Close
Search

Enter the words or phrases you want to find

Blog

Holiday Challenge Week #6 Workout

This week, the workout is designed to strengthen your upper body!

Muscle-strengthening activities are an important part of any movement routine. They can contribute to your weekly physical activity goals while also helping you feel stronger and make everyday life a little bit easier. The weekly workouts are designed to be short and modifiable so you can tailor them to your activity level and goals. Check out our Holiday Challenge Workout Reminders for more information and tips to guide you through these workouts.

Week #6: Lower Body

  • Rest 15 seconds after completing each movement before starting the next one.
  • Aim to complete each movement 3 times. You can complete all 3 sets for one movement before switching to the next, or complete 1 set of each and then repeat all 5.

Sumo Squat – 16 repetitions OR 45 seconds

  • Start by bringing your legs a little bit outside of hip width and pointing the toes out. Push your hips back and down and bend at the knees to lower into a seated position. Pause for 1 second, then slowly return to the starting position.

Single-Leg Deadlift – 16 repetitions OR 45 seconds

  • Find balance on one leg, using a waist-high surface or wall for support if needed. Hinge at the hips to lower your chest towards the floor and extend your leg behind you. Slowly return to the starting position. Alternate legs after each repetition, or complete 8 repetitions on each.

Side Lunge – 16 repetitions OR 45 seconds

  • Pause for 1 second at your full range of motion before returning to the starting position. Alternate legs after each repetition, or complete 8 repetitions on each.

Calf Raise – 16 repetitions OR 45 seconds

  • Modification: Perform from a seated position. Really think about squeezing your calf muscles.
  • Challenge: Perform single-leg calf raises.

Pause Marches – 16 repetitions

  • Stand with a tall posture and engage your core. Slowly bring one knee up to hip height (or whatever your full range of motion allows), pause and hold for 5-10 seconds, then lower back to your starting position. Alternate between your right and left legs.
  • Modification: Complete from a seated position or use a waist-high surface or wall for support.
  • Challenge: Hold your arms straight overhead while you complete these repetitions.

Having Fun is Good for Your Health

We are constantly looking for ways to improve our health. There are many scientifically-proven habits that tend to make us healthier. For example, we know that eating a variety of fruits and vegetables and engaging in regular physical activity are good for us. But, what about having fun?

Having fun can make our day-to-day lives more enjoyable and may even serve as a form of stress relief. Think about activities or situations where you feel lighthearted, connected to the activity or other people around you, where time may seem to fly by. Having fun regularly can improve your outlook on life by increasing your positivity. This can make you more resilient and less hard on yourself when you are experiencing stress.

When we are feeling busy or overwhelmed, we may forget to find the fun in our lives. Just like you might be intentional with your nutrition or your physical activity, try to be intentional with having fun. Seek out opportunities where you can relax and enjoy the moment. For some people, this might be scheduling a “dance break” and dancing to their favorite song during the work day. For others, this might be searching for community events, like an art class, and going with a friend. Maybe you simply call a family member and laugh about a funny memory together. Having fun looks a little bit different for everyone and may even vary for you depending on the day.

Aim to incorporate fun into your everyday routine! Here are some strategies if you are not sure where to start or just looking for new ideas to add some fun to your life:

  • Invite fun into your routine. You could schedule time for a phone call, ice skating lesson, or whatever else comes to mind. This can also mean saying “yes” more when people invite you out or an opportunity catches your eye.
  • Lean into your passions. Are there any hobbies you haven’t done in awhile? Try picking one of them back up. 
  • Keep an open mind. Try out new activities and don’t feel bad about only doing something once. Keep looking for new ways to have fun.

What is one small activity you could do right now to add some fun to your day?

Holiday Challenge Week #5 Workout

This week, the workout is designed to strengthen your core with standing movements!

Muscle-strengthening activities are an important part of any movement routine. They can contribute to your weekly physical activity goals while also helping you feel stronger and making everyday life a little bit easier. The weekly workouts are designed to be short and modifiable so you can tailor them to your activity level and goals. Check out our Holiday Challenge Workout Reminders for more information and tips to guide you through these workouts.

Week #5: Standing Core Circuit

  • Rest 10 to 15 seconds after completing a movement before starting the next one.
  • You can complete this circuit 2 – 4 times for a longer core workout or complete it once a few times throughout the day for extra core work.
  • You can use a wall or chair for support during any of these movements!
  • Maintain a tall posture with shoulders back and a straight spine while completing these movements. Think about drawing your belly button to your spine to engage your abdominal muscles.

Standing Incline Plank – 30 to 45 seconds

  • Place your hands against the wall or on a chair for support. Position your feet so that you are leaning forward slightly and engage your core. Walk your feet further from the wall or the chair to increase the challenge.

Standing Bird-Dogs – 30 to 45 seconds

  • Place your hands against the wall or on a chair for support. Position your feet so that you are leaning forward slightly and engage your core. Extend one leg behind you and reach the opposite arm towards the ceiling. Pause, then slowly return to the starting position. Alternate with the opposite arm and leg.
  • Modification: Extend one leg, pause and return to the starting position before extending the opposite arm. Alternate between one leg and one arm at a time.

Marching – 30 to 45 seconds

  • Stand with a tall posture and engage your core. Slowly bring one knee up to hip height (or whatever your full range of motion allows), pause, then lower back to your starting position. Alternate between your right and left legs.
  • Challenge: Start standing with your arms overhead. As you bring one knee up, move both arms straight down to your side. As you lower your leg, bring your arms straight back overhead.

Standing Twist – 30 to 45 seconds

  • From a standing position, extend your arms in front of you at shoulder height with palms together. Engage your core and slowly rotate your arms and torso to one side, keeping your hips facing forward. Slowly return to the starting position. Alternate between your right and left side.

Wood Chops – 30 to 45 seconds (switch sides halfway)

  • Modification: Perform from a seated position.
  • Challenge: Perform with a 4-second count to bring your arms above your shoulders and a 4-second count to return to the starting position.

Reframe How You Look at Failure

Though we may not like to admit it, we have all experienced failure at some point. We can be particularly hard on ourselves when it comes to nutrition, physical activity, and goals for weight maintenance or weight loss. But, what do we gain by looking negatively at ourselves? What if we reframed the way we look at our so-called failures?

Thinking about “failures” as opportunities to learn and grow will improve the journey you are on to reach your goals. This describes a growth mindset, where we view ourselves as capable of change. Yes, we may face different bumps in the road, but we can reset, reevaluate our position, and continue moving forward.

Consider these steps if you experience “failure” or setbacks:

  1. Give yourself time to acknowledge your thoughts and emotions. It is okay and more than normal to feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or discouraged. Allow yourself to feel and define these emotions. Then, give yourself grace. This is an opportunity to learn.
  1. Reflect and analyze the situation. What caused your so-called failure? What factors were in your control? What factors were outside of your control? You may find it helpful to talk through the situation with another person and ask for their feedback.
  1. Make a game plan. What are you going to do next to get back on track? Try to account for the circumstances that contributed to your setback. Even when it comes to factors outside of your control, you might be able to regain partial control through your actions.
  1. Adjust your goals. As you learn more about yourself through these experiences, you may find you need to alter your goals to better fit your needs. That is okay! Or, maybe you need to set smaller, short-term goals that will help you reach your larger, long-term goals. This can give you better direction and determination.

Don’t let setbacks discourage you! Unexpected situations or events will always come up, so use every experience as an opportunity to learn. Working past your failures will make you more resilient and more likely to maintain your goals once you achieve them.

For more specific tips on nutrition and physical activity, read our blog on Navigating Plateaus and Setbacks.

What is one small activity you could do right now to add some fun to your day?

Holiday Challenge Week #4 Workout

This week, the workout is designed to strengthen your whole body!

Muscle-strengthening activities are an important part of any movement routine. They can contribute to your weekly physical activity goals while also helping you feel stronger and making everyday life a little bit easier. The weekly workouts are designed to be short and modifiable so you can tailor them to your activity level and goals. Check out our Holiday Challenge Workout Reminders for more information and tips to guide you through these workouts.

Week #4: Total Body

  • Rest 15 seconds after completing each movement before starting the next one.
  • Aim to complete each movement 3 times. You can complete all 3 sets for one movement before switching to the next, or complete 1 set of each and then repeat all 5.

Push-Ups – 16 repetitions OR 45 seconds

  • Modification: Try this exercise on your knees or try placing your hands on a stable chair, waist-high surface, or on the wall.
  • Challenge: Try holding for 1-2 seconds at the bottom of the movement, or perform a tricep push-up. You could also add a single-leg raise or stagger your hands.

Chair Squat – 16 repetitions OR 45 seconds

  • Modification: Hold onto another stable object or surface for support. Use your upper body to help support you as you return to standing.
  • Challenge: Perform on a stable surface that is a lower height to increase the depth of your squat. Lower into the squat for a 4 second count and return to standing for a 4 second count. 

Side Lunge – 16 repetitions OR 45 seconds

  • Modification: Hold onto another stable object or surface for support.
  • Challenge: Pause for 2 seconds at the bottom of the movement before returning to your starting position. Try adding weight.

Arm Pull Series – 16 repetitions OR 45 seconds

  • Imagine you are holding a rope in your hands that you are trying to pull apart in different ways for this series.
  • Challenge: If you have a resistance band, you can use it for an added challenge.

Russian Twists – 16 repetitions OR 45 seconds

  • Modification: Try trunk rotations either standing or in a chair. Extend your arms straight out in front of you if possible.
  • Challenge: Lift and hold your feet off the ground while performing this movement. Try holding a weight in your hands.

Baked Berry Yogurt

Picture from medinsteadofmeds.com

This tasty recipe is perfect for when you need a quick breakfast or snack. Packed with protein, baked yogurt is an exciting new way to keep you satisfied. Mix and match the berries of your choice.

Serves: 9
Serving size: 1 baked yogurt cup or square
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20-40 minutes
Total time: 25-45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups nonfat, plain Greek yogurt 
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 Tablespoons flour (all-purpose or wheat flour)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
  • 4 Tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1 cup berries of choice

Directions

Muffin tin 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside. 
  2. Whisk together yogurt, eggs, flour, vanilla, and maple syrup until well combined. 
  3. Fill each muffin tin about ¾ full, leaving a little room. 
  4. Top each with a few berries of choice. 
  5. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the centers of each cup are set (no longer giggles when you move the pan). 
  6. Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before removing from the muffin tin. The cups will settle as they cool. 

Baking dish

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8×8 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. 
  2. Whisk together yogurt, eggs, flour, vanilla, and maple syrup until well combined. 
  3. Pour batter into the baking dish and top with berries of choice. 
  4. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set (no longer giggles when you move the pan). 
  5. Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before cutting into squares. 

Nutrition Information per Serving

You might also enjoy:

Summer Yogurt Parfait

Make Your Own Granola

Don’t miss another great blog: Subscribe Now

Baked Pumpkin Yogurt

Picture from medinsteadofmeds.com

This delicious baked pumpkin yogurt recipe is perfect for fall or winter! It’s also a very filling snack and packed with flavor.  Bake in a square pan or in a muffin tin for single servings. Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top before serving. 

Serves: 9
Serving size: 1 square or baked yogurt cup
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20-40 minutes
Total time: 25-45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt
  • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 Tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
  • 4 Tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon 

Directions

Baking dish 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8×8 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. 
  2. Whisk together yogurt, pumpkin puree, eggs, flour, vanilla, maple syrup, and cinnamon until well combined. 
  3. Pour batter into the baking dish. 
  4. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set (no longer giggles when you move the pan). 
  5. Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before cutting into squares. 

Muffin tin 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside. 
  2. Whisk together yogurt, pumpkin puree, eggs, flour, vanilla, maple syrup, and cinnamon until well combined. 
  3. Fill each muffin tin about ¾ full, leaving a little room. 
  4. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the centers of each cup are set (no longer giggles when you move the pan). 
  5. Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before removing from the muffin tin. The cups will settle as they cool. 

Nutrition Information per Serving

You might also enjoy:

Summer Yogurt Parfait

Make Your Own Granola

Don’t miss another great blog: Subscribe Now

5 Tips for Choosing a Workout Buddy

We are social beings.  If covid lockdowns taught us anything, they taught us that we as humans are designed to interact with others.  And researchers say that exercising with other active people can help motivate us to be active ourselves.  Being active with friends also helps make exercise more enjoyable and holds us accountable to stick to our workout routines. 

Here are 5 tips for choosing a workout buddy!

  1. Pick an activity that you and your workout buddy both enjoy; e.g., walking, running, pickleball, or working out at the gym.
  2. Choose a buddy at a similar fitness level with similar fitness goals, so neither of you gets discouraged. 
  3. Select someone who lives in close proximity to you, to increase the chances of being able to meet up on a regular basis.
  4. Choose someone with a similar schedule to yours; e.g., are you a morning exerciser or prefer evening workouts?
  5. This may seem obvious, but select a buddy that you like.  Socializing during the activity is half the fun. 

Holiday Challenge Week #3 Workout

This week, the workout is designed to strengthen your upper body!

Muscle-strengthening activities are an important part of any movement routine. They can contribute to your weekly physical activity goals while also helping you feel stronger and making everyday life a little bit easier. The weekly workouts are designed to be short and modifiable so you can tailor them to your activity level and goals. Check out our Holiday Challenge Workout Reminders for more information and tips to guide you through these workouts.

Week #3: Upper Body

  • Rest 15 seconds after completing each movement before starting the next one.
  • Aim to complete each movement 3 times. You can complete all 3 sets for one movement before switching to the next, or complete 1 set of each and then repeat all 5.
  • Challenge: For each of these movements, you can add weights to increase the intensity. Canned foods can make a great set of light weights.

Lat Pulls – 16 repetitions OR 45 seconds

  • Start by bringing your arms straight overhead with palms facing forward. Slowly move your elbows down to chest-height (where your arms create a “W” shape) while drawing your shoulder blades back and down. Return to the starting position with a controlled tempo.

Seated Row – 16 repetitions OR 45 seconds

  • Find a tall, seated posture and engage your core. Bring your hands to chest height with arms extended. Draw your elbows back while squeezing your shoulder blades. Return to the starting position with a controlled tempo.

Seated Shoulder Press – 16 repetitions OR 45 seconds

  • Find a tall, seated posture and engage your core. Bring your hands to shoulder height keeping your elbows at your side. Slowly extend your arms and press your hands straight overhead. Return to the starting position with a controlled tempo.

Standard/Side Bicep Curl – 16 repetitions OR 45 seconds

  • Begin with arms extended at your side and palms facing forward. Keeping your upper arm stationary, bend at the elbow to curl your hands up to your shoulders. Return to the starting position. Rotate your arms so that your palms face sideways, out from your legs. Bend at the elbow to curl your hands to your shoulders before returning to the starting position with a controlled tempo. Alternate between the standard and side bicep curls.

Seated Triceps Press – 16 repetitions OR 45 seconds

  • Sit at the front of your chair. Place your hands on the armrests or edge of the chair. Press up through your arms until they are extended. Slowly descend back to a seated position, allowing your arms to bend to the original position. 

Jumping into At-Home Workouts

At-home workouts became a staple when gyms and fitness studios closed during the start of the pandemic. Even as those spaces have re-opened, at-home workouts remain a convenient and budget-friendly way to incorporate movement into your day. Whether at-home workouts are in your routine or not, they are a great option during the holiday season when holidays and travel may disrupt your routine. Maybe you used to have a great at-home workout routine in place but have not been keeping up with it lately. Or are you looking for a new routine or a change to your current one? Regardless, here are some tips to help you kickstart an at-home workout routine:

  1. Make a realistic plan.
  • Look at your current routine. Think about how many times you want to workout and for how long. Schedule those workouts and stick to them!
  • Make time for workouts. Maybe it isn’t realistic for you to block off an hour a day. Maybe you could fit in 30 minutes, or three 10-minute workouts.
  1. Make it convenient.
  • Think about ways to incorporate short bursts of activity throughout your day. Take a walk around your home or office for 5 minutes every hour. After 30 minutes of sitting, spend 2 minutes standing and engaging in light stretching.
  • Wear clothes you can be active in. This eliminates the need to completely change when it is time for your workout or you realize you have a few minutes for movement.
  1. Designate your space.
  • Establishing and setting up your space can help you get into a good mindset for your workout.
  • You don’t need a dedicated workout room. If you can fit a mat or towel on the floor, that is all the space you need.
  • Keep any weights/equipment by your space. For example, cans make a good set of light weights.
  1. Create accountability.
  • Plan to workout with other people in your household. Align your schedules and interests to create a partnered routine. You can also workout virtually with friends or co-workers.
  • Ask a friend or family member to be your accountability partner. Communicate your weekly plan with them, and reach out when you have completed your workouts.
  • Download an app to track your workouts. Some fitness apps include both workouts and tracking features.
  • Put a physical calendar on your desk or the wall. Log your workouts where you can see your progress and consistency.
  1. Try something new.
  • Try a new workout format. If you always do a HIIT workout, try yoga or pilates. If you always follow along with a video, try following a written routine and play music in the background.
  1. Take your workout outside.
  • Try your typical workout in the sunshine rather than inside. Don’t forget to dress appropriately for the weather and drink plenty of water, especially if it is warm.
  • If you have time, you can even go on a short walk before and/or after to extend your time outdoors.

How can an at-home workout elevate your movement routine this holiday season?