Junkie Recommendation: The Serena Williams Interval Run

Disclaimer: Though I endorse this product, there is no way in you know where that you will ever get the kind of jacked body that Serena has.

While on vacation, I did manage to drag myself to the resort's gym 4 times. They had a lot of treadmills. So I figured the best and most efficient thing for me to do was to run. After a couple of sessions, I got bored. Thumbing thru some music on my Ipod, I ran across an untitled track. It was a forgotten treasure!!! My Serena Williams Interval Run! It's a music-driven, interval challenge with Serena coming on to cue your speed. I like it! The music is pretty decent. And I actually am challenged by her taunting {as cheesy as that sounds}. Let's just be honest, we all want to please Serena Williams! So, yes, it is motivating as well as challenging. I also think it is best to try it on the treadmill because you can actually see your progress each run {i.e. you ran 2.7 the first time, but 3.1 the second time}. You can improve your speed and distance. You can also do it outside, I have done it and it is very difficult!!! I would NOT recommend doing it outside in the peak heat of the day! I also would only do it a couple of times a week max. With the music being the same, and you begin to memorize the cues...boredom will set in. Definitely a great way to increase calorie burn on a humdrum run! I believe there are 2 runs to download. You can find it on Itunes!

Summer is Coming to an End...What's Your Plan???

Ok ya'll. Summer is drawing to a close. The kids are going back to school. You are taking your last vacay {this pic is actually where I am going! yipeeee!} and your fitness may have, well...taken a vacation too.

So, I want to pose a question: What is your fitness goal for the Fall? Are you going to finally join the gym? Bust out the old workout videos? Run a 5K? 10K? Half marathon? Maybe you are just going to step on the gas a little bit because your summer has been busy with other things. Whatever it is...we wanna know about it!

No doubt, it's not fun to "get back in the game" when you have been out of it for so long. That's why you need a plan. Don't just say, "I need to go work out Monday." What ARE YOU GOING TO DO MONDAY? Get your plan in gear.

Here are a few things you can do to get yourself motivated:

1. Call your local gyms and see if they have any specials going on for new members. Chances are they do!

2. If you just had a baby, call another mama who did too and vow to get back in shape together! Even if you don't know eachother well, it is a great way to get some "me" time in and make a new friend! Invite her to your favorite class or go the free route--walk or run in eachothers neighborhood!

3. Call around and check for Free {or donation based} classes. In our area, there are several awesome free Zumba classes! Keep in mind, the instructors are doing it out of the goodness of their heart, so a "LOVE offering" is most polite!

4. CHALLENGE yourself. If you have been working out all summer, chances are things might get a little hum-drum. Find a new challenge for yourself. If you are a runner, add a couple of long swims in. If you are a cardio junkie, try to add a yoga in once a week {ok, this is MY GOAL!}.

5. Take advantage of the bad TV! If you are like me, summer is a bummer for TV watching {ok, except all of the 'House Wives' on Bravo}. Check your on-demand channels if you have them! I have Fitness-on-demand {time warner} and they have lots of GREAT at-home workouts! You can also bust out your favorite or try a new fitness DVD--it's great to workout in the A.C.!

I'd LOVE to know your plans for the rest of the Summer and into the Fall! What are you going to do to get back into gear?