My Favorite Exercise, Hands Down!

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Some of My Favorite Things - Kitchen Style: Part I

When you're focused on living a healthy lifestyle, you tend to spend a good chunk of time in the kitchen. I know, I know. Womp. Womp. It's not the most exciting way to spend your days. But, lucky for you, I'm going to share with you some of my favorite kitchen tools that save you a few precious minutes, and make food prep a little more ... fun. That's right. Fun. Who says you can't be a food prepping machine and actually enjoy it? At least a little bit. In an attempt to save you some time (wink, wink), I've broken my list of favorite things into two posts. So, be sure to check back for part deux.

VIDEO: Glute Sculpting Circuit

I used to hate my butt. OK, I'll say it, my butt was flat. That's right, flat as a board. But then I found out that I wasn't doomed to a lifetime of feeling insecure every time I heard Sir Mix-A-Lot scream about his love for big round ones. I discovered strength training. And then I learned that not only can you become fit by adding some resistance to your workouts, but you can also sculpt some serious curves.

Haaay!

The increasing popularity with butt implants and injections is just ridiculous. I mean, don't get me wrong, do what you want. But what's wrong with putting in a little hard work to sculpt your own natural booty? After all, that is an area you actually do have control over.

I'm just saying.

This video showcases some of my favorite glute exercises that I'm doing right now. If you're looking to boost your backside, take control, and add this circuit into your workouts.

I recommend doing this routine 2-3 times a week for at least 30 days. Consistency is key. Nothing worth having comes easy. Keep at it.

Glute Sculpting Circuit

1. Leg Lifts with Extended Arm Plank, 20 reps on both legs
2. Leg lifts with Fire Hydrant, 20 reps on both legs
3. Resistance Band Kickbacks, 20 reps each leg

Do the circuit two times with little to no rest between exercises.

Workout Video: 5 Minute Shoulder Blast Circuit

Are you short on time, but want to hit your shoulders hard? Great, this workout is perfect for you. This circuit hits all three heads of the deltoid: anterior, medial and posterior. This gives you a complete shoulder workout. Since all exercises are done back to back, it's a great way to challenge your muscles in a different way.

 Give it a try!

 3 sets, 15 reps for each exercise.

Overhead press
Upright rows
Bent-arm laterals
Reverse flyes

Workout: 500 Reps Total Body Circuit

Are you ready for a challenge?

This workout consists of 10 exercises that you do for 50 reps for each. Perform the warm-up which adds on 150 reps to the workout, then do each of the exercises as quickly as you can while maintaining proper form.

Since this is a circuit, try not to rest too much between exercises -- aim for no more than 30 seconds. Now, because this routine is a bit tough, you might have to take small breaks in order to complete all 50 reps of each move -- that's fine.

Clock how long it takes you to get through the workout and use that as your starting point. Each time you do this routine, try to get through it in less time.

Warm-up 
Jumping jacks
Jumping rope
Alternating lunges with arm extension

Workout
Front squats with overhead press
Push-ups with rotation
Tire flips
Stiff-legged deadlifts with hammer curls
Bentover rows
Overhead tricep extensions
Stability ball knee tucks
Ab circles
Side leg lifts
Russian twists

How to Cut Pineapple

Until about a year ago, I used to avoid buying whole pineapples because I didn't know how to cut them. I know for a lot of people, cutting a pineapple is the easiest things to do -- but that wasn't the case for me.

Anytime I wanted to have some pineapple, I would just buy the packages that were already cut. Then one day, I was out grocery shopping with a friend and she picked up a whole pineapple, like it was no big deal.

It got me thinking, "Hey, wait a minute. I need to figure this out." So, I bought my first whole pineapple. My friend told me how she picks them and cuts it. I got home and did a little research of my own, via YouTube (gotta love the internet) and found all kinds of pineapple demos.

So, if you're like I was and avoid pineapples because the thought of cutting them up is a little intimidating, this video is for you! Check it out.

Preparation tip: after slicing, cut into cubes or keep as slices. Be aware of the core -- you might want to remove that or cut around it. You could eat it, but it's hard and bitter.

Morning Mini Blast Workout

Good morning!

After a couple of suggestions about adding videos, I decided to start adding video posts here to the blog. Here is my first one -- a mini workout that you can do to start off your day. It's quick, just 5 exercises, 10 reps each.

Jumping jacks
Jump squats
Push-ups
Alternating lunges
Mountain climbers

The goal with this workout is to kick-start your day. Sometimes a little boost of a mini workout will help you stay focused on your eating plan throughout the day and encourage you do a longer, more intense workout later. Check it out.

Have a great day!