On the 2nd Day of Fitness My Trainer Gave to Me......

I had originally planned to give you a side plank on this day, but realized you would probably begin to hate planks-and me!! So…I imagine by now you have eaten at least ONE holiday cookie so I think a little cardio might be the perfect addition to your workout plan!

Jog in Place
I know… there is nothing too spectacular about jogging in place, but there are lots and lots of variations to keep it interesting! All levels of fitness can do this and there is no equipment required! I suggest turning on some FUN, high energy music and do 30-60 seconds of one variation, jump back and do one of my earlier “Days of Fitness”, then do another variation of the Jog in Place, another “Day”, and on and on… Do this for 20-30 minutes and you’ll have a great cardio workout and either burn off (some) of what you’ve eaten! Or will be eating :)

An added benefit: working out your heart also works out your stress! What stress, right?? Tis the season.

Here are some ideas to try:

• The basic jog
• Do a little jog that imitates jumping rope-Yes, do the arms, too!
• Jog with knees high in front
• Jog and kick your butt with your heels
• Football jog (like running through tires)
• Football jog but your feet go out, out, in, in
• Add some arm moves to increase the intensity-simply push both arms overhead or forward, out to the side, or make big circles.
• Vary the speed-fast jog followed by a slow jog then fast again
• Change directions, turning every 15 seconds-go right 4 times then left 4
• Run up and down the stairs-I guess technically that’s not in place, but still….
• Run all around your house-this could be most amusing of all the options! Might make your kids or spouse laugh or your pets think you’ve lost it!!
• Be creative and come up with your own! (I'd love to hear your ideas! email me: suesmithgetuftit@sbcglobal.net)

Like I said-to fight off boredom and get in a full workout to the jog in place interval style with some of strength work. Interval workouts are awesome because you can keep your heart rate up longer avoid Death by Boredom :)

Tomorrow is my final “gift” in the “12 Days of Fitness”. You’re gonna love it!!