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Fitness Updates from SqueezeItIn.com
Updates

Fitness Updates from SqueezeItIn.com

SqueezeItIn.com: Life’s a gym. Work it out!

No time to exercise? That excuse is gone forever with SqueezeItIn.com – the website that teaches you to “let life be your workout!” Founders Jenny Hein and Brigette Polmar are trying to change the way you think about fitness and challenging you to Squeeze It In with clever and effective exercises you can fit into your daily routine. We’ll be posting regular tips from SqueezeItIn.com, like this one that will have you looking forward to putting away the dishes.

From Jenny & Brigette – The SqueezeItIn.com Girls:

Let’s face it, gals, we’ve “convenienced” ourselves to death – literally. You barely have to get off the couch or break a sweat to do anything anymore – and as appealing as that sounds, it’s just not healthy. We’re not saying give up the conveniences – really, just try to take my laptop or cell phone – I dare you. But remember, people used to wash clothes on rocks, not the permanent press cycle. And this is precisely why Laura Ingalls never needed a gym membership.

This isn’t to say you’re not busy. We know you are! If your life is a gym (and you know it is), then work it out! There are endless ways to squeeze in great exercises throughout your busy (and convenience-filled) day and you can find many of them on SqueezeItIn.com.

Now we know it’s a very long trip from the couch to the gym. So why not slip in a few great toning exercises right where you live – in your kitchen?

When ABC’s Diane Sawyer (yes, THE Diane Sawyer) saw this exercise she said, “Every dish is an opportunity!” Right you are, Diane! We hope this helps you to see all the wonderful opportunities to “let life be your workout!” No go unload that dishwasher. Great calves are just a load away.

Click on the photo above to view a video of this exercise.

How to do it: While putting dishes away, rise up onto toes. Hold for a 3-count of SQUEEZE-IT-IN. Come down slowly onto heels. Repeat until all dishes are back in cupboards or for at least 2 sets of 12.

Cardio: Every good workout must include cardio. Click here to see examples of our easy, do-anywhere cardio moves.

Visit SqueezeItIn.com every week for new exercise videos and nutrition tips. Coming soon: The SqueezeItIn.com Let life be your workout! DVD featuring an exclusive 30-minute workout along with dozens of SqueezeItIn.com moves you can use throughout your busy day.

Jenny Hein and Brigette Polmar co-founded SqueezeItIn.com as a wellness solution to help busy people find time to exercise, improve their lives, and “let life be their workout!”

Please Note: You should consult your physician before starting this or any exercise program.

November 16, 2009
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Belly Dancing as a Workout
Updates

Belly Dancing as a Workout

I recently stumbled across a new workout routine that makes me work, makes me sweat, but overall I actually enjoy. It was none other than belly dancing! I rented a DV D from my library, called Belly Dancing and Beautiful Abs. I thought this could be a unique way to get a workout in, and I sure was right. The particular DVD I did had three segments to it, all incorporating traditional belly dancing moves, along with cardio and yoga. The dancing was a bit difficult at first, because I was not used to moving my body that way, but I eventually got the hang of it and had a great time moving like a real (albeit beginner) belly dancer. Many of the moves concentrated on the core, but there was also a lot of cardio, with the jumping and shaking. My legs were burning afterwards, my stomach felt sore, even my arms were tingling. I never felt too challenged, like I couldn’t complete the moves, but was challenged enough that I was sweating and red in the face when I completed the 42 minute DVD. I recommend belly dancing for anyone who is looking for new and different ways to get a total body workout.

November 13, 2009
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Mix Up Your Workout
Updates

Mix Up Your Workout

When I got serious about fitness and working out, I bought a handful of Pilate’s videos and designed a gym workout that focused on cardio. It was great- for about a month. The moves that had once made me sweat were no longer having that effect. I could breeze through my routines no problem. I realized that doing the same moves over and over was causing my muscles to become familiar, no longer pushing me to work hard in order to complete my workout.
This is a common problem many people run into. You need to constantly be changing your routine in order to be really be challenging yourself and getting into shape. I still have my workout videos that I go to, but I discovered renting videos is a great idea to keep your workout fresh. My local library allows people to rent out DVD’s, including fitness ones, for up to two weeks. I take advantage of this, being able to get videos that focus on Pilates, yoga, even fun routines like hip hop and belly dancing. The best part- it is free! There is no charge for a library card or to rent items. Another place to look would be video stores, where you can also rent fitness DVD’s for a small fee. Renting out DVD’s allows you to get the best workout because your body is being pushed to complete new moves on a regular basis.
Another personal favorite of mine is getting workouts from Shape Magazine. Both the magazine and Shape.com offers a variety of new routines each month. Some are to be completed in the gym with weights or a machine, and some can be completed at home with just your body. I love being able to get new workouts when I feel I am no longer being challenged, and Shape always provides clear directions and pictures on how to complete each move.
So if you work out, make sure to be switching up your routines when you feel your body getting comfortable. Push yourself to get the best workout. Find ways that work for you, whether it is renting out DVD’s or finding magazines or websites to come up with routines for you. Best of luck!

November 4, 2009
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