May Long, is in my mind the un-official start of summer. The weekend is usually a gong show with parties, music festivals, beer, more beer, camping, golf, and non-stop social activity. The sheer mention of may long weekend gives me a bit of a hangover. In the past for May Long, I've made the trek to The George for Sasquatch Fest. This year, the lineup is incredible featuring: Fun., Santigold, Jack White, Girl Talk, Of Monsters and Men, Portlandia, and many more. I wish I could be there, but warmer weather in the Baja calls my name.
With holidays, parties, and non-stop summer adventures finding time for fitness can be a challenge. Fortunately fitting in 20 minutes a day is easy. My new Fit On the Go Routine is an easy to follow full body cardio and toning workout. It will get you fit and tone in just 15 minutes a day.
I'm built like a gymnast; small and compact. I have broad shoulders and a a tendency to "bulk" in my arms. I have always felt somewhat self conscious of my arms (until now).
I aspire to tone my arms, not to bulk them up. Traditional arm strengthening routines were not giving me the results that I desired. I love the concept of designing long lean ballet arms that is promoted in both the Tracy Anderson Method, and Ballet Beautiful. The secret to achieving perfect Ballet arms, is combining strength with stretch. Long Lean arms, are the product of perfect posture and concentrated exercises.
I spend hours hunched over text books, and a key board. When I slouch I can feel my shoulders tightening up and my arm muscles contracting. This forced tension created by poor posture negates the exercises and work I have done to tone and lengthen my arms. When toning your arms, remember the principles of posture: Shoulders down, core engaged and neck long.
This 15 minute arm routine is designed to tone your arms while focusing on posture. No equipment is needed, just follow along and breath through the work. Transform your arms!
I spend a fair amount of time in hotel rooms and on the go. The amenities at a given "destination" are never constant. There might be no gym; or there might be a janitorial closet with a single 1980's exercise bike, and a stretch mat; or there might be a state of the art 24/7 fitness and health center. Due to the unpredictability of fitness accommodations, and my own compulsive need to fit in a workout, I have taken to transforming and manipulating the setting of my hotel room to become my own personal fitness oasis.
Hotel rooms are often liberally decorated with lights and mirrors. These simple features are perfect for a personalized workout because the mirrors help you concentrate on proper alignment and technique. My fitness inspiration, Tracy Anderson always stresses the importance of alignment and technique; because an exercise done right will not only produce targeted results faster but will also help prevent injuries.
Hotel rooms are always equipped with exercise props in the form of a chair, water bottles, and pillows. Many hotels, now provide DVD players, free wifi, and concierge service. The concierge can direct you on a great run route, or help you find a near by yoga studio. While staying at the Surf And Sand Resort in Laguna Beach, I took full advantage of the resorts fitness center and concierge advice for my cardio, yet choose to do my strength and toning exercises in my room overlooking the ocean. It was fabulous- and oh so relaxing.
Fitness is a lifestyle, not something you can pick-up or drop when ever you want. To see results, and to gain the benefits of a fitter life you need to work at least 15 minutes a day of physical activity into your life. This is an easy 20 minute low intenity workout, that targets the gluts and leg muscles.
The first part is a warm up and light cardio. You will not need any equipment.
The Second Part focuses in on toning the tush and leg muscles. You will need a chair for this routine.
