Fun Partner Workout: 20 Minute Buddy Boot Camp

Hello friends!  As usual, I hope this post finds you joyous and well!  I’m gearing up for a wonderful week ahead… writing out my “To Do” list, making playlists for my classes and drafting our weekly newsletter.  Lately I’ve incorporated several parter exercises into my classes at GRIT Fitness, and I’ve been amazed by the positive response!  My classes love the personal interaction and the energy is through the roof.  This gave me the idea to create a “Buddy Boot Camp” partner workout that my clients (and you) can do on your own.  See below!

No equipment is required to complete the workout, all you need is a friend!  Here’s a brief explanation of the 5 exercises in the circuit:

  1. Plank Hold w/ alt. High Fives (Core + Upper Body) – Hold a straight arm plank position facing your partner.  While keeping your core tight and hips square to the ground, give each other a “high 5” with alternating hands.
  2. Squat Jump w/ Turn (Cardio + Legs) – Facing your partner, squat low and when you jump up, turn and face away from him/her.  Then squat jump and turn and face your partner again.  Keep repeating continuously for 1 min.
  3. Iso Squat Hold & Hi Knee Run In Place (Cardio + Legs) – One person holds a deep iso squat with both arms extended out in from of them, parallel to the floor.  During this time, the other partner does a hi knee run in place and tries make his/her knees to touch their parter’s hands.  Switch positions at the half way point (30 seconds in)
  4. Plank & Agility Footwork (Cardio) – One parter holds a forearm plank (hover position) while the other partner has to hop over his/her legs. Switch positions at the half way point (30 seconds in).
  5. Straight Leg Throw Downs (Core) – One partner lies down on her back with legs straight and holds onto the ankles/calves of her partner who is standing up behind her shoulders.  The lying down partner raises both legs up off the ground so that the standing partner can catch them and try to throw them down.  The challenge is for the lying down partner to not let her legs touch the floor while the stand partner throws them down.

After this workout, you and your friend should be covered in SWEAT & SMILES!  I’m big believer that workouts are more fun and effective with done with a partner – two are better than one 🙂

Last but not least, if you live in Dallas and want to join a super fun, FREE Buddy Boot Camp, Maria and I are hosting a free class at the Westin Galleria Dallas on Sunday, September 13th.  RSVP NOW to join the fun!  Wishing you a wonderful week.  xoxo, Brit

Continue Reading

6 Health Benefits of Dance Cardio Workouts

Image: Our Zumba / Dance Cardio class at the Westin Galleria Dallas after Summer Sweat Series #2

There are short-cuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them.

– Vicki Baum

Happy Monday beauties!  I hope you had a fabulous weekend – mine was busy but lots of fun.  Yesterday morning I enjoyed an energetic Dance Club Cardio class at my studio, GRIT Fitness, and I couldn’t help but acknowledge how happy I felt after class.  There’s something about dancing that just makes my soul sing and getting a good cardio workout in the process is icing on the cake.

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, my studio is partnering with the Westin Galleria Dallas to bring a series of free workouts and pool parties each month this Summer.  We’re calling it the Sumer Sweat Series.  Our 2nd series was a Zumba / Dance Cardio class and it was a HIT – over 200 members of the Dallas Community came to sweat and shake with us.  Here are some pics from the event…

Emily (GRIT Dance Cardio Instructor) and I before her class
Over 200 ladies shakin’ a little something and ballistic’ calories at the Westin Galleria Dallas
Representing my clique 🙂
The Fierce Four Dance Cardio / Zumba instructors who led our class

In the spirit of sharing my love for dancing I did a little research to summarize its key health benefits.  Check it out!

6 Health Benefits of Dancing

  1. Relieve Stress (Journal of Applied Gerontology) 
  2. Improve Memory (The New England Journal of Medicine)
  3. Lift Your Spirits
  4. Manage Weight
  5. Increase Energy (The Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition)
  6. Make New Friends

This week I highly encourage you to try out a dance cardio class or at least dance a for a few minutes infront of the mirror – your body and your mind will thank you!  Also, if you live near Dallas, join us for Summer Sweat Series #3 on Sunday August 9!  CLICK HERE to register for free.  xoxo, Brit

Continue Reading