Video: Jillian Michaels Banish Fat Boost Metabolism Complete Workout

Jillian Michaels' workouts are not for wusses - and this workout is no exception!  This full-length workout includes a warmup and cool down, complete with 45-minute workout that will blast fat and kick your metabolism into high gear, while toning your entire body. Use your own body weight to get a great workout at home without any equipment. This one isn't really for beginners, but she does include some beginner modifications for you to follow if you're not that fit yet. If you are a beginner, follow the beginner examples of the exercises where available, and you don't have to do the whole thing - even if you can only do the first 15 minutes that's a start!

Take it easy, be sure to warm up and stretch, and listen to your body. Now let's get ready to move!

(Note: Be sure to consult with your trainer or healthcare professional before starting any new workout, especially if you are at a low fitness level.)

Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat Boost Metabolism Complete Workout
Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat Boost Metabolism Complete Workout is an intense calorie-blasting, total body-sculpting exercise series that is made up of 7 card...

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Video: Strength Training Workout for Runners

Sorry for the delayed post - our video poster is not working for some reason - trying to get that fixed.... In the meantime, here is a short and effective workout for runners on your off days. Running may be great as a cardio exercise, but in general it does little for strength or flexibility - both of which are essential for a healthy and pain-free body. Be sure to focus on these aspects on your days when you don't run. This short video demonstrates some great exercises that work to strengthen your whole body, creating a fast and efficient workout that gets great results in a short amount of time.


For more fun tips on what to do on your off days, check out this video as well: http://youtu.be/2BohjTZaa10

Or visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/exercise.html for some fun workout ideas.

Fun Summer Workouts for the Whole Family

These days, after what seemed an endless winter, it finally feels like summer! Summertime is all about feeling the sun on your face and getting some fresh air. But, many people stay inside and miss out on what nature has to offer. Here are some fun ways that you and the family can get out there and get healthy.

Even better than enjoying a summer day is enjoying it with someone else. As parents we try to send the kids outside but may not go out ourselves. But the sun is good for everyone and you can have even more fun outdoors.

Getting Outdoors

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Create a family activity day at least once a week. This is the time when all of the family spends time together sharing a fun activity outdoors. The name of the game is injecting some physical activity into your day.

Let everyone choose a fun activity that they like. Place them on a list. Each time you have an activity day, take one suggestion from the list. But, what activities can you do as a family that will be rewarding physically and mentally?

Here are some fun summer workouts to start with:

* Bicycling – If everyone doesn’t know how to ride a bike, this is the perfect time to learn. Bike riding builds up the leg muscles and also your cardiovascular fitness. You can ride and talk about your day. Go to the park and have a leisurely ride, enjoying the summer breezes and blossoms along the way.

* Basketball – All you need for this is a hoop and a ball. Have a family pick-up game after dinner or after work. You can divide into teams and play for points. Even better, play games to see who has to do the most chores that week!

* Hiking – Explore your local area with your family. Even though you are having fun and exploring, you are burning tons of calories on a hike. And, you get to learn about nature. Combine it with a camping trip for a fun weekend getaway the kids will love.

* Swimming – You don’t even have to have your own pool. If there is a neighborhood pool or one at the gym, use it. Doing laps is an easy way to gain muscle tone all over your body while you have fun. Take a water aerobics class as a family. There is no shock to your joints so it benefits both young and old alike.

* Backyard games – One of the often neglected parts of the house is the back yard. Act like a kid again. Play kickball, volleyball, soccer, flag football and many other games that will make you sweat and give you great memories to hold on to.

There are lots of activities that the family can do this summer to gain fitness and have some fun. Start with those above and add to the list with your own fun ideas!

Speed Skating for Fun & Fitness

Speed skating has become a very popular winter sport, but some critics claim it is simply too dangerous for most people to be engaging in. Many people enjoy watching speed skating during the Winter Olympics and then want to engage in the activity on their own without proper training. The speed of travel in this type of sport can be more than 30 miles per hour so if you fall down or collide with someone else it can be quite dangerous.

In order to reduce the risk of injuries during speed skating, it is vital that safety gear is worn at all times. This includes a helmet that fits properly, knee pads, and elbow pads. It is best for this sport to take place on an ice rink that has been specifically designed for it instead of out on a frozen pond somewhere.

Speed skating marathon. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In professional speed skating there are pairs of competitors on the ice. Each track has two lanes and each person in a pair will get a colored band. This tells the judges which lane they started at for the beginning of the competition. The skaters have to change lanes at a given location along the track to ensure both skaters are covering the same amount of distance.

There are many different types of races that take place in the winter sport of speed skating. If a pair of teams are racing against each other they will start at different locations on the track. This prevents them from being in the way of each other and their times are tracked by the judges. For marathon speed skating races everyone starts at the same location and there is plenty of bumping and pushing as the skaters try to get ahead of each other.

However, speed skating does offer a great way for people to get into shape and to enjoy a fun new form of exercise. It takes plenty of practice to build up enough strength to successfully participate in this sport. The type of skates you will use for speed skating depend on the type of events you are participating in.

Long distance speed skating requires you to use clap skates. They are different from regular ice skates because they feature a hinge on the boot that the blade is attached to. This allows the skater to move faster and to have more control over the skates because part of the blade is continuously in contact with the ice.

Speed skating in the Netherlands (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are plenty of speed skating events around the country (and even the world) for you to participate in. Find a partner that is just as interested in the sport as you are so you can train with them. Many people have a goal of one day being part of the speed skating teams in the Winter Olympic Games. While not everyone can be a part of that, there are plenty of other events you can easily be a part of while you continue to improve your skills.

If you decide to engage in speed skating you need to make sure you have skates that are designed for it. You also want to make sure you always wear your safety equipment so that you minimize your risk of injuries. Speed skating is quickly becoming one of the most popular winter sports and you can expect to see more people participating in it in the near future.

Aerospeed Hyperperformance Jump Rope

If you liked Tuesday's post and workout idea, here is a great resource for you. Depending on how seriously you take rope jumping and where you want to go with it, the type of jump rope you invest in makes a difference. There are many ropes on the market with different price ranges.

The Aerospeed Hyperperformance Jump Rope is one in the higher price range, with Buddy Lee (the Olympian) having been the co-inventor and patent holder. What you get is one powerful rope. The cord is adjustable and is suitable for people up to 6’5". The rope cord is made from high quality synthetic material, but is very thin (about 1/8") to allow for perfect aerodynamics and exceptional speed (after many hours of training). The handles are made of aluminum and are covered with black neoprene sleeves for easy grip. The jumping rope also has a patented swivel bearing system that allows you to jump really quickly and smoothly.

Overall, this is a top notch jumping rope for the more serious and advanced jumper.

Where to buy: www.amazon.com (you can find less fancy jump ropes here as well)