Blog Chat: What do YOU want to see next?

Welcome to the blog chat!  What's the chat about?  Well...

I've been thinking long and hard about where I want this blog to go and what content to put out there for you all.  There are a LOT of fitness blogs out there and I want to make sure that I am giving you up-to-date, relevant, USEFUL information that you want to read, follow, and most importantly, refer back to!  So, I'm asking for your help in constructing a plan.  Below are some of my ideas for future blog posts and what to make next.  Please use the comments section of this blog post to share your thoughts on the topic, and/or list anything else you'd like to see in the (near) future!

1 | Fitness Challenges:

If you remember from the start of this year, it was one of my goals for 2015 to create at least TWO more fitness challenges for you all.  I think we can surpass that goal, but I need to know what you want out of a fitness challenge in the first place.  Here are some thoughts on challenge topics:

  • Exercise challenge you can do right at home to target specific areas of your body (e.g. week 1 = legs; week 2 = arms; week 3 = abs & core; etc.)
  • No-equipment workout challenge
  • Specific equipment workout challenge (for example, a program using only a resistance band, or a chair)
  • Nutrition challenge (e.g. monitoring water intake, protein intake, limit fast food/dining out, etc.)

What about check-ins?  Which do you/would you use most often:

  • Private Facebook group
  • Instagram check in
  • Twitter check in
  • Private blog page dedicated to the challenge (with password-only access)

2 | Workouts

Are you more of a gym-goer or a workout-at-home type?  If you take any fitness classes, do you workout on your own as well?  I'm curious what you do for your fitness routines because I want to create workouts designed to be incorporated into your day-to-day seamlessly.  

Where do you save workout images/videos to take with you?

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Download to your phone/tablet/computer

3 | Product & Class Reviews

So I've already started a section for this on the blog, but I'm curious if any of you would find it useful.  I am not sponsored by anyone, nor endorsed by any product, so all reviews would be purely my opinion.  Now this also means that I can't go out and buy 5 Smartwatches to review and tell you which I like (though I wish I could - where's that money tree again?).  The products would have to be small and relatively inexpensive, but there are a LOT of those out there for the fitness industry, so I'd love to share my thoughts on a few!

For class reviews, this would serve a great purpose - it would allow you to not only see what classes are actually out there to take, but as an instructor myself, I could give you an honest-to-goodness opinion on whether the class is worth it.  Now, I know we all have different tastes and fitness levels, but I would try my best to keep it neutral. 

4 | Videos

This one might be a few months to years down the road, but I've often thought about creating a YouTube channel for workout videos as well as little "get-to-know-me" vids for a more personal side.  Now, #1 issue is I don't have a video camera, but I do have a pretty good smartphone that could do the trick! :)


Alright everybody, those are my ideas for the moment!  I'll post back in the comments section when I have more!  Please comment with your thoughts on any/all of the above as well as anything else not mentioned that you'd like to see!  You can also get in touch via social media: @infitinhealth.  I'd love to hear, and be able to give, what YOU want.  Thanks for reading, and stay tuned later this week for my (long overdue) Part 2 of my Australia Adventure series!

12 Days of Fitness Challenge: Day 11 - Scissors

Happy New Year's Day, everyone!!  Can you believe it's already 2015?  I can't!  Where'd  last year go??  As you bring in the new year, think about the transformations you promised yourself last year.  Did you accomplish them?  If fitness and working out were on the list, how'd you do?  Are those same resolutions on your list for this year?  If so, or even if you just need to get a bit of movement in your day today, here's your fitness challenge for the first day of 2015...

It's back to our abs after some heavy cardio yesterday.  Today's exercise: scissors!  Here's what to do:

  • Start on your back with your legs raised a few inches off the ground (the closer to the ground they are, the more your abs will work).   Bring your feet apart, forming a V with your legs (shown below, A).  Try to keep your arms above your head if you can, but if you experience any low back pain from doing so, put your hands under your lower back/butt for support (as shown).
  • Cross one leg on top of the other keeping your legs raised off the ground (B).
  • Bring your legs back out to a V position, and then back in so the other leg is crossed on top (shown below, C).
  • Alternate this pattern for time: try 15 seconds to start.  Too easy?  Up it to 30 seconds.  Still not taxing your abs?  Go for 1 minute.
  • I'd like you to try to get through this move 3 times in one sitting, and do that 3 different times today
  • Trainer Tip: remember to BREATHE during these moves!  It's very common for people to hold their breath during abdominal exercises like this, so make a conscious effort to breathe out as you cross your legs, and in as you bring them out to a V.
  • Note: if at any point in time your lower back starts to ache even after you've put your hands underneath you, stop the move and come back to it after your back gets a rest.

Have fun with these!  I hope you all had a wonderful celebration yesterday, and continue to ring in the new year with a healthy and happy outlook!  What are you doing to celebrate?  What are your goals for 2015, fitness or otherwise?  Let me know!  I'd love to hear.  Here's to an active start to 2015!  Until tomorrow, have a healthy and happy day ahead!

12 Days of Fitness Challenge: Day 10 - Jumping Jacks

Guess what!  You only have 3 days left of the Fitness Challenge!  I want you to focus.  Finish strong.  Give these last few exercises all. that. you've. GOT!  Ready??

It's back to cardio today with jumping jacks!  This post will be quick - and without a demo picture - because, let's face it, we've either known about, seen or have been doing jumping jacks ever since elementary school gym class.  That's not to say they're a great cardio workout, though!  If you're bored of the traditional JJ's, try these variations:

  • Option 1: crazy jacks - like a traditional JJ in that you're bringing your arms overhead, but instead of jumping your feet out wide, raise one knee up to waist level as you raise your arms.  When your arms come back down, bring that leg down to the ground, and switch to the other leg as you raise your arms up again.
  • Option 2: lateral criss-cross - instead of raising your arms above your head and jumping your feet out to the side, cross your arms straight out in front of you as you hop, and/or criss-cross your feet as you do so.  If you do this variation, try to alternate which arm/foot is crossed on top or in front, respectively.

What I want you to do is get through 100 jumping jacks (any type) dispersed throughout the day in whatever way you choose.  You could break it up into 4 different sets of 25 each.  You could do 50 in the morning and 50 after dinner.  You could do 10 sets of 10.  It doesn't matter!  As long as you get through 100 by the end of the day.  Remember, every healthy choice counts!

Now go get started, and have fun with it!  Do your first set right now, as you're reading this.  Get your butt out of your chair, off your couch, and move! :)  You'll feel better - I promise!  Remember to check in using the hashtag #12daysfit and let me know how you're doing.  I'd love to see some action shots on Instagram and Facebook!  If you're not on social media - no worries!  Comment on the post for today and tell me how you do.  Until tomorrow, have a healthy and happy day ahead! :)