Friday, June 19, 2009

Let's Begin...

As I am in the process of following my dream to create a television program that will help YOU discover and unleash your power, I need you to be in the process of developing that wonderful base of fitness. Remember, it's this base that will give you the ability to try anything you desire.

Getting your physical body in good condition is not as daunting as you may think. It doesn't take restricting your diet to air puffs and seaweed, nor does it take expensive gym memberships. What it does take is simply having a bit of fun.

As a Personal Trainer I am about to make a startling confession.... The older I get the less I want to go to the gym! But I refuse to give up my great legs or my six-pack and as they say, 'necessity is the mother of all invention'. So in order for me to keep my body in great shape without going to the gym I've had to find new ways to test and push myself. And it is with these ways that I can help you develop that base and the body you desire without spending a lot of money. So, let's begin...

Ok, we need cardio that breaks a sweat, some serious strength training and flexibility that will keep you moving. How do we get it? Do you take your kids to the park? Well, these playgrounds aren't only good for exhausting your kids so they'll sleep; they become wonderful obstacle courses for us. There are things to climb over, crawl under, and things that move as we try to maneuver around them like cargo nets. Try this plan:

Cardio. Basic jumping jacks – No equipment needed; great for your calves and shoulders; go for at least 3 minutes.

Upper Body. Monkey Bars – They will awaken your entire upper body! They’re perfect for pull ups or be that kid again and go from end to end. If you’re brave enough to try the pull ups do as many as you can and build from there. If you decide to go from end to end, do that walk at least 5 times.

Lower Body. Benches, Steps or any flat platform – Perfect for tightening the butt and legs! Place your foot on the surface and step up. Stay on the same leg for at least 25 reps; I know it burns… do it anyway! Now switch legs.

Total Body. Cargo Net – Make your way up and back down again. This is great for every piece of you plus it’s unstable. Anything that throws you off balance is perfect for your core.

Abs. Back to the monkey bars for leg lifts – Hang on to the bar, tighten your abs and bring your knees toward your chest. Hold for a couple seconds then lower your knees. Try to do this without swinging (the tighter your abs the less you swing). You have at least 20 reps.

There. Five exercises. That’s a good start. Wherever the monkey bars are, begin your cardio on the opposite end of the park – about 100 yards so you incorporate more movement. Here’s the visual:

Start with your cardio. Run to the monkey bars – upper body. Run to the flat surface – lower body. Run to the cargo net – total body. Run back to the monkey bars – abs. Run back to start.

Got it? Good. Do it again… and again… and again. Yes ladies, that equals four. I don’t know if I mentioned this before but it takes work to get what you want and you can knock this out in about 30-45 minutes. Finish it off with at least 15 minutes of stretching and you've put in 45 minutes - 1 hour. That's good work girls! Does it sound like too simple of a plan? Oh, I can make it more intricate and difficult... and I will. But let's start here shall we?

All of the equipment is provided for you (FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE!), and will be there everyday you decide to show up. The only purchase I suggest you make is a pair of gloves. I’m sure you remember that nice fiery feeling you got when you used to play on the monkey bars.


There are a few good things about playing in the park: 1. It’s never crowded so you won’t have to wait on equipment 2. You’re outside! 3. You lose the intimidating factor that a gym can have 4. You’re outside! I know, that’s twice but it has a tremendously positive effect on the psyche



If you don’t live near a park, hit the high school track or your own backyard or your garage or clear a space on your living room floor. Replace the pull ups with pushups and the hanging abs with basic floor crunches. If you don't have space to run that means you have more jumping jacks to incorporate. There’s always an alternate girls all you have to do is pay attention to your surroundings.

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