Hey guys! Happy Monday. I’ve gotta say I really missed writing my normal motivational Monday post last week! But I’m back to help you kick it into high gear again.
This past week the weather has been terrible. Literally raining non-stop! All I wanted to do was go for a nice long walk outside to stretch my legs, get some fresh air, and sunshine. But mother nature had other ideas. Being a ‘no excuses’ kind of gal I headed to the gym instead.
I’ve been following Jamie Eason’s Livefit Trainer and am currently in week 7. I’m halfway through the program and really love the results I’m starting to see. I’ve definitely put on muscle, but more than that I find my energy and strength have greatly increased. The workouts are tough, but I feel amazing afterwards. The benefits are definitely worth all the hard work!
On top of the weight training, Phase 2 also introduces some cardio. I’ve been including about 3 sessions of cardio a week, which is less than advised on the program, but plenty for me. I have to admit I’m not a huge cardio fan. I know it’s good for my heart and health, but I find it kind of boring.
How I feel as I watch the minutes tick by on the treadmill...
But then I had an epiphany; it doesn’t need to be boring! To get my cardio groove back I decided to try a few new routines. I flipped through some old copies of Oxygen Magazine and came across an article by fitness model Alicia Marie. In this article she lists a few mini butt busting cardio workouts that are sure to light a fire under your feet. I picked out a few that sounded interesting and decided to give them a try next time I hit the gym.
Fitness Model Alicia Marie
On a particularly dreary day, I headed to Fitness First for my normal workout session. After I completed my weights, I tried one of the new routines, called ‘Run-Squat-Climb’ (detailed below). The combination of cardio and strength moves definitely kept me on my toes and wanting more!
Over the next few days I road tested some of the other routines and found them just as invigorating. Compared to my normal steady-state sessions, I noticed that the time flew by. These routines are perfect to help you break through a plateau, or just shake things up. Alicia Marie includes this type of training in her routine to burn fat and sculpt sexy legs. Well judging by her figure it definitely works!
Here are a few of Alicia’s top routines:
For a printable version of these workouts click here: Butt Blasting Cardio Routines
I’m all about practicing what I preach, so you bet I’ll be including these routines in my workout plan. The benefits I’ve felt and seen so far have been impressive, and I’m happily hooked back on cardio.
But don’t just take my word for it, I recommend you try them yourself. Be prepared to work hard, but also reap the amazing benefits of a healthy heart, and slender legs. Happy Training!
Thanks for sharing your very progressive workout! In my Dance Exercise class I incorporate a variety of squats with Latin moves that “boom, boom” to the beat. The class has a blast and we sweat bullets! Check out my blog this month about a healthy lifestyle, entertainment and environmental news! Love to hear your views.
Thanks, Maria Lauren
My motivation to get going? I turn 40 in may and need to get this body into shape! Thanks for the motivation my friend:)
You are most welcome! Turning 40 will be amazing…I mean they say life only starts at 50 right?
This is great, thanks! I also find cardio to be boring so I usually use the rowing machine. I’ll have to print this out.
I haven’t used the rowing machine very much. I should really try it out as it works the whole body
I hate bland cardio, too. I am starting Phase 3 today, so I’m back on HIITs, which I love!! Thanks for the tips- I might swap some of those cardio routines in
how are you finding the program? I’m loving it but have t take more rest days to let my body recover
I love it! I have to admit that I got off track with the diet in the second half of Phase 2, so I sabotaged my results a little, but I love the way the workouts are planned. I have had to take some extra rest days as well, though. So intense!
It’s hard to stay motivated, but for me it’s got to be my health. My mum’s diabetic and I know I have to keep myself in shape. That’s what keeps me going. Thanks for sharing your workout!
So glad you are being proactive about your health divya! keep me updated on ur health journey
In my classes, I have students do combinations of jumping, running, lunging, squatting and more. Its so great to diversify your workouts — not just for boredom’s sake but also because it will increase your efficiency and fat blasting!
Happy Monday.
your classes sound amazing! happy monday indeed!