As a fitness blogger and trainer, I’m witness to more body hate than the average person.
People come to me with their ‘flaws’ on their sleeves asking for help for their ‘trouble’ zones, weight loss tips, to get rid of muffin tops & cellulite etc. Initially I prescribed exercise and diet regimens, assuming that once their ‘flaws’ were fixed, they’d be happier (as did they). But there was always something else not to like. Something else that wasn’t perfect. Because of course, none of us are perfect. No matter how much weight they lost or how toned they got, they never seemed to measure up to the image of perfection in their heads.
And that’s when it hit me. What people wanted was not really flat abs, slim thighs or weight loss. They simply wanted to be rid of the insecurity they felt. And that wasn’t something they could fix by only changing their bodies.
I asked my Facebook fans to help me plan my circuit today…
I think they’re trying to kill me. :)
Combined Insanity, Body Rock, Tabata, P90X and TRX, with some bonus basics for good measure. This is gonna be CRAZY intense, but I’m game!
What’s your workout today?
Laurel’s new book is OUT y’all! Pick up your copy today!
To celebrate, thought I’d compile a list of my top 7 FAVORITE Quickie Chick workouts in bed! Though I’m a little more intense these days (and the way I train is VERY different) I still use some of these moves occasionally, especially in the morning before I get out of bed. I just love how creative she is and I’ve recommended a few of these exercises to friends who have injuries, are just starting out or who need a dose of fun, fitness motivation.
Admittedly, some of these may look silly, but trust me: they’re effective, fun, fast ways to either wake up a little faster, squeeze in a mini-workout while still in your PJ’s and get closer to your goals without leaving the house.
From Better Sex to Perky Boobs to The Ugliest Workout You’ll Ever Do, here are my top 7 picks for the best Quickies in bed.
Morning workout. Thanks again @fitvillains! #fitfluential instagr.am/p/LP3oVmGL8i/
— Tara Sabo (@ADailyDoseOfFit) May 30, 2012
Love this! Awesome Tara!
The circuit above is my Beast Unleashed 1000 Rep Challenge. It’s tough stuff, but ANYONE can do it! Just choose the right modification for your level: Unleash The BEAST 2: BEAST UNLEASHED! 1000 Reps Total Body Terror
Eiffel Tower Planks!
My bootcamp girls busted out 3 sets of these last night. (3 x one minute rounds with weighted crunch passes in between: we’re gonna be sore today!). If you have a workout buddy, these are a lot of fun to throw into a circuit. :)
How to do it
Face your partner, head to head, in plank position, leaving about 2 feet (or just under arms length) distance between you. Keeping your plank strong and trying not to sway, lift one hand up and high five each other (opposite hands). Try to aim for higher than your head, and get a good rhythm going.
Clap overhead, down low, off to the side, etc. beginners can try this from the knees too. **If you’re partnerless, try it against a wall! **
Advanced: In the pic, the girls are doing a plank walk: down onto the forearms, then onto the hands, then the high five and repeat.
Read my answer (and optional strength circuit) here!
http://fitvillains.tumblr.com/post/17502361025/am-i-supposed-to-break-a-sweat-when-strength-training
In case you were wondering! (And as hilarious as it is, MANY of you seem to think we poop it out. Not so!)
Click on the title for deets on how calories are burned & stored!
Yogi Yoga. :)
Did you tackle the BEAST yet?
Try it today! Details & modifications here: http://fitvillains.tumblr.com/post/23555325544/unleash-the-beast-2-beast-unleashed-1000-reps-of
Myth: body love is something that comes as a direct result of body change. The only way to love your body is to change what you hate about it. When you have the body you see in your head, you’ll stop feeling insecure, stop feeling bad about yourself, and stop comparing yourself to others.
False. False. FALSE.
Truth time: Loving your body isn’t a process that requires changing the physical. It’s ALL about a change in attitude.
Body love isn’t all or nothing: getting to a place of peace with your body doesn’t happen overnight, nor should body peace/love imply that you’ll never have negative thoughts, not so hot moments or unwavering confidence. Body love is a process, a journey and a progression. It’s something that you invest in, work on and try to get better at with time.
Happy Baby = Happy Chichi!
My all time favorite yoga pose! What’s yours?
WARNING: BRUTAL metabolic meltdown coming through!
This workout will leave you dripping with sweat and you’ll need to dig DEEP to finish all 4 rounds. It’s a SERIOUS challenge: make sure to modify for your level. It’s ALL bodyweight, no equipment required! You can kill this anywhere and with anyone.
I really LOVED this workout, and so did my bootcampers! Give it a try, but be prepared to SWEAT! Take breaks when you need to, and hydrate throughout.
9 exercises. 1000 reps. INTENSE. CRAZY. AMAZING.
How To Do It
Who’s excited for London! I am! I am!
RUN sculpture for the 2012 London Olympics by Monica Bonvicini
(via mirrorperfections)
Tricep Toner: Side Lying Tricep Lift
Michelle Obama: First Lady Of Fitness
Football drills, tennis, biking, running, cycling, dancing, running drills with the cast of The Biggest Loser, and rocking pushups with Ellen Degeneres AND Desmond Tutu…. Michelle Obama certainly walks the walk. And she keeps things fresh by trying new things and mixing up her workouts.
Getting outside, playing a sport, trying a new class, going for a hike etc.: try to vary your workouts from time to time. It helps stave off boredom, will improve your overall fitness and you might discover new favorites. When’s the last time you tried something new? :)
Click above for a short gallery of the First Lady getting her ‘fit’ on & mixing it up!
