Fittbottomed Girl's 12 Days of Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone.

As I stayed in bed as long as I could this morning, I decided what better way to celebrate a day off then to workout. Today's workout was based around the 12 days of Christmas. I messed it up the first 3 rounds but then I got it right. So what you want to do is the 1st exercise once... then the 1st exercise and the 2nd exercise.... and so on.

Heres what you'll need/I used:

Squat Press: I used a 24 lb. body bar but you could use dumbbells or even a loaded barbell

Renegade Rows: Dumbbells I used 15 lb.

Chest Press: I used the flat bench for this but you could always use dumbbells and a stability ball
Deadlifts: I used a barbell but these can be done with bodybars or dumbbells too!
KB Swings: I used a 20 lb. kettle bell
Box Jumps: Find steps to do these on or you can use a flat bench, I used a 12.5 inch box
Pull-Ups: Assisted unless you're feeling extra strong
Leg Press: If you don't have access to a leg press machine do Goblet Squats instead

You want to rest as little as possible. I grabbed water twice and almost puked once but managed to complete the workout in under 30 minutes. I probably could have done much better but I kept messing up in the beginning. Here's my before and after picture. I even made a nice sweat angel!! 

xoxo,

Planks on Planks on Planks

After discussing what our next challenge should be with my partner in crime, Lindsay, we agreed on doing a plank challenge and incorporating push-ups in there as well. The plank is the best exercise to strengthen your core, which is a huge aspect of being able to do a handstand. Your core is a complex series of muscles that include your entire body, minus your legs, head and arms.

There are tons of plank variations that challenge all the major muscle groups. By strengthening these muscles you will not only become stronger but help prevent injury. Planks require no equipment, machines and you don't have to be in exercise attire to perform one. This means you have no excuse to not participate in this challenge with us!

Push ups also help strengthen your abs, along with building lean arms and shoulders. Push-ups are also excuse free as they do not require equipment either. I'm currently developing the challenge and will be posting more information after Christmas. I hope that each of you give this challenge a try. You have no excuse not to!

xoxo,

A Year In Review

As 2013 is winding down, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting. This past year has definitely been a roller coaster ride. I HATE roller coasters. The feeling of falling is not one I enjoy and I’ve never been so excited to get off this ride. I started off the year with The Whole 30 challenge. Killed it. Got lean. Got stronger. Then came the morning I lost my car. I’ll never forget it. Walking to the metro at 4:45 AM in the snow is something I hope I never have to do again. But like I always say, things could always be worse. I took my situation and made the best of it. Since many aspects of my life were out of my control, I took control of the things I could. I decided to get in even better shape and became certified to instruct Group Exercise.

I spent my weekends running around the city making memories with my best friend, Emily. This year I was able to experience amazing live music by a very diverse group of artists. Carl Cox, unfortunately, was not one of them. When we were not getting our groove on at music festivals or sharing stories over brunch, we visited the shore. Besides the 7^thannual Island Party, my favorite summer shore memory was when we went out on Conrad’s boat and a tidal wave came out of nowhere.

This year I gained many amazing friends. One I’d like to shout out personally is Andi. The few months we lived together were so much fun. Andi and I both share a passion for health and wellness. If you haven’t checked out her blog, do so! She shares delicious recipes and workouts.

As summer ended, I had to make one of the toughest decisions I have thus far. I decided that I had to move back in with my parents. With the roller coaster ride that was my life not slowing down, I packed up my things and headed back to the good ol’ shore. Of course, the first three weeks were terrible with my dad being sick and being furloughed but once again, I made the best of it. The government has re-opened and my dad’s doing much better.

This fall was very exciting from getting to see my girls from college; finding out my cousin is pregnant to turning the big 2-5! My girlfriends from college and I finally found a weekend where we could all get together. We all met up in New Jersey and spent the weekend catching up and reminiscing about the good ol’ days. We even worked out! I took them through a boot camp that had them thinking of me for the entire week I’m sure. Finding out my cousin is going to be having a baby in May has got this anti-child fit bottomed girl chomping at the bit to buy cute onesies! And turning 25… pshhhh ain’t nothing but a thang! Totally in my prime! Hahah ok enough of that… I’ve been 25 for a month and on most nights I’m in bed by 8:45.

So this roller coaster ride is coming to an end and I have high hopes for 2014… meaning it’s time to set some goals. First thing on my list is learn how to do a handstand. Which means I’m definitely going to need to build my upper body strength. A returning goal for the 3^rd year is to become more flexible. This will help with my handstand mission. Looking back on 2013, I realize I didn’t even capture half of the moments I shared, therefore in 2014 I will take more pictures. Since I’m already registered for the St. Michaels running festival, I might as well add run more to the list. Let’s change that to run more often. OHHH actually the first thing that should be on my 2014 goals is to BLOG MORE! I wasn’t very good at posting weekly this year… so that’s something I’ll definitely work on as long as you long as you guys keep reading.

xoxo,