Category: The Best Workout

How To Perform A “V” Squat

Most people only have so much time that they can or want to dedicate to their strength training routine. That is why I like simple, yet effective, exercises that you can perform anytime and anywhere. The “V” Squat is exactly that. It is simple to do and requires zero equipment. Plus, it works your legs while challenging your core. Bonus!

In the video below I demonstrate how to perform the V Squat. The video is under two minutes and whether you are a beginner or a more advanced exerciser, this move is sure to help you tone and strengthen your muscles. Enjoy the video and have a great week!

Shared with love,

Jennifer

 

Strengthen Your Core With This Nontraditional Move

I believe it’s a good idea to spice up your exercise routine from time to time.  Health and fitness is constantly evolving.  Especially when it comes to functional fitness and training your core.  Traditional exercises like sit-ups and crunches have their place in a fitness routine, but they only offer so much when it comes to training your core.

Since most of your daily activities are performed in an upright position, performing core exercises while standing can be a more effective way to build overall strength, tone your muscles, and improve functional fitness.  That doesn’t mean floor work is wrong or not worth your time, it simply means it’s a good idea to add some standing core work to your routine.

In today’s video I share a nontraditional standing exercise that will help to tone and strengthen your core. It can also help improve balance and coordination.  That’s a lot of great exercise in a short amount of time!

Take a moment to watch the short video below. It’s a great exercise and I’m super excited to share it with you.

Enjoy!

P.S. Disclaimer: The content in this video is not intended to replace any exercises prescribed to you by a medical professional. It is recommended that you consult with a physician prior to starting any new exercise routines. Other than that, have a blast!

How To Find Exercise You Like

Is exercise guilt haunting you?

Find it hard to motivate yourself to stick to your routine? Or, maybe you are feeling guilty about blowing off your workout for another activity you enjoy more. If you are struggling with your exercise routine, maybe it’s not right for you.

There are many ways to exercise. Unfortunately, formal and more restrictive workouts have been promoted as the way to get the fittest, healthiest, and best looking body.

This couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Have you ever noticed how fit most surfers, horseback riders, or hikers look? These are examples of people who use recreation to stay fit. They usually spend very little time on formal exercise — just enough strength training per week to keep them in top shape for what they truly enjoy — their sport!

Choosing activities that are more recreational in nature is really good for your body. Recreational activities tend to move the body in more natural ways than some of the more formal “workouts” in the gym. Moving your body in a sport-like manner serves the purpose of improving function in your every day lifestyle activities.

So, while you are having fun and burning calories, you are actually improving your functional fitness as well.  Functional fitness is really important because it trains your body for “real life” situations.

Find exercise you like — the best exercise for you!

1) Ask yourself what you  enjoy. What do you like to do that’s physical? Give YOUR answer. Avoid saying what you think your friends or personal trainer wants to hear. It’s usually something you either did in the past or have a desire to try. I’ve had clients tell me everything from paint ball to line dancing. The most important thing is finding something physically active you will do consistently.

2)  What do you REALLY want? So often we let the media influence us to think we should look like the model on the cover of a magazine. Remember, they get paid for it. While most of us love our work, we all have a “chore” that we endure because it’s part of our job, or part of creating a better product. This is the same for celebrities. Many of them look at their formal workout as “part of the job.”

Copying another person’s life isn’t very motivating! Try different things and see what you gravitate towards. What exercise makes you feel the most energized? Evaluate anything that feels like a chore to see if it’s worth doing.

3)  Just go for it! The most important thing is that you get moving. No matter what you choose, if you know you can stick to it than it is the right exercise for you. The ideal exercise program will feel more recreational in nature and less formal.

4)  Do not feel guilty! We all have that friend that does marathons or bike rides 100 miles. That’s great! They’re wired that way! Do NOT feel guilty that your idea of “working out”is a stroll around the waterfront and picking up a coffee. Focus on your own health and fitness goals and be a cheerleader for them. That type of intense activity is not for everyone.

It’s important to remember that it doesn’t matter what the latest and greatest workout fad promises. The best workout for you is the one you will actually do. Finding something you enjoy — or can at the very least stay consistent with is key.

I encourage you to get creative. Step outside the box and have some fun!

Have an exercise routine that you enjoy and would like to share? Please comment below! I enjoy hearing from you!

Blessings!

Jennifer