A Life Update

Posted on September 17, 2012 by mmfitness

So, a lot’s happened since I last posted on June 13th. For starters, I am now a full-time trainer and instructor at Uplift Studios! That’s right, I finally left the ad agency life behind me, and I could’t be happier about it.

You haven’t heard much from me since all of this went down because I am still trying to adjust to the new day-to-day schedule and keeping up with the responsibilities that it entails, but I just wanted to hop on to say hello and to quickly fill you in on what’s been happening over here.

I’ve also been busy writing for websites other than my own (that much is obvious if you’ve been checking the blog for new posts recently!). For your fitness fix, be sure to check the website Fitalicious for exercise and health-related articles from me. For more about the recent career change, check out my first post on Quarterlette‘s website.

Thanks to those of you who have checked in with me to make sure I was still alive and well while I’ve been busy being off the grid with the career change. Your continued support means the world to me!

Until next time…

Michelle

P.S. Be sure to check out my updated class schedule page if you’d like to come to one of my classes! I’d love to see you there!

(Super)Set for Summer

Posted on June 13, 2012 by mmfitness

Hi there. With the official start off summer just a week away, let’s get right into it with today’s workout, shall we?

This workout incorporates supersets, which is alternating back and forth between two different exercises that work either the same body part or opposing muscle groups for the desired number of reps and sets with no rest in between exercises. I love performing supersets for opposing muscle groups especially because it saves time spent in the gym, and because you’re not resting between sets, it allows you to keep the intensity (and thus, the calorie burn) high. Throw some quick bursts of cardio in there and you’ve got a great total-body workout.

Definitely consider adding this workout to your routine if you’re looking to mix things up and get super fit in time for bikinis and beach vacations!

Standard disclaimer: As always, please consult with your physician before attempting this, or any other exercise program. Remember to honor your body and any injuries or limitations that you may have, and to go at your own pace.

Warm-up: 3-5 minutes cardiovascular warm-up on the cardio machine of your choice, or performing movements like jumping jacks, high knees and jogging in place. Follow this with 1-2 sets of body weight exercises to prepare the body for the load-bearing exercises to come – think body weight squats, pushups, plank, lunges and glute bridges.

Workout: Perform 10-12 reps of each move below, immediately followed by the next exercise. Alternate between the two exercises for three sets total before moving on to the next superset. Choose a weight that is challenging – you should be able to execute the number of reps with good form, but it should feel heavy!

Superset #1: Squats with a Shoulder Press followed by Deadlifts with an Upright Row

Cardio Burst: Perform one minute of Squat Jacks before moving on to the next superset!

Superset #2: Bent-over Back Rows followed by Chest Presses (make it more challenging by holding a glute bridge position throughout the exercise)

Cardio Burst: Perform one minute of Burpees before moving on to the next superset!

Superset #3: Plie Squat with a Bicep Curl followed by Curtsey Lunges while doing a Tricep Kickback

Cardio Burst: Perform one minute of Plank Jacks before moving on to the next superset!

Superset #4: Plank Twists followed by Back Extensions

Stretch.

Check It Out!

Posted on June 1, 2012 by mmfitness

Hey There! Happy Friday (and Happy June!) to you. Apologies for my radio silence over here lately…I like to think that blogging is a lot like your health and fitness. There will always be periods where you’re super gung ho, and then other times where you fall off the wagon, but the good news is that each day is the opportunity to start anew.

So on that note, I wanted to pop in with a quick hello to share a clip of Uplift Studios (and yours truly!) that was featured on The Today Show last week. It was so much fun, and I hope that if you are ever in the neighborhood that you stop in and see me.

Next week I’ll be back in action with a brand-new workout to get your summer weight loss kick-started with some ass-melting exercises. Until then…have a healthy, fun weekend!