Slept In.

First, let's just talk about how awesome this song is. Gangnam Style. Love it! Favorite song to work out to.  I almost break out into the horse gallop while running.

 

And watching my Talan dance to it...#1 new favorite thing.

So this morning I slept in a little longer than I planned. My alarm came too early, and my pillow was just too comfortable. I had wanted to get in a great 60 minute full body workout this morning. But that wasn't happening since I had about 30 minutes before kids were waking up and you all know that getting a "quality" workout with kids being awake, just doesn't happen. So, this morning, I improvised. 

And the best part was all I need were these two little beauties with a couple of circuits and I was able to get my muscles feeling like jello in no time.

Here's how it went.

1 mile run on TM

20 squats with bicep curls*

15 bent over back fly (on one leg)*

15 bent over back rows

1 minute jumping jacks*

(repeat 3x)

15 (each leg) front lunge with shoulder press*

20 alternating arm tricep skull crushers (laying on back, hips raise, extending one leg)*

20 tricep dips

1 minute plank mountain climbers*

(repeat 3x)

1 mile run

Done. 38 minutes. Start to Finish. Perfect!

So today I wanted to share a quick workout Time Saving Tip.

The key is Combination Exercises or Total Body Exercise.

I wanted to focus on my back and my triceps this morning but also feel my whole body work. So I added in some Combination Exercises to my circuits. A combination exercise/total body exercise incorporates more than one muscle working during the same exercise.  By combining exercises that work different muscles at the same time, you can add intensity as well as work on coordination, balance and stability. (Each exercise with * indicates a Combination Exercise.)

During the squat and bicep curl exercise I was doing a basic squat, using my large muscles group (legs) and then added onto that a basic arm curl (smaller muscle).  By squating and curling at the same time, I made it a little harder because I had to work my core too.

Benefits:

1. Saves Time. Time is usually a major concern with fitting workouts into your day.

2. Burns more calories. My body required extra energy during one exercise which means burning more calories per exercise. Who doesn't want to burn more calories?!

3. Saves Time. Busy mom=not a lot of time for workouts.

4. Increases workout intensity and heart rate. I love getting sweaty during my workout, and boy oh boy, did those lunges and shoulder raises do it for me.

5. Saves Time. Did I mention this?? Well it is a huge excuse for lots of people to not workout.

When there just isn't enough time to do a 60+ minute workout, try adding in some Total Body exercises during your workout routine. You get the same benefits in half the time.

Last tip...a dumbbell raise can only be performed with proper facial expression.

Is time a factor in your exercise routine? What is your favorite total body exercise? Do you workout mornings, nights, during the day?

I need some new music. Favorite workout song? 

-Gangnam Style is #1 now. 

Finally, do you make faces while working out? 

-I totally do.  Usually scrunch my forehead and press my lips together. I get made fun of...no worries.