It’s already February and my life is in a routine. I should mention I hate routines. In fact, it’s okay to say I absolutely detest them. And the one that makes my skin crawl the most?

My gym routine.

The treadmill and bike just aren’t doing it for me anymore. Not even when I’m lucky enough to score one with a TV on it. It’s not like there’s anything good to watch at 3 p.m. on a Tuesday, anyway. The truth is, spending an hour pedaling in place irritates me to no end, especially when I know there are many other things I could and should be doing (cleaning my room is on the top of the list – who knows where all my bras went?). And if you are anything like me, meaning you have about a second to sit down and breathe before something else happens, then you feel my pain.

So what’s a girl to do? Create a new playlist, join a hot yoga class, try new weight machines? It all just ends up the same: played out and boring.

What I need is a more efficient workout. Something that can whip my booty into shape without taking up my precious time. And if it didn’t require me to have to layer up to haul ass to the gym, well, even better.

And guess what? IT EXISTS. The fitness experts at AOL Health have a 15-minute full-body workout that is quick, challenging and can be done in the comforts of my dorm room (once I actually clean it, that is).

And here it is, in all its short, powerful glory.

Goodbye ‘Reba’ reruns (for real, how did that show ever exist!?), hello Gisele body with some extra free time on the side!

Whether or not you’re one to make resolutions, January is the best time to get in shape. Summer is now only a short six months away! Bring on the bikinis and shorter than short-shorts – it’s time to look and feel great. In my past blogs, I’ve showed you how to tone up and strengthen your muscle groups. Now, it’s time for me to explain how cardio workouts can really get that six-pack and those toned legs to show.

You can do as many crunches as you want, but your sleek muscles won’t show through unless you burn the layer of fat covering it. That fat is made up of long term energy that has not been used and compensates by staying around your body. Remember that late night fast food run? Well, by eating that delicious burger and letting the 500+ calories sit, you maintain extra unhealthy energy until it has a reason to exit your body. By engaging in cardio activity – any workout that gets your heart racing and sweat pouring – you are finally burning that fat off and putting those calories to use.

So, what is cardio exercise? It includes (but is definitely not limited to) kickboxing, running, dancing, biking or swimming. For those of you who have a gym membership, I highly recommend looking into group fitness classes. It’s a great way to have a fitness expert provide a guaranteed calorie-burning workout and force 1 hour of exercise on you. You can even switch up your routine by taking a strength training class one day and then Zumba the next!

But for those of you who don’t want to trek all the way over to the campus gym in the brutal snow, I have good news! It’s easy to get your fitness on right in your dorm room. My favorite iPhone app is Nike Training Club. You can choose from 15 to 30 minute plyometric workouts that definitely get your heart pumping – it’s like having a personal trainer on your phone!

And for those of you who don’t have a gym membership or an iPhone app, you have me. Here are some easy ways to get rid of that super extra cheesy concoction from the campus diner. Read More »

Unless you consider yourself “a runner,” (you know who you are) running can kind of suck. A lot. Sometimes it feels great to feel the wind through your hair and know that you left the equivalent of a 5K in the dust, no sweat. Other times, you barely make it to the end of your block before thoughts of turning home to the comfort and safety of your couch and DVR creep into your head.

And then there’s the whole debate over whether running on a treadmill is the same as running outdoors. Some “runners” will swear up and down that running on a treadmill is inferior to running outside, belittling the 3 miles on the treadmill that you just called your workout as not as hard, not as fast, or not as long as the treadmill said.

Well, here’s your chance to put those people in their place. Studies have proven that treadmill running is just as hard (and good for you) as running outside! Yayyyy! For better or worse, the treadmill and the great outdoors will burn your booty just the same when running is the name of the game. Read More »

I love spinning. It’s probably the most intense 30-45 minute sweat session I have, a) because the instructor pushes me super hard, b) because I like competing with the other people in the class (whoever goes the fastest wins, right?), and c) because I totally heart the rockin,’ music.

But when I’m on my own on the treadmill or elliptical, it seems I don’t achieve quite the same level of exercise. I know it’s because I don’t have someone yelling at me to go faster, but I think it also has something to do with the lame playlist on my iPod.

So in an effort to motivate us all, I’ve created the best tunage combo for your next cardio session. There are the slower songs to get you all warmed up, the hardcore tunes to get you through the tough parts of the workout, and some more chill songs to bring that heart rate back to normal.

You don’t need a teacher kicking your butt; your iPod can do it for you. Just set up this playlist and you’re on your way.

Read More »

We’re rounding the corner into spring, (maybe? please?) and that means only one thing: pre-summer shape-up season. This time several years ago, I jumped on the yoga bandwagon, and I have never looked back. It had been a long time coming. I have a crippling fear of looking like an idiot, and since I had NO IDEA what I was doing, I wussed out. But everyone I knew who did yoga was in killer shape. Like, the kind of shape you always want to be in: gorgeous, long lean, muscle, cut but not bulky, great skin, all that jazz.

So, I sucked it up, swallowed my pride, and dove in. If anyone out there is looking to get started, here are the things you’re most likely to encounter when venturing to your neighborhood yoga studio. Read More »

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At home cardio moves. No gym necessary.