Booty Girl Workout

Dance inspired cardio fitness routines have become the latest craze. As everyone that works out with me knows, I love to mix things up regularly. Clarenda, a colleague from New Brunswick, inspired me to create a "Booty Girl Workout". Earlier today we grooved to the beat as we squatted, lunged and pressed. We even tried a "Booty Girl" cardio dance routine. A fun way to spice up your workout regime!

Whether it's zumba, salsa or belly dancing, cardio dance is a fun workout alternative to fight off boredom and have fun! There are tons of workout videos at your local library or check out a class at your local gym. Jari Love, one of my favourite fitness instructors, has even come out with a new cardio dance workout DVD called "Body Rock". Check it out at www.jarlove.com.

Mix it Up!

To get the best results and ward off boredom, it's important to continually mix up your workouts. Going for a swim, bike ride, hike or playing a game of tennis or racquetball are all great workout options. With the winter months approaching quickly, you may also want to consider adding a new workout DVD to your collection or check out your local library.

Some of my recent picks include Jari Love's ' "Get Ripped 1000 or Get Extremely Ripped". I also love Jillian Michael's "30-day Shred". P90X's "Ab Ripper" is also a great core workout. I know Judy really likes Valerie Bertinelli's "Losing It and Keeping Fit".

If you have any recommendations, I'd love to hear about them. Please post your faves below.

Summer Workout

NO EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

33 Minute Interval Workout

This workout is quick, challenging and portable. Please work at your own pace. Just remember the last few reps of each exercise should be difficult and you should be slightly winded throughout.

3 MINUTE WARM-UP - jog or march, big arm circles, jumping jacks, butt kickers, big kicks

27 MINUTES OF INTERVALS - There are 8 exercises in your circuit that alternate between cardio and strength. Perform each exercise for 1 minute then move to the next exercise taking little or no breaks. After you complete all 8 exercises, rest for 1 minute (but keep moving with a march or light jog). Do the circuit 3 times through.

#1 - CARDIO - Squats or Squat Jumps

TIP: Remember most of your weight in on your heels and you should be able to see your toes.

#2 - STRENGTH - Surrender (arms are straight up as close to your ears as possible, you are coming down on both knees and then back up)

TIP: Keep your arms straight & alternate your lead leg

#3 - CARDIO - High Knee Jog

TIP: March for a low impact option

#4 - STRENGTH - Wall Sit (try to bring your legs parallel to the floor)

TIP: Keep your arms straight by your sides

#5 - CARDIO - Skipping (rope is optional)

TIP: Step Touch for a low impact option

#6 - STRENGTH - Push-ups (off your knees or toes)

TIP: Keep your core tight

#7 - CARDIO - Jumping Jacks

TIP: Try a squat jack to challenge yourself

#8 - STRENGTH - Superman (lying flat on your tummy, lift your arms and legs as high as you can at the same time)

TIP: Start out with five sets of 10 seconds each, with 2 second breaks between each set

3 minute stretch - try to hit all major muscle groups especially your quads, glutes, calves, chest and shoulders.

Other options for your summer holidays are to get outside for a brisk power walk, run or bike ride. If you like workout videos try one of my faves: Ripped by Jari Love (Get Ripped 1000) or 30 day Shred by Jillian Michaels.

Please e-mail me with any questions regarding any of these exercises. Also, let me know if you find this helpful; and I'll post an alternate workout later this summer.