"But The Gym Is Closing"

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

...so goes my favorite excuse to skip my workout for the day. Forget the fact that I've waited until nearly midnight to get my sweat on. It's way too late now, so I better rest up for tomorrow. And then, into the bed with a cup of tea and my current novel, I go.

If this is your main line to get out of a workout, check out these great HIIT workouts that you can do at home. I've tried some of these with great results while others are rather new to me. But the bottom line is, contrary to popular (or maybe just my) belief, you can get a hell of a workout in 15-25 minutes and at home. Consider this a sample of small manifesto of HIIT workouts I've collected over my fitness journey.

Tone It Up's HIIT Workout from the Love Your Body series
The great thing about this video is that the ladies formulated the moves to be super quiet. So, if you have people living beneath you, you can get your workout in without someone banging on their ceiling with a broomstick. Another good thing: it's only 18 minutes total! Wam bam, thank you ma'am. But don't be fooled. This workout (& pretty much every TIU workout) kicks my ass, which is bad, but oh so good too.



24-minute HIIT Routine
I discovered this routine in a workout book I owned a few years ago, and it was a major factor in helping me get fit the first time around. Consider it my "tried & true"; no matter what new exercises I find, I'll always rely on this one. It's longer than other HIIT workouts because it allows for a longer rest period (which you could always shorten to increase difficulty).

There are 4 exercises, performed one after the other, and then the entire set is repeated 6 times. You perform each exercise for 30 second and then rest for 30 seconds.

*note: I = increase difficulty; D = decrease difficulty


Squat Jump
I: Click your heels together when you jump as it requires you to jump higher; D: Do straight up squats.



Pushup to plank 
I: Add a pushup after returning to pushup position; D: Remain in one position for the entire 30seconds.

Alternating Lunge
I = Add weight or try leaping lunges; D: Don't alternate until the next set

Jumping in place
I: Try tuck jumps; D: Lower your jump or just do toe raises.

The Catching Fire HIIT Challenge
Remember that note I left to myself after seeing Catching Fire in theaters? Must be as badass as Katniss Everdeen. Well, I'm trying to make good on it. Or at least I have every intention to. I barely got through one set with modifications and I nearly died. But I mean, even she's struggling through it and she is iinnn shape. It's a killer 12-minute routine and it's an entire 30-day series, which gives you a schedule and variety. I can't wait to start this challenge when I'm a bit more fit, but for those of you who are already there, you may find this to be just what you need. Check the video below; it's tough! (Warning: most of the instructors on this channel believe in very little material as clothing, so only view if you aren't offended by such things).



CHECK-IN #3: In the bustle of Mr. Big & Tall's birthday and Valentine's Day, I skipped the second weigh-in. But I'm down -11 since the first check-in! :)

12; 3; 4; 5 - me. 

6 comments:

  1. I luuuuuh-huuurvvveee looking for new workouts. I'm so easily bored, so I have to change it up constantly. Plus, it's way better for your body anyways - gotta keep that ish guessing! What whatttt! lol Thanks for posting these! I've been watching BodyRockTV videos for years and let me tell you…if you need a quick workout with a good burn, those videos are where it's at. I did a good chunk of the first 30 day challenge (before the catching fire one they released this year) and it is ON POINT. I could tell a HUGE difference in my body even within a few weeks. Definitely check out that one (a lot of the moves are easy to modify too!)


    CONGRATS ON THE 11 LBS, GIRL! That's amazing!!! #werkwerkwerk #flawless


    P.S. I love your variety of posts. I've probably said that before, but it's worth saying again. You're awesome!

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  2. Confession: I haven't worked out in forever. And I'm actually beginning to miss running. :(


    I don't take offense to them wearing little clothing, I just don't know how you can work out in things like that! Also, congrats on the 11 pounds! That is awesome!! :)

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  3. You really can get a great workout in at home! I'm gonna add these to my repertoire :)

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  4. Well, that makes me really excited to do the challenge in a few months, because, really, who doesn't want quick results?
    Thank you lady. Love love love the hashtags LOL. Sometimes I think the variety of my posts is just a disguise for how random I am. I'm sure most people look at my blog like 'wth is going on?', but thank you so much for actually enjoying it!

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  5. Haha, I'm not sure how one works out with spandex up your butt either but hey, if she's comfortable, I'm comfortable. And thanks!

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