(Super)Set for Summer

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.

Like a Kid at Christmas

First of all, I just wanted to say thank you for the sweet feedback so far on my guest posts on Fit With Lizzie’s blogPart 2 went up today, and the mini-series concludes tomorrow!

Today I feel like the dad in those old Staples commercials – remember their old Back-to-School spots where they showed the guy gleefully running up and down the aisle of school supplies as “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” played, and his kids looked on with big pouty faces?  I feel exactly like him today.  Why?  Because it’s September, which kicks off the official start of fall in my book!  I know, I know, we haven’t even hit Labor Day yet, but I can’t help it.  I’ll try to restrain myself from posting any pumpkin recipes before September 6th, okay?

I guess I just feel like this summer kind of slipped through my fingertips. I’ve been so busy studying for the ACE exam, working, Zumba-ing and traveling, so I don’t feel like I got to soak up the sun and enjoy the outdoors as much as I would have liked.  I just got to go to the beach for the first time last week, remember?  Well, I’m determined not to let Fall – my favorite season – suffer the same fate. In honor of my 29th birthday, which is September 27th, tomorrow I’ll be sharing a list 29 things I plan to do this month. Some of the things on that list are my own personal health and fitness goals, and a lot of them are fall-related, so hopefully you’ll get some good ideas from my list, too!

I’m off to put the finishing touches on my list now, as visions of Southern Tier’s Pumking Ale, Pumpkin Spice lattes, fall hikes, scary movies, tall boots and tights with dresses dance in my head….

Here’s to a great September!  What are you looking most forward to this fall?