Fast Fitness: Full Body Workout

My New Year's resolution is still going strong! I'm hitting the gym 2-3 times a week and practicing yoga at home an additional 1-2 times. I have also recently changed up my training routine by increasing my reps and introducing a bit of cardio (I HATE CARDIO). I'm working on getting leaner for my May trip to Malta, so I'm eating more fruit and veg, and am pumping that iron. I thought I'd share one of my sessions with you guys, so you can follow this routine, or pick and choose the parts that you like...

Squats 6-8 x3

Bent over row 18-20 x3

Stiff-legged deadlifts 15 x3

Standing shoulder press x15 - flies x10 - x3

Cable legs 10 each leg x3

Bicep curls with bar 10 x3

Glute holds 20 x2

Leg curls 15 x3

Feel free to use whatever size weights you feel comfortable with for these exercises - the trick is to maintain your technique, don't let this suffer because you are trying to go too high in weight! 

Finish the session off with some HIT training on a bike, cross trainer or treadmill. 20-30 seconds sprinting 30-40 seconds even-paced for a minimum of 5 minutes.

Kick-start 2016!

Every year we stuff ourselves with festive pies and puddings and then swear that in the new year we’ll either keep to our new strict diet, quit an unhealthy habit, take up a new hobby or improve (or for some people start!) our exercise routine. Well it’s fair to say i’ve dabbled in my fair share of gym classes, so here a few of my top picks, in case you’re wondering what to have a taste of…

Legs Bums and Tums

A great class to try out if you are looking to introduce an hour of high intensity exercise into your weekly routine. These classes aim to one up, firm up and burn fat from your tummy, hips, thighs and bottom, often held in-time to energising pop/dance music, which personally gets me through the session.

Yoga

My personal favourite! If anyone is stressed out from revision, work, coursework, or just life in general, get yourself to a yoga class! a calm and soothing class, but not one for people looking for a hardcore workout. a fuse of the body and the mind to build your core and maintain a healthy state of mind.

Pilates

These I am not so very fond of, although I have various friends who swear by Pilates, it’s definitely not for me. Often compared to Yoga yet vastly different in terms of character, for those who are looking at developing strength balance core and coordination and aren’t scared of a tough workout.

Body Combat

a high-energy martial arts-inspired workout that is often held to up tempo pop/dance music. Another one of my favourite classes, high intensity, energising and great for releasing stress, anger or any other emotions. a definite must for a hard core full body workout!

In the upcoming weeks i'm going to have a go at a few sessions of kick-boxing to sessions to see if it tickles my fancy as a new hobby! i'll keep you all updated!

K.

Summer Fitspiration

Yes ladies it's that time again... the beach body scare. If you started your Summer-body gym routine in January then you have absolutely nothing to worry about, but if you, alike myself, lost track of the dates and have now realised your holiday is only a few weeks away, don't fear! Here's a few tips to help yourself feel more comfortable slipping into that bikini... 

1. The Motivation

If you've got the motivation to get into your gym gear and start some exercise, you are already half way there. I can't count the amount of times i've cancelled a gym session due to sheer laziness. I find that sometimes just by buying myself a new item of fitness wear I am more keen to get myself to the gym, this has been as little as a new sports bra from Gap fit.

2. Goals

We need to be realistic with our goals, but this doesn't mean you can make excuses for not having enough time! Up your workout sessions by one or two extra a week, and if this isn't possible you could still do a 30 min workout in your living room. There are plenty of ab, leg and chest workout tips and tricks on Pinterest that you can do in the comfort of your own home. 

3. Fitness partner

This is also a form of motivation. I go to the gym with either one of my girl pals or my boyfriend, although I have been made aware many people wouldn't set foot in a gym along with their other half. I find that having two people I can train with helps enormously. This is because you are not merely letting yourself down if you don't go, but also the other person. When training with a friend you can do routine exercises that involve two people and if you miss one of these sessions then that other person has been left to train on their own. 

4. Fad Diets

I personally am very against numerous fad diets such as teatoxing, juicing and all these so called 'cleansing' courses. These are not a healthy way to loose weight and can cause serious harm to your body. Juicing is a great way to get multiple vitamins in one go, but should be done in addition to a healthy diet, not on it's own. instead of teatoxing try drinking more water, attempt to drink around two litres a day, this will make sure you keep hydrated and that you aren't feeling hungry due to dehydration. If you want to try any fad diets I recommend doing A LOT of research beforehand. 

5. Enjoy it!

Try and find a form of exercise you enjoy. Research shows that if you enjoy your exercise you are far more likely to benefit from it as you put more effort into the routine. Whilst at the gym I enjoy doing circuits but when these start to feel repetitive or boring I like to go to Body-Combat classes, Yoga or go for a run. I believe variety is key for an enjoyable fitness routine.  


K.