Abs & Arms Circuit

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Starting a new work out routine can be challenging, but it can also be fun. I look for opportunities to work out all the time. Over the weekend I took my 20 pound chest weight with me and went out hiking. After I got home I did pullups, situps, jumping jacks, hip thrusts, weighted twists and bridge. The fun part is when you take your favorite exercises and add weights!! I love a good challenge, and when I add my 10 pound medicine ball to my situps it works up more of a sweat and gets my heart rate pumping!

If you are having a hard time figuring out which exercise to do, my suggestion is do some of the basic exercises that you know ~ examples: pushups, crunches, mule kicks, situps ~. Cardio is always good for you! I make an effort to do at least 20 to 30 minutes of cardio every day - whether it's my elliptical, running, jump rope, riding a bike, find something you like to do for cardio. I like to mix things up. Usually I do my cardio early in the morning and do my exercise routine later in the day. Anytime I do dishes, or cook meals you will find me doing calf raises, hip extensions, squats or standing triceps extensions with my 10 pound medicine ball. If you don't have dumbbells or a medicine ball, improvise with large soup cans, or use a gallon of water (1 gallon = 8 pounds).

*Hammer Curl
*Crunch Twist
*Lying Overhead Dumbbell Press
*Reverse Crunch
*Alternating Dumbbell Curls
*Scissor Cycle
*Triceps Extensions
*Sidewinder
*Rotating French Press
*Bicycles
*Triceps Kickback

I suggest do 3 sets of 10 reps each, or 2 sets of 15 reps each. Remember your 2 - 3 rest days to alternate between workout days! Remember before and after any routine keep water handy and stretch!! Breathe!! Warm up and cool down. Push yourself through the burn, but stop if it hurts!! Squeeze your glutes and maintain good posture!! Visualize your goal and if you can, always tell yourself "just one more!"!!!! Remember, stretch before and after your workout. Breathe while stretching and doing your exercises! Keep water handy! Don't overdo it!! If you get tired, jog in place, or do jumping jacks between workout moves to keep your heart rate up. Squeeze your glutes a much as possible and maintain good posture. Do your best, and take it one day at a time. You've got this!!