12.31.2013

Top 6 Workout Moves

Happy last day of 2013 (can you believe it?), everyone!

This past year has honestly been one of the best years of my life. Sure, there were normal ups and downs just like most of us experience, but as a whole looking back I know that this is one of those years that I will look back, remember, and have a huge smile on my face. If you've been following along for a bit, you'd know I love my trips. They were definitely a highlight this year and I hope to continue much more of that in 2014, but what takes the cake and is the most important to me is that feeling of contentment and true happiness in my everyday life. 

It's easy to be happy when you are on vacation tanning in the sun with your favorite cocktail in hand (not that I'm wishing I were doing that right now or anything since it's 20 degrees out, snowing, and putting on a sequin skirt tonight sounds less than appealing...), but being happy to me is what I like to call, "showing up with a smile everyday". Cheesy, I know, but it's about finding joy in the little things and not just when the timing is right for you. I've really tried working on that this past year.

I'm getting to the point of this post eventually, I promise. :) Another huge contributor when looking back at this year with such positive thoughts has been my health and fitness. I have been at my fittest and healthiest this year, by far. I cut out gluten, dairy (with exceptions here and there obviously), and took up spin class once a week along with my normal workouts for the majority of the past year. I have never felt better, honestly. Spin class is my exercise saving grace. I mean, it must be good if I'm singing it's praises after averaging nearly 16 miles each class and walking out drenched in sweat. That's saying something, right? If you want to burn a lot of calories quickly and get your legs, abs, and butt into shape...start taking spin.

I also started focusing more on strength training than I have in the past. Each time I go to the gym, I head to one of the empty studio's where I can do exercises on my own and get down to it...

workout moves gym fitness top workout exercises

These are the moves (keeping it basic today) that you will find me doing and focusing most of my time on if you were to see me at the gym. I always start out by warming up with 50-100 jumping jacks and then I get into these 6 exercises. No breaks-just running through them straight through, one after the other.

For the squats and lunges (forward and backward), do them with weights (start out low if you want-even 5 lbs). I typically use a 15 lb bar behind my head for these. Earlier in the year, I started low and did maybe 30 squats and 30 lunges, but nowadays I typically try to do at least 60-70 squats and 40-50 lunges. Work those legs and booties, girls.

I try to do at least 20 push ups (real ones-none of this knee stuff) per workout. Some days I will do more and other days I will do less. If you start and can only complete 2 or 3 real ones, that's OK just work your way up. As for the sit ups, this is probably one of my stronger areas. Have I mentioned I can beat Billy any day of the week when it comes to sit ups? (and make sure not to brag at all to him about this..) On an average day I do around 45-50 sit ups. Planks-hold them for a minute. Do 3 sets. I will also do side crunches and regular crunches just to work my abs a little bit more.

If you make these moves a part of your exercise routine, you will notice a difference and you will feel stronger.

Speaking of working that booty, who saw the preview for Toned Up last night?

If you want to get some fitness motivation for the new year, watch the first episode this Thursday on Bravo! I hope this answers some questions about what my workout routine looks like. If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me. Be safe tonight everyone!

13 comments

  1. Planks are my absolute favorite they are such an amazing total body workout! I have it saved on my DVR can't wait to watch it!

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  2. I am so excited to watch Toned Up this week! Planks are my favorite core exercise by far! What website or application did you use to make your list? Hope you have a great new years eve!

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  3. Toned up was so good last night!! Those girls are pretty amazing and its phenomenal what they have built in such a short time!!

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  4. I'm so obsessed with spinning these days! I started back in March with 1 class every other week and now go 3-4 times per week. I got spinning shoes with clips for Christmas and they're a total game changer. Thanks for the strength moves, incorporating strength training into my workouts is my 2014 goal. I hope you have a great NYE!

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  5. I had NOT seen the previews for that show, but totally going to look it up! I am somewhat dreading the gym for the next few weeks...is that awful? I just hate how packed it gets!

    Love the workout moves and the fact you don't have to be a gym member to do them.

    Happy last day of the year to you and I hope 2014 rocks :)

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  6. I am also trying to find the happy in everyday and that is one of my main goals for 2014. I used to do spin 2 times a week and I LOVED it and I really need to get back into it, thanks so much for your fitness tips! Happy New Year!!

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  7. I am really trying my best to make 2014 my year to get fit! I was wondering, what is your cardio routine like? Also, do you use any weight machines in the gym? And do you do this routine on cardio days as well or every other day, etc? Sorry for all the questions! I just want to make sure I'm starting with the most effective pattern so I'm not wasting any time! You look amazing, so you must be doing something right!

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  8. I am so excited for Tone It Up, and actually signed up for their Love Your Body Fitness Challenge. My goal is to do something every day, even if it is just 5 mins of crunches or lunges or something. I like your list of top 6 moves as most of the moves are something that I can do almost anywhere to fit it in. Can't wait to hear more about your fitness and nutrition tips this year. And if you have any good gluten/dairy free recipes to share, I've been 99% gluten/dairy free for over a year now, and am always looking for new recipes to try.

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  9. My dermatologist has recommended I cut out gluten but it seems overwhelming and I dont know where to start. Is there a book/website/etc you used as a guide?

    Thanks!

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  10. I hear ya on the real pushups! There is no other move I do that makes me feel as strong and I love how quickly you get toned if you do them regularly. Love, love, love all your workout gear faves, those printed Nikes are out of control.

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