Happy Friday!

How are you feeling today? This morning started off a little slow for me – bed was feeling like a much better idea than the gym, especially with the big dump of snow we got yesterday! But after a little mental kick in the butt, I was on dressed and on the treadmill, prancing along to some of my favourite tunes-of-the-moment. Lately I’ve been learning my new Les Mills RPM release (launching next week!) and I know I’ve said it before, but the music on RPM 53 is fantastic!

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Work It Out

On Wednesday, I sent out the following tweet:

I knew that the rows and lat pull-downs I’d done in the gym the previous day were the cause of the muscle pain in my back, but I was really surprised that the core workout I created for myself hit as hard as it did!! As one of my spin participants put it, “You must have done something right!” If you love that hurts-so-good feeling the day after your workout in your core, this one is for you!

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The Washboard Abs Workout

For this routine you’ll need a few pieces of equipment in the gym: An adjustable cable machine, an exercise ball, 2 kettlebells, and a mat (for comfort). You’ll complete the exercises in supersets, doing one immediately after the next, then resting for a minute before doing your next set. Once you’ve completed 3 rounds of the first pair, move on to superset 2.

The chart below provides the names of each exercise, but for the details on how to do them, click here to see the full PDF.

Click here for the PDF.

To get a good stretch through your abs, try exercises like the upward dog, as well as the stability ball stretch shown below.

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Turn It Up

Before  I get to this week’s featured song, I thought I’d announce that I’ve finally updated the Tunes Page, and it now includes a list of (almost) all of the songs from Fit Bit Fridays until #26. The update was long overdue!! This week’s tune is DJ Tiesto’s remix of Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol. It’s from the Grey’s Anatomy soundtrack, and makes a great running or spin song. The beat picks up in a couple of spots – perfect for busting out a few quick sprints!

 

Have a Read

I came across this article recently about the Miss America 2012 contestants. It talks about their approaches to health and fitness, and contrary to what you might assume, the girls are certainly not the stereotypical rail-thin women of pageants in earlier years. Take a look at the slideshow, then tell me what you think – are pageants taking a turn for the better, or do you think they’re still a showcase of unrealistic bodies?

And finally, my questions for today:

  • What is one of the healthy choices you’ll be making this weekend?
  • Favourite ab exercises: Let’s hear ‘em!
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