Fun Workout Idea: Zumba Time!

What is the best way to get an energy boost and jump right into an absolutely awesome mood? A great workout of course! But tracking miles on the treadmill or going on and on with that stepper feels rather monotonous and dull to me and probably to you too. I have got a much more fun cardio workout idea for you which will also tone your whole body!

We met accidentally. I and my new friend Zumba, I mean. I was just looking around, checking out the new Jillian Michaels video. And there it was. My soon-to-be workout BFF Zumba Exhilarate DVD Experience set. I never would have though that the clumsy and uncoordinated me could ever like it. But I took a chance. And it paid off.

The full review of Zumba Exhilarate DVD Experience is still to come. I am still a beginner, trying to get through the Activate video. What I can say is, the first time I did it, I couldn't stop giggling. Firstly because I knew that I looked funny. I mean, belly dance, hip-hop, salsa and me? Who knew. And secondly because that workout basically made me do it. Made me. Hell, it didn't even feel like workout. It felt like a dance party. One of the instructors even admitted that she uses the Zumba moves in a nighclub sometimes. That's because the key word to this workout is fun. Fun, fun and more fun.

If you have a chance to buy this DVD or, even better, attend a real Zumba class, do it! You will get a great workout AND a big happy smile on your face. Remember, beauty isn't only about putting on foundation or eyeshadow. Being healthy is even more important. A big smile on a healthy and happy girl's face presents a new level of attractiveness, self-confidence and just pure awesomeness. Zumba can give you that if you take a chance and jump right into the mix of Latin dance styles.

What's your experience with Zumba? Leave a comment and tell me about it, and don't forget to follow my blog: soon enough, a full review of the DVD set mentioned above is coming, as well as a description of my first ever Zumba class. Ready to Zumba?

Workout Idea: Mini Morning Workout For Battling Sleepiness

What are your mornings usually like? Do they start with a quick cup of coffee? Do you roll out of bed with your eyes still closed and try to figure out which the day of the week it is? I have got another idea for you. My Mini Morning Workout will wake you up - and guarantee an amazing start of your amazing day.

Don't just say "Mornings suck. I can't exercise in the mornings." You can. I have never been a morning exerciser myself.  The few times I tried it, I returned from my run in a bad mood and still kind of sleepy. The morning yoga routine plan? I hit the snooze button and never got around to doing it. The good news is that I have recently found the key to morning exercise even for those who despise mornings in general - namely, myself.

If you are not a morning exerciser, getting right into a rigorous strenght training morning routine will only bring you down. You may think that only a workout which gets you all sweaty and tired is a workout. Not true. Any exercise counts, and here we are talking more about getting your eyes wide open, getting those endorphins rushing through your system and giving an awesome kick start to your day. Sounds good? Read on for my little morning mix of yoga, strenght training and cardio which will take less than 15 minutes of your morning!

So this is what I do:

• Relax in Child's pose for one minute. This is the easiest way to stretch it out while your muscles are still sleepy and your mind is begging you to get back to bed.
• Rock the Downward Facing Dog for 30 seconds. This is the pose which energises me. For extra points, do this with one leg off the floor and up in the air.
• Spend another 30 seconds in Upward Facing Dog and feel the energy flowing - by this point your eyes should definitely be open.
• Pretend to do jumping rope for 30 seconds. If you have a real jump rope... Hey, I am jealous! Anyhow, nice little cardio there.
• Get into Plank pose and hold for 30 seconds.
• Do 20 small crunches. 
• Repeat the Plank and crunch part. Why? Doing one set of reps is no good! Doing more always rocks, by the way.
• Let's not forget our cardio. 30 second jump rope. Remember what it was like when you were just a kid?
• 10 push-ups with your knees on the floor. For all the tough ladies out there, do the military ones. And please, let me know how you got to the point of doing those.
• Do 20 dumbbell curls. Nice and easy, the dumbbell weight up to you. Just remember its an easy morning workout, okey?
• Repeat the push-ups and the dumbbells. Reason for that mentioned above.
• One nice move for our legs - the classic squat! Do 20 of those, rest for 10 seconds, and repeat.
• Upward Facing Dog
• Downward Facing Dog (more of that energy!)
• Relax  in Child's pose. Don't go back to sleep. By now, you are up and ready to go. I know it. You know it. Have a nice day!

If you want a serious-looking version of this (without my cheery comments and with detailed explanations how to do each exercise) let me know in comments.

This is my little morning miracle. It works for me. Better than that Caramel Latte, by the way. I have left the days of impossible morning sleepiness behind me. Now I am left with basic human sleepiness (quite understandable after a night of History papers and Chemistry lab reports) and something to look forward in the morning. Who knows, maybe one day I will turn into a morning exerciser. It's a big maybe, though.

How about you? Have you tried working out in the mornings? Share your experience and tips in the comments - I would love to hear from you!

Picture from http://www.bistromd.com