Weekly Workout

In my inbox this morning I received an email from Shape and Enviga inviting me to try out The Great Burn, which features articles, games, and videos to help us stay in shape. I went to the featured workout video and began to watch. It's about a 10 minute abdominal workout, which would be great to add to the end of your cardio workout every other day. It's super simple and a great beginner ab workout. The video features Cindy Whitmarsh using weights with most of the exercises, but you don't even have to use weights when beginning if you don't want to. Particularly on the side bends, you can lose the weights. Unless, of course, you want your obliques to resemble the instructor's. When you see the video, I'm sure you will be with me on this one. You will NOT want them to resemble hers! I'm sure you have all seen women with beautifully sculpted and sleek six-packs. These abs are not those abs. They look more like man's, in my opinion. But have no fear, your abs won't look like hers at the end of your ten minutes. I promise. There are a few of these exercises that I love in this video, including the side planks, which are more challenging. Also, the seated side twists are great and I use them quite a lot in my own classes. Just remember when doing these to try to lean half of the way back if you can. On these, you could hold one light weight if you wish.

This short, easy workout video (for free) can be found at this website:

http://www.shape.com/2008/enviga/videos.html

Other videos are downloadable for $3.99 at this website:

http://www.exercisetv.tv/whatshot/seriespremieres/player.php

Both websites have other articles and tips you can read up on. I like this idea, given by Jennifer Nicole Lee, who happens to be absolutely gorgeous, one of my favorite fitness model competitors, and a mother of two herself. She says to keep it fresh by adding challenges here and there. If you're running or walking outside look at cars as they pass. When a red car passes by, sprint for 10 seconds. If a black car passes, sprint for 20 seconds. A white car, 30 seconds. Or make up something similar on your own.

Congratulations to those of you who have been sticking to your workout and good eating habits these past few weeks. It's a wonderful feeling, isn't it? Keep it up and have a great week!