos I post have exercises that are designed to build muscle while also stripping fat. These workouts will amp up your metabolism and keeps it going at a higher level throughout the day. Also, for each pound of muscle that you add you are burning all those extra calories. 3 pounds of muscle can equal up to 150 calories burned during the day while your body is at rest! Add to that the fact that you also burn even more during your workouts because muscles use more energy than fat, and you are seriously increasing your calorie burn.

Enjoy the workout, and try out some of the healthy recipes I posted!

Melissa

PS for a great vegetarian version of beef stew check out: www.arosewithoutthrons.blogspot.com

Super Sweet Sixteen Workout

1. Burpee Uppercut (10 reps)

2. Temple Tab Abs (tap right, tap left=1 rep)

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

3. Side Plank L-Lifts (left)

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

4. Side Plank L-Lifts (right)

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

5. Burpee Uppercut (10 reps)

6. Slow rolling abs

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

7. Alternating Leg lifts (right)

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

8. Alternating Leg Lifts (left)

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

9. Power Knee Ups (right)

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

10. Power Knee Ups (left)

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

11. Burpee Uppercuts (10 reps)

12. V-Leg/hip lift

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

13. Superman Crunch with Twist

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

14. 3 Kick Series (front kick, table kick, roundhouse=1 rep) (left)

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

15. 3 Kick Series (right)

Beginner: 10 reps

Intermediate: 15 reps

Advanced: 20 reps

16. Burpee Uppercut (10 reps)

Healthy Tartlet Recipe: Dessert, Appetizer, Delicious!

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Tartlets Make a Delicious and Healthy Snack!

Thanksgiving can be a hard time to make healthy choices! The celebration can cause anyone to err on the side of excess. This is one example of a healthy appetizer or dessert option. Instead of having a slice of every type of pie, why not make Tartlets so you can try several things without going overboard?

To make the shell you cut a refridgerated pie crust in 3-inch rounds. Loosely place the circles into mini muffin cups. Back at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Allow shells to cool before filling. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

You can fill these with anything that you want. In the picture above I filled some with Hummus and raw broccoli. Other appetizer options include:
1. A cherry tomato, fresh spinach, and and a light olive oil dressing.
2. Guacamole with fresh diced tomatos.
3. Shrimp with a dab of cocktail sauce.
4. Sliced red grapes, and diced baked chicken. (feta cheese also makes a nice addition).
5. Mix and match some of your favorite diced/sliced veggies.
6. Hummus and fresh veggies of your choice.

Dessert (or appetizer) options:
1. Plain or lowfat vanilla yogurt topped with fruit. In the picture above I used fresh sliced raspberries, diced green apples baked with cinnamon, and sliced red grapes. My husband prefered the vanilla yogurt, I liked the tartness the plain yogurt adds. I added sliced almonds to some of the tartlets as well.
2. Chocolate pudding topped with the fruit of your choice. (Each cup gets less than a teaspoon of chocolate pudding).
3. Lowfat cinnamon honey nut cream cheese with fresh sliced red grapes.
4. Sliced pear and pear preserves.
5. Mixed fresh fruit.
6. Take whatever large pie fillings you normally use, and offer bite sized versions of your holiday favorites. This can allow people to sample without going overboard.

I got this idea from Better Homes and Garden’s magazine, and modified it with some of my own ideas. If you have any recipes to share be sure to leave a comment below!

Melissa

Seated Office Yoga to Sustain Health

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Hi Everyone,

The video I am sharing today is a seated yoga routine that is great to use at the office. I created this video for a project at school, because it is something people from any walk of life can benefit from. My group’s project was called “Fit to Engage in Occupation.” What this means is staying fit throughout your life so you can continue to do all the things you want and need to do. Yoga and exercise are two great preventative tools. They prevent you from getting a lot of injuries and illnesses that result from unhealthy lifestyles.

If you’ve already suffered health problems it’s even more important to take steps to improve your health.

This routine is great for your back, neck and shoulders. It will help your posture, alignment, blood flow, and even assist in preventing tension headaches. It is a great tool to help relieve back pain. Enjoy, and remember, there is a lot more to fitness than just exercise. The healthy choices you make throughout your day, whether they be nutrition, using good body mechanics, or taking time to de-stress will all help create the healthy lifestyle we are seeking.

Good luck,

Melissa

Hard Body Home workout Melissa Bender Fitness

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Hi Everyone,

I was exhausted today, but I pushed myself to get in a good workout. It’s been one of those weeks where it feels like the world is conspiring against all of my plans. We are one day closer to the weekend now, and I have been pushing through it. So, please excuse my tired appearance in the video.

Someone shared a delicious, healthy recipe for cheesecake with me. I am going to try it out to make sure it’s tasty before I share it with you guys. J

As the holiday’s approach I think it’s especially important to have healthy items that seem indulgent. I make healthy tartlets that are a great alternative to sugar laden pies and desserts. I made some last night so later today I will take pictures, and share the recipe.

Also, this weekend we will be ramping up the cardio aspect of my workouts. So if you’re following along be prepared! Let’s work together to prevent any holiday weight gain before it even starts!

Melissa

Hard Body Home Workout

Warm up: 5 minutes jumping rope, high knees, burpees, sun salutations or mountain climbers. You can even mix and match if you want. Make sure you get your heart pumping and your metabolism revved up before you get into the workout. This will maximize your calorie burn throughout.

Reps: This applies to all, except the one legged squat/pistol, which is listed below.

Beginner: 15 reps

Intermediate: 20 reps

Advanced: 25 reps

1. Jump Lunge

2. Up/Down Dog

3. Squatting Warrior III

4. Pistol/One leg squat (right)

Beginner: 2 reps per leg

Intermediate: 5 reps per leg

Advanced: 10 reps per leg

5. Pistol/One leg squat (left)

6. Jumping Push-ups

7. Side Plank Drop (right)

8. Side Plank Drop (left)

9. Hopping Lunges (right)

10. Hopping Lunges (left)

11. Full Boat Pose

12. Scissor Abs

13. Superman Lift

14. Plank Walks