Cardio

CARDIO Killer!

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(above – me teaching TurboKick, the ultimate cardio workout!)

Hi my name is Brit and I’m a cardio junkie…

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all about pumpin’ iron (lifting weights) and vinyasa flowin’ (yoga), but if push comes to shove I ALWAYS go for cardio!  Just 10-15 minutes of brisk walking, jumping jacks, high knee running and/or jumping rope does so much for my body.  Cardio exercise is my workout of choice and here’s why…

  1. Fast Results – If I’m trying drop a few pounds, cardio workouts allow me to reach my goal faster!
  2. Max Calorie Burn – Simply put, 1 hour of cardio burns ~600 calories while 1 hour of yoga/pilates burns ~300 calories
  3. Sweat Out the Toxins – Afer 30 minutes of moving I’m dripping in sweat, feeling detoxed and enjoying my glowing skin!
  4. Larger Lung Capacity – The harder I push myself, the harder it is to breathe and the stronger my lungs become.
  5. Strong Heart – Cardio workouts quickly elevate my heart rate allowing me to strengthen the most important muscle in my body – my HEART!
  6. More Energy – Compared to other forms of exercise, cardio requires the most vigorous amount of movement which energizes my mind, body and soul 😉

Most people think that cardio means you have to be on a boring machine casually walking, cycling or rowing.   However, there’s lots of fun cardio options like kickboxing, dance and athletic drills.  Here’s a 15 minute home cardio workout that I like to do if I’m running low on time.  Don’t forget you can also do the GRIT by Brit Ultimate Body Burn DVD for a 30 minute total body burn 😉

15 Min Cardio Fix

And just for a little extra workout motivation, here’s a picture of 1 of my favorite workout tank tops that always get me pumped for some cardio! Kiss my sweat #GRIT

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Cardio

20 Minute Calorie Blast

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short sprints equal long strolls

Happy Hump Day ladies and gents.  I’m back to work this week after a lovely, restful holiday break.  As I’m sure you can empathize, I’ve been working late every evening getting caught up on old stuff and planning for 2013.  HOWEVER, I’m not going to let my job take over my health.  This means I’m finding a way to get some exercise in this week.  Tomorrow I don’t have a much time to workout because I travel home (I’m a traveling consultant, on the road every Mon-Thur).  So I put together this “20 Minute Calorie Blast” workout.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you have to workout for LONG periods of time in order to get an effective workout.  My buddies over at Greatist.com have shared that 2 Minute Sprints Burn Fat Like 30 Minute Workouts!  With that in mind, I’ve included 4 – 2 minute sprints into this workout 😉  I’m going to do it in the morning.  Try it for yourself and let me know how it goes – enjoy 🙂

short sprints equal long strolls2

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Cardio

Slow Sunday Sweat

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No matter how slow you go, you’re

Happy Sunday.  I’ve had a busy week and gotten in some good workouts: Boxing Boot camp on Thursday, 2 hot yoga classes and a long rowing workout yesterday.  All in all, I’m feeling pretty tired.  I’m huge believer in “listening to my body” so today I’m going to take it easy and recover with some moderate cardio.  Getting in some light cardio exercise is a good way to stay active when my body needs a break without skipping workouts.  It also helps me maintain my cardiovascular endurance and keep my metabolism going to burn off the delicious Sunday Brunch I ate.  Try this workout too if you want a nice and easy, Slow Sunday Sweat.  Enjoy and be blessed 🙂  Luv, Brit

Slow Sunday Sweat

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Cardio, Total Body

Get IN – Get SLIM – Get OUT

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I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your friends and family.  I sure did.  However, this week back at work has been really busy and kinda stressful 🙁  I’ve had a hard time getting to the gym consistently, so during a quick break today I put together a “Super Efficient Gym Circuit” to help me get back on track.  My intention is to get a solid mix of cardio and overall resistance training in the workout.  Of course I also want to burn as many calories as possible.  Most importantly, because exercise is the cheapest and most effective stress reviler and anti-depressant, I want to take full advantage of the benefits!

The workout takes 1 hour, should burn 600-700 calories and fully utilize all of your major muscle groups.  I’ve built in a lot of complex exercises that engage 2 major muscle groups at the same time, which makes the overall workout more efficient.

The resistance training section requires 2 medium-heavy dumbbells (at least 10-15 pounds each).  Overall, it’s probably difficult to do this workout home, but it’s definitely a good option for the gym when you want to change-up your usual routine.  Try it out and let me know how it goes – enjoy!

Lots of love, Brit 🙂

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Cardio

Fit for Office? Election 2012 Energizer Workout!

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While I actually HATE politics, I do LOVE my country!  Election Day always gives me a natural feeling of US pride, gratefulness for my rights and appreciation of our history.  Here’s the workout I did this morning to build on the natural energy that permeates our nation on this awesome day.  Whether you’re a Democrat, Republican, Independent, etc. we are all HUMAN and our HEALTH is a universal need.  So while you’re getting excited (or jaded) by this year’s election, do your body and mind some good by knocking out my 30 min “Election Energizer” workout.  Go hard, get a good sweat and Viva USA!

P.S.  Much love to all of my international followers as well 😉

  • Duration:30 minutes
  • Equipment: NONE, open area needed to jump around, piece of tape on the floor (or an imaginary line)
  • Calories Burned: 300 – 400
  • Focus: Maximum calorie burn, core toning, leg toning

Exercise Demonstrations for Complex Moves

Calf Jumps (continuous)

Side to Side Ski

Skater Leap

Flutter Kicks

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Arms, Cardio, Home Workouts

Wednesday Workout: Sweat, Tone, Sweat!

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Good morning everyone!  Here’s your Wednesday Workout.  I tested this bad boy on Monday night and it’s definitely GRIT by Brit worthy.  The workout requires a stationary bike and 2 light hand weights.  The key is to stay on the bike and cycle for the entire duration of the workout.  It takes about 1 hour to complete and you can expect to burn 500-700 calories.  You can also expect to sculpt some lean sexy arms in the process.  Try it out and let me know how it goes.  Lots of luv, Brit 🙂

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Cardio, Home Workouts, Legs

Grind It Out Workout

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Happy Monday

Work hard, be blessed and be a blessing to others!

Here’s the workout I made for myself to do this evening. Try it out and let me know what you think. I’ll do it as soon as I get off work today .

  • Workout Name: Brit’s Grind It Out Workout
  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • Calories Burned: 400 – 500
  • Focus: Lower body toning and overall calorie burn
  • Equipment needed: Treadmill or outdoor hill, hand weights (optional)

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Cardio, Home Workouts, Total Body

Where Da Ballers At?

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  • Workout Name: Basketball Court Workout  by Brit
  • Duration: 45 min – 1 hour
  • Calories burned: 400 – 700
  • Commentary: The fact of the matter is pro basketball players have HOT bodies.  Whether you’re a “pro hooper”, “ex-hooper” or “wanna be hooper,” the basketball court is ALWAYS a great place to get a super effective workout.  The workout I’ve put together incorporates many of the drills I did back in my day plus some basics to burn calories and build endurance.  No matter your skill level, you should be able to get through this workout and increase your fitness level in the process.  Change up your routine and try it out.  Let me know how it goes!

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Cardio, Home Workouts, Total Body

TRAIN Like an Olympian to LOOK Like an Olympian

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  • Workout: Olympic Athlete Personal Challenge by Brit
  • Duration: 30-45 minutes
  • Calories Burned: 400-600
  • Brit’s Commentary: I was feeling so inspired by the Olympics this week that I designed a workout to challenge my own “Olympic worthiness.”  I’m no where near an “Olympic athlete” but sometimes it’s good to feel my own SPEED, ENDURANCE, STRENGTH and GRIT!  This workout was a nice change up to my usual routine and kept me in the Olympic spirit.  It also allowed me to capitalize on all of the positive energy that the Olympics brings every 4 years!  That said, try the challenge for yourself and go for the GOLD 🙂

*Be sure to warm up for 5-10 minutes before you start the sprints and stretch for 5-15 minutes after you complete the workout.  

Example: Inch Worm Exercise

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