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

The Self diet and weight loss Drop 10 Challenge

It's that time of year again- time for the the Self Challenge.  This year they're calling it the Self Drop 10 Challenge, and they have all the tools you need to lose 10 pounds in 5 weeks.  This program is free, and anyone can sign up.  They offer a variety of meal plans and workouts to help you lose weight, but still feel satisfied.  This interval workout is intense, and challenges me in new ways.  Normally I do 3 sets of 16 reps when doing strength training exercises, but with this workout you do 20 seconds of the exercise, then rest 10 seconds, and repeat 8 times.  So you end up doing more, yet those short intervals seem manageable.  After I complete the interval workout I do another hour or so on the elliptical, or add some other type of cardio exercise to increase the calorie burn.  I alternate the interval workout with less challenging workouts six days a  week, with one day off to rest.

I've joined the Challenge for the last 10 years or so, and every year I've managed to lose any extra weight I've gained over the winter and tone up in time to slip back into my bikini.  And every year Self manages to challenge me in new ways.  Follow the plan and you WILL lose weight!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters