Tone it up

Let’s talk working out – what’s that? Did I just hear you sigh. If you’re anything like me you just sighed. I’m hardly a fitness pro. I love being and feeling healthy and when I do get into some form of an exercise routine I definitely feel better in general and let’s be honest, I feel better about my body. It takes effort though and I’m not a gym girl. I joined my university gym for one year and went about oh, 3 times. So maybe my next comment is based on a very small personal experience but I just feel uncomfortable working out with people watching or (at least at my university gym) that guys think because you’re at the gym and hey, they’re at the gym, now would be the best time to approach you and chat you up. Truth is, you’re sweaty and want to be left alone with your muffin tops, TYVM! I don’t mean to sound so negative, it’s just never been my thing and I haven’t enjoyed it when I have gone.

Last year I realized that I needed to embrace fitness a little more to help with stress and how I felt about my body. I was out of shape (oh hi muffin day at work!) and developed a major gluten intolerance (oh hi bagel day at work!) and it was time for a change. So I went to Canadian Tire, bought a bike, and did the 20 minute ride to and from work each day. This past winter when the snow came, I put the bike away and walked 40 minutes to and from work. It’s a great way to incorporate fitness into your daily routine (had to get to work somehow and walking is better than being smushed in an armpit on transit) and it's a great way to shed your day and stress.  Last summer I also started doing sit ups from the P-90 X abs workout every morning. It’s a 10 minute video so I just set the alarm a few minutes earlier and fit that in before getting ready for the day. They were small changes but they made a big difference. I use to do the Lauren sit-up: Pulling on the sides of jogging pants to get myself close enough to touch my toes (feel that burn!) but now I can do a substantial amount of sit ups and have noticed a lot more core strength. Just from 10 minutes a day for 5 days a week. It’s possible folks, without an expensive gym membership. Holden often gets up with me int eh morning, sits on teh mat next to me and does moves his j/k gym teacher taught me. It's a nice thing to encourage him to be active.

The problem is that the cold months make me crave popcorn on my couch, rather than workouts. Spring is here though and I’m starting to get back to getting fit since my shorts and tank tops stare me down in the mornings whispering soooooon Lauren sooooooon.

I’ve stumbled upon the greatest gift to my “I want a simple work out in the privacy of my own home but still have someone motivate me” needs. The Tone it up ladies. Have you heard of them? If you haven’t and you’d like a non-complicated, don’t need equipment, easy routine you can do before you start your day, than you’re  oing to dig this. It’s also free. You really have no excuses now. And trust me. I've looked for excuses.

I won’t go into too much details but their videos are fairly short (6-8 minutes) and you generally repeat them 2-3 times or sometimes instead I like to do three different video workouts.

The video I started with was this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=69r4beUZVz0

But you’re in time for their Bikini Series:

 

You get videos and nutrition plans, and can enter all of their contests HERE. It’s almost like having your own home trainer. What I like best is the workouts are well suited for woman and it’s basic enough for those who are moderately fit. No spray tans and Schwarzenegger muscles needed. I did a bikini series video this morning which focused on working out area where your bathing suit straps are- around your back, lower abs, and the sides of your legs. It’s exactly what the average bathing suit dreading lady needs.

Join me in toning up? I'd love to hear if any followers have other great simple and easy work out ideas and to know what you think of Tone it up's bikini work out plan.

Taking the stairs,

Lauren

Ps. In a few weeks I will post some before and after photos!