Tag Archives: core workout

January 23, 2014 · 6:45 am

A Self Help Guide: Should I Workout Today?

Such is our human nature, we are lazy bums! Okay, stop right there! Stop denying it. Because the truth always prevails: Even if you are a super duper fitness enthusiast, you DO have some days that you would like to slack off.

Fine! Presume that I believed you. Even if you have been working out constantly and haven’t skipped one workout over the few years, I can guarantee you that you have a friend *unless you are super antisocial, of course* who bailed on you the very last moment before going to train. Please, say ‘yes’?! Haha!

Anyhow, regardless, which category you do fall under, I’ve got an excellent solution for you! I mean, CHECK THIS OUT!

Source

Isn’t this guide absolutely FANTABULOUS?!?! No one can literally say no to working according to this guide. Why? Because there are multiple reasons why you should.

Now that I know that you will definitely be working out today *wink, wink*, I’ve got a perfect cardio workout for you!

Source

Isn’t it fun?!

For more ways to get your heart pumping, check out:

What are you ways of combating laziness? Any tips or tricks? Please share! As we all know, sharing is caring. Haha!

xoxo
Olena

16 Comments

Filed under Fitness, Motivation

Tagged as cardio, core workout, fitness, health, HIIT, motivation, running, Tabata, weight loss, Yoga

January 22, 2014 · 6:45 am

Benefits & Pitfalls Of Pole Dance Fitness, And A Creative 20-Minute Core & Flexibility Workout For Those Of Us That Don’t Have Access To A Pole

Recently, I’ve been hearing more and more about pole dancing classes. And to be completely honest, I am intrigued! *Gasp* What? I said I AM INTRIGUED! Haha!

Exercising with dance poles has become one of the hottest workout trends. And since I am such a curious Nancy, I decided to take a look into potential benefits of such a workout prior to dishing my money out. Hey! I am not cheap, I just like to know what I am paying for. Don’t we all, anyway?

And to be frank, I am completely blown away after my little search. Take a look at this.

Source

Not only that pole dancing seems fun and exciting, it targets your ENTIRE body. Since this workout combines isometric and isotonic movements, it can work some of the muscles you never knew existed before. Now you see why I am so intrigued?!

However, there is also another side to it… a painful side a.k.a. BRUISES!

Source

Hey! I gotta cover it all, no?! But despite the bruising, I think I’m gonna give it a try in the future. Worst case scenario: I’ll be super sore for a couple of days and bruised here and there, but at least I would have had fun. *A wide smile from ear to ear!*

Since I don’t have an access to a pole at home *DUH!* and still want to *need to* strengthen and tone my core, I settled for the following core workout.

Followed by this easy toning and stretching routine.

So tell me now, have you ever tried a pole dancing class? What are your thoughts on it? If not, would it be something that you would consider checking out?

xoxo
Olena

15 Comments

Filed under Fitness

Tagged as body strength, core workout, fitness, Flexibility, health, pole dancing, Stretching, weight loss, Yoga

January 10, 2014 · 6:45 am

Crazy Core Building + Ultimate Stretch Yoga Routine

Originally, I was planning on going for a nice cardio workout on a Thursday night. However, when I got home, I realized that I wanted to change it up and do something different.

Lately, I’ve been focusing on strengthening my core, but I have also been missing stretching like crazy! You might laugh, but one of my biggest fears, as a former gymnast, is not to be able to do a split one day! I KNOW! But I guess, c’est la vie and I’ve got to live with it.

Here is me trying to get some stretching done with Bella by my side. Isn’t she adorable?!

So back to my story. Since I wanted to do something for my core and stretch at the same time, I figured that doing some yoga would satisfy all of my needs.

I started off with this Crazy Core Building Routine with Tara Stiles. It definitely got my blood flowing!

Once I was all sweaty and ready for some serious stretching, I did the following Ultimate Stretch Yoga Routine.

As you can see, my workout was short and sweet and I have no regrets!

What are your favorite ways to stretch and how do you incorporate it throughout the week?

xoxo
Olena

8 Comments

Filed under Fitness

Tagged as core workout, fitness, Flexibility, gymnastics, health, split, Stretching, Tara Stiles, weight loss, Yoga

January 8, 2014 · 6:45 am

Your Body Will Plank You After This Core Workout

After reading my previous blog post, one of my fellow bloggers, Laura, pointed out to me that there is yet another great exercise to strengthen your core: the PLANK.

Usually I do include it in my regular workout; however, when I REALLY started thinking about it, I realized that I normally stick to a basic plank or a side plank. This is kind of silly, not because they are not good enough, but there is a great variety of planks that can benefit your body even more!

So what is the plank?

Alright, maybe it’s not that simple, it’s a WORKOUT after all!

I know that it might sound too good to be true, but this exercise can pretty much tone your ENTIRE body. By doing different variations of this basic move, you can target your arms, back, core, legs, and booty. WHOA!

I found the following picture on Pinterest, which I think is pretty cool because you can see different types of a plank.

Source

When doing variations of the basic plank, remember to:

make sure that your shoulders are stacked over your elbows and your body is in one straight line

When doing variations of the raised plank, don’t forget to:

lie flat on the floor, place your hands beneath your shoulders, and then push up
maintain a straight line between your toes and shoulders

When doing variations of the basic side plank, it’s important to:

lie on your side with your legs straight, then prop yourself up with your forearm so your body forms a diagonal line. Rest your other hand on your hip

This is what I did for my plank workout (repeat 2 or 3 times):