Self Magazine

We will start a Self Magazine workout series this week!  Let's just use two this week.

First is a Self Challenge Workout:

1. Squats with 10 mini pulses at the end.
2. 3 point plank switching hands
3. Lunges with Shoulder Press
4. Lunges with Side Shoulder Raise
5. Bent Over Reverse Fly
6. Bent Over Row
7. Toe Touch Crunch
8. Bicycle Crunch

Repeat 2 -3 times.

Second, is a Bikini Ready Workout

1. Chest Flye and Lateral Raise with adduction

2. Ball Extension with Shoulder Raise

3. Single-leg Row

4. Lunge with Overhead Press

5. Leg Extension with biceps curl

6. Abduction with triceps extension

Repeat this sequence twice through switching arms and legs in each exercise. 

Each issue of Self Magazine has at least one but usually two workouts inside.  We will be using this magazine for a few weeks before switching to another.  You can always look up the most current workouts on their website.  

Google It

Let's try something this week.  Google whatever day it is plus the word workout.  There should be at least three that you can do.  Here is my week:

MONDAY: 

TUESDAY:

WEDNESDAY:

THURSDAY:

FRIDAY:

And for fun, a YOGA workout:

I'm unsure if anyone is actually using this.  But, at least, here is some documentation!!  Next week will start a long series of magazine workouts.  

Is anyone having trouble with the diet?  Even if it is your own diet?  Following the skinny rules, I am having a difficult time with not eating carbs after lunch.  Some days I handle it just fine, and then others I totally forget.  Keep trying!

Spartacus Workout

Looking for more of a challenge, go to Men's Health.  The have a large selection of workouts, but this week I chose the Spartacus Workout.  

I will go back and forth between The Spartacus Workout:

And Spartacus 2.0

Remember you can stick with another workout if you feel like it is working for you.  I'm just trying to give you more options.  You can follow the instructions or make it easy on yourself.  Do each exercise 8-10 times (or 15-20 with lighter weights) and go through it once.  If you feel like that wan't enough do it again.  And, if you still need to burn more calories - go through it a third time.  

These are all exercises you have done before so you can do it, even if you have to modify slightly!

Little Black Dress

This week for workouts - Google "little black dress workout" there should be at least 6 different workouts to choose from.  Do one all week or try several.  Try to do it at least 2-3 times this week.

I choose these:

1. Fitness Magazine

2. Fitness Blender

3. Summer - Fit

I will alternate between these three through the week.  You can also do one every other day if that fits your schedule better.

Let me explain something about the workouts.  Do your best to follow the videos or instructions.  If it seems unfamiliar then substitute something similar (or modified).
For example, if they say to do pull-ups substitute a bent-over row.  Or if they want you to balance, lunge, and then hop on one foot (and in your brain you think "yeah, sure." then just do a regular lunge until you feel more comfortable.

So try some of the workouts before you decide they are too hard, you might surprise yourself.

The Beginning of the Challenge

I am starting this blog to show people they can stay fit anywhere!  I have worked as a personal trainer for 9 years, and recently moved to Luxembourg.  I have brought minimal equipment with me, so my closest workout friends are my running shoes and my bodyweight.  Let's see how this goes...


Start this challenge by taking some before pictures.  Facing forward, from both sides, and from behind. It will be uncomfortable, just do it.  You'll be glad to have evidence later!

For the first 90 days I will be following Bob Harper's 20 Skinny Rules:

I put it up on my fridge to remind me.  It isn't the easiest thing to follow, but it gets easier everyday.

For the first week, I am doing the workouts from dailyhiit.  I have just been following the daily workouts, but you can choose your own in the workouts tab.  If you want to just do lite or body, go for it.

I will post my before and after pictures every six weeks.  Feel free to send yours my way as well.  I have a pair of weights, a jump rope, and a yoga mat.  I do my cardio outside or on the stairs six days a week.  I do yoga or pilates 6-7 days a week.  And, weight training 5 days a week.  Do what is realistic for your own schedule.