Month 2 Strength Workout for the Self Drop 10 Challenge

I just wanted to share the strength training moves for month 2 of the Self Challenge.  I love working out on the stability because it adds a balance challenge to any move you perform.

Add in your Tabata intervals for cardio and you'll burn tons of calories!  Warm up at an easy pace for 5 minutes.  You can create your own moves if you're working out at home (which is what I do).  I do jumping jacks, high knees, jump rope, butt kicks, jump squats, and a few I make up as I go along.  Perform the move for 20 seconds, giving it all you've got, then rest for 10 seconds.  Repeat this 20/10 cycle eight times, then cool down for 5 minutes at an easy pace.  This gives you a 14 minute workout (not including the strength moves in the video).  If you're like me and want more, you can always add more intervals.  This can be done on the treadmill, elliptical, or other cardio machine too.  I'm able to keep my heart rate at the top of my fat burning zone the entire time I'm working out, and those 10 second rests really do help.  As always, Self has created a great Challenge that will work wonders for your body!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Get total body toning and cardio all in one workout

This total body toning workout is from Self.com, and tones every muscle in your body.  I wore my Reebok Easy Tone shoes to add an additional balance element (believe me, you're going to feel it!).  What I did to add cardio intervals in to the toning workout was to alternate between strength moves and 3 minutes on the elliptical.  I warmed up on the elliptical at an easy pace for 5 minutes, then did 15 reps of the first strength move, back to the elliptical for 3 minutes (incline level 3, resistance level 6), then another set of strength.  Alternating between cardio and strength like this keeps your heart rate up even during the strength moves, and allows you to work out longer without getting as fatigued.  I did a total of 65 minutes of cardio, and 30 minutes of strength.  I used 5 pound weights for this workout since there is a lot of balancing required, and if you go too heavy, you won't be able to maintain proper form.  I did 3 sets of 15 reps for each exercise.

Don't forget to drink plenty of water and stretch after your workout.  Thanks for stopping by!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters