Jillian Michaels Shred it with Weights level 1

Well, we moved into "Beta" stage in our morning T25 workouts today (Beta Core Cardio), meaning we are now officially advanced! I loved today's workout. But, tonight, I wanted something more weights instead of cardio. This workout is one I've had on my radar. And, it looked like it would be weights with a little cardio, so bonus. I did not wear my heart rate monitor tonight, though. I wish I would have. I felt like my heart rate did get up there sometimes.

This workout was pretty intense with the 15 pound weight I was using. She uses kettle bells, though her "basic" person used a small dumbbell. I am not sure what weight she was using, but I'd guess around 15 pounds. I'd say if you are just starting out, go with 10. If you are a guy or really super strong, go 20. 

I really enjoyed the workout. It wasn't too high impact, though there were some big arm swings that could be difficult if you have shoulder problems and some squat jumps (tough on feet/knees) in one of the circuits. 

If you want to get toned, I say go for this one! It's only 25 minutes with about a three minute cooldown afterward, so a time saver!  Link--> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w2ssgjdIts

Do any of you have any killer weights workouts that you know about? I'd love to try Body Beast... :)

Diet Soda Cake

This isn't exercise, but I modified a recipe to cut calories and figured I'd share.

Main ingredient stuff-->

Diet Mtn Dew Cake

1 box lemon cake mix (160 cal/srv x 12 servings=1920 calories)

1 can Diet Mtn Dew (0 calories)

1 tsp lime juice (0 calories)

1 serving natural applesauce (50 calories total)

1 package sugar free Instant pistachio pudding mix (30 cal/srv x 4 servings=120 calories)

Mix all incredients; blend well. Pour into 8x8 foil pan (what I did) or larger. It makes more than just the pan. Bake at 350 degrees.  Made some mini-cupcakes with the leftover batter; those took about 15 minutes to cook.  The recipe I used called for 30 minutes. I'd say 30-35, depending on your oven.

Topping

1/3 cup Splenda (0 calories)

1/2 can crushed pineapple in juice (not syrup)  (roughly 160 calories total)

1 tsp of cornstarch (trace)

Mix in a saucepan. Bring to boil.  Pour pineapple mixture over the cake to finish. 

Separately, I took 10 squirts of spray butter, a few tsp of coconut (70 calories for a serving), and 1 tsp lime juice and browned the coconut to sprinkle on top.

Total calories for entire recipe=2320

12 servings would be 193 calories per serving

My new favorite 10 minute workout!

I had an ice cream tonight....so, I decided another little workout was in order. I searched for 10 minute workouts, thinking I'd just go hard for 10 minutes and then maybe do it again if I felt like it. And, I did! 

Here it is-->  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-VH0aTOOik
PopSugarLiving's Fat Blasting 10-Minute Workout Video With Jeanette Jenkins

I LOVED this workout! It's a challenge with some "not real simple" moves, which I really enjoyed. And, it starts off with "Burpee Push Shuffle." Scared? You should be! But, it's only 10 reps. So, you can do it. PUSH YOURSELF!

You do need a set of hand weights. She uses two 5-pound weights. I used those the first round that I did. The second round, I subbed a 15-pound weight for the overhead extensions. 

This workout is over before you know it. She has a little "rep countdown clock" on the corner of the screen. The starting clock is only 9:30, so it's a quick workout. I just tapped side to side for 30 seconds at the end so my heart rate would be for a full 10 minutes and you can see below... 143 bpm average! That's awesome.

It's five exercises and they are total body, which makes your time well spent:

• Burpee Push Shuffle
• Squat Leg Lift Medial Delt
• Front Kick Two Hand Touch
• Back Row Fly with Booty Tap
• Grand Plie with Overhead Extension

And, she gives you a good 10-15 seconds between each exercise to catch your breath and introduce the next set. So, you do get to bring your heart rate down just a little bit before moving on.  I love that it is a lot of up and down or big motions, so your heart rate really soars AND you are using lots of core. I hate slow, boring core workouts, so this is much more my style.

Well, what are you waiting for!? Try it! Or at least bookmark it! I enjoyed my two rounds tonight! :)