Showing posts with label ToneItUp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ToneItUp. Show all posts

Friday, March 29, 2013

Run, Chest, & Abs Interval

The other morning, I came up with this great running plus chest & abs workout.  Recently, we bought a new treadmill and I love using it for my morning workout!  However, I'm not going to lie, I get a little bored just running on it for 30 minutes straight.  So, I'm starting to come up with new creative workouts on/off the treadmill. 
 
It took exactly 25 minutes to complete, which is perfect for a 5:30 am workout before work!
 

I usually do push-ups so I was surprised to see how sore I was after this workout.  Hope you enjoy and let me know how you like it!

Friday, March 1, 2013

Healthy Ice Cream?

So...we've all had those days where we really want something sweet after dinner but don't want to completely ruin our diets?  I think I found the answer!

And all you need is a blender, frozen bananas, peanut butter, dash of almond milk, and protein power (optional).  I added a few other ingredients but feel free to make it your own...

Source | Pinterest

Frozen Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Ingredients
1 large frozen banana
1 scoop of protein powder (I use Perfect Fit)
2 Tbsp PB2* (or 2 Tbsp of organic peanut butter)
1/4 cup Almond Milk
1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Blend all ingredients together.  You may need to add more or less almond milk, depending on how thick you would like your ice cream.  Place in freezer for 5-30 minutes.  Top off with a few dark chocolate or peanut butter chips!

Enjoy!

*PB2 is great in smoothies and ice cream....and less calories!  (about 45 calories per serving, compared to 150 plus for most peanut butters!)

Monday, February 11, 2013

HIIT Challenges

I loved Self Magazine's April 2012 Drop 10 workouts.  I searched all over their website and couldn't find the 10 week HIIT workouts.  Sure enough, since I love anything ToneItUP, I saved the 2012 magazine so now I have the workouts again!
 
Self Magagine's Drop 10 - 10 Week HIIT Challenege (April 2012)

Week 1

Calorie Sizzler: Spring for 8 seconds.  On a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is the effort it takes to run water and 10 is the effort it takes to run a race, aim for 8.  Recover for 12 seconds at level 5.  Repeat for 15 minutes.  That's one workout down.

Inches Eraser:  Take care of business with this 27-minute quickie.  Sprint your patootie off at level 8 for 90 seconds.  Then back off for 3 minutes at level 4 while you contemplate your awesomeness.  Repeat 6 times total before cooling down.  Oh, yeah!

Downsizing Duet:  Around a track, on the elliptical, in the mall, wherever the heck you happen to be, move 2 miles at a level 6 (One calorie-crushing caveat: If your on a bike, which makes it less difficult to cover serious territory, triple the distince.)

Week 2

Belly Slimmer: Bust a move at level 10 for 8 seconds.  Sure, it's tough, but you know you can do anything for a mere 8 seconds!  Then rest up for 12 seconds at easy-peasy level 4 to catch your breath.  Repeat the intervals for 20 minutes

Sexy Sixer:  Your mission while you sweat for the next 24 minutes: Picture how foxy you'll look in a two-pieve.  Got the image?  Chase it!  Sprint for 60 seconds (level 9); slow down (level 4) for 3 minutes.  Repeat 6 times total.  Thank us later.

Double Play:  Last week, you knocked out a 2-miler.  This week, add a half-mile victory lap to your workout by stretching it to 2.5 miles.  Stay at level 6 the entire time to help you train your body to burn gluclose for energy, rather than store it as fat.

Week 3

Middle Whittler:  You know those rock-your-socks-off intervals you did in Workout 1 of Week 2?  Do 'em again, but add resistance (hit hills, carry small weights, up the incline), so your 8-second sprints are at level 10 and 12-second recoveries are at level 6.

Engine Revver:  On tap today: your longest sprints yet, but you don't have to push your limits.  Do 2 minutes at level 7; recover for 2 minutes at nice-and-easy level 4.  Repeat 6 times total.  You'll be done in less time than it takes you to watch an episode of 30 Rock. 

High-Fiver:  Do a one-woman 5K (3.1 miles).  Power-walk, jog, skip, Rollerblade, crawl, waltz, whatever.  Even though there won't be a crowd cheering you across the imaginary finish line, raise both hands over your head and feel victorious.

Week 4

Pound Pounder:  Do intervals for 20 minutes: 8 seconds at all-out level 10; 12 seconds at moderate level 6.  Side-shuffle, pedal backward or stand up in the saddle to mix up your catch-your-breath stretches.  Peace out, pudge!

Plateau Buster:  Do intervals for 40 minutes: 3 minutes at level 7; 2 minutes at level 4.  Repeat 8 times total.  Kick those intervals' butt!

Slow Slimmer: Cover 5 miles your way today.  That's it.  This will be a walk in the park compared with your last interval workout.  No, really, it could literally be a walk in the park.  Your only mandate: Put the fun in fitness.

Week 5

Fat Fryer: Do intervals for 10 minutes: 8 seconds at moderate level 7; 12 seconds at no-sweat level 4.  Then up your sprint to level 10 and your recovery to level 6 for 10 sweaty minutes.  Push your limits and you'll have none.

Flab Fighter: This is your last HIIT workout, so make it count.  Sprint for 2 minutes at level 8; recover for 2 minutes at level 5.  Repeat 10 times total.  Now show that tape measure who's boss.

Perfect 10: Do a 10K.  (That's 6.2 miles.)  Done your workouts to date?  You're so ready.  Keep a steady pace and as you finish, think about how far you've come.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

PV Body

I wanted to try something new to motivate me to workout.  I don't know about you, but new clothes is definitely one way to do it!  Plus, I realized I am slacking on the cold weather running gear.  So, PV Body, here I come!

I'm not going to lie, it was difficult signing up because their website wasn't working correctly on Black Friday.  I reached out to customer service but didn't hear a response.  However, I was determined and tried again on Cyber Monday.  Again, I was having issues with the website, but after a few minutes...success!

Here is my first PV Body delivery.  I love it!

A cute tank by Nux - great fabric! And the pants are perfect for running in the cold.


After washing (hung to dry), I took these new babies out for a run.  I love the pants so much - they kept me perfectly warm (35 degrees outside) and I didn't have to tug at the waist to keep them up throughout the run.

And I must say, I am very "neutral" in every aspect of my life except workout clothes.  So, I've updated my style profile to include bold colors. 

I am loving my new monthly subscription to PV Body!  I can't wait to see what comes to my door next month!

UPDATE: PV Body (now Ellie) is horrible!  Sarah Fit explains everything perfectly here in her post.  After trying to talk myself into sticking with the company, I've decided it's best we go our separate ways!  No longer a PV Body (ellie.com) member! 

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Kale Chips

Lately, it seems that everyone is talking about Kale!  I am not so much a fan of kale in my salads because, honestly, I don't really enjoy the consistency or taste of it. 

Although, Kale has tons of antioxidants and helps lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, especially when kale is cooked instead of raw.  So I can't get away from it that easily!  Instead of salads, I make Kale Chips!

Ryan and I biked to our local farmer's market last weekend and I picked up a fresh head of kale.  So for our dinner appetizer, I made us some Kale Chips.

My favorite seasonings, I add to everything:
Olive oil spray, Garlic Power, BRAGG Organic Sprinkle & Sea Salt
Ingredients

A handful (or more) of kale leaves
Olive Oil spray
Seasonings of your choice

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Wash kale leaves and let dry.  Spread leaves on a flat metal tray. Spray with Olive Oil Spray.  Sprinkle seasonings (I use garlic power, BRAGG seasoning and sea salt).  Bake for 15 minutes or until leaves are golden brown.  



Enjoy!

Friday, August 24, 2012

PB Protein Smoothie with Chia Seeds

Good morning!

One of my first (and favorite) ToneItUp recipes I found online was their Peanut Butter Protein Shake!  It tastes like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.  I've made a few modifications to their recipe and wanted to share....
 
 

Ingredients

1/2 cup Almond Milk
1 pack of Perfect Fit Vanilla Protein Powder (or 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder)
1/2 Banana
1 Tbsp Peanut Butter
1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
1 Tbsp Flaxseed (optional)
1 handful of ice

Directions

In a blender, add banana, protein powder, almond milk, peanut butter, flaxseed, 1 TBSP chia seeds, and ice.  Blend until runs smooth (may need to add slightly more almond milk).

Pour in a glass and top with the remaining chia seeds.

Enjoy!

Friday, May 4, 2012

Week 3 TIU Bikini Challenge / 5 Day Slimdown

It's already week 3 of the Bikini Challenge?  Time flies!

This week will be challenging - my co-worker and I have decided to do the 5 Day Slimdown together.  This will be my first "Slimdown" and I'm super excited!


Ready for day 1 of the Slimdown on Monday!

Sunday Runday: HIIT BCWO ~2 miles total


Monday's Challenge: HIIT the Beach for BCWO

Tuesday's Challenge: HIIT the Beach for BCWO + PM: 20 minute shoulder workout and Bikini Abs



Wednesday's Challege: HIIT the Beach for BCWO + PM: Bi and Tri workout from http://www.fitsugar.com/
Thursday's Challenge: HIIT the Beach BCWO + PM chest & back workout

Friday's Challenge: HIIT the Beach + Bikini Abs for BCWO


As you can see, I love the new ToneItUp Beach Babe DVD - especially HIIT the Beach!  I had so much fun this week and felt motivated to eat clean  at work - no matter what daily chaos came my way, I did not cave in to eating the chocolate (as usual!) :) 

Breakfast: Protein Pancake + Meta D, Lunch: Salmon Salad, Dinner: Crab cake & Salad. 
Plus a little love note :)


.....And the results are IN - I lost 5 pounds and 2.75 inches!!



Monday, April 23, 2012

Week 1 TIU Bikini Challenge!

I am so excited for the 2012 ToneItUp Bikini Challenge!  I found K&K in Self Magazine last year during the 2011 Bikini Challenge and I've been hooked ever since!  It could not have come at a more perfect time - I promised myself I am truly sticking with every single challenge and sticking to the nutrition plan for 8 weeks. You can do anything for 8 weeks! I cannot wait to see the progress.....hard work truly does pay off!

Sunday: Week 1 Measurements

 
Monday's Challenge: Create a "Vision Board" - this is my motivation!
Tuesday's challenge was the Under the Sea Workout - did that and walked to Whole Foods :)

Wednesday's Challenge: HIIT Treadmill workout - total 3.4 miles

Thursday's Challenge: 2011 Bikini Strap Workout & HYDRATE!
Friday: completed BCWO before work (5 days in a row!)

Saturday: Ran 6 miles on Rock Creek Trail

This week felt great!  The weather was nice which motivated me to stay active after work.  I took measurements and weighed myself and I'm so happy with week one results!  Lost 5 pounds and several inches already!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Shredmill Workout

It is amazing what a good workout can do!  I was dragging most of the day but forced myself to the gym to do Tone It Up's Shredmill workout along with a full body workout.  The rest of the night I was full of energy! 

This workout is one of my favorites - it takes about 40 minutes (depending on your running speed) and I usually run about 3 miles. 

Hope you enjoy! :)

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

You Will Never Regret a Workout!

Repeat after me, "I will never regret a workout!" 

In fact, I only have regrets when I MISS a workout. Working out, whether it is 10 minutes or 2 hours, I find it definitely boosts the mood. This Tone It Up team has been an amazing inspiration!  For 20 days now, I have started eating better (more protein, less carbs, zero ice cream!) and doing the 30 minute morning workouts (A.K.A - "Booty Call") and I have already lost 5 pounds!

Here's my Tuesday Workout - Lean Arm Pyramid Workout, Itty Bitty Bikini Workout (Abs) and BodyStep class after work.

Tone It Up Lean Arm Pyramid Workout:
  • 10 push ups
  • 20 dips
  • 30 bicep curls
  • 40 hold plank
  • 50 Tone It Up Tummy Tucks
  • 40 hold plan
  • 30 bicep curls
  • 20 dips
  • 10 push ups

and the Ab workout below:


Hope you enjoy!

*Visit www.toneitup.com

Friday, June 3, 2011

"The time is always right to do the right thing" - MLK

“Imagination gives you the picture. Vision gives you the impulse to make the picture your own.” - Robert Collier

Why a vision board? It helps you set your intention and goals – both long and short term.  It also keeps you accountable and focused!

What is a vision board?  Basically it’s a simple poster or bulletin board filled with a collage of images, words and pictures of what goals you have in life.  You can draw the images, tear photos from magazines or find Google images.  For example, I filled my board with words that are related to actions that will make my goals successful, become a better friend or daughter, images of places I'd like to travel or adventures we want to tackle and quotes that encourage healthy happy living.

Your vision and dreams are endless and it’s up to you!  Grab a board and start collecting photos, phrases and items that represent your goals.  Once you’ve created the board, place it somewhere you spend a lot of time, so you remain aware and reminded throughout the day of your goals. 

Build your own, like mine above...it's fun!

Tone It Up!


I was reading Self Magazine and there was an article featuring http://www.toneitup.com/.  These two ladies (Katrina Hodgson & Karena Dawn) have so much motivation & energy - they make the healthy lifestyle actually look fun! 

I will definitely keep up with their inspirational website!

Check out one of their workouts:
  • 20 jumping jacks
  • 10 Burpees
  • 20 lunges
  • 5 minute jog
  • 10 push-ups
  • 10 dips
  • 20 lunges
  • 5 minute jog
  • 20 second plank on hands
  • 20 tummy tucks
  • 5 minute jog
  • 20 bicycle crunches